Water Trapped Behind The Wall

8/7/2024 (Permalink)

Water from runoff caused the paint to peel.

SERVPRO of Middletown was called in to dry out a commercial building which had wet carpets from a water purifier leak. While on site, we took the initiative to take care on an ongoing issue behind the walls. The water loss originated from improper run off due to the building's poor gutter design and outside slope. We picked up and installed some leader extensions so the water would run away from the building. As you can see, over time the water had seeped behind the walls causing the paint to peel.

Always take some time to inspect your property around your window wells and foundation walls. Clear your gutters and add some gutter down spout extensions so the water does not end up against your foundation. Any water which lays there will most likely work its way into your home and eventually could create mold issues.

SERVPRO of Middletown will always provide you with advice to avoid future losses and help develop an emergency ready plan for you.

Water Heater Break

7/31/2024 (Permalink)

Water affected the carpeted office floor.

The water heater located in a second floor utility room leaked and poured down on a real estate office below in Deal, NJ. Employees called SERVPRO of Middletown right away to assist with the removal of the water. Our emergency service technicians arrived quickly to extract the water from the carpet and dispose of the wet ceiling tiles.

Commercial water losses generally need to be handled in a different manner than those taking place in residential structures. Most commercial buildings are active workplaces and even public retail spaces where a break in operations due to disaster can be harmful to the business. SERVPRO of Middletown makes every effort to work in a way which is least disruptive to daily activities in order to successfully dry affected buildings. Since our teams are available 24/7, performing work outside of normal business hours is usually more convenient.

The customer in Deal was delighted when the wet areas of the office were thoroughly dried in only a few days. Our in-house construction department was able to repair the damaged areas immediately once drying completed.

Heavy Rain Affects Basement in Atlantic Highlands

7/18/2024 (Permalink)

Water flooded the entire basement.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe 
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Outside spigot break
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure.

SERVPRO of Middletown was onsite within an hour to inspect the damage and to begin the water extraction process. In less than four days, our team successfully dried the basement. Our crews always use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine if your home’s structure is actually dry. We are experts in taking care of flooded basements.

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure, not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the greater the chance the water damage will compound. The flooding in this Atlantic Highlands home was caused by heavy rain runoff. Atlantic Highlands had flash flooding due to a heavy thunderstorm and it rushed into multiple homes.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help - 732-530-9009

Teamwork is the Key to Our Success

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

No matter what business you work in, teamwork and proper ethics are essential to running a successful business. Here at SERVPRO of Middletown, our team is fortunate to have a warm, yet effective working relationship with each other. Considering we are an emergency business, it is imperative communication is clear between the office, field technicians and project managers. During a surge in business due to a disaster event, proper communication and execution allow our franchise to respond to more calls efficiently.

One of our greatest strengths here at SERVPRO of Middletown is the camaraderie shared within our entire staff. The positive relationship amongst each other provides a pleasant working experience which is then passed on to our customers throughout the day. Evidence of our work environment radiates throughout our business and the communities we serve; the office staff receives numerous complements about our chief technicians on a regular basis. Visit our testimonial page to see what our customers say about SERVPRO of Middletown in action!

Wallpaper Can Hide Moisture

6/29/2024 (Permalink)

Excessive moisture can cause mold to form in areas which are not visible to homeowners.

Water leaks and moisture are not always present in areas which are visible to home and business owners. Over time, slow leaks and high levels of humidity can cause mold to form under floors, behind walls and in air ducts. SERVPRO® of Middletown’s expertly trained water mitigation technicians were called out to a home which had a water loss due to a broken sprinkler head. Once the crew started to remove the wallpaper, they realized mold had formed after a former slow leak from the air conditioning system.

This hallway appears to be clean and dry, but a closer inspection revealed mold was growing under the wallpaper. If your walls are affected by water and the wallpaper remains in place, it can act as a vapor barrier preventing the drying process from occurring. Chances are the insulation behind the wall is also affected. Water will wick up a wall 1" per hour for the first 12 hours following a water loss. 

SERVPRO® is always ready to take care of homes and businesses affected by disaster. Call us at 732-530-9009, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.

Summer Fire Danger

6/19/2024 (Permalink)

Wildfires can quickly destroy natural habitats and nearby communities.

The transition from cold and wet winter to warm, dryer weather contributes to higher levels of fire danger. As temperatures starts to rise in the late spring and early summer, lower levels of rainfall, bright sunshine and high wind increase the chance of dry brush creating a flame. Uncontrollable wildfires threaten enormous, forested areas leading to widespread incineration of woods and nearby structures. Campfires and grills can provide the single spark to mass destruction. Cigarettes thrown from a car can turn leaves and trees into a burning hotbox. Even small brush fires and smoking mulch can easily spread, setting nearby structures alight.

The public can help minimize the potential for summer fires by being aware of atmospheric conditions and taking notice of weather alerts. The US Forest Service posts daily fire danger levels at State and National Parks around the country to keep residents up to date. Campers especially need to be very mindful of their activity in the forest to prevent the ground around them from developing a flame. Power companies should inspect equipment near wooded areas on a regular basis and proactively replace ageing parts and systems. Home and business owners need to keep excessive leaves and brush away from structures to prevent potential flammability during prolonged dry weather.

Summer is the time for enjoying the outdoors, relaxing and having fun. It is to everyone’s benefit for each of us to do our best to prevent warm weather fires from harming the environment we live in.

A Rough Start To The Week

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

Water discovered on the floor when opening the office.

When this company in Long Branch, NJ had a flooded business on a Monday morning, they called SERVPRO of Middletown to help clean up the water. The owner was shocked to find over an inch of water on the floor when they opened the door to start the day. Since our emergency crew was able to arrive within the hour, the carpets could remain in place as the water was extracted quickly enough to save them. Drying equipment was placed to remove any lingering moisture from the air within the building. Despite the early morning crisis, the store was able to open for business as the drying commenced. The owner was so pleased with how our professional team was able to handle the disaster without causing her to lose business.

Taking care of commercial businesses constitute a majority of the water losses our franchise handles on a regular basis. We strive to minimize the disruption to a commercial property by utilizing an efficient drying process designed for a rapid turnaround time. Our industry knowledge and expertise allow SERVPRO of Middletown to handle any commercial water loss regardless of size.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help! Call Today -732-530-9009

Simple Fire Safety Tips

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Change batteries and test smoke alarms to keep them working properly.

The transition from cold and wet winter to warm, dryer weather contributes to higher levels of fire danger. As temperatures starts to rise in the late spring and early summer, lower levels of rainfall, bright sunshine and high wind increase the chance of dry brush creating a flame. Uncontrollable wildfires threaten enormous, forested areas leading to widespread incineration of woods and nearby structures. Campfires and grills can provide the single spark to mass destruction. Cigarettes thrown from a car can turn leaves and trees into a burning hotbox. Even small brush fires and smoking mulch can easily spread, setting nearby structures alight.

The public can help minimize the potential for summer fires by being aware of atmospheric conditions and taking notice of weather alerts. The US Forest Service posts daily fire danger levels at State and National Parks around the country to keep residents up to date. Campers especially need to be very mindful of their activity in the forest to prevent the ground around them from developing a flame. Power companies should inspect equipment near wooded areas on a regular basis and proactively replace ageing parts and systems. Home and business owners need to keep excessive leaves and brush away from structures to prevent potential flammability during prolonged dry weather.

Summer is the time for enjoying the outdoors, relaxing and having fun. It is to everyone’s benefit for each of us to do our best to prevent warm weather fires from harming the environment we live in.

Powerful Storms Threaten Coastal Areas

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

A coastal town damaged by a hurricane.

As global temperatures increase, and sea levels rise due to melting glaciers, cities and towns situated along coastal areas are at an increased threat of being hit by catastrophic storms. Eroding coastlines are bringing dangerous surf closer to residences and businesses situated by shorelines. Recent hurricanes have inundated these communities with extreme flooding and torrential rain, leaving tremendous destruction in their wake. Costs to repair disaster zones reach into the billions and increase with each storm, leaving questions about extensive recovery and ways to possibly minimize future losses. Advanced weather models predict massive storms will become more frequent as ocean temperatures continue to rise. Ocean temperatures remaining high for longer periods of time are fueling stronger storms and allowing them to strike seaside communities with greater regularity.

SERVPRO of Middletown has personally witnessed the damage following powerful storms. Our mitigation experts have mobilized to areas outside of our region to assist with recovery in seaside towns burdened with staggering losses. Based in New Jersey, our very own neighborhoods situated along the long coast are repeatedly threatened with severe flooding by forecasted disturbances. Our franchise is always prepared to help with mitigation and repairs following a formidable water disaster while at the same time, wondering how changes in weather will ultimately impact our environment.

Electrical Fire Emergency Recovery!

4/29/2024 (Permalink)

Kitchen damaged by an electrical fire.

Don’t let an electrical fire inflict significant damage on your home and belongings! Our SERVPRO of Middletown team was called out to a local home which had a fire originating in the kitchen due to an electrical spark. Excessive soot and smoke overtook the majority of the one-level property. Upon arrival, our fire experts started an inventory of damaged contents and prepared a plan of action to clean and restore the home to a pre-fire condition. Carpet, drywall, insulation, appliances and cabinets needed to be removed, soot stained walls were wiped, and remaining stud walls were thermal fogged to remove any lingering fire smells. The tile floor was heavily covered in a dense layer of soot and needed to be given an extensive cleaning. The homeowner was amazed with the resulting clean floor and could not believe it had been restored as if the fire never happened!

Ever so grateful for the quick response and professional cleaning from SERVPRO of Middletown, the homeowner let us know she would recommend us to all her friends and family! In the instance fire affects your home or business, call us at 732-530-9009: our SERVPRO expert fire team will have your recovery covered!

High School Frozen Pipe

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

One classroom affected by water.

SERVPRO of Middletown received a call from a local high school after they suffered from a frozen pipe in the middle of the winter. Several classrooms were affected and they needed to be dried out immediately. Our certified water professionals were on site within 1 hour to set up containment and place equipment along with air scrubbers to assure that students were provided with a clear air environment. The team was able to clean and repair the damage in just a few days, all while working around classrooms in session in the rest of the building.

Whenever your municipal township or local school district calls on SERVPRO of Middletown, our expertly trained technicians will be on site quickly to get you back up and running with superior knowledge in disaster recovery.

SERPVRO of Middletown is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle the largest and most complex water restoration project. Call us anytime at 732-530-9009.

Waterproofing To Prevent Damage from Heavy Rain

3/18/2024 (Permalink)

Flash flooding happens suddenly during heavy thunderstorms.

It is very important to identify and correct possible points of entry for water during a storm situation. Rushing water, flash flooding, saturated ground and heavy rain can enter a home or business through weakened areas in the structure or a lack of proper drainage systems. Paying attention to potential issues in fair weather can prevent major damage when extreme weather arrives.

Be sure to check the gutter system to ensure there aren’t any clogs and to confirm they are properly draining water away from the structure. Pay attention to evidence of runoff in the vicinity of the building and have a special drainage system installed to prevent water from seeping in during inundating water events. Inspect basement windows, door and walls for openings or improper sealing to prevent floodwater from entering; groundwater intrusion is generally excluded from coverage in general homeowners’ policies. Consult with certified professionals who have expertise in drainage, waterproofing and landscaping for precise evaluation and proper corrective measures.

Utilizing foresight and taking the time to fortify homes and businesses from storm water can prevent costly damages while keeping interiors clean and dry no matter when and how severe weather strikes!

Always Ready to Help After A Hurricane

3/7/2024 (Permalink)

Our team traveled to help with storm recovery after Hurricane Florence.

After Hurricane Florence caused severe flooding and wind damage to North Carolina, one of our professional SERVPRO of Middletown crews headed south from New Jersey to assist with the recovery effort. Many homes had suffered from roof damage due to the high wind speed. Other homes were damaged from the seepage of floodwater which was heavily soiled with contaminants. A vast majority of structures needed extensive interior demolition while those with extreme structural damage were scheduled for complete demolition at a later time.

Our SERVPRO team started work immediately, removing wet materials such as drywall, trim, insulation, hardwood floor, carpet, padding and vinyl. They sprayed antimicrobial to prevent unwanted microbial growth and placed drying equipment to remove moisture from the remaining structural components. Once the structures were dry in three days, customers were able to schedule needed repairs quickly.

Due to our dedication to excellence, SERVPRO of Middletown is always ready to mobilize to regions hit by natural disasters. We have the experience, tools, vehicle fleet and trained personnel to master the completion of dozens of mitigation jobs, no matter how large or small. Don’t be surprised to see us on the road; SERVPRO of Middletown- “Faster to Any Disaster!”

Another Floor Saved!

2/26/2024 (Permalink)

Drying mats were used to save the wood floor.

SERVPRO of Middletown received a call to respond to an emergency water loss in Sea Girt, NJ. The customer was very concerned about possibly having to remove the hardwood flooring which was present throughout a majority of the house. Upon arrival to the home, our technicians inspected the flooring to see if it could be salvaged. Since the wood floor was not showing an extremely high moisture content, the technicians decided to use the Injecta-Dry system in an attempt to save it from removal.

The Injecta-Dry system works by utilizing extraction mats placed over wet sections of the wood floor. The mats are connected to a special machine which directs air below the floor in an attempt to dry underneath it quickly. Dehumidifiers are often placed alongside the system to assist in removing as much moisture from the surrounding area as possible.

After the system ran for four days, the mats were removed to revel the wood had dried exceptionally well and would not need to be replaced! The homeowner was so overjoyed to hear we were able to save the flooring. The Injecta-Dry system is an innovative tool often used by our franchise to alleviate costly, time-consuming repairs for our customers.

Never Know What You Can Walk Into

2/14/2024 (Permalink)

Walking through the flooded office.

When a water line on the upper floor of this Tinton Falls corporation leaked, the owner called SERVPRO of Middletown to help dry out the 36,000 square foot building. The employees walking into the office were alarmed by the water flowing across the carpeted areas of the office but remained calm until our emergency crew arrived on the scene. Using special extraction tools, the expertly trained technicians were able to quickly remove the standing water from the office floors. The affected carpet and trim were removed, and special equipment was placed to completely dry the structure. The owner was so satisfied with the work we completed; they asked us to repair the damaged facility for them. 

It is imperative our technicians are provided with ongoing training regarding the handling of large commercial water losses. Regardless of the size of the loss, SERVPRO of Middletown works quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. Our franchise has the proper tools and expertise needed to dry a commercial property in as little as three days to minimize the impact of the loss on the business.

Mold Hiding Behind the Wallpaper

2/8/2024 (Permalink)

Mold discovered under the wallpaper.

This homeowner did not realize there was mold under the wallpaper after he bought this house in Red Bank NJ. He called SERVPRO of Middletown in to remediate the house so that he and his family could move in as soon as possible.

Mold spores exist naturally throughout our entire environment and are often at levels which are not harmful to our health. Mold which is hidden in your home however, can increase to unsafe levels and cause discomfort to those who reside in the structure. Once the customer in Red Bank started to remodel the home, he was so alarmed by his discovery he called SERVPRO of Middletown right away to remediate the mold growth.

Upon arriving on site, our expertly trained technicians removed the affected wallpaper, drywall and insulation from the home. After cleaning and sanitizing the remaining materials, special equipment was placed to remove any remaining contaminates from the air. The customer was very impressed and appreciative of the job our crew did to return the air in the home to safe breathing levels.

Broken Supply Line

1/29/2024 (Permalink)

Water can travel everywhere during a water loss.

When a supply line breaks, water will travel far and wide inside a structure. This home in Fair Haven NJ just had a new kitchen installed. As the SERVPRO of Middletown mitigation team investigated the extent of the damage, it appeared the cabinets may have not been affected. Once the cabinets were opened, it was discovered the items inside were soaked. Since the homeowners called SERVPRO of Middletown right away, the technicians were able to save the new cabinets from being removed.

Before our team arrives to take care of your loss, remove personal contents from areas where water can accumulate to begin drying as soon as possible. Please make sure any appliances which are plugged in are removed to prevent electrocution. Safety is the number one priority of our SERVPRO team; it prevents dangerous situations for the technicians and customers as well.

SERVPRO of Middletown is always ready to take care of homes and businesses affected by disaster. Call us at 732-530-9009, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Protecting Your Home in Extreme Weather

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

Ice formed from a water loss on the floor above.

When temperatures approach record lows for the northeast region, it is important home and business owners take steps to protect their structures from the extreme weather. Frozen pipes can lead to breakage, damaging personal property and essential heating systems which can create a major disaster at your home or property.

 Be sure to keep all living spaces at a minimum low of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics or garages. A frozen pipe can burst due to the backflow pressure between the blockage and water source. Some additional prevention methods include:

- Draining pools, sprinkler lines, and shutting off the water source to outside spigots.

-Opening kitchen cabinets to let warm air reach the pipes beneath.

-Daily use of faucets whose source might come from an outside pipe.

In the event of a winter weather emergency, SERVPRO of Middletown is always ready to respond to quickly get your property back to normal! Give us a call 24/7 at 732-530-9009.

Always Here to Help!

Fire Spreads Quickly

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

Damage to the house caused by the fire.

Fire has the unique ability to spread rapidly and cause an enormous amount of damage. In light of recent wildfires in the west, it is important to remember many structures can be restored with proper remediation efforts. The restoration team at SERVPRO of Middletown is always ready to respond to home or business owners who have suffered a loss due to fire.

This damage resulted after a lawn mower caught on fire right outside the house. The owners were not at home at the time and the damage was extensive as the fire spread from the machine to the house very quickly. Our SERVPRO team was able to assess the site quickly and began remediation efforts immediately. Inside, the team removed sheetrock, removed affected contents, and performed smoke and soot remediation. HEPA vacuuming, deep cleaning of remaining materials and air purification were also performed after the demolition. Water from the fire department was removed via extraction and our effective drying equipment. After a building affected by fire is thoroughly cleaned, it is ready for our building services crew to repair the structure.

Call The Cleaning Experts!

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Middletown is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time marked by the global pandemic of coronavirus, SERVPRO of Middletown wants to remind our customers we are specialists in cleaning services. As a professional team, we strictly adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards derived by industry authorities.

Specialized Training

We are currently prepared to clean and disinfect homes or businesses according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our franchise has years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and our crews will clean well beyond the scope of work regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently not a product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, our franchise is following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your residence or business requires deep cleaning services, do not hesitate to contact us immediately.

SERVPRO of Middletown- 732-530-9009