How Electrical Outlets Are Affected By Floods

11/29/2024 (Permalink)

When floodwaters rise to the height of electrical outlets, a common result is loss of power. However, in some cases the resulting sparks and damage can create a fire in a house, apartment, or commercial building.

There are restoration companies that specialize in water damage, but very few have the experience that can handle fire damage and water damage like SERVPRO of Middletown. For decades we have been in the business of restoring homes to original condition. Our expert response teams can pump out a basement and scrub away smoke residues with equal ease.

Fortunately, fire damage that is caused by a flooded outlet is usually small and is mainly just smoke damage. In either disaster, removal of drywall is critical so that the workload is not as difficult to deal with. However, the rising smoke can leave residue higher up on the walls, requiring more panels to be removed. Ceiling tiles can also require cleaning after a fire as well.

When an outlet is damaged by water, it needs a replacement from the hardware store, which typically costs less than $5 apiece. The spot where the fire begins, the point of ignition, would be the outlet in this case. The wires leading to the outlet are melted to the outlet box and may require cutting from above where there is any damage. It is important to inspect the rest of the building as well to ensure that the fried wires did not compromise any other building materials.

If the damage runs very far back along the wires, then they require replacing so that the new outlet is in the original location. Our technicians are trained to run new wiring from any point in the structure back to the breaker box if it is needed to rebuild the wiring system of your home or business. This task is extremely easier once a different team member removes the drywall for easier access.

Dealing with damage from a flood can be a very difficult and stressful process. Restoring your home and property from both requires professional treatment and care from experts with a nationwide support network or equipment. We are ready to help you whenever disaster strikes.

Do Not Let Sewage Turn Into Mold

10/30/2024 (Permalink)

Mold growth on the floor due to sewage loss.

Left untreated, the moisture and bacteria from a sewage loss may cause microbial growth.  SERVPRO of Middletown has experience with remediating a loss in which sewage was left untreated, causing mold to form on the drywall and floor. In such an instance, all flooring, drywall, doors and trim must be removed. Dehumidifiers are placed and remaining stud beams, subfloor, and stationary objects are cleaned and sanitized. A special antimicrobial solution can be painted on the affected areas to prevent mold from reforming on the cleaned areas. This is usually the most important step in the mold process.

In an effort to prevent the timely remediation of mold, a sewage loss must be mitigated immediately. Our team of SERVPRO® professionals are trained to extract and clean the discharge from the area before placing drying equipment to remove any remaining moisture. Faster to any disaster, SERVPRO of Middletown is always ready to take on even the largest sewage losses.

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!

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.

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.