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Cleaning Water Damage Quickly is Important | SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician walking in water damage area SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen has over 25 years of experience in water damage restoration.

Water damage in your Bergen County home occurs when excess water starts to flood and pool in areas where it shouldn't be.

Several factors can cause this excess water, and therefore, contribute to damage to your property. When you know what the potential causes are, you can take precautionary steps to help you avoid a water loss. You can also spot an issue once it arises and get it fixed before it has a chance to do additional damage.

The faster you see a problem, the less work and extraction there is. Either way, water cleanup needs to be done in your Bergen County home, and you should hire the help of a professional remediation and restoration company to do the job. SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen Customer Service staff and Service Technicians are available to help you at any time with the experience and knowledge that you would expect from a reliable company.

A common cause of water damage in your home is broken pipes and hoses. Things such as aging pipes, a burst water main, or ice maker supply lines and washing machine supply hoses that fail certainly ruin your day. It is a good idea to purchase copper pipes and braided metal lines to replace the original ones, as they hold up much better so you can avoid accidents.

Another common cause for water damage is leaking hot water heaters which can cause major water damage mainly in finished basements. If you are home the first thing to do is shut off the water supply, then call your plumber, often the appliance needs to be replaced. The next steps should be a call to your home insurance company and then SERVPRO so we can help cleanup and dry the entire space while working closely with your insurance company.  

No matter what has happened, our SERVPRO Service Technicians can help you get your home dry and back in its preloss condition. We have various tools to help us get the water out, including moisture meters and sensors to find any hidden moisture, pumps to get rid of any standing water over a few inches deep, plus air movers and dehumidifiers to dry everything. We also work quickly and efficiently so additional damage is avoided, such as mold growth.

Another common reason for water damage in your home includes broken toilets and overflowing bathtubs. The toilets overflows or backups are particularly important to clean up properly because of the biohazard contaminants of the “black water,” SERVPRO techs are trained and have protective gear specifically for these types of cleanups. Sewer backups, unfortunately, happen as well. Tree roots can invade and clog your drain lines. Using an enzyme drain treatment to flush out your lines every month during the spring and summer months when tree roots grow the most is a good idea to avoid this kind of disaster.

SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen can help you restore your home after a water damage emergency, no matter what type it is.  Call our Customer Service team at (201)236-2400 as soon as you realize there is an issue so we can schedule an appointment and come quickly to clean things for you. 

To learn more about Water Damage read our online water damage brochure.

Are you ready to have the cleanest business in town? Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen for all your cleaning needs.

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technician with hazmat suit on walking with plastic roll Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen 201-236-2400.

Homeowners in Bergen County know that when mold, fire or water cause headaches at home, SERVPRO is the call to make for recovery, restoration and more.

Business owners, likewise, know that we’re the proper partner for businesses suffering from similar fates.

But there’s an additional service business owners can take advantage of at any time, not only when there’s a crisis: ultra-high-grade commercial cleaning services that go far beyond traditional sanitation service.

Commercial Services for Businesses of Any Size

More so than ever before, it’s important for business owners to present a shopping or commercial experience which makes it clear that the health of customers and employees is at the forefront. And that’s where we can help. We take care of businesses of every ilk, including:

Retailers and malls. Chains and local boutiques equally deserve sanitation and the clean feeling that promotes customer comfort.

Educational facilities and sporting venues. School wipedowns are only clearing half the bacteria from the most heavily used areas of the classroom. We can improve the standard of cleaning to provide a more hygienic learning or athletic environment.

Senior care facilities and hospitals. The environment of healthcare facilities has to be clean to an incredible degree to ensure a safe space for patient care, and nobody is more capable of making it happen than the experts at SERVPRO.

Resorts, hotels and casinos. Whether chips are flying or families are checking in, we’ve got the extra cleaning that high-traffic areas like hotels and convention centers require.

Foodservice facilities. Processing, distribution and service of food calls for a bacteria-free space. We can keep it spotless so you can focus on the vittles.

Managed residences and businesses. Landlords and property managers trust us to provide tenants with healthy spaces and spotless offices.

When you’re ready to have the cleanest business in town, we’re ready to help. Contact your local SERVPRO to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

Leave the Odor Removal Process to Us | SERVPRO® of Northwest Bergen

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO crew setting up machines to clean a kitchen If you experience an odor or any other water or fire damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen 201-236-2400.

Home damage can come in many forms, and sometimes they can be hard to see with the naked eye. Sometimes you can smell them instead! In addition to tackling your home damage from storms, fire and water, we can also address any odor problems you have within your home or business.

All damage can cause lingering odors, and some can be hard to discover on your own.

In these instances, we can take it from there! Your SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen team is ready to tackle whatever odor problem you are experiencing with our thorough removal process.

Our Different Removal Agents

We understand that each odor situation and home is unique, so we create a specialized approach for each project we tackle to make sure your home’s odor problem is completely taken care of. While the list below is not exhaustive, these are some of the most common ways we can address your odor.

Masking agents. Some smells need to be addressed right away while we are working on more in-depth methods. Our masking agents create a much more pleasant atmosphere for all of us!

Filtration agents. Another option is to just filter it out! We can pull the smell from furniture, carpets and walls with our filtration compounds.

Disinfectants and sanitizers. Any good cleaning requires sanitization to ensure the smell does not come back due to any leftover particles or bacteria.

The Odor Removal Steps to Success

1. Remove the source. The first task is to locate what is exactly causing the smell! Once we do that, we can remove it and address the lingering odor.

2. Clean residue from surfaces. Once the cause of the smell is gone, we give the area a full cleaning to make sure nothing is left behind.

3. Recreate the odor-causing conditions. This step is important in making sure we got the entire odor. We use specific deodorizers to help recreate the original environment. This shows us residual particles.

4. Seal exposed surfaces. Sealing up the space doesn’t happen in every situation, but if we decide that the project is becoming too expensive or impractical to continue, we can seal off the area to prevent the smell from traveling.

We aren’t afraid of a little smell! No matter what type of odor your home or business is suffering from, your SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen team is here for you.

If you experience an odor or other damage inside your home or business, call us at any time, 247. We have the training and equipment to quickly get your property back in operation.

Did You Know? SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen Handles More then Water and Fire Damage and can restore your Glen Rock Property to preloss condition

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

ASERVPRO technician showing mold and dirt on a sponge to a client. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen County we are here to help.

Recognized as a leading fire, water, and mold restoration provider, SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen also offers fast and reliable bio-hazard, vandalism, hoarding and crime scene cleanup and restoration services in Bergen County, New Jersey. 

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen Service Technicians are trained to safely and effectively remove bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. 

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen County helps turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. 

Our services cover the following issues:

  • Blood-borne Pathogens:We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substance resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Technicians clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.
  • Methamphetamine Labs:Many chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO follows federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces. 
  • Crime Scene Residues:Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues can be cleaned from surfaces and contents to restore your property. 
  • Arson and Vandalism:After the fire trucks are gone, your home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet. 
  • Sewage Backups:Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. This water is grossly unsanitary, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
  • Black Water Intrusions:This water is unsanitary, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
    • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
    • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
  • Mold Mitigation and Remediation:Mold has the potential to cause other health effects. Mold can spread quickly through your home or business in as little as 48 hours. If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to mitigate your mold infestation.

Knowing and trusting who to call when you have a cleanup problem at your Glen Rock, New Jersey property is critical to getting the job done right. Call the professional cleanup Service Technicians at SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen County to reliably and safely cleanup your worst bio-hazard disasters.

To learn more read SERVPRO residential cleaning services. Or give our professional office staff a call at 201-236-2400.

Faster To Any Size Disaster | SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew member with client and machine Call SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen

SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Bergen County, New Jersey.  We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Service Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 

(201)236-2400 or (800)497-7179

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage, fire damage or biohazard/sewage damage cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can clean and restore your home and make your property look its best. 

Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Cleanup
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Sewage/biohazard Cleanup
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning and Disinfecting
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to respond quickly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Learn more about our commercial services:

  • Commercial Water Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
  • Commercial Cleaning and Disinfecting

Don’t trust your home or business to just any cleanup crew, TRUST the local damage and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen. We will be there faster even when disaster strikes at any unexpected time. 

Call SERVPRO When the Smoke of a Fire Disaster Has Cleared | SERVPRO® of Northwest Bergen County

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

a small house completely engulfed in flames For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen.

Disasters are one of those things that we all hope never happens, but when they do, they can leave a wide variety of damages behind. While there are lots of ways we can be affected by disasters, a fire is one that will almost always leave a path of destruction.

Cleaning up after a fire emergency can feel daunting and scary, but when you have neighbors like SERVPRO in your community, you can rest assured that you are far from alone. We will walk with you through the entire process and get you back on your feet in no time.

Our Initial Move

When you are affected by a fire, your first priority has to be securing the safety of yourself and your family. After that, call our experts to start down the road of recovery.

We can take your call at any time of night or day, and we will start creating a plan immediately by gathering as much information from you over the phone. Our team will be headed your direction in no time with the proper equipment and resources to get things started.

On site, we will first assess the damage as we continue to create a plan that will meet the unique needs of your situation. No two disasters are the same, and we want to ensure that every part of your restoration is covered.

Time to Get to Work

Removing smoke and soot damage from everything it has penetrated will start once the area is secured. Smoke and soot can reach rooms that never even saw flames, so we will clean walls, floors and ceilings anywhere there is sign of damage. Surfaces will also be sanitized to remove and stop additional odors.

The Most Crucial Step

Once the cleaning process has been completed, our team can get down to the real restoration of your home. This means we will start to put everything back together, including hanging drywall, laying floors or painting a room.

If part of your property could not be salvaged and demolition took place, our team is experienced in construction. We can rebuild an entire room if necessary. It is our goal to put your home back together exactly as you want it. At SERVPRO, we have years of experience, and we are always ready to help.

For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen County! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.

Warm Up and Stay Fire-Safe | SERVPRO® of Northwest Bergen County

1/26/2023 (Permalink)

Firefighters watching fire SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen is experienced in fire cleanup and restoration.

It might seem like winter has already been here forever, but it didn’t officially start until Dec. 21. While you may have flipped the heating on in your home long ago, without the proper preparations, you could have a fire hazard.

Love them or hate them, the cold months are here and you should be able to stay warm all season. Take steps now to stay fire-safe.

<h3basics">Furnace Basics

Homes in the Bergen County area likely have one of three kinds of heating systems: a boiler, a furnace or baseboard heaters. Boilers run on water or gas and use radiant heat to warm your home, while baseboard heaters warm a single room at a time. Furnace systems are highly efficient and cost-effective systems that can outlast a lot of heating equipment.

No matter what kind of system you have, regular maintenance is the best way to keep them running long-term. Clean your furnace and baseboard heaters for dust, and have your boiler inspected regularly to ensure the heating elements are in working order.

Replace any filters in your systems often. For a furnace system, 90 days is the recommended time frame, although you may want to do it more often if you have pets or someone in the home has allergies. Use the changing season as a good reminder to change your filter.

The air filter not only helps to lengthen the lifespan of your system, but much like a boiler heats without increasing the dust in your home, furnace filters can also eliminate dust and allergens.

<h3safety">Fireplace Safety

Fireplaces make for a cozy centerpiece in your home and can provide additional heating during one of the many snowstorms we experience. Without proper inspections and maintenance, though, a chimney or fireplace can pose quite the fire hazard for your home. Both artificial and wood-burning fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned regularly.

To care for a wood-burning fireplace, clean out ash and soot and ensure that nothing has blocked the chimney. Artificial fireplaces should be dusted regularly, including any removable logs and the cover you use on the front of the fireplace.

<h3heaters">Portable Heaters

Another source of heat commonly used in home is space heaters These portable heaters are great for warming a room quickly, much like the baseboard heaters commonly found in a lot of homes in this county. Running a space heater does require safety measures in order to prevent fires though.

Don’t run your space heater overnight, and always keep it three feet away from any combustible materials. Make sure your space heater is on a flat surface where it won’t get knocked over, and if your heater doesn’t have an automatic shut-off feature when it is tipped, consider upgrading to a new one. Always plug space heaters directly into the wall to avoid electrical surges.

Keep a close eye on the little ones and the furry ones in your home when you are running your heating equipment. Make sure they understand how to stay safe, since it only takes a single accident to cause complete chaos and destruction in your home. Stay cozy this season without the fear of fire.

If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen County for immediate assistance. We’re here 247 when you need us!

Keep Your Home Dry in 2023 | SERVPRO® of Northwest Bergen

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

water failing from a sink do to a clogged drain Have water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen for quick and professional restoration.

A brand-new year is upon us already! We always love the start of a new year and all of the possibilities it brings. A new year is also a great time to address any water issues within your home to avoid costly damages.

We want your home to stay dry and avoid water issues, so we offer some great water damage prevention tips in our first blog of the year below!

<h3can-i-find-the-source-of-water-damage">How Can I Find the Source of Water Damage?

Since we use water in our daily lives, leaks can happen anywhere around our homes.

A leak inside your home from your appliances or fixtures could cause a big puddle of water while any roof damage or clogged gutters could lead to a flooded basement or warped walls.

Older homes are also at risk of water damage due to rusting pipes or deteriorating caulk seals. As these places experience wear and tear, you could wind up with a leak or a slowly dripping hole. Moisture can cause water damage, but it can also encourage mold growth or mildew if it is left untreated.

It is also possible to experience water damage on top of water damage! If you experience a water leak somewhere and that water infiltrates one of your appliances’ electrical components, a malfunction could occur and cause even more troubles for your home.

<h3water-prevention-tips">Addressing Water Prevention Tips

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of water damage is to prevent the problem from even occurring in the first place. Catching a problem early can save you a lot of time and money down the road.

It might take a little investigative work, though! Not all water damage is easily noticeable, so you will have to regularly inspect places like your bathroom and kitchen for water staining or mold growth. Wipe down any areas of your home that are often moist, like your sinks or window sills, and check out any spots in your home that start to smell musty.

Getting up on your roof often can help you catch a problem before an even bigger issue occurs. Missing shingles or roof damage can invite water into your attic, where it can cause damage or start a mold infestation.

The winter weather here in the Bergen County area can change drastically! Make sure your family and home is ready to handle the change in temperature and prepare for the possibility of snow and ice at any time. After any weather event, walk around your property and home to look for damage.

Property grading is also always a good option! A professional grading can move your soil in a strategic way to angle your yard away from your home. Any rainwater or flood water that is near your home will flow down and away from your home’s foundation.

Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.

How Water Gets Inside Your Home Unexpectedly | SERVPRO® of Northwest Bergen

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling ruined by water damage with peeling paint. If you experience damage due to a winter storm, call SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen. We have the experience and equipment for any issue.

It’s not always easy to spot water seepage, but you can look for some key indicators. Excess moisture causes an unpleasant odor; you may also see peeling paint or stains on flooring and walls.

This additional moisture can also cause your appliances to rust, but there are many signs to be aware of. The most obvious sign is a puddle on the floor.

Water damage can result in disastrous outcomes for your home, so keep reading as we uncover the usual suspects and some measures you can take.

<h3fixture-leaks">Water Fixture Leaks

Your home’s water fixtures are not without fault, and holes in your water supply lines can often allow moisture to seep out unexpectedly. Look near the shower, bathtub, sink or toilet for this issue.

Inspect these zones during your cleaning routine, and take action against leaks immediately to prevent thousands of gallons of water from entering your home each year.

<h3from-appliances">Water From Appliances

Refrigerators with water supplies and ice makers can cause leaks, too. Dishwasher leaks usually occur in small amounts over long periods, causing significant damage to your flooring underneath.

Properly inspect for leaks by unplugging the appliance and pulling it out slowly. Check for the presence of water or mold, and contact our restoration team when you notice something to solve the damage fast.

<h3sources">External Sources

Naturally, water damage can also come from outside. A large number of leaks begin externally, with moisture making its way inside through window frames, doorways, and other spots.

In Bergen, we know the dangers of weather-related moisture. We see over 47 inches of rain and over 26 inches of snow annually. While the rain typically is dispersed year-round, the snow piles up and melts altogether, causing abundant water to flow through our properties and streets.

Leaks can come from both inside and outside, but there are steps you can take to manage both causes. Set your house up the right way, and maintain it properly to protect it against water damage.

Begin by watching your gutters and downspouts. These frequently clog and allow water to pool on your roof. This extra water weight can allow moisture to seep inside and even cause a partial collapse where the water is located.

Inspect the seals on your windows and doors, and replace any that you can tell aren’t working properly. Lastly, consider implementing landscaping techniques that direct water away from your home. Follow these steps and improve your home’s ability to fight water damage.

If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us247. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.

Commercial Water Damage’s Ability to Slow Down Your Business | SERVPRO® of Northwest Bergen

10/20/2022 (Permalink)

a zoomed in view of a wooden floor showing signs of water damage SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen are your local commercial restoration company. We will always be here to help and get you back in business.

Water is a powerful force that can have serious negative impacts on the normal operations of a business. Flooding often comes from an internal source, like burst pipes or a leaky roof. This can also occur from broken plumbing and faulty sprinkler systems.

However, this damage can also begin from natural causes, which we often see here in New Jersey. We experience powerful storms that dump thousands of gallons of water onto our region, potentially causing the local Saddle River to overflow and flood our neighborhoods. Our region sees over 47 inches of precipitation annually, which is over 20% higher than the national average!

Knowing the proper steps to take can prevent major damage and recover quickly. Follow these helpful tips to stay on track with your restoration process.

Know Your Building’s Layout

Knowing the different water cutoff points around the property, like the fire sprinkler system and the building’s water main cutoff valve, is important. Ensure that many people are aware of these safety features so that there is always someone who can help inside the business.

Know the Types of Water Involved

You should also understand the type of water involved, as this is a crucial factor in determining the overall severity of the problem. This can help you make better decisions for your business and the safety of everyone inside.

White water: This type of water most commonly results from plumbing problems. It’s not considered contaminated and is safe to handle yourself in small amounts.

Gray water: Sink drains and toilet tank overflows produce this type of flooding. The water is contaminated but not considered dangerous.

Black water: Sewage backups and storm flooding are common sources of highly contaminated black water. Always call in a professional to deal with this type of toxic water damage.

Take Action Quickly

You should attempt to shut off the water source as quickly as possible. Then you can circulate air through open windows and doors, but it’s also crucial for you to alert everyone inside the building of the affected zones.

After these three things, spend time documenting any visible damage to expedite the insurance claims process, and you’ll have reference photos for your restoration provider.

Remember to Be Patient

As always, the water damage you see is just a piece of the overall damage. Soaked insulation and moldy support frames are only a couple of signs of hidden water damage. The overall drying and cleaning process can take up to a week before repairs actually begin, so stay patient with our team as we get your building back to preloss condition.

When you suffer water damage at your commercial property, call SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen for a quick response. Our experts will handle the entire process with industry-leading equipment to quickly get you back in business.

When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 247 to get started!