Recent Storm Damage Posts

SERVPRO Can Handle Storm Water Restoration in Your Farmington Home

1/4/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley for fast and efficient service.

Storm Water Restoration in Farmington Calls for Expertise

Storms bring their disasters, among which is damage to households. When this happens, the homeowners are backed into a corner. They need to act quickly, or mold can grow within 48 hours.

To achieve this, you need not look further, for SERVPRO offers stormwater restoration in Farmington. We are a team of specialized professional restorers who can help you reclaim your home’s dignity by cleaning water damage, building your home if the disaster badly tore it down, restoring air quality, and restoring personal belongings.

Storm damage may come with sewage backup, which means that your house might be contaminated. SERVPRO emphasizes timely restoration since that is the only way to prevent severe structural damage from bringing your home down. We have industrial-level equipment that helps us address these time-sensitive concerns while providing appropriate stormwater restoration services. Some of these include:

  • Dehumidifiers
  • Water extractors
  • HEPA air scrubbers
  • Blowers
  • Thermal energy systems, and
  • E-Tes drying systems

Upon receiving your call, our SERVPRO team can arrive at the site as soon as possible to assess the situation and offer a comprehensive plan we adopt for the restoration process. Every step of our approach is based on techniques we have tested and proven successful, with full awareness of the regulations of the restoration industry.

SERVPRO offers a contents claim insurance service (CCIS) that can generate an insurance claim that has well-detailed estimates that the damage has been caused, as well as the cost of restoration and replacement. Our main commitment is to provide you with responsive assistance, reliable services, honest assessments, and relationship-oriented services.

To use our services, contact SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley at (860) 675-4500. We can make the stormwater damage “Like it never even happened.”

Can I Avoid Flooding to My Simsbury House by Maintaining My Gutters?

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners have to deal with many things which may include water damage. Contact SERVPRO right away.

SERVPRO Can Remediate Flood Damage in Simsbury Regardless of the Cause

When flood waters rise in your basement, it hardly seems possible that the cause could be something as ordinary as aging rain gutters. Few systems are more critical in directing precipitation away from your home than the gutters and downspouts attached near your roofline. In the hustle and bustle of busy family life, inspection and maintenance of your gutter configuration can go by the wayside.

How Do Gutters Protect My Foundation from Flooding?

The rainwater on your roof combines hundreds of square feet of runoff into large quantities flowing over the eaves. Flood damage to your Simsbury home occurs if the gutters are clogged or missing. Gutters should direct the significant volume of water into the downspouts, which, when positioned correctly, drain water more than ten feet away from your foundation. Pooling and overflowing gutters concentrate the water as it falls, causing it to pour directly to the ground next to your house. 

How Does the Water from Malfunctioning Gutters Get into My Foundation?

The runoff then saturates the ground, creating puddles and pools adjacent to the foundation. Pressure builds in the ground, and the excess water begins to seep in through the foundation materials. You might have a concrete, cinderblock, stone, or brick foundation. These materials are somewhat porous, and the moisture eventually moves from the wet ground to the dry basement.

Are There Any Other Factors that Increase the Possibility of Flooding from Broken Gutters?

If the ground immediately next to your foundation slopes toward your home, the excess absorbed and puddled water can flow more easily into your basement. The slope next to the foundation should be down and away from your house. If you have plantings near your exterior walls, erosion from rain and planned watering can alter the appropriate slope without you noticing the change.

If poorly maintained gutters and downspouts direct water into your foundation rather than away, SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley can help remove the flooding and dry out your home. Call us at (860) 675-4500 to schedule an assessment and develop a plan.

We Provide Fast Action To Your Simsbury Flood Damage Restoration Needs

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage can reach epic proportions and needs immediate response. We are available 24/7 to service your home, so don't hesitate to call us.

A Pack-Out Takes Control of Both Structural and Content Recovery after Flood Damage in Simsbury

After several days of torrential downpours, flooding can become a significant problem in your Simsbury home. Overflowing gutters and the saturated ground around your house send quantities of water seeping into your basement or cellar. Water rises inside, putting not only the foundation and structural components of your home at risk of deterioration but also any stored items, furnishings, or fixtures in your lower level.

Flood damage in Simsbury needs fast action, but taking the time to move items out of the flood spaces in your home is worth a slight delay in flood remediation tasks. Packing-out furniture, household goods, and personal possessions can simplify water removal and structural drying. If the flooded rooms are full of articles, our crews need to move them many times during the floodwater mitigation to ensure we access all wet spaces. Furniture can bleed stain or rust onto carpeting, and boxes full of wet items slow down structural drying.

SERVPRO keeps your pack-out organized with our Contents Claim Inventory System (CCIS). Using lists, digital photos, and barcoding, we track all items moved from your home to our production facility. We strive to work with you and your insurance carrier to make informed decisions about things to clean, dry and restore and items that are better discarded and replaced.

Using our CCIS protocol saves time and money. Homeowners often toss out property that SERVPRO Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians can bring back to pre-flooding function and appearance. Using specialized techniques and smaller, more concentrated drying chambers removes moisture from furniture and electronics.

Innovative techniques like freeze-drying for photos and papers efficiently pull moisture from treasured memories and important documents by preventing water from returning to a liquid state. Industrial washers and dryers clean and dry window treatments, clothing, and other soft objects, including beloved toys and expensive decor accent pieces. As the SERVPRO crew working on recovering your home’s structural integrity nears completion, our production team packs up the restored articles for return to your cleaned, disinfected, and dried residence.

SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley uses many research-based strategies to return your home and its contents to pre-damaged condition after flood damage. Call us at (860) 675-4500 to arrange an assessment of your flooding scenario.

Our Trained And Experienced Technicians Are Ready To Restore Your Farmington Home

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the reason that flooding affected our area, team SERVPRO can help. Our technicians can tackle both small and large scale damage.

Focus on Floor Tile Flood Damage Potential in Farmington

Flooding after seasonal storms in Farmington puts many residential structural components in harm's way. Floors in the flooded areas take a real beating. Sometimes floors and floor coverings survive the ordeal intact if efficient water removal, cleaning, and disinfection procedures occur promptly. Other times you might face the disruption and expense of a floor or subfloor tear-out and replacement, especially if the materials are particularly vulnerable to moisture or contamination levels are high.

Laminate Floor Products Nearly Always Require Replacement

Although cost-effective and easy to install, laminate flooring rarely makes it through flood damage in Farmington. The stone or wood-like grain is composed of photographic coverings layered over resins and fiberboard. Flood water saturates and then separates the layers. The surface rapidly distorts, creating hills and valleys. Demolition and replacement is the only solution.

Concrete Floors Hold Up Well

The concrete floors often found in flooded basements absorb water but usually do not crack or distort during structural drying strategies. Fluids might wick up, depositing a residue on the surface that wipes or brushes clean. SERVPRO crews are vigilant when clearing off concrete surfaces to avoid mold growth. We apply EPA-registered disinfectants and develop a method to dry a wet subfloor that contributes to the moisture rising to the concrete surface. Asphalt tile on concrete with flood damage usually maintains a firm bond, but vinyl tile might not fare as well. Separation of vinyl from the concrete signals the need for replacement.

Ceramic Tile Endurance Linked to Grout Integrity

If a ceramic tile installation is intact, including sealed grout throughout, SERVPRO crews can pump out or extract the water without migration of the fluids. Any cracks in the grout, however, permit water to soak into the subfloor. As the subfloor swells after the introduction of the moisture that porous surface can warp. Distortion of the subfloor can further crack the grout and cause tiles to come loose.

Subfloor Conditions Are the Key

Our crew uses sensitive detection devices to measure the moisture levels in the supporting subfloor surfaces. Failure to reduce excess subfloor water saturation exposes the various types of tiles to damage, breakage, or movement. If possible, SERVPRO attempts to dry out subfloors from below. If access is blocked or limited, strategic removal or lifting of tiles helps us direct warm, moving air to reduce the moisture content.

If the flooded spaces in your home pose floor tile damage challenges, SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley has trained and experienced technicians with the equipment to overcome the problems. Call (860) 675-4500 to start the process of evaluation and project planning.

Will I Have to Worry About Flooding Ruining My First Floor?

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water take over your home. Let the professionals at SERVPRO help restore your water damaged home back to its original state.

Calling SERVPRO for Flood Damage Mitigation After a Storm Can Save Your Simsbury Property.

Water intrusion, on any level, poses a significant threat to the structural elements of your Simsbury home and everything in the affected space. The quicker that you have skilled technicians on-site to handle water cleanup, the more rapidly that you ensure your home gets back to normal. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster at SERVPRO, and we can have a Green Fleet at your front door within hours of your initial call.

How Does SERVPRO Help?

Massive rainstorms that bring flooding subject your home to harm that you cannot ignore. It is imperative that you call in the help of IICRC-certified and highly-trained water restoration technicians (WRT) to start working on flood damage mitigation in Simsbury before secondary damage sets in. Any water left standing too long within your home poses a threat to structural integrity along with the potential for mold and mildew to set in. We arrive and get to work with a detailed plan while using our proven methods and industrial-strength tools to remove water quickly, allowing us to restore everything to pre-damaged condition.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps allow our crew to pump out water, even when at higher levels continuously.
  • Truck-mounted extractors and vacuums help remove thousands of gallons of water in a short period.
  • Moisture detection tools and hygrometers assist as we measure moisture saturation in various areas of the home.
  • Infrared cameras facilitate the location of pockets of hidden moisture behind walls, within ceilings, and other spaces.

What Happens to Ruined Building Materials?

Our crew uses controlled demolition in any area where we cannot salvage your drywall and other materials. Flood cuts allow us to remove areas where category three water, also known as black water, has saturated the materials. Any unsalvageable elements get carefully removed, bagged up, and then disposed of properly. Everything is replaced with brand-new materials and finished off to bring the rooms to like-new condition.

SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley is the team to call when you need prompt flood damage mitigation to salvage your interior. Call us at (860) 675-4500, and we will be there to assist within hours.

Farmington Property Owners Trust SERVPRO for Flood Damage Repairs

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration for your home is a job for SERVPRO. Our technicians have the training and experience for every phase needed.

How SERVPRO protects Farmington homes from flood damage? 

Flood damage to your Farmington home after a storm can have a lasting impact on the structural integrity of the building materials. Commonly affected structural components include drywall, wood, and timber framing. If steps are not taken to restore the water damage promptly, it can weaken the whole structure.    

SERVPRO techs understand building systems, assemblies, and related physical laws, enabling them to restore flood damage to your Farmington home effectively. SERVPRO restorers make hundreds of drying decisions in the process of guiding the water damage restoration project to the most cost-efficient result.   

Is the water damage to wood framing in your Farmington home restorable?  

In most residential structures in Farmington, the wood framing is made from spruce, pine, fir, or composite lumber. As the wood absorbs moisture, it warps and swells. SERVPRO techs can successfully restore the damage if the stud walls, floor joists, and ceiling rafters are not warped or buckle to the point that they must be replaced. 

Contamination is yet another issue that SERVPRO techs have to deal with while considering the restorability of wood. Mold growth can occur if the moisture content rises above 16%, and dry rot can start if it rises to above 20%. 

How do SERVPRO techs dry wood framing in your flooded home? 

The method of choice depends on the amount of moisture absorbed by the wood. If a significant amount of water is absorbed by the wood fibers, controlled drying is required to increase the temperature and lower the vapor pressure of the air. Some equipment that techs use to speed up drying include-

  • Dehumidifiers
  • Air movers 
  • Electric heaters 

If you have any questions regarding flood restoration of your property, call SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley at (860) 675-4500.

How to Handle Storm Flood Damage in Your Farmington Home

11/13/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage to your home is a job for SERVPRO. We use the latest equipment and technology is our way. Pre-loss condition is our goal.

Hire a Reputable Restoration Company to Remediate the Storm Flood Damage in Your Farmington Home

The ability of floodwater to detect weak points in a building is uncanny. Furthermore, it can cause damage that is hard to detect, and it might be more significant than the evident damage. As a result, hiring a professional company like SERVPRO is essential for inspection and repair.

Prior to repairing storm flood damage in your Farmington home, you should identify and eliminate any moisture or mold. Other concerns, such as airborne spores, can pose a threat to the building.

Our SERVPRO technicians are all licensed and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to handle flood damage of any magnitude. Learn more about how we can mitigate your property:

  • Our survey consists of a detailed description of the extent of the damage, how it can be repaired, and how much the repairs will cost.
  • Our portable pumping devices remove water, and we repair water-damaged plasterwork and flooring. To remove floodwater effectively, our SERVPRO staff can use a self-priming trash pump. We can safely dispose of anything that cannot be repaired.
  • We use devices like heaters, dehumidifiers, and ozone generators to ensure that your home is safe.

Floodwater also often contains microorganisms. After removing moisture from your home, we can apply professional products to the contaminated surfaces and materials to control microbial growth. We allow adequate dwell time based on the product's label. Our SERVPRO team can also remove the contaminated materials and replace them.

Flooding can affect your property's structural integrity, and it can also undermine its foundations. This can lower the value of your property or lead to significant damages. Contact SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley at (860) 675-4500 for restoration. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Recent Heavy Storms in Avon? Look to Skilled Flood Damage Restoration Technicians!

10/16/2021 (Permalink)

Storms bring flooding and destruction. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs are ready for any size storm damage remediation service. Call now!

SERVPRO is Available to Clean Up After a Flood to Address any Damage to Your Avon Property

Whenever storms bring flooding in the Avon area, homeowners might have damage and property loss on their hands. Unlike burst pipes from fresh water coming into your home and fixtures, the cleaning protocols with floodwaters are vastly different. SERVPRO knows best practices for handling potential gray or black water in the mix, along with any loosened building materials within your home, chemicals, and other debris. We are the team to call in the area so we can make your home “Like it never even happened.”

It is essential to know that anything floodwater touches must get addressed. If your flood damage in Avon is overwhelming, having flood restoration professionals on the project ensures no stone gets left unturned. Our crew chief checks the walls, flooring, and structural elements throughout the initial inspection to determine safety. From there, we look at other areas like:

  • Carpeting
  • Furnishings
  • Mattresses
  • Clothing
  • Appliances
  • Toys, utensils, and other various contents

While some items listed might get cleaned effectively, like furniture or appliances, some must get discarded. Stuffed animals, mattresses, and similar items will be difficult to clean thoroughly. If an area rug has been saturated and left in the contaminated water for longer than 24 hours, it might be unsalvageable. 

A Thorough Clean You Can Trust

Whether you call us for basement flooding or water removal services on your ground floor, we take all of the necessary measures to get the job done right the first time. Our IICRC-certified water restoration technicians put barriers in place and work on water mitigation to keep moisture from traveling into unimpacted zones of your property. We then initiate deep cleaning, drying, and disinfecting to leave your home Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

When it comes to flood damage after a storm, SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley is here to help. Contact us 24/7 by calling (860) 675-4500.

Flood Damage Disaster Response After an Avon Storm

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are ready 24/7 365 days a year for any size storm damage restoration service needed. Call now!

Avon Residents Trust SERVPRO for Fast, Reliable Storm and Flood Damage Cleanup

Once a natural disaster strikes, the last thing you want to do is let floodwater and debris plague your property for long. When faced with a leaking roof from storms or basement flooding, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or hopeless. The good news is that SERVPRO features a Disaster Recovery Team to help residents get back on track with skilled emergency services water damage response. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster - meaning we are ready to get to work 24-hours a day!

There is no such thing as a disaster that is too big or too small for SERVPRO. When you enlist our help to handle flood damage in Avon, we arrive quickly to begin working. We have storm teams and technicians on standby so that you never feel alone. Depending on the weather event's scope and nature, we can set local command centers into motion to address the catastrophe at hand. 

What you should know about flash flooding:

  • Flash floods are brought on by excessive or heavy rainfall over short periods, sometimes less than six hours. 
  • A flash flood event usually includes raging torrents, creating safety hazards.
  • Depending on the circumstances, flash floods can happen within hours or just minutes of significant rainfall. 
  • Should there be flash flooding, you may also require sewage cleanup to address the fallout of the impact to your property's septic system.

SERVPRO's Greet Fleet arrives with IICRC-certified technicians wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to get started on removing standing water and handling contaminated debris. We also provide board-up and tarping services to protect your interior from further exposure to the elements.

Flood damage of any kind is no match for SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley. Call us when you need a rapid response at (860) 675-4500!

Our Skilled Professionals Explain How To Prevent Long Term Issues After A Flood In Your Farmington Home

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every size of disaster.

Preventing Long Term Problems After Flood Damage

A flooding incident can ruin your property, leaving you with a significant restoration bill. Although some incidents flatten homes or cause other significant structural problems, most flooding incidents leave the structure intact but cause other lasting issues. It is possible to prevent such long-term problems by taking specific steps during the restoration process. 

Flood Damage Restoration

One common effect of flood damage in Farmington that can leave a lasting impact is contamination. As the floodwaters flow over different areas, they collect insecticides, industrial chemicals, biohazards, and other contaminants. The waters deposit some of these contaminants in the areas of your house that they reach. Our SERVPRO technicians spray EPA-registered disinfectants in all affected areas before starting the restoration processes. We then clean up your property using pressure washers and professional cleaning agents to sanitize any contaminants. We also tear out porous elements affected by the water, such as carpets and pads, because it's impossible to remove all traces of contaminants from such materials. 

Development of Mold Damage

Mold is another problem likely to plague properties hit by flooding events. Mold develops where there is sufficient moisture, so any traces of wetness left in elements and contents can spark growth. Even high levels of relative humidity exceeding 60% can lead to mold development. Our SERVPRO technicians take moisture readings using moisture meters and sensors throughout the restoration process to ensure We dry your property to preloss levels. We also FLIR thermal cameras to help identify any concealed wet areas.  

Flood Damage to Contents and Structure

Flooding can lead to structural weakness in the contents, such as furniture or parts of the house, especially after extended exposure. This happens because the absorption of water causes swelling in wooden frames and weakening of joints, primarily where glue is used. Rotting and other problems can also occur. Our SERVPRO technicians take various steps to dry the structure and its contents. We use specialized drying equipment such as the injectidry system and drying mats to dry wooden floors. We also use ventilation equipment to drywall cavities. 

After flood damage, call SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley to help with immediate and future problems after flood damage. You can reach us at (860) 675-4500 any time. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

How does SERVPRO Help If Flood Damage Mostly Affects the Ceiling of A Farmington Home?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage remediati0on services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now, have your home back to preloss condition.

SERVPRO Helps With Water Removal As Well As Other Water Damage Repairs Needed

After a storm, you may not expect flood damage in your home if there is no standing water inside your Farmington property. However, if storm winds blow off some shingles from the roof, some water may find a way into the ceiling void, leaving it trapped.

Any aspect of flood damage in Farmington homes, whether hidden or readily discernible, poses significant challenges to the house occupants and the restorers. For instance, the weight of the water pooling in the ceiling can cause it to sag and even collapse if nothing is done to address the situation. SERVPRO is well suited to reverse the effects of water intrusion.

Common actions taken as part of flood restoration include:

  • Water clean up
  • Ceiling repairs from water damages
  • Water damage repairs

Our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians focus on actions that halt or reverse damages conveniently. For instance, we drill small weep holes on the sagging ceiling to remove the water. Starting drilling closer to the support beams and moving towards the center as the water drains out helps minimize the chances of collapse. Drying the supporting beams and replace any unsalvageable materials. 

Other water damage repairs in the ceiling include:

  • Replacing wet insulation
  • Drying wet support structures such as beams
  • Applying chemical agents to prevent microbial growth

SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley manages flood damage to reverse immediate damages and prevent secondary problems. Call us at (860) 675-4500. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Who to Call for Local Avon Storm Damage Remediation?

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage can be a bigger mess than expected. SERVPRO has the trained team need for any size storm restoration service needed for your home.

Flooding Cleanup in Avon Means a Call to SERVPRO

Recently, the weather around the country has been unpredictable. Many people have found their homes in trouble due to intense snowstorms and unyielding rain. Reaching out for professional assistance can make a difference for your home during its time of need.

No matter what storm damage befalls your Avon home, SERVPRO is available 24/7. Imagine a thunderstorm causing a wayward tree branch to shatter one of the bedroom windows in your home. Without immediate attention, this damage emergency could cause:

  • Rainwater to soak carpeting
  • Wallpaper and paint to bubble and sag
  • Puddles of water to collect inside your home

The introduction of moisture inside your home could cause microscopic mold spores to bloom. Getting a restoration team to your home as quickly as possible can prevent long-term damages in your home. To remediate the bedroom, our IICRC certified SERVPRO technicians could:

  • Use portable extractors to remove excess water from the carpet
  • Set up drying equipment to help reduce moisture in the structure of your home
  • Bring damaged furniture and fixtures to our drying facilities for careful treatment

If you find your home in need of remediation services, do not wait. Call SERVPRO of the Farmington Valley by dialing (860) 735-3482. We can help you 24/7!

Farmington Crafters – Enjoy a Virtual Knit and Crochet Afternoon

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Storms are hard to deal with, especially when there is a flooding issue. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the storm damage services you need.

Knit and Crochet Enthusiasts from Farmington, CT, Can Socialize Online Via Zoom

It is always lovely to remain social, even in these times where distancing is best for safety. The Farmington Library is happy to present virtual Zoom classes for those who love to knit and crochet. This event is headed by Jodi and offers time for a stress-free gathering from the comfort of your own home. Participants are encouraged to bring a project of their choosing so that they can knit, crochet, and enjoy conversation with others for the virtual hour. You will also have time to share in-progress or finishing knitted and crocheted projects.

  • Date: Monday, January 25th, 2021
  • Time: 2 pm to 3 pm
  • Where: Virtual via online Zoom class
  • Cost: Free – advanced registration is required to obtain the Zoom link and password

SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley is pleased to support the local library and all residents wishing to connect virtually during this time where social distancing is so essential. When you have encountered flood damage to your home after a storm comes through, we are always available for prompt cleanup and restoration services. We utilize the latest techniques and industrial-strength equipment to ensure the best results while saving you money overall. Call us at (860) 675-4500 to have a crew deployed to your property to get started.

Enjoy A Live Streamed Candlelight Festival In Farmington

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community celebrating Christmas together!

Farmington Gets In The Festive Spirit

Carols and services are an essential part of the festive season for many people. Nothing says Christmas quite like gathering together for some hymns.

This year, you can enjoy a socially-distanced candlelight festival in Farmington. St John’s Episcopal Church is moving their traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols online so that you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. This popular event is presented in the grand tradition of carols from King’s College, Cambridge.

  • Listen to traditional carols for choir and organ.
  • Beautiful choral music courtesy of St John’s youth and adult choirs.
  • Accompanied by organist Ted Babbit.

The festival takes place on Sunday, December 13, at 3:00 PM. Contact St John’s for information on how and where to join.

It is the time of year for bad weather. Storms can bring flooding, but do not despair. SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley is on hand to help with all your flood mitigation needs. Call us at (860) 675-4500.

Are Residents in Simsbury Prepared to Evacuate?

9/27/2020 (Permalink)

Important items can be lost in the event of a flood in your home. Contact SERVPRO for flood damage remediation and mitigation services.

When Storms Hit In Simsbury Evacuation May Be Needed – Being Prepared Ahead of Time Can Make Things Easier

The seasonal storms have been stronger and more deadly than ever this year. Even non-coastal cities can be affected. Hurricanes and tornadoes can drive strong winds and torrential rains inward, creating flash flooding. In some cases, it is necessary to evacuate.

What Paperwork Should I Have Ready?

If flood damage in Simsbury is imminent and you are told to evacuate, you need to go quickly. That is not the time to be running around figuring out what you should take with you. Important documents should be kept in a file and preferably in a fire and waterproof location. Some essential papers to have ready to go include:

  • Property deeds
  • Driver’s license
  • Proof of insurance
  • Social security cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Medical records
  • Prescription information
  • Passports
  • Personal contact list

Having an emergency kit for the family is a good idea as well. Flashlights, extra batteries, and other needed supplies should go in the kit. If it looks like floods are coming your way, prepare a backpack for each family member. Include items such as a change of clothing, extra shoes, snacks, bottled water, and extra medication.

How Can I Protect My Pets?

Pets may become lost in a flood situation. If you have cats or dogs, make sure they get microchipped. Their collars should have ID tags with your contact information on them. If you are prone to natural disasters in your area, put together an emergency pet kit with food, water, and things like an extra leash.

Call the Professionals

If your home is impacted by flood damage calling SERVPRO is the wise step after contacting your insurance. We are experts at flood water mitigation. Our technicians are certified in dealing with contaminated water and mitigating the damage done by water intrusions.

Contact SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley at (860) 675-4500 for expert flood damage service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Simsbury.

How Serious Is the Risk of Significant Contamination from Flood Damage in Simsbury?

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

We understand how seriously water damage can affect your home. Don't wait, call us right away at (860) 675-4500.

Storm-Related Flood Damage Is a Leading Cause of Residential Contamination from a Broad Range of Hazardous Substances and Infectious Agents -- SERVPRO Trains and Equips Crews for This Challenge.

Is flood damage merely an inconvenience, or a potential health hazard in your Simsbury home? Although rainwater seems as though it would not pose very many contamination issues on its own, of course, things are rarely that simple. The rainwater does not enter your home untainted. It has flowed over streets and sidewalks. Industrial waste and lawn chemicals also hitch a ride. Significant quantities of mud, silt, and other debris, including dead animals, organic matter, and more thicken the mix as it approaches your home.

Do I Need to Worry About Sewage as Part of Flood Damage?

As the municipal curb and gutter systems become overwhelmed in Simsbury, flood damage can also include infectious waste. Some might be picked up by overland flooding outside your home as the sewer system discharges overflow in the streets. A sewer backup into your home can complicate matters substantially if the public sewer pressure pushes infectious waste inside. Suddenly the benign wash of rainwater rising in your lower levels becomes a concerning and almost catastrophic situation.  

What Credentials Should I Seek In a Company That Offers Contaminated Flood Water Cleanup?

SERVPRO ensures your confidence by earning the certifications and obtaining the licenses needed to remove, collect, and dispose of contaminated floodwaters lawfully. Our managers and technicians master coursework from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) on water removal for restoration companies, including infected fluids. The IICRC is an international restoration industry-standard development organization. The training and recommendations provided by the IICRC are science-based, evolving as new treatments and technologies arise.

How Do Trained Technicians Manage Contaminated Flood Water Debris?

Putting their training to good use, our project managers assess the specific circumstances of your flood water crisis. If we discover significant quantities of solid debris, we start by “mucking-out” the flooded areas. This involves:

  • Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) for our workers to protect from skin contact with and inhalation of infective, corrosive, or otherwise harmful substances
  • Shoveling dirt, mud, and a wide range of organic and inorganic debris until water extraction equipment can run without clogging
  • Containing the debris and arranging for lawful disposal as hazardous waste

What Are the Steps for Removing the Flood Water Itself?

Once the bulk of the debris is loaded out of the affected area, we begin the flood water extraction:

  • We position submersible pumps in areas where the fluids are deeper than two inches and discard the waste into a treated sewer line
  • Truck-mounted extractors pull vast quantities of water out and contain up to 100 gallons in onboard tanks for appropriate disposal
  • Trained technicians check with infrared imaging and moisture detectors to locate any hidden water caches

We plan for the release of this trapped water, using:

  • Portable extractors with wand extenders
  • Controlled demolition to open drain holes or sections of wall materials to access the water and improve drying outcomes:
    • Drilled holes in mortar joints in masonry or cinder block construction
    • Sawn holes at the bottom of walls for water release and insert hoses for suction or positive pressurized warm air
    • Flood cuts that saw from stud to stud several inches above the flood line

Do Flood Damage Restoration Companies Apply Antimicrobials or Disinfectants?

Sometimes we do a broadcast spray of an EPA-registered antimicrobial in a flooded space to reduce the airborne load of infectious agents during the water removal phase. Research indicates that merely spraying a biocide is inadequate to eradicate contamination by biohazards. It is instead recommended that restorers use EPA-registered cleaners on soiled surfaces. Then we apply disinfectants to inhibit regrowth before the structural drying. 

Is It Necessary to Take Active Drying Steps as a Windup to Flood Damage Work?

Depending on wet structural components to dry out on their own is inadvisable, even after treatment with antimicrobials, the surfaces and building cavities suffering from flood damage risk continuing deterioration from the water and mold or other pathogen growth if excess moisture remains 24 to 48 hours or longer. We always include a drying plan in a flood damage project, using high-efficiency air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to strike the needed balance to facilitate evaporation of floodwater locked inside porous building materials.

When you struggle with muck, debris, and contaminated floodwater, SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley has the skills, tools, and experience to assist you. Rapid response helps gain the best outcome, so call (860) 675-4500 promptly.

Tips for Drying Water Damaged Drywall in Farmington

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our vehicles are fully stocked and ready to go to handle your water damage emergency.

Drying Wet Walls Due to Storm Flood Damage in Farmington

There are many problems to solve for those who suffer storm flood damage, but one of the most vexing is how to dry wet walls and restore them wet to their previous condition.

Doing this takes specialized expertise, and the SERVPRO professionals who deal with storm flood damage in Farmington have what it takes. They offer a unique combination of equipment, knowledge, and precise procedures to dry your wet walls, and the process starts with pretesting. Cleaning a wet wall is trickier than dealing with a dry one, mainly because wet walls are easier to damage, so a thorough assessment is essential.

The first major physical step is to move the furniture, then remove the wall hangings. SERVPRO techs use plastic drop cloths to protect these household items, and if the walls are especially soiled, the techs take specific steps to eliminate the dirt. This process clears the work area, which allows SERVPRO techs to apply the cleaning solution then. During this process, we clean the walls in sections and then apply rinse solutions. We use the same attention to detail to apply the rinse solution.

Next, our techs remove the cleaning solution. After the rinse solution is applied, the process starts again to dry the walls; baseboards, door jambs, and trim moldings get special attention because of the level of details involved in cleaning them.

After completing the water damage restoration job, we re-hang your pictures to the wall. Our technicians remove the drop cloths\ from the furniture, which is then carefully put back in place as well. If there is enough damage to warrant the removal of any of these items, SERVPRO techs can safely move them. 

To get this kind of expertise applied to your storm flood damage situation, call SERVPRO of the Farmington Valley at (860) 675-4500, night or day, and get your wet walls cleaned and dried quickly and thoroughly.

More about Farmington.

Our Team Responds Right Away In Farmington After A Flood

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

We have the state of the art equipment, expertise and experience to restore your flood damage right away. Call us anytime day or night.

Flood Damage Farmington – Restoration After a Flood

Many consumers are devastated after floodwaters have entered their home. These homeowners assume that everything is destroyed. Many are especially concerned about relevant documents and heirlooms that might have been touched by the floodwaters.

SERVPRO has been providing flood damage services in Farmington and the surrounding area for over 40 years. We live in the community and have had experience with almost every kind of disaster possible. Our teams are ready to respond on a 24 hour/ 7 day a week basis and are usually on-site within four hours of the first call.

Flooding Presents Challenges

Floodwaters often carry many chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and sewage. All of these items can be dangerous to human health if not handled properly and safely. Many consumers see their homes covered in silty material left over after the water has receded. Still, there are many other dangerous pathogens contained in the silt left in your home.

SERVPRO has had lots of experience dealing with these conditions. We have the equipment to remove the water and silt, the cleaning processes, and disinfectants to deal with viruses, bacteria, and more. Some items cannot be satisfactorily cleaned and must be discarded. We can review every item with you and your insurance adjuster to explain what can be restored and those items we cannot save.

Rest assured that SERVPRO aims to restore everything possible within your home. Flood damage restoration includes repairs to the structure if needed and, of course, the contents. Subcontractors may be needed to make repairs to structural items, install new flooring, and more. We make sure that every restored item has been placed back in your home, perform a final inspection, and we have removed all of our equipment. Your home is dry, clean, and humidity levels have returned to normal levels.

When SERVPRO responds to a flood damage event, we aim to return your home to its original condition, "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley at (860) 675-4500 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Simsbury, North Canton, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Farmington.

Some Ways to Avoid Simsbury Flood Damage Situations From Escalating

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen quickly and leave you needing mitigating circumstances. Contact SERVPRO immediately.

Heating Surfaces to Concentrate Drying Efforts in Simsbury Homes

Keeping a firm grasp on the most effective drying strategies is part of how we can effectively manage flood loss situations damaging Simsbury homes. With how quickly those situations can get out of control, especially natural flooding scenarios, often multiple extraction and drying tactics are necessary to return the property to preloss condition. For specific points that require focused drying attention after extraction and general drying practices have already started, we can utilize heating techniques. 

The application of heat is nothing new to our traditional drying practices, though a more concentrated use can have a more direct effect on flood damage in Simsbury homes. Portable heaters are devices capable of focusing blasts of direct heat onto specific materials that can expedite the drying process in specific situations. Most often, the heaters that our SERVPRO team uses warm up coils inside the unit and transfer that heat into airflow moved by the air mover function of the electric heater. 

This process is very effective in the limited applications that we use it for, as it can allow for much faster evaporation of moisture in saturated construction materials and contents. Wood materials are the most accepting of this treatment, and the positioning of electric heaters around saturated wood framing and structural elements can make the drying process efficient enough to protect these fixtures from requiring removal and reinstallation. 

Direct heating is not ideal for all situations, however. Though flooding can often affect many surfaces and contents throughout a property, electric heaters can often harm the material itself. Improper use can lead to deterioration, so careful considerations get made before their application in drying situations by our production manager. 

Portable electric heaters can offer rapid evaporation of saturation in wood materials and similar structural elements, helping the overall recovery process after flooding to be more efficient. Let our SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley team show you all the ways we can make flood losses “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (860) 675-4500.

Click here for more information about the town of Simsbury.

We Discuss Materials Used During Our Restoration Process In Avon

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Understanding Materials Helps Resolve Flood Damage in Your Avon Home Faster

Flooding is unfortunate and costly to resolve when it affects your Avon property. Working fast to resolve a flooding situation is crucial because taking longer to fix the issue leads to unnecessary secondary damages. Although several factors determine the speed at which the restoration is done, understanding the materials involved can lead to a faster resolution. Fortunately, working with a professional like SERVPRO helps because training and experience help our technicians understand materials better.

Sometimes Water Bonds with Materials
Water removal is an integral part of solving flood damage incidents in Avon. The process itself involves different stages, such as extracting standing water and drying wet materials. Proper understanding of how water interacts with different materials can help conclude the process faster. In this regard, there are three types of water:

    •    Surface Water
    •    Free Water
    •    Bound Water

Surface water is what lies on the surface of a material and therefore readily pumped or wiped out. Free water is what materials absorb through contact. Bound water is the most complex and occurs when absorbed water becomes chemically bound with the cells of a material such as wood thus complicating removal. Our SERVPRO technicians address each situation easily using advanced equipment or processes. For instance, heating materials helps breakdown chemical bonds releasing bound water.

Wetness Leaves Some Irreparable Damage in Materials
Floodwaters spread all over the property affecting different materials. Some like drywall panels and some types of insulation are unsalvageable after contact with water because it compromises structural integrity among other problems. Our SERVPRO technicians remove such materials immediately we start the restoration instead of wasting time trying to clean and dry them, thus improving the turnaround time.

Contaminants Can Make Materials Unsalvageable
Floodwaters are a cocktail of contaminants including harmful chemicals and even biohazards. Contact with the water spreads such contaminants all over the property. Although it is possible to sanitize some materials after contact with floodwaters, heavy contamination affecting porous materials eliminates such possibility. Our SERVPRO technicians remove carpets, pad, and other porous materials for immediate disposal then focus on other cleaning tasks.

Restoring flood damage fast takes the right skills. Call SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley at (860) 675-4500 to help clean up and rebuild your Farmington, Simsbury or Canton property. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Avon click here.

Our Technicians Will Save Your Home In Avon After A Flood

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Restoring Your Avon Residence After Flood Damage Is Easier With Specialists

Unforeseen emergencies like flash flooding happen in the Avon region every year, and they wreak havoc in the lives of property owners. Floodwater can soak carpets, stain or rust metal, warp wooden furniture and paneling or cause mold to proliferate in drywall. It could cost thousands to repair your house after the floodwater has damaged it. We assist our customers in reducing these costs to the maximum degree possible.

If your Avon property has flood damage, you can count on SERVPRO to help you with the restoration efforts. We can check your home to document the full extent of the damage to determine which work to carry out urgently. Our technicians can determine which items need speedy attention to prevent secondary damage, which ones are beyond restoration and the ones that are not at immediate risk of further destruction. We also capture images and document the loss for insurance purposes.

Our experts can then assist you in developing a practical plan for restoring your house to a comfortable, safe condition once again. We offer 24-hour, 7-day emergency services to restore homes and the possessions that floods have ruined. We work together with all loss adjusters and insurance firms with a simple mission to:

• Dry the house as quickly as possible
• Ensure that contaminated water does not compromise your health
• Prevent secondary damage to undamaged belongings
• Minimize your insurance claim costs

Our crew removes the damp items that can ruin polished surfaces and places wooden furniture on blocks so that water does not wick up the legs. If floodwaters have soaked through your carpeting, we can remove and discard it appropriately. We have advanced equipment like portable and truck-mounted pumps that enable us to complete the water extraction process quickly. We also use air movers to increase the rate of evaporation by lifting moisture from the surface into the air where dehumidifiers can collect and remove it. Combining air movers and dehumidifiers creates a complete drying system.

Contaminated water could present a health risk to the occupants of a home if it is not decontaminated thoroughly. Floodwater may contain sewage and other types of contaminants from nearby industrial premises. Our SERVPRO team takes care during the cleaning process to prevent the risk of infection, and this includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like rubber gloves, boots, eye protection, and full bodysuits. We also use antimicrobial or antibacterial products to sanitize the entire affected area so that a property is safe for inhabitation.

When flooding has ruined your house, and you need the help of knowledgeable professionals, contact SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley at (860) 675-4500. Our competent technicians can assist you to overcome the impact of the water-related crisis. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Avon click here.

Are You Prepared for a Winter Storm? - Be Safe!

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

Be safe and prepared during winter weather events.

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

  • WINTER STORM OUTLOOK - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
  • WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
  • WINTER STORM WATCH – Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36-48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
  • WINTER STORM WARNING – Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin with 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Regardless of the severity of a winter storm, you should be prepared in order to remain safe during these events. SERVPRO of the Farmington Valley encourages you to learn about the hazards they may face during a winter storm and prepare for all types of emergencies by writing an emergency plan, choosing a meeting place, gathering supplies for your home, and preparing a Go Bag in case they need to leave their home in a hurry. Make a disaster plan with your household members to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Make a plan that best suits your needs and the needs of your household.

Be Prepared for a Severe Thunderstorm - Tips from the Red Cross

1/5/2019 (Permalink)

Storms can be frightening and devastating.

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 and is a charitable organization that relies on donations and volunteers to carry out their mission. The Red Cross provides disaster relief, blood donations, military family support, training and certification in CPR, lifeguarding and first aid. The Global Red Cross Network can be found in 187 countries throughout the world. SERVPRO began a partnership with the America Red Cross in 2013 and became a Disaster Responder partner in 2016. The Disaster Responder program provides those in need with support, comfort and assistance in times or disaster. Disaster Responders help communities prepare for disasters before they even happen!

Some safety tips the Red Cross recommends in order to prepare for severe thunderstorms are:

  • Listen to the local news via television or the radio for emergency updates.
  • Put off participation in outdoor activities if thunderstorms are predicted.
  • Pay attention to the weather around you. Watch for signs of a storm such as darkening skies, high winds, and lightening. Lightening can happen even without rain.
  • If a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued get to a safe location. Find shelter or get in a vehicle with the windows closed.
  • Do not use electronics such as telephones, computers, televisions, etc.
  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Do not take a bath, shower or partake in activities that use running water.
  • If you’re driving, pull safely off the road and use your flashers.
  • Do not touch metal surfaces that can conduct electricity.
  • Stay out of pools, or bodies or water.

For more information on being prepared for storms, go to redcross.org.

Keep Your Walkways Safe This Winter

1/5/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning snow from walkways ensures a safer winter.

Keeping your walkways clean and safe this season can prove to be a challenge with family and friends home for the season. That being said, there is a number of things you can do to prevent ice from forming, or to get it to disappear quickly. Follow these simple tips:

  • Shovel snow in a timely manner - There is no better way of preventing ice than shoveling your walkways as soon as possible. The longer the snow sits, the higher chance for ice to form.
  • Shovel away from your walkway - By shoveling away from your walkway you will prevent melting snow from melting onto your walkways and creating puddles that will eventually turn into ice.
  • For temperatures below freezing but above 15 degrees Fahrenheit - Use Rock Salt.  Rock salt lowers the freezing point and prevents ice from forming.
  • For temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit - Use Calcium Chloride also known as De-Icer. Calcium Chloride also lowers the freezing point but it works until about 0 degrees.
  • Sand - Place sand over any slick areas as it helps to creates traction.

When Storms or Floods hit Avon, SERVPRO is ready!

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Avon, CT, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 860.675.4500