Rapid, Effective Water Damage Results in Tarrytown

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides 24-hour water damage restoration service to your home or business in Tarrytown.

Choose Water Damage Restoration with SERVPRO in Tarrytown

Once a destructive water event occurs in your home or commercial property, you need to act fast. Water travels quickly into dry spaces, saturating building materials and creating moisture pockets in hidden areas. Moisture migration stops when skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) are there to handle water removal services and drying. SERVPRO is available 24/7 to begin water mitigation and restoration efforts to bring your property back to pre-water event condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Locally Owned and Operated SERVPRO for Water Damage in Tarrytown

We care about area residents and business owners, so we bring care, experience, and precision to each water damage restoration project in Tarrytown. Early intervention is critical while following our restore versus replace motto, which helps prevent avoidable secondary damage and cuts the overall restoration cost.

Containment is Vital when Addressing Water Damage

Once we arrive and perform the initial assessment of the areas impacted, containment measures get put into place. We work with poly sheeting and other methods to create physical barriers while our technicians implement power-drying techniques around work zone perimeters. Everything gets done to cut back on moisture migration or track any soils present within the affected areas. Our basic drying principles include the following major elements:

• Proper airflow
• Optimum temperature
• Humidity reduction

How Do Water Removal Services Work?

SERVPRO focuses on handling the extraction of standing water almost immediately upon arrival. We have various strategies to address pooling and surface water within your structure using a combination of industrial-grade tools and equipment in our inventory. Some of the elements used include:

• Pumps – Including submersible, gas-powered, truck-mounted extractors, etc.
• Extractors – Including extensions and attachments to get into areas like carpeting, carpet padding, wood plank floors, etc.
• Vacuums – Lightweight, portable vacuum units are great for handling shallow pooling, multi-story structures, etc.

All Water Affected Areas Need Thorough Drying for the Best Results

There is no one way to handle drying in all water damage projects. Each property is unique, so our IICRC-certified technicians adapt as needed, adjusting the number of drying equipment units to achieve our goals. We handle all levels of drying to return your property to pre-water loss condition, including:

• Cavities and tight spaces – We must remain diligent in drying areas where water may have become trapped. This includes cavities behind walls, under stairwells, beneath cabinetry, and more. In some cases, we put boreholes (weep holes) into the walls and force air inside to speed up the drying process.
• Surface level drying – Whatever water is not pulled up by pumps, squeegees, and vacuums must be dried with equipment like industrial-grade box fans and centrifugal air movers.
• Building materials – Any building materials impacted by moisture must get dried, including drywall, carpeting, flooring, and structural wood.

What Equipment Does SERVPRO Have that I Don’t?

Many of the tools and equipment we stock our Green Fleet with are either unattainable or difficult to find in traditional stores. For example, dehumidification equipment is paramount with all water-related calls:

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

• These units are highly effective, even in colder conditions.
• The dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air with chemical attraction rather than condensation.
• We often utilize this humidifier style when pulling water from challenging materials, such as hardwood flooring.

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers

• These units work to lower and maintain relative humidity (RH), condensing airborne water molecules into liquid.
• They feature a double cooling system that facilitates more moisture removal.
• The units are great in challenging spaces with higher amounts of moisture.

Whether a commercial or residential water damage incident, big or small, you can count on SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford to get results. Request help online or call us for 24/7 response at (914) 358-9000.

How to Repair Water Damage to Floors in Dobbs Ferry

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's injectidry system saves hardwood flooring in Dobbs Ferry from extensive water damage and demolition

SERVPRO Has Significant Expertise in Water Cleanup and Floor Restoration

Water intrusion can cause damage to a property in many ways. However, flooring is often where water intrusion has the most impact. Professional restoration technicians have several methods to overcome the challenges presented by floor damage. Usually, the most effective method is determined by the type of floor surface. In residential properties, common floor surfaces might be carpets, laminate, hardwood, or, in the case of basement flooding, concrete. Each of these materials requires a different approach which means technicians need to be well-rounded in their water restoration knowledge and utilize a wide range of drying equipment. SERVPRO technicians receive qualifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certifications (IICRC) for water restoration. We can help with:

• Wet carpets
• Water mitigation
• Water damaged floors

Floors that have water damage in your Dobbs Ferry can become susceptible to mold, structural weakness, or discoloration. Carpets may suffer from delamination, the peeling away of the adhesive between the fibers and base, or compression of the fibers themselves. Laminate flooring tends to distort following exposure to moisture which presents itself as surface bubbling. Since floors are comprised of several layers, including a subfloor, it can often be time-consuming to get to the source of the issue. One effective method of reducing drying times is creating a smaller drying chamber that allows for higher concentrations of warm air or dehumidification.

• Technicians place air-proof polyethylene sheets to set up drying chambers and seal the drying chamber with tape.
• Air movers or dehumidifiers can be fed into the drying chamber and sealed, allowing them to provide concentrated drying action to the specific area of flooring.
• Drying tents are most useful in rooms with high ceilings or lots of air space because they allow technicians to control atmospheric conditions better.

If your floors are damaged by water intrusion, contact SERVPRO of Tarrytown / Elmsford for water damage restoration at (914) 358-9000.

Key Steps in Water Restoration of a Tarrytown Property

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians have your back when it comes to Tarrytown water damage cleanup and restoration, "Like it never even happened."

Water Damaged Homes in Tarrytown can Recover with Professional Help

Water incidents in Tarrytown require the help of a professional water restoration team to return the home to its original condition. Whether the water damage is new or just newly discovered, there are real consequences to leaving standing water unattended, and every minute counts. Homeowners who reach out to certified water restoration technicians to assess the scope of the problem and take steps to remediate it typically mitigate their loss and return to their life as usual.

For professional water restoration help in Tarrytown, look no further than SERVPRO. Our staff shines because of its expertise and professionalism, which they demonstrate on every job we complete. Our group is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to handle the toughest jobs from beginning to end. 

As we arrive, we address the source of the issue and inspect your home closely to find where the water has traveled and the damage in its wake.

Many people who haven’t needed water damage and restoration services think that mopping up the water and drying the space is enough. Our SERVPRO crew will show you how water can settle behind cabinets and walls and weaken your drywall, among other things. A successful remediation process involves taking water extraction, drying, and treating it with anti-microbial solutions. Some of the equipment we use to achieve these goals may include:

• Desiccants and dehumidifiers to remove excess humidity
• Pumps and wand extractors to eliminate water
• Ultra-low volume foggers to disperse anti-mycotic solutions once the space is dry

Modern techniques and equipment help us restore your home, as does our expertise in the field, which is why SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is your ally when disaster strikes. Call our offices 24/7 at (914) 358-9000 and let us show you how, with our help, your home will look “Like it never even happened.”

Fixing Water Damage in Dobbs Ferry Bathrooms after a Leak

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have the training needed for the help of your home.

A Room in  Dobbs Ferry Residence Requires Attention after Water Damage

The bathroom can be a common area for a water damage event to occur. Because there are so many plumbing fixtures and piping within the walls of the small space, a single damage event can be destructive to both the building elements and the contents of the bathroom. We can help quickly.

Identifying the Cause

When water damage in Dobbs Ferry occurs, it can be challenging to clean and restore depending on the case. The rupture of plumbing lines, for example, can be more widespread and destructive than the bathroom area alone. Our production managers work with the customer to inspect the affected areas and determine what plumbing portions are involved and the mitigation actions necessary to help. Common water damage catalysts include:

• Faucets
• Pipe leaks
• Separations
• Bad drainage
• Freezing

Wall Systems

Because most of the plumbing is stored within the wall systems, the entire structural cavity can become impacted when leaks or separations occur. With sensitive materials in this construction like wood framing, insulation, and surface drywall, resolving trapped water in these structural systems is critical.

Plumbing

Another consideration for affected areas is the damage to the plumbing network. With a contractor license, we can provide many of the repairs your property needs, including the reinstallation of impacted plumbing and fixtures. We determine the system's condition for any additional replacement needs for upcoming concerns as well. 

Flooring

While installing water-resistant flooring is common in bathrooms, when these problems begin in the structure of cavities, it is not complicated for water to penetrate underneath the surface layer and start impacting sensitive subflooring options. Moisture detection tools must identify quickly when this migration occurs to respond with effective drying techniques.

Water damages frequently occur in bathrooms, so having a team of experienced professionals capable of helping quickly is beneficial. Our SERVPRO of Tarrytown / Elmsford crew features many WRT-Certified technicians and mitigation specialists. Give us a call now at (914) 358-9000.

When Trash Pumps Are Best for Tarrytown Water Mitigation

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

When you have an appliance malfunction in your home, SERVPRO water mitigation techs is the team to have. We will be on-site within 4 hours. Call now!

Water Mitigation Is Aided Using Powerful Extractors in Tarrytown Homes

From damaged appliances to water main breaks in your property, the need for water mitigation services is critical and urgent when these disasters occur. We appreciate the needs of your home and are available to help 24/7 when disasters strike with effective extraction tools like trash pumps.

The Choice of Extractors

Choosing the right extraction and water removal tool is vital in the water mitigation of Tarrytown homes. Water removal services are among the most necessary emergency services we provide customers after water damage events, and many variables impact the type of tool required. Wet vacuums are among the most versatile in our inventory, but choices like using trash pumps depend on:

• Depth of the water damage
• Impacted materials
• Trapped water
• Mold prevention

Deep Extraction Needs

Trash pumps are among the most powerful extraction devices in recovery inventory. They are ideal for situations where several inches or more of standing water exist. Depending on the size of the intake and discharge hoses for the unit, hundreds of gallons per minute (GPM) can be managed. A standard 2-inch intake of high-pressure pumps and stationary units can discharge more than 150 GPM.

Self-Sufficient Water Removal

Many instances where available electricity is limited. To combat this, we have several extraction devices and other restoration tools that do not require direct electricity or can be chained together to limit the needed power stores. Trash pumps run on fuels, making them ideal for situations where power might not be readily available.

Multiple tools are used to restore and recover homes after water damage events. It is critical to identify what extraction tools can complete the necessary tasks as fast and thoroughly as possible, and this job can fall to a powerful tool like the self-priming trash pump. Give our SERVPRO of Tarrytown / Elmsford team and its extensive inventory of recovery tools a call at (914) 358-9000.

How Water Restoration Companies in Dobbs Ferry Can Help You

3/19/2022 (Permalink)

Water restoration by SERVPRO is top-notch. We use the latest technology and equipment no matter the size of disaster.

Restore Your Home by Hiring Water Restoration Companies in Dobbs Ferry Like SERVPRO

I’m feeling alarmed because my home has sustained water damage. Whom can I trust to clean up the mess and dry my house quickly?

You can trust water restoration companies in Dobbs Ferry to bring things back to normal after a water intrusion incident. SERVPRO is a leading restoration firm and is ready to assist you at any time. We take various steps to restore water-damaged homes, with every step serving an essential purpose. We can identify and remove the water and contaminants by doing the following:

• Assessment and inspection
• Water extraction
• Drying and dehumidification
• Cleaning and disinfecting
• Rebuilding

Assessment and Inspection

Our SEVRPRO team can make a detailed assessment of the water damage. We can use moisture sensors to determine how much work needs to be done. The handle of a moisture sensor contains a buzzer and a sensor light. When the points come across moisture, the buzzer beeps, and the sensor light flashes red. The buzzer and light change in intensity based on the degree of moisture present.

Water Extraction

We can use portable extractors containing a pump, heater, and vacuum system to remove water from floors. We also use them to clean upholstery and carpets.

Drying and Dehumidifying

After physically extracting water from a home, our SERVPRO team uses air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the materials that still contain moisture.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Our SERVPRO team can work to preserve as much of your possessions as possible through wet cleaning, dry cleaning, or spray and wipe cleaning. We can also remove and dispose of the damaged materials at this stage. We can also remediate mold if it is present.

Rebuilding

This involves returning your home to its original condition. For instance, we can replace the materials that sustained permanent damage and repair damaged drywall.

If you are looking for a trusted water restoration company, call SERVPRO of Tarrytown / Elmsford at (914) 358-9000. We can make the water damage seem, “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Restoration in Tarrytown Requires Professional Services

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians use state of the art equipment for every size disaster. Call now!

SERVPRO Has a Qualified Water Damage Restoration Team in Tarrytown

Water damage is a menace that almost all homeowners in the United States face. It can be a source of immense stress and extensive damage if not tackled well and early enough.

For this reason, SERVPRO has competent technicians and advanced equipment required to perform water damage restoration in affected Tarrytown residences. The process we implement varies depending on the magnitude of the damage, but it can be simplified into the steps below:

• Evaluating the damage
• Water extraction
• Drying and dehumidification
• Cleaning
• Full restoration

Evaluating the Damage

Upon getting to your residence, our technicians can inspect the flooded area and assess the amount of damage sustained. This enables us to determine the right course of action.

Extracting the Water

Our SERVPRO technicians can remove the water by using light wands, stationery tools, or vacuum squeegees, depending on the affected surface. Light wands are ideal for removing water from glue-down carpets. Vacuum squeegees are suitable for extracting water from hardwood, concrete, vinyl, and laminate floors. Self-propelled tools are ideal for removing water from cushions and carpeting.

Drying and dehumidification

Our technicians can use moisture meters to check areas where water or excess humidity has accumulated. We can use axial air movers to minimize drying time and improve evaporation at the surface level. We then use dehumidifiers to remove water vapor from the building.

Cleaning

SERVPRO technicians can use industrial-grade cleaners to clean all the affected, salvageable items. We also disinfect the affected surfaces to kill any mold that might have grown or prevent further mold infestation.

Full Restoration

Our SERVPRO technicians can carry out restoration activities like repainting the affected areas and replacing drywall panels to restore your residence to full functionality.

SERVPRO of Tarrytown / Elmsford takes pride in providing water damage restoration services. Contact us at (914)358-9000. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Damage DO'S and DON'TS

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water on hardwood floor

Water Damage DO'S and DON'TS

SERVPRO is a Franchise company with over 38 years of leadership. Our track record of results has earned us trust of the insurance industry, countless homeowners, and in one unforgettable instance, even the Pentagon. 

SERVPRO Franchise professionals are a team of specialists, trained to professionally clean your home and personal Belongings. 

What Can the Customer do before there is any professionals around to help? SERVPRO has some tips for you. 

Water Damage Clean Water DO'S

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors. 
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

Water Damage Clean Water DON'TS

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining. 
• Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining. 
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Water Damage Contaminated Water DO'S

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated air.
  • Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
  • Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 
  • Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants. Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items. 

Water Damage Contaminated Water DON'TS

• • • Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
    • Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 

    These Emergency Tips will assist you in taking the proper action until your SERVPRO Franchise Professional arrives. 

The Water You Don't See

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Hidden Water Damage

It's the Water you don't see, that causes the most damage.

About SERVPRO Franchise Professionals 

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely clean and restore your home, utilizing the following procedures:

• Identify the Source/Type of water
• Measure Temperature and humidity for drying analysis
• Survey the extent of damage and inspect premises for hidden moisture
• Preform Emergency water extraction
• Move and block Furniture & Contents
• Inspect Carpet Pad/Carpet and provide service
• Apply necessary treatments (Disinfectants/Deodorization)
• Utilize Advanced Drying and monitoring equipment
• Dispose of refuse 

 Areas that can be affected by a Small Water Leak

• Sheathing
• Wall Stud
• Insulation
• Interior Area
• Drywall
• Baseboard
• Carpet
• Carpet Padding
• Bottom Wall plate
• Subfloor
• Floor Joist
• Sill Plate
• Basement 
• Foundation

A Small Leak Could Be a Big Problem! 

There's no such thing as a small disaster, especially when a small leak now could blossom into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on subfloors, causing major problems over time. Instead of trusting untrained eyes, help ensure the value of your client's property by calling a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages set in. To help small leaks from becoming big problems call 1-800-SERVPRO.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service

SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 914-358-9000

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford

SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Frozen Pipes

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

icicles

Severe winter weather ranks third as a cause of insured catastrophe losses, after hurricanes and tornadoes, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Losses from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures across the United States average about $1.2 billion a year, according to the New York Times.

Have a water damage as a result of pipes freezing? Call Us Today – (914) 358-9000

Preparing your home for cold weather can help avoid potentially costly problems, like frozen pipes. When water freezes it expands. That’s why a can of soda explodes if you put it into a freezer to chill quickly and forget it. When water freezes in a pipe, it expands the same way. If the water expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes, and major damage can begin.

Take preventative action:

• Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest
• Seal air leaks surrounding or near pipes
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage
• Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing
• Keep heat at 55 degrees F. or higher even when you are out of town
• During a cold spell turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night
• If you need to be away from home, leave the heat on and drain your water system before you go
• Identify the locations of shutoff valves so that you are prepared to stop the flow of water as soon as possible when a pipe bursts

To thaw frozen pipes:

•  If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe.  Likely places include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open.  As you treat the pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area.  Running water will help melt the ice inside.
•  Apply heat to the section of pipe like using an electric heating pad or hairdryer.  Never use an open flame.
•  Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.  If you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

 Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes.

***If in doubt about any of the above steps or if you do not feel comfortable with the situation, it is always best to contact a licensed plumber.

In the event you incur frozen pipe damage, SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford's trained technicians are available 24/7 to assist with your cleanup and restoration needs,  call (914)358-9000! 

7 Tips to Avoid Bursting Pipes

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

icicles forming on side of house

7 Tips to Avoid Bursting Pipes

Let's start off by explaining why water pipes burst in the first place. 
As the temperature drops down, the water freezes expanding inside the pipe. This causes pressure on the pipe itself. When the pressure gets too high, the pipe ruptures. How this actually happens is through a chemical anomaly. As a liquid cools, its molecules begin to slow down. As they slow down, the molecules get closer together causing them to become more dense. However, water molecules try to align with other water molecules based on their hydrogen bonds, and this is what causes the expansion. Interestingly enough, ice has a volume up to 9% greater than the water it was formed from. You can also think of it as, ice is less dense but takes up more space. This is the reason why icebergs float. 
Now let's take a look at some tips you can do to avoid bursting pipes when the temperature drops down.  

Indoor:

• If the temperatures dip below freezing, let warm water drip overnight
• Keep the cabinet doors under sinks and appliances open to allow heat circulation
• Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving for a few days

Outdoor:

• Wrap outside faucets
• Caulk around pipes where they enter the house
• Disconnect garden hose
• Drain in-ground sprinkler systems 

Source: Berry, Nick. "Why Cold Weather Makes Your Water Pipes Burst"

Water Damage Response Tips for Property Owners

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Wet wood floor

Water Damage Response Tips for Property Owners

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. The two primary components of a proper water restoration are: 1) fast action; and 2) thorough drying. 

• Identify the source of water and take immediate steps to stop further intrusion.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and other table top items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and carpet.
• Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpets.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Avoid the use of all electrically-powered devices while standing on wet carpets or floors.

If you have any questions or need to help ensure your property is drying properly, contact SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford at (914) 358-9000. 

Pipe Bursting Season

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you have a pipe burst this season, call SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford immediately so we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Water pipes burst because the water inside them expands is it gets close to freezing, and this causes an increase in pressure inside the pipe. When the pressure gets too high for the pipe to contain, it ruptures. 

When water freezes, its molecules crystallize into an open hexagonal form, which takes up more space than when the molecules are in their liquid form — that is, the water molecules expand as they freeze.

As the ice expands, it pushes water toward the closed faucet. This causes an immense amount of water pressure to build between the ice blockage and the faucet — eventually, the pipe ruptures under the pressure, usually at a spot where there's little or no ice.

Pipes that are the most at risk of bursting are those located outside of building insulation, or those in unheated interior areas, including basements, attics and crawl spaces.

If you have a pipe burst this season, call SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford immediately so we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Water Damage Process

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur anytime!

Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to pre loss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

ONE HOUR: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for service. You’ll know help is on the way!

FOUR HOURS: Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

EXPLANATION: A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

PRETESTING: A SERVPRO Franchise Professional will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.

EIGHT HOURS: Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.

CLEANING & RESTORATION: SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

Flooding: Be Prepared!

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford if your business or home has been affected by flood!

Tips from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for Preparing Your Home or Business for a Flood.

Before the Flood:

• Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.

During the Flood:

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.

After the Flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. 
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Remember the differences in the terms used by news reporters and emergency personnel. 

Flood Watch:

Flooding is possible. Listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Flash Flood Watch:

Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground.

Flood Warning:

Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately. 

Flash Flood Warning:

A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Roofs can let water in

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Close up image of roof shingles

This is the best time of the year to inspect your roof for leaks and have any repairs needed tended to. The weather is warm and it makes it so much easier to inspect inside and out. During the cold weather months is not a good time to discover that you have loose shingles exposing the roof wood decking to rain, snow, or ice. The cost of having a roof repair done in winter weather might even cost you more.

Examining the inside of your roof in the attic might be a job that you can handle yourself if you know what to look for. Actually, the best time to get in the attic to inspect is during a good rainfall. This way it is much easier to tell where a leak is coming from. If you find a place that is leaking, mark it in some way so you will be sure and know where it is again when you have it repaired. If you check when it is not raining, you may be able to see spots on the floor, walls, or rafters where it has leaked and dried up. Check for signs like this on the insulation as well. Checking the rooftop outside might present more of a problem than the inside. There can always be an element of danger anytime you climb up onto a rooftop. If you are not afraid of heights and are sure footed enough, you might be able to handle it, but anytime the roof it very sloped or you have a fear of heights, it is probably for the best if you have a professional contractor come out to inspect for you. Even if the roof top is visible to you pretty clearly, you might not be able to see where shingles are loose in spots and will be in danger of blowing off in a strong wind. This is not good to happen anytime because when it rains, the water can seep into cracks and possibly cause damage to wood surfaces underneath shingles and tar paper. Shingles around vent pipes and chimneys need to be checked carefully too