Dealing with Flood Damage in Danbury 

5/22/2024 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with water damage from a storm, call SERVPRO of Danbury to learn about a restoration solution for you.

Why Professional Restoration is Crucial 

Danbury, nestled in Fairfield County, Connecticut, faces its share of natural challenges, including flooding from severe storms. When disaster strikes, timely and professional restoration with SERVPRO® can make all the difference in preserving property and peace of mind. 

Understanding Flood Damage in Danbury 

• Location: Situated along the Still River and within the Housatonic River watershed, Danbury is prone to flooding, especially during heavy rainfalls and snow melt. 
• Impact: Floodwaters can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, causing structural damage, ruining belongings, and posing health risks due to contaminated water. 

Why Professional Restoration Matters 

1. Expertise: Trained professionals combine knowledge and experience to assess the extent of damage fully. 
2. Efficiency: Skilled restoration teams work swiftly to mitigate further damage and restore properties to pre-flood conditions. 
3. Safety: Dealing with flood damage requires proper protective gear and adherence to safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of occupants and workers. 
4. Equipment: The best restoration companies utilize advanced equipment and proven techniques to extract water, dry affected areas, and prevent mold growth. 
5. Comprehensive Services: Professional restoration offers a complete solution for flood-damaged properties, including water removal, structural drying and mold remediation.

Trust SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield 

• With extensive experience in handling flooding and water damage in the Danbury area, SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield is your trusted partner in restoration. 
• Our IICRC-trained and certified technicians are equipped to handle any size disaster, providing prompt and reliable service to minimize disruption and restore peace of mind. 

Don't let flood damage overwhelm you. Trust SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield for swift and effective flood damage cleanup and water damage restoration. 

When flood damage occurs in Danbury, professional restoration is the key to swift recovery. Request help online or call our experts at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920 to handle the aftermath with precision and care. We are here for 24/7 cleanup and restoration you can count on.

Fast Water Removal is Crucial for Storm-Damaged Danbury Homes

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

For fast and efficient service call SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920.

SERVPRO Helps Danbury Residents with Water Removal 

When storm-related flooding inundates Danbury homes, homeowners must act fast to safeguard their residences. If not, they risk suffering even more significant losses and additional expenses as time progresses. Fortunately, local remediation firms like SERVPRO have the experience and equipment to help you avoid these potentially costly and time-consuming pitfalls.

After you call SERVPRO and our technicians arrive on-site, we work quickly to complete water removal at your Danbury property. Whether you require significant biohazard remediation like sewage cleanup or essential water removal services and water damage repairs, SERVPRO can usually finish your project more swiftly and effectively than other area firms. This is of paramount importance because floodwaters often contain:

• Fungi, like mildew and mold, may eventually cause material or surface discoloration, the disintegration of drywall, dry rot in wood, and persistent foul odors
• Troublesome bacteria, including Clostridium Tetani and Salmonella, could impact your home’s overall livability.

In order to help prevent these potential flood-borne issues, our expert teams take the following actions: 

• Employ cutting-edge equipment like wet vacs and portable or truck-mounted extractors to remove standing floodwaters from interiors swiftly.
• Rapidly reduce residential moisture levels to below 60% relative humidity with powerful Injectidry systems and strategically-placed air mover-dehumidifier networks so that microorganisms like mold cannot develop. 
• Keep indoor temperatures under sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit to hinder microbe growth.
• Use antifungals and disinfectants to treat or eliminate microbial food sources, including organic materials like wood, drywall, insulation, and dirt.

So, as you can see, your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield are well-prepared to handle all your water removal needs. Keeping this in mind, the next time you need assistance overcoming the effects of flooding, don’t hesitate to call us at (203) 791-0920.

Our Certified Experts Are Committed To Restoring Your Ridgefield Home After A Flood

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Our diesel generators provide temporary power during storm restoration. We are available 24/7 when you need our professional services.

Protecting Homeowners from Basement Flood Damage in Ridgefield

Basements are one of the most vulnerable places in the home when it comes to flooding and other disasters. Even with proper precautions, this type of damage can wreak havoc on the foundation of your home and possessions. 

If the basement of your Ridgefield home has flood damage, you can count on your local SERVPRO to extract water, disinfect the area with EPA-registered cleaners, and dry it with commercial-grade equipment. This IICRC-certified team is committed to bringing homeowners who have endured natural disasters consistent, high-quality service that addresses their needs every time.

Preventive measures for basement floods:

• Install flood sensors. With the rise of smart home appliances, you can get almost immediate notification of water accumulation in your basement. The best places for these sensors are next to the water heater, sinks, toilets, and windows.
• Maintain your gutters. Clean gutters allow for the continuous free flow of water during storms. However, if gutters are partially or wholly clogged, this can redirect water into your home and potentially flood your basement. Position downspouts so that water can be guided at least 3 feet away from your home's foundation. You can even get extensions to prevent the accumulation of standing water near your basement.
• Consider the perimeter. It is crucial to ensure that water cannot get into the basement through the foundation or windows. Regularly inspect the foundation and window seals for potential cracks. Window wells at ground level are effective in keeping groundwater from entering the basement. 
• Use a sump pump. These are crucial for preventing minor flooding from turning into giant disasters. Be sure you know how to use it and make sure that it works.

What SERVPRO Can Do For You

While basements can often be more humid and prone to odors than other parts of the home, flooding can amplify this issue. During the cleanup process, Odor Control Technicians can use ultra low-volume (ULV) foggers to spread water or solvent-based deodorizers around the affected area after extraction and drying. SERVPRO's OSHA-approved cleaners, spray pumps, venting box fans, and HEPA filter air scrubbers all work toward eliminating odor-causing particles from surfaces, salvageable furniture, and even the air.

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield serves the community by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. You can call (203) 791-0920 for a cleanup that can start within hours.

Do Homeowners Have to Wait for Floodwater to Recede Before Cleanup Happens?

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

When a storm damaged this home, the owners called SERVPRO. We made the home, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Techs Have the Equipment to Handle Deep Water Situations in Danbury Homes 

When floodwater enters a Danbury residence and is clearly becoming more than a mop and towel cleanup job, you can bring in SERVPRO. In fact, the faster you begin the restoration process, the more potential there is to save things from requiring disposal. In situations such as flooding from a tropical storm or hurricane, it can be days before the water begins to recede because there is nowhere for it to go.

Can Homeowners Save Anything in Their Homes After Extreme Flood Damage?

When the flood damage that flows into your Danbury home involves standing water, the situation is difficult, but not necessarily everything requires disposal. SERVPRO technicians use both submersible and truck-mounted pumps to remove the water quickly so they can begin inspecting items in the room for restoration potential. 

Staging areas get set up, so the scoping of articles removed from the room can get looked at and cleaned in an organized fashion. Items with the best potential for reuse after coming into floodwater are:

• Glass and ceramics that can withstand sanitizing
• Washable fabrics
• Non-porous items generally undergo immersion cleaning 

The ability to find some silver lining because some things are restorable helps homeowners find some positive aspects of the stressful situation. Items that frequently require disposal after coming into contact with floodwater are:

• Paper products
• Anything with mold
• Furniture with water damage
• Porous items that absorbed the water 

Consumer electronics do not usually fare well after exposure to water. However, on a case-by-case basis, SERVPRO can arrange for the devices to be inspected and repaired by an electronics expert; testing devices beforehand is never advised as there is the danger of shock or permanent destruction. 

The articles removed from the worksite have two primary destinations. Each item goes to either the staging area for restoration or another place where the techs document the item's condition in a report and photograph it. This information gets given to the homeowner to help them with filing and, hopefully, expediting any insurance claims associated with the water damage to the structure and contents.

The electricity being off in the property does not hinder the restoration services in the slightest. SERVPRO techs bring their generators to power their equipment. After removing the water from the home, the techs remove the deteriorated portions of sheetrock using flood cuts as needed. Then they remove ruined carpet or hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring tends to lose its grip on the substrate after exposure to water and may even be floating on the floodwater surface. There is one type of flooring that has the potential to withstand this type of water damage. Ceramic tile with sealed grout lines gets scoped to determine if any seepage occurred; if the seal remained intact, this flooring type can dry in place and save the homeowner the cost of replacement. 

Drying a Danbury home, particularly one without working electricity, can seem daunting. SERVPRO techs create the following configurations regularly to ensure the house dries quickly and air quality improves. At the same time, that process goes on using equipment such as:

• Centrifugal air movers to deliver high-velocity airflow
• Dehumidification equipment to capture and port away water vapor
• High-powered heating units to increase the interior temperature
• Air scrubbers to capture any airborne particulate, including mold spores 

The techs use their moisture detection equipment to check both the interior air and structure during the drying phase of the restoration to make sure the property is drying as intended. This attention to detail ensures that the area gets dried entirely and then prepped for the needed repairs. 

Most floodwater has a strong, pungent odor, which gets compounded when the water comes in due to a tropical storm or hurricane. SERVPRO technicians clean the structure thoroughly after drying, and this goes a long way towards eliminating odors. If there are any scents left lingering in the property, the techs have many methods to use to neutralize residual odors at the molecular level, never to return. 

At this time, a detailed inspection to look for the presence of any opportunistic mold growth occurs and gets dealt with as needed. The techs have access to professional-grade antimicrobial cleaning agents and sealants to treat any areas prone to mold damage, such as wood studs and exposed framework. 

Call SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920 when storms leave flood damage in your home. The certified technicians arrived quickly and turned around the damage in your home to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Danbury Flood Damage Means Residents Need Rapid Storm Response

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO storm and flood damage restoration technicians have the equipment for every size disaster.

SERVPRO’s 24/7 Storm Flood Damage Assistance Is Here for Danbury Residents

Water damage of any kind can be costly, but it becomes more devastating when storm flooding starts to creep into every corner and crevice of your basement or first floor. Danbury residents need skilled technicians and rapid storm response to begin remediation as quickly as possible. SERVPRO offers a 24-hour response so that our mitigation crew can get in and start working fast. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster - saving you time and money even when disaster strikes.

SERVPRO follows careful flood damage protocols in Danbury to get residents the results they need after a storm. Not only are we quick to get in so we can assess the damage, but we also start on water removal services and any necessary demolition to get the process moving.

When Extraction Begins

• Our team may apply antimicrobials to help prevent bacteria and mold from growing on your contents, walls, and other surfaces.
• We set up a matrix of drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers to increase air movement and reach our drying goals.
• Every step of our process is monitored to adjust our equipment as needed to generate the desired result - often adding or moving pieces.

What About Controlled Demolition?

Controlled demolition is often necessary for storm flooding events, as any saturated building materials inundated by contaminated water must get disposed of. This may mean flood cuts to drywall, flooring and subfloor removal, and carpeting and carpet padding disposal. SERVPRO always works to try to restore versus replace as a way to save your interior and belongings. However, our team will keep you informed each step of the way, letting you know what can get salvaged and what calls for replacement. 

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield is the team you want if you experience flood damage after a recent storm. Give us a call at (203) 791-0920 to have a crew dispatched to your door!

How Many Contractors Needed for Ridgefield Storm Damage Cleanup?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Not only do we remove water from storm damaged homes, but we also provide emergency board up and tarping services.

SERVPRO Manages All Necessary Emergency Services After Ridgefield Storms and Flooding

Reduce the chaos and stress during storm damage cleanup in Ridgefield by hiring a reputable restoration firm with decades of commitment and a brick and mortar presence here in our community. When heavy weather hits our region, homeowners panicking because of a ripped-off roof and interior flooding might sign up with a door-to-door disaster recovery company. If that contractor disappoints, it might be impossible to demand better service because they move on, following the storm’s path. 

What Can SERVPRO Offer Ridgefield Residents Seeking Storm Devastation Relief?

Our owners and technicians are your neighbors, prepared to hit the ground running to provide high-quality Ridgefield storm damage mitigation and remediation. We watch the weather patterns just as you do, planning for the inevitable disaster by stocking our service vehicles and lining up our highly-qualified work crews. SERVPRO and our managers and technicians earn multiple certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) far in advance of the storm activity damaging your home, so we are ready to:

• Conduct a hazard assessment inside and outside of your storm-damaged home
• Control for the risks noted by shutting down the power, alerting utility companies if any lines appear damaged, blocking off spaces where the structural collapse happened or is imminent, and arranging for remediation of any biohazards encountered (sewage, asbestos, lead paint) 
• Board and tarp up exterior damage limit continued water incursion and creating containment pods around workspaces to limit drift of hazardous residues or infectious organisms

We also commence emergency services for water damage, including:

• Water removal and baseline moisture metering
• Containing contaminated water and arranging for lawful disposal as hazardous waste 
• Cleaning soiled surfaces with EPA-registered products following IICRC protocols
• Using moisture level data for both damaged and unaffected building materials to determine drying goals
• Designing, monitoring, and adapting a drying perimeter of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers

Rely on SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield for a full-service approach to water damage and flood restoration after extreme weather. Call for our local experts at (203) 791-0920.

Why Do Restorers Add Demolition to Danbury Flood Damage Chaos?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes we need to drill weep holes or make flood cuts to thoroughly dry the structure.

SERVPRO Employs All Appropriate Best Practices During Danbury Flood Restoration  

If you feel overwhelmed during the aftermath of torrential rains and winds causing Danbury flood damage, the last thing you expect to experience is more destruction, this time from the crews arriving to restore your home. Prepare yourself for momentary distress followed by relief once you understand the method behind the apparent madness of demolition during water damage restoration.

What Are the Goals of Partial Demolition During Flooding Remediation in Danbury?

Three primary reasons underlie purposeful “damage” to building materials during storm disaster response during basement flooding cleanup in Danbury. 

• Skilled demolition prevents sudden collapse of irreparably damaged building materials, controlling their removal to retain the integrity of your home’s overall structure and avoid injury to occupants or work crews.
• Timely controlled demolition prevents further migration of floodwaters into unaffected portions of building materials, limiting replacement time and expense.
• Partial demolition techniques facilitate the release of trapped water and improve access for flooding cleanup and applied structural drying efforts.

How Does SERVPRO Prepare for and Implement Planned Demolition?

Before any interventions, the SERVPRO team conducts a flood damage hazard assessment. We must make sure any action keeps you, our crews, and adjacent spaces of your home safe. The evaluation also identifies where and why controlled demolition is necessary, pinpointing areas containing trapped floodwater and significantly compromised structural components. Once we are satisfied that all risks are noted, we proceed as follows:

• Punching weep holes from room perimeters toward the middle to relieve the water weight and pressure on leaky ceilings
• Drilling or sawing drain holes at the base of walls whose cavities contain water from leaking roofs from the storm
• Measuring and making flood cuts between studs several inches above where the flood-soaked drywall disintegrates 

Have confidence that the professionals at SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield follow industry standards developed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) during flood damage remediation. Call (203) 791-0920 to set up a prompt assessment and discussion of options, including possible partial precision demolition

How Can Roof Damages Result in Flooded Danbury Homes?

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding Roof Damages Prepares Property Owners For This Possible Water Damage For Their Danbury Property. 

With a rapidly responding storm team, we can work to overcome many threats that your home might experience after hurricane-level events and Nor'easter storms. We have fast mitigation solutions for flood damages that threaten properties. 

Direct Storm Damages

Preventing flood damage to Danbury homes is not possible when severe weather events compromise the integrity of the building's envelope. Fallen trees, hail, and fierce winds can all be attributed to piercing holes or exposing vulnerabilities in the roof where water runoff can make its way inside. 

Heavy Snowfall Weight

Weighty snowfall can be another dire circumstance for homes and businesses, especially those with flat roofs capable of sustaining several feet of fallen snow after blizzard conditions. Without the appropriate temperature rise to melt this snow, the weight can be a crippling force on aging roofs. When vulnerabilities exist, water penetration follows. 

Ice Damming

Largely, one of the alarming possibilities during winter events like cold snaps is ice damming. Inconsistent insulation under the roof can cause snowmelt from escaping heat, which freezes along the roof's edges, forming a dam. Water backup pushes under shingles and roofing materials to penetrate the attic. 

SERVPRO is Here to Help

Having a credible team of experienced professionals nearby can make the restoration and recovery of flood-damaged properties happen more quickly and more thoroughly. With how fast flooding can spread in the property, you need a team of mitigators that can stop this migration with effective tactics and emergency services involving equipment and products like:

• Extractors
• Drying tools
• Content cleaning products
• Deodorizers

There are multiple ways that specific circumstances can damage your roof and ultimately cause effects like flood damage to the property. As challenging as these situations might be, we have experienced professionals to help with both the repairs required and flood cleanup for the property. Our SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield team is ready to help 24/7 at (203) 791-0920.

How to Sort Furniture and Belongings When Floodwater Enters a Danbury Home

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm damages your furniture and flooring, call SERVPRO for a fast storm damage restoration service for your home.

Homeowners in Danbury Count on SERVPRO for Flood Removal Services

Storms in Danbury can wreak havoc for its residents. Torrential rains can cause traffic, street closures, and power outages. Most importantly, homes can flood and leave their owners in difficult situations. Flood removal services provided by a team of certified water restoration technicians are crucial to minimizing a storm's adverse effects on a family's life.

Flood removal in Danbury is easily accessible by calling SERVPRO and our team of experts. Our certified team is ready to take action as soon as you call our 24/7 hotline and invite us into your home. Upon arrival, we assess the situation with safety in mind and carefully wear personal protective equipment while liaising with appropriate authorities regarding utilities or other areas of concern. Once it is deemed safe to enter, we document each of our observations and develop a work plan to return your home to pre-flood conditions as soon as possible.

Our SERVPRO clients often wonder what happens to their furniture when floodwater and debris come into the home. Our water removal and flood restoration team helps guide you through the process of salvaging or discarding items from your home. The most imminent risks associated with standing water include-

• Warping of wood flooring and furniture due to increased humidity. Excess moisture can also cause delamination of some flooring materials.
• Absorption of contaminated water in fabric such as upholstery and curtains. This can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold and often need to be discarded.
• Debilitation of dry-wall and other construction materials which may need to be removed and replaced.

Our staff at SERVPRO of Danbury/ Ridgefield is ready with hygrometers, moisture meters, and other state-of-the-art equipment to detect problem areas in your home. Call us at (203) 791-0920 and let us handle your water damage restoration needs.

Does Ridgebury Have Local Water Removal Services?

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has state of the art equipment to thoroughly dry out your property after a water mishap occurs. Call right away!

SERVPRO Can Help Ridgebury Residents with Sewage Cleanup, Flood Damage, and Water Damage Repairs

Ridgebury is a small suburban township that makes up a part of Ridgefield in Connecticut. The region, which is roughly an hour outside of New York City, has become a popular weekend vacation destination for people living in the large city. The local populace numbers some 24,638 permanent residents, with Ridgebury township making up a fraction of that number. Despite its relatively small size, Ridgebury maintains a strong reputation for its arts and culture, with several of the more flamboyant properties being designed by leading architects such as Raphael Vinoly and Cass Gilbert. Renowned impressionist J Alden Weir was another of Ridgefield's prestigious former residents, and the township maintains the studios of Weir as part of its national park. Contemporary arts and theater are among some of the leading attractions bringing people to Ridgebury, Connecticut. 

Ridgebury has a history as an important outpost fought over during the American Revolutionary War. The British first established the town in 1708 but fought over it just under seventy years later in The Battle of Ridgefield. The Main Street Cemetery in Ridgebury pays tribute to soldiers from both sides who lost lives during the skirmish. Connecticut proved to be a key strategic outpost during the war, allowing forces to control the Hudson River. The Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center is one tribute to the Battle of Ridgefield and even has British cannonballs still lodged into the structure from the skirmish. Visitors can receive an in-depth tour of the site, while the permanent collections include eighteenth-century artworks, memorials, and memoirs. 

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum focuses on providing a platform for some of the East Coasts' most exciting new artists. Rather than host a permanent collection, the Aldrich offers a rotating cast of first exhibitions for contemporary artists. Jasper Johns and Olafur Eliasson are just two prominent artists to have held their first exhibitions at Ridgebury.

The Ridgefield Playhouse and Prospector Theater are two of the main entertainment centers in Ridgebury. Both celebrate the region's love of performance art, with rosters typically covering a wide range of traditional, contemporary, and classic theater. Live concerts for jazz and classical can also be booked. ACT theater is solely dedicated to modern theater.

Seth Low Pierrepont State Park is 300 acres which include the serene Lake Narneka. The lake is open for both fishing and boating. A short drive away is the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden. The non-profit features award-winning landscapes, sculptures, and 7-acres of pristinely kept gardens.

SERVPRO in Ridgebury Can Help Restore your Home after Flood Damage

Properties that become flooded due to storms or other natural disasters can be at risk of sustaining permanent damages to their structure. All building assembly elements can be affected by flooding, particularly if the system remains wet for longer periods.

SERVPRO can assist with:

• Cleaning up after sewer backup
• Basement flooding cleanup 
• Water removal services

Most residential properties are built on a wooden frame. This framework is the basis from which layers of plaster, gypsum board, drywall, or paint are added. Wood frame is usually dimensional lumber and may not be given a finish or varnish. Exposure to large amounts of water, frames can expand or warp, causing property damage. 

• If wood frames' moisture content exceeds 20%, they can suffer from long-term damages like dry rot.
• Technicians can assess the state of wood frames using a penetrating moisture meter.
• Controlled drying using portable heaters and reducing vapor through dehumidification can help to restore wood frames.

Flooding can affect all aspects of a building assembly. Contact SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield for flood damage restoration at (203) 791-0920.

Flood Damage Calls for Immediate Water Clean Up in Ridgefield

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Our certified SERVPRO technicians first assess the flood damage in your home and then come up with a custom plan to remediate. Call right away!

Ridgefield locals can trust SERVPRO for emergency services water damage assistance after a storm

How prepared are you should a storm come through? With flash flooding in Ridgefield, you could expect to see basement flooding or the need for sewage cleanup, depending on the level of devastation. SERVPRO acts fast so that you can worry less and return your home to pre-storm condition “Like it never even happened.”

Once the storm begins to subside, our crew can be at your door, ready to work on your flood damage in Ridgefield in as little as a couple of hours. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and bring with us all of the right equipment for your water removal services project, including:

• Extraction equipment
• Dehumidifiers
• Air movers and industrial fans
• Additional lighting
• Safety equipment
• Heating and cooling equipment, as needed
• Inspection devices, and more

When called for any water clean up project, our crew chief on-site does a full assessment to determine the right equipment and tools to help us accomplish the task. We take the time to adjust our equipment accordingly to help us achieve cleanup and drying goals.

When you need water and flood damage assistance at your home, you can trust that our technicians at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield will get it done right the first time. You can contact us for 24/7 emergency response by calling (203) 791-0920.

Can Ridgefield Homeowners Find Professional Flood Damage Cleanup?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Storms may cause a havoc to your home. Call SERVPRO and let their technicians handle the dirty work for you.

SERVPRO Techs Clean and Restore Flooded Ridgefield Properties

Ridgefield, Connecticut, is among the longest-lasting communities in America and was first incorporated in 1709. This town, home to almost 25,000 people today, spans 35 square miles of land.

The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cool winters and an average of 3.3 to 4.99 inches of rain per month. These precipitation levels might not seem like much at first glance, but the average annual total of 52 inches far exceeds the contiguous United States average of 32 inches.

Artistic and cultural organizations and venues in Ridgefield include:

• The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra and the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra
• Historic sites like the Keeler Tavern Museum and Weir Farm National Historic Site
• The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, originally the Ridgefield Studio of Classical Ballet
• Thrown Stone Theatre Company, which emphasize the performance of contemporary plays
• The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

A New England Contemporary Art Hotspot

Ridgefield’s own Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum on Main Street is unique among museums. Not only does it not have a permanent collection to display, but it is the only Connecticut museum that focuses solely on showing contemporary artworks.

The museum was founded by Larry Aldrich in 1964 and seeded with funds from his art collection, which included such renowned modern artists as Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, and Pablo Picasso. Notable artists that have exhibited here early in their careers before enjoying wider acclaim include such cultural icons as Jasper Johns, Huma Bhabha, Eva Hesse, Robert Rauschenberg, and Frank Stella.

Some of the most famous exhibits at the Aldrich Museum include the following:

• Mary Beth Edelson’s Six Story Gathering Boxes (2014)
• Anselm Kiefer’s Velimir Chlebnikov (2006)
• Chris Doyle’s 50,000 Beds (2007)
• Xaviera Simmons’ Underscore (2013)
• Harmony Hammond’s Material Witness, Five Decades of Art (2019)

Additional exhibits that did not focus on one artist have covered such themes as tabletop art objects, portraiture, and contemporary Native American art.

Can SERVPRO Technicians Restore Damaged Documents?

Licensed SERVPRO professionals render flood damage cleanup for Ridgefield homes beginning as soon as mere hours after initial contact. Suppose homeowners’ electricity was affected by flooding. In that case, the team can provide power sources for mitigation tools and rebuilding services that help restore electricity to affected properties.

Among the most delicate tasks that the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) accredited professionals can offer documents preservation. A ground flood that affects a home office or living room that impacts essential business papers, family photos, or other items of great importance to property owners can often be archived digitally and potentially restored depending on the extent of the damage.

• Documents and books can be moved off-site to an approved SERVPRO warehouse during a pack-out
• Preservation is primarily done via freezing until a plan of action is formed for restoration
• Antiques and other valuables requiring specialized care can be referred to licensed professionals

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield provides emergency-response flood damage cleanup when property owners call (203) 791-0920.

SERVPRO Removes Water after Flood Damage in Danbury

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

We have the training, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your home to pre-damage condition after a flood. Call us right away.

Good Water Extraction is Key in Flood Damage Remediation

SERVPRO understands that the sight of your water-logged home after a storm is devastating. You want to get back to normal as quickly as possible, “Like it never even happened.”

An essential first step to combat flood damage in Danbury after a storm is thorough water extraction. Extracting as much water as possible at the beginning of the process means we can dry your home quicker and more effectively.

We have several pieces of equipment to help us extract water from floors and carpets:

• Free-standing pumps that vacuum up liquid.
• Truck-mounted pumps for more challenging jobs.
• Carpet extractors to press moisture from floor coverings.
• Carpet wands to draw water from carpet surfaces and hard to reach areas.
  
  

Once we have pumped away the water, we can turn our attention to drying your home. Our team can take care of everything from structural drying to drying out your carpets, drapes, furniture, and textiles. We can also send items away for specialist cleaning.

If you need help after flood damage, call SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 990-1864.

SERVPRO Can Help with Flood Damage in Danbury

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding is no match for SERVPRO. We are equipped and ready at a moment's notice to restore your home.

We are Experts in Danbury Flood Damage

Danbury is a vibrant city of more than 80,000 residents. Danbury has been around for a long time – settlers first came to Danbury in 1685 when eight families settled there. The settlers purchased land from the Pahquioque Native Americans, who had settled along the Still River's path.

Danbury's first settlers named it Swampfield due to its wetland location. However, the name did not stick, and a court decreed that the name should be Danbury. Like any town near a river, Danbury has long understood the power of water. This is especially true when you consider Danbury's long and proud hat-making history.

Danbury Crowns Them All

There were hat makers in Danbury before the revolution. However, in 1780 Zadoc Benedict became the proprietor of Danbury's first official hat shop:

• The factory was established on the main street.
• They had just three employees.
• The team made eighteen hats each week.
  
  

Local legend states that Zadoc Benedict was a felt-making pioneer who discovered the felt-making process by accident. After he plugged a hole in his shoe with rabbit fur, he observed how the hair wore down into felt over time. He used this knowledge to make felt hats from many local species.

This proud heritage earned Danbury the motto "Danbury crowns them all." At one point in the nineteenth century, the city produced 75% of the hat bodies for America's hat-making industry.

However, the hat industry in Danbury was not always harmonious. There were several long, nasty fights between hat factories and workers’ unions. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, there were several violent incidents between hat industry employees and workers who had been brought in to break the strikes. There were also arguments over the health of workers, for whom the use of mercury nitrate during felting caused an illness known as "mad hatter's disease" (this is where we get the phrase mad as a hatter.)

Unfortunately, the hat industry was waning by the 1920s. As it became more common to ride in covered carriages, and then later cars, there was less need for hats as protection from the elements. The last hat was made in Danbury in 1987.

Today there are still some old hat making sites visible in Danbury, and its legacy as The Hat City lives on, if only in memory.

The Disaster of a Broken Dam

In 1866, the Kohanza Reservoir was built to serve the hat industry. Three years later, in 1869, the dam on the Kohanza Reservoir broke, causing a disastrous flood of ice and water that took eleven lives. The flood moved boulders, uprooted trees, and caused significant damage to nearby houses and farmsteads.

SERVPRO Aids Flood Damage Cleanup

SERVPRO did not exist in 1869. However, these days we are on hand to help with flood damage cleanup. We can assist with:

• Assessing the situation and drawing up a plan of action.
• Disposing of unsalvageable materials.
• Drying your home and belongings quickly, so there is less chance of mold growth.
  
  

We can send your belongings to our facility for specialist cleanings, such as by Esporta washers or ultrasonic cleaners.

If you need help with flood damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 990-1864.

Can the Same Company Save Both My Ridgefield Home and Its Contents from Permanent Flood Damage?

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Do Not Feel Torn When Ridgefield Flooding Damages Your Belongings and Your Home -- SERVPRO Can Intervene Successfully for Both Types of Damage

Seasonal storm damage does not distinguish among what it harms when flood waters flow inside your abode. Everything is fair game for loss, regardless of whether the water came overland or through a ripped-off roof. If you are in the habit of storing clothes, books, documents, toys, and other rarely used items in your attic and your basement, you might feel a doubling of the onslaught if roof leaks and basement seepage are a two-fisted assault on your furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions.

How Can Flood Restorers Fix My House with All the Wet Personal Property in Their Way?

You are glad of our crews' committed effort inside your flood-damaged Ridgefield home, but wonder if they can manage efficiently with boxes of possessions and furniture in their way. Our equipment takes up room, and every time a new area is prepped for water removal or drying, technicians need to move or rearrange your wet belongings.

What Are Other Options for Wet Contents During Flood Damage Mitigation and Remediation?

If you have a large, dry, and secure area on your property to which SERVPRO can transport items, that space can act as a staging and storage area. We also offer a pack-out option where we move things to our production facility. Specially trained technicians process the packed-out items, documenting their condition and location with our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS). This data helps to provide proof for insurance claims, a digital record with details like photos and notes on the results of the cleaning, drying, disinfecting, deodorizing, and other restoration efforts.

Have confidence in the skills and options available from SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield when flood damage threatens your home and its contents. Call us at (203) 791-0920 to consult about the most advantageous way to handle water loss at this difficult time.

Click here for more information about Ridgefield.

New Homeowner Asks: Can Hurricanes Cause Flood Damage in Ridgefield?

6/14/2020 (Permalink)

Flood Damage in Ridgefield Can Have a Clear Link to the Atlantic's Hurricane Season, and SERVPRO Is Ready to Help Our Community During Stormy Weather

If you are new to our region and community, the chance that hurricanes and tropical storms can impact Ridgefield, causing significant flooding, might be surprising. Individuals who have no personal experience with the continued intensity of severe storms moving up the coast during hurricane season must learn quickly to take the risks of tropical storms and hurricanes seriously.

What Kinds of Risks Should Residents of Southern Connecticut Be Ready to Manage During Hurricane Season?

Hurricanes feature incredibly severe weather-related effects that can follow these storms up the Atlantic coast, exposing your Ridgefield home to flood damage. Our community is at risk of common hurricane concerns:

• Widespread and substantial wind damage
• Significant chance of stream and river flooding because of heavy rains
• Direct storm surge is unlikely because of our distance from the ocean and elevation, but areas just down the road could contend with this issue.

Does Hurricane Damage Mean My House Is in Danger of Being a Total Loss?

Although it is tricky to predict the exact outcome of a powerful tropical storm or hurricane, SERVPRO delivers outstanding results for customers after severe flooding. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, able to assess your scenario fast and begin removing water rapidly. Asking for help as soon as practical is the key, and our team offers a scalable response during these difficult times, ensuring your residential flood damage does not drop to the bottom of our restoration agenda.

You often hear the mantra that "no job is too big or too small," but at SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield every customer receives premier flood damage relief. Call us at (203) 791-0920 to plan for your comeback from storm-related flood damage.

Click here for more information about Ridgefield. 

Is My Home Still Suffering the Effects of Prior Flood Damage in Ridgefield?

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage happen. Call SERVPRO for fast and effective remediation.

Some Ridgefield Companies Like SERVPRO Can Answer That Question for You Because They Can Detect Ongoing Moisture-Related Issues from Prior Flooding.

The aftereffects of flooding can often be just as harmful as the initial impact of standing floodwaters. This outcome is partly because these effects often go unnoticed for months or even years after the flooding event occurs. Many Ridgefield homeowners do not realize that their homes are still being affected by flood-related moisture. The problem is that some flood damage remediation companies do a poor job drying your house. This ineffective service could leave water behind your walls and in less accessible areas. Also, it could fail to properly remove excess moisture from structural elements and the interior air. Over time, this could cause structural deterioration and the recurrence of unpleasant smells, mold, and mildew.

How Do I Know If My Ridgefield House is Still Experiencing the Aftereffects of Flood Damage?

Often, if you pay close attention, there are some telltale signs that your previous Ridgefield flood damage restoration company did a poor job drying your property. These are noticeable to the nose and visible to the naked eye. Some of the signs to watch out for are:

• Musty smells
• Baseboard or wall mold
• Discoloration/water stains on walls or ceilings
• Bubbling of paint or wallpaper
• Deteriorating plaster or drywall
• Wall warping
• Floor or ceiling bucking

If you ever notice any of these things, your home is likely suffering from the effects of prior flooding or has a slow water leak. Whatever it is, these signs indicate that it is time to have your home inspected to find the problem’s source.

• What High-Tech Tools Does SERVPRO Use to Identify and Locate Floodwater-Related Issues?
• SERVPRO technicians have access to all the latest state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment. When our workers arrive on-site, they are usually able to detect and source water-related problems quickly. Our sophisticated detection gear includes:
• Moisture sensors that identify moisture-impacted structural elements and contents
• Moisture meters to measure the amount of moisture in each element or item.
• Thermohygrometers to measure the relative humidity and temperature of your home’s air, and enable technicians to calculate its vapor pressure, specific humidity, and dew point
• Infrared cameras that can see through walls and baseboards, so that we can precisely locate hidden water and sources of leaks.

Using these helpful tools, we can often relatively quickly determine if you have a water-related issue in Ridgefield, the amount of damage already done, what is causing it, and how best to resolve it.

Once SERVPRO Determines I Still Have Flood-Related Damage, How Do They Remediate It?

Once SERVPRO technicians determine that there is ongoing flood-related damage, they immediately get to work on remediating it. In doing so, they generally follow the following procedure: 

• Establish a drying goal based on the local climate and moisture levels in unaffected rooms
• Remove, and eventually replace, sections of walls and ceilings that are beyond repair
• Vacuum up any remaining water with wet vacs
• Calculate the right ratio of dehumidifiers to air movers for the most effective and efficient drying
• Set up an air mover-dehumidifier-injectidry system network to dry the interior of the home, including areas behind walls and ceilings
• Using high-tech foggers, inject disinfectants, fungicides, and deodorants into affected areas

After this thorough treatment, most homeowners are pleased to find that we have fully restored their homes. With that said, you should always be on the lookout for any hint of a water-related problem. The fast location of water damage enables our workers to find and remediate problems as soon as possible and, ultimately, achieve the best results. 

Ridgefield’s location on the northeast coast makes it especially prone to the effects of intense, year-round storms. Tropical storms and hurricanes affect the region in the warmer months, while powerful Nor’easters significantly impact this part of the country during colder periods. Torrential rains and destructive winds usually come with these big cyclonic storms. As a result, flooding often occurs as massive amounts of rain overwhelm drainage systems and overflow the numerous lakes/reservoirs surrounding the town. When this happens, area homeowners are likely to experience some level of flood damage. At this time, they must contact a reputable company to effectively clean and restore their homes.

Unfortunately, not all Ridgefield flood damage remediation companies have workers trained and experienced enough to handle most cases. There are also times when good businesses make mistakes, and businesses overlook things. These circumstances could lead to ongoing flood-associated deterioration long after remediating the damage at your home. Considering this, it is crucial that you remain vigilant and always look for any potential signs of water-related issues. Also, it would help if you periodically had your home professionally inspected for water damage.

If you ever suspect or notice signs of water damage, contact a local cleaning and restoration company as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the cheaper and easier it is to restore your home. Whenever you need help, call SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920.

Help! How Do I Rid My Home of Storm Flood Damage?

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Disaster Mitigation Professionals Restore Your Danbury Home After Storm & Flood Damage

Storm-related damages, whether they come from a storm surge or a roof leak from a fallen branch, can be stressful for any homeowner to endure. Not only do these incidences bring in unwanted water that can compromise your home's structure and its belongings, but it can also bring in microbes, silt, and waste products that can also make cleaning the mess yourself unsafe. 

If your residence needs professional storm-related flood damage cleanup in Danbury, SERVPRO technicians are mere hours away from getting started. These Institute of Inspection Cleanup and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-accredited pros focus on minimizing property and structure loss so that you can enjoy a clean, safe living space once more. 

How Can Landscaping Help With Storm Flooding? 

Landscaping is crucial for keeping water out of your home during a flood situation. Here are some tips to help you get started.

• Make sure that your yard slopes away from your home.
• Install a curtain drain around your home to keep water out of the basement.
• Choose native plants that are highly absorbent for a rain garden around the perimeter of your property.
• Consult with a local landscaping professional for ideas custom-fit for your yard and home.

What Does SERVPRO's Storm Damage Cleanup Process Entail?

Storm-related flood damages require additional care between the extraction of water and structural drying. Much like ground floods, storm flooding can bring in microbes that can spread through the air during drying without proper care. 

SERVPRO technicians can address these sanitary concerns with EPA-registered biocides, personal protection equipment, and proper containment measures, which can include temporarily blocking nearby vents to prevent microbes or mold from traveling through your HVAC system. Large spaces affected by water may require direct spraying with broad-spectrum sanitizing solutions. 

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield is a phone call away from ensuring that your residence looks, "Like it never even happened." Call (203) 791-0920 to get started.

Find out more about Danbury.

Containing Flood Damage In Danbury

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

Containing Flood Damage to the Basement of Danbury Homes

Floodwater can quickly migrate throughout a Danbury home without the appropriate containment strategies and mitigation tactics. Because most homes have a basement level, surface water penetrating the exterior walls of the house can find its way quickly to this lower level to begin pooling. Between the severity of this increasingly worsening situation and the need to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the property as much as possible, there are specific approaches that our SERVPRO team can take to help.

Containment is a vital component of minimizing the spread and severity of flood damage in Danbury homes. By establishing barriers, we can make many of the necessary actions of restoring the property more thorough and efficient. Understanding the full advantages of constructing drying zone barriers can help you appreciate this process when you see it in your own home after a flood loss.

Drying Efficiency
One of the essential advantages of installing containment barriers around flooding effects in your basement is the efficiency of drying the area. Through both extraction and evaporation techniques to follow, regulating the tools and processes within this work area can eliminate wasted time and effort by the machines in use.

Microbial Containment
While you cannot enter any environment in your home without encountering microscopic mold spores and microorganisms, concentrations of these spores in moist environments can lead to microbial threats when colonies develop. In flooding scenarios, the time it takes to dry up the damage is often longer than the time it takes mold to develop, so containing these fungal colonies can also be a protective effort for the rest of your property.

Moisture and Humidity Regulation
Once you have the damaged area completely encased in thick poly sheeting, we can better manage temperature, humidity levels, and moisture content. Elevating the temperature and reducing humidity can maximize drying efforts.

We work to address flood damage before reconstruction is necessary, but when it is, we have an in-house team of licensed residential contractors that can help with full-scale build back. No matter how we can help, give our SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield team a call today at (203) 791-0920.

For more about Danbury click here.

3 Types of Water Damage You May Experience in Your Home

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

3 Types of Water Damage You May Experience in Your Home

Whether it is from flooding or something else, water can cause a lot of damage in your Redding,CT, home. There are several sources of water that can affect your house and, while they have some similarities, there are also some important differences. The following are a few types of damage that you may experience.

1. Damage From a Storm

Flooding is not the only damage that can come from a storm. Rain can often cause leaks in your roof that can affect the areas underneath, and you may end up with excessive moisture inside your ceiling or walls. In some cases, this can require quite a bit of work to fix. When this happens, the materials can warp or rot, weakening the structure. It can also contribute to the growth and spread of mold inside these areas.

2. Damage From a Flood

Flood damage is often the most difficult type of damage to deal with because of the high level of contaminants in the water. Along with mud and debris, flood water can carry sewage, bacteria and harmful chemicals. Your home will need thorough sanitization if it is damaged in a flood and you may have to replace contaminated belongings. Floods are not usually covered in homeowners insurance and can be more costly because of this.

3. Damage From Broken Pipes or Appliances

A broken pipe or appliance can cause just as much water damage as a storm or flood, but the water is usually clean, so there is less worry of contamination. It will usually be included in your insurance policy, as long as you have been maintaining your home properly.
While flooding after a storm may seem like the worst of these problems, none of them should be taken lightly. Do not hesitate to call a cleanup and restoration service if your home has been damaged by water. Any type can increase the likelihood of mold growth and can affect your belongings.

Getting Rid of Mold After a Flood

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

When a storm hits Danbury, CT, flooding in your home could cause some serious issues. While the water alone is a problem, mold growth can create further difficulties that may remain or return if not properly handled. Untreated water damage can be a growing source for the fungus, and musty smells can be an indication of mold already growing inside your house. Here are some steps you can take to keep your home safe from mold.

4 Steps to Keep Your Home Safe From Mold.

1. Act quickly. Within just a couple of days, mold growth can spread across your house. Mold is present nearly everywhere. It is distributed as small spores too tiny to be seen by the naked eye, so it can grow even where you may not see it. It’s important to work as quickly as you can to ensure the cleanup of water damage to prevent this.

2. If you find mold, avoid direct contact with it. Disturbing the mold yourself may cause further problems if you do not have the proper equipment and training. Touching it and attempting to dry it can cause it to release more spores into the air.

3. Get rid of all of the mold. What mold you may be able to find is likely only a small amount of the entire infestation, so trying to handle it all by yourself can make matters worse. Professionals with proper training and equipment should be able to safely locate all of the mold, even if it’s deep beneath layers of drywall.

4. Make sure it doesn’t come back. Mold removal is only half of the job, as this involves getting rid of the mold that has already grown. However, mold spores are almost everywhere and cannot be seen. This is when mold remediation is important. This ensures that mold doesn’t grow again from other sources of water or high humidity.

While flooding can be a harmful problem in Danbury, CT, there are ways to ensure that mold growth doesn’t persist after the flood. If you are careful in handling the problem, you can ensure that you continue living in a mold-free home for many years to come.

Tips for Riding Out a Nor’easter

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Four Tips for Preparing to Safely Ride Out

Realizing that a storm big enough to be called a nor’easter is blowing your way can be worrisome. Seeing one on the weather map can be downright ominous. Prepare for hurricane-force winds, heavy snow, rainfall, flooding, or any combination. Nor’easter facts show that these storms can actually do more damage than a hurricane itself. That’s because these titan storms are much bigger and slower. If you see one on radar, prepare to hunker down for a few days. Here are four tips for preparing to safely ride it out:

1. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Nor’easters can last a while. Non-perishable food and drinking water are a must. Store enough for at least three days. Air-tight containers are advised. Remember to include a can opener and eating utensils. Prepare for the unlikely accident by including first aid supplies, including pain relievers (e.g., aspirin). Also, remember to add to your kit prescription medications, as well as other medical necessities (e.g., diabetic supplies).

2. Plan for a Power Outage

Power outages are common during storms, especially a big storm like a nor’easter. Fully charge cell phones and other electronics when you hear the first warnings. Keep extra batteries on hand. Also, bright all-weather flashlights and portable radios are strongly recommended.

3. Prepare Car

Fill the gas tank before the storm arrives. An emergency trip might be needed during the storm. Gas stations often close or run out of gas during these events. If you go out during the storm there’s a chance that you could get stuck due to snow drifts or flooding. Much like your home, an emergency kit is recommended for your vehicle, as well as blankets and plenty of water and snacks.

4. Prepare for Waterproofing

Sandbags and plywood could come in very useful during flooding and/or extremely high winds. Keep them easily accessible so that you can quickly install them before the storm arrives.
A nor’easter can bring with it a lot of damage, so it’s important to make preparations early on. Should any damage occur to your home in Germantown,CT , you can feel confident that residential restoration experts are available.

Commercial Roof Maintenance

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Another simple maintenance technique is to clean the gutters

Tips to Prevent Roof Damage

Many different roofing solutions exist for commercial structures. This can make it difficult to keep your property in its best possible condition. Review the following tips to prevent roof damage in Danbury,CT.

1. Acknowledge Conditions

Know your area. If you live in a flood-prone location, keep an eye on the weather and have extra solutions available. While the roof is the highest point on your building, excess water buildup in lower floors can cause vapor accumulation in attic areas. Ensure sufficient ventilation and install pumping mechanisms if necessary. Have your HVAC components checked regularly. Consult a qualified flood cleanup professional if you notice mold at any point since this can create health and structural problems down the line.

2. Visible Issues

A simple visual inspection for wind damage is usually sufficient for most purposes. A severe storm can cause the flashing around your roof to become loose. This can allow water entry if not dealt with quickly. The pieces of flashing can also become a windblown hazard. As long as the water and vapor barrier below remain intact, most flashing and dislodged shingles can be nailed back in place. Trees with dead branches or overgrown vines can also generate roofing problems due to friction and collision with the structure. Keep vegetation trimmed to guard against roof damage.

3. Flow

Another simple maintenance technique is to clean the gutters, especially during the autumn season when dead leaf accumulation becomes a problem. If water can't flow from the gutter to the downspout and into the surrounding soil, it can spill over. This creates undue strain on the roofing elements, leading to increased wear. In extreme cases, a clogged gutter can collapse and require a partial roof rebuild.

No business owner or property administrator wants to deal with roof damage. Keep your building in good condition, and it can reward you financially.

3 Tip for Stopping Ice Dams

4/27/2019 (Permalink)

Icicles can be pretty to look at, the ice dam that causes them can create some ugly problems

Icicles may be pretty, but they’re a sign of a big problem – an ice dam. A snow-covered roof and poor insulation can lead to a solid block of ice that gathers along your roof’s eaves. If allowed to linger, these ice blocks can cause problems all over the roof of your Topstone, CT, home. What’s the answer? Read on to get tips for ice dam prevention.

What Is an Ice Dam?

A dam is a ridge of ice that has built up along the outer edges of a sloped roof. It comes from heat radiating through the roof and melting under a snowpack. The melting ice drips down to the edges of the roof and refreezes. This can lead to several problems:

• Destroyed gutters
  
• Damaged shingles
  
• Water damage

Short of moving somewhere it doesn’t snow, what can you do about this problem?

Heat Your Roof Evenly

This may sound counterintuitive, but heating your roof can stop dams. That’s because heating the roof uniformly can prevent refreezing at the eaves. Make sure you have a way to channel the melted snow away from your home.

Improve Insulation

One of the most obvious solutions is improving your roof’s insulation. Doing so can keep heat out of the attic and prevent snowmelt. Better ventilation will help air move around more efficiently and keep the underside of your roof cool.

Clear Off Snow

When all else fails, go to the source of the dams - the snow. Invest in a snow rake to remove snow before it packs on and creates pressure that contributes to melting. Make sure to be safe when trying to mount your roof.

While icicles can be pretty to look at, the ice dam that causes them can create some ugly problems. Take the necessary steps to prevent them before winter’s chill settles in. Try the above tips or talk to a winter storm cleanup professional to learn what you can do.

3 Types of Repairs You Can Expect During Storm Damage Restoration

2/8/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause different types of water damage to your business

What To Expect Before A Restoration Process

When powerful storms impact Redding,CT , they can cause a considerable amount of damage to your commercial property. Downed trees, broken branches and flooding can wreak havoc both inside and out and leave you needing professional help with cleanup efforts, such as tear out and water drainage services. Knowing what to expect before the restoration process begins can help you feel more confident about the outcome and the future of your business.

1. Flood Water Draining

Violent rainstorms can cause localized flooding as creeks and streams overflow their banks and neighborhood sewers back up and overflow into your building. This can cause different types of water damage to your businesses’ building materials, particularly carpeting and drywall. When your remediation service arrives, the first step the technicians will likely take is to drain away the water to prevent mold growth and other types of long-term damage that can be difficult to remove.

2. Removal of Damaged Materials

Once flood water is removed from your business, your storm restoration technicians will probably inspect affected areas to decide which walls and flooring will need tear out service. Removing porous building materials that have been soaked by dirty water can prevent them from weakening over time and trapping foul sewer and mildew odors.

3. Drying and Restoration

Your flood damage and restoration service may bring in tools to dry flooded areas before the technicians begin to replace damaged floors, walls and ceilings. Drying these areas thoroughly can prevent the development of mold, which thrives in damp, humid environments. Once exposed interior walls and floors are properly dried, your technicians will likely finish the job by restoring them and ensuring no trace of the flood remains.

It can be difficult to know what kind of services you need when your Redding,CT , business is damaged by violent storms and flooding. From tear out services to water removal, talking to restoration professionals and understanding the process before they begin may give you greater peace of mind about the repairs.

Storm Damage Remediation in Danbury, CT

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage in Danbury,CT

Thunderstorms are frequent in July and August. Damage from them is nearly as common as the storms themselves. 

Despite everyone's best efforts, storm damage in Danbury, CT does happen. Removing the flood water isn't the end; cleanup is just getting started. On top of the flooring and walls, every bit of furniture, clothing and other items exposed to the storm will have to dried, cleaned, deodorized and sanitized. 
SERVPRO utilizes a variety of cleaning equipment and chemicals to return your carpets and floors to a usable state. Depending on the size, material, and color-fastness, the options range from simple spray and wiping to immersion cleaning. 

Storm damage can leave odors as well as a damp carpet. We use industrial grade air scrubbers and specialized fogging equipment to remove the musty smell and not just cover it up. While removing the odor is important, getting rid of the mold which causes it is even more so. The application of a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial agents is necessary. Our personnel is trained to use the product that will not only restore your property but do so in a manner that is safe for your family and employees as well as the environment. 

Once the mold has been remediated, each item should be either disinfected or sanitized depending on its function. Kitchen, breakroom, and bathroom equipment must be sanitized to ensure the health of anyone who may use them. Standard office spaces such as conference rooms would not need that level of cleaning unless the contaminated water affected the flooring and walls. Our IICRC certified technicians can be relied upon to provided the highest level of professionalism and courtesy.

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield does its best to help you restore your home or business to its pre-storm damage condition as quickly as possible. As a locally owned franchise, we value our customers as neighbors and not just a job to be completed. If you want to schedule a free inspection or believe you may need our restoration services, please call us today at (203)-791-0920

Underwater and Out of Funds: What Should You Do If You Don’t Have Flood Insurance?

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

On Ridgefield, CT we have the equipment ready for any type of disaster area

While FEMA does attempt to provide homeowners with necessary information about the potential hazards of flooding in their area, not every home is located on a flood plane that requires flood insurance. Many homes in the Ridgefield,CT , area fall into this predicament. Consequently, when a flood affects your area, what should you do?

1. Check Your Designation

When flooding happens in an area that doesn’t typically experience it, depending on the severity, the city may be designated a disaster area. If your area is selected, you may be eligible for disaster aid. To check your areas designation, you should call your local municipality or check with your local FEMA office.

2. Apply for Grants

Regardless of your disaster description, FEMA does offer grants for eligible homeowners. These grants top out at around $33,000 and can be used for home restoration, medical expenses, and secondary living expenses like renting temporary housing.

3. Apply for SBA Loans

For those without flood insurance but still require substantial funding, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans of up to $200,000. These loans are only available for the restoration or rebuilding of your home. Additionally, the SBA provides money of up to $40,000 for personal expenses or the replacement of material goods.

4. Call the Experts

Once you have the funding out of the way, you may find it necessary to call in local flood experts to help you restore your home. While some work after a flood may be easy enough for you to do on your own, depending on the level of damage, a restoration specialist with the appropriate tools and personnel may be more efficient.

While flood insurance is beneficial, it is not always a requirement, and when disaster strikes in a low-risk flood zone, the lack of coverage can be devastating. However, there is always help available for those who ask.

Is There Extra Flood Protection Available for a Commercial Building?

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Drying equipment on a construction project in Ridgefield, CT

Is your commercial building in Ridgefield, CT, ready for potential floods brought on by storms? While no one wants to deal with flooding, having a commercial insurance policy that helps pay for some of these damages can make you sleep easier at night. However, not all commercial policies cover every source of a flood. Use this quick guide to better understand what you can do to protect your property.

Learn About Your Policy

Call your insurance provider today to learn about your current flood policy. Many commercial coverages are limited by the source of the water, but it does depend on your unique policy and where you get your coverage. Some may even have a coverage cap. Depending on your insurance provider, you may have to work with a special commercial damage repair team after a storm affects your space. As you learn about your policy, you may find that you're not as covered as you thought.

Consider the National Flood Insurance Program

Thankfully, you may be able to get extra coverage from outside of your insurance provider to supplement your commercial insurance. The NFIP is offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help business owners stay on their feet after a disaster. The NFIP offers the following benefits:

• Helps pay for structural damage.
• Damaged items are assessed before payout to ensure you get a fair price.
• Has different deductibles available to better fit your needs.

The extra flood protection from FEMA can give you peace of mind during storm season. As you learn more about the program, you may find out that you can get a building property and personal property coverage. This allows you to protect every aspect of your business if needed.

Commercial insurance is an important part of owning a property. Unfortunately, even with an insurance policy you may still be liable for some of the damages caused by storms on your own. Adding extra protection through FEMA can give you peace of mind.

Standby Commercial Generator: The Key To Keeping Your Business Up and Running

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Unexpected happenings resulting in a loss of power, such as severe weather, equipment failure, and vehicle accidents, can happen at inconvenient times for businesses. Purchasing a standby commercial generator to serve as a backup for your primary power source may be a good investment for your business.

How Does It Work?

Before, during, and after a power outage, it works by doing the following:

• Monitoring utility energy levels nonstop using the automatic transfer switch (ATS)
• Performing weekly self-diagnostic tests
• Automatically starting within 10 seconds to restore power
• Using your business’s liquid petroleum (LP) or natural gas to run
• Transferring back to utility power before powering off

Why Should You Consider Investing in One?

Investing in a generator to ensure that your business always has power, despite the circumstances, could strengthen your credibility with customers and give you peace of mind during a power outage. Some customers have zero tolerance for inconsistencies and may stop using your services if your business shuts down in a power outage. It could be difficult regaining their trust and getting new customers. Frankly, some businesses simply cannot afford downtime. Company goals and tight deadlines may not get met due to a loss of power. Periods of nonproductivity as such can negatively impact profitability.

How Long Will It Last?

Ideally, your generator should last at least 20 years with proper maintenance. If any generator problems occur, such as delaying power restoration or dropping power to certain equipment, be sure to contact an electronic documents recovery team in Danbury, CT. They have the tools and skills needed to get the lost files recovered in a timely manner so you can resume normal business affairs.

Spontaneous power outages can cause business operations to come to a halt. Make sure you’re prepared and have a backup source of power installed and ready to go. In case that backup plan has a hiccup, have a restoration crew on speed dial to retrieve any lost data.

For more on Danbury click here. 

3 Ways To Start Recovering After Storm Damage

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

A powerful storm can leave behind devastating results at your Danbury, CT, home. While the shock of the situation can begin to set in immediately, it pays to start the recovery process as soon as possible to keep storm damage from getting worse. Here are three essential storm tips to consider once the weather clears and you’re able to take steps on the road to restoration.

1. Inspect the Damage and Check the Utilities

Simply looking over the area and determining whether it’s safe to move about the property should be your top priority before making any other decisions. Be sure to inspect for and avoid any downed power lines or rising flood waters to keep you and family or friends from harm. If you happen to smell gas, evaluate whether you have access to the main gas line and can turn it off without trouble.

2. Contact Your Insurance Provider and Take Pictures of the Destruction

One of the most important storm tips involves calling your insurance company and figuring out what your policy will cover and how best to proceed. It helps to take as many photographs of the storm damage as possible to keep records for your provider as well as yourself.

3. Call a Restoration Company for Board-Up Services or Other Cleanup Duties

Contacting a professional restoration crew to come to your home is key to knowing your property won’t sustain more damage. The longer any standing sewage or dirty water lingers in your home due to flooding, the more likely it is to cause more harm and financial burden. Meanwhile, experienced specialists can also board up and cover any blown-out windows or broken doors to prevent more bad weather from damaging the home and to keep looters or thieves from entering the premises while you’re away.

Returning to your Danbury, CT, home after a massive storm and finding considerable damage can be stressful and upsetting. However, following these three storm tips to get a head start on restoration is the best way to begin recovering as soon as you can.

Click here for more on Danbury.

Why is Black Water Such a Huge Risk?

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

Residential flooding is an all-too-common occurrence in Danbury, CT endangering families and causing untold structural damage to homes and properties. Worse, a flood leaves much more than simple water damage behind. Torrential rains combined with raw sewage and chemical waste can create an environment toxic to humans and animals alike.

Water Contamination Categories

Water can be sorted into three basic categories:

Category 1: This water is considered clean water and comes from an uncontaminated supply source.

Category 2: Known as gray water, this category includes water that may be contaminated by bacteria, viruses or urine (but no fecal matter), and may cause illness or discomfort if ingested. Source examples include toilet, dishwasher or washing machine overflow.

Category 3: Water in this category is considered black water; it is highly contaminated and poses potentially fatal hazards. Sources include flooded waterways, toilet water that contains feces and standing water.

What Are the Specific Risks Associated with Category 3 Water?

In addition to toxic chemicals displaced by damage to industrial storage facilities, category 3 water may carry with it bacterial and viral diseases. It is crucial to avoid direct contact with this type of water, especially if an individual has an injury or open wound.

What Homeowners Should Do After an Emergency Flooding

In cases of flood or black water damage that involves raw sewage or industrial chemicals, homeowners in Danbury, CT should make sure to avoid the premises and contact a local emergency restoration service as soon as possible. These professional technicians will be able to determine the severity of contamination in the home and provide a detailed plan for quick and thorough cleanup in accordance with EPA guidelines. Visit http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for more information on storm damage.

How To Prepare for Flood Damage in Five Simple Steps

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

How To Prepare for Flood Damage in Five Simple Steps

A major flood may not seem like something a company can prepare for; however, there are a number of relatively simple steps a company can do ahead of time to prepare for a flooding catastrophe in Danbury, CT. In many ways, the principles are the same as preparing for anything ahead of time: a little bit of knowledge and a little bit of advance preparation can go a long way. Here are five steps to take to help minimize storm damage.

Clean Out Gutters and Storm Drains. The simple step of making sure storm drains and gutters are clean can prevent water from pooling all in one place. The steady flow of water away from a commercial building can prevent or reduce flood damage in many cases.

Stock Vacuums and Sump Pumps on the Grounds. Damage from flooding can occur quickly, so it is a good idea to get to the problem as swiftly as possible. By having some equipment at the property, as well as trained employees who know how to operate the machinery, a company can better prevent water damage.

Have the Experts on Speed Dial. The quicker a company can get water cleanup experts on hand, the better. If the experts can arrive on scene in a matter of hours, a lot of property loss may be avoided.

Make Sure Insurance Is Current. Coverage for water events can be a tricky area in some insurance policies. The insured company should speak regularly with its insurance agent and know what type of coverage it has for storms and floods.

Inventory the Building. Someone from the company should take a look at the building to search for problem areas that will be affected by a flood or let flood water in easily. Sensitive equipment and valuables should be moved to higher ground.

The flooding of a building can happen all at once. Some advance preparation using these five steps may save thousands of dollars. Visit http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for more information on flood damage.

Restoring Properties That Have Suffered Storm Damage

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Restoring Properties That Have Suffered Storm Damage

In the United States, storm damage is one of the most prevalent causes of property loss. Each year, billions of dollars in losses occur to home and business owners across the country as a direct result of storm damage. Fortunately, when storm damage strikes, there are people you can call you can help you succeed and carry out a successful storm remediation.

Your local professional storm restoration company has people on staff with the training, experience and specialized tools necessary to get your property back to its prior condition as soon as possible.

Let's take a look at some of the main kinds of storm damage and how professional storm restoration teams handle them.

Flooding, water damage, hail damage and roof damage


Two of the most important consequences of storms are flooding and the various causes of roof damage. These are often related, as wind damage, hail damage and other roof damage allows flooding to occur. Wind damage, hail damage and roof damage often entail expensive roof repairs. This is one reason why it is always best to get a professional storm restoration team on site as soon as possible. Acting in time can prevent roof leaks from turning into major flooding events and can make roof repairs and other water restoration efforts cheaper or even unnecessary.

Although many people picture river flooding as being a primary cause of storm-related damage, river flooding is actually a relatively minor cause. While river flooding is prone to occurring in some areas of the country, in most cases, wind damage, hail damage and roof leaks are, by far, the more serious concerns. River flooding is often a distant, last-place concern.

Hurricane damage and ground water contamination


Hurricane damage can often lead to compromise of local ground water. In the case of hurricane damage, ground water can be contaminated through storm surges, sewage overflows and infrastructural compromise. For this reason, any time hurricane damage strikes, it is imperative to have a licensed water restoration crew handle any potential ground water compromise.

Ice damage, hail damage, frozen pipes and ice damming


Colder climates can bring a whole different set of concerns. Winter storms can bring ice damage, hail damage, frozen pipes and ice damming. Combined with wind damage, these can cause roof leaks, requiring expensive roof repairs. When ice damage, frozen pipes or ice dams cause roof leaks, roof repairs must be quickly undertaken to avoid the massive release of flood water into the home or business.

Ice damming in particular can lead to flood water entering the property. If ice dams are allowed to grow to a large enough size, the ice damming process can pose a serious risk of catastrophic roof failure. This can release a deluge of flood water, requiring the use of flood pumps and other urgent water restoration efforts in the storm remediation.

Ice dams can cause the buildup of tens or even hundreds of gallons of water. If such ice dams cause massive leaks or a roof failure, that flood water will enter the home. Any time flood pumps or radical water restoration efforts need to be used, it severely complicates and raises the costs of the storm remediation.

Ice damage and frozen pipes can also cause widespread water to be released, requiring the use of flood pumps. While flood pumps are highly effective, home restorations where their use is necessary put the property at higher risk and impede the storm remediation.

As we've seen, calling in a professional storm restoration team can make all the difference when your property has been placed at risk by a serious storm. Home restoration companies can muster the personnel and equipment to ensure that the home restoration is carried out quickly and effectively. Any time your property requires a home restoration in the aftermath of a serious storm, always call in your local professional restoration company.
Visit http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for more information on storm damage.

What to Do If You Are the Victim of Storm Damage

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

What to Do If You Are the Victim of Storm Damage

Storm damage can occur to anyone. It can happen in any climate. Storms cause river flooding and other forms of flooding. They cause wind damage, hail damage, and hurricane damage. Winter storms bring ice dams and ice damming, which cause roof leaks, forcing you to get roof repairs done. Ice damage also comes in the form of frozen pipes. Groundwater and flood water can ruin your basement and home. You need to take steps towards home restoration. The best way to do that is to get a storm restoration and water restoration company to take care of your storm remediation.

Make sure to make an emergency call to the storm restoration and water restoration company right away. Hurricane damage, storm damage, hail damage, ice damage, roof damage, wind damage, and roof leaks can get worse as time goes by. If there is flooding or river flooding, your home will get more ruined the more you let the water stay in your home. If there is ice damming or ice dams that are causing roof leaks, the leaks may get larger and worse as time goes on. You need to start right away with storm remediation.

The first thing that the storm restoration and water restoration company will do is assess the extent of the storm damage, hurricane damage, wind damage, roof damage, roof leaks, flooding damage, river flooding damage, ice damming, ice dams, ice damage, and any other sort of damage. They will create a plan of action for your home restoration needs.

Next, they will start fixing and removing the cause of the damage. If there is flooding, river flooding, roof leaks, frozen pipes, ice dams, ice damming, ice damage, ground water, or flood water, they will use special flood pumps to pump out the flood water. These flood pumps are designed for the worst of conditions and will dry your home and remove any ground water and flood water. Besides using the flood pumps, they will likely use other equipment to remove any deep moisture from your home. Groundwater, flood water, flooding, and river flooding can seep deep into your walls and furniture. Often, there will be hidden moisture under tiles or behind walls. They will use equipment that works similar to flood pumps to remove this water from your home.

The next step, after your home is completely dry, is to repair things that are broken. This starts with roof repair. If there are roof leaks and roof damage, they will do a roof repair job to repair those leaks. If wind damage or hurricane damage caused your walls or ceiling to cave in, they will repair that as well. They may need to replace certain items. For example, they may need to use new boards or tiles for your ceiling, floor, and walls. If there is ice damage, such as a frozen pipe, they will repair that as well. Home restoration, or bringing your home back to livable conditions again, is a vital part of storm remediation.

Sometimes, your home may even be in a better condition after the home restoration process is over. This is because the storm restoration and water restoration company may replace certain parts of your home that were old and should have been replaced anyway. You may have needed roof repair anyway. If there were frozen pipes, then the frozen pipes may have been old and rusty anyway. This is not to say that storm damage is a good thing, but that there may be a silver lining to the storm damage and storm remediation. The home restoration company will be experienced with providing the best renovation services.

Before you call the home restoration company, make sure that you stay safe and do not get injured. If there is flooding or river flooding, try to stay away from the ground water. It may carry an electrical current. The flood water and ground water may even be contaminated. There may also be sharp objects. Wind damage and hail damage may cause windows to shatter, which means that there may be broken glass in your home. Roof damage and hail damage can cause broken wood to cave in. Just wait for the professionals to take care of everything.
Visit http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for more information on storm damage.

Hurricane Harvey Impacts Texas and Louisiana

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

Record rainfall and catastrophic flooding 

Hurricane Harvey arrived on the shores of Texas as a hurricane Friday night (August 25, 2017), packing sustained wind speeds as high as 130 mph. As of Wednesday, it was classified a tropical storm with maximum winds of 40 mph.

The "relentless, torrential" rain has moved east, and forecasters don't expect it to let up in eastern Texas and Louisiana until Friday. By that point, total rainfall could reach 50 inches in areas including Houston and Galveston. Louisiana and the upper Texas coast could get another 3 to 6 inches by the end of the week, with other states, including Kentucky and Tennessee, getting 2 to 4 inches by Friday.

The storm was moving northeast at 8 mph as of 1 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, leaving flooding and destruction in its wake. The eye of the storm was sitting about 35 miles northwest of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Hurricane Harvey’s impact on the Texas coast and western Louisiana, including the Houston area, brought with it widespread devastating flooding. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team^® has been deployed to the affected areas bringing hundreds of crews from across the nation to help. With the potential for a large number of claims and the need for cleanup and restoration, residents are encouraged to be patient, while SERVPRO^® makes every effort to respond to each need as quickly as possible.

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.

After the Storm Has Passed, What's Next?

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

CONTACTING YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
(WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CALLING AN INSURANCE AGENT)

There are several things you’ll want to know before calling your insurance company. Before calling your insurance agent or insurance company it is always a good idea to contact a reputable storm restoration contractor for a full property damage inspection. SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield is a reputable storm restoration contractor in the Fairfield County area. Your inspector will provide you with a full report detailing the total storm damage done to your property and an estimated cost to fully restore your property to its original condition before the storm hit.

Depending on the type of storm, you’ll want to make sure your inspector takes a careful look at your roof, windows, paint, siding or exterior, gutters, vents, air conditioning units, concrete, including driveways and pool decks, and any downed or damaged electrical wires or other utilities. Check for leaking, flooding and water damage. Make note of any fallen tree branches on your property and damage from flying debris, including dents, dings and damage from hail.

If your inspector confirms your property has sustained damage, you’ll want to hire a reputable storm restoration contractor right away. Exposure to the elements may increase the amount of damage and your personal liability. Make sure your contractor has experience repair storm damage and working through the complex insurance claims process. When selecting a contractor, it is always a good idea to get several estimates before making your final choice. When filing an insurance claim, it is in your best interest to hire the best possible contractor and use the highest quality materials your insurance company will pay for. You have paid your insurance premiums, so it is not in your best interest to accept a reduced settlement.

It is important to remember that many insurance policies limit your time to file a claim, so don’t wait until you have water dripping through the ceiling, mold in the attic, or your roof caves in to think about getting it fixed.

Insurance Claim Tips

• Don’t Delay! Most insurance policies limit your time to file a claim
• Always hire the best contractor, not the cheapest
• Always do your homework and understand your rights

Tips to Help During Flooding Events

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement in Ridgefield, CT

Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain or snowmelt, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris or ice, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems, Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.

Flooding can occur during every season, but some areas of the country are at greater risk at certain times of the year. Coastal areas are at greater risk for flooding during hurricane season (i.e., June to November), while the Midwest is more at risk in the spring and during heavy summer rains. Ice jams occur in the spring in the Northeast and Northwest. Even the deserts of the Southwest are at risk during the late summer monsoon season.

Safety Tips

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable.

Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down

1 foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

If there is a chance of flash flooding, immediately move to higher ground.

If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.

Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little/no warning.

Once the floodwaters recede, if your home or business has sustained any flood damage contact the water and flood damage experts at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield at (203)-791-0920.

Reducing Storm Damage in Danbury, CT

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement in Brookfield, CT due to Sump Pump Failure

SERVPRO Tip for Fairfield County Homeowners--Reduce Water Damage By Inspecting Sump Pumps Regularly

Sump pumps are pretty common throughout the area. If you have a basement, you are likely somewhat familiar with these devices. Homes placed in low-lying areas have flooding issues, where sump pumps and backflow valves help ease exposure experienced during an event.     Sadly Fairfield County sump pump failures happen quite often. If your home has one installed, there are a few things you can pay closer attention to that may help prevent these failures from happening when you need the device to be most effective.  

SERVPRO technicians often find that power outages or power surges caused by storms lead to a majority of sump pump failures. You can have an alternative source of energy and surge protection installed to help prevent this type of failure. Small backup generators or battery backup devices can truly save your home during an emergency.    

Next, if your sump pump is the wrong size or incorrectly installed, problems can occur. When a sump pump is too big, it is forced to work harder, leading to abnormal wear and tear, limiting the lifespan of the device. If your sump pump is too small, it may not have the ability to fill your needs adequately. Installing a backflow valve, or check valve into drain lines to prevent water from returning. Ushering excessive water through proper drain pipes, to avoid damage to your home.    

If installed incorrectly, sump pumps can accumulate dirt or gravel, causing interference with the pump’s float valve or on/off switch, resulting in malfunctions of the unit. Switch problems occur most often when the float arm becomes damaged. SERVPRO technicians recommend performing regular maintenance on installed sump pumps to verify proper operation. Running the pump every three months or during major seasonal changes gives you a heads-up, should problems occur.     

Sump pumps can become clogged or frozen, often requiring maintenance before working correctly. Having someone out to inspect the operation of your sump pump, drainage, and valves once a year can mean the difference between flooding your basement or safely weathering the storm.    

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield stands ready to assist you with preparing your home for combatting common issues found in our area. Call today; we can help. (203) 791-0920.

Roof Collapse in Danbury

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

High winds and heavy snow caused a tree to fall on our clients’ house, collapsing the roof and causing significant structural damage. Once the tree was removed SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield was contacted to perform emergency board-up services. SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield specializes in board-up and securement services for homeowners and business owners including:

• Initial assessment of your property after storm or fire
• Initiate board up plan to prevent further damage
• Pre-planning board up to prevent hurricane or storm damage

Along with our boarding services, we also provide tarping for damaged roofs. Simply put, we can secure and enclose any unwanted opening on your house or commercial building. Before restoration begins, you need to protect your home, as well as the people and possessions inside. By taking advantage of their skills and expertise, you are better able to take control of your situation and start putting your life back together. They will prepare you and help you answer many of the questions you have right now and some questions that may have not yet come to mind.

After the blizzard is over, the concern for ice dams begin

2/10/2017 (Permalink)

Ice Dam in a Danbury residence.

On February 9, 2017 the tristate area was hit with a significant snow storm dropping 10-15" of snow. Now that the snowstorm is over, the concern is the formation of ice dams on your roof. As heat rises from a home, it melts the accumulated snow on the roof. That melted snow travels down the roof in liquid form until it reaches the eave line and gutter, where it refreezes due to colder temps. This ice ridge continues to expand, blocking the flow of subsequent snow melt. As water continues to melt higher up the roof, it collects behind the ice dam in the form of a puddle. Because that water sits over the warmer portion of the roof, it doesn’t freeze. Homeowners suffering the effects of an ice dam — or those who fear a leak is imminent — can hire a roofing company to remove the ice buildup. Rather than employ hammers, chisels, and salt, which can damage the roof and gutters, technicians will steam away the ice and remove any remaining snow. If you experience any water infiltration into your home or business due to ice dams, please contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield immediately to help assess and mitigate the damages.

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield is Hiring!

8/24/2016 (Permalink)

Crew Chiefs

• Manage and complete jobs according to SERVPRO processes per work order.


• Respond to service calls when needed.


• Set up and establish efficient job flow, coordinate requirements for the job, complete job documentation, perform and supervise production work, and monitor assigned jobs from start to finish.


• Follow and enforce all safety procedures on the job site.


• Resolve problems quickly as they arise.


• Monitor all assigned jobs to ensure customer needs are met.

Production Technicians

• Respond to service calls as needed.


• Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines.


• Communicate with crew chief to make sure all customer needs are met.


• Support crew chief and other production personnel, as needed.


• Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse, and office areas, as needed.

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield is always looking for great candidates to add to our team. We strive for a team oriented workplace and pushing our team to consistently learn and grow.

Historic Flooding in Louisiana

8/23/2016 (Permalink)

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the recent flooding in Louisiana, along with the cleanup crews that have been dispatched to assist all the victims. In mid- August, prolonged rainfall in southern parts of the U.S. state of Louisiana resulted in catastrophic flooding that submerged thousands of houses and businesses in under as much as 8 feet of water. Louisiana's governor called the disaster a "historic, unprecedented flooding event" and declared a state of emergency. Many rivers and waterways, particularly the Amite and Comite rivers, reached record levels, and rainfall exceeded 20 inches in numerous parishes.

Because of the large number of homeowners without flood insurance that were affected, the federal government is providing disaster aid through FEMA. The flood has been called the worst US natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. As of August, a total of 13 deaths have resulted from the flooding. SERVPRO has a national storm response team that assists in time of natural disasters, traveling across the United States to help those in need. With more manpower, vehicles and equipment SERVPRO is able to respond faster than our competitors.

Are you prepared in case of an emergency?

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Contact SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield today to begin your Emergency Ready Profile at 203-791-0920.