Damaged Cabinet Water Removal in Danbury

3/19/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the training and equipment for water damage restoration at Danbury properties. We'll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Professional, Rapid-Response Kitchen Water Damage Cleanup

Some of the most common water damage culprits in Danbury properties are located in the kitchen. Damaged dishwasher gaskets, fridge lines, and minor under-sink plumbing leaks can all lead to floor, wall, and cabinet damage. Worse still, mold growth can start within days of even minor moisture exposure, further reducing comfort. 

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-certified SERVPRO® technicians can deploy water removal solutions in Danbury that target damaged areas and prepare the home for repairs where necessary, making the home and its fixtures safe and comfortable once more.

Kitchen Water Damage Inspection and Containment Aid Cleanup

SERVPRO’s preparation methods are essential to rooting out kitchen appliance water damage in full.

• Technicians can inspect cabinets impacted by under-sink leakage and water migration, removing unsalvageable wood or fiberboard where necessary to prepare for repairs.
• Penetrating and non-penetrating moisture measurement tools, including thermo hygrometers and thermal imaging, pinpoint water damage sources inside and behind structures and appliances. 
• In homes with large kitchens or open floor plans, technicians may establish sealed containment chambers with polypropylene sheeting to expedite drying and extraction.

Homes with waterlogged drywall, delaminated vinyl flooring, or damaged fiberboard in their kitchen may be advised that replacement is often more cost-effective than repairs to such materials after enduring a certain amount of exposure to water.

SERVPRO’s Comprehensive Water Damage Cleanup Process

Certified water damage restoration technicians typically start cleanup by removing standing water with mops, wet/dry vacuums, squeegees, and portable extraction units. After that, they can:

• Calculate drying goals for the space based on several factors, such as current humidity levels and overall affected surface area.
• Position axial or centrifugal air movers to work with low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidification units to pull moisture off surfaces and into the air. 
• Additional cleaning with EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions and odor control treatments can eliminate water damage odors and contaminants.

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield is Here to Help® at any time—call (203) 791-0920 to request service.

Count On Our Water Restoration Company in Ridgefield

11/18/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO produces excellent water damage mitigation using expertise and top-of-the-line equipment. Ask our clients in Ridgefield. Here to Help®

SERVPRO® Delivers Expert Water Restoration Solutions

Water disasters can strike any home, and when they do, residents of Ridgefield often find themselves overwhelmed. The damage can be substantial, from leaky roofs to burst pipes. While some might be tempted to manage the cleanup themselves, it's often a task best left to the experts.

In Ridgefield, water restoration companies such as SERVPRO® are frequently called upon when homeowners experience calamities beyond their control. Whether it's flooding from a violent storm or a malfunctioning appliance, the effects can be detrimental to a home and its contents.

Potential Problems from Water Damage:

• Structural damage to walls and foundations.
• Mold growth
• Damaged personal belongings, from electronics to furniture.
• Potential electrical hazards, especially if water reaches outlets.

Why Choose a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company?

There are many reasons to hand off the water cleanup of a Ridgefield home to SERVPRO:

• Expertise and Equipment: They utilize commercial-grade pumps to swiftly extract large volumes of water. Standard household tools can't match their efficiency.
• Drying and Dehumidification: powerful air movers and dehumidifiers ensure no hidden moisture remains, preventing mold growth.
• Safe and Sanitary: Their team is trained to handle contaminated water, ensuring your home returns clean and safe.
• Restoration Over Replacement: Their approach saves homeowners money. They'll restore items when possible, rather than replace them.

Overwhelmed Dealing with Insurance?

SERVPRO works closely with homeowners' insurance in various ways to ensure that the damage repair and restoration process is smooth and efficient for the homeowner. After the initial contact and assessment, along with documentation for approval to perform the water damage mitigation needed. The techs stay in touch with the designated insurance agent handling the claim to ensure that all work done gets completed under the scope of coverage.

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield remains a trusted name among water restoration companies. We are available 24/7; call us at (203) 791- 0920 to make water damage "Like it never even happened."

What to Do in Danbury When Water Damage Develops

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians in Danbury. Call us today!

Hiring SERVPRO in Danbury for Water Damage Means Excellent Results

There are many ways water may damage your Danbury property, and it is how you address it that determines the outcome. Rather than trying DIY with a mop and bucket, you can contact water restoration professionals to handle water removal services and drying. Letting moisture linger for too long means you could be in for black mold development or costly secondary damage to your contents or building materials. Even if there is a slight, hidden leak in your home or business, restoring costs add up over time. SERVPRO knows how to get in quickly with proven techniques and the best equipment in the industry. So you can get back to life as usual without the worry of hidden damage, we make your interior “Like it never even happened.”

Hiring Professional Water Restoration Means Added Peace of Mind

SERVPRO features IICRC-certified and highly trained water restoration technicians (WRT). We are here to address commercial and residential water-related emergencies, fire restorations, mold cleanup, and more. You can count on our team to go the extra mile to ensure your project for water damage in Danbury gets done right the first time. Whether you have burst pipes in your condo or a faulty sprinkler system in your bakery, we arrive fast and get to work as soon as possible. 

Here is a general timeline of what you can expect with our water restoration process:

• When you call, you make initial contact with our 24/7 customer care team – we are available days, nights, weekends, and holidays because emergencies never wait!
• We gather all details about your water emergency, where your property is located, the cause of the water issue, and more – this allows us to select the best equipment to load onto the vehicles in our Green Fleet.
• Our restoration technicians arrive at your door within four hours or less of your initial contact. The crew chief assigned to your project assesses your home or business to determine the right course of action.
• The cleanup crew mobilizes and begins water removal services and drying with industrial-grade tools to mitigate damage and thwart mildew and mold growth.

Why Does “We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster” Make a Difference?

It can bring in hidden moisture issues whenever you have standing water in your commercial property or home. We offer a rapid response so that water mitigation can start right after the assessment and inspection of your property. The plan we develop for extraction and drying also involves detailed calculations to tell us the number of dehumidifiers, fans, and other equipment we need. As the project moves forward, we add or subtract equipment to help us reach our goals.

Moisture Detection is Paramount in All Water-Related Incidents

When called for water damage projects, our team works to restore relative humidity (RH) within your home or business. RH is how water vapor in the air gets measured, which is essential when monitoring your project. Some tools you may see our SERVPRO team using to help look for hidden moisture include:

• Sensors and meters
• Hygrometers
• Thermal imaging
• Borescopes

We Work to Restore Versus Replace Whenever Possible

Restoration rather than replacing helps save time, money, and precious belongings. Many homeowners worry about contents whenever they have basement flooding or burst pipes. If we can salvage items with drying and cleaning, we will. In some cases, we may pack up and move contents off-site to our warehouse for specialized drying and cleaning to get the best results. All items are inventoried and tracked so they can get moved back into their rightful spot once restoration is complete.

Do you have water damage that you need to be handled fast? We are here around the clock at SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield. Call us at (203) 791-0920 or request help online whenever you need it!

Hire SERVPRO for Efficient Water Restoration in Danbury

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water Restoration Services in Danbury Demand Skill

Water has been known to be both a blessing and a curse in equal measure. When we feel thirsty, it is a huge blessing, but when it intrudes into our houses, making wet that which is supposed to be dry, it starts displaying the cursed side of its face. The water intrusion’s nature and the proceeding damage are progressive.

Damp materials and structures can swell, which distorts the building materials. That’s why you need to call SERVPRO to perform water restoration in your Danbury residence quickly. If water stays in your home for a long time, the excess moisture can cause foul odors and lead to microbial growth. When the elevated levels of humidity persist, it is definite that mold growth can kick off and begin its journey of colonizing the house.

SERVPRO is always around, 24/7, to ensure that the damages that follow do not leave you crippled. Most of the materials used in building are restorable, even after getting wet or attaining saturation. Humidity levels and time are the factors critical in the restoration process since they determine how severe the damage gets. The good news is that we can control them.

At SERVPRO, our restoration process follows three basic steps, which are:

• Emergency mitigation includes the initial extraction of the water and air drying.
• Drying the structure, we take care of wall cavities, ceilings, and building materials like hardwood flooring and plaster.
• Finishing services usually involve carpet cleaning, deodorization, rug cleaning, cleaning the air ducts, or resetting the furnishings.

Emergency mitigation usually takes SERVPRO one or two days, during which we bring humidity to acceptable levels by using air movers and dehumidifiers. Structural drying, however, goes on for about two more days, except in unique situations and hard-to-dry building materials. We can use various ventilation or drying systems to direct airflow into wall cavities and replace the moist, cool air with dry, warmer air. 

A stitch in time saves nine. Contact SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920 when you detect signs of water damage. We can make the incident appear “Like it never even happened.”

Are Weighted Extractors Wise Choices for Water-Damaged Carpets in Ridgefield Homes?

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

We Have Leading Extraction Equipment To Release Trapped Water In Porous Building Materials Of Ridgefield Houses. 

Understanding the importance of water removal services after burst pipes and flooding in area homes can be essential in protecting exposed building materials. Carpeting is highly susceptible to standing water damage, making extraction urgent.

How Do Weighted Extractors Work? 

With all of the specialty equipment and tools available for water removal in Ridgefield homes, units like weighted extractors play a considerable role in moisture damage control. While many surface extraction devices like submersible pumps and wet vacuums must complete their actions first, weighted extractors can prevent subflooring and flooring materials from becoming completely ruined with intruding water.

As either heavy instruments capable of remote-controlled roving or stationary pads where technicians can use their weight for the process, these units press carpets against subflooring materials. By squeezing the fibrous top layer and padding against a solid backing material, moisture can be displaced and forced to the surface for extraction with an onboard HEPA vacuum.

Can Other Tools Help Remove Water from Flooring?

Several other extraction tools can also help with moisture removal and management in different types of flooring or varying sorts of carpeted floors. These include:

• Drying Mats
• Carpet Wands
• Wet Vacuums
• Truck-Mount Extractors

As challenging as water damage incidents can be, our SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield team is ready to help 24/7 at (203) 791-0920.

What to Expect from Professional Water Cleanup in Ridgefield

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows all the steps to Effectively Clean Up Water Damage in your Ridgefield home 

The worst homecoming “gift” after a short business trip or long weekend getaway is a utility area full of water. Repairing a burst pipe or loose supply hose that lets gallons of water spread are easy fixes. Cleaning up a substantial amount of water after a significant leak requires the intensive involvement of a team of well-trained and highly qualified experts. Our mission is to assist you when you face this unfortunate challenge.  

Scoping the Damage

Before we commence water cleanup in your Ridgefield home, the crew chief assesses all aspects of the damage. Water intrusions expose occupants of a property and our technicians to a broad range of hazards, the decrease of which must be part of the project plan. Slip, trip, and fall risks and the conduction of live electricity are serious concerns that need to be controlled. Power shut down and a thorough walkthrough is essential to identify issues like:

• Sagging ceilings that could dump water and debris 
• Weakened floors that no longer can support foot traffic or restoration equipment
• Deteriorating walls and stairs
• Mold growth possible after only 24 to 48 hours of water infiltration

Emergency Services 

SERVPRO notes, secures, and plans for control of safety hazards. If our evaluation reveals mold development or suggests that the standing water is trending toward Category 2 or 3, prevalent when hours or days passed before the intervention, we consider containing the space with a sealed air scrubbing system. Our technicians then move in to address water extraction, donning personal protective equipment (PPE). Gas-powered pumps for water deeper than two inches, followed by truck-mounted extractors, remove the water swiftly and without needing on-site electricity. 

Moisture Detection Finesse

We know, and homeowners soon realize that visible damage is the tip of the iceberg, especially when water collects and remains for a while. SERVPRO technicians are seasoned water migration detectives, using sensitive tools to follow the flow into building cavities, crawlspaces, and beneath floors. The map developed using the data gathered guides us as we locate trapped liquid water and saturated building materials. 

Water Release and Drying Strategies

We counsel homeowners about the benefits of controlled demolition to permit access to pooled water and moist spaces. SERVPRO might carefully remove baseboards, sawing holes near the bottom of walls to allow suctioning out of fluids, then using the openings to direct warm, dry air inside to reduce moisture levels to normal. Flood cuts feel drastic, but open up spaces to ensure we complete drying thoroughly and trace the expansion of any microbial infestation so we can include mold remediation in the overall plan if indicated. 

Count on SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield to steer a successful course when you need water cleanup. Call us at (203) 791-0920 to begin navigating toward recovery.

We Have The Most Effective Techniques For Water Damage Restoration In Your Ridgefield Home

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

We had to remove the dishwasher and found the flooring damaged in this kitchen after a water leak was found behind the dishwasher.

Water Cleanup and Proper Drying is the Best Bet for Saving Your Ridgefield Home

With any water damage incident, your contents and the structure of your home can suffer from immense damage if it is not addressed quickly. Not only that but failing to remove all of the water can leave you open to the onset of foul odors and mold, and mildew growth. SERVPRO has the skills and equipment necessary to get the water removal underway to get back to your routine faster than ever.

No matter what brought on the incident that calls for water cleanup in Ridgefield. We have skilled technicians at the ready that you want on the job. We offer effective restoration solutions, including a full assessment of the damage, water removal, cleanup, and repairs. You can count on our team to address any underlying issues to fully restore your property after making sure that all moisture is removed.

After Water Loss

Whenever you suffer from water damage, your drywall, baseboards, subfloor, and other surfaces can start to absorb moisture. This leads to primary and secondary damage once the water has the chance to pool within your home. Primary damage is when water comes in contact with the materials. Secondary damage is when water vapor takes hold of the materials. Various surfaces absorb these moisture vapors faster than others, including your insulation, carpeting, and upholstery.

In order to complete full-circle water damage cleanup, SERVPRO brings in high-powered air movers to facilitate the drying process. We also have dehumidifiers that pull excess moisture from the air, helping to create ideal conditions for proper drying of your interior and home’s structure. Throughout the drying process, our technicians monitor the effectiveness of the equipment, taking steps to adjust the interior temperature to ensure the best result. 

Before any materials are replaced to wrap up the restoration job, our team uses thermal imaging tools to make sure that no residual moisture is left behind, even in hard-to-reach spaces. Before everything is said and done, SERVPRO is there to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Never let water intrusion cause undue stress in your life. Give us a call at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield today at (203) 791-0920, and we can talk with you about water cleanup. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What are Common Areas Requiring Water Removal in Redding Homes?

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Flooring and HVAC systems are two areas frequently affected by water damage. We have the equipment to handle all of your water removal needs.

Areas that Require Water Removal in Redding Homes 

Standing water presents several levels of risk for Redding homes, but if addressed quickly enough, much of this water can stay at a manageable surface level. Our SERVPRO professionals have unique approaches to removing excess and preparing the property for the much-needed drying efforts to follow, depending on the material affected and the severity of these conditions. Understanding the ideal approach to get water levels down to a drying position can reduce wasted time in the restoration process. 

Excess water removal in Redding homes typically happens against flooring materials. Between carpets and hardwood, there are different solutions for reducing standing water, which rely on attachments for wet vacuums or truck-mounted extraction pumps. Prioritizing water removal can reduce the migration of water effects and limit the overall loss of exposed contents, materials, and areas of your household. 

Hardwood Flooring 

Hardwood flooring can become a costly material to replace when surface water penetrates planks and begins swelling the edges of the wood along the joints. Several steps can remove the surface water, including the use of a squeegee extractor attachment for portable vacuums. While drying mats are still necessary to finalize removal, these tools can remove the majority of excess water on the floor.   

Carpeted Areas  

Light wands are a vital tool that our SERVPRO team can use to gain control of oversaturated carpeted areas. These tools are helpful even when padding must get removed from beneath the main carpet layer. Light wands, also labeled carpet wands, follow direct weighted water extraction techniques. 

HVAC System 

There are also instances in which the HVAC system in your home must have water removed, as well. Excess in these ducts can lead to high moisture content, which promotes microbial growth, fungal presence, or further deterioration of nearby structural elements. With vacuum hosing, we can remove any standing water from both supplies and return ductwork. 

Water removal is not as cut and dry as it might appear. Knowing the best approach for specific materials can minimize the time and cost of restoration for our customers. Let our SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield team make water losses “Like it never even happened” by calling (203) 791-0920.

Some of the Biggest Conditions Inhibiting Quick Drying Efforts in Redding

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

What Can Affect Drying of Your Redding Home?

The science of drying out structures like your Redding home is known as psychrometry. This practice guides our SERVPRO water restoration professionals to the most direct paths of drying out saturated construction materials and contents. Depending on the specific needs of your home, these guiding principles can help to maximize our moisture removal efforts through the manipulation of elements like temperature, humidity, and airflow.

The better grasp our technicians have on environmental conditions, the better able to address water damage in Redding homes they become. Our team can record initial conditions in our DryBook software during the scoping of the job before the work begins, so we have a point of reference for the steps we can take to thoroughly dry and restore saturated materials and contents. There are several environmental conditions that we can modify to suit the efficient drying your home requires.

Temperature 

As you might suspect, lower temperatures can slow the drying process to a crawl. Our SERVPRO team can manipulate cooler environments using portable electric heaters for direct exposure and larger furnace units for broader area warmth. Raising the temperature of the drying zone can speed up the moisture removal process.

Humidity

Many water loss incidents leave the immediate atmospheric conditions saturated and construction materials and contents in the area. Higher humidity contents can make it challenging to dry materials. That is why we run dehumidification units throughout the drying process in most cases.

Air Flow

Regulating air flow into a drying zone can help remove saturated air from this immediate region and replace it with a drier blast of the heated exhaust. A valuable tool for pulling moist air from a damaged region and replacing it with warmer, drier air is our desiccant dehumidifier.

Many factors affect the speed with which drying processes occur in your damaged house. Our training and education in psychrometry help to maximize our efficiency in your home. No matter how we can help after a water loss incident, give our SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield team a call at (203) 791-0920.

The Harsh Impact of Dropping Temperatures on Danbury Properties

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Quick Steps Can Help Your Danbury Home Avoid or Quickly Resolve Costly Water Damage This Winter. 

Between heavy snowfall and cold snaps, the winter can be a potential threat to under-prepared properties. With the frequency of water damage restoration calls our SERVPRO team receives every winter, homeowners need to recognize the possible vulnerabilities of their residences.

How Can the Attic Be Flooded this Winter?

Frozen pipes and ice damming in Danbury homes are both substantial threats that could impact properties this winter season. Damming directly forces water back through roof vulnerabilities, dislodging shingles and forcing pooled liquid through underlayment and roofing materials. 

Is it Possible to Prevent Ice Damming?

Considering how dangerous penetrating water can be to an attic, it is essential to implement preventative measures to avoid this flooding whenever possible. There are multiple approaches that each can benefit the house and work to actively deter ice buildup and damming on the roof eaves. These include:

• Heated Cables
• Better Insulation in the Attic
• Ice Prevention Barriers

Freezing Pipes Could Mean Trouble 

The freezing of pipes can be a rapidly developing and immediately threatening situation. Not only does this cause a buildup of pressure from water that cannot pass the blockage, but water also expands as it converts to a solid, which can lead to line ruptures or breaks.  

Can You Thaw Out Damaged Pipes?

However, a frozen pipe does not necessarily spell disaster for your home or business. Fast-acting by the property owner can begin to thaw out this expanding threat before costly damage results. When the freezing spot is known, the best approach is to expose the area to direct heat with a hairdryer. 

SERVPRO is Here to Help

Experienced professionals of our SERVPRO team understand the urgency of water damage when flooding or burst pipes occur. We arrive with dozens of necessary mitigation tools and a roster of trained technicians to protect the property as much as possible. Some of the devices needed after water damage include:

• Air Movers
• Dehumidifiers
• Submersible Pumps
• Weighted Extractors 

Winter weather can be disastrous and destructive to area homes and businesses even with the fast reaction of property owners. Our SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield prioritizes mitigation and quickly getting your life back to normal. Give us a call today at (203) 791-0920.

What Water Restoration Actions Are Necessary After a Pipe Burst in a Danbury Home?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

When a water disaster strikes your home, SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians are the team to call.

SERVPRO Helps Extract Moisture, Remove Deteriorated Materials and Perform Water Damage Repairs as Needed in Danbury Properties

In most homes, there is a veritable turnpike of pipes that run through the ceiling of a Danbury property. Water damage is always a possibility, and it is important to stay aware of the early warning signs of a leak. A pipe burst will announce itself in no uncertain terms with a copious amount of water and damage to building materials and sometimes contents.

When SERVPRO handles water restoration in Danbury residential properties, ceiling leaks, in particular, can present challenges such as the effect of gravity on a wet, sagging ceiling. The weight of the water absorbed by the saturated, deteriorated sheetrock can fall and cause possible injury. SERVPRO advises homeowners to avoid areas with wet, sagging ceilings. 

The technicians use multiple types of equipment to determine how widespread the damage to the property has spread. To limit the amount of replacement needed for walls and ceilings, the technicians carefully remove only the damaged portions using an action known as flood cuts. This action serves the dual purpose of opening up the walls or ceilings for complete drying and stopping any further wicking of moisture. The advanced water restoration training of technicians enables them to: 

• Identify potential safety issues within the home
• Sort items to identify salvageable articles 
• Apply proactive treatments against mold growth

Ceiling leaks, in particular, require prioritization of the actions taken during the restoration services. SERVPRO technicians carefully check ceilings and walls with water damage to determine if any safety hazards exist. For instance, a ceiling leak on an upper level may leak through and compromise hardwood flooring below. SERVPRO techs prioritize the flooring extraction and drying to lessen the potential for greater damage from water exposure. 

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920 supports the Danbury community with water restoration services available 24/7.

Water Migration Can Cause Hidden Damage in Ridgefield

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration for your kitchen is a job for SERVPRO. We use the latest technology and equipment for every service provided.

When a Sink Overflows Moisture Can Migrate – Ridgefield Homes Need Immediate Water Mitigation When That Happens

Many things can cause a sink to overflow. It may be walking away and forgetting the water is running or a clogged drain. One thing is a must; if you do not catch it quickly, you can end up with one big mess on the floor. The water can migrate fast under flooring and cupboards. If it happens on the second story, you could end up with ceiling damage. 

Extracting the Moisture as Quickly as Possible

That is always our goal at SERVPRO. We understand the damage water can do if it sits for any length of time. We have tools, such as moisture meters and probes that allow us to seek out hidden moisture. We can then apply the proper water mitigation services in your Ridgefield home. Some of our water restoration services include:

• Basement flooding cleanup
• Cleaning up after burst pipes
• Dealing with ceiling leaks
• Water damage remediation
• Water removal services
• Drying the premises

Professional Equipment Gets the Job Done Right

SERVPRO has the equipment to find, and extract, hidden moisture. Water gets removed using various pumps, including portable pumps, truck-mounted pumps, and sump pumps. It all depends on the amount of water and the location. Once the water gets extracted, powerful air movers and commercial strength dehumidifiers work drying the premises. If any repair and restoration are needed, that takes place after everything is dry. 

Call the Water Restoration Company You Can Trust

For expert water mitigation, contact SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield today at (203) 791-0920. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Heater Leaks Can Send a Flood of Water into Danbury Basements

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Water Cleanup Services in Danbury That Can Quickly Mitigate the Damage

Rust and age are two of the most common reasons for water heater leaks. Small undetected leaks can quickly turn into a flooded basement. This type of basement flooding is something we deal with often at SERVPRO.

Basement Flooding Cleanup

Water heaters can be found in other areas of the home besides the basement. If a home has a basement, the water heater is typically located there. No matter where your water heater is, if it ruptures, you have a disaster on your hands. SERVPRO arrives on the scene quickly with water cleanup experience in Danbury. Water extraction needs to take place as soon as possible. SERVPRO mitigates the water damage by:

• Doing a scope of the area to determine the extent of the damage
• Utilizing the correct pump for the situation
• Using tools like squeegees, weight driven extractors, and light wands on carpeting
• Implementing controlled demolition
• Placing air movers and dehumidifiers in the right ratio for optimum drying
• Making needed repairs and restoration

Preventing Further Water Damage

Removing surface water and hidden moisture is crucial to prevent secondary damage. Water is caustic and can cause deterioration to structural elements if not removed. Mold is another problem that can arise whenever there is a water intrusion. SERVPRO has the best extraction tools available to help with water cleanup. Our goal is to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.” 

For professional water removal services, contact SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920.

What Tools Are Best for Removing Standing Water in Ridgefield Homes?

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Ridgefield home offices can benefit from rapid water removal by SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened."

Multiple restoration devices are used in water mitigation for Ridgefield properties.

With how critical mitigation like water removal services becomes for damaged area homes and businesses, our SERVPRO professionals arrive with various evaporative drying and extraction tools to protect a property and its contents. From portable devices like wet vacuums used for smaller pools of water to truck-mounted extractors with wands, we have the equipment to handle any size disaster.

Removing Water from Low Porosity Surfaces

Hardwood floors with a finish, concrete, and tile are examples of surfaces where water removal in Ridgefield homes is less complicated. Without the ability of the exposed material to readily absorb the standing water, it is much more likely that this surface water concern can be cleared without underlying subflooring damage. Some of the tools used for this include:

• Squeegee wands
• Light wands
• Truck extractors
• Wet vacuums

Eliminating Water Trapped in Carpets and Padding

Carpeted floors can be challenging to dry and clean after water damage events like burst pipes or ceiling leaks. When moisture becomes trapped in the surface and padding layers, weighted extractors are an option that prevents pulling up the carpet and the expense of re-installation. It is not always feasible to attempt to salvage the soaked padding; we determine this on a case by case basis. Whatever is best for our customer.

Removing pooling water is a priority for restoration technicians entering your home after water damage. Our SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield team has many strategies that begin with your phone call to (203) 791-0920.

How Does SERVPRO Protect Structural Elements After Water Damage in Danbury Homes?

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO utilizes a large arsenal of equipment like drying mats and injecti-dry systems to preserve water damaged hardwood flooring in Danbury

There are specific methods for removing water and protecting subflooring in Danbury properties

Mitigation is a vital service our SERVPRO team provides to protect a home, its contents, and building materials. Beginning with water removal, these initial actions can make restoration shorter and less costly.

Water Removal Services and Mitigation

Removing standing water is one of the initial actions to overcome water damage in Danbury homes. Beyond tile and other non-porous elements, saturation can overwhelm common building materials like engineered wood floors and carpets to impact the subflooring underneath. We have many mitigation solutions for standing water, including wet vacuums and submersible pumps.

Protecting Types of Subflooring Materials

• OSB Board/Plywood – This thin wood and floor supports are a common combination of multiple types of flooring in homes. When these become heavily damaged by water, drying mats are a last resort before controlled demolition.
• Concrete – Concrete is relatively non-porous, making it easier to clean and dry. Without absorbing moisture, our technicians are likely to encounter a greater volume of standing water. The crucial aspect of drying concrete is not too fast, slowly draw out moisture.
• Hardwood – It is not uncommon in older homes for carpeting or tile to be installed over original hardwood. When this is the subflooring for the surface layer, fast extraction is needed to prevent these planks from absorbing moisture.

When water damage threatens your home, our SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield is ready 24/7 to help. Call us at (203) 791-0920.

Join Other Danbury Residents in the Holiday Gift Wrap by Housatonic Habitat

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Danbury Residents can Make a Difference in the Lives of Others by Participating in the Housatonic Habitat for Humanity Event

As you prepare for the holidays, you can make a difference in someone else's life by making a donation and having your gift wrapped. The Housatonic Habitat for Humanity holds a yearly holiday wrapping event. It takes place at the Danbury Fair Mall outside of Macy's from December 12 to December 24, 2020. It is a fundraiser that helps support Housatonic Habitat's mission to improve working families' lives that qualify. It is meant to promote self-sufficiency and financial stability through the ownership of cost-effective homes.

Habitat contributes to the revitalization of the community in Danbury and nearby areas by offering affordable, safe, and decent homes to qualified families by creating housing that can change a neighborhood, street and add value to the locale.

From December 21 to December 23, 2020, the operation hours are 12 noon to 6 PM. On December 24, the hours are 10 AM to 4 PM.

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield is glad to welcome you to the Holiday Gift Wrap by Housatonic Habitat. If you need water removal assistance for your Danbury residence, we can help. We have decades of experience in restoring water-damaged homes. Call us any time at (203) 791-0920 for prompt service.

Preserving Ridgefield’s History and Architecture

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Did you experience water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO to mitigate your water damage needs in your home.

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield Restores Ridgefield Homes After Water-Related Disasters Occur

Ridgefield is a New England town packed with history and classic New England charm. This bustling Fairfield County locale was first incorporated in 1709, a year after English settlers from nearby Milford and Norwalk purchased the land from the Ramapo tribe’s chieftain, Catoonah. American history enthusiasts, particularly those with a keen interest in the Revolutionary War, are sure to find plenty to pique their interest here.

Ridgefield is home to a wealth of beautifully preserved historical locations that are registered on the National Register of Historic Places, including:

• The Keeler Tavern and the Phineas Chapman Lounsbury House on Main Street, the latter of which is also referred to as the Ridgefield Veterans Memorial Community Center
• The French army’s march route, led by Comte Rochambeau in 1781, on Ridgebury Road. On the same road lies the Ridgebury Congregational Church
• The Branchville Railroad Tenement on Old Main Highway

Other historic houses on the register include the Benedict House and Shop, the Frederic Remington House, the Thomas Hyatt House, and the Lewis June House. Ridgefield is also home to the Hugh Cain Fulling Mill and Elias Glover Woolen Mill Archaeological Site, which houses industrial remains dating back to the American Revolution.

The Battle of Ridgefield and the Keeler Tavern

On April 27, 1777, Ridgefield turned from a quaint New England town into a battleground for American and British soldiers. The British, led by the Royal Governor of New York, Major General William Tyron, first destroyed supplies meant for George Washinton’s troops in Danbury before advancing toward Compo Beach. Seven hundred militiamen on what is now Main Street fended off the British forces. They chased them down to Westport, where the Redcoats expected to contact their ships on the coast.

Key figures in this battle included:

• Brigadier Generals Gold Selleck Silliman and Benedict Arnold
• Major General David Wooster, who led the Connecticut militia along with Silliman and Arnold

While Benedict Arnold is known for defecting to the British military in 1780, his years of military experience and leadership during the Battle of Ridgefield were crucial to staving off British soldiers in the town and inflicting casualties as the troops marched back to Compo Beach.

The British achieved their tactical goals in reaching their ships in Westport. Still, the skirmishes at Ridgefield united American troops and irregulars alike with allies like the French, who would be instrumental in the defeat of King George III’s army.

To this day, the Keeler Tavern has a British cannonball lodged in a post as a proud reminder of the endurance of the American troops and their allies. Visitors can find out more about the Battle of Ridgefield at the Keeler Tavern Museum, which was established in a property built in 1713 after Timothy Keeler purchased his grandfather’s home. 

In the mid-twentieth century, the Keeler Tavern Preservation Society eventually garnered the funds to purchase the original home and open the Keeler Tavern Museum in 1966.

The French Army in Ridgefield

King Louis XVI of France sent his army to assist, led by General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, the Comte of Rochambeau. The French aid, especially Comte de Rochambeau’s men, was crucial to leading American soldiers to victory in the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.

 Without the aid of the well-trained French military backing the American Continental Army, Lord Cornwallis may well have won in Yorktown. However, over 20,000 French infantry and seamen came to the aid of 9,000 American troops led by George Washington. In Ridgefield, Rochambeau and his men made camp in the fields near the Congregational Church that still stands to this day.

Comte de Rochambeau’s legacy has lived on in many ways:

• His son, Donatien-Marie-Joseph de Vimeur, Vicomte of Rochambeau, played a crucial role in several pivotal military campaigns and revolutions of his own, including the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Haitian Revolution.
• Several locations across the U.S. are named after the Comte, including a middle school in Southbury, a bridge spanning across the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., and a French international school in Bethesda, Maryland. Connecticut, in particular, has many locales throughout the state named in Rochambeau’s honor.
• The Comte is also referenced in the acclaimed Broadway musical Hamilton in two songs: “Guns and Ships” and “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down).”

How Do SERVPRO Professionals Deodorize Water Damage in Ridgefield Homes?

What sets SERVPRO apart from other water restoration companies in Ridgefield is its unique combination of locally-owned and operated locations with access to large-scale education, tools, and resources to maintain a high standard for cleanup and restoration.

This commitment to a comprehensive cleaning is especially crucial for odor control after water damage has affected a property. Odors are frequently one of the early signs not just of water damage but of potential microbial growth on a property.

SERVPRO Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) take the following into account when determining what methods are ideal for deodorization:

• Whether affected carpeting can be easily lifted for odor removal, if not, technicians rely on injection systems to deodorize carpet and pad.
• If mold odors are present after the initial round of deodorization procedures has been implemented, OCTs may rely on sealers to encapsulate and mitigate odor-causing residues.
• The size and openness of the area affected by unpleasant odors determine the equipment and materials best suited to mitigation. A burst pipe in an open kitchen, for example, may require the use of an ultra low-volume fogger for more efficient deodorization.

Odor control measures are crucial to returning a water-damaged home to a preloss state that looks and feels clean. SERVPRO technicians receive extensive education and training on industrial-grade deodorization tools best suited to a diverse array of situations.

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield provides homeowners with Faster To Any Size Disaster mitigation and restoration services when they call (203) 791-0920.

How Fast Should A Homeowner Start Water Mitigation Processes in an Inundated Ridgefield Home?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians. Call us today!

SERVPRO Commits to Reach Affected Properties Within Four Hours to Ensure We Halt the Deterioration of the Materials Exposed to Water 

Although water spills in Ridefield can happen as you attend to other important matters, you should not delay restoration. Passage of time can worsen the situation leading to expensive repair bills. When SERVPRO takes over the restoration task, Ridgefield homeowners do not have to worry about the interruptions such an incident can present since we handle all aspects.    

How much delay is enough to complicate water mitigation efforts in Ridgefield?  

Any delay has a negative impact since deterioration starts within minutes and continues over hours, days, or weeks that follow if you take that long to take action. The problems that develop within minutes include: 

• Furniture in saturated areas leaching, causing stains in carpets  
• Furniture finishes turning white if they are moisture sensitive
• Dyes in fabrics or upholstery run 

In most cases, it is hard to respond instantly to a water loss incident, especially when it involves significant amounts of water. What you should not hesitate to do is contact a restoration company so that they can arrange to reach your property before further deterioration after hours or days of exposure. 

What kind of damage should be expected after hours of exposure? 

• Saturated carpets delaminate
• Household odors become glaringly obvious, amplified by humidity
• Wooden furniture and installations swell 

Most of these problems are permanent, thus necessitating replacement of the affected items. Our SERVPRO technicians find ways to prevent these problems. For instance, we mix water-based deodorizers with cleaning solutions to eliminate any foul odor immediately. We also use advanced moisture control procedures such as tented drying to reverse swelling in wood and prevent cracking. 

Seeking help immediately after water spills can prevent severe outcomes. Call SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920 to help deal with any incident, “Like it never even happened.”

More about Ridgefield.

How Can I Get Water Damage Out of My Carpet in Danbury?

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Restoration Pros at SERVPRO Ensure That Water Damage in Danbury Homes Looks, “Like it never even happened.”

Whether you are a homeowner in Danbury or elsewhere, water damage can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools for the job. All it takes is a pinhole leak in a pipe or an accidental bathtub overflow to soak through your flooring and potentially impact your subfloors, which can lead to costly repairs.

SERVPRO technicians are available day and night to ensure that residents in Danbury can access water removal services when they need them. What sets SERVPRO apart from the competition is a dedication to adhering to both Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards as well as the expectations set out by the firm itself.

How Does Water Impact My Home’s Carpet?

• Staining. Water can quickly stain carpeting as it seeps into the fibers due to the presence of microbes and sediments.
• Microbial growth. The longer your carpet is exposed to water, the more likely it is to have enough mold to create unpleasant stains and odors. It only takes 24 to 48 hours after initial exposure for this to occur.
• Warping. Moisture impacts carpeting, pad, and even wood floors and subfloors underneath carpet over time. This warping intensifies with time, and prolonged exposure may necessitate replacement of carpet instead of restoration.

What Tools Does SERVPRO Use to Extract Water from Carpet?

SERVPRO technicians have access to a multitude of tools that can preserve carpet and pad, including the following:
• Portable, back-mounted extractors
• Rover vacuum extractors and industrial-grade shop vacs
• Extraction wands for precision moisture removal

While extraction requires thoroughness to ensure that carpeting is preserved, moisture exposure weakens carpet and pad over time. SERVPRO professionals are careful to avoid delamination of carpeting—that is, the separation of carpet from pad due to over-extraction—whenever possible.

SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield provides emergency-response service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster when you call (203) 791-0920.

What Can Water Restoration Professionals Do For My Flooded Redding Boutique?

7/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Understands Your Redding Business is Your Life Blood, and We Bring in the Experts Needed to Return Your Business to Pre-loss Condition

Whether from a burst pipe or HVAC problem, gallons of water can flood a business faster than you would believe possible. Disasters like this can leave you shut down and losing business in Redding. Let our experts get you open for business quickly.

What is restoration, and what does it mean to my boutique?

Water restoration put succinctly is putting a home or business back together after water intrusion damage. For SERVPRO, it goes beyond the basics and includes such things as re-laying the carpet, repairing the subflooring, and resetting the contents. We are water damage restoration experts in the Redding area. Our goal is to return your boutique to preloss condition so you can get back to work.

Water Extraction & Drying

Before any restoration can happen, the water gets removed, and the building and contents wholly dried. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) trained technicians use advanced technology and powerful equipment to ensure all water is extracted, and everything is thoroughly dried. Various methods are used, including:

    •    Moisture detectors – these determine the moisture in the air as well as hidden water.
    •    Powerful pumps - including truck-mounted or portable. Submersible pumps can be utilized for deeper water.
    •    Wet vacs and rovers - wet vacs suck up water, and rovers are highly maneuverable riding devices. It uses the tech's body weight to push the water out of things like carpeting.
    •    Air movers and dehumidifiers – both are used in a precise ration to dry out contents and remove moisture from the air.

Restore Instead of Replace

Most people don't understand just what SERVPRO can restore. For example, you may think the carpet in your shop is completely ruined because of the flooding and needs replacing. We have experts trained in carpet restoration. Our goal is always restoration, if possible. It is much more cost-effective than replacement and allows you to keep things that may hold sentimental value. Your insurance company will work hand in hand with us to decide what we can restore and what we need to replace.

Flooring and Carpeting

Restoration of flooring is one of the areas we often handle. We can clean, repair or reinstall floors and floor coverings. This includes a variety of flooring such as carpeting, hardwood floors, resilient and non-resilient floors. We will remove the shop's content to install or repair your floor and return it to its original placement. Our technicians can repair or replace water-damaged subflooring too.

Structural Materials

Once our techs determine if there is any structural damage, they get to work taking care of any problems. Walls, ceilings, framing, and insulation are examples of structural materials our team deals with every day. This process can involve cleaning, replacing, or refinishing. Walls may need repainting, and woodwork may need to be refinished. With SERVPRO, you only need one company to handle all the water damage restoration.

HVAC & Electrical Systems

As part of the restoration process, we also look at the HVAC system to ensure no water damage has occurred there. If needed, we clean, repair, or replace ductwork or any other parts of the HVAC system damaged. Electrical components such as outlets and light fixtures get checked and repaired as needed.

Giving You Back Your Boutique

Most specialty shops have lovely drapes or window coverings. You may have items such as upholstered pieces to display your store's inventory. Clothing racks or display racks can be prone to rust or corrosion from flooding. SERVPRO can help with all those things as well. Our company has professionals whose expertise is in areas such as upholstery cleaning and repair. Your window coverings can be cleaned using advanced cleaning techniques. There is no reason to consider your shop's items and fixtures a total loss when our certified team can tackle restoring your contents. We will return your boutique to you, “Like it never even happened.”

Finishing Up

Deodorizing your business is one of the final steps to making sure everything is done and smells fresh and clean. We make sure we complete all repairs to the structure and contents to the client's satisfaction. The technicians will do a final cleaning, and final inspections take place. We then remove our equipment, and your content gets returned to where it was before the flooding.

We are available 24/7 to assist you with any water or fire catastrophe. Contact SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920 for all your water damage restoration needs. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

What is the Average Time in Service for a Water Heater?

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Remove the Water from Your Ridgefield Home Quickly

Statistics released by the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety show that water heater failures account for nearly twenty-percent of water loss events in properties. The failure rate is 10% percent at ten years of service and jumps to 90% after sixteen years in service. Tank units average 35 to 55 gallons, imagine that much water on your floor in Ridgefield.

What Should I Do First After Water Damage from a Water Heater?

• Your first phone call should be to begin the water damage cleanup in your Ridgefield home. The removal of small items in the loss area can assist in lessening the damage, particularly to carpeted rooms. 
• Newspaper and magazines can bleed onto the carpet
• The varnish used on wood furnishings can permanently stain rugs and carpet
• Items such as floor pillows and decorative baskets need removal to another area of the home

Common Areas Affected By Water Tank Failures

The majority of water heaters create water disaster problems with one either a slow leak or a sudden burst as the most typical ways they go out of service. While a sudden burst leaves copious amounts of water behind, a slow leak can do an equal amount of damage that often does not get noticed for an extended period. This often creates an ideal area for mold growth, which has the potential to spread throughout the property. 

Steps for Mitigation in the Home

There are many applications that SERVPRO techs combine to bring well-rounded mitigation to a home after a water tank failure. The extraction of the water should begin within 24 hours of the initial event for the best outcome. 

Upon arrival at the Ridgefield property, the technicians scope the property to determine the migration path of the water. This assists with complete extraction when the techs deploy their advanced equipment. Different types of surfaces need various types of water removal methods. Portable pumps with weighted extraction heads make short work of pulling water out of both carpet and padding, putting the odds in the property owner's favor that they can save the cost of replacement through the restoration methods. 

A laminate tile floor runs the most significant risk of seepage into the subfloor after carpet. Signs of water migration under flooring include:

• Water reappearing on the tile after wiping away
• Dripping through the ceiling in lower levels
• Buckling of sheetrock without water being visible
• Blistering or bubbling of paint on walls or ceilings
• Delamination of tile or glue-down flooring

Drying Equipment Makes the Difference in the Outcome

DIY methods of using household fans on carpet or wet tile flooring work, at best, to dry the top surface. It does nothing to address the moisture further down within the fibers or flooring. SERVPRO techs use the science of psychrometry to pull embedded moisture out of substrates using the high-velocity air movers. As the fast-moving air flows over surfaces, it causes embedded water vapor to rise, and the nearby dehumidifiers capture it. This creates a cycle of progressively drier air and lowers the interior humidity for complete drying. 

Carpets have the potential to get dried in place using applications such as floating where one side of the carpet gets loosened and air directed underneath. Tenting is another common application when only a section requires drying. The techs place plastic over the wet area and force air directly into that space alone. This quickly reduces the moisture and dries the carpet in place. 

Specific Challenges When a Water Tank Leaks

Two elements play a vital role in the outcome of a water loss event involving a water heater. The first is the location of the water heater in the home. The second is the speed at which cleanup efforts began. When the water heater has a placement in a utility closet or upper level of a home, the potential for water to seep into the floor and penetrate the floor joists into lower levels is a big concern. When a 55-gallon tank bursts, water runs rapidly behind baseboards, wicks into sheetrock, and pushes into every available opening. A slow leak does not affect the flooring as much, but tremendous damage can occur to walls and ceilings. 

When the basement is the location for the tank in your Ridgefield home, if the drainage or sump pump is in working order, the damage may be lessened. SERVPRO technicians have the equipment to extract the water and dry the concrete and masonry along with specially formulated cleaning agents.

When a water damage event happens in your home, call SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield at (203) 791-0920. The certified techs stand ready to come to your property 24/7 and return it to its preloss condition. 

How To Flush a Water Heater

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Large appliances like water heaters can be expensive to replace in Ridgefield, CT, so it’s important to do regular maintenance on them to ensure they last as long as possible and perform as expected. One type of maintenance that you can do on your water heater is flush sediment and mineral buildup out from the inside. Too much sediment can result in dirty hot water, the equipment not working efficiently, internal corrosion, and eventually needing damage repairs.

Water Heater Flush Steps

Turn off the water heater: If you have an electric heater, unplug it or turn the power off at the circuit breaker. If it is gas powered, shut off the gas supply so the pilot is extinguished.

Connect the hose: Connect to the heater’s drain valve and put the other end of the hose in your drainage area. Make sure the drainage area can handle warm water and sediment, and wear gloves in case some components are hot.

Drain the water tank: Open the drain valve and let the water run out for a few minutes. Then use your kitchen sink or another hot water source and let the hot water run for a few minutes to help the tank drain better. After this, turn off the water supply valve until the water stops flowing out. Then you can open this back up for another short flush.

Close valves and turn water back on: After the sediment is flushed, close the valves and turn the water supply back on. The water flow at your kitchen sink won’t be consistent right away, but once it is back to normal, this will indicate that the tank is full.

Turn the water heater on: Once you know the tank is full, you can turn the faucet on your sink off and turn the power or gas back on. Make sure the tank is full when you do this, otherwise the heating element or tank can be damaged.

Doing a water heater flush can be fairly simple, and depending on your specific brand, you might consider doing this once every one to three years.

How To Respond to a Leaky Toilet

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

How To Respond to a Leaky Toilet

Toilets tend to be very reliable. They often last up to and more than 40 years with just a little bit of care from time to time. Once in a while, however, water may appear around the base, seeping out from underneath and soaking into the floor. A leaking toilet can cause significant water damage when it isn't repaired in a timely manner. The correct repairs may depend on the source of the trouble:

• Dry wax ring
• Seal failure
  
• Broken tank flange
  
• Loose tank
  
• Improper installation
  
  

If you've noticed that your toilet is leaking a lot, it's best to have a water damage professional take a close look at the structure of your home to repair mold and other potential issues.

Identify the Source of the Puddle

How can you determine the source of your bathroom leak? If there's a pool around the leaking toilet, there's a good chance it's the wax seal that has failed. Your first step is to soak up all the water and dry off the toilet and surrounding area. Next, watch for a new puddle to form. Water may seep from under the toilet, drip from a faulty valve, leak from a damaged supply tube, or even run down a sweating tank.

Repair the Leak

If the water is coming from under the toilet, try tightening the bolts at the base. If this doesn't work, remove the toilet to access the wax ring. Don't forget to turn off the water to the bathroom first and close the valve completely. Remove the old gasket and replace it with a working wax gasket. Make sure the seal is complete before replacing the toilet. Pay attention to each step in the replacement process to ensure proper installation.

Look a Little Deeper

Remember that a leaking toilet affects more than the bathroom. You may have solved the puddle problem at the base of the toilet, but hidden moisture could continue to affect your Redding Ridge,CT, home. Contact water damage remediation professionals to ensure you don't have weakened flooring or growing mold.

Commercial Fire Sprinklers: Dealing With Accidental Discharge

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial sprinkler systems for fire suppression are literal life-saving tools. However, as with most pieces of equipment and machinery, these systems can have quirks and flaws. It is not out of the question that a fire suppression system accidentally discharges or goes off, resulting in flooding and potential damage. In this situation, it can be hard to decide what to do and what order to do it in. Therefore, to make things easy, follow the four steps below.

1. Shut Off Water Supply

Shut off the water supply to the system the moment you realize that there has been a misfire. A fast response here will help to limit the amount of outflow and the potential water damage. Do not be alarmed if it takes a moment for the water to cease; it has to evacuate the lines first.

2. Call Insurance Company

You will want to call your insurance company next to discuss the claims process and how to move forward. Calling your insurer immediately will mean that they can send an assessor out as soon as possible to assess any flooding damage, and to determine culpability. This assessment will determine who is responsible for the repair costs.

3. Mitigate Further Damage

When preparing to make a claim, you will want to mitigate further damage to ensure that the assessor does not deem you negligent. Most insurance providers require that action be taken to limit the extent of the damage. Therefore, you may want to focus on drying and removing any valuable items, like furniture and equipment, limiting exposure and possibly salvaging some items.

4. Hire a Restoration Company

Call a restoration specialist in the Aqua Vista, CT, area to help you restore your facility. They will likely offer mitigation services as well. These companies are also likely a better choice than the DIY option because they are trained in disaster cleanup.

Fire sprinklers are a necessary piece of equipment for commercial buildings. While they are designed to operate under specific circumstances, like any machine, they can malfunction, causing flooding and property damage. If this happens, follow the steps above and hire a restoration company.

3 Helpful Tips To Minimize Residential Water Damage

3/17/2019 (Permalink)

Winter can wreak havoc on pipes

Residential Water Damage

Plumbing lines allow convenient access to water in your home. However, a variety of situations can leave your pipes susceptible to damage, increasing the risk of potentially destructive leaks. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to safeguard your residence with water damage repair services.

1. Protect Your Pipes During the Winter

Frigid winter temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes. Supply lines located in uninsulated rooms or adjacent to exterior walls may be particularly prone to freezing and bursts. To minimize the risk of a broken pipe, you should insulate exposed plumbing structures in your garage, basement and other cold zones inside your residence. You can also circulate warmer air around bathroom and kitchen pipes by opening cabinet doors.

2. Routinely Inspect for Leaks

Water in your home flows to numerous appliances as well as bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Over time, connections can loosen, and supply lines can crack. To help prevent extensive water damage and mold contamination, you should routinely check under your dishwasher and around your washing machine and refrigerator for pooled fluid or dampness and promptly commence any necessary repairs. You should also regularly inspect around toilets and under kitchen and bathroom sinks.

3. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Clogs are a frustrating plumbing issue that can sometimes be difficult to clear. While it may be tempting to use a chemical solution to perform a pipe cleanup, drain cleaners can corrode or warp both metal and plastic tubes, making them vulnerable to cracks and leaks. To safeguard your home’s water lines, you should use a safer alternative to clear obstructions, such as an auger snake or a plunger.

Like most homeowners in Danbury, CT, you may rarely worry about a broken pipe and unexpected water in your home. Seepage from damaged lines can, however, cause extensive destruction. Taking proactive steps can help you protect your home’s plumbing infrastructure and avoid a messy cleanup.

What To Do If You Notice Water Dripping From a Light Fixture

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

If water is dripping from overhead don't turn on light fixers or fans.

Water Dripping From A Light Fixture

If you notice that you have water dripping from a light fixture in your Danbury,CT home, you should take action immediately. Because water in light fixtures can be extremely dangerous, you should use caution when dealing with this problem. The following steps can help you to safely resolve the issue.

1. Turn Off the Electricity

The first thing you want to do in this situation is to turn off the electricity. Because electricity and water is a very dangerous combination, you want to make sure that the power in your home is off. The water in the light fixture could move electricity to other parts of the house and create a potential safety hazard for anyone who comes into contact with it. Use the service panel or breaker to turn off the power.

2. Determine the Source of the Water

Once the power has been turned off, you should try to figure out where the water is coming from. If the source of the water is a leaky pipe, you should turn off the water supply to stop the leak. If you allow the water to continue flowing, it could result in ceiling damage and create an even bigger problem.

3. Have the Light Fixture Replaced

In order to repair and replace the light fixture, you should first contact a professional water damage specialist to fix the leak. Once the water has been removed and the leak has been repaired, you should have an electrician replace the light fixture. If you attempt to do the repair work yourself, you may end up making the problem worse and causing more damage or injuring yourself.

Because water in a light fixture can be dangerous and can cause injury as well as damage to your house, you should be incredibly careful if you notice this problem in your home. Take every precaution and allow professionals to do the most important work.

How To Care For Wet Items

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

Air movers and dehumidifiers on water damage in Danbury, CT

Contents in a home that has sustained water damage may be capable of being cleaned, dried, and restored. Water in home specialists can recommend cleaning methods and identify which items will need to be replaced. The following steps are necessary to care for most wet items.

Rinsing

If a non-porous or semi-porous item is still wet, it is probably safe to rinse. There are several suitable methods, including:

• Hosing an item down with fine spray
  
• Rinsing an item with clean water
  
• Cleaning debris off of an item with a soft brush or damp cloth
  

These methods can be used on items capable of withstanding further exposure to water or light abrasion. Other cleaning methods may be preferable for delicate or porous items.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

Artwork, books, or documents may require specialized cleaning methods. Consult with cleanup professionals to determine the best approach. Several approaches include:

• Allowing items to dry, covering with a screen, and vacuuming off debris
  
• Dry cleaning
  
• Freeze drying to allow moisture to vaporize
  

Rely on the expertise of professionals who specialize in restoring water-damaged items. Delicate materials may not be able to withstand conventional cleaning and drying methods.

Drying

Once all excess water in home has been removed, the next step is to allow building materials and contents to air dry. Specialists may recommend the use of equipment such as:

• Air movers
  
• Fans
  
• Dehumidifiers
  

These appliances promote ventilation or draw moisture out of the air and porous materials. This can reduce the likelihood of mold growth.

It is important to clean and dry building materials and contents exposed to water in home. Start by contacting a plumber to fix a broken pipe, or an appliance repair service in Danbury, CT. As soon as a homeowner has addressed the cause of the water damage, it is time to clean and dry the affected area and wet items.

Bathroom Leaks: Fixing a Leaky Toilet

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet can be irritating, as every flush causes another mess to clean up. Thankfully, a bathroom leak from a toilet is one of the easiest plumbing issues to fix. Learn to fix your plumbing problem below.

1. Find the Problem Area

A leaky toilet typically leaks because of either a malfunctioning flange or loose connections. You can tell when there is a faulty flange because the toilet continuously runs, making a constant hissing noise. If there is no noise and the tank fills and stops, then you may have a loose connection. Snug up the water supply hose as well as the bolts securing the toilet to the floor. If the leak persists, then the problem may be a faulty gasket.

2. Replace the Gasket

If you suspect a faulty gasket is causing your leaking toilet, then you can replace it by first exposing the gasket. Turn off the water, flushing the toilet and emptying the tank. Once the toilet is empty, loosen the bolts and lift the toilet from the gasket. Replace the gasket and return the toilet on top, securing the bolts.

3. Test the Fix

After you have replaced the gasket and secured the toilet, you can turn on the water supply and test the fix. Flush the toilet a few times, allowing plenty of water to cycle through the new gasket. If water is still leaking from around the base of the toilet, then it may be time to either replace the commode or call for help.

4. Call for Assistance

As the toilet is such an essential element of daily life, you will want to resolve any problems quickly. Hiring a professional in Danbury,CT, will allow you to both remedy the situation fast and give you confidence that the issue has been wholly resolved.

A leaking toilet can be a manageable problem. Most common issues stem from malfunctioning flanges or loose connections, which have easy DIY solutions. However, it may be wise to call a professional for

What does Restore vs Replace mean?

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

A cavity drying system used by a professional water damage restoration company.

Restore vs Replace

Imagine you come home for lunch on a Wednesday afternoon and you walk into your living room covered with water and your ceiling has collapsed.

What do you do?

Who do you call?

Do you call your family friend local contractor or Water Restoration Company?

What is the difference?

There are many differences between contractors and Water Restoration Companies. Here are a few:

• A contractor’s job is to replace everything that is affected. This will include all flooring, walls, cabinets and even furniture. SERVPRO is certified in drying water damage to industry standards. We will not remove materials unless it is necessary. This prevents further interruption to your daily life.
• A contractor will have to replace all of the materials they took out of your home. This can take weeks waiting for material decisions, insurance approval, shipping, and installation time. SERVPRO’s average drying time is only 3 days. We have crews available 24/7/356 and someone to monitor your job daily.
• Replacing flooring, drywall, and all of your furniture is expensive. Restoring your home is a lot less expensive than replacing everything in your home.

When you call SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield you can expect a First Responder on site within two hours and your home to be restored quickly by certified, professional technicians.  

Responding to Water Damage Sensibly

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage in Danbury, CT

Excess water can enter unintended parts of your home in a number of different ways. Rainfall can drive and retain moisture within roofing materials. Seasonal flooding can push water through cracks in walls and flooring. Plumbing breaks and backups can disrupt the normal function of appliances and utilities while generating standing gray water. To prevent permanent water damage when these and other problems arise in Danbury, CT, consider the following measures.

Eliminate the Root Cause

Until the source of the problem is identified and resolved, it will not be possible to assess the situation and begin the necessary remedial steps. Some weather-related flooding may require landscaping solutions to divert water away from the foundation of your home. If there is no apparent source of water entry, there may be a plumbing problem such as a faulty sump pump or broken pipes. If you do not have the know-how to resolve these or similar problems quickly, contact a plumber.

Assess the Damage

Standing water can represent a serious health hazard that only increases as time elapses. Mold or bacteria can develop in flooded flooring, as well as within moisture that has wicked into the walls and ceiling. Water damage can also extend to electrical systems, so ensure that the power to affected areas is shut off. Carpet and upholstery may need to be disinfected or replaced entirely depending on the duration of the event. Refer to your homeowner’s insurance policy to better understand what cleanup services are covered.

Be Vigilant

Responding rapidly to flooding can reduce the need for more costly solutions later. Removing belongings from the flooded area and contacting professional water cleanup specialists quickly will prevent the homeowner from having to relocate entirely while the house undergoes extensive repairs and a lengthy decontamination process.

While water damage can be a stressful ordeal, an assertive response is the best defense. Flooding cannot always be prevented outright, but quickly removing water and dealing with all remaining moisture is vital to staying happy and healthy in your home.

Signs That Your Shower or Bathtub Is Leaking

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Water is one of the most powerful and destructive forces in nature. Knowing what to look for and keeping an eye out for signs of a shower or bathtub leak in Danbury, CT, however, can save both your lavatory and wallet from complete annihilation.

Monitor, Monitor, Monitor!

The early detection of leaks can save you thousands of dollars in repair. Signs of leakage are simple to catch and should be brought to the attention of a specialist as soon as possible.

• Stains – Stains on the floor around your bathtub or shower may be an indication that something is awry. If you notice staining, splotching, or loose tiles in your bathroom, you may have a bathtub leak.

• Cracks – Cracks in your bathtub or loose tiles in your shower may be funneling water into unwanted areas. When water collects beneath your tub, it can corrode your baseboards and cause water to pool in spaces and rooms below your lavatory.

• Leaks – A leaky faucet is a sure indicator that you have a leak. Check to ensure that the faucet is properly fitted and that the sealant completely covers the affected area. In severe cases, a faucet leak may point to an issue with the water pipe.

• Buildup – If there is a crawlspace beneath your shower, check to ensure that there is no buildup in the area. If you notice soggy wood or mineral buildup, you may have a shower pan leak that needs tending to.

You Have a Leak, Now What?

Depending on the severity of the leak and the damage it’s caused, you may need to call in a specialist who can assist with the repair and replacement of corroded materials. In severe instances, a bathtub leak may be the result of an old or improperly placed shower pan. Be sure to inform the repair specialist of what you noticed and where you think the leak may be coming from.

If you find a shower pan leak or other water issue in your bathroom, call in a specialist right away. Doing so can prevent further damage from occurring.

For more on Danbury click here. 

3 Steps for Drying Important Commercial Documents After a Flood

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding in an commercial office

When a flood impacts your Ridgefield, CT, commercial building, water damage may not be limited to walls, floors and office equipment. Important documents may also be exposed to flood waters, and when this happens, you may be at risk of losing valuable financial and employee records. However, a storm cleanup and restoration service can assist you with drying wet documents, and there are a few actions you can take to begin the process before restoration technicians arrive.

1. Remove Documents From Humid Areas

When flooding occurs, standing water can create humid conditions that may cause further damage to paper documents. As you wait for flood technicians to arrive, you can support the preservation process by removing affected items from flooded rooms once it is safe to do so. Store them in a cool, dry room, away from sunlight, until they can be inspected by your restoration crew.

2. Take Inventory of Affected Items

If you have dozens of wet documents that will need restoring, it is a good idea to take inventory before turning them over to a restoration service. Group them by financial, employee and technical documents so you can refer to the list with efficiency later. Give a copy of your inventory to the document drying service and review it with the restoration techs before you turn your documents over for repair.

3. Discuss the Drying Process With Experts

It may give you peace of mind to discuss the drying process with your restoration technicians before you release your documents to them. Depending on the level of damage, your papers may be freeze dried, sterilized and deodorized. You may want to prepare a list of questions to ask your restoration experts so you can be as informed as possible about the handling of your documents.

Flooding in your Ridgefield, CT, commercial building can put important papers at risk. However, knowing how to handle wet documents and working with a professional restoration company can preserve the records you have worked so hard to create.

Click here for more on Ridgefield.

3 Strategies for Preventing Frozen Water Pipes

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Pipe Break in Ridgefield Office

Howling winds, subzero temperatures and snow can all have an impact on the exterior of your Ridgefield, CT, home. However, one issue that has the potential to create serious damage is frozen pipes. Water that freezes inside pipes can cause them to burst and result in considerable flooding in your home. If you want to prevent this problem, there are several strategies you can use to protect your home from water damage and the resulting costly repairs.

1. Know How To Operate Water Valves

Knowing where your home's water valves are and labeling them for quick identification can help you shut off the water in case of a burst pipe or to keep them from freezing. When the cold weather sets in, you can protect your pipes by shutting off indoor valves that supply water to hoses and keeping the outdoor ones open. This may allow remaining water to expand slowly and prevent sudden pressure from bursting the pipe.

2. Do Not Neglect Indoor Pipes

While it is common for outdoor pipes to freeze, indoor pipes in unheated or poorly insulated rooms can also be affected. Frozen pipes can occur in utility rooms, basements and the garage, so it is important to insulate them. A storm cleanup and restoration company can show you which indoor pipes might be the most vulnerable and help you prevent winter flooding.

3. Drain Outdoor Water Lines Thoroughly

Outdoor water lines can be vulnerable to cold weather, so maintaining them properly before winter can help prevent costly water line repair bills when spring returns. Take the time to drain these lines thoroughly, especially those connected to your sprinkler system. Insulate them if possible, and close shutoff valves tightly once the lines are completely drained.

You can prevent frozen pipes at your Ridgefield, CT, home by preparing them for the winter and giving yourself plenty of time to do so. These simple strategies can protect your home from sudden flooding and the expensive repairs that often come with it.

For more information go to http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for details. 

Tips for Staying Safe and Sane When a Pipe Breaks

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

Homeownership has its rewards, but when bursting pipes leave your home flooded, it’s normal to panic. No one is expecting to see water gushing into a previously dry room. How do you stay safe and sane after a pipe breaks?

The best thing to do when a broken pipe causes water damage in Danbury, CT is to call a professional. Remember, a flooded room can cause the following:

* Water damage to walls, furniture, and belongings
* Damage to insulation, which must then be replaced
* Growth of mold and bacteria

Standing water can also attract insects, so it is important to address the broken pipe and flooding as soon as possible. The following tips will help you stay protected throughout the process while providing you with peace of mind.

Stay Calm and Turn Off the Water

It can be easy to panic, but try to stay calm and remember that the first step when you have bursting pipes must be to stop the flooding. To turn off the water, you’ll need to find the stop valve on the water main. You can usually find this where the main service line connects to your house, or under the kitchen sink. You should make sure everyone in your family knows where the shutoff valve is located so the water can be turned off quickly in emergencies.

Get to Safety and Call a Professional

Once the water has been shut off, you should immediately get to safety. This is especially important if the water is contaminated, as it can be a serious health hazard. Once you are safely in a dry area, call a professional to fix the broken pipe and clean up the mess.

Trust the Professionals to Dry the Area

Even if the water damage from bursting pipes initially seems minor, you should contact a professional water restoration company when you have water damage in Danbury, CT. Professionals will ensure the area is dry and free from mold and bacteria, keeping you and your family safe. Visit http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for more information on water damage.

Why DIY Restoration Should Be Avoided

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

Why DIY Restoration Should Be Avoided

Nothing is more devastating to a homeowner than seeing their entire house submerged in flood damage waters. When this happens, whether the cause is a pipe break or a storm, the first instinct is to get everyone out to safety and salvage what one can. People in this situation sometimes end up feeling as if they have suffered too much loss and may end up trying to handle the water cleanup and water damage restoration by themselves. This article discusses why DIY restoration should be avoided at all times.

Safety concerns

There is a lot of danger that lurks within a flooded home. First, if the water in the home was caused by a storm, you will not have a chance to switch off electrical; appliances and turn off electricity at the main switch. Trying to access a flooded home while you have no idea whether the water has electrical current running in it is a recipe for disaster. When a professional restoration company comes in, they start by assessing the risk of electrocution before trying to get into the flooded home and start the water cleanup.

Unclean water

In cases where the water damage is a result of a pipe break or supply line break, you have to worry about the water being contaminated with contents of the sewer, toilet bowl or the garbage disposal system. Flood water is automatically contaminated and classified as category 2 or 3. Exposing yourself or your family to such contaminated water is not good for you. Water cleanup and drying should be done as soon as the supply line break causing water in the home has been detected.

Mold and mildew development

Mold damage should always be at the back of your mind when you are dealing with water damage, water in the home and restoration. When the mitigation process is not carried out correctly,drying will not happen and pockets of moisture will be left in various corners of the house. This will lead to the eventual development of mold and mildew. Mold causes dry rot, which with time will weaken your home and could even result in eventual collapse. After the water cleanup, the restoration company uses special drying agents to remove any residual moisture and prevent mold development.

Quick, easy and professional services

Cleaning up the damage that has been caused by a pipe break, supply line break, flood water or water in the business is not as simple as many people imagine it is. It becomes an even bigger challenge when the person trying to do the mitigation does not have the right machinery and equipment for the job. If you want peace of mind after a disaster such as a flood damage in the home, hire experts for the mitigation and restoration. When a reputable company is handling the process, all you need to do is look for a place to put up for a few days, and when you return, your home will be in perfect condition, as if the flood damage never happened. It is recommended to call a drying and restoration company close to you because they can respond to all emergencies, regardless of the time of day and protect your home from extensive damage.

Value for money

Some people feel that water damage restoration eats away at their pocket when they have already encountered huge losses in the pipe break or supply line break, flood damage, water in the business or other cause of water in the home or water in the business. However, it is good to note that do it yourself services may cost you your entire flooded home or the premises which suffered damage from water in business in the long run, especially because poor restoration company and mitigation leads to eventual weakening of the house and possible collapse. It is, therefore, best to hire experts for the restoration process. Even though, they come at a cost, this is the cost of saving your home from total destruction.
Visit http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for more information on water damage.

Why DIY is a Bad Idea When There is Water Damage

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

Why DIY is a Bad Idea When There is Water Damage

Many people don't want to deal with water damage. Whether it's because of a flood, a supply line break, or a pipe break, there's going to be a lot of water. Mitigation has to happen immediately. Otherwise, water in a home and water in a business will be inevitable. The water, when left for too long, can also wreak havoc.

There are DIY approaches, but they don't focus on water cleanup to the level that a restoration company will. It's why a flooded home or business should focus on professional mitigation and restoration from the very beginning.

Cause of Water Has to Be Identified

The water in home or water in business could be coming from anywhere. It might be due to a major flood, a supply line break, a pipe break, or some other kind of water problem. It's not always easy to know where the water is coming from.

A restoration company will know how to spot water damage. More importantly, they will focus on mitigation and be able to identify the source of the problem. This is critical and certain sensors can be used to be able to see behind walls and such. It will make it easier for the flooded home to be addressed properly so that there is less water appearing.

Location of Water Has to Be Found

All of the water has to be found. As much as someone might want to start dealing with flood damage right away, it's important to find out where all of it is. Some might be on the floors of the main room. The water damage might also be in the walls, the ceilings, and in furniture and other belongings.

The only way that drying and water cleanup can take place is to know where the water is. Most DIY jobs don't get all of the water. This is when a flooded home ends up dealing with mold and mildew later on. A supply line break and pipe break, particularly, could end up with water behind the scenes that is hard to notice.

No one wants water in a home or water in a business to go unnoticed for a long period of time. It's why a professional should be called in when there is a flood, pipe break, or supply line break.

Drying Has to Be Thorough

The drying aspect of a water cleanup has to be thorough. When there is a flooded home, there is water in more places than a person might think. Using hair dryers and other residential drying methods are not going to help with extensive flood damage.

As much as some people might want to save money with flood damage, the best thing to do is contact a restoration company. It will make it easier to learn how to overcome water in a home or water in a business. Professionals have a lot of equipment that can help with drying.

The drying needs to be done for the floors, the furniture, and everything else that has experienced any kind of water damage. It starts with mitigation, which can be done by the individual. However, at some point, it's important to call in a professional restoration company that knows how to deal with flood damage.

Restoration Needs to Happen

The water cleanup needs to be done in a timely fashion. From there, the restoration needs to be completed. This could involve replacing carpeting, fixing drywall, and even removing counters and other areas of a home or business.

Restoration is a big part of coming back from water damage. Professionals have more tools and techniques to handle excessive water, ensuring that it's all handled properly.
Visit http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for more information on water damage.

The Steps of Water Damage Restoration

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

The Steps of Water Damage Restoration

Restoring a property that has suffered water damage
Whenever a supply line breaks, a pipe breaks or any other flood event befalls a home, it is a potentially serious issue. Water damage is one of the leading causes of property loss and repair costs in the United States today. In order to maximize the chances of a successful restoration to the property, it is critical that water damage be contained and reversed as quickly as possible. Only a qualified water damage restoration company has the ability to properly handle a flooded home, completing its restoration to the state it was in before the flooding event occurred.


Luckily, there are a set of well-established protocols in dealing with water damage. Over the years, a proven and effective series of steps for the restoration and mitigation of flood damage have been developed. In this article, we go over a general outline of what these steps entail and how they're able to successfully restore a flooded home.


Every sizable city throughout the United States has at least one professional flood damage restoration company. Any time there is a pipe break or supply line break that leads to water in the home or water in the business, the first and most imperative step that a property owner can take is to immediately call in a professional restoration company.

The sooner a team of professionals can be sent out, the higher will be the chance of a completely successful mitigation of the flood damage. If a professional water cleanup team can be deployed to the property within the first five hours, the chance of a complete resolution of the flood damage is near certainty. However, after the first 24 hours, if the flooded home is left without proper mitigation beginning, the chances of permanent damage begin rise with ever passing hour.

The next step in returning the flooded home to normal comes with the arrival of the water cleanup team. Upon entering the site, the water cleanup team will use sophisticated instruments, such as hygrometers and infrared detection units, to determine the extent of the water in the home or water in the business. If water has begun to seep into places that are not visible to the naked eye, they will be noted and a plan formulated on how best to remove the water.

Also, at this stage any active leaks coming from a pipe break or supply line break will be shut off and fixed, including doing welding and torch cutting, if necessary.


At this stage, any standing water in the home or water in the business will be removed. The area next to the supply line break or pipe break will likely contain the most standing water. This area will be focus on first, then other areas of the home, including subflooring and internal wall spaces will be examined. Using advanced, powerful pumping machines and specialized vacuum systems, the cleanup team will be capable of removing up to 2,000 gallons of water in the home or water in the business.


At this point, the thorough drying of the home will begin. The drying process is usually the longest of the five steps, taking anywhere from a few hours to an entire day. By the end of the drying process, the property will appear to be nearly restored. At this stage, there will be no further risk to the property of incurring lasting damage from the flooding event.


The final stage involve sanitizing and cleansing items, such as furniture, pictures, books and carpeting. This will prevent the further growth of any mold that may have began to form. It will also eliminate any smells that may have resulted from water logging.
Visit http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for more information on water damage.

The Tricks And Tips of Restoration After Water Damage

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

The Tricks And Tips of Restoration After Water Damage

Once you encounter the flood damage in your home, you might not know where to start. The experts advise starting with the salvageable materials if you are looking to cut your losses. Once you have worked on the salvageable materials, start removing the materials that can cause expensive damage to your home. For example, the wooden products can encourage the mold to develop fast.

Pump The Water

A pump is instrumental if you are drying the water in home basements as well. Drying is instrumental since the water in home basements can cause immense pressure on the walls. Once you have pumped out the water, you should start replacing the damaged items. For example, you need to remove the rotten wooden materials from your home since they will only escalate the mold development process. However, you should not install the new materials before drying the surfaces. For example, if the invasive roots of some trees are weakening your foundation and causing your house to flood, you need to undertake the necessary repairs. You also need to check the drain system to ensure that it is working properly. If necessary, install some backflow preventers to ensure that the storm water does not flow toward the house of blockages occur. Backflow preventers also stop the sludge from an overflowed sewer from coming to the house.

Water Cleanup and Drying

Drying and water cleanup are vital during restoration and mitigation. Cleaning a home after water damage is a daunting task since you might not estimate the level of contamination. Since the dirt from the drains and sewers might have entered your home, you must use the appropriate disinfectants. The water in business sewers can introduce some germs in the office. When dealing with the water in business drainage systems, ensure that the pollutants do not come to the offices. If the carpet is not damaged, you need to contact a professional carpet cleaner. Muddy water might be difficult to remove if you do not have the necessary equipment. Remember that the muddy water can damage your pump, meaning that you will have to remove it manually.

Flood Damage Mitigation

Flood mitigation, water cleanup, and restoration are vital processes when dealing with the flood damage in your home. Some of the popular mitigation measures include building some embankments, installing some trenches on the perimeter, or raising the electrical supply systems. Flood damage mitigation can save you a lot of money on home repair. In addition, you should substitute the wooden products with metal in the handrails and staircases. You can minimize the effect of water in home surfaces by eliminating the wood that is likely to warp. The water in business reservoirs should not mix with the flood waters if you are looking to prevent contamination.

Mold Prevention

Flood water in business and residential properties require special treatment and extreme care during restoration and water cleanup. If water damage affects your home, restoration is vital since the mold and mildew might start to develop. The goal is to address the water damage as soon as possible since the spores can begin to germinate in a few days. If you have some electrical parts in your home, you have to start thinking about the repair. For safety reasons, you must shut down the power supply to avoid the risk of electrical shocks. Do not begin the repair work without confirming whether you are at risk of shocks from your home or the neighboring properties. Eliminating the water in home foundations is not easy. Since the water in business appliances can transmit power from a neighboring property, you must be careful. While you might lose several hours in the process, you had better be safe than sorry. If your furnishings are still the house, remove them to stop the absorption of water. Carpets can absorb a considerable amount of water. Once you remove the carpet pump the water to prevent the further seepage into the floor.
Visit http://www.SERVPROdanburyridgefield.com for more information on water damage.

Commercial Water Damage Response Unit in Fairfield County, CT

5/28/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Response Truck loaded with Equipment and Supplies

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield takes pride in responding to emergencies as quickly as possible. Whether its 8:00am on Monday morning or 3:00am on New Years Day we have crews available to respond to residential and commercial emergencies. SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield has invested in a new box truck that will be loaded with equipment and supplies to respond to emergencies at a moments notice. With the truck pre-loaded we are able to reduce our response times to our clients. We take pride in being able to respond faster to any disaster, and comforting our clients in their time of need by being onsite quickly with the equipment required to service their needs. With our extensive inventory of equipment, supplies and vehicles on-hand at our Danbury, CT warehouse we are prepared to respond in your time of need. In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of Danbury / Ridgefield arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Commercial Water Damage Drying Services in Fairfield County, CT

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

Desiccant dehumidifier trailer in action in Fairfield County, CT

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

Did you know that SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield has equipment on-hand dedicated to commercial water damage restoration? We have a desiccant dehumidification trailer with on-board generator that is capable of drying complex structures and multiple layers of building materials. This unit allows SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield to reduce business interruption and down-time by decreasing time required to dry materials and/or drying materials that might otherwise need to be removed.

Groundwater Infiltration into your Danbury, CT home

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Groundwater leaks are the problem that homeowners encounter most commonly. Due to the significant amount of rain we have experienced over the past week, as groundwater pressures build in a basement, they can add a special type of pressure- known as hydrostatic pressure- against foundation walls in a basement or crawl space.

This water will enter the basement or crawl space through any opening it can find, including any gaps or cracks along the foundation walls. While basement flooding is most common through the joint where the foundation wall meets the floor, it's also common for water to leak in through cracks, around pipes leading out of the home, around windows, and through the basement floor. Each of these problems is unique- below are many of the most common sources of groundwater leakage.

Basement Wall Cracks
A crack in the basement wall is leaking, allowing water to flood into the home. They can also be a potential indicate of a foundation issue, especially if the cracks are not vertical. Whether horizontal, diagonal, or vertical, this is a major potential problem that should be looked at right away.

Pipe Penetration Leak
A gap around a pipe that penetrates through the basement wall is allowing water to run from the earth outside into the home. If not a pipe, it could also be a cable or electrical wire, a sewage line, or some other opening. These lines can be much more challenging to seal than a typical wall crack, and because they expand and shrink with temperature, seals can easily work loose.

Basement Leaks on the floor or at the Wall/Floor Joint
Water is seeping upwards from cracks running along the floor, or it's leaking in from the corners of the floor, where the basement walls and floors meet. Often, water will also leak through the walls, especially in cases where field stone walls are present. In the case of block walls, the cavities in the blocks will fill with water, which will then seep through the bottom of the walls.

Leaking Basement Windows
Water is coming in around your windows and leaking down to the basement floor. This is sometimes made worse by window wells that are filling with water, snow, and debris. Basement window leaks are often also caused or intensified by rotting or rusting window frames, which is common with steel and wood framed basement windows.

Water Leak in your basement? Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist at (203)-791-0920

Removing Snow From Around Your Home to Prevent Water Damage

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

The large snow depth this year holds lots of water. Each cubic foot of drifted, piled or compacted snow contains 2 to 3 gallons of water. Actions taken now can minimize future water damage problems in your Danbury residence.

Eave-trough down-spouts should carry the water several feet from a house to a well drained area. About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000 square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.

Move snow on the ground away from the house. Snow melt water may cause a wet basement if allowed to run down along the basement wall. If the ground is sloped 1 inch per foot near the house, moving the snow just 3-5 feet from the house will reduce problems.

Examine and clean both the sump pump and pit. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. Make sure the discharge hose carries the water several feet away from the house to a well drained area. Also make sure that the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains to prevent it from freezing.

Remove snow from around rural yards to minimize soft, wet soil conditions. Remember that a 20 foot diameter 10 foot high pile of snow contains about 2,600 gallons of water. Move the snow to well drained areas.

Time is of the Essence After a Water Damage in Danbury, CT

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 203-791-0920

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

? Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.

? Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.

? Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.

? Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

? Drywall begins to swell and break down.

? Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.

? Furniture begins to swell and crack.

? Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.

? A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

? Mold and mildew may grow and spread.

? Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.

? Metal begins to rust and corrode.

? Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.

? Paint begins to blister.

? Wood flooring swells and warps.

? Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

? Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.

? Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Water Damage- Restore vs. Replace in Fairfield County

3/17/2017 (Permalink)

Swollen baseboard and paneling

It is our goal at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield to restore a water damaged property back to preloss condition. Whenever possible our technicians will restore water damaged materials instead of removing and replacing. Despite the incredible technology and training our crews have there are items that despite our best efforts cannot be salvaged after sustaining water damage. These materials include particle board and press-board materials along with some engineered wood products. These materials swell after contact with water which is irreversible and need to be replaced. During our initial inspection of your water damage we will identify items that will not be salvageable, decreasing drying time and reducing claim costs. If you notice that items in your home or business are swollen that might indicate a hidden moisture issue. Contact us at 203-791-0920 for an evaluation and moisture inspection.

It is our goal at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield to restore a water damaged property back to preloss condition. Whenever possible our technicians will restore water damaged materials instead of removing and replacing. Despite the incredible technology and training our crews have there are items that despite our best efforts cannot be salvaged after sustaining water damage. These materials include particle board and press-board materials along with some engineered wood products. These materials swell after contact with water which is irreversible and need to be replaced. During our initial inspection of your water damage we will identify items that will not be salvageable, decreasing drying time and reducing claim costs.

Air Scrubber Installed in a flooded basement in Brookfield, CT

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

What are air scrubbers?
An air scrubber is a portable filtration system that removes particles, gasses, and/or chemicals from the air within a given area. These machines draw air in from the surrounding environment and pass it through a series of filters to remove contaminants. The size and complexity of an air scrubber system will depend on the size of the space being serviced, as well as the range, type, and size of contaminants that must be removed from the area.

Benefits of Using an Air Scrubber
Air scrubbers are especially important on restoration jobs where airborne contaminants are present or will be created/disturbed during the restoration process, such as mold, dust, asbestos, lead, chemical fumes, etc. These hazardous particles can settle on carpet, upholstery, and furnishings, or be drawn into the HVAC system and contaminate other parts of a building.

If these contaminants are not removed, they will have a negative effect on the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the worksite. While naturally occurring particles, such as human skin cells, animal hair, and dirt, are nearly always present, toxic gases released by sewage-borne bacteria and mold spores can cause adverse human health effects when inhaled. In short, these contaminants can compromise the quality of the entire restoration job.

Air scrubbers help protect the health of workers and building occupants by providing a clean and healthy environment. They also help protect contractors from costly liability claims resulting from damage caused by hazardous airborne materials.

Infrared Camera Technology

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage in ceiling.

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield prides itself on having state of the art technology to help our technicians more efficiently help our clients. The infrared camera is a tool that we utilize to help identify temperature differences that are invisible to the naked eye. When water evaporates, it cools surface temperature. Infrared cameras identify temperature differentials to locate potential water damage. Infrared technology visually displays qualitative thermal differences often caused by water damage. This tool helps our technicians rapidly identify areas of concern when inspecting a water damaged structure. SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield utilizes this technology to help provide the customer with a picture of the damage. Now although infrared cameras are a great tool, our technicians still utilize moisture meters to confirm that the temperature differences is elevated moisture and not an unrelated condition.

Hardwood floor drying in Connecticut

5/27/2016 (Permalink)

Hardwood Floor Drying System

Hardwood Floor Drying

Here is a photo of a water damage we just finished up for a client. They had 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring affected by water damage due to a broken pipe. This system dries the flooring by removing moist air through negative pressure. By pulling air through the flutes of the hardwood flooring we are able to evaporate moisture underneath.The goal of trapped moisture drying is the removal of moisture from an area of entrapment. Negative drying can usually accomplish the air exchanges necessary to dry. Air movement, whether positive or negative, supplies a transport vehicle for moisture. Absent an airflow through the trapped area, the ambient humidity within the space can rise to saturation. With suction applied to the airspace, the wet air can be drawn out of the airspace. The results will be lower humidity air acting as an absorbent sponge to which the moisture can move from the wet materials By utilizing the drying mat systems we were able to salvage all the hardwood flooring with minor cupping in a few areas. This saved the homeowner time and inconvenience during the reconstruction phase. SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield has the equipment and experience to help restore instead of replace, helping you get back to normal as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield Disaster Recovery Team

3/13/2016 (Permalink)

Another large loss comes to an end, the customer and all parties involved commended SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield and Team Shelley for their attention to detail and quick response. A special thanks to the management team that made this mitigation project a success.

SERVPRO® has answered your call for help in storm situations. We have developed a specialized storm team and large loss response network to provide the resources you need - management, crews and equipment to get service to your property when others can’t.

As a leader in water damage restoration, SERVPRO® knows fast mitigation is the key to limiting business interruption. With an unmatched national footprint of over 1,500 Franchises, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team can provide trained crews faster to any size disaster and can be on-site within a few hours to help reduce the future damage that water can cause. SERVPRO® has the right equipment, procedures and training to help ensure the structure is dry the first time, saving you time and money.

Helping Prevent Holiday Disasters

12/17/2014 (Permalink)

For all those families going away for the holidays, everyone here at SERVPRO of Danbury/Ridgefield recommends that you maintain adequate heat in your residence and turn off the main water supply to prevent significant damage in the event of a water leak.  

Lower Your Risk of Water Damage

12/10/2013 (Permalink)

When the temperatures drop below freezing make sure that all garden hoses have been disconnected from the spigots and if available turn valves off. Also when going away on vacation turn your water main off and turn off the well pump if you are not on city water.