Recent Storm Damage Posts

SERVPRO Storm Preparation Team

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

A map showing the National Hurricane Center's 5 day outlook. SERVPRO's Storm Team is available to help when major storms damage property, call us 24/7

SERVPRO's Storm Response Team was developed to help organize a larger chain of command in the event of a catastrophic storm event. Our dedication during these types of of unpredictable events is undeniable. Our team braves dangerous and disgusting messes to help communities recover. Our green and orange trucks can be seen in the background of news feeds from almost every major storm over the last three decades and it is in no small part because of our ability to grow our workforce and equipment stockpile quickly and mobilize.

When called upon, our franchises will mobilize and bring equipment and an experienced workforce thousands of miles to help in recovery efforts after a natural disaster. Within our own ranks are some of the most experienced storm restoration project managers and technicians. Our family of 11 franchises line the east coast from New Jersey to New York to Boston exposing us to some of the worst storm events mother nature has to offer. 

Similarly, when major storms are projected to come into our area we are steadfast and forward thinking and will mobilize our team to the area of need. We provide pre-storm services like board-up services, pump and sandbag placement and more. After the storm we jump into action and provide restoration services to commercial and residential properties in need. 

We will be tracking all major storms this hurricane season and will be ready to help in the event of an emergency. If you are aware of that your building has a tendency to flood call us today. A project manager is available to document your property and will be even more prepared to manage your restoration in the event of a major storm.

Flood Damage & Restoration New York City

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Satellite image & path of Tropical Storm Alex passing over the Atlantic Ocean.. SERVPRO of Long Island City is available to help when water and flooding damage your New York City property. Call us 24/7.

After hitting land, Tropical Storm Alex formed as the first named storm of 2022 Hurricane Season. It dumped record amounts of rainfall on southern Florida before forming into a Tropical Storm. Tropical Storm Alex has now passed without causing further damage to land and is making its way into the Atlantic. At the same time that this tropical depression gather strength, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration updated its prediction for storm activity in the Atlantic to be more active than originally predicted. Colorado State University scientists and the Administration now predict that there will be 20 named tropical  storms, 10 hurricanes, 5 hurricanes that could reach category 3 or higher.

Flood damage and repair should be your top concern during a major hurricane or rainstorm. While people worry about the impacts of wind and fallen trees, flooding can have a much greater impact on property and make it more costly to repair. More recently storms have produced more property damage after large hurricanes make landfall and weaken, but continue to pour large amounts rain traveling across land. Millions of dollars in property loss is caused by flash flooding each year.

We are prepared to help 24/7/365 in the event of any major storms, call us when your property requires immediate restoration and water damage clean up services.

Weather & Storm Damage In Historical Buildings

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Historical building is being prepped for restoration. SERVPRO of Long Island City provides restoration and construction services on demand. Contact us today.

Historical buildings require special attention during the rehabbing and reconstruction process. Through our many years of providing restoration services to the cities and towns of New England & New York we have become adept to restoring and renovating historical buildings.

Storm and weather wear and tear to these types of buildings can be a common cause of water damage. When this type of long term water damage has set in it is important to work with experienced contractors such as our team because we can determine the most efficient and least intrusive methods for restoring the property. We are already properly equipped with moisture testing equipment so that we can properly determine what materials can be saved and restored and what must be replaced. We can then provide a multitude of dehumidification and air moving solutions to remove mold feeding moisture from the air and the materials that make up the building. Once the property is cleaned and prepped and restoration is complete, it is ready for reconstruction.

We provide complete construction services and will have a full working knowledge of your property. We will be prepared to provide you estimates to complete the project without the impediment of subcontractors or waiting for another construction team to get to your project. We are labor ready and prepared to provide guaranteed craftsmanship to each and every client.

If your property has experienced long term water damage from a storm or other wear and tear we can help. We provide comprehensive plans for almost any budget and can offer simple solutions like dehumidification equipment rental and larger solutions like reconstruction and modification of these types of properties. Call us to learn more.

Storm Damage Repair - How to Get Your Water-Damaged Basement Back to Normal After a Storm

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Snow covered houses in a residential neighborhood. SERVPRO of Long Island City is available to help restore property after a winter storm.

The start of the winter of 2021-22 has been unpredictable across much of the USA. Here in the New York City area, we have had wild temperature swings, heavy snow, rain, and ice. During this first month of the winter, we have been busy helping homeowners, commercial property owners, and government building managers through water damage from frozen/broken pipes. 

This type of damage typically occurs at night when the temperatures are at their coldest. Properties can be even more vulnerable when there are power outages and suppling the property with proper heat becomes difficult. This is why winter storms can be so devastating, especially in areas where they are less prepared for cold weather.

SERVPRO of Long Island City is prepared to help if your property suffers damage from a winter storm. Water damage repair and drying, mold removal, and even construction services when the property is damaged by wind and snow weight.

This is why SERVPRO Disaster Management is trusted by insurance agents across the U.S.A. Our team is prepared and trained to manage disasters in any condition. This winter do not leave your property restoration to chance, call SERVPRO.

Storm Damage Repair NYC

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Repair NYC SERVPRO Storm Response and Restoration Services Are Here to Help

Storm damage can result in serious and expensive property damage. Storm damage restoration companies can be hired to clean up waterlogged floors, repair roof damage, and replace windows that have been damaged. You can trust that the company you choose is capable of handling all kinds of repairs, even those caused by fires or floods. Make sure the storm damage repair company you hire is well-respected in your local area.

SERVPRO is able to help you with your single family home or multi-family residence. Our team is skilled in storm damage restoration. We have worked with thousands insurance companies to fix homes and buildings. Our team of highly-trained technicians is ready to handle any storm-damaged property. We will also work with your insurance company to ensure that you get the best coverage. You may be able to stay in a hotel or with your friends if you are unable to leave the property due to immediate dangers.

Your home can be damaged by flooding and storms. Some types of storm damage are not dangerous, but others can cause serious harm to your home. Flooding on the main floor could pose a threat to your family's safety. After a storm, the first thing to do is to protect yourself and your home. Residential storm damage restoration services can restore your home to pre-storm conditions. Also, you should contact your insurance company to request a temporary solution.

What is the best extraction tool for flooding in my house?

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

a caution road signage saying Storm Damage with shattered roof behind it Recovering a flooded home can feel like an insurmountable task when property owners first see the damage to their residence.

SERVPRO professionals have access to a wide range of water removal tools that can be used in any flood situation.

Flooding can cause a lot of water to remain on your property. If you don't act quickly to eliminate this water risk, the conditions could worsen such as structural deterioration and saturation. Our SERVPRO team can quickly take action to restore your property. Our professionals will assess your situation and determine the best equipment or products to help you achieve this goal.

Like every aspect of flood relief for businesses and homes, there are many ways to restore and recover the structure. There are many tools that can be used to extract water from a structure. The severity of the situation, depth of standing water and materials that are affected by flood water will all play a role in deciding which equipment is used. Our technicians have many tools available to them when mitigation starts. However, the most commonly used are:

  • Submersible Electric Pumps
  • Trash pumps
  • Truck-Mount Pumps
  • Wet Vacuums
  • Specialty Extractors

Recovering a flooded home can feel like an insurmountable task when property owners first see the damage to their residence. Our team can help with efficient water removal, drying, and cleaning, to make all flood losses “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today!

In The Event of a Storm, It Is Critical To Have a Well-Thought-Out Plan for Your Home.

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Wet Hardwood Flooring, Water Is Visible On the Floor A hardwood floor wet with flood water after a storm. The wood's natural tendency is to absorb it.

Taking the First Step

Turn off the electricity to the house if water is in light fixtures or near electrical outlets. When calling SERVPRO to schedule an appointment, explain that there is no electricity accessible on-site and that the technicians will need to bring generators to power their equipment.

If it is safe to do so, remove valuables and heirlooms. If not, inform the lead technician when SERVPRO comes so that they may recover your belongings. Everyone's safety is paramount, and homeowners should not overlook the dangers of slipping and falling on damp flooring.

Hardwood Flooring Has a Chance to Recover

When water leaks through a hardwood floor, the wood's natural tendency is to absorb it. Crowning, cupping, and warping can occur in fast succession as a result. The sooner moisture is removed, the less likely tile will delaminate and hardwood floors will be damaged. After extended exposure to water, composite pressed wood boards usually deteriorate and must be removed.

SERVPRO of Long Island City at (718) 440 6994 has the trained technicians that arrive fast to your property and restore it from storm damage to make the loss to your home and contents, "Like it never even happened."

 We are available 24/7.

Rough Storms Bringing Flood Damage Means Calling for Expert Cleanup in Queens

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

flood damaged home Storm and flood damage service by SERVPRO is top-notch. Our IICRC certified technicians are ready 24/7 365 days a year for any size disaster.

SERVPRO Handles Flood Damage Restoration After a Storm to Give Queens Residents Peace of Mind

Whenever you have standing water within your Queens property after a storm, it could mean significant harm to your property or the onset of potential health effects. Not only is there pressure and stress to implement water cleanup, but you also have to worry about all of the hidden moisture. Because water migrates beneath floorboards and into various cavities, hiring SERVPRO for emergency services water damage is best. 

We use a targeted approach to handle storm and flood damage in Queens, which begins with an assessment to determine the contents and contamination levels of the water. Our crew relies on a range of extraction tools so that we can efficiently perform water removal services. Not only do we have truck-mount extractors for handling hundreds of gallons quickly, but we also have portable extractors that allow us to get into tight spaces.

  • Portable extraction equipment generally features a storage tank that can handle 5 to 12 gallons and a lift capacity of 140 inches.
  • Truck-mount extraction units can store more than 100 gallons of water along with a lift capacity beginning around 185 inches.
  • Each extraction equipment type above may easily get fitted with extraction wands, additional weight, and other attachments to help our technicians reach their water removal goals.

With any storm with high winds, you could also have tremendous structural damage from tree branches and flying debris. SERVPRO offers tarping, board-up services, and controlled demolition to help with a leaking roof from storms and ceiling repairs from water damages. 

Flood damage restoration is easy when SERVPRO of Long Island City in your corner. Call us at (718) 440-6994, and we can send out our emergency services water damage crew!

Get Results in Queens with Flood Damage Services From SERVPRO

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

cartoon of a house flooded and a car With or without flood insurance for your Queens home, SERVPRO is the right choice for flood water removal and water damage mitigation

DIY methods are never the best bet for flood damage – Call SERVPRO to your Queens property for help!

When looking at the five boroughs within New York City, Queens is the largest in area, and you will find it in the easternmost portion. Queens is only second in population to Brooklyn. Established in 1683, Queens was one of the original twelve counties in New York. It got named after Princess Catherine of Braganza of Portugal and the Queens of Ireland, Scotland, and England.

There are many beautiful neighborhoods to explore throughout Queens. Whether you are heading into Astoria for a bit of cultural learning or you want to grab a meal in Long Island City, there are many areas to take in. Other popular neighborhoods include:

  • Forest Hills
  • Jackson Heights
  • Jamaica
  • Corona
  • Sunnyside
  • Flushing
  • The Rockaways

Plenty of Enjoyment Within Queens for Visitors and Locals Alike

Whether you are looking to explore parks and forests or take in historical or cultural tours, there is a plethora of places to see and things to do in Queens. Some of the top attractions not to miss when you are in the area include:

  • Citi Field
  • Gantry Plaza State Park
  • Rockaway Beach
  • Pepsi Cola Sign
  • Long Island Rail Road
  • Flushing Meadows Corona Park
  • Finback Brewery
  • Cunningham Park

Many Notable Names Come from Queens, New York!

There is never a shortage of famous names that come out of Queens, including everything from reality stars and musicians to politicians and actors. Some of the names that you may recognize include:

  • Martin Scorsese – Director
  • Donald J. Trump – 45th President of the United States
  • Al Roker – Television Show Host
  • Dee Snider – Musician, Twisted Sister
  • Don Rickles – Comedian
  • Andrew Cuomo – Politician
  • Ray Romano – Television Actor/Comedian
  • Ja Rule – Rapper/Entrepreneur
  • NeNe Leakes – Reality Television Sta

Flood Damage Assistance from SERVPRO After a Storm in Queens Helps Limit Costly Secondary Damage

Whenever harsh weather is on the forecast, it can bring flooding that may ravage your Queens residential property. Standing water or basement flooding can put a great deal of structural pressure on the building, which could turn costly should moisture fester and bring about mildew and mold growth. It is essential to have storm water removal services fast so that your home gets back to pre-flood condition. This is where SERVPRO can help!

When faced with flood damage in Queens, our SERVPRO crew works diligently to help mitigate losses while getting you right back on your feet as quickly as possible.

  • We have water restoration technicians (WRT) that work to restore versus replace whenever possible. This helps to lessen claim expenses during water damage remediation.
  • Our project managers and crew chiefs have experience executing each phase of water clean up while ensuring your flood insurance company is informed each step of the way.
  • Contaminated materials get disposed of properly or cleaned thoroughly with our advanced equipment, methods, and expertise. We also perform water damage repairs when necessary with our controlled demolition services.

Storm water removal and flood damage restoration are what we do best at SERVPRO of Long Island City. With a phone call to us at (510) 599-9300, there will be a team ready to work at your door within hours.

What are the Two Main Types of Flood Damages in Queens Homes?

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

cloud to ground lighting on night sky When storms hit, SERVPRO is standing by to restore any damage.

SERVPRO Professionals Handle Any Size Flood Damage in Queens Properties

When heavy storms impact the area, the result can be more water than the city drainage can handle, and flooding may occur. As long as the water is outside the property, there are no significant issues. 

If flood damage occurs in a Queens' property, two main types of floodwater wind up in a home. The first is clean water from a damaged roof that allows rainwater or snowmelt into the house. As long as this gets extracted and dried within 24 hours, there are little to no health hazards. When groundwater such as from the Flushing River enters a home, it can hold a host of contaminants and debris, meaning people and pets in the house should not come into contact with it. 

SERVPRO technicians have the equipment to safely handle this type of water damage cleanup, including: 

  • Personal protective gear 
  • Professional biocides for water treatment
  • Extraction equipment to move large amounts of water quickly

SERVPRO of Long Island City at (718) 440-6994 is available any time of the day or night for flood damage cleanup in Queens.

An Expo for Soon-To-Be-Brides and Wedding Planners in Queens

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO building back a water damage property. Flood damage property in Queens is no joke. Call the professionals of SERVPRO for the water damage services needed to handle the problem.

Don't miss your chance to see the latest fashions and trends for 2021 weddings.

The annual Great Bridal Expo puts expectant brides and wedding planners with some of the wedding business's top names. You can get assistance and guidance through some of the most complicated facets of planning your big day and beyond, including interfacing with companies supplying decorations for the wedding, helping you get away on the honeymoon, and settle into your new life together.

Don't miss your opportunity to witness the stunning bridal show and enter for your chance at fabulous prizes and giveaways. The event is happening Tuesday, January 26th, 2021, at the New York Marriott Marquis. You can contact the event host directly at 1-800-422-3976 for more information. 

Flood damage in your Queens home can ruin any big day, but our SERVPRO of Long Island City team can help. We have efficient extraction and cleaning strategies, as well as experienced professionals to relocate damaged contents to make flood losses "Like it never even happened." We have experienced flood restorers available 24/7 when you call (718) 440-6994.  

Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

flooded lawn with water leaking into house It will be exciting to see the community enjoying the Queens Park and tours!

Enjoy the Park in Queens at Your Leisure or Book a Tour

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park was home to two World Fairs. It is home to the Queens Wildlife Conservation Center and is a favorite place of New Yorkers. When you visit this delightful area, you can enjoy:

  • Historic walks
  • Scenic trails
  • A beautiful carousel
  • Recreation center & indoor pool
  • Bike
  • Kayak
  • Cultural and civic institutions
  • Sports such as baseball, tennis, soccer, and more

The park has areas for picnics and barbecues along with golf courses. The entire family can enjoy the park, even your four-legged members. Fishing and boating are warm-weather activities that are available. When cold weather hits, the ice-skating rinks open. There are playgrounds, skate parks, and handball courts. Zoos and aquariums are in the area as well. So head on over to Grand Central Pkwy, Van Wyck Exwy, Queens, and enjoy Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

SERVPRO of Long Island City team members enjoys spending the day in the park. We also like helping the community by providing flood water removal in Queens. Contact us at (718) 440-6994.

Will Calling in Skilled Technicians Shorten Flood water Cleanup Times?

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

person standing in flood water Please know how hazardous flood damage can be to you and your Queens home.

SERVPRO Uses Proven Flood Damage Restoration Methods to Handle Queens Cleanup Faster Than DIY Efforts Alone.

Street flooding from heavy rains may wreak havoc at your Queens property. Instead of breaking out the shop vac thinking that you can handle it on your own, calling in the help of skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) is the best way to get the results you need. Flood aftermath can leave lasting damage within your home if it does not get addressed carefully. SERVPRO is here to offer you the support, guidance, and manpower necessary to navigate the cleanup and restoration process. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster, meaning that we can get there quickly to start before secondary damage can set in.

What Can Happen to My Interior with All the Floodwater?

Cleaning up flood damage in Queens, calls for expertise and precision. The longer that any floodwater lingers, the more damage it creates. In addition to the devastation to building materials and contents, you also have to worry about microbial growth that brings on mold and mildew. The potential health effects from the onset of mold call for proper cleaning and sanitization throughout your interior.

Hiring skilled cleanup technicians for your residence is crucial for several reasons, such as:

  • Flooding coming in from outside harbors silt, debris, chemicals, sewage, and other substances.
  • As mentioned, mold growth becomes an issue that can happen rapidly within 24 hours of standing water within your home.
  • Decay starts to set in, attacking wood and other materials saturated with water.
  • Salt crystals from the water may also begin to leave deposits on a variety of surfaces.
  • Drywall and other porous materials take on water, which causes them to swell and crumble.
  • Paneling and various kinds of flooring can begin to shrink, swell, warp, and delaminate.

Is Flood water Considered Hazardous?

Flooding, especially flash floods, forces a copious amount of water into your home in a short period. This water must get handled carefully, which includes unique treatments before extraction can begin. Our team at SERVPRO will come in to assess the water levels, test the water, and make sure that the appropriate treatments get applied. All of our crew also wear personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the project. This not only protects our crew, but it also helps ensure that we limit the amount of contamination tracked from the flood zone to unaffected areas of your interior.

How Does Flood water Extraction Work?

When you have detailed water extraction after a flood incident, it helps to shorten drying times. Our SERVPRO technicians come into your Queens property for a full assessment of the affected areas, which allows our team to determine the best way to proceed. After the loss zone is defined, our crew begins extraction to remove standing water before addressing any areas that may have hidden moisture. 

  • For areas with carpet and carpet padding, restoration to the preloss condition when saturated with contaminated flood water is impossible. Our techs will carefully extract water, then remove all saturated carpeting and padding below to properly dispose of it.
  • After standing water and remaining moisture gets removed, and extraction wands make dry passes, our team moves into the next phase of drying.

What Happens with The Drying Phase?

Drying your interior and restoring the relative humidity within your home to the appropriate level is critical. Too much moisture left behind creates the ultimate atmosphere for mold and mildew growth. Our team opens up the loss area so that we can force air under flooring or behind wall cavities, ensuring that no place is left unaddressed. Should we discover mold colonies during the mitigation process, we can inhibit mold growth in its tracks with proper drying and sanitization methods. 

Will My House Get Torn Apart?

Whenever there are materials damaged beyond repair and restoration, we perform what is known as controlled demolition. While we always work to restore rather than replace, some areas damaged call for new material installation. Some of the steps we take may include:

  • Pack-outs so those belongings can be assessed, cleaned, and fully restored away from the flood-loss zone.
  • Floor covering removal so that our team can thoroughly dry the subflooring below.
  • Delaminated tiles may be collected and cleaned for reuse, if possible.
  • Flood cuts in the drywall a few inches above the water line allow us to remove unsalvageable materials for full replacement and refinishing. 

How Does Flood Damage Restoration Wrap Up?

Once we restore your interior and relative humidity is back to normal, we then do a full walk-through. SERVPRO always completes detailed inventory and reporting so that you have everything you need to facilitate your homeowner’s insurance claim. It is important to us that your interior is “Like it never even happened,” so that you can go back to your routine without any reminders of the flooding incident.

Call (718) 440-6994 to have SERVPRO of Long Island City send our Green Fleet to your property to get started on a flood damage assessment. We can be reached 24/7 for emergency cleanup services.

How Can I Restore Queens Flood Damage Quickly?

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Rain water falling on a roof. Don't waste any time when it comes to storm damage in your home. Call SERVPRO today we are ready for your call.

Avoid Wasting Time by Calling a Professional Restoration Company to Help You Return Your Home in Queens to its Original Condition

Your Queens home may become the victim of a storm despite your efforts to protect it. When flood water enters through your roof or windows, it carries outside dangers into your home, including bacteria. When it is all said and done, effectively restoring your home is contingent on you acting quickly after the event. The longer you allow water to sit in your home, the more you invite damage to become permanent.

Floodwater extraction in Queens is a job for our SERVPRO crew, ready to help around the clock. The experience we gain at each job site prepares us to handle the toughest situations as we coordinate your needs with local ordinances, relevant building rules, and insurance adjusters. Rather than taking on the extraction of water, sanitizing, and disinfecting your home, rely on our certified staff to guide you through the process and mitigate your loss.

How Should I Protect my Home after a Flood?

Safety is a top priority for our SERVPRO team. After a flood, we verify that the area is safe to enter, and there are no concerns regarding electrical hazards or structural weaknesses. Once we receive this clearance from the pertinent authorities, we use personal protective equipment to protect ourselves as we isolate the affected area to avoid cross-contamination. As you contact your insurance company, we document our process and begin to discard items that may pose a threat due to their ability to foster bacteria and mold growth. Conversely, we set up a staging area, if possible, to protect the items we can salvage. To extract water from your home, our team may use one of the following-

  • Truck-mounted pumps which are capable of connecting to local sewage to dispose of water
  • Industrial-size dehumidifiers to accelerate water evaporation
  • Wand extractors for water accumulation in the crevices of your home

Floodwater removal can seem overwhelming, but calling the right team can make the process less intimidating. Call our competent staff at SERVPRO of Long Island City at (718) 440-6994 and allow us to leave your home "Like it never even happened."

My Living Room Has Significant Storm Flooding Damage, How Can I Restore It?

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

lightning and heavy rain on blue background Was your home affected by storm damage? SERVPRO has what it takes to restore your home!

SERVPRO Handles Flood Damage Using Industry-Proven Techniques to Restore Your Queens Property 

When your Queens property takes on damage from a recent storm, water intrusion can wreak havoc in multiple ways. A living room contains electronics, furnishings, and countless personal items that you know you want to salvage. SERVPRO has proven methods and the latest advancements to ensure your interior is back to normal faster than DIY methods alone. We do whatever possible to preserve your interior while also keeping safety a number one priority. 

Calling for skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) for flood damage in Queens gets you the mitigation and cleanup you need. Our crew understands that the faster we get to work, the better our chances of preventing secondary damage and salvaging your belongings. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster, and you can count on us to arrive at your house in as little as four hours after your initial phone call. Cutting back on property loss and structural damage saves you both time and money. 

How Does the Restoration Begin? 

A flooded home from a storm calls for extensive extraction followed by drying and sanitation to eliminate secondary damage hazards. If moisture is left to fester, microbes multiply and create foul odors and mildew growth potential. The measures that we take to work through the restoration steps include: 

  • Detailed inventory and pack-out of belongings for relocation to our facility for cleaning, if necessary.
  • Removal of any present solid debris, including silt, mud, and flood-damaged materials like carpeting, insulation, and drywall.
  • Sanitization of all salvageable flood-damaged surfaces using anti-microbial solutions that are EPA-registered. 

Full deodorization of your interior using specialized products and advanced technology. 

Upon arrival at your Queens property, our crew chief performs a thorough inspection to note any impacted contents and building materials. If some of your water damaged contents are restorable, the team organizes them for restoration on or off-site. Anything unsalvageable is recorded and disposed of according to local regulations in the safest manner possible. 

What Makes Skilled Restoration the Best Choice? 

Using the right techniques for each situation is key to each flood project in Queens. Our SERVPRO crew uses a unique formula to determine the best methods and equipment for each phase of your water loss cleanup, which allows us to eradicate contaminated materials, select the best tools for water removal, and to promote rapid drying. 

Dealing with Contaminated Water 

Water from a storm flood often contains a variety of debris and contaminants that need carefully addressing and efficiently to ensure our crew and the occupants' safety. We test the water present and label it accordingly so that the team knows the best way to proceed. 

  • Category 1 is sanitary water
  • Category 2 contains significant contamination
  • Category 3, often referred to as black water, is grossly contaminated 

Category 2 and 3 water calls for a careful approach that includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as cordoning off zones to contain potential hazards within the affected areas. Contamination can spread with the movement of equipment, removing debris, and foot traffic. Hence, our team works swiftly to minimize cross-contamination by containment with sealed off doorways using durable polyethylene plastic sheeting. 

If a significant amount of solid waste is present, such as debris and silt, our crew may use rakes and shovels for removal. The debris removal helps us expose the structural elements to inspect and evaluate them before proceeding. For any standing water, we use: 

  • Truck-mounted extraction equipment that allows us to pull up tremendous amounts of water containing debris.
  • Submersible pumps for areas with water levels 2-inches deep, or higher. 

Depending on the storm floodwater contamination levels that entered your Queens living room, our crew might need to treat it with disinfectants to help with sanitization before pumping it out. 

What About My Carpeting? 

When significant contamination is present, it is best to remove carpeting to replace them with brand-new materials. However, if your carpet is deemed salvageable, our skilled technicians have various tools available to help with water extraction, including: 

  • Portable or truck-mounted extractors
  • Rovers, or weighted extractors, use the technician's weight to push water up and out of carpeting
  • Carpet wands, or light-wand extractors 

We also carry squeegee wands for any areas where you have hard surface floors impacted by water damage. 

Once the debris is gone and water extraction wraps up, we put industrial-strength drying equipment to restore relative humidity levels throughout your home. With the help of air movers used in conjunction with dehumidifiers, our crew can enhance drying time to make it, "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO of Long Island City is available 24/7 for emergency water cleanup and restoration when faced with flood damage after a storm. Call (718) 440-6994 to have a crew deployed to your property for an assessment. 

More about Queens.

How Do I Remove Floodwater from My Home?

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

flooded home Nobody wants a flooded home in Queens. Let SERVPRO take care of all your water problem needs.

Call SERVPRO Water Restoration Teams to Clear Your Queens Home of Floodwater

After a major storm, almost every home in Queens is in danger of flooding. Since even a small amount of floodwater can cause thousands of dollars in damage, removing it quickly is very important.

Why do I need SERVPRO to get property?

The equipment our technicians use is more powerful and has more options to remove water. SERVPRO experts also have extensive training to quickly remove flooding in your Queens home without accidentally causing additional damage to the floors underneath the floodwater.

Is that all technicians need to do for my home?

No, removal is just the beginning. Our teams then need to perform the following steps at a minimum:

  • Remove contaminants – Floodwater brings in dirt and more which has to be removed for full, residential restoration.
  • Dry the home – Technicians next install air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers to force moisture out of surfaces and pull it from the air. These actions reduce the amount of property lost to the flood. For example, all three devices help to pull water out of floorboards so they do not crack or warp.
  • Remove damaged property – Carpets are an item that cannot be 100% restored. The only option is to dispose of the carpets immediately and clean the floors underneath with an anti-bacterial agent.

To your home after a flood, call SERVPRO of Long Island City at (917) 793-0419 today. We are here for you.

Who Can I Call to Restore My Flood-Damaged Condo?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

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

Disaster Mitigation Teams Clean, Sanitize, and Rebuild Queens Residences After Flood Damage

Ground flooding is rarely an event that New York residents are ready for, even when they have prepared for disaster. After the floodwaters subside, homeowners and renters are left to tackle residues from sewage, insects, mold, and industrial waste when consumer-grade products are not designed for such tasks.

If your condo in Queens has suffered flood damage, certified SERVPRO technicians are available 24/7 to address your needs and return to home to its pre-loss condition. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-accredited teams are not only compliant with the standards set by SERVPRO training, but also by those expected for the entire US restoration industry.

Understanding Flood Damage in New York

Here are some facts to help you understand the size and breadth of New York’s floodplain:

  • According to FEMA’s 2015 PFIRMs, the city’s 100-year floodplain affects over 400,000 residents and 183,000 residential units, with the total floor area estimated at a whopping 532 million square feet.
  • The term “100-year floodplain” can be misleading, as there is a 26% chance of such flooding occurring during a homeowner’s 30-year mortgage.
  • Sea levels in the 1% annual chance floodplain are expected to rise between 8 and 30 inches by the 2050s. Coastal storm risks are also projected to increase from 1% to 3% during this period. Coastal storms include nor’easters, hurricanes, and tropical storms.

SERVPRO’s Sanitation Tools

SERVPRO technicians address flood damage with a variety of odor control tools and solutions. The first step is to remove standing water and odor-causing waste. Sanitation efforts after moisture and debris extraction also go a long way toward mitigating odor with the use of EPA-registered biocides. The drying process occurs after sanitation to prevent the spread of microbes.

Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) can utilize ultra-low volume foggers to dispense water- or solvent-based deodorizers that bind with odors and eliminate the particles that cause them.

SERVPRO of Long Island City wants to keep your residence looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call (718) 440-6994 for service that can start within hours of your initial contact.

Learn more about Queens.

Flood Damage in Queens Basement Gets Fast Turnaround

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded basement No matter when you make the call, we have technicians who can assist you.

SERVPRO Will Quickly Respond to Your Home's Flood Damage, Day or Night

Basements get the brunt of flood damage. It is the lowest level, and basement walls range from finished with sheetrock to porous cinder block and brick. The faster the cleanup begins lessens the potential for loss for the homeowner. 

A homeowner in Queens needed help with flood damage cleanup in her finished basement. This area of the home got used as storage mainly, and numerous boxes and items required removal. 

First Actions On Arrival

A mere inch of water leaves behind substantial damages in a property. SERVPRO technicians immediately begin extracting water and moving items out of the work area to determine if they have restoration potential from the water exposure. The techs quickly discovered the sump pump was not working and arranged with the homeowner to bring in a plumber for repairs. Fortunately, the majority of contents stored in the basement in plastic bins, which only required exterior wipe down with antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaners.

Removal of Ruined Sheetrock

Unfortunately, the sheetrock over the cinder block and brick walls wicked the floodwater and required removal from the floor upwards several inches above the waterline. This action is essential to allow water loss areas to dry completely. 

Drying and Commonly Seen After Effects

Slab substrate is a standard in basements. Because of the porous nature of concrete, some moisture becomes embedded in both the slab and cinder block or brick walls. During the drying process, the high-velocity air movers cause moisture to rise. The dehumidifiers capture it as this reaction happens and creates a cycle of progressively drier air circulating, which brings down the humidity rapidly. When concrete dries, the salts in the composition rise to the surface and leave a white powdery substance known as efflorescence, and the techs clean it away during the final sanitizing wipe down. 

Returning Items

Once the basement gets dried, the technicians verify through the use of moisture detection equipment that the walls and floor attained drying goals. Once confirmed, they can begin to move the stored items back in for the homeowner. 

SERVPRO of Long Island City at (718) 440-6994 for fast flood damage cleanup. The certified technicians arrive quickly and make the water loss to the home, "Like it never even happened."

Learn more about Queens.

Unwanted Storm and Groundwater Damage to Your Queens Property? Call SERVPRO--Fast!

1/26/2020 (Permalink)

drying gear, removed flooring in a flooded kitchen/DR Queens Homeowners Count on SERVPRO's Advanced Equipment for Mitigating Flood Damage

Critical Elements of Flood Mitigation in Queens Homes

Flooding for many homes in Queens starts from storms that allow water penetration. As challenging as reducing the immediate threats might be, our SERVPRO team must act quickly once notified of a loss incident to save you time and money on restoration. Mitigation is a vital phase of the recovery of your home and can allow our team to protect exposed contents, structural elements, and construction materials before build back, or replacement is necessary.

Understanding the elements of our mitigation process can help our customers be at ease with the restoration of flood damage in Queens residences. Emergency services can often precede even our relief steps as these prevent further water penetration into the house by placing roof tarps, boarding up structural breaches of the residence, or repairing other compromised areas that could allow further harm. With an in-house team of general contractors, we can offer a full line of simple to complex repairs and replacements as they are necessary for the restoration of your home.

Extraction

After flooding, one of the primary concerns that our SERVPRO team faces is standing water within the structure. We can resolve these issues with the use of multiple advanced water removal tools, including electric submersible pumps, trash pumps, and truck-mount extractors. Combined with numerous attachments and accessories, these tools can remove surface water to prepare the house for drying efforts. However, often the groundwater has receded, and moisture removal and cleanup are next up.

Controlled Demolition

In many situations, the movement of floodwater can irreparably damage many installed structural elements and construction materials like drywall, wood trim, insulation, and ceiling tiles. Our contractors can remove only the damaged portions of these materials to make build back faster and less costly.

Drying

Drying is a considerable obstacle for our team after widespread flooding, as every affected material dries over varying periods and with differing techniques. We have state-of-the-art drying tools like air movers, drying mats, and positive pressure systems all that hinges on various methods of evaporation to protect saturated materials.

Validated Documentation

The on-going monitoring of the drying phase of the storm damage restoration process is crucial for the desired result. Using moisture sensors and infrared camera imaging, we can validate when all affected materials have been restored to baseline moisture content levels. During this segment of mitigation, our SERVPRO crew can adjust the strategic positioning of the air movers, axial fans, and dehumidifiers.

Mitigation is an essential element to our recovery process, and one that can save you time and money on the restoration work your property needs. Give our SERVPRO of Long Island City team a call anytime at (718) 440-6994.

The UN's IPCC Predicts Stronger, Wetter Hurricanes

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

The world's ice & oceans are taking on the brunt of heat and carbon dioxide from climate change impact in the latest report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Warmer ocean temperatures lead to stronger, and more rain-heavy hurricanes like Hurricanes Harvey & Dorian. If this is true those of us on the Gulf of Mexico and on the east coast need to be prepared for these dangerous storms in ways that we wouldn't have thought previously possible. In Houston, TX flooding was once again a problem in 2019 as Hurricane Imelda, although weaker by hurricane standards than Hurricane Harvey, dumped more rain and in some ways was more damaging to the low-lying areas around the densely populated city. Our crew here at SERVPRO of Long Island City is prepared to help when these disasters strike. We have been in Houston to help out in 2018 and 2019 and will be trained and prepared to continue to help in the recovery effort wherever we are needed!

Power Outages Can Cause Damage To Your Home or Business

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

A summer thunderstorm can be fun to watch from a safe distance. The warm air, the rolling sound of the thunder in the background and the streaks of lightning that light up the night sky is like natures version of fireworks. But of course, with a thunderstorm, the chance of a power outage is always a possibility.

Normally, a short power outage is no big deal, but the longer the power is out the potential for damage to a home or business increases. For example, homes that take on water during storms generally, have a sub-pump that removes the water from the basement before damage can occur. Without power, this pump will not work allowing water to fill up the basement. Or if you rely on air conditioning to keep your home or business from getting too humid, a power outage can quickly lead to mold growth.

If you do run into any of these issues contact our office. We can help you to repair water damage and remove mold.

Mold Remediation Services NYC

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

For many areas of the country, the spring of 2019 has been one of the rainiest on record. In New York City it is no different and with all that rainfall comes the potential for mold. Mold outbreaks, especially in commercial and large residential apartment homes, can be difficult to maintain without proper training and equipment. Our team of certified mold technicians are available to help. We are licensed and trained in the state of New York to remove & remediate mold outbreaks in residential and commercial buildings. We work quickly to contain the outbreak and remove the source of moisture responsible for the problem. Mold can be more dangerous than it appears and can affect the health of those in the area causing respiratory issues and illness. If you believe your building has mold issues, don't hesitate, contact our office now.

Despite a mild December; Winter is Coming

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Sure we will have to wait until April for 'Winter to Come' in the world of Westeros, but here in New York, despite the mild December, winter is finally here. Below freezing temperatures have been consistent the last few weeks and it feels like snow will be on the ground any day now. Are you prepared? And more importantly is your home or commercial property prepared for the extended freezing cold weather? Here are some things you can do to make sure your home is ready for winter.

  • Check attic and basement eves - If you live in an older home chance are you have a vented attic if this is the case double check to make sure attic insulation is still in place and working and that there are no drafts in the attic or basement. If you have any exposed water pipes you should insulate them and if necessary install an electric pipe heating cable that will monitor the pipes and keep them warm enough to keep water flowing.
  • Make sure water to outside water faucets is shut off - Leaving water on can cause the faucet to freeze and leak, this slow leak will allow ice to form around your hose bib and your foundation with the potential to cause structure and water damage to the property.
  • Monitor the temperature in your garage - If you have an attached garage there is a chance there are water pipes within the ceiling or walls adjacent to the garage, monitor the temperature of your attached garage and, if needed, install an emergency heat source to kick on when the temperature is low. This can save you thousands in water damage in the case a pipe were to burst! 

Storm Damage Repair & Dry Out

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rains from Hurricane Florence and other weather systems have soaked the east coast of the United States over the last couple of weeks. Our team of Disaster Restoration techs have been working around the clock restoring and drying out homes and businesses up and down the eastern seaboard, but we're not done yet! In fact, we have only just begun what we consider to be one of our busiest times of the year. There are of course major events, like hurricanes, that when they occur require several teams of restoration experts to band together. And there is also the change of seasons that will bring with it the cold weather that will inevitably cause pipes to burst, ice dam and snowmelt flooding. We recommend to all of our neighbors to take this time of year to prepare for the winter and other potential weather-related events that could cause damage to your property. Being prepared is the first step to a successful restoration.

Hurricane Report: 2017

10/11/2017 (Permalink)

Needless to say, it has been a busy hurricane season in the United States. SERVPRO of Long Island City has been busy serving the affected communities while also leaving an experienced crew behind ready to serve New York in case emergency restoration services have been needed. 

During the last few months, we have provided equipment, manpower, and management in the hurricane-affected areas of Texas, Florida, Louisana, Mississippi & Alabama. It has been difficult work and hard to witness the damage first hand but it has also been uplifting to see the resolve of the people who want to get back to normal and have pitched in to help their community.

SERVPRO of Long Island City would like send our continued prayers and support to these effect areas. We are here to help!

Hurricane Season 2017: What to Expect.

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

As we begin the summer months it is important to note the start of the 2017 hurricane season is also underway. Meteorologist and scientist around the world believe this year we could see an increased number of Atlantic Ocean hurricanes due to a weak to non-existent El Nino effect.  SERVPRO of Long Island City offers experienced leadership and crew members when it comes to hurricane damage and flooding mitigation.

Experienced team members play a crucial role in reducing the damage caused by weather, especially in densely populated neighborhoods. SERVPRO of Long Island City managers and crew members have participated in mitigating floods across the country including floods caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2014.

Please take a minute to note this phone number, 718-440-6994, our office is available 24-7 and ready to send a prepared crew to your emergency situation in a moment's notice. We offer several mitigation services that can drastically reduce the overall damage caused by weather.