Recent Posts

Water Damage Restoration in a Home With Hoarding

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage from floodwater is considered a biohazardous situation, as the water can contain dangerous pathogens. When a home is a hoarding situation, the work becomes a bit more complicated, with several more layers of clean up involved.

In many hoarding situations, the floors and walls of the home cannot be accessed so its possible that there existed unnoticed water or mold damage prior to the flood.  

The contents of the home need to be removed prior to the restoration work beginning. Our team always takes the upmost precautions when we work in such a home. Our crew wears protective gear to prevent exposure to pathogens and items must be disposed of properly.  When the affected area is clear, we can better assess the situation and create a water damage restoration plan that we leave the home clean and safe for those who live there.

We understand that hoarding can be a delicate situation to address and our team approaches our work with empathy and consideration in such cases. 

Commercial Property Flood Damage Restoration

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Do you need flood protection for your commercial property?

If you own a commercial property on the CT shoreline, you may be concerned about flooding and for good reason. The majority of general commercial insurance policy exclude damage caused by flooding. If your insurance policy does not cover ground flooding, consider whether you may need one.  There are a number of reasons why flood insurance for your commercial property is a good idea.

  1. Is your business located on a flood plain?  The Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains flood maps that can help business owners determine whether a commercial building is located in an area prone to flooding. Most insurance providers define a flood as water damage that originates from outside water sources such as rain or rising bodies of water
  2. Are you a “better safe than sorry” business owner?  Even if you are not in a flood plain, there may be a reasonable risk of flooding at your commercial building. According to FEMA, the average flood insurance claim is approximately $33,000 and total property damage due to flooding tops $6 billion every year. Because flooding can happen, you may choose to purchase insurance “just in case”.
  3. Is your mortgage federally regulated or insured? Owners of property located in a flood zone with mortgages regulated or insured by the federal government are required to purchase and maintain flood coverage. Contact an insurance agent that offers NFIP policies or add a flood endorsement or rider to a general commercial insurance policy.
  4. Mold and Other Secondary Damage In addition to excluding flooding, most standard commercial property policies also cut out coverage for any secondary damage that results from this uncovered peril. Without a flood policy, it may be more difficult or prohibitively expensive to pursue mitigation and restoration. As a result, a structure may be prone to mold growth.

Not only can flooding at your New Haven County business cause damage that requires what can be costly restoration, it can also force you to close your doors while the work is being done.

Considering if your business requires additional flood insurance coverage now will help you later.

We go through the contents of a home on a piece by piece basis and while each item is a unique case, we do use a few factors to determine whether it gets boxed, sent to our facility for cleaning or put in the dumpster. 

The type of water that has flooded the home is an important factor in determining what stays and what goes. Clean water does not pose as much of a health hazard as potentially contaminated water does. If there is concern that water is contaminated from sewage or chemicals, we are unlikely to suggest it be cleaned. It's not worth the risk.  

Typically, porous fabrics such as mattresses, pillows, carpeting and particle board cannot be salvaged. They absorb water quickly and are breeding grounds for mold spores to grow.  However, there are cases in which we are able to clean area rugs and wood if we are called to the job quickly and the piece has not become oversaturated.  

Our ability to be on the job quickly helps us minimize damage to personal possessions that have water damage. The perfect example of this is wooden furniture. It takes quite a bit of time for it to really absorb and become completely water logged. If you get personal belongings out of the standing water and begin the drying process right away, you have a good chance of being able to save them. 

The SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford team has the experience in caring for the belongings of your Oxford area home. Experiencing damage to your home is an upsetting ordeal. We understand that it can be difficult to part with treasured items, and do our best to help save them. 

Hot Water Heater Bursts in Milford

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

No matter what the season, your hot water heater can give you a problem.

Although there are a number of reasons associated with a hot water heater failure, the most common cause that we see is due to old age.  Hot water heaters will typically last you between 10-15 years. A leak may occur when corrosion and mineral build up occurs to the internal components.  What may begin as a little leak can quickly lead to a flooded basement.

As a homeowner, knowing the signs that your hot water heater is on its last legs can help you avoid a water disaster.

    • Water color/quality: When running your faucet on hot, note it’s appearance. If it appears rusty, this is a s sign that there might be corrosion in your tank and signals an upcoming failure of your water heater.  
    • Look for signs of muddy water or increased sediment in the water tank: Muddy water or increased sediment signals a potential failure of your water heater. You can check this by attaching a hose to the drainage bib on the water heater, turn the unit off and drain it to examine its contents.  When flushing the water heater, remember that the water that comes out of the hose bib at the front of the water heater is going to be extremely hot, as it will not be mixed with cold water. Smell or taste the water. If the hot water has a metallic taste to it, this indicates that the water heater is close to breaking down.
    • Listen to the noises your water tank makes: Your heater will normally make sounds however any loud cracks or pops could indicate a problem.

If you notice your hot water heater has any of the symptoms of a failure, call your plumber for an inspection.

For floods caused by hot water tank leaks, call SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford at (203) 301-0500 for immediate service.

It's our Business to Help your Business

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

When a New Haven County  area warehouse has flooding, our office staff knows that our response needs to be immediate.

Not only is the structure of your warehouse at risk, the building also holds your valuable merchandise and equipment. Yes, your losses will be covered by your insurance policy. However, damaged inventory will cause a significant loss of business continuity for most companies and present a hassle that most business owners would rather avoid!

When we arrive on scene after a water damage call at a commercial property, we come equipped to start the clean up process.

One of our property managers will walk through the structure with you to assess the damage and discuss a restoration plan that will work around your needs.  For large warehouses, SERVPRO can mobilize truck-mounted water extractors capable of removing hundreds of gallons of water in one go. Where standing water reaches a level above two inches, we can deploy gas-powered pumps that transport excess liquid to an open sewer point. 

We work to restore your structure while also protecting your business assets, whether that is your inventory, important documents, machinery or vehicles.

If necessary, our Commercial Property Restoration team will package up and relocate any of contents of your warehouse that cannot safely remain there during clean up.  Should the administrative wing of your warehouse suffer damage, priority is placed on protecting your computers, servers and important paper documents that hold valuable company information.  

Whether your property has water damage due to a flooded basement, broken sprinkler system or HVAC leak, it’s our business to help your business. 

How to find a water damage restoration company.

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

When you’ve had water or fire damage at your Woodbridge area home or business, your first step after the flooding has been stopped or fire is out will be to find a restoration company.

Unless you have a family member or friend who swears by a particular company that they’ve had experience with, you will find yourself typing in a internet search and trying to choose a company based on the results. 

We understand that it’s hard to pick a trustworthy company from the internet, especially when you may be in a state of distress and under a time constraint.  Internet ratings and reviews such as on Google and Facebook are a good way to see what kind of experience others in your community have had with a company. We also recommend that you make sure potential restoration company meets the following criteria:

  1. Choose Local. When your house has damage, it’s important that the company you hire is locally owned and operated. The last thing that you need during the restoration process is being out on hold by a customer service representative in another state. SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is locally owned and our office staff and technicians live here too. They understand the unique situation that you are in first hand. 
  2. Check Credentials. Make sure that the restoration company that you hire is fully licensed to do restoration and contracting work in the state of Connecticut. A certified restoration professional demonstrates that the company has received extensive training and is in good standing. The technicians on our staff are IICRC certified and skilled in using high-tech restoration equipment and employing advanced restoration methodologies.
  3. Use only an Insured Restoration Company. Insurance protects the technicians working onsite as well as you, the property owner. Any injuries to the homeowner or workers that result from the restoration process are covered by general liability insurance. Damage to the property itself that occurs as a consequence to the restoration work performed is also covered under the company’s insurance. 
  4. Inquire About the Companies Availability. When water disasters strike, such as in weather related flooding or frozen pipes, the damage is often widespread throughout the community. A small restoration company may not have the resources to respond to the job quickly and complete the work in an expedient manner. SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is available 24/7 and we have a large crew so when widespread damage occurs, we can meet ALL of our customers needs. 
  5. Ask for References. If you’d like to speak to a previous customer or two before hiring a restoration company, don’t be shy about asking for references. Choosing who to care for your home can be a big decision and having the assurance from somebody who has been in your situation can really help!

Summer rains are a relief...except when they flood your basement.

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

We've had a wet few weeks in Connecticut and have received quite a number of phone calls from local homeowners who have basement flooding. Quick action is the key to limiting damage if you have flooding. Here are some actions that can prevent mold from growing in your home. 

  • Protect your belongings – remove light furniture and upholstered items as well as other items that are susceptible (cardboard boxes, carpets and other porous items) from the affected area. 
  • Remove as much water as possible using a wet/dry vacuum. 
  • Use fans to circulate the air and speed up the drying process. A good rule of thumb is to run the fans for an additional week after the area appears dry. 
  • A dehumidifier can be used as well to remove excess moisture and dry out the room. 

Water damage can easily be hidden underneath rugs or carpet, so be sure to give your home a thorough inspection if you suspect water damage. Although carpets can be steam cleaned, they are tough to treat and padding typically cannot be saved. 

If you do have wall to wall carpeting in your basement that has gotten wet from flood water, give SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford a call at (203) 301-0500. We are an IICRC trained mold and water mitigation company and have the tools and expertise to treat your home for damage.

Flood Restoration at Commercial Properties

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

When a Stratford area commercial property has flooding, our office staff knows that our response needs to be immediate.

Not only is the structure of your warehouse at risk, the building also holds your valuable merchandise and equipment. Yes, your losses will be covered by your insurance policy. However, damaged inventory will cause a significant loss of business continuity for most companies and present a hassle that most business owners would rather avoid!

When we arrive on scene after a water damage call at a commercial property, we come equipped to start the clean up process.

One of our property managers will walk through the structure with you to assess the damage and discuss a restoration plan that will work around your needs.  For large warehouses, SERVPRO can mobilize truck-mounted water extractors capable of removing hundreds of gallons of water in one go. Where standing water reaches a level above two inches, we can deploy gas-powered pumps that transport excess liquid to an open sewer point. 

We work to restore your structure while also protecting your business assets, whether that is your inventory, important documents, machinery or vehicles.

If necessary, our Commercial Property Restoration team will package up and relocate any of contents of your warehouse that cannot safely remain there during clean up.  Should the administrative wing of your warehouse suffer damage, priority is placed on protecting your computers, servers and important paper documents that hold valuable company information.  

Whether your property has water damage due to a flooded basement, broken sprinkler system or HVAC leak, it’s our business to help your business. 

When Your HVAC Causes Water Damage

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Has an air conditioner leak causing water damage to your home? 

Air conditioners are known to leak – whether from a dirty filter, a malfunctioning pump, a cracked drain pan or even a damaged evaporator coil.  We’ve seen this cause significant water damage to New Haven area homes.  It can soak  sheetrock walls and ceilings as well as insulation and carpeting. 

If you have flooding from an A/C leak, your first course of action is to shut the unit off and call your serviceman to identify and repair the problem. Then, call SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford to clean it up. When we receive your call, our office will send a team out to inspect the situation and immediately start the restoration work.  

To treat water damage caused by air conditioning units, our treatment plan will likely include water extractors to remove any standing water as well as water that has soaked into carpets and upholstery. We also treat water damage events with air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the moisture out of the air and expedite the drying process.  We use our floor mat extraction system to remove the moisture from wet wood and tile floors. This system utilizes a strong suction by use of mats, which are attached to a vacuum with hoses, allowing the vacuum to draw out moisture from underneath the floor. 

Our services include the removal of any damaged and unsalvageable materials such as wet sheetrock, flooring and damaged baseboards. Our building services team is CT licensed to rebuild the damaged portions of your home. This might include repairing and painting walls, installing new flooring or even a complete rebuild of your home if necessary.  

For more information on our water damage restoration services, please call our office at (203) 301-0500. 

Our Production Managers Make All the Difference

7/16/2022 (Permalink)

Man Smiling sitting at a desk Mario Marcati is one of our Production Managers

Every day, our office staff takes calls from home and business owners who have a big mess on their hands.

Whether its due to a burst pipe, toilet overflow or kitchen fire, we understand that you need help right away and will send a team out to your premises quickly. Upon our team's arrival, your Production Manager will inspect the damage, assess the situation and discuss his recommended restoration plan. The PM’s at SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford oversee the work being done from start to finish. They are your contact should you have any questions about what to expect, the work being done and anything else that you might need assistance on. 

Our Production Managers are a hard working, conscientious group who have shown time and time again that they will go above and beyond for our customers.

In their position, the PM’s are responsible for supervising the restoration work from start to finish. They perform the initial inspection, any pretesting that is needed, the scoping of services and provide job estimates. Our Production Managers schedule and supervise our technicians on the job as well. They are also responsible for working with our office staff in coordinating appointments with customers. Most importantly, our PM’s are the point of contact for our customers during the restoration process. They are available to you by phone when not on site if you have any concerns or questions. 

Between them, our Production Managers have over 100 years of experience in the restoration industry and dozens of industry certifications.

That experience is invaluable when it comes to their ability to come to your home or business and create a treatment plan. There is no guess work involved, as they have seen almost every fire, water and mold damage scenario possible. They always make sure that the job is done right and to our customer’s satisfaction and possess a work ethic that goes unparalleled in our industry. We have every confidence that if there is a problem on a job, our PM’s will do everything possible to resolve the issue and make sure the job is done right.

Hurricane Preparedness Can Make all of the Difference

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

While hurricane season begins June 1st and lasts until November, on Connecticut's shoreline, we usually get hit in September and October. Hurricane preparedness is vital for keeping your home and family safe. Take precautions now so that you aren't scrambling the day before the storm.  

Make a storm kit. This kit should have supplies to get your family through 48 hours of bad conditions, with no electricity, water, or other basic services. It should have three days’ worth of water and a two day supply of food, as well other important provisions. For other important supplies that you should have on hand, consult the Ready.gov website

Gas up your generator. If you have a 5,500 watt generator, it will require about five gallons of gasoline to run for eight hours. Fill up some gas cans so that you’ll be prepared if emergency conditions last for several days. 

Bring things inside from outside. Lawn furniture, toys, garden tools, and anything else that could be blown away in the storm should come inside. Anything you can’t bring inside should be anchored. 

Get your windows, doors, and garage doors ready for the storm. If your windows don’t have storm shutters, plywood or other hard materials can be temporarily affixed to the exterior for protection from wind and flying objects. 

Turn down your refrigerator and freezer. Lowering your refrigerator and freezer to their lowest setting cools the food so that it will stay cold for a while if the power goes out. 

If the power goes out, unplug your electrical appliances. This will keep them from being damaged if there’s a power surge when the electricity comes back on.

Sometimes homes sustain damage, even if you’re as prepared as possible for the storm. Our highly-trained restoration team have the experience and equipment to restore your home to its pre-storm condition. A trusted leader in the water restoration industry, we’ve served our community for more than 20 years and have emergency teams on call.