Protect Your Property with Roof Damage Mitigation: The Benefits and Process Explained

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

Contact a professional roofing contractor after a storm to perform a roof inspection.

Roof damage can occur for a variety of reasons, including severe weather events, falling debris, and natural wear and tear over time. When left unaddressed, roof damage can lead to more significant problems, such as water damage and structural issues. This is where roof damage mitigation comes into play.

What is Roof Damage Mitigation?

Roof damage mitigation refers to the process of identifying and addressing potential issues with your roof to prevent further damage. This process typically involves a thorough inspection of your roof to assess any damage and determine the best course of action to prevent further issues.

The goal of roof damage mitigation is to protect your property from future damage while also minimizing repair costs. By addressing small issues before they turn into significant problems, you can save money in the long run and ensure the safety and integrity of your property.

The Process of Roof Damage Mitigation

The process of roof damage mitigation typically involves several steps, including:

• Inspection: The first step in roof damage mitigation is a thorough inspection of your roof. A professional roofing contractor will assess the condition of your roof, including any damage or areas of concern.
• Repair: After identifying any damage or areas of concern, the next step is to repair the roof. This may involve repairing or replacing damaged shingles or tiles, fixing leaks, and addressing any structural issues.
• Maintenance: Once repairs are complete, it's important to maintain your roof to prevent future damage. This may involve regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance to ensure that your roof is in good condition.

Benefits of Roof Damage Mitigation

Roof damage mitigation offers several benefits, including:

• Cost Savings: By addressing small issues before they turn into significant problems, you can save money on repairs and prevent the need for a full roof replacement.
• Property Protection: Roof damage mitigation helps protect your property from further damage, including water damage and structural issues.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your roof is in good condition can provide you with peace of mind and help you avoid the stress and costs associated with unexpected repairs.

In conclusion, roof damage mitigation is an essential aspect of maintaining the safety and integrity of your property. By addressing small issues before they turn into significant problems, you can save money and protect your property from future damage. Contact a professional roofing contractor to schedule a roof inspection and determine the best course of action for your property.

The Persistence of Mold: Why Does it Keep Coming Back?

5/15/2023 (Permalink)

So why does mold keep coming back?

Mold is a common problem in many homes and buildings. Even if you clean it up and think it's gone for good, it can often return. So why does mold keep coming back? In this blog, we will explore the reasons why mold is so persistent and provide some tips on how to prevent it from returning.

Understanding Mold Growth

Before we can understand why mold keeps coming back, it's important to understand how mold grows. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp environments. It can grow on a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, floors, and even furniture. Mold can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated, including structural damage and unpleasant odors.

Insufficient Cleaning

One reason why mold may keep coming back is insufficient cleaning. When you clean up mold, it's important to not only remove the visible growth but also the spores that can cause future growth. If you don't remove all the spores, the mold can easily regrow. In addition, if you don't address the underlying moisture problem that caused mold growth in the first place, it's likely that it will return.

Hidden Mold Growth

Another reason why mold may keep coming back is due to hidden mold growth. Mold can often grow behind walls, in ceilings, or under flooring, where it's not immediately visible. If you don't address the underlying moisture problem, the hidden mold can continue to grow and eventually become visible again.

Poor Ventilation

Poor ventilation is another common cause of mold growth. When there is insufficient ventilation in a room, moisture can build up and create an ideal environment for mold growth. This can occur in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home where moisture is often present. By ensuring proper ventilation, you can prevent mold growth and reduce the risk of it returning.

Moisture Problems

Moisture problems are one of the most common causes of mold growth. If you have a leaky roof, a plumbing leak, or poor drainage, it's likely that moisture is building up in your home and contributing to mold growth. By addressing the underlying moisture problem, you can prevent mold growth and reduce the risk of it returning.

Preventing Mold Growth

The best way to prevent mold growth and prevent it from returning is to control moisture levels in your home. This means fixing any leaks or water damage immediately, using a dehumidifier in damp areas, and ensuring that your home is well-ventilated. It's also important to clean up any spills or moisture promptly to prevent mold from growing.

In conclusion, mold can be persistent and difficult to get rid of if you don't address the underlying causes of its growth. By understanding the reasons why mold keeps coming back and taking steps to prevent it, you can keep your home healthy and mold-free. If you are struggling with mold growth in your home, it's important to contact a professional restoration company, like our SERVPRO of Ozone Park/Jamaica Bay team to help identify the underlying causes and develop a plan to prevent it from returning.

Removing Smoke Odor and Damage: How SERVPRO of Ozone Park/Jamaica Bay Can Help

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Call the professionals for smoke odor removal in your home

Smoke odor damage is a common problem homeowners face after experiencing a fire or smoke event in their home. Smoke odor damage occurs when smoke particles penetrate surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors, leaving behind a foul odor that is difficult to remove.

How is Smoke Odor Damage Difficult to Mitigate?

One of the main reasons smoke odor damage is difficult to mitigate is that smoke particles are incredibly small and can penetrate almost any surface. This makes it challenging to locate and remove all of the smoke particles, resulting in lingering odors that can last for years if left untreated.

Additionally, different types of smoke can produce different types of odors, further complicating the mitigation process. For example, a fire that burns natural materials such as wood or paper will produce a different odor than a fire that burns synthetic materials such as plastics or rubber.

Who Can Remove Smoke Odor and Smoke Damage? 

While smoke odor damage is difficult to mitigate, it is not impossible. Professional smoke odor removal companies, such as SERVPRO of Ozone Park/Jamaica Bay, have the necessary equipment and expertise to locate and remove smoke particles and eliminate the odor left behind.

SERVPRO of Ozone Park/Jamaica Bay uses specialized equipment such as air scrubbers, thermal foggers, and ozone machines to remove smoke particles and odor from surfaces and the air. They also use cleaning solutions specifically designed for smoke odor removal to clean affected surfaces thoroughly.

In addition to removing smoke odor, SERVPRO can also help with other types of smoke damage, such as soot and ash residue. They have the expertise to clean and restore furniture, carpets, and other personal belongings affected by smoke damage.

Mitigating Smoke Odor Damage and Restoring Your Home

In conclusion, smoke odor damage is a difficult problem to mitigate due to the small size of smoke particles and the different types of odors produced by different types of fires. However, professional smoke odor removal companies like SERVPRO of Ozone Park/Jamaica Bay can help eliminate the odor and restore your home to its preloss condition. If you have experienced a fire or smoke event in your home, contact our SERVPRO team for assistance in removing smoke odor and damage.

Our process for removing smoke odor and damage ensures that your home is thoroughly cleaned and restored to its preloss condition. The benefits of professional smoke odor removal include improved indoor air quality, elimination of lingering odors, and a safer, healthier home environment.

Don't let smoke odor damage continue to impact your home and quality of life. Give our team a call today!

3 Interesting Water Damage Statistics You Need To Know

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

Many people don't know how common water damage is until it happens to them.

Water damage is a huge problem, one that's not talked about enough. It is impossible to completely prevent the chances of a water damage event occurring on your property, but you can prepare! The following statistics will help you better understand how serious of an issue water damage is and how easily it can happen to you.

How many water damage claims are made each year?

Water damage is one of the top causes of insurance claims. In fact, out of all the insured homes, 1 in 60 of them make a water damage claim each year. Now, that's a lot of water damage!

• Leaking pipes
• Flooding due to heavy rains and storms
• Burst water heaters or dishwashers
• Overflowing toilets or sinks

How many people are affected by water damage daily?

Water damage is no joke. It can happen to anyone, at any time, and it can cause tremendous damage to your property. It is estimated that there are 14,000 people affected by water damage daily in the United States alone--that's a lot of people!

So what does this mean? If you think about how many people live in this country alone and then consider all the potential causes of water damage, it becomes clear how devastating these events can be for individuals and businesses alike.

What is the average cost of a claim?

The average cost of a claim is roughly $11,000. While this number may seem high, it's important to remember that the severity of water damage will determine how much your claim will be worth. If you have severe damage that requires extensive repairs or replacement of your property, then you could be looking at paying even more than the average amount.

What affects the cost of a claim?

Water damage claims can be expensive, depending on the extent of the damage and the category of water that was involved. For example, if your home or business has experienced sewage backup due to a clogged sewer line, you're looking at a claim that can cost thousands of dollars.

The cost depends on several factors: the category of water damage, how long the damage has been sitting untreated, and how much property was affected.

Water damage is a serious issue that can have devastating effects on your home and belongings. Many people don't know how common water damage is until it happens to them. If your home or business suffers from a water damage event, it is important to file a claim with your insurance company and call a professional for assistance quickly. If you're looking for help with water damage restoration, our SERVPRO of Ozone Park/Jamaica Bay team is here to help!

6 Common Kitchen Hazards

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

It's important to be aware of the dangers in your kitchen and take steps to avoid them.

A kitchen is a place of great activity. It is where we prepare our meals and snacks, where we store food, and often even where we relax at the end of a long day. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous places in the home if you are not careful. Here are six common kitchen hazards to watch out for.

Overloaded Outlets

Overloaded outlets are a common problem in many homes. If you have too many appliances plugged into an outlet, or if you're using a power strip with too many devices connected to it, it's easy for the circuit breaker to trip and shut off power to the entire room. It is also a recipe for electrical fires. 

Burns

Burns are common in the kitchen, and many of them are preventable. Avoid touching hot surfaces with your hands: This is a simple accident that can be avoided by wearing oven mitts when handling hot items, or using tongs or other tools instead. Remember to always place pan and pot handles away from burners.

Cuts

Cuts are among the most common kitchen injuries. They can be prevented by using a cutting board and sharp knife, as well as avoiding using your hand as a cutting tool and never cutting towards yourself.

Fires

A kitchen fire can start from many different sources: grease or oil splatters on hot surfaces like an electric burner or stovetop; oil spills left unattended; unattended cooking; and electrical wiring malfunctions or short circuits.

If you have a fire extinguisher, make sure it is in a location where everyone can see it, and that everyone knows where it is. If you have a fire, stay calm and call 911.

Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are likely to occur in your kitchen due to the high use of appliances that use natural gas such as ovens and stoves. Natural gas is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas. It can be found in the air we breathe and comes from natural sources like decaying vegetation and animal waste. Natural gas leaks can be dangerous because they can cause fires and explosions.

Hidden Water Leaks

A hidden water leak is one that you may not even know about. It can cause serious damage to your home and lead to mold growth, which has implications for you and your property. Common leaks seen in kitchens include dishwasher leaks, refrigerator leaks, and pipe leaks. 

It's important to be aware of the dangers in your kitchen and take steps to avoid them. Keeping your home safe is a responsibility that you can't take lightly. If your home does suffer from a kitchen fire, don't hesitate and give our SERVPRO of Ozone Park/Jamaica Bay team a call for all your cleanup and restoration needs.

How To Prepare Your Home for a Blizzard

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared to face a blizzard at any time of year.

Prepare Your Home for a Blizzard

If you live in a region that sees blizzards, then you know how nerve-wracking it can be to be caught unprepared. Blizzards are powerful storms with high winds and heavy snowfall — and they can happen quickly. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare your home for a blizzard.

Take some simple steps to prepare before a blizzard happens.

• Keep a list of emergency numbers handy.
• Have a plan in case you are stranded.
• Have a first aid kit on hand.
• Have enough food and water for your family.
• Stock up on flashlights and batteries, as well as blankets and sleeping bags to stay warm.

Keep Snow Removal Equipment Accessible

Keeping your snow removal equipment at the ready is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for a blizzard. Snow shovels, snowblowers and snow brushes should be stored in an easily accessible spot. 

Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney

One of the most important steps you can take to prepare your home for a blizzard is to make sure that your fireplace and chimney are in good working order. The following are some tips for ensuring that your fireplace and chimney are ready for the storm:

• Inspect the fireplace and make sure it is clean. Remove any debris from inside of it, as well as from its surrounding areas.
• Check the flue to see if it has any cracks or holes, which will allow cold air to seep in during a blizzard. If there are cracks or holes in the flue, they should be repaired immediately with duct tape or caulk before bad weather hits so as not to cause carbon monoxide poisoning during an emergency.
• Make sure all electrical appliances are turned off before attempting any repairs on gas-powered heaters or fireplaces (as these can become extremely dangerous when operated improperly). 

Stock Up on Food, Water, and Supplies

The first step to blizzard preparation is to stock up on food and water. This is especially important if your family does not have any way of getting access to supplies for several days. If you live off the grid or in an area where power may be cut off, be sure to keep plenty of non-perishable foods around. You will also want ample bottled water, both for drinking and sanitation purposes; plan for one gallon per person per day.

In addition, it is wise to have emergency supplies on hand such as batteries (for flashlights), first aid kits, matches/lighters in case there's no electricity or gas running in your house once the storm hits (which could mean no hot showers). Having these basics covered means nothing can stop you from getting through this thing safely!

Protect Your Pets

You'll want to make sure your pet has a warm place to stay, as well as enough food and water. If you need to evacuate, don't forget your pets! Keep an eye on their surroundings for any signs of danger (such as downed power lines or blocked roads) so that they can be kept safe in the event of a storm.

Make sure that you have a collar with identification tags on it—this is especially important if there's ever an emergency where they could get lost, such as during heavy snowfall or flooding when visibility is poor.

If possible, keep your dog on his leash whenever he's outside playing so that he doesn't cause damage or harm others around him if he gets too excited by all the fun things happening around him (like kids snowball fights).

Check Your Car’s Emergency Kit

It’s also wise to make sure your car’s emergency kit is in good condition and ready for use. At least once a year, take all the items out of your trunk and check them off against a list of what should be inside. If any are missing, add more of those items to next year's shopping list. The same goes for clothes and blankets you keep in there: make sure they're clean and not ripped or damaged in any way. And when it comes time to use these supplies in an emergency, don't forget that you can also use them for warmth (especially if you're stuck indoors).

If the worst happens and roads are blocked by snow or ice, don't expect help anytime soon! Do what you can by shoveling roadways around your home so that emergency vehicles have better access — not just because they might save lives but also because they'll give back some sense of normalcy during uncertain times like these!

You should be prepared to face a blizzard at any time of year. Even if you don’t live in an area that gets a lot of snow, there are still other types of extreme weather that could affect your home and its surroundings. The best way to prepare for any potential emergency is by taking the time now to get ready. You never know when disaster might strike, so it’s better safe than sorry!

What Is Secondary Damage and What Types of It Exist?

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold growth

What is Secondary Damage and What Types of it Exist?

When your home has been damaged by a natural disaster, the last thing you want to deal with is secondary damage. Secondary damage refers to structural damage that occurs when the primary damage remains unaddressed. There are two types of secondary damages: biological and mechanical. Biological refers to mold and mildew growth, while mechanical refers to rusting, corrosion, and warping. Some secondary damage has to be dealt with right away, while others are more manageable. If you don't handle this type of damage properly, it could lead to more serious issues down the road like premature structural failure or even structural collapse! If you're wondering how we can help repair your home after an unexpected incident occurs: our team of experts at SERVPRO of Ozone Park/Jamaica Bay will get started on making sure your property is safe again as soon as possible!

What Is Secondary Damage?

Secondary damage is damage that occurs after the primary damage. For example, if a flood or fire cause damages to your home, it will most likely be necessary to replace or try and salvage water-damaged items.

When secondary damage occurs, it's best to call in professionals who can help assess the situation and determine how much of the initial problem they can repair themselves before calling in a restoration company.

Types of Secondary Damage

Secondary damage can be either biological or mechanical, with the former including mold and mildew growth, and the latter including rusting, corrosion, and warping.

For example: if you don’t get your car into a shop right away after you notice an oil leak, it will only worsen and become more expensive to fix later. 

Secondary Damage Refers to Structural Damage That Occurs When the Primary Damage Remains Unaddressed

This can happen with or without the presence of a disaster if the primary issue is not addressed. Secondary damages are often caused by natural disasters, but they can also be caused by non-disaster factors, like neglecting maintenance on your home or leaving a broken window open during a storm.

When should you call a restoration company? If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to call in an expert:

• Your home or building has suffered water damage from flooding or other sources that shouldn't have happened
• The odor of mould is present in your home (if left untreated)

If you suspect that your home has been affected by secondary damage, immediately contact us. We will come out to your home in Ozone Park, NY and assess the damage. We will provide a free estimate, and we can work with you to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

Our team is on standby 24/7. We can help you with any secondary damage your property may be facing. Don’t hesitate to call us at (347) 233- 2305 for an estimate and more information about our services!

What Does Commercial Property Insurance Policy Cover?

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

The commercial property insurance policy covers fire damage to the building and its contents.

There are few things more devastating to a business owner than a fire that rips through the property. Not only are you dealing with the loss of your items, but you’re also out of business until everything is restored. If this is the situation you find yourself in, it’s important that you contact a fire damage restoration service as soon as possible.

What Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover?

The commercial property insurance policy covers fire damage to the building and its contents. It also covers water damage, theft, vandalism, and malicious mischief.

When you are looking at getting a commercial property insurance policy it is important to get the right coverage for your needs. Some things that you may want to investigate including:

• Structural coverage - this type of coverage will cover repairs needed due to damage from fire, windstorm or any other covered cause that affects your building structure (exterior walls).
• Contents coverage - this type of coverage will pay for losses caused by fire or lightning primarily if they occur inside the building but do not affect its structure (interior walls, ceilings etc.)

Learn about your coverage and how you can get the compensation you need to help get your business back on track.

If you have suffered fire damage, the first thing to do is contact your insurance company and ask them to send an adjuster to inspect the damage and give you a claim estimate. If your property is insured, they will assess the fire damage and determine whether it's covered by your policy.

If it turns out that the fire is covered by your policy, you'll need to file a claim with them. You may also have other options for getting compensation for any losses. In addition to filing a claim with your insurer, you can pursue some other avenues for recovering financial losses from fires:

• Insurance Adjusters - An insurance adjuster works for insurance companies whose job is often similar but not exactly identical as those belonging within law firms' tort departments.

There are few things more devastating to a business owner than a fire that rips through the property. 

If you own a commercial property, it’s important to understand the coverage that your insurance policy offers. We all know what fire can do to a property and business, but few realize how much of an impact this type of damage has on the owner’s wallet.

Here are some things to consider if you find yourself in this situation.

If this is the situation you find yourself in, it’s important that you contact a fire damage restoration service as soon as possible. You will need to have an estimate of the damage done to your property, and if possible, get some input from an insurance agent on how much they think they can cover.

In addition to making sure that your business can continue operations after a fire has damaged its office space, you also need to make sure that any data stored on computers or other electronic devices is backed up so it can be restored once repairs are completed. If it seems like things are going well and repairs are progressing smoothly, take time out of your busy schedule for some much-needed rest and relaxation—you deserve it!

Will Your Insurance Pay for Fire Damage?

Fire damage is one of the most common causes of property damage. If you're looking to make sure your commercial property insurance policy covers fire damage, it's important to remember that not all policies will cover this. Some insurance companies will pay for fire-related damages, while others won't.

If your insurance does cover fire damage, it's worth checking with your insurance company to see exactly what they'll pay for. An insurance company will often cover the cost of repairs after a fire breaks out at your business—but not necessarily loss of business or income during that time period as well. It's also important to understand whether any pre-existing conditions will affect their coverage: if there were preexisting issues with electrical wiring in your building before the fire started, some policies may exclude those types of damages from coverage (even though they were caused by an external force).

If you are looking for the right commercial property insurance to cover your business, call us today. We can help you find an option that works best for your needs and budget.

3 Common Causes of Basement Floods

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

A basement flood is a destructive and stressful situation

Steps To Protect Your Home From a Basement Flood

A basement flood is a destructive and stressful situation that homeowners in Jamaica Bay, NY want to avoid. Prevention is key, and there are ways you can protect your home if you are familiar with the causes of water leaks. Here are the most common causes and steps you can take to protect your home.

1. Improper Storm Drainage
When water builds up on the roof or landscape near your home, it will make its way to the lowest point. This is often the basement or crawl space. To prevent water damage, ensure that you clear the gutters of leaves and debris seasonally. Check that the downspouts are aimed away from the house so that water has a clear path to drain into the landscape. If your home sits on a slope, make sure that the ground is properly graded so that water cannot collect and leak into the foundation.

2. Inadequate Sealing
Another common cause of a basement flood is inadequate sealing of the floors and walls. If you notice any damp areas where moisture or mold is present, it’s possible that the area needs to be assessed by a mold remediation specialist before it is professionally resealed. Mold can cause serious damage to the materials of your home, and if left untreated will continue to spread as long as moisture is present.

3. Damaged Outdoor Systems
Leakage from the underground water systems around your home are another way your house can be flooded. Sprinkler systems and piping that carries water into city storm drains are vulnerable to damage from age and weather. If you find a leak that doesn't seem to originate from inside your home, an external system may be the culprit.
Knowing the main causes of a basement flood can help you notice issues before they becomes a bigger problem. If you’re unsure about anything you see, it’s best to call a professional to get an assessment to ensure the proper repairs are made.

Three Ways to Prevent Bathroom Mold Growth

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Remember to turn on ventilation fans in bathrooms while showering to lessen mold growth

How To Prevent Mold Build Up

Few things are more discouraging to new homeowners than finding an established colony of mold. Since mold often thrives where an accumulation of moisture has occurred, you should always avoid water damage at all costs. Since bathrooms are especially likely to hold moisture, there are a few things you can do to prevent mold buildup from setting in.

1. Always Run the Fan After a Shower
Most bathrooms have built-in fans for a reason. By airing out your space, fans evaporate water and dry wet surfaces. This creates an environment that is hostile to the development of mold colonies. Make sure that you are aware of any moisture that may have spilled on the floor or collected in low areas. Mold growth is especially likely on porous surfaces, such as drywall or wood.

2. Move Objects Frequently and Dry Surfaces
Cracks in flooring and drywall aren't the only places moisture can accumulate. When objects, such as shampoo bottles, or cosmetic products are left standing for long periods, moisture trapped underneath them can cause water damage. This is especially likely in cabinets where objects are often left for long periods of time. Always move objects in your bathroom and dry the surfaces underneath them.

3. Clean With Bleach, Detergent, and Sealer
A common way for moisture to infiltrate your bathroom walls is through crumbling grout. For complete bathroom mold prevention, squeegee your shower walls dry before carefully patching cracked grout. Because bleach is an effective fungicide, you can remove existing patches of mold by scrubbing them with bleach or a detergent containing bleach. Always cover your face when doing this, and be sure to treat all of the surfaces you are concerned about.
If you have had water damage in your Queens, NY, home that has resulted in a mold infestation, contact a mold remediation expert who can provide you with the proper materials and experience to handle your problem. An intensive cleanup can be tricky, so you should leave larger infestations to the experts.