It is Extremely Important to Prevent Mold Growth

9/13/2024 (Permalink)

Mold growing on the ceiling of the entryway.

This is a dramatic before shot of a portion of a mold job performed by our team. A long neglected and toxic environment was discovered upon inspection of a reported water loss. A mold test was performed to confirm the composition and severity of the infestation, and a comprehensive scope of work was enacted to remove the affected materials. The entryway pictured is the area most affected by the mold infestation. The enormous effort taken by the SERVPRO of Freehold mold technicians to clean the structure was successful and the air clearance test performed at the conclusion of the job showed there was no longer any mold in the house. Both the client and homeowner were thrilled with the final result.

There are many dangers in letting your home or business sit without proper cleanliness and maintenance habits. Not only are you setting the environment up for contamination, but the neglect may cause health effects to those who are exposed to that environment. In the event water affects the interior of any structure, it is imperative the water and moisture are removed as quickly as possible to prevent microbial growth from growing. Additionally, inspecting homes or businesses on a regular basis helps prevent structural components from degrading and allows owners to identify possible issues before they can cause water damage.

Never Know What You Can Walk Into

9/5/2024 (Permalink)

Walking down the flooded hallway.

When a water heater on the 3rd floor of this Holmdel corporation leaked, the owner immediately called SERVPRO of Freehold to dry out the 60,000 square foot building. The employees walking into the office were alarmed by the water flowing across the carpeted areas of the office but remained calm until our emergency crew arrived on the scene. Using special extraction tools, the expertly trained technicians were able to quickly remove the standing water from the office floors. The affected carpet and trim were removed, and special equipment was placed to completely dry the structure. The owner was so satisfied with the work our mitigation crew completed; they asked our repair team to install new carpeting throughout the entire building. 

It is imperative our technicians are provided with ongoing training regarding the handling of large commercial water losses. Regardless of the size of the loss, SERVPRO of Freehold works quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. Our franchise has the proper tools and expertise needed to dry a commercial property in as little as three days to minimize the impact of the loss on the business.

Sprinkler Break in Edison

8/28/2024 (Permalink)

The contents were moved to perform the mitigation.

The sprinkler system in a commercial building in Edison NJ malfunctioned and damaged over twenty offices during a holiday weekend. The building manager contacted our 24/7 staff here at SERVPRO of Freehold to come out and survey the wet areas. She let us know there were a large number of contents on the floor in the affected areas of the building.

Our water mitigation team quickly prepared tools and equipment for the job and rushed to the scene. They made sure to bring the largest truck to move the contents to temporary workspace while the cleaning and drying took place. Shortly after arriving, the technicians had all items packed out and were then able to remove the saturated ceiling tiles and carpet in just a few hours.

The manager was amazed at SERVPRO of Freehold’s immediate response during a very stressful situation. She was equally impressed with our team’s ability to dry out the wet offices in only a few days. The office belongings were returned once our construction crew completed repairs of the floor and ceiling. The entire job was complete in less than a month!

What To Do When A Basement Floods

8/8/2024 (Permalink)

It is very important to remove standing water as soon as possible.

When dealing with a flood in the basement, it is very important to remain calm and take the appropriate steps towards remediating the situation as soon as possible. Once you give us a call at SERVPRO of Freehold, one of our 24/7 emergency service crews will be dispatched right away to assist with the removal of the standing water. While waiting for our team to arrive at your home or business, it is important to avoid flooded areas of the basement where you are unable to see the floor as electrical outlets beneath pose a great safety risk.

Once our emergency crew arrives, they utilize special extraction tools which are designed to safety and effectively remove the water from the basement quickly. Once all the standing water has been removed, the technicians remove unsalvageable materials such as drywall, flooring and trim. After the wet materials are removed, drying equipment is placed to ensure any remaining moisture is eliminated from the building.

SERVPRO of Freehold is ready to take on water losses large and small. Give us a call anytime- 732-431-4440.

Mold Under The Wallpaper

7/31/2024 (Permalink)

Mold can easily form without your knowledge.

This homeowner did not realize the mold which was under the wallpaper after he bought this house in Manalapan NJ. He called SERVPRO of Freehold in to remediate the house so that his pregnant wife and family could move in before the holidays.

Mold spores exist naturally throughout our entire environment and are often at levels which are not harmful to our health. Mold which is hidden in your home, however, can increase to unsafe levels and cause health effects to those who reside in the structure. Once the customer in Manalapan started to remodel the home, he was so alarmed by his discovery he called SERVPRO of Freehold right away to remediate the mold growth.

Upon arriving on site, our expertly trained technicians removed the affected wallpaper, drywall and insulation from the home. After cleaning and sanitizing the remaining materials, special equipment was placed to remove any remaining contaminates from the air. The customer was very impressed and appreciative of the job our crew did to return the air in the home back to safe breathing levels.

Point Pleasant High School Water Line Break

7/18/2024 (Permalink)

One of the classrooms affected by the break.

When Point Pleasant High school suffered a water main break at the start of the school year, water completely flooded three classrooms. The administration immediately called SERVPRO of Freehold to dry out the affected areas. Our certified IICRC ASD water professionals were on site within 1 hour to set up containment and place drying equipment along with air scrubbers to assure the students were provided with a safe breathing environment. Our team was able to quickly remediate the damage, all while working around classrooms in session throughout the rest of the building. 

Always rest assured when your municipal township or local school district calls on SERVPRO of Freehold, we will be on site immediately with our highly trained mitigation team to take care of your emergency with expert precision.

SERPVRO of Freehold is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle the largest and most complex water restoration project. Call us anytime at 732-431-4440.

Don't Let Sewage Turn Into Mold

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

Mold growth on the floor due to the sewage.

Left untreated, the moisture and bacteria from a sewage loss may cause microbial growth.  SERVPRO of Freehold has experience with remediating a loss in which sewage was left untreated, causing mold to form on the drywall and floor. In such an instance, all flooring, drywall, doors and trim must be removed. Dehumidifiers are placed and remaining stud beams, subfloor, and stationary objects are cleaned and sanitized. A special antimicrobial solution can be painted to the affected areas to prevent mold from reforming on the treated surfaces. This is usually the most important step in the mold remediation process.

In an effort to prevent the timely remediation of mold, a sewage loss must be mitigated immediately. Our team of SERVPRO professionals are trained to extract and clean the discharge from the area before placing drying equipment to remove any remaining moisture. Faster to any disaster, SERVPRO of Freehold is always ready to take on even the largest sewage losses.

Heavy Rain Affects Basement in Lincroft

6/29/2024 (Permalink)

The basement flooded during torrential rain.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe 
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

SERVPRO of Freehold was onsite within one hour to inspect the damaged Lincroft home and to begin the water extraction process. In less than four days, our team successfully dried the basement. Our crews always use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine if your home’s structure is actually dry. We are experts in taking care of flooded basements.

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure, not to mention the potential effects of mold. You do not want to wait until the loss spreads and increases in severity. The flooding in this Lincroft home was caused by heavy rain accumulation. Lincroft had received over five inches of rain within a few hours causing the water to back up into several basements.

Powerful Storms Threaten Coastal Areas

6/20/2024 (Permalink)

Extreme coastal damage after a hurricane.

As global temperatures increase, and sea levels rise due to melting glaciers, cities and towns situated along coastal areas are at an increased threat of being hit by catastrophic storms. Eroding coastlines are bringing dangerous surf closer to residences and businesses situated by shorelines. Recent hurricanes have inundated these communities with extreme flooding and torrential rain, leaving tremendous destruction in their wake. Costs to repair disaster zones reach into the billions and increase with each storm, leaving questions about extensive recovery and ways to possibly minimize future losses. Advanced weather models predict massive storms will become more frequent as ocean temperatures continue to rise. Ocean temperatures remaining high for longer periods of time are fueling stronger storms and allowing them to strike seaside communities with greater regularity.

SERVPRO of Freehold has personally witnessed the damage following powerful storms. Our mitigation experts have mobilized to areas outside of our region to assist with recovery in seaside towns burdened with staggering losses. Based in New Jersey, our very own neighborhoods situated along the long coast are repeatedly threatened with severe flooding by forecasted disturbances. Our franchise is always prepared to help with mitigation and repairs following a formidable water disaster while at the same time, wondering how changes in weather will ultimately impact our environment.

Summer Fire Danger

6/6/2024 (Permalink)

Wildfires spread quickly and can devastate nearby communities.

The transition from cold and wet winter to warm, dryer weather contributes to higher levels of fire danger. As temperatures starts to rise in the late spring and early summer, lower levels of rainfall, bright sunshine and high wind increase the chance of dry brush creating a flame. Uncontrollable wildfires threaten enormous, forested areas leading to widespread incineration of woods and nearby structures. Campfires and grills can provide the single spark to mass destruction. Cigarettes thrown from a car can turn leaves and trees into a burning hotbox. Even small brush fires and smoking mulch can easily spread, setting nearby structures alight.

The public can help minimize the potential for summer fires by being aware of atmospheric conditions and taking notice of weather alerts. The US Forest Service posts daily fire danger levels at State and National Parks around the country to keep residents up to date. Campers especially need to be very mindful of their activity in the forest to prevent the ground around them from developing a flame. Power companies should inspect equipment near wooded areas on a regular basis and proactively replace ageing parts and systems. Home and business owners need to keep excessive leaves and brush away from structures to prevent potential flammability during prolonged dry weather.

Summer is the time for enjoying the outdoors, relaxing and having fun. It is to everyone’s benefit for each of us to do our best to prevent warm weather fires from harming the environment we live in.