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.

Unbelievable Wind Damage!

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Extreme wind events are increasing in frequency.

Extreme wind events due to massive tornadoes or destructive thunderstorms always grab our attention. Here at SERVPRO of Freehold, we have noticed an increase in damaging high wind events. Hurricanes are increasing in strength and frequency, coupled with changes in the jet stream, causing widespread costly property destruction. Powerful tornadoes continue to flatten entire communities in a matter of minutes. Falling trees from extreme wind events are a major cause of structural losses throughout the country on a regular basis.

SERVPRO of Freehold is always well prepared to respond to homes and businesses affected by wind damage. Often times, water can enter structures affected by wind, requiring our mitigation experts to quickly tarp damaged areas and start the drying process inside until repairs can begin. Experienced technicians from our franchise have also traveled out of state to assist with large-scale recovery following devastating hurricanes. Although windstorms are difficult to gauge, SERVPRO of Freehold has the tools and knowledge to secure and restore properties affected by wind in our ever-changing environment.

Simple Fire Safety Tips!

5/17/2024 (Permalink)

Test smoke alarms and change batteries to keep them working properly.

Actively taking steps to prevent fires can easily save lives and property from severe destruction. Being mindful of potential hazards and following simple safety rules can drastically reduce the threat of fire.

Tips are as follows:

• Take the time to inspect smoke alarms on a yearly basis. Replace batteries and test each alarm to make sure they are working properly. Replace alarms based on the manufacture’s recommended guidelines. Do not obstruct alarms and be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and within 10 feet of a bedroom for added protection.
• Keep young children and pets away from stoves, lighters and ovens. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Pay special attention to space heaters; turn off and unplug heaters which are not attended.
• Do not leave lit candles unattended. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
• Clean dryer vents and attached ducts every few months. Inspect the HVAC system on a regular basis and keep the area around it clean and free of clutter.
• Make sure all fireplaces, fire pits, grills, and torches are distinguished when they are not attended.
• Keep excessive leaves and brush away from your home or business. Do not store gasoline or propane near anything with a flame. Be sure to have cars inspected regularly to reduce the risk of fire.
• Inspect extension cords and recycle those which are frayed and worn.
• Be sure to have functional fire extinguishers in the kitchen and within proximity to appliances with a flame.

Keeping these safety basics in mind, you are being proactive in keeping your home or business safe from fire!

Teamwork is the Key to Our Success

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

No matter what business you work in, teamwork and proper ethics are essential to running a successful business. Here at SERVPRO of Freehold, our team is fortunate to have a warm, yet effective working relationship with each other. Considering we are an emergency business, it is imperative communication is clear between the office, field technicians and project managers. During a surge in business due to a disaster event, proper communication and execution allow our franchise to respond to more calls efficiently.

One of our greatest strengths here at SERVPRO of Freehold is the camaraderie shared within our entire staff. The positive relationship amongst each other provides a pleasant working experience which is then passed on to our customers throughout the day. Evidence of our work environment radiates throughout our business and the communities we serve; the office staff receives numerous complements about our chief technicians on a regular basis. Visit our testimonial page to see what our customers say about SERVPRO of Freehold in action!

Monday Morning Surprise

4/29/2024 (Permalink)

The office was flooded over the weekend and the damage was discovered upon opening on Monday.

The manager of a real estate office in Colts Neck, NJ walked into a flooded office Monday morning and was shocked at the amount of water on the floor. He immediately called SERVPRO of Freehold to clean up the water. Our team of water removal experts arrived within the hour to begin the drying process of the wet materials.

After extracting the water from the floor, our team placed drying equipment to take care of any lingering moisture in the office. Since the technicians arrived shortly after the loss happened, it was possible to save the carpeting from demolition. Our attentive administrative staff were able to find the realtors temporary office space during the cleanup. The manager was very impressed with the short time frame!

SERVPRO of Freehold is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies no matter how large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, taking action immediately is essential. A quick response from our experienced team reduces the spread of damage and ensures successful drying to get you back in business!

Latest Technology

4/19/2024 (Permalink)

Using advanced equipment at a water loss.

SERVPRO of Freehold is using the latest technology in disaster recovery to ensure fast and efficient service for all emergency projects. Mastering industry standards, utilizing advanced equipment and providing continuous training to team members allow our business to be a leader in emergency recovery.

When on site at various losses, our technicians use a range of energy-saving equipment to dry, deodorize, and purify air and structural materials as needed. Specialized machines and environmentally- friendly cleaning agents are used to properly disinfect structures affected by fire, water or mold.

Advanced monitoring tools allow our technicians to accurately determine the moisture level of building materials affected by water. The tools make it simple to confirm the materials are successfully dried at the completion of the job. Our team utilized the inferred camera pictured on a commercial loss in Howell, NJ to check for moisture behind a wall which did not appear to be wet from the outside.

All technicians receive ongoing training and certifications in accordance with IICRC standards, which are a series of guidelines and processes necessary for performing emergency mitigation services. The training also updates the staff about the availability of innovative new equipment and tools which can provide them with greater capability in the field. Additional training is provided whenever equipment is updated.

SERVPRO of Freehold is dedicated to obtaining cutting-edge technology as it continues to become available. Equipped with innovative tools and knowledge, the franchise is always ready to take on emergencies large and small with complete accuracy.

Electrical Fire Emergency Recovery!

4/5/2024 (Permalink)

Kitchen damaged by an electrical fire.

Don’t let an electrical fire inflict significant damage on your home and belongings! Our SERVPRO of Freehold team was called out to a local home which had a fire originating in the kitchen due to an electrical spark. Excessive soot and smoke overtook the majority of the one-level property. Upon arrival, our fire experts started an inventory of damaged contents and prepared a plan of action to clean and restore the home to a pre-fire condition. Carpet, drywall, insulation, appliances and cabinets needed to be removed, soot-stained walls were wiped, and remaining stud walls were thermal fogged to remove any lingering fire smells. The tile floor was heavily covered in a dense layer of soot and needed to be given an extensive cleaning. The homeowner was amazed with the resulting clean floor and could not believe it had been restored as if the fire never happened!

Ever so grateful for the quick response and professional cleaning from SERVPRO of Freehold, the homeowner let us know she would recommend us to all her friends and family! In the instance fire affects your home or business, call us at 732-431-4440: our SERVPRO expert fire team will have your recovery covered!

To The Rescue After A Hurricane!

3/13/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Freehold assisting with recovery in North Carolina.

After Hurricane Florence caused severe flooding and wind damage in North Carolina, our professional SERVPRO of Freehold team headed south from New Jersey to assist with the recovery effort. Many homes had suffered from roof damage due to the high wind speed. Other homes were damaged from the seepage of floodwater which was heavily soiled with contaminants. A vast majority of structures needed extensive interior demolition while those with extreme structural damage were scheduled for complete demolition at a later time.

Our SERVPRO team started work immediately, removing wet materials such as drywall, trim, insulation, hardwood floor, carpet, padding and vinyl. They sprayed antimicrobial to prevent unwanted microbial growth and placed drying equipment to remove moisture from the remaining structural components. Once the structures were dry in less than four days, customers were able to schedule needed repairs quickly.

Due to our dedication to excellence, our SERVPRO of Freehold crew is always ready to mobilize to regions hit by natural disasters. We have the experience, tools, vehicle fleet and trained personnel to master the completion of dozens of mitigation jobs, no matter how large or small. Don’t be surprised to see us on the road; SERVPRO of Freehold- “Faster to Any Disaster!”

Water Trapped Behind The Wall

2/29/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage behind the wall due to storm run-off outside.

Although SERVPRO of Freehold was called in to dry out a commercial building which had wet carpets from a water purifier, we took the initiative to take care of an ongoing issue behind the walls. The water originated from improper run off due to the building's gutters and outside slope. We picked up some leader extensions so that the water would run away from the building. As you can see, over time the water had run behind the walls causing the paint to peel.

Always take some time to inspect your property around your window wells and foundation walls. Clear your gutters and add some gutter down spout extensions so the water does not end up against your foundation. Any water which lays there could work its way into your home and in the future cause possible mold issues.

SERVPRO of Freehold will always provide you with advice to avoid future losses and develop an emergency ready plan for you. 

Fire and Water Restoration

2/14/2024 (Permalink)

The restored finished kitchen.

Fire and water combined cause a seemingly catastrophic situation. Our SERPVRO of Freehold team was called following a kitchen fire to help this apartment building get their tenants back in their units. Our professional cleaning staff worked their magic in 24 hours to extract and dry the water damage before our construction department replaced the sheetrock, kitchen cabinets, painted the walls and finished the floors all within 2 weeks. The property manager was thrilled with the results and the tenants were able to move back into their units quickly. Small kitchen fires can cause an incredible amount of damage in a short span of time in an apartment building when the sprinkler systems go off. There were 5 additional units in the building, including the main hallway which were flooded following this unit’s fire loss. Our SERVPRO team has the expertise and knowledge to fully assist an apartment complex which has a large -scale loss due to fire.

Waterproofing To Prevent Storm Damage

2/8/2024 (Permalink)

Flash floods occur suddenly during heavy rains.

It is very important to identify and correct possible points of entry for water during a storm situation. Rushing water, flash flooding, saturated ground and heavy rain can enter homes and businesses through weakened areas in the structure or a lack of proper drainage systems. Paying attention to potential issues in fair weather can prevent major damage when extreme weather arrives.

Be sure to check the gutter system to ensure there aren’t any clogs and to confirm they are properly draining water away from the structure. Pay attention to evidence of runoff in the vicinity of the building and have a special drainage system installed to prevent water from seeping in during inundating water events. Inspect basement windows, door and walls for openings or improper sealing to prevent floodwater from entering; groundwater intrusion is generally excluded from coverage in general homeowners’ policies. Consult with certified professionals who have expertise in drainage, waterproofing and landscaping for precise evaluation and proper corrective measures.

Utilizing foresight and taking the time to fortify homes and businesses from storm water can prevent costly damages while keeping interiors clean and dry no matter when and how severe weather strikes!

Water Heater Leak

1/26/2024 (Permalink)

The carpet and contents after the water damage.

The water heater from an office above rained down on this law office in Marlboro, NJ. They called SERVPRO of Freehold right away to assist with the removal of the water. Our emergency service technicians arrived quickly to extract the water from the carpet and dispose of the wet ceiling tiles.

Commercial water losses generally need to be handled in a different manner those taking place in residential structures. Most commercial buildings are active workplaces and even public retail spaces where a break in operations due to disaster can be harmful to the business. SERVPRO of Freehold makes every effort to work in a way which is least disruptive to daily activities in order to successfully dry affected buildings. Since our teams are available 24/7, performing work outside of normal business hours is usually more convenient.

The customer in Marlboro was delighted when the wet areas of the office were thoroughly dried in only a few days. Our in-house construction department was able to repair the damaged areas immediately once drying was complete.

Being Prompt After A Fire Is The Key to Safety

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

A fire in your home or work space can get out of hand if it’s not attended to quickly.

Commercial fire damage can come in the form of lingering smoke, soot damage, and smoke damage. It’s important to take serious action in the event that a fire spreads from the home to the business. The number one thing to do is respond as fast as possible. Though you may be in complete shock after viewing the damage, it is important to shift your focus towards finding a solution before it becomes an even bigger problem. The steps to bringing your space back to life after the fire needs to happen quickly. As a home or business owner, it is critical to follow these steps in the event of a fire.

Speedy Response

Acting quick with the help of a restoration company can be crucial in the event of a fire. The damage to the space can be less severe if a board is up. Being prompt can help the owner stay in business. It truly shows the character of a restoration business that is helping the owner get back on their feet by completing everything in a quick manner. They understand how important it is to get it running again, no matter what kind of damages occurred. The customers will also realize this and be very appreciative of it. An owner that works closely with a restoration company that specializes in responding to damage after a fire is one that puts their employees and customers before anything else. This shows they can truly overcome any obstacle that might arise in their business.

Damage Done

A fire doesn’t have to be huge to make an impact; any size fire can be harmful. It’s very easy for a fire to spread, which can cause smoke and soot damage. Smoke smell can travel from one area to another in just a few seconds. This is why it is so important for the owner to contact fire restoration and cleanup as soon as they realize the problem. They will learn that many other issues arise from commercial fires. The smoke smell is so strong that if it gets into any kind of inventory, it will make it nearly impossible to sell again. Not only will this ruin the inventory, it will also turn customers away from the strong smell. Fire damage restoration and cleanup should begin with a board up then analyze the other parts of the property. Contracts with restoration companies are crucial when it comes to help with problems such as smoke smell, fire cleanup and a board up.

Taking Initiative

The owner of a company exhibits their leadership qualities by knowing what to do in the situation of a fire. A fast response to a big problem can show the leadership qualities to the rest of the employees and motivate them follow in the same footsteps. “Leaders aren’t self-made; they are driven” as stated in entrepreneur.com by Arnold Schwarzenegger. A fire is the time to step up and take that initiative as a boss to be the leader of your business. Display what should be expected from everyone in your business. Having the damages cleaned up immediately by a restoration company will avoid the risk of any long-term damage to your employees, property and surroundings.

How Electrical Outlets Are Affected By Floods

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

When floodwaters rise to the height of electrical outlets, a common result is loss of power. However, in some cases the resulting sparks and damage can create a fire in a house, apartment, or commercial building.

There are many restoration companies which specialize in water damage, but very few have the experience that can handle fire damage and water damage like SERVPRO. For decades, we have been in the business of restoring homes to original condition. Our expert response teams can pump out a basement and scrub away smoke residues with equal ease.

Fortunately, fire damage which is caused by a flooded outlet is usually small and is mainly just smoke damage. In either disaster, removal of drywall is critical so that the workload is not as difficult to deal with. However, the rising smoke can leave residue higher up on the walls, requiring more panels to be removed. Ceiling tiles can also require cleaning after a fire as well.

When an outlet is damaged by water, it needs a replacement from the hardware store, which typically costs less than $5 apiece. The spot where the fire begins, the point of ignition, would be the outlet in this case. The wires leading to the outlet are melted to the outlet box and may require cutting from above where there is any damage. It is important to inspect the rest of the building as well to ensure the fried wires did not compromise any other building materials.

If the damage runs very far back along the wires, then they require replacing so the new outlet is in the original location. Our technicians are trained to run new wiring from any point in the structure back to the breaker box if it is needed to rebuild the wiring system of your home or business. This task is much easier once a different team member removes the flooded drywall, exposing the drywall for easier access.

Dealing with damage from a flood can be a very difficult and stressful process. Restoring your home and property from both requires professional treatment and care from experts with a nationwide support network or equipment. We are ready to help you whenever disaster strikes.

Moisture Masked by Dry Appearance

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

Moisture can cause mold to form in areas hidden to homeowners.

Water leaks and moisture are not always present in areas which are visible to home and business owners. Over time, slow leaks and high levels of humidity can cause mold to form under floors, behind walls and in air ducts. SERVPRO of Freehold’s expertly trained water mitigation technicians were called out to a home which had a water loss due to a broken sprinkler head. Once the crew started to remove the wallpaper, they realized mold had formed after a former slow leak from the air conditioning system.

This room looks nice and dry, but a closer inspection shows mold is growing under the wallpaper. If your walls are wet and the wallpaper remains in place, it can act as a vapor barrier preventing the drying process from occurring. Chances are the insulation behind the wall is also affected. Water will wick up a wall 1" per hour for the first 12 hours following a water loss. 

SERVPRO of Freehold is always ready to take care of homes and businesses affected by disaster. Call us at 732-431-4440, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.

Fire Spreads Quickly

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

Damage to the house caused by the fire.

Fire has the unique ability to spread rapidly and cause an enormous amount of damage. In light of recent wildfires in the west, it is important to remember many structures can be restored with proper remediation efforts. The restoration team at SERVPRO of Freehold is always ready to respond to home or business owners who have suffered a loss due to fire.

This damage resulted after a lawn mower caught on fire right outside the house. The owners were not at home at the time and the damage was extensive as the fire spread from the machine to the house very quickly. Our SERVPRO team was able to assess the site quickly and began remediation efforts immediately. Inside, the team removed sheetrock, removed affected contents, and performed smoke and soot remediation. HEPA vacuuming, deep cleaning of remaining materials and air purification were also performed after the demolition. Water from the fire department was removed via extraction and our effective drying equipment. After a building affected by fire is thoroughly cleaned, it is ready for our building services crew to repair the structure.

Protecting Your Home in Extreme Weather

12/6/2023 (Permalink)

Ice hanging from the ceiling!

When temperatures approach record lows for the northeast region, it is important home and business owners take steps to protect their structures from the extreme weather. Frozen pipes can lead to breakage, damaging personal property and essential heating systems which can create a major disaster at your home or property.

Be sure to keep all living spaces at a minimum low of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics or garages. A frozen pipe can burst due to the backflow pressure between the blockage and water source. Some additional prevention methods include:

- Draining pools, sprinkler lines, and shutting off the water source to outside spigots.

-Opening kitchen cabinets to let warm air reach the pipes beneath.

-Daily use of faucets whose source might come from an outside pipe.

 In the event of a winter weather emergency, our SERVPRO of Freehold team is always ready to respond to quickly get your property back to normal! Give us a call 24/7 at 732-431-4440.

Always Here to Help!

Clean Water Correctly The First Time

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Cleaning up water correctly can prevent mold from forming.

Always make sure you hire a company who has the expertise to properly remediate a water loss. SERVPRO of Freehold was called in by a customer after another restoration company failed to properly dry out their home in Millstone, NJ. Instead of just mitigating a water loss, our team was charged with performing an entire home mold remediation. This situation arises when affected materials remain wet from incorrect treatment following the initial damage. 

Our SERVPRO crew thoroughly inspects wet areas by using special meters to verify wet materials progressively dry within a few days. We encourage our customers to understand the drying process so they can be confident that a job is being done correctly.

The home in Millstone was returned to safe breathing levels following the cleaning of the mold. The customer was relieved and extremely pleased with the repairs completed by our mitigation team.

All technicians are extensively trained on how to prevent a water loss from turning into mold. SERVPRO of Freehold is always ready to take care of homes and businesses affected by disaster. Call us at 732-431-4440, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

See What ChapGPT has to say about SERVPRO Freehold

2/23/2023 (Permalink)

Looking for a reliable and efficient action-packed restoration company that can handle any disaster? Look no further than SERVPRO Freehold! Our skilled team of restoration experts are equipped to handle any emergency with lightning-fast response times, state-of-the-art equipment, and cutting-edge techniques. Whether you're dealing with water damage, fire damage, mold infestations, or any other type of disaster, we're the team you can count on to get the job done right. From the moment you call us, our team springs into action to assess the situation, develop a customized restoration plan, and get to work restoring your property to its preloss condition. Don't let disaster get the best of you - call SERVPRO Freehold and let us take care of everything!

Call The Cleaning Experts!

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Our cleaning experts!

SERVPRO of Freehold is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time marked by the global pandemic of coronavirus, SERVPRO of Freehold wants to remind our customers we are specialists in cleaning services. As a professional team, we strictly adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards derived by industry authorities.

Specialized Training

We are currently prepared to clean and disinfect homes or businesses according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our franchise has years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and our crews will clean well beyond the scope of work regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently not a product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, our franchise is following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your residence or business requires deep cleaning services, do not hesitate to contact us immediately.  

SERVPRO of Freehold- 732-431-4440