Turning the Tide: SERVPRO's Comprehensive Water Damage Restoration Services

Name: SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County
Address: 125 Commerce Drive, Brookfield, CT, 06804
Telephone: (203) 743-5362

6/17/2024 (Permalink)

Imagine coming home to discover your house transformed into a watery disaster zone, courtesy of a burst pipe.

It's a scenario that strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners everywhere. However, amidst the chaos and despair, there exists a beacon of hope: SERVPRO®, the trusted name in water damage restoration.

The Calamity: A Burst Pipe

The sudden rupture of a water pipe can turn a peaceful home into a scene of chaos within minutes. Whether due to aging infrastructure, extreme temperatures, or an unforeseen accident, a burst pipe unleashes gallons of water into places where it doesn't belong. From soaking carpets and furniture to seeping into walls and ceilings, the damage can be swift and extensive.

Initial Response: Navigating the Crisis

In such moments of crisis, quick action is crucial. The first steps involve shutting off the water supply to prevent further flooding and ensuring the safety of all occupants. Once these immediate concerns are addressed, the focus shifts to damage assessment and mitigation. Here's where SERVPRO steps in.

SERVPRO: The Restoration Experts

SERVPRO is not just a cleanup crew; we are a lifeline in times of water damage emergencies. With their expertise and experience, Our team swiftly assess the extent of the damage. Our thorough inspection identifies areas affected by water intrusion, even those not immediately visible to the untrained eye.

The Restoration Process

Once the assessment is complete, our team formulates a comprehensive restoration plan tailored to each unique situation. This plan typically includes:

Water Extraction: Using powerful pumps and vacuums, SERVPRO extracts standing water from affected areas, minimizing further damage and mold growth.

Drying and Dehumidification: Industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers are deployed to remove moisture from floors, walls, and air spaces. This step is crucial in preventing secondary damage and mold formation.

Cleaning and Sanitizing: Salvageable belongings and structures are meticulously cleaned and sanitized to mitigate the effects of water damage and restore them to preloss conditions.

Restoration: Finally, our skilled technicians undertake repairs and reconstruction as necessary. This may involve replacing drywall, repairing structural damage, or restoring damaged surfaces like carpets and hardwood floors.

Beyond Restoration: Restoring Peace of Mind

While SERVPRO's primary mission is physical restoration, our impact goes beyond repairing walls and floors. We restore peace of mind to homeowners by handling the complexities of insurance claims and providing clear communication throughout the process. Our dedication to customer satisfaction ensures that homeowners can focus on rebuilding their lives with minimal disruption.

It's all in the Timing

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

We realize that, at times, we may sound like a broken record.

“Call us immediately”

“Act quickly”

“Do not delay”

We admit that we stress this point repeatedly however, because it is so important, we probably won’t stop talking about it. Why is getting help as quickly as possible such a consequential factor when you have a flood? In this blog post, we provide you with a water damage timeline to help you see how quickly a small flood can turn into a major problem.

Water Damage Timeline

In the First Hour:

Water will quickly move throughout the dwelling, saturating everything in it's path.
Stains or finishes that are on furniture that gets wet will be released. This can cause staining to the carpeting and flooring of your home. Additionally, any furniture that is moisture sensitive, such as antiques or unfinished materials, will be affected.
In particular, paper goods are vulnerable in the first hour. Due to their porosity, it doesn't take long for water to render books and documents unsalvageable.
Artwork that is hanging on your walls can be permanently damaged when water drips down the walls in that first hour.

The First 24 Hours:

Drywall, which is found on the walls and ceilings of most Connecticut homes, gets saturated and begins to disintegrate. Many people discover their water leak only after the ceiling is already on the floor. That's how quickly this can happen.
You will notice a musty smell and normal household odors grow stronger.
Any uncoated metal surfaces, which are vulnerable to moisture in the air, will begin to tarnish.
Your furniture may begin to show signs of damage. In particular, laminated furniture and flooring will begin to swell and crack due to the moisture.
Free-floating laminated flooring may also begin to pop out of place due to swelling.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

The 'clean water' situation will have been upgraded to a 'gray water' intrusion.
You will notice an earthy smell in the home, which is caused by standing water as well as building materials and contents that have begun to decay.
Because of the high moisture levels, fungi, mold and mildew will begin to grow at this time, especially on porous materials such as sheetrock and carpeting.
Wood building materials begin to show signs of damage as they swell, warp and split. You will notice this on window frames, wall moldings, the interior doors in your home and even studs and joists at this time.
Rust and corrosion will begin to occur on metal items.
Electronics in the home will begin to malfunction.
Wood flooring and furniture begin to swell from the saturation.
The Indoor Air Quality in the structure is compromised and health hazards can become an issue. Occupants of the home who are at risk due to health issues may begin to experience negative health effects.

More Than 1 Week:

A 'black water' situation is most likely the case at this time due to the growth of bacteria and other harmful contaminates in the home.
Mold spores will spread quickly and begin to break down natural materials, wallpaper, wood paneling, and other building materials
The structural safety of the home is in question as wood building materials are compromised.
The air quality in the home can pose a danger to all inhabitants.
The costs associated with your insurance claim exponentially rises. The demolition and replacement of, rather than the restoration of, damaged materials becomes necessary.
Our water damage restoration crews will be required to wear personal protection equipment in order to work in your home.

If you have a water leak in your home, give us a call as soon as it is discovered to minimize the damage to your home.

It's all in the timing.

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

How long will it take to dry out my house?

It's the question on everybody's mind when the SERVPRO team is called to your home after a water damage. And it seems like it should be an easy answer however there are a number of variables that can affect how quickly the restoration of your home will take.

When our team arrives at your home, we begin to document the cause of water damage, the extent of damage, and all surfaces involved. We then formulate a water damage restoration plan using a software program that is designed determine the number of air movers, air scrubbers and dehumidifiers are required to begin the drying process.

Of course, our team knows that there is more to this work than technical specs and we don't completely rely on a computer system. Our property managers utilize their decades of experience restoring homes and businesses after water damage in determining a treatment plan.

So, to answer the question - when will it be dry? On average, a typical house will be dry in about four days, depending on the extent of the damage. For example, vacant homes usually have more severe damage and mold may have begun to grow before the water damage was discovered, necessitating more extensive treatment.

We all want the restoration work to be done quickly and efficiently. Our crew works as a team to do the job right and allow you to go back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Rain Causes Flooding in New Milford

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

man in oprotective clothing cleaning a floor

The rain last week has caused flooding to a number of area homes and businesses. We've received many calls from home and business owners who need help drying out their homes.

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 us a call. We are an IICRC trained mold and water mitigation company and have the tools and expertise to treat your Newtown home for damage.

Restore or Replace?

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Part of our jobs when we are working in a home that has water damage is helping the homeowner and insurance adjuster determine what items in the home can be saved and restored and which need to be discarded. Our team assists our customers in determining which of their possessions are salvageable, and which cannot be saved.

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 possibility of health effects 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 fit 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 Newtown and Southern Litchfield County team has the experience in caring for the belongings of your Sandy Hook home. We understand that it can be difficult to part with treasured items, and do our best to help save them. If you experience a flood, calling us immediately at (203) 743-5362 will help minimize the damage.

Little Refrigerator Leaks Can Cause Big Damage

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Your refrigerator operates 24-7 and is one of the hardest working appliances in your home.

Because most homeowners do not inspect their refrigerators and leaks are often hidden behind the large appliance, a breakdown or leak that causes water damage can come as a surprise.

Refrigerator leaks are most often a result of a faulty or broken ice maker or water line. While these can suddenly burst, they often present as a slow leak, causing water damage to the walls and floor over the course of time.

Preventative measures include inspection of the area behind your fridge and the hoses. Look for any signs of deterioration of the lines, hard water deposit buildup, water damage and mold on the walls and floor. You can also look at the flooring from below- your basement can often show evidence of a leak. Installing a braided stainless steel hose will reduce your risk of a water line break as well.

The crew at SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County has cleaned up water damage from brand new as well as old refrigerators.

A refrigerator water line leak can happen to anyone.

If you have a leak, call us at (203) 743-5362 for immediate water damage restoration service.

Watching the Clock

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

If your New Milford home has experienced water damage, whether from a pipe burst, an appliance line leak or a flooded basement, calling a restoration company immediately will reduce the damage to your home and possessions. The sayings "time is of the essence" and "there's no time to waste" are applicable here. The longer that your home is left untreated, the greater the effects of the water damage will be.

What might appear as a water stain in the morning could progress to the ceiling having fallen on your couch by noon. Once wet, sheetrock can quickly deteriorate and fall to pieces. As time passes after a water damage event, the flooding can cause your porous furnishings such as carpeting, mattresses and furniture to become water logged, rendering them unsalvageable. Home insulation and carpet padding also retain moisture. Electronics are susceptible to internal degradation from the moisture in the air. When treated quickly, wood and laminate flooring can often be saved using our floor mat system however if left to penetrate and go beneath the wood to the subfloor, this option is unlikely.

Secondary water damage issues can also arise if restoration is delayed. What may have entered your home as clean water, such as an ice dam melting through your ceiling or water from a faucet leaking, may become contaminated and change to gray or black water, which can be a health concern and require a higher degree of handling. The growth of mold spores is also a concern when a home has had flooding that goes untreated.

Upon arrival to your home after we receive your call, one of the SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County estimators will assess the damage. If you have not yet determined the cause of the water damage, their first course of action will be to do so. Our technicians use a variety of tools such as moisture readers and sensors, probes and infrared technology in their evaluation. This, coupled with decades of experience and the highest level of industry training, gives them an accurate picture of the situation.

Typically, our first course of treatment is to remove any standing water from your home using water extractors, submersible pumps, dehumidifiers and air movers. If necessary, we will order dumpsters to be brought to your home for the disposal of unsalvageable personal items and structural materials such as flooring, carpeting and wallboard. Our crew may also move household belongings from your home to our storage facility while your home is being cleaned. They may also restore some items such as furniture, area rugs, and photos off site. Throughout the process, our office staff will communicate with your insurance company to address any concerns and gain approval for planned restoration work.

After we have removed the excess water from your home, we begin sanitizing it. We use both wet and dry cleaning methods to remove dirt and pollution from the carpets, walls, furniture, baseboards, appliances and pieces of furniture that were affected by the water. Industrial air scrubbers, which clean the air by passing it through special filters, remove any contaminants from the air of the home. Our crew uses antibacterial and antimicrobial treatments to sanitize and disinfect any contaminated items and deodorization to eliminate any odors.

Once your home is dry, clean and restored, we are able to bring your household items back, have the dumpsters removed and move our equipment out. Although each water damage restoration job we encounter is unique, our essential approach is consistent. At SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County, our goal is to arrive at your home and begin the water damage process quickly after receiving your call, restore it professionally and thoroughly and help you get back to normalcy. If you experience water damage in the Newtown area, call our office at (203) 743-5362. We are available 24 hours a day and have staff ready to respond to your call.

Bathtub Overflow? We Can Help!

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

It happens a few times a year - an overflowing bathtub causes flooding in a Newtown area home. It happens easily - you turn on the tub and then go to get your magazine or answer the phone. You get distracted and don't remember the tub was on until you notice water dripping through the ceiling.

Although you might be shocked that you forgot the water running and have caused damage to your home, our restoration technicians will not be. We see this sort of accident frequently and will arrive with the necessary equipment we need in order to secure and restore the water damaged areas in your home.

This includes extracting the water in your home using pumps and vacuums. We will check the subflooring for moisture. Even if you have ceramic tiles, water can seep in and around grout lines or fixture seals however in some cases, our technicians might be dry the subfloor from underneath to preserve the tiles. And, of course, if you do have water seeping through your ceiling, we will remove the ceiling and dry the joists and beams out before replacing with new sheetrock.

Accidents happen. It doesn't have to be the end of the world. Call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County to help make it "Like it never even happened."

What Happens When Water Damage is Caused by Somebody Else?

7/24/2021 (Permalink)

What happens if you have a new refrigerator installed in your home and the water line leaks, destroying your wood floors? Or your oil delivery company overfills your tank, causing a toxic spill in your basement? Or perhaps a plumber improperly installed a pipe, causing water damage to your New Milford home. Who pays for the damage- your insurance company, you or the third party?

At SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County, we have team members that have been specially trained in "successful subrogation". Subrogation, by definition, is when an insurance company seeks payment or restitution from a third party that caused damage or injury to an insured person or property. Usually this means your insurance company will try to recover payments from the insurance company covering the party at-fault.

If you have experienced water, fire or biohazard damage to your home that was caused by a third party, our staff can help you work with your homeowners insurance company in determining who is responsible for the damages. As a first responder to your disaster, we are trained to identify and save evidence that may assist your insurance company in recovering costs.

If you have a dishwasher leak due to faulty installation at your Sandy Hook home, call us at (203) 743-5362. We will come to your home to start the restoration process and our office staff will help guide you through the insurance claims process.

Heavy Rains Cause Water Damage to Newtown Homes and Businesses

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

It's been a wet summer in Litchfield County. Between the tropical storm last week and heavy rains all weekend, homes and businesses are flooded in Connecticut.

If you have been hit hard by mother nature, call our office at (203) 743-5362 for immediate service.

If your property has been damaged by severe weather such as a high winds, heavy rain or flooding, it can be devastating to your family or business. To get the complex storm damage repair completed quickly and safely, you need a restoration service company that specializes in bringing your home back to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County provides specialized emergency cleanup and restoration services to bring your property back to normal with minimal interruption. Whether you need a roof tarped, windows boarded up or water pumped out of your basement, our teams are on call and ready to respond to your emergency.

Wet Carpet? We Can Help.

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

two photos- featuring a carpet being restored and replaced

When there is a flood, a building's carpet is usually affected. Whether a traditional cut pile or a commercial glue down, wet carpet always needs to be addressed. Our treatment of damaged carpet is not a one-size fits all application, but rather it varies depending on the category of water loss and current condition of carpet

There are three categories that water flooding falls into.

Category 1 is clean water that may be found when a bathtub overflows or ice maker line leaks. If the restoration process begins within hours of occurring the likelihood of salvaging the carpet is extremely high.

Category 2, also referred to asgray water, is water that has picked up some forms of contamination, such as water from the dishwasher or a washing machine flood. The soap, food particles and soil that are found in the water create a CAT 2 water loss. Salvaging carpets under this condition is also possible however the emergency service of drying must begin quickly.

Category 3 water damage is defined by water that is contaminated and potentially hazardous. Think raw sewage or water damage that started as another category due to prolonged interaction with bacteria and other pathogens on the building materials that populate due to the increased moisture content. Toilet overflows, sewage backups and flooding from ground water are examples of a CAT 3. Carpeting hit by CAT 3 water is not salvageable.

In the end, safety is our number one priority when determining whether your carpet will be restored or replaced.

How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost and Other Top Questions.

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

When we receive a call from a homeowner who has had flooding in their home, these are the most common questions that we are asked.

How much does will my water damage restoration cost?
Unfortunately, we cannot give an estimate on water damage restoration over the phone. However, we do provide you with a professional estimate after inspecting your home. Some of the factors that affect the restoration estimate are the length of time that the restoration will take, the equipment needed, the man hours required, any barriers or containment that might be needed and whether any demolition or removal of wet materials is required.

Will my claim be covered under my insurance policy?

Although we see hundreds of claims and might have a good idea of whether your water damage will be covered, only your insurance agent can answer that question. Our office staff is very experienced in interacting with insurance adjusters and will work directly with your provider including submitting documentation.

What products might you be spraying in my home?
When necessary, we may use SERVPRO's proprietary decontamination products on affected areas. This reduces that likelihood of microbial growth and sanitizes your home. The most common product that we use is SERVPRO Oxide, an EPA registered chlorine dioxide based disinfectant and stabilizer. Our homeowner's appreciate that this product is safe for use on all surfaces and is not harmful to people or their pets.

Can I remain at home during the drying process?
The majority of our customers are able to stay in the home during restoration. There are cases in which the home is deemed hazardous due to toxic conditions, a lack of heat or structural damage. In these cases, your insurance company might pay for you to be temporarily relocated.

How quickly can you get here?
On average, we can have a team equipped and ready to begin the recovery process on your home within 2 hours of your call.

How quickly does mold begin to grow after a flood?
Mold can start to grow within 24 hours, which is why it is important to get the water damage restoration process started asap.

Do you have any other questions about the water damage restoration process? Give our office a call at (203) 743-5362.

We are Ready to Help After Snow Storms

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Although the winter has been a relatively mild one here in Connecticut, the past two weeks have brought freezing temps and a snowstorm that reminded us that we do live in New England, after all. This past week, our team has received a high volume of calls from customers who had water damage to their homes and businesses due to frozen pipes bursting. We've been kept busy drying out homes and providing emergency generators to heat homes that required it during restoration. Heavy snow on roofs created ice dams, which caused even further water damage to structures from ceiling leaks in our area. Heavy tree limbs break and cause damage to roofs.

We can only hope that the winter calms once again and we will soon be seeing signs of spring. However, if February turns out to be a beast, our team is on call and ready to help.

How Long Will it Take?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

How long will it take to dry out my house?

It's the question on everybody's mind when the SERVPRO team is called to your home after a water damage. And it seems like it should be an easy answer however there are a number of variables that can affect how quickly the restoration of your home will take.

When our team arrives at your home, we begin to document the cause of water damage, the extent of damage, and all surfaces involved. We then formulate a water damage restoration plan using a software program that is designed determine the number of air movers, air scrubbers and dehumidifiers are required to begin the drying process.

Of course, our team knows that there is more to this work than technical specs and we don't completely rely on a computer system. Our property managers utilize their decades of experience restoring homes and businesses after water damage in determining a treatment plan.

So, to answer the question - when will it be dry? On average, a typical house will be dry in about four days, depending on the extent of the damage. For example, vacant homes usually have more severe damage and mold may have begun to grow before the water damage was discovered, necessitating more extensive treatment.

We all want the restoration work to be done quickly and efficiently. Our crew works as a team to do the job right and allow you to go back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Leaky Pipes Cause Water and Mold Damage to Homes

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

In our years in the water damage restoration industry, we have seen many causes of water damage - from toilet overflows to burst pipes to roof leaks.

Leaky pipes are the cause of many calls to our office. They are often hidden behind walls and cabinets and not discovered until the damage is widespread. Because of this, a pipe leak can cause a considerable amount of damage as the water becomes absorbed into walls, carpeting and ceilings. If allowed to leak long enough, a pipe can damage wood support beams and cause structural issues to a home.

There are some signs of a leaky pipe that you can be on the lookout for that will help you deal with the water damage before it becomes a major issue.

A musty smell. A home should not have a musty smell. If you notice an odd smell that doesn't go away after cleaning the area, it's possible that there is water or mold in your walls that are causing this.
Lifting or buckling of floors. If you notice your vinyl floors lifting at the corners or your wood floors or tiles buckling, it's possible that water is seeping in from the edge (particularly if it is in a kitchen or bathroom)
Warping or discoloration of your cabinets. Check under the sink in your kitchen and bathroom. If there is any warping of the wood or staining from water, it's possible there is a leak that is allowing water to drip behind and can be causing mold to grow behind the cabinets.
Peeling wall paint or wallpaper. When your walls have absorbed too much water from a pipe leak and reached a saturation point, the wallpaper and paint will begin showing signs of damage.
Water stains on your ceiling. This is a telltale sign that there is leaking going on - whether from a toilet overflow or a bathroom sink pipe leaking.

While it may be tempting to ignore a minor sign of water damage such as a small stain on a ceiling, keep in mind that the problem will not resolve itself. Allowed to continue, your leak go from a little problem to a big one. The moisture present will also allow mold to grow, which will require a secondary restoration treatment.

If you see any of these signs of water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County at (203) 743-5362.

Restore vs. Replace After Water Damage

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

one man cleaning a carpet and another man carrying a rolled up carpet out of a room

As a SERVPRO franchise, we adhere to the SERVPRO rule of thumb that restoration is preferable to replacement if possible. Numerous insurance and restoration industry studies have concluded that restoring property after water damage is less expensive than replacing it. Restoration is also less time consuming and disruptive, meaning our customers can be in their homes and experiencing life as normal sooner after water or fire damage. Bethel area businesses will have their doors open sooner, meaning less revenue lost.

SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County understands that a house is much more than just wood and sheetrock. It is devastating enough to see your antique wood floors water stained or your furniture covered with soot. We aim to restore these treasures, as well as family heirlooms and your children's toys, to make the experience a bit easier for Brookfield area homeowners.

We use several methods in the restoration process including :

Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.

Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.

Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning,

Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned with water

Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.

Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

After your home and possessions are thoroughly cleaned, we remove odors and sanitize them so that they are ready to be returned to your home.

Of course, there are some instances when an item, such as wet carpeting or mattresses, cannot be restored. In these cases, SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County will remove these pieces from your home and discard them ourselves. We work with your insurance adjuster to make sure you are properly compensated for damages. Our crew and office staff are committed to make your Fairfield County home "Like it never even happened." Call us at (203) 743-5362 if you have questions about the home restoration process after you have experienced a refrigerator line leak in your Connecticut home.

Bathtub Overflow? We Can Help.

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

It happens a few times a year - an overflowing bathtub causes flooding in a Newtown area home. It happens easily - you turn on the tub and then go to get your magazine or answer the phone. You get distracted and don't remember the tub was on until you notice water dripping through the ceiling.

Although you might be shocked that you forgot the water running and have caused damage to your home, our restoration technicians will not be. We see this sort of accident frequently and will arrive with the necessary equipment we need in order to secure and restore the water damaged areas in your home.

This includes extracting the water in your home using pumps and vacuums. We will check the subflooring for moisture. Even if you have ceramic tiles, water can seep in and around grout lines or fixture seals however in some cases, our technicians might be dry the subfloor from underneath to preserve the tiles. And, of course, if you do have water seeping through your ceiling, we will remove the ceiling and dry the joists and beams out before replacing with new sheetrock.

Accidents happen. It doesn't have to be the end of the world. Call SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County to help make it "Like it never even happened."

The World Has Been Put on Hold, Water Damage Hasn't

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused most of our lives to halt to a stop. Despite this, home and business owners still face many of the same challenges that existed prior to this outbreak. Dishwashers malfunction, roofs leak and basements flood just like before.

We are all concerned about spreading the coronavirus and some of our friends and customers have expressed concern over having people in their homes and businesses. Yet, water damage must be addressed quickly. Please be assured that our crew is practicing the highest level of safety as they work, for their own protection as well as yours. Some of the practices our franchise is adhering to strictly are:

Personal Protection Equipment: Our crew is wearing gloves and masks on every job
Social Distancing: We are following social distancing guidelines and maintaining a safe distance from each other as well as those who must remain in the building as we work
Disinfecting: We are wiping down surfaces that we touch - such as doorknobs and light switches - with SERVPROxide, a hospital grade disinfectant. When deemed necessary, we are also applying the same disinfectant with a fogger in order to further sanitize.

Why can't you just wait for a few weeks until things go back to normal?

Unfortunately, the more time that goes by with untreated damage, the worse the situation gets.

The First 24 Hours:

Drywall, which is found on the walls and ceilings of most Connecticut homes, gets saturated and begins to disintegrate. Many people discover their water leak only after the ceiling is already on the floor. That's how quickly this can happen.
You will notice a musty smell and normal household odors grow stronger.
Any uncoated metal surfaces, which are vulnerable to moisture in the air, will begin to tarnish.
Your furniture may begin to show signs of damage. In particular, laminated furniture and flooring will begin to swell and crack due to the moisture.
Free-floating laminated flooring may also begin to pop out of place due to swelling.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

The 'clean water' situation will have been upgraded to a 'gray water' intrusion.
You will notice an earthy smell in the home, which is caused by standing water as well as building materials and contents that have begun to decay.
Because of the high moisture levels, fungi, mold and mildew will begin to grow at this time, especially on porous materials such as sheetrock and carpeting.
Wood building materials begin to show signs of damage as they swell, warp and split. You will notice this on window frames, wall moldings, the interior doors in your home and even studs and joists at this time.
Rust and corrosion will begin to occur on metal items.
Electronics in the home will begin to malfunction.
Wood flooring and furniture begin to swell from the saturation.
The Indoor Air Quality in the structure is compromised and health hazards can become an issue. Occupants of the home who are at risk due to health issues may begin to experience negative health effects.

More Than 1 Week:

A 'black water' situation is most likely the case at this time due to the growth of bacteria and other harmful contaminates in the home.
Mold spores will spread quickly and begin to break down natural materials, wallpaper, wood paneling, and other building materials
The structural safety of the home is in question as wood building materials are compromised.
The air quality in the home can pose a danger to all inhabitants.
The costs associated with your insurance claim exponentially rises. The demolition and replacement of, rather than the restoration of, damaged materials becomes necessary.
Our water damage restoration crews will be required to wear personal protection equipment in order to work in your home.

When your Home Has Water Damage, Timing is Everything

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

man in protective gear spraying the floor of a kitchen

If your New Milford home has experienced water damage, whether from a pipe burst, an appliance line leak or a flooded basement, calling a restoration company immediately will reduce the damage to your home and possessions. The sayings "time is of the essence" and "there's no time to waste" are applicable here. The longer that your home is left untreated, the greater the effects of the water damage will be.

What might appear as a water stain in the morning could progress to the ceiling having fallen on your couch by noon. Once wet, sheetrock can quickly deteriorate and fall to pieces. As time passes after a water damage event, the flooding can cause your porous furnishings such as carpeting, mattresses and furniture to become water logged, rendering them unsalvageable. Home insulation and carpet padding also retain moisture. Electronics are susceptible to internal degradation from the moisture in the air. When treated quickly, wood and laminate flooring can often be saved using our floor mat system however if left to penetrate and go beneath the wood to the subfloor, this option is unlikely.

Secondary water damage issues can also arise if restoration is delayed. What may have entered your home as clean water, such as an ice dam melting through your ceiling or water from a faucet leaking, may become contaminated and change to gray or black water, which can be a health concern and require a higher degree of handling. The growth of mold spores is also a concern when a home has had flooding that goes untreated.

Upon arrival to your home after we receive your call, one of the SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County estimators will assess the damage. If you have not yet determined the cause of the water damage, their first course of action will be to do so. Our technicians use a variety of tools such as moisture readers and sensors, probes and infrared technology in their evaluation. This, coupled with decades of experience and the highest level of industry training, gives them an accurate picture of the situation.

Typically, our first course of treatment is to remove any standing water from your home using water extractors, submersible pumps, dehumidifiers and air movers. If necessary, we will order dumpsters to be brought to your home for the disposal of unsalvageable personal items and structural materials such as flooring, carpeting and wallboard. Our crew may also move household belongings from your home to our storage facility while your home is being cleaned. They may also restore some items such as furniture, area rugs, and photos off site. Throughout the process, our office staff will communicate with your insurance company to address any concerns and gain approval for planned restoration work.

After we have removed the excess water from your home, we begin sanitizing it. We use both wet and dry cleaning methods to remove dirt and pollution from the carpets, walls, furniture, baseboards, appliances and pieces of furniture that were affected by the water. Industrial air scrubbers, which clean the air by passing it through special filters, remove any contaminants from the air of the home. Our crew uses antibacterial and antimicrobial treatments to sanitize and disinfect any contaminated items and deodorization to eliminate any odors.

Once your home is dry, clean and restored, we are able to bring your household items back, have the dumpsters removed and move our equipment out. Although each water damage restoration job we encounter is unique, our essential approach is consistent. At SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County, our goal is to arrive at your home and begin the water damage process quickly after receiving your call, restore it professionally and thoroughly and help you get back to normalcy. If you experience water damage in the Newtown area, call our office at (203) 743-5362. We are available 24 hours a day and have staff ready to respond to your call.

Restore or Replace? Determining What Can Be Kept After Water Damage in Your Home.

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Man with Servpro shirt on packing items into a box

Part of our jobs when we are working in a home that has water damage is helping the homeowner and insurance adjuster determine what items in the home can be saved and restored and which need to be discarded. Our team assists our customers in determining which of their possessions are salvageable, and which cannot be saved.

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 fit 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 Newtown and Southern Litchfield County team has the experience in caring for the belongings of your Sandy Hook home. We understand that it can be difficult to part with treasured items, and do our best to help save them. If you experience a flood, calling us immediately at (203) 743-5362 will help minimize the damage.

Why Do We Always Say "Call Us Immediately"?

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

We realize that, at times, we may sound like a broken record.

“Call us immediately”

“Act quickly”

“Do not delay”

We admit that we stress this point repeatedly however, because it is so important, we probably won’t stop talking about it. Why is getting help as quickly as possible such a consequential factor when you have a flood? In this blog post, we provide you with a water damage timeline to help you see how quickly a small flood can turn into a major problem.

Water Damage Timeline

In the First Hour:

Water will quickly move throughout the dwelling, saturating everything in it's path.
Stains or finishes that are on furniture that gets wet will be released. This can cause staining to the carpeting and flooring of your home. Additionally, any furniture that is moisture sensitive, such as antiques or unfinished materials, will be affected.
In particular, paper goods are vulnerable in the first hour. Due to their porosity, it doesn't take long for water to render books and documents unsalvageable.
Artwork that is hanging on your walls can be permanently damaged when water drips down the walls in that first hour.

The First 24 Hours:

Drywall, which is found on the walls and ceilings of most Connecticut homes, gets saturated and begins to disintegrate. Many people discover their water leak only after the ceiling is already on the floor. That's how quickly this can happen.
You will notice a musty smell and normal household odors grow stronger.
Any uncoated metal surfaces, which are vulnerable to moisture in the air, will begin to tarnish.
Your furniture may begin to show signs of damage. In particular, laminated furniture and flooring will begin to swell and crack due to the moisture.
Free-floating laminated flooring may also begin to pop out of place due to swelling.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

The 'clean water' situation will have been upgraded to a 'gray water' intrusion.
You will notice an earthy smell in the home, which is caused by standing water as well as building materials and contents that have begun to decay.
Because of the high moisture levels, fungi, mold and mildew will begin to grow at this time, especially on porous materials such as sheetrock and carpeting.
Wood building materials begin to show signs of damage as they swell, warp and split. You will notice this on window frames, wall moldings, the interior doors in your home and even studs and joists at this time.
Rust and corrosion will begin to occur on metal items.
Electronics in the home will begin to malfunction.
Wood flooring and furniture begin to swell from the saturation.
The Indoor Air Quality in the structure is compromised and health hazards can become an issue. Occupants of the home who are at risk due to health issues may begin to experience negative health effects.

More Than 1 Week:

A 'black water' situation is most likely the case at this time due to the growth of bacteria and other harmful contaminates in the home.
Mold spores will spread quickly and begin to break down natural materials, wallpaper, wood paneling, and other building materials
The structural safety of the home is in question as wood building materials are compromised.
The air quality in the home can pose a danger to all inhabitants.
The costs associated with your insurance claim exponentially rises. The demolition and replacement of, rather than the restoration of, damaged materials becomes necessary.
Our water damage restoration crews will be required to wear personal protection equipment in order to work in your home.

If you have a water leak in your home, give us a call as soon as it is discovered to minimize the damage to your home.

Common Causes of Refrigerator Leaks in Newtown Homes

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

A leaking refrigerator can cause substantial water damage to your Brookfield area home.

Although refrigerator leaks are often caught quickly if they occur while you are home, if you happen to be away when your refrigerator develops he problem, the damage can be widespread. The flooding can cause damage to wood floors, walls, furniture and even through the ceiling to the floors below. There are preventative steps homeowners can take to reduce their risk of an appliance leak.

Make sure your ice maker water supply line isn't kinked and is securely fashioned. Improperly installed water supply lines can also cause flooding.
Inspect to see that the defrost drain isn't blocked or partially clogged. If this is the case, you might notice ice build up inside your freezer. If you notice this happening, clear the drain with hot water and remove any debris or food with a stiff brush or wire hanger.
Check the connection between the water filter and the water supply. This can cause a leak in refrigerator models with a filtering system.

If you have flooding from a refrigerator leak in your Bethel, CT home, give SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County a call at (203) 743-5362. Our team has over twenty years of experience in water damage restoration in Connecticut.

#waterdamage #SERVPRO #flood #flooding

Common Questions That Newtown Homeowners Have When They Experience Water Damage

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

When we receive a call from a homeowner who has had flooding in their home, these are the most common questions that we are asked.

How much does will my water damage restoration cost?
Unfortunately, we cannot give an estimate on water damage restoration over the phone. However, we do provide you with a professional estimate after inspecting your home. Some of the factors that affect the restoration estimate are the length of time that the restoration will take, the equipment needed, the man hours required, any barriers or containment that might be needed and whether any demolition or removal of wet materials is required.

Will my claim be covered under my insurance policy?

Although we see hundreds of claims and might have a good idea of whether your water damage will be covered, only your insurance agent can answer that question. Our office staff is very experienced in interacting with insurance adjusters and will work directly with your provider including submitting documentation.

What products might you be spraying in my home?
When necessary, we may use SERVPRO's proprietary decontamination products on affected areas. This reduces that likelihood of microbial growth and sanitizes your home. The most common product that we use is SERVPRO Oxide, an EPA registered chlorine dioxide based disinfectant and stabilizer. Our homeowner's appreciate that this product is safe for use on all surfaces and is not harmful to people or their pets.

Can I remain at home during the drying process?
The majority of our customers are able to stay in the home during restoration. There are cases in which the home is deemed hazardous due to toxic conditions, a lack of heat or structural damage. In these cases, your insurance company might pay for you to be temporarily relocated.

How quickly can you get here?
On average, we can have a team equipped and ready to begin the recovery process on your home within 2 hours of your call.

How quickly does mold begin to grow after a flood?
Mold can start to grow within 24 hours, which is why it is important to get the water damage restoration process started asap.

Do you have any other questions about the water damage restoration process? Give our office a call at (203) 743-5362.

How Long Will it Take to Restore my Home After Water Damage?

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

The length of time that it takes to dry out a home after water damage depends on the circumstances.

How long will it take to dry out my house?

It's the question on everybody's mind when the SERVPRO team is called to your home after a water damage. And it seems like it should be an easy answer however there are a number of variables that can affect how quickly the restoration of your home will take.

When our team arrives at your home, we begin to document the cause of water damage, the extent of damage, and all surfaces involved. We then formulate a water damage restoration plan using a software program that is designed determine the number of air movers, air scrubbers and dehumidifiers are required to begin the drying process.

Of course, our team knows that there is more to this work than technical specs and we don't completely rely on a computer system. Our property managers utilize their decades of experience restoring homes and businesses after water damage in determining a treatment plan.

So, to answer the question - when will it be dry? On average, a typical house will be dry in about four days, depending on the extent of the damage. For example, vacant homes usually have more severe damage and mold may have begun to grow before the water damage was discovered, necessitating more extensive treatment.

We all want the restoration work to be done quickly and efficiently. Our crew works as a team to do the job right and allow you to go back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Deciding Whether to Restore or Replace in Water Damage Restoration

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Part of our job is working with you and your insurance company on deciding whether to restore or replace the damaged items in your home.

As a SERVPRO franchise, we adhere to the SERVPRO rule of thumb that restoration is preferable to replacement if possible.

Numerous insurance and restoration industry studies have concluded that restoring property after water damage is less expensive than replacing it. Restoration is also less time consuming and disruptive, meaning our customers can be in their homes and experiencing life as normal sooner after water or fire damage. Bethel area businesses will have their doors open sooner, meaning less revenue lost.