Commercial Property Flood Damage Restoration

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Do you need flood protection for your commercial property?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's our Business to Help your Business

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's our business to help your business.

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

When your business requires restoration services, we can help.  Whether your commercial property has experienced a sewage overflow, requires mold remediation or an electrical fire, we have the experience, equipment and training to keep your business back up and running.  We understand that you can’t afford to have your doors closed for long and our restoration plan is modeled with that in mind.  

Water Damage Restoration 

When it comes to water damage at commercial properties, we’ve seen it all – from coffee maker lines bursting to basement flooding. We offer 24 hour service, 7 days a week because floods don’t wait for business hours.  No matter where your business is located and no matter if you are a small privately owned business or a big box store, we have the resources and training to fix your problem.  

Fire Damage Restoration 

If your company has experienced a fire, business continuity is your primary concern.  In addition to smoke, soot and structural damage from the fire itself, most businesses that have had a fire also have extensive water damage from firefighting efforts.  As a trusted leader in fire and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford knows the ins and outs of fire damage and the extra damage that can come with it.  We have training and experience in fire and smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery and fabric cleaning as well as all aspects or water damage restoration.  

Mold Remediation 

Mold can be frightening to discover at your New Haven County business. Mold, whether from a leak or plumbing, can cause serious problems to those who enter your business, give us a call to discuss how we can manage it as we work fast to address the mold. We know how to contain mold growth while reducing the number of mold spores in the air and on surfaces. Our crew members have training as Applied Microbial Remediation Specialists as well as Applied Structural Drying.  

The SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford team has the experience, knowledge, and expertise necessary to keep your business running after a water, fire or mold disaster.  It’s our business to keep you in business.  

Sewage Clean Up at Milford Commercial Properties

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage backups are a literal mess and when you are a business owner, the call can come at any time.

Whether you own a restaurant and your public toilet has overflowed during the dinner rush or your retail business has a sewage flood that is quickly spreading on the carpeting, it’s a call that you don’t want to receive.

Toilet overflows and sewage backups are not an ordinary water damage event. Sewage is contaminated and the flooding caused can damage your commercial building and its contents as well as create a risk of disease. Knowing the causes, the preventative actions that can be taken and having a plan of action in place can help business owners reduce the extent of the damage to their building.

What causes a sewer backup?

Most often, sewage backups are caused by a blockage in the lateral line from your building to the main sewer. This can be caused by tree roots that damage pipes as well as debris that has clogged up the lines. Damage to your lines can also occur due to aging pipes that develop cracks. Even driving heavy equipment such as a moving truck across the lawn can damage the pipes buried there. 

Most sewage backups that occur due to blocked pipe occur over time, so there are some strategies that a business owner can take to reduce the chance of this happening.

You already know that a good plumber is essential to protecting your structure. Have your plumber conduct an annual inspection with the purpose of identifying potential problems before the pipes are completely blocked and flooding has occurred.

Follow your plumbers advice as to whether a water pressure reducing valve or a pop-up sewer release valve might protect your property in the case of a sewage backup.

Steps to Take if You Have a Sewage Backup

Our commercial property customers know to call us immediately upon the discovery of any water damage but this is even more important in the case of sewage flooding. Contaminated water may cause health effects and as it quickly makes it way into walls and flooring, the danger spreads.

It is essential that your employees do not clean up a sewage backup themselves. They can actually make the situation more dangerous and put themselves at risk. We recommend that the area is evacuated until the SERVPRO of Milford- Orange-Stratford restoration crew is on the scene to assess the damage and immediately begin the restoration process.

Our team is trained in how to execute a professional and efficient sewage damage restoration plan. We will remove not only the sewage, but also properly remove damaged materials and sanitize your structure and restore contents. One of the worst parts of a septic backup is the smell. Our team uses odor removal equipment to get rid of the stench left behind.

If you are not already familiar with the services that we offer commercial properties, give our office a call at (203) 301-0500 to see how we can help you protect your business from damage.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Services

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

The drive around our area is a scenic one which passes by beautiful farms and bucolic New England towns. Although living in a rural area is beautiful, it can also present its own set of unique problems. 

When a local farm property recently experienced a fire in one of their outbuildings, they needed a company who knows “the lay of the land”. In addition to the need for business continuity and minimal disruption to the workflow of the farm while the clean up was ongoing, environmental concerns are also a high priority when it comes to restoring an agricultural property. 

Our project manager who was in charge of the job understood the special conditions of this property restoration. Having been trained by the IICRC, he was able to knowledgeably create a restoration plan that included a detailed step by step process that would ensure the business owners and their farm were impacted as minimally as possible. 

Not all restoration companies in Connecticut are locally owned and operated. SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is. We understand the unique needs of business owners in the Waterbury area because we live here too. Doing good work for the people in our community is our number one priority.

Who Will be Your Commercial Restoration Company?

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

When you own a business, you know the unexpected can occur. While you can't control everything that happens, you can have a plan in place for most events. Having a commercial restoration company on standby helps businesses to control the impact of fire damage and water damage.

When looking for a restoration company, keep the following criteria in mind. 

EFFICIENCY:  The key to getting back in business is swift action. Look for a company that has the staff and experience to get your business up amd running quickly.  You can't afford to be dealing with a slow moving restoration company. 

AVAILABILITY:  Does the company have staff on call during the weekends and on holidays?  What about nights? The company you hire needs to be ready to respond no matter what time and what day.

COMMUNICATION:  Is there a contact person you will have access to throughout the restoration process?Because of the resulting disturbances that come with damages resulting from flooding, leaks, and fire outbreaks, easy communication is key. 

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is the areas leading commercial property damage restoration company for a reason. We are first to respond, our production managers are always available to answer questions- whether short or long, and we know that time is of the essence when getting your business back up and running. Give us a call to discuss how we can help. 

Your Guests are Your Top Priority; You are Ours.

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs at your hotel, your top priority is resuming operations as quickly as possible.

Your guests need a safe, clean place to stay and are counting on you to provide that. The SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford team has been called to New Haven area hotels with water damage from a wide spectrum of sources.

Whether the flooding is due to a coat hanger on a sprinkler head, an overflowing toilet or a sink inadvertently left on, our team specializes in restoring commercial properties with water damage professionally and efficiently.

Because we are on call 24/7, our response to your emergency will be immediate, no matter what time of night. Our project manager will coordinate with your management and maintenance staff to prioritize spaces, isolate the damage, and restore the area to your complete satisfaction, while minimizing the inconvenience to you and your guests. In most cases, we are able to help you keep your facility open and basic operations functioning normal so that your guests are minimally impacted.

Our Team is trained and experienced in: Water Damage Restoration from pipe bursts, broken shower drains and water heater leaks Category 3 (biohazardous) water clean up from sewer line clogs and toilet overflows Biohazardous Residues Removal Crime Scene Clean Ups Fire Damage Restoration Smoke and Soot Removal Air Ducts and HVAC cleaning Mold Remediation Vandalism Cleanup Document and Records Recovery.

When you choose SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford as your hotel restoration company, you will receive the benefits of our complete project management services. From start to finish, our project managers will coordinate the process with your team. Our office staff is well versed in commercial property restoration as well as the insurance claims process involved. When your hotel is clean and dry, our building services team will finish the job. Whether you require walls and flooring replaced, a bathroom rebuilt or simply a few pieces of molding installed, our contractors are CT licensed and make the restoration process as seamless as possible.

Your Guests Are Your Top Priority; You Are Ours.

Water Damage Clean Up at Commercial Properties

11/28/2021 (Permalink)

When you own or manage an apartment building in New Haven County there are many factors that can cause disaster in your complex.

Home to many families, all it takes is one tenant being forgetful and leaving a pot of boiling water on the stove to cause widespread smoke damage. A toilet overflow can cause water and sewage damage to multiple residences. Often, tenants don’t report problems inside their apartments such as a water spots on the ceiling or a musty smell and by the time you discover it, the damage is a big problem.

The tenants in your apartment building count on you to prevent water, fire and mold damage in the building and address them as they arise. As the owner of the building, the maintenance and upkeep of the facility falls to you directly.  

The services offered by SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford can assist commercial property owners. We provide preventative maintenance, such as commercial cleaning of carpets and upholstered furniture in common areas as well as air duct cleaning. We are also your local professionals for water, fire, mold, sewage and vandalism clean up. 

There are many ways in which your apartment building can be damaged by water. For example, heavy snow can cause roof leaks or even a collapse due to the weight of the snow. Our franchise provides emergency tarping and boarding up 24 hours a day/7 days a week in the event that there is damage to your roof or windows.  

Appliance leaks are commonplace in apartment buildings. Supply lines to refrigerators and ice makers, dishwashers and washing machines fail, causing water damage to not only the apartment itself but also to the floors below. We also see restore a number of commercial buildings each year after the pipes freeze and burst.

Quick cleanup is essential in commercial water damage situations-the longer water sits, the less salvageable items such as hardwood flooring, carpets and personal belongings become. As an apartment complex owner, the more you can save, rather than replace, the better. Mold can begin to grown in as little as 24 hours and spread throughout the building if the water removal process is not addressed immediately.  

Even the smallest apartment fires can cause tremendous smoke and soot damage in your building. Because of the shared walls and ventilation systems, smoke and soot can easily travel throughout the building, filling the apartments with smoke. Our franchise has the crew and equipment to respond to widespread fire damage and begin the restoration process quickly and efficiently. We have the technology to not only clean the building itself but also restore the contents of the apartments, removing soot and smoke odors.   

With so many families and tenants that trust you to keep them safe and take care of any problems that may arise, you need to have a restoration company that you can trust to be on the job and taking care of you if you have a water or fire emergency. SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford offers an Emergency Preparedness Plan that helps you have all of the pieces in place to best respond to an emergency in your commercial building. Give us a call today at (203) 301-0500 to discuss how we can help you keep your building safe.  

Birds Nest Causes Church Fire

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

We recently responded to a call from a local church that had experienced widespread damage from a fire.  Upon inspection, it was determined that a birds nest that had been under the eaves of the church had ignited from a spark and the ensuing fire quickly spread to the structure. 

We know that this was an unusual occurrence - most of us would not see a birds nest as a cause for concern. Take a look around and you will find that many buildings in the area have been utilized as a home by birds - especially in the springtime.  But in our business, we've seen the unimaginable happen and cause serious damage to homes and businesses such as this one. 

For those times when the unexpected happens, the crew at SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is here to help. Our highly trained and dedicated teams are available 24-7 to respond to your call.

When Mold is Found at a Commercial Property

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Whether you own or manage a commercial property, dealing with mold is problem you will likely encounter at some point. Because some mold situations can potentially present health effects to tenants, customers or employees, professional remediation is necessary.  This is where SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford can help.   As a certified mold remediation company, we are the New Haven area's mold remediation experts.

In a commercial property, the most common source of mold is due to moisture from a water intrusion caused by a slow leak (such as a leaky pipe behind a wall or slow leaking toilet in a public bathroom), or major water intrusion (such as a facility wide flood from a burst pipe) that was not properly dried out. We've encountered situations in which a tenant has not reported a leak or mold and the situation grew worse because of that. Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is here to help. 

It's Our Business to Help Your Business.

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

When your business requires restoration services, we can help.  Whether your commercial property has experienced a sewage overflow, requires mold remediation or an electrical fire, we have the experience, equipment and training to keep your business back up and running.  We understand that you can’t afford to have your doors closed for long and our restoration plan is modeled with that in mind.  

Water Damage Restoration 

When it comes to water damage at commercial properties, we’ve seen it all – from coffee maker lines bursting to basement flooding. We offer 24 hour service, 7 days a week because floods don’t wait for business hours.  No matter where your business is located and no matter if you are a small privately owned business or a big box store, we have the resources and training to fix your problem.  

Fire Damage Restoration 

If your company has experienced a fire, business continuity is your primary concern.  In addition to smoke, soot and structural damage from the fire itself, most businesses that have had a fire also have extensive water damage from firefighting efforts.  As a trusted leader in fire and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford knows the ins and outs of fire damage and the extra damage that can come with it.  We have training and experience in fire and smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery and fabric cleaning as well as all aspects or water damage restoration.  

Mold Remediation 

Mold can be frightening to discover at your New Haven County business. Mold, whether from a leak or plumbing, can cause serious problems to those who enter your business, give us a call to discuss how we can manage it as we work fast to address the mold. We know how to contain mold growth while reducing the number of mold spores in the air and on surfaces. Our crew members have training as Applied Microbial Remediation Specialists as well as Applied Structural Drying.  

The SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford team has the experience, knowledge, and expertise necessary to keep your business running after a water, fire or mold disaster.  It’s our business to keep you in business.  

Water Damage Restorations in Connecticut Places of Worship

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Places of worship serve such a vital purpose in the New Haven community.  They not only offer community to their congregations, many serve the needs of those in need through their work in food pantries, shelters and fundraisers. When a spiritual center experiences a pipe burst or flooding, it’s vital that the water damage be cleaned up quickly and correctly with the least amount of impact on the community.   

Many of the religious centers in our area are in the beautiful old buildings which are quintessential to the small Connecticut towns that we live in. Old structures can at times present challenges in water damage restoration that requires a team that is highly trained and has the experience necessary. The SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford team has decades of experience working in Connecticut and is well versed in treating buildings that were not built in this century. Whether your structure has a small stone crawl space, unique additions that have been added on over the years or a not quite modern heating system, we’ve seen it all.  

Or perhaps your building is modern however you have valuable artifacts that require special handling, protection from water damage and restoration. Our project managers are understanding and respectful of your space and the contents in it. We have a dedicated storage facility in which we can store contents while the restoration work is being done. We also offer document and content restoration services to preserve those special items that are important to your community.  

If your place of worship has water, mold or fire damage, or perhaps is in need of a deep cleaning due to the amount of traffic it sees, give us a call today. 

Your Guests Are Your Top Priority; You Are Ours.

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs at your hotel, your top priority is resuming operations as quickly as possible. Your guests need a safe, clean place to stay and are counting on you to provide that. 

The SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford team has been called to New Haven area hotels with water damage from a wide spectrum of sources. Whether the flooding is due to a coat hanger on a sprinkler head, an overflowing toilet or a sink inadvertently left on, our team specializes in restoring commercial properties with water damage professionally and efficiently. Because we are on call 24/7, our response to your emergency will be immediate, no matter what time of night. Our project manager will coordinate with your management and maintenance staff to prioritize spaces, isolate the damage, and restore the area to your complete satisfaction, while minimizing the inconvenience to you and your guests. In most cases, we are able to help you keep your facility open and basic operations functioning normal so that your guests are minimally impacted. 

Our Team is trained and experienced in:

• Water Damage Restoration from pipe bursts, broken shower drains and water heater leaks
• Category 3 (biohazardous) water clean up from sewer line clogs and toilet overflows
• Biohazardous Residues Removal
• Crime Scene Clean Ups
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Smoke and Soot Removal
• Air Ducts and HVAC cleaning
• Mold Remediation
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Document and Records Recovery

When you choose SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford as your hotel restoration company, you will receive the benefits of our complete project management services.

From start to finish, our project managers will coordinate the process with your team. Our office staff is well versed in commercial property restoration as well as the insurance claims process involved. When your hotel is clean and dry, our building services team will finish the job. Whether you require walls and flooring replaced, a bathroom rebuilt or simply a few pieces of molding installed, our contractors are CT licensed and make the restoration process as seamless as possible. 

Your Guests Are Your Top Priority; You Are Ours.

Commercial Property Fire, Water and Mold Restoration

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

When you own or manage an apartment building in New Haven County there are many factors that can cause disaster in your complex.

Home to many families, all it takes is one tenant being forgetful and leaving a pot of boiling water on the stove to cause widespread smoke damage. A toilet overflow can cause water and sewage damage to multiple residences. Often, tenants don’t report problems inside their apartments such as a water spots on the ceiling or a musty smell and by the time you discover it, the damage is a big problem.

The tenants in your apartment building count on you to prevent water, fire and mold damage in the building and address them as they arise. As the owner of the building, the maintenance and upkeep of the facility falls to you directly.  

The services offered by SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford can assist commercial property owners. We provide preventative maintenance, such as commercial cleaning of carpets and upholstered furniture in common areas as well as air duct cleaning. We are also your local professionals for water, fire, mold, sewage and vandalism clean up. 

There are many ways in which your apartment building can be damaged by water. For example, heavy snow can cause roof leaks or even a collapse due to the weight of the snow. Our franchise provides emergency tarping and boarding up 24 hours a day/7 days a week in the event that there is damage to your roof or windows.  

Appliance leaks are commonplace in apartment buildings. Supply lines to refrigerators and ice makers, dishwashers and washing machines fail, causing water damage to not only the apartment itself but also to the floors below. We also see restore a number of commercial buildings each year after the pipes freeze and burst.

Quick cleanup is essential in commercial water damage situations-the longer water sits, the less salvageable items such as hardwood flooring, carpets and personal belongings become. As an apartment complex owner, the more you can save, rather than replace, the better. Mold can begin to grown in as little as 24 hours and spread throughout the building if the water removal process is not addressed immediately.  

Even the smallest apartment fires can cause tremendous smoke and soot damage in your building. Because of the shared walls and ventilation systems, smoke and soot can easily travel throughout the building, filling the apartments with smoke. Our franchise has the crew and equipment to respond to widespread fire damage and begin the restoration process quickly and efficiently. We have the technology to not only clean the building itself but also restore the contents of the apartments, removing soot and smoke odors.   

With so many families and tenants that trust you to keep them safe and take care of any problems that may arise, you need to have a restoration company that you can trust to be on the job and taking care of you if you have a water or fire emergency. SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford offers an Emergency Preparedness Plan that helps you have all of the pieces in place to best respond to an emergency in your commercial building. Give us a call today at (203) 301-0500 to discuss how we can help you keep your building safe.  

Why Do New Haven County Property Managers Choose Us?

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

We know that when a property manager has damage to one of their buildings, they need professional help immediately. The SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford team is well-versed in mitigating water, mold, sewage and fire damage in commercial structures. We are available 24-7 and can arrive quickly to maintain the safety and security of your tenants and their homes.  

The damage to apartment and condominium complexes in the Milford area is typically a result of a kitchen fire, burst pipe, sewage back up or an appliance leak. One burned pot in an apartment can easily cause widespread smoke damage to multiple homes as well as the shared hallways. A refrigerator line leak or overflowing toilet will quickly affect the apartments below. And if gone unchecked, mold growth can become widespread – especially if its growth is due to a slow leak in a pipe behind shared walls.  

As a property manager, you maintain your buildings and try to get ahead of potential problems however there will always be an unexpected event that creates a need for restoration work. That’s where SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford comes in. We understand that you have a duty to your tenants and we work to keep them in their homes if possible and restore their lives back to normal in a professional and efficient manner. 

You have enough on your plate – you don’t need to have the burden of worrying whether your restoration work is being done correctly.  Property managers in New Haven County know that our team is fully trained, work professionally and respectfully and that we stand by our work. That’s why they call us time and time again for their water, fire and mold restoration needs.  

Just as your clients depend on you to keep them safe, you can depend on us to properly restore your building.

Wet Documents? We Can Help!

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

When flooding occurs at a commercial property, not only is the structure at risk, but the contents are often damaged. When our team arrives at a business in which papers have been damaged, we act immediately to begin the drying process. Using state of the art technology, SERVPRO is well equipped to properly dry and recover paper goods ranging from paper files to books to x-rays and photos.

Why use SERVPRO of Milford-Orange Stratford for document restoration?

Our document restoration technicians use the latest vacuum free-drying method in addition to gamma irradiation technology for sterilizing.  The SERVPRO document restoration team has the capacity to handle large scale commercial losses and smaller residential jobs. 

Freezing Your Documents

SERVPRO uses vacuum freeze-drying to achieve sublimation, which is a process where the moisture in an object is frozen and dried by being converted directly into a gas (bypassing the liquid stage) by using various vacuums and pressures. This process avoids additional damage that water would create.

Yes, in these days of technology, many documents are digitally stored however in most commercial buildings there are always paper documents that have no copy. In those cases, we are here to help.

As Connecticut Businesses Prepare to Reopen, SERVPRO is Here to Help

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is here to help Woodbridge area businesses open their doors!

Connecticut business owners are relieved to hear that they will be able to start opening in a few weeks. And customers are sure to flock to the hair salons, restaurants with outdoor seating and shops after months of being shut-in. Business owners do have concerns about keeping their places of business clean and sanitary and their employees safe during this transition.

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford offers cleaning services to help business owners keep their structures sanitary. We first clean, then disinfect (with a hospital grade disinfectant) when cleaning a commercial space.  Cleaning removes the soil and dirt that harbors the infectious agents, while disinfecting kills the remaining environmental pathogens.

Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to COVID-19. We use fogging machines to disperse SERVPROXIDE tthroughout a structure, providing an affordable way for businesses to be sanitized. 

SERVPROXIDE™, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more.

The CDC encourages the cleaning of high touch surfaces. In a commercial setting, this list includes:

• Shelves and Racks
• Displays and Mannequins
• Packaged Inventory
• Fitting Room Stalls, Chairs and Walls
• Doorknobs, Light Switches and Lamps
• Carpets and Hard Flooring
• Computers, Telephones and Registers
• Bathrooms, Toilets and Changing Tables
• Sales Counters
• Elevator Cars. Handrails and Escalators
• Playground and Fitness Equipment
• Lockers and Water Fountains

It is important to note that while proactive cleaning can help remove existing contamination, it will not prevent or protect the building from future contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building. 

Call us at 203-301-0500 to discuss how we can help your business.

Septic Backups in Commercial Properties Cause Damage to New Haven County Businesses

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Sewage backups are a literal mess and when you are a business owner, the call can come at any time.

Whether you own a restaurant and your public toilet has overflowed during the dinner rush or your retail business has a sewage flood that is quickly spreading on the carpeting, it’s a call that you don’t want to receive.

Toilet overflows and sewage backups are not an ordinary water damage event. Sewage is contaminated and the flooding caused can damage your commercial building and its contents as well as create a risk of disease. Knowing the causes, the preventative actions that can be taken and having a plan of action in place can help business owners reduce the extent of the damage to their building.

What causes a sewer backup?

Most often, sewage backups are caused by a blockage in the lateral line from your building to the main sewer. This can be caused by tree roots that damage pipes as well as debris that has clogged up the lines. Damage to your lines can also occur due to aging pipes that develop cracks. Even driving heavy equipment such as a moving truck across the lawn can damage the pipes buried there. 

Most sewage backups that occur due to blocked pipe occur over time, so there are some strategies that a business owner can take to reduce the chance of this happening.

You already know that a good plumber is essential to protecting your structure. Have your plumber conduct an annual inspection with the purpose of identifying potential problems before the pipes are completely blocked and flooding has occurred.

Follow your plumbers advice as to whether a water pressure reducing valve or a pop-up sewer release valve might protect your property in the case of a sewage backup.

Steps to Take if You Have a Sewage Backup

Our commercial property customers know to call us immediately upon the discovery of any water damage but this is even more important in the case of sewage flooding. Contaminated water poses a health risk and as it quickly makes it way into walls and flooring, the danger spreads.

It is essential that your employees do not clean up a sewage backup themselves. They can actually make the situation more dangerous and put themselves at risk. We recommend that the area is evacuated until the SERVPRO of Milford- Orange-Stratford restoration crew is on the scene to assess the damage and immediately begin the restoration process.

Our team is trained in how to execute a professional and efficient sewage damage restoration plan. We will remove not only the sewage, but also properly remove damaged materials and sanitize your structure and restore contents. One of the worst parts of a septic backup is the smell. Our team uses odor removal equipment to get rid of the stench left behind.

If you are not already familiar with the services that we offer commercial properties, give our office a call at (203) 301-0500 to see how we can help you protect your business from damage.

Connecticut Business Owners- Call Us to Set Up a Free Emergency Mobile App

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready App helps businesses prepare for the worst.

We have developed a relationship with many of the wonderful business owners on New Haven County. At some point, most businesses have, or will, need our services. After all, no building is immune from a water leak, kitchen fire or toilet overflow. I wanted to share with commercial property owners in our area a service that we offer that you may not be aware we offer. 

Our franchise offers a free mobile app, called the Emergency Ready Profile or ERP, which enables your employees to easily respond to any emergency situation.

In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. It is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business. This includes emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas.  Whether you are a hospital, university or small mom and pop shop, setting up an ERP will prove invaluable should your property experience water damage or a fire in which quick action needs to be taken to protect it.

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Plan serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program.  Whoever has access to the app will be able to utilize it in an emergency situation. Questions such as “Where are the water valves” or “What circuits need to be shut off” are easily answered. The people who need to be called- such as your plumber, security company or utility company – are all programmed into the app. It can even include the chain of command - people within the company who need to be called and their contact info. With the ERP, no matter who is on duty when a disaster happens, they will have a clear plan to follow and your facility and employees will be protected.   

All it takes to set up an ERP is calling our office at (203) 301-0500. Danielle, Roseann or one of our Production Managers will come out to your property and help create your individualized plan, free of charge.

Heavy Snow Causes Water and Structural Damage to Commercial Properties

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Heavy snow that is not properly removed can cause your commercial property's roof to collapse.

We’ve been hit with our first snowstorm in the Milford area and although the snowfall totals weren’t as high as some other areas in the Northeast, it got us thinking about how to protect the businesses in our area.

Commercial property owners know that protecting their investment and ensuring business continuity is vital to their success. One thing that is at times overlooked is the roof of a commercial building. When you think about it, the roof is the first line of defense against storms, wind, fire and all the elements outdoors

When it snows, commercial properties can be at risk of roof leaks, damage to the roof from snow removal techniques as well as collapse due to the heavy weight of the snow. Some elements to consider are the design of your roof and the weight it was designed to hold, it’s elevation and it’s age.

Keep in Mind:

• Fresh snow: 10-12 inches of new snow is equal to one inch of water, or about 5 lbs per square foot of roof space.
• Packed snow generally is heavier than new snow: 3-5 inches of old snow is equal to one inch of water, again about 5 lbs per square foot of roof space.
• Ice is also heavier than snow. One inch equals about a foot of fresh snow.
• The total amount of accumulated snow and ice is what matters in evaluating snow load risk. For example, the accumulated weight of two feet of old snow and two feet of new snow could be as high as 60 lbs per square foot of roof space, which may stress the limits of even the best-designed roof.

We recommend that in addition to regular maintenance on your roof, you carefully select a snow removal contractor.  Make sure that your contractor uses methods and equipment that removes the snow without damaging your roof. If you're unsure of where to begin, The Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) offers certification to snow removal professionals and has information on their website to assist commercial property owners.

Choosing a Locally Owned Restoration Company When Your Farm Property Has Fire Damage

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

When your farm property has fire or water damage restoration needs, SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is with you every step of the way!

The drive around the Naugatuck area is a scenic one which passes by beautiful farms and bucolic New England towns. Although living in a rural area is beautiful, it can also present its own set of unique problems. 

When a local farm property recently experienced a fire in one of their outbuildings, they needed a company who knows “the lay of the land”. In addition to the need for business continuity and minimal disruption to the workflow of the farm while the clean up was ongoing, environmental concerns are also a high priority when it comes to restoring an agricultural property. 

Our project manager who was in charge of the job understood the special conditions of this property restoration. Having been trained by the IICRC, he was able to knowledgeably create a restoration plan that included a detailed step by step process that would ensure the business owners and their farm were impacted as minimally as possible. 

Not all restoration companies in Connecticut are locally owned and operated. SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is. We understand the unique needs of business owners in the Waterbury area because we live here too. Doing good work for the people in our community is our number one priority.

Toilet Overflows Cause Flooding in Milford Area Restaurants

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

A toilet overflow at your New Haven County restaurant requires a quick and professional clean up.

The plumbing system in your busy New Haven County restaurant receives a lot of wear and tear.

Because of the number of people filtering in and out of the bathrooms all day long, it is essential that you keep up with plumbing repairs and maintenance. Plumbing problems like sewer backups and broken pipes can not only cause water damage to your building but can also present potential health hazards for your customers and employees.

We know that water disasters can still occur despite being vigilant about the upkeep of your facility. If you do have a flood in your public bathroom, the clean up and restoration must be handled quickly and professionally so that your business continuity is minimally affected.

The time to call SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is immediately upon the discovery of a bathroom flood.

We understand time is of the essence in these situations and have crews ready to quickly respond to your call. Once we have removed any standing water, we examine the flooring. In a typical restaurant bathroom that has ceramic tile installed, the tiles and grout joints are water resistant when they are installed over plywood. However, any cracks make the tile and underlying subfloor vulnerable to water damage.

Oftentimes, the tile itself may not be damaged but the water will have penetrated the grouting, causing the subfloor to warp or expand. This can cause the tiles to break apart at the joints and come loose. To check for moisture under ceramic tiles, SERVPRO technicians use a non-penetrating meter.  It might be necessary to dry the floor from the bottom or to drill holes into the floor so we can adequately monitor the drying process.

In the case of a substantial flood, the backup might not be limited to the bathroom and make its way onto restaurant carpeting. Because the water from a toilet backup can contain bacteria and pathogens, affected carpet is typically removed and replaced as a safety precaution.

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford wants to get your Bridgeport area eatery open for business as quickly as possible however our number one priority is doing the water damage restoration job right the first time so that you don’t experience any secondary problems, such as mold.

Septic Backups in Commercial Properties Cause Damage to New Haven County Businesses

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

A toilet overflow at your commercial property puts your property and customers at risk.

Sewage backups are a literal mess and when you are a business owner, the call can come at any time.

Whether you own a restaurant and your public toilet has overflowed during the dinner rush or your retail business has a sewage flood that is quickly spreading on the carpeting, it’s a call that you don’t want to receive.

Toilet overflows and sewage backups are not an ordinary water damage event. Sewage is contaminated and the flooding caused can damage your commercial building and its contents as well as create a risk of disease. Knowing the causes, the preventative actions that can be taken and having a plan of action in place can help business owners reduce the extent of the damage to their building.

What causes a sewer backup?

Most often, sewage backups are caused by a blockage in the lateral line from your building to the main sewer. This can be caused by tree roots that damage pipes as well as debris that has clogged up the lines. Damage to your lines can also occur due to aging pipes that develop cracks. Even driving heavy equipment such as a moving truck across the lawn can damage the pipes buried there. 

Most sewage backups that occur due to blocked pipe occur over time, so there are some strategies that a business owner can take to reduce the chance of this happening.

You already know that a good plumber is essential to protecting your structure. Have your plumber conduct an annual inspection with the purpose of identifying potential problems before the pipes are completely blocked and flooding has occurred.

Follow your plumbers advice as to whether a water pressure reducing valve or a pop-up sewer release valve might protect your property in the case of a sewage backup.

Steps to Take if You Have a Sewage Backup

Our commercial property customers know to call us immediately upon the discovery of any water damage but this is even more important in the case of sewage flooding. Contaminated water poses a health risk and as it quickly makes it way into walls and flooring, the danger spreads.

It is essential that your employees do not clean up a sewage backup themselves. They can actually make the situation more dangerous and put themselves at risk. We recommend that the area is evacuated until the SERVPRO of Milford- Orange-Stratford restoration crew is on the scene to assess the damage and immediately begin the restoration process.

Our team is trained in how to execute a professional and efficient sewage damage restoration plan. We will remove not only the sewage, but also properly remove damaged materials and sanitize your structure and restore contents. One of the worst parts of a septic backup is the smell. Our team uses odor removal equipment to get rid of the stench left behind.

If you are not already familiar with the services that we offer commercial properties, give our office a call at (203) 301-0500 to see how we can help you protect your business from damage.

New Haven County Property Managers Call SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford For Their Restoration Needs

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Property managers know to call SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford when one of their apartment buildings is affected by a fire or water damage,

We know that when a property manager has damage to one of their buildings, they need professional help immediately. The SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford team is well-versed in mitigating water, mold, sewage and fire damage in commercial structures. We are available 24-7 and can arrive quickly to maintain the safety and security of your tenants and their homes.  

The damage to apartment and condominium complexes in the Milford area is typically a result of a kitchen fire, burst pipe, sewage back up or an appliance leak. One burned pot in an apartment can easily cause widespread smoke damage to multiple homes as well as the shared hallways. A refrigerator line leak or overflowing toilet will quickly affect the apartments below. And if gone unchecked, mold growth can become widespread – especially if its growth is due to a slow leak in a pipe behind shared walls.  

As a property manager, you maintain your buildings and try to get ahead of potential problems however there will always be an unexpected event that creates a need for restoration work. That’s where SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford comes in. We understand that you have a duty to your tenants and we work to keep them in their homes if possible and restore their lives back to normal in a professional and efficient manner. 

You have enough on your plate – you don’t need to have the burden of worrying whether your restoration work is being done correctly.  Property managers in New Haven County know that our team is fully trained, work professionally and respectfully and that we stand by our work. That’s why they call us time and time again for their water, fire and mold restoration needs.  

Just as your clients depend on you to keep them safe, you can depend on us to properly restore your building.

Fire Sprinkler System Breaks, Causing Damage to New Haven County Commercial Property

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

If you own a commercial building, having a sprinkler system installed is not an option.

For the safety of your employees and customers, fire sprinkler systems are required. In general, fire sprinkler systems function as designed however, on occasion, they malfunction or break and inadvertently deploy. This can be caused by a variety of reasons - from frozen pipes to a break in a pipe to a faulty sensor. The result when a sprinkler system deploys can be disastrous- with thousands of gallons of water flooding the building and saturating everything in its path.

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford recently responded to a call from a Woodbridge commercial property in which the dry sprinkler system malfunctioned. There was standing water throughout the facility and the walls, ceilings and contents were saturated.

Upon arrival, our team set up generators and trailer mounted desiccants to the facility. High powered truck mounted water extractors were utilized to remove the thousands of gallons of water.

When the standing water had been eliminated, our crew set up containment and used dehumidifiers and air movers, as well as desiccants to complete the drying process. We then removed affected walls, ceilings and floors that were not salvageable. Antimicrobials were applied to properly disinfect and ensure that no secondary damage, such as mold, would occur.

In just 24 hours our team was successful in professionally stabilizing the loss and establishing a protocol and timeline for this flooded facility, which enabled the business to move forward.

When it comes to commercial water damage restoration, time, equipment and training are essential.  The commercial restoration services offered by SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford meet the needs of New Haven County businesses. After inspecting your property, we will immediately begin the restoration process in a proficient and organized manner. With decades of experience, we have seen it all and will restore your property in a professional manner.

If you have any questions about our commercial water damage restoration services, please feel free to call our office at (203) 301-0500.

Our office staff can help guide you through the process and provide all of the information you require.

Water, Fire and Mold Damage Restoration in New Haven County Restaurants

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford if your restaurant has fire damage.

Restaurant owners know that it is an unpredictable business.

Anything can be thrown your way and an experienced owner is an expert at handling emergencies quickly and adeptly as they arise.  Restaurants are particularly susceptible to water, fire and mold problems and our franchise receives calls on a regular basis from restaurant owners who require our restoration services.  

With several cooks in the kitchen and hot stoves going all day long, kitchen fires occur frequently. Even a small fire in your commercial kitchen might necessitate a temporary shut down of your restaurant.  The smoke odor quickly spreads throughout the restaurant, is absorbed into upholstered chairs, carpeting, walls and drapery. SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.  

Often in conjunction with fire damage in restaurants is water damage from rescue efforts. The water damage can originate from a sprinkler system setting off in response to detected smoke or from the fire department’s rescue efforts. Some of our clients have also had water damage in their restaurants due to a burst pipe, appliance malfunction or human error. Regardless of the cause, it is important to call us to restore your building immediately. A failure to properly address water damage in your restaurant can lead to additional problems such as mold growth. 

Mold in restaurants can be particularly troubling as the environment (water and steam) has high humidity levels, creating prime real estate for mold growth. Any mold discovered in your restaurant requires professional remediation. Mold might grow behind walls or ceiling tiles, flooring or even under your restaurant carpeting (think of how many drinks are spilled every day). 

If you own a restaurant in New Haven County, give us a call at (203) 301-0500. We will schedule an appointment to come out and discuss any current concerns that you have for your building as well as set up an Emergency Ready Profile, which will enable you to quickly act if your restaurant does have fire, water or mold damage in the future. 

Repair or Replace? Water and Fire Damage Restoration Services in Milford Area Commercial Properties

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford provides water and fire damage restoration in New Haven County businesses.

If your business has experienced water or fire damage, your goal as a business owner is to get your building back to pre-disaster status.

The first step after the flames are out and water flow stopped is to hire a restoration contractor.  You know that SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford are the restoration experts on the Connecticut coastline.  What you may not know is that our franchise also offers reconstruction services, allowing you to move through the process of getting your building re-opened seamlessly. Our construction crew offers top to bottom services to repair your commercial building after water and fire damage. 

When our team is restoring your business, decisions will need to be made as to whether damaged property should be repaired or replaced.  There are several factors our restoration professionals will take into consideration when advising you on which action to take.  

THE HISTORY AND AGE OF THE PROPERTY 

If your building was constructed decades ago, there is a chance that it was built with materials that are not commonly available anymore. In this case, it may be more cost-effective to replace these with newer and less expensive materials. There are times when purchasing a newer model of an older type of equipment can be extremely cost-effective. 

THE LONG-TERM COST OF REPAIRING OR REPLACING 

The cost difference between repairing and replacing can widely vary from property to property. For example, it may be in your short-term benefit to simply repair a 50-year-old electrical system, but it may be time to completely replace the whole system to avoid risk or more monetary loss. 

EXTERNAL FACTORS 

Depending on your property insurance company, you may have to discuss your repair/replace plan with your insurance provider. Typically, insurance companies will choose the less expensive option. Local laws and building codes must also be adhered to protect the health and safety of those occupying the building. 

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford offers water and fire damage assessments that can help you determine whether to repair or replace. 

If your New Haven County commercial building has been damaged, call our office at (203) 301-0500 for complete restoration service.  

We Restore New Haven County Apartment Buildings After Fire,Mold and Water Damage

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

If your Milford area apartment complex has a fire, water or mold disaster, call us at (203) 301-0500. We have the resources to restore your property.

When you own or manage an apartment building in New Haven County there are many factors that can cause disaster in your complex.

Home to many families, all it takes is one tenant being forgetful and leaving a pot of boiling water on the stove to cause widespread smoke damage. A toilet overflow can cause water and sewage damage to multiple residences. Often, tenants don’t report problems inside their apartments such as a water spots on the ceiling or a musty smell and by the time you discover it, the damage is a big problem.

The tenants in your apartment building count on you to prevent water, fire and mold damage in the building and address them as they arise. As the owner of the building, the maintenance and upkeep of the facility falls to you directly.  

The services offered by SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford can assist commercial property owners. We provide preventative maintenance, such as commercial cleaning of carpets and upholstered furniture in common areas as well as air duct cleaning. We are also your local professionals for water, fire, mold, sewage and vandalism clean up. 

There are many ways in which your apartment building can be damaged by water. For example, heavy snow can cause roof leaks or even a collapse due to the weight of the snow. Our franchise provides emergency tarping and boarding up 24 hours a day/7 days a week in the event that there is damage to your roof or windows.  

Appliance leaks are commonplace in apartment buildings. Supply lines to refrigerators and ice makers, dishwashers and washing machines fail, causing water damage to not only the apartment itself but also to the floors below. We also see restore a number of commercial buildings each year after the pipes freeze and burst.

Quick cleanup is essential in commercial water damage situations-the longer water sits, the less salvageable items such as hardwood flooring, carpets and personal belongings become. As an apartment complex owner, the more you can save, rather than replace, the better. Mold can begin to grown in as little as 24 hours and spread throughout the building if the water removal process is not addressed immediately.  

Even the smallest apartment fires can cause tremendous smoke and soot damage in your building. Because of the shared walls and ventilation systems, smoke and soot can easily travel throughout the building, filling the apartments with smoke. Our franchise has the crew and equipment to respond to widespread fire damage and begin the restoration process quickly and efficiently. We have the technology to not only clean the building itself but also restore the contents of the apartments, removing soot and smoke odors.   

With so many families and tenants that trust you to keep them safe and take care of any problems that may arise, you need to have a restoration company that you can trust to be on the job and taking care of you if you have a water or fire emergency. SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford offers an Emergency Preparedness Plan that helps you have all of the pieces in place to best respond to an emergency in your commercial building. Give us a call today at (203) 301-0500 to discuss how we can help you keep your building safe.  

Commercial Water, Mold and Fire Damage Restoration Services

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

The commercial restoration team at SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford cleans a warehouse after a fire caused damage.

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford offers full commercial cleaning services.  Whether your business has experienced a flood or a fire and requires restoration and clean up or you discover mold in your offices, we help New Haven County businesses get back to conducting business as usual, as fast as possible. You can’t afford to have your business doors shut and we have the team, equipment and resources to professionally restore the damage quickly and correctly.   

Water Damage Restoration  

When it comes to water damage at commercial properties, we’ve seen it all – from coffee maker lines bursting to basement flooding. We offer 24 hour service, 7 days a week because floods don’t wait for business hours.  No matter where your business is located and no matter if you are a small privately owned business or a big box store, we have the resources and training to fix your problem.   

Fire Damage Restoration  

If your company has experienced a fire, business continuity is your primary concern.  In addition to smoke, soot and structural damage from the fire itself, most businesses that have had a fire also have extensive water damage from firefighting efforts.  As a trusted leader in fire and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford knows the ins and outs of fire damage and the extra damage that can come with it.  We have training and experience in fire and smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery and fabric cleaning as well as all aspects or water damage restoration.   

Mold Remediation  

Mold can be frightening to discover at your Fairfield County business. Mold, whether from a leak or plumbing, can cause serious problems to those who enter your business, give us a call to discuss how we can manage it as we work fast to address the mold. We know how to contain mold growth while reducing the number of mold spores in the air and on surfaces. Our crew members have training as Applied Microbial Remediation Specialists as well as Applied Structural Drying.   

Our team, based out of Woodbridge, CT has the experience, knowledge, and expertise necessary to keep your business running after a water, fire or mold disaster.  It’s our business to keep you in business.   

Water Damage From Sprinkler System Malfunctions at Woodbridge, CT Commercial Properties

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Our crew restored this Shelton, CT commercial property after a sprinkler system malfunction caused water damage throughout the building.

Having a sprinkler system installed at your commercial property is an effective way to protect your business from fire damage. A sprinkler system that is properly working can make the difference between full recovery from a fire in your place of business or irreversible damage and loss of property.  On occasion, though, a sprinkler system malfunctions and causes water damage to a property even though no fire has occurred.  Our office receives numerous calls each year from businesses that have had water damage from their sprinkler systems. Our team has seen that this damage is caused by a few common reasons. 

Installation Errors 

If your sprinkler system was poorly installed or poorly maintained, your system is at risk of mechanical damage. Mechanical damages can include over-tightening fittings, improperly installed sprinkler heads, and a variety of other mistakes made during installation. 

Overheated Sprinkler Heads 

Sprinkler systems are activated by heat, so it is important that the temperature at their location be controlled. If installed near a skylight or heater, the temperature can become high enough to set them off.  If there are construction or heat source changes to your building, make sure that the sprinkler heads are not affected by a change in temperature. 

Freezing Pipes 

We've seen this a few times in the wintertime. Just like the pipes to your house can freeze, so can the water in your sprinkler system. Frozen sprinkler pipes can cause the water to expand and crack, causing the water to flow freely once the temperature warms up again. Frozen sprinkler pipes can be prevented by adding antifreeze or insulating pipes during the cold winter months.  

Corroded Pipes 

Like any water-based system, sprinkler system pipes are also subject to corrosion.  Corrosion can impact the functionality of the system and even lead to leaks or breaks. Because of the pressure in these systems, a pipe burst can cause significant water damage. To help prevent corrosion, it is important to have your sprinkler system pipes inspected annually. 

Misuse 

Sprinkler system pipes are often used for the wrong purposes and this can cause stress to the system. We've inspected properties in which the pipes have been used to hang something on like ropes or chains in order to lift heavy items. We've also seen sprinkler systems that have been painted over, which will cause them to malfunction.  

When we receive a call from a business owner who is dealing with water damage, we know that our response time is critical. The sooner we arrive at the job, the less the damage will be and the smaller impact it will have on the businesses continuity. That's why SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford has a local, professional crew on call 24-7 to respond to the water damage at your New Haven County business. 

Commercial Carpet Cleaning Service in Stratford, CT

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Schedule an appointment to have SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford spring clean your commercial carpeting today! Call us at (203) 301-0500.

This winter, the Milford area saw an endless cycle of snow, sleet, rain, slush and mud and if you have a commercial property, your carpets are showing the wear! The carpeting are one of the first thing customers notice when entering your office space and if they are filthy, it won't be a good impression.  Commercial carpeting is a big investment and can last for years if cleaned and maintained properly. Avoid having to replace your investment with the comprehensive, professional carpet cleaning services that SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford offers. 

Dirt builds up in layers. The visible soil that you see on a carpet is just the top layer.  Beneath that, debris has built up and gotten lodged in the crevices of the carpeting. While vacuuming is somewhat effective at removing dry soil, the mud and snow that has been dragged in throughout the winter will have made its way to the bottom layers and be more difficult to remove with vacuuming alone.  SERVPRO offers a range of carpet cleaning solutions and our treatment plan will be specifically tailored for the needs of your business.  

SERVPRO Carpet Care Treatment Options 

Light Soil 

If your facility has low pile carpeting and doesn't require extraction cleaning, yet you would like to freshen it up without the dry time of wet cleaning, we offer bonnet cleaning services. While this method will not remove deep down dirt, it can be an effective cleaning tool for glued down commercial carpeting or very low pile carpets.  With the bonnet cleaning method, the carpet is sprayed with a cleaning solution. We then use a rotary extractor that has a carpet pad on it to agitate and absorb the dirt from the surface of the carpeting. The benefit of bonnet cleaning is its quick drying time.  

Moderate Soil 

For carpeting with dirt and debris from regular use, we recommend hot water extraction. SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford offers both truck mounted and portable hot water extraction commercial carpet cleaning. This method is effective in removing embedded debris with the least amount of wear to your carpet. In fact, having your commercial carpets cleaned via hot water extraction on a regular basis can substantially prolong the life of your carpet. Our recommendations for frequency are determined by the traffic and condition of your carpeting. High traffic public areas such as apartment complex hallways and common areas and mall and retail entrances might benefit from quarterly cleanings.  Doctor's offices and business complexes may only require an annual cleaning.  

Heavy Soil 

At the end of the winter, in which your carpeting has been subjected to 4 months (or 5 months, as this snow season is turning out to be!) of snow and slush, we recommend our Showcase Premier Cleaning method. This is the commercial carpet cleaning industries most thorough cleaning method. The SERVPRO crew restores your carpeting by shampooing and spot treating your carpeting, followed by hot water extraction. We have seen the Showcase Premier Cleaning method restore carpeting beautifully, even when other methods have failed. 

Now is the time to schedule a carpet cleaning with SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford.  And if you'd like a full spring cleaning to your commercial property, including degreasing your kitchen, upholstery cleaning and air duct cleaning, schedule that as well! 

Call us at (203) 301-0500 to schedule your commercial spring cleaning now! 

Did You Know That Your Ventilation System Can Be the Culprit In Poor Indoor Air Quality?

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know, your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority.  In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention.  Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is inspecting the heating, ventilation and a/c unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money.  Duct cleaning may not always be necessary.  We will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.  This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the clean up process.  In these cases, we can often help restore HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

If you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, the EPA recommends they be inspected for proper functioning, and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Our Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost efficient.  What sets us apart from other duct cleaning services is our portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system which examines ductwork and makes a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

If you have any questions concerning your duct work or would like a consultation please don't hesitate to call us at 203-301-0500!

The Importance of Duct Cleaning:

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

The Importance of Duct Cleaning:

Did you know your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.  One of the so many services SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford offers is inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). By keeping the HVAC and duct work clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary.  But in some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke, or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, we can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition. If you have a fuel-burning furnace, stove, or fireplace, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends they be inspected for proper functioning and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.  We  uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.  The process begins by using our patented equipment, including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct’s shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins. 

• Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container. Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of the particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the indoor environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

For more information on duct cleaning, or to schedule an appointment, contact SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford today at 203-301-0500.

Part I: Biohazard, Crime Scene & Vandalism Cleanup

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

Biohazard job that was blocked off by the police dept.

Biohazard, Crime Scene and Vandalism Cleanup:

While we are recognized as the experts in fire, water cleanup and restoration provider by insurance companies, we also specializes in fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. 

Failure to properly handle and safely remove hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.  

We are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.  We are equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, to help turn an unsafe situation into a clean environment.  We can help with the following issues:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Methamphetamine Labs
• Crime Scene Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backups
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation State and local regulations vary.

For more information on biohazard, crime scene and vandalism cleanup call or visit us at http://www.SERVPROmilford-orange-stratford.com/.

Flooding

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately 75% of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.”  NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States are:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge & Coastal
• Inundation from Topical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused By Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by Heavy Rainfall in Dry Areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

If you never experienced a flood doesn’t mean you may never experience one in the future.  In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities.  On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States.  When catastrophic water damage happens, SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is here and ready to help.   For more information on the National Weather Service, visit them at http://www.weather.gov/.

Are Your Ducts Dirty?

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

Technician inspecting duct/HVAC systems.

Did you know that your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality?  Inspecting ductwork should be a high priority.  In most cases, your HVAC System has been operating for some time without any attention.  Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants like mold, or dust particles which travel throughout your home.

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford & Southbury/Torrington can help inspect your heating, ventilation and air conditioning units.  Proper cleaning of one’s HVAC system and ductwork can help prolong the life span of the equipment and possibly may help those who suffer from allergies.

In circumstances after a fire, smoke or mold, duct cleaning becomes essential, we can often restore the HVAC system and duct work to its pre-damage condition.  Also, if you have a fuel burning furnace, pellet or wood burning stove, or fire place, the EPA recommends inspection for proper functioning and services to help protect against carbon monoxide poisonings.    For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 203-301-0500.

The Importance of Carpet Cleaning....

6/27/2017 (Permalink)

Milford Bank Area Rug.

The Importance of Carpet Cleaning…

Carpets act as a filter for trapping particles like dirt, dust, dander and other contaminates.  Regular carpet cleaning can help reduce or eliminate pollutants.   While vacuuming is a key component for proper care and maintenance, it does not remove all trapped particulates.  To maximize your cleaning efforts and to reduce dirt, allergens, dust mites and other microscopic pollutants, it is recommended by the Institute of Inspection on Cleaning & Restoration (IICRC) to professionally steam clean and sanitize your carpet on an annual basis. 

Also, as for Oriental rug, upholstery, and other specialty soft good cleanings, we are happy to offer our customers a service whereby we are available to either pick-up, or clean on site. To learn more about carpet cleaning we invite you to visit us at www.SERVPROmilford-orange-stratford.com or call us at 203-301-0500. 

When was the last time your HVAC & Duct system was checked?

3/28/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know, your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority.  In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention.  Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

A routine part of SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford is inspecting the heating, ventilation and a/c unit (HVAC). Keeping the HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help save you money.  Duct cleaning may not always be necessary.  We will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.  This inspection can help save you money and provide peace of mind on the your HVAC system and ductwork.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the clean up process.  In these cases, we can often help restore HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition.

If you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, the EPA recommends they be inspected for proper functioning, and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Our Duct Cleaning System is proven and cost efficient.  What sets us apart from other duct cleaning services is our portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system which examines ductwork and makes a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

If you have any questions concerning your duct work or would like a consultation please don't hesitate to call us at 203-301-0500!