Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Concerned About Flooding?
9/23/2022 (Permalink)
Concerned About Flooding due to Storms in Cape May County?
Here in Cape May County, it’s important to be prepared for water damage. Many of us live on barrier islands where the threat of flood is an everyday concern whether its high tide from a full moon, heavy rains or an intense storm.
Being prepared for flooding and water damage is your best defense. Be aware of the tides and the weather, be prepared to move cars to higher grounds and keep all pets inside when necessary. Be aware of how high off the ground your home is, do you have a crawlspace that would be susceptible to water?
Finally, have a plan in place in the event water damage does occur in your home. SERVPRO® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is Here to Help® 24/7. Call a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202, and we'll work to make your situation, "Like it never even happened."®
The Long Term Risks of Standing Water
5/7/2022 (Permalink)
The Long Term Risks of Standing Water.
Standing Water can be dangerous for as long as it's left alone. If you have standing water in your dwelling, be sure to call your local restoration expert, SERVPRO® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties!
Clearing standing water requires multiple tools and practices happening as quickly as possible. As challenging as this situation can be, it can be even more damaging and destructive to the materials exposed. Water removal is always one of the focal points of water loss mitigation, and that is why our SERVPRO® professionals arrive with an array of powerful machines capable of reducing standing water promptly and efficiently.
Choosing the right approach to treat water damage depends on multiple factors. Finding the ideal device for specific standing water concerns can make the process more efficient and help our customers to save both time and money throughout the restoration. Appreciating the urgency in the situation is vital to reducing total property loss, so it is critical to know the risks of allowing standing water to continue longer than necessary.
Structural Degradation.
Perhaps one of the most direct paths that standing water can take to cost a homeowner money in a restoration sense is destroying exposed materials. With direct interaction with walls, flooring, and even ceiling material, porous surfaces can absorb moisture and allow the liquid to alter the molecular design to warp and distort the affected material. An excellent example of this is wood plank flooring absorbing water and the planks swelling at the seams.
Water Migration.
Water rarely stops moving and is always looking for a new path to get to another location. After a water loss incident, this behavior of water could mean more and more damage to your property until the situation gets brought to the attention of our capable SERVPRO® restoration professionals.
Microbial Threats (Mold).
Mold is always a concern when elevated moisture levels exist in an environment possibly causing further damage.
Several potential problems could arise from waiting to address standing water in your home or business.
Give SERVPRO® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties a call to help avoid these concerns as much as possible. We’re Here to Help® and available 24/7 at 609-624-0202 or 609-965-0885.
SERVPRO® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding areas of Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding areas in Cumberland County.
Water Damage Prevention Tips
5/7/2022 (Permalink)
5 Water Damage Prevention Tips for New Homeowners in Cape May & Cumberland Counties.
After investing in your most valuable asset, the last thing you want to face is the hefty expense of water damage repairs. However, this is a reality all homeowners should prepare for — especially since floods are the most frequent and costly types of natural disasters in the United States.
SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties reminds consumers that there are several ways to protect against damage caused by storms, floods, and plumbing emergencies. To help you keep your property in good condition, this residential restoration service offers a few important tips to follow:
- Invest in Roof Inspections
Small roofing problems can develop rapidly — and result in serious leaks the next time a heavy storm comes along. Visually inspect your roof at least once every year, especially after bad weather occurs. You should also hire a professional roofer to thoroughly inspect the structure about once every three years. If you spot any issues — such as missing shingles — have them repaired immediately.
- Test Your Sump Pump Annually
When you have a flooded basement, your home’s sump pump can help clear water out to prevent damage. However, these devices only have an average life span of 10 years and can often experience issues after long periods of inactivity. To avoid flooding damage, test the sump pump once a year and promptly repair any problems.
- Keep Your Gutters Functional
If your gutters don’t provide proper drainage, excess water can spill over and damage the walls and foundation of your home. Regularly clean your gutters to promote the flow of water away from your home. And if you spot sagging or broken gutters, have them replaced as soon as possible.
- Watch Your Water Bill
Since the majority of your home’s plumbing system remains hidden behind the walls, it can be tough to spot leaks that may cause water damage. However, unusual upticks in water bills can be a sign of a potential leak. If you notice increasing water usage, call a plumber for a professional inspection.
- Check Your Insurance
While proactive inspection and repairs can help new homeowners avoid water damage, some incidents can’t always be avoided. In these cases, strong homeowners and flood insurance policies can help cover the cost of water restoration and mold remediation.
When water damage occurs, it’s important to restore the area as quickly as possible to prevent structural deterioration and mold growth. You’ll find fast and reliable care from the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties. To learn more about our emergency restoration services contact us at 609-624-0202.
We serve Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.
Water Damage is Quick to Spread!
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc.
SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.
WATER DAMAGE TIMELINE
Within Minutes:
- Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
- Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to swell and break down.
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Furniture begins to swell and crack.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
- Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
- Metal begins to rust and corrode.
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
- Paint begins to blister.
- Wood flooring swells and warps.
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
When water damage strikes, call the Franchise Professionals at 609-624-0202. We'll make it, "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.
5 Things to Know About Water Damage
9/28/2021 (Permalink)
Leaking pipes, burst sewer lines, and natural disasters can often leave your home severely water damaged. If your property is affected by water damage, it’s critical to identify the cause and act quickly to avoid further destruction.
Household water damage can be very stressful to deal with, especially when it leads to more problems down the line. While these repairs often require the help of professionals, there are a few DIY steps you can follow to help limit the damage where possible.
What Does Water Damage Affect?
Water is critical to life, but it can also destroy everything in its path – leaving you with a huge mess to clean up. As a homeowner, it is important to understand what areas water can seriously damage within your home. To be safe, always inspect the following locations for damage:
- Drywall
- Plaster
- Insulation
- Wood
- Framing
- Floor coverings
- Electrical wiring
- Pipes
- Appliances
- HVAC
As you can see, water can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation and quickly wrack up a hefty restoration bill if left unattended. Therefore, important to act swiftly before the damage becomes worse.
What to Consider Before Water Damage Restoration?
To determine whether you will clean up the area yourself or hire water damage restoration experts, the first thing you want to do is to evaluate the situation and consider a few of the following factors:
Water Volume
If your home is experiencing a small or moderate amount of water, you can typically manage it on your own if you have the proper tools. However, if there is significant flooding that is not going away despite your efforts, it might be best to call a professional.
If your neighborhood is recovering from a natural disaster or large flood, and your home has suffered significant damage, it may not be the time for a DIY project. Follow the instructions from your local disaster relief authorities and leave these repairs to the experts.
Source of Damage
Before you dive into water damage restoration, you need to discover where the water is coming from. There are three types of water you need to look out for when you have a flooding issue in your home.
- Clean water: From rain or leaky pipes, this water does not contain harmful chemicals and is safe to handle yourself.
- Gray water: Leaking from appliances like your dishwasher, toilet, or washing machine. Gray water may be slightly contaminated. With the proper precautions, you can clean this yourself.
- Black water: The most harmful type of water, blackwater comes from the sewer or flooding from a nearby water source such as a river. It often contains health hazards and is unsafe to handle.
Damage Level
Lastly, you’ll want to assess the level of damage. Light damage can often be handled by the homeowner, however, significant damage can be hazardous and dangerous to repair without the help of a professional. For example, if flooding on an upper level has seeped through the floor onto the ceiling, the damage is beyond your ability to safely restore.
5 DIY Water Damage Restoration Tips for Your Home
Now that you have properly assessed the situation, consider these water damage restoration tips to ensure repairs are done quickly. It is important to note that wet materials may begin to develop mold after 24 hours, so you don’t have time to wait!
1. Disconnect Outlets
The first thing to do when you discover water damage in your home is to unplug all electronics immediately. While you may not see the severity of the water damage just yet, it’s important to be cautious around appliances and gas lines. Using this equipment despite the situation could cause electrical shocks or even explosions.
2. Inspect Mold
Certain mold strains are toxic to humans and can pose serious health risks. Most of the time, mold can spread quickly once it infests an area, so it is in your best interest to inspect for growth to avoid any health hazards. For small issues, you can cut out the affected area, bag it, and dispose of it immediately. However, with serious mold infestations, you need to shut down any airflow to stop contamination and then call a mold specialist. Oftentimes, mold can appear inside the walls or floors, so it’s important that this inspection is ongoing throughout the restoration.
3. Dry Water Out
Before more damage occurs, you need to eliminate all moisture and dry out the affected areas. You can use fans or a large-capacity dehumidifier to circulate air and dry out the carpet, wood, and other surrounding materials. While this won’t prevent mold growth altogether, properly drying out the area will help lessen the damage.
4. Remove Damaged Materials
If your porous materials, like insulation or carpet, are soaked with water, you need to dispose of them immediately to avoid mildew. It is important to focus on the ceiling and floors first. This means unsealed cement, drywall, and wood need to be addressed and replaced so the home’s structure can support water damage repair.
5. Disinfect Remaining Areas
Depending on the type of water you are dealing with, it can contain a lot of bacteria and other hazards that can cause health problems. The water could also encourage the growth of mold, so it is important to sanitize immediately. Once the damaged materials have been removed, you will want to disinfect the entire area before you begin the restoration process. Spray and wipe down the surfaces with bleach so the mold spores don’t grow before you continue with the repairs.
Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties for Your Water Damage Restoration
While water damage can be very stressful for homeowners, it is possible to restore your home back to normal with the right steps. When taking on your own restoration, it’s important to properly assess the situation before moving forward to avoid any health hazards.
If you’re looking for guidance or believe the damage is beyond what you can handle, it’s always a good idea to leave water damage restoration to the professionals – contact a Franchise Professional for 24/7 support by calling 609-624-0202 or contact us via EMAIL.
We guarantee your satisfaction. Want proof? Read any of our testimonials or view any of our recent videos.
SERVPRO of Cape May County serves Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood and surrounding communities in Cape May County. SERVPRO of Cumberland County serves Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.
We're Flood Cleanup and Restoration Experts
9/17/2021 (Permalink)
Flooded Crawlspace or Basement?
A crawlspace or basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. These areas are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your property could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causing surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- And many more…
The flooding in this home was caused by heavy rain runoff. The area received several inches of rain that week and it overwhelmed the system.
At this particular job, we were on site within an hour to inspect the damage and to begin the water extraction process. In less than four days we had the area dry. We used advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine that the structure of the home was dry.
If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure, not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get!
We are Flood Damage Experts, and we:
- Are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- Are a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- Bill the Insurance Company Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About!
- Highly-Trained Technicians in Water Restoration Techniques
- Use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
- Have advanced inspection and extraction equipment
Have Questions? Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help® 24/7 at 609-624-0202. We make it, "Like it never even happened."®
24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
8/27/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is READY 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster!
When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help! Call Today: 609-624-0202. You may be feeling confused, stressed, and helpless. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect.
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Franchise Professional will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties:
SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage incident. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our franchise professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property and make it, "Like it never even happened."®
Water Damage? Here's What To Do!
8/2/2021 (Permalink)
Affected by Water Damage? We're here to help in Cape May County and Cumberland County!
Did you know that the first 24 hours after a storm causing flooding and water damage are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage?
Many flood situations require professional equipment and knowledge of the science of drying to mitigate, however, there are steps you can take to help minimize damage until a Franchise Professional arrives.
- Do not operated any equipment that requires electrical power in areas that have standing water or moisture.
- If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream, or river, if it is seawater, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be black water and could be hazardous to your health. For this type of damage, avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible.
- Take caution while entering your home, and wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas.
- Throw away all foods - even canned goods - that have come into contact with flood waters.
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for drying. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Only open windows to promote drying if the air outside is less humid than the air inside.
- If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.
SERVPRO® of Cape May & Cumberland Counties has responded to many large loss and storm events in the state of New Jersey and across the country. Hurricanes Sandy, Matthew, and Katrina and the flooding in Louisiana, Houston, and Mid-Atlantic, to name a few. Water damage is our business! When you need help, contact a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202. We make it, "Like it never even happened."®
Protect Your Home From Water Damage
5/1/2021 (Permalink)
Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home or business may suffer. Things like a burst pipe, a malfunctioning dishwasher or tide flooding are just some of the many ways water damage could strike your property.
1) Protecting Your Home From Water Damage
Dealing with water damage is enough of problem, but it can have a long-term impact on your home or business. Mold usually follows water damage, as mold can begin to grow and flourish within 24 to 48 hours after moisture exposure.
When considering the different ways to protect your property, it is helpful to break it down by areas of impact, such as crawlspaces, basements, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and ceilings.
A way to prevent water damage in basements and crawlspaces is to ensure there is no water seeping in. Do this by resealing vulnerable areas, making sure water drains away from your home and installing a backwater valve.
2) The most common way your kitchen and bathrooms will suffer water damage is due to plumbing issues and appliance failures.
Be sure you:
- Inspect all appliances regularly, watching for issues with hoses and faucets
- Check the seal and caulking around your showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight
- Know where the main shut-off valve is in your home
- Don’t leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running
Protecting your possessions from water damage may not always be possible, but there are things you can do to at least decrease the amount of damage and loss. Store items in waterproof bins and keep them up off of the floor using shelving, especially when you are storing items in a basement or garage.
3) Recovering From Water Damage
If your home does experience a water damage situation, you can stand a good chance at salvaging items that can be dried out within 48 hours.
You’ll want to contact your insurance provider immediately and evaluate the extent of the water damage as well as identify the type of water that is involved.
4) The three types of water that can cause damage are:
Water from rain, condensation or leaky pipes is considered “clean” water.
Water from dishwashers, washing machines and clean toilets is considered “gray” water.
Water from sewage or serious flooding from nearby rivers is called “black” water and can cause serious health effects.
Following a water damage disaster, hopefully you will be able to safely get to your home and get it dried out, dehumidify the area, remove wet objects and disinfect remaining materials within the 24–48 hour timeline before mold starts to grow.
For your books and papers, here’s a pro tip: Freeze wet books, photos and papers in a frost-free freezer to buy some extra time. This prevents mold and mildew from developing and causing more deterioration. Once able, you can remove them from the freezer and air-dry or fan-dry the pages.
It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can call contact a highly trained Franchise Professional at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties at 609-624-0202 or EMAIL.
We make it, "Like it never even happened."
We serve Cape May, Ocean City, The Wildwoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County. We also serve Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. We're Here to Help 24/7, 365 days a year!
Commercial Water Loss?
9/15/2020 (Permalink)
Your Commercial Water Loss May Not Be Extensive, but the Damage it Causes can Close Your Doors Indefinitely!
A commercial water loss can cause flooding to occur and damage the ceilings, floors and walls throughout your property. An immediate response time is necessary to stop further damage. Our certified technicians arrive quickly - most times, within an hour - to start the water extraction process to avoid further damage and mold growth.
Wherever you need us, we are faster to any size disaster and are Here to Help!
It's important to know exactly what to do with a large water loss. Turning off utilities at the main switch and disconnecting electrical appliances are just a couple things that may need to be done. To learn how else you can prepare your business and employees for an emergency that could potentially close your business, contact a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202 and ask about our complimentary "Emergency Ready Profile" for your business. Add a level of security that will prepare you in the event of a large loss.
With over 50 years of experience, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have restored water damaged businesses in the communities of Cumberland and Cape May Counties - from Vineland to Bridgeton and Ocean City to Cape May.
Call SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties: 609-624-0202 if you need water removal and de-humidification services. We can also help with move-outs and reconstruction services. We will make it, "Like it never even happened."
Water Damage? We're Faster To Any Size Disaster!
9/13/2020 (Permalink)
Flooding and Water Emergencies Can Happen at Any Time. SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is Here to Help 24/7.
We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Flooding and water damage happens very quickly with not as much water as you think. Water quickly moves causing possible damage as it covers your floors, walls, ceilings or personal belongings. Getting their faster makes all the difference when the clock is ticking and standing water exists in your property.
There is a Water Damage Timeline that is important to know.
- Within minutes water can spread and cause further damage.
- Within 24 hours, walls can begin to breakdown and belongings can show signs of water damage.
- After 48 hours, mold and mildew may be growing and spreading, causing further damage to doors, windows, and personal property. Serious biohazard contamination is a real possibility.
The longer you wait to start restoration, the more likelihood that you'll spend more time cleaning and restoring and spending more money, too. Avoid the unnecessary cost of waiting...
If You Need Emergency Services, please contact a Franchise Professional at 609-624-0202 or EMAIL. We're faster to any disaster and make it, "Like it never even happened."
We're available 24/7, 365 days. Proud to serve Cape May, Ocean City, the Wildwoods and surrounding communities in Cape May County as well as Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and surrounding communities in Cumberland County.
Water Damage Prevention Tips
8/27/2020 (Permalink)
5 Water Damage Prevention Tips for New Homeowners in Cape May & Cumberland Counties.
After investing in your most valuable asset, the last thing you want to face is the hefty expense of water damage repairs. However, this is a reality all homeowners should prepare for — especially since floods are the most frequent and costly types of natural disasters in the United States.
SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties reminds consumers that there are several ways to protect against damage caused by storms, floods, and plumbing emergencies. To help you keep your property in good condition, this residential restoration service offers a few important tips to follow:
- Invest in Roof Inspections
Small roofing problems can develop rapidly — and result in serious leaks the next time a heavy storm comes along. Visually inspect your roof at least once every year, especially after bad weather occurs. You should also hire a professional roofer to thoroughly inspect the structure about once every three years. If you spot any issues — such as missing shingles — have them repaired immediately.
- Test Your Sump Pump Annually
When you have a flooded basement, your home’s sump pump can help clear water out to prevent damage. However, these devices only have an average life span of 10 years and can often experience issues after long periods of inactivity. To avoid flooding damage, test the sump pump once a year and promptly repair any problems.
- Keep Your Gutters Functional
If your gutters don’t provide proper drainage, excess water can spill over and damage the walls and foundation of your home. Regularly clean your gutters to promote the flow of water away from your home. And if you spot sagging or broken gutters, have them replaced as soon as possible.
- Watch Your Water Bill
Since the majority of your home’s plumbing system remains hidden behind the walls, it can be tough to spot leaks that may cause water damage. However, unusual upticks in water bills can be a sign of a potential leak. If you notice increasing water usage, call a plumber for a professional inspection.
- Check Your Insurance
While proactive inspection and repairs can help new homeowners avoid water damage, some incidents can’t always be avoided. In these cases, strong homeowners and flood insurance policies can help cover the cost of water restoration and mold remediation.
When water damage occurs, it’s important to restore the area as quickly as possible to prevent structural deterioration and mold growth. You’ll find fast and reliable care from the Franchise Professionals at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties. To learn more about our emergency restoration services contact us 24/7: 609-624-0202 or via EMAIL.
Flash Flood Watch? Watch Out!
8/14/2020 (Permalink)
For the next few days Cape May and Cumberland Counties will be under a flash flood watch. Flash floods happen when large bursts of rain occur.
Have you ever thought if there are ways you can prepare for a flash flood watch? The answer is yes!
How to safely prepare for a flash flood watch:
- Do not swim, walk or drive through flooded areas.
- During flash floods power outage can be an effect, make sure to have flashlights.
- Make sure you have an emergency kit.
- If your home is affected, move to the highest points in your home.
How to prepare your home for a flash flood watch?
- During flash flood watches make sure to unplug electronics you are not using.
- Make sure outdoor furniture is covered or put inside.
- Make sure important documents are sealed and placed somewhere where they are protected from water.
- Sometimes barriers are placed in homes that have reoccurring flood damage to stop the water.
SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is a company with expertise in water damage and fire damage. If you are looking for an emergency restoration company in your area, make sure to call 609-624-0202. We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. We handle all types of emergencies such as: flood damage and restoration, water extraction, rain storms, groundwater, and fire damage repairs.