Having an issue with fire damage in your Reading home. Call SERVPRO for the help you need.
Blocked Gutters Can Invite Storm Water to Cause Damage In Reading Homes
Careful attention to your Reading home can keep it in good repair and ready for the winter months. Keeping paths clear, ensuring the roof is in good shape, and checking plumbing and air ducts is very important. However, despite your best efforts, leaves in your gutters and their overall deterioration may allow stormwater into your home, going you water damage starting in your attic and through the walls. As soon as you find the unfortunate situation, call a team of experts for help.
In Reading, your experts in stormwater removal are not far away. A call to SERVPRO gains you around-the-clock access to certified technicians knowledgeable about the challenges and risks of stormwater coming into your home. When you enlist our services, we focus on water cleanup while doing our best to mitigate your loss and prevent secondary damage. Key to our success is using the latest equipment and up-to-date technology available to the water damage remediation and restoration industry.
Some people think that removing standing water is enough to counteract the presence of stormwater. In reality, stormwater removal requires extraction equipment, drying techniques, and disinfecting all damaged surfaces. As part of the comprehensive approach, SERVPRO provides you’ll find:
Quick and thoughtful water extraction with close monitoring of humidity levels
Controlled demolition and drywall repair and coordinated efforts for a successful insurance claim process
Relocation and move-out services as necessary to help facilitate the cleanup process and salvage personal belongings when possible
SERVPRO of Reading is a phone call away and eager to help when you need us. Just reach out to (610) 779-8189 as soon as you find a problem and let our team of experts guide you through the restoration process. With our help, your home can look “Like it never even happened.”
Reading Homeowners Need Results with Water Damage Repair
Water damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.
SERVPRO Makes Reading Properties Like-New with Water Damage Repair Service
A tub overflowing, appliance malfunction, flooding, or hidden leaks, can severely deteriorate your building materials. Not only do you want to avoid costly damage, but you also have to be sure that black mold and musty odors do not develop. Knowing that you have a trained team to repair all the damage is a relief when you have water-related issues in Reading. Here at SERVPRO, we take pride in working with area residential and commercial customers to ensure they get the results they deserve.
When it comes to water damage repair in Reading, SERVPRO always works to restore versus replace whenever possible. However, there are times when controlled demolition is a must to reach affected areas without adding unnecessary damage. Some of the ways that controlled demolition help with water damage repair include:
For soaked drywall, we may make flood cuts to remove saturated materials to replace and refinish to make it look new again.
When there are areas behind walls where water is found, we can use boreholes to release the water and then implement drying measures to ensure the cavity is thoroughly dried.
Scoping all areas with moisture meters allows us to find places where moisture must get addressed rather than having to pull out cabinets or rip up the flooring.
Water damage comes in various forms, from saturated porous materials to water stains on walls and ceilings. With any injury, our team always addresses the cause to ensure no further destruction develops. Everything is then finished, repainted, and brought back to pre-water event condition. Our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) get to work ensuring that no foul, musty odors get left behind – making your home “Like it never even happened.”
Do you have questions about water damage repair and how the process works? Call us at SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 and speak with a member of our team.
The Real Truth Behind Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Reading
Stay safe and contact SERVPRO for water damage remediation services. Our certified technicians will arrive quickly to assess and remediate.
Commercial Water Damage Reading – Lunch Room Catastrophe
Almost every small office has a lunchroom, provided by the company for the convenience of the employees. There is usually a fridge, sink, microwave, and sometimes a dishwasher. The problem with many lunchrooms is that no one wants to take responsibility for keeping it clean, turn on the dishwasher and generally look after it. This neglect is where the trouble with water leaks and damage usually begins.
SERVPRO provides commercial water damage services in Reading and the surrounding area for our commercial and residential customers. We respond to calls to our offices every day of the week at any hour of the day, usually within four hours. We understand that a water leak is urgent because of the potential damage water can cause, but also for the harm it can do to your company. The worst-case scenario is that all employees must take the day off, which means your customers will look elsewhere.
Water Spreads Across the Production Floor
It is bad enough to have the lunch room floor soaking in water, but once the water spreads into production areas, there is a potential safety hazard. Often there are electrical and data conduits under the floor connected to various pieces of equipment. Short circuits can damage the equipment and disrupt production. There is also a danger for the employees.
Electrical shocks are possible, and then there are potentially slippery conditions on concrete floors. You must stop all production and shut off circuit breakers to eliminate further damage. Your production facilities are at a standstill, you may send idle employees home, and nothing can resume until the water is removed, floors are dried, and each device is tested before returning it online.
SERVPRO can be on site in less than four hours to focus on containment of the water leak and then drying floors and conduits. Moisture meters can quickly determine which areas still are potential problems. We can concentrate specialized air movers on these areas to ensure everything is completely dry before reinitiating each machine. Our objective is to help your team bring your systems back into service as quickly as possible.
Call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Fleetwood, Hamburg, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Reading Requires Professional Help
Call SERVPRO today if you need help with professional water damage restoration.
Hire SERVPRO for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Reading
Are you aware of how to handle commercial water damage?
Fortunately, dealing with water damage on your property does not need to be scary. SERVPRO has the expertise required to perform commercial water damage restoration in Reading. We can significantly minimize property damage and get you back to business quickly. Our customer's well-being and safety are a priority. Therefore, we provide comprehensive solutions and outstanding services you can rely on, including the following:
Salvaging first: We can save all the original aspects of your commercial property. We only replace items at your request or as a last resort.
24/7 availability – We can attend to your call at any time. Our rapid response helps prevent severe damage.
Carpet and pad cleaning or removal: If your carpeting sustained water damage, we might be able to restore it to its preloss state. SERVPRO can use cleaning procedures that do not ruin the carpet fibers. If it is impossible to restore the carpet and pad, we can remove them for disposal.
Mold inspection and remediation:Mold can affect your property. It requires professional remediation.
Limited deconstruction: We do not demolish walls, replace ceilings or remove the flooring that we can dry out. It takes effort and time to dry a property, but SERVPRO believes in saving you money and repairing your property effectively.
Complete restoration: Our technicians can prevent lasting damage to your commercial property's drywall, ceilings, or other structures and contents.
Proper water extraction and drying are essential. It can prevent long-term issues some property owners experience after attempting water damage repair or hiring individuals who lack the necessary expertise or equipment. Once we remove the water, our SERVPRO crew can position air movers to deliver fast airflow to damp surfaces. We also place dehumidifiers to provide dry, warm air to the affected areas. After completing the restoration process, our team cleans surfaces to prepare for a walkthrough with the customer.
To deal with the effects of commercial water damage and reopen your business quickly, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
What Are Ways Gas Water Heaters Cause Fires in Reading?
The technicians are available 24/7 to clean up fire damage, call us today.
SERVPRO is Ready to Assist Local Reading Homeowners With the Cleanup of Any Size of Fire Damage
While electric water heaters generally are rarely the cause of residential fires unless they overheat, gas water heaters have more potential to be the center of a fire damage in Reading due to their open flame. There are actions homeowners can take to ensure their water heater operates safely.
Do not store clothes or papers near the water heater
Flammable liquids and cleaning products should be away from the water heater
The flame cover should be in place at all times
Where Do I Start to Cleanup Fire Damage from a Water Heater?
When a water heater in a Reading home leaves behind fire damage, the most likely area is in the basement. On the upper floors, some homes have utility closets, and those come with their challenges for cleanup. The key to limiting damage with either location is to begin the mitigation efforts as rapidly as possible.
Basement Water Heater Cleanup Post-Fire
Upon arrival to a home after a fire damage, the SERVPRO technicians get to work removing any water and putting up containment to diminish the chance of soot spreading anywhere else in the home. The damaged water heater and any charred items too far gone for restoration services get removed with the approval of the homeowner or adjuster.
In a finished basement, there tends to be more damage due to the probability of water from the fire extinguishing efforts seeping under the floor installation. One positive about the location is there is nowhere lower for the water to run on the slab substrate, so the extraction of the water is typically fast and easy.
The smoke damage on the walls may require the removal of the sheetrock on the walls down to the plywood or even brick or cinder block. Because of the potential for these porous areas to hold smoke odors, SERVPRO technicians use cleaning agents specially formulated for this type of surface cleaning without the use of acids that can harm the surfaces.
Utility Closet Cleanup After a Fire Caused by a Water Heater
The damage can be far more significant when the water heater has a location in the home outside of the basement. The smoke may have spread to different areas of the house, more than one place may have water damage due to the fire department putting out the fire, and both carpet and sheetrock require mitigation.
Water can equal fire in the potential for damage after a fire; it runs downward, flowing through the carpet and padding or under the tile and gets into floor joists, and drips through below. It can pick up soot and dirt along the way and stain the walls and ceilings when it comes out. Once water wicks into sheetrock, it begins to buckle and warp and needs cutting away to halt the deterioration.
The carpet gets inspected on a case-by-case basis for restoration. The water may cause shrinkage, dye bleed, or in the case of acrylic and polyester fibers with a low melting point, they may have too much damage from the heat of the fire for restoration through cleaning applications. Whenever possible, the technicians try to extract any remaining water and deep clean the carpets to eliminate odors and stains to save the homeowners the cost of replacement.
The restoration potential for hardwood flooring depends on the materials that make up the floorboards and how much exposure they had to heat and water.
Ceramic tiles tend to come out of this type of damage situation with the best potential for full restoration if the grout line sealant is intact. It generally needs cleaning with one of the professional-quality agents to remove any smoke residues, and little else is required.
Odor Control is a Big Part of the Fire Damage Cleanup Process
Doors and windows can get left open, and it will not diminish smoke odors within a home after something as significant as a water heater fire. Soot produces odors, and the motes can be smaller than the human eye can see, which makes removing them a challenge without advanced devices to capture the airborne particles. SERVPRO technicians have a broad array of odor control methods that include:
Specific equipment like hydroxyl generators and thermal foggers
Applications such as gel pellets or sprays for light, residual odors
Sealants to apply over painted surfaces to halt odors
SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 brings advanced methods and equipment to handle any type of fire damage in local properties. The technicians are available 24/7 to clean up fire damage; call us today.
We Will Help You Get Back To Business In Reading After A Water Damage Disaster
The equipment pictured here was placed in this commercial building to dry the excess moisture quickly so that further damage could be prevented.
Commercial Water Removal for Your Reading Business
A burst pipe or other water-related disaster in your Reading hat shop can be financially devastating for your small business. When you suffer from an incident like this, it ultimately means lost revenue since you might even have to close your shop for a time to make repairs. If the cleanup isn’t done promptly, it can lead to even costlier dangers such as structural damage and mold growth.
When your business in Reading experiences a water damage incident, you must act quickly to mitigate the damage. For best results, call in help from a professional remediation specialist to help you with the water removal and cleanup. SERVPRO has the experience and training to get the job done right and look like nothing ever happened.
One thing you should regularly do is check your gutters and downspouts. Debris and fallen leaves can create clogs and lead to water damage on the exterior and interior walls of your building. Removing this debris and having your gutters professionally cleaned ensures that water drains correctly and away from your structure.
Knowing where your shut-off valve is in case of an emergency is also essential. You can temporarily cut the water flow to your building if a pipe breaks to stop the flooding until the issue can be repaired.
Even if we must have you close up shop while we remediate the damage, SERVPRO staff works fast and efficiently to get you back up and running as soon as possible. To help us speed up the drying process, various equipment is used, including dehumidifiers. These devices pull water vapor from the air and lower the relative humidity. As the moisture is evaporated, the dehumidifier keeps removing it from the air until your building and contents are dry.
If needed, we can take your merchandise to a safe, dry location to protect it while we work and then return it when the job is complete. We can usually restore any items which were damaged as well while they are offsite.
SERVPRO of Reading wants to help you reopen the doors of your business in Birdsboro, Boyertown, or Exeter after a water damage emergency. Call us at (610) 779-8189 as soon as possible after the incident so we can help you avoid additional issues and get back to serving your customers.
Small Steps You Can Do Before Our Experts Arrive At Your Water Damage Disaster In Kutztown
You can get a hold of our crew at (610) 779-8189 any day of the week.
Water Cleanup Experts In Kutztown Talk About Things You Can Do Yourself After A Disaster
The Reading, Pennsylvania area, is most known for that recognizable square on the classic board game Monopoly. However, the region brings about a rich culture and history throughout it, which gets noticed by its residential neighborhoods, historic properties, and commercial districts. Many of these buildings that the area is known for can get jeopardized in the event of a plumbing failure. If water cleanup does not get conducted promptly, structural issues can take place.
Across the country, the statistics say that 37% of homeowners have suffered losses from moisture damage. However, if water cleanup inside your Kutztown home takes place quickly by a professional company such as SERVPRO, the costs of the restoration process can get significantly reduced. Whenever moisture enters your dwelling, it is wise to call in professionals. Still, there are several things that can be done to help with the process.
Whenever water enters a structure, the longer it stays inside, the worse the issues can become. Removing H2O while it is in its liquid form is much easier than eliminating it once it penetrates your building materials and contents and evaporates into the air. Our SERVPRO technicians have at their disposal advanced equipment to extract water from your structural components. However, you, as the homeowner, can also remove liquid water to help prevent future issues as soon as you notice spillage coming from plumbing failure.
As soon as you notice water pouring out into the interior of your house, start trying to remove it. If the water can get quickly soaked up, use towels or a mop to keep it from soaking into your flooring materials. If you have a floor drain, use a squeegee to push standing water into it. If your carpets get wet, use a wet/dry vac to vacuum up as much liquid H2O as possible.
Once you vacuum up as much water as possible, it is wise to place fans around the areas to speed up the drying process. If you ever suffer from a plumbing failure inside your Exeter, Hamburg, Boyertown, or Morgantown home, call SERVPRO of Reading for assistance. You can get a hold of our crew at (610) 779-8189 any day of the week. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.
Ways to Remove Soot from Items during Fire Restoration in Reading
Disaster may strike at any time in your area. Call SERVPRO for the fire damage restoration services needed for your property.
SERVPRO Provides Fire Cleanup Solutions in Reading Homes
One of the effects of fire damage is overall soiling. The soot deposited by the smoke as it spreads around the property is particularly challenging to remove since it might coat, adhere or penetrate beyond surfaces. Removing all the soot traces from your Reading home is essential to restore pre-damaged conditions and prevent the deterioration caused by the corrosive residues.
Although cleaning during fire restoration at your Reading home is one job, it takes several tasks to achieve the final goal. You need to capture the residues and transfer them from the soiled areas. Routine and specialized cleaning approaches are also necessary to eliminate soiling from different materials. SERVPRO provides the expertise required to complete these processes.
Light cleaning techniques
Dry cleaning
Foam cleaning
Spray and wipe
Dry cleaning processes such as feather-dusting or using cleaning sponges help remove dry soot from hard surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians mostly use this approach when cleaning fire residues from walls, ceilings, and wooden furniture or appliances.
Wet Cleaning Approaches
Incorporating moisture and chemical agents improve the cleaning process by dissolving and dislodging fire residues embedded on surfaces. Also, since soot tends to cause discoloration or stains due to its corrosive properties, chemical action is necessary to reverse such changes. The application method used to deliver the chemicals is as crucial as the type of chemical used. Our SERVPRO crews help with the choice of an appropriate cleaning approach.
Foam cleaning effectively removes soot from upholstery without exposing the materials to excessive moisture that would damage them. Spray-and-wipe, on the other hand, is perfect for hard surfaces such as glass windows. For severe soiling of upholstery items, hand cleaning approaches might not deliver. Our SERVPRO teams use Upholstery Cleaning Machines to wash and rinse the material. The machines make it easy to use water or solvents to deal with various fire residues based on their physical properties.
Fire residues categorization
Lipophilic
Hydrophilic
Lipophobic
Hydrophobic
SERVPRO of Reading effectively cleans soot from properties during fire restoration removing traces of soiling “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (610) 779-8189.
Storm Flood Damage in Reading Requires Professional Attention
When flooding hits your Reading area, you need to call the technicians at SERVPRO.
Hire SERVPRO to Handle Storm Flood Damage in Reading
Water is necessary for our existence, but it can also cause irreparable damage to your house. This risk of damage increases by a huge margin when the source of the flooding is a thunderstorm.
Flood damage is unlike other forms of water damage since it can bring in a wide range of contaminants, including chemicals, oils, pesticides, and sewage, which might complicate the restoration process. You should hire an experienced company like SERVPRO to handle the storm flood damage in your Reading property. We can mitigate the damage and extract the floodwater safely.
You need to contact us soon after the incident and then perform some emergency mitigation steps such as:
Turn off electricity and gas safely to minimize chances of gas leaks and electric short circuits occurring.
Remove any items and furniture that the floodwater has affected to prevent further damage.
Find a safe place to stay until we complete the restoration process.
After the initial mitigation steps, our SERVPRO team can extract the floodwater using self-priming trash pumps. These pumps extract water effectively when the discharge head is less than 100’ and the suction lift is less than 25’. We classify the pumps as trash, semi-trash, or slurry, mainly based on the size of solids they can pass. Slurry pumps can carry fluid containing mud or sand, trash pumps can pass solids up to 1¼″, and semi-trash pumps can pass solids less than 5/8″.
Our restorers can then dry and dehumidify your house completely to room temperature moisture content. To remove germs that might have been left behind during the cleaning process, our SERVPRO technicians can sanitize all the structures and contents that the floodwater affected. We also use deodorizing granules to absorb and hold odors associated with flooding. Once we complete the restoration process, our SERVPRO team can thoroughly inspect the house to ensure it’s safe before we allow you to move back in.
To prevent the elevation of storm flood damage and restore your home as soon as possible, contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Prevent Further Water Damage From Striking Your Home By Calling SERVPRO
Protect your home and its foundation by calling SERVPRO immediately if you suffer water damage.
Water Cleanup Services and Water Damage Prevention for Your Reading Home
Preventing water damage to your Reading home is much cheaper than repairing it. Water is the number one culprit which can weaken the foundation, the core strength of your home. Severe structural damage can eventually occur with water damage. Damp wood also invites carpenter ants and termites plus creates the growth of mold.
Preventing water damage to your home in Reading can be done with a few easy strategies. However, if you are already in a situation where you need water cleanup services and restoration for your home, SERVPRO can help you any time you need. As a professionally trained remediation company, we waste no time drying your home to its usual day-to-day condition.
One thing that helps greatly is to ensure you have good drainage. Poor drainage causes your foundation to weaken, creating cracks and uneven settling. Pathways for water to enter your home development as well. Keep your gutters clear of debris, and ensure that the downspouts direct water five to ten feet away from your home. Your yard should also be sloped a minimum of six inches over a ten-foot span going away from your foundation.
When water has seeped in through your foundation, you need SERVPRO to help you clean up the water damage in your basement or crawl space before the structure of your home suffers too much damage. In a case like this, we may need to use structural cavity drying equipment to allow us to direct airflow into the cavities of your home’s walls. These machines replace moist air with dry, warmer air, increasing the temperature of the surfaces and lowering the vapor pressure. Doing so increases the rate of evaporation.
Dehumidifiers are also used to take water vapor out of the air. Lowering how much water vapor is present reduces the humidity ratio and increases the evaporation rate. We continue this procedure until your structure and the contents in it are dry.
Keep an eye out for any leaks in your home as well. Persistent leaks lead to mold growth, rot, and even insects, as mentioned above. The sooner you find a leak, the less chance for additional damage there is. Darker spots under sink cabinets by piping, toilets that wobble, ceiling stains, and visible drips are all signs of leaks. Once a year or more, check your roof for any look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Caulking which is cracked, needs to be repaired, and also look for any leaks around flashing.
SERVPRO of Reading is ready to assist you in drying your home in Gilbertsville, Hamburg, or Boyertown after any water damage emergency. Once you realize a problem, do not hesitate to call us at (610) 779-8189 so we can help you.
Why a Mold Infestation in Your Reading Home is Always Much More Than a Surface Covering
Finding a patch of mold in your home can cause some alarm. Luckily, team SERVPRO is certified in remediating mold damage. Call immediately.
How to Handle Mold Damage in Reading Effectively
Mold infestations in Reading properties can happen for many reasons, although in every case, there is an underlying moisture issue. Common reasons such infestations occur includes flooding incidents and leakage in plumbing systems. Other causes may not be typical, but they can lead to constant growth. For example, the house's higher than normal relative humidity levels can lead to growth. Such spikes in relative humidity can occur from regular activities such as cooking and showering. Our IICRC certified Applied Mold Remediation Technicians handle mold removal effectively in all cases.
Like many other problems, dealing with mold damage in Reading early helps ease the process and limit the damages it causes to the structure. Since mold infestations are more common in hidden spaces such as wall cavities and crawl spaces, it is not always possible to notice the problem early enough. Knowing the early signs of microbial growth can help. These include a musty smell and allergic reactions such as constant sneezing for some people. Lots of condensation on surfaces such as glass windows and metal pipes show the house has high moisture levels that lead to mold formation. Our SERVPRO technicians can help confirm this using equipment such as thermal cameras, moisture meters, and other detection tools.
It is possible to remove mold with a few simple clean-up steps if the growth is only confined to the surface of the affected materials. Our SERVPRO technicians HEPA vacuum the affected area removing any loose fragments. We also damp-wipe the area with professional cleaning agents to remove any remaining debris and kill spores.
Sometimes advanced removal steps might be necessary, especially when dealing with severe growth. As the mold searches for organic food materials for growth, its hyphae penetrate deep into affected materials, and if left unchecked, they can compromise the structural integrity of such material. After a thorough assessment, our SERVPRO technicians can opt to remove porous materials in the affected areas. We can also use advanced cleaning methods such as soda blasting, which allow us to remove mold debris without damaging the material affected by the infestation.
If you suspect mold infestation, call SERVPRO of Reading to help create a response plan. You can reach us at (610) 779-8189 at any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Smoke and soot affect wood. SERVPRO has the right cleaning methods to remove smoke from your fire damaged home.
Reading Homeowners can Count on SERVPRO to Restore Instead of Replacing When Possible
Smoke odors can quickly penetrate wood furniture. Pieces such as desks and coffee tables have unfinished sections such as drawer bottoms, backs, and undersides. Restoration depends on the material and the extent of the fire.
Can the Smell Be Removed from a Desk?
SERVPRO provides fire restoration in Reading with the goal of restoring as much as we can. We do not replace unless we have to do so. Our crew uses various cleaning techniques depending on the type of soot they are cleaning. Denatured alcohol and dry-cleaning sponges are two standard tools employed. Some signs indicate the item is beyond restoration:
Extensive surface blistering
Waterlogged joints
Cracked joints from intensive heat
Permanent staining
Severely charred areas
The fire does not have to be big to cause damage. SERVPRO of Reading understands fire damage and fire restoration. Contact us at (610) 779-8189 for all your fire, water, and flood restoration needs. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Overcoming Humidity During Reading Home Water Removal
Looking for a restoration company? Look no further, SERVPRO is just a call away at (610) 779-8189.
Environmental Water Removal Helps Reading Homes
Water removal services are a critical element of nearly every restoration project in this niche that SERVPRO handles. While many consider the work of extracting standing water from flooring surfaces to be a valuable element of recovery, it is equally important to assess the growing moisture content in the environment, which could also cause concerns.
Hazards of Humidity
Humidity is always a focal point of water removal in Reading homes because of the damage that excessive moisture content can produce. Not only are wet environments destructive to all exposed structural elements, but there is the added probability of mold development if appropriate measures are not taken to regulate relative humidity.
Managing Moisture Content
Managing moisture and eliminating humidity from the environment requires several tools and equipment from our inventory. Each element in this equation works from one machine to the next, with movers evaporating water, dehumidifiers trapping moisture and removing it, and heaters amplifying all aspects of the drying process. Collectively, this phase involves these tools:
Air movers
Desiccant dehumidifiers
Low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers
Portable electric heaters
Monitoring Drying Progress
One of the essential elements of removing humidity from the drying equation is to make sure that the water weight of the atmosphere is within an acceptable parameter. Often the goal in this situation is a humidity rate that cannot facilitate mold growth and no longer poses any threats to structural integrity.
As vital as water extraction efforts are for the standing water in your home on flooring, we must also focus on the methods necessary to pull moisture from the environment. Our SERVPRO of Reading team has sophisticated tools and equipment to absorb and exhaust moisture content to the outside of the property. Give our specialists a call today at (610) 779-8189.
What Can Be Done About Cabinets with Mold in Kutztown Homes?
Inspect your cabinets often for signs of water and mold damage.
Mold Removal Companies Like SERVPRO can Provide Mold Remediation
Mold can develop rapidly wherever there is moisture and a food source. The microscopic spores develop into a multicellular structure known as hyphae. Mold is easy to detect. It often has a distinctive musty odor that is a sign even if you cannot see it.
Mold Causes Damage
When you are considering mold removal companies in Kutztown, you want one that has experienced, certified technicians. Our mold remediation specialists can mitigate the damage done to impacted areas. We can help you decide what can be salvaged and what needs removing.
Can My Cabinets Be Restored?
Porous materials quickly absorb water. Restoring the cabinets depends on the type of material and mold growth. Wooden items often need discarding, but controlled demolition may help. Our mold removal process includes:
Afraid your wood floors have been damaged by a Storm? No need to stress it, Let SERVPRO fix it.
SERVPRO Offers Flood Damage Restoration in the Reading Area
Now that spring has arrived, rainstorms will start plaguing the Reading region. During or after a thunderstorm, several occurrences can take place that causes moisture to enter your house. For example, old bottom door seals can leak, letting the rainwater get onto your floors. Wind could also cause items like branches or rocks to become airborne and fly into your roof shingles or windows and cause leaks.
Our SERVPRO technicians take extra steps to prevent contaminants from spreading when dealing with flood damage in Reading. Any time moisture from the outdoors gets inside your house, there is a possibility that the water contains harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. To prevent the contaminated "grey water" from spreading throughout your house and causing harm to your building's occupants, we can start by removing any porous materials that got wet, like your carpet and pad. We can then use products like Vanquish to decontaminate your hard, non-porous building materials like your subflooring and wall studs.
Services We Can Provide After You Suffer From Storm Damage:
Water Extraction Services
Water Damage Repairs
Cleaning Up After a Sewage Backup
Structural Decontamination
Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
If building materials in your home, such as your drywall and subflooring, get wet, our SERVPRO technicians can take steps to remove the moisture and lower the relative humidity level. We can set up a combination of dehumidifiers and air movers to speed up the natural drying process. The air movers push air away from your wet walls to speed up evaporation. The dehumidifiers then pull moisture from the air and dispense it into liquid form.
If moisture ever enters your house during a severe thunderstorm from your lower door or window seals, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.
Our Experts Go Over Our Deodorization Procedures For Your Kutztown Home
If your house ever suffers damage after a storm, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 any day of the week.
Flood Damage Professionals In Kutztown Describe Deodorization Procedures
During the summer seasons, severe weather is likely to strike the Kutztown region. During thunderstorms, there are many conditions present that can hurt your house and cause you to call in a professional flood damage restoration company such as SERVPRO. High-speed winds and excessive rains are not a good combination. Many situations can arise that ruin the structural components that make up your house. The wind can blow things into your windows or ruin your roof shingles, which can cause rainwater to make its way into the interior of your home. Once items inside your building get wet, the flood damage can get worse if not treated by professionals right away.
Any time moisture finds its way into your home from the outdoors, there is always a possibility that the water can be contaminated. Our SERVPRO technicians know that when mitigating flood damage in Kutztown that we are dealing with either category two (gray) water or category three (black) water. Normal rainwater is classified as category two or gray water because there is a chance that the moisture contains harmful parasites or bacteria. If the water that comes into your house is muddy, then we consider the problems category three or black water issues. When dealing with black water, we treat the situation the same as a sewage backup and take additional actions to prevent the spread of contaminants.
Another issue we often come across when dealing with flood water coming in from the outdoors is the presence of foul mildew-like odors. Sometimes unpleasant aromas can still linger inside a building well after all of the moisture has been removed. When this occurs, we use specialized chemicals that either work as a masking or pairing agent to rid the atmosphere of malodor particles.
Masking agents work to cover up bad smells with more pleasant aromas. Pairing agents chemically bond with the malodor particles to neutralize them so that they no longer produce unpleasant odors. If your house ever suffers damage after a storm, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 any day of the week.
We Discuss How Our Professionals Deodorized Your Exeter Home After A Fire
Contact SERVPRO to effectively tackle the fire damage in your property. Call now!
How Your Exeter Home Gets Deodorized After a Fire
You might assume that harsh odors present after a fire loss in your Exeter home gets related to smoke damage, but this is not always the case. Part of our ability to successfully navigate proper deodorization of your property after emergencies hinges on our knowledge of industry practices. Our professionals get trained specifically to identify foreign and noxious odors present in the house after a loss incident and, in doing so, can develop the best approach for removing them.
Smoke is a common contributor to harsh odors and other fire damage in Exeter homes but is not the only factor to consider. The combustion of specific types of materials, gasses that get released into the environment, and other destroyed items can all create foreign and challenging scents of their own. Our SERVPRO professionals can look to isolate these individual sources and eliminate their hold on your home instead of non-effective practices like masking odors and taking shortcuts.
As a team, we rely on multiple machines that can help with this odor elimination process, and much of the decision on the specific unit relates to the severity of the damage and how widespread this condition has become. Units like our hydroxyl generator, for instance, have a stationary operation that works to affect a broad area with central placement, whereas our portable thermal foggers can offer a more concentrated and direct approach by moving with our technicians from one space to another.
Deodorization is often one of the final steps of recovery, though efforts made through the mitigation process can often work to reduce the severity of these odors. Debris and residue removal can both substantially reduce the strength of present odors because of the elimination of primary sources, helping them to circulate continually.
We have invested time and resources into the development of our Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and Odor Control Technicians (OCT) on our SERVPRO of Reading team. Regardless of the situation you face, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. We will help you no matter how you need it. Give us a call today at (610) 779-8189.
Our Experts Explain Our Water Damage Restoration Process In Your Reading Home
Team SERVPRO arrives on the scene with the water removal tools and expertise to tackle the water damage situation in your family home. Call us 24/7.
Weighted Extractor Water Removal In Reading Homes
When it comes to water and moisture removal for Reading properties, one piece of equipment cannot handle all of the jobs necessary to fully restore affected homes. While our technicians often lean heavily on the use of air movers and our desiccant dehumidifiers for moderately sized water loss incidents, other specialized tools and machines can have a substantial role in returning a residence to preloss condition after considerable water damage.
We know the importance of arriving with all of the necessary equipment and personnel to get started on water removal immediately in your Reading residence. Mitigation is a vital step to protecting your property against costlier restoration and recovery options, and the longer that damages persist, the more widespread and devastating they can become. With carpet being a staple flooring option for most modern homes throughout the area, and the magnetism of this material for damages and saturation, it is not surprising that our SERVPRO team has specific equipment designed to address this saturation.
Weighted extractors are a unique addition to our recovery tool inventory and can work quickly to help preserve and protect carpeting when possible. These units are often remote-controlled and feature a heavyweight roller that can maneuver through damaged carpeted areas. This machine and its density work to force moisture and saturation to the surface, where it can get collected by the high-powered onboard vacuum system.
One of the advantages of a weighted extractor is the depth that these machines can often reach. Other drying methods can often only affect the fibers of carpet and to the base of this material, but not affect subflooring and padding. This extractor approach can remove considerable volumes of this saturation and prepare your carpets for a procedure known as floating by our high-velocity air movers.
We have a steadily growing inventory of recovery equipment designed to make restoration and mitigation as efficient and cost-effective as it can be. You can count on our SERVPRO of Reading professionals to utilize this equipment to reduce restoration times and keep our work under budget. Give us a call anytime at (610) 779-8189.
Handling Commercial Fire and Smoke Damage in Reading
When a fire starts at your warehouse location, the situation can quickly escalate. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 to assess and remediate the damage.
SERVPRO Offers Assistance with Commercial Fire Restoration Projects in Reading
Fires starting inside your company's warehouse can prove to be quite devastating, even if your entire building does not get torched. Even small fires that do not burn many of your contents as fuels can still create several problems with your warehouse's products and structural components. The heat coming from a blaze can damage items and the smoke it produces can coat materials with soot residues.
Remediating commercial fire and smoke damage in Reading can often involve assessing your contents. If the blaze broke out inside your warehouse, it could have negatively affected nearly everything stored in there. Even if the items stored did not get entirely burnt and ruined, they could have been coated with soot residues. Smoke can often penetrate through cardboard, so anything stored in boxes could have got contaminated by residues or malodor particles.
Whenever we arrive at your business' warehouse after a fire strikes, the first step we take is to inspect your building and everything in it for damage. We can open all of your boxes in your warehouse during the initial inspection process and determine what got affected by the smoke. We can then perform wipe tests on the walls and ceilings of your warehouse to determine the severity of the soot and which chemicals/methods will work best to clean them. After our thorough inspection, we will then know what steps we have to take to return your home to its preloss state, "Like it never even happened."
Services available after a fire
House Fire Cleanups
Smoke Remediation
Water & Fire Damage Restorations
Content Cleaning
Content Pack-Outs
Fire Debris Removal
Structural Deodorization
Even if the fire that breaks out in your company's warehouse gets extinguished quickly, it is still wise to call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.
Is Water Removal From Materials in Reading Challenging?
Our technicians are skilled in effective water removal techniques. We are here 24/7 - 365 days a year to take your call.
With Several Tools and Devices for Extraction and Moisture Removal, Our SERVPRO Team can Efficiently Restore Many Damaged Reading Homes After a Disaster.
When many Reading homeowners consider water restoration obstacles after a disaster, standing water becomes the most glaring concern. As challenging as these aspects can be, especially without the efficient and powerful tools in the restoration and recovery arsenal of our SERVPRO team, water trapped in porous materials can often be more difficult to address. Several materials often quickly become exposed to moving water after a disaster, and depending on their porosity, they can begin absorbing moisture and direct water immediately.
Water removal in Reading homes is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, each situation requires careful evaluations to determine the best machines and devices to overcome specific obstacles. With how quickly these conditions can change and worsen, this evaluation must occur as soon as possible to ensure that the appropriate extractors and water removal tools make it to the job site for use as soon as our technicians are ready for them. Absorbed water can most typically impact these types of materials in homes:
Carpeting
Wood Flooring
Wall Systems
Cabinetry and Vanities
How Can SERVPRO Overcome Saturated Carpets?
Carpets are a typical installation in area homes, making it a material that SERVPRO professionals anticipate in residential settings. Our extraction approaches vary slightly depending on the fiber count and thickness of the carpet itself, as short pile carpeting (glue down) absorbs less water than plusher options. The restoration of carpets to ultimately dry the flooring material typically requires a combination of several water removal tools exclusively designed for this softer flooring. Some of the standard devices and machines used in this process include:
Carpet Wands – Wet vacuums and pumps are already a versatile implement of our extraction and water removal approach, so the inclusion of specialty attachments like carpet wands is an extension of their power and potential. These attachments are a focused vacuum head used on the surface of carpeting to pull the majority of moisture from the fibers and backing material.
Weighted Extractors – When it is possible to protect the carpet, the padding, and the underlying material, it is critical to reducing these elements' oversaturation as soon as possible. The best approach for this is a weighted extraction option that utilizes a technician's weight on a stationary or ride-on unit. The heft of the machine and the operator press the carpet and padding against the subflooring to force moisture to the surface for removal.
Floating – Once the majority of the moisture has gotten removed by weighted extraction, floating the carpet by placing a centrifugal air mover between the carpet and padding layers dry both materials simultaneously.
What Strategies Exist for Saturated Wood Flooring?
Wood flooring can often be one of the more considerable obstacles for drying technicians responding to your home's water disaster. Cellulose in the planks and panels of this type of material promotes a faster absorption rate despite any barrier that might initially exist with finished wood floorings such as lacquer, varnish, and polyurethane. Certain water removal practices and tools in Reading are ideal for restoring and protecting wood floors, including:
Drying Mats – Mats slowly draw out moisture from exposed planks in a controlled manner, allowing for continual monitoring to prevent over-drying. Placing drying mats perpendicular to the planks' seams offers a greater drying area that ultimately requires less direct mat coverage.
Tenting – To amplify this mat approach's effectiveness, we can use plastic sheeting anchored to dry portions of the flooring with tape or other weights to infuse the workspace with dry, warm air.
Controlled Demolition – It is possible that there is no other suitable solution but to remove oversaturated materials. This controlled demolition process reduces wicking and absorption into neighboring planks.
Is Cabinetry Worth Protecting?
Fixtures like cabinets inside your kitchen and bathroom can often be heavily impacted by standing water, leaks, and high humidity. Particleboard is a standard material composition for these cabinets in most homes, which can be readily replaced rather than restored. The decision on whether a cabinet or vanity is worth the time to dry and restore comes down to information
collected about:
Cost/Worth of Original Material
Time to Dry
Similar Material Availability
No matter how impacted your home might be by a water disaster, you can rely on the fast and knowledgeable response of our SERVPRO of Reading team to help. With our inventory of industry-leading equipment and evolving practices for efficient drying, we can work to protect as much of your home as possible after a loss. Give us a call at (610) 779-8189.
Water is Coming Through the Floors, Whom Should I Call?
After your home suffers water damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you with cleanup. Call SERVPRO right away! We are always available.
What Causes Groundwater Flooding?
Heavy and persistent rainfall in Reading can lead to a rise in the water table. If water reaches a point of saturation, it can be forced out of the ground, rising upwards. Groundwater flooding is an issue that first affects subterranean parts of the home like cellars or crawl spaces. However, evaporating moisture can condensate on the lower subfloor leading to potential mold growth or water damage. Drying groundwater flooding is challenging because the areas affected tend to be restrictive spaces. Places like a crawl space may not fit conventional drying equipment like water extractors. It is best advised to seek out professional assistance should your home fall foul of groundwater flooding.
What Level of Damage Does a Home Suffer From Groundwater Flooding?
- Standing water in a crawl space
- Possible overloading of sump pumps in cellars
- Condensation damage of the lower subfloor or wall cavities
Is Groundwater Dangerous?
The outcome of flood damage in your Reading home may present safety challenges for restorers. Groundwater can be problematic because standard safety protocols may be impossible to implement. A SERVPRO technician may need to enter a crawl space where there could be loose wiring, electrical hazards, or exposed nails. Emergency mitigation equipment like pumps may need to be specialized to remove water from a cavity efficiently. A high-pressure pump is the only equipment powerful enough to transport water uphill. Since groundwater comes through floors, water is highly likely contaminated, and technicians must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
What Safety Precautions Should I Take in a Flooded Home?
- Shut off external power to the property
- Equip with heavy-duty gloves and eyewear
- Inspect the structure for potential weaknesses
Groundwater flooding can be a traumatic event. Contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.
What Measures to Take for Reading House Fire Cleanup?
Your local fire restoration experts at SERVPRO of Reading are waiting for your call.
Your Reading Home Can Benefit From SERVPRO's Unique Fire Damage Restoration Approaches
Your home's electrical wiring may be damaged or installed poorly and end up causing a fire in your living room. Any kind of house fire, however small, can cause severe damage to your Reading home and ruin your possessions, especially the things close to the source of the fire.
SERVPRO technicians are experienced and use professional methods during fire damage restoration in your Reading home to clean and restore contents to preloss conditions. Flames are just a fraction of the problem that fire can cause. Smoke, soot, debris, and the water used to put out the fire can cause damage to the house itself and items like the couch, carpet, curtains, and your precious décor pieces. Your home and most of your belongings can be salvaged by acting quickly. Restoring your possessions is not an easy task. Basic cleaning principles are undertaken by experts while performing restoration:
Locating smoke residues by carefully examining the affected area
Identifying the type of residues and surface
Removing and disposing of the residue
Why It Is Important to Hire Fire Restoration Experts
Assessing the damage is an important step during restoration. Our team performs a thorough inspection and uses specific cleaning methods and solutions based on the items and the level of damage sustained. By scouring the home, we can find out where the problem lies and whether it affects contents like appliances or structural materials like drywall, ceilings, and floors.
Various Methods to Help Restore Content
Wet cleaning
Dry cleaning
Abrasive cleaning
To formulate an effective cleaning method for drapery and upholstery, our SERVPRO technicians identify the type of fabric and the level of smoke residue. We pre-clean dry soils on smoke-damaged upholstery, mitigating residue absorption into the fibers. Oily soot can stain items. We may use a heavy-duty vacuum or apply dry solvents to clean the items at moderate soot levels.
SERVPRO of Reading takes necessary steps during fire damage restoration to clean your possessions. Call us at (610) 779-8189. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
SERVPRO Checks for Water Cleanup Electrical Hazards in Reading
Regardless of the possible electrical hazards and debris in the water, team SERVPRO can help. Contact our experienced technicians for water cleanup.
Submerged Electrical Wires Are Dangerous in Reading Homes after a Water Leak
Water is highly conductive and creates dangerous conditions when exposed to electrical wires in Reading. Water leaking from faulty plumbing, overflowing laundry machines, or sinks can find its way into the internal wiring systems of your home. A wet floor with electrical cords submerged in water can short circuit. Electrical outlets submerged in water are another dangerous source of electricity for anyone stepping into the water without taking proper precautions.
SERVPRO provides water cleanup services to clients in Reading. We are onsite in less than four hours from your initial call to our office, and we respond 24/7 to all emergency calls. Whenever water is involved, there are multiple risks that clients and our employees must be aware of. For example, water can create slippery conditions on flooring and stairs. The water source may introduce a variety of chemicals or biological materials, viruses, and bacteria. There are also potential electrical hazards that can cause significant injury under the right conditions.
Our technicians perform a complete inspection to identify all of the potential hazards. If electrical hazards are identified, we will arrange for a licensed electrician to thoroughly examine and switch off all required circuit breakers to eliminate any possibility of an electrical hazard. Otherwise, we turn off all lights in the damaged area and turn off circuit breakers for these lights and electrical outlets in the room. There could be water inside the walls.
SERVPRO ensures that our team takes the appropriate precautions to protect your family and our employees while providing the services needed to restore and dry your home. Our services include:
Water damage inspection
Water clean up in your home
Water removal services and water damage restoration
Call SERVPRO of Reading in Reading and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (610) 779-8189.
Can SERVPRO Contain Mold Damage to One Area in Reading Buildings
When a mold infestation starts, time is of the essence. Contact team SERVPRO to investigate the extent and remediate the mold damage in your home.
SERVPRO Utilizes Containment Strategies to Control Mold Damage in Reading Homes
Once a mold infestation takes hold in a room in a Reading house, it can quickly spread to other areas in the home with the right conditions. Clients may first notice a strong, musty odor whenever they enter a particular room or area within their home. This odor is a sure sign that an active mold infestation will be distributing spores to trigger additional infestations in your home, wherever there is warmth and moisture. It is very important to take action before the infestations spread further.
Our SERVPRO mold specialists can help contain mold damage and remove the mold in your Reading home before it spreads further. Delaying mold remediation can cause further damage to contents and structure and increase the strong, musty odor. Mold can cause health effects for people living in or entering your home.
We complete mold inspections and set up containment barriers to prevent distributing mold spores throughout the house. We may also employ negative pressure rooms where the mold is located and exhaust the contaminated air outside your home during mold remediation and removal activities. Mold particles and spores are dislodged during the cleaning process, and these particles and spores must be prevented from moving to additional areas where another mold colony can form.
We also seal HVAC vents and establish clean and decontaminated rooms to enter and leave the contaminated area. We follow standard industry-recommended processes to keep you and your family safe while removing mold infestations.
Our services include:
Mold inspections, remediation, and removal
Bathroom mold removal
Basement and attic mold removal
Call SERVPRO of Reading in Reading and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (610) 779-8189.
Does SERVPRO Use Solvents in Fire Damage Restoration in Kutztown
When you see the walls caked in soot and smell the smoke in your home, it’s time to bring in the professionals at SERVPRO to tackle the situation.
SERVPRO Utilizes Water, Detergent & Solvents in Fire Restoration of Homes in Kutztown
A fire in a home or building in Kutztown often leaves a variety of smoke residues in the immediate area of the fire. In addition, smoke odors are distributed throughout the house by the HVAC system or the hot air currents generated by the fire. The residues can be difficult to remove unless the proper cleaners and solvents are used.
SERVPRO fire damage restoration technicians in Kutztown are experienced and trained to manage every emergency, including the removal of smoke residues and odors. Grease fires generate a great deal of heavy, greasy smoke residues. Hot fires produce less smoke and have light, fluffy residues. Plastics and other non-organic materials make residues difficult to remove unless the proper solvent and process are used.
Water does not dissolve substances very well, especially when the smoke residue is oily. Adding specialized detergents to water can quickly dissolve oily substances and remove them from hard surfaces. We rinse porous materials thoroughly to remove all residues. When hard water is used, it can leave a salt deposit.
SERVPRO also uses solvents to remove non-soluble water residues as a cleaning agent. We use solvents when removing soils with water that may damage these materials. We use a combination of spray-on water solvents and solvents that will not combine with water for cleaning. Our teams have a great deal of experience and always use the correct cleaning agent to clean your contents and structure to protect these items.
Let SERVPRO clean and restore your home after a fire. Our services include:
House fire clean up
Fire damage restoration
Smoke damage restoration and remediation
Call SERVPRO of Reading in Kutztown and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (610) 779-8189.
Prepare for an emergency by completing a Mobile Emergency Ready Plan with SERVPRO. Contact our technicians 24/7 - 365 days a year with any questions.
Emergency READY Response Plan for Reading Area Commercial Businesses and Properties
The Mobile ERP Emergency READY Profile is here and can help keep business in business. Ask us how to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation at your convenience.
SERVPRO's new Emergency READY Profile (ERP) system allows business owners in Reading to keep track of all properties and locations during a fire or storm and respond appropriately. You can have multiple individualized profiles and information sets for each property you own or manage using the tools. With the ERP, our technicians can have all the information they need to get your business running back to normal. As a result, they can save owners of multiple properties, such as landlords, thousands in repair costs after a fire by responding fast to each location.
How the ERP Helps After water or fire Damage
There is always physical damage during a fire or water damaging event to an apartment complex or other rental properties. Usually, our technicians have to evaluate the building and formulate an approach, but this process is an excellent way for SERVPRO to respond quickly. Through it, we can access relevant contact information, building plans and layouts, and critical information about utility systems. This is especially useful to fire chiefs, which can quickly help locate the fire source. Knowing where the shut-off valves, electrical panels, and drainage infrastructure are located and how they function is critical in mitigating water or fire damage.
This mobile device allows the party in charge to have delegated representatives on-site if needed to okay any work orders and insurance forms to work along with an adjuster.
SERVPRO of Reading operates on the principle of mitigation to respond around the clock and save landlords thousands in restoration costs. Call us at (610) 779-8189 for our help or learn more about the Emergency READY Response Plan.
Professional Residential Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration for Kutztown Apartment Owners
Keep a close eye on your pots while cooking! Should a fire occur, contact SERVPRO right after it is put out. Our technicians are standing by 24/7.
Smoke from a Kitchen Fire Settles on Surfaces Throughout Your Entire Kutztown Apartment
A pot of food cooking on the stove might seem to take forever to boil. Such an extended period can make it seem safe to leave your kitchen for a few minutes to check on laundry in another part of your home. It only takes a few minutes for a small fire to expand into a huge disaster, leaving your kitchen in ruins.
Our skilled technicians engage in extensive study to earn certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT) certificate and others in specialized areas are crucial to protecting houses and businesses. Our technicians' dedication to our customers continues through training and the conclusion of mitigation and restoration.
Fire Damage Restoration Services
Restoring your residence includes taking care of the floors. Smoke can carry particles from burning items, resulting in specks of melted plastic on tile or linoleum floors. We can remove these and leave the floor in excellent shape. After a fire, carpeting can contain dense soot. Our methods remove this and leave the area smelling fresh again.
Windows often end up with heavy soiling because of the temperature differences inside and outside the house. When your windows and the corners of a room have little space between them, the area can become excessively soiled. We clean the surface and apply primer before repainting. After cleaning, we use special oil polish to replenish wood trim. Glass panes often shatter from the trauma a fire causes, but when panes survive, we clean them to remove soot and other evidence of the fire.
Personal belongings, including those in your kitchen, can suffer severe harm from a fire. Many things might need you to replace them. However, we can clean many items in our ultrasonic water bath equipment. The process works rapidly and removes odors that may have ruined specific items.
SERVPRO of Reading's IICRC-certified specialists provide residents with highly qualified smoke and fire damage restoration services. To ensure your situation receives proper mitigation services, call us at (610) 779-8189. We are here day and night, year-round, to take your call and provide you with the answers you need.
What Can I Do to Prevent Water Damage in my Reading Home When I Leave Town?
Make sure to take precautions to prevent frozen pipes and ice damming. Should an emergency situation result, contact team SERVPRO 24/7.
SERVPRO Offer Water Removal Services in Reading During the Winter
Many people choose to leave town during the winter season to visit friends and families for the holidays. The only problem with traveling over the holidays is that disasters could happen while you are away. Therefore, it is good to take winterization steps to help prevent issues from occurring.
You can do many things to prevent incidents like frozen pipes and ice damming in your Reading home. It is wise, for example, to remove outside fixtures like hoses and sprinkler systems. Water could freeze inside your hose and then spread into your water lines and cause them to break. If you are going out of town, you should set your heater above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your water lines warm. It is also smart to open up your bathroom and kitchen cabinets so that the drains stay warm.
If you know you have certain pipes that get colder than others, you could use a space heater to heat the cooler rooms. Insulating any lines that run along exterior walls or other cold areas can also prove useful. Other measures like using heated tape on your pipes can also help keep your pipes from freezing.
Ensuring your attic is sealed and insulated is also wise to prevent ice dams. To prevent freezing, you can also attach heated cables in a zig-zag pattern along your roof's edge. If your roof is prone to getting ice dams, you could install a layer of waterproof sheeting that runs past the roof's edge.
But, if you still notice a water leak after you have taken prevention steps, our SERVPRO technicians can help in the following ways:
Flood damage Restoration
Water Extraction
Black Mold Inspections
Repairing Water Damage
Fixing Leaking Roofs from Storms
Basement Flooding Remediation
If your home develops a water leak after you take winterization steps, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.
Which Mold Removal Companies Also Build Back Kutztown Homes?
Mold damage is no game, call SERVPRO of Reading today.
24/7 Mold Removal Companies Like SERVPRO Perform Structure and Contents Restoration in Kutztown
Water damage, flooding, and fire suppression can all bring excess microbial growth into a Kutztown home. Elevated humidity, adequate temperatures, and sufficient organic material are all needed for microbes to thrive enough to require the assistance of a professional mold removal company.
SERVPRO is unique among Kutztown mold removal companies for its 24/7 rapid-response remediation, build-back services, and thorough education for technicians, staff, franchise owners, and related industry professionals. This firm’s commitment to learning helps the community thrive with up-to-date restoration industry know-how.
SERVPRO Mold Removal Strategies Require Extensive Training
SERVPRO training for Kutztown restoration technicians incorporates comprehensive education, self-paced learning, and a curriculum that stays up-to-date on Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.
Technicians receive Initial Crew Training as well as fire, water, and mold remediation education
Self-paced e-Learning modules are available for technicians and staff to expand their knowledge base about mold remediation and other restoration subjects
Franchise owners undergo a 15-day program at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to learn about water, fire, and mold remediation, as well as what running a SERVPRO entails
Courses and seminars, both credit and noncredit, are available for SERVPRO staff, insurance adjusters, real estate agents, and other professionals who wish to improve their know-how on such topics as:
Water Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
Restorative Drying for Loss Control
SERVPRO of Reading provides “Like it never even happened,” restoration services for property owners who call (610) 779-8189.
How Can Reading Professional Water Restoration Remove Commercial Sprinkler Water Damage?
SERVPRO of Reading knows all the important disaster remedies, give us a call today for effective restoration.
SERVPRO Water Restoration Salvages Reading Businesses After Accidental Sprinkler Activation
There are many causes for accidental sprinkler discharge that can introduce large amounts of water into a restaurant, such as Reading business owners hiring contractors to perform renovation or routine cleaning of the sprinklers going awry. Fortunately, there is preventative maintenance that business owners can undertake to minimize incidents and fast-acting solutions for when disaster strikes.
Reading SERVPRO commercial water restoration offers the tools and techniques necessary to clean up a water-damaged business to code. Technicians and franchise owners alike receive extensive training and education to return commercial properties to a pre-disaster condition after moisture exposure.
What Causes Accidental Restaurant Sprinkler Activation?
Some common causes include:
Accidentally hitting a sprinkler head with a ladder or other object can cause activation.
Proximity to heat sources like lights, electronics, or machinery can also set off a sprinkler.
Cleaning sprinkler bulbs with compressed air can run the risk of cooling and shattering the sprinkler’s thermal glass bulb, which can also cause discharge.
Many incidences of accidental sprinkler activation are preventable with regular maintenance and the installation of sprinkler head guards.
SERVPRO professionals can extract large amounts of water from sprinkler activation with portable and truck-mounted extractors to prepare a restaurant dining area for structural drying with air movers and dehumidifiers. Cleanup also includes wiping down contents like tables, chairs, and booths with OSHA-approved biocides and performing odor control with solvent-based deodorizers.
SERVPRO of Reading can make a commercial disaster look “Like it never even happened.” Call (610) 779-8189 24 hours a day, seven days a week for restoration.
How Can Reading Homeowners Prevent Basement Flood Damage?
SERVPRO of Reading will help you prepare for storm damage. Don't hesitate to call us today.
SERVPRO Provides Emergency Response Flood Damage Assistance in Reading
Approximately 98% of basements in the United States experience flood damage in their lifetime, regardless of whether the property is in a designated flood zone. Reading homeowners can prepare for floods to lessen the damage. However, they still need a safe and fast-acting solution when the disaster is too big to handle.
SERVPRO provides flood damage remediation for Reading properties, including water removal, structural drying, mold remediation, and even build-back services. This restoration firm coordinates with property owners and insurers for a comprehensive and streamlined restoration service.
Safely Navigating Basement Flood Damage
Homeowners can lessen the impact of basement flooding with several methods:
Consider using water-resistant paints and hydraulic cement to waterproof walls and fill in cracks that water can seep through.
Make sure to clean and maintain gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can redirect water into a basement or other parts of the home instead of away from it.
Check the grading around the property, and consider landscaping strategies like French drains and rain gardens.
Elevate basement furniture at least several inches with cinder blocks, planks, or palettes
Consider installing a sump pump that can sufficiently drain water from the basement and water sensors to quickly alert property owners to water coming into the property.
SERVPRO tackles flood damage with careful debris removal, commercial-grade personal protective equipment, and EPA-registered biocides to combat bacteria and fungi. Technicians take meticulous, room-by-room inventory when extensive damage occurs to perform offsite restoration in a SERVPRO warehouse.
We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and proud to serve the community. SERVPRO of Reading is ready to jump into action when property owners call (610) 779-8189.
What Restoration Focuses Start Fire Recovery in Reading Offices?
Commercial fire damage restorations services by SERVPRO are top-notch. Our IICRC certified technicians have the experience and technology you need.
Fires Can Impact Your Business in Several Ways, But Our SERVPRO Team Can Help.
With hundreds of causes for fire damage scenarios, it is wise for property managers and business owners to have a plan in place for emergencies to get restoration started as soon as possible. We have a free program to increase efficiency and mitigation times when SERVPRO is your chosen restoration team, known as Emergency READY Profile Plans.
Removing Water Damage from Affected Areas
One of the first steps in managing fire damage for Reading businesses and offices is to clear any water damage. Suppression of active fires utilizes the sprinkler suppression system installed in the office, which can leave pools of water and considerably damp conditions throughout the damaged areas that must get removed and dried before greater threats result. Some of the equipment used for this includes:
Weighted extractors
Carpet wands
Squeegee wands
Wet vacuums
Clearing Debris and Damaged Matter
Cleaning up after a fire loss can be a considerable challenge, especially when charred remnants of building materials, furniture, and contents all stand in your way. One of the mitigative solutions that begins fire recovery is removing this debris to lessen the severity of airborne soot damage and to reduce the strength of present smoke odors.
Establishing Containment to Keep Your Business Going
Containment is vital for almost any type of damage that your business might endure. Preventing the migration of fire-loss effects can be an important strategy to keep production moving despite the needed restoration. Physical barriers with plastic sheeting can help, but we also establish perimeters with HEPA filtration equipment to keep soot, smoke, and even odors from migrating beyond the ignition point.
Specific emergency services and mitigation solutions immediately assist fire-damaged businesses and commercial properties in the Greater Reading area. We have experienced restoration professionals to start these initial actions as soon as we arrive. Give our SERVPRO of Reading team a call today at (610) 779-8189.
How Does a Sagging Ceiling from Water Damage Get Fixed in Reading Homes?
SERVPRO technicians use the latest technology when it comes to water damage restoration for your home. We are here to help.
Our SERVPRO Team can Help With the Repairs and Restoration of Reading Homes Need After a Loss.
Water damage incidents can occur quickly, but they can also damage your property slowly over time, as is often the case with a persistent ceiling leak. When structural elements start to sag and show water damage, we can help with a comprehensive restoration and build-back solution.
Removing Sagging Materials and Damaged Elements
When water damage in Reading homes results from ceiling leaks, the sagging materials or collapsed elements must get addressed before anything else. Our contractors safely uninstall damaged building materials and clean up the area for debris and heaped bulk materials. Leaving the cavity exposed allows access to our drying equipment to remove moisture.
Moisture Management in Structural Cavities
It is critical to remove water and moisture damage from this affected cavity as thoroughly as possible. Lingering damp pockets created space for mold growth and continued structural deterioration, so we must utilize several pieces of equipment in our inventory to manage this situation quickly. Some of these include:
We can provide a wealth of reconstruction and build-back services for damaged homes using our general contractor license. In this sense, we would need to focus on the damaged portions of plumbing and make sure this service was safe to re-pressurize after repairs. We could then safely reinstall removed drywall and other materials from this ceiling system.
Ceiling leaks and structural damages, unfortunately, go together, but we have experienced SERVPRO of Reading professionals to help. We are skilled technicians accredited in water restoration and complete with a general contractor license to be a one-stop-shop for repair and recovery. Call us today at (610) 779-8189.
Vital Large Loss Mold Remediation Equipment for Kutztown Businesses
Mold remediation services for your commercial property should be handled by SERVPRO. Our technicians are fast and experienced in all phases of service
With Skilled Professionals Ready to Help, Our SERVPRO Team can Help Mold-Damaged Kutztown Businesses.
Our professionals must work as fast as possible to begin mold remediation in your damaged business. We have several strategies ranging from surface treatments to aggressive cleaning and controlled demolition. In addition, we also provide several mitigative actions when we first arrive to prevent more significant harm to your building, like:
Water removal
Content relocation
Bulk material removal
Odor neutralization
Mold Inhibiting Products
While it is vital to get mold removal in Kutztown businesses started as soon as possible, part of this process also deals with keeping the situation from getting worse. As mold remediation specialists, we work to contain the damaged area in the sense of physical barriers and the application of potent mold inhibitors, sporicidal products, and antimicrobial sprays.
Trailered Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Dehumidification equipment makes a space capable of supporting mold growth with moist conditions less habitable. With large commercial structures with several levels and vast open areas, trailered desiccants are ideal for moisture management and remediation. This equipment gets stationed outside, and quick-connect hoses pipe the intake/exhaust.
Trailered Generators for Recovery Equipment
Generators also play a key part in the remediation and recovery of damaged commercial properties. With most of the equipment in our mold removal and water restoration inventory running on electricity, trailered generators provide substantial portable power to energize dozens of spider boxes placed in work areas and run the equipment we need.
With the threat that mold can present to your business, leave your property in the trusted hands of skilled remediators to help. Our SERVPRO of Reading team can rapidly assess the water removal, drying, and mold removal needs of the structure to make microbial threats “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (610) 779-8189.
You Need To Contact Our Specialists If Your Reading Home Has Experienced A Fire
Stoves and space heaters are infamous for fires in homes. SERVPROs fire damage restoration team will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.
What Should I Do About the Soot In My Reading Home?
Fires happen all around us every day. A neighbor who leaves the stove on, a space heater left unattended, or a candle burning too close to a curtain can all cause incredible damage in a short time. When fire damage happens, homeowners take proper steps to call emergency personnel as well as their insurance company. However, we often forget about the damage caused to neighboring homes that also suffer from the smoke, soot, and smell left behind by the fire.
House Fire Clean Up
If your home is filled with the remains of a fire that burnt close to your house, you will do well in reaching out to SERVPRO for professional advice. Regardless of the size of the flames, you may find your furniture and belongings covered with fine dust and emanating a foul smell. Our fire and smoke restoration technicians in Reading train to assess your needs and establish an action plan that diminishes your loss and disruption to your everyday life.
For our SERVPRO team to succeed, we first identify the source of the fire. If the fire burned hot and quickly, you would find residue in the form of fine powder in your home, which is cleaned relatively easily with wet sponges and dry cloth. If the fire was slower to ignite, it might leave behind a sticky residue which needs to be eliminated with industry-grade solutions and techniques made for the specific purpose of cleaning this type or remnant. In both cases, the smell of fire penetrates not only your clothes and upholstery but the very structure of your home. Regardless of the source of the flames, our SERVPRO team has at its disposal industry-grade solutions to leave your home spotless and smelling fresh even after a fire has burned nearby.
Professional help is useful even if the fire did not originate in your home. Whenever you need a reputable fire restoration company, SERVPRO of Reading is here to help. Call us at (610) 779-8189 and let us leave it “Like it never even happened.”
Reading Area Commercial Sites Can Benefit from SERVPRO's ERP Program to Mitigate Storm Damage
SERVPRO commercial damage restoration service is second to none. Call now to have your property back to preloss condition ASAP.
Rapid Recovery from Flood Damage for Your Reading Business
Southeastern Pennsylvania faced summer storms with deadly effects earlier this summer. Knowing that your Reading business could be in the path of drenching rain, pounding hail, and fierce winds make you think hard about preparation for disaster. Whether you run an event center, welcome guests to a quaint bed and breakfast, manage a warehouse, or work with a large staff in an office building, severe weather can expose your livelihood to ruin if you are not ready.
Partner with a Reliable Disaster Recovery Company
Previously developing a relationship immediately with our reputable remediation team improves your outlook if flood damage strikes your Reading enterprise. Talk with your insurance company or other business acquaintances about highly qualified disaster response companies in the region. Our name emerges as an industry leader. We offer a full spectrum of services needed when severe weather brings flooding and other damage to your commercial building and its contents.
Consider Developing an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)
Take our partnership one step further by collaborating with us to design an Emergency READY Plan and Profile (ERP.) Seasoned SERVPRO managers assess your commercial setup and operational style. We save digital pictures, sketch layouts and learn about your priorities. You add details using our mobile app, sharing contact information for the vendors and contractors who devised your systems and sold you equipment. We can reach out to them during disaster recovery to help make your business operate again “Like it never even happened.”
Adapt to Thrive After Disaster
When our team assesses your commercial space and business methods, we often offer recommendations. The suggestions we make are intended to minimize the effects of flooding and other storm-related damage. Taken seriously, the tips we share can change the odds of surviving and thriving after a disaster; nearly 50 percent of businesses struggling with flooding or another disaster risk permanently closure. When you plan ahead with our skilled team, we hit the ground running at your call for help.
Be a business that rises above the stress, damage, and expense of flooding disasters. Partner with SERVPRO of Reading to prepare for all the challenges that extreme weather can bring. Call us at (610) 779-8189 to set up a no-obligation disaster assessment.
Reading Residents – Never Wait to Call the Pros for Water Removal Services
SERVPRO uses EPA-registered biocides for all water damage restoration services. We specialize in all sizes of disasters.
SERVPRO Limits Damage with Prompt Water Removal and Drying for Reading Properties
No matter the cause of water infiltration, your Reading property needs fast action to remove it before secondary damage develops. SERVPRO knows that the minutes after a water incident are crucial so that you can halt water migration in its tracks. DIY methods alone could lead to material degradation, compromised structural integrity, or the onset of potentially harmful mold and mildew growth. You can lessen worry and cost by contacting our water restoration technicians (WRT) first!
We offer rapid water removal in Reading to ensure your property takes less of a hit. Whether you had clean water from burst pipes or a category three flooding event, we have the methods and tools to get the job done right the first time!
Look to SERVPRO for water removal services at any time, day or night. We are available 24/7 for:
Water extraction – we tackle the removal of all standing water with the help of pumps, extraction tools, and associated attachments.
Moisture reduction and drying – strategic placement of industrial fans and dehumidifiers help to restore relative humidity and thoroughly dry your interior.
Sanitizing and odor control – foul, musty odors generated from water-related events are no match for our protocols and powerful EPA-registered antimicrobials and cleaning agents.
Mold prevention - where there is a water emergency, the threat of mold growth is always there. We take the time to follow moisture detection protocols and cleaning to ensure your family is safe from the potential health effects mold and mildew bring.
Our team ensures that controlled demolition gets done whenever you have water damage left behind after water removal is complete. All unsalvageable carpeting, drywall, and other materials get entirely replaced to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Call (610) 779-8189 to talk with SERVPRO of Reading if you need help with professional water removal. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!
Your Best Guide to Commercial Fire Damage Remediation in Reading
Commercial fire damage to your commercial property is a job for SERVPRO. Our IICRC certified techs are trained and experienced in all phases to help.
Commercial Fire Damage Professionals In Reading Explain How To Board Up A Structure
If your shopping center in Reading ever happens to become ablaze, the results can be quite catastrophic. Whenever our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians work on a commercial fire damage project, the first step is usually boarding up your building. The addition of heat to your shopping center can cause windows to break. Once your shopping center's structure is exposed to the outside more problems can develop.
For example, your commercial fire damage project in Reading can get much worse when burnt materials get exposed to elements of the outdoors. Moisture coming in from the outside can cause soot residues to soak deeper into your building materials. When the interior of your shopping center is exposed to nature, objects from the outside can ruin your building materials and structural components. The above reasons are why calling in SERVPRO immediately after something burns is vital.
A board-up is the process in which a structure gets sealed from exposure to the outside to prevent further issues. When we first arrive at your shopping center, we can seal your structure using durable materials to protect your building from weather or intrusions. In some states, boarding up your shopping center requires a contractor license; in these situations, we have the option of supervising a subcontractor for the boarding up process.
Boarding Up After Fire Damage
When boarding up a building, various tools and materials are needed. Covering materials include exterior grade plywood, roofing tarpaulins, and a roll of polyethylene sheeting. Roll insulation may be required, depending on the damage. Miscellaneous nails, screws, bolts, nuts, staples, and furring strips often get used for fastening cover materials. Tools used to erect covering materials usually include hammers, hand saws, power saws, staple guns, power cords, and standard toolbox tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.)
When securing your shopping center, we can utilize a few different options to properly seal openings created by the blaze. Covering the opening with plywood by attaching it to the surface around the opening makes installation easy, but provides less security since materials can easily get pulled off. Cutting plywood so that it gets inserted into a hole in your structure offers more protection. Another option includes plywood being bolted to two-by-fours so that the wooden covering is held in place by tension.
SERVPRO of Reading serves businesses in Exeter, Hamburg, or Boyertown. Call us at (610) 779-8189 with your property damage needs so we can protect your assets. Our training and experience gives us what we need to make things "Like it never even happened."
Do You Have Any Tips on Preparing for Flooding During or After a Storm?
Storm and flood damage to your home is very devastating. SERVPRO will handle all the storm damage remediation services needed for your home. Call now!
SERVPRO of Reading Helps Reading Area Homeowners and Businesses Prepare for Floods Resulting from Severe Storms
It doesn’t matter what type of severe weather hits Reading; it can make life easier if you plan ahead. Braving a storm is one thing, but suffering in the aftermath is yet another. If it is looking like floodwater could be a real possibility, rather than wait until you have a flooded building and water damage, consider the following unique hacks that go beyond the usual common sense preparations.
Preserve Memories
There are some items that money just cannot replace. Redundancy is key to preserving belongings such as scrapbooks, wedding albums, and other precious keepsakes. To guard against water damage, put them in plastic bags — many layers, even — and then place the package in a closed dishwasher. To avoid the washer getting accidentally turned on, turn off the power at the circuit box. Also, keep in mind that this hack may work effectively if you get only a foot or two of floodwater in your Reading home, but beyond that, it most likely won’t, hence the reason for the multiple layers of plastic bags.
Shut Off the Power
It is normal to want to keep the lights on as long as possible, but water and electricity do not mix, so preemptively shut it off as soon as you suspect water could enter your home. This also gives you a valuable test period to see what things you still need to do to prepare for the potential of being without power for a while.
Get Pets in Carriers
Trying to find a scared and hiding cat while water pours in, or you’re trying to heed an evacuation order is not a good scenario.
The important thing is not to panic and plan as though you may need to evacuate should rising floodwater become a reality. If you do wind up with a flooded building, it is best to get a professional on the job quickly. Standing water puts even waterproof things to the ultimate test and drives up the cost of water damage restoration.
SERVPRO of Reading can help businesses and homeowners prepare and mitigate flood damage. Call us at (610) 799 - 8189 today.
Should Kutztown Homeowners Use Water Restoration Services for Small Scale Damage?
Water damage may occur in many different ways. SERVPROs water damage restoration service is second to none. Call now for the help you need.
SERVPRO Techs Bring Professional Equipment and Experience to Every Kutztown Water Damage Job
Water damage in a Kutztown home can be a frustrating experience. Many homeowners choose to handle the cleanup themselves, and this can lead to larger issues.
SERVPRO recommends always bringing in professional water restoration to Kutztown properties. When water enters a home through an attic leak, toilet backup, burst pipes, or another way, it needs to get addressed as quickly as possible, even when only a small area of the home received the effects.
A wet carpet may feel dry after a homeowner used rags and a box fan to dry it. However, the water may have soaked the backing, entered the pad, and saturated the subfloor. Common problems are seen when water gets left behind include:
SERVPRO technicians carefully scope the damaged area in the home and determine exactly where the moisture migrated to. The techs can use their equipment such as probes, moisture meters, and infrared cameras to "see" where they need to focus their attention and give the homeowner the best outcome. Along with powerful extraction equipment, the technicians have access to an array of drying equipment designed for specific areas such as flooring and devices like the Injecti-Dry for small spaces.
SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 brings professional water restoration services to Kutztown properties. The trained techs are available 24/7 for any size cleanup job.
SERVPRO Technicians Effectively Remediate BOTH Large and Small Mold Infestations in Exeter
Why SERVPRO Relies on Advanced Technologies when Dealing with Mold Damage
Mold can develop from simple problems around your property that you ignore. A small leak in the roof may not raise the alarm because there is no flooding, but it can lead to a severe mold problem. One great way to deal with mold issues is to hire a professional remediation service. Mold remediation is part of our restoration services, and we rely on advanced technologies to restore affected properties to their preloss states.
For effective remediation of mold damage in Exeter, there is a need to identify the actual cause of the problem. Every case of mold infestation has an underlying moisture issue, but assuming what that cause is without checking can be disastrous. For example, an infestation caused by condensation can be confused with a roof leak. Our SERVPRO technicians use advanced tools such as FLIR thermal cameras to check for cold spots and trace moisture issues in walls and other concealed surfaces. Using such tools makes it easier to identify the source of moisture.
Water Damage Can Lead to Other Issues
Mold problems develop easily after water incidents such as spills or flooding. Even a fast response to the water may not be a guarantee against mold development. Leaving moisture traces on materials or higher than usual relative humidity can fuel mold growth. Our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have a variety of moisture control equipment to help eliminate all moisture from the property. With thermo-hygrometers, it is easy for our technicians to check humidity and temperature levels in different parts of the property and surrounding areas allowing us to dry them properly. We also have different varieties of drying equipment like dehumidifiers and centrifugal air movers that produce higher static air pressure for improved drying.
Mold residues stain surfaces and lead to deterioration of materials. Saving some of the affected materials can help reduce cost or preserve items with sentimental value. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on advanced technologies such as soda blasting and dry ice blasting to remove stubborn mold residues from materials without damaging them.
In case of mold issues in your property, call SERVPRO of Reading to assist. You can reach us at (610) 779-8189 any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Pre-Construction Cleaning for Flood Damaged Reading Homes
When a storm strikes and causes damage SERVPRO should be the first call. We will be onsite within 4 hours of the initial call.
SERVPRO Knows the Severity of Your Reading Flood Damage
Because natural floodwater can contain contaminants, including pesticides, bacteria, oil, and other harsh substances, you want to address the cleanup and recovery of your Reading home as quickly as possible. We have experienced cleaning technicians on our SERVPRO staff with training and continued education through both the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and in-house coursework. Their involvement in the recovery of flooded homes ensures the fastest possible restoration for our customers.
Learning the full scope of the flood damage to Reading homes is the initial priority of our project manager and crew chief before work even begins. As we are mindful of safe practices and the severity of the situation, we assess these damages as efficiently as possible to ensure that work can start quickly. Several inches of standing water can place several immediate needs ahead of the controlled demolition and reconstruction the property now requires.
Flood Damage Restoration
Extraction is a common starting point for our recovery specialists. We have multiple devices capable of getting this immediate threat under control. In many home applications, we rely on portable sump pumps run off of our trailer generator due to a severance of electrical utilities to the property with standing water concerns. With the higher volume of floodwater removed, our technicians can get a full look at the affected areas for what materials must get gutted from the building and where muck-out and rubbish removal services are necessary.
Removing mud, silt, and debris from the household can help to make controlled demolition more efficient. We have a team of licensed professionals capable of general contracting needs, including the removal of drywall, hardwood, linoleum, and more. We are careful only to remove the affected portions of construction materials to make the reconstruction phase to follow more efficient and cost-effective for our customers.
Pre-demolition and reconstruction cleanup can help to both keep our technicians safe throughout the recovery process of potentially contaminated flood damage in your home and also ensures that other phases of recovery go more quickly. Give our SERVPRO of Reading team a call whenever flood disasters strike at (610) 779-8189.
Can Kutztown Residents Prevent Structural Damage Using Mold Remediation Services?
Mold spreads like wildfire. SERVPRO has trained and experienced technicians for every phase of mold remediation. Call now for the safety of your home.
SERVPRO Operates in Kutztown and Can Dispatch Expert Mold Remediation Professionals to your Home
Mold growth, if left unchecked, can cause damage to your home. There are thousands of different types of mold organisms, but they are uniform because they all digest organic matter and require water to grow and produce digestive enzymes. In a home, humidity, poor insulation, leaky appliances, and pipes can lead to mold growth. SERVPRO is here if you need:
Basement mold remediation
Bathroom mold removal
Mold specialists
Without mold remediation for your Kutztown home, these microorganisms can begin to affect a building assembly. Some mold species are known to feed on cellulose or glues, which are commonly used to attach wallpaper, drywall, and carpets. Over time, cracks or structural deficiencies can appear as the result of mold infestation. One of the core aspects of mold remediation is containment. Containment allows technicians to address or remove mold colonies without the risk of them spreading to other areas of the home.
Poly sheeting should be laid on the ground and in front of doorways or entranceways to prevent spores from spreading.
Any mold-infested materials must be double-bagged for transport out of the property.
Once infested materials are removed, a powerful chemical can help sanitize surfaces and break down any microscopic mold organisms or spores.
For a thorough remediation process, contact SERVPRO of Reading for mold remediation at (610) 779-8189.
Take The Stress Out of Fire Damage Restoration in Kutztown with SERVPRO
Removing smoke and soot damage is difficult. SERVPRO has the trained techs and cleaners to effectively restore your home.
Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup
A fire in your Kutztown home can be very stressful. It can also cause subsequent water, smoke, and fire damage, further impacting your damages. Even small fires can create a large amount of smoke, which affects your personal belongings and possibly your health. It would help if you made some critical decisions fast. Waiting too long to get the damages repaired can create more problems and higher restoration bills.
When fire damage in Kutztown has afflicted your home, acting fast is essential to avoid additional damage from settled smoke and water from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO staff is always available with the proper tools and training to assist you. We also understand that fires are unnerving, so we try to take care of all we can so you can concentrate on your family, including speaking to your insurance company for you.
Immediately after the catastrophe, keep a record of anyone you speak with, including representatives from the fire department. If possible, remove any valuables from your home like jewelry and cash, which could be taken quickly after a fire. You also do not want to throw anything away yet that was damaged.
House Fire Clean Up
When cleaning your fire damaged home, SERVPRO technicians prevent materials from being saturated with cleaning products with surface techniques. The spray and wipe process involves lightly spraying or misting the cleaning product onto the surface, then wiping it with a dry cleaning towel. It is used for cleaning furniture and hard surface contents. Foam cleaning is suitable for cleaning materials that can be damaged by excessive moisture from the cleaning products. By using foam, we use less moisture on the surface than when using a liquid cleaning product.
Please do your best to document all of your items by taking pictures of them. When your insurance claim is made, the damage is looked at, but it must be documented for you to be reimbursed. You should also document any expenses you incur while you are out of your home during restoration, such as living expenses and food.
SERVPRO of Reading can assist you in restoring your home in Kutztown after fire damage. You can expect us to handle you and your family with care when you give us a call at (610) 779-8189.
You Need Our Help When Your Reading Bathroom Experiences a Water Damage Emergency
Water damage frequents bathrooms. Inspect the area often for signs of water damage.
Water Damage Restoration for Your Bathroom
Your Reading home can experience water damage from several different sources, many of which you wouldn’t expect. Many times, water can rise from a basement that is flooded or come from a leaky ceiling. Many people do not understand that water damage can come from inside their walls. If you are unsure of where the water is coming from, it could result from your bathroom.
Realizing there is water damage in your Reading bathroom is not a happy event. It is even worse when you have no idea what is causing the leak. You need the professional help of SERVPRO staff, as we are trained to find hidden water and moisture. We take the time to correct the issue and then dry the affected area to prevent additional damage.
Because it is a process that happens over time, most people do not realize water damage is taking place from their shower. If you have an issue, SERVPRO techs use special moisture meters to find where the water is coming from, and we can correct the problem.
Situations That Can Lead to Water Damage
Various reasons can cause water to leak out of the shower. Many times, bathrooms that use shower curtains instead of a door let water escape and drip down to the floor. You can fix this by shifting the bar that holds the curtain further into the shower. You should also ensure that the curtain is pressed against the wall when you start the water to ensure no water leaves the shower.
When the water is too hot or your showers are too long, water damage can occur. When the water is too hot, the condensation and steam build up along the walls, causing water to collect and then drip down to the floor or seep into floorboards. Moisture also accumulates on the walls and lets mold grow, creating more damage.
If you are aware of your shower habits, and you do not see water leaving the shower, and there is no steam collecting on the walls, you could have a leak inside the wall. If the pipes are jolted loose or not tight enough, water can stream out each time they are used.
No matter the reason, SERVPRO of Reading can find where your bathroom leak is coming from in your home in Kutztown, Exeter, or Birdsboro. Once you see an issue, get in touch with us right away at (610) 779-8189, so we can prevent more damage from occurring.
Does SERVPRO Provide Flood Damage Repairs in Reading
Storm damaged shingles can cause water to enter your home. SERVPRO is always standing by to dry your residence.
SERVPRO Offers Emergency Services Water Damage Repairs in Reading
A flood caused by storms can have disastrous effects in Reading. Floodwaters entering a home can cause a lot of damage with many different factors at play. There is obvious damage from the water entering your home and soaking everything it touches. There is also the possibility of bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and other biohazards carried into the building by the floodwaters. There may also be wind damage to the roof, broken windows, and doors.
SERVPRO offers flood damage cleanup in Reading along with emergency services water damage repairs. We provide emergency board-up service and roof coverage to protect your home from further damage. We respond to your call in less than 4 hours, 24/7. We offer water extraction, disinfection, and cleanup to our customers. However, one of the essential criteria of recovery is drying contents and structure.
We consider the effects of moisture on various materials, temperature levels, relative humidity, and air movement to dry your home effectively. We measure the relative humidity of the environment and your contents and walls to ensure everything is dried. The configuration of your home and the damage to your home determines whether we use open drying or closed drying systems.
Smoke and Odor problems in your Kutztown home? No worries, call SERVPRO for full house fire cleanup and great indoor air quality
Smoke Odor and Residue Removal in Fire Damaged Kutztown Home
Disasters that affect your Kutztown home leave considerable damages for a homeowner to face. Situations like a fire can spread quickly throughout the property and affect many areas and materials simultaneously. While structural concerns are a priority once our technicians get called out to the scene of a recently extinguished fire, other health hazards and focal points must also get addressed, like the effects from the smoke.
When fire and smoke damage your Kutztown home, many homeowners tend to picture the billowy cloud that can leave a distinguishable odor behind throughout their property. In truth, smoke damages can do much more than leaving a harsh smell throughout your home, and knowing how to address all of the effects from the presence of smoke is one of the training elements to our SERVPRO restoration certifications from the IICRC. We can even explain the effects from phantosmia.
Even if your home was never on fire, a neighboring property could force your home to get overrun with the effects from the smoke as the structure fire rages next door. Depending on the heat from that fire and the materials burning, smoke damage can occur in different ways. Dry smoke occurs in oxygen-rich environments, leaving dusting and light sediment on surfaces that often leads to easier cleaning for our professionals on-site.
On the other hand, Wet smoke is the opposite and can leave a thick residue on surfaces, which is a challenge for our SERVPRO team to overcome. Since this smoke is thicker, the smell can become more substantial, and it has more of an opportunity to exploit cracks and seep into materials. The technicians contending with this variety of smoke damage often determine that removing the material entirely and reinstalling new components is more cost-effective and faster for the customer than salvaging the damaged area.
Smoke removal for your home often extends far beyond contending with the odor this effect can leave behind. Give our SERVPRO of Reading fire damage restoration team a call whenever disaster strikes at (610) 779-8189.
Don't Wait, Call SERVPRO Right Away After Flood Damage In Reading
SERVPRO saves our customers in Reading Money when we use our CCIS system and pack-out service for possession preservation
Pack-Out Prepares You for a Successful Flood Damage Restoration in Reading
Weather-related overland flooding or internal flooding from appliance failure or sewer backup in your Reading home defines chaos. You and your family feel high levels of stress as you watch the water rise. In addition to the damage excess water does to the structure of your home, furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions all suffer. One strategy to bring order to the mess flooding causes is a pack-out by our trained technicians.
Water removal and structural drying in Reading after flood damage progresses more quickly if we complete a pack-out. Eliminating the need to move large furnishings repeatedly and to attempt to get other items out of the way increases the time it takes to manage the moisture soaked into building materials and fixtures. We can more thoroughly evaluate the damage done to the articles packed out and devise focused plans to clean and dry them appropriately when we can control the environment.
SERVPRO uses our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to create and manage the inventory of articles we move out of a flood-damaged space. Detailed lists, digital pictures, and a barcoding application ensure all your property is accounted for and secured. We track assessments, restoration strategies, and results, perfect for insurance documentation purposes.
We consider and employ a broad range of cleaning and drying protocols to restore items you might otherwise discard. Our production technicians are skilled, and our equipment and processes top-notch. SERVPRO has a restoration vision for each project, saving money, time, and memories as we bring badly damaged possessions back to preloss condition. When flood insurance is not enough--there is SERVPRO.
A pack-out allows the SERVPRO technicians at your home the freedom to concentrate on water removal and extraction. Without the added moisture load of soaked possessions in the flooded spaces, our efforts to complete structural drying proceed more efficiently. Transfer of dyes and soiling from wet movable objects to floors and other building materials is reduced dramatically in a pack-out. When we return the restored articles to your cleaned and dried home, you and your family regain both comfort and peace of mind.
SERVPRO of Reading has the technicians, training, systems, and equipment to restore your home and possessions after flood damage. Waste no time and call us at (610) 779-8189 immediately after the floodwaters intrude.
Is a Pack-Out Necessary After Water Damage to Your Reading Property?
SERVPRO can provide your Reading water damaged home with a Pack-Out service to protect your belongings and to expedite the water damage cleanup
Trust SERVPRO with Water Damage Restoration of Your Reading Home
Water damage at your Reading home can be due to many reasons such as burst pipes, ceiling leaks, basement flooding, or even sewer backup. While SERVPRO techs can handle minor water damage without much hassle to the homeowners, a move-out might be necessary if the damage is extensive.
A pack-out after water damage to your Reading property involves moving the contents of your home to a remote location, typically our warehouse. SERVPRO technicians take utmost care during this process to avoid any secondary damage. Moving the content can significantly speed up the water damage remediation process at your Reading home.
When is a Move-out Necessary During Water Damage Repairs at Reading?
A pack-out can be a stressful process for the homeowner, but in some cases, it is the best option. Here are a few such cases-
If the water issue is due to structural damage to your home that needs to be repaired, a move-out can hasten the remodeling process. The sooner it begins, the sooner you can come back.
If you have expensive belongings in the house that are sensitive to secondary water or mold damage, SERVPRO professionals might suggest a pack-out. Expensive paintings or antique furniture can be protected better if they are removed to a curator for restoration or to our facility.
If the water damage is due to extensive flooding and the water contains contamination, moving out may be the best option to protect both the residents and the contents
SERVPRO technicians work with you and explain the risk-benefit aspect of a pack-out so that you can make an informed decision.
Air scrubbers can port pungent fire and water odors to the exterior by skilled SERVPRO technicians-improving the indoor air quality for a Reading home
Commercial Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup in Reading
Many fires produce a great deal of smoke which seems to diffuse into every nook and cranny of your building and expose the products and materials stored inside to smoke odors and residue. Everything is cleaned, burned materials are removed, and the entire building is deodorized, this is our goal.
SERVPRO provides all of these services, including fire damage restoration after a fire to Reading area commercial business customers. Our fire damage restoration technicians assess the damage, the distribution of smoke residues, and the residue type to ensure that everything can be cleaned and deodorized. We respond in less than 4 hours, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We use a variety of products to deodorize your building and the contents, including:
Odor Counteracting Beads
Deodorant Granules or Pellets
Water-based odor counteractants
Water-based Wet Mist Deodorizers
Solvent Based Thermal Fog Deodorizers and
Mechanical means using HEPA filter air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators
Sealers
SERVPRO works closely with your building manager. We explain all of the steps needed to restore your building after a fire, and we aim to get you back in operation as soon as possible. We understand that even though you may not be the owner of the structure, your shop within it, contains your business. We work hard to protect your inventory and get your doors reopened, “Like it never even happened.”
Call SERVPRO of Reading for fire damage services in Reading and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. (610) 779-8189
SERVPRO Can Offer Water Damage Remediation in Kutztown
SERVPRO deploys advanced equipment like axial fans during the drying stage of water damage restoration services in Kutztown
Homeowners in Kutztown Can Count on SERVPRO for Emergency Services Water Damage Repair
If your property sustains water damage from leaks or flooding, SERVPRO has the knowledge and expertise to restore your residence. Our years of experience allow us to make all of the necessary repairs that result from any size disaster or water spill.
Water damage to your Kutztown home can pose threats in a short period. With advanced equipment for efficient extraction and drying, our team can arrive quickly and get right to work on the mitigation that can save you money and protect affected structural elements from oversaturation.
Equipment and Know-How Matter
We have a large inventory of products, tools, and equipment to remove this water from your home and prevent ongoing damage. Among this gear are air movers, dehumidifiers, axial fans, and portable extractors. Our SERVPRO response team can make water damaging incidents “Like it never even happened.”
A marked difference using the proper equipment is made to reduce claims. Our expert techs are familiar with all of the aspects of water removal caused by
. Burst Pipes
. Ceiling Leaks
. Flooded Basements
SERVPRO of Reading can assist our neighbors in the event of a water emergency. Our response team is available 24/7 to help. You can contact us at (610) 779-8189.
Does SERVPRO Provide Emergency Services for Flood Damage in Reading?
For fast emergency water removal and storm damage restoration in Reading--Call SERVPRO.
In Reading, SERVPRO Provides Flood Damage Cleanup and Restoration
With an approximate population of 90,000 people, Reading is the fifth-largest city in PA. The greater Reading area is home to over 400,000 people. Reading is named after the famous Reading Railroad and nicknamed the Pretzel City due to numerous bakeries offering all types of pretzels. There are over 125 miles of cycling trails in the area, and it is also well known for mountain cycling.
The town of Reading was established in 1748 and settled by immigrants from Germany. With a large population in the greater Reading Metro area and nearby large cities such as Philadelphia and New York, there are many attractions in the area and nearby for residents and visitors. A few of the popular attractions in the area are:
Reading Fighting Phils, FirstEnergy Stadium
Pagoda
Stonecliffe Recreation Area
Reading Public Museum
Reading Terminal Market
Fairgrounds Farmers Market
Shillington Park
Cacoosing Meadows Recreation Area
Mid Atlantic Air Museum
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Santander Performing Arts Center
Berks County Heritage Center
Pagoda
The Pagoda in Reading is located on Duryea Dr. at the top of Mount Penn. It has graced the area for over 100 years. It is a seven-story Japanese pagoda providing sweeping views of Reading from the top of the pagoda. There is also a café on the site. Check for current health guidelines and times for visits.
Fairgrounds Farmers Market
The Fairgrounds Farmers Market is located on 5th Street Highway in Reading, PA., and is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The market offers everything from haircuts, seafood, coffee and tea, candy, baked goods, meats and vegetables, and foods from around the world. Many people plan their visit to the market to do some shopping and dine while at the market.
Reading Terminal Market
The Reading Terminal Market has been operating since 1893, open seven days a week, and considered a National Historic Landmark. Shoppers can enjoy local produce, local meats, and also seafood. There are also cookbooks, linens, kitchenware, flowers, and much more. The Reading Terminal Market is located in nearby Philadelphia on North12th street.
Cacoosing Meadows Recreation Area
The Cacoosing Meadows Recreation Area is a 55-acre park for the community offering playgrounds, walking trails along the creek, baseball and softball sports fields, and soccer fields. There is ample parking and portable restrooms available. There are gas grills, kitchen facilities with a stove and oven available for visitor use.
Staying Safe After Flood Damage from Storms in Reading
While you survived the storm and the high winds, you now have to endure many potential hazards left behind. These safety hazards range from downed power lines to infectious contamination carried by the floodwater into your home and on your property.
Let SERVPRO help you with storm damage cleanup and restoration of your home or business in Reading. We have well-equipped trucks and staff, ready to respond to every emergency. We are equipped with:
PPE, personal protective equipment
Electric generators,
Pumps, trash and self-powered
Drying equipment,
EPA-approved Cleaning and disinfectant products, and
Everything that may be needed to provide emergency repairs and begin restoring your property. Let us help you to keep your family safe after a storm.
Call SERVPRO of Reading for flood damage services in Reading and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (610) 779-8189
Is it the fire or the smoke that damaged more in your home? Team SERVPRO can help with any fire damage issues.
SERVPRO of Reading Has Local Fire Damage Restoration Professionals for your Home
Hot air rises. In a property fire, hot smoke can travel rapidly through the home, leaving behind smoke residues on upper walls and ceilings. The surfaces may show signs of blackening or emanate unpleasant burning odors after a fire. It is prudent to enlist an experienced restoration technician to clean or restore your home after a house fire.
Pre-testing is a vital work process to carry out during fire damage restoration in your Reading home. Walls and ceilings can present a variety of surfaces that may respond differently to cleaning procedures. These surfaces could be painted, paneled, tiled, or textured. Each surface has its properties that must be tested before introducing cleaning products.
A dry cleaning sponge is an effective tool for removing dry soots with minimal risk of causing damage to the surface.
Wet cleaning with detergents is recommended for some paintworks as well as metal and wood surfaces.
Peroxide active cleaning is primarily reserved for synthetic materials like acoustical tiles, which may break apart or absorb wet cleaning products.
Qualified technicians are available to assist with restoration. Contact SERVPRO of Reading for fire damage restoration at (610) 779-8189 now.
Can Water Exposure Affect Some Parts of the Home Worse than Others?
Is your home facing problems dealing with excess water? Call our SERVPRO team for water removal and remediation.
SERVPRO of Reading Can Assess your Property and Mitigate Loss after Water Intrusion
Materials can react differently when exposed to moisture. Gypsum board, for example, is a wood composite that may break apart when water is present. On the other hand, lumber floorboards may absorb water, causing warping, cupping, or buckling. Two critical factors in the amount of harm materials sustain are permeance and exposure time.
Acting fast to limit water damage in your Reading home can reduce damages by limiting exposure time. Quick responses may involve extracting water with a pump or extraction unit. Adjusting temperature and applying refrigerant dehumidification to the home can also reduce exposure times by evaporating moisture at a faster rate.
Low grain refrigerant dehumidifiers can be beneficial in restoring semi-permanent materials like hardwoods.
Moisture is measured by grain per pound (GPP). Reducing air moisture to below 40GPP can significantly advance the drying process.
Accessing restrictive spaces and applying ventilation through air-movers can dry cavities in the property and significantly reduce damage caused by exposure.
Limit losses by reducing water exposure. Contact SERVPRO of Reading for water damage help at (610) 779-8189.
Found mold? Team SERVPRO will search for the cause and remediate the damage. Standing by 365 days a year for your call.
SERVPRO Can Remove Mold-Infested Materials from your Kutztown Home and Reduce Microbial Growth
Kutztown is a small borough in the State of Pennsylvania. The borough is situated between Reading and Allentown, with a population of just 5,012 people. Kutztown is one of the most historically interesting with its eighteenth-century churches, some of them among the oldest Pennsylvania State structures. The initial town grew out of a large land purchase by George Kutz in 1755, from where the borough derives its name. The 130 acres of land were again purchased in 1785 before the borough finally became incorporated within the United States in 1815.
Kutztown's architecturally significant landmarks include H.K. Deisher Knitting Mill, built in 1881 and dedicated to mass-producing cotton garments. The Kutztown 1892 Public School is also on the register of historic places as a shining example of Fin-de-siecle Victorian architecture. The borough hosts an annual folk festival each year that is attended by residents and those residing in nearby Allentown. The tradition began in 1950 and celebrated the town founders' culture, artwork, and food. Combining both Dutch and German tradition, the event, which takes place every July at Whiteoak Street, is highly-anticipated throughout the summer.
The Crystal Cave is a stunning natural museum with unique rock formations and has had tours running since its discovery in 1871. Situated on Crystal Cave Road, treks through the subterranean passages last around one hour while the surrounding grounds span 150 acres. The attraction also has a museum, gift shop, cafe, and ice cream parlor open seasonally.
Pinnacle Ridge Winery is a highlight of Kutztown that opens to the public for tasting sessions, tours, and grape picking seasons. The tasting rooms are large enough for group events, while live music frequently occurs during the summer months. Special events are available for members of the winery.
Renningers Antiques & Farmers Market on Noble Street is a rare experience combining a collection of vendors selling antiques with baked goods, farm produce, and cafe. Visitors are recommended to attend early before the best antiques are gone from the outdoor flea market. During the summer months, Renningers has some excellent food stands.
SERVPRO Can Reduce the Impact of Mold in your Kutztown Home
Discovering mold in your property can be frustrating. Porous and semi-porous items can become infested by mold growth and require replacing to avoid cross-contamination with nearby materials. SERVPRO technicians understand how mold builds through a home environment and can use that knowledge to stem the tide of microbial growth. Using industry-leading equipment, we can return your property to a preloss condition.
Mold thrives in moist conditions. Using advanced structural cavity drying equipment, we can correct the moisture problem in your home.
Antimicrobial chemicals are specifically designed to target fungi and prevent them from building up through their growth stages.
Our deodorization procedures are comprehensive and can often improve the indoor air quality within your home.
Avoid long-term microbial growth issues. Contact SERVPRO of Reading for mold damage remediation at (610) 779-8189.
SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified and have all the necessary equipment to have your home back to preloss condition from any fire damage.
Even Limited Fires in Reading Can Have Long-Lasting Effects
The heat and flames of residential fires often stay limited to the room where they started. It is the smoke and odor residues that can spread throughout the home.
When fire damage happens in Reading, SERVPRO response teams begin work immediately. After a quick inspection, they determine what items can be cleaned and restored or have to be removed for disposal. Completing these tasks requires the following actions:
Carefully remove burned items to eliminate sources of odors and prevent spreading residues to uncontaminated parts of the home
Spraying affected surfaces with a cleaning agent that breaks down thick smoke and odor residues for easier removal
In addition to these first actions, team members also set up axial fans at entry and exit points to push odors and other residue particles out of the home, weather permitting. We also set up air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators to neutralize malodors.
To quickly repair or remove fire damage from your home, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.
The smallest of leaks in a bathroom may be hazardous. SERVPRO techs are IICRC certified. Water restoration is one of our specialities.
Even a Small Leak Costs Reading Homeowners Hundreds in Repairs
Many water leaks go unnoticed or are misunderstood for long periods. A little water near the refrigerator or dishwasher is usually shrugged off as a spill from getting ice or setting a dripping, rinsed item inside the washer.
Unfortunately, even small leaks can cost thousands in water restoration to Reading homes. That is why SERVPRO should be the first choice to restore area homes after an incident. Our response teams train extensively to stop leaks, repair them if possible, and restore the property to its original condition.
To reduce costs and preserve property, technicians perform a thorough inspection and then quickly begin these operations:
Storm damage is no DIY project. SERVPRO techs can handle any size flood restoration needed for your home. Our team is IICRC certified.
For Professional Flood Damage Remediation, call SERVPRO.
Reading has been a hub for manufacturing and commerce, thanks to the Schuylkill River's presence. The waterway then provides an avenue for businesses and individuals seeking to grow on the eastern seaboard and eventually expand westward.
Humble Beginnings
In 1748, Conrad Weisner established the first trading post in Reading at what is now 5th and Penn Street, just a short distance from Finney’s Ford, the original site for Reading selected by Thomas Penn. Weisner was a peacemaker, frontiersman, and arguably the first entrepreneur in this part of the New World.
By 1776, the location of Reading and the political upheaval in the colonies made the growing town and Berks County the hub center for storing the Colonial Army’s cannon, guns, and ammunition. The hundreds of forges built to create and maintain these weapons resulted in the area becoming a leader in iron and steel production after the War of Independence.
Water and Rail Transportation
The creation of the canal system between the Schuylkill River and Tulpehocken Creek in 1792 helped ensure that local coal and the nails, stoves, and tools produced here were delivered to outside markets where they were sold throughout the new nation. Once the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was established in 1833, products were shipped more quickly and cheaply, resulting in even more businesses being established here to create an economy that now was expanding into international markets.
As steel production improved and the railroads expanded, forges grew into foundries and factories. They turned out the new plows that could break up the tough prairie ground, rails that lasted longer with less maintenance so trains could travel farther than ever, and the hundreds of other items needed.
The History of Flooding in Reading
Part of the history of Reading is, of course, the weather and its results. Records of flooding of the Schuylkill River go back to 1869 with modern measurement methods beginning in 1972. Storm flooding is measured by how many feet it crested and the category of severity. Since 1972, there have been 17 recorded floods:
Minor flooding – 9 floods that crested less than 16 feet over the riverbanks
Moderate flooding – 6 floods that crested between 16 and 20.5 feet
Major flooding – 2 floods that crested 23.75 feet and higher
Remediating and Removing the Effects of Storm Flooding
No matter what category a flood falls into, the water contains soil, animal waste, and other contaminants it picked up before entering a home. After removing all standing water, SERVPRO specialists quickly complete these tasks to reduce the amount of physical damage and remove the source of many odors.
Lift and dispose of all carpets and carpet pads affected by the floodwater
Spray and clean all surfaces that were underwater with an anti-bacterial or an anti-fungal cleaning agent
Remove structural property that cannot be cleaned
To restore your home after a flood, contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.
Keep Your Reading Business Open with Professional Water Removal
Commercial water damage? SERVPRO can handle it. This is just some of the equipment available to restore your water damaged business.
SERVPRO can Mitigate Water Damage for Any Size Reading Business
Like much of Pennsylvania, Reading was settled by Germans. Even today, their roots are seen in the festivals, food, and traditions taking place in the town. As the county seat of Berks county, Reading is home to over 420,500 people. It is famous for the Reading Railroad. No longer in operation, it is one of the four railroads on the Monopoly game.
The Pretzel City
One of Reading's tourist attractions is outlet shopping. It was one of the first areas to create that particular industry. One of its most well-loved aspects is pretzels. Because of the various local pretzel bakeries, it became known as "The Pretzel City". There are several bakeries in production still, and they include:
Bachman
Dieffenbach
Tom Sturgis
Unique Pretzels
Reading is the place to visit if you want to sample various pretzels. From old fashioned salted pretzels to cheese-filled pretzels and all the dippings that go with them, Reading has it.
Bicycling Lover's Paradise
One of the things the area has become well known for is its cycling trails. There are five significant preserves in Reading, with over 125 miles of trails. Cyclists come from across the globe to ride the trails. The town is an International Mountain Bicycling Association Ride Center.
Brass Era
The city got a boost in economics during what is known as the Brass Era, which was an early time in automobile manufacturing. The term comes from the Brass fittings used on the vehicle for things like radiators and lights. This new form of transportation brought an industrial boom to Reading. During this time, the cars were known as horseless carriages, and people could go places they never dreamed they could before. Reading was home to several Brass era companies, including:
Daniels Motor Company
Duryea Motor Wagon Company
Reading-Standard Company
Much of Reading's prosperity came from heavy industry and railroads. When these began to go downhill, the town's fortune took a turn for the worse. The town's economy has always been impacted by the railroads. Today there are still railroads operating in and out of the area carrying both freight and people.
Flooding Impacts the City
Hurricane Agnes struck Reading in 1972, causing extensive flooding and severe damage to homes and businesses. The Schuylkill River overflowed its banks and inundated lower areas of the city. Another flood occurred in June of 2006, which caused severe damage.
SERVPRO Provides Commercial Water Removal
If your company has a water intrusion, you don't want to ignore it. Often, it can lead to situations such as standing water in lower levels, resulting in:
Moisture becoming absorbed by a porous material such as wood, insulation, and drywall.
Stored items and flooring can be impacted.
Structural degradation and deterioration of the materials.
Mold can develop within 24 hours.
SERVPRO can be there within hours and provide the necessary mitigation.
Water extraction and drying the facility is our top priority. We employ several techniques to enhance the drying, including:
Dehumidifiers
Industrial fans
Air movers
Moisture sensors
Chemical drying agents
Don't let your business stay out of business. Get the help you need and keep your company on track. For professional water removal in reading, contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
For storm damages in your home, trust the experts to thoroughly and effectively remove every trace of damage and moisture from your property.
Kutztown Residents Best Methods for Mediating Situations
When groups of people come together to work on a Kutztown project, the different personalities can cause all manner of conflict and disagreements. Learning how to embrace those situations as listening opportunities can help resolve conflict resolution rather than get angry and unproductive.
This one-day virtual workshop gives participants the knowledge and tools to manage situations before becoming stressed and uncontrollable. Learning the art of conflict resolution also assists individuals in becoming more successful. When the course gets completed, attendees receive a Certificate from Vistaedutech.
The training consists of lectures and role-playing to highlight specific situations that the participants may encounter and understand why conflicts sometimes arise in the workplace or other areas of life and what to do about it. The trainer breaks down conflicts so the root causes can get identified. Valuable information from case studies will also get presented.
Training Fee: $349
Date: January 25, 2020
Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 supports the local Kutztown community with any size flood removal services needed. The technicians have extensive training and experience to make the water damage, "Like it never even happened."
Enjoy a variety of delicious wines from home while SERVPRO takes care of your commercial fire restoration needs.
Participants Learn Tips and Tricks For Enjoying Sparkling Wines in Reading
The holidays are the perfect time to learn about Italian Sparkling Wines. Generally, in these wine classes, the focus is on wines from specific regions. This class is solely about the types of sparkling wines that Italy offers rather than specific regional offerings. Almost everyone knows what Prosecco is; attendees will also learn about sparkling creations such as Franciacorta, Asti DOC, and Vernaccia di Serrapetrona.
This event covers:
Differences that make up a sparkling wine
How to open a bottle like a pro
Learning about your wine from viewing the bubbles
This virtual experience occurs on Sunday, December 27, 2020, from 1 PM until 2 PM, and the cost per ticket is $8.85. All attendees should prepare snacks to enjoy with their tasting wines, such as charcuterie boards. Participants will get a wine list to obtain before the wine tasting.
When local properties need commercial fire restoration services, residents count on SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189. Our technicians are available 24/7 and arrive quickly.
Reading Residents Count On SERVPRO Among Water Restoration Companies
SERVPRO has the skilled technicians your property needs for thorough and effective water removal. Call the experts today at (610) 779-8189.
SERVPRO Has Advanced Equipment and Training That Stands Head and Shoulders Above Water Restoration Companies in Reading
The area now known as Reading did not get this name until around 1748. Previously, this intersection between two essential valleys of the East Penn-Lebanon Valley and the Schuylkill River carried the moniker of Finney's Ford. Later, two transplants from England, Thomas, and Richard Penn, drew up the town's plans and renamed it after the county seat from where they hailed from Berkshire.
When the Brits and the French fought over land claims and the fur trade during the French and Indian War, which lasted from 1754 until 1763, Reading became crucial during this time as a military base that supported a chain of forts that ran along the Blue Mountains. The town also became the hub of the iron industry. By the time of the American Revolution in 1776, iron ore products' total production exceeded that from English and directly assisted with supplying Washington's troops with the needed ammo and weapons, including cannons and rifles. The town has played a role in holding captured Hessian soldiers from the Battle of Trenton.
The iron ore, coal, and bulk cargo trade were the livelihoods of many early residents of Reading and the need to create an efficient way to transport the materials existed. In the early 1800s, canals were seen as the solution to this dilemma. The Schuylkill Canal completed in 1825, ran north-south, and connected the town with Philadelphia and the Delaware River. A few years later, The Union Canal completed in 1828, and joined the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Rivers, and ran from the city to Middletown, Pennsylvania, which is a few miles south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This was the standard method of moving around raw materials and bulk goods until the railroads' entrance in the late 1880s.
In the present, Reading is still an industrial city; in fact, the motto of the town is: "Deo Adjuvante Labor Proficit" ("Labor profits with the help of God"), but it no longer relies on canals or railroads as the delivery system. The area also is one of the centers for agriculture, including:
Field and forage crops
Poultry production
Meat and dairy
Reading Railroad
Anyone that plays the board game "Monopoly" has seen Reading Railroad as one of the options to purchase. This company was running from 1924 until 1976 and responsible for many materials throughout the Northeastern United States. However, with the decline of rail delivery systems' need, the company merged with Conrail in the mid-1970s. In the present, some of the top employers in the area are:
Reading Hospital
East Penn Manufacturing Company
Carpenter
Penske Truck Leasing
The Reading Prong
The town of Reading is the base of the beginning of the Reading Prong. This geological formation is part of the Appalachian Highlands and formed of mountains containing heavy deposits of crystalline metamorphic rock, one of the oldest types of rocks on the planet.
The Prong goes through Pennsylvania, the Northern part of New Jersey, and Southern New York, finally terminating in Connecticut. Rocks from the Prong are notable due to their high uranium concentrations, which is the root cause of radon as the mineral decays. The gaseous radon is a potential health hazard inside structures constructed along the Prong.
Great Places to Visit in Reading
The city of Reading has several cultural institutions of interest. Music enthusiasts can enjoy the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the Reading Choral Society. The GoggleWorks Art Gallery and the Reading Public Museum, and the Historical Society of Berks County all have regular exhibitions.
The city had several movie and theater palaces, which are examples of grand design and architecture. However, recession and time took their toll, and in the present, only one of these impressive structures still stands, The Rajah Shrine. The Astor Theatre got demolished in 1998; however, the Art Deco chandelier and wrought iron gates got rescued and are on permanent display inside The Sovereign Center, an arena built on the site of the Astor.
Sister City Program in Reading
The City of Reading and Reutlingen, Germany, formed a sister-city relationship and participated in a yearly student exchange. Students from the local high school can apply to become part of the trade and travel to Germany for two weeks to experience life in Reutlingen while two students from Germany come back to Reading. In 1992, the same program got adopted between Reading and Changzhi, Shanxi, China.
Reading Climate
The year-round weather in Reading is mild. July usually is the hottest month, with temperatures hitting around 80-degrees Fahrenheit and occasionally breaking 100-degrees. Winters are cold and often snowy, with temperatures averaging around 30-degrees Fahrenheit. Flooding from the Schuylkill River is an event that residents stay on the alert for as it is not uncommon, particularly after the remnants of hurricanes or tropical storms rolling through the region.
How Do Professional Water Restoration Companies Differ From DIY Methods?
When it comes to water damage cleanup in your Reading home, using water restoration companies such as SERVPRO rather than DIY methods to remove the water and dry your home can make a big difference in the outcome. The technicians undergo extensive training using the standards established by the IICRC ( Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
The standard advice for home cleanup of water damage usually involves using towels and box fans to remove and dry the property. This may work to give surfaces the appearance of being dry; however, this does little to nothing to address water that migrated behind walls or under flooring. This water has the potential to cause a host of issues to the structure, including:
Deterioration of sheetrock from wicking water causing buckling or shearing off
Foul musty odors that persist
Delamination of tile and ruination of laminated or hardwood floorboards
Potential for a favorable environment for mold growth
The technicians have an array of detection equipment, including infrared cameras and probes to locate water within a structure without the need to open walls or physically inspect the subfloor. The techs can use their extraction equipment to remove water and then follow up with their drying equipment that uses high-velocity air, forcing embedded moisture to rise where their professional dehumidification units capture it. This leads to complete drying of the structure, which gets verified post-drying to ensure no hidden areas of water remain on-site.
SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 stands out among water restoration companies in Reading as a professional firm local residents can count on for any size water damage cleanup needed.
Exeter Train Enthusiasts Unite for a Special Event
See the puffing trains, and SERVPRO can help remove puff back damage from your home.
Share your love of trains with many hobbyists from Exeter to Reading.
Hobbyists and craftspeople have known about Renninger’s Kutztown Antiques for decades. At several points throughout the year, the proprietor seeks to get like-minded enthusiasts together to share their passions, creations, and interface with one another. Such an event is scheduled to take place at Renninger’s on December 5th, 2020, from 8 AM – 2 PM.
This model train meet is being held in a large, open-air building on the property and will showcase countless engines, trains, tracks, parts, and scenery pieces on display and for sale. The event is taking place rain or shine and lets fans of model trains get together to share their creations, their passion, and see what is new on the market for this specific hobby niche.
You don’t need a smokestack to have furnace puff back damage in your house. Our SERVPRO of Reading team can help with fire damage cleanup in Exeter homes with industry-leading equipment and products. Give us a call at (610) 779-8189 to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Kutztown Residents Can Lose Their Blues at Stoudts
Enjoy jazz music while SERVPRO competes mold remediation in your business
See a live jazz performance at Stoudts, just a short drive from Kutztown
Jazz has one of the most versatile audiences globally, primarily because so many instruments play a part in bringing it to life. When you come out to the Stoudts Bier Garden Courtyard on November 27th, 2020, at 6 PM, you can experience some of the best local jazz music with the group So What. A combination of drums, bass, piano, sax, and soothing vocalizations provides a very casual atmosphere for your family and friends taking in the evening in Adamstown.
While capacities are still limited, Stoudts is offering this show for free. You have a full menu to choose from and order, and our bar with more than 20 taps. Brush up on state guidelines for safety before coming so that all can play a part in helping live music find a place back in the Reading area.
Water damage can lead to a need for mold remediation in Kutztown businesses. Our SERVPRO of Reading team can help with experienced remediators and fast, confident responses. Give us a call today at (610) 779-8189.
We have the tools and equipment to complete water damage restoration in your home.
SERVPRO Can Help Restore Your Home After Water Damage
As the fifth-largest city in Pennsylvania, it is no great surprise that the area has become intertwined with a considerable history and a present press for a better future. Between steps made to improve the economy and living conditions for the nearly 90,000 in the city of Reading, much of these efforts have to do with overcoming hardships through promoting greater reliance on local jobs, industry, and trades. In recent years, Reading and its surrounding communities have reached a point where more time and effort could get poured back into cultural centers, the arts, and live entertainment. The result has been an artistic renaissance for Berks County, and many structures play a role in this.
Historical Significance of Reading
While most would believe much of the history surrounding Reading is tied up in the namesake railroad line that once passed through the area, more has defined the city over the centuries since its founding in 1748. At this point, Reading would rely most on its iron production and mining, happily supplying George Washington's troops through the American Revolution with supplies like rifles, cannons, and ammunition. The town of Reading would play a critical role as a supply depot for Continental soldiers during this conflict.
Reading has always been an example of the adage 'feast or famine.' During the first few decades of the 1900s, the city would grow immensely, showering in the city's industrial ventures' successes in the Brass Era. In 1940, the nearly 120,000 residents would begin to shrink substantially as once-profitable industries began to disappear. In recent decades, the population has finally turned back to growth, after losing more than 40,000 residents to the peak of the 1930 Reading population at one point in the 1980 census.
Attractions and Cultural Allure
The upturn in population and potential ventures returning to the city means that the economy can again support the boom of artistry, creation, and entertainment. There are multiple venues and structures vital to these efforts and their display. As a visitor or a long-time resident of the Reading area, knowing where to learn about its history and its current artistic exhibitions helps support these projects and individuals. Here are some of the most widely recognized art, education, cultural, and historical centers in the Greater Reading area.
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
This museum is unique to the area, as it features restored warplanes and one-of-a-kind aviation vehicles for viewing audiences. There are more than 50 planes and aircraft available to view and tour in the museum. Many of these crafts are restored to flying condition and take part in national World War II events showcasing top vehicles from that era.
GoggleWorks Art Gallery
With a unique venue to create and experience art, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts has a clear mission of transforming lives through introducing and implementing art forms. One of the facility's focuses is the education of those that visit, and that is why there are eight studio areas devoted exclusively to teaching. While this is a historic location recognized nationally in 2006, the availability of art mediums and educational opportunities never wanes. GoggleWorks has exhibition galleries for local artists, a theatre, a restaurant, and more than 200 artists working in the building. Admission is always free, excluding special events.
Reading Public Museum
As much of this building is fixated on the history of Reading and Berks County, it is also worthwhile to note that beyond the artifacts and exhibits of early German settlers and Native American tribes, there is much more to explore. The building features an extensive natural history area with more than 25,000 specimens, an art gallery boasting more than 700 oil paintings by artists worldwide, and priceless collections of more than 11,000 first-class specimens of Native American culture.
Colleges and Universities
In total, there are four colleges and universities in the immediate area of Reading, which can dramatically add to the potential artistic upturn in the region and fairs and festivals. These schools can offer their students varying focuses and career paths, which brings a diverse group of students to the city every semester. These institutions include:
Penn State Berks
Alvernia University
Reading Area Community College
Albright College
These schools collectively provide an education for almost 13,000 students every semester, explaining how the arts have become such a significant driving force in the communities. Urban renewal efforts have encouraged students to get involved in the beautification of struggling neighborhoods in the city.
When Is Professional Water Restoration Necessary for Reading Homes?
With Berks County being susceptible to the harsh winter months, and cold snaps like the Polar Vortex in recent years, under-insulated pipes and fixtures can break, crack, and burst. Even without substantial water disasters, a persistent drip or excessive moisture might still be too considerable to clean and recover on your own.
With the Delaware Valley home to more than 420,000 people, a job for water restoration companies in Reading is never done. Water disasters encompass the most significant volume of the callouts that experienced professionals like our SERVPRO team receives, so we stay prepared for these situations with pre-stocked trailers and production vehicles in our warehouse. Mobilizing the Green Fleet quickly protects more of a damaged home before the conditions become irreparable or irreversible.
Experienced professionals on our roster can ensure that the work gets done efficiently and thoroughly. Whether it is mitigation tasks like extraction to the intricate steps of thoroughly drying moisture-damaged structural elements and contents, we have the industry-leading equipment to do it. In addition to a growing inventory of quality tools, each of our technicians has a minimum of Water Restoration Technician (WRT) training and accreditation through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.)
Choosing professional water restoration can ensure that worsening conditions like mold growth cannot occur. Thorough cleaning, drying, and water removal services are only a call away. You can reach our SERVPRO of Reading team 24/7 at (610) 779-8189.
Top Secret: License to Spy at the Reading Public Museum
It will be exciting to see the community at the Reading Public Museum.
The World of Espionage Comes to Life in Reading
If you are like a good many people who are fascinated by the world of spies and espionage, you will love this event. It happens every Saturday and Sunday through January 10, 2021. The exhibit is open 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM on both days and is for spy aficionados of all ages. When you explore the exhibit, you will:
Gather intelligence needed to complete the mission
Break codes crucial to your success
Uncover microdots with hidden information
Use spy satellites
Create elusive disguises
It is a behind the scenes look at the espionage world with life-like sets and fun activities. It is a unique scientific adventure that brings the top-secret arena to light.
Top Secret Birthday Party
Through December 31, 2020, you can also book an action-packed Top Secret birthday party. The package includes:
Detective themed games
Espionage Crafts
Spy activities
A visit to the exhibit
It is no secret SERVPRO of Reading offers commercial storm cleanup to Reading companies. Contact us at (610) 779-8180 for more information on how we can help your business get back to business after a storm.
What Are Some of the Primary Causes of Commercial Fires?
Fires can happen at any time. No matter how big or small, contact SERVPRO for fire damage remediation services.
SERVPRO is Here to Help with fire damages from any source.
Preventing fires in commercial buildings in Exeter, especially some of the more common ones, is relatively straightforward. For example, many business owners are surprised to learn that a fire started in a common area, or near a water heater. The fire's damage and the loss of business while the restoration is underway can significantly impact the business.
SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Our teams have seen many fire sites where the fire could have been prevented. Rest assured that we can be on-site to begin cleanup and restoration in less than four hours and return your business to normal operations as soon as possible.
Several of the more common causes of commercial fires include:
Misusing equipment by untrained or careless employees
Improperly discarded cigarettes
Poorly maintained boilers, water heaters, or heating systems
Electrical and heating systems maintained by unlicensed technicians
Our team is available 24/7 to begin restoration and mitigate further damage caused by materials utilized by the fire department to control the fire.
How Long Will It Take to Return the Property to Its Original Condition?
Every fire restoration project is different in terms of the extent of the physical damage, the impact of water and fire retardants used by the fire department, and smoke/soot that may have spread throughout the building. One of SERVPRO's team leaders assesses the damage before developing a plan to restore your business. Details are discussed with the business owner and the insurance company if required.
Fire damage restoration can include the following actions:
Removal of all materials that cannot be repaired
Smoke and odor damaged materials are removed for cleaning and deodorization
Professional cleaning of all surfaces
Restoration of damaged structures and commercial materials
At SERVPRO, we aim to return your commercials space to its original condition, "Like it never even happened."
Call SERVPRO of Reading (610) 779-8189 for help with fire damage to your commercial building or business.
How Can a Small Water Leak Become a Substantial Concern?
SERVPRO assess, plans, removes debris, shores up structural weaknesses, fixes the leak, and restores this Reading water damaged home
Over time, steady leaks can overwhelm building materials and create a considerable mess to clean in Reading homes
Water damage emergencies do not always get recognized immediately in Readinghomes. In fact, there are many instances where a leak can persist for days or weeks without notice. These situations significantly test the limitations of building materials. When drywall, insulation, and other ceiling system materials become impacted by a water leak, we must work quickly to clean up the mess and repair these damages.
A water leak in your Reading home can be much more of an immediate concern when it quickly begins to impact areas of your ceiling system closest to the plumbing breach. From frozen pipes in the winter to scaling and throttling of galvanized and lead service lines from older homes, breaks, and holes can form that can result in substantial water loss. You might also only experience a leak that persists unnoticed for many days before it becomes overbearing on the nearby installed materials and collapses.
What Materials Exist in Ceiling Systems?
There are no installed elements of a ceiling system and subsequent floor system in your house that cannot become overwhelmed by saturation concerns. A consistent, even minor leak on this hidden network of plumbing can quickly expose immediate materials to this clean water. The longer a threat like this persists, the more likely the damage goes farther than the surrounding materials. Because the closest areas become the most overwhelmed by the steady flow or presence of water until they succumb to the added weight and collapse, the windows of opportunity for repairing and replacing those elements are highly limited.
The standard composition of a ceiling system includes:
Can Leaks Get Identified Before Irreparable Damage?
While in situations where structural collapses have occurred where the ceiling falls out under the immense pressures and presence of water, you might not notice these concerns all at once. Instead, potential flooding or leaking of fixtures and plumbing can leave our professionals seeking the best possible solution for efficient water removal and cleanup. If you are attempting to find where a leak or drip in your service lines might be, inspect the ceiling and wall materials for a few telling signs:
Damp spots
Water staining
Sagging Materials
What Immediate Repairs Must Occur After a Ceiling Collapse?
Repairs are among the essential services our SERVPRO team can offer after a structural collapse and widespread water damage. One steady leak could substantially impact the entire property, so knowing what repairs and reconstruction are necessary is vital. Because you are not pursuing a secondary company for building trade services, we can be much more versatile in the tasks that these professionals of our team perform when working on your house. Some of these actions include:
Debris Cleanup – After a ceiling collapse, you have heaps of material in the middle of the room as shown in the Photo. You cannot begin to assess the full scope of the damage until ruined materials get removed and discarded.
Plumbing Repairs – When our team first arrives, especially if a ceiling collapse has already occurred, we must note the exposed plumbing and determine where a breach might exist.
Controlled Demolition – We must determine the extent of the damage to materials still installed to the ceiling studs and second-floor joists. Wicking of moisture can lead to further collapse and deterioration, so we establish dry lines and remove any impacted materials still in the damaged area like insulation and drywall.
Is Extraction Necessary Without Pooling Surface Water?
Extraction can often be a misleading term for water restoration services that our SERVPRO team provides. While this word often leads to images of several inches of standing water getting pumped out with advanced, high-powered tools and equipment, it can also showcase some of the more subtle tools in our inventory. Extracting water can also mean the trapped water inside porous materials near the damage site, including plywood subflooring, carpeting, and cabinetry. There are multiple elements used to reduce water and moisture pockets in the walls and structural cavities, often this falls to a combination of extraction devices and evaporative drying techniques like centrifugal air movers, heaters, and positive pressure systems.
Because there are so many different types of water damage incidents that could impact your home, it is recommended to seek the experience and advanced technologies of our SERVPRO of Reading team. With a fast response and experienced technicians available 24/7, that leak in your kitchen or second floor does not have to become a must costlier concern over time. Give our team a call today at (610) 779-8189.
What Tools Make Professional Fire Restoration Most Efficient?
We can sweep in and take away all your fire fears in Reading as soon as they appear.
Our SERVPRO professionals can work to quickly recover fire-damaged Reading homes using several powerful tools and practices.
Often Readinghomeowners do not have a choice but to pursue the knowledge and experience of restoration professionals after a fire. Insurance companies covering these properties want to ensure that the work done in the house restores the structure to its pre-fire conditions. As a preferred vendor in the area, many providers contact us directly when their clients and customers suffer losses.
Because fire restoration in Reading homes and businesses is so involved and complex, it often requires dozens of different tools, pieces of equipment, and specialty products to manage. With so many levels to fully restoring a home, from removing soot and smoke residues to contending with lingering odors, the right equipment and cleaning approach for these situations becomes vital to the mitigation process when our SERVPRO team first arrives. Some of the areas that we can help your home include:
Deodorization – While removing harsh, lingering odors is among the final stages of fire restoration in a home, there are several potential paths that our technicians can take, including fogging, ozone, and hydroxyl generators.
Cleaning – Removing residues and soils from surfaces involves several potent solvents, chemicals, and detergents depending on the material affected and the type of smoke residue present.
Air Filtration – Circulating particles of soot and other contaminants after a fire can become hazards for those exposed. Air scrubbers and hydroxyl machines can utilize HEPA filtration to clean up the environment.
Can SERVPRO Help with Reconstruction As Well?
For many fire disasters, repairs and reconstruction are inevitable. Having a team of general contractors along with our SERVPRO restoration technicians means that these secondary recovery tasks happen immediately after mitigation.
After a fire, our SERVPRO of Reading team can quickly reach your home to begin vital mitigation tasks to reduce your losses. Give us a call at (610) 779-8189.
What Do I Need to Know About Mold Remediation Companies?
Kutztown mold remediation and demolition are best left to superior companies like SERVPRO--Done Right the First Time!
Any Kutztown Home Can Have a Mold Problem – Know What to Look for in a Professional Mold Removal Business
You cannot escape mold spores. They surround us every day, traveling through the air, hitching a ride on your clothes, and spreading through HVAC systems. When you add moisture and high humidity into the mix, you have a problem. When considering mold remediation in Kutztown, there are some things you should look for before hiring a particular company.
What Are the Qualifications of a Good Mold Remediation Specialist?
Mold removal companies in Kutztown should have the correct certification needed for dealing with mold. SERVRPRO’s technicians are trained as Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) and are Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified. They should also have any local licensing required for mold removal.
Understanding the Process
The company you hire should be able to explain to you the mold removal process clearly. If they make it confusing or try to use scare tactics involving mold, move on to another restoration business. Professional mold removal involves:
Containment – Includes physical barriers and negative airflow.
Moisture removal – Mold remediation cannot begin until the water problem is addressed.
Professional equipment – HEPA products and commercial equipment should be used.
Air Purification – Cleaning the spores from the air is vital.
Antimicrobial Cleaners – Any affected surface gets treated with this and antifungals.
Proper Disposal – Irreparable items such as drywall needs to be disposed of correctly.
Sealants or Encapsulants – Prevents mold from reoccurring.
Experienced Mold Remediation Services
Experience is another important aspect of mold removal companies. SERVPRO has years of experience in providing mold damage cleanup for homes throughout the Kutztown area. Our techs are continually learning and implementing the latest techniques. Check out our review that we proudly display.
Contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 when you are looking at mold removal companies. We have the experience, expertise, and equipment needed to get the job done right.
Day or Night, SERVPRO Can Arrive for Fire Damage Emergencies in the Reading Area. Give us a call at (610) 779-8189, We are always available.
SERVPRO Arrives Right After the Fire Trucks Leave to Start Assessing Damages.
When Can Guests Retrieve Their Belongings?
A fire in a single hotel room can cause a great deal of damage to the room and perhaps adjacent rooms in a Reading motel. There is the odor of smoke that seems to permeate everything nearby. Guests responding to emergency evacuation alarms leave their rooms without their belongings while the fire department deals with the fire. Many need access to their items as soon as it is safe to re-enter the building.
After the fire department has departed and the building is declared safe to re-enter, SERVPRO can assess the fire damage. They can work with your Reading management team to establish a plan for guests to retrieve their belongings while staying safe and clear of any fire damaged areas. Much of the hotel and guest contents in damaged rooms may also be destroyed by the fire, smoke odors, or materials used to quell the fire. Our team can work closely with guests and management to catalog everything and determine what needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Can Smoke Odors Be Removed in Undamaged Rooms?
We train our Reading SERVPRO smoke restoration technicians to recognize the various types of smoke particles caused by different types of fires. The amount of exposure time, the temperature of the fire, the material that burned, the humidity, and the porosity of the materials absorbing smoke residue all play a factor. Once our people have assessed the situation, a plan is prepared to deal with each fire and the items exposed to the fire.
All materials that have been burned or charred, and debris from the fire are odor sources. These items, including structural components, must be cleaned or removed from the building. Once these odor sources are extracted, SERVPRO can focus on deodorizing adjacent rooms.
We clean all hard surface items, removing all odors. Walls, ceilings, and flooring materials are also cleaned. Various fabrics, such as towels, bedding, and mattresses, can often be cleaned. However, there is a trade-off in terms of cleaning costs vs. replacement.
Call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 to assist with your emergency fire damage, recovery, and restoration needs.
If you are concerned about water damaged carpets, give SERVPRO of Reading a call at (610) 779-8189.
Why Reading Homeowners Need To Maintain Carpets Before Water Damage Can Occur
Homeowners in the Reading area know how important it is to look after their home décor. From the carpets to the drapes and the woodwork to the wallpaper, well-maintained home décor helps maintain property values. It is typically much more costly to replace something than to maintain it.
Water damage in Reading is a genuine concern. A leaking pipe, a broken appliance, or even water seeping in from a door or window, can wreak havoc with your carpets. You might wonder why we are talking about carpet maintenance – after all, by the time a carpet gets wet, the damage has already been done. However, SERVPRO experts know that looking after your carpet now can make a big difference to any salvage efforts after water damage.
Why is carpet maintenance important?
After water damage, there is a good chance that your carpet will be wet, and frankly not very pleasant. We train our teams to clean and dry damaged carpets and leave them “Like it never even happened.” However, the result we can get from cleaning is dependent upon the state of the carpet. If your carpet is already stained and frayed and worn around the edges, it will be harder to get a good result than if your carpet was in excellent condition.
What should I do to maintain my carpet?
SERVPRO of Reading recommends the following easy steps to keep your carpet clean:
• Put doormats at the entrances to your home and encourage people to use them before entering • Ask family and guests to remove shoes at the door and use only slippers, socks or bare feet when walking on your carpet • Vacuum your carpet regularly – every day is ideal but if you cannot manage that at least three or four times a week • Deal with stains as soon as they happen – the longer you leave dirt and stains, the more ground in they become • Steam clean your carpet regularly (always check with the manufacturer before using any chemicals) • We also suggest eep cleaning your carpet at least once a year (again, always check with the manufacturer before using any chemicals) • A well-looked-after carpet lasts a lot longer, looks a lot nicer, and is easier to clean in the event of flood damage mitigation, too.
What can SERVPRO do to help my carpet?
In the event of water damage, our team can help restore your carpet to its former glory. The most common carpet cleaning methods are:
• Bonnet cleaning uses a product called Bonnet Brite to deal with light soiling, leaving carpets fresh and dry in thirty minutes • Hot water extraction uses an extraction machine and emulsifying product to deal with light to moderate soiling, leaving carpets fresh and dry in six-twelve hours • Deluxe precondition and rinse is suitable for moderate to heavy soiling and uses a powerful preconditioning product to prepare the carpet for hot water extractions • Rotary jet extraction is very similar to deluxe precondition and rinse, except that instead of a carpet wand, the technician uses an RX-20 extractor for additional agitation to loosen dirt • Showcase cleaning uses a two-step process to shampoo and extract carpets and is suitable for heavier soiling and more severe flood damage
We train our technicians to use each method effectively and clean your carpet to the highest possible standard in the given circumstances. You can rest assured that we will discuss cleaning plans with you before we start.
How does SERVPRO know which cleaning method is safest?
Not every cleanup method is suitable for every type of carpet. The most appropriate method depends on many factors, such as the fibers in the carpet, the wear and tear on it, how dirty it is already, and how much storm damage has occurred.
Our technicians carry out a range of tests to decide which cleaning method is best for you. These include:
• Burn tests, chemical tests, and specific gravity tests to identify the type of fibers • Color bleeding tests on multi-colored carpets • Color loss and crocking tests on solid-colored carpets
We also assess your carpet for wear and tear, over-stretched sections, footprints, and trackmarks, fraying, and any other stains or irregularities. We use the test results combined with our assessment of the damage, to decide on the best testing method for the circumstances.
What about carpet drying?
Damp carpets are ideal spots for spore growth, which is why drying is an essential part of SERVPRO water damage restoration. We use a mix of air movers, fans, dehumidifiers, and even air scrubbers to dry and deodorize your carpets, leaving them fresh and clean once more.
If you are concerned about water damaged carpets, give SERVPRO of Reading a call at (610) 779-8189.
A Recent Storm Left Me Dealing with Flood Damage in My Property. Where Should I Seek Help?
Call SERVPRO to restore your home. We can make it. "Like it never even happened."
Call SERVPRO Technicians to Conduct Flood Damage Restoration in Your Kutztown Property
After a storm, flooding is among the few things that make homeowners feel helpless because of the damage it causes. If your Kutztown property is affected by a flood, it is essential to take quick action to prevent additional destruction. SERVPRO technicians can help you restore your property within a short time.
Why should I hire a professional restorer?
The storm flood damage in your Kutztown property can pose several potential hazards to your family. Floodwater may contain several contaminants. Therefore, it is best to let a experienced and qualified professional restorer handle the cleanup since we have the skill and decades of experience restoring flood-damaged homes. We can repair your property as soon as possible to get back to your routine.
What is flood damage restoration, and how can I minimize damage?
Flood restoration in Kutztown involves removing water, decontaminating the affected areas, drying, and deodorizing the property. A swift and effective restoration process minimizes the repair costs. Our technicians advise our customers to take the following steps in the aftermath of a flood to reduce risks:
Try turn off both the gas and electricity supply into your property to limit the risk of electrical shock and gas leaks.
Try to move valuable possessions and furniture from the ground. That can minimize their chances of being damaged.
Since floodwater contains various contaminants, make sure everyone leaves the affected area.
You can let SERVPRO professionals carry out all the work on your property after a flood. We understand the damage that floodwater can cause, and we have access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools that help us complete the restoration process.
Can you extract the muddy water in my property sufficiently?
With our hi-tech equipment, we can extract the floodwater in your property effectively. Our technicians can use self-priming trash pumps to remove the floodwater that contains leaves, plants, and other debris. Trash pumps can carry fluid laden with mud or sand.
Can you eliminate the foul odors?
Your home may have odors since floodwater may tag along with dead animals and decaying plants. Sufficiently removing moisture helps minimize odors. We also have products and equipment that can combat the odors and leave your property smelling fresh. We can use a water-based odor counteractant such as odor control water-based cinnamon to do away with the scents. Our technicians can also use thermal foggers to eliminate bad odors. After our thorough restoration process, you can be sure that your family lives in a safe environment.
Do not wait until floodwater ruins your home significantly—contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 to restore your property quickly. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Structure fires in Reading can be destructive, but with a better understanding of the damage and spread, we can arrive with the right tools and technologies to help.
The first impression that we could provide Reading homeowners after a fire loss incident is critical. Thus, our project manager responds immediately to emergencies as they happen to ensure that we are there when you need us, even if you have not been cleared to re-enter the property. Job scoping is a method our SERVPRO team utilizes to understand better the damage in your home and what processes are required to return the structure to the preloss condition as quickly as possible.
What Happens During the Walkthrough?
While fire damage in Reading homes might feel overwhelming, we can take these opportunities to work with our customers to identify both the source of the fire and any pre-existing conditions. Listening to our customers' concerns helps them through the expected anxieties and stresses of fire loss incidents while still allowing our professionals to document impacted areas. This data gets entered in our Xactimate and DryBook software for the consideration of responding technicians and insurance adjusters.
What Does an Inspection Seek to Provide?
One of the reasons that job scoping and structure evaluation is critical in the earliest stages of recovery is how much safer it can make the recovery process. During our inspection of the grounds, we can identify not only the affected areas and service needs but also potential safety hazards and compromising environmental conditions that could impact the responding technicians. Also, scoping seeks to provide:
Addressing Customer Concerns
Documenting Damage
Cataloging Loss
Photographic Evidence of the Scene
Careful consideration in structural and content damage after a fire loss can prepare our restoration technicians for what to expect when they reach your damaged address. Our SERVPRO of Reading team is available 24/7 at (610) 779-8189.
SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 is available 24/7 to clean up flood damage in your home.
SERVPRO knows fast action is crucial after storms damage your Reading home
After a line of storms rolls through, there are numerous ways a Reading home can receive damage such as: • Tree limbs damaging roofing or breaking windows • Floodwater entering the home • Hailstones can break windows or ruin shingles • This type of loss requires a rapid start to the cleanup because the longer the high moisture conditions remain in the home, the greater the potential for loss.
How Does SERVPRO Handle Flood Damage and Typical Types of Storm Loss?
The certified techs want to get on-site as soon as feasible after flood damage occurs in a Reading home. The speed at which the restoration services begin has a bearing on the outcome for the property.
Preliminary efforts usually involve temporary repairs to the property, such as tarping over a damaged roof caused by high winds or boarding up a broken window from a hailstorm or a tree limb. This inhibits any further water from entering the property during the cleanup until permanent repairs can get made.
Extraction is a lot more than using a wet/dry vacuum anywhere there is water left behind within the property. SERVPRO techs approach water removal scientifically using their advanced moisture detection equipment to track the migration path of the water remaining within the structure. It is not uncommon for the technicians to arrive on-site and find little to no standing water due to the fact it has both receded and gotten absorbed within the building materials, and that is where the problems can begin such as: • Mold • Foul odors • Deteriorated portions of walls and ceilings • Delamination of tile and glue-down carpet
Through the use of their powerful extraction equipment, they can pull up the maximum amount of moisture. The techs perform the water removal phase until they get to the stage of doing "dry passes," meaning no further moisture comes up when the extractor head passes over a surface. When the water includes mud and debris, despite its unattractive name of "trash pump" these truck-mounted units can pull out copious amounts of water, dirt, and anything that came in the home with it quickly.
It is not uncommon for floodwater to contain harmful bacteria and sewage. Therefore no one in the home should come into contact with it, and if it is feasible, staying in another location until the restoration services get completed is a good idea. The techs don head to toe protective equipment to ensure the water gets handled safely and disposed of properly following local regulations for treating biohazard-level wastewater also referred to as black water.
Can Household Fans Dry a Home After Floodwater Enters?
Box fans and other consumer models do not have the airflow velocity to dry any home in the short-term successfully. The technicians have extensive training in the science of psychrometry, and that is the study of moisture and air. They know how to bring down elevated interior humidity levels rapidly and bring them below the sustainable percentages that are favorable for mold growth.
When drying a home, the techs utilize three main pieces of equipment. They use air movers to deliver warm, dry air within the structure, dehumidification units to capture any moisture remaining and port it off-site, and finally, air scrubbers to grab any airborne particles, including mold spores, and catch them in their maze of HEPA filtration to improve interior air quality.
Disinfection and Mold Prevention are Key Elements of Cleanup
After flood loss hits, the techs work diligently to return the home to a sanitary state for habitation. They remove loss items that took on the floodwater, such as carpet and upholstered furnishings. House contents such as hardwood furniture might have restoration potential if exposure to the water did not crack or damage joints. SERVPRO techs have access to a broad selection of specially formulated cleaning agents for various surfaces and applications, such as antibacterial and antimicrobial solutions.
If any remaining water odors are present, the techs may perform a final step of odor control to ensure the house does not have any musty scents left behind before any of the needed post-flood loss repairs take place. Thermal fogging is one of the most thorough ways to eradicate odors of all types through the use of a heated fog that does not introduce any moisture back into the property.
SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 is available 24/7 to clean up flood damage in your home. No matter how large the scale of loss is, the techs work to bring your home back to its preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”
Can My Plumber Fix Water Damage to my Reading Home?
SERVPRO knows best when it comes to your Reading water damage. Call us today.
Plumbers are Essential to Reading Homes with Leaks, but a Water Restoration Technician Can Restore Your Home After the Leaks are Fixed.
The age of your Reading home, weather, and topography can all play a role when disaster strikes. Older pipes can burst at a moment's notice, allowing water into your home, soaking carpets, hardwood floors, and fixtures. Once the source of water is under control, and the leak is no longer active, it is best to reach out to a reputable remediation company to repair collateral damage.
In Reading, your partner in water removal is our SERVPRO staff. Failure to address any water left behind by a leak can only set the stage for mold problems later or the proliferation of bacteria. As we inspect your home, we use state-of-the-art equipment to identify problem areas where water might be hiding, and we prepare to extract it. By calling our 24/7 hotline, you access our technical and practical expertise in water removal matters.
Where does water hide after a leak?
Water can seep in visible places such as carpets, but it can also hide within wall cavities or under hardwood floors. Our SERVPRO staff uses infra-red technology to detect excess moisture and proceeds with extraction. Some essential tools to remove water include pumps of varying strength, from truck-mounted to handheld, as well as air circulators and dehumidifiers. Some specialty drying situations could also include the use of the following:
Injectidry which allows us to circulate warm air behind your walls
Drying mats which can help dry subfloors
Freeze drying to preserve documents and paper products
Regardless of your need SERVPRO of Reading is at your service. Call us as soon as your emergency happens and let us be your resource throughout this crisis. Like you, we want to minimize your loss in both time and money, so this event becomes merely a memory. Reach our expert team at (610) 779-8189 and let us leave your home, "Like it never even happened."
How Do I Dry Out My Business After a Water Intrusion?
Yes, water damage happens in Reading area laundromats!! But, SERVPRO restores the facility to functionality--real fast with water removal and drying
Call SERVPRO to Restore Your Business Location in Reading
Even a laundromat in the Reading area can only handle so much water in the wrong places. If left unattended, even a small amount of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
It’s a Laundromat. Is It Necessary to Get Rid of the Water?
For commercial water restoration in a Reading laundromat, drying and repairing everything that’s out-of-sight is what keeps the facility ready for customers. SERVPRO restoration teams can perform every task needed from laying new linoleum to replacing a suspended ceiling.
Isn’t it Impossible to Completely Dry Out My Business?
Yes, but that is not what we do. If an environment is too dry, it can cause wall framing and other wood supports to split and crack. Too little moisture can also cause some glues to fail when it comes to carpeting and linoleum. Our technicians make certain the interior moisture, or humidity is in the correct range to reduce water damage and still provide a comfortable environment for customers. To do that, we use the following devices:
Axial Fans to immediately begin pulling damp air out of the building.
Extraction Wands to draw moisture out of wall spaces. Operators also use a heating element option to help prevent the glue from absorbing too much moisture, which causes carpet and linoleum to lift and form air bubbles.
Air Movers to force warm air into every space, carefully drying out each one without further damage.
Moisture Meters to ensure every affected point in the laundromat is in the correct range of humidity once technicians finish.
Water Can Cause Odor and Mold Problems; Can Your Technicians Stop Those Too?
Yes. SERVPRO uses a series of anti-bacterial cleaning agents that neutralize odor particles and also destroy mold spores.
No matter how much or how little water has entered your building, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 today to restore and reopen it for customers. We are here for you to protect your equipment from water damage.
Water loss events happen. Call SERVPRO should water invade your home.
SERVPRO Works Efficiently to Mitigate Losses and Apply Cost-effective Water Restoration to your Kutztown Home.
Do I need water mitigation or restoration?
A professional restoration company uses both mitigation and restoration to return your Kutztown home to its preloss condition. Mitigation typically occurs in the first few hours of a water emergency, focusing on preventing your home or contents from sustaining further damages. Mitigation procedures could include removing excess moisture from home or setting up dehumidification and drying goals to avoid mold growth. We may also move contents out of harm's way while the structure is drying so that we can apply specific mitigation to items like furniture- blocking furniture to remove it from water exposure is a standard contents mitigation technique. On the other hand, restoration focuses on returning items that were damaged by a water incident to their preloss condition. A typical restoration procedure is to refinish walls or surfaces once they are clean and dry.
What qualifications do professional water technicians need?
To perform effective water restoration in communities like Kutztown, technicians need to undergo hundreds of hours of training as well as having experience working in residential properties. Our technicians hold qualifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certifications (IICRC) as a testament to their expertise. Without certifiable quality, you may find that a water restoration project takes much longer than expected or that your home suffers from secondary damages further down the line. SERVPRO are experts at identifying potential water issues, mitigating, and restoring them. By performing these tasks in time and measuring the results professionally, we can protect your home against recurring problems.
How do I measure the extent of water damage?
Find the source of water and work outwardly noting wet areas or other visible symptoms
Use a moisture meter to probe semi-porous surfaces or furniture and evaluate the level of moisture content in materials
Are wet building materials salvageable?
When the construction materials used in your home get wet, they can become hotbeds of microbial growth activity. These can cause unpleasant secondary effects like mold growth as well as unpleasant odors. However, most materials are either inexpensive to replace or resilient to water absorption. SERVPRO can use desiccant dehumidifiers, which use a silica gel to remove moisture from the surrounding area. In an enclosed environment like your home, these dehumidifiers can dry the air to below 40 grains (of water) per pound. At forty GPP, the air is dry enough to draw moisture from wet content. We use this method for drying out furniture, upholstery, and textiles as well as gypsum board or subfloor materials. In some situations, there may be water contamination issues. These issues are problematic because they can affect any materials that absorb water. In these situations, technicians may need to remove building materials and replace them entirely. Usually, building materials that we change are relatively inexpensive. SERVPRO technicians continually return and measure the effectiveness of dehumidification drying to ensure our restoration project remains on-time.
How can you produce time estimates for restoration?
When your Kutztown home suffers from water intrusion, it is understandable to want accurate restoration times to allow you to adapt your schedule. Our technicians can accurately predict the length of time it takes to restore your property by performing in-depth inspections at the beginning of service. However, not all restoration is the same, and sometimes outcomes are not as expected. These variables are tough to predict, which is why SERVPRO technicians monitor results at least every twenty-four hours to ensure that our drying strategy is going to plan. Monitoring relies on observation, inspection using tools, and then documenting the changes. The process of control allows us to produce time estimates or to adjust our drying strategy. Strategy adjustments may include using more powerful equipment or removing physical obstacles like drywall to restore cavities.
How can I prevent mold growth after water intrusion?
Thoroughly dry the affected area and remove any wet contents to a separate area of the home like a garage
Use a dehumidifier to complete the drying of wet materials and return regularly to measure the dehumidifier's effectiveness and the overall effect on indoor humidity
Assess wall cavities and subfloor for potential water migration
Treat the affected area using anti-microbial chemicals. These can include anti-microbial primer, spray-on washing, carpet cleaners and varnishes
There are several ways that water intrusion can transform your home both during and after the event. To mitigate losses and restore your home, contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.
What Is the Quickest Method to Remove Flood Water From My Reading Home?
If you have any water across your floors, contact SERVPRO of Reading today at (610) 779-8189.
For Fast, Professional Service after A Flood in Reading, contact SERVPRO
A storm can drop a heavy amount of water into an area home in only a few hours. Eliminating this threat in your home requires a trained response team to quickly move in and draw it out before the water destroys both personal and structural property in Reading.
How does SERVPRO accomplish this?
Flood water removal in Reading homes requires two major steps. First, our specialists pump out the standing or visible water. To do this, we use commercial grade pumps with options not available at DIY and other retailers.
• Multiple level settings for drawing off every amount from a foot of water in a basement to an inch of water resting on top of the living room carpet. • Variable speed settings, so specialists do not pull up small items off the floor.
What is the Next Step?
Team members next draw off any water trapped in carpets, flooring material, walls, and personal property like chairs and tables. For this, they use three devices in your home.
• Fans to draw damp air out of the interior and force it outside. • Dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of the air. • Air movers to force warm air across floors and walls which pushes moisture out where it is captured by the dehumidifiers or carried out by the fans.
What about the Soil and other Filth left in My Home by the Flood Water?
SERVPRO specialists remove not just the physical contaminants left after removing the water, they also clean every affected surface in your home. This action also serves to reduce and eliminate future threats from mold and other fungi. It also helps eliminate the musty odor left behind after a flood.
If you have any water across your floors, contact SERVPRO of Reading today at (610) 779-8189. We can quickly schedule a service call and start restoring your home to its original, clean condition.
What NOT to Do After Water Damage to Your Reading Area Home?
SERVPRO Technicians Urge You to Make Quick Decisions When it Comes to Water Damage Restoration
SERVPRO Technicians Have 2 Main Tips for You During Your Water Damage Crisis
When your home has suffered extensive water damage after a broken pipe or flooding, your first instinct may be to start cleaning up the mess. As strange as it sounds, this may not be the best course of action. If you plan on filing a claim with your insurance company, you’ll need to provide evidence of the damage and get approval before making any repairs. Not only that, hiring a professional water damage mitigation service in Reading, PA, to handle the clean-up and restoration of your home can save you time and money.
1. Don’t Throw Anything Away
Before you throw away any possessions damaged by a broken pipe or flood, you’ll need to photograph or video them, record their make, model, age and condition and allow a claims adjuster to inspect them. It’s also worth letting a water damage expert assess the damage too. They have specialized equipment for drying, cleaning, deodorizing and restoring everything from furniture to photographs, so there’s a fair chance they can salvage damaged possessions.
2. Don’t Try To Remove the Water Yourself
As distressing as it is to see so much water in your home, don’t try to get rid of it yourself. Again, you’ll need to have the damage assessed by an adjuster before you begin clean-up. When you contact your insurance company, talk to them about hiring your own public adjuster to do the assessment as a way to speed the process along.
Experts in water damage mitigation have access to specialized equipment that will make water removal faster, more efficient and much easier than anything you can do on your own. Their industrial de-humidifiers and fans can dry out your belongings before they begin to grow mold, saving you the cost of replacing furniture and carpets.
It’s easy to panic when a broken pipe or other disaster floods your home, causing extensive water damage. Whatever you do, however, don’t throw anything away or try to remove the water yourself until you file an insurance claim and talk to a water damage expert in Reading, PA.
Call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Boyertown, Exeter, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.
Let us help you get back to business
As our communities re-open in Reading, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Extensive training and specialized products
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.
From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.
3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify
When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.
Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. 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 hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation
We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
Call SERVPRO of Reading today at (610) 779-8189 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
Should I Really Be Concerned with Removing Dryer Lint?
An estimated 2,900 residential fires per year identify a dryer issue like lint or electrical malfunction as their cause. According to FEMA, 34% of fires are caused by failure to clean and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss. Who knew that cleaning the lint from your dryer could save lives, create a safer home environment and prevent stressful and costly fire damage.
Here’s How Dryers Work
A clothes dryer works by forcing hot air through a turning drum. The wet clothes then pass through the drum to be dried by the hot air. Most wet clothes contain one and half gallons of water. While most of the lint goes into the lint filter some of lint is carried through the vent system along with moist air. Lint is a very combustible material that can accumulate both in the dryer and in the dryer vent. Accumulated lint leads to reduced airflow and can be a potential fire hazard.
Here are some tips to keep your dryer clean:
Have your dryer cleaned and installed by a professional.
Do not use your dryer with a lint filter.
Make sure you clean the lint filter before and after every load of wash.
Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.
Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
Don't leave the house when the dryer is on.
If your clothes are not drying then call a professional to come look at your dryer.
Call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Boyertown, Exeter, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
When fire damage stems from an electrical source, a different kind of soot results rather than from another type of fire. Contact SERVPRO to assess.
Matching Products and Techniques -- Why SERVPRO Delivers High-Quality Fire Debris Cleanup in Exeter
Almost 3,000 residential fires per year identify a dryer issue like lint or other electrical malfunction as their cause. Kitchen fires are a close second. Getting familiar with the types of debris that may be left behind after various types of fires in your Exeter home is good for homeowners to know and review often.
Fire Debris Types
The kind of debris a fire leaves in your Exeter home relates to the types of fuel burned and the temperature of the fire. Paper and wood burn high and hot, leaving behind loose ash. Electrical fires and slow, smoldering burns with fabrics as the fuel leave a thick and sticky coating. Fires starting in the kitchen are often grease and protein related, leaving a thin and hard to remove layer on surfaces, and a particularly unpleasant odor.
With the types of fire debris possible after household fires in Exeter covering a broad range, a one-size-fits-all approach to clean up is unreasonable and ineffective. As a fire moves its way through the spaces of a home a variety of articles are likely to provide fuel for the flames. This means that when our team arrives to assess the fire damage scenario and to plan for fire debris remediation, we must pair up the types of soot and charred items with the cleaners and tools we have available, expecting variation space by space.
Fire Debris Restoration
Fire debris restoration is one of the main reasons why SERVPRO exists as a disaster recovery business. Our technicians pursue certification as fire and smoke specialists from the IICRC, learning how to identify the different kinds of soot and other fire debris and to pair the damage and residues with effective cleaning and clearing options.
Light soiling responds well to dry sponging and vacuuming. SERVPRO prevents spread of fire residues by using equipment fitted with HEPA filters. We use a foam cleaner on fabrics with ashy residues, the tiny bubbles lifting and containing the tiny, dry particles.
Thicker, sticky fire residues need a cleaning product with wetting agents and surfactants to break up the coating for wiping off. When the residues are particularly hard to dislodge SERVPRO crew members use agitation or abrasive tools to remove the coating. The thin, shellac-like coating left after kitchen fires often needs a solvent and both agitation and an abrasive sponge or cloth to remove.
Damaged Building Materials and Furnishings
Charred building materials and furnishings are another type of fire debris SERVPRO manages. Our crews train to clear your property of this potentially toxic debris safely, bagging what cannot be restored and disposing of the materials as directed by local regulation. We also work with homeowners to explain and ensure that everything we say needs to be removed or destroyed, really does need to be.
SERVPRO of Reading helps residents in our communities with the difficult job of clearing debris and residues from fire damaged properties. As soon as the firefighters release your home call us at (610) 779-8189 for an assessment of the fire debris cleanup needed.
Fire extinguisher residue requires specific cleaning methods.
SERVPRO Can Help with Fire Damage Cleanup; Everything From Fire Extinquisher Residue to Deodorization of Your Kutztown Home
As you’re going through the stress of you, your family and home experiencing a fire, the last thing you’re thinking about is the cleaning that will need to be done. A fire is a disaster to clean, if your home is salvageable. Once the fire has been put out and fire department leaves the scene, you’ll be left with a stinky mess.
Fire Extinguishers
As handy as fire extinguisher canisters can be in your Kutztown home for small flare-ups, this suppression system gets designed to put out flames quickly and not to limit the mess that it can make. Often homeowners find that putting out a small fire causes more damage and need for cleanup than the fire itself did. Our professionals can help with all stages of fire recovery from debris removal to cleaning up the residue that extinguishing foam can leave on structural elements and contents of your property.
Fire damage in Kutztown can stay contained to a small area when you utilize fire extinguishers quickly in your home. The suppression chemicals inside these canisters get designed to smother the fire before it can get out of control, but this protection does not come without a need for extensive cleanup and evaluation of structural integrity. Our SERVPRO Franchise professionals respond to your fire emergency can assess the full scope of the damage and determine the restorative actions that your property requires to return to pre-fire condition.
Cleanup of residue from the extinguisher happens both through conventional cleaning approaches with wet and dry sponges on accessible surfaces, but also requires specialized equipment designed to reach inaccessible areas more easily. It is our focus to provide efficient and effective fire damage cleanup so that you can return to normal life seamlessly.
Carpeted areas often require focused attention as well when cleaning up extinguisher residue. If the carpet has managed to come through the fire unscathed, it still requires our premier cleaning services including steam vacuuming and dry cleaning to pull the chemical residue and any soot or smoke particulates from the fibers of the flooring.
Fire Odor Removal
After a fire cleanup, home deodorization can be an important next step to making the area livable again. When setting up the cleanup process SERVPRO professionals recommend these three steps for successful odor removal.
Identify the Source
Knowing the source of the smoke odor can help determine the best cleanup plan. Odor can come from cigarette smoke, a house fire, or even extended use of a fireplace. In the event of a house fire it may be important to know what type of materials were burned, how long the fire lasted, and how long it’s been since the fire occurred. Smoke odor from cigarettes may also be stronger the longer it has been allowed to settle.
Use the Right Tools
When it comes to home deodorization, masking the smoke odor is only a temporary fix. Things may seem fresh for a while but over time the odor will reemerge. This is why it’s important to use the correct tools and cleansers from the start. The method used may depend on the severity of the smoke damage, but in most cases a ozone machine or thermal fogger may be the best tool for the job.
When in Doubt Call a Professional
Whether you’re dealing with cigarette smoke or fire cleanup, you may want to consider contacting a professional for your smoke removal needs. Many professional teams already have the tools needed to successfully remove the smoke odor from your home. They also have the knowledge they need to access the odor’s source and determine the best cleaning plan.
The process for home deodorization requires knowing the source of the odor, and which tools are best for the problem. Knowing these thing can help you formulate a plan for smoke odor removal. In many cases it may be best to contact a professional as they already have the tools and cleaning solutions needed for the job.
Many factors determine the needs of your home following a small fire. Our SERVPRO of Reading rapid response team has the experienced personnel and industry-leading equipment designed to make restoration as efficient as possible in a traumatic time like this. You can reach our trained professionals 24/7 by calling (610) 779-8189.
SERVPRO Saves Landlords Thousands in Restoration Costs in Exeter, PA
Learn More About SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Response Plan for Reading Area Commercial Businesses and Properties
The Mobile ERP Emergency READY Profile is here, and we can help to keep our business in business. Ask us how and we can set up an appoint for a no-cost consultation at your convenience.
SERVPRO's new Emergency READY Profile (ERP) system allows business owners in Reading to keep track of all properties and locations during a fire or storm and respond appropriately. Using the tools, you can have multiple individualized profiles and information sets for each property you own or manage, and with OUR ERP our technicians can have all the information they need to get your business running back to normal. As a result, they can save owners of multiple properties, such as landlords, thousands in repair costs after a fire by responding fast to each location.
During a fire, or water damaging event to an apartment complex or other rental properties, there is always physical damage. Usually, our technicians have to spend time evaluating the building and formulating an approach, but this process is a great way for SERVPRO's response quickly. Through it, we can access relevant contact information, building plans and layouts, and critical information about utility systems. This is especially useful to fire chiefs, who can respond quickly to help locate the fire source. Knowing where the shut-off valves, electrical panels, and drainage infrastructure are located and how they function is key in mitigating losses from water or fire loss.
This mobile device allows the party in charge to have delegated representatives to be on-site if needed to okay any work orders, and insurance forms to work along with an adjuster.
SERVPRO operates on the principle of mitigation to respond around the clock and save landlords thousands in restoration costs. Call us at (570) 622- 8991 for our help or to learn more about the Emergency READY Response Plan.
SERVPRO Uses the Latest Professional Techniques for Flood Restoration
When you think of your commercial property in Reading, PA, flooding, you may assume the cause will be storm damage or the result of groundwater swelling. A broken pipe, however, can cause quite a bit of damage as well. If the pipe bursts in the basement, you could have a furnace flood on your hands. If this happens, there are many options to consider.
Furnace Maintenance
If you are lucky, you may be able to dry out the furnace and restore it to good working condition. Certified restoration specialists are essential to this process. Even if the unit seems like it is dry on the outside, it may be harboring hidden moisture in any of its internal nooks and crannies. Leftover water can cause problems as simple as inefficiency to as large as a furnace fire. If you decide to salvage the flooded furnace, you probably need to replace several parts inside it:
Pilot and burner
Controls
Filter
Gas valves
Furnace Replacement
Most experts recommend replacement after a furnace flood. This is the only way to know for sure that the item does not sustain hidden water damage. Even if it has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, one tiny drop of water could spell disaster later on.
Air Duct Restoration
The last step of the HVAC restoration process concerns your ductwork. Air duct cleaning is important to avoid the growth and spread of mold. Experts will start by replacing all the wet duct insulation as it cannot be decontaminated or dried. Then, they disassemble the duct work and give it a thorough cleaning. After it is dry, they reassemble the air ducts.
A busted pipe can cause a lot of water damage. Experts can advise on whether to clean or replace your furnace as well as provide a complete cleaning of your air ducts. A furnace flood may mean expensive replacements, but the safety of the people in your building and the avoidance of further damage is worth the cost.
If you are concerned about your HVAC system after a flood or you see signs that it is not working properly, now is the time to contact SERVPRO of Reading. Call us today at (610) 779-8189.
When a pipe break in your laundry room floods your home, time is of the essence. Contact SERVPRO for effective water removal services.
SERVPRO Professionally Handles Flood Damage to Your Home and Belongings
When floodwater rises faster than natural barriers or storm drains can stop it, homes often suffer an incredible amount of damage to their furniture. The standing water stains furniture fabrics warp wood and ruins furniture finishes like varnish and stain.
Flooding can invade your Reading home from weather-related disasters or an outside crisis like the break of a water main. The breakdown of water-using appliances like a water heater, dishwasher, or laundry equipment can fill the lower levels of your home with gallons of water. Some of the water that floods in comes with a complement of hazards and contaminants from flowing overland or backed up sewage. Even clean water turns foul after just a day or two.
Flood Damage Restoration
Completely restoring Reading homes after flood damage means understanding how it happens, and what steps are needed to put it back together. In each home, SERVPRO restoration teams first raise furniture and other property onto pallets or other stands while removing the standing water from the home. This action lets soaked items begin to drain excess water and dry in the open air.
Common Issues
Color Bleeding
Color bleeding happens when fabrics absorb too much floodwater. Curtains, drapes, and items like armrest cover sag or fall to the floor, allowing the color to stain wooden floorboards or carpets. Our technicians lift the property out of the water and then use a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers to force warm air over the surfaces and draw moisture from the property and surrounding air to dry them as quickly as possible.
Mildew Growth
Mildew growth occurs when the owner does not bring a professional agency like SERVPRO to remove standing water immediately. The first sign of mildew is a thin, white layer of fungus that grows across soaked wood. To stop further growth, our technicians use the same air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture and then apply an anti-fungal cleaner from our inventory on surfaces already showing mildew.
Furniture Swelling
Swelling in wood furniture is a typical reaction to absorbing floodwater. The framing in sofas and upholstered chairs can crack, and the joints weaken and separate. If the glue holding the frame together is exposed, it becomes thinner and quickly loses strength. If the swelling is minor and the glue has not thinned too much, team members can reduce and eliminate most of the damage by installing one or more dehumidifiers around the affected items. The devices remove not just the moisture from the wood and surrounding air; they also harden the glue to increase the structural integrity of the frame.
Water Spotting
Water spotting happens when the flood water splashes a surface like a sofa cushion but does not cover it. To eliminate spotting, technicians wet the entire surface and then evenly dry it with air movers and fans to increase air circulation.
SERVPRO Can Help Even if the Power is Off Due to Flooding
Using our professional flood damage crews for your Reading water emergency makes sense for so many reasons. Our familiar green service trucks arrive with all the pumping and extracting equipment onboard, ready to begin the work planned on-site after assessment by our crew chief. Even if the flooding results in a temporary loss of power, our truck-mounted water removal tools get to work using generators also on board. We pump water more than two inches deep and then move to the wanded water extractors to pull moisture off floors, out of carpeting, and from hidden recesses behind walls and in other cavities.
Mold Prevention
SERVPRO uses sophisticated moisture meters and scanning devices to establish how much floodwater remains in structural components. This helps establish the drying goals we need to meet to ensure the flooded areas are not at risk of secondary damage such as mold damage or continuing deterioration. We set up air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the building materials, continuously monitoring until levels are normal. Our crews might recommend moving personal possessions before or during water removal and drying to evaluate what we can save and what would be best discarded.
Types of Flood Waters
Floodwaters are typically considered gray or black, levels of contamination the might require special handling according to local regulations. SERVPRO keeps current with the disposal requirements of the communities we serve. The care we take containing dirty water protects your family, your possessions, and the structure of your home. To be certain that your living space is sanitized and safe after we remove flood water potentially containing pathogens we apply EPA-registered disinfectants to affected surfaces.
SERVPRO of Reading has the skilled technicians and commercial-quality equipment to handle flood damage in your neighborhood. Call (610) 779-8189 to set up an assessment that will solve your flood water woes.
The quicker we can return a shop to its pre-disaster condition, the better it is for everyone.
We Can Save Your Water Damaged Auto Repair Shop In Reading
Residents and tourists flock to the racing scene in Reading. Maple Grove Raceway is a well-known place for excitement, taking selfies, and even a wedding proposal now and then. It’s become a symbol of our city and its determination to overcome any type of problem.
When an auto repair shop in Reading needs commercial water cleanup, SERVPRO is ready to go from zero to sixty once the team pulls up to the front door. Each restoration crew arrives with the full kit of equipment needed to get started on any job, no matter how small or large the shop.
After stopping or turning off the source of the leak, our first action is to remove the water from inside the facility. With the wide, bay doors in most garages, most of it drains away fairly quickly, so technicians begin with commercial extractors. They are smaller than water pumps, but a better design for flat, concrete floors. If there are pits underneath the lift racks, a team member also has quick access to needed pumps from our extensive equipment inventory.
After the extractors and pumps have done their work, there is still some moisture left on the surface of the floors. SERVPRO crew members use long-handled squeegees to finish the task on the main floor, carefully pushing the last of the water out through the nearest doorway and into the sewer. In the pits, they use a dehumidifier or a container of desiccant to draw moisture from the tight area, leaving it dry for safe use again.
Even if the water was clean, it might have picked trace amounts of oil and other fluids off the floors. If there is any present, technicians use a cleaning agent designed to capture them in the solution for easy removal, leaving behind a clean, dry surface ready for mechanics to get back to work.
At SERVPRO of Reading, we understand that supporting local businesses here, Birdsboro, Exeter, and Kutztown also mean supporting those owners and employees, our neighbors. The quicker we can return a shop to its pre-disaster condition, the better it is for everyone. That’s why we maintain a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week operation. To learn more about what we can do for your business, call us at (610) 779-8189 today.
Water Loss from a Burst Pipe in Your Reading Home? Just Call SERVPRO for Fast Cleanup and Drying
Reading Property Owners Get Swift Help from SERVPRO after a Water Loss
Many Reading homeowners travel throughout the year to visit with family and friends or for business reasons. While you work to protect your home from anything that could potentially occur while you are gone, you cannot always account for every potential emergency. As unfortunate as it might be, many homeowners return to their property to find widespread damages from a water leak. Given that this situation persisted for days or even weeks without restoration and mitigation work, overcoming the effects can prove too challenging for the homeowner alone.
While it might come as a shock to find your Reading home water damaged upon your return, you must focus now on the steps necessary to restore it entirely. Our SERVPRO rapid response team can help. With effective mitigation strategies to preserve the contents of the property still at risk and premier cleaning tactics to return elements like wood flooring and carpeting to their original condition whenever possible we have the expertise and equipment to make a difference fast.
Following a situation like a persistent leak or a line break, many contents of your home become directly at risk of hazards like mold and microbial growth, oversaturation, and warping/distorting. These conditions can also develop over time. Our experienced IICRC certified SERVPRO technicians can remove the at-risk contents from your home to prevent them from becoming irreparably damaged by oversaturation or fungal growth. Once restoration work completes in your home, these items can get returned to their original positions.
A common effect of a property that has remained water damaged for several days is a persistent odor. While our team works quickly to dry up dampness and moisture throughout the property, it is tools like our thermal foggers that play a significant role in removing the stale scent or musty odor from the property permanently.
Returning to your property to find water damage can be overwhelming for a homeowner. You can always depend on our SERVPRO of Reading to show up quickly with our highly trained technicians and leading equipment to restore your property. Give us a call anytime you need us at (610) 779-8189.
Fire damage can quickly spread, making a bad situation even worse. Contact Team SERVPRO for effective fire damage remediation services.
Stages of Content Recovery After a Reading Housefire
The walls of your Reading house are not what makes it your home. Construction materials can always get replaced and repaired, ultimately returning a property to its preloss condition. Your possessions and belongings, however, are not always fortunate enough to have this complete recovery. After a fire loss incident in your house, the damage to irreplaceable personal belongings can be devastating without the immediate intervention of qualified restorers.
Because of how quickly fire damage in Reading homes can spread, it is vital to call upon competent restoration professionals to help. Our SERVPRO team of professionals offers an array of emergency services that can precede the finalization of approvals by your insurance. We understand the need for controlled demolition, debris removal, and early water damage management to help reduce the total property loss.
Content management can also play a part in both the early stages of recovery and mitigation services to follow. The professionals of our team can choose among various strategies to help restore these belongings both on-site and at our nearby SERVPRO facility when necessary. Depending on the severity of the damage to the items, we can choose among several strategies, including:
Relocation on-site to a safe position
Cleaning with premier chemical agents and potent cleansers
Soda blasting and abrasive cleaning techniques
Pack-out / Off-site cleaning and recovery
It is almost always more cost-effective for our professionals to work to restore and clean items on-site rather than shipping them off in containers to our warehouse. When on-site cleaning with potent agents is ineffective, our technicians can carefully move the possessions to our facility. We have immersion tanks for soot cleaning, ozone chambers for deodorization, and numerous other intricate cleaning strategies to make fire losses “Like it never even happened.”
After a fire, there are multiple levels of damaging effects that our SERVPRO of Reading team must address to return your home to preloss condition. When contents are also a concern, you can trust our trained professionals to protect these items as much as possible as well. Give us a call at (610) 779-8189.
Make sure to contact SERVPRO if the conference room or any room in your hotel suffers from water damage. Our technicians are standing by 24/7.
SERVPRO Has Multiple Extraction Tools to Mitigate Water Loss in Your Reading Business
Standing water and over-saturation can be two of the biggest obstacles that your Reading hotel faces after a substantial water loss. With powerful extraction tools at our disposal, our SERVPRO professionals can manage the immediate effects to begin drying in a timely fashion.
Choosing among the advanced equipment available to our professionals involves deciding which methods of water removal for Reading hotels are the most efficient and can limit exposure to your guests and staff. The type of flooring is also a factor, as extraction practices for carpeted floors typical in lobbies vary from water removal practices we would use on tile or laminate flooring options.
What extractors and attachments can help with water removal in your hotel?
Water removal from the floors of your hotel must happen immediately to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your guests and staff, and our SERVPRO of Reading team can help. Call us today at (610) 779-8189.
Reading Residents Say that SERVPRO Provides Solutions to Home Water Loss Damages
Speedy Water Removal Services in Reading for Our Neighbors Mitigates Damages
When dealing with standing water in your Reading home or business, time is of the essence. You must act as quickly as possible to prevent or limit foundation and structural deterioration. Just as important is safeguarding your irreplaceable family heirlooms, valuable furnishings, and equipment from primary and secondary water damage. Professional water removal services are necessary to ensure that all your property is appropriately protected.
The need for water removal in Reading could result from numerous common issues. Ruptured water pipes, a leaky hot water tank, or malfunctioning appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, could quickly flood portions of your house. After periods of heavy rains or thawing, excessive amounts of groundwater could seep through basement walls with poor waterproofing and cause issues. Also, natural disasters like river flooding may lead to standing water in your house. Whatever the cause, these problems require fast action, and SERVPRO is well-equipped to handle them in record time.
Are we ready to help? ALWAYS!
Our professionals in Reading are ready to answer your call at any time, 365 days a year. After being notified of your issue, it only takes us four hours to arrive on-site to begin the water removal process.
How do we start?
• We start by identifying the water’s source and then determine how to stop it if still leaking • SERVPRO tests to establish its level of contamination if any • After evaluating the extent of your Reading location’s water damage and mold growth, we move and raise your furniture off the wet/damp floor to protect it from further harm • Placement of industrial-strength extractors to remove water from your flooring and upholstered furniture.
SERVPRO’s expert clean-up methods help prevent further secondary water damage in the future. We do this by dehumidifying the air to keep water vapor from affecting your walls, wall art, and furniture. Also, we dry wet carpeting since we strive to preserve and not replace contents, fixtures, and building materials. Finally, using EPA-registered disinfectants, our trained experts minimize destructive bacteria, viruses, and mold.
So, call us any time you need standing water removed from your house. You can trust our highly trained technicians to get the job done right. Contact SERVPRO of Reading today at (610) 779-8189.
How Do I Fix a Broken Water Pipe in My Boyertown Business?
SERVPRO of Reading Has Professionally Trained Technicians to Remediate Water Damage in Commercial Businesses
Broken pipes are not something that any business owner wants to think about. Unfortunately, if you are currently facing such an incident, you will need to take action to prevent as much loss as possible. Read on for information on what to do after such an occurrence to prevent commercial water damage in Boyertown, PA.
Reasons To Get Help
After a water emergency at your company, you may be tempted to try to ignore the situation or fix broken pipe problems yourself. This is not a good idea for the following reasons:
Waiting to get help from professionals can lead to mold growth or secondary damage.
Cleanup services are better prepared to perform cleaning, drying and remediation procedures than you are, and trained technicians are knowledgeable about current or potential mold issues.
Attempting to clean or fix anything in your building after a water-related incident takes away time from your schedule that should be spent focusing on your business and getting it back in running order.
Ignoring destruction can lead to structural issues that affect your company down the road.
Water damage specialists are used to bursting pipes and other moisture issues. They are also typically able to arrive on the scene quickly and work in an urgent matter to mitigate the issue at hand as thoroughly as possible in a fairly short amount of time.
Do Not Go It Alone!
Business owners tend to feel very proud of their commercial property, and with that pride comes a feeling of personal responsibility for anything that happens to their investment. Bursting pipes may be something that you want to handle yourself or that you consider to be less important than keeping your workplace running smoothly. However, getting help from the right source as quickly as you can do nothing but improve your chances of recovering from any damages to your structure and getting back to business as usual.
Call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Boyertown, Exeter, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Call (610) 779-8189 when you need cleanup from a reliable and experienced crew.
Removing Fire Damage from a Reading Attic
Attics are a common source of fire damage in homes, particularly those caused by the home's electrical system. Whether the failure comes from air conditioning, electrical wiring, or other sources that rely upon electricity, these fires can spread quickly and damage significant portions of the home without fast detection. Worse still, soot residues are highly corrosive to the surfaces they settle upon, which can leave homeowners with more to worry about than they anticipated after a fire.
If your Reading home requires fire damage mitigation after an attic fire, you can count on the experienced professionals at SERVPRO to provide rapid service at any time of the day or night. Our technicians receive extensive training in fire damage mitigation, as well as water damage and mold remediation. No matter the size of the disaster, SERVPRO is sure to have the tools and techniques available to restore your structure to a preloss condition.
SERVPRO's Emergency-Response Team Disasters do not happen on a typical 9-to-5 schedule, so SERVPRO technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year — including all holidays. These franchise locations, totaling over 1,700 between the United States and Canada, are uniquely positioned to be able to respond quickly whenever disaster strikes in a home. The faster the response, the less damage that you have to worry about, and the more likely it is that items and structures can be successfully restored.
SERVPRO's Fire Cleanup Process After an attic fire, there can be significant damage to the structural components of the home, including insulation, wooden supports, and flooring. If you use your attic for storage, your possessions may have also suffered such damage.
SERVPRO technicians start by removing debris and possessions that are too charred for restoration to prevent the spread of odors and soot throughout the home. Containment measures may be used to minimize the spread of these residues through your HVAC system. Items and debris removed from your home are never disposed of before your insurance adjuster has seen them. Extensive documentation is taken to bolster your insurance claim.
SERVPRO of Reading has the tools and techniques necessary to leave homes looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call (610) 779-8189 when you need cleanup from a reliable and experienced crew.
Water damage can lead to mold and mildew. SERVPRO has the training to restore your water damage quickly.
The Two Different Types of Water Removal Services for Residents of Reading
Our homes are full of always moving parts like appliances, sewage systems, drainage, heating ventilation & air-conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as water supply pipes. When all of these are functioning correctly, we barely notice them. However, a fault with any of these moving parts can result in a water emergency in your home. Sometimes these malfunctioning can result in excessive amounts of moisture entering the home and damaging flooring, carpets, rugs, and furniture.
Residents that need water removal services here in Reading can reach out to us via our twenty-four-hour emergency call line. SERVPRO technicians live and work locally so we can mobilize expert technicians with short notice. The restoration planning starts from the moment you contact us, and from here, we can assess what equipment is necessary as well as the extent of harm. There are two main categories that we need to be aware of for a water restoration project.
The first category for water restoration technicians (WRT) is the removal of standing water. We classify standing water as any amount of moisture above two inches. Water at this level has a high risk of migrating into other areas of the home, including cavities in wall spaces and subfloor. There is also a high risk of clean water degrading into a more severe case. Our range of gas pumps at SERVPRO can transport high volumes of water out of the home. This equipment is fully-submersible and can be electric or gas-powered depending on the requirements of the homeowner.
The second category for us to consider is removing residual moisture. Soggy carpets, flooring, or other areas of the home can increase the chances of mold and microbial growth. Using extraction equipment, SERVPRO technicians can remove up to one hundred gallons of moisture from home without having to replace storage tanks. Extractors can be light-weight for thin or weak carpets, or, for thicker rugs, we can use weighted extraction units to squeeze the moisture out of the affected material.
Water issues can come in many forms. Contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.
You can reach our SERVPRO of Reading team 24/7 by calling (610) 779-8189.
How Severe Can Water Losses Be for Reading Apartments?
There is a reason that property owners should move quickly when water threatens Reading homes and apartments. The migration of water losses is deliberate and destructive, which can encompass many areas of a residence and even damage neighboring properties if a loss incident is severe enough inside a single unit. Whether you are dealing with water that has spread to your apartment from a neighboring unit or floor, or the incident began on your property, a fast reaction can save you time and money on the restoration necessary.
In most situations, it is understood that a property owner has roughly 48 hours to address water damage in their Reading apartment before irreparable damage becomes a widespread concern. While there are inevitable areas of the unit that might experience direct damage, such as the deterioration of drywall and wood trim around the source of the water loss, a fast response of qualified technicians like our SERVPRO team can be helpful to reduce secondary effects like mold growth or the migration of water to other areas of the apartment.
As your residence likely features carpeting through most of the unit, this is advantageous for our technicians to slow the spread of water migration to other apartments nearby. With light wands, we can sweep over every exposed point of the carpeted floor to remove much of the moisture trapped in the fibers. While further extraction is necessary, this mitigation technique can slow water migration and also the likelihood of water damaging the subflooring material.
We can utilize our in-house team of general contractors to perform controlled demolition for direct access to both breached plumbing lines for repairs and to help extract and dry structural cavities. Shared walls can be a pathway for water to migrate to neighboring apartments, so it is a priority for our SERVPRO technicians to dry these spaces in the mitigation phase of our recovery.
The severity of water loss incidents varies from one disaster to the next. However, our preparedness for these emergencies can help to reduce your out of pocket expenses and time out of your residence as much as possible. You can reach our SERVPRO of Reading team 24/7 by calling (610) 779-8189.
We have the proper equipment necessary like these dehumidifiers and air movers to restore your home right away to prevent further damage.
Flood Damage In Reading May Require The Use Of Disinfectants Like Vanquish
During this time of year, it is common that storms will strike the Reading region. Once moisture created from the storm builds up outside, flood damage could occur as a result. Any time our SERVPRO technicians deal with moisture coming into a house from the outside, there is a chance the water could be contaminated. If the water is just rainwater, then it has a possibility of contamination.
When dealing with flood damage in Reading, the source of the problems gets classified as either category two or category three situations. Category two issues deal with what is referred to in the industry as "grey" water because there is a chance that it has harmful bacteria and parasites in it. Category two situations also include problems created by leaky sinks or shower drains. Category three situations involve either muddy water entering your house after a storm or a sewage drain leaking.
Our SERVPRO team knows that when handling category two or three situations, that contaminated water can be harmful. To disinfect your home after water enters as a result of flood damage, we can utilize a variety of chemical products. For example, Vanquish can be used as a detergent and disinfectant.
Vanquish #175 is an EPA-registered synthetic solution that can work as a bactericide, fungicide, and virucide. The chemical can be used to fight against a broad spectrum of harmful microorganisms. Vanquish works in hard water and is effective in fighting HIV-1 or the AIDS virus.
Vanquish is a rather strong alkaline solution since it has a pH of 12.4. Its special properties also include the fact that it is very effective against pathogenic bacteria and viruses. When using or mixing this product, our technicians always wear chemical resistant gloves and splash goggles so that we prevent any skin or eye irritation.
When using Vanquish, our SERVPRO technicians mix two ounces of the substance to one gallon of water. We then apply the solution with a pump sprayer or by wiping it using a bucket and towel. Next, we allow at least ten minutes of contact time so that the solution can properly disinfect all hazardous parasites, bacteria, and fungi.
If muddy, contaminated water ever enters your residence after a storm, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 24 hours a day. Once we are done with your restoration project, it will seem "Like it never even happened."
Let us remove all of your Reading home, not just the water on the surface.
SERVPRO knows how far water damage can go in your Reading home.
Most homeowners only work to remove surface water and moisture when loss incidents occur in their Reading houses. While this is a vital step to take in the cleanup process, it often disregards how water can migrate after direct exposure. Porous materials like wood flooring can absorb surface water and allow this moisture to soak through to the subflooring and support materials.
To preserve and protect wood flooding, water removal in Reading homes must begin as soon as possible. Considering that many homeowners have limited access to useful extraction tools, this is where many lean on the expertise and extensive inventory of our SERVPRO professionals. Removing the surface water is undoubtedly the first step to take towards drying out your damaged house, and this often begins with the use of powerful tools like our electric submersible pump and light wands under heavy flooding circumstances. The removal paves the way for practical drying tools like air movers and dehumidification units.
Identifying the migration of water throughout the house can determine the appropriate measures necessary to dry out and restore damaged elements. Hardwood flooring can get assessed in several ways, from probing moisture meters and surface detection tools to thermography. Before water has the opportunity to warp and distort the planks of the hardwood flooring, these areas can often get protected with the deployment of drying mats.
These units get placed perpendicularly to the seams of the planks throughout the damaged areas to affect a broader area with drying potential with greater, concentrated suction. For controlled moisture removal from these materials, we can utilize rolls of poly sheeting to encase the drying mats in a tent to maximize drying efforts. Continual monitoring of the damaged areas can prevent over-drying to return this flooring material to its original condition.
As challenging as water loss incidents can be in your home, especially with standing water concerns, our SERVPRO of Reading team is here to help. Because We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, you have an entire roster of skilled professionals available whenever emergencies occur. Give us a call anytime at (610) 779-8189.
Whether the floodwaters came from inside or outside of your home, team SERVPRO can make it “Like it never even happened.”
Using Air Pressure for Containment of Sewer Gases after Flood Damage in your Reading Home
Floodwaters register as a contaminated water supply. These contaminants can make entry into your home restrictive because blackwaters are known to carry pathogens that can be harmful to humans with ingestion or inhalation. Being unable to enter your property adds another layer of stress and debilitation to the situation. Many homeowners experience anxiety about the state of their possessions. It would help if you had a restoration service provider that you can trust to deliver on their promises and with the human resources to make your home safe.
Contamination as a result of flood damage to your Reading home affects both the air you can breathe and the safety of build materials. SERVPRO technicians must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) even to enter a property with flooding issues. There are also slip and trip hazards or electrical concerns. Our restorers can enter the property to set up the necessary equipment to stop and reverse damages.
Our first concern is containment. Containment protects the unaffected areas of your home but also halts the degradation of possessions and material construction. There are both physical and non-physical methods of containment. Physically, we can block furniture or place it into a cleanroom. SERVPRO can set up decontamination areas and place affected items within an enclosed polyethylene tent to ensure they do not spread onto other items.
Non-physical containment is achievable through manipulating air pressure in the affected area. Manometers measure gas and vapor rather than moisture. By ensuring the air pressure is low in the affected area, and high in unaffected areas, we can ensure that toxic air does not leave the containment zone. To modify air pressure, SERVPRO uses negative air pressure machines. Setting up low air-pressure in the affected area is essential to containing sewer gases but also any debris that may result from demolishing drywall, drilling or sanding.
Protecting the rest of your home from further damage is something you can trust us to perform. In an emergency, contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189.
We're available 24/7 to assist you with cleaning up after a fire.
Fire Cleanup in Your Reading Home
Smoke and soot residue from a fire, no matter how small, have a way of getting into even the smallest crevasses within your home. Even after a kitchen fire, odors can permeate throughout the structure, impacting your entire home. The cleaning process for fires can be a complicated endeavor unless you have professional assistance.
If you need fire cleanup for your Reading home, the certified professionals at SERVPRO are ready to assist you at any time. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Each fire and each cleanup is different, requiring the restorers to formulate a plan for your specific situation. Technicians locate, identify, capture, and remove residues from within your home.
There are four elements in effectively cleaning up residues following a fire. All four elements work together to attack smoke residues within the structure.
Temperature: Heating the cleaning solution increases the speed of chemical reactions allowing for faster cleanup.
Agitation: Using brushes, towels, air, vibrations, and even water to dislodge the lingering residues to distribute cleaning products evenly.
Chemical action: Using the correct cleaning products for the desired cleaning goal ensures the most effective residue removal. In some cases, restorers wish to emulsify, dissolve, or bleach the surfaces within the home and require different chemicals depending on the unique situation. This also includes fogging the home with a smoke-like chemical substance to attack the smoke residue at the micron level.
Time: Allowing for the correct amount of time for cleaning and deodorization is a crucial component. The time needed can vary significantly depending on the chemicals used and the type of residue. Too much time fogging, for example, can be detrimental to the restoration efforts. Too little time can leave lingering residue and odors.
SERVPRO technicians combine these elements to customize cleanup from your fire. Sometimes residues and odors can be challenging to remove, but restorers use the elements above to apply to each unique situation, ensuring the thorough removal of odors and residues.
Contact SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189. We're available 24/7 to assist you with cleaning up after a fire.
No matter the size of water damage, we have the equipment to handle the situation.
Water Removal In Reading Often Requires The Use Of Dehumidification Equipment
If your Reading house ever suffers from a plumbing failure or other type of leak, damage to your contents and structural components could result. Once excessive moisture makes its way into the interior of any structure, it is best to call in professional restoration services such as SERVPRO to conduct water removal. Not promptly performing mitigation ensures wet materials inside your home can cause other problems to take place in your entire building.
One major problem wet substances inside a structure can cause is elevated humidity levels. During any water removal project in Reading, our SERVPRO technicians know that removing moisture from the air is just as important as extracting it from your building materials. Any time items inside your house get wet, the moisture evaporates into the air and increases your indoor relative humidity. Once humidity levels rise, damage can occur in other rooms inside your home that were previously unaffected. High humidity levels can also create an environment that activates mold spores that exist around your home.
When attempting to mitigate any moisture-related issues inside your residence, our SERVPRO team starts by measuring the relative humidity in the affected and unaffected areas in the building. We use the levels of the untouched areas to create a goal for the sections of your home that have elevated relative humidity readings. The most effective way to reduce humidity levels is to implement a dehumidification system.
We use dehumidifiers to pull water vapor from the air, therefore decreasing the relative humidity. These machines are each given a rating based upon how many gallons of water they can remove in a specific space in a one-day-period at 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a 60% relative humidity. Dehumidifiers operate best at a higher temperature. The general rule for rapid evaporation is the hotter you can get it inside the affected area, the better drying and dehumidification will work.
Using industrial dehumidifiers can help speed up the natural drying and evaporation process. If you ever need help at your house to prevent problems associated with elevated humidity levels after a water damage situation, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Flooding is extremely destructive when not dealt with immediately. Contact SERVPRO for effective remediation methods.
Can You Protect Carpeting in Kutztown Homes After Flooding?
When flooding occurs, any flooring material in your Kutztown home is at risk. Pooling and standing water collect at the base of wall surfaces and rest on flooring. While many of these types like tile and even some veneer woods are resistant to water penetration, carpeting is one of the most welcoming surfaces for water penetration and saturation. Protecting this flooring from requiring removal and replacement after flooding might be challenging but is not impossible.
Whether flood damage in Kutztown homes costs you carpeting or not depends on the severity of the situation itself. Natural flooding scenarios present the possibility of contaminated water getting into your home, which forces our SERVPRO team to act as though bacteria and other threats are present in the standing water. For structural breaches that allow unnatural flooding through these penetration points, the protection of any flooring material hinges almost exclusively on the speed in which restoration professionals can get to work on the project.
One of the most significant challenges, even in drying carpeting, is having an effort that can affect both the fibers on top as well as the subfloor padding beneath the top layer. Padding is a highly absorbent material. There are many instances in our recovery where we can detach portions of carpeting exclusively to remove the padding and replace it. Without further concerns, drying out a carpet is not a challenge with the right approaches. We have also had success in pulling water from the subflooring and carpet with the use of stationary or ride-on weighted extractors.
We do not attempt to restore or recover any carpeting exposed to contaminants present in blackwater incidents after flooding. In these situations, our general contractors can carefully cut out affected regions of flooring material, baseboards, drywall, and other damaged surfaces so our SERVPRO restorers can thoroughly clean and disinfect before reinstallation begins.
It is possible to protect your carpeting and padding in the right conditions, especially if our SERVPRO of Reading team is working on the emergency within 72 hours of its start. No matter how we can help, give us a call anytime at (610) 779-8189.
Click here for more information about the city of Kutztown.
Our Team Has The State Of The Art Equipment Necessary For Your Reading Water Removal
We quickly extracted all of the water, and then set out our green drying equipment and after a few days, we had all of the drying complete.
Professional vs. DIY Extraction in Reading Homes
DIY home restoration and renovations are on the rise, but that also, unfortunately, means that many Reading properties are not getting the full drying and recovery that they need after substantial water loss incidents. Our SERVPRO professionals are helping to restore the damages of inadequate drying and cleanup after water losses, and in some cases, contending with mold and microbial growth that can result as well. Knowing your limitations is essential for deciding on whether DIY drying is the right solution for your property.
When you must perform water removal for your Reading home, chances are the migration of moisture and water effects are more considerable than you might think. We are here to help out our customers however they might need, and part of this process is helping to ensure that the appropriate measures get taken to protect their homes after water loss incidents. There are some instances where homeowners can address drying efforts on their own with conventional approaches like towels and air circulation, but substantial loss incidents are often better left to our qualified technicians.
We have a full roster of Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) so that we can respond to water loss incidents in your home almost as efficiently as you can. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and that hinges on our efficient tools and available personnel ready to mobilize at the first contact with our customers.
With instances like water removal and drying, our extensive inventory of equipment is unmatched compared to the drying tools available to homeowners in home improvement locations. We have industrial-grade extraction equipment to match nearly any situation, as well as a large volume of air movers, dehumidifiers, drying mats, and other specialty moisture removal tools to restore your property quickly with limited to no reconstruction.
As damaging as water loss incidents can be, you should be sure that the effects are not more widespread and penetrative than you initially believed. No matter how we can help, give our SERVPRO of Reading team a call today at (610) 779-8189.
Many times your home is affected by a combination of issues during an emergency. Often water and mold damage go hand in hand.
Why Reading Property Owners Should Choose Professional Restoration Services for Home Disaster Cleanup
In Reading, property disasters arrive in many forms ranging from water damage, fire damage, and of course, mold. All of these problems facing homeowners should be handled by a professional restoration services company to limit the loss and get the best outcome for a bad situation.
Water Damage Mitigation Should Begin Immediately
Water damage in a Reading home requires addressing as fast as possible. This rapid response helps homeowners to avoid loss and other costly issues whether it is from a broken pipe, washing machine on the fritz or an overflowing toilet. For example, water wicks quickly into sheetrock which in turn warps and buckles and when this happens, SERVPRO technicians know that there is no restoration potential and it requires removal through controlled demolition techniques to cut it away cleanly for the dual purpose of better airflow and fast repairs.
Thorough water extraction is a must after a water loss event in a home. Consumer-grade wet-dry vacuums do not have the lifting power of professional pumps. Additionally, specific attachments for forcing water out of the carpet and upholstered furnishings assists in the complete drying. If the water removal process begins within 24-hours, and the water type is clean or gray, the carpet in the home may not be a loss. In cases where the water cleanup did not start until more than 48-hours after the water loss or contains sewage, it requires handling as a category three biohazard with extra safety precautions.
Safety During Fire Damage Cleanup
When SERVPRO technicians handle fire damage cleanup in Reading properties, safety for all is the number one priority. Soot and smoke residues are unhealthy, and homeowners should ask the fire department if it is safe to remain within the premises or not. If the fire loss happened in a single area of the home, the technicians set up containment to halt the prospect of cross-contamination of the spread of soot.
The odor is a significant problem as long as charred materials and soot remain in the home. The technicians remove items that have no restoration potential and document it with both a detailed description and photographs to make filing the insurance claim more expedient for the homeowner. If any residual odors remain, technicians have multiple methods and equipment for the neutralization of fire odors.
There are specialized formulas for all types of surfaces affected by smoke damage, and the technicians perform tests before cleaning to ensure they use the proper cleaning method for the kind of surface without the danger of color bleeding, shrinkage, or surface damage.
Storm Damage is a Year-Round Threat
In Reading, intense weather brings storm damage to properties through winds, flood damage, or ice and snow. When the water or snowmelt enters the home, the loss begins and grows from that point until mitigation starts. In instances where a roof or windows received damage, SERVPRO technicians proactively tarp or temporarily repair leaking roofs or broken windows, so no further water loss occurs.
When groundwater enters a home, it is a serious situation due to the probability of the water containing bacteria, sharp objects in debris or sewage. Technicians test the water, so they know what hazards they are dealing with and proceed to extract the water and lessen the water damage in the home.
Organized pack-outs are common during the flood water removal as exposure to prolonged periods of humidity damages paper items and causes wood frames of furnishings to swell along with the danger of mold. Moving undamaged contents to a safe location ensures no threat of further loss. After the completion of mitigation efforts, the technicians move the items back into the property and put them back in their previous places.
Complete drying and hand cleaning with professional antibacterial and antimicrobial solutions eliminate much of the odor after flood water removal. Technicians use professional drying equipment in tandem with dehumidifying equipment to rapidly lower indoor humidity levels and lessen the chances of mold growth. If any residual water odors remain on-site after meeting preset drying goals, the technicians have a diverse array of odor control applications to use.
Mold Damage Remediation Done For You
Mold damage appears in Reading properties whenever elevated humidity exists and if ambient temperatures are 70F-degrees or warmer, mold spores have the potential to germinate and spread quickly, creating costly destruction to the property and contents.
Safety during mold remediation is a priority for SERVPRO technicians. They contain the areas in the home affected by mold colonies to halt any further spread of spores. The mold abatement techniques used depend on the location and quantity of colonies requiring removal.
Follow up inspections determine if spores spread within the home via the HVAC and the technicians clean the ductwork if necessary.
Mold is often a symptom of a more significant issue usually pointing to poor ventilation trapping humid air, drainage, or an undetected leak. If technicians find problems that require repair during mitigation, they alert the property owner with the problem and suggest solutions. After completing mold remediation in the property, proactive treatments such as antimicrobial sealers inhibit the return of mold.
Why SERVPRO?
It is vital for the restoration services company in Reading that you trust with the cleaning and recovery of your home and contents has staff who have the training and certifications to return your property to its preloss condition. The technicians undergo extensive educational instruction in the restoration sciences and learn the latest techniques used in tandem with technologically advanced equipment for the best outcome on every job they do.
Availability is another crucial issue in choosing a mitigation company. The longer the damage in your home sits, the greater the loss to your property and belongings. SERVPRO technicians have a commitment to 24-hour a day service and no matter when the loss happens; they arrive within an hour in most cases to begin cleanup efforts.
SERVPRO of Reading stands ready to support local community members who need assistance with the cleanup and restoration services from fire, storm, water or mold damage. The emergency response team is available by calling (610) 779-8189 to make the loss to the property "Like it never even happened."
The carpeting became soaked from the water damage in this home. We arrived right away with the right tools to restore the home quickly.
Why Involve SERVPRO When There is Water Damage in Your Reading Home
Water spills are among the most common incidents that happen in Reading homes. The damage level varies in each case, with some requiring professional assistance. When looking for such assistance, there is a need to find a knowledgeable partner that can address all issues that crop up during the restoration process.
Better scoping of the problem
One common characteristic of water damage that affects Reading homes is widespread moisture migration. While most of the water might pool close to the source, the rest spreads through gravity action or wicking through materials. A spill starting in upper floors may also leave walls and ceilings in lower floors wet. It is not always feasible to identify such water migration from visual observation. Our SERVPRO technicians help because we have a wide range of moisture detection equipment. We use thermal cameras, which rely on temperature differences to establish the presence of water in concealed areas. We also have moisture meters that check wetness in materials.
Superior Drying Equipment and Procedures
Water spills damage homes in different ways, including soiling if the source of the water is not clean and degradation of materials due to wetness. The wetness aspect is what leads to losses. Our SERVPRO teams include IICRC certified WRT, Water Restoration Technicians, who use advanced approaches to dry all wet materials and contents. We scope the loss situation, including establishing the common types of materials in your house. Such evaluation establishes whether we need high capacity extraction equipment such as truck-mounted water extractors or wet vacs can do the job. We also establish whether there is a need for demolition processes such as carpet removal or making flood cuts.
Quality Customer Service
Dealing with water spills can be an emotionally draining process. Apart from saving your valuables, you might also need to deal with your insurer and in some cases, seek accommodation elsewhere. Our SERVPRO technicians understand these challenges, which is why we offer quality customer care service. We work closely with your adjuster ensuring decisions such as disposal of items are authorized. We also use our training and experience to estimate the likely duration that it would take to restore your property, allowing you to make informed plans.
Dealing with water spills requires the right approach. Call SERVPRO of Reading to assist. You can reach us any time at (610) 779-8189. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
When floodwater invades your home, SERVPRO has the equipment and expertise to get it out!
Flood Damage Experts In Reading Point Out Different Types Of Inspection Equipment
Stormy weather in Reading can create conditions like rain and high-speed winds that can cause you problems with buildings on your property. Flood damage that exists after A storm can involve several processes to completely restore your residence to its preloss state "Like it never even happened." Our SERVPRO team can provide fast 24/7 service, and we can begin working on mitigating problems as soon as you give us work authorization.
During any flood damage project in Reading, our highly trained team uses a combination of our work experience and training to remediate problems with your building materials and contents quickly. Our SERVPRO team starts restoring your home immediately after we get your emergency call. First off, we inspect your entire building to figure out how the severity of the damage and how many rooms inside your house got negatively affected.
Our team of SERVPRO technicians is IICRC certified, and we have a vast amount of experience dealing with varieties of flood damage restoration jobs that have been both minor and severe. Our crew also can implement a wide range of advanced technology during the entire restoration process. The following four inspection tools help our team immensely in determining the overall scope of your project.
Thermo-Hygrometers
A hygrometer is used to measure your building's relative humidity and your indoor temperature. Some thermo-hygrometers also give us other readings such as your building's dew point, the pressure of vapor, and your house's humidity ratio.
Manometer
A manometer does not measure moisture, but instead, it measures the pressure of vapors or gases. The device is most often used to figure out the difference of pressure between a room that was affected and a room that was not.
Inspection Cameras / Boroscopes
Inspection cameras and boroscopes are used to look into wall cavities or other sealed off areas to determine the structure's construction and if moisture is present. Motorized inspection cameras can be used to look inside your ductwork.
Luminometer
We often use luminometers to test water and surfaces in your home for contamination.
Having professionals like our team inspect your home for damage can be handy so that you make sure we missed nothing. To ensure proper mitigation after flooding, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 because We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Setting off fireworks near your home is fun but you need to be careful of starting an unintentional fire. Contact SERVPRO should that occur.
Leftover Fireworks can Lead to Fire Damage in Garages, Sheds, and Other Outbuildings on Your Kutztown Property
Setting off forgotten fireworks after finding them in the shed or garage sounds like a fun activity to many children and teens. Lighting them where nobody can see might lead to problems with your outbuildings on your Kutztown property. Your garage or shed can end up with marks or burned areas. This can affect the ceiling of patios and other outside areas, too.
Once a residential property in Kutztown sustains fire damage, especially in the winter, restoring things back to normal becomes crucial. Otherwise, damaged areas keep worsening, causing additional expense. SERVPRO's specialists arrive ready to work and start minimizing the damage. Fireworks might not last long, but their show of colorful sparks can ignite many things in the vicinity.
More intense than the sparks are the flames that often linger afterward. This small fire can grow in size and spread fairly quickly. Sheds and garages made of wood can burn rapidly. Patios and other structures receiving more use or located closer to the house might attract attention before getting to this stage.
SERVPRO technicians use an assortment of methods to restore your property. This includes personal belongings, furniture, minor equipment and tools, and structures. Fire in these locations often causes the destruction of stored items. When we encounter boxes in storage, we pull these out so you can examine their contents and decide on how you want us to proceed.
We can then clean those items at risk of smoke damage and return them to you. We list ruined things that do not seem likely candidates for restoration on inventory sheets. You can use these to help you replace such things and also for insurance claims paperwork.
Another problem with fire damage is that it often destroys the electrical wiring. Either by the heat of the flames or because of the water when putting those flames out, electrical systems often get destroyed during a fire. We work with certified electricians who can examine, test, and repair your wiring while we continue to work on the restoration.
SERVPRO of Reading understands that fire damage can start in many ways and in any location in your Exeter or Birdsboro home. Our skilled teams know that the earlier mitigation begins, the less overall damage your property experiences. Call us at (610) 779-8189, our 24-hour services line, year-round, so we can start the work your property needs.
Call us at (610) 779-8189 to have mitigation specialists restore your residence.
After An Overhead Leak, Water Extraction Equipment Pulls Moisture From Every Level Of Your House In Reading
Damaging water typically comes from ground-level flooding or pipes that burst open somewhere in your Reading residence. Rain can also come in through opened spots in the roof or torn vents. New home construction also might call for placing the water heater overhead to save space, especially when a basement is considered too small. Any of these and other situations can let water ruin your home's interior from the top downward.
When mitigating water-soaked homes in Reading, using a variety of water extraction equipment ensures our customers of a thorough job. These different machines and tools include those for measuring the amount of moisture in both materials and the air, forcing the moisture to behave in more beneficial ways, and capturing mechanisms, among others.
We complement our extensive equipment with intensive training. Our skilled mitigation and restoration specialists earn certificates from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and we quickly gain experience in extracting water from a diverse assortment of homes and businesses.
To determine the places affected by water, we use infrared cameras that reveal the temperature differences between dry and damp materials. Knowing the places that need our attention immediately, we can place air movers in the most effective locations and direct them so that air currents steadily pull moisture out of these materials.
Then, to extract the moisture from the almost saturated air, we use desiccant machines. As air passes through these, the moisture gets trapped so that the air exiting is completely dry. This now-dry air can again absorb moisture that evaporated into the air after being drawn out of drywall, carpeting, and other parts of your home.
Water also becomes trapped inside the walls and above the ceilings of rooms and hallways when its source is located overhead. SERVPRO gets these places dry again, too, after extracting the moisture. The same hole we use to let the water drain lets us use flexible tubing to force dry air into the wall or ceiling's space. We make sure that everything gets dry before damage can increase and spread.
SERVPRO of Reading wants you to know you can rely on us, no matter how large or small your water extraction needs. We also have submersible pumps for pulling water from enclosed areas like crawlspaces and basements, and odor control machinery that eliminates offensive odors at their source. Call us at (610) 779-8189 to have mitigation specialists restore your Kutztown, Exeter, or Birdsboro residence.
This ceiling suffered from water damage after a storm and our crew responded and began to scrap the ceiling removing the ceiling tiles.
Flood Damage Removal Services In Reading
With the Schuylkill River running the entire length of our city, most Reading residents understand the threat of flooding very well. Once rainfall here or north of us causes the banks to crest, everything from River View Park to Klapperthall Junction is at risk.
When Reading flood damage is severe enough, it can cause physical damage to area homes. When this happens, SERVPRO teams have two immediate goals: Remove the water and secure the home against secondary damage.
Outside, team members cover damaged entrances and exits with plywood once the floodwater recedes. The action protects the interior of the home from the weather and reduces the risk of animal intrusions, trespassing, and vandalism.
As those team members complete their task, technicians remove flood damage still inside the home. Since this is contaminated, outside water, they first spray the surface of the flooding and nearby property with an anti-microbial cleaning agent, which kills any health threat in the water. Then, they bring in commercial-grade pumps and other extraction devices. Depending on the size of the home’s interior and the amount of water present, technicians can clear most residences in a day or two.
Although what is happening may be overwhelming, there is no need to feel powerless. Before our restorations teams or an inspector arrives, there are a couple of things you can do to get started and make the process go more quickly: First, turn off the power. If the outlets or other wiring is underwater, your home is not safe for you or SERVPRO technicians. While you can cut everything off at the breaker box, a call to the power company is safer for you.
Contact your insurance agent. Every company already has a list of what they pay for repair or replacement. Once you hand your policy number and contact information over to our team leader, she can know in minutes what they can set aside for repair or what they need to dispose of immediately.
Drying out and restoring our community is one of our biggest concerns here at SERVPRO of Reading. If your home here or in Exeter, Birdsboro, or Kutztown has had any flood water inside of it, contact our office today at (610) 779-8189 for an inspection and to get the restoration process started. We are here to help, so please do not wait to call us.
Don't let water damage ruin your game. Call SERVPRO to keep the only 'pool' in your basement a 'pool table.'
Flood Damage Kutztown – Severe Storms
With rainfall measured in inches, it is not hard to imagine a flash flood inundating your home without much notice. Creeks and rivers rise before you can take any action to rescue your belongings from your flooded home. Everything gets wet, including your furniture, electronics, documents, and mementos.
SERVPRO is ready to react to flood damage events in Kutztown and surrounding areas at a moments notice. We have the equipment and skilled technicians ready to respond to these storm events. We are on site quickly, complete an assessment, and get to work removing water and debris from your home. Many people attempt to rescue some of their belongings. We urge consumers to be extremely careful about potential electrical hazards. Do not try to turn any electronics on. We can ensure that the electricity has been turned off and can remove your electronics and personal items for later restoration.
We equip our SERVPRO trucks with high capacity pumps to remove water from basements and submerged homes quickly. Restoration may include the following depending on the extent of the flood damage to your home:
Dehumidification and drying
Removal of contaminated contents, flooring, and walls
Further moisture removal in all hard to access areas
Drying of all documents and photographs
Restoration of your home
We also arrange for dry cleaning of your clothing, wet cleaning to remove residues, and foam cleaning for upholstered furniture. We use immersion cleaning to clean many products.
For many people, these adverse events can be an overwhelming experience. Consumers have difficulty recalling all of the items that are affected by these damaging storms. SERVPRO’s Content Claim Inventory Service can ease this experience. Detailed, accurate reports help consumers settle claims quicker. With a room by room list consumers have peace of mind during a very stressful period.
Call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 for 24/7 service. We serve Exeter, Birdsboro, and local communities in the area. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster in your area.
SERVPRO of Reading has the equipment and experience to restore your water damaged hotel.
Professional Flood Damage Restoration For Your Kutztown Area Hotel
Hotels consist of 115 rooms or more on average throughout the United States. Your hotel in Kutztown can, depending on the type of establishment you choose to run, also contain many of the same amenities that homes do. In other words, you have several tiny homes confined to a small space, which makes it easy for floods to affect more than a single room on your property.
Whether you run a small Bed & Breakfast (B&B) with 10 rooms or a large hotel with 1500 rooms, you want to do everything possible to avoid flood damage. As a Kutztown local business owner ourselves, we understand how much you put into running your company and want to help you protect it. We have 24-hr emergency response teams available year-round so that we can help you keep your doors open should tragedy strike.
You might have a bed or two, a dresser, end tables, dining table & chairs, upholstered chairs, refrigerator, lamps, refrigerators, and other kitchen facilities in every room. Attached bathrooms, closets, safes, and air-conditioners are also among typical amenities found in a hotel. Facing flood damage in 100+ rooms overnight is overwhelming for any business owner. However, SERVPRO has all of the training, experience, equipment, and resources necessary to tackle even the biggest jobs.
At SERVPRO, our technicians all receive Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which means that you can count on our team to provide you with professional restoration services you can trust. Finding and removing water anywhere on your property, drying affected areas, and restoring the contents found in each room is our fundamental goal. However, our team also goes that extra mile to ensure that you receive the results you deserve.
Gain access to highly-trained restoration technicians, water extraction, drying, cleaning, and deodorization services designed to fit your unique situation. SERVPRO gives you the help you need to return your home to a quality preloss condition, by providing quick, efficient services, and working with your insurance company to ensure a stress-free claims process.
Contact SERVPRO of Reading for additional information about the restoration services we offer throughout the Exeter, Birdsboro, and Hamburg area, today. We can answer any flood damage questions you might have and get started on your restoration immediately, or even help you avoid costly problems before they ever occur. (610) 779-8189.
Reading Fire Sale in a Mattress Store? Call SERVPRO Fast-We Never Lie Down on the Job!
Commercial Fire Damage Restoration In Reading, Pennsylvania
For Reading business owners, a fire can be the most fear-inducing event to ever happen in their retail facility. The results affect how they support their customers and pay their employees. The sprinkler or another suppression system quickly extinguish many commercial fires, so cleaning and restoration often depend on the property inside the building.
Restoring commercial fire damage in a Reading mattress store means cleaning surfaces that quickly absorbed smoke residues and the water used to put the fire out. There is nearly always some physical damage from heat and flames, but SERVPRO team members can quickly remove and dispose of that so they can get to the majority of the work.
Where possible, our technicians use dry sponges and cloths to wipe down surfaces and remove smoke residues. For very damp or wet residues, they bring in a mild cleaning agent from our chemical inventory to return items to a clean condition. For thicker residue layers, they have the option to use either hand brushes or a powered agitation device from our equipment inventory to break them up for easier removal.
As team members clean the mattresses and other inventory, more SERVPRO specialists set up equipment to dry everything as well. They use a combination of air movers to generate warm, dry air, and fans to circulate it throughout the facility and across damp surfaces to force out the cooler, moist air. The fans also help remove airborne odor particles from the building. Mattresses are particularly problematic for cleaning, especially in a retail situation where much value is lost since they must be sold at "fire sales" prices if they can be salvaged.
In addition to the store’s inventory, there is also the structure which requires restoration. With a quickly extinguished fire, technicians can remove smoke and soot residues from walls, tables, and other surfaces with a mild cleaning agent. For ceilings and areas high on walls, team members use sponges and cloths on long-handles to reach overhead. The air movers and fans that dry inventory also works well to lower the inside humidity and dry building material like ceiling tiles and drywall without causing secondary damage. The use of chemically altering odors by using hydroxyl generators and ozone machines can be advantageous under specific conditions.
At SERVPRO of Reading, our goal with each business is to help the owner reopen her doors so she and her employees can provide goods and services in the same excellent manner as before the fire. If you need our help, call our office today at (610) 779-8189 to see what we can do for you.
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SERVPRO Is Prepared To Get You Back To Business In Kutztown
We have the equipment, experience and expertise to get your business up and running smoothly again after a fire disaster.
Turning Back the Clock on Commercial Fire Damage in Kutztown Employee Breakroom
Most employee breakrooms have a microwave. These types of ovens are a common cause of commercial fire damage in businesses most often due to plastics or papers that are not microwave-safe being used. Brown paper bags are particularly volatile inside of a microwave. It is vital that fire loss is addressed as soon as possible to mitigate damage to the structure and contents.
When SERVPRO is called to turn around commercial fire damage in Kutztown retail facilities such as big box stores, our first concern is the safety of both employees and customers while we work and whether or not the business can stay open during remediation is determined on a case by case basis. During the initial phone call, we usually ask that the HVAC is turned off as smoke and soot can travel HVAC vents. In the case of damage left behind by a microwave fire, we expect smoke residue and soot, fire extinguisher residue plus odors to deal with.
Our technicians immediately determine the scale of the damage to be restored, and in the case of an employee breakroom fire, the area would be contained to limit cross-contamination outside of the breakroom, and the items that are too charred or damaged to restore are removed from the area. Then we deal with the soot and residues that can be seen. Fire extinguishers leave a powdery film on surfaces with a pungent odor until it is removed. We use handheld vacuums with HEPA filters to capture the airborne particulates. We then use our professional-strength cleaners with wet and dry sponges as needed to clean the remaining residues. This level of cleaning is often enough to eliminate odors. We inspect and check the ductwork to ensure the HVAC is not retaining any lingering fire odors.
Sometimes after a fire loss and thorough cleaning, odors remain and no one wants to come into a breakroom that smells like smoke. We have multiple methods of treating soot odors including air scrubbers which effectively filter and clean the air. If necessary, SERVPRO technicians have stronger applications that eliminate odors at the molecular level.
We know commercial fire damage can affect both your revenue stream and your employees, that why SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 is available 24/7 to work for you to bring your business back to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.
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When It Comes To Dealing With Water Damage In Your Kutztown Home, Our Crew Is Your Best Option!
Please contact us at (610) 779-8189 as soon as the storms subside so we can help and stay out of your home for safety reasons until it is safe again.
Why SERVPRO Is The Best Option For Flood Damage Restoration In Your Kutztown Home
There are few places where people do not need to worry about flooding, and Kutztown is no exception. Anywhere rainfalls can be vulnerable, even though it is not the only cause of flooding. Floods happen when land which is usually dry experiences overflowing water over it. Most times, when streams or rivers overflow their banks, this can happen. A ruptured levee or dam, excessive rain, or a beaver dam in the wrong place can overflow a river, flooding the land next to it.
When your home in Kutztown has experienced flooding, you need help cleaning everything up right away. The longer water sits, the more damage is done, so that is why SERVPRO is an excellent choice for flood damage restoration. As an experienced and well-trained restoration company, we understand how time is of the essence after floodwaters have invaded your home and we move quickly to help you when you give us a call.
A majority of floods develop in just days or even hours, but this time frame gives residents plenty of time to evacuate or prepare. Sometimes, they generate faster and with little warning. Known as flash floods, they can be very dangerous, instantly turning a peaceful brook into a wall of water that thunders down and sweeps away all in its path downstream.
Since structures which have been damaged by storms and flooding can suffer from significant damage, SERVPRO techs are very careful when we first enter your residence. If water has been sitting in your home for any length of time, materials which are saturated, such as drywall and flooring, can become weak, which creates a hazard for everyone. We check for any structural hazards before entering and proceeding with water mitigation and restoration. We ensure to keep you and your family out of the home until the structure is safe again.
If your roof was at all damaged and water has entered through the hole, we check for water trapped in cavities of the ceiling. When it is wet, drywall softens and ceilings can fall in. Weep holes are drilled so that we can free any trapped water in the ceiling cavities. We are cautious not to make a straight line of holes, so we avoid perforating the ceiling. We examine subflooring to figure out what it is made of and how stable it is if it has become wet. While walking around we must be cautious as nails which have become exposed, splinters, broken glass, or other sharp objects can be in the water.
SERVPRO of Reading is an experienced restoration company who can help dry your home in Hamburg, Exeter, or Gilbertsville out after flooding. Please contact us at (610) 779-8189 as soon as the storms subside so we can help and stay out of your home for safety reasons until it is safe again.
If you suspect there may be active, growing mold in your home, call us today at (610) 779-8189 to schedule one of our inspectors.
Mold Cleanup And Disposal Actions In Reading
Homeowners in Reading, especially those living along the banks of the Schuylkill River, have a healthy respect for what flooding can do to their residences. What many do not realize is their home can also see a mold infestation begin if it is not dried thoroughly after removing the water.
Mold cleanup in Reading homes and other communities after an infestation is not a simple process, but SERVPRO takes every step we can to preserve property and return every item possible to the owner promptly. Our restoration teams need to eliminate the source of moisture that allowed the mold to grow, clean and eliminate the threat of mold spores to property, and remove items too infested for restoration.
Water missed after removal is usually a small amount in an out-of-the-way location such as behind a wall or underneath a washing machine or cabinet inside the garage or laundry room. One of our inspectors uses an air content meter to measure mold spore levels and follow the highest concentration to the source of the infestation. This location is most often the moisture source as well.
SERVPRO technicians can quickly dry the pool or puddle using a commercial water vacuum, sponges, or cloths. They can also perform minor repairs if there is a leaky pipe or a seep in an outer wall that is letting in water from outside the home. Eliminating the moisture source stops growth completely, eventually forcing the spores back to an inert state.
Next, team members spray all visible mold with an anti-fungal agent. That kills active spores and prevents further growth, eliminating the further threat to the home. Now, they begin removing inert spores from affected items. In most cases, that means using sponges with a mild cleaner to wipe down the surfaces.
If active spores had time to grow into a property item like drywall panels, technicians carefully remove them, break them down if needed, bag them to prevent contaminating other areas of the home, and then dispose of them according to state and federal regulations.
Our end task at SERVPRO of Reading is to eliminate active mold spores in area homes and return them safe for reoccupation to the owner as quickly as we can safely do so. If you suspect there may be active, growing mold in your home, call us today at (610) 779-8189 to schedule one of our inspectors. We are here for you.
If you notice mold on more than one item in your home, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 seven days a week.
Reading's Mold Clean Out Technicians Describe A Scenario Where Multiple Objects Get Contaminated
Excessive humidity levels or a water leak that goes unnoticed inside your Reading home can both cause microbes that naturally exist to activate. Once a fungus forms, it is wise to call in a professional mold clean out firm such as SERVPRO before it spreads to other areas. Fungi need the right temperature, an organic food source, moisture and time before the microbes start developing structures called hyphae. These hyphae can grow rapidly and can expand in all three directions. Once they develop the structures start releasing seed-like spores into the air that flow around until they find a place to settle. During any mold clean out project our technicians take special care to keep spores from spreading and negatively affecting other areas of your home.
However, sometimes the contamination can spread quickly and affect multiple objects inside your house. If several items inside a building stay wet for too long, the mold clean out project in Reading could take several steps and is best tackled by restoration professionals like our SERVPRO technicians. For example, if a slow leak develops from a window, the moisture could cause contamination to develop on your drywall, the studs behind your walls, your carpets, any furniture you have in the area, or all of the above. Once a fungus forms on one organic substance on your home the spores can get onto other wet materials and form more hyphae structures. In these situations, the contamination must get removed before the fungi spread to other areas.
The first step our SERVPRO technicians takes when removing contaminated materials is to build a plastic barrier that seals any loose particles or dust created during the removal process. Once a containment chamber is set up, we remove any materials that got ruined and cannot be saved by disposing of them in sealed plastic bags. Next, we scrape off any contamination we find wooden materials or other items we think we can save.
If you notice mold on more than one item in your home, call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 seven days a week.
Experiencing a fire in your business is bad enough, but you also have to deal with the aftermath. Embarking on a complete fire cleanup mission includes water cleanup. When the Kutztown,PA, firefighters work hard to stop the fire from causing more damage, they use a lot of water. This water saturates everything and can seep into hidden areas within the building. During cleanup, you want to look out for four main types of water damage.
1. Mold Growth
Mold loves wet conditions. Excess water sitting around and seeping into porous surfaces makes an ideal location for mold to begin to grow. You can have a problem in as little as two days.
2. Rust
Water also is not a friend to metal. If exposed for too long, metal eventually rusts. While this may take some time, there is often hidden water lurking in areas near pipes that may lead to future issues. Quick and thorough water cleanup can help mitigate the problem.
3. Warping and Rotting
Wood is especially susceptible to water. Not only will it absorb the water but also it reacts to it. Wood will change shape due to swelling. This may cause it to warp. If water remains in the wood for too long, it rots.
4. Short Circuits
Electronics may be the hardest hit by water. If electronics survived the fire, the water can take them out easily by getting into the inner components and causing them to short circuit.
A Few Tips
You probably will focus first on smoke cleanup since it is most obvious due to the smell. As you are ventilating and working on getting rid of the lingering smoke, you can also look out for water damage since it may be found in similar areas that experience smoke damage.
Water cleanup is not an easy task, and it can be tough to find every affected area. It is highly recommended that you seek the help of a professional emergency restoration service to help ensure all the water is actually gone from your building so you can return your business back to its former condition.
Be prepared for a weather delay or a canceled flight
Whether you’re traveling to or from Gilbertsville,PA, bad weather can sometimes interrupt your travel plans and even result in a canceled flight. There’s nothing that can be done about the atmospheric conditions, but with a little planning and forethought, you should be able to weather the storm without too much trouble.
Keep These 3 Tips in Mind
Finding out that your flight's been cancelled may be inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans. Here are three main points to remember:
Put safety first. Don’t go against travel advisories or other official recommendations. Bad weather can be fatal, so pay attention to storm tips and keep the safety of yourself and your family foremost in your mind.
Have a backup plan. Learn what hotels are in the area that you could stay at in case you are stuck in town for another day.
Travel light. The less stuff you have to keep track of, the easier it will be to change course should the need arise.
A Canceled Flight Is Nobody’s Fault
If the weather has caused your flight to be canceled, you may be stuck in place for a while. Stay calm, and ask the airline if you can rebook on a later flight. Often, if you remain polite yet persistent, the airline will compensate you in some way for a flight that's been cancelled. However, if you become belligerent or threatening toward the airline employees, they are less likely to work with you.
Ultimately, there’s not much anyone can do about weather delays or a canceled flight, so the important thing is to be prepared. Heed all safety warnings, and travel light so that any detours can be made as smoothly as possible. It is reasonable to request compensation for a missed flight (due to weather or other difficulties beyond your control), and it’s best to stay calm with airline employees. A little patience can go a long way in this type of situation. After the storm comes the restoration and repairs.
Don’t Break Your Back Over Sandbags, Try These Water Barriers Instead
If you know the water is coming, and you have weeks to prepare, tons of sand, and dozens of people to help you fill and move a sand bag around, this is a great way to keep the water from entering your land. But damming a commercial property in Kutztown,PA, before a storm can be difficult using one bag of sand at a time. Here are three new alternatives to the old way of property damming.
1. Water Barricade
Easy-to-use water tubes can be found in lengths between six and 50 feet. They also typically come in several diameters, including 4 inches and 20 inches. You simply lay the tube where you want the dam around your property to be, fill it with water, and watch the tubes prevent the floodwaters from damaging your property. After use, simply hang them up to dry, and store them away for the next time they are needed.
2. Water Fence
Don’t let the unusual design of a water fence put you off because it can protect as well as any sand bag. Many water fences have been engineered from marine-secure panels, reinforced with aluminum and stainless-steel, and covered in PVC canvas. Typically 4 feet tall, these fences are made of panels that can be reused up to 60 times, and that can provide protection from flood damage for years to come. Simply fold and store the sections of fence after use.
3. Water Dam
With a feel of fabric-covered diaper material, this type of floodwater protection may be one of the best flood dams available. Better yet, it can be found at most local hardware stores. Roll the sections out, run hose water over each unit, and watch it expand. The small tubes can also be stacked for additional protection. When the water recedes, the tubes can shrink as they dry out, waiting for the next storm to hit.
The back-breaking work of filling a sand bag can be a thing of the past with these new and surprisingly efficient options to raging floodwaters. Whether you need to protect a small building or a whole city block, it is easy to do with these inventive water barriers. If water does flood your property, contact a water damage specialist for assistance.
5 Things You Need to Know About Insurance and Flooding
Flood can cause a lot of damage to your Reading, PA home
When there is a flood in your home in Reading, PA, one of the first things you should do is call your insurance provider. Making this call can help you figure out if the damage done to your house is covered by your policy. Many water restoration professionals work side-by-side with insurance providers to help you through your claim when you can make one. While every policy may be different, here are a few flooding insurance basics that you should know.
1. Damaged caused by broken pipes is usually covered.
If you wake up to a burst pipe in your master bathroom, chances are the water damaged caused will be covered by your normal homeowner's policy. When an unforeseen event results in a burst pipe, you're covered.
2. Subsequent damage is covered
Initially, a flood may damage your walls and insulation, but as the water spreads it starts to ruin carpet, paint and furnishings. If you have coverage, it will help pay for much of the subsequent damage to ensure you can return your house to normal.
3. The plumbing bill may come to you
Even though your insurance is going to help pay for the restoration, it may not cover the fees to fix the actual leaking pipe. Because plumbing falls under normal home maintenance, your plan may not cover it.
4. Leaking pipes need to be addressed right away
If, however, you knew there was a small leak in your plumbing, but you chose to ignore it, the damage caused may not be covered. You're expected to fix a broken pipe if you know about it. 5. Rising water requires a special policy. If heavy rains send water surging into your basement, you may need to look closely at your insurance coverage. Most homeowner's policies won't cover this type of damage.
A flood can cause a lot of damage to your house. Thankfully, your homeowner's policy and other insurance plans can help you pay for the restoration process.
Smoke and soot damage can cause a pervasive odor in you home.
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Reading will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (610)779-8189
Water damage is typically extensive in a flooded home, leaving many items destroyed. Flood water contaminates everything it touches, making surviving the aftermath almost as dangerous as the storm. Staying safe after a flood doesn’t have to be challenging, but there are a few things that you should not do.
1. Don’t Go Out in Regular Clothing
As flooding water is contaminated and it is likely hiding additional dangers, like downed power lines and submerged electrical outlets, it is essential to wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and rubber gloves. Additionally, you should avoid wearing anything that will allow your skin to come into direct contact with the water.
2. Don’t Touch the Water
You should avoid direct contact with any standing flood water because most of this water will be considered category three black water. Black water is a mix of sewage and other contaminants that are highly toxic to humans and animals, and this water does not need to be ingested to inflict harm.
3. Don’t Let Your Cell Phone Die
Try to maintain a full battery on your cell phone, if at all possible. As many areas will still be covered in water, a cell phone may be your only way of contacting friends and family or emergency services.
4. Don’t Buy New Furniture
While it is tempting to purchase replacement furniture for your home, buying new furniture so soon after flooding can be a bad decision. The cleanup process takes a lot longer than most homeowners expect, and you don’t want to bring new furniture into a contaminated space because you risk further contamination.
5. Don’t Go It Alone
You should check the Exeter,PA, area for local restoration specialists because they can offer the expertise, equipment, and personnel to ensure that your cleanup process goes as quickly and as smoothly as possible, allowing you to get back in your home.
Flood water is a dangerous substance that should not be taken lightly. Be sure to protect yourself by remembering the five steps above and recognizing the need to ask for help.
Mold damage after a pipe break on the wall in Reading, PA
If you own a home in Reading, PA, chances are you have experience with mold damage or mildew growth. You might have found some mold growth on an old rug in the basement, or some mildew on clothes or rags left in a damp area. But are mold and mildew the same?
Mold and mildew are somewhat similar, in that they both:
Thrive in moist areas
Like warm environments
Are fungi that spread through spores
Can grow on a wide variety of surfaces
But despite the similarities, mold and mildew have very distinct differences.
Mildew
Mildew is a specific form of fungus that generally forms on damp surfaces, and is powdery or fluffy in appearance. It's usually found in the home on moist surfaces, fabrics, paper, and on other organic materials. Outside of the home, mildew often causes a great deal of damage to agricultural products such as potatoes and grapes. There are two main types: downy mildew and powdery mildew. Downy mildew can vary in appearance but generally starts out with yellowish spots that turn brown after a time. Powdery mildew starts out as gray or white blotches that eventually become yellow-brown. Unlike mold, mildew can be removed fairly easily with a specialized cleaner and a scrubbing brush.
Mold
Mold is usually green or black with a fuzzy or slimy appearance. It is much more invasive than mildew, as it thrives under surfaces like the interiors of walls or under floorboards. Unlike mildew, mold damage can be far more harmful and much harder to get rid of once it's established. Also, there are a much wider variety of molds, the five most prevalent being penicillium, cladosporium, aspergillus, alternaria, and stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold. Unlike mildew, a mold problem is usually much more difficult to get rid of.
Mildew can be fully eliminated with a little effort on your part, but mold damage may require the skills of a professional mold mitigation company. Eradicating mold and mildew in your home is easy if you act promptly to get rid of it.
It’s inevitable that some of your possessions may have been damaged in the basement flood.
A flooded basement can be a homeowner’s nightmare, especially when you live in Reading, PA. Whether your home was subject to a natural disaster or there’s been a break in your water line, standing water in your basement can lead to an array of issues:
• Foundation damage • Ruined possessions • Water heater and HVAC system damage • Mold growth
It’s vital to battle your basement flood as quickly as possible to minimize the damage. If you’re not sure how to remove the water on your own, local restoration specialists can do that for you. Otherwise, you can use a submersible pump and sump hose combination to efficiently remove as much water as possible.
Prepare Your House for Pumping
Before you start the process of water removal, turn off your electricity. It’s also important to make sure the source of water has been stopped. If the cause was a burst pipe, make sure it’s been plugged, whereas if your basement flood is from regional flooding, wait until any outside water (in your yard or street) starts receding before pumping.
Begin Pumping Out the Water
Use an extension cord to connect the pump prior to putting it in the basement. Take all measures to keep the cord connection from getting wet; hanging it is highly recommended. Fit a hose to your pump – a garden hose can work, but a sump hose will be much more efficient due to its wider diameter. If flooding is in your insurance coverage, you may be covered for both the pump and hose rentals.
Place the end of the hose facing away from the house and, preferably, on a gradient that leads to a drain or sewer. Carefully lower the pump into the water and begin pumping. Reposition the pump to the lowest level of the basement once the water is only a couple inches high.
Take Small but Important Steps
It’s inevitable that some of your possessions may have been damaged in the basement flood. Likewise, carpet and drywall can need replacing or a very thorough cleaning. Check with restoration specialists in Reading, PA, to help repair damages and assess for further risks. You and your home will be grateful you did. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROreading.com/.
Mold growth at some level is normal in every indoor area, but too much can be a real problem.
If your Reading, PA, business should be subjected to flood conditions after a storm, mold could quickly become a problem. Without proper mitigation, mold can grow as early as 24 to 48 hours after a flood. By following these three tips, you can reduce the chances of mold growth turning into a complicated mess for you and your employees.
1. Remove Standing Flood Water
Standing water is one of the top causes of bacteria growth that leads to mold. Make sure to reduce humidity as much as possible before even considering taking care of any current or future mold issues. This includes water removal as well as keeping your building’s indoor temperature at a level that will reduce humidity.
2. Contact Mold Remediation Specialists
A professional mold remediation company can help you find sources of mold that already exist in your building. Trained technicians will know what to look for and how to eradicate it to halt the growth of mold and further damage to your building. These workers will also know how to reduce or eliminate odors caused by mold. If you even suspect that mold may be a problem, a storm cleanup crew of this kind can help you figure out what to do.
3. Understand Sources of Mold Growth
Even after your mold situation is taken care of, it is a good idea to stay aware of the different ways that mold can enter your building. The last thing you want to do is have a new mold problem on your hands after clearing up the last mess. Understanding that open windows, air conditioner units and other sources of outdoor air can lead to increased mold will help you to be armed against future nightmares.
Mold growth at some level is normal in every indoor area, but too much can be a real problem. Since growth occurs so quickly and may do real damage in only a couple of days, being prepared ahead of time will allow you to save your property sooner rather than later. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROreading.com/.
Your contingency plan and fire escape strategy are essential elements of your emergency preparation.
As a business leader, you understand how important it is to be prepared in your work duties. But do you place the same priority on emergency preparation? Do you have a contingency plan if a fire starts in your Reading, PA, office and threatens everyone’s safety? Today is the perfect day to develop an escape plan. This will give you peace of mind if disaster strikes.
Time to Get Out!
If you smell smoke or see flames in your office, your first priority is quickly getting everyone out. But this shouldn’t be a free-for-all mad dash. It’s critical that your evacuation plan has order and design to it. Here are some initial steps:
• Identify nearest exits on all floors and within all parts of the building. • Make sure your staff exists quickly but remains calm. • Assign one or two people on each floor to sweep the area (if safe) and ensure that everyone has exited. • Choose a designated spot near your office where everyone will gather once they exit.
Practice Makes Perfect
Telling your staff about this plan isn’t enough. You must practice it. Your company should have an annual fire drill. After the drill, it may be helpful to discuss ways you can improve. Ensure that all employees participate. You can even tell them ahead of time that you will be holding the drill.
Emergency Plan Prevention
If the fire or smoke damage makes it impossible for you to return to work for more than a few days, you need a contingency plan to keep your business running. Fire cleanup can take weeks, so make sure employees have laptops available so they can work from home. Have cloud-based backups of all data. Ensure that appropriate employees have off-site access to systems.
Your contingency plan and fire escape strategy are essential elements of your emergency preparation. Don’t find yourself in harm’s way or unable to function after disaster hits. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROreading.com/.
As a resident of Reading, PA, the potential for roof damage to your home from high winds, hail, or fallen tree limbs is evident. Strong storms can cover an area with more than just rainfall; they can bring disaster and chaos to homeowners living through them. If you find your home in need of roofing restoration experts but need to take action before they arrive, here are three reasons for using tarps and boards to mitigate further loss.
1. Reduce Water Damage.
Waiting for an insurance adjuster or for restoration to start might continually expose your home to one of the more damaging elements of nature. Water damage can occur both during and after heavy rainfall, creating secondary structural issues or an environment for mold growth. Tarps and boards can repel and divert water away from weak areas in the roof, taking both an offensive and defensive position against secondary damage.
2. Comprehensive Coverage.
Should wind damage leave your roof with pockets of dislocated tiles or shingles, boards can be used to span the distance. For areas where a fallen tree or limbs created large and less-than-symmetrical patterns of roof damage, tarps provide flexibility and temporary durability. Using a combination of both adds extra support and protection.
3. Efficient and Accessible Protection.
Although leaving the restoration for the experts is preferred, homeowners have the ability to secure their roofs and homes from additional damage by using these items. Remember to keep safety as your priority, but the safety of your family and home might require the immediate response of tarping or boards. Supplies are easily found at local hardware stores, making it a quick response option.
Experiencing the aftermath of a severe storm can be emotionally and physically devastating, but you are fortunate to have skilled restoration experts on hand in Reading, PA. Should you find yourself faced with roof damage, remember to call the experts first, but quickly take the next steps to reduce further problems.
A house fire in Reading, PA, or any other small town, big city or sprawling suburb, could range from a nuisance to a nightmare, depending on the severity of the blaze. A fire of any size is likely to cause smoke damage, but it is reassuring to know that professionals can work quickly to get you back to your comfortable routines more quickly than you might expect.
Remediating Smoke and Soot.
Fires can cause many kinds of damage to a house. After seeing to everyone’s safety, the next priority is to assess the type and extent of the damage and to secure the structure, all of which can be handled at any time of day or night by professionals.
• Repairing structural damage to the house may require partial demolition. • Water removal will usually begin quickly and progress to the use of air movers and dehumidifiers to completely dry the environment. • Smoke damage and soot damage require the specialized equipment and techniques that professionals use to treat walls, ceilings and any other surfaces that have been compromised. • Structures and items that are restorable will usually receive special cleaning, such as steam cleaning of carpets and upholstery and dry cleaning of other fabrics such as window treatments. Fogging equipment is highly effective in smoke cleaning and can be part of the remediation process. • Restoration work may entail replacement of drywall and carpets or other types of flooring, depending on the extent and type of damage. • Painting walls and ceilings can restore the beauty of your home and prepare for the return of your furnishings and treasured belongings.
A home is a sanctuary for you and your loved ones, and the thought of being displaced by fire can certainly be nerve-wracking. But with today’s technological expertise, reclaiming your home from smoke damage and soot is more easily achievable than it has ever been.
Customers enjoy coming to your restaurant in Reading, PA, because they value your delicious, high-quality, fresh food. So how can you keep it all fresh and avoid mold growth in the kitchen? Make sure you don’t dish up something unexpected by taking a few precautions.
1. Store Food Properly.
When appropriately stored, food can remain fresh and mold-free for three to four days, allowing you to use as much of your inventory as possible. Store canned items in new, clean, covered containers and cover fresh foods with plastic wrap to keep moisture in. Keep all foods refrigerated at the proper temperature, 40 degrees or below, to prevent mold growth. You can also decrease high humidity issues in your refrigerator by not packing in too much food and allowing proper air circulation.
2. Ventilate Appliances Correctly.
Steam and warm air are the perfect environment for growing mold, and of course, that is the definition of a fast-paced restaurant kitchen. It is important to make sure that moisture-creating appliances are vented outside and that you have a high-functioning HVAC system to help circulate outside air into your work area. Maintain your HVAC system and check drip pans regularly for cracks in the bottom or overflowing liquid, as that can lead to damage and unnecessary repairs.
3. Address Leaks Quickly.
Regularly checking appliances allows you to catch any leaks quickly. However, if you find that you didn’t catch the water damage in time, there are professional remediation specialists who can prevent further damage and control existing issues. Addressing the problem in a timely manner can keep costs down.
Your highest priority is to serve the best food Reading, PA, has to offer, and these steps can help make certain that you can do that every day. Storing your food carefully, ventilating appliances correctly and quickly fixing any leaks can prevent mold growth and help keep your kitchen healthy and efficient.
A leaky pipe beneath your kitchen sink may be a headache, but it’s nothing a trip to the hardware store and an afternoon of elbow grease won’t fix. A broken pipe, however, can quickly flood your Reading, PA, home. Whether your pipe bursts due to corrosion, freezing temperatures, or a sudden increase in pressure from the supply line, the resulting water damage can be devastating. In the blink of an eye, numerous parts of your home could be destroyed:
The result is a mess you don’t want to take on by yourself. Along with a licensed plumber, your local restoration experts are your best bet when it comes to returning your home to its previous level of comfort and safety. Add these crucial services to the cost of replacing ruined items and you are easily looking at thousands of dollars in expenses. How will you pay for everything you need to get back to normal?
What Insurance Will Cover.
While the cost to fix a broken pipe itself usually falls on the homeowner, the damage to property from the resulting flood is generally included in an all perils homeowners’ insurance policy. This type of insurance coverage protects you against any unexpected hazard not specifically named in your policy as excluded. Even if your coverage is less comprehensive, check to see if water damage is listed among the things covered. Odds are it is.
It may come as a relief that water damage from a broken pipe is usually covered by insurance, but don’t take this to mean that you can slack off when it comes to taking care of your pipes. If you’ve been neglecting your plumbing system by ignoring leaks, corrosion, or inadequate insulation, then your insurance company is likely to deny your claim.
What You Can Do.
If you’re currently facing flood damage from a broken pipe, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. If you’re fortunate enough to have avoided this disaster so far, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage and keep up with your plumbing maintenance.
Mother Nature sometimes delivers unpleasant surprises, but there are many preemptive measures business owners can take to minimize storm damage in Reading, PA. Preparation is crucial, though even so, the wrath of a bad winter storm may eventually require restoration with the help of professionals.
Develop a Plan.
Getting your business through a patch of rough weather requires a strategy:
1. Staying informed about potential weather threats is easy to do these days with television, radio and the internet. An app on your cell phone, tablet, or personal computer makes it easier than ever to know what’s coming your way. 2. Maintaining the business’s roof, windows, foundation and HVAC system can, to an extent, head off storm damage. Frequent inspections can alert you to the potential for water infiltration, whether from rain or melting snow. 3. Heading off a common winter storm problem, the pipe break, is a key strategy. Taking the time to install low-cost insulation around pipes can forestall the misery of interior flooding.
Anticipate a Solution.
Anticipating your response to a weather event is sound, proactive thinking. Getting to the site as soon as it is safe to travel and assessing the damage is important to prevent further destruction of the building or its contents. Knowing how to shut off water and electricity and making sure others do, too, is vital. Keeping materials and tools on hand to cover broken windows, patch the roof and pump out water will save the scramble to assemble this equipment after the damage occurs. Identifying the most competent and reliable restoration professionals in Reading, PA, before you need them will move things along more quickly in the aftermath.
It's never too early to make sure your business is ready for the cold season. The adage “hope for the best but prepare for the worst” is appropriate when considering what a winter storm can do to your building.
Contents includes furnishings as well as equipment. The remediation and restoration company you choose can estimate the likelihood of successfully restoring soft furnishings such as sofas, chairs and floor coverings. The process can include removing moisture and stains as well as smoke odors. You can determine the tradeoffs between restoration or replacement with the help of experts and your insurance company.
Even if electronic equipment didn’t experience direct damage by fire or water, it can sustain damage from smoke and soot. Smoke contains acids that can corrode components, and a computer’s battery can be subject to combustion. It’s wise to wait for a professional to assess your equipment before turning anything on.
Establishing the financial cost of a commercial fire in Reading, PA, requires the help of experts. The National Fire Incident Reporting System identified some important points to bear in mind when estimating fire cost:
• An estimate of fire loss considers structural damage and damage to contents • Damage to contents includes the effects of fire, smoke, water and overhaul • The International Code Council’s building valuation data formula is recommended by the U.S. Fire Administration as the tool that should be used by fire departments to determine dollar loss
Structural Damage
Determining structural fire damage should be done by fire remediation and restoration professionals. While melted plastic and charred wood are obvious to the naked eye, other damage can remain hidden. Water used to control the fire can seep into areas not open to view to warp floors and cause wallboard to crumble. Professionals can assess whether repair or replacement is most appropriate.
Getting Back to Normal
Your remediation and restoration company can help ensure that you’ve considered all aspects of possible fire damage. Their estimate can be the basis of a bid for the work that needs to be performed in order to get the business back to normal operation.
So you’ve found mold in your Reading, PA, home. While your first step should be to contact a mold remediation specialist, while you wait for help you need to stop the spread of mold contamination and initiate proper containment prior to remediation. Containment can keep mold from spreading to uncontaminated areas – but what does mold containment and remediation actually entail?
Steps to Take for Mold Containment
Mold contamination is so serious even the CDC addresses it with guidelines for containment and remediation. For containment, you should:
1. Immediately shut off water around the affected area. Water feeds mold, and you may have a leak or broken pipe that’s making the issue worse. 2. Blot the affected area as dry as possible. Any standing water is just giving mold more fuel to breed, so dry up any water. Use gloves, as the water may contain mold contamination. 3. Shut off HVAC systems. Mold spores can spread through HVAC systems and contaminate other areas of the house. 4. Remove contaminated materials and dispose of them appropriately. Your carpet may have picked up a mold infestation, or items of clothing lying around. You may need to wait for remediation for a full tear-out, but get rid of anything disposable ASAP. 5. Seal off the area. If possible, close off the area with an airtight seal. Tape windows and doors, and close and cover air vents. 6. Use antifungals and mold prevention solutions on the rest of the house. You can use off-the-shelf antifungals as a spray defense to ward the rest of your house against the spread of mold.
What Remediation Involves
A mold remediation specialist will not only check the discovered infestation, but inspect your entire house thoroughly to identify any other sources of mold. The type of mold and the depth of the contamination will determine what remediation may involve, from use of HEPA air filters to a complete tear-out of infested drywall, flooring, or carpeting.
Did you know that your family may only have a couple of minutes to escape your home in a fire? A good smoke alarm for your home in Reading, P, could give you ample warning. But, how do you know which smoke detector will be right for you?
Understand the Different Types of Smoke Detectors
Before you can figure out the options for your home, it is important to understand the different types of alarms and their uses. You may even consider using different kinds throughout the home:
• Photoelectric alarms use a short pulse of light to detect the smoke. Smoke causes the light to break apart, setting off the alarm. These are best for kitchens. • Ionization smoke detectors work by using an electric current instead of a light. Smoke breaks the current apart, causing the alarm. These alarms are more sensitive than photoelectric and good for bedrooms and hallways. • Some alarms on the market use a combination of both detection methods to create better protection.
Other Considerations for Your Alarm
You may think that all alarms are made the same, but they are not. You want a smoke alarm that has been tested and certified. These units have a “UL” label on them. Another factor to consider is how easy the alarms can be turned off when tested or if there is a false alarm from burning toast or other food. Finally, some alarms have visual features for the hearing impaired. If you need this feature, be sure to find an alarm with it.
Fire Safety Considerations
Ideally, you want a smoke detector in each room and hallway of your home, and you should test each one monthly. Vacuuming it monthly will also help keep dust out and keep it working properly.
If you do have a fire in your Reading, PA, home, a smoke alarm will help you save your house and family. Then, call a professional restoration company that will help you to get your home back to normal.
You may be surprised to realize that the EPA and OSHA have not set mold standards when it comes to the cleanup of this tricky substance. Despite that, there are some ways you can ensure your building in Reading, PA, is protected from mold buildup. While the fungus is natural and can be found almost anywhere, mold that has the chance to grow can cause problems.
Cleaning Tips
If you discover your facility has excess amounts of mold, calling in professionals conversant with industry mold standards is your best option. If your staff are helping out with those efforts, there are a few things you can do to ensure the best possible results with cleaning:
• Wear protective gear when cleaning mold. Make sure your skin, eyes, mouth, and nose are protected. • When you can use electricity, make sure dehumidifiers, and fans are set up to help remove moisture. • Anything that was touched by flood or sewage water, but cannot be cleaned and dried within two days, should be thrown away. • When using cleaning products, do not mix them as this can cause toxic vapors. • Keep open windows and doors and cleaning to ensure safety for workers. • Scrub down surfaces with detergent and water, then dry immediately.
Protective Gear
When you are considering protective gear to use during a mold clean, there are a few items that are helpful. First, you should have on protective gloves and waterproof boots to avoid exposure to water or black mold. Long pants and a shirt with long sleeves are also best to protect yourself. On top of that, you will likely want to wear goggles and an N-95 or better respirator. Follow the mold standards of the IICRC or other professional bodies to be as safe as possible.
Mold remediation efforts can be complex. Professional assistance and the tips above can help ensure you are safe while cleaning and your facility is back in order as quickly as possible.
The commercial toilet in your Reading, PA, property gets a lot of use, which means that there are likely more opportunities for a toilet overflow. Industrial toilets are often controlled by a flushometer, which can allow for smooth operation via the main water supply. Although this specialized flushing device helps commercial toilets to perform more efficiently than their standard counterparts, they can sometimes malfunction, causing the water to flow non-stop. Here are four steps you can take when troubleshooting an overzealous flusher.
1. Shut Off the Water
The flushometer usually includes a slot for a screwdriver, which may be located on the side. Grab a flathead screwdriver and turn the slot, which can stop a toilet from continually running water.
2. Remove the Lid
Now that you have stopped the water flow, you can screw the lid off of the flushometer. You should use a wrench for this, as well as some type of cloth to protect the chrome surface from scratches.
3. Detach the Flange Cover
Twist the flange cover and pull it off to access the gasket. You can lay down a towel around the perimeter of the toilet’s base for easier cleanup in the event of spilled water.
4. Clean the Gasket
The gasket will probably be full of grime, which is likely the culprit of your flushing woes. In the gasket area, you may also notice a small cavity called a weep hole, which may cause toilet overflow when clogged. Remove the gasket and clean it thoroughly. Then, grab a narrow object and insert it into the weep hole, completely removing any build-up.
A constantly running toilet in your Reading, PA, business is undoubtedly a nuisance, but it is one that should be resolved to prevent toilet overflow. If an ineffective flusher does cause a spillover, you should call in a professional to repair any damage from the toilet flood.
The storm may be over, but if your house flooded in Reading, PA, the process of getting your life back to normal has just begun. Whether you had one inch of flood water or several feet, there are five things to keep in mind to help speed cleanup, stay safe and minimize property loss.
1. Don’t Skip the Protective Gear
Flood water can contain bacteria and other harmful contaminants. It is essential to protect your health by wearing tall rubber boots or waders, sturdy rubber gloves that reach your elbow, and high-quality face masks. Exposure to polluted water can cause infection after as few as six hours.
2. Don’t Mess With Standing Water
No matter how much protective gear you’ve pulled on, standing water can still be a hazard around your flooded home. You may not be able to see downed or underground power lines, which can electrify standing water. Standing water may also hide sharp projections or holes that could lead to injury.
3. Don’t Put Off Talking to Your Insurance Company
The sooner you contact your home insurance company to file a claim for water damage, the sooner the case can be investigated and resolved. Getting ahead with insurance may be particularly important when a flood affects many homes.
4. Don’t Wait To Bring in Professionals
Mold can start growing in porous materials such as sheetrock and upholstery in as little as 24 to 48 hours, especially in warm and wet conditions. Getting a professional remediation company working on cleanup as soon as possible can help stop mold before it starts growing as well as minimize other water damage.
5. Don’t Replace Household Items…Yet
You may be tempted to start buying replacements for household items ruined by water damage, but it’s often best to wait to purchase new things until after your home’s structure is fully repaired.
Although the flood water in Reading, PA, has receded, the damage remains. Quick contact with your insurance company and clean-up specialists can help get you and your family back into your home as safely and quickly as possible.
Fire damage can be devastating for any business, residential, or commercial property.
On top of the fire and smoke damage, some people may experience significant water damage from fire. Every minute you spend looking at your property before the fire is time and revenue wasted. Hence, if you experience such losses, you should call Reading, PA fire experts immediately.
Preventing a fire and having a safe escape plan in case of a fire is crucial to you and your family. However, sometimes when it strikes, having an idea of what to do in the aftermath can make the process and recovery more bearable. Many people go into shock and are unprepared to recover from the loss. The right fire handlers in Reading should offer help and brief you on the issues you'll face after a fire. They can also advise regarding insurance claims and any other measure that can speed up the recovery process.
Molds are able to thrive indoors or out, provided the right moisture conditions exist.
These fungi disperse microscopic spores into the air, and they’re found almost everywhere. It’s important to quickly determine if any green or black mold found growing in the home is harmful, and if so, develop a remediation plan as soon as possible.
These are some of the situations which often lead to mold growth within a residential space:
Leaks in your home’s water pipes;
Excess moisture accumulating in a crawlspace or basement;
Dampness resulting from wet weather and poor insulation, roofing problems, etc.
If evidence of this kind of growth is found in the home, it’s a good idea to have it tested promptly; visible molds frequently indicate more extensive growth in unseen locations. Remember that whether it’s green, gray or black mold, cleanup requires professional knowledge and equipment, so don’t attempt to tackle that moisture problem on your own. Visit http://www.SERVPROreading.com for more information on mold.
Broken pipes are hard to repair, so it is a good idea to call a plumber as quickly as possible. Before making a phone call, make sure that your water supply is completely shut off. Use mops, towels, and sponges to clean up as much water as possible.
If there is too much water and you can't mop them anymore, use a plastic pipe or a water pump to drain out water. If it is possible, you should remove sensitive items away from water.
Put wooden planks or aluminum underneath your furniture to protect them from water damage.
Frozen pipes can be disastrous if they are not taken care of quickly. It’s a good idea to take precautions to avoid dealing with broken pipes and water damage. By knowing how to handle the situation, you can make the water cleanup process as smooth as possible.
If your home is suffering from a serious black mold problem, you may have already contacted a mold remediation specialist in Reading, PA, to handle the cleanup. In the meantime, you might have a lot of questions about the mold in your house and what to expect when the mold remediation professionals show up at your door. Here are the five main steps of a professional mold cleanup:
1. Evaluation. The first thing a professional will do is evaluate your home to determine how extensive the problem is and determine the best way to handle it. They’ll also evaluate the situation after remediation is complete to make sure the mold is completely gone and the source of the problem has been dealt with. 2. Containment. The moldy area may be blocked off with plastic sheeting to prevent the spread of mold spores to other parts of your home. It’s also common for plastic sheeting to be laid down from the outside of your home all the way to the moldy area so that mold is not tracked through your house during remediation. 3. Personal Protection. Don’t be surprised if the crew is wearing face masks or full hazmat suit. It doesn’t mean your black mold is toxic, it’s just standard safety measures. 4. Removal / Cleanup. If the surface where mold is growing is porous, like carpet, drywall or wood, it will usually need to be physically removed. The mold grows into the tiny pores in these materials, making it virtually impossible to clean. If the material isn’t porous, it may be sprayed with a biocide, which kills the mold and cleans off any staining. It can then be sealed to make the material more resistant to mold and moisture. 5. Elimination of Moisture Source. A professional will also locate the source of your moisture problem and make sure it’s repaired. If the source of moisture isn’t dealt with, your mold problem will return.
Mold remediation is a straight-forward process, but it does require specialized equipment and knowledge. The professionals in Reading, PA, will have the experience to know how to handle your black mold.
A heavy winter storm in Reading, PA, brings its share of difficulties, including dangerous driving conditions, high winds and mountains of snow. Sometimes it can cause damage so severe that only a professional can handle it. Often, it seems like the best option is to stay put instead of braving the harsh weather. However, even if you’re waiting out a blizzard indoors, you may not be entirely safe from a risky situation, especially if you experience a power outage. Luckily, you have a few options.
Staying Out of the Cold
In a poorly insulated building, the heat can dissipate quickly, letting in frigid temperatures. If you’re in your home or office without power, you should first try to evacuate. If this is not possible, find an alternate source of heat to keep you warm until you can safely leave the building or the power outage has been resolved. Such solutions can be as simple as a fireplace, coats, and extra blankets, but if you’re prepared with a portable generator, that may be your best bet. It can be moved to where it’s needed so you and your employees can plug in space heaters, charge cell phones, or power any other appliances that may be useful in an emergency.
Safety First
If you’re going to use a generator, you need to make some preparations:
• Select a model that has an appropriate amount of power to suit your needs • Read the directions before use so you are well-informed to safely operate it • Avoid electrocution by only keeping it in dry conditions • Make sure you have enough fuel on hand to keep the generator running
Losing heat from a power outage during a harsh snow storm is an unfortunate fate, but a portable generator can make potentially dire circumstances much more manageable. Consider getting one for the health and safety of your employees.
When winter arrives, it can affect your Reading, PA, commercial building in a variety of ways. The weight from heavy snow, high winds and melting ice can all cause damage, and not all of it is instantly visible. For example, an ice dam, which forms between layers of snow and your roofing, can build up anywhere on your roof and create ideal conditions for mold growth. The more you know about this ice buildup and its effects, the faster you may be able to spot and resolve it.
1. Ice Dams Are Common in Late Winter
While these dams can form at almost any time during cold weather, they are most common in late winter, when periods of thawing and freezing occur more frequently. The warmth of a sunny day, coupled with heat escaping from your building’s attic due to poor insulation, can cause the formation of an ice dam. Eventually, the trapped moisture may enter your business and cause mold to grow.
2. Cold Temperatures Do Not Kill Mold Spores
Mold commonly grows in humid, moist places. However, this does not exclude the possibility of mold growth due to ice dams. Some species are quite resistant to cold weather, such as black mold. While freezing temperatures may slow the growth somewhat, the fungus can return and grow rapidly, which may cause unpleasant odors at your business.
3. Professional Inspection Can Protect Your Business
Having a company that specializes in mold inspection and remediation inspect your commercial building can prevent further growth of this damaging substance. Remediation experts can also handle any necessary mold cleanup you may require. Most species do not respond to commercial cleansers, so it is wise to let professionals perform these services.
The formation of an ice dam and other sources of moisture that may cause mold to grow in your Reading, PA, business can cause considerable damage. Staying aware of these conditions all winter long can help you protect your commercial building and prevent the growth and spread of mold.
Smoke cleaning can be tough. After a fire, there is usually extensive smoke damage to take care of. The smoke can seep into every space in your business. It can end up throughout your cabinets, in your air vents and into the floor. This is why it’s imperative that you have a professional restoration service to help rid your company of the smoke smell as quickly as possible. Here are three reasons why professionals should handle it.
1. Fast and Effective
After a fire, you have to get to work on the restoration as soon as possible. The damage done to your business will not stay the same or get better overnight. In fact, the damage can get worse if you don’t take care of it. Odors will not disappear, and soot can damage your furniture and electronics further. A restoration service will understand the importance of working in a timely manner.
2. Trained and Experienced
Keep in mind that professionals have been trained in fire restoration and smoke cleaning. They will know the proper way to neutralize odors for good. They have experience that helps them recognize how to handle the restoration. Most firms will come up with an extensive plan of attack to utilize against smoke odor.
3. Certified and Equipped
Not only do you receive someone certified and trained when you look for a professional in smoke cleaning, but you also have someone who has the proper equipment to take care of the damage for good. For instance, he or she may use an air filtration device, thermal fogger or an ozone machine to take care of odors.
Restoration after a fire isn’t easy to take care of on your own. It can be easy to overlook damage or to make a mistake during the cleanup effort. If you need the smoke out of your building, then it’s best to have someone qualified in Reading, PA.
House fires can be devastating. Not only do you have to deal with the fire damage, but many possessions and furniture can be ruined by soot and smoke. Luckily, dry-cleaning, as well as other types of cleaning methods, can restore many of your belongings. Here are a few things to know about the content cleaning process.
Damaged Content Must Be Thoroughly Cleaned Soot can be toxic and harm your respiratory system, if inhaled. Other materials that are exposed to flames can release harmful chemicals into the air that can be detrimental to your health. So, don’t just throw soot-covered clothing into the washing machine. Clothing and other possessions must be treated properly to eliminate all soot and smoke. It’s best to go to professionals who can help you by dry-cleaning or properly washing your valuables.
Act Quickly
Smoke can cause permanent damage to valuables in as soon as 24 hours. If you have items of sentimental value, you should get those cleaned and restored as soon as possible to reduce the amount of damage. Documenting and cataloging everything that was damaged can help you prioritize valuables and get them cleaned quickly. Then, you can take care of content storage at the same time.
Proceed Wisely
After such a disaster has occurred, you might feel the need to help professionals in Reading, PA, in any way possible. Some steps you can take might include: * Giving the experts any information that they might need * Ventilating your home * Covering soot-free carpets or furniture with plastic to prevent damage during the restoration process
House fires are scary, but the fire damage and content cleaning can be taken care of when you have the right information and expert help available. Valuables and belongings can be repaired through dry-cleaning, vacuuming, and professional restoration. By being aware of what needs to be done, you can salvage many of your possessions.
Water damage from an overflowing toilet is fairly common. Toilets are a necessary part of life, but they can create quite a mess. They can get clogged. Septic tanks stop draining properly. A flooded toilet is always bad news, and sewer damage due to an overflowing toilet or a backflow of sewage in Reading, PA needs to be dealt with immediately.
Stopping the Overflow
When you notice your bathroom is flooding, you need to shut off the water. The toilet shutoff valve is usually located behind the commode. Don’t attempt to flush the toilet until you discover the cause of the problem.
Clean up as much of the water as you can. In most cases, you need to call a sewage company to fix the problem. Backups can be caused by clogs, septic tank backups or excessive rain. A professional can ascertain the cause of your sewage issues and come up with a solution.
Dealing With Sewage
Much of the time, an overflowing toilet can cause sewer damage. The water coming out of the bowl may be considered gray or black water. These categories need to be dealt with differently because they contain contaminants that could make you sick.
You need specialized equipment to sanitize the area. Professionals have decontamination suits and the proper tools to deal with the situation. Regular household cleaners are inadequate to kill the bacteria associated with sewage.
Surveying the Damage
Certain types of flooring are more susceptible to damage. In some cases, your flooring may need to be replaced. If the flooding occurred on a second story, you could have leakage in between the floors. Depending on the level of water damage, you may need to dry the area extensively to ensure no mold grows. Dispose of as much as possible if the cause of the overflow was sewer damage.
An overflowing toilet can be a big headache. Don’t risk it if you are dealing with potentially contaminated water. Consult a sewage damage professional to get the job done right. Visit http://www.SERVPROreading.com for more information on water damage.
When it’s very cold outside, pipes have the potential to freeze and burst, which can lead to serious water damage. As water within your pipes freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the metal fixture. Once a pipe bursts, a torrent of liquid can find its way into unwanted places within the building and can lead to some difficult water cleanup and mold control. Here are a few tips on what to do when your pipes freeze and how to take care of broken pipes.
Find Out If It’s Frozen
Frozen pipes in Reading, PA are a common occurrence when the temperatures drop. You might be able to tell if your pipes are frozen if water doesn’t come out of your faucets or your toilets won’t refill after flushing. If there is frost on any of your pipes, or they are slightly bulging, the water within is likely ice.
Thaw Your Pipes
First, it is wise to shut off the water supply before doing anything else. Sometimes frozen water can act as a plug and, once thawed, can lead to a sudden flow of water. If your pipes have any cracks at all, this may lead to some serious water damage. Once you’ve done this, try using a hair dryer or a heat lamp to thaw the pipe.
It’s extremely common throughout the world, it’s found in most homes in some form and all it needs to grow is sufficient moisture. Mold is a naturally occurring fungus, and its role in processes like biodegradation makes it essential to a healthy ecosystem. These types of fungi can also prove harmful however, such as when a moisture problem leads to growths within the home, including black mold.
Residential Woes
Indoor molds can be a major issue in City, State, threatening property while also causing potential health issues for people and pets. They can produce irritants and allergens, or potentially even mycotoxins, any or all of which may affect respiratory health. These types of problems may be more pronounced for those with existing ailments or allergies causing heightened sensitivity, making mold cleanup a crucial must for many families. Keeping a qualified mold remediation professional among your contacts is advisable for any homeowner.
A fire escape plan can be the difference between calm and catastrophe during a crisis. Fortunately, although every home in Reading, PA will have different needs, there are a few universal steps for creating an effective emergency escape plan.
1. Involve Whole Family
Your plan will impact everyone, so it’s important to include your family during all planning stages. Walk your household members through each room and strategize escape routes as a team.
2. Identify Potential Barriers
A blocked exit is an inconvenience in day-to-day life, but it can be deadly during a crisis. Identify potential barriers with your family, taking care to ensure each member can identify and address problem areas so they’re better prepared to select the best route during disaster.
3. Schedule Maintenance Checks
Regularly monitor the state of your fire safety equipment. Sprinklers and alarm systems should be tested at least once a year, but it’s always better to over prepare when possible. Consider turning your maintenance checks into opportunities to review your fire escape plan with the household.
4. Formalize Your Plan
Display a copy of your emergency escape plan somewhere safe and highly visible. The kitchen may be an ideal location for posting a laminated version it, providing both prominent and easy access to the information.
Additional information should include emergency contacts and the Pennsylvania fire department’s emergency number, although the National Fire Protection Association recommends having each family member memorize this number, as well.
5. Develop Post-Fire Plans
Finally, after laying the ground work for your escape, consider adding post-disaster action steps as the finishing touch. This addendum should include friends and family you might board with, insurance information for filing claims and contact numbers for restoration specialists.
More Than Physical
While developing an emergency escape plan alone cannot avert disaster, readying your response strategy can help you manage stress before, during and following a fire. Your fire escape plan isn’t just to protect your physical health – it’s also an important safeguard for your family’s peace of mind when disaster strikes. Visit http://www.SERVPROreading.com for more information on fire damage.
How to Remove Two Feet of Water From a Commercial Basement
How to Remove Two Feet of Water From a Commercial Basement
After flooding or a storm, you might not be able to see the floor of the basement of your commercial business due to all the water. Thankfully, there’s professional equipment that can put you back on the road to recovery, such as a sump pump or trash pump. Learn how water cleanup and restoration professionals in Reading, PA can assist you and your business in getting rid of water in your basement.
The Trash Pump
Truck-mounted trash pump equipment utilizes hard suction and a discharge to take care of roughly 200 gallons of water every minute. A few of the most notable and standout features of this type of pump include:
It’s useful for taking care of various solids that might be mixed into the water in your basement. They are able to prime themselves as long as the water stays above the impeller eye. They’re easier to maintain, mainly because they don’t have very many components. Such pumps are widely available in a number of different sizes to better match your specific situation and basement size.
The Sump Pump
With sump pumps, you can lower the water level to about one and a half inches. They use an external intake filter and short hoses to get the job done. One thing to bear in mind with this equipment is the outlet end of the hose has to be positioned either downhill or as far away from soil as necessary, mainly because any water pumped out can find its way back into your basement if allowed to seep into the soil around your building. Even though sump pumps can be positioned underwater, models that use float switches are often more beneficial due to being easier to rig.
The right equipment and the right professional services can help you see the bottom of your basement again. Know your options for the right trash or sump pump for the next strong storm that rolls through. Visit http://www.SERVPROreading.com for more information on water damage.
Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of the home.
Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shutoff valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to "off".
If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shutoff.
Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.
Take action to keep downspouts running freely before those shade trees start shedding in earnest. One of these guards won’t totally free you of ladder duty, but it could buy you time between checkups.
How to Clean your gutters:
1. Climb a ladder and use a variety of tools to grab and remove the leaves and debris at eye-level.
2. Attach tools to a wet/dry shop vac to suck up the leaves or to blast them out of the gutters.
3. Attach tools to your water hose to spray leaves out of the gutters.
4. Use a long-reaching pole to remove leaves from the gutters while standing at ground level.
Removing the debris from your gutters is important to help your home during heavy rains. Flooding can be mitigated by the gutters being clear for water to flow freely from your rooftop.
Listen to your local radio or television station for updates.
Have immunization records handy or know the year of your last tetanus shot.
Store immunization records in a waterproof container.
Fill bathtubs, sinks, gallon jars, and plastic soda bottles so that you will have a supply of clean water.
Sanitize sinks/tubs first by cleaning them using a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Then rinse and fill with clean water.
Bring in outdoor possessions (lawn furniture, grills, trash cans) or tie them down securely.
If evacuation appears necessary: turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
Leave areas subject to flooding: low spots, canyons, washes, etc. Rememberavoid driving through flooded areas and standing water.
After Flooding Has Occurred
Avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash/prepare food. Drink clean, safe water.
If you evacuated: return to your home only after local authorities have said it is safe to do so.
Listen to water advisory from local authorities to find out if your water is safe for drinking and bathing.
During a water advisory, use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, etc.
When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food and bottled water that comes/may have come into contact with flood water.
Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Use generators at least 20 feet from any doors, windows, or vents. If you use a pressure washer, be sure to keep the engine outdoors and 20 feet from windows, doors, or vents as well.
For more tips on flooding contact your local SERVPRO.
After your home is damaged by wind, hail, or other natural elements, the storm isn't necessarily over in fact, it might be just the beginning. Here's what you need to know about the storm-induced insurance process from diagnosing the damage to filing a claim and making repairs so that weathering your home's recovery is as painless as possible.
Know what is cover before the storm hits. Call you insurance agent.
Document potential damage.
Make Temporary repairs
Make sure you hire a creditable contractor.
Check with your local SERVPRO to see if they have a contractor or teams that can help..
Work with your insurance agents to go over claims.
Severe weather can happen any time, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms*:
10,000 severe thunderstorms
5,000 floods or flash floods
1,000 tornadoes
2 landfalling deadly hurricanes
Approximately 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. * Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.
How to be prepared:
A gallon of water per person per day.
Supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a manual can opener.
Change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
Blankets and sleeping bags.
First aid kit and prescription medications.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
Credit cards, cash and extra set of car keys.
List of family physicians.
Special items for infants,elderly or disabled family members.
Call SERVPRO of Reading for to get a ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster.
SERVPRO of Reading & Pottsville specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Berks or Schuylkill County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today At 610-779-8189 or 570-622-8991
Lightning can be fatal, be cautious during storms!
Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Though the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are only around 1 in 500,000 some factors can put you at greater risk for being struck.
What causes lighting- Heavier, negatively charged particles sink to the bottom of the cloud. When the positive and negative charges grow large enough, a giant spark - lightning occurs between the two charges within the cloud. This is like a static electricity spark you see, but much bigger.
What to do after lighting strikes-
Never drive through a flooded roadway.
Stay away from storm damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.
Continue to listen to a Weather Radio or to television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
Help anyone who needs help, check on your neighbors.
Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.
Mold in your home, school, or workplace is a serious concern for your health, since up to 40 percent of American schools and 25 percent of homes have mold infestations.
Mycotoxins, or the toxins some molds produce, can cross into your brain from your nose and eyes. Some of the more neurotoxic molds can cause central nervous system effects, such as cognitive and behavioral changes, ataxia, and convulsions.
Two of the better-known toxic molds include Stachybotrys chartarum ("black mold"), which can cause everything from headaches to cancer, and Aspergillus, which can cause severe lung infections, or progress to whole-body infections.
Mold is particularly dangerous for infants and children. There is evidence that some cases of SIDS may be related to toxic mold exposure.
Stachybotrys Chartarum: The Dreaded 'Black Mold'
Stachybotrys chartarum (SC)7 is a greenish black mold that grows on material with high cellulose content, such as wood, straw, hay, wicker, cardboard, fiberboard, etc., particularly when these materials become water-damaged. It needs a good deal of dampness to flourish. According to Mold-Help.org,8 the toxic effects of Stachybotrys chartarum were first reported in the 1920s in Russia when horses and cattle that had eaten moldy hay began dying. The "Yellow Rain" attacks in Southeast Asia in the 1970s were associated with aerosolized trichothecenes, the type of mycotoxin produced by this highly toxic type of mold.
SC is typically dark in color and wet and slimy to the touch. It can also appear grayish or sooty, with a powdery appearance.
However, it's important to remember that molds cannot be identified visually—many molds are similar in appearance.
Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Drechslera, can be mistaken for Stachybotrys. The only definitive way to identify a species is by examination of the spores under a microscope, which is why professional testing is so important.
According to Mold-Help.org:
"Most people are not aware that harmful molds come in a variety of colors—they can be white, or orange, or blue, for instance. The color of a mold generally has to do with the spores it produces, and has no bearing on whether it is dangerous or not. There are some white molds that grow on walls and other surfaces that can be just as bad as the harmful black molds."
Mycotoxin poisoning by Stachybotrys is referred to as stachybotryotoxicosis. In animal studies, trichothecenes are 40 times more toxic when inhaled than when ingested orally. But even if SC is present in your environment, you may not be at risk because it may not be currently releasing toxins.
"Laboratory studies indicate that molds such as Stachybotrys that have the ability to produce toxins do not always do so. Whether a mold produces a toxin while growing in a building may depend on what the mold is growing on, conditions such as temperature, food, pH, humidity or other unknown factors. When mycotoxins are present, they occur on spores and the small mold fragments that may be released into the air."
The spores from SC can survive temperatures up to 500 degrees F, as well as surviving caustic agents like bleach and acid. According to Dr. Michael Gray, spores from molds removed from two million year-old sedimentary rocks have grown when placed in a favorable media!
If your home shows any signs of mold give SERVPRO a call today at 610-779-8189 or 570-622-8991 and let us give you an estimate and protect your health!
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges
Flooding and water damage events at Reading commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
About SERVPRO of Reading
SERVPRO of Reading specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. 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 staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
SERVPRO of Reading provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Berks County
SERVPRO of Reading is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. 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 - (610)779-8189
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Reading 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 Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative 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 Reading
SERVPRO of Reading specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. 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 staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
24/7 Emergency Service
Having an issue with fire damage in your Reading home. Call SERVPRO for the help you need.
