Recent Storm Damage Posts

Different Approaches During Water Damage Restoration in Reading

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Truck And Trailer Disaster may strike at any time. Call SERVPRO for the storm damage restoration.

SERVPRO Ensures Effective Water Cleanup in Reading Homes

Thunderstorms, rainstorms, and hurricanes can cause substantial water accumulation in Reading homes. In such cases, water damage may be widespread, affecting multiple rooms. It is normal to want to jump right into cleaning up; however, failure to take the time to assess the damage may pose dangers to the restorer or occupants.

When planning for water damage restoration in Reading homes, it is vital to consider several things. Water damages structural components and household equipment, creating physical and electrical safety hazards. Also, flood water might contain chemical or biological contaminants that pose health hazards. 

Moisture promotes the growth of molds and other microorganisms. SERVPRO crews help remove all hazardous items to create a safe working space before restoration begins. We also sanitize all affected areas, further limiting microbial growth.

Important considerations before restoration include:

  • Water sources
  • The degree of contamination
  • Amount of water involved
  • Affected contents and materials

These factors are crucial in determining the appropriate action to remediate the water damage loss. The source of water and level of contamination qualify the loss as either category 1, 2, or 3. Highly contaminated floodwater is considered category three loss and hence hazardous. Cleaning up category three water damage necessitates using personal protective equipment. Our teams come equipped with appropriate PPE ensuring safety.

Restoring Flood-Damaged Materials and Surfaces 

Several areas of your home, like the roof, floors, and walls, may be damaged depending on how the flooding incident happens. Our crews may suggest specific actions to facilitate decontamination during the restoration procedure.

  • Removal of porous materials through controlled demolition
  • Using different chemical agents to neutralize hazardous materials
  • Proper drying to minimize moisture-related microbial growth

Items that have sustained heavy water damage might not benefit from cleaning and drying. Examples include mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpeting, and plasterboard. We perform controlled demolition to remove damaged porous materials. Demolition also helps us access all areas that could hold water and debris, like kickers beneath cabinets and internal wall linings. Every part of your home requires drying out, including wall linings, sub-floor spaces, and flooring. We accomplish this by strategically setting up dehumidifiers and air-moving equipment in all affected areas.


SERVPRO of Reading helps improve water damage restoration processes. Call us at (610) 779-8189. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Find Storm Water Removal Services in Reading

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Carpet Soaked With Water 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.”

Storm Flood Damage in Reading Requires Professional Attention

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Car driving through Flooded Waters 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.

Problems Created By Flood Damage in Reading

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Water and Debris on Floor 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

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Illustration of Contact Us Post It Note 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.

Water is Coming Through the Floors, Whom Should I Call?

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Houses In Flood 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 Can I Do to Prevent Water Damage in my Reading Home When I Leave Town?

12/26/2021 (Permalink)

icicles hanging off of the roof and off of broken pipes 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.

How Can Reading Homeowners Prevent Basement Flood Damage?

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Two people standing on wet flooring in green rain boots 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.

Pre-Construction Cleaning for Flood Damaged Reading Homes

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

ceiling fell on bed in room from storm damage 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.

Does SERVPRO Provide Flood Damage Repairs in Reading

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

water damaged ceiling; structural part removed exposing pipes 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.

SERVPRO offers storm damage services that include:

  • Repairs to a leaking roof from storms
  • Water removal services
  • Water damage restoration

Call SERVPRO of Reading for flood damage in Reading and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (610) 779-8189.

Don't Wait, Call SERVPRO Right Away After Flood Damage In Reading

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

money flying from a box 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.

Does SERVPRO Provide Emergency Services for Flood Damage in Reading?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

drying equipment, basement, fireplace 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

Can Flooding Ruin Homes in Reading?

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment at work. 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. 

Avoid On The Job Conflict in Kutztown

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vehicle parked in front of home 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."

A Recent Storm Left Me Dealing with Flood Damage in My Property. Where Should I Seek Help?

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damaged room; flood cuts along wall; flooring removed; SERVPRO drying equiopment drying area 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.

More about Kutztown.

What Types of Damage Can Thunderstorm in Reading Cause?

7/25/2020 (Permalink)

flooding in home 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.”

What Is the Quickest Method to Remove Flood Water From My Reading Home?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

Close-up Of Flooded Floor In The Living Room From Water Leak 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 are Some of the Biggest Problems With Flooding in My Reading, PA Home?

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage in reading home 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.

Learn more about Reading.

Call Our Experts In Reading After A Flood

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Rows of our dehumidifiers in a warehouse 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."

See more about Reading.

The Real Truth Behind Flood Damage Remediation in Kutztown

11/30/2019 (Permalink)

flood damaged carpet and plasterboard 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.

We Have Specialized Techniques To Get Rid Of Flood Damage In Reading

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

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.

See more about Reading

Is Pooling Water in Your Kutztown Basement Affecting your Game?

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

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.

More about Kutztown.

What Not To Do After a Flood

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss due to storm in Exeter, PA

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.

Prevent Mold Growth After Flooding

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

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/.

Mitigating Roof Damage

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

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.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROreading.com.

5 Things To Avoid After Your House Floods

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

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.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROreading.com.

Portable Generators: A Versatile Way to Escape the Cold

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

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.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROreading.com.

Winter is right around the corner be prepared!

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Tips for Preparing your Home for Winter Weather:

    • 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. 

Is your roof ruin after a storm

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

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. 

Are you ready? Be prepared!

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

Be ready!

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.

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Lightning

8/14/2017 (Permalink)

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.
  • Make sure you have your Emergency kit near by.