Stay Ahead of Freezing Water in Your Mercer County Home

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Although the winter of 2023 has been unseasonably warmer in Mercer and Burlington counties, NJ freezing temperatures at night still threaten water pipes in your home or business--especially if pipes haven't been properly winterized.

Here are some tips to ensure the pipes in your home or business don't burst and cause significant damage to property. 

Insulate Your Pipes: Wrap your pipes with insulation material such as foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation wraps. 

Proper Heating in Your Home: Set your thermostat to a temperature warm enough to keep pipes from freezing, usually between 45-55 degrees. This is especially true when you leave your home for an extended period of time.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets: Water should be turned off and the faucet should be drained, and hoses removed. 

Be aware of sudden drop in water pressure--such as a loud banging noise coming from the pipes-could indicate a leak in the pipe resulting in lower pressure. 

Prevention is always the strategy when dealing with freezing water issues.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is the leader in the industry in water damage restoration.  Call 609-894-8555 for a professional review of your issue.  They work with all insurance companies to ensure an efficient and convenient resolution to your water damage problem. 

The Importance of Air Quality in Your Mercer County, NJ Business

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, indoor spaces, cleanliness of surfaces, and air flow have become more important elements when considering the overall health of a commercial property in Mercer County.

Maintaining a healthy environment in your building, maintains the health of employees, customers, patients, and residents alike. Research points to building occupant cognitive ability is 60-100% higher in Green Building environments.

What determines clean air?  According to the EPA pollutants fall into 3 main Categories: 

• Biological
• Chemical
• Particles

Indoor Air Quality or IAQ is defined by the EPA as the “air quality within and around buildings and structures,” which can impact the health and well-being of the building’s occupants.  Exposure to indoor pollutants can impact the health of occupants immediately or build over many months or even years.

Air pollutants can be created by indoor and outdoor sources.  Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor contaminates by not bringing sufficient outdoor air in to dilute emissions or the reverse, but not expelling enough indoor air.  High humidity and temperatures also increase the concentration of harmful or hazardous particles.

DETERMINE THE SOURCE

The most effective way to minimize the effect of indoor air pollution is source control.  By eliminating the source of the pollutant to reduce their emissions.  Common indoor sources of pollutants can be building materials such as asbestos, fuel burning combustible appliances, building materials (flooring, carpeting, upholstery, cabinets of pressed wood products), household cleaning products, tobacco and excessive moisture. Outdoor sources are Radon, pesticides and outdoor air pollution.

 Indoor Air Quality is best handled by:

• Isolation: Removing the pollutant from the air
• Dilution: Removing the pollutant through ventilation
• Filtration: Removing the contaminants through cleaning the air

Action steps to improve indoor air through integrating air quality protocols in purchasing decisions for building, furniture and cleaning products.  Establish and enforce an effective no smoking policy.  Educate employees in the building on management of air quality and healthy building environment.

Green Building certifications help your company communicate your commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency performance through certifications and reporting.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is available 24/7 to address your water, fire /smoke, mold and biohazard restoration needs.  Call us at 609-894-8555.  We are proud to serve our local communities in Mercer County.

2022 Coastal Hurricane Season is Quiet—So Far

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season update: This has been a very quiet hurricane season to date with one early named storm, but don’t let your guard down just yet.

Historical data shows peak season from Mid-August through Mid-October however August 2022 has not had one named storm, which is only the 5^th time this has happened since data has been recorded, and the first time since 1997.

The Sahara Desert sand of the Africa coast has not allowed storms to develop and move west into the tropical Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricanes form when the Ocean temps are in the 80’s, converging winds and abundant moisture.  Let’s hope we can continue to dodge the stormy season and avoid the major disturbance and havoc of the hurricane season.

However, if a natural disaster strikes, the experienced team at SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is ready to respond. Since we are locally owned and operated, we have prepared for expected damage from storms like Hurricane IDA and are able to respond quickly. Immediate action and a fast response help to reduce damage and mitigate costs associated with restoration. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams are prepared with equipment strategically located in case of flood or storm emergency in our area including:

Choose SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton, a local company that specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Call us at 609-894-8555 for immediate relief. We are available 24/7.

Managing Your Commercial Property in Burlington County

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Managing Your Commercial Property in Burlington County

When managing your commercial property in Burlington County, checking the indoor air quality and humidity levels are important to the overall health and wellness of your building. Healthy buildings, means a healthier workforce or residents.  

Excess moisture is a perfect environment of mold.  Control moisture and you can control mold. Here are 5 Important tips:

Quick clean-up of water leaks. Any water leaks or spills that occur need immediate attention.  Act quickly to thoroughly dry damp areas and materials with 24-48 hours to eliminate the potential mold growth.

Grade Landscaping Beds.  Slope landscaping beds away from your home and building to limit the opportunity for ground water to collect and jeopardize your foundation.

Maintain your Gutters and Roofing.  Seasonally clean and clear your gutters and spouting to keep it clean and flowing.  Debris build ups contribute water leaks around windows and roofing.

Inspect Air Conditioning drain lines and drip pans.  Routine inspection of filters, drip pans and drain lines for your AC system is a good practice to ensure lines remains unobstructed with a proper flow.

Indoor Humidity Levels.  The relative humidity in your home or office should ideally be below 60%.  This is easily monitored by a moisture meter that is usually available at the local hardware store.  Condensation on windows is an indicator that you may have humidity.  Running exhaust fans and a dehumidifier can alleviate this issue.

If you see mold and needed assistance with mitigation, SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton are the professionals to call. They offer expert clean-up and mold remediation services. Avoid the risk of long-lasting damage to your home or business; call the ‘faster to any disaster team’: 609-894-8555

SERVPRO Provides Hospital Grade Cleaning and Disinfecting Services

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

We are 2 years away from the COVID-19 pandemic, but awareness brought forth by the pandemic has put an emphasis on the importance of disinfecting surfaces we come in contact with daily.

As we continue to frequent all the communal commercial spaces: offices, hospitals, schools and public venues we want to be sure that the building is fully sanitized. Likewise, we want our homes to be as clean as possible. Luckily, SERVPRO is here to make that process as simple for you as we can. We produce a majority of the products we use every day during our work including cleaning supplies, deodorizing compounds, and disinfectants to solve any issues you may be experiencing or trying to prevent. 

SERVPROXIDE™ is our registered hospital-grade disinfectant. It is registered with the EPA and ranks in their lowest toxicity rating. The product is a stabilized chlorine dioxide-based antimicrobial which has little to no fragrance. Any mild cleaning odor disappears quickly, which makes SERVPROXIDE™ a great solution for people with sensitivities to strong odors. 

In terms of COVID-19, the CDC has recommended using products that are hospital-grade disinfectants with claims against similar types of organisms to SARS-CoV-2. SERVPROXIDE™ is the perfect solution, considering it is EPA-approved for use on Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, staphylococcus, E coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, and Swine flu. 

There are plenty of ways we can utilize SERVPROXIDE™ to clean your space. It eliminates odors through disinfecting and oxidation as opposed to just masking the smell. This can be done by applying the product directly with a towel or by spraying the product on the necessary area. It can also be used for crime scene cleanup. SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is always here if you need a biohazard cleanup and restoration. 

SERVPRO is the #1 Choice for clean-up and restoration.  We offer 24/7 service of highly trained professionals for storm damage clean-up, water clean-up, fire clean-up and other specialty cleaning services.

If you need your home or business cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized, call SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton at 609-894-8555 for a FREE evaluation. 

Flooding presents a serious risk to your home or business and your safety in Burlington County, NJ.

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. National Severe Storms Laboratory, floods kill more people every year than lightning, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Flooding in the Garden State and Burlington County has already impacted roads and power lines.

When it comes to structures, floods can lead to dangerous contamination and damage to drywall, support beams and foundations. You are at risk for mold within the first 24 hours of a flood, so it’s vital to stop the water from flowing and start remediation quickly.

Different types of flooding come with different risks. Flash floods are common in Burlington County and have been known to completely overwhelm structures. Coastal floods and storm surges are even more dangerous, and usually lead to evacuation warnings. These can destroy homes entirely, so it’s best to listen to weather reports and plan ahead. Debris flows, which are often made up of heavy mud and plant material, can crush houses and sweep them away.

High Winds, Tornadoes and Hurricane Damage

High winds can occur virtually anywhere, and thousands of tornadoes and hurricanes hit the U.S. every year, including New Jersey.

Damage from wind can be widespread and can affect not only your residential property or business but also surrounding landscapes and improvements.  Be alert to the potential for falling trees and power poles and damaged power lines and take precautions to be ready for emergency action steps. After the storm, examine your property for structural damage to the home, including windows, siding, and roofs. In the most extreme scenarios, roofs can be destroyed.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is ready and available, 24/7, to address your storm-related damages, including damage caused by excessive water; mold; high winds.  We are highly trained professionals with state-of-the art mobile equipment prepared to provide rapid response to mitigate loss of personal or business property.

Call us at 609-894-8555 for emergency service.  We are proud to serve our local Bordentown/Pemberton community, Burlington County and Mercer County, NJ

Why More People Choose SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton for Restoration Needs

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

People choose SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton for many reasons, but probably the 3 most important reasons resonate with:

OUR MISSION- to develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect.

OUR VISION-to be the premier cleaning and restoration company in central New Jersey.

OUR CORE VALUES-Professionalism; Respect; Financial Responsibility; Teamwork; Accountability.

We are proud to serve the many communities of Burlington & Mercer Counties, New Jersey. Whether it is restoring a flood-damaged basement, mitigating a nasty mold issue, or providing professional proactive viral pathogen cleaning to support our local fire and police departments and first responders, we are dedicated to community 'first' in our approach to operating our business. 

We are available 24/7 to respond to any water, fire and mold restoration need.  Call 609-894-8555.

Tips on Preparing Your Mercer County Home for Flash Flooding

8/7/2022 (Permalink)

Summertime typically means lots of sunshine, but the heat can also bring unexpected heavy thunderstorms to the Mercer County, NJ area, as we have already experienced this summer.

 Whether you live in Hamilton, Trenton or Ewing, heavy rains can spell trouble.  While these summer storms typically don’t last very long, they can lead to flash floods. By definition, a flash flood involves flooding that starts within 6 hours of heavy rainfall but often occurs as soon as 3 hours after the storm. Urban areas are prone to this type of flooding, as land use, and topography do not allow water to be absorbed into the ground quickly.  Suburban areas may also be affected by this type of flooding where lawns and permeable landscapes saturate very quickly causing increased water run-off.

           Floods may result from heavy rain, storm surges, coastal storms, and dam overflows.  In just 6 inches of moving water, you could risk serious injury as well as your home.  In as little as 1 foot of moving water, vehicles can be swept away.  If there is a flash flood watch or warning in your area be prepared to act and evacuate.   It’s just smart to have a plan in place in case your home or business is impacted by unwanted water.

 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Flash Flood:

• All electrical sockets, switches, and wiring should be elevated at least a foot above any predicted flood levels. This prevents your home from becoming a safety hazard in the case that there is a flood.
• Waterproof your basement. While this may involve an expense, it is worth it if you live in a flood zone and will prevent future damage to your home.
• Once a flood watch occurs, move furniture and valuable items to a secure location.

   Flash flooding may occur in any location.   

In case your home experiences water damage due to an unexpected flood, call SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton at 609-894-8555. Our is ready to mobilize to mitigate the harmful effects of flash flooding

Understanding the Aftermath of Fire in Your Burlington County NJ Home

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

The aftermath of fire in your Burlington County home is not limited to damage only inflicted by flames. Smoke and soot may cause both visible and hidden damage far beyond the original fire.

 Smoke damage can be categorized in 2 ways: Wet Smoke and Dry Smoke.

 Dry smoke is created by high temperature burning of paper and wood materials.   Dry smoke residue is powdery and fine. This fine, dry powder is generally easier to clean-up since it can be wiped, but unfortunately it will find any porous surface, crack, or crevice. Your home may look perfectly clean, however soot such as this, hidden from view may retain a smell.

 Wet smoke is a product of low temperature, smoldering fires.  It creates thick, black sticky residue which clings to surfaces and has a strong, pungent odor.  This smoke smears when wiped due to the oily consistency creating a challenging clean-up.  Plastics, rubber are the primary causes of Wet smoke.

 Other causes of damage after a fire are synthetic materials, protein material, petroleum, or natural substances.

 Synthetic materials such as fabrics, (draperies, carpets. bedding) furniture, electronics, and plastics when burned create a thick, billowy, black smoke that rises quickly and coats walls and anything in its path.  Oftentimes these synthetics are products of oil- based substances thus a sticky, oil residue will be left by the smoke.  Leave this clean-up to the professionals.

 Protein fire residue is left behind due to evaporation of material.  Virtually invisible, protein fire residue discolors paints and varnishes and has an extreme pungent odor.

 Petroleum residue is the remains of oil burning.  This smoke is dark in appearance and will discolor and stain anything it touches.

 Natural residue is left behind when natural elements are burned. Ash in color, it is the easiest to clean due to its dry, powdery nature.

 We hope you never have to experience the trauma of a fire, but if you do, SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is here to restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

Our team of professionals are trained to clean-up and restore your home in Burlington and Mercer Counties. 

Give us a call 24/7 at 609-894-8555 for all your fire, water, and mold remediation needs.

5 Tips to Keep Your Mercer County NJ Home or Business Mold Free

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Excess moisture is a perfect environment of mold.  Control moisture and you can control mold. Here are 5 Important tips for Mercer County Homeowners:

Quick clean-up of water leaks. Any water leaks or spills that occur need immediate attention.  Act quickly to thoroughly dry damp areas and materials with 24-48 hours to eliminate the potential mold growth.

Grade Landscaping Beds.  Slope landscaping beds away from your home and building to limit the opportunity for ground water to collect and jeopardize your foundation. 

Maintain your Gutters and Roofing.  Seasonally clean and clear your gutters and spouting to keep it clean and flowing.  Debris build ups cause water leaks around windows and roofing.

Inspect Air Conditioning drain lines and drip pans.  Routine inspection of filters, drip pans and drain lines for your AC system is a good practice to ensure line remains unobstructed with a proper flow. This inspection is especially important when starting your AC for the hot summer days ahead.

Indoor Humidity Levels.  The relative humidity in your home or office should ideally be below 60%.  This is easily monitored by a moisture meter that is usually available at the local hardware store.  Condensation on windows is an indicator that you may have humidity.  Running exhaust fans and a dehumidifier can alleviate this issue.

If you see mold and needed assistance with mediation, SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton are the professionals to call. They offer expert clean-up and mold remediation services. Avoid the risk of long-lasting damage to your home or business; call the ‘faster to any disaster team’: 609-894-8555