Tips on Buying Your First Home in Mercer County, NJ

4/20/2024 (Permalink)

Looking to buy your first home in Mercer County, NJ?   While you are looking for the perfect house for your family and lifestyle; the gourmet kitchen, master bath, and private backyard remember to take a look underground and evaluate the basement to ensure you remain high and dry.

Obviously, frequent water intrusion in your basement can cause issues with your foundation, and mold.  But most people don't know what to look for or how to protect their basement until after they've experienced water damage.  What's obvious in the restoration industry may not be obvious to every homeowner, so here are some tips to help you stay dry! (Visit www.bobvila.com for even more homeowner tips!)

• Get a sump pump.  Get the sump pump rider on your insurance policy while you are at it.  If you have a sump pump and it fails, your homeowners insurance will not cover the damage.  Even if your home or business has never taken on water, it doesn't mean you are immune to it.  Get the sump pump and check that it's functioning properly regularly.
• Consider a French drain or some other form of waterproofing.  Have a professional do the work.  Google the benefits.  You may be surprised!
• Keep your gutters free of debris and position downspouts away from the foundation.  The goal is to drain water at least three feet away, so if necessary, consider running extensions or troughs.
• If you haven't had your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned, now is a good time to do that.  During periods of prolonged, heavy rainfall (think Hurricane season!), clogged sewers, and over-taxed septic systems are disasters waiting to happen.
• If you have below-grade basement windows, install window covers that fasten securely to your foundation.  Clear acrylic covers allow light to enter while keeping out water.  
• Check the age on your hot-water heater.  They generally last about 10 years.  If yours has made it longer, that's not necessarily a good thing!  Don't wait for it to fail before you replace it.
• If you use your basement for storage, build shelves at least 6 inches from the ground.  Store items in plastic bins.  Photograph everything you store down there in case you need to replace it later.  
• If you have a finished basement, get a good-quality dehumidifier.  Consider tile floors or polished concrete over carpets.  

We wish you a lifetime of health and happiness in your future home, and if you do experience a flooded basement or mold, we are here to help you dry out, sanitize, and have your home thoroughly dry, like it never even happened™

 Call us at 609-894-8555, find us on the web at www.SERVPRObordentownpemberton.com.

5 Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes in Your Bordentown, NJ Home This Winter

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

Preventing frozen pipes is crucial as winter approaches, especially in regions with cold climates, like central NJ (Mercer County).

 When water freezes in your plumbing system, it can expand and lead to pipe bursts, causing significant damage and costly repairs. Here are some tips to help you avoid frozen pipes:

1. Insulate your pipes:

• Add insulation to pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. You can use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or fiberglass sleeves.
• Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls, as they are more susceptible to cold temperatures.

1. Seal any gaps and cracks:

• Seal gaps or cracks in walls and floors near pipes to prevent cold drafts from reaching them.
• Weatherstrip doors and windows to keep cold air out and warm air in.

1. Maintain a consistent temperature:

• Keep your home heated, even when you're away. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) to ensure your pipes stay warm.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

1. Allow faucets to drip:

• When temperatures drop significantly, allow faucets to drip slowly. This can relieve pressure and help prevent freezing.
• Focus on faucets that are on exterior walls or exposed to cold air.

1. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses:

• Before winter sets in, disconnect and drain garden hoses. Store them indoors to prevent damage.
• Shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots and use insulated faucet covers to protect them.

By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes during the winter months and avoid costly repairs and water damage to your home.

When water disaster does occur, SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is trained, certified and ready to make it ‘like it never even happened’.

Is storm water the same as rain water?

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

Did you even wonder the difference between storm water and rain water? Are they different?

Rainwater is differentiated from storm water and is defined as storm water runoff collected directly from roof surfaces which can have lower levels of pollutants and it often requires less treatment than other forms of storm water.

A new rule amendment in New Jersey, which took effect on March 2, 2021, requires the use of green infrastructure. Green infrastructure refers to a set of storm water management practices that use or mimic the natural water cycle to capture, filter, absorb and/or re-use storm water.

Water from rain or snow storms, also known as storm  water, flows over streets, parking lots, roadways and highways and roofs and into a water body or storm drain which ends up in local streams and rivers. Storm water runoff is often worsened by human activities, and can contain nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from fertilizers, pet and yard waste.

Rain, Rain Go Away, Come Back Another Day in Mercer County NJ

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

Recent NJ Storms have impacted over thousands of homes, especially in Mercer County, NJ.

Heavy rains can cause interior water damage issues leading to mold and even foundational deterioration.  As a homeowner or business owner, making sure water damage remediation is handled promptly and professionally can be the difference in avoiding more costly repairs and reconstruction of your property.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is the leading water, fire, and mold restoration company in Mercer County NJ.  As part of the industry leader- SERVPRO, the local franchise operator has highly trained and experienced technicians to address any size water or fire disaster occurring in your home or business.  Water issues can also lead to complex mold problems, which if left unattended, can cause lasting and permanent damage to your property.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is available 24/7 to address any size water, or fire restoration disaster that you might experience.  Call 609- 894-8555 for a professional and prompt response.

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. 

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

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

Switching on the AC-Watch for Water Leaks in Your Mercer County NJ home.

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

If you see an uptick in your water bill due to usage it may be an indication of a water leak in your Mercer County NJ home.

Water from unseen leaks is not only expensive, but the potential damage caused by this type of water leak can cause serious damage.

According to the EPA, household leaks can waste more than a trillion gallons of water annually.  Ten percent of homes can have leaks of 90 gallons or more per day and the average home leak can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water per year or 270 loads of laundry.  

Obvious water damage due to a broken pipe, frozen pipe or faulty appliances requires urgent action to stop the water flow. The faster the removal and a thorough drying process eliminates the potential for molds. While this type of disaster is stressful at the moment, calling in the professionals allows you peace of mind knowing that well trained technicians handle the inspection, extraction and restoration of your property. 

At this time of year when we switch on the AC, a clogged drain line may cause a water leak. Routine maintenance of your AC unit and condenser can avoid costly water damage. 

Small water leaks however may go undetected creating unseen damage to walls, wood and insulation. Over time the water seep and dampness produce damage to structural elements of your home spawning mold and mildew to grow.  Advanced inspection techniques to uncover the unknown water as well as monitoring the area to ensure complete dryness tailors the unique solution for each individual homeowner or business.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton’s team of professionals has the right training, tools and equipment to check your home or business for water damage and mitigate against the development of mold.

If your suspect a potential water leak or experience a major water event, contact SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton at 609-894-8555

Here are some tips to remember if your basement floods in your Burlington County, NJ Home

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Choosing the right approach to treat water damage is imperative.  Urgency in handling of the emergency will limit the extent of the property loss.

• Address Health & Safety Issues:  Keep children & animals out of the basement and away from standing water. 

• Deactivate Services:  Turn off energy services around the affected area, including gas and electricity.

• Stop the Flood Source:  A DIY option is not recommended in most instances.  It is highly advised to call a professionally trained water/flood restoration company to quickly address the source of the water damage.  If you are able to identify the source quickly, (i.e. leak from bathroom plumbing) make sure to wear waterproof gloves and boots to protect your skin from potentially dangerous chemicals in the standing water.

• Extract the Water & Ventilate:  Allowing good airflow through the affected area will aid in the drying process.  A professional water damage company will use advanced blowers to accelerate the drying process.

• Disinfect the Area:  Dry and disinfect the entire area.  This is especially important when trying to prevent or contain the growth of potential mold spores and bacteria.  

Call Insurance Company:  Homeowners policies don’t typically cover natural disasters-floods, so check with your insurance company to determine your coverage and next steps.

Water left to its own will always continue to move and find pathways.  Immediate response to any water will lessen the damage.  SERVPRO is the #1 choice for clean-up and restoration.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is faster to any disaster.  Call: 609-894-8555