Prevent Frozen Pipes

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

A frozen pipe runs along the outside of a brick foundation.

Last year, Bergen County and the entire Northeast suffered a deep freeze of below-freezing temperatures for nearly two weeks. This resulted in frozen and bursting water pipes in many homes, offices, and schools throughout the region.

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Hackensack/Little Ferry was on the scene, helping many homeowners and businesses by extracting water and drying basements, crawl spaces, floors, and sheetrock.  

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, this winter is predicted to be warmer than normal but also wetter than normal. No matter what the actual weather will be, it is important to make sure your home is prepared for winter.

To avoid frozen and broken pipes, it is easy to take the following steps:

Outdoors:

• Wrap outside faucets
• Caulk around pipes where they enter the house
• Disconnect garden hoses
• Drain in-ground sprinkler systems

Indoors:

• Let a trickle of water run if the temperatures dip below freezing
• Open cupboard and vanity doors in the kitchen or bathroom.  This little bit of airflow makes a big difference.
• Make sure the thermostat is set to a constant temperature

If, however, you do experience broken pipes or water damage this winter, make sure you take quick action to have the water extracted and your home or business dried out properly. Call SERVPRO of Hackensack/Little Ferry and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Flood Damaged Floor Repair

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

An NJ home gym was flooded by water.

Storm surges can be dramatic and cause significant damage but with the proper tools and training, it doesn’t have to mean a total renovation.  The only good thing about storm surges is that the waters often recede as quickly as they rush in.  Hardwood flooring that is properly protected with polyurethane can withstand water penetration if remediation happens quickly.  At SERVPRO we have the right equipment and training to often save hardwood floors instead of removing them.  Here are three techniques we use.

First, our injecti-dry panel system is one way to extract moisture.  Our technicians use plastic sheeting to create a containment area and install dehumidifiers to regulate the moisture levels.  The panels are installed with special methods to reduce additional damage.  We then use moisture measuring meters to monitor the changing moisture levels all the way to the subfloor.

Second, we may utilize a heat drying system that heats the material to approximately 100 degrees.  Heat ducts are installed to remove the humid air and infrared monitors are used to monitor the drying process.

Finally, a Desiccant Dehumidifier may be used to introduce outside air which is passed through a dehumidifier before being introduced to the material.  Again, moisture monitoring equipment is used to measure the progress and reduce moisture at a controlled rate.

If you experience flooded floors call us to see if one of our methods can be used to save the material before you begin removing any material.

Thunderstorm Preparedness

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

A thunderstorm topped a tree on this house.

Each year, there are close to 100,000 thunderstorms across the nation. These frequent weather events can be scary, bringing strong winds, lightning, hail, and intense rain, all of which can cause personal danger and property damage.

Thunderstorms and tornadoes are not uncommon, even in NJ, especially in the spring and summer months. We must always be prepared for any weather that may come our way.

Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy

Understanding weather terms, particularly the differences between a watch and a warning is the first step in keeping your family safe. By knowing when to wait and when to go, you can clearly communicate with your household and activate the weather plan you have created together.

It is a good idea to have several ways to receive warnings from weather officials. Your cell phone and a weather radio from the NOAA are good tools to have ready when a storm is rolling in.

Create a designated safe area in your house (typically a bathroom or basement) and ensure that everyone in your family knows where it is. A communication plan for your household is also recommended to ensure that everyone can check in during and after a storm. Be sure this plan includes a way for anyone who may not be home at the time of the event to check in so that all can be accounted for.  Remember to consider pets.  My dog instinctively runs into the bathroom when she hears thunder.

Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit

An emergency kit can be prepared ahead of time and updated throughout the year. It should contain enough water and food for each member of your family to sustain them through 72 hours. First-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and any comfort items that can aid in the calming of your household should also be in the kit.  While you likely won’t stock the emergency kit with medication you should have some reminders with the kit to prompt you to gather essential medication prior to any evacuation.

Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist

Time matters after a storm, so it is essential to take quick action to mitigate losses. You should have a plan in place before a storm strikes so that you can act quickly and get your family to safety. As soon as you can, you should walk your property and assess any damage.

As you walk the property, pay special attention to your roof, windows, and doors to ensure they are still properly sealed and note any water damage that may have occurred.

If your home is damaged, call us at SERVPRO TEAM MAJESKI. We are available 24/7 and can offer you peace of mind after the storm as we make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Strength in Numbers

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Vans from multiple franchises work on a Saturday at a commercial job here in NJ.

When a client in NJ files an insurance claim, insurers know they need to rely on storm, fire, or water damage restoration specialists that are faster to any size disaster. Waiting for help to arrive can quickly lead to additional damage and rising costs. Instead of hoping to hear back from a company, have confidence in immediate assistance by relying on a trusted company that is prepared to help any time of the day.

Multiple Franchises:

SERVPRO TEAM MAJESKI operates 4 franchises across NJ.  Overall, SERVPRO has more than 1,700 franchises, which allows its team of professionals to jump into action the minute they get the call. No matter where the disaster happens, commercial services available include:

• Water damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Cleaning services
• Storm and major events
• Disaster recovery

Knowing that your emergency response team means working with professionals from the community also provides additional peace of mind. Being local, we care and are dedicated to ensuring everyone is satisfied with the restoration results. In addition to the local benefits, there is an additional bonus of each franchise being backed by a nationwide network. We work closely with national and local insurance companies, which boosts communication and makes the claim process easier for everyone involved.

Dedicated Professionals
Along with being faster to any size disaster thanks to a 24/7 emergency service, the people arriving at the disaster scene are certified professionals trained in property damage restoration. Along with employee certification training, technicians are required to be certified through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Training and certification are ongoing to ensure no matter where help is needed, the team answering the call has the latest skills to get a business back “Like it never even happened.”

When clients need help, it is vital to get assistance from a trusted company that is faster to any size disaster to avoid downtime, rising repair costs, and further damage.

TEAM MAJESKI

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO TEAM MAJESKI logo.

If you're in need of home restoration, SERVPRO TEAM MAJESKI is the best choice for the job! We have a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to restoring your home or business back to its original condition. We understand that disasters can happen at any time, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency service. We also work with insurance companies to make the process as smooth as possible for you. So, if you're looking for quality service and professionalism, look no further than SERVPRO TEAM MAJESKI!

SERVPRO TEAM MAJESKI includes:

SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch

SERVPRO of Hackensack/Little Ferry

SERVPRO of Jersey City North/The Heights

SERVPRO of Marlboro/Tinton Falls

SERVPRO TEAM MAJESKI is also partnered with most insurance companies, which means we can work directly with your insurance company to help you through the restoration process. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure you are satisfied with the service we provide

Please contact us today! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

The Challenge with Mold Sampling

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Noticeable mold growth in the home.

The Challenge with Mold Testing or Sampling

Is sampling for mold needed?

In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Are there federal regulations or standards regarding mold testing?

Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.

Please note that SERVPRO does not conduct mold testing.  We are specialists in the remediation of mold and believe that separating mold detection and its remediation eliminates any potential conflict of interest.  Call us today for a free consultation.

Drying hard wood floors

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Water from the bathroom caused damage to this floor. Luckily it was dried and repaired instead of being removed.

Water damage to hardwood floors can be tricky.  SERVPRO of Hackensack/Little Ferry has the ability and equipment to save your hardwood floors if it is addressed quickly.  After our technicians have accessed the loss and determined that the hardwood floors can be saved, will set up our specialized equipment.  Insurance companies and adjusters like it when we can save the floors because it is more cost-effective which in turn keeps down premiums.  The floor drying mat system removes the excess water from underneath the hardwood floors.  Stabilization takes between two to six days but in some cases may take longer.  The goal is to remove the visible cupping and to get as close to appropriate equilibrium moisture content without overdrying.  If you encounter water damage and your wood floors are affected, please call SERVPRO for a free consultation. We will respond quickly and help you with your loss and make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial carpet beginning to show signs of wear.

Routine carpet cleaning is important to commercial buildings because carpets act as a filter, trapping dirt, dust animal hair, and basically anything you walk on outside the building.  Manufactures suggest the following:

• If you have a spill attend to the stain as soon as possible because the longer the stain stands the harder it will be to remove later
• Buying a good vacuum and vacuum regularly so the soils don’t build-up
• Maintenance carpet cleaning in light soil rating = 1-2 times annually, medium soil rating = 6-12 times annually and heavy soil rating = 12-52 times annually

Clean carpets also allow for a healthier work environment, maintain the value of the property and send a message to your clients/customers that you take pride in your company and that shows them you will do the same for them.  If you would like to set up a carpet cleaning maintenance schedule please call us.

Tornado Prep

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

A tornado toppled this NJ tree.

I don’t remember hearing tornado warnings when I was younger.  Tornadoes were a phenomenon found in far-off places like Kansas.  However, over the past couple of years, tornado warnings have become common and some devastating tornadoes have hit NJ in the past year.  Is this the result of global warming?  Like everything these days that seems to be a political question, but the fact remains that it is a new threat that NJ residents and business owners now need to consider.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY AND REMEMBER THESE TIPS:

1. Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar. If there is no basement, get to a small, interior room on the lowest level.
2. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
3. If you can safely get to a sturdy building, do so immediately.
4. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
5. Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
6. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

After the storm has passed:

1. If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
2. Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
3. Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
4. Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.
5. Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Of course, the SERVPRO Ready Plan APP will also prove invaluable if a disaster does occur.  Download it from the App Store today.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

A close-up photo of a fire extinguisher handle.

In a prior blog, we discussed the acronym R.A.C.E. which represents the steps to take in care of a fire.  Those steps are Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish.  Another acronym used in training for a fire response is P.A.S.S. which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.  These are the steps for using a fire extinguisher.

First, you want to make sure you have the correct fire extinguisher.  In most settings, an ABC class extinguisher is most common.  An ABC extinguisher puts out most fires including:

Class A fires – common materials including wood which typically produce Ashes.

Class B fires – flammable liquids that are typically stored in a Barrel, such as gasoline.

Class C fires – electrical fires that have an electrical Current

Fires that require a more specialized type of extinguisher include class D fires which are flammable metal or class K fires which are high temperature cooking oil fires.

The steps for using a fire extinguisher are:

P: Pull the pin that prevents the extinguisher from discharging accidentally.

A: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire

S: Squeeze the handle/trigger to discharge the extinguishing agent

S: Sweep the nozzle back and forth to cover the burning material