Content Cleaning & Removal Services

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs on a property, individuals often feel more overwhelmed by the loss of their belongings rather than the damage to the structure itself.  At SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill, we recognize the sentimental value of your belongings and strive to salvage any affected content during the fire damage restoration process.

During the fire damage restoration process, our team will provide content removal services for any items affected.  Many of these items will be stored until the restoration process is complete.  Before returning these items to your home or business, we thoroughly clean them to remove any smoke and soot damage.  Utilizing various techniques and equipment, we work to restore clothing, furniture, and other items to preloss conditions.

Our team also provides disposal services for content that is deemed unsalvageable after a fire.  However, through specialized fire damage treatments, items such as photos, books, artwork, and important documents can often be saved.  In addition, damaged electronics can often be salvaged.  Many items can be restored to their original state after both fire and water damage.

Proper content cleaning and removal after a fire is essential for restoring the affected space and ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants.  SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill is dedicated to providing comprehensive fire damage restoration services to the local community.  Our team is available 24/7 to assist you with any size disaster!

Preventing Water From Entering Your Property After A Storm

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

Both during and after a storm, water can often easily find its way into a property and cause a significant problem.  Through proper inspection and maintenance, you can help to eliminate several water damage factors during the next storm!

• Ensure that proper drainage systems are in place, such as gutters and downspouts, to direct water away from the foundation.
• Clear any debris, such as leaves, from your drainage system to avoid potential water blockages during periods of rainfall.
• Proper landscaping and grading around the property can also help divert water away from the structure.
• Inspect your roof for issues such as missing tiles or broken shingles.  Should you notice water stains in your attic, it could indicate a roof leak.
• Seal any cracks or gaps in the building's exterior to help prevent water seepage.
• Check that your sump pump is working properly.  Install a battery backup in case of a power outage.

Implementing effective measures to prevent water intrusion is crucial for minimizing potential damage and maintaining the structural integrity of the building.  In the event of storm damage, SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill provides emergency storm damage restoration services to the local area.  Our team is equipped with the essential tools and knowledge to promptly and effectively restore your property following any size loss.  We will guide you through the entire process and work with you and your insurance company to make your storm damage “Like it never even happened.”

Is Your Business Prepared?

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

It is essential for your business to be prepared in the event of fire or water damage.  In the event of a sudden disaster compromising the structural integrity of your building or facility, it is critical to know where to seek immediate assistance.

SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill offers a free Emergency READY Profile (ERP) Program for business owners to utilize in such situations.  Our ERP’s contain vital information that a business or property owner should have in the event of an emergency.  This will allow you to act quickly, helping to minimize both the damage to the building and the downtime for the business.

Our ERP’s involve a quick assessment of your building where information is compiled into a digital file that is easily accessible.  This information includes the location of your utilities such as your water and gas shut-offs, emergency contacts and your key personnel such as the property owner and maintenance contact.

By collecting all of your important property information into a single platform, you can help to prevent further business interruption.  SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill is proud to assist our local businesses with emergency preparedness!  Should you be interested in our free ERP program, please give us a call!  Our fire and water damage restoration teams are always on standby for when the unexpected happens!

Flood Damage Prevention in Manayunk/Chestnut Hill

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Learn how to prevent floods in Manayunk.

Flood Damage Prevention

After a severe storm hits our area, flood damage is a common concern. Whether stormwater leaks into your property at an alarming rate or at a much slower pace where it goes unnoticed, storm damage can be quite overwhelming for those involved. SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill is here to help when flood damage occurs. Before a storm, there are several preventative measures we recommend to help stop a storm from disrupting your home or family.

• Before a storm, you should inspect your home for any structural issues. A damaged roof for instance can easily allow water to enter your home.
• Clean out your drainage system. Should your gutters or downspouts be clogged with dirt, leaves and other debris, the rainwater that is collected in your system will not flow properly away from the foundation. This is a common cause of storm damage.
• Check your sump pump to ensure it is working properly.
• Seal your foundation and any cracks to help avoid water making its way in.

Flood damage can compromise the stability of not only a structure, but also the contents inside. Even a small water leak can potentially cause a large water or mold issue if left to progress. SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill understands each client’s situation, and we handle each water or storm loss based on your particular needs. Our storm damage restoration team is here to help make any size flood disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Ozone Treatments for Smoke Odors and Damage

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Learn more about how ozone treatments can remedy smoke damage.

Ozone Treatment for Smoke Damage

After a fire occurs, the smoke damage left behind can often be more significant than the particular area where the fire took place. Smoke can linger and pose a health risk for those who reside in the space. In addition, smoke can be difficult to remove, and it can also circulate throughout your home through the duct system. This is why we often provide duct cleaning services as part of the fire damage restoration process. However, it can take more than an extensive cleaning to remove all signs of smoke and odor after fire damage. In these situations, SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill provides an ozone treatment to fully destroy all smoke particles in the air from the affected areas.

Ozone treatments are used when nicotine or other offensive odors require a high strength solution to rid a home of the issue. The treatment involves trapping the air in an enclosed space. Using electricity, the oxygen in the air is altered to form ozone. The ozone then attaches to the odor and eliminates it in all forms.

This specialty treatment is necessary in some cases of fire damage, but it should only be performed by a certified professional. Ozone is dangerous to inhale, so it is critical to not enter the space where it is being used, which is typically for a 24-hour time period.

SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill’s smoke damage services vary based on your needs, but we always treat your home and content with your concerns in mind. Our advanced equipment, expertise and treatments allow our fire damage restoration team to help restore your property to preloss conditions quickly.

Summer Mold Prevention in Manayunk

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Learn how to prevent harmful mold in your home or business.

Summer Mold Prevention

During the summer, mold damage can occur more frequently due to the humidity and moisture we experience. Areas that are prone to bacteria and wet surfaces such as showers or windows can quickly grow mold if left unattended. To prevent the need for mold remediation in your home, make sure you are staying on top of several actions.

• Inspect your home for signs of moisture. Windows, HVAC systems, bathrooms and other areas where water can play a role in mold growth should be routinely cleaned.
• The interior temperature should be kept cool enough to prevent warm air and moisture. Keep your doors and windows closed to prevent stagnant air.
• Ensure that your HVAC system is working properly and that all windows are sealed to prevent a water leak that can slowly progress into a larger issue.
• Clean out your gutters. Mold can even grow from the moisture trapped in the leaves in your drainage system.
• Ensure that you hire a restoration professional to clean up any water damage you may experience. Improperly removing water from a structure often leads to mold growth that can spread quickly.

In the event of mold damage this summer, SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill provides thorough services to remove, clean and restore the affected areas of your Manayunk home. Our mold remediation team will help you to determine the extent of your damage as well as guide you through the entire process. We also work with your insurance provider to help get everything back on track quickly for your family. SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill is proud to provide a variety of cleaning and restoration services to our local community.

Maintain Your Sprinkler System for Fire Damage Prevention

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

Learn how to Maintain Your Sprinkler System for Fire Damage Prevention.

Maintain Your Sprinkler System for Fire Damage Prevention

In the event of a fire in your commercial facility, it is critical to have several key safety elements including an emergency plan, fire extinguishers and a working sprinkler system. When a fire causes your sprinklers to go off, this system will help to prevent much further fire damage and risk to your employees and property. Having a properly functioning fire sprinkler system in your facility will help to lessen the stress and downtime of your business and get you back on track in a matter of days.

• Ensure that your sprinklers are tested annually, and that routine maintenance is performed.
• Sprinklers are designed for particular types of buildings, such as how many floors there are and the square footage of the business. When installing sprinklers, you should choose the system that fits the standards of your building.
• Control valves should be inspected weekly.
• The National Fire Protection Association requires that pipes be checked for signs of clogs every five years.

By preparing your commercial facility for a fire damage event, your property will remain intact with minimal damage and business. SERVPRO of Manayunk & Chestnut Hill provides immediate fire damage services for when disasters occur. This includes water damage after the sprinklers have been set off. Our fire and water damage restoration professionals provide complete services for every stage of a loss, no matter the extent of the damage. We are proud to help restore commercial businesses from an unexpected disaster immediately!

Steps to take when your basement is flooded.

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Prevent basement flooding.

A flooded basement is no small risk. Even one inch of flooded basement in a 1,000 square foot home can cause $10,000 in damage. Six inches of water can easily double that cost. If you come down the stairs to find water in your basement, here's what to do. Dangers of a flooded basement Be careful before charging in a damp basement. There are some risks you should check for: Electric shock: Loose wires can conduct electricity through water. Turn off the circuit breakers in your home before entering the water. Gas Leaks: Problems in your basement can lead to gas leaks. If you smell gas, leave your home and contact your gas company. Sewers: If your flood is a sewer leak, be careful before entering the water. Wastewater can contain disease-carrying bacteria. Use protective equipment such as suits, gloves, safety glasses and face masks. And be prepared to call in the professionals If the flood is caused by a water pipe If your basement is flooded with water pipes, it falls into two different categories. Leaks will fill your basement with cleaner, mostly clean water. If you see this, try to get to the water supply and turn it off. Another type of pipe flooding is a sewer backup in your basement. Just smell it and you know if it's not coming from the sewer. If this is the case, then you don't want to use anything that uses drain. Do not flush down the toilet, washing machine, dishwasher or anything else. This will only increase the dirt backup in your basement. If you have a sewer backup in your basement, be sure to call your local utility company as soon as possible to report it. If the leak is outside your home Flooding, rain, snow or inclement weather can easily lead to basement flooding if it is not properly waterproofed. In this case, try to find the source of the leak as soon as possible. It could be something as simple as a leaking window opening or as complex as a foundation leak. If you can't find the leak easily, call the professionals. Call your insurance company Different insurance companies deal with flood damage differently. When you call to make a claim, your insurance company will go over all cleaning procedures, specific contractors to use, and other information. 

General Safety Tips

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

General safety tips.

Everyone wants to be warm at home during the winter months. Here are some safety tips to follow: - Do not use an oven, bag or heater to heat your home- Do not burn garbage, paper or green wood in the stove. These things cause heavy green wood in your fireplace. These things cause a heavy buildup of creosote that can eventually burn your chimney.- Only buy heaters that have been evaluated by a national laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL)- Buy electric heaters that have a thermostat control mechanism that shuts off when the heater tilts- Do not use electric heaters to dry clothes or other things- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from combustibles- Plug the electric heater directly into the wall. Do not use an extension cord or extension cord.- Always turn off the electric heater when not in use 

Steps to minimize mold risk after prolonged shutdown

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Shutdown warehouse.

Keep indoor humidity as low as possible, no more than 50%, as measured by a hygrometer. Building managers may consider continuous indoor humidity monitoring with a digital hygrometer, preferably more than once a day, to minimize the need to enter the building. After a longer shutdown and before the residents return, buildings must be checked for mold and excessive moisture. After an assessment confirms that mold and moisture are not detectable, OR after remediation is complete, a building's HVAC system that is inactive during an extended shutdown must be shut down for at least 48 to 72 hours (known as a "flush-out period"). be abused before the inhabitants return. After the building is opened and occupied, routine (e.g., weekly) inspections of the HVAC system are recommended to ensure efficient operation. If a routine HVAC operation and maintenance program does not exist for the building, one must be created and implemented.