The Importance of Cleaning Gutters

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Its isn't a great way to spend your weekend, but cleaning out built up debris is important. There are many problems that are caused by clogged gutters.

Not everyone would stop to think about the problems that can come from clogged gutters. From your roofing to your foundation damage can be done if there isn't a way for water to properly flow away from your property.

Damaged to your roof can be caused, when your gutters are left clogged with leave or other debris. It can also cause an overflow of water, or even a flood. this can cause your roof to deteriorate more quickly.

Clogged gutters can even be the nesting homes for all sorts of insects and animals. Specifically, when gutters are clogged it can cause an overflow of water. The overflow of water can eventually flow along the foundation of your property, which can freeze and crack your foundation.

SERVPRO of Piscataway highly recommends that gutters be cleaned right after the leaves have fallen in autumn. Our team is well informed and fully trained in taking care of any problems caused by improperly draining water. SERVPRO of Piscataway is at your call 24/7 for all your gutter and downspout problems.

Facts About Sewage Loss

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Sewer Backup in Basement?

Sewer lines transport waste water away from your home through underground plumbing that lead to local sewer mains. If a clog forms in the line or a line fails, it can create a raw sewage backup in your home. SERVPRO of Piscataway offers the corrective services you might need for such a traumatic situation.

How Dangerous is Sewage?

Sewage contains a mix of both water and waste products, which consists of both organic and inorganic materials, including human wastes, mineral salts, and garbage. Organic material decomposes quickly and emits odorous gases that can be hazardous to people's health, especially when they come from human waste. Organic material often contains disease-causing pathogens, which is why the fast and complete removal of sewage is critical after any backup. Sewage poses a serious health risk to any humans and animals living in the home. Sewage water is considered Category 3 water or black water.

When There's a Sewage Backup in the Basement.

Here are a few things you can do immediately.

Check all the toilets, sinks and waste pipes for blockages. If there is a blockage that you can clear, clear it. If needed, call a plumber for assistance.

Avoid using the toilets or sinks until the blockage has been removed. If it's a main line clog, the water will back up and then come up through the bathtubs or basement.

If the backup is in your basement, look for the cap on the basement floor and make sure that it's easily accessible for the plumber or remediation team as needed.

Safety Tip: If there is standing water in your basement due to the sewage backup, never enter the space while the power is on – this is VERY dangerous. Electricity and water can kill.

Dealing with a sewage backup and water in the basement can be dangerous. It is very important to assess the risks and damage before attempting any cleanup. Sewage contaminated water can contain a variety of bacteria and viruses. While not transmitted through the air, contact with skin can result in rashes or infection if you have even the smallest open sores or cuts. Accidentally touching your nose, eyes or mouth with hands or gloves contaminated by sewage can make you sick. When you find a sewage backup in the basement, it's beneficial and often safer to call in the professionals.

Call us at SERVPRO of Piscataway for any questions or concerns 732-752-4445

How to Protect Your Home From the Spring Thaw

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

Just because the snow is melting, does not mean you have to have water damage. It is important to be prepared.

We have seen a LOT of snow this winter in New Jersey so far. Though it may not feel like it yet, spring is around the corner. Spring officially starts on March 20th.

While the warmer temperatures of Spring are nice, the spring thaw that results can lead to problems. When you experience a snowy winter, the warmer temperatures of spring will cause the leftover snow and ice to melt. This thawing creates excess water that can cause water damage, in home flooding, and other issues around your home.

Here are some tips to keep your home protected from the spring thaw.

• Shovel the snow around your property. Most importantly make sure the snow that is up against your home is shoveled so it can melt away from your home. You should also make sure there is nothing in your yard that may obstruct the draining of melting snow and ice.
• Inspect your drainage system. The drainage system on your home must be free of obstructions in order to properly drain away the snow and water from your home. Open your roof drains and make sure floor drains and any outside drains are clear as well.
• Inspect your roof. Check the condition of your roof to make sure there is no damage from the winter.
• Check gutters and downspouts. Make sure there is nothing, such as twigs, leaves, or ice, preventing your gutters from draining properly. It is very important to clean your gutters and downspouts to allow for proper drainage.
• Test your sump pump. Make sure your sump pump is clean and the intake valve is clear. Test the sump pump to ensure it is working correctly. Sump pumps protect your basement from flooding, so it's important to make sure its in working condition.
• Protect your belongings. Move valuable or important items like personal documents or electronics to higher elevation. Try to make sure everything in your basement is off the ground, in case of a flood.
• Check your insurance policy. Most homeowner policies do not include flood damage so it's important to purchase this protection separately if you feel that you may be beneficial to you.
• Give us a call! If you have water damage in your home, hiring a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Piscataway can give you peace of mind that your home is in good hands. We will guide you through the process of restoring your home to its pre-damage condition and get you back to your normal life as soon as possible.

SERVPRO of Piscataway

732-752-4445

The Packout Process

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Floods, fires, and storm damage to your home are stressful and devastating. It is not just the floor and walls that are damaged, it's also your furniture, your clothes, and your valuables. It is sometimes the sentimental items that mean the most to our customers.                                      

Pack-outs are a vital component to the mitigation work that our team can do. We arrive with production trailers full of packing materials, boxes, blankets, and other protective gear to keep the contents removed from your property safe through the travel to our nearby facility.

Salvageable vs. Unsalvageable:

Our packout process is begins with our team “packing out” your property’s contents to be temporarily relocated for the duration of the restoration process. When you have a disaster, one of the first things we do is send a team to sort and box your belongings. To ensure every item is accounted for, we scan and catalog every item into our system before placing them in labeled boxes. This process also ensures customers get all of their belongings back!

Unfortunately, some items—either due to the type of item or the amount of damage it sustained—aren't able to be saved by our team. These unsalvageable items are cataloged the same as all of the other belongings, but they are generally disposed of instead. However, before we take any such action, we always meet with you to review the unsalvageable items so you can make a final decision!

We know how important it is to save sentimental items. Our technicians work hard to ensure your belongings are treated with the respect they deserve, while working diligently to restore your property to it's preloss condition.

While much of the restoration work by our SERVPRO team can happen onsite, many individual contents require specialized attention, cleaning, and deodorization, that best occurs in our care.

Once your belongings are safely at our facility, they are moved to one of our many temperature-controlled storage pods where we will safely keep them until you are ready for your belongings to be packed back in your time.

If you have a disaster and need a team of local professionals, call SERVPRO of Piscataway today at (732) 752-4445!

Guide to Winter Water Damage

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning the snow off your roof is important in keeping your home safe from winter weather damage.

What Are Some Common Types of Winter Water Damage?

Ice dams are one of the first problems homeowners experience after a winter storm. The snow on your roof melts as it heats up and the water trickles into your gutters.

If your gutters are clogged the water will collect and freeze again, and begin to form a dam. The more snow and ice collect, the more the materials beneath them erode and will create access points for water. Roof leaks lead to attic insulation and ceiling damage. Water may leak down and rot wood framing and drywall.

This falling water outside can combine with melting snow on your lawn and soak the soil. Moisture then freezes and expands beneath your home. The upward bulge pushes into your basement and concrete foundation, causing cracks and weakening the structure. 

The ice melt may also drown your septic system’s drainfield. With nowhere to go, waste may push back into your home or rise to the surface of your lawn, creating a sewage biohazard, which would end up costing you money to have cleaned up.

Water may also expand in your pipes when it freezes, in turn causing the casing or connections of the pipes to crack and cause leaks. 

How Can You Prevent It?

When you know the temperatures are dropping and a freeze is coming, be prepared.  Clean your gutters to prevent ice dams. Adding more insulation to your attic floor will keep the heat inside your home so that it won't melt the snow through the roof.

Have your downspouts positioned in a way to drive melted snow toward the sewers, and be sure that there is a 6-inch soil slope around your homes foundation. These steps will ensure that melted snow will flush toward the street and not over-saturate your soil and leak onto your foundation.

Remove snow from your roof as it accumulates, do not let it pile up and become very heavy.  Prevent interior freezing by keeping your faucets on a drip when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply insulating wraps to keep pipes warm.

If your home or business experiences water damage due to winter storms, call SERVPRO of Piscataway. Our trained and knowledgeable technicians are available 24/7 to come and restore your property to its preloss condition and make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Piscataway

732-752-4445

What to Keep in Your Office Emergency Kit

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Piscataway can help your business get up-and-running again after a disaster, "Like it never even happened."

Business owners carry a lot of responsibility and liability, especially when it comes to making sure your building and your staff are ready for an emergency scenario.

Preparing for the effects that a disaster can have on your business and how to quickly continue operations is extremely helpful,but it is also wise to plan for in-the-moment support for you, your staff and anyone else who may become trapped in an emergency scenario.

Do You Need an Emergency Kit for Your Business?

The short answer is yes. There are many situations that could cause you and your staff to rely on an emergency kit for supplies.

For example, if there is flooding outside the building and emergency personnel is delayed- or if there is severe weather outside and officials have advised everyone to stay put.

Having the necessary supplies to deal with these types of scenarios will help keep you and your staff much safer and more comfortable until evacuation is possible and advised. It is recommended to prepare for at least three days' worth of supplies, and as many as seven depending on the size of tour business and your unique risk profile.

Supplies to Keep in Your Office's Emergency Supply Kit

Having the right supplies n your office emergency kit is about both comfort and safety. Making sure everyone has enough food and water in the beginning can turn into a safety concern depending on how long the situation continues.

Here are some of the most-recommended supplies to keep in your business emergency supply kit.

• Flashlights and headlamps with extra batteries
• General first aid kit, including medical supplies an over-the-counter medications
• Surgical or dust masks, in case of debris and pollution
• Extra water (and/or purification tables) and shelf-stable food plus utensils
• A battery operated or manually powered emergency radio
• Hand sanitizer and power towels
• Emergency blankets and sleeping bags for each person
• Flares and glow sticks
• Duct tape and basic tools, as well as work gloves and latex gloves

If your business has been impacted by a disaster, we can help you recover with commercial restoration.  Give SERVPRO of Piscataway a call at (732) 752-4445.

A Look at the Certifications We Carry

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

All of our technicians at SERVPRO of Piscataway are trained and certified through IICRC.

As leaders in the restoration industry, we understand the importance of a comprehensive restoration plan to help you recover in the aftermath of fire, water or storm damage. In order to ensure we can be helpful for a variety of damages, we carry several certifications from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

The IICRC sets the industry standards for restoration technicians and is committed to making sure everyone who works in the restoration field is prepared and qualified to handle every type of damage that comes their way.

In addition to the internal SERVPRO® trainings we have developed with their guidelines in mind, we also carry official certifications in the following disciplines:

AMRT—Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

Designed to cover mold and sewage remediation techniques, the Applied Microbial Remediation Technician certification allows us to help with a variety of mold and moisture needs. Both mold and sewage-related floods need extra considerations due to the cleaning involved in proper restoration; the course is designed to teach both proper restoration techniques in this precarious scenario as well as how our technicians can protect themselves and other areas of your home or business from contamination.

ASD—Applied Structural Drying Technician

When it comes to water damage, drying and treating it as quickly as possible is of the utmost importance. That is why we undergo certification as Applied Structural Drying Technicians. This course has a combined structure of both classroom work and hands-on simulations that allow our technicians to learn not only how to clean up water damage effectively, but how to do it rapidly, as well.

FSRT—Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician

A house or business fire is devastating enough, but if there are lingering smoke odors, they can be dangerous. That is why our technicians undergo training for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration—this course is designed not only to teach them about how to handle the direct damage from flames in the wake of a fire, but also how to rid the home of smoke odors and make sure it is safe for families to inhabit once again.

If you have issues with residential or commercial damages, we’re here to help. Whether your damage is from fire, water or something else, give us a call²⁴⁄₇ for more information.

Tips for DIY Painting

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

Painting is one of the most common DIY tasks that homeowners undertake. From refreshing a room to a full-on home remodel, handling your own painting is a great way to make the budget stretch farther. Adding new color to a wall is exciting, but don't skip over the important prep work before you pop that paint can open. 

Painting over dirty walls isn't a common DIY horror story, meaning that most homeowners aren't aware of the risk it brings. No matter how thin your budget is stretched, a wall cleaning service is an investment that will mitigate the need for costly repairs later on. SERVPRO of Piscataway has seen a lot of damage sue to improper paint jobs-which is why we've put together a list of precautions so it doesn't happen to you!

###Dirty walls won't let paint adhere. Your walls hold on to more than you think-like grease and residues. 

###Chips and flakes might plague your walls, grease can wreak havoc, but dust bunnies and dirt can cause just as much damage. Painting over debris will cause bumps and ridges that over time can lead to flaking.

Painting is fun, but accidentally botching a paint job is not. Saving the extra headache and expenses by investing in a professional wall cleaning service will make sure your project is done properly for paint that lasts a lifetime.

Whether you're remodeling or just want your walls to feel like new, SERVPRO of Piscataway's trained team of professionals can make your walls sparkle.

Is Your Home Ready for Spring Showers?

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

March has arrived, meaning April showers will soon follow. The promise of Spring is exciting, but spending the season worrying about your home becoming water damaged is not.

Readying your home for Spring showers won't take more than an afternoon and will give you peace of mind all season long.

We've handled water damage from a variety of causes and we know how much stress it can cause. SERVPRO knows how to keep rain out which is why we've compiled these tips to keep your home and family dry. 

• Inspect for pre-existing water damage on the roof.
• Clean clutter from gutters.
• Reseal doors and windows.

While you're looking forward to the thaw of Spring, don't let fretting over water damage get in your way. Prepare for Spring showers by making sure your home is ready, so your family stays dry all season long. 

If you've experinced water damage, contact SERVPRO of Piscataway. We have a team of trained professionals ready and waiting to help get your life back to normal.

Smoke Detectors

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

Spring has sprung, unless of course you live in the North East. Then it still feels like winter. The ground hog was right this time for a change. But on a serious note it is time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. This simple project can save you and yours families life. The rule of dumb is that you should change your batteries twice a year. Thus using spring and fall as your reminders.

Sewage Backup

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage in a basement

Sewer Backup in Basement?

Sewer lines transport waste water away from your home through underground plumbing that lead to local sewer mains. If a clog forms in the line or a line fails, it can create a raw sewage backup in your home. SERVPRO of Piscataway offers the corrective services you might need for such a traumatic situation.

How Dangerous is Sewage?

Sewage contains a mix of both water and waste products, which consists of both organic and inorganic materials, including human wastes, mineral salts, and garbage. Organic material decomposes quickly and emits odorous gases that can be hazardous to people's health, especially when they come from human waste. Organic material often contains disease-causing pathogens, which is why the fast and complete removal of sewage is critical after any backup. Sewage poses a serious health risk to any humans and animals living in the home. Sewage water is considered Category 3 water or black water.

When There's a Sewage Backup in the Basement.

Here are a few things you can do immediately.

Check all the toilets, sinks and waste pipes for blockages. If there is a blockage that you can clear, clear it. If needed, call a plumber for assistance.

Avoid using the toilets or sinks until the blockage has been removed. If it's a main line clog, the water will back up and then come up through the bathtubs or basement.

If the backup is in your basement, look for the cap on the basement floor and make sure that it's easily accessible for the plumber or remediation team as needed.

Safety Tip: If there is standing water in your basement due to the sewage backup, never enter the space while the power is on – this is VERY dangerous. Electricity and water can kill.

Dealing with a sewage backup and water in the basement can be dangerous. It is very important to assess the risks and damage before attempting any cleanup. Sewage contaminated water can contain a variety of bacteria and viruses. While not transmitted through the air, contact with skin can result in rashes or infection if you have even the smallest open sores or cuts. Accidentally touching your nose, eyes or mouth with hands or gloves contaminated by sewage can make you sick. When you find a sewage backup in the basement, it's beneficial and often safer to call in the professionals.

Call us at SERVPRO of Piscataway for any questions or concerns 732-752-4445

Use House Plants to Improve Indoor Air Quality

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Although houseplants may be intimidating to those with a “Black Thumb” or fear of commitment, it turns out that there are many houseplants that need little to practically no care to improve the air quality in your home.

So How do House Plants Clean the Air you might ask?

Plants absorb some of the particulates from the air and at the same time that they take in carbon dioxide, which then produces oxygen through photosynthesis.

These plants remove the following chemicals that can be found in your home from your everyday cleaners and furnishings

 Benzene, Formaldehyde, Trichloroethylene, and Xylene.

Here is a list of some household plants that are good for improving the air quality in your Home:

1. Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

It is called the Mother-in-laws Tongue because of its sharp, pointed leaves and because it lasts so long. This is one of the hardest house plants to kill. It’s awesome at filtering out chemicals found in toilet paper, tissues, and other toiletry products.  It enjoys low light and humid conditions, which makes it ideal for bathrooms. In fact they prefer to be dry in between waterings and in the winter months they should be watered once a month.

.

2. Aloe Vera

In addition to being easy to care for aloe makes some serious health claims. It’s great at removing chemicals from paints and chemical cleaning products.To maintain your aloe plant all you need to do is place it in a sunny spot, water deeply but sparingly. This plant also likes to be completely dry in between waterings. The plant's leaves contain a gel inside the spiked leaves that can be used to relieve cuts, burns and even help psoriasis.

3. Bamboo Palm

A superstar of filtering formaldehyde often used in furniture, these palms thrive in full sun or bright light. Part of the reason they can filter so much air is that they can grow to be pretty big—as tall as four to 12 feet high, making them exciting (and pet-friendly) indoor additions. During dryer winter months, the bamboo palm can also add a bit of moisture to the air.

Given that people spend more than 90% of their time indoors, air quality matters.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding how to maintain good air quality in your home

feel free to contact SERVPRO of Piscataway at anytime

SERVPRO of Piscataway

732-752-4445

SERVPRO of Piscataway is now affiliated with ISNetworld

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

ISNetworld® is a 3rd party system that verifies a contractors safety, procurement, regulatory, and quality data. Contractors may find themselves being requested by their customers to be approved on this system to work or continue to work with them. That is where we can help!

With hundreds of questions in an ISNetworld® Compliance Questionnaire, submitting requested forms, and the requirement of having to create and submit industry-specific safety programs, we know compliance is the last thing your company may want to focus on. From the MSQ® to your RAVS® section we can get your account up to speed and on your way to compliance. Our expert compliance staff with over 20 years experience has been getting and keeping company's like yours ISNetworld® compliant.

Basement Spring Cleaning

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Piscataway is here to help you when you get a flood in your basement, but what can you do before this happens?

Your basement is probably full of seasonal items, exercise equipment, old appliances, tools, and family keepsakes.  Be prepared and get important items up off the floor.  

For Immediate Service in Piscataway, Call SERVPRO

2/22/2017 (Permalink)

We'll be there for your professional cleaning or emergency restoration needs.

SERVPRO of Piscataway provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Piscataway. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service


• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster


• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians


• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry


• Locally Owned and Operated


• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (732) 752-4445

Residential Services

Whether your Piscataway home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration


• Fire Damage Restoration


• Mold Remediation


• Storm Damage Restoration


• Cleaning Services


• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Piscataway commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: SERVPRO Commercial Services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration


• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration