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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Protecting Your Home in Extreme Weather

12/6/2023 (Permalink)

Icicles hanging from vehicle in a parking garage.  Ice hanging from the ceiling!

When temperatures approach record lows for the northeast region, it is important home and business owners take steps to protect their structures from the extreme weather. Frozen pipes can lead to breakage, damaging personal property and essential heating systems which can create a major disaster at your home or property.

Be sure to keep all living spaces at a minimum low of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics or garages. A frozen pipe can burst due to the backflow pressure between the blockage and water source. Some additional prevention methods include:

- Draining pools, sprinkler lines, and shutting off the water source to outside spigots.

-Opening kitchen cabinets to let warm air reach the pipes beneath.

-Daily use of faucets whose source might come from an outside pipe.

 In the event of a winter weather emergency, our SERVPRO of Freehold team is always ready to respond to quickly get your property back to normal! Give us a call 24/7 at 732-431-4440.

Always Here to Help!

Clean Water Correctly The First Time

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

mold covered drywall and flooring under bathroom sink and toilet Cleaning up water correctly can prevent mold from forming.

Always make sure you hire a company who has the expertise to properly remediate a water loss. SERVPRO of Freehold was called in by a customer after another restoration company failed to properly dry out their home in Millstone, NJ. Instead of just mitigating a water loss, our team was charged with performing an entire home mold remediation. This situation arises when affected materials remain wet from incorrect treatment following the initial damage. 

Our SERVPRO crew thoroughly inspects wet areas by using special meters to verify wet materials progressively dry within a few days. We encourage our customers to understand the drying process so they can be confident that a job is being done correctly.

The home in Millstone was returned to safe breathing levels following the cleaning of the mold. The customer was relieved and extremely pleased with the repairs completed by our mitigation team.

All technicians are extensively trained on how to prevent a water loss from turning into mold. SERVPRO of Freehold is always ready to take care of homes and businesses affected by disaster. Call us at 732-431-4440, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

Importance of Cleaning Up After Storm Surge

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

Home with bare wall beams and tile floor. The home after demolition following a surge of ocean water.

After this extremely active Atlantic Ocean hurricane season, it is important to understand how to calmly react to the tremendous damage which is left after a storm.

This photo was taken after the demolition of a flooded house in Manasquan, NJ. Our SERVPRO of Freehold crew was called immediately after ocean surge flooded this home within a block of the beach. Our team responded on the scene within an hour. During inspection, the crew determined all of the drywall and insulation needed to be removed as well as most of the flooring due to the contamination of the ocean water. The remaining stud beams and subfloor were sprayed with an anti-microbial solution to kill any lingering contaminants. Drying equipment was placed to remove any additional moisture to prevent further damage and/or the formation of mold.

Large floods are never too difficult for our SERVPRO of Freehold team as it is imperative to clean and dry the extensive moisture the water deposits into the structure. When dealing with a loss from storm surge, it is imperative to contact your local SERVPRO to properly clean and restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Floors Were Saved After A Water Loss

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

Black rectangular mats on a wood floor. The wood floors were saved using drying mats!

When this 3 story Rumson home was flooded, the insurance agent said he did not think we could save the floors. He was very surprised when we saved the wood floor without needing the homeowner to move out for demolition. The insurance company and the homeowner were thrilled with the work our team did.

Upon arrival to the home, our technicians inspected the flooring to see if it could be salvaged. Since the wood floor was not showing an extremely high moisture content, the technicians decided to use the Injectidry system in an attempt to save it from removal.

The Injectidry system works by utilizing extraction mats placed over wet sections of the wood floor. The mats are connected to a special machine which directs air below the floor in an attempt to dry underneath it quickly. Dehumidifiers are often placed alongside the system to assist in removing as much moisture from the surrounding area as possible.

After the system ran for four days, the mats were removed to revel the wood had dried exceptionally well and would not need to be replaced! The homeowner was so overjoyed to hear we were able to save the flooring. The Injecti-dry system is an innovative tool often used by our franchise to alleviate costly, time-consuming repairs for our customers.

Broken Kitchen Supply Line

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

Hand pulling a pan out of a lower kitchen cabinet Water can travel everywhere during a water loss.

When a supply line breaks, the water will travel far and wide inside a structure. This home in Old Bridge, NJ just had a new kitchen installed before the water damage. After investigating the extent of the damage, it appeared that the cabinets may not had been affected. Once the cabinets were opened up, it was discovered the contents inside were soaked. Since the homeowners called SERVPRO of Freehold right away, the emergency technicians were able to save the cabinets by drying them in place.

Before our team arrives to help, clear contents out of any locations where water can accumulate to dry out as much as you can. Please keep your safety in mind and make sure any appliances that are plugged in are removed to prevent electrocution. Safety is the number one priority of our SERVPRO team; it prevents dangerous situations for the technicians and the customers as well.

SERVPRO of Freehold is always ready to take care of homes and businesses affected by disaster. Call us at 732-431-4440, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is Extremely Important to Prevent Mold Growth

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

Visible mold growth on the ceiling of a wood paneled room. Mold growing on the ceiling of the entryway.

This is a dramatic before shot of a portion of a mold job performed by our team. A long neglected and toxic environment was discovered upon inspection of a reported water loss. A mold test was performed to confirm the composition and severity of the infestation and a comprehensive scope of work was enacted to remove the affected materials. The entryway pictured is the area most affected by the mold infestation. The enormous effort taken by the SERVPRO of Freehold mold technicians to clean the structure was successful and the air clearance test performed at the conclusion of the job showed there was no longer any mold in the house. Both the client and homeowner were thrilled with the final result.

There are many dangers in letting your home or business sit without proper cleanliness and maintenance habits. Not only are you setting the environment up for contamination, but the neglect may cause health effects to those who are exposed to that environment. In the event water affects the interior of any structure, it is imperative the water and moisture is removed as quickly as possible to prevent microbial growth from growing. Additionally, inspecting homes or businesses on a regular basis helps prevent structural components from degrading and allows owners to identify possible issues before they can cause water damage.

Never Know What You Can Walk Into

9/4/2023 (Permalink)

A person walking down a hallway. Walking down the flooded hallway.

When a water heater on the 3rd floor of this Holmdel corporation leaked, the owner immediately called SERVPRO of Freehold to dry out the 60,000 square foot building. The employees walking into the office were alarmed by the water flowing across the carpeted areas of the office, but remained calm until our emergency crew arrived on the scene. Using special extraction tools, the expertly trained technicians were able to quickly remove the standing water from the office floors. The affected carpet and trim were removed and special equipment was placed to completely dry the structure. The owner was so satisfied with the work our mitigation crew completed, they asked our repair team to install new carpeting throughout the entire building. 

It is imperative our technicians are provided with ongoing training regarding the handling of large commercial water losses. Regardless of the size of the loss, SERVPRO of Freehold works quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. Our franchise has the proper tools and expertise needed to dry a commercial property in as little as three days to minimize the impact of the loss on the business.

Sprinkler Break in Edison

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

A large room filled with personal contents and furniture The contents were moved to perform the mitigation.

The sprinkler system in a commercial building in Edison NJ malfunctioned and damaged over twenty offices during a holiday weekend. The building manager contacted our 24/7 staff here at SERVPRO of Freehold to come out and survey the wet areas. She let us know there were a large amount of contents on the floor in the affected areas of the building.

Our water mitigation team quickly prepared tools and equipment for the job and rushed to the scene. They made sure to bring the largest truck to move the contents to temporary workspace while the cleaning and drying took place. Shortly after arriving, the technicians had all items packed out and were then able to remove the saturated ceiling tiles and carpet in just a few hours.

The manager was amazed at SERVPRO of Freehold’s immediate response during a very stressful situation. She was equally impressed with our team’s ability to dry out the wet offices in only a few days. The office belongings were returned once our construction crew completed repairs of the floor and ceiling. The entire job was complete in less than a month!

What To Do When A Basement Floods

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

Water swirling on the floor It is very important to remove standing water as soon as possible.

When dealing with a flood in the basement, it is very important to remain calm and take the appropriate steps towards remediating the situation as soon as possible. Once you give us a call at SERVPRO of Freehold, one of our 24/7 emergency service crews will be dispatched right away to assist with the removal of the standing water. While waiting for our team to arrive at your home or business, it is important to avoid flooded areas of the basement where you are unable to see the floor as electrical outlets beneath pose a great safety risk.

Once our emergency crew arrives, they utilize special extraction tools which are designed to safety and effectively remove the water from the basement quickly. Once all the standing water has been removed, the technicians remove unsalvageable materials such as drywall, flooring and trim. After the wet materials are removed, drying equipment is placed to ensure any remaining moisture is eliminated from the building.

SERVPRO of Freehold is ready to take on water losses large and small. Give us a call anytime- 732-431-4440.

Mold Under The Wallpaper

7/27/2023 (Permalink)

Peeled back wallpaper with mold behind it next to a garbage can Mold can easily form without your knowledge.

This homeowner did not realize the mold which was under the wallpaper after he bought this house in Manalapan NJ. He called SERVPRO of Freehold in to remediate the house so that his pregnant wife and family could move in before the holidays.

Mold spores exist naturally throughout our entire environment and are often at levels which are not harmful to our health. Mold which is hidden in your home however, can increase to unsafe levels and cause health effects to those who reside in the structure. Once the customer in Manalapan started to remodel the home, he was so alarmed by his discovery he called SERVPRO of Freehold right away to remediate the mold growth.

Upon arriving on site, our expertly trained technicians removed the affected wallpaper, drywall and insulation from the home. After cleaning and sanitizing the remaining materials, special equipment was placed to remove any remaining contaminates from the air. The customer was very impressed and appreciative of the job our crew did to return the air in the home back to safe breathing levels.

Point Pleasant High School Water Line Break

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

wet tiles hanging from the ceiling of a classroom One of the classrooms affected by the break.

When Point Pleasant High school suffered a water main break at the start of the school year, water completely flooded three class rooms. The administration immediately called SERVPRO of Freehold to dry out the affected areas. Our certified IICRC ASD water professionals were on site within 1 hour to set up containment and place drying equipment along with air scrubbers to assure the students were provided with a safe breathing environment. Our team was able to quickly remediate the damage, all while working around classrooms in session throughout the rest of the building. 

Always rest assured when your municipal township or local school district calls on SERVPRO of Freehold, we will be on site immediately with our highly trained mitigation team to take care of your emergency with expert precision.

SERPVRO of Freehold is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle the largest and most complex water restoration project. Call us anytime at 732-431-4440.

Don't Let Sewage Turn Into Mold

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

wood flooring with mold on a bathroom floor Mold growth on the floor due to the sewage.

Left untreated, the moisture and bacteria from a sewage loss may cause microbial growth.  SERVPRO of Freehold has experience with remediating a loss in which sewage was left untreated, causing mold to form on the drywall and floor. In such an instance, all flooring, drywall, doors and trim must be removed. Dehumidifiers are placed and remaining stud beams, subfloor, and stationary objects are cleaned and sanitized. A special antimicrobial solution can be painted to the affected areas to prevent mold from reforming on the treated surfaces. This is usually the most important step in the mold remediation process.

In an effort to prevent the timely remediation of mold, a sewage loss must be mitigated immediately. Our team of SERVPRO professionals are trained to extract and clean the discharge from the area before placing drying equipment to remove any remaining moisture. Faster to any disaster, SERVPRO of Freehold is always ready to take on even the largest sewage losses.

Heavy Rain Affects Basement in Lincroft

6/29/2023 (Permalink)

standing water surrounding contents in a basement The flooded basement due to the torrential rain.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe 
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

SERVPRO of Freehold was onsite within one hour to inspect the damaged Lincroft home and to begin the water extraction process. In less than four days, our team successfully dried the basement. Our crews always use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine if your home’s structure is actually dry. We are experts in taking care of flooded basements.

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure, not to mention the potential effects of mold. You do not want to wait until the loss spreads and increases in severity. The flooding in this Lincroft home was caused by heavy rain accumulation. Lincroft had received over five inches of rain within a few hours causing the water to back up into several basements.

Powerful Storms Threaten Coastal Areas

6/21/2023 (Permalink)

View of a damaged coastal town from above Extreme coastal damage after a hurricane.

As global temperatures increase, and sea levels rise due to melting glaciers, cities and towns situated along coastal areas are at an increased threat of being hit by catastrophic storms. Eroding coastlines are bringing dangerous surf closer to residences and businesses situated by shorelines. Recent hurricanes have inundated these communities with extreme flooding and torrential rain, leaving tremendous destruction in their wake. Costs to repair disaster zones reach into the billions and increase with each storm, leaving questions about extensive recovery and ways to possibly minimize future losses. Advanced weather models predict massive storms will become more frequent as ocean temperatures continue to rise. Ocean temperatures remaining high for longer periods of time are fueling stronger storms and allowing them to strike seaside communities with greater regularity.

SERVPRO of Freehold has personally witnessed the damage following powerful storms. Our mitigation experts have mobilized to areas outside of our region to assist with recovery in seaside towns burdened with staggering losses. Based in New Jersey, our very own neighborhoods situated along the long coast are repeatedly threatened with severe flooding by forecasted disturbances. Our franchise is always prepared to help with mitigation and repairs following a formidable water disaster while at the same time, wondering how changes in weather will ultimately impact our environment.

Unbelievable Wind Damage!

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

broken branch resting on smashed side and roof of house Extreme wind events are increasing in frequency.

Extreme wind events due to massive tornadoes or destructive thunder storms always grab our attention. Here at SERVPRO of Freehold, we have noticed an increase in damaging high wind events. Hurricanes are increasing in strength and frequency, coupled with changes in the jet stream, causing widespread costly property destruction. Powerful tornadoes continue to flatten entire communities in a matter of minutes. Falling trees from extreme wind events are a major cause of structural losses throughout the country on a regular basis.

SERVPRO of Freehold is always well prepared to respond to homes and businesses affected by wind damage. Often times, water can enter structures affected by wind, requiring our mitigation experts to quickly tarp damaged areas and start the drying process inside until repairs can begin. Experienced technicians from our franchise have also traveled out of state to assist with large-scale recovery following devastating hurricanes. Although windstorms are difficult to gauge, SERVPRO of Freehold has the tools and knowledge to secure and restore properties affected by wind in our ever-changing environment.

Simple Fire Safety Tips!

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

close view of hand opening battery door on a ceiling smoke alarm Test smoke alarms and change batteries to keep them working properly.

Actively taking steps to prevent fires can easily save lives and property from severe destruction. Being mindful of potential hazards and following simple safety rules can drastically reduce the threat of fire.

Tips are as follows:

  • Take the time to inspect smoke alarms on a yearly basis. Replace batteries and test each alarm to make sure they are working properly. Replace alarms based on the manufacture’s recommended guidelines. Do not obstruct alarms and be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and within 10 feet of a bedroom for added protection.
  • Keep young children and pets away from stoves, lighters and ovens. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Pay special attention to space heaters; turn off and unplug heaters which are not attended.
  • Do not leave lit candles unattended. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Clean dryer vents and attached ducts every few months. Inspect the HVAC system on a regular basis and keep the area around it clean and free of clutter.
  • Make sure all fireplaces, fire pits, grills, and torches are distinguished when they are not attended.
  • Keep excessive leaves and brush away from your home or business. Do not store gasoline or propane near anything with a flame. Be sure to have cars inspected regularly to reduce the risk of fire.
  • Inspect extension cords and recycle those which are frayed and worn.
  • Be sure to have functional fire extinguishers in the kitchen and within proximity to appliances with a flame.

Keeping these safety basics in mind, you are being proactive in keeping your home or business safe from fire!

Teamwork is the Key to Our Success

5/11/2023 (Permalink)

No matter what business you work in, teamwork and proper ethics are essential to running a successful business. Here at SERVPRO of Freehold, our team is fortunate to have a warm, yet effective working relationship with each other. Considering we are an emergency business, it is imperative communication is clear between the office, field technicians and project managers. During a surge in business due to a disaster event, proper communication and execution allow our franchise to respond to more calls efficiently.

One of our greatest strengths here at SERVPRO of Freehold is the camaraderie shared within our entire staff. The positive relationship amongst each other provides a pleasant working experience which is then passed on to our customers throughout the day. Evidence of our work environment radiates throughout our business and the communities we serve; the office staff receives numerous complements about our chief technicians on a regular basis. Visit our testimonial page to see what our customers say about SERVPRO of Freehold in action!

See What ChapGPT has to say about SERVPRO Freehold

2/23/2023 (Permalink)

Looking for a reliable and efficient action-packed restoration company that can handle any disaster? Look no further than SERVPRO Freehold! Our skilled team of restoration experts are equipped to handle any emergency with lightning-fast response times, state-of-the-art equipment, and cutting-edge techniques. Whether you're dealing with water damage, fire damage, mold infestations, or any other type of disaster, we're the team you can count on to get the job done right. From the moment you call us, our team springs into action to assess the situation, develop a customized restoration plan, and get to work restoring your property to its preloss condition. Don't let disaster get the best of you - call SERVPRO Freehold and let us take care of everything!

Call The Cleaning Experts!

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

group of men in white coveralls in front of a truck Our cleaning experts!

SERVPRO of Freehold is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time marked by the global pandemic of coronavirus, SERVPRO of Freehold wants to remind our customers we are specialists in cleaning services. As a professional team, we strictly adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards derived by industry authorities.

Specialized Training

We are currently prepared to clean and disinfect homes or businesses according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our franchise has years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and our crews will clean well beyond the scope of work regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

  • Kitchen/Food Areas
  • Bathrooms
  • Schools/Classrooms
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Water Fountains
  • Shelving/Racks
  • Sales Counters
  • Carpets and Rugs
  • Stair Handrails
  • Elevator Cars
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently not a product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, our franchise is following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your residence or business requires deep cleaning services, do not hesitate to contact us immediately.  

SERVPRO of Freehold- 732-431-4440