Proven Results in Norwich with Skilled Fire Damage Restoration

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

When you have fire and smoke damage in your Norwich home, SERVPRO is the team to call. We use the latest technology and equipment for any size fire.

SERVPRO Responds Rapidly in Norwich for Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration

Norwich homes and businesses deserve excellent results when calling for fire damage cleanup and restoration. Whether it is a significant blaze that started in the kitchen of your office building or a fire in the in-law apartment above your garage, you want results quickly. Rather than going the DIY route for house fire cleanup that could take longer and generate lesser results, skilled remediation is best. SERVPRO is available around the clock, every day of the year, so our area residents and business owners have a trusted partner to make it "Like it never even happened." With our industry knowledge and years of experience, we have the processes you need to bring your property back to preloss condition. 

When handling fire damage in Norwich and surrounding towns, our SERVPRO team understands our customers' range of emotions. Due to this, we remain diligent and customer-focused so that we can be there in your time of need. Not only do we have efficient processes and industrial-grade equipment at our disposal, but we also take some of the burdens from you by assisting with your fire insurance claim process. Your smoke remediation and fire cleanup project details get carefully documented, so your insurance provider has everything they need to facilitate your claim.

Detailed Cleaning and Content Assessment by Our Trained Team

Fire damaged properties can encounter everything from charring and soot to water damage and pungent smoke odors. We pay close attention to all building materials and structural elements to ensure safety and integrity. We have also perfected processes for inspecting and addressing contents and cherished keepsakes impacted by the fire. 

Our mindset is that it is better to restore versus replace whenever we can. We inspect all items to determine salvageability and then select the best cleaning methods. Some of the cleaning methods that our IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) take may include:

• Pre-cleaning using dry cleaning methods to remove soot residue and light soiling.
• Wet cleaning measures to address moderate to heavy soot residue and soiling.
• Spray and wipe techniques to clean any items unable to withstand wet cleaning or immersion.
• Foam cleaning on upholstery and fabrics that may stain, bleed or shrink using wet methods.
• Immersion cleaning is where our technicians dip items into our immersion tank that uses cleaning solutions.
• Abrasion cleaning with agitation to help loosen soiling from surfaces.

Will I Have Lingering Odors After Fire Restoration?

Our SERVPRO team knows that no two fire projects are alike, nor is a project complete without paying close attention to pungent smoke odors. We have Odor Control Technicians (OCT) on our team who know how to handle adverse smells with all restoration projects. For fire incidents, anything burned poses an issue regarding odors, including protein soot in kitchen fires, charred debris, or musty odors where water got used to douse the flames. 

We select the correct methods to eliminate rather than mask odors, and we have a wide range of equipment and products to help us do just that. Some of the cleaners, equipment, and tools that we have readily available on our Green Fleet of vehicles include:

• Odor counteractants pellets, beads, or granules
• Air scrubbers with onboard HEPA filters
• Thermal foggers
• Ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers
• Ozone generators
• Hydroxyl generators

We Use All the Suitable Measures to Protect Your Property During Restoration

There may be broken windows, damaged or missing doors, and holes in your walls or roofing with any fire. We have board-up and tarping services that help protect your interior from the elements, animals, or trespassers while restoration and fire damage cleanup occurs.

You can trust our skilled team at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County when you require fire damage restoration. Call us at (860) 887-0447 or request help online at your earliest convenience.

Professional Water Damage Restoration Service for Norwich Properties

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

You can rely upon the professionals at SERVPRO for fast and effective water damage restoration in Norwich.

SERVPRO Features Highly Skilled Water Damage Technicians in Norwich

Once a household appliance malfunctions or you have burst pipes at your place of business, you could be in for water damage. Even the most minor incident could lead to adverse effects like costly secondary damage, the loss of contents, and musty odors from the onset of black mold and mildew. DIY is never recommended, as water mitigation is time-consuming and calls for specialized methods in many instances. SERVPRO wants all Norwich property owners to know that our locally-owned franchise has all restoration methods, industrial-grade equipment, and IICRC-certified technicians to handle whatever project you have. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, getting there within four hours or less once you make initial contact with our friendly customer care team.

One of the most critical aspects of water damage in Norwich is water mitigation. The mitigation process helps limit the amount of moisture that comes into contact with materials. Our skilled technicians also use rapid water removal services to keep standing water from migrating into unaffected areas of your home or business. SERVPRO focuses on proven strategies that include removing water, manipulating airflow, and repositioning materials to help us reach our goals. 

During water-related projects, some actions we may take include:

• Removal of all wet fabrics and upholstery
• Disposal of all saturated and unsalvageable materials
• Blotting and mopping, as needed
• Tenting certain accessories, such as cushions
• Implementation of cleaning using EPA-registered antimicrobials and cleaning solutions

We Take Special Care with All Furnishings and Fabrics

While many fabrics will be resilient to water damage if they dry fast, there could be long-term problems if special care is not taken during restoration. For example, light permanent staining could be an issue due to rust or running dyes. We have technicians on our team that know how to separate fabrics and remove furniture that rests on carpeted flooring. All measures get taken to keep dyes from bleeding onto other materials to thwart stains and further damage. If you have wet carpeting, carpet pads, or area rugs, our team may also remove and relocate for further drying before reinstalling.

How Does SERVPRO Handle Water Removal Services?

Standing water removal is imperative to keep it from becoming stagnant within your Norwich property. This helps lessen deterioration due to exposure to your contents and building materials. Rapid reductions also minimize moisture migration that could create an issue with hidden damage. During water removal, we often:

• Utilize free-standing pumps, truck-mounted extractors, carpet wands, and weighted rovers to pull up varying water and moisture levels.
• Wipe down all interior surfaces that came into contact with water
• Blowing dry air over any wet areas with the help of centrifugal air movers and other industrial-grade equipment

Dehumidification is Vital for All Water-Related Incidents

SERVPRO utilizes drying equipment and dehumidification in tandem to get the best results. We must restore relative humidity within your property to keep moisture at bay and limit the possibility of mold and mildew growth. We do so with powerful desiccant or refrigerant dehumidifiers to ensure relative humidity (RH) returns to normal levels.

Controlled Demolition for a Finishing Touch

If you had immense water damage that wreaked havoc on your building materials, SERVPRO has the manpower to ensure everything is removed and replaced with all-new materials. – General Contractor License #: HIC 0620481 

Some of the controlled demolition steps we may take include:

• Carpet and carpet padding removal
• Drywall replacement
• Flood cuts
• Subfloor repair
• Painting and refinishing

You can look to our crew at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County when you want trusted results to handle your water damage. Request help online or call us 24/7 for emergency service at (860) 887-0447.

Handling Mold Damage Safely and Effectively in Norwich

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

Don't let mold damage go unchecked in your Norwich home. Call SERVPRO for help to avoid further damage.

SERVPRO’s Proven Mold Damage Restoration Helps Norwich Property Owners

Did you know that mold is a common cause of property damage, both commercial and residential? How any Norwich property owner addresses mold remediation is vital, so using skilled technicians is the best route. Often, someone will attempt using DIY mold clean-up only to find they make matters worse. Hiring a team like our IICRC-certified professionals at SERVPRO gets you the detailed cleaning and results you need to bring your property back to pre-mold condition. Once we complete our remediation and thorough cleaning, your interior will receive the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal of approval!

How are the moisture levels within your home or business? Many people may not realize that elevated moisture and relative humidity (RH) creates a perfect climate for mold damage in Norwich. As long as your interior harbors humid spaces, the correct temperatures, and organic materials for mold to feed on, you could be in for colonization that brings material damage and foul, musty odors. 

SERVPRO Offers the Mold Remediation You Need

We have 24-hour availability and scalability to help residential and commercial clients. With our efficient mitigation tools and extensive IICRC training, we know how to get in quickly to pinpoint the cause of mold growth. Once we determine the reason, we address it to help keep the mold from coming back after restoration wraps up. It is all about making it “Like it never even happened.”

Why Call SERVPRO to Handle Mold Cleanup?

One of the key factors to handling mold within any home or business, mainly when located in ceiling cavities or behind walls, is having all the right tools and processes. When you call SERVPRO to handle your mold issue, you can expect the following:

• Remove dry spore clusters and unsalvageable materials for safe local disposal.
• Implementation of doorway, window, and duct sealing with the help of poly sheeting and negative air pressure to keep tiny mold spores from spreading into unaffected rooms of your building.
• HEPA filtration air scrubbers help remove airborne particulates and reduce internal air pressure, making it difficult for spores to migrate into other areas.
• Relative humidity and moisture control using water removal services and drying with the help of dehumidifiers and air movers after extraction.

Personal Protection Equipment Makes All the Difference

SERVPRO technicians arrive ready for all mold remediation projects, including the right PPE to keep us protected each step of the way. Our PPE includes:

• Coveralls
• Respirators
• Boots
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Foot coverings to limit cross-contamination

Odor Control is Paramount in Any Mold-Related Projects

SERVPRO technicians have access to countless products and equipment at our warehouse that help us handle all restorations. For example, our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) have access to a whole arsenal of tools and products to eliminate rather than mask foul, musty odors associated with black mold growth and mildew. 

We perform odor control in each area after mold spores are cleanup up to bring your home or business back to pre-contamination levels. We do this with the help of:

• Odor counteractant granules, pellets, or beads that work to pull out and absorb malodors while leaving a pleasant scent behind.
• Ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers use solvent and water-based solutions to handle mold smells at the particle level.

Let Us Handle Mold Restoration with Controlled Demolition

Once we determine which materials are no longer salvageable, our team uses controlled demolition to remove and replace them with all-new materials. This deconstruction may include new drywall, trim, carpeting, ceiling tiles, flooring, subfloor, etc. 

Ensure professionals for trusted results handle your mold damage project. Contact us at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County by calling (860) 887-0447, and we can dispatch a crew as soon as possible.

The Importance of Water Mitigation for Norwich Properties

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage go unchecked in your home. Call SERVPRO for help to avoid further damage.

SERVPRO Helps Manage Water Damage in Your Norwich Home

Water is all around us, so accidental or negligent spills can happen. A straightforward case of water intrusion can become a nightmare involving mold contamination and significant structural damage like rotting or warping frames. Appropriate and timely water mitigation can help minimize the impact on your Norwich property.  

The critical determinant of the effectiveness of water mitigation at your Norwich property is how fast you start it. Most damages triggered by moisture exposure take time to develop significantly. For example, mold takes 24 to 48 hours to appear and several days or weeks to cause material decay. Since SERVPRO sends assistance within the first four hours after notification, our intervention has a positive impact.

Typical mitigation processes:

• Stopping any flowing water
• Extracting pooling water
• Moving vulnerable materials
• Addressing any hazards

Water may flow into your structure from damaged plumbing, structural areas such as the roof, or a malfunctioning appliance such as a washer. Whatever the problem, finding a way to stop such intrusion instantaneously limits the resulting damages. Our SERVPRO crews can install roof tarps, find and clamp leaking pipes or take other steps for instant reprieve. Once the flow stops, it is easier to focus on the other mitigation processes. 

Accelerating Water Extraction

Water removal may seem like a standard procedure whereby you scoop or mop out water from the property. However, extraction speed is critical in determining the outcome when you want to mitigate damages. SERVPRO crews better manage extraction speed by choosing vacuum extractors. A tool like a truck-mounted extractor can remove thousands of gallons within a few hours. Its higher vacuum lift capacity makes it ideal for removing water absorbed by porous materials such as carpets. 

Faster water removal and stopping further inflows are also helpful in minimizing that develop from moisture accumulation. For example, removing stagnant water eliminates slick surfaces, while releasing water trapped in ceilings eliminates the chances of collapse. 

Other ways to address water hazards:

• Setting up safety signs such as wet floor markers
• Establishing a staging area for holding all equipment when not in use
• Unplugging electrical equipment and switching off power sources

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County ensures water mitigation is effective, saving you unnecessary costs and inconveniences. You can reach us at (860) 887-0447.

Commercial Water Damage Restoration Tactics in Norwich

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County for fast and efficient service.

SERVPRO Can Provide Commercial Water Mitigation Services in Norwich

Water pipes can freeze and break when the weather gets cold during the winter. Office complexes are at risk when temperatures drop because many are closed and unoccupied at night. When it gets cold after hours, the water supply lines inside your office complex could freeze and break. And since nobody is around at this time, your office could get flooded for several hours until someone notices the issue. 

When handling commercial water damage in Norwich, our SERVPRO technicians know that prompt service is essential to reduce and eliminate secondary issues. Secondary problems arise when building materials and contents inside your office are damaged when they do not come in contact with moisture. For example, elevated relative humidity levels can cause drywall or ceiling to bubble. If wet organic items inside your office stay wet for more than two days, mold can develop. 

Ways we can reduce secondary damage:

Water extraction procedures:

• Applied structural drying (ASD)
• Setting up desiccant dehumidifiers to dry out wet concrete
• Applying antimicrobial chemicals to places where mold has developed
• Setting up an air scrubber in the contaminated areas

Whenever your place of business gets affected by a disaster like a pipe burst, we know that loss of business can become a huge issue. Sometimes, we can conduct our restoration procedures when your office is closed. In other cases, we can restore your damaged office in sections so your employees can keep your business running as usual. If the issues are severe, we can dry out your contents separately from your building materials to speed up the process.

Before we complete the project, we can use moisture sensors and meters to ensure that the moisture levels of your structural components and contents have dropped back to normal levels.

If the pipes inside your office complex ever freeze and break in the middle of the night, call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447.

Professional Water Restoration for Storm-Damaged Norwich Homes

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your storm damage needs.

SERVPRO Does Quality Water Restoration in Norwich

Norwich homes are at a particularly high risk of suffering significant storm-related damage. This circumstance results primarily from our city’s location near the stormy New England coast and position on three major rivers. Throughout the year, powerful Atlantic weather systems bring torrential rains to our area that often flood local waterways and impact area residences.

SERVPRO prides itself on safely and effectively handling all of the water restoration needs of Norwich homeowners. As a top biohazard cleaning company in this area, our emergency water damage services teams have successfully provided extensive water removal services, dealt with major basement flooding, completed substantial sewage cleanup projects, and gained experience in every step of the flood restoration process. When addressing a flood damage remediation case in Norwich, SERVPRO technicians:

• First, extract any standing floodwaters from interiors so that other cleanup and restoration efforts can proceed.
• Next, remove all potential safety hazards from the site and post warnings about any possible issues.
• Then, work to contain contaminants in impacted rooms, spray all affected areas with an EPA-approved disinfectant, and use shovels/rakes to remove hazardous debris and silt.
• After that, professionally determine which structural materials/contents can be restored and which ones must be replaced.
• Then, clean and dry interior walls and other flood-impacted parts of the home.
• Finally, properly dispose of all types of leftover waste and set up air mover dehumidifier networks to speed the drying process. 

These procedures help to ensure that your home is free of hazardous waste, protected from any future effects of the current flood event, and has ultimately been restored to its pre-storm condition. 

So, as you can see, your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County can skillfully complete your water restoration job. With this in mind, call us at any time of the day or night at (860) 887-0447 for assistance.

Gutted Homes in Norwich Require Fire Damage Restoration Expertise

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

Norwich Families Rely on Fire Damage Restoration

House fires can range from very small (confined to a wastebasket) to the destruction of the entire inside of a house. When a fire guts a house in Norwich, our customers can rely on our extensive fire damage restoration skills to rebuild their property and make it suitable again for their family to inhabit. 

SERVPRO holds General Contractor License #: HIC 0620481, and our fire damage restoration experts rebuild Norwich area homes while partnering with the homeowner. We want your opinion on those aspects that affect the final result. Still, we must also rebuild with building code requirements that might not have existed during your residence's original construction.

There are many options after a fire damages a home. Some of these options seem more expensive but are less costly after analyzing the information. Here are a few areas of your home where you can choose something other than the original:

• Cabinets,
• Hardware for interior doors, and
• Floorplans.

We can rebuild the cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as any other rooms your residence may have had them. This includes bookcases, window seats, and anything else built into the structure of your home. We can often change the wood, finish, detailing, and design.

Many times, updated building codes focus on safety. Door handles might seem innocuous, but many new handles are easier to manipulate to open the door. New handles on interior doors make any home safer and easier to maneuver within for people with arthritis, vision impediments, or additional physical difficulties. Exterior doors can also become safer with new handles.

Changes to your floor plans can become a reality, not just because of required updates to staircase and hallway dimensions. We can alter how many bedrooms and bathrooms your home holds. Closets may have felt cramped before the fire, but we can expand these storage spaces to suit your needs better. 

Some requirements, such as stairways, will have changed with the building department. Our fire damage restoration crew stays on top of developments such as these and can explain what it means for your property.

Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 after a fire happens to your home.

If You Need Expert Mold Remediation in Norwich, SERVPRO Can Help

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

The IICRC badge ensures SERVPRO's mold remediation technicians can rescue your Norwich home following a mold infestation.

Our Norwich Mold Remediation Crews Know What to Do

When your Norwich home suffers the damaging effects of mold, you want a remediator that understands and follows time-tested, industry-accepted procedures. Finding such cleanup and restoration professionals can sometimes be difficult, but it could save you substantial headaches in the long run. Fortunately, SERVPRO is a local firm that can do your job right.

SERVPRO’s Norwich mold remediation teams know just about all there is to know about mold, and they meticulously adhere to both the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) guidelines and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification’s (IICRC’s) standard. While completing, among other tasks, mold removal, and black mold damage repairs, our mold specialists comply with the following EPA mold remediation rules:

• Mold-impacted contents and materials that cannot be cleaned must be professionally disposed of
• Mold-covered structural elements and furnishings need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried promptly
• Moist surfaces and materials that have not yet developed mold have to be dried within forty-eight hours

SERVPRO’s cleanup and restoration technicians also adhere to these five principles from the IICRC’s S520 Mold Remediation Standard:

• Remediators are to remain mindful of the health and safety of everyone in affected residences, work to prevent anyone from being exposed to hazardous mold, and limit the spread of mold to unaffected areas
• Interior conditions must be documented, and the restoration process should be closely monitored
• Mold is to be controlled at its source and prevented from spreading and becoming a bigger problem
• Mold contamination that is beyond normal levels should be removed via physical disposal of affected materials, HEPA-filtered vacuums, or damp wiping with detergents
• Moisture sources fueling mold growth must be eliminated

So, with this in mind, know that your helpful friends at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County can successfully complete your mold remediation job. Call us anytime at (860) 887-0447 for assistance.

Preventing Permanent Damage with Water Mitigation in Norwich

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

The first step to resolving water damage is calling your local trained professionals at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County.

SERVPRO Water Restoration Technicians can Help

Water spills into your property can quickly degrade, causing malodors and creating the conditions for bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive. The growth of microorganisms in the home can lead to dilapidation and permanent property damage. It is vital to contact a professional restoration service if you experience a water intrusion event. We can help assess the damages you can see and other damages that may not be immediately apparent. Our services are geared toward:

• Burst pipes
• Appliance leak
• Water intrusion

By conducting expert water mitigation in your Norwich home, our technicians can help to reduce potential losses. Inspections of not just the interior of your property but also cavities and layers of the building assembly are essential to ensuring that water migration does not cause long-lasting damage to the home. To make these inspections, our technicians use a variety of measuring equipment. These include penetrating meters that pierce the surface of a material and return an accurate reading of its moisture content which can help us to assess potential water migration. Non-penetrating meters can also help check walls or flooring to consider if water may be underneath. These moisture sensors measure the surface temperature and calculate the likelihood of water residing beneath. 

• Thorough inspections of cavities in the home structure are essential to mitigate potential water damage. 
• Draining cavities such as crawlspaces and subfloor are possible using extraction wands, providing that parts of the building assembly are removed temporarily.
• A method of drying wall spaces is circulating warm air into the cavity using air movers or injectidry systems. 

If you are experiencing a water intrusion event, contact SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County for water mitigation at (860) 887-0447.

Dealing With Water and Commercial Fire Restoration in Norwich

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are here to help.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Remediation for Norwich Businesses

Everyone knows that water can be the best resource for the fire department when attempting to extinguish a structural blaze. Several commercial buildings get equipped with sprinkler systems designed to spray water based on heat sensors. The problem is that once a fire breaks out inside your restaurant, the water added to extinguish the flames can create further issues besides what the fire caused.

When dealing with commercial fire restoration in Norwich, our SERVPRO technicians know to look for water damage issues and problems related to the structural burn. Moisture added to burnt materials can elevate the damage initially caused. For example, water can soak the soot deeper into porous materials like your carpet or upholstered furniture. Items that could have just been ruined on the surface by smoke damage can get quickly destroyed if the soot seeps into the fabric.

However, whenever we realize your restaurant has experienced water and smoke damage, we can devise a plan to restore both issues. And, we can schedule our work procedures to avoid interrupting your restaurant’s daily operations. For instance, we can set up fans and dehumidifiers to conduct applied structural drying (ASD) and work on smoke remediation when your business is closed.

When items get burnt and wet, the moisture can cause the soot residues to soak deeper into the material, making it harder to remove. Sometimes, we can use chemical products to clean your affected items. But in other cases, some things may have to get thrown out.

We can provide the following after a fire at your restaurant

• Smoke Remediation
• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• Soot Cleaning
• Structural Deodorization

If a fire ever starts in your eatery, call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447.

Working on Commercial Water Mitigation in Norwich

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO commercial water damage restoration services are top-notch. We are here to help.

SERVPRO Helps with Water Damage in Norwich

Many businesses choose to have their storage warehouses on the first floor of their building, making it easier to move products in and out. However, when valuable goods get stored below offices and other departments of your company, they are at risk if a water leak occurs. If a water supply line breaks on the second or third floors of your building, the moisture can follow gravity and affect all your contents and building materials on the way down. When H2O leaks from the ceiling of your warehouse, it can damage items like your ceilings, walls, flooring, and possibly everything in between.

When dealing with commercial water mitigation in Norwich, our SERVPRO technicians start by finding the source of the leak. We can shut off the water, so the leak stops spraying moisture into your structure. We can then use moisture sensors and meters to determine where the water went and what it contacted. Once we get a good idea of where the moisture traveled and the extent of the damage, we can devise a plan of attack to return your company's storage warehouse to its preloss state, "Like it never even happened."

Services we can provide for your company after you suffer from a major water leak

• Water Extraction
• Restorative Carpet Cleaning
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Black Mold Inspections
• Water Damage Debris Removal
• Water Cleanups

Anytime the warehouse where you store products gets affected by moisture, dealing with contents can become a significant part of the project. In more severe cases, we can remove all of your company's stored items to a separate location so that we can dry and clean them separately from your building materials and structural components.

If you ever have a pipe burst on a second or third floor of your warehouse, call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447.

Mitigating Flood Damage in Willimantic

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage restoration is no DIY project. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate service for your home.

 SERVPRO Provides Flood Restoration in Willimantic

Anyone who has listened to the news this summer knows that along with heat spells, much of the country has seen heavy rains, which have turned into flooding conditions. What one minute looks like just an average rain storm can quickly turn into an incident that brings down an inch or two of moisture in a matter of hours. When that much water falls from the sky quickly, the streets get deep with water, and all of the ditches next to the roads can fill up. Once the water outside gets deep, it can be only a matter of time before it starts to enter your home.

Whenever our SERVPRO technicians work on restoring flood damage in Willimantic, we know that the issues created by the storm can be devastating. For example, any moisture that comes into your structure outdoors can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses. This means that your porous contents or building materials must be replaced if they get wet. And, if the water entering your home comes from the ground, we take the same steps during the remediation process as we would if you had a sewage backup.

We can conduct the following procedures if your house floods after a severe thunderstorm

• Water Extraction Services
• Water Damage Debris Removal
• Carpet and Pad Removal
• Content Cleaning and Decontamination
• Black Mold Inspections
• Set Up Air Scrubbers
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)

If the storm caused so much moisture to enter your home that there is more than a couple of inches of standing water, we could use a submersible pump to remove the moisture. We can then cut your drywall a foot or two up from the floor to dry out your wall cavities.

If you ever notice standing water in your house after a flood strikes, call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447.

Willimantic Fire Restoration Cleaning Needs Mechanical Action

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. We are here to help.

Mechanical Action Helps Fire Restoration

While surface cleaning solutions are among the most favorable and least invasive after a fire, they are not always effective on their own. When combined with agitation and mechanical actions, however, the ability of these products is amplified, and impacted materials are more likely to be restored and cleaned. 

Surface Cleaning Options

Fire restoration for Willimantic residences involves several potent cleaners in our inventory. We recognize how solvents, detergents, and other vital solutions can work to trap and lift soot particles from surfaces directly. We can help with many measures like:

• Wet Cleaning
• Dissolving
• Dry Cleaning
• Abrasive Removal

What Do Mechanical Actions Do?

The motion of most of the mechanical actions either eliminates loose debris on the surface above thick residues or helps to improve the efficiency and cleaning capacity of chosen products. Not all agitation is helpful or needed per impacted material, so careful consideration must be made if these aggressive measures could be detrimental rather than practical. Some of these actions include:

• Scrubbing
• Brushing
• Pressurized Air Blasting
• Vacuuming

Why Are Mechanical Actions Helpful?

As many have witnessed with cleaning up spills from their carpet, simply pouring cleaner on the spill is rarely a good strategy to eliminate the problem. Instead, you must apply the agent and combine it with physical actions like scrubbing with a rag or brush to infuse carpet fibers with the product through friction and subsequent warmth. Mechanical actions like these similarly affect soot damage adhered to building material surfaces.

Surface cleaning alone is not always enough to overcome the soot and smoke damage common for building materials after a fire. With the pace of these effects spreading in a residence or business, our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team needs to respond fast to get mitigation and cleaning started. House fire restoration services happen quickly when you call (860) 887-0447.

Setting a Drying Goal for Flood Damage in Norwich Properties

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage in Norwich can be a problem. Call SERVPRO for the help you need. We are here to help.

What Removes Flood Damage?

Keeping customers and homeowners calm about the work SERVPRO must do in their properties after a flood is challenging. Introducing drying goals and estimated restoration times often helps provide a tangible future result for homeowners to focus on as the work continues in residence. Our earliest efforts help to set:

• Restoration Timeline
• Recovery Milestones
• Scoping
• Cost Estimates

What is Pre-Loss Condition?

The restoration industry often uses the term preloss condition to describe efforts made with cleaning flood damage in Norwich homes or businesses. This phrase describes the state of your property before the disaster. Still, it does not necessarily indicate an improved condition from what you had before unless needed repairs or new materials change the integrity of the work area.

Drying Solutions for Your Home

Water and flood damage events are often critically hinged on the drying efforts by SERVPRO professionals. With various materials part of this array of actions, we must carefully place air movers and dehumidifiers in certain areas where they can be the most efficient and effective. We monitor the progress of water removal to ensure further modification of the drying tools is not required.

Build-Back Services

With much of the cleaning and restoration resolved from the flood damage, one of the final remaining steps is the replacement of removed building materials. Our general contractor license allows us to complete many of the build-back services your property might require. This includes reinstalling building materials, finishing these elements, and painting.

It is crucial to set specific goals that steer the restoration and recovery steps our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team takes after flood damage. Set milestones can show the progress of drying and cleaning, making flood recovery more manageable in each phase. Call us after disasters strike at (860) 887-0447.

Save Your Norwich Home with Fast Water Mitigation

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now for the help you need.

The Early Water Mitigation Focuses

While the needed actions of water mitigation and emergency services might vary slightly by the residence impacted, the heart of these efforts remains the same. It is vital to do whatever is necessary to protect your property from irreparable damage, which SERVPRO can achieve by prioritizing set objectives like:

• Water removal
• Cleanup
• Mold prevention
• Drying

Extraction Machines to Save Flooring

Starting water mitigation for Norwich homes and businesses involves removing surface water and trapped moisture from building materials. Standing and pooling water should be the greatest focus of arriving technicians as porous building materials can absorb water damage immediately and allow this moisture to migrate into structural cavities and other areas of the property. We have several options to help in this capacity, including pumps and vacuums.

Relocating At-Risk Contents

 The impact of water damage on the contents and personal belongings of your residence should also be a focal point for mitigators. In many cases, continued exposure damage is preventable and manageable by removing contents from the affected area to a dry, safe location on-site. If the entire residence is impacted, we have off-site cleaning and storage until move-back can occur.

Emergency Repairs Save Wall Systems

We can quickly identify where repairs are necessary after water damage with a general contractor license and years of experience in build-back services. We can often preserve and protect wall systems and ceiling assemblies through plumbing repairs and fixture replacements. These essential reinstallations can restore vital water service to your home. We can also seal any structural openings or vulnerabilities formed by the water damage if necessary. 

Mitigation is more than just one or two components of repairs and emergency services. We have several ways we can help your home early in the recovery stages. Give our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team a call today at (860) 887-0447.

Mold Remediation Approaches for Norwich Homes Explained

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is no DIY project. SERVPRO trained technicians have the experience and equipment for every size disaster.

Homeowners Should Understand Mold Remediation

Remediating and removing active mold threats in a household is not as straightforward as many believe. There are layers of recovery, each determined by the phase of mold exposure and colonization your property is currently experiencing:

• Phase One – The mold has begun to impact the surface
• Phase Two – The infestation extends just beyond the surface
• Phase Three – Intruding organisms severely damage materials

Surface Cleaning with Sporicidal Products

Our first look at damage and mold remediation in Norwich homes involves the products we can apply to impacted surfaces to make a difference. Before severe exposure occurs, sporicidal agents can eliminate microbial spores and mold organisms threatening the structure without requiring more invasive measures.

Abrasive Cleaning Through Blasting or Sanding

More abrasive cleaning is often needed when surface treatment solutions are deemed inefficient. When putting media like dry ice or baking soda under pressurized air, we can eradicate colonies on the surface of hosting materials. These units are particularly effective with irregular surfaces like the joists of flooring from the basement to the main level of the house.

When In Doubt, Take It Out

While we attempt other remediation practices first, there are some situations where controlled demolition is the only suitable solution that can help. We have experienced professionals with a general contractor license to complete this work alongside other remediation actions. Our objective is to complete tear-out and the necessary build-back services as promptly as possible to limit the total restoration and recovery time for house occupants.

Understanding the actions of remediation professionals when working in your home can put you at ease with this process. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the disarray of the situation and how invasive certain mold removal practices can appear. SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is a trusted name to help when you discover mold in your home. Call us now at (860) 887-0447.

Water Restoration for Wood Flooring in Norwich Homes

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water restoration services for Norwich by SERVPRO are top-notch. We will have your home back to preloss condition ASAP.

Specific Actions Help Flooring Water Restoration

Wood flooring is an everyday staple for modern and older homes in the region. When water damage impacts these elements, this flooring type can absorb moisture while simultaneously being affected by pooling on the surface. Responding technicians must address multiple conditions to preserve wet wood flooring.

Clearing Surface Water

The first obstacle for water restoration in Norwich homes when the wood flooring is affected is addressing the standing water concerns. Pooling is detrimental to the flooring and any exposed materials nearby. Our SERVPRO Green Fleet arrives with multiple extraction devices to resolve up to several feet of standing water after extreme disasters. With interior home flooring, standard extraction and water removal tools can include:

• Pumps
• Wet vacuums
• Squeegee wands
• Toweling/mopping

Assessing Absorption and Saturation

With the water mostly resolved on the surface, our technicians need to assess the severity of the situation. Many homeowners might not realize the volume of sophisticated tools available to our SERVPRO team for moisture detection and migration tracking. For flooring, we would often consider using surface moisture meters and penetrating models to see if more significant exposure threats have impacted beyond a plank's outermost layer. Thermal imagery can also show cooler spots that might indicate the presence of water before greater drying measures get underway.

Drying Mats

The drying mat is among the more efficient restoration tools for removing water trapped in wood plank flooring. When placed perpendicularly across several plank seams, these drying tools can influence a wide area of the material. Through capillary suction, water is drawn to the surface for extraction and drying by our team.

Drying and restoring wood flooring should begin as soon as possible if the material is to be preserved. Our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team has a rapid response to start mitigation actions. Call us now at (860) 887-0447. 

Factors To Improve Willimantic Fire Damage Restoration Efficiency

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

When Willmantic home owners need fire damage restoration SERVPRO needs to be called for help. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

Certain Variables Hasten Fire Damage Restoration

Our SERVPRO team always intends to provide the most efficient and effective restoration solutions after disasters like fires. As traumatic and damaging as the situation is, our professionals utilize multiple practices to speed up soot and smoke damage removal.

Pre-Cleaning Solutions

Beginning needed fire damage restoration in Willimantic homes involves evaluating the effect of smoke solids on building materials. Specific actions taken ahead of the main cleaning process can make the full procedure faster, which can include:

• Brushing
• Dusting
• Dry Vacuuming

Effective Cleaning Products 

Our SERVPRO professionals utilize a range of concentrated cleaners. Solvents, for example, are used with oily residues and wet deposits to emulsify or dissolve the residue. Chemicals are tested before being widely applied to ensure that they do not cause harm to the underlying material beneath the soot soils,

Agitation and Mechanical Action

As many who have cleaned up spills and stains realize, mechanical action like scrubbing with a hard-bristled brush can lift soils and increase the effectiveness of the cleaning product used. With soot and smoke damage, potent products alone are rarely sufficient to address surface soiling, and mechanical actions to agitate the product are necessary to amplify effects.

Temperature Manipulation

Another point to consider is the temperature of the environment and affected surface. Much like the warmth of the fire during the disaster can widen pores and cause smoke odors to become trapped in building materials, increasing the temperature of affected elements also increases molecular movement and causes chemical processes to occur at a faster rate. Ultimately, this makes reactions to clean or dissolve surface soils more efficient.

Understanding the variables that increase the production and effectiveness of fire damage cleanup is critical in rapidly restoring the structure. Our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County professionals can help you make these disasters “Like it never even happened.” Call today at (860) 887-0447. 

Understanding How Flood Damage Moves in Norwich Homes

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage restoration for Norwich properties is a job for SERVPRO. We use the latest technology and equipment for ever service.

SERVPRO Cleans and Restores All Flood Damage

Like any water damage event, moisture migrates fast through homes and businesses. It is essential to understand how these effects move in a structure to appreciate the many phases of mitigation and restoration.

Water Infiltration Damage

The first impact of flood damage to Norwich properties is the infiltration of water from the outside into the residence. From the intrusion to crawlspaces to vulnerabilities in the roof or foundation construction to penetrate the attic or basement, flooding can rapidly become overwhelming. Licensed contractors on our team can manage the build-back needs to stop the penetrating flood effects.

Standing Water

Higher volumes of water sit on the surface of materials and pool several inches in many flooding situations. It is vital to determine the most efficient method of removing the standing water from the premises, as many of these threats come with debris and solids in the water as well. We have various options in this regard, most of which depend on the specific circumstances of depth and cleanliness of the water. These include:

• Trash pumps
• Electric submersible pumps
• Wet vacuums
• Light wands

Saturation and Absorption

The longer that water remains exposed to the building materials and contents, the more damage that results. Saturation into flooring and wall systems is difficult to prevent, especially with porous materials. Absorption into construction materials can often lead to a need for controlled demolition. If these affected materials can be preserved, we can use a combination of air movers and positive pressure systems to dry out the impacted surfaces.

Flooding is one of the more overwhelming situations that homes and businesses endure. With the severe weather that our region experiences throughout the year, it is a likelihood many homeowners should prepare to face. With a growing roster of talented technicians and contractors, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is ready to help when you call (860) 887-0447.

Resolving Long-Term Issues During Norwich Fire Restoration

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team follows IICRC guidelines to ensure excellent fire damage restoration for Norwich area homes

Specific Fire Damage Effects Could Have Lingering Impacts on Norwich Homes

One of the reasons that fire damage must be combatted with urgency is its threat to homes and businesses. While acute damage is often the most severe and pressing of the concerns, long-term issues could result when the restoration is not conducted properly or to the fullest extent. Multiple potential problems could result.

Combustion Deterioration

Fire restoration in Norwich homes must resolve a spreading fire's impact on the structural materials exposed. Building materials are easily destroyed by spreading fires, but this damage is not always as visible and apparent as you might think. Careful inspections for structural integrity must often be done to avoid later issues.

Smoke Malodors

Smoke damage is another lingering concern for the household as well. Burning of specific materials can produce severe and offensive malodors that are difficult to remove. SERVPRO professionals take time to ensure that the appropriate deodorization practices occur so that the smoke smells of a former fire do not become long-term, intermittent struggles for the homeowner.

Water and Mold Damages

If a fire is improperly managed, it is likely that the methods used to extinguish the blaze were not fully restored, either. Lingering moisture and damp pockets can deteriorate exposed building materials and encourage the growth of mold colonies.

How Can SERVPRO Help?

Many look to our experienced fire restoration professionals of our team to help in several ways after a disaster. Our hands-on expertise and continued growth in this industry niche through coursework and programs designed by standard-setting organizations like the IICRC help us to be trusted technicians for:

• Smoke remediation
• Fire damage cleanup
• Soot removal
• Deodorization
• Content cleaning

Fires can be destructive and devastating, especially when the initial effects of these emergencies are not dealt with appropriately. Give our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County rapid response team a call now at (860) 887-0447.

Damage Migration During Water Restoration in Windham Homes

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Water leaks migrate in Norwich homes from Wet to Dry, SERVPRO restores properties, "Like it never even happened."

Drying Water Damage in Windham Homes Means Tracking Moisture Migration

Water damage restoration and recovery services encompass dozens of intricate tasks layered over one another to return a property to preloss condition. Ultimately, the objective of this process is to achieve comfortable living conditions and make the disaster ‘Like it never even happened.’

For water restoration in Windham properties, our technicians must utilize our knowledge of moisture behavior to increase drying time and productivity. Some principles of this primary water recovery effort include:

• Wet goes to dry
• Hot goes to cold
• High pressure to low pressure

Wet to Dry

One of the easily witnessed drying principles is that wet conditions migrate to dry areas seeking a balance. Knowing that moisture travels a linear path to connected dry spaces can show technicians where drying tools should be placed to minimize the impact on the wall systems and flooring.

Hot to Cold

Manipulating the temperature can positively impact the restoration process, but fluctuations encourage moisture migration. Warm, humid air seeks colder, dry conditions. For this reason, it is beneficial to increase the total work area to include a perimeter that can be kept at similar temperatures to discourage moisture movement.

High to Low Pressures

Vapor pressure is one of the subjects of the psychrometry our SERVPRO team studies to understand moisture behavior and drying principles in action during restoration. Different environments in the house function at varying pressures, especially when rooms are undergoing drying processes. As the house attempts to regulate these changes by seeking a balance, higher pressures seek lower pressures.

Understanding these drying principles allows our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team to best utilize drying tools and products in real-time. When water damage events occur in your home, you can trust the fast response of our team to help when you call (860) 887-0447.

Flood Damage Cleanup for Norwich Crawlspaces

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Water extraction from flooded crawlspaces in Norwich requires a rapid SERVPRO service, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Flooding Can Impact a Norwich Crawlspace and Related Materials Rapidly

While the crawlspace can help prevent flooding from directly impacting the main floor of your home, damage to this area is not without concerns. It is important to act fast to mitigate the situation and remove floodwater from a crawlspace as soon as possible.

Standing Water Concerns

Flood damage in Norwich crawlspaces first appears as standing water concerns, so this is the first phase of mitigation and restoration of these threats. Our experienced SERVPRO professionals approach the situation with powerful extraction and water removal devices from our supply like:

• High-pressure pumps
• Truck-mount extractors
• Wet vacuums

Saturation

Where standing water is a threat, saturation is also a concern. Direct water exposure leaves the structural supports for the house susceptible to absorption damage. Drying tools like air movers can effectively manage these threats, but only after extraction takes place and intruding water has been stopped.

Moist Conditions

Moisture is one of the main threats with crawlspace flood damage as any standing water can create high humidity conditions that promote the production of mold colonies. Mold and microbial presence are common threats after flooding, and this can be amplified when much of the moisture present is not removed efficiently. We have several dehumidification tools and approaches to help.

Encapsulation Options

 One of the advantages of SERVPRO restoration after a flooded crawlspace is our contractor license. Because of our fast response to these emergencies, we can implement strategies early like encapsulation that capitalize on the newly dried space and prevent future water penetration and flooding that could threaten the household.

Flooding is a rapidly developing situation for many homes and businesses throughout our counties. When this water infiltrates the space beneath your property, fast action is necessary to prevent greater harm to the property or its occupants. Our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team can help when you need it at (860) 887-0447. 

Three Truths About Soot Fire Damage in Willimantic Homes

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration services are top-notch. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

What Should You Know About Soot Fire Damage in a Willimantic Home?

Smoke and soot damages produce the most formidable obstacles for residences after a fire. Soot can be a destructive presence to hosting materials where these soil deposits land. There are some important facts about soot damage that can influence restoration strategies.

Soot Does Not Go Away on Its Own

A myth about fire damage in Willimantic homes or businesses is that certain smoke and fire loss effects will dissipate naturally on their own. Every threatening or destructive result of fire damage must be managed in the restoration stages by professionals like our SERVPRO team to ensure a lasting recovery.

There Are Multiple Types of Smoke Damage

Because there are multiple types of smoke damage, there are naturally various types of restoration strategies. Each smoke and soot deposit type requires a specific approach to loosen and remove. These include:

• Wet Smoke – Smoldering fires produce damp smoke, which generates a thick and dark soot byproduct.

• Dry Smoke – Dry smoke results from high-heat fires, which produces a lighter-colored and thinner soot deposit on surfaces that is often manageable with chem sponges.
• Protein Residues – A product of grease fires, solvents are necessary to lift thick greasy residues from surfaces like cabinets before wet cleaning.

Soot Should Be Handled Professionally

Many homeowners believe that cleaning up soot damage is as simple as using conventional cleaning products and mechanical actions to clear residues and deposits from affected surfaces. In truth, many of these residential remedies can chemically react with present soot and make it much more difficult to remove.

No one should attempt to clean or restore soot damage in their home on their own. These situations can rapidly get out of control, and professional restoration is recommended to help. Our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team is standing by at (860) 887-0447.

Saving Time and Money with Water Restoration for Norwich Homes

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration for your property is a job for SERVPRO. We use the latest technology and equipment for every service.

Professional Water Restoration Benefits Damaged Norwich Properties

It might be easy to consider the possibilities of DIY cleanup and restoration following certain water damage incidents, but this is rarely wise. Because of how rapidly water can absorb into porous materials, homeowners rarely know when water damage exists beyond the surface level and therefore do not address these concerns as they should.

Fast and Reliable Responses

A determining factor for professional water restoration in Norwich homes and businesses is the pace of our response to emergencies. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster – a statement that we have embodied with consistent availability and quick mobilization.

Leading Equipment for Mitigation

Not only does our team feature experienced professionals capable of managing the rapidly changing dynamics and conditions of a restoration project, but we also invest in the leading equipment to complete these jobs. Through each phase of restoration and mitigation, we provide efficient results using drying and cleaning products like:

• Extractors
• Air Movers
• Drying Mats
• Disinfection Cleaning Products
• Heaters

Moisture Tracking Technology

Another benefit of the experienced SERVPRO professionals on our roster is the technologies we can bring to monitor and evaluate restoration progress. Thermal imagery, hygrometers, and moisture meters help track the presence and movement of moisture around the damaged area and through the structure, ensuring the appropriate placement of drying tools.

Repairs and Build Back

Professional water restoration from our SERVPRO professionals also features build-back services and needed repairs. Because we have a contractor license, we can complete controlled demolition and the placement of discarded materials to make it “Like it never even happened.”

There are many advantages to quickly reacting to water damage events by contacting experienced restoration professionals to help. Our fast response and experience ensure that mitigative strategies get underway immediately. Our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team is ready to help when disasters strike at (860) 887-0447.

Variables That Impact Mold Remediation for Norwich Homes

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is no DIY project. Call the services of SERVPRO for fast and immediate work for your home.

Certain Conditions Influence Chosen Mold Remediation Tactics in Norwich Residences

Selecting the right mold removal strategy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We must consider many variables and factors, which can allow us to select among popular remediation strategies such as:

• Surface cleaning
• Abrasive blasting
• Sanding
• Controlled demolition

The Severity of the Infestation

Depending on the severity of the microbial damage, mold remediation in Norwich homes will change accordingly. We must evaluate how damaged many of the hosting elements have already become and protect nearby surfaces from suffering the same fate. Often, mold remediation is a combination of approaches based on varying levels of damage.

Placement of the Mold Damage

Where mold can be found throughout the house is also another indication of the removal strategy that might help. Specific aggressive cleaning methods, including pressurized water, are not ideal for confined spaces or areas that might be difficult to dry rapidly. Instead, pressurized air for media blasting or sanding might be used.

Type of Hosting Material

The type of material affected must also play a part in choosing the right remediation strategy to help. Drywall, for example, has a little that can be done to preserve and protect it once mold sets into this porous material. The solution, in this case, would be controlled demolition.

Is It Worth Preserving?

When determining the salvageability of specific building materials and contents, an important question is whether the element is worth saving. There are several instances where replacing specific hosting building materials is more cost-efficient than attempting to remove the mold present and restore the damage done to the substrate.

Despite the urgency of active colonization, it is critical to carefully evaluate the situation and choose the most efficient removal option to limit the continued spread of these organisms in the house. Our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team can help with nearly all aspects of mold remediation when you call (860) 887-0447.

What Is Included in Fire Damage Restoration at Willimantic Homes?

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Call us today!; Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County today at (860) 887-0447, if you need help with professional fire damage restoration.

SERVPRO Inspects Willimantic Residences and Removes Residues During Fire Restoration

Faulty wiring is a possible way for a fire to start in your home. Your home's wiring is not something that you often think about but some common signs that can indicate if the wiring is faulty include lights dimming when you use more than one appliance and frequently blown fuses. When fire damage devastates your Willimantic home, the experts at SERVPRO are here to help you recover.

The consequences of a fire can be disturbing to homeowners. Fortunately, our fire damage restoration services in Willimantic quickly address all developing issues. We help sort through the mess and return your home to its pre-damaged state.

Typical Procedures in Fire Damage Restoration

• Inspection
• Removing debris
• Smoke and soot cleanup
• Odor removal

Soot Residues Removal During The Restoration Process

Caution is necessary when entering a home after a fire incident. Even if there may be no serious structural damage, harmful aerosols from smoke may still hang in the air as they take longer to dissipate. SERVPRO technicians remove debris and sort out salvageable and unsalvageable contents. We label items using stickers or a dot system and place them in a visible location where a crew member can see them. We can scan and catalog items.

Soot residue is usually highly acidic and can cause discoloration of appliances, walls, and stain items. We first use a vacuum or sponge to pre-clean and remove excess soot residues and soils to make the standard cleaning more effective. Also, applying a thin oil film on metallic and stone surfaces such as countertops prevents corrosion and staining. We use innovative techniques to turn your property into its pre-damaged state. We can clean your carpet using different cleaning products to dislodge soot particles from the fibers.

Products Used For Fire Damage Content Cleaning Fall Under Different Categories

• Volatile dry solvents
• Dry cleaning solvents
• Wood oil soaps
• Carpet/upholstery cleaners

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County provides thorough fire damage restoration, ensuring your home is free of smoke or any other damage. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Is Quick Water Mitigation in Norwich Premises Necessary?

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

For any type of water damage to your property you can count on SERVPRO to help. Just call (860) 887-0447.

Water Mitigation in a Norwich Facility Is Speedy with Help from SERVPRO

A loose-fitting pipe in the restroom of a Norwich office suite can lead to water leakage. The water can seep into other rooms in the facility, causing damage. It is vital to act quickly to mitigate the issue and prevent severe loss in such a situation.

Rapid water mitigation in a Norwich structure is important because long-term exposure to moisture can ruin most contents like printers, computers, and other sensitive electronics. Once moisture finds its way inside electronics, it corrodes internal components leading to failure. Our crew can also help move file cabinets and cover desks with plastic sheets to protect them from moisture.

You might be under the impression that tiles are waterproof and cannot pass water; however, the grout holding the tiles in place might be unsealed or chipped, allowing water to seep through, causing damage. To remove moisture quicker in these areas, SERVPRO technicians use drying mats. We also use extraction equipment to remove water in other places, making drying easier and less time-consuming. Our team inspects for serious issues like mold and mildew to prevent material deterioration.

Extraction Tools Used in Water Removal

• Light wands
• Portable extractors
• Dry/wet vac
• Drying mats

What the Water Extraction Process Involves

Water extraction is a crucial step SERVPRO undertakes to prevent extensive damage to your business, and with special extraction tools, our SERVPRO crew can ensure all water is removed. Our team uses a dry/wet vac to remove standing water and extract water from carpeting. Its long hose allows us to reach tight spots and corners. After removing the water, we use drying equipment to remove moisture from the materials.

Drying Equipment for Moisture Removal

• Structural cavity drying equipment
• Axial / Centrifugal air movers
• Dehumidifiers

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County expertly handles water mitigation to prevent material damage. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Happens During Fire Damage Restoration in Norwich Premises?

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

The first step to resolving fire damage is calling your local trained professionals at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County.

Fire and Smoke Damaged Norwich Commercial Properties Benefit from SERVPRO Services 

The interior of a car parked by several other vehicles in a Norwich auto repair shop suddenly caught fire. It burned several other vehicles and deposited soot and smoke in the interior. Fortunately, none of the petroleum products ignited during this episode, thereby preventing damage to the structure and expensive tools and equipment. The fire department had arrived at the scene to inspect the fire damage, and then the shop manager called SERVPRO to clean up the burned contents and remove the pungent smoke odor.

The dangers of a fire do not just end once the flames are out. Professional fire restoration in your Norwich premises necessitates deep-cleaning techniques to return your shop to its preloss condition. Remember, you have to deal with the smoke and soot on the walls, ceilings, floors, and items in your store. SERVPRO can provide man-lifts to wipe down all soot residues. Precautions are also necessary.

Cleaning Takes Various Procedures

• Multiple ways of agitating surfaces
• Regular and special cleaning products
• Immersion

Cleaning up and Removing Smoke Residue

SERVPRO technicians adapt unique cleaning concepts to each situation to successfully clean the property because smoke residue and odor affect surfaces and materials differently. The cleaning process should break the bond between soils and surfaces.

How To Loosen Smoke Residue From Surfaces

• Lubrication
• Mechanical action
• Chemical action
• Suspension and dispersion            

Due to some materials being more porous than others, the soot can penetrate below the surfaces. To clean soot off, we first use a strong vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove loose particles and avoid redistributing them into the air. This leaves us with only small amounts of stain and soot to clean with detergents. We also apply cleaning products that can chemically alter some residues, and we can easily remove soils on the affected materials or surfaces.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County ensures thorough fire restoration to your property. Our business is here to keep you in business. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Basic Processes Necessary to Resolve Flood Damage in Norwich Properties

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded commercial buildings deserve SERVPRO's We're Faster To Any Size Disaster response to mitigate damage to Norwich areas businesses

SERVPRO Enhances Flood Restoration of Norwich Businesses with Superior Equipment and Skills

Property damage from floodwater is considered category 2 or 3 loss since it involves significant contamination levels. Dealing with flood damage requires various actions, including mitigation to stop further deterioration and restoration to save materials. Several processes are necessary to restore preloss conditions at your Norwich property.

Some actions have to be prioritized when managing flood damage in Norwich businesses since they can change the restoration trajectory. Such priority should be directed to any action that minimizes or reverses deterioration and prevents secondary issues. Since SERVPRO has significant resources like state-of-the-art restoration equipment, we can effortlessly accomplish tasks.

Some specific actions that you should give priority include:

• Extracting excess water
• Providing humidity control
• Protecting contents
• Controlling contaminants

The intruding flood water can affect your belongings by wetting, soiling, or contaminating them. They might also stand in the way of other processes, especially when you want to extract water or spray disinfectants. A sound content protection plan ensures they do not stand in the way or incur unnecessary damages. Moving contents to a secure area within the property or blocking them with safety materials are some easy steps that offer protection. Our SERVPRO technicians can also help move out items to an offsite facility.

Removing the intruding water from open areas and hidden sections are essential. The input from our SERVPRO technicians is better felt when handling extraction in basements, stairwells, crawlspaces, and interstitial spaces where unique skills and specialized equipment are necessary to facilitate water removal. One of our goals is to minimize water damage to retail goods and equipment whenever possible.

Controlling the contamination resulting from flooding takes several approaches. Before applying biocides and other chemicals, our technicians inspect the affected areas to determine hindrances that might limit their effectiveness. Porous materials like carpets, pads, drywall, and insulation are difficult to decontaminate once soaked in floodwaters. Our SERVPRO technicians demolish affected areas to remove such materials, fixtures, and assemblies.

Dealing with flood damage presents many challenges, but assistance from SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County makes it “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (860) 887-0447.

What Does a Willimantic Business Need to Balance Water Damage Restoration?

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's rapid service closes the file on water damage in Willimantic commercial sites

SERVPRO Can Help Evaluate Water Damage in Willimantic Premises Recommending Solutions

Water damage can stop a single or all activities at your Willimantic facilities. Although the amount of intruding water matters, the outcome hinges mostly on the restorative actions you take. Therefore, balancing thoroughness and speed is essential.

Water damage restoration in your Willimantic premises takes removing the intruding water, reversing any material changes triggered by moisture action, and cleaning. The sequence in which the tasks are done also matters since prioritizing activities such as water removal limits continued exposure for materials, leading to many benefits. SERVPRO provides IICRC certified water restoration technicians to run a balanced water restoration exercise at your premises.

Balancing water restoration involves making decisions such as:

• Whether to move items or leave them in place
• Gauging restorability of materials
• Evaluating the effectiveness of restoration methods

The contents in your facility, whether furniture, stock, or machines, impact the restoration process. Bulky items can stand in the way of procedures such as water extraction but moving them can take time. The final decision depends on which of the two options offers more advantages. Our SERVPRO technicians can make the decision faster because of our experience. So it is easier to tell which items can be damaged from water or high humidity exposure. We also have handy equipment such as lifting straps and hard carts that simplify movement.

Materials behave differently once exposed to water. For some, significant exposure leads to irreversible damage. Instead of wasting time and other resources trying to salvage such materials, it is better to tear them down. Our SERVPRO technicians check for vulnerable materials such as laminated floors since they swell quickly, leading to unsalvageable damage. Another reason that affects restorability is contamination. If the water is contaminated, cleaning and decontamination cannot save materials like carpets, so removal is the best option.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County handles water damage restoration regularly. Therefore, we know what it takes to run a smooth exercise. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Solutions To Overcome Challenging Aspects of Fire Restoration in Norwich

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO techs don PPE personal protective equipment during fire damage cleanup and restoration services in Norwich properties

SERVPRO Capitalizes on Resource Availability to Resolve Norwich Fire Damage Incidents Faster

Since fire causes immediate and continued financial loss, resolving an incident in good time helps. Some factors that extend fire loss include secondary damages or extra costs such as seeking alternative accommodation or keeping items at a storage facility. Your plans for the timely restoration of your Norwich home can hit a snag when unforeseen challenges hinder the restoration process.

The solutions that overcome fire restoration challenges in Norwich homes can range from better preparation to using sophisticated equipment. SERVPRO can capitalize on both aspects since we have extensive experience in the sector, which enhances your convenience levels and, in some cases, even saves you money.

Some simple solutions that neutralize the challenges posed by fire damage include having:

• The right PPE
• Resources to secure the structure
• Resources to tackle non-fire damage

The biggest impediment to fire restoration is limited access to the structure since it is impossible to clean, remove damaged materials, or manage odors without physically accessing the building. After a fire, hazards like falling objects, sharp items, and slick floors are common, hindering access to some areas or forcing people to work very slowly as they try to avoid injury. Such risks do not hamper our SERVPRO technicians since we have a wide variety of PPE.

Useful PPE items in a fire-damaged structure include:

• Heavy-duty gloves and rubber boots that protect against sharp items
• Bodysuits to limit contact with harmful residues of chemicals
• Respirators to protect inhalation of gases or fine residues

Apart from protecting the people, the structure might also require protection. When well-protected, you can be sure that tasks such as cleaning or removing deteriorated materials happen only once, saving time. Protecting the structure means sealing any openings, especially if the roof caved in or windows shattered during the fire to avoid rainwater or other weather elements. Protecting the building also limits the amount of non-fire damages you must address. Our SERVPRO technicians install roof tarps and board-up wall openings with plywood.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County looks for the simplest solutions to any issue hampering fire restoration at your property. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Can Remodeling Reveal Water Damage in Norwich Properties?

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

When your luxurious Norwich home spa springs a leak causing water spillage and damage--Contact SERVPRO to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Technicians Perform Water Cleanup in Norwich Homes

There are several ways that a Norwich property can need a water remediation service during a renovation. When a homeowner elects to update their home, it is not uncommon for different professionals such as plumbers, painters, and electricians to work on the property simultaneously. Unfortunately, this is also the setup for an accident that can cause water damage.

Plumbing accidents are one of the most common issues leading to water damage in Norwich properties. Kitchen and bathroom remodeling jobs are the most frequently seen areas for this type of problem, with some of the following being the culprit:

• Leaks
• Poor drainage allows seepage into the home
• Accidents with supply lines
• Opening walls exposing slowly dripping pipes

Upgrades Can Cause Damage from Water

Diverter spouts installed in handheld showerheads can cause a blowback issue that delivers water behind the shower wall with every use. If the problem continues, severe damage such as buckling of the wall, tile loss, and mold growth can occur.

Hot Tubs and Jacuzzis

Many homeowners look forward to installing a hot tub or jacuzzi in their home as a place to unwind and relax. However, these devices can also be a place where water damage happens. The unit should be inspected regularly for leaks in the supply lines and around the base. SERVPRO techs can use infrared cameras to determine if there is a buildup of moisture underneath by using thermal vision and use their expertise to negate any budding damage issues.

Professional water cleanup services can assist during a renovation as needed. SERVPRO technicians can work alongside the other industry professionals to handle the water remediation while the work on the home continues. The goal is to keep the remodeling project on schedule and eliminate on-site water issues.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is ready to come to Willimantic and Norwich properties for water restoration services when local homeowners need help with any size water damage problem. (860) 887-0447

What Are Signs of Mold Damage in Willimantic Homes?

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO if you discover Black Mold growing in your Norwich home. Our AMRT techs provide safe and efficient mold remediation

SERVPRO Techs Handle Mold Remediation in Willimantic Properties

The need for mold remediation in Willimantic properties often will not announce itself. Mold colonies prefer to stay behind the scenes to grow and spread. Fortunately, some small signs can reveal the presence of this pesky problem.

SERVPRO technicians perform professional mold damage cleanup in Willimantic properties regularly. The presence of mold always is a symptom of an issue within the structure. Frequently seen problems that can create a friendly environment for colony growth include:

• Poor circulation in an attic or crawlspace retaining moist air
• Malfunctioning exhaust fans failing to dispel humid air
• Slow leak behind an appliance or wall

Signs of a Mold Problem

While it quietly continues to spread, the mold will also show that it is active within the structure. Some of the most common signs are stains on drywall. The air coming out of the ductwork can have a musty odor when mold is present. SERVPRO technicians can include a deep clean of the vents and ducts within the property as part of the remediation if necessary.

The grout on the tile in a bathroom can also give away the presence of mold. If the grout is dark and continues to darken, there could be an ongoing mold issue that requires addressing. SERVPRO technicians can use their equipment to detect any collections of moisture behind the walls to determine if it is likely to have colony growth.

Peeling Wallpaper and Tiles

Adhesion is lost when mold grows behind wallpaper or under tiles, and the material pulls away from the wall. This is one of the simplest ways mold reveals itself with visual confirmation

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 support the local Willimantic community with professional mold damage remediation.

What Water Damage is Expected for Norwich Homes This Winter?

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for advice on protecting your Norwich home from frozen pipes or ice damming--Better than having us mitigate water damage

Frozen Pipes and Ice Dams Damage Norwich Houses

The winter season can be hard on exterior elements of your residence and utilities within the structure, like the plumbing. Exposures to cold temperatures and harsh conditions can lead to costly and destructive water damage events. Our SERVPRO team is Here to Help.

How Can Ice Formations Be a Threat?

Between frozen pipes and ice damming Norwich homes might experience, ice formation can be hazardous. On a roof, ice can force snowmelt water back into the attic to flood this upper portion of your house. This causes damage to many elements like:

• Shingles
• OSB/Plywood
• Joists
• Attic structural components
• Insulation

How Easily Can Water Lines Freeze?

During the winter months, freezing pipes are a common threat for area homes as many service lines exist on exterior walls that are underinsulated. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can freeze water, causing it to expand and potentially bursting the portion of plumbing affected. This would result in damages to:

• Ceiling systems 
• Wall assembly materials
• Wood and carpet flooring
• Cabinets

Is There Anything That Prevents These Damages?

Homeowners can take potential preventative measures to protect their property and its contents. Insulation is one of the focal points for damming and frozen pipes, as sufficient coverage prevents irregular melting on the roof and keeps cold air from directly impacting standing water in service lines.

When Should SERVPRO Be Called to Help?

The professionals of our SERVPRO team understand how rapidly all water damage situations can get out of control, especially with natural flooding or burst pipes. We utilize powerful vacuums and pumps for water extraction and lean on efficient tools for continued restoration.

For some homes, the winter months can be severe and destructive, such as frozen pipes bursting and causing a need for fast water damage restoration. Our experienced SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team has a rapid response to potential emergencies, extracting standing water and drying trapped moisture "Like it never even happened." Call today at (860) 887-0447. 

What Do Willimantic Hardwood Floors with Flood Damage Look Like?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can remove storm-soaked floorboards, dry the plywood subfloor and reinstall the planks saving Willimantic homeowners money and inconveniences

SERVPRO Techs Have Specialized Equipment for Handling Water Damaged Flooring in Willimantic

Water damage to hardwood floors in a Willimantic property may appear subtly, or there may be obvious signs of water entering the home. If there is an issue such as water entering through a damaged roof or window, it is good to know the signs of hardwood flooring exposed to excessive moisture such as:

• Discoloration or staining on the boards
• Obvious buckling or cupping of the floorboards
• Nails raised out of the boards

SERVPRO technicians have comprehensive education for handling flood damage to Willimantic hardwood flooring. The technicians look first for visible signs of water damage and use their advanced equipment such as infrared cameras and probes to determine the actual scope of the mitigation needed.

Because most property owners have an amount of money invested, SERVPRO technicians work to restore the flooring to save the homeowner the cost of replacing the floor. Not all wood-look flooring has the same outcome after exposure to water. Floorboards in older construction may be double pine boards or wider-cut oak, which is less prone to warping but needs extraction and drying services just the same.

Engineered wood has less potential to warp after exposure to moisture, while laminate wood floorboards, particularly click and lock types, are susceptible to greater damage from water and tend to deteriorate rapidly.

It is important to note that SERVPRO technicians do not set drying goals for the moisture content in floorboards down to zero. Wood holds a small amount of moisture, and the techs tend to put drying plans in a range from six to twelve percent moisture content. Because the flooring needs to get dried as rapidly as possible without splintering the boards, the technicians use their extraction wands to remove the maximum amount of water and then use specialized drying equipment such as drying mats.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 is ready to assist Willimantic homeowners with all types of flood damage cleanup and restoration services. The trained and certified techs can make the damage to the flooring, "Like it never even happened."

What Five Principles Does SERVPRO Follow in Norwich Properties for Mold Remediation?

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says DIY mold remediation in your Norwich home is not the remedy, better left to our AMRT technicians, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Techs Have Extensive Training and Advanced Equipment to Handle Mold Damage in Norwich

Norwich properties can have a mold damage issue due to multiple reasons. If the conditions are favorable for sustaining mold growth, only Mold damage can occur in any Norwich structure when the conditions are good. Once established, the infestation can continue to spread until it gets properly mitigated.

SERVPRO technicians handling mold remediation in Norwich homes treat each job as unique and apply five core principles. This method ensures that each job has the best outcome by using the professional applications utilized by the techs. The five policies are:

• Ensuring safety and healthy choices are a priority
• Photo and written documentation of the damage
• Use of containment to inhibit the spread of airborne spores
• Proactive methods to halt the potential for cross-contamination
• Addressing the core cause of the elevated moisture sustaining the mold colonies

The use of containment is a critical part of any mold remediation job. Simply opening a door can create a reaction known as aerosolization, which can force mold spores into the interior. Airborne mold spores can float harmlessly both inside and outside of a home. However, when they encounter favorable temperatures and humidity levels, they can germinate and spread rapidly.

Another frequently used form of containment is negative air chambers. This setup captures and ports airborne mold spores and removes debris off-site away from the work area, to the exterior. Typically, containment walls of polypropylene sheets are erected with tension poles or taped to block access points like doors and windows.

The covering of the vents is critical as the HVAC system can become contaminated with spores and require cleaning. SERVPRO techs check the drain pans, filters, and piping. The airborne spores that enter the ductwork can wind up within the unit. When the techs clean the ductwork, they can also address the HVAC itself.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 has a team of trained and certified technicians ready to handle any size mold remediation needed in Norwich residential properties, including ductwork and HVAC.

Dependable Flood Damage Recovery Norwich Residents Need After a Storm Emergency

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

When the floodwaters penetrate your Norwich home--Time to call SERVPRO for cleanup, drying, sanitation, and odor control

Norwich Residents Need SERVPRO for Skilled Flood Damage and Storm Recovery Services

All homes are unique in terms of contents and how they get impacted by high winds and rain from storms in the Norwich area. Homeowners faced with storm flooding need skilled restoration technicians that know how to adapt and adjust accordingly to generate the best possible result. When it comes to flood restoration, whether you have basement flooding or a leaking roof from storms, SERVPRO knows how to handle water extraction, drying, and all the necessary reconstruction work to bring your home back to pre-flood condition.

One of the most challenging jobs a homeowner could face is flood damage in Norwich. Such a situation is not only traumatic during a frightening storm, but there is always the worry that your home will not get back to normal. Massive flooding also brings the threat of structural collapse, which means using trained technicians with safety training is a must. This is where SERVPRO is here to help.

When you call SERVPRO for emergency services water damage assistance, we will:

• Conduct full property inspection, including safety assessment
• Follow the path of migration, allowing us to address all areas impacted by water, moisture, and possible contaminants
• Set up containment barriers to keep water from infiltrating unaffected zones of your property
• Chemically treat standing water before extraction to keep the movement of contaminated particles from posing a threat
• Execution of applied structural drying (ASD) techniques to handle moisture trapped in loft areas, tight cavities, and crawlspaces

Before we finish with any storm flood restoration project, our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) implement various techniques to stop foul, musty odors in their tracks. When we get done, your property will be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned and ready for your family to get back to daily living.

Call us at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County when you need help with flood damage after recent storms. We can be reached around the clock at (860) 887-0447.

Fire Restoration Must Include Careful Inspections to Ensure Safety at Your Willimantic Property

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

After a house fire in Willimantic--Call SERVPRO for cleanup and improved indoor air quality IAQ

SERVPRO Offers Willimantic Homeowners Rapid Response and Careful Safety Assessments with Fire Restoration Efforts

When faced with a house fire, homeowners may feel as though the damage is never-ending. No two fire damaged homes are ever the same, so proper fire and smoke remediation calls for a tailored approach. Part of the restoration process must include careful assessment and safety inspections for all involved in the cleanup process. Not only that, but you want to ensure your restoration project also addresses any structural damage that occurred during the fire. SERVPRO features trained IICRC-certified technicians ready to inspect your property while looking for crucial factors that will dictate the restoration outcome.

With any project involving water & fire restorations in Willimantic, our SERVPRO crew chief arrives on the scene to perform the initial assessment. This allows the team to formulate a detailed plan to approach each facet of the project, from debris cleanup and removal to odor control measures.

What About Soot?

Any soot that accumulates during a fire event will include acidity levels leading to soot staining, rust, and corrosion. You also must remain mindful of the indoor air quality (IAQ) throughout your home. As soot settles on textiles, wood, grout, appliances, and carpeting, discoloration may occur. While the level of discoloration and smoke damage varies from one material to the next, our SERVPRO team knows what methods to use to minimize damage, including:

• Air scrubbers with onboard HEPA filtration help to improve indoor air quality
• Hydroxyl generators and ozone machines are robust devices for odor elimination
• Sanding or soda blasting may get done to remove tough smoke deposits on walls, beams, and other surfaces
• Fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers get set up to dry out contents and remove the moisture left by liquids first responders used to extinguish the flames

When it comes to effective fire restoration and smoke remediation, nothing beats our team at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County. Give us a call at (860) 887-0447, and we can send our Green Fleet out for assessment.

What Are the Basics Principles of Water Damage Restoration in Norwich Properties?

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for any size disaster. Water damage restoration is a specialty of ours.

SERVPRO Focuses on Regulating Moisture Action for Better Restoration of Water Damage

Restoration is essential after property disasters involving water intrusion. Although you may know that restoration goes beyond mopping up the water left on surfaces, you might not understand all the processes necessary to restore your Norwich home to its preloss state.

One unique advantage of letting professionals handle water damage restoration at your Norwich home is the deeper understanding of moisture action. Water interacts with different materials uniquely. It also takes other processes to remove water from the materials, thus reversing its damaging effects. SERVPRO sends a team of well-equipped technicians to help facilitate the different techniques necessary to counter water damage.

The critical moisture actions that influence water damage include:

• Condensation
• Dew point
• Evaporation 
• Vapor pressure 

Controlling the different moisture actions helps prevent or reverse damages. Evaporation is one of the crucial moisture actions since it helps remove the water absorbed by various materials, releasing it into the air. A sustained evaporation rate is necessary for quicker drying of materials. Vapor pressure is closely related to evaporation since more vapor in the air means more pressure levels. Our SERVPRO teams use air movers to sustain evaporation are reduce vapor pressure by pushing away saturated air from wet areas, thus promoting faster drying.

Moisture removed from one section of the house can find a way into another section, thus hampering the overall restoration process. Condensation is the moisture action responsible for such transfer. Condensation happens when humidity in the air cools to the dew point. The condensate can soak materials just like regular water. Therefore, preventing condensation is essential. Our SERVPRO technicians balance the restoration process, ensuring the evaporation rate and dehumidification are balanced.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County uses several approaches to ensure water damage restoration delivers satisfactory results. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Can Fire Cleanup in Willimantic Offices Save Carpets?

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage for your property needs to be handled by SERVPRO. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

SERVPRO Combines Various Cleaning Procedures Saving Heavily Soiled Carpets

After a fire at your Willimantic office is contained, you have to embark on the restoration process. Tearing down destroyed materials and cleaning up soiled areas are the crucial restoration processes. Cleaning has extra benefits since it minimizes costs.

Before attempting fire cleanup at your Willimantic office, it is essential to consider its likely effectiveness. Otherwise, you might waste resources and incur some costs only to end up tearing down the materials when cleaning does not resolve the problem. Our SERVPRO fire restoration technicians can help you evaluate the situation and also carry out the cleaning where deemed necessary.

Evaluation of carpeted floors helps establish the soiling issues, which might include:

• Accumulation of soot
• Residues of firefighting chemicals
• Strong odor
• Moisture absorption

Cleaning is helpful when soiling is the problem. Therefore, if the evaluation reveals other issues such as delamination or charring, cleanup may not be a viable solution. Removing fire residues and other soils from the carpeted floors at your office requires several procedures to restore preloss conditions. 

A typical cleaning exercise involves: 

• Pretesting
• Spot cleaning
• Deep cleaning 

Pretesting helps establish the fabric type and the soils left by the fire, including dry soot, ash, and wet or greasy residues. It also helps establish whether the soils are vastly spread or localized in specific areas. Where we find localized problems, our SERVPRO technicians use spot cleaning to deal with the affected areas before doing general cleaning. 

Vast sections of your carpeted floor can be heavily soiled, especially when people move around fighting the fire or inspecting the loss. Alternatively, moisture can worsen the soiling from the loose residues that spread during the fire. SERVPRO technicians combat such deep and widespread soiling with various advanced techniques, including bonnet cleaning. 

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County manage fire cleanup professionally, eliminating traces of soiling, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (860) 887-0447.

Determining the Salvageability of Flood-Exposed Materials in Norwich Homes

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs are ready at a moment's notice.

Careful Considerations Get Made Into The Restorability of Damaged Elements in Norwich Residences After a Flood.

Post-flood damage to your home can be a challenge to overcome, especially when the pooling water migrates throughout the structure to several unaffected rooms. We must determine what materials and contents have been impacted by this migrating moisture and if these items are salvageable when our SERVPRO team first arrives.

Hygroscopic Materials

Flood damage in Norwich homes and businesses can spread quickly, impacting several materials simultaneously. Elements like carpeting, fabrics, upholstery, and drywall all fall under the heading of hygroscopic materials that can absorb water fast and become heavily damaged by this moisture presence without prompt mitigative action.

Low-Porosity Elements Exposed

When low-porosity and low-permeance materials installed become exposed to floodwater, these are much easier to clear surface moisture concerns and clean. Unlike porous elements, the lack of absorption allows for disinfection cleaning and prevents unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction. We have potent sporicidal and antibacterial products in our inventory to remove pathogenic threats and contaminants.

Tracking Flood Migration to Dry and Clean Your Home

Water damages in any capacity lend a certain expectation for moisture migration and movement of damp pockets in the house. The behavior of water is to seek a balance, which includes wet going to dry areas, warm going to cold regions, and the pathways for this equilibrium to experience apparent saturation. Some of the other ways we can track moisture movement include:

• Moisture meters
• Hygrometers
• Thermal tablet cameras

Several factors determine the restorability of affected materials and contents after a flood. Because of how readily and thoroughly exposure can ruin items, our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team must respond fast to begin vital mitigation and evaluation of the damage. We are ready 24/7 to help at (860) 887-0447.

Is Demolition Part of Fire Damage Mitigation for Norwich Businesses?

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals have the training and experience in all phases of commercial damage restoration. We are here to help.

While the Extent Varies, Demolition is Often Part of The Fire Restoration Process for Norwich Commercial Properties.

When fires impact your business, many look to the experience of our SERVPRO professionals for help. Because we appreciate the relationship between damaged structural elements and longer restoration times, we focus on the demolition necessary to make cleanup and recovery as efficient as possible.

Small Demolition Needs

In some situations, fire damage mitigation in Norwich offices starts with mild controlled demolition approaches like removing trim or pulling up small portions of short-pile carpeting. Taking these small steps can prevent larger fire loss effects from impacting the property, however.

Erecting Containment Barriers

While removing damaged elements can be beneficial to the property, there are also advantages to installing containment barriers where possible.

• Keep Demo Dust Down – Whether it is demolition or new construction, dust and debris can be an overwhelming presence for the property. Containment keeps these airborne particles in the work area exclusively. 
• Prevent Cross-Contamination – Plastic barriers prevent aerosolized particles from soot and smoke from finding their way into other areas of the office. Limiting the restoration needs of the property gets you back in business more quickly.
• Keeping Your Business Going – Containment is also vital for helping your office or business to keep going in a limited capacity by sectioning off threatening areas and allowing work to resume in undamaged spaces.

Extensive Demolition for Damaged Offices

There are situations in which the physical damage to the structure is too significant for demolition to be ignored. Our general contractor license allows us to complete full-scale demolition and discard compromised structural features. We can fully rebuild after the restoration completes.

There are several applications for demolition when fire and smoke damage impact area homes or businesses. Your office building or store could benefit immensely from debris and bulk material removal and subsequent containment strategies. Give our SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County team a call today to help at (860) 887-0447.

Even Small-Scale Water Damage in Willimantic Calls for Skilled Mitigation Services

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

You can rely upon the professionals of SERVPRO completely for fast and effective water cleanup.

SERVPRO Lessens Damage with Prompt Water Mitigation Measures So Your Willimantic Home Gets Back to Normal Faster

Any water damage to your home can bring more of a headache than anything. In addition to costs of the loss, you also have your Willimantic household disrupted until restoration gets completed. SERVPRO offers rapid water mitigation services to get you the fast, efficient results you deserve. Taking care of the event as soon as possible lessens the chance of more significant issues, more cost, and more time that your home is turned upside down. The good news is that our water restoration technicians (WRT) do whatever possible to get the job wrapped up while keeping disruption to a minimum. 

Bringing in a professional team for water mitigation in Willimantic saves homeowners time and money. Once water enters the home via burst pipes, ceiling leaks, or another cause, you need to get it cleaned up as soon as you can, even if only a small area has been impacted. Failing to address water infiltration on any scale could lead to:

• Degradation of building materials, including structural elements
• Foul, musty odors
• Loss of personal belongings/contents
• Development of potentially harmful mildew and mold

Why Have SERVPRO Assist with Water Mitigation?

Our technicians scope the damaged areas carefully to locate areas where moisture is present and select the best tools for the job. Our Green Fleet comes equipped with:

• Moisture meters
• Infrared camera technology
• Dehumidification equipment
• Industrial fans
• Extraction tools, and more!

Whether you had a small spill and you are worried about moisture hidden behind baseboards, or you had a significant incident that calls for pumps and extractors, we are the team to call for water mitigation. Reach out to SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County by calling (860) 887-0447 whenever you need assistance!

Contact Skilled Technicians for Smoke and Odor Removal After a House Fire in Norwich

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO and we'll be there for you during the entire process.

SERVPRO’s House Fire Clean Up in Norwich Gets You the Results You Need – Call Us for Smoke and Odor Removal!

Situations involving a fire in your Norwich property could impact many areas of the home and materials all at once. While there will be issues to address with structural elements, you also need a team that can handle smoke remediation so that no lingering odors keep reminding you of the fire that took place. Once SERVPRO gets called to the scene, we go inside after it gets deemed safe to inspect for health hazards, the type of soot and smoke residue present, and anything else impacted by the blaze. 

When thinking of fire and smoke damage in the home, many people initially think of distinguishable odors. However, skilled smoke and odor removal in Norwich is the only way to ensure you remove any pungent smells and potentially corrosive residue. The facts are that smoke damage can involve more than harsh smells in the home, so knowing how to address every aspect is best – this is where our IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) come in!

Some Measures we take When Starting the House Fire Clean up Process Include:

• Carefully removing any burned items as a way to facilitate restoration and eliminate odor-related sources. This keeps residue from spreading into unaffected zones of your home. 
• Wiping surfaces with cloths or sponges to remove dried smoke particles – using wet or dry methods.
• Spraying EPA-registered cleaning agents on affected surfaces to help break down odorous residues, making them easier to remove.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is available for all your smoke and odor removal needs after a house fire. Call us at (860) 887-0447, so we can send a team as soon as possible!

What Is the Best Way to Help Friends Affected by Flood Damage in Willimantic?

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses state of the art moisture detection equipment in your home for thorough drying after a water incident takes place.

SERVPRO Can Help Complete Flood Restoration Conveniently and Cost-Effectively

When a friend’s home is affected by flood damage, you may feel obliged to do anything you can to help mitigate the loss or restore preloss conditions. Despite your best intentions, you may be limited by various factors, including distance, lack of the necessary mitigation resources, and emotional attachment.

One reliable way to help someone whose property is affected by flood damage in Willimantic is getting them professionals to help handle the restoration. This can mean many things, including helping evaluate different service providers so that the affected person can feel confident that the chosen professional is capable. Since the loss does not affect you directly, your objectivity can help ensure better decision-making. Your past experiences can also help. For example, if SERVPRO has done restoration work for you before, you may feel confident recommending our services.

Professional Flood Restoration Tackles Various Aspects, Including:

• Water removal
• Cleanup of different types of soiling
• Decontamination and deodorization
• Drying of structural materials and contents

Letting professionals handle the damage is also beneficial in other ways. For instance, the work crews from SERVPRO start the process by organizing the loss site. We can create protective barriers in the house separating affected areas from the rest of the areas, perform pack-outs and set a staging area for all equipment, among other things. Taking these steps improves convenience, ensures the process runs faster, and minimizes secondary damages.

Our Crews are also Trained in Various Specialist Areas that Help with Flooding, Including:

• Applied microbial remediation
• Applied structural drying
• General or construction industry training

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County can provide the necessary help your friends or family need after flood damage. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

When Are Services From Mold Removal Companies in Norwich Crucial?

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let mold go unchecked in your home. Call SERVPRO for help to avoid further damage.

SERVPRO Helps Address Any Underlying Issues Causing Mold in Homes

When you notice mold in your Norwich home, you might decide to handle it independently or involve a professional remediation team. In most cases, the decision is based on the spread patterns of the infestation. However, other scenarios can call for professional assistance.

Moisture intrusion is the main issue that sparks mold growth. Sometimes the decision to let mold removal companies handle your Norwich home’s remediation depends on how the moisture breaches your property. Finding a permanent solution to moisture intrusion can eliminate the recurrence of mold infestations. SERVPRO helps because our technicians have extensive experience handling fungus and bacteria, among other microbial issues. We also have a variety of gear for probing and removing moisture.

Some of the Sources of Moisture Driving Infestations Might Include:

• The spray from yard sprinklers
• Overflow from sinks of appliances
• Leaky roofs
• Clothes dryers exhausting indoors

With professional assistance, it is easy to establish whether physical repairs are necessary to address the moisture issue and carry out such repairs expeditiously. Such repairs may involve removing wall panels, ceiling tiles, or floor materials to reach concealed materials such as damaged plumbing lines supplying the moisture or wet insulation, which might act as storage, thus aggravating the mold development.

Our SERVPRO technicians help remove the necessary materials professionally, minimizing unnecessary damages. We also take steps to forestall further mold growth, such as applying chemical agents such as antimicrobials on wet surfaces.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is one of the renowned mold removal companies that offer satisfactory services. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Getting into Water Damage Restoration Quickly in Norwich Helps Lessen Costs

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

When it takes more than a squeegee and fan to dry your water damaged Norwich home--Call SERVPRO--"Like it never even happened."

24/7 Response from SERVPRO Ensures Your Norwich Property Gets Back on Track After Water Damage Strikes

When you have a water emergency like a significant spill or burst pipes in your basement, your initial thought might be to dive in with your wet/dry vacuum. However, moisture migrates to dry spaces rapidly, so the chances are high you will not pull up everything on your own. Rather than going DIY with your water clean-up, SERVPRO is available with skilled water restoration technicians (WRT), and we are here 24/7 for an emergency response!

All homeowners need to remember about handling water damage in Norwich that even the slightest bit of moisture left behind can be a nuisance. Not only is there the potential for foul musty odors and secondary damage (rot), but you also run the risk of black mold development. Due to the possible health effects that mold infestation brings, you need skilled technicians on the job and working to remove all excessive moisture.

SERVPRO handles water removal services and drying with a variety of techniques and equipment, including:

• Standing water extraction with the help of truck-mounted extractors and submersible pumps
• Detailed water damage mitigation that helps to reduce saturation and the onset of costly damage
• Containment barriers get constructed to limit moisture movement and contaminant tracking
• Drying with the help of centrifugal air movers, industrial-grade fans, and dehumidification equipment
• Sanitizing and deodorizing with EPA-registered antimicrobials and cleaning agents to leave your home Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

There is no job site too big or small for our IICRC-certified crew at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County. We work quickly to assess water damage and ensure nothing gets left behind so that you can enjoy your home once again while putting all memories of the water emergency behind you. Call us at (860) 887-0447, and we can send out our professional crew as soon as possible.

Willimantic Homeowners Deserve Rapid Fire Damage Restoration Assistance

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers HEPA air scrubbers to help restore healthy indoor air quality after a Willimantic house fire

SERVPRO Handles Fire Damage Restoration with Care and Precision in Willimantic While Using Advanced Methods and Equipment

SERVPRO features smoke removal techniques to rid your home of foul odors so that everything is left “Like it never even happened.” We do a multi-faceted approach that includes our proven fire restoration methods so that everything comes together in one efficient package.

Fire damage restoration in Willimantic must address charred debris and contents cleanup and moisture left behind by fire retardants and water used to douse the flames. Our team removes structural elements and unsalvageable contents to easily access all areas that call for fire damage repair. We also have pack-out services to move contents off-site for detailed cleaning using specialized techniques and EPA-registered cleaning agents.

After a fire, the correct methods need to match each surface area for cleaning. House fire clean up means tackling non-porous items using dry or wet cleaning methods. For soot and smoke removal, we often use:

• Dry brushing and vacuums
• Wet cleaning using sponges and solvents
• Thermal fogging to bond smoke particles with cleaning agents for easy removal
• Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration to pull odorous particulates from the air

Should there be areas of your home where materials are not repairable, we offer total replacement with controlled demolition services. General contractor license #: HIC 0620481

Never wait when you have fire damage that calls for restoration. At SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster! Call our office at (860) 887-0447, and we can send out our Green Fleet within hours to get started on your house fire clean up.

What Unexpected Issues Might Arise Due to Flood Damage in Norwich?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

When High Water from storms flood your Norwich home-contact SERVPRO for extraction and drying.

Extensive Experience from SERVPRO Helps Anticipate or Resolve Challenging Water Damage Repairs

In most cases, storms, and flooding affect Norwich properties directly, causing extensive physical damage. Storm incidents can also cause indirect damages. A typical example is power disruption due to downed lines leading to heating problems or appliance failures that damage properties.

Indirect flood damage in your Norwich home can have severe consequences leading to extreme restoration work. For instance, if the loss of power stretches for days or weeks, freezers and refrigerators can thaw, messing the property with moisture accumulation, soiling, and bad smell from the rotten food. Calling a professional like SERVPRO to assist can combat the indirect damage in different ways.

Restoring the indirect damage from a storm incident may require several processes, including:

• Biohazard remediation
• Rodent and critter clean up services
• Water removal and drying services

If our SERVPRO team arrives before problems develop fully, we can take preventive steps such as providing power from portable generators to restore heating in the property or power vulnerable appliances. We can provide electricity to also power our advanced equipment for cleanup and restoration of flood damaged materials.

If the damage is already done, our SERVPRO technicians can help remove the mess from rotten food supplies and clean soiled surfaces. We also scrub and disinfect freezers to remove soiling and harmful materials since microbial development can lead to contamination.

Other useful processes include deodorization through fogging or the application of water-based deodorizers on the cleaned surfaces. Running air scrubbers also helps remove any aerosols or particulate matter from the air.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County helps when expected, or unexpected flood damage affects your property. Call us at (860) 887-0447 to help resolve any issue, “Like it never even happened.”

What Steps Help When Dealing with Limited Fire Restoration at a Norwich Home?

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

House fire in Norwich? No worries--just call SERVPRO--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

SERVPRO Uses Various Methods for Convenience during House Fire Clean Up Exercises

When a fire at your Norwich home is quickly extinguished, the physical damage is likely limited to a small section of the property. However, the rest of the house may still require attention. Professional assistance can help ensure the right restoration processes are followed.

When the physical damage is minimal, fire restoration in your Norwich home mostly requires cleanup of items and surfaces. Cleaning takes various resources to help lift off soils from the materials and reach various nooks and crannies such as corners, cracks, and spaces where fine soils tend to accumulate. SERVPRO teams use various tools, including portable vacuums, special dry sponges, and air scrubbers when cleaning.

Cleaning processes may vary depending on the type of restoration being done, including

• Smoke remediation
• Fire damage restoration
• Water & fire damage restorations

In rooms located further away from the seat of the fire, accumulation of smoke residues may be the only issue you face. Cleaning such areas is easier since it may only require dusting with feather dusters, cleaning sponges, or vacuuming to remove residues. However, in other areas, moisture may also be present since water is commonly used to quell fires. Moisture sets residues making the cleaning process challenging. Our SERVPRO technicians can spray-wipe surfaces or opt for full wet-cleaning.

Other useful processes that help with the restoration include:

• Dry Ice or Soda Blasting  to remove up to 1/4" charring
• Fogging to remove odors
• Dehumidification to remove moisture from firefighting or cleaning

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County provides sufficient resources even when dealing with minor fire restoration processes. Call us at (860) 887-0447 to help resolve any issue that you face, “Like it never even happened.”

Why Does The Choice of Water Restoration Companies In Willimantic Properties Matter?

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking appliance can cause larger issues than you would think. Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County today.

SERVPRO Scopes the Loss before Embarking on Water Damage Repairs

Water leaks can spring up when you least expect them causing many inconveniences. For instance, fridge ice makers can use up to 25 gallons of water a day, so a broken line can cause significant water damage. Calling water restoration companies is one way to ease the renovation of the property. However, the choice of company matters.

The services water restoration companies in Willimantic offer should go beyond extraction of pooling water or removal of the materials affected by the moisture. Apart from pooling on the ground, water also interacts with the materials, including evaporating or wicking through materials. SERVPRO Water Restoration Technicians are trained in psychrometry, thus gaining a deeper understanding of moisture behavior.

Profound knowledge about moisture helps in various restoration-related situations, including:

• Water damage remediation
• Flood restoration
• Water clean up

SERVPRO probes the level of moisture migration throughout the property. We have simple and sophisticated probing equipment such as moisture meters and thermal cameras. We also check the types of materials in different property sections to establish where extraction should be done urgently. 

Problems might also arise because of the moisture that escapes into the air through evaporation. Some common problems include prolonged drying process because of high humidity in the air or wetness transfer because of condensation. A better understanding of psychrometrics allows SERVPRO technicians to manipulate temperature, vapor pressure, and humidity to guarantee better outcomes during restoration. 

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is a suitable partner when seeking water restoration companies to help fix your home. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Should We Handle Flood Damage Restoration From Sump Pump Failure At My Norwich Home?

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is here ready when a storm hits your home.

SERVPRO Addresses Removal and Safety Issues during Basement Flooding Cleanup

Torrential rain or other extreme weather can flood the basement of your Norwich home, especially if the sump pump fails. Typical reasons for such pump failure include backup power interruption or debris such as silt entering the pump.

Although water accumulation leads to significant flood damage at your Norwich home, your response to the incident can worsen the outcome. One essential step that you should not bungle is the removal of the water. It is essential to expedite removal, but you must also pump out the water in stages. Otherwise, the walls, foundation, or floor might crack. SERVPRO handles such losses regularly, so we have the resources to complete the removal safely.

Storm flood damage restoration can involve many aspects, including:

• Sewage cleanup
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Leaking roof from storms
• Water damage repairs

SERVPRO takes various precautions starting with a gradual pump-out of the flooded basement. We start the process when water outside the structure recedes. We pump out a foot of water, mark the level and wait at least 12 hours to check whether the water rises beyond the level, signifying it is not the appropriate time for a pump-out. Once the water level stops rising, we pump out up to 3 feet of water at once, then wait 24 hours before proceeding.

After removing water and cleaning the basement, it is essential to dry the area thoroughly. Otherwise, mold can proliferate, causing long-term issues. Our SERVPRO technicians tear down porous materials such as carpets, sheetrock, or insulation to facilitate faster drying.

Other essential steps for drying include:

• Improving air circulation 
• Heating the area
• Dehumidification 

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County can help you manage flood damage eliminating all issues. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Procedures Guarantee Complete Mold Odor Removal From Willimantic Homes?

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County take over your mold damage today.

SERVPRO Uses Approaches That Eliminate All Odors during Black Mold Damage Repairs

Mold can make your Willimantic home uncomfortable, especially if growth keeps recurring. Apart from the unsightly patches it leaves on surfaces, the musty smell emitted by the mycotoxins is unpleasant.

When managing odors during mold removal from your Willimantic home, it is essential to ensure you do not replace one unpleasant odor with another. Such outcomes are common when using cleaning agents or strong deodorizers. SERVPRO has extensive experience restoring moldy properties, so we are equipped with the right resources for every issue that arises.

Removing mold odors takes various processes, including:

• Mold inspection
• Black mold damage repairs
• Mold removal

An inspection helps establish all the areas in the house affected by the mold. Unlike other damages, mold can develop in a continuous manner or patches. Pinpointing all affected patches is the only way to remove all traces of odor. 

Carrying out other mold damage repairs, such as removing deteriorated materials and cleaning mold debris from surfaces, is essential before thinking of odor removal. Our SERVPRO technicians easily tackle the issue using common approaches or specialized cleaning processes such as soda blasting surfaces to remove mold colonies.

Deodorization to remove mold odors can be achieved through means like:

• Using activated oxygen
• Air scrubbing
• Fogging with deodorizers

Deodorizing using activated oxygen offers convenience because it does introduce new substances or moisture in the affected areas. Our SERVPRO technicians use hydroxyl or Ozone generators for this purpose. Air scrubbers, on the other hand, help remove any particulate matter suspended in the air.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County helps combat all issues during mold removal. Call us at (860) 887-0447. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Can Fire Damage Restoration Procedures Eliminate Stains From My Norwich Home?

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is here from the stains to the soot of your fire damage.

SERVPRO Combines Physical and Chemical Procedures to Remove Stains during Fire Restoration

Stains can be a bother after a fire incident at your Norwich home. The smoke produced during combustion ends up settling as soot on various materials, including fabrics, upholstery, carpets, and even stone surfaces such as countertops. 

You have to deal with staining during fire damage restoration at your Norwich home because soot has acidic properties. The acid is formed when chlorides and sulfides in the smoke mix with moisture in the air. Soot also contains small particles of unburned materials, which give it the characteristic dark color. Soot can also be wet and smeary, thus adhering to surfaces. Our SERVPRO teams include IICRC certified Fire Restoration Technicians who fully understand the characteristics smoke residues exhibit, thus taking the right steps during the restoration process:

Common actions that help with fire restoration include: 

• Smoke remediation
• House fire clean up
• Water & fire damage restorations

Although the byproducts of combustion influence the types of stains that might develop, other external factors also play a role. The time taken to start mitigation efforts and the type of materials present at your premises have the most impact.

Various remedial actions by SERVPRO help address the issue quickly and include:

• Blotting, scraping, or vacuuming excess soils
• Checking material sensitivity to water 
• Using Solvent Spotter for materials sensitive to water
• Test the pH of affected areas 

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County resolves any challenge that develops during fire damage restoration, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (860) 887-0447.

What Type of Water Damage Situations in Norwich Does SERVPRO Handle?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage may come from many different reasons. SERVPRO techs are ready 24/7 365 days a year for any size disaster.

No Water Damage Catastrophe in Norwich is Too Big for Our Technicians

Residential homes can experience many types of water damage. The source of the water intrusion and the extent of the problem determines the equipment and technique used in the water restoration process. 

Leading Causes of Water Intrusion in Homes

Water intrusions of any size can cause water damage to Norwich homes. If left untreated, it can lead to secondary damage such as mold. Our IICRC techs work hard to provide water damage remediation when something happens. Typical water removal situations in Norwich include:

• Overflow from Water Fixtures – This could be from a pipe or faucet. Fixtures that do not release huge amounts of water. 
• Basement Flooding – Seepage and broken pipes can lead to basement flooding. 
• Single Room Flooding – Many variables come into play with water damage cleanup, including room size and water depth.
• Home Flooding – This is typically the result of a catastrophe like flooding due to a storm.

Powerful Tools for Powerful Water Remediation

SERVPRO techs handle each of these circumstances with specific water removal techniques. One thing they all have in common is the need for immediate mitigation. Water-related services we provide include:

• Emergency services and water damage mitigation
• Basement flooding cleanup
• Water removal services
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Flood restoration

If you have experienced any kind of water intrusion, don’t risk hidden or secondary damage. Contact SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 for more information.

When Fire Strikes What Cleaning Products Can Help Norwich Homeowners?

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

When you have fire and smoke damage restoration problems, SERVPRO is the team to call. We use the latest technology and equipment for any size fire.

SERVPRO Knows the Right Cleaners to Use in Norwich Homes with Fire Damage

Restoring the content of your home after a fire is the goal of SERVPRO. Our technicians are trained and experienced to know which cleaning agents are best for specific materials.

Cleaning Products for Content Cleaning

If you have fire damage in your Norwich home, you may be wondering what we can salvage. We understand your concerns and do our best to restore the content of your home. Restoring your home is more cost-effective than replacing items. Here are some of the cleaning products we use to ensure that happens:

• Dry Cleaning Solvents – This is petroleum-based and works with our Ultimate Dry Cleaning Machine. It gets used to clean dry clean fabrics and drapes used for light soiling.
• Volatile Dry Cleaning – This cleaning agent evaporates rapidly and does not leave a residue behind. They are excellent for spot cleaning. They are used to remove smoke residue.
• Wood Oil Soaps – These mild detergents contain no harsh alkalis. They are great for removing light soot residue and are perfect for cleaning wood surfaces.
• Furnisher Polishes – All-purpose wax polishes clean, polish, and protect wood surfaces.
• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners – SERVPRO uses several products in this category. 

If you need help with fire and smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0047. We provide professional fire damage restoration and house fire clean-up.

Never Wait to Mitigate Mold Damage in Your Norwich Commercial Building

6/27/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage is not conducive for business. SERVPRO techs are trained and experienced in all phases of mold remediation.

As Mold Damage Festers, the Bigger Your Black Mold Damage Repairs in Norwich Will Be – Call SERVPRO for the Task!

Any number of events could lead up to mold growth in your Norwich commercial space. Due to the potential health effects and the onset of costly damage, you must address mold concerns as soon as they come up. SERVPRO features IICRC-certified technicians ready and able to handle all of your mold remediation and restoration needs. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, helping you to ensure your business sees little or no downtime during the cleanup process. 

Understanding mold damage in Norwich is critical for safe, effective removal and repair. SERVPRO follows careful protocols and utilizes proven methods to ensure safe mold remediation. 

Do I Need to Hire a Mold Inspector?

Should you suspect mold growing anywhere on your business property, a mold inspection will determine the cause and scope of the problem. Samples get taken, and walls might get opened to get a clear picture of how to proceed. Some of the areas where mold might be present include:

• Behind removable panels, stationary furnishings, and removable panels
• Above ceiling tiles where there is a leaking roof or pipes 
• Underneath carpeting, carpet padding, or porous duct liners
• Near HVAC systems and drain pans

How Does Mold Remediation Work? 

Once a mold issue gets confirmed, mold removal begins to restore your commercial property to normal again. During this process, SERVPRO may:

• Remove any water-damaged drywall or carpeting that has become infested beyond repair
• Fully dry, disinfect, and deodorize any furniture, walls, ceiling tiles, or carpeting impacted by mold
• Carefully vacuum using HEPA filtration to pull any lingering spores

Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 when you require commercial mold damage restoration!

Willimantic Commercial Properties Require Prompt, Efficient Storm Damage Cleanup

6/27/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage to your commercial building is bad for business. Call SERVPRO and we will be onsite within 4 hours of the initial call.

SERVPRO is On-Call 24/7 for Storm Damage and Water Removal Services in Willimantic, CT!

Once your Willimantic production facility gets damaged during a storm, you may question the best way to proceed with water damage remediation. The extent of the damage determines which steps to take, which may be beyond the amount your cleaning crew can handle. SERVPRO has the Green Fleet on standby and ready to go whenever you need emergency services water damage assistance. 

Our skilled technicians understand best practices for handling storm damage in Willimantic, so we always work using tried and true methods. Some of the actions our water restoration technicians (WRT) may take during your project include:

• Extraction of excess water – Removal of standing water can be deceptive from a DIY standpoint. SERVPRO has industrial-grade pumps and extractors made to address hundreds to thousands of gallons of water, including storm debris.
• Removal of saturated materials – Floodwater dampened building materials are at high risk of mold development. Unsalvageable and heavily contaminated materials get removed and replaced with brand-new materials, as needed.
• Drying and total restoration – Drying the interior of your commercial space while dehumidifying helps to restore relative humidity. SERVPRO adjusts our equipment as we go to achieve our drying goals quickly. Our advanced moisture detection tools also allow us to eliminate the possibility of hidden moisture getting left behind.
• Sanitization and deodorizing – Whether your production facility suffered from an influx of groundwater or a leaking roof from storms, there is always the potential for musty odors and microbial growth without careful attention. We have a broad spectrum of cleaners and deodorants to choose from that ensure your commercial space is CERTIFIED: SERVPRO Cleaned when we finish your project. 

Water cleanup and storm damage restoration are areas where SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County thrives. Call us at (860) 887-0447 to have a crew dispatched to your location!

SERVPRO Can Help Eliminate Odors After Fire Damage to Your Willimantic Restaurant

6/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides rapid fire and smoke damage remediation to Willimantic restaurants and other commercial establishments

Willimantic Eateries Trust SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration 

Restaurant fires often involve smoke and soot residue, which leaves a lingering odor that can be very off-putting for your patrons. Combating odors is a major part of SERVPRO’s restoration plan after fire damage to your Willimantic eatery. 

SERVPRO technicians understand that they need to use multiple techniques for effective deodorization after fire damage to your Willimantic establishment. Various scientific principles are used to eliminate odor-causing particles generated after smoke damage. In some cases, using a pleasant-smelling masking agent can eliminate the odor. However, in some instances where protein residue and wet smoke are involved, the odor-causing molecule must be chemically neutralized to render it odorless. 

Deodorizing equipment that SERVPRO Uses During Fire Restoration of Your Willimantic Eatery

Some of the most effective deodorizing equipment that SERVPRO techs use in Willimantic include- 

• Photocatalytic Oxidizer- It works on the principle of photocatalytic reaction brought about by UV light. The oxidizer consists of a lamp that shines UV light on a surface coated with titanium oxide. The UV light causes a reaction, thereby releasing Hydroxyl radicals that react with odor-causing molecules and convert them to carbon dioxide and water. It can neutralize odor-causing particles that are very small (in the nanometer range)
• Air scrubbers- use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to trap odor-causing particles as small as 0.3 microns. The air scrubbers also contain potassium permanganate and charcoal filters that adsorb many gasses and odors and trap them. 

Let’s make your restaurant pleasant and safe for your customers. Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 for any questions or queries. 

Do You Need Professional Help After Water Damage to Your Norwich Commercial Property?

6/5/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Commercial Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration for Your Norwich Business

SERVPRO Can Save Norwich Entrepreneurs Time and Money in Water Damage Restoration 

Water damage to your Norwich commercial space can have a lasting impact if not addressed promptly. Professional restorers like SERVPRO have the necessary experience, training, and equipment to limit the damage and save your business both time and money. 

SERVPRO experts use a scientific and systematic approach to mitigate water damage to your Norwich commercial space. Our IICRC certified crew devises a strategy of water cleanup, keeping the unique needs of your business in mind. Our goal is to ensure that restoration happens as quickly and efficiently as possible and get your business back in order in no time. 

How do SERVPRO Techs Categorize Water-Damaged Environments During Water Cleanup from Your Norwich Commercial Space?

SERVPRO designates water-damaged environments at your Norwich property into four classes- 

• Class 1- Least amount of absorption and evaporation load. The wet area where water has intruded represents less than 5% of the total available space. Such an environment can be dried by SERVPRO experts quickly during water restoration. 
• Class 2- Significant water intrusion and evaporation load. The wet, porous materials represent between 5-40% of the available area. Such areas require the use of equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers to increase evaporation. This may take several days depending on the layout of the structure.
• Class 3- The greatest amount of water absorption and evaporation load. Water has intruded in over 40% of the total available area. SERVPRO techs use their knowledge of material science and psychrometry to create conditions favoring rapid evaporation by manipulating air temperature and humidity.  
• Class 4- Represents deeply bounded water that absorbed in low evaporation material such as wood and concrete. Such areas take the most time to dry.

Our goal is to  keep your enterprise functioning. Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 for fast and reliable service. 

Common Homeowner's Insurance Mistakes

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Photo by David Veksler via Upsplash

Your home is likely the biggest investment you will make.  Is it properly insured?  Making insurance mistakes can be costly.  Your claim could be denied, which can be a surprise if you think your covered and you’re not. 

Underinsuring your home

It is a common thought to purchase the least amount of coverage in order to save money.  Don’t just buy enough insure to cover your mortgage, buy enough to completely rebuild your home if necessary

 Overestimating the amount of insurance coverage you have

Insurance policies are complex documents, that we often don’t always read all the way through, resulting in not really knowing what is or isn’t covered.  Ask your agent to summarize your policy for you and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

 Sticking with the basics

Generally speaking, most policies protect from tornadoes, lightning, fire and hail.  Typically, they won’t cover floods, earthquakes or hurricanes, sewage back-ups or mold.  Depending where you live, you may need to add on coverage

 Setting your deductible too high or too low

While we are trying to save money, setting your deductible too high or too low usually backfires.  With too low of a deductible, we pay more when something goes wrong.  Too high and end up with larger premium payments.  Experts suggest deductibles at $500 or $1000

Are you dealing with a water, wind, fire or mold issue in your home?  Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at 860-887-0447.  Our trained technicians will make it "Like it never even happened."

Common Hot Water Heater Problems

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Water heater burst? Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at 860-887-0447

Over the past few months, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County has been called for a record amount of flooded basements due to issues with hot water heaters.  The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety puts faulty hot water heaters in the top five causes for water damages in the home, and report that 75% of hot water heaters fail before they are twelve years old.  There are three main reasons for your hot water heater to burst:

1) Sediment Build UP

Over time, sediment  settles at the bottom of your hot water heater.  This mineral layer insulates the water from the burner, forcing it to run longer to heat the water, causing it to overheat and deteriorate the tank

2) Rust Corroding the Tank

Inside your tank is a internal rust protection element, the anode rod.  This rod should be inspected for deterioration. It is recommended to inspect the rod every two years and expect to change it once every 4-5 years.  

3) Too Much Internal Pressure

Pressure builds in your tank when you set the temperature too high (over 140 degrees).  Its best to keep water temperature set to 120-125 degrees.  While your heater has a temperature and pressure relief valve, your extra pressure will still wear out your tank faster.  

Is your basement flooded due to a water heater issue?  Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at 860-887-0447.  Our experienced crews are available 24/7 to help!  

Mold or Mildew?

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold? Mildew? Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County today at 860-887-0447

Mold and mildew are very similar microscopic organisms that thrive on organic matter in moist, warm, dark environments.  While they both can carry a strong, musty odor, there are some visible differences that will help you identify which you are seeing in your home. 

Mildew

Mildew is often found on damp surfaces, like basement or bathroom walls, but can also be found growing on plants, soil, or any surface that offers moisture, darkness and heat.  Mildew commonly presents itself with smaller, smooth surface growth that is white or gray in color.  Mildew is often easily treatable with store bought cleaners

 Mold

Mold is most commonly found on food.  It presents as black, blue, red or green with multi-cellular filaments which appear to have texture.  Mold spores spread through the air and will attach and grow on any organic surface in a moist area, such as damp clothing, floors and furniture.  When mold is visible, it is a sign of a much larger infestation.  Mold requires professional treatment in order to protect your home and health. 

Do you need help with mold issues in your home?  Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at 860-887-0447 to schedule an estimate with one of our trained experts. 

Common Plumbing Problems During Rain

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Photo by Reza Shayestehpour via Upsplash

Homeowners need to be prepared for potential plumbing issues during heavy rainfall.  Below are the four most common issues during heavy rains

Flooding Due to Lack of Drainage

Heavy rain will cause water to accumulate in low points of a yard.  If your property does not correctly channel rainwater, your driveway, basement steps or walkways may flood.  This flooding can comprise the stability of your driveway, deck or foundation of your home. 

Clogged and Blocked Drains

Debris brought in by heavy rain, like leaves, soil, sticks and trash might get into your sewer system and cause your drains to clog, backing up your entire system.  When you notice water pooling in your sink, shower or bathtub this may be a blockage in your plumbing system. 

 Sewage Backing Up Due to Clogged Drains

When heavy rains fall, there can be an impact on your sewer line.  The sewer line carries wastewater from your home to the sewer line, but if it is backed up that dirty water could accumulate over your clogged drains or the build up might even cause pipes to crack or burst

Pipes Bursting and Cracking from Blockages

If you notice that your sink water is colored or carries a mildewy odor you might have a cracked or broken pipe.  When rainwater pools and has nowhere to go, it puts pressure on your pipes and cause they to break, especially if the pipes old or damaged. 

Water or Sewage back up in your home?  Don’t panic! Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at 860-887-0447.  Our trained technicians are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Generators 101 (Part Two)

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at 860-887-0447!

Part Two: What are the Pro's and Cons?  

Still not sure if your home would benefit from a generator?  Below are the pros and cons to consider before buying a generator

Pros

Maintaining essential equipment during a power outage, including medical equipment and communication devices

Keeping your home temperature comfortable, especially during the winter if you live in a lower temperature area

Keeping food refrigerated, potentially saving thousand of dollars in food loss

Cons

They need fuel

Portable generators are generally powered by gasoline, so you need to have a decent amount of gasoline in storage ready to use in the case of a power blackout.

But then you also need to consider that gasoline does not last forever. It goes bad (or stale) and needs to be changed over at regular intervals

They are noisy and give off fumes

Generators are not quiet, nor do they put out sweet smelling fresh air!

Keep this in mind when deciding where you might place your generator to power your house or essential equipment. Keep it away from open windows and away from sleeping areas.

There are some models of generator that are quieter than others, so if this is a factor for you be sure to do your research.

Generators Need Maintenance

For most people, generators are devices that are rarely used – which means for extended periods of time without being started up. It is recommended that you start your generator every 3 months and let it run for about 20 minutes.

Generators also require the same maintenance that any motor does, and it is recommended that this is done by a qualified professional.

Merry Christmas!

12/24/2020 (Permalink)

Santa making a special delivery!

To all our customers, colleagues, friends and crew:

 It’s been quite a year!  We’ve all come to appreciate some of the smaller things in life, like spending time with our families and friends, haircuts and quick runs to the grocery store.  We have found heroes in our medical workers, front line employees and teachers.  We’ve found new hobbies, adopted pets and learned to enjoy the outdoors.  As this unprecedented year comes to an end, we’d like to thank all our customers for entrusting their homes and businesses to our care, our crews for all their hard work, dedication and sacrifice and to our associates and vendors for their support and friendship throughout this year. 

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is looking forward to 2021, in which we will be celebrating our 20^th year of business!  

Generators 101

12/19/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County today at 860-887-0447!

Part One-  Do You Need One? 

Here in Connecticut, power outages can be a regular and unavoidable occurrence.   Storms from hurricanes to blizzards often have homeowner wondering if now is the time to invest in a generator for their home.   Generators can be an expensive investment for your home that some might consider a luxury, however to some households they can be a necessity. 

 Medical Equipment On Site

If you have life saving medical equipment on site that requires power to operate and it may be needed in an emergency, then it goes without saying that you need some sort of backup power.

Some of these medical devices may include:

• Home dialysis machine
• Suction devices
• Breathing machines

It is possible that such equipment has battery backup, but how long does it last?

If your average power blackout last for longer than the batteries on your emergency medical devices (or they don’t have backup at all) then you probably need a backup power source.

Essential Equipment

It’s possible that you have other non-lifesaving equipment in your home that is almost as important to keep running.

One example that spring to mind is a sump pump. Many houses rely on these devices to ensure they aren’t flooded and moisture levels are kept to a minimum.

Emergency Communications

For some of people, being able to communicate with the outside world is essential. Not just to be able to check Facebook or Instagram, but to be able to contact emergency services in the event of an emergency.

If you rely on power to keep your communications up and running (charging phones, CB radios, internet) and you simply MUST have the ability to contact the outside world at all times then you might need to look into a generator.

Large Amounts Of Frozen/Refrigerated Food

Most food is not cheapo, and If you keep large amounts of frozen or refrigerated food (meats especially) then it might be worth investing in a generator.

According to foodsafety.gov A full freezer will keep food frozen at a safe temperature for around 48 hours during a power outage (assuming you don’t open the door). After this time you will need to defrost it and consume it or dispose of it.

Maintaining Your Chimney

12/19/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Anthony Intravera via Upsplash

Nothing is better than sitting by your fireplace on a snowy day, keeping toasty warm.  Below are some tips on keeping your chimney and fireplace in tip top shape to run safely during the winter months

• Get Your Chimney Inspected
  • Ideally an inspection should be done during the spring and summer.  A chimney professional will check your chimney inside and out looking for deterioration or damage
• Chimney Cleaning
  • The Nation Fire Protection Association suggests that an annual cleaning of your chimney is best.  The cleaning will remove creosote build up which can lead to dangerous conditions for your home. 
• Have a Chimney Cap Installed
  • Chimney caps keep rain, snow, sleet and debris from falling directly into your chimney.  If critters are a concern add a mesh covering.  
• Waterproofing
  • Water is your chimney's number one enemy.  Waterproofing adds extra protection.  If the masonry of your chimney is compromised the chimney could begin leaning or could collapse altogether.  

Fire Damage?  Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at 860-887-0447.  Our skilled technicians are available 24/7 to make it "Like it never even happened"

My Tank Runneth Over

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Call us today at 860-887-0447

We all know the dreaded feeling... the water is going to high and not flushing properly.  Panic sets that a large mess is going to be on your bathroom floor.  What do you do?

• Shut off the Water Supply
  • This will prevent more water coming in
• Remove the Tank Lid
  • Carefully set it aside to avoid breakage
• Adjust the Flapper
  • The rubber flapper is at the bottom of the tank.  Press down on the flapper valve to secure it.  This will prevent more water from entering the bowl
• Lift the Float
  • Raise the tank fill valve float ball.  The water in the bowl should start going down
• Shut off the Toilet Supply Valve
  • If the water level is still high, hold up the float as you shut off the water supply at the toilet valve.
• Use a Plunger
  • Use a plunger to break up clogs in the drain

If you do have a water damage in your home, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is here to help.  Call us at 860-887-0447 and our skilled technician will make it "Like it never even happened."

Vandalism Clean Up

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Renee Fisher via Upsplash

Vandalism Clean Up

You take pride in your businesses' appearance, which make vandalism frustrating and upsetting.  From minor pranks to mischievous destruction of property, vandalism should be taken care of in a timely fashion.  SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County can help with boarding up of broken windows, spray-painted graffiti from walls, driveways, sidewalks, asphalt, metals, plastic, wood, glass and masonry.  We also offer the following commercial services

• Water Damage Restoration
• Debris Removal
• General Cleaning
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Smoke Restoration
• Carpet Cleaning
• Mold Remediation
• Bio-Hazard Clean Up
• Pathogen Cleaning

Our trained technicians are available 24/7 for all your commercial business needs.  Call us at 860-887-0447 and SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County will make it "Like it never even happened."

Winterizing Your Home

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Jeffrey Blum via Upsplash

Old Man Winter is knocking on Connecticut’s door.  There are things both homeowners and renters should consider doing to prepare their home for the cold winter months.

•  Check the gutter
  • This will help to prevent ice dams

• Protect the Pipes
  • Insulate pipes that are in exterior walls and susceptible to freezing.  If a severe temperature drop is in the forecast, keep a stream of water running in a few faucets to guard against freezing and bursting 
• Seal the Cracks
  • Caulk around holes and openings to help prevent cold air from getting in.  Install weather stripping and seals around windows, doors, and air conditioners 
• Stop the Slips
  • Keep driveways and sidewalks clear of ice and snow and check hand rails and steps for any defects
• Have the Heating Checked
  • Furnaces, boilers, and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to clear up any buildup and keep them running efficiently.

Should They Stay or Should They Go?

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

If you’ve recently had a water damage to your business, you’re probably considering if you can still keep your carpeting or if it should be replaced.  For carpeting that has water damage, full replacement is the best option.  Figuring our when a full flooring replacement is required can depend on a few questions

• How much water got onto your carpeting?
  • The more water that is soaked into your carpet, carpet pad, flooring and subflooring, the harder it will be to dry, clean and save.
• How long did the water sit on the carpet?
  • According to FEMA, you need to begin the cleaning process before the 24-48 hour window when mold and mildew begins to grow.  If you miss that window you will probably need new carpeting
• What was the source of the water that got on the carpet?
  • If your carpet was soaked by suspicious water, toilet backflow, floodwater or any sewage contaminated source, the carpeting and padding need to be replaced. 
  • Carpets should only be cleaned if you would consider the source safe to drink

If you need assistance with a water damage in your commercial business, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is here to help 24/7.  Just call us at 860-887-0447.  

Water Damage Doesn't Take Vacations

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Ethan Robertson via Upsplash

This past year, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County had more calls regarding water damages occurring while people were away from their homes for extended periods of times, then the past three years combined.  Once the pandemic has passed, let's face it, we are all going to need vacations.  We'd like to suggest the following for keeping things dry while away.

• Have a friend, family member or house sitter frequently check your home
• Shut off the main water supply valve next to your water meter. After shutting off the valve, then drain all pipes of water
• Pour Marine grade anti-freeze into the toilet if leaving during the winter
• In colder months keep the thermostat set to a minimum of 55 degrees
• Clean gutters before leaving to make sure water is flowing freely off the roof
• Leave cabinets under sinks open which will allow air to circulate around the pipes

If you do come home to a water damage SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is on call for you 24/7.  Just call us at 860-887-0447 

Giving Thanks in 2020

11/29/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Jed Owens via Upsplash

Thanksgiving is probably looking very different for all our friends and family this year.  Celebrations are scaled back due to Covid-19, but at the same time we are more thankful than ever after what 2020 has dealt us.  Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. 

Please remember to

• Keep knives out of the reach of children
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working
• Be sure electric cords from electric knives, coffee makers, plate warmers or mixers are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of children
• Never leave lit candles unattended
• Keep anything that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, towels, curtains, food packaging or wooden utensils away from the stove top

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County wishes all our friends, family and customers a happy and safe holiday!

 Need more recipe inspiration?  Check out our recipe from last year for dry rubbed deep fried turkey here:https://www.SERVPROnorwichwindhamcounty.com/blog/post/180883/fire-smoke-damage-restoration/avoid-a-recipe-for-disaster

 To go along with your deep fried turkey, give up the jelly in the can and try some fresh cranberry sauce instead! 

¾  cup White Sugar

½ cup Orange Juice

½ cup Water

12 oz Fresh Cranberries (rinsed and picked through)

Pinch of Salt

1 Cinnamon Stick

Zest of One Orange

 Combine sugar, orange juice, and water in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add cranberries, salt, cinnamon and zest.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.  Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have popped.  Let cool for at least 30 minutes.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.  Can be made up to three days in advance. 

What are Ice Dams?

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Gabor Szuts via Upsplash

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof.  If left untreated, they can tear off your gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up under those shingles and drain into your home. Water that cannot drain off properly works its way under your roof covering and flows into the attic.  When that happens, the results aren't pretty: peeling paint, warped floors, stained and sagging ceilings. Not to mention soggy insulation in the attic, which loses R-value and becomes a magnet for mold and mildew.

Getting rid of ice dams for good is simple: just keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves.  You accomplish this by increasing ventilation, adding insulation and sealing off air leaks. 

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County wins Best of Eastern Connecticut 2020!

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

John O'Sullivan III with our "Best of Eastern Connecticut" Award

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County would like to thank everyone who nominated and then voted for our company for the Norwich Bulletin’s 2020 Best Of Eastern Connecticut for “Best Cleaning Company.”   A huge thanks to our hard-working crew for all they do and for making it “Like it never even happened.”  We take great pride in the work that we do, and appreciate that our customers do too!  We are truly grateful and will continue to serve our local area in the most professional, honest and caring way!  We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to our customers and community.  

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is here 24/7 for all your residential and commercial restoration needs including water, fire, smoke, wind, biohazard and general cleaning.   Call us today at 860-887-0447

Is it Covered?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Water is one of the most common causes of damage in homes, and represents a large number of insurance claims.  It is however not always easy to navigate what is, and what isn't covered.  

Depending on the type of coverage you have, typically if water damage is accidental, it is covered by your homeowner's insurance.  Examples of accidental water damage may include

• Discharge and overflow of water
• Freezing of plumbing and pipes (some exclusions do apply)
• Tearing apart, cracking, burning or bulging of a steam or hot water heating system
• Damages covered by the weight of ice, snow or sleet

The key to these types of coverage is it must be sudden and accidental, not a maintenance or wear-and-tear issue.  

Always check with your insurance agent to verify your coverage and to evaluate if additional coverage would be needed.  

If you do have a water related issue in your home, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is here to help 24/7.  Just call us at 860-887-0447 and we can have our trained technicians on sight to help.  

What Can Be Saved After A Fire?

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel via Upsplash

Our blogs feature many tips to avoid fires in your home and business.  So what happens if there is a fire?  Check in with us for the next few weeks for our four-part series of what happens after the fire.

Fires can be devastating to a family, potentially damaging everything in it’s path.  If your home is victim to a fire, you should definitely throw away anything that has been melted, burned or visibly damaged by the fire.  Please note to never throw anything away after a fire without speaking to your insurance company.  A list of items should be made and photographs taken.  This will help with your insurance claim. 

Sometimes it’s difficult to tell what can be salvaged and what can’t.  Here is a quick guide:

 Things to get rid of:

1) Food exposed to fire and heat

It is best to stay on the safe side and discard all food

2)  Fabrics

Any clothing, bedding, carpeting or other fabric that has sustained major burning or charring

3)  Mattresses

Mattresses that have been stained or burned should be disposed of, as they may no longer be structurally sound or contain contaminants.

4)  Medicines and Cosmetics

Contact your doctor immediately if prescriptions have been affected.  It’s best to replace all medication and cosmetics due to the risk of contamination

Things that can often be saved:

1)  Harwood Floors

Unless extremely burned or charred, hardwood floors can often be salvaged and restored

2)  Glass

 If it hasn’t melted it can be salvaged and cleaned

3)  Metal

Most metals can withstand the heat and flames. Items may need to be cleaned

 Our trained technicians can help salvage, restore or disposed of belongings after a fire.  We many be able to save everything, but we can help restore your piece of mind. 

If you need help after a fire, SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County can help.  Call us 24/7 at 860-887-0447.  

"Smart" Devices to Help Prevent Fires

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Clint Patterson via Upsplash

Our blogs feature many tips to avoid fires in your home and business.  So what happens if there is a fire?  Check in with us for the next few weeks for our four-part series of what happens after the fire.

 Our world is now filled with technology.  From home assistants to faucets and refrigerators that we can talk to, our homes are wired to run at incredible efficiency.  Are there smart devices that can help with fire prevention?  Yes!

 Smart Smoke Detectors

Smart smoke detectors connect to your phone to be able to alert you when the batteries are low.  They also test your house for both smoke and carbon monoxide averaging over 400 times a day, but it’s smart enough to know steam from the shower isn’t a problem

Smart Outlets

Forget to turn off the coffee pot?  If it is plugged into a smart outlet, you can use an app on your phone to turn off the outlet.  They can also be programmed to turn on the lights as your pulling in the driveway. 

Electronics With Auto Shut Off

Electronics can now often be found with automatic, timed shut-off features from straightening irons to space heaters to clothing irons

 If you need help after a fire, SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County can help.  Call us 24/7 at 860-887-0447.  

When is a Winter Storm Serious?

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Aaron Burden via Upsplash

The first snowflakes of the 2020 season are due to fly on October 30th in Connecticut.  While we agree it's too early, it's on the way nonetheless.  When is a storm something to worry about?  There are four types of winter storm warning that can be called.  

• Winter Storm Outlook
  • Winter Storm conditions are possible in the next 2-5 days
• Winter Weather Advisory
  • Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous.  When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening
• Winter Storm Watch
  • Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours.  People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions
• Winter Storm Warning
  • Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.  People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County wants all of our friends, family and customers to stay safe this winter.  If a storm situation has caused damaged to your home, call us at 860-887-0447.  We are available 24/7 for all your storm, fire, wind and water restoration needs.  

Winter Storm Check-In 2020

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Kelly Sikkema via Upsplash

While 2020 has been a crazy year for everyone, we are about to add in winter weather here in Connecticut.  SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham wants to be sure all our customers, friends and families are ready.  Here are some friendly reminders for the upcoming storm season.  

• Make sure you have a good shovel.  You may need to dig yourself out before help arrives. This will also be the day your snow blower stops working so be prepared!  
  • Use WD-40 on shovel to make shoveling easier
  • Also have rock salt on hand to keep walkways safe
• Weather strip any drafty door or windows
•  Clean and inspect your chimney
  • Have a good supply of wood
• Check your flashlights and battery supply
• Clean rain gutters
• Check and refresh your emergency supply kit
• Install good winter tires on your car and make sure the wipers work well

If a storm situation has caused damaged to your home, call us at 860-887-0447.  We are available 24/7 for all your storm, fire, wind and water restoration needs.  

Leaky Faucets 101

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Kazuky Akayashi via Upsplash

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaky facet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year.  That’s enough water for 180 showers!  Fixing a leaky faucet can save an average of 10% of your water bill.  All those drips are adding up!

A leaky faucet isn’t just a small inconvenience.  The results can be catastrophic.  The typical causes for a leaky faucet include corrosion, mineral deposits on the internal parts, or defective parts.  When left to fester, these little problems can become large problems.

What are the most common causes of a leaky faucet?  Many are easy fixes that an experienced homeowner can handle themselves or with the help of an experienced plumber.  

Problem with the O-Ring

When the O-ring becomes loose or worn out over regular use, the faucet may begin to drip near the handle.  Replacing the O-ring will fix the issue.

Corroded Valve Seat

A valve seat serves as a connection between the faucet and the spout in the compression mechanism.  If water sediment accumulates it will cause corrosion, causing leaking around the spout area.

Worn Out Washers

This is the most common cause of a dripping faucet.  During each use, the washer is forced against the valve seat, and this constant friction causes it to wear out.  The washer wearing out will cause dripping around the spout.

If a leaky faucet has caused damaged to your home, call us at 860-887-0447.  We are available 24/7 for all your storm, fire, wind and water restoration needs.  

Taking the Checkered Flag!!

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

John O'Sullivan III in Victory Lane

A huge shout out to SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County team member John O’Sullivan III for his first-place win driving his SK Modified Lite at Stafford Speedway on Sunday, October 11^th.  This is following another first-place win at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl on September 26^th. 

John would like to thank SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County for their sponsorship and thank you to all the people who help out on his racing teams.  John can also be found driving in the Legend car division throughout New England as well, in which he also had a successful 2020 season

Johnny O will be back for next season, in both his SK Modified Lite and Legend car in the three Connecticut race tracks, Stafford Speedway, New London-Waterford Speedbowl and Thompson Speedway.  If you are ever in the area, come down to cheer on Johnny O in the #51!  

Bozrah Golf Tournament

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Tyler and friends at the Bozrah Golf Tournament

Team members John, Tyler, Allyson and friends were happy to participate in the 21^st annual golf tournament to benefit the Bozrah Volunteeer Fire Company in Bozrah on October 8,2020.   SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County was a tee sponsor for the event. The annual fundraiser helps to pay for building maintenance, upgrades and equipment.  Currently the Bozrah Volunteer Fire Department is raising funds towards renovating their social hall and making the building more energy efficient. 

In 2019 the Bozrah Volunteer Fire Department answered the call of their community 419 times.  We appreciate what they do, and are happy to support their fundraising efforts and their commitment to our community.   The next fundraising event for the Bozrah Volunteer Fire Department will be “Big Gary’s Bozrah Fire Company 5K Road Race & Kids Fun Race” in the Spring of 2021. 

Smoke Odor Removal Tips

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Our blogs feature many tips to avoid fires in your home and business.  So what happens if there is a fire?  Check in with us for the next few weeks for our four part series of what happens after the fire.

 Stubborn smoke odor is one of the most detrimental consequences of a fire.  The smell can linger, compromising the air quality of your home, as well as pose a health risk to the occupants. 

 When smoke infiltrates the home, smoke particles stick to all household surfaces and get embedded into all porous materials, including carpeting, furniture and fabrics.  Removing them requires a lot of effort and specialized equipment.  How do you get rid of smoke odor?

1).  Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County 

Our technicians are trained in fire and smoke remediation.  We have specialized equipment such as air scrubbers, ozone generators and hydroxyl technology to quickly and completely remove smoke odor from your home.  We are available 24/7.  Call us at 860-887-0447. 

2).  Air out the premises 

Open all doors and windows, also removing the screens.  Place fans strategically throughout the home for added effect

3).  Wash/Dry Clean all soft surfaces

All curtains, area rugs, furniture covers, cushions, duvets, blankets and clothing that have been exposed need to be washed or dry cleaned. 

4).  Clean the HVAC System

Smoke can permeate ductwork and linger in the ventilation system.  Change the air conditioning and furnace filters as soon after the fire as possible and have the HVAC system inspected to ensure that hasn’t been damaged in the fire. 

Our next blog in the series will cover what items you should keep, and what items you should discard after a fire or smoke damage. 

What Happens After a Fire (Part One)

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Ishan@seefromthesky via Upsplash

Our blogs feature many tips to avoid fires in your home and business.  So what happens if there is a fire?  Check in with us for the next few weeks for our four part series of what happens after the fire.

Smoke Damage

After the flames have been put out, you are then left with smoke damage. Smoke damage left unaddressed can devastate your home and its contents, and the actual fire does not necessarily have to occur in the same room. For example, in the case of wildfires, homes and businesses have been completely ruined just from smoke while the buildings remained untouched by flames.

Our technicians at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County have extensive training in fire and smoke restoration.  Our certified experts understand the complex behaviors and types of smoke.

Behaviors of Smoke

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas
• Smoke migrates to upper levels of a structure
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor

Types of Smoke

• Wet smoke (plastics and synthetics)
  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky
• Dry Smoke (paper and wood)
  • Fast burning, high temperature, dry
• Protein Fire Residue
  • Produced by evaporation of material rather from burning 
• Fuel Oil Soot (furnace puff backs)

Not matter what the cause, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County can be on sight 24/7 to help restore not only your home but your piece of mind after a fire.

Getting Your Business Ready for Winter (Part 2)

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

Before winter hits, be sure to prepare!  This can include taking steps to start conserving energy during the winter heating season.  Here are some tips on saving winter costs for your business

• Lower thermostats during off hours.  The #1 business money waste in the fall and winter is by heating unoccupied space.  We recommend a programmable thermostat that you can set and forget! 
• Take advantage of off-peak hours.  Energy is the most expensive during the peak hours of 9-5.  If you have equipment that requires a lot of energy, try to stagger the use during off-peak hours to avoid surges in usage
• Replace air filters.  Consider setting up a schedule and reminders to regularly change filters.  This will help keep internal parts clean and ensure that a dirty filter doesn't choke airflow
• Utilize free energy.  Open those blinds and let the light in! To make sure heat stays where you need it, seal leaky windows and doors.

It all adds up!  Even little changes can help in the long run.  These changes don't require a lot of investment or effort, just a commitment from you and your team and a desire to us energy in a smarter way.  

SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County is here to be an ally for your business.  Call us today at 860-887-0447 for commercial cleaning and all your restoration needs!  

Pumpkin Spice Safety!

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Taisila Shestopal via Upsplash

Fall is the best time to have candles filling our homes with yummy scents of apples, pumpkin spice and sandalwood.  October through December are also the months that have the highest incidents of fires due to candles according to the National Fire Protection Association.  Three of every five (37%) candle fires started when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations, was too close to the candle.  The bedroom is the most common point of origin for candle fires.  Keep in mind the following safety tips for safe candle usage

• Candles should be placed in a sturdy candle holder
• Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn
• Candles should be out of the reach of children and pets
• Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed
• Never use candles if oxygen is used in the home
• Light candles carefully.  Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County are experts at fire restoration.  When the unthinkable happens in your home, we are here to help get your home back in order.  Call us today at 860-887-0447

Getting Your Business Ready for Winter (Part 1)

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Wes Hicks via Upsplash

Winter is in Connecticut's future!  Not only do you need to get your home ready for winter storms, but your business as well.  Planning now, can save a lot of trouble in the future.  

• Communicate with employees.  Have a predetermined way to communicate with all employees to let them know if you will be open after a storm
• Let customers know if and when you're closing.  Utilizing social media is a great way to keep customers informed! 
• Salt the sidewalks.  Get ahead of the storm by salting your sidewalks before the storm starts to avoid a slippery situation later
• Consider buying a generator.  Having a generator for important devices and products like walk-in coolers and food storage will offer peace of mind when it comes to losing power
• Prepare a winter emergency kit.  Include
  • Battery charged radio
  • Water and food snacks
  • Copies of important documents, all kept in water-proof containers
  • Flashlights
  • First aid kit
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Extra toiletries
  • Cell phone chargers and power bank

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is ready to help your business after a storm 24/7.  Give us a call at 860-887-0447

Dryer Fires

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Be sure to use your dryer safely!

Laundry is no one's favorite chore, but don't let it destroy your home!  

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2010-2014 U.S fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving washing machines or dryers, with 92% due to dryers.  These fires resulted in 13 deaths, 440 injuries and $238 million in property damage.

The leading factor to dryer fires are failing to clean the dryer, causing articles inside or lint to catch fire.  Please keep the following in mind to keep your home safe:

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter
• Make sure to clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry.  Remove lint that has collected around the drum
• Make sure the exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.  The vent pipe should be cleaned once a year
• Turn the dryer off if you leave the house or when you go to bed.  Do not use the dryer if you can't monitor it carefully

If the unthinkable does happen, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is here to help!  We are available 24/7!  Call us at 860-887-0447

Lending a Hand After Isaias

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our crews were happy to help homeowners in Pennsylvania after Hurricane Isaias.

Hurricane Isaias ravaged the East Coast July 30-August 5, 2020.  The category 1 hurricane had more than 61 million people under storm watch.  When we received the call that there were homeowners in need in Pennsylvania after Hurricane Isaias, members of our crew jumped into action.  Four of our employees, John III, Ivan, Jose and Julio headed out within hours of receiving the call for help.  Our team spent two weeks in the Allentown area of Pennsylvania lending a hand to storm ravaged homes, often working around the clock. Pennsylvania had devastating losses with over 300,000 without power.  We are proud of our crew members who sacrificed time away from their families to help over twenty homeowners.  We have a great team at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County! 

Your Business and Bio-Hazards

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Muukii via upsplash

When accidents happen at your business or commercial property, the effects can be severe. When the accident involves bio-hazards, you have to be extra cautious to make sure everything is cleaned up and restored properly.

A bio-hazard is defined as “a biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment.” Some bio-hazards include pathogens, blood, bodily fluids, animal waste and sewage. You should never attempt to cleanup bio-hazards on your own, because of the health hazards involved.  Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County instead!  

Our expert professionals have the specialized training and equipment that is necessary to properly cleanup bio-hazards and prevent the risk of further contamination.

While every situation is different, there are several steps that are common to most bio-hazard cleanups. So that you know what to expect if you’re in need of bio-hazard cleanup assistance at your business or commercial property, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Assessment and Establishing Safety Protocols

The process typically begins with an assessment in which we determine the extent of the risk and damage and decide on the appropriate cleanup response.

Before beginning any cleanup, you must establish proper safety protocols. Sometimes an area might need to be quarantined with bio-tape and plastic sheeting. It’s important to follow the right safety measures to prevent further contamination.

Discarding Contaminated Items

The next step is to remove any contaminated items or materials from the scene that can’t be salvaged. Items are typically secured in specialized bio-hazard bags before being removed from the premises.

Sanitization

Once the area has been cleared, it’s time to disinfect and deodorize the area, often done in multiple steps using several different commercial- or hospital-grade cleaners that have proven to be effective and safe for bio-hazard cleanup. Deodorizers are also used to keep odors from developing as time passes.

If you require help with bio-hazard cleanup and restoration for your business or commercial property, just call our team at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at 860-887-0447! 

Hurricane Season 2020 is Underway!

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Photo courtesy of NASA via Upsplash

Did you know that in Connecticut there $675 billion dollars worth of property insured on it's coastline?  Is your home and family ready?  Here are five things you can do now so your family is prepared later 

• Review your insurance policies
  • Many standard plans do not cover damage from hurricanes and floods
  • Sump pump coverage is a common add-on for policies and not standard
  • Have you updated your home inventory to make sure you have enough coverage?

• Prepare your Emergency Kit 
  • Check out our blog entry on emergency kits for everything you need! https://www.SERVPROnorwichwindhamcounty.com/blog/post/175865/storm/remember-to-update-your-storm-kit 

• Maintain Outdoor Areas
  • Check gutters for build up and clear out to keep water flowing smoothly
  • Cut back weak trees and small branches that could come into contact with buildings

• Prepare Basement
  
  • Raise up any valuables or furniture that could be damaged by flooding
  • Remove any electronics or extension cords from the floor
  • Prepare sandbags for use to prevent water from getting inside 

• Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at 860-887-0447
  • Our crews are experts in dealing with flooding and storm damage

Get Certified!!

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Opening back up after the pandemic shut-down is a daunting task for all business owners.  The requirements of social distancing can be time consuming on top of the required cleanings needed to stay within recommendations for a safe community. Customers feeling a sense of security when they patronize businesses will be a priority because without customers there would be no business.

SERVPRO has established a cleaning protocol to handle in depth and follow up cleanings to help your business follow a cleaning protocol and have your customers feel a sense of safety and security.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Call SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County today at 860-887-0447 to discuss how we can help get your business back open for business.  

Preventing Freezing Pipes

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Timo Muller via Upsplash

Having your pipes freeze and burst can cause big problems in your home. Typically your pipes are in danger of freezing when temperatures outside are below 20 degrees for six hours or more.  Water coming into your home is much colder and causes your pipes to contract, and in weaker parts, can cause the pipe to burst.   Here are some expert tips for ways to try to prevent it.  

Keep Water Faucets Running

If it is extremely cold outside, always keep one or two faucets running slowly.  Water moving through the pipes should help prevent freezing

Leave Cabinet Doors Open

If your kitchen sink is on an outside wall, be sure to leave cabinet doors open to allow warmer air into the cabinet.

Disconnect Your Hose 

Be sure to disconnect your hose from the outside faucet.  If you leave your hose connected, water is not able to drain out of your hose bib and will freeze and break the device

Seal Leaks 

Seal leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located.  Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes and seal them up.  With severe weather, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to make pipes freeze.  

Check Your Home's Temperature

Prevent temperature from dropping below 32 degrees in any area of your home where water lines are located.  

Mold Prevention In Your Home

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

You should always be vigilant when it comes to mold in your home. Don't let a small spot turn into a large issue!

Mold can be a serious problem in your home.  Routine cleaning and maintenance can prevent mold.  In this first installment of a two-part series on mold, we have some tips for ways to prevent mold in your home

• Before painting, add mold inhibitors to your paint
• Do not put carpets in areas that have a lot of moisture, such as basements
• The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation to prevent water from entering your home or collecting around it.  
• Keep the humidity in your home between 40 and 60 percent
• Cold Surfaces, such as water pipes, can create condensation and mold.  Cover these surfaces with insulation 
• Using air conditioners, de-humidifiers, and fans can help you remove excess moisture and condensation

Our next blog in this two-part installment will cover items every homeowner should add to their routine maintenance when it comes to mold.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate the problem.  If You See Signs of Mold, call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860)887-0447. 

Mold Prevention In Your Home (Part 2)

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let a small spot become a big problem. Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County for an assessment today at (860) 887-0447

Mold can be a serious problem in your home.  Routine cleaning and maintenance can prevent mold.  In this second installment of a two-part series on mold, we have some tips for routine maintenance in your home to prevent mold 

• Check under indoor plants to make sure water is not accumulating
• Make sure your roof and gutters are cleaned frequently and are in good repair
• Make sure the drip pans below any air conditioners are clean and all drain lines are flowing properly
• Whenever there is a spill or leak, clean it up immediately
• If your basement, or any other part of your home floods, thoroughly clean and dry everything and check for mold growth
• Remove or replace wet carpets that cannot dry properly
• When you shower, cook or run the dishwasher or clothes dryer, use an exhaust fan or open a window to let excess moisture escape

If you find mold spots in the home

• clean immediately
• Always use protective eye wear and gloves
• Never mix bleach or cleaners with ammonia This combination could produce toxic fumes
• remove mold with soap and water or a bleach solution
• When cleaning with bleach, open windows and doors to increase air movement and get rid of fumes

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate the problem.  If You See Signs of Mold, call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860)887-0447. 

How To Turn Off The Water In Your Home

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Samara Doole via Upsplash

Don't wait until water is gushing into your home to figure out how to shut off the water supply in your home.  Take a few moments to have a "dry" run turning it off so you are prepared for an emergency.  

Main Shut Off Valve

In most cases, the main shut off valve will be near the perimeter of the house.  If you are in the basement, look at eye level or above.  If you are on the ground floor, look down.  If you still can't find it, go outside to the water meter utility box.  Imagine a straight line extending to the nearest point on your homes exterior.  Where that line meets your house is likely where the shut off valve is located.  

Streetside Shut Off Valve

Typically there is a valve located at the beginning of your water main, at the boundary line of your property.  Before turning it off call the water company's emergency line.  They will either tell you to shut it off or will dispatch an emergency crew.  

Shut Off Close To The Source

If you have a leak in your toilet, sink or washing machine, it is best to turn the water off close to the source first.  

• Toilets: Look under the toilet, against the wall for the flexible metal tubing.  Turn the handle clockwise until it stops
• Sinks:  Look under the sink cabinet.  You will see two sets of flexible metal tubes.  Turn the handles on both valves clockwise to shut off.  
• Washing Machine: Some houses have the valves clearly exposed behind the washer.  Turn both clockwise to shut off the water.  If you don't see the valves, pull out the washer from the wall and they should be found easily.

Getting the water shut off quickly is always the first step for a water emergency in your home.  Your second step should be calling SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860)887-0447.  We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Sump Pump 101

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Sump pump failure? Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447.

We’ve had several calls about sump pump failures over the last month here at SERVPRO of Norwich and Winhdam County.   What  are they and what do they do?

Sump pumps are submersible pumps that aid in removing water from basement and crawl spaces.  Ground water surrounding your foundation is channeled into a drain system in your foundation, then into a sump pit.  When the water in the pit reaches a set point, a sump pump automatically turns on to pump out the water into a storm drain, dry well or detention pond.

Test Your Sump Pump

Make testing your sump pump a regular part of your home maintenance. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit.  The pump should turn on immediately and the water should quickly start to drain and quickly shut itself off. 

Maintain Your Sump Pump

*Regularly remove any dirt, sand, gravel  or debris from your equipment

*Make sure to check that the incoming drainage line are free of debris and dirt

Sump pumps are the most effective and efficient way to drain water quickly from your home.  If you do have a sump pump failure, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is here for you 24/7.  Just call us at (860)887-0447.  

Deck The Halls Safely!

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Arun Kuchibhotla via Unsplash

Deck the halls smartly and safely this holiday season when it comes to your families Christmas Tree.  A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly!

Picking The Tree

• Choose a tree with fresh green needles that do do fall off when touched

Placing The Tree

• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fire places, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit
• Water the tree daily to prevent drying out

Lighting The Tree

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing lab.  Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.  Read the manufacturer's instructions for the number of lights strands that can be connected  
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed

After Christmas

• Discard the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.  Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home, garage or placed outside against the home
• Check with your local community to find a recycling program
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer

All of us at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  

Happy Holidays!

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Osman Rana via Unsplash

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season.  Whether your celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Mawlid al-nabi or any important day this season please keep these tips in mind for a safe holiday season

Holiday Entertaining

• Test smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top
• Ask smokers to smoke outside

Holiday Decorating

• Be careful with holiday decorations.  Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged
• Replace any strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.  Read manufacturer's instructions for the maximum number of light strands that can be connected.  
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed
• 2 of every 5 decoration fires happen because decorations are place too close to a heat source

Winter Storms are in Full Swing

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County want you to be safe during any disaster. If your home or business has storm damage, call us 24/7 at 860-8

Winter 2019-2020 is already in full swing here in Norwich and Windham County with several snow storms already under our belt that have caused people to experience power outages.  Here are some friendly reminders to get you through the winter storms

Things to do before a power outage

• Stock a central location with flashlights, batteries and candles
• Make sure you have non-perishable food that is easily accessible
• Have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home with a battery back up

What to do in case of a power outage

• If there is extreme cold or heat, make sure to find a safe place where it is a reasonable temperature
• Know what temperatures your medications need to stay within
• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed so food stays cold longer
• Unplug electronics so when the power comes back, they do not short out

Things to do after a power outage

• Find the temperature of perishable foods to ensure that they are safe to eat
• Throw away food items that have perished
• If your medication is perished, contact your doctor about what to do next
• Replenish stocks of batteries, flashlights and candles

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County want you always to be safe during any disaster.  If your home or business has storm damage, call us 24/7 at 860-887-0447.  

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family to Yours!

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Elements5digital via Upsplash

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment?  

The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays.  There is often extra people, including children during this special time.  Please remember to:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top to keep an eye on things.  
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently
• Keep children away from the stove.  The kitchen is not a place for them to be playing
• Make sure children stay away from hot food and liquids.  The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns
• Keep the floors clear so you don't trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags
• Keep knives out of reach of children
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of reach of children
• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working

and most importantly...Relax and enjoy the day with friends and family!  

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is available 24/7- even on the holidays!  Call us at 860-887-0447

What To Do If A Pipe Bursts

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is available 24/7 for any water emergency in your home. Call us at (860) 887-0447 and help will be on the way!

If you have a pipe burst in your home, acting quickly will help minimize the damage.  Here are the steps you should take

• Shut off the water main
• Shut off electricity (if it is safe to do so)
• Contact a plumber
• Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 ASAP
• Talk to your insurance agent

There are a few things you can do to minimize damage before our crew arrives

• If you see water spreading across a ceiling, you might use a screwdriver to poke a hole and allow the water to drip down into a bucket.  This can reduce the water damage area and may also keep water out of light fixtures
• Place buckets to catch dripping water
• Move your furniture away from the water if possible
• Use towels or a mop to sop up excess water on the floor

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is available 24/7 to help with any water emergency in your home.  Call us at (860) 887-0447 and help is on the way! 

Sprinkler Systems

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Sprinklers go off? Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860)887-0447, we are here to help

Sprinkler systems are often required to be installed in commercial and industrial buildings. While they can save lives and minimize structure damage when a fire occurs, they can cause massive water damage when putting out the fire or when the system malfunctions. Fire sprinklers are activated when the mercury liquid filled bulb bursts between 135 and 165 degrees. It is thought by many that they are triggered by smoke, they are actually activated by heat. Failures occur with sprinkler heads commonly when the line freezes from cold weather or the head gets hit or pulled on by something. This is when SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County can help.  We are available 24/7 to help get your business up and running again.  Call us at (860) 887-0447.  

We Can Help Make You Shine!

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Oliver Hale via Upsplash

You know you can rely on SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County if a disaster strikes your business.  Did you know we can help with commercial cleaning as well?  We can help with

• Restaurants
• Hotels and Motels
• Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities
• Office Building
• Residential Buildings

Make sure you are presenting the very best to your customers: a business that is clean and safe.  We are able to work around your business hours so business ins't interrupted.  Keep us in mind for:

• Carpet Cleaning
• Waxing/Stripping Floors
• Grout Cleaning
• Odor Removal
• Kitchen Deep Cleans
• Bio-hazard and Sewage Clean-up

We know your busy making your business the best it can be, let us help to make it shine!

Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 to schedule and appointment for an estimate today.  

What Are Flood Cuts and How Do They Help?

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

This photo shows the flood cuts that were done at a house in Moosup CT where there had been sewage flooding.

Flood cutting is the  procedure of cutting out drywall approximately one foot above the highest level of flood damage to assess the presence of moisture behind a wall.  Insulation exposed to any type of water cannot be safely dried, poses an increased mold risk, and will need to be removed and replaced.  The flood cuts exposes any potential problems so mitigation technicians can resolve them.  Depending on the extent of the damage, technicians will clean or replace it once the moisture issues behind the wall are solved.

It is important to act quickly when flooding occurs.  After the water recedes or is pumped out, you may not be aware of the damage behind affected walls until you notice structural issues or staining.  By this time irreversible damage could have taken place, and mold can be setting in.  

If you have flooding in your home from groundwater, burst pipes or any emergency call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447 and we will be onsite to make it "Like it never even happened"

Clean Out Your Gutters Before Winter Storms

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement because of clogged gutters? Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860) 887-0447

Cleaning your gutters is a pain! We know! But you have to do it!  If your gutters are filled with debris and leaves, water can't drain out properly causing them to overflow.  When this happens the water could cause water damage to walls, soffits, fascia, siding, basements and even your foundation.  During the winter if the trapped water freezes, melting snow has no where to go and can seep through your roof causing water damage.  Frozen water and debris can also be very heavy, which can cause gutters to sag and detach from your home.  

When it comes to your gutters:

• Don't leave them until they are already clogged with fall leaves.  
• Clean gutters at least twice a year, more if there a trees near by
• Remember pine needles can also clog gutters, just not fall foliage

If you want to make sure your investment holds up keep a regular maintenance schedule.  Fall is the perfect time, get out there before it's too cold! 

Why Do Trees Topple in High Winds?

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Was your home damaged by high winds? Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windhm County at 860-887-0447

Over the past few months, we at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County have seen more damage to properties by falling trees than ever before.  What causes trees to go crashing down during storms?  The most common cause of trees falling over during high winds are soggy soil and a compromised root system.  When the soil is overly saturated the tree roots can loose their grip in the soil.  According to the Sacramento Tree Foundation poor planting techniques, infrastructure crowding and root damage affect root health and will negatively affect the strength of a tree over time.  Trees planted at the proper depth in an open area and in well-drained soil will have a much better chance to survive in high winds than trees that are planted in often wet soil or where roots are restricted or cut by roads, sidewalks, driveways and building foundations.  

Avoid a Recipe for Disaster

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Suzy Brooks via Upsplash

Thinking of deep frying your turkey this year?  Not only does it use less cooking time and frees up your oven for other side dishes, it's delicious and juicy.  However...according to the National Fire Protection Association, deep fryer fires cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries and more than 15 million in property damage each year.  Here are some safety tips of your taking the plunge into deep frying your turkey

• Make sure to use the fryer outdoors and from a safe distance from flammable materials and other buildings
• Never set up the fryer in the garage
• Keep children clear
• Never leave the fryer unattended
• Use safety googles to protect your eyes and always use pot holders or oven mitts when handling the fryer
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the fryer.  DO NOT use water to put out a grease fire

We recommend this recipe for a delicious Thanksgiving instead:

Simple Dry Rub Recipe

1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika

2 Tbsp Salt

1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp Dried Thyme

1 tsp Poultry Seasoning

Mix all ingredients and set aside.  Thaw turkey and remove giblets.  Make a 3-inch cut on each side where the leg meets the breast to ensure oil drains out and the meat cooks evenly.  Massage the dry rub mixture on and under the skin, and sprinkle some inside the cavity.  Place the bird on a try, cover it with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator overnight.  When your ready to cook follow all manufactures instructions on your fryer.  

We are thankful for all our customers and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County.  

Be Safe on Halloween

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by David Menidrey via Upsplash

Halloween is a fun time of year.  Make sure your little monsters are safe!

• Use battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns.  If you use real candles use extreme caution.  Be sure lit pumpkins are far way from anything that can burn
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper can catch fire easily.  Keep all decorations away from open flames and heat sources
• Provide children with flashlights or glow-sticks as part of their costume
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.  If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out

Have a safe, happy and spooky Halloween from SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County! 

Is Your Business Ready?

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County today for your free Emergency Ready Profile

When you are a business owner, your heart and soul is put into it.  Many times you spend more time at your business than at home with family.    Is it ready for an emergency or disaster?  Natural disasters can cripple your business.  However, even more threatening and common are fires, floods, and other catastrophes that can occur regardless of  your location  No amount of money spent can prevent site-wide and natural disasters from occurring; the only recourse for businesses affected by these calamities is to get back up and running as soon as possible after they happen.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready  Profile for your business you will have a plan of action that can be ready to go with a hit of a button.  The faster mitigation begins, the faster your business will be up and running again. 

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County can provide

• A no cost assessment of your building/facility
• A detailed profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
• Facility details such as shut off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

To get an Emergency Readiness Profile for your business today, call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County today at (860) 887-0447

Is Something Hiding in Your Attic?

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Could mold be lurking in your attic?

Recently SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County was on-site for a clean up of insulation in a home.  The homeowners were very surprised to see what was lurking under the insulation when it came out.  Is mold hiding in your attic also?  Mold in attics can arise from many issues including blocked or insufficient ventilation, improper exhausting of bathroom fans or dryer vents and roof leaks.  This picture show mold damage from the bathroom ventilation.  We removed the insulation in the attic, treated the mold and replaced the insulation.  

Mold isn't just unhealthy, it can cause significant damage to your home.  If you suspect mold lurking in your home call SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County to assess the situation.  We have trained professions that can determine what your home needs to remediate the problem.  

Remember to Update Your Storm Kit

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Andras Kovas via Upsplash

Here in New England storms are so commonplace you may forget that preparedness is key.  We all know that we are supposed to have an emergency kit available, but do we all really have the things we need on hand?  Take a few minutes to check your kit to make sure your ready for an emergency situation.  A basic kit should include

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation 
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Emergency Cash
• Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification and back account records
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Can opener for food
• Local maps
• Prescription medications and glasses

You can go the extra mile with your kit by also including:

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing for each person
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is always here for you in case of an emergency.  Call us at (860)887-0447

Types of Water Damage

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Mike Yukhtenko via Upsplash

How bad is the water event in your home? There are three types of water damage that may affect your home or business:

1. Clean Water Damage (Category 1) is caused by “clean water” originating from a water pipe or rain.  It is from a source that is not contaminated.  This is typically the easiest and least expensive type of water disaster to deal with depending on the extent of damage.  The largest risk clean water damage poses is if the area that is damaged is not properly dried that mold can grow.   Clean water elevates to category 2 if left after 24-48 hours. 
2. Gray Water Damage (Category 2)is usually caused by water coming from a water-appliance such as a washing machine. Gray water will have chemicals such as soap that will have to be treated during the cleanup process.  Toilet overflows containing only urine are considered gray water.   Gray water elevates to category 3 if left after 24-48 hours. 
3. Black Water Damage (Category 3) is the most hazardous and expensive type of water damage. It is usually caused by a sewer backup.  This type of water damage contains harmful bacteria and chemicals that are unsafe to your health. 

No matter what category of water damage is present in your home, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County has the trained professionals and the right equipment to quickly take care of the problem.  Call us at (860)887-0447

4 Myths Uncovered About Water Damage

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Jong Marshes via Upsplash

Do you have water in your home?  Don't fall victim to these four common myths about water.  

The Water Will Just Go Away

If there is a flood in your house the water will just dry itself out. Water can hide in your walls and underneath your flooring. Many times if the area is not totally dried out you can risk the chance of mold growth.   

It Won’t Smell

If water gets in your floors and walls and is not properly removed, mold will grow. That musky odor coming from the previously wet area is mold. Water damaged areas will smell if not completely dried out and treated properly. Mold doesn’t only smell bad, it can also be dangerous to your health.

It Can Wait and It’s Not a Big Deal

There is a short window between water damage and mold growth. The longer you wait the harder and more extensive cleanup can be. Your possessions and your house are damaged each second the water sits on the surface of your items. 

If I Can’t See Water It’s Not There

Water can be hiding in your walls, floors, or ceiling after a flood. Many times water is unseen and hiding in places that you cannot clean or get to. For instance, if you have a hot water heater leak water can be in your sheetrock or in your ceiling. Sewer leaks can be even more dangerous. Sewage can hold many hidden dangers that can cause you and your family to get sick.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County will give you the peace of mind that your water damage has been taken care of quickly and professionally.   Call us right away at (860) 887-0447.

When Trees Fall

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Here in Connecticut we've already seen some bad damage from fall storms, and winter is coming.  No matter the season, any storm can cause trees to go down onto electrical lines, block roads or even fall on your car or home.  If this happens please remember:

Safety First

Evacuate your home and get to a safe location, then call 911.  If you are unable to evacuate your home or if your in doubt about electrical or structural stability, call 911 immediately for help.  

Protect Your Home

Parts of your roof and interior may be exposed when a tree falls.  After everyone is safe take the necessary steps to prevent further rain, wind, temperature or theft damage to your home.  Secure your valuables, cover anything that could be damaged with tarps, lock your doors and make sure to stay away from the area until it is safe from falling debris, electrical hazards or unstable flooring.  

Call Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company of the situation so you can begin restoring the damage as soon as possible and using the proper procedure in accordance with your specific policy.  

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County Is Here to Help! 

We offer full service for any water damage to the home.  Once your safe call us at (860-887-0447 and we will be on site to help.  

Is Something Burning?

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Matthew McBrayer via Upsplash

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12^th.    We will be featuring a blog post each day this week to remind our customers of ways to prevent fires in their homes. 

Kitchen Fires

While we all can’t be gourmet chefs in the kitchen, even a fire star rated chef can have mishaps in the kitchen.  Did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries?  We have some tips to safely cook in your kitchen

• The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.  Never leave something that is boiling, frying, grilling or broiling unattended. 
• When baking or roasting food, check on it regularly and use a timer to remind yourself that you are cooking
• Keep anything that can catch fire- oven mitts, towels, curtains, food packaging or wooden utensils away from the stove top.

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire

• Smother the flame by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed
• Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.  Kitchen fires can get out of control quickly. 

In case of fire in your home, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is always ready 24/7.  Let us help you get your home back to “Like it never even happened."

Home Heating Safety

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Hayden Scott via Upsplash

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12^th.    We will be featuring a blog post each day this week to remind our customers of ways to prevent fires in their homes. 

Home Heating Safety

It’s already starting to get chilly in Connecticut; soon we will all have our heat on to get us through the winter.  The National Fire Protection Association reports that half of the home heating fires happen in December, January and February.  Here are some tips for safely heating your home

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, which includes the furnace, wood stove, and portable space heaters
• Never use your oven to heat your home
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by qualified professionals
• Remember to turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed
• Keep a three foot “kid free zone” around open fires and space heaters.  Never leave children unsupervised in these areas.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
• When removing ashes from a fire place, wait until they are cool before putting them in a metal container a safe distance away from the home.   

In case of fire in your home, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is always ready 24/7.  Let us help you get your home back to “Like it never even happened."

Smoke Detectors

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Try to place detectors ten feet from the stove to prevent false alarms from the heat.

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12^th.    We will be featuring a blog post each day this week to remind our customers of ways to prevent fires in their homes. 

Smoke Detectors

You have your escape plan ready to go.  Are your smoke detectors working properly?  Follow this list of tips to make sure everyone in your home is alerted to a fire emergency. 

• Install smoke detectors in every bedroom.  They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level including the basement
• It is best to use interconnected alarms, that way when one goes off, they all go off
• Test all smoke detectors at least once a month
• Smoke detectors should be on the ceiling or high on a wall
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms.  These detectors  have strobe lights and bed shakers
• Replace all smoke detectors when they are 10 years old
• Take advantage of smoke detectors that are multi-sensing and can alert for carbon monoxide levels as well.  

 In case of fire in your home, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is always ready 24/7.  Let us help you get your home back to “Like it never even happened."

What are the leading causes of home fires?

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Daniel Tausis via Upsplash

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12^th.    We will be featuring a blog post each day this week to remind our customers of ways to prevent fires in their homes. 

 According to the National Fire Protection Agency  the are five leading causes of fire in the home. Can you guess what they are?

Cooking

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires.  The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is leaving cooking unattended. 

Heating

Heating equipment is a leading cause of fires in Homes.  According to the National Fire Protection Agency, from 2012-2016 there was an estimated average of 52,050 fires involving heating equipment each year

Smoking

Smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes and cigars started 17,200 of the reported fires in homes in 2014 according to the National Fire Protection Agency. 

Electrical

Aging electrical systems in older homes can be a source of arc faults, either through normal wear and tear or because the systems cannot accommodate the greater demands of modern appliances. Circuits can also be overloaded by providing electricity to too many appliances, often through power cords.

 Candles

Candles enhance our homes, but remember they are an open flame that can easily ignite anything that can burn

In case of fire in your home, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is always ready 24/7.  Let us help you get your home back to “Like it never even happened."

Plan Your Escape!

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Kev Soto via Upsplash

Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12^th.    We will be featuring a blog post each day this week to remind our customers of ways to prevent fires in their homes and safety tips

Escape Plans

•  If a fire breaks out, does your family know how to get out the quickest way?  Make an escape plan so everyone knows what to do and where to do in case of a fire.  Follow these tips for Escape Planning
• Make a plan!  Draw a map of your home showing the locations of doors and windows. 
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible.  Make sure all doors and windows leading outside can be opened easily.  You need every second during an emergency.
• Have an outside meeting place (like the mailbox, a tree or light pole) that is a safe distance from the home where everyone can meet. 
• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day at least twice a year. Make sure you practice both ways out. 
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t get to them.
• Close doors behind you as you leave.  This can help the fire from spreading. 

 If the alarm goes off

• Get out and stay out.  Never go back in for people or pets
• If you have to escape through smoke, Get Low and Go under the smoke to your way out
• Call the fire department from outside your home. 

In case of fire in your home, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is always ready 24/7.  Let us help you get your home back to “Like it never even happened."

IS YOUR BUSINESS READY???

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

Get your free ERP today. You can have your specialized emergency plan right at your finger tips with the ERP mobile App!

Natural disasters can cripple your business.  However, even more threatening and common are fires, floods, and other catastrophes that can occur regardless of  your location  No amount of money spent can prevent site-wide and natural disasters from occurring; the only recourse for businesses affected by these calamities is to get back up and running as soon as possible after they happen.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Readiness Profile for your business you will have a plan of action that can be ready to go with a hit of a button.  The faster mitigation begins, the faster your business will be up and running again. 

SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County can provide

• A no cost assessment of your building/facility
• A concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
• Facility details such as shut off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

To get an emergency readiness plan for your business today, call SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County today at (860) 887-0447

We Love Our Community!

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

John O'Sullivan III and Tyler Hanes

On Friday July 19^th, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County participated in the 20^th annual Bozrah Volunteer Fire Company Golf Tournament. The golf tournament is held every year to raise funds for building/equipment maintenance and equipment upgrades.  The funds raised from the 2019 tournament will go towards renovating their social hall and to make the Bozrah Volunteer Fire Department building more energy efficient. 

The Bozrah Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1950, when First Selectman Lawrence Gilman purchased a 1927 Mack Bulldog Fire Truck.  They have grown steadily though the years to become an asset to the Bozrah community. In 2018 the Bozrah Volunteer Fire department answered 398 calls for help.  We appreciate their commitment to our home town and were happy to participate in their fundraising efforts! 

Safety First on the Fourth!

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

While celebrating the 4th Of July SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County wants to remind you that safety comes 1st on the 4th!  Fireworks account for thousands of injuries every year.  Please keep the following safety tips in mind.

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks

Happy 4^th of July from SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County! 

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County Wins 2019 Norwich Bulletin Readers Choice Award

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Every year our local newspaper, The Norwich Bulletin, holds the Readers Choice Awards.

Business are not selected by The Bulletin, all business must be nominated before the voting begins. Thank you so much to all who nominated us, we were on the list to vote. Voting took place over the course of a month and on June 6th, the winners were announced.... and... SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County won the Readers Choice Award for Best Cleaning Company for the second year in a row.

Thank you all for your nominations and your votes! We are truly grateful and will continue to serve our local area in the most professional, honest and caring way!  We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to our customers and community.  

The 2019 SERVPRO Racing Season Has Begun!

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

Johnny O'Sullivan in the #51 SK Light Modified.

This year's racing season is starting and SERVPRO's own Johnny O'Sullivan is off to a great start.

John was recently interviewed at the Thompson Speedway in Thompson, CT about his start from Legends to now also racing an SK Light Modified car.

"

“The learning curve was really about learning the space you have on the track where you have to be a lot more cautious with such a bigger car,” O’Sullivan said. “It was easier to drive by itself but tougher to race. I love the Modifieds and I love the Legends Cars. Both are great divisions and both have great people.”

Even before that, there was a much larger learning curve for O’Sullivan when he started in the Legends Cars with absolutely no experience behind the wheel. His team didn’t even have a reliable set of tools to carry to the track when they decided to begin the effort.

“It was definitely tough in the beginning, we had to buy the car, the trailer, everything,” O’Sullivan said. “Then, we had to actually go out there and figure out what we were doing… even driving the car. It was a huge learning curve the first couple of years. We had help with the Churchill family, and they are still a big help today. We found some success, and last year, we had a huge amount of success.”

>>Read the full article here!<<

Come out this season and cheer on John and the #51 SK Light Modified this season and see how much faster Johnny O really is the any size disaster!

See you at the races!

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County Nominated for 2019 Readers Choice Awards

4/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is honored and grateful to be nominated for The Norwich Bulletin's 2019 Reader's Choice New London County Awards.

Thank you so much! We work hard to help our local area with fire and water damage and mold remediation. Whether it is your home or business, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County has the equipment, trained staff and experience to make it “Like it never even happened.”

You can VOTE FOR US NOW up to once a day until April 21st. Here is a link below to take you to the voting page.

http://contests.norwichbulletin.com/Readers-Choice-Awards-New-London-County-2/gallery/?group=308991&fbclid=IwAR3fzOCEOnOxW-vni2FwJbh95kzDH_WGlbvxx5RKdTHhXIWfff6alKyhl3E

We thank you so much for your support and trust in taking care of your homes and businesses in Norwich & Windham County!

The SERVPRO of Norwich & Windham Country Prepares for the 2019 Racing Season

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Johnny O'Sullivan Legend Race Car #51

Our own Johnny O'Sullivan from SERVPRO of Norwich & Windham County is gearing up for the 2019 race season, with some great new things to keep a watch on!  He will be racing at Thompson Speedway in Connecticut and various other tracks in New England.  He will also be competing in the SK Lite division at Thompson Speedway as well.  

John is one of the Northeast’s top young Legend Car drivers will expand beyond his Connecticut roots in 2019 with the Bullring Bash Quarter Mile Challenge. Salem, CT’s John O’Sullivan has sent in his entry for the Bullring Bash MSD Legends and plans to run each of the three $1,500-to-win all-star events.

Read the Bullring Bash Full Article Here!

Keep Your Lights Bright and Your Home Safe this Holiday Season

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family, friends, share a wonderful meal together and is often when many people put up their Christmas lights and tree. Something about lights makes the season seem to twinkle just a little bit more.

Did you know that every year 150 home fires start with holiday lights and other decorative lighting and another 260 home fires begin with Christmas trees, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

So, before you get out the ladder and start stringing up your own holiday lights, here are some helpful tips to keep your holiday twinkle from turning into a holiday disaster.

Check the label on your lights to make sure they have been safety tested and approved from an OSHA-certified laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and are appropriate for your intended use outside or inside.

When hanging your lights, use caution on ladders, stay clear of power lines and do not drive nails, staples or tacks through the wiring insulation.

Check previously used lights and extension cords for fraying, broken bulbs, loose connections or any other kind of damage.

Do not overload extension cords or circuits and make sure your outdoor lights are plugged into a GFCI grounding outlet.

Always unplug your lights when you are not home and considering putting your lights on a timer so you don’t forget.

We hope these tips help to keep your holiday safe and bright!

5 Ways to Prepare Your Business for Winter

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

Snow is just around the corner and here in New England an early snow storm can catch even the most prepared off guard. With just a little amount of time and preparation, you can be prepared easily and enjoy the dropping temperature and falling snow.

1. Inspect your roof and remove any leaves or debris that could potentially cause an ice dam, damage to your roof or water damage.
2. Make sure your windows are sealed, use window coverings and weatherstripping for drafty areas around windows and doors. Also make sure that pipes in unheated spaces are properly insulated to prevent a pipe from freezing and busting which can cause significant water damage.
3. Change your filters regularly so the air in your business stays clean and your systems are running efficiently
4. Stock up on ice melt, sand and shovels to prevent any accidental slips and falls for your customers, you and your employees
5. Lastly, make sure your business insurance is up to date and you have the proper coverage for your business. If you don’t have insurance now is a good time to invest in coverage and help to prevent lost income.

Whether you love winter or can't wait until it's over, this few tips can help save you and your business from the winter blues!

Prevent Ice Dams Now

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Although it is a bit early for ice dams to be forming on your roof, now is the time to prevent ice dams from happening and leaving you and your family out in the cold!

What is an ice dam?
An ice dam is chunks of ice that form at the edge of your roof and prevents the melting snow from draining off your roof.

How do ice dams form?
Ice dams form when there is snow on the roof. Your roof temperature is not always even. When the higher parts of the roof are above 32ºF and the lower parts of your roof are below 32ºF and the temperature outside is also below 32ºF over a period of time the water from the top flows down and then freezes at the colder part, the lower part of your roof, and forms a dam. The longer these conditions continue, the larger the dam can form. This dam then blocks the rest of the snow that is melting from draining off the roof.

What damage can an ice dam cause?
The water that has backed up needs to go somewhere. When this water is trapped, it can leak into walls, attics, ceilings, insulation and other areas. This water unnoticed or not taken care of can leak to mold in your home causing allergy, respiratory and other health problems.

How can I best prevent an ice dam from forming?

1. For immediate action, clear the snow from your roof by using a roof rake or hiring a professional
2. Clear your gutters from leaves and debris during the fall, before the colder temperature start to set in.
3. Roof ventilation can help keep the temperature of your roof more uniform. Ridge and soffit vents can help with this
4. Make sure your attic is sealed and insulated
5. Make sure that your ducts for the kitchen, bathroom or laundry are sealed, insulated and lead outside through the roof, walls and never though the soffit.
6. Install steel flashing around chimneys
7. Use a fire-stop sealant to caulk and seal electrical cable and vent pipes

Fall is the best time to take preventative action now to preventing ice dams from forming and causing damage to your home this winter.

Should an ice dam form on your home this winter and cause water damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County has the equipment and professionally trained team to clean up the damage and make it “Like it never even happened.®”

How to Spot Mold In Your Home

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is classified as a fungus and can grow in all different types of places in your home. The important thing is to know what to look out for and what to do about it.

The most common places you might see mold is on your food, especially breads, cheeses and other items that are in your pantry or refrigerator. If you see any food with mold on it, dispose of it immediately. This is the easiest mold to take care of.

Mold that is on the inside or outside of your home can be much more serious and sometimes you do not even know how long the mold has been growing.

Mold can grow inside and outside your home, car, shed, deck or basement. Mold tends to thrive in damp and dark environments where temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When mold goes unnoticed and widespread it is very difficult for a homeowner to properly and safely eliminate and remove the mold completely.

The effect of mold on you and your family’s health can be highly toxic and have long term health effects. For this reason it is important to quickly eliminate the mold in your home. The most harmful molds fall into three categories:

• Allergenic - molds that cause allergies, allergic reactions and asthma
• Pathogenic - molds that can cause health problems
• Toxigenic - molds that produce toxic substances that can lead to severe or deadly health conditions, these are known as toxic molds.

The most common places in your home where mold can thrive is: bathrooms, basements, roofs, window seals, attics and kitchens. Check often for the growth of mold, especially during the hot and humid months. If you spot mold, call one of our professionals to do a mold inspection. SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County has the proper equipment and trained professionals to identify and eliminate the mold growing in your home and make your space safe again.

Keep you and your family safe buy keeping watch for mold and taking the proper measure to eliminate and remove the mold in your home.

SERVPRO of Norwich & Windham County Helps Victims of Hurricane Michael

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

On October 10, 2018 Hurricane Michael made landfall as a high-end Category 4 hurricane in Mexico Beach, Florida.

Hurricane Michael was the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane to make landfall in the contiguous United Sates. This hurricane was the strongest storm in terms of maximum sustained wind speed in the United States since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Additionally, Hurricane Michael was the strongest storm on record in the Florida Panhandle and in terms of wind speed, is the fourth-strongest landfalling hurricane.

Hurricane Michael was a massive storm causing catastrophic damage to life and property. 

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County wanted to help the people impacted by the storm and is proud to be in the Panama City, Florida area to help the residents in the restoration process. We have several storm crews that have traveled and are working diligently to help the hurricane victims rebuild and make it “Like it never even happened®”.

How can you help?
There is much need in the areas affected by the storm, you can help in your own local community by donating to local food, clothing and supplies to drop off points.

The victims of this massive hurricane will be in our thoughts and prayers for a swift recovery.

When Trees Fall

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

No matter the season, any storm can stir up strong winds powerful enough to topple down electrical lines, block roads or even fall on your car or home.

Safety First

Evacuate your home and get you and your family to a safe location and call 911. If you are unable to evacuate your or in doubt of electrical or structural stability, call 911 immediately for help.

Be cautious of any downed wires and debris while evacuating your home that the tree may have also taken during its fall.

Call Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company of the situation so you can begin restoring the damage as soon as possible and using the proper procedure in accordance with your specific policy.

Protect Your Home

Parts of your roof and interior may be exposed when a tree falls. After everyone is safe take the necessary steps to prevent further rain, wind, temperature and theft damage. Secure your valuables, cover anything that could be damaged with tarps or other weather-resistant materials, lock your doors and make sure to stay away from the area until it is safe from falling debris, electrical hazards or unstable flooring.

Tree Removal and Damage Restoration

Call a professional and insured tree removal company to clean up the damage and for tree removal and disposal.

Begin the process of repairing your home and the damage. SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County offers full service for any water damage to the home and can manage the home restoration as well, making the fallen tree, "Like it never even happened®".

Preparing Your Home for Fall Weather

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Photo by Craig Tidball on Unsplash

It's that time of year when the leaves are creating their beautiful color display across New England and are rapidly falling to the ground in preparation for winter. Here at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County we are also preparing for the Fall season, although we have no colorful leaves to offer, we do have some tips to help prepare your home for the Fall weather ahead.

YOUR YARD

While we cannot prevent the leaves from falling on your roof, patio, lawn, walkways and driveway, here are a few things you can do to keep your home safe.

1. Clean out your gutters before too much piles up and clogs your gutters causing a potential ice dam during the winter months.
2. Raking isn't fun, but keeping your walkways, patio, driveway and yard clear of leaves will keep everyone safe, especially wet leaves which can easily cause a fall.
3. Consider planting a colder-weather garden in the ground now and clean up any plants that have overgrown during the hot summer months.

YOUR HOME

1. Now is the perfect time to inspect and service your furnace, hot water heater and any duct work before you need them. Replace any filters and make sure that all connections are tight. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, now is a great time to get your flu serviced before the temperatures dip too low

2. Daylight is getting shorter, so check and replace the burned out light bulbs on the inside and outside of your house.

3. Go around your house and check to make sure all your windows are properly shut so no heat is escaping and your home is staying warm and energy efficient.

PREPARE

1. Stock up now on sand, ice melt, shovels and anything else you might need once the temperatures get below freezing and the snow starts flying and those items start flying off the shelves!

ENJOY

For many of us, Fall is their favorite time of year. So, visit an apple orchard, carve a pumpkin, decorate with some mums and enjoy everything pumpkin spice, after all it only comes around once a year, so don't miss it!

The Start of a Great Race Season!

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Johnny O with his first win on May 30th

Every year SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County sponsors our own Johnny O in the #51 Legend car and the SK Lite Modified race cars. The season started out rainy, but is now if full swing.

Wednesday we race the Legend car and so far, the #51 has had a good season. John is in 3rd overall in the season points standings. He has been in the top 5 twice, the top 10 four times and has his first win of the season on May 30th!

Saturdays are for the SK Lite Modifieds. John is also in 3rd in the overall season standings. He has been in the top 5 two times and in the top 10 three times.

There is a lot of racing yet to come and we are hoping for more wins and a great race season. If you are in the area, come on down to the Waterford Speedbowl on Wednesdays and Saturdays to cheer on our own Johnny O in the #51!

10 Fast & Easy Spring Cleaning Tips

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Have your cleaning supplies ready!

Spring is here and in New England it is more than welcome after a cold and snowy winter!

Spring weather means spring cleaning! We all want to enjoy the outdoors, so here are a few tips to help get you enjoy both the outdoors and the indoors.

1. Make a schedule and tackle a room a week or if you are ambitious, a room a day!
2. Make sure you have the supplies you need so there is no reason to procrastinate.
3. Have a donate and trash bag ready as you are cleaning so you can immediately dump the trash and put your donations in the car.
4. Use a HEPA filter vacuum to help get rid of even more impurities and allergens in the air.
5. Get green and save money by mixing your own cleaning supplies. A quick search online with give you tons of easy recipes with items you already have in your home.
6. Use old socks as dust rags, wrap a towel around your broom for hard to reach spaces and use newspaper to clean windows and mirrors and try using a wet dryer sheet to clean your ceramic stove tops.
7. Now is a good time to wash all your bedding while you change out to lighter sheets and comforters.
8. Assign each member of the house a different task so you can divide and conqueor your spring cleaning even faster!
9. Make sure to clean your sofas and carpets after lots of winter show binging!
10. Open the windows, put on some music and have fun!

Have some carpets or furniture that got some extra love this winter? Call SERVPRO of Norwich & Windham County to get all the dirt and grime out! We make it "Like it never even happened."

BNI

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Quiet Corner BNI Visitors Day, May 2, 2018

If you are local business owner looking to grow your business and would like to join our networking group, we are having a Visitor's Day on May 2nd from 7:30am - 9am.

SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham county is represented in the cleaning category.

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards.

SERVPRO of Norwich & Windham County Wins Norwich Bulletin Reader's Choice Award

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

Each Year our local newspaper holds a Reader's Choice Award for local businesses. In previous years, The Bulletin chose the contestants and readers voted for the winners.

This year The Bulletin shook things up a bit and each contestant had to be nominated. Once the nominations for tallied up, the contestants were announced. People from all across Norwich and Windham Country voted online for their favorites in all different kinds of categories.

We are proud to announce that The Bulletin Reader's Choice Award for Best Cleaning Company of 2018 was SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County! 

Thank you all for nominating and voting for SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County in The 2018 Norwich Bulletin's Reader's Choice Awards this year!

Click here http://bit.ly/2J7UjeJ to see the full voting results and look for us under Businesses > Cleaning Company.

Thank you again for all of your support!

Willimantic Waste Paper Co. Smoke, Soot & Smell

1/31/2018 (Permalink)

Fire officials work a fire Sunday at a Willimantic Waste Paper Co. Inc. building adjacent to General Cable. (Mark Mirko / Hartford Courant)

The massive fire at Willimantic Waste Paper Co. this weekend resulted in a total loss, but fortunately no one was injured. Fourteen fire companies banned together to help get the massive fire under control. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal praised the quick response and said it serves as a model to the country.

The fire left a 100,000 square foot shell remaining behind. There is still much cleanup and the surrounding areas are seeing damage from the fire as well and will take quite some time.

The cause of the fire has been ruled undetermined due to the extensive heat and fire. For now there is no indication of foul play.

If your home or business is near The Willimantic Waste plant and you have smoke, soot or odor from the fire, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County can help clean up the mess and remove the odor and the damages may be covered under your homeowners insurance policy.

Click here to learn more about the fire.

SERVPRO Racing has a Great Season!

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a proud sponsor of Johnny O's #51 Legend and SK Lite Modified car!

Two divisions, two great seasons for O’Sullivan

There’s one word that describes John O’Sullivan’s 2017 season at New London-Waterford Speedbowl — improvement.

Here’s how much he improved. O’Sullivan finished second in the Saturday Legends division by just 24 points to Kyle Rogers.

In the SK Lights, O’Sullivan was third in the standings, finishing 50 points behind champ Dana DiMatteo. O’Sullivan and Keith Rocco were the only two Speedbowl drivers to finish in the Top 3 in two separate divisions.

O’Sullivan was more than just a versatile driver — he was a successful one.

“I would say we went into last season with a good car in both divisions,” O’Sullivan said. “I had a good crew and we were shooting for the best every week. If I wasn’t out in front, it’s because I was in the wall.”

At one point during the season, O’Sullivan had the point lead in both divisions.

He was especially hot in the Legends. He grabbed two quick wins on Wednesday, and then grabbed his first ever win on Saturday.

Read the full article here

Hurricane Season is here in Eastern Connecticut!

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is here and we here at SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County want to make sure that you are ready if a hurricane's course heads towards eastern Connecticut. We have be hit hard in the past and have some tips and information to help you stay safe before and after a storm.

Whether it’s a hurricane or tropical storm, the effects can be catastrophic.

What’s the difference between hurricanes and tropical storms?

A tropical storm has sustained winds of 39-73 mph, a hurricane has sustained winds over 73 mph. In addition to wind damage, flooding and water damage, whether a hurricane or tropical storm can cause significant damage to people and property.

Before a storm approaches here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Have an evacuation plan in place and evacuate if necessary
• Put up plywood to board up windows or use hurricane shutters
• Bring in any outdoor items that may be damaged or picked up from the wind
• Have a tub of water full
• Get a full tank of gas in your vehicle
• Have your phone fully charged and have a portable charger
• Have extra cash on hand
• Have your important documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policy information, social security cards, etc. in a waterproof container and easy place to grab in a hurry

Some additional supplies to have on hand include:

• Bottled water
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlights
• Week supply of vitamins and/or medications
• Pet supplies
• Wet wipes
• Duct tape
• Tarp
• Multipurpose tool
• Rain gear

After a storm hits:

• Listen to the new and radio for updates
• Stay off of the roads and drive only if necessary
• Stay away from water where live wires or electricity could be present
• Do not drink water that may be contaminated
• Inspect your home for any damage, take pictures for insurance purposes
• Do not use candles if you lose electricity, use flashlights
• Check your fridge for spoiled food

Stay safe this hurricane season and if you experience any damage please contact us at SERVPRO and Norwich and Windham County, where we are ‘Faster to any size disaster’.

We are here for you and any restoration needs and can help with cleanup, restoration and work with your insurance.

Summer Mold Prevention in Norwich / Windham County

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

The summer heat and humidity is here in eastern Connecticut and no one wants mold to creep in their homes. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind to keep the mold out:

1. Keep your home clean
   Mold likes moisture, so make sure your surfaces are clean and dry.
2. Keep the humidity under control
   Running fans, air conditioners and a dehumidifier can keep your home free from mold and keep you comfortable when the heat and humidity are high
3. Keep the air moving
   Circulating the air in your room can help to prevent mold from growing, especially when using the shower, stove and other appliances
4. Keep an eye out for condensation
   Look in areas for condensation and clean immediately to stop mold before it starts
5. Take care of any leaks
   Leaks create moisture and mold loves moisture, so repair any leaks you find right away

Mold tends to grow in hard to see places, particulariy inside walls and under carpets or flooring. If you notice a musty smell in your home, chances are you have mold somewhere. If you do happen to smell a musty odor, spot some mold starting to grow or have mold already, call us at SERVPRO Norwich / Winham County for all of your mold remediation needs. We are here to help 24/7!

SUMMER FIRE PREVENTION: PART 2 - AT HOME

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

Be prepared for fire hazards in and around your home. Here are some things to keep in mind from SERVPRO Norwich / Windham County that can start a fire and impact you, your family and your property.

Clothes Dryers

Clothes dryers are a leading cause of issues in the home and most often result from lack of cleaning.

• Don’t use a dryer that doesn’t have a lint protector.
• Clean out lint and don’t let it build up.
• Have your dryer serviced and installed by a professional.

Gas Grills

• Remove anything hanging above the grill
• Keep grill a safe distance from trees, buildings, and anything that may burn.
• Clean grill frequently to stop grease buildup which can cause a fire.
• Keep grills away from homes and decks.
• Make sure the hose connection is tight and check the hoses for leaks.
• If the grill does not light immediately, wait at least 15 minutes for the propane to dissipate.
• When your finished turn off the grill and fuel cylinder.
• Keep clothing away from the surface while grilling.

Charcoal Grills

• In charcoal grills don’t add fluid after the coals are lit, and once the coals are cooled they should be placed in metal container with tight lid.

Fire Pit

• Keep fire manageable.
• Make sure fire is 10 feet away from any structure or combustible surface (plants, overhanging trees, buildings, furniture, et cetera).
• Be aware of the weather forecast.
• Always have a way to put out a fire (water, bucket of sand, fire blanket).
• Clean the area surrounding the fire pit.
• Keep a close eye on children if they are near the fire pit.

Around Your Home

• Remove billowy curtains or look for different insulating options.
• Store flammable products in a safe place, like an outdoor shed.
• Stack firewood away from the house in an uphill direction.

Have a Plan

• Have two escape routes out of your home.
• Have an evacuation plan with a meeting location if your family gets separated.
• Have personal identification, insurance documents and medication in known location that can be moved in the event of an emergency.
• Place valuables in a fire and waterproof box in a place for easy and quick access.

Stop, Drop and Roll

We all remember sitting through a childhood safety class and hearing the popular adage, “stop,drop, and roll” in the event of a fire situation. Keep this memorable phrase in mind if you or your loved ones are ever in harm’s way.

In the event the unexpected should happen, be sure to call SERVPRO Norwich / Windham County at (860) 887-0447. We offer 24/7 emergency service and will help you with all your fire and water damage restoration... "Like it never even happened."

SUMMER FIRE PREVENTION: PART 1 - THE OUTDOORS

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

With the official start of summer only days away we at SERVPRO of Norwich / Windham County would like to review some important outdoor safety tips.

Wildfires

Watch the weather for conditions that are optimal for wildfires:

• Low temperatures
• High winds
• Extremely dry spells

Fireworks

Carelessness and misuse of fireworks can lead to serious injury, so following these helpful tips to stay safe when handling fireworks.

• Check for any fireworks are bans in your area.
• Never point fireworks at people or, in the direction of structures and things that may easily catch fire.
• Abide by all local rules and regulations.
• Properly dispose of fireworks and flammable materials.

Fire pits and Campfires

A fire pit or campfire embers can travel one mile from the source of the main fire to land on roofs, decks, dry grass/leaves or in homes through any opening.

• Abide by rules in the area by paying attention to fire bans, limits, times and other regulations.
• Don’t build fires near dry leaves or overhanging tree branches
• Surround your fire with rocks.
• Keep lighter fluid and other flammable materials away.
• Be careful with how much lighter fluid you use.
• Keep fire away from tents and property and make sure it’s downwind.
• Never leave a fire unattended,
• Always put out a fire completely before you leave.

If a fire does impact you and your family call SERVPRO Norwich / Windham County at (860) 887 - 0447 for all of your fire restoration needs.

Norwich / Windham County helps with flooded basements!

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

Eastern Connecticut has seen a lot of rain this month. Our total rainfall for the Month of May officially recorded at Bradly International airport is 3.98 inches.

All of this rain can possibly cause your basement to flood. While the flooding of a basement can occur at any time, most often flooding occurs during heavy rain or snow that is rapidly melting. Here are a few other causes of basement flooding:

• A sloping lot where water flow is toward the home
• A foundation where cracks have developed allowing water to seep in
• Issues with pipes
• A sump pump that has failed
• Sewer backup

If all the rain has not only be growing your May flowers, but also invading your basement, then call us at SERVPRO of Norwich / Windham County. We are trained water restoration professionals and are available 24 hors a day, 7 days a week to handle your flooding situation correctly.

Have you experienced any flooding?
Call us today - SERVPRO of Norwich / Windham County to help (860) 887-0447