Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
How to Prevent Water Damage in Branford, CT
7/21/2022 (Permalink)
As your local water damage restoration company in Branford, CT, we're ready to make any size disaster "Like it never even happened."
There are numerous ways that your home or business may sustain water damage in Branford, CT. With the average home water damage insurance claim costing about $6,965, it’s important to understand how to prevent water damage in order to save yourself both time and money.
Here, we will review how to identify water damage, as well as 7 ways to prevent it in your home or business.
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Signs of Water Damage
- Water stains
- Dark or wet spots
- Paint damage
- Mold growth
- Loose or damaged shingles on roof
- Soft or sagging spots on floor
- Musty odor
7 Ways to Prevent Water Damage in Branford, CT
1. Inspect Your Appliances
Appliances, such as hot water heaters, refrigerators, and AC units, can often leak and cause water damage in your home. However, regular inspections can help you identify when repairs or replacements are needed before issues begin.
2. Keep Gutters Clear
Your gutters are responsible for directing water from your roof and away from your foundation. However, they can often become clogged with twigs, leaves, and other debris, causing water to seep through the roof and walls of your home.
Cleaning your gutters at least twice per year allows water to flow freely away from your property.
3. Inspect Your Roof
There are several things that can damage your roof, such as aging shingles and heavy storms. Completing roof inspections yearly, as well as after large storm events, helps to detect roof damage early to allow for completion of any needed repairs or replacements.
Proper roof inspections involve examining both exterior signs of roof damage, like damaged or loose shingles, and interior signs, such as water stains and mold.
4. Waterproof Your Basement
Flooded basements are particularly common, with about 98 percent of basements experiencing flooding or water damage at some point in their lifetime. That means it’s especially important to prevent water damage in your basement.
Waterproofing your basement is an effective way to protect your basement from flooding or water damage. Basement waterproofing involves filling cracks, sealing interior walls with waterproof paint, and taking steps to direct water away from your foundation.
Installing sump pumps or floor drains also helps to pump excess water out of your basement and away from your property.
5. Don’t Let Pipes Freeze
Burst pipes are common during colder months because of water freezing inside pipes.
A few, simple ways to prevent frozen pipes are by insulating exposed pipes, keeping faucets running, and maintaining an indoor temperature of at least 55 degrees.
6. Consider a Water Leak Detection Device
Installing a water leak detection device is an easy, affordable way to catch leaks early and prevent water damages from worsening.
Leak detection devices are WiFi-enabled sensors that monitor leaks from appliances and pipes, and even send alerts straight to your phone.
7. Locate the Main Water Supply Valve
It’s crucial to be able to quickly identify where your main water supply valve is located.
Being able to immediately locate and turn off your water valve allows you to stop water from continuing to leak or spread after you discover a burst pipe or leaking appliance.
Need Water Damage Restoration in Branford, CT?
Advanced Moisture Detection Technology
FREE Cleanup Estimates
When you have water damage in Branford, CT, you want a professional water damage restoration service to properly restore your home or business.
With over 15 years of experience in water damage restoration near Branford and the surrounding areas, you can trust SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline to handle any size water damage repair. Our IICRC Certified restoration professionals have all of the training and resources needed to respond with expert cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As your local water damage restoration company in Branford, CT, we will guide you throughout the entire restoration project. Our team will even directly communicate with your insurance company to submit all required paperwork, photos, estimates, and more.
When you need water damage restoration near Branford, SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is ready to make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”
Get 24/7 Assistance With Water Damage Restoration in Branford, CT - 800-734-3213
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline Supports Connecticut Children’s This Holiday
12/28/2021 (Permalink)
Thank you to everyone who donated to make this years holiday drive such a success!
Every year, SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline chooses a local non-profit or organization to support with a holiday donation drive. This year, our team chose Connecticut Children’s for our annual donation drive!
About Connecticut Children’s
Connecticut Children’s works with kids in the community to improve their physical and emotional health through family centered care, research, education, and advocacy. Just last over, over 117,000 children were cared for at Connecticut Children’s. The hospital is consistently ranked one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report.
The Connecticut Children’s Foundation raises funds to support the greatest needs of the hospital and its patients - no patient is denied care whether or not their family has the ability to pay. Donations are also essential to fund the hospital’s advanced research.
Advanced research and resources allows the hospital to help children like Chloe, age 2:
“But the specialist decided to do a more thorough ultrasound exam since she was there, and found that Lianne had a rare condition called vasa previa. The blood vessels that should be in the umbilical cord instead had formed outside it, across the cervical opening. If this condition goes undetected, then, during delivery, when the amniotic sac ruptures, the vessels also rupture, often leading to the baby being stillborn. It can even lead to the mother’s death.”
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline’s Donation Drive
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline hosted a donation drive to support the children and families currently staying at the Children’s hospital this holiday season.
Items that were accepted included:
- Fleece Blankets
- Stuffed Animals
- Card Games (Uno, Monopoly Deal, Sushi Go, Phase 10, etc.)
- Playdoh (multi-packs and kits)
- Superhero Action Figures
- Barbies
- Infant toys
- Animal/Character Figurines (dinosaurs, farm animals, etc.)
- LEGOS (small kits)
- Coloring books (including teen coloring books) and Sticker By Numbers
- Matchbox Cars
- Sleep Sacks
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline also collected monetary donations for Connecticut Children’s to help reach their goals of research, care and advocacy, hitting $500 in donations on top of the $1,000+ value of all our toy donations!
SERVPRO Handles The Insurance Process For Our Customers
10/12/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline works with all insurance companies and works hard to make the process simple and stress-free.
When your home in East Haven, Guilford, or Branford CT is damaged by flooding, water leaks, or a fire, the insurance process can be confusing and overwhelming. If you’ve never gone through the insurance process after damage to your property, it can be even more confusing.
To help make a stressful time a bit less confusing, SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline can handle and guide our customers through the entire insurance process.
Call Our Office 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213
How SERVPRO Helps With The Insurance Process
We work hard to make sure that you are always put first and that your experience with us is as stress free as possible. One of the distinct benefits of working with SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is that many members of our team have extensive backgrounds in the insurance industry, giving us a unique ability to help you through every step of the way of this process.
Help Filing Your Claim
If you’re unsure on how to proceed with filing your claim or you’ve never filed one before, a Project Manager can guide throughout the process while on-site. If you’re unsure if your damages will be covered by your insurance company, our Project Manager can also help you determine your policy coverage.
Direct Communication With Your Insurance Company
Our team at SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline will directly communicate with your insurance company. We will communicate with your adjuster to determine coverage and approvals of needed work.
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline will also submit all needed paperwork, photos, and estimates directly to your insurance company, simplifying the process for our customers.
We’re Preferred Vendors!
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is a preferred vendor for many national insurance companies such as Chubb and Travelers. This means that we likely come highly recommended from your own insurance company.
For Immediate Assistance, Call Today - 800-734-3213
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is a BBB Accredited Restoration Company
10/5/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is BBB A+ Rated, IICRC Certified, and was a Top Local Winner in 2019!
Did you know that SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is your local BBB Accredited damage restoration company in Connecticut? Our company holds a Better Business Bureau A+ rating, and is dedicated to providing the best possible service possible to our local customers!
What is the Better Business Bureau?
For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. BBB Accredited Businesses support the mission and vision of BBB, and their dues and contributions allow BBB to offer its information and services to consumers at no charge. The Better Business Bureau is not affiliated with any governmental agency.
What Do BBB Ratings Mean?
BBB ratings represent the BBB's opinion of how the business is likely to interact with its customers. The BBB rating is based on information the BBB is able to obtain about the business, and is significantly influenced by complaints received from the public. BBB seeks and uses information directly from businesses and from public data sources.
Your Local BBB A+ Rated Water Restoration Company: SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline - 800-734-3213
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline In The Local News After Hurricane Ida
9/28/2021 (Permalink)
Our Operations Manager, Brian Mazzone during his interview on WFSB.
In the wake of Hurricane Ida that hit in early September of 2021, our office here at SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline received over 1000 calls within a 24-hour period.
Unlike Hurricane Harvey, which petered out once it hit Connecticut, Hurricane Ida hit full force. Flood emergencies were declared for towns and cities throughout the Connecticut Shoreline.
These extreme weather warnings were incredibly accurate, with our region receiving a staggering amount of rain and flash flooding within a small period of time. This resulted in thousands of flooded basement and first floor levels of homes and businesses throughout Branford, East Haven, Guilford, and Northford, CT.
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline Interviewed on WFSB About Hurricane Ida
Eyewitness News 3 reached out to SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline to share information on the process of cleaning up after a large flood in your home or basement.
Our Operations Manager, Brian Mazzone shared the following with WFSB:
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“We’ve received over 1600 calls in the past 24 hours for service strictly with flooded basements and flooded first floors for people that don’t have a basement."
He said that they are seeing lots of damage from water and mud.
"People who have finished basements who flood, most of the time we have to remove all kinds of flooring contents and drywall because it is contaminated water," he continued.
Mazzone said homeowners need to act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to disinfect and prevent mold.
He stated, "So once we pump out the water we are going to assess how much water is in your walls, if you have drywall, and we are going to determine if we need to cut that up two feet, four feet or maybe remove the entire wall depending on how high the water came."
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To learn more about the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in Connecticut, check out WFSB's full article here!
Summer Brings Flooded Basements in Branford, Guilford, and East Haven CT
9/21/2021 (Permalink)
Severe storms this past summer have caused serious flooding in basements and first floors of homes and businesses throughout Connecticut.
This summer, the towns on the Connecticut Shoreline have been hit hard by heavy rains, tropical storms, and even a hurricane.
With all these heavy rains, we’ve seen multiple occurrences of flash flood warnings and watches. Many of these advisories have resulted in severe flash flooding in Branford, Guilford, and East Haven in a manner that we’ve not seen before.
Unfortunately, these flash floods have resulted in major flooding inside homes and businesses throughout the area.
In fact, SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline has received thousands of calls this summer in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Ida, and the Tropical Storm in July. Most calls are for flooded basement cleanup services, but some homes and buildings have also experienced flooding on their first floors.
How SERVPRO Can Help When Flooding Occurs
Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services
Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment
FREE Estimates
Directly Bill Your Insurance Company
As your local water damage restoration company based in East Haven, our team is prepared 24/7 to provide emergency flood cleanup in the areas of East Haven, Branford, Guilford, and Northford CT.
With over 15 years of experience, our team has all the training, resources, and experience needed to provide professional flooded basement cleanup on the Connecticut Shoreline.
Our team works quickly to mitigate further damages to your property and prevent the growth of mold after flooding or water damage.
Our goal is to make any flooding disaster on the CT Shoreline “Like it never even happened.”
Flooded Basement Cleanup Services - Call 24/7 - 800-734-3213
24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration in CT
7/19/2021 (Permalink)
When you need emergency flood cleanup or water restoration in Connecticut, our team is ready to respond 24/7.
Get Immediate Service For Water Damage in Connecticut Today!
Fast action is essential when water leaks or flooding damage your home or business in Connecticut. Water damage can quickly spread to unaffected areas of your property and can even cause the growth of mold in as little as 48 hours.
When a water disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is ready to provide 24 hour water damage restoration in CT!
For Immediate Assistance Call Our Office 24/7 - 800-734-2313
24 Hour Water Restoration Services in Connecticut
24/7 Emergency Water Cleanup in Connecticut
Complete Drying & Dehumidification Services
Advanced Moisture Detection Equipment
Mold Remediation
FREE Estimates
Directly Bill Your Insurance Company
When you need emergency water cleanup or 24 hour water restoration near you, our team is ready to help. With over 15 years of experience and an A+ BBB Rating, you can trust we have all the training and resources needed to provide expert water restoration services in Connecticut.
Our team will help walk you through the insurance process, paperwork, work needed, or any questions and concerns you may have.
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is dedicated to minimizing your damages and making the restoration process as stress-free as possible. Our goal is to make any disaster "Like it never even happened."
Common Causes of Water Damage in Connecticut
There's almost infinite reasons you may need emergency flood cleanup in CT. The most common include:
SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Process
Our Project Managers create a specialized restoration plan for every water damage repair in Connecticut, but the general process still remains the same.
A Project Manager inspects to determine the extent of your water damage in Connecticut and creates a specialized restoration plan for your home or business.
2: Emergency Response (As Needed)
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is ready to respond to your emergency water damage in Connecticut 24 hours a day. Our team provides emergency services to prevent mold, further flood damage, or structural issues to your property.
Using commercial grade water extractor, and powerful pumps, our team works quickly when you need water extraction services in Connecticut.
Using specialized moisture detection and drying equipment, our team locates and addresses all areas of "hidden moisture" which may be behind walls or underneath flooring.
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline takes steps to clean and sanitize the affected areas to remove dirt, bacteria, or possible mold spores. Our team can also restore water-damaged personal items.
Once the water mitigation process is completed, our team can seamlessly begin the restoration process with our in-house construction division. This may include anything from minor repairs to major renovations.
CT Water Damage: Common Questions
As your expert water damage restoration company in Connecticut, SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline can answer any questions regarding flood damage restoration, insurance, and more.
Here we've answered the top questions about water damage restoration in Connecticut from both residential and commercial property owners.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
The answer to this question depends on the cause of your damages. Insurance covers damage from sudden and unforeseen accidents, such as leaking appliances, burst pipes, or sewage backups.
However, unless you have purchased additional flood insurance, your insurance company will not cover flooding from heavy rains or natural disasters. If your basement floods during a serious summer storm, it likely will not be covered.
What insurance companies do you accept?
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline accepts all insurance carriers and is a preferred vendor for many companies. Once you file your claim, our team will handle the insurance process for you.
How do you prevent mold after water leaks or flooding?
Fast action is the best defense against mold growth after water damage. Mold thrives on moisture, so the sooner you begin the water restoration process, the less likely it will be for mold to grow.
If your property develops mold damage, our team of mold removal specialists in Connecticut can help.
How long does water damage restoration take?
This is different for every situation. For minor water leaks, the cleanup process can take as little as 3-5 days with a few more days to make any needed repairs or renovations to your property.
For larger losses, the process can take much longer. The timeline is essentially dependent on how long it takes for building materials to completely dry out. Your Project Manager at SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline will inform you of all timelines for your restoration project in Connecticut.
Call Anytime For 24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration in Connecticut - 800-734-3213
Commercial Disinfection Services in East Haven, CT
12/28/2020 (Permalink)
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned can help your East Haven, CT business throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
In the event that you need commercial disinfecting services for the Coronavirus, SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is Here to Help 24/7 with our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program. The goal of our commercial Coronavirus cleaning services is to support the health and safety of both your employees and customers in East Haven, CT.
SERVPRO Provides A Higher Standard of Cleaning and Disinfection
Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program goes far beyond the scope of your regular deep cleaning or janitorial service.
That's because our commercial cleaning services are provided by IICRC-certified biohazard specialists. Meaning, our team has the proper training, experience, and materials to provide a hospital-grade professional disinfection for your facility.
- Training - All of SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline's technicians are IICRC-certified biohazard specialists. This makes our team ready to provide expert sanitizing services for crime scenes, deaths, chemical spills, bacteria, viruses, and more.
- Experience - Providing biohazard cleanup services since 2006, our team has a wide range of experience that has prepared us to effectively disinfect for SARS COV-2. Since the onset of the pandemic, we have provided COVID-19 commercial disinfection services to many businesses across Connecticut.
- Resources - SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline has all the needed resources to provide sanitizing services for your local business, using only EPA-registered hospital grade disinfectants against COVID-19.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Process For Your Business
Every customer that calls SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline for commercial Coronavirus Cleaning services will go through 3 steps: Consult, Clean & Certify.
Consult: We create a tailored cleaning program for your business' needs.
- We will connect you with a member of our COVID-19 team to go over what your business is looking for.
- A program is created based on: type of industry, business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points.
- Multiple plans can be created for proactive, scheduled cleaning as well as emergency cleanings.
Clean: Professional sanitizing & disinfection for your business, based on your consultation.
- Our teams properly decontaminate porous and non-porous surfaces, pay special attention to high touch point areas, and any other special plans made.
- All cleaning and disinfection adheres to CDC standards and all chemicals are EPA-approved for use against COVID-19.
Certify: Demonstrate your commitment to a clean environment for your customers and employees.
- You can leverage SERVPRO's trusted brand to reassure your customers and employees that you are taking the steps needed to keep your space at the highest level of clean.
- SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline includes Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned window emblems, signages, marks for your digital footprint, and more.
Call Today For Your Free Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Estimate! 800-734-3213
What To Do After A House Fire
9/14/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline can completely restore your home following a fire.
Figuring out what to do after a fire can feel impossible. You may have a long list of thoughts, such as who should I call first? When will it be safe to enter my home? Where will I stay? What should I do about the water damage? SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is a specialist in fire damage restoration and will walk you through what you should do after a house fire in your East Haven home here.
10 Things To Do After A House Fire
1 Call 911.
Make sure everyone made it safely out of the house and is getting medical attention if needed.
2 Call your family members or loved ones.
Don't let the overwhelming nature of the situation let your forget the small, important things like letting your family and friends know that you and others that were in the house are safe. It may also be comforting to have a shoulder to lean on during a challenging time.
3 Call your insurance company.
Whether you have a small or large fire - you will want to file an insurance claim. Even a small fire can cause extensive smoke or soot damage throughout your home and will require a professional cleaning. Your insurance company will likely connect you with a company to handle the fire damage restoration and odor removal process, like SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline.
4 Find a safe place to stay.
Your home is likely not livable the same night that you have a fire, even if it was small. Stay with friends or family if possible. If not, contact your insurance agent and see if they can help with funds to secure a temporary place to stay. If insurance will not cover this, you can look for local disaster relief resources, such as the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.
5 Secure your home.
If the fire didn't burn your home to the ground, you'll want to make sure that nothing else adds on to the damages. If there are any holes in the roof, broken windows, or any other large openings, get a company to tarp and board up your home. This way, no pests, squatters, or rain can get in your home.
6 Find out if your home is salvageable.
Your house fire may cause enough structural damage that it should be demolished and rebuilt rather than going through the fire restoration process. This will likely be determined by the insurance adjuster that comes out to assess your damages.
7 Assess damaged, lost, or unsalvageable items.
Take inventory of any important documents or credit cards that may have been lost in the fire and arrange for replacements. Inspect the damaged items around your home and be sure to take photos of everything to be correctly reimbursed by the insurance company. Determine which items may be able to be restored by a contents restoration company, such as items covered in soot, smoke, or are water damaged. Check with your insurance company that they will cover the restoration of your fire damaged contents.
8 Be sure to get a copy of the fire report.
You can get the report from your Fire Department. A fire report is the official document that details the specifics of the event. This document will be very important for your insurance company.
9 Organize your current finances.
Unfortunately even if your home burns down, you will have to continue making your mortgage payments. But, at the same time, you may have more expenses than before.
10 Find a fire damage restoration company you can trust.
Experience a fire is overwhelming and stressful - so you want to be using a company that will make the process easier and stress-free for you. Even a small fire can take weeks to completely clean up after, and you will be working closely with whatever restoration company you end up choosing.
3 Things NOT To Do After A House Fire
1 Don't re-enter your home before the local authorities say that it is safe.
2 Don't turn on the gas, water, or electric before it has been deemed safe to do so.
3 Don't try and clean soot or smoke by yourself. Unless you have the right tools, you may be making it harder to clean.
Other Considerations
After such an overwhelming event, you should be sure to take care of yourself and your family. Let your children's' schoolteachers know they're going through a stressful time. Let your employer know the same as well.
Be gentle on those affected by the fire - you're all going through a terribly stressful time. But, you will get through it! It's a good idea to look in to counseling for you and your family to ensure no trauma or unhealed emotions remain.
Restoring & Rebuilding After A Fire
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is Here to Help 24/7, 365 days a year. We will work with local authorities to ensure that we can begin working the second they extinguish the fire - First starting with securing your property.
SERVPRO can be there every step of the way, from the initial board up to the final renovation. We will work with your insurance company to ensure that there is little to no cost to you.
Need Help? Call SERVPRO 24/7 - 800-734-3213
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in fire, water, mold and COVID-19. Whatever your disaster, SERVPRO can make it "Like it never even happened."
Highly Rated Local SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline
9/8/2020 (Permalink)
With a 5-Star rating on Yelp and a 4.9 star rating on Google - you can feel assured that you're hiring the right company to handle your damages.
When a disaster strikes your home, you want to hire a company you can trust to put it back together.
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is your local & highly rated damage restoration company serving the greater East Haven and Branford area. With a 5-Star rating on Yelp and a 4.9 star rating on Google - you can feel assured that you're hiring the right company to handle your damages.
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is open 24/7, 365 days a year to respond to your emergency. No matter the time of day, you can be sure that a real person will be there to answer your call.
Water Damage Restoration
Whether you have a flooding emergency or water damage that has been going on for a while, SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline can help completely restore your home or business with our advanced techniques and equipment.
- Emergency Contact
- Inspection and Damage Assessment
- Water Removal/Water Extraction
- Drying and Dehumidification
- Cleaning and Repair
- Restoration
Mold Removal & Remediation
Finding mold in your home or business can be cause for alarm, and you'll want to be sure to use a company that truly understands mold and how it spreads. SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is a highly trained & certified mold remediation company, and will work hard to keep your home safe and healthy.
- Emergency Contact - 800-734-3213
- Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
- Mold Containment
- Air Filtration
- Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
- Cleaning Contents and Belongings
- Restoration
COVID-19 Services
While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, SERVPRO is here to help keep your customers and employees safe, and also let everyone know you've chosen a higher standard of clean. Whether you would like to proactive clean & sanitize or have a confirmed case of Coronavirus, SERVPRO can help. Learn more here!
Fire Damage Restoration
A fire, large or small, is overwhelming for any home or business owner. SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline can completely clean your home after a fire and restore it to pre-damage conditions.
- Emergency Contact
- Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
- Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
- Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
- Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
- Cleaning and Repair
- Restoration
Other Services
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline specializes in fire, water, and mold - But we do a lot more than just that.
Need Help? Call SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline Today! 800-734-3213
COVID-19 Cleaning of Police Vehicles in East Haven
9/3/2020 (Permalink)
Ensure your business in East Haven is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Staying safe and healthy is at the top of most people's mind during the Coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing and wearing masks has been enforced for the past 5 months - But what steps can you take when social distancing isn't possible in these times?
For example, Police and other First Responders continue to respond to emergencies, and come into close contact with the public every day. They enter peoples' homes and transport people in their vehicles - These situations aren't the best conditions for social distancing!
COVID-19 Defensive Cleaning
Our local police have trusted SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline to clean & sanitize their vehicles for the past 5 months to ensure the health and safety of their officers who come in close contact with the public every day. Once a week, our crews arrive on site and proactively fog their vehicles.
Looking For COVID-19 Sanitizing?
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline provides a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, where we consult, clean, and certify your business has been properly sanitized.
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 today for a FREE Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation - 800-734-3213
What Is A Moisture Meter?
9/2/2020 (Permalink)
Above is a moisture meter reading 100%MC in a ceiling that was affected by a toilet overflow from above. Mold has begun to grow as well!
When your home or business suffers from flooding or water leaks, you're likely to call a water damage restoration company to come out and inspect the affected areas and repair them as needed. But, how do they find all the moisture to ensure that none is left behind - especially when it looks like nothing is there? The key is in the use of a moisture meter.
What Is a Moisture Meter?
A moisture meter measures the moisture content of various materials. This will show the moisture level in a given material. This is one of the essential tools of the water restoration industry, as it acts as a roadmap for restoring your home or business.
How Do They Work?
Moisture meters come in two different types: pin type meters and pinless meters.
A pin moisture meter measures by inserting the pins into the wood or material being tested. These function by measuring the electrical resistance against the moisture content in the material. When the material is wet, electricity flows more easily between the two pins, compared to when it is dry. This is how the meter gives it's reading. After taking this measurement, it's presented as %MC (percent moisture content) (Delmhorst).
Pinless moisture meters instead use a sensor pad which is placed flat against the surface being measured. The sensor send electromagnetic waves in to the material the sensor is placed against, and then works similarly to pin meters without inserting anything into the material or walls.
Using a digital meter will make reading the %MC as easy as possible.
How Are They Used?
A moisture meter is used to determine if a material is too wet or has a high level of moisture. Many materials, such as wood, paper, and drywall are sensitive to high moisture levels and may begin to structurally deteriorate and produce mold growth when moisture is left unaddressed.
These tools are used constantly in the water damage restoration industry. When it comes to water damage, you want to be sure that all moisture is dried out from any affected materials - but there needs to be a way of measuring that!
Here at SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline, we use moisture meters during every water damage inspection. The moisture tester provides an accurate moisture reading that helps the Project Manager to identify wet materials, areas in need of demolition or drying, and allows them to monitor the drying process.
Water Damage? Call SERVPRO For A Free Inspection - 800-734-3213
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is a 24/7 emergency damage restoration company specializing in fire, water, mold and COVID-19 services. Help is only a phone call away - We're always Here to Help.
Defensive COVID-19 Sanitizing in New Haven County
7/15/2020 (Permalink)
Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – A Defensive Cleaning Program
Let us help you get back to business.
As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.
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.
Extensive training and specialized products
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.
From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.
3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify
When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.
- Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
- Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
- Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a FREE Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation
We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
Call SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline today at 800-734-3213 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
Why Should You Use SERVPRO of Branford?
12/19/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Branford / Shoreline is faster to any size disaster!
Why SERVPRO of Branford / Shoreline?
There are many restoration companies to choose from in the Branford, Connecticut area. So why should you choose to use SERVPRO of Branford for you Water, Fire, or Mold Restoration needs?
- Each franchise is an individually owned and operated company.
- We have advanced expertise in numerous areas of mitigation and restoration services. Our technicians are highly trained, and attend continuing education classes to ensure they are up to date in the industry.
- We work directly with most insurance companies, and will guide you through the insurance process.
- We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Technicians at SERVPRO of Branford will document every step of the process so you are confident that your home or office is in the right hands.
What does SERVPRO do?
SERVPRO provides:
- Residential & Commercial cleanup of:
- Water & flood damage
- Fire damage
- Storm damage
- Mold remediation
- Restoration services
SERVPRO of Branford / Shoreline also performs these specialty cleaning services:
- Biohazard removal
- Sewage cleanup
- Drapes and Blinds
- Odor Removal
- Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup
- Vandalism and Graffiti
- Air Ducts and HVAC
- Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
- Carpet and Upholstery
Call SERVPRO of Branford / Shoreline for any and all Remediation and Restoration needs.
Sharing the SERVPRO History in the Branford CT area
8/31/2019 (Permalink)
Your local SERVPRO team
Why SERVPRO?
Ted Isaacson opened the first SERVPRO in 1967 in Sacramento, California selling his first Franchise in 1969.
In 1988 the SERVPRO headquarters moved to Gallatin, Tennessee. SERVPRO now has over 1700 Franchises in the United States and Canada.
What does SERVPRO do?
SERVPRO provides:
- residential & commercial cleanup of:
- water/ flood damage
- fire damage
- storm damage
- mold remediation
- restoration
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline performs these specialties, including:
- Water Restoration
- Fire Restoration
- Mold Removal
- Biohazard
- Sewage
- Drapes and Blinds
- Odor Removal
- Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup
- Vandalism and Graffiti
- Air Ducts and HVAC
- Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
- Carpet and Upholstery
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline works directly with most insurance companies, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the Branford CT area.
Why SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline
Each franchise is an individually owned and operated company.
We have advanced expertise in water restoration along with with specialized equipment in water removal and also advanced drying equipment.
Technicians at SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline will document every step so you will know exactly what SERVPRO did, and how the process worked.
Ease your Burden when Disaster Happens in the Branford CT area
8/29/2019 (Permalink)
One of our teams
When disaster strikes…
For many, your home in the Branford CT area
represents a lifetime of hard work and a place where roots are important.
It is where the family gathers, and where your most endearing and important memories are made.
When a disaster strikes; whether it be fire, storm, mold, or other water damage/flooding, it will likely be one of the most traumatic experiences of your life.
When these things happen and stress is high call us. Our professionalism and rapid response time, as well as our nonintrusive cleanup and exit, should do much to ease the burden you are bearing.
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline really does want to help you carry the load.
…we’ll be there to ease your burden.
Sharing a load to SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline means our work makes your situation more bearable. Twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week we are on call with equipment that is up-to-date, and people who are professional and efficient.
Our goal is to keep you moving forward with as little worry as possible in Branford.
Please contact us online or call us.
Who Should I Use for Restoration Purposes in the Branford CT area
8/27/2019 (Permalink)
One of today's SERVPRO helpers
Who should I use?
Emergency situations usually call for quick reaction.
In cases where a home or business structure in the Branford CT area is being compromised by unhealthy and/or unsafe conditions, SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is the-fast-response you need to get relief.
Chaotic situations can be handled or endured in an orderly fashion with professionals and the right tools applied.
When you must choose your clean-up/restoration specialist, you are likely considering a few important things:
- Convenient location
- 24/7 availability
- Professionalism
- Efficiency
- Honesty
- Experience
- Latest equipment
SERVPRO is the answer.
In a problematic and possibly chaotic situation, remember, we’re here to help. SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline is business owners, homeowners, and renters just like you so we understand the initial needs.
Our promise to you is to provide the same quality and integrity based service that we, as your neighbor, may also need in the future.
SERVPRO is Ready to Help in the Branford CT area
8/24/2019 (Permalink)
1700+ reasons why…
In the beginning, there was a painting business in California and from that SERVPRO was born.
There are now currently over 1700 stores from our Atlantic Seaboard to our Pacific Frontier.
Over seventeen hundred franchises tell the tale. We have grown phenomenally and are continuing to grow.
Your business in the Branford CT area has been the cornerstone of that growth and we recognize that.
Because of you, we strive to always put our best foot forward.
Whether bagging up hazardous waste or speaking with insurance adjusters, our efforts are and always will be to give you our best.
Over five decades…
Without experience, the best intentions are fruitless.
We, here at SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline have experience.
In fact, we’ve got over five decades of professional cleaning and restoration know-how scattered across the country.
The staff at our franchisees are well trained and professional when performing their duties and/or assessing your situation.
If and when you are facing the discomfort of a high-stress situation; find us online or call us and we will put those years of experience to work for you.
Together We Restore your Home in the Branford CT area
8/21/2019 (Permalink)
We are here to help
Together we get it done.
Life is full of mishaps and otherwise unwanted stress creators such as storms. Did you know that wind can reach speeds of up to 60 mph in severe cases?
This kind of wind in your Branford area home or business can cause several different kinds of damage, as well as leave areas of the structure vulnerable to rain and other water crisis such as broken pipes.
We can work together to lower chances for incurring injury and/or cost due to storm damage.
Your part.
Preparedness is a necessary tool in your efforts to protect your home in Branford
It’s your house; so not only do you have a vested interest in lowering risks to your home and family; but that same preparedness creates a more stress-free environment.
Be prepared for the worst when times are the best. Don’t wait until the wind is moving at speeds of forty mph outside before you start making calls and buying batteries. Do these things early on when there are no clouds in the sky.
Our part.
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline promises to answer when you call.
We promise that the person fielding your call will understand not only the proper responses to your cleanup and restoration questions, but they will understand your vulnerable and stressful position as the owner/insurance adjuster.
We will use that understanding to make you as comfortable with what’s happening as possible. We will send the correct people, and the proper equipment to meet whatever needs have been created by the unfortunate event(s).
Do You Need to Call SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline for Water Damage?
8/14/2019 (Permalink)
Mold in an unfinished basement
You can need water remediation and not even know it.
That’s the message Paula Schenk of UConn Health has been trying to get to the people of Guilford ever since Hurricane Sandy.
Even if you don’t have big, black, inky blobs of mold growing in your house...
Where There’s Water Damage, There Is Mold
How do Connecticut-based researchers know that thousands of homes along the Shoreline are infested with untreated mold? Ms. Schenk says it’s simple. Where there has been water damage, there’s mold.
During a storm like Irene or Sandy, rain and tides can transfer molds, bacteria, viruses, and parasites directly through the force of the wind.
After a major storm, mold spores travel through the air and land on damp wood, fabric, and paper. Professor Schenk says it’s a safe bet that any structure that has been flooded or has been surrounded by water for more than 24 hours has mold.
It’s not hard to make a safe guess as to whether you have a mold problem.
- Mold smells musty. The assault of musty odor on your nose is a sign that mold lurks somewhere in your house.
- Mold comes in multiple colors. While the most toxic mold is black and forms large blobs, less dangerous forms of mold may be white and thread-like or form small black dots.
Mold growing behind wallpaper may be pink, purple, or orange. Some molds are gray, green, or brown.
- Discolored walls, floors, or ceilings, as well as peeling wallpaper or paint, are signs of water issues, which are almost always a harbinger of mold.
Bulging, bumpy, or bowed walls or floors are a sign that water has penetrated them, creating an environment for growing mold.
- Condensation on windows or metal pipes can feed mold. Where you see drips and watermarks, look for mold.
Professional inspectors can find mold. Sometimes the solution to a mold problem is as simple as buying a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture.
Mold grows in damp conditions. Superstorm Sandy left a lot of houses in damp conditions.
UConn’s Paul Schenck was quoted on WebMD as saying “Mold is an indicator of a whole soup of biological material. Unhealthy exposure to these bioaerosols is very possible after a flood from a hurricane and especially during cleanup efforts 24 to 48 hours after the storm.”
Biohazards from floodwater affect primarily the lungs and skin, but their effects may not be noticed right away.
All of this means that means there are hundreds of thousands of people probably living in tens of thousands of structures that need water remediation.
If you have a history of water in your home, you almost certainly have mold.
Water Damage Restoration Usually Isn’t a Do-It-Yourself Project
How can you know whether your home needs professional water restoration or whether you can take care of the problem yourself? Here’s a handy rule of thumb:
If you have visible mold, the best indication of whether you need to call in professional help is the size of the discoloration.
- If the area of mold is less than 30 square feet, about the size of a kitchen table, it’s probably safe for do-it-yourself water damage remediation.
- If the area of mold is between 30 and 100 square feet, larger than a kitchen table but smaller than the side of a panel truck, then you need to take additional precautions.
- If the area of mold is larger than 100 square feet, the size of a child’s bedroom or a small office, or if you have the results of a test that show you have one of the two species of “black” mold that occur in Branford, East Haven, North Branford, Guilford, and the Connecticut shoreline, then you need to call a professional water restoration contractor like SERVPRO.
You also need a contractor who can take special precautions when you are demolishing a building you know to have been contaminated by mold.
There’s a long list of necessary precautions you have to follow when you are doing water damage restoration yourself. You may be putting your health and the health of your family and pets at undue risk if you try to do repairs on your home if you aren’t able to follow this entire list.
- No one can stay in a room in which you are doing water restoration or mold abatement. If the area affected by mold is greater than 30 square feet, then you also need to vacate rooms adjacent to the one where you are working.
- Members of the household who have asthma or allergies need to stay outside the building while you are working.
- Seal ducts and grills before you kick up dust that may contain mold so the mold does not get into the whole building’s ventilation system.
- Open windows or use exhaust fans while you work.
- You need to cover the face, hands, arms, legs, and feet while working with mold.
- Wear an N, R, or P-95 respirator, long sleeve rubber gloves, unvented goggles, and disposable overalls while you work. Don’t forget your disposable hood and booties. Dust and surgical masks are not enough to protect against mold spores. The mask has to be held against the face with multiple bands that keep it tight, not just a single pull string. Make your respirator seal fits snugly.
- Mist mold with soapy water before work to minimize the generation of dust.
- Put debris in plastic bags for removal. Seal the bag and take outdoors.
- Remove dust with a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
- Don’t attempt to clean fabrics and wallboard that have been soaked with water. Throw them away.
- Wet wipe surfaces after you have removed the mold-affected wood. Use soapy water, not Clorox water, unless there is a problem with contamination from sewage or manure. Paula Schenk of UConn Health says that the additional irritation caused by Clorox offsets its germ-killing power unless you are dealing with bacterial contamination like that from sewage backups.
- Dry the area with a fan.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in any area where you work.
- When you finish work, remove coveralls first, then gloves, then goggles, and then respirator. It is best to remove protective clothing outdoors
- Disposable respirators and disposable coveralls can be discarded after use. Gloves and goggles should be washed with a mild detergent in warm water and then dried before they are reused.
- When not in use, respirators need to be placed in a sealed plastic bag.
- After work, take a shower, washing your entire body thoroughly, including nails, hair, and scalp.
Those are just the precautions for low-hazard mold removal. High-hazard mold removal requires an even more stringent protocol.
If you’re not willing and able to take these precautions, you really need to call a professional water damage remediation service like SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline.
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