Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

Summer Water Saving Tips!

Name: SERVPRO of SE Monroe County
Address: 60 N. Lincoln Road, E. Rochester, NY, 14445
Telephone: (585) 641-0040

6/14/2024 (Permalink)

We waste a lot of water; our showers are too long, and we are often obsessed with an emerald green lawn. We need to change the way we handle and view water and leave behind the outdated and inefficient water management systems of the past.

Here are some tips that will help you save water this summer. Your water bill will be reduced, and you can save yourself some time into the bargain as well as doing some good for the Earth.

Water your yard in the cool parts of the day. Water evaporates more quickly when it’s hot, so run your irrigation system while it’s most likely to stay with your lawn. Make sure you are not watering your sidewalk or your driveway, too. A drip system works quite well in this respect. Replacing your thirsty lawn with a drought-tolerant garden would be a great way to save water, and it won’t have to be mowed every week!
Check for leaky toilets. Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl, your tank is leaking, and could be wasting up to 100 gallons of water a day!
Take shorter showers. Trimming just two minutes off of your showers can save up to 1700 gallons of water a year. One way to do this is to turn off the shower while you shave or soap up. Install water-efficient showerheads, toilets, and faucets for a savings of thousands of gallons per year as well.
Cover the pool. Make sure the water in your pool stays there by covering it when you are not using it. This will prevent water loss by evaporation.
Use a car wash. Washing your car by hand can easily use 100 gallons of water, and takes a lot of time and effort, as well. Commercial car washes average 40 gallons or less!
Trap rainwater. Collect the water from summer rainstorms by getting a water barrel. You can reuse this water for your garden. Green roofs, rain gardens, and other water-saving techniques are called green infrastructure and go a long way towards saving this most precious resource. More and more landowners and city governments are choosing to invest in these and other innovative strategies as ways to save water, reduce pollution, and save millions, and even billions, in costs for new water tanks, tunnels, and other traditional water infrastructures.

SERVPRO of SE Monroe County is here to help you with all your home and business needs. Call us today at (585) 641-0040!

Prevent Basement Flooding

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers! The spring time can be a very moist season. This week for example, has a large amount of rain predicted in the forecast. Forecasters have even issued a flash flooding storm watch lasting several days.

All of this rain may have you thinking about ways you can prevent basement flooding this spring. Whether you have a finished or unfinished basement area, a flooded basement can be very stressful.

Take the following steps to prevent a flooded basement:

Keep gutters and downspouts free from any debris. Clear out any leaves, gravel or anything else that may have formed a blockade in your gutters and downspouts.
Make sure downspouts face away from your home. If the ground around your downspout has a slant, make sure that when the downspout empties the water is not going to flow back towards your home.
Fill cracks in the foundation with an epoxy.
Check your sump pump. Make sure the area is cleared from debris and that your pump is in good working order. You may want to have a back up sump pump or an alternative electrical source for the sump pump incase the power goes out.
Examine sewer systems and septic tanks.
Install window wells on any windows that lead to a lower level. Check the window to make sure it is water tight.
Check over your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure you have the correct coverage. We often find that homeowners do not have a sump pump rider on their policy; therefore there is no coverage when a sump pump fails.

It is important to take the right precautions. Completing these steps will not be full proof to preventing water damage. However, it will minimize the risks.

The Science of Drying

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

What is the Science of Drying?

The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or East Monroe County are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages.

The collage photo attached, shows our floor drying system which aids in drying hardwood floors instead of removing them. We also have two photo's showing our "tent" drying system. This way we create a drying chamber over the floor to keep that warm air in, and pull out as much moisture as possible.

If it wasn't for our knowledge and expertise, this ceiling and floor would've been lost from the damage above.

Protecting your Home from Water Damage

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy rains in Monroe County have been happening more frequently! Here are some tips to help keep your home safe during this time.

Tip #1: Check those gutters! This can be a simple but very effective way to prevent unwanted water from entering your home or business. Gutters that are clogged with debris from overhanging trees, trash, or roofing materials can easily clog the drain and shuffle unwanted water your way.

Tip #2: Tarp up any unfinished roofing projects. Going along with our first tip, small openings in the roof of your home and business can quickly become large openings with heavy rain, causing water damage inside your building. Make sure to give your local roofing company a call and get those potential problem areas patched up ASAP.

Tip #3: Examine your window glaze and compound. Often times, glazing compounds can shrink during the warmer months, making windows more susceptible to unwanted rain water penetration. Your local contractor can help patch this up for you, ensuring that you are set and ready for even the heaviest of rains! Another helpful tip… make sure you close your windows before going to bed or leaving the home.

Tip #4 (the most important!): Should you find yourself in a situation where you do have a water damage emergency, call SERVPRO of East Monroe County. Our staff is prepped and ready to respond and help make your rain disaster, "Like it never even happened."

Call 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week at (585) 641-0040

Hidden Water Damage in Pittsford?

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage hiding in Pittsford home?

My water bill was too high, so I knew I had a water leak. I tried to locate the source of the leak, but I couldn’t find it, so I called SERVPRO® of East Monroe County. The SERVPRO team arrived quickly and assessed and inspected the home looking for leaks. They used moisture detection and moisture measurement equipment to monitor the property’s moisture levels. Once they found an anomaly in the moisture content, they brought out an infrared camera to identify the location of the water through the wall. Sure enough, water had been leaking inside my wall and had caused water damage to the insulation and wood frame. Fortunately, the technicians were able to restore the water damage, and now my water bill is back to normal!

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Infrared cameras may be used to identify the water location for thorough water removal
Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of East Monroe County technicians are on call 24-hours a day to respond to residential and commercial water damage emergencies. Call us today at (585) 641-0040. We’ll locate and restore your hidden water damage in Pittsford, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

How to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Living in Western New York, it’s common knowledge that during the winter, freezing temperatures will happen. Depending on the duration and severity of a freeze event, frozen and broken pipes can be a common problem. But there are a few precautions that can help keep your pipes from freezing.

Leave faucets dripping-

Having a trickle of cold water flowing through your pipes will keep water moving. Moving water is more resistant to freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors-

When temperatures are freezing, opening the cabinet doors on sinks such as kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, or laundry wash tubs will help reduce risk of freezing. This measure is especially important if the sinks are located along an exterior wall. Sometimes there could be a cool breeze finding its way in through the pipes, or a crack in the foundation. Opening the cabinet doors introduces heated air into the cabinet space, and warms the exposed plumbing.

Wrap Your Pipes-

Pipes that are at risk for freezing should be wrapped in heat tape, or pipe insulation. This will help add extra freeze resistance to your pipes.

Keep heat to 55F or higher-

If you plan on leaving your home for a day trip, vacation, or vacating your house for any reason, you should not leave your temperature any lower than 55 degrees F. This temperature provides a base level of warmth to prevent freezing in the home.

If your pipes freeze and break and it causes a water damage, SERVPRO of East Monroe County is here for you 24/7. Call us anytime at (585) 641-0040.

Wood Flooring Damaged by Water

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

The faster water is removed, the less damage occurs. Wood flooring expands as it absorbs moisture. Typically you would notice in wood flooring that it warps or buckles. If proper drying is not done those floors may need to be removed. There are two noticeable warping effects on wood floors, cupping and crowning.

Cupping: this occurs when water is absorbed from the bottom of the wood. The edges of the wood floor will slightly raise hence the name "cup" in cupping. This is often fixed with sanding.

Crowning: this occurs when the top of the wood contains more moisture than the sides and bottom. This makes wood flooring arch in the middle. If the bottom of the wood is over-dried this will occur. You may not be able to sand this out and floors would need to be replaced at this point.

If you have an questions or concerns about your flooring and moisture contact SERVPRO of East Monroe County for any of your water, fire and mold needs.

Repairing your home after a water loss

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

A flood is probably one of the most damaging things you can experience, either heavy rain or home water system malfunction. When a flood happens, you need to act fast; the longer you wait, the more damages there can be.

Tip 1: Safety First

Staying inside your home after a flood can be dangerous. If you can do it, turn off the fuse connections of your home. But if your home has suffered a severe flood episode, you should wait outside for an expert to come and inspect your home.

Tip 2: Call Your Insurance Company

You should call your insurance company as soon as you have a flood. Depending on the type of flood, they might need to investigate the cause of it to determine the extension of your coverage.

All insurance companies request an inspection before approving the coverage for repairs, and sometimes the process can be tedious, so the sooner you initiate it, the better.

Tip 3: Get Your Home Inspected By An Expert

Make sure you call an experienced restoration contractor to inspect your home.

The contractors will have to check the entire area and document the damages; they might need to secure weak points too temporarily. A full-service restoration contractor would be ideal, so they can also take care of removing the water, cleaning, mitigating the mold, and making repairs.

Tip 4: Clean & Dry Your Home

Proper cleaning and drying of your home will guarantee there’s no mold growth.

The company or contractor you contact might also use dehumidifiers to ensure there’s no space for more mold growth. During this phase also make sure they double-check hidden places for mold growth.

Tip 5: Doing The Repairs

A construction company or restoration contractor that specializes in flooding or natural disaster repairs is best. They will know exactly how to deal with the damages and make the restoration process faster and safe.

For the repairs, choose quality over price; for this, ask the contractor for his certifications and past experiences.

Getting Rid of Mold in Your Rochester Home

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

It’s not always possible to spot a mold problem early on but, mold removal should begin as soon as it’s found before it affects more damage. The mold remediation process can be complicated, so proper precautions must be taken. If you’re experiencing mold, it’s best to call SERVPRO of East Monroe County to be the experts to help you through the process. Here are some mold cleanup steps that we preform:

HEPA Vacuuming- The first step we preform after any demolition has been done, is HEPA vacuum the entire area to clean up any surface debris that mold can live on.
Treat with an antimicrobial- After the area has been cleaned, we treat with an antimicrobial to remediate the mold
Antimicrobial Encapsulant- Once we treat the mold, it’s important to treat again to prevent any mold growth from happening.

If you find any mold damage in your home or building, call SERVPRO of East Monroe County at (585) 641-0040!

Condensation in Your Duct Work

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Are you noticing water spots in your ceiling tiles? Don’t just place a bucket down to collect the water and forget about it. A water damaged ceiling is a serious issue that should be resolved as quickly as possible. In this Rochester home, the owner noticed the ceiling tiles new water stained color, and called SERVPRO of East Monroe County to assess it. While we were there, we took a ceiling tile down and immediately noticed all of the condensation in their duct work.

Condensation in air ducts are a big concern because it means there is water leakage and the potential for toxic mildew and mold. Basements in Western New York are already humid enough and eager to collect mold. If any condensation is occurring in your Rochester basement, it’s important to call SERVPRO of East Monroe County immediately before the issue worsens.

Give us a call today for any water damage you may have! (585) 641-0040.

5 Tips for Preventing Water Damage in your Home

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Roof Leak in Rochester, NY

With winter around the corner, now is the time to check your home for any possible future water damage. Common causes of water damage are leaks, pipe bursts, and drainage issues. Take a look at a list we’ve put together of common occurrences we notice in the winter months.

Inspect your Roof & Gutters

Inspect your roof by walking around the outside perimeter of your home to look for signs of sagging, aging and damage such as buckled or missing shingles.

Examine the inside of your Home; like Leaky Windows & Doors

Keep an eye on windows and doors during heavy rain fall to make sure no water is seeping in. If you do come to find that water is making its way into your home, try resealing around the frame with caulking. If the water persists, contact a local professional to have your siding inspected.

Test that your Sump Pump is in good working condition

This can be performed by simply unplugging and plugging the pump back in. If the pump does not immediately turn back on, it is in need of repair.

Another way of testing your sump pump’s ability is by running water through it. You will only need enough water to lift the float until the pump kicks on. The pump kicking on will confirm that the pump is working properly.

Check for any leaks coming from your Hot Water Heater

Inspect the area around your hot water heater to make sure no puddles have formed. Water around your heater typically indicates the temperature and pressure release valve have failed. This can lead to major water damage.

Know the location of your Main Water Shut Off Valve

Out of all of these guidelines, this one may be the most important. You should know where your main water shut off valve is located in the event that water flow to your home be immediately terminated. It is important to note that as long as the water is coming from your homes water supply, you can shut it down quickly.

If a disaster does strike in your Rochester home this winter, call SERVPRO of East Monroe County at (585) 641-0040 so we can get your home back to normal as soon as possible!

Cleaning Up After a Fire Damage

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

When our first responders put out a fire, a substantial amount of water is used to quench the flames. All of that water ends up seeping into the home and in addition to the damage already caused by the fire, water damage also begins to take place. While some home fires are contained to a small area of the home, the water used to put out the fire ends up spreading throughout the rest of the structure. Unaddressed water damage can lead to mold growth, added structural instability caused by wood rot, and a chain of problems following that would otherwise be considered unrelated.

As the crews of SERVPRO of East Monroe County begin the restoration process on your home, the first thing we want to address is the water damage. By doing this, we make sure that the water damage doesn’t further compromise the structure.

We understand the stress that is caused by a house fire. And we are trained on how to handle them. SERVPRO of East Monroe County is here to help you restore your property after such a loss. Call us today (585) 641-0040

Is a Wet-Dry Vacuum enough to Remove Water from my Home?

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

No matter when you make the call, we have technicians who can assist you.

Protect your Rochester Home by Inviting a Professional Service and their Water Removal Equipment.

Imagine the water heater of your home breaking and leaking all over your kitchen and living areas. It may leak overnight, allowing the water to travel freely throughout your home, soaking walls, carpets, and baseboards. Your first reaction could be to go to your local store to rent a wet-dry vacuum to resolve the situation. Even though this is a logical step, you may fall short and leave water hiding throughout your home, which can later cause issues such as mold or a weaker structure.

For our neighbors in Monroe County, water damage restoration is a job for our SERVPRO team. We are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which parallels our experience in restoring homes like yours. Even if your water damage does not appear extensive, call our 24-hour hotline for our expert opinion. You might be surprised by how quickly water can seep into your home and set the stage for significant damage.

What is the best equipment to extract water?

Water extraction is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The volume of water, the materials in your home, natural humidity and many other factors play into our ability to restore your home. It is not uncommon for Monroe County homeowners to feel like excess moisture is under control only to realize later that water was hiding under baseboards or within a wall cavity. Our SERVPRO crew has several measuring tools at its disposal, including infrared technology, which can pinpoint problem areas. We can also use one or several of the following to remove water and restore optimal humidity levels-

Truck-mounted pumps which we can connect to municipal sewers as needed.

Submersible pumps to place within your home.

Wand extractors to access the hard to reach corners of your home.

Don't underestimate the impact of water to your home. SERVPRO of East Monroe County is available at (585) 641-0040 whenever a leak occurs. Let us work with you to leave your home, "Like it never even happened."

5 Steps to take After a Pipe Break

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Rochester, NY

If you think your Rochester, NY property may be at risk for bursting pipes, there are a number of things you can to help mitigate the issue. Calling a professional beforehand to inspect the plumbing can help ensure that repairs are made before water damage occurs. However, sometimes a broken pipe can still occur. Here are five steps you can take if that does happen.

1. Turn Off the Water

Before you can fix broken pipe issues, you will need to ensure that the water to the affected area is turned off. This will prevent further flooding until the source of the pipe break can be located and fixed.

2. Begin Flood Water Removal

Once the water is off it’s important to begin the removal of any flood water as quickly as possible. For large scale jobs you may want to use a pump, but for small leaks towels and a squeegee may be enough.

3. Call a Professional

When dealing with bursting pipes you may want to contact a local water damage restoration service as quickly as possible. These professionals can help with water removal, drying the area, and repairs.

4. Dry the Area

Once the water has been removed the affected area will need to be thoroughly dried. A dehumidifier may help with this process as it can help pull moisture from the air..

5. Begin Restoration

After the water is removed and the area dried you can begin the restoration process. Your water damage team should also be able to help with this part of the process.
If your business does encounter water damage in Rochester, NY from bursting pipes, there are a few things you should do. Turning off the water, beginning the removal of flood water, and calling a professional should be first. After which you can begin to dry the area and make repairs.

Sensing Water in your Home you Can't See

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of East Monroe County has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO® of East Monroe County will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals.

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and Moisture Meters (pictured) are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals to monitor the drying process.
Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO® of East Monroe County can calculate and create an environment most conclusive to drying.
When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach
Thermal Foggers (pictured) dispense solvent-based produces by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles.

What is the bottom line? SERVPRO® of East Monroe County (585-641-0040) has the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes Can Burst!

It is starting to get colder here in Rochester, NY! When cold temperatures happen that can cause pipes to freeze. Frozen Pipes can result in costly repairs to you as a home or business owner. The good news is there are ways to prevent pipes from freezing. Here are some tips for this winter.Frozen pipes are a problem by themselves because they prevent water flow, but even worse, frozen pipes can eventually burst, causing damage and potential flooding. There are ways to protect your pipes from freezing. These include:

Keeping your house warm - If you are leaving for a period of time, make sure that the heat is kept on at your property. You should inform them that the heat can help prevent pipes from freezing, and if pipes freeze and burst, it can cause a lot of water damage to the property and to their possessions. The heat doesn’t have to be kept as high as you normally would keep it if you were home but keeping it set above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at all times is a good idea. This should provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and to prevent any water inside from freezing.
Opening faucets - When temps hit the freezing level it is a good idea to allow faucets to drip. Allowing the faucet to be open like this will relieve pressure in the pipe. If a pipe freezes, it is actually the pressure that is created between the blockage and the faucet that will cause the pipe to burst. With the faucet open you avoid blockage in the pipes.
Insulation is key - Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. This can be an easy solution for pipes that are exposed but can get expensive if walls, floors or ceilings have to be opened in order to properly insulate the pipe. Additional insulation can also be added to walls and ceilings to keep the pipes warm.

Detecting the Water behind the scenes

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Moisture Meters (pictured) are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials.

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time that you may not be able to even see.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO® of East Monroe County has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO® of East Monroe County will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals.

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and Moisture Meters (pictured) are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals to monitor the drying process.
Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO® of East Monroe County can calculate and create an environment most conclusive to drying.
When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach
Thermal Foggers (pictured) dispense solvent-based produces by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles.

What is the bottom line? SERVPRO® of East Monroe County (585-641-0040) has the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Drying Hardwood Floors after Water Damage in Pittsford

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Quickly Assess and Then Dry Out Your Home After Water Damage

Perhaps one of the most discouraging sights a Victor homeowner sees after excessive water enters living areas is damage to hardwood floors. Regardless of the source of the moisture, if enough is present, it eventually spreads across the floors of your home. Although properly installed and finished hardwood is resilient if the spill or leak is mopped up quickly, more extended exposure can swell and distort the organic fibers of the floor. We have strategies that prevent further damage and can ready the surface for restoration.

The source of water damage to your Pittsford hardwood floors can vary, from overflowing tubs and sinks, leaking aquariums, rain blown in an open window, plumbing fails in nearby walls or a host of other reasons. Vigilance on the part of the homeowner in cleaning up occasional spills and a call for professional help when a more significant water event occurs is critical. The faster our well-qualified water remediation crews respond, the more likely your hardwood floors recover successfully from water damage.

When we arrive, the crew chief assesses the situation, noting the ingress point of the water and the migration pattern of the moisture across the floor. SERVPRO uses sensitive moisture meters to map out the areas of damage and to establish a baseline as we determine the drying goals for the flooring. Hardwood typically lies over at least one type of subfloor which can contribute to unresolved and continuous water damage if we do not address its drying as well.

SERVPRO technicians employ extraction equipment always available on our service vehicles to remove standing water. We use pumps for water deeper than two inches, and truck-mounted wanded extractors for residual, non-absorbed moisture. After the surface is clear of water, we move to advanced technologies such as drying mats to remove the moisture saturated inside the planks and in the subfloor.

Drying mats permit multiple and customizable configurations best designed to remove the water fast in the areas targeted by our metered readings. Hoses concentrate pressurized air over panels adhered with an airtight seal on the water damaged expanses. The water from all flooring layers suctions out as the system works. SERVPRO employees train extensively on how to operate the drying mats, adjusting and adapting the configuration as the drying progresses.

Take advantage of our specialized floor drying equipment and the experience of our trained technicians at SERVPRO of East Monroe County. Avoid the necessity of replacing expensive and beautiful hardwood floors after water damage with one call to (585) 641-0040.

Water Damage in your Rochester Home

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

Property owners can take steps to prepare for disasters, but you can never fully prevent them

When it comes to life’s emergencies, it isn't a matter of if they will occur it's a matter of when they will occur. Home and business owners can take steps to prepare for disasters, but you can never fully prevent them from happening. An old pipe bursts. A storm blows in dozens of gallons of water. A washing machine malfunctions. Chances are your home or business will eventually suffer some sort of emergency; that is why it is important to prepare now, before disaster strikes.

SERVPRO® of East Monroe County is trained to respond quickly, professionally and efficiently when managing your loss. When your home or business is under water, every minute counts. That's why SERVPRO of East Monroe County is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In this blog, you'll find more information including:

The dangers of
What to do following water damage.

Should a disaster strike, call SERVPRO® of East Monroe County (585) 641-0040 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

April Showers bring May Flowers

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

April showers help to bring us the most vibrant May flowers and we are so happy with this change of season.

However, when April showers are more like torrential, relentless downpours we could face a flooded basement and other water damage causing costly repairs. Flooding generally occurs in the springtime as the result of heavy rains that cannot be adequately absorbed by the still thawing earth. Particularly formidable are the flash floods resulting from thunderstorms, swiftly melting snow and ice jams in creeks. Consider if more than one of these circumstances happens at the same time, you have the potential for a catastrophe with flooding waters and raging mudslides.

Homeowners you can take some simple precautions to secure your property and keep your possessions safe.

Elevate: Keep your furnace, water heater, electrical panels above predicted water levels to protect yourself from costly home replacements.

Install check valves: These valves close to prevent the backward flow of liquid and prevent water from backing up into the drains in your home.

Build barriers: Use sandbags to create flood walls to prevent or reduce flow of water into your home.

Waterproof the basement: Use a waterproofing compound to seal the walls of your basement.

Clean: Clean gutters, drains and downspouts for proper water flow.

Purchase flood insurance: Most standard homeowners' and business insurance policies unfortunately do no cover flood damage. In the event of a flood, you would be responsible for covering the full cost of repairs and replacing items damaged.

We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Count on SERVPRO for Cleanup

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

Have you checked under your kitchen or bathroom sink lately? Most people store a variety of cleaners, sponges, and miscellaneous clutter under the sink. It is out of the way, out of sight, but still handy. However, the team at SERVPRO of East Monroe County knows that this can hide potential problems.

Leaks from pipes under the sink are often the source of water damage. The jumble of cleaning solutions, garbage containers, and hair, bath and shower products conceals drops of water and excess amounts of condensation, signs that your under-sink pipes are leaking.

It is a good idea to completely remove everything in the area under your sink every few months. Then carefully inspect the bottom and sides of the cupboard for signs of warping or staining. If you do notice excess moisture, get the pipes checked right away.

Drip by drip, the leak can cause major damage over time to the floor in your bathroom or kitchen, and the ceiling of the room below. It warps the linoleum and weakens the tile setting and causes ceilings and floors to deteriorate. It ruins your possessions and appliances. The excess water damages everything in its path.

When you notice signs of water leaking, call in the restoration experts at SERVPRO to handle cleanup. We have years of experience returning your bathroom, kitchen or other room to its original condition. In fact, our customers often say it feels "Like it never even happened.” We are proud of the fact that we focus on restoration, using replacement only when necessary.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification IICRC, which sets industry standards, certifies our SERVPRO team. We receive specialized training in a range of services, including microbial remediation, drying techniques, and water damage restoration. We use state-of-the-art air movers and dehumidifiers, and the most advanced cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing agents.

Give us a call today for any water damage you may have! 585-641-0040

When you have a water damage, let the experts handle it!

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

At one time or another, as a homeowner or renter, we have all had a disaster. Sometimes it’s an easy clean-up and sometimes we know that we are in over our heads. Many times though, homeowners have a water damage and with a little elbow grease, a shop vac and some towels they try to mitigate the damage themselves. Unfortunately, some time later they end up calling the experts for more costly repairs due to damaged materials from improperly drying their home and even mold. Here are some facts about water damage.

It is 1,200 times easier to remove water than to evaporate it? That’s why proper extraction of standing water is key to the dry out of a structure. Many times shop vacs are unable to do a sufficient job quick enough.
Drywall exposed to water can wick up the wall at a rate of one inch per hour for the first 24 hours. If left for a few days while you are out of town it can wick all of the way up the wall to the seam at 4 ft.
The insulation in your walls will wick water from the drywall as well. Without proper weep holes drilled to allow air flow you walls may seem dry, but you have insulation still festering with moisture and eventually mold. Insulation also loses its R-Value (its ability to insulate properly) when it is wet.
Improperly dried drywall becomes brittle and weak causing it to break apart very easily. Interestingly it seem that drywall that is dried properly can actually become stronger which was discovered by water restoration companies that used what they call “flood rooms” for training. Each week the rooms are flooded and used for training proper dry out techniques. They found after about five “floods” the drywall had to be replaced because it would no longer allow water to wick up the walls.
Mold will start growing immediately after spores are attached to an item and it has food and moisture. It can easily grow within 24 to 48 hours and will colonize in 1-12 days.
Mold releases its spores when it is disturbed, so without proper removal you can spread it throughout your home trying to get rid of it.

These are just a few reasons you should entrust your water damage to the experts at SERVPRO of South East Monroe County and save yourself the time, money and sanity of having to restore your home more than once despite just one single water damage.

Water Damaged Contents in Rochester NY

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage to your contents can occur when your Rochester home experiences a water damage event.

Water damage can occur in your home due to many issues; a roof leak, pipe break, dishwasher overflow, and more. We often think about our home as the walls, floors, and how those can be affected and damaged from water. But there's more to water damage than just the walls and floors.

One area that can be overlooked is contents such as your sentimental treasures, family heirlooms, or that special piece of autographed sports memorabilia you waited in line for hours to get signed. So when water pours through your ceiling, soaking your favorite chair, it can be really upsetting. SERVPRO® of South East Monroe County's team of trained professionals is able to clean and restore your contents to preloss condition, helping to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of South East Monroe County is Here To Help® when disaster strikes your home. SERVPRO has been helping clients get through disasters since 1979. We are ready 24/7, 365, so call us at 585-641-0040 today!

Summer Storms Heading Your Way?

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Summer storms can be beautiful to watch but also very dangerous to your home and office. In order to stay safe, please follow these and other safety tips for your home.

Before the Storm

Have an emergency supply kit on hand
Develop a communication plan with all members of your family
Unplug electrical equipment
Secure outdoor objects that could cause damage if they are thrown
Stay inside a building or hard top vehicle
Secure windows and doors

During the Storm

Use a battery operated radio for updates and alerts
Avoid contact with corded phones
Avoid contact with electrical equipment
Avoid contact with water
Stay away from windows and doors

After the Storm

Do not touch any downed wires
Do not drive through a flooded roadway
Stay away from storm damaged areas

Keep you and your family safe through a storm. When in doubt, stay away from anything that may look suspicious.

When disaster does strike, call SERVPRO of South East Monroe County to help make it "Like it never even happened." (585) 641-0040

Severe Flooding Tips

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

Since SERVPRO supports the American Red Cross we love sharing their tips when it comes to flooding occasions.

Check out www.redcross.org for more information!

FLOODING Heavy rains could fill rivers and streams, bringing flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you should do:

1. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

2.Stay away from floodwaters.

3. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

4. Keep children out of the water.

5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Faster To Any Water Damage Event

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of South-East Monroe County provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of South-East Monroe County arrive quickly and start the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –585-641-0040

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Water Restoration Process

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of South East Monroe County will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled properly by completing the following steps:

Inspection: SERVPRO of South East Monroe County will inspect affected areas of your home to determine the extent of damage. We will also review the inspection with you and answer any questions you might have.

Emergency Services: Next, SERVPRO of South East Monroe County will take immediate steps to protect your home and personal belongings from further damage by extracting excess water and preparing your home for drying.

Monitoring: To ensure your home and personal belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, SERVPRO of South East Monroe County will monitor the drying process. Written monitoring reports will document the drying process. The results will be consistently communicated to you throughout the drying process.

Restoration Services: SERVPRO of South East Monroe County will repair structured materials, reinstall carpets and clean affected areas of your property and belongings. A final walk though of the job site will be conducted with you to ensure your property was returned to preloss condition when possible.

Call SERVPRO of South East Monroe County Today!! (585) 641-0040

What should I do if my home has water damage?