Recent Water Damage Posts
Cleaning and Drying Middletown Water Damage
7/14/2022 (Permalink)
Water damage restoration in your Middletown home is a job for SERVPRO. Our techs are ready 24/7, 365 days a year.
SERVPRO Professionals Restore Water Damage to Middletown Homes Fast
There is a finite timeline for restoration when water emergencies and loss events threaten your home or business. Effects continually migrate, seeking an equilibrium of temperature, pressure, and water content. Experienced professionals must mitigate loss with immediate emergency services like:
- Repairs
- Content relocation
- Extraction
- Temporary construction
Water damage for Middletown homes must be addressed immediately. As qualified and certified water restoration professionals, our SERVPRO team has 24/7 availability to get mitigation started as soon as disasters strike.
How Was Your Home Damaged?
The way a property becomes damaged is essential to the methods used to restore and recover the house. Burst pipes, for example, require a range of tools for water removal and drying porous exposed building materials.
Is There Water Damage You Cannot See?
Among the most troublesome products of DIY restoration is learning later that all the water damage was not adequately managed and removed. Preventable damage and destruction are not easily distinguished during restoration without technologies and products like our SERVPRO team uses. After surface drying, hidden water caches in structural cavities and damp pockets can still exist. Sensors and thermal imagery play a considerable role in the continued direction of drying efforts until the situation is resolved.
How Does Water Damage Get Dried?
The most critical process of responding technicians is drying out trapped moisture and environmental moisture content from the residence. The full spectrum of restoration actions requires selecting from hundreds of drying tools and products from our stock. We invest in modern technologies and equipment to ensure the most efficient recovery approaches for our customers. Key tools for water restoration include:
Surface water management begins with eliminating pooling on flooring and within structural cavities. We have multiple extraction units to eliminate standing water threats.
Air movers are among the most heavily used drying tools in our inventory. We can place them several feet from one another, chained together to limit the necessary power supplies. These units run warm air across moist surfaces to promote evaporation.
Regulating the relative humidity and moisture content is critical in productive evaporation and drying. The placement and frequency of dehumidification units can be beneficial in reducing moist environments.
Raising the temperature of a work area is almost always beneficial for drying and cleaning water emergencies. Warming surfaces cause faster molecular movement for increased evaporation and reduce contact times necessary for cleaning surfaces.
Issues with Elevated Humidity
Water emergencies raise the humidity in a property through direct moisture exposure from the leak or damage event and the indirect production of water vapors when evaporation gets underway on moist surfaces. If left unresolved, higher concentrations of moisture content and humidity produce connected threats to the structure like mold development and material degradation.
Full-Service Water Damage Restoration
With so many actions necessary to return a property to preloss condition through water restoration and beyond, having a capable team of accredited professionals to provide these needed services is time-saving and cost-efficient. Along with our contractor license to complete controlled demolition and required repairs after recovery, we arrive with a capable roster of certified professionals trained in several niches of the industry like:
- WRT – Water Restoration
- ASD – Applied Structural Drying
- CDS – Commercial Drying
- AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation
Water damage in Middletown homes can be a highly disruptive and destructive event. When disasters strike, trust our SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain team to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call today at (860) 826-5169.
We Have The Proper Techniques To Restore Your Middletown Home After Water Damage Strikes
6/15/2022 (Permalink)
Contact SERVPRO to effectively tackle the water damage in your property. Call now!
Controlling the Drying Process in Your Middletown Home
Psychrometry is a science familiar to every one of our qualified water restoration technicians working for our SERVPRO team and a field of expertise that can protect Middletown homes after water loss incidents. As quickly as these situations can get out of control, even for experienced professionals like ours, containment and environmental control are vital factors in maximizing the efficiency of the drying process.
To many property owners, water damage in Middletown homes requires some fans, towels, and a mop to correct. In truth, many factors can play a substantial role in the effectiveness of specific drying techniques. Our understanding of environmental conditions and the spread of current water loss effects can be critical in overcoming these damages to make these water emergencies “Like it never even happened.”
Humidity
Humidity is one of the most direct obstacles that can affect the progress and efficiency of drying efforts in residence. When moist air is often a concern, the solution is a ‘closed’ drying system in which all windows and doors around the damaged area are shut to prevent any outside influence on indoor humidity. At the same time, refrigerant or desiccant dehumidifiers work to remove the present moisture.
Airflow
Stagnant air can slow the progression of drying efforts as well. Directing airflow in a channel that brings dry air in and expels moist exhaust to the outside is vital to increase the rate at which drying completes.
Temperature
Our SERVPRO professionals have to respond to many water loss incidents in the middle of winter. We can see first-hand how vital focused heat can be in drying up water-damaged areas of your house. We have portable electric heaters that can directly influence the temperature of wet materials and the entire drying zone.
Environmental factors play a serious role in the speed and efficiency of drying efforts for your home. With the right focus and attention to these details, we can save our customers time and money on the restoration work their house needs. Give our SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain team a call whenever you need us at (860) 826-5169.
We Discuss The Importance Of Tinting During The Drying Process In Middletown
5/10/2022 (Permalink)
Give our SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain team a call today at (860) 826-5169.
How a Tinting Approach Can More Effectively Dry Middletown Homes
We regularly train and educate our technicians in changing tactics and approaches to minimize time and cost to our customers in Middletown. Because of how destructive water damage can become, we evolve our drying and recovery process to provide a thorough result. We are currently working to bring all of our Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) up to speed on a procedure known as tinting.
Understanding this process and how it can benefit you is critical to putting your mind at ease during the turbulent time of implementing water drying in Middletown residences. We have multiple approaches that have helped to quickly dry out damaged materials and contents in the years we have served the area, but tinting involves using lay-flat poly sheeting to form a tent and duct. These are already an integral part of our efficient, rapid drying solutions, so this sheeting can always be stocked in water recovery-ready trailers.
One of the advantages is limiting the spread of water vapor throughout the residence. Our SERVPRO professionals must always focus on the containment of water loss incidents. These drying zones created with sheeting prevent vapors from reaching untouched regions. A reduction in moisture present in the environment can limit mold growth as well.
By forming a duct from a dehumidifier to a tented area, extra air exhausted goes right to the damaged material to dry it more efficiently. Also, our SERVPRO technicians deploy these methods to remove excess moisture from the specific tented area, as you would expect an industrial-grade desiccant to do. The result between all of the shared equipment and installed sheeting is a more efficient drying process that can protect installed flooring from requiring removal and replacement.
We are consistently evolving how we restore and recover to ensure that we always offer our customers the most efficient and cost-effective approach available for their disasters. No matter how severe water loss incidents can become, our premier equipment and approaches like tinting can help. Give our SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain team a call today at (860) 826-5169.
Some of the Biggest Problems with New Britain Water Damage Situations
4/26/2022 (Permalink)
Whatever the source of water damage in your home, SERVPRO can help mitigate the situation and remediate the damage. Call right away.
Monitoring Makes Drying More Efficient in New Britain Homes
Hitting specific goals and milestones throughout a restoration project can help to keep New Britain homeowners informed about progress and educated about the steps necessary to recover their damaged properties. As challenging as water loss restoration can be, customers are more at ease with each phase of these efforts with tangible documentation of the drying, extraction, and cleaning processes. Our team uses brand-exclusive software known as DryBook to document and record our milestones with home restoration after a water loss incident.
Water damage in New Britain homes can vary from one property to the next in severity and needed actions, so having a helpful tool that keeps our technicians, customers, and their respective insurance companies aware of conditions is vital to efficient results. The software does more than just detail the efforts of our SERVPRO team, however. There are many applications for this program.
Gathering Initial Data
Though the software that we use gets billed as an informative tool meant to showcase the progress of our drying and recovery efforts after a water loss incident, it is also the same program used to house all initial findings. Any damaged areas of the house, a running catalog of lost contents, and other vital information all become accessible to our SERVPRO technicians working on your home.
Documenting Readings
Regular atmospheric and moisture content readings help gauge the success of specific drying ventures, including the placement of equipment like dehumidifiers and high-velocity air movers. The results can also determine how well the units perform in their given area of the water-damaged property. A slow moisture removal might indicate a need to try a different approach for efficient results.
Monitor Progress Towards Desired Results
Because moisture content and atmospheric readings get taken from the unaffected areas and the work zones, we can regularly compare these two findings to determine our progress in making water losses “Like it never even happened.”
Our DryBook software is exclusive to our brand and has become a vital tool in helping our customers and our technicians always know the status of an active restoration project. When disaster strikes your home, you can count on our SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain team to help however you need. Call us today at (860) 826-5169.
Water Damage Middletown – Cleaning Carpets
3/23/2022 (Permalink)
When overflowing tubs bring excess water into your home, the situation can result in water damage. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for water removal services.
We will walk you through the water damage in Middletown.
Many smaller water damage situations involved a small section of carpeting near the kitchen or bathroom. A leak occurs, and the water spreads to nearby rooms and before the water can be turned off. In these situations, SERVPRO has found that the entire room must be managed and not just the section of carpet that has become wet.
SERVPRO has helped many customers in Middletown with water damage situations from overflowing tubs and sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. On many occasions, we have found that the entire room must be cleaned and dried to return the room to its original condition. "Like it never even happened."
Drying the Affected Area
The crew chief always reviews the situation and recommends the best approach to dealing with the leak and wet conditions that exist. Initially, the area where the leak occurred must be processed. All water should be vacuumed or mopped up and dried.
Wet carpets should also be vacuumed with a wand-style vacuum to remove as much water as possible. The carpet may be raised in one or more areas to allow air to circulate under the carpet to dry the floor and underpad. Air movers may also be used to push air under the carpet to enhance drying.
Why Clean the Entire Room
Once the carpet is dry, the dried area can be noticeably cleaner than the rest of the room. The process of removing water from the wet area also removes existing soiling that may have been present.
Appropriate preparations to clean the remainder of the carpet in the room affected needs to be made. For example, remove lighter furniture from the room. More cumbersome furniture should be raised on blocks or left in place.
Standard carpet cleaning techniques can then be applied to clean the entire room, including wiping down baseboards, and hard floors adjacent to the carpet. SERVPRO also ensures cleaning solution is not sprayed onto curtains and furniture left in place.
Our SERVPRO crew chief can discuss all of these steps with you to determine the best approach to help deal with the water leak and subsequent cleaning needs.
Call SERVPRO of Middleton / New Britain at (860) 829-5169 for 24/7 services. We serve Cromwell, Berlin, Kensington, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
New Britain Water Damage Calls for Expert Restoration Companies to Get the Job Done
12/26/2021 (Permalink)
Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are here to help 24/7 365 days a year.
SERVPRO Handles Water Damage Restoration of All Types for Residents and Companies in the New Britain Area
Any water infiltration, even from a tub overflowing or a sizable spill, can mean a lot of hidden damage within your New Britain property. It is crucial you not only have standing water removed but also precise drying and moisture detection to ensure your home does not sustain any lasting damage. Water restoration teams like we have at SERVPRO are your first line of defense to mitigate water damage, dry your interior, and keep mold and mildew at bay.
When you have any water damage, calling the help of skilled water restoration companies in New Britain like our team at SERVPRO gets you the reliable, prompt service you deserve. You may be wondering what a professional restoration team can do that you cannot. Our team covers a broad range of restoration work, including detailed flood damage repair, handling water removal services from burst pipes, ceiling leaks after a storm, and much more!
- All standing water must get pulled up fast. Leaving water to drain by itself allows time for it to saturate building materials, migrating to dry spaces. This leads to mold growth and the need for involved repair.
- If the water is from a flood, contamination is a concern. SERVPRO follows protocols for treating contaminated water as needed and always handles it while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
- We have all the industrial-strength equipment and tools necessary to achieve our water removal and drying goals. This includes powerful pumps and extractors, dehumidifiers, and centrifugal air movers.
- Our team also executes controlled demolition, as needed, to replace any unsalvageable materials to make your home “Like it never even happened.”
No other water restoration companies in the region match the services we offer at SERVPRO of Middletown/New Britain. Whether you need flood clean-up or moisture detection after ice dam issues, call us at (860) 826-5169.
What Conditions Can Be Manipulated to Dry Middletown Homes Faster?
11/8/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO water damage restoration services are second to none. Call now for fast and immediate service.
Drying principles must be carefully regulated to recover damaged Middletown properties efficiently.
Many variables can either slow or hasten the drying process. Temperature, humidity, and airflow must be considered and modified to suit rapidly changing environmental conditions in a house after water damage incidents.
Isolation and Containment of the Work Area
Before much of the water damage restoration in Middletown homes can begin, our technicians must identify the damaged areas and start processes like containment. Isolating the workspace can be critical to improving the effectiveness of drying methods and restoration efficiency as a whole.
Factors Impacting the Drying Process:
The moisture content of the environment is greatly influential to the overall drying process and the development of additional threats like microbial organisms. The humidity ratio measures air mass from moisture concentrations, and lowering this value reduces pressure and increases the effectiveness of available drying tools.
The movement of air through the workspace can dictate the pace and thoroughness of the drying process. It is necessary for responding technicians to regulate the placement and the intensities of air movers and ventilation to ensure a stable movement of air intended to vent out moisture and infuse the workspace with dry air.
Molecules move faster at higher temperatures. From heating damp wall systems with portable electric heaters to promote faster drying to increasing the temperature in the entire workspace, our efforts to regulate and steer the temperature of the damaged region of the house can significantly increase the pace of drying.
Regulating drying principles can increase the pace and effectiveness of restoration and recovery after water damage incidents. Our SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain team can work fast to restore properties after disasters. Give us a call today at (860) 826-5169.
What Type of Water Mitigation is Necessary for New Britain Homes When a Pipe Bursts in The Ceiling?
8/17/2021 (Permalink)
Water damage often impact ceilings. Inspect your home often for signs of moisture.
SERVPRO Helps Pump Out Water, Remove Deteriorated Materials and Perform Other Water Damage Repairs
Any of the pipes crisscrossing your house can fail at any time. Mitigating a ceiling leak can present more challenges compared to intrusions originating from other sections of the house. The elevated position means the released water flows downwards, thus affecting many items and materials in the process.
Before embarking on water mitigation at your New Britain home, it is essential to explore all available options. Hastily tackling the problem can fail to resolve some issues or worsen the loss by introducing unnecessary damages. SERVPRO has highly trained technicians who start the process by probing the loss to identify the unsalvageable materials, the extent of moisture migration, and the amount of water inundating the floors.
Water restoration training helps in addressing various issues, including:
Some tasks may require more urgency because delaying them can lead to long-term damages. Identifying what to prioritize is crucial. Our SERVPRO technicians identify the materials affected by the loss to determine the best course of action. For instance, if the home has a wooden floor, we prioritize water extraction.
In other cases, cutting off deteriorated ceiling panels and insulation helps stop moisture wicking through materials.
Our SERVPRO teams have varied and powerful water extraction equipment to remove water trapped in any nook and cranny of the house. For instance, portable extractors help ease the removal of water in different rooms. Drying mats and injecti-dry systems help if the water affects wood or tile floors. We also have specialized upholstery cleaning and drying equipment.
With the assistance of SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain, the challenge of water mitigation is minimized. Call us at (860) 826-5169. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
SERVPRO's Water Mitigation Services Save New Britain Homes from Long-Term Damage
7/28/2021 (Permalink)
Don’t live with the uncertainty of secondary water damage. Call SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain to get the job done.
New Britain Home Owners Turn to SERVPRO for Expert Water Mitigation
Water intrusion in a home can be a traumatic event for any homeowner and create an environment of stress and uncertainty. SERVPRO's highly trained IICRC certified professionals can help you deal with it by offering professional water mitigation of your New Britain home.
The primary goal of SERVPRO technicians during water mitigation of your New Britain home is to prevent any secondary damage. Water damage due to burst pipes, ceiling leaks, or basement flooding can have contaminants that must be prevented from spreading to unaffected areas. SERVPRO's team of experts takes appropriate steps to establish engineering controls and create conditions that help to localize the contamination.
What Engineering Controls do SERVPRO Techs Establish during Water Cleanup of Your New Britain Home?
Once the SERVPRO techs begin the restoration work on your New Britain property, especially controlled demolition, the contaminants can be easily dislodged (or Aerosolized) and travel to unaffected areas. To avoid this, restorers establish the following engineering controls-
- Building containment zones- Doorways or openings to the affected areas are sealed off 6-mil polyethylene plastic. The technicians also create an additional decontamination chamber, turn off the HVAC, and seal the supply and return registers with plastic bags.
- Establishing a negative pressure- Within the containment zone, air filtration devices blow air outside the building. The arrangement allows the clean air to come into the containment area, but the contaminated air can't go to unaffected parts of the structure due to lower air pressure. Such a system is said to have created a 'negative pressure' within the containment area.
Call SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain at (860) 826-5169 for fast and efficient service.
The Science Behind Professional Water Removal in Middletown
6/22/2021 (Permalink)
Please give us a call, SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain understands how damaging water can be.
Why Understanding Water Properties is Crucial for Water Removal
Water intrusion in unwanted areas of your Middletown home can lead to a wide range of problems, some of which might develop immediately, while others take time. Immediately after the water spill, the main difficulties include soiling and staining of fabric materials. Over time, other serious problems such as mold, rotting, and other severe forms of material deterioration develop. Proper and fast water removal can help minimize the effect such incidents have on your property.
Machines for Water Removal
Executing fast water removal in Middletown requires sophisticated equipment because water permeates through different materials or wicks into wall cavities and other concealed areas immediately after spilling. Any water pooling on surfaces requires equipment with sufficient lift capacity for quick removal. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on a wide range of extraction equipment, including submersible pumps, portable water extractors, and truck-mounted water extractors. Submersible pumps are very efficient for removing water deeper than two inches.
The speed of water removal depends on what form the water is during removal. The most common ways are removal in liquid form and evaporation, which utilizes air movements. From training and experience, our SERVPRO technicians understand that extraction is 1200 times more effective than evaporation. We, therefore, bring different types of extraction equipment to the worksite, ensuring we reach every drop of water possible before embarking on drying procedures, which helps expedite the process.
Water Cleanup at the Precise Speed
Drying the home to finalize mitigating the effects of water damage is necessary to prevent mold and rot from developing. Unlike extraction, which is mainly a speed-intensive process, drying is more of a delicate balancing act. A very high rate of evaporating puts too much moisture in the air and can lead to condensation if the dehumidification rate is moderate. Some materials, such as wood, can also develop cracking if the drying rate is too fast. Our SERVPRO technicians set drying goals, which involve calculating the correct number of air movers and dehumidifiers for balanced drying.
For proper removal of water from your property, call SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain at (860) 826-5169 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Water Damage, High Humidity in Your Middletown Home?
5/25/2021 (Permalink)
Whether a plumbing problem or other issues with water damage restoration is a job for SERVPRO. Our techs are ready 24/7 365 days a year.
Contact SERVPRO for Professional Water Damage Remediation
After an incidence of water damage, your primary concern may be whether it is possible to dry all affected areas as soon as possible. While speed is essential when dealing with water damage, there is a need to balance the drying process to avoid other problems. We offer professional water damage mitigation that ensures balanced drying of your Middletown home.
For faster drying after an incident of water damage in Middletown, there is a need to increase temperature levels, boost air movement and extract moisture from the air. Balancing all these aspects is necessary for optimum drying. If the air movements and temperature levels are high, but the extraction rate is too low, condensation can happen, transferring damage to other areas. Optimum temperatures are also necessary because warmer air holds more moisture increasing the evaporation rate. Our SERVPRO technicians use portable heaters or other heat sources to maintain temperatures around 70 to 90 degrees. We also make calculations to determine the number of dehumidifiers and air movers to use.
Porous materials such as wood in floors and other fixtures absorb water and swell. Leaving such water unaddressed can cause long-term problems such as warping, rotting, or buckling. Fast-drying, on the other hand, can cause cracking or splintering of floorboards. Our SERVPRO technicians use moisture meters to determine the actual levels of wetness in such materials allowing us to determine the correct drying rate to deal with the effects of water damage "Like it never even happened."
It can be harder to dry property if the water damage results from a weather event because humidity levels might be high outside the house. Opening windows during the drying process to ventilate the rooms can lengthen the process by allowing moisture from outside the structure to filter inside. An unusual but never desired effect is "inside rain" when this high level of water vapor condenses. Our SERVPRO technicians use thermo-hygrometers to take moisture readings inside and outside the structure before starting the drying process to determine whether to use a closed drying system. We can also create drying chambers by hanging plastic sheets around the affected areas. The final walk-through with our client is done once we have reached our drying goals.
For balanced drying after incidents of water damage, call SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain to assist. You can reach us at (860) 826-5169 any day.
Carpet Drying and Water Mitigation in New Britain
2/8/2021 (Permalink)
The removal of water damaged carpet can be unhealthy. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the water mitigation services needed.
When should you remove wet carpets? SERVPRO has the answers!
New Britain lies 9 miles southwest of Hartford and is nicknamed the "Hardware City" for its history in manufacturing and Stanley Black & Decker's headquarters. The area was first settled in 1687 and named the city of New Britain in 1871. Noted for several historical activities and inventions:
- Reputation as the Hardware Capital of the World in the early 20th century
- The wire coat hanger was invented in 1869 by O.A North of New Britain
- Developed basketball dribbling at the New Britain YMCA
- Developed racquetball in 1954 at the YMCA
Exciting Sites and Things to Do in New Britain
- New Britain Museum of American Art
- Central Connecticut State University
- New Britain Industrial Museum
- Walnut Park
- Walnut Hill Rose Garden
- The Polish District
- Breweries – Alvarium Beer Company, Five Churches Brewing
New Britain Museum of American Art
The New Britain Museum of American Art contains approximately 8,274 items in its collection, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and photographs. There are colonial and federal portraits and many works from artists representing significant artists and American Art movements. The museum is open during the current health restrictions. However, visitors are encouraged to make appointments and only spend 90 minutes in the museum.
Visitors can also explore the museum digitally via their emuseum feature. The collection is organized alphabetically by artist and exhibition, making it easy to find specific exciting exhibits.
New Britain Industrial Museum
Covering over 200 years of industrial innovation and celebrating the inventions and tools manufactured in New Britain factories. Visitors are amazed at the plethora of devices and instruments. There is something for everyone, whether it is something made for the kitchen or tools in the workplace.
Walnut Park and Walnut Hill Rose Garden
Frederick Law Olmsted created Walnut Hill Park and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The park was commissioned in 1870. The Walnut Hill Rose Garden was added in 1929 and has gone through many evolutions. Recently the Friends of Walnut Park Rose Gardens have rebuilt the rose garden making it an exciting place to visit. A rose garden is a trendy place for celebrations and weddings. Volunteers are needed to help with cleanup, organizing, and supporting the annual rose garden festival.
Breweries – Alvarium Beer Company, Five Churches Brewing
There are many bars and eateries in the area. However, two exciting places to mention are the Alvarium Beer Company and Five Churches Brewing. Both brew great beers, especially if you enjoy craft beers with different flavors.
Drying Carpets In-Place
Quite often, carpets are exposed to water from leaks in bathrooms or kitchens. The water is seeping from the room and soaking the rug and the underpad, and the subfloor. SERVPRO prefers to dry the carpet without removing it. There are several advantages to this approach:
- There is less disruption
- Carpet suffers less damage
- Less chance of the carpeting delaminating
There are situations where the carpet must be removed, for example:
- Exposure is greater than 72 hours
- Evidence of mold
- Carpet installed over hardwood floors, laminates, or multiple subfloors
- Gray or black water damage
- Presence of sensitive items
Contact SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain for water mitigation service to Middletown and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (860) 826-5169.
Visit Middletown for a Taste of New England’s Beauty
1/18/2021 (Permalink)
Water damage can affect your home from any direction. Contact our team 24/7 for your emergency needs.
Whether you’re Exploring on your own or in a Group, Middletown has Something to Offer for All Tastes
Along the Connecticut River, Middletown is in Middlesex County, just south of Hartford. The town dates back to the 1650s when English settlers incorporated it. Before its incorporation, the Mattabesett occupied the territory and called the area the Mattabeseck. Even though the site is mostly residential now, at its inception, it was an industrial hub. As one might expect, Middletown owes its name to its location as the halfway point between Saybrook and Windsor.
In the 1700s, Middletown grew strong, and most of its inhabitants participated in trade made more manageable by its proximity to the water. Even though working the land was not easy, the town managed to be prosperous. Slavery has its place in Middletown's early economy, where African slaves from the Caribbean joined the society as laborers and domestic help. However, the advent of trade challenges, which ultimately caused the War of 1812, negatively affected the area. Much of its business was lost due to trading hurdles. Although firearms manufacturing shortly relieved the town from an economic downturn, the industry did not remain in Middletown for long. In the 20th century, Middletown was the home of many immigrants, starting with Irish arrivals fleeing the Great Famine, and later Italians, Polish, and Germans also joined the community. Much later, in the 1980s, people from Southeast Asia came into town to settle down.
Enmeshed within the history of Middletown is Wesleyan University, founded in 1831. Today it houses over 3,000 liberal arts students on a picturesque campus offering a diverse student population and advanced research. The University owes its name to John Wesley, founder of Methodism. It was precisely the Methodist movement and its focus on education that prompted this vital institution's creation. Although it has since forgone its Methodist designation and expanded its academic offerings, the University’s emphasis on innovative learning is still alive today.
The Middlesex County Historical Society
There is no better place to visit than the Middlesex County Historical Society to understand Middletown, its origin, and its place in history. Focused on preserving the history of Middletown and Middlesex County, it achieves its mission through different mediums.
- Art- the Historical Society owns paintings and artifacts dating to the origins of the area. Housewares, landscapes, and other period pieces are on display for visitors to explore.
- Photographs- the collection of photographic evidence of the city’s growth dates from its earlier days to pictures of life today. It documents natural disasters, daily life, milestones, and numerous events that make up Middletown’s history.
- Archives- documents, including court recordings, letters, and minutes of relevant meetings, are included in the archives. The diaries of local personalities and records from civic and government organizations are also counted among the collection and help tell the story of the area.
The Historical Society has also created the Middletown Heritage Trail, which allows the visitor to take a self-guided tour through town. The most relevant historical landmarks in the city are clearly marked, and visitors are encouraged to learn about their significance through the literature available at each site. Group tours are also available by contacting the Historical Society for arrangements.
Entertainment in Middletown
Middletown has a privileged location along the Connecticut River banks, and outdoor activities take advantage of this beautiful landscape. Trails are available along the waterfront as well as in proximity to the many tributaries in the area. Additionally, the city has preserved more than 2,400 acres of open space for its residents.
Aside from natural formations, Middletown’s downtown is ideal for a stroll. The eclectic collection of shops, plus wide sidewalks and a pleasant view, have earned Main Street national recognition. The town’s gastronomic offering is also notable and evidence of the confluence of cultures that inhabit Middletown. On any given day, music, art and entertainment are on display for all to enjoy. For more information on Main Street happenings, make sure to follow Downtown Middletown on social media.
Middletown has a lot to offer if you are planning a special event such as a wedding or family reunion. Once again, its scenery makes an ideal backdrop to your celebration, and the numerous outdoor venues allow flexibility in decorating them to match the occasion. Lady Katharine Cruises offers a unique option by carrying your special occasion down the Connecticut River while you celebrate. Lodging is available throughout the city in historical places that now enjoy the comforts of modern life. The Inn at Middletown and Wadsworth Mansion are great examples of the meeting of historic architecture with today’s services.
Middletown has also been named one of the “100 Best Small Arts Towns in the United States.” The Middletown Commission on the Arts was established in 1972 to encourage the arts in the community. It works with local artists and organizations to support budding artists, performances, and exhibitions. Programmatic opportunities are made possible year-round in a variety of venues.
Protecting Middletown Homes and Businesses
Water damage to Middletown building structures is not uncommon. Although one might think the city’s proximity to the water is the culprit behind any water damage, in reality, routine wear and tear in our homes can easily disrupt our lives. All it takes is a leaky pipe or a broken window to cause water damage, and relying on a professional water restoration company is the best way to reverse the damage.
SERVPRO staff is trained in the latest techniques and industry best practices to restore your home after a water incident. Our industry-grade equipment, including drying mats, air circulators, and extractors of various sizes, help us tailor an action plan to your needs. Our fleet is knowledgeable of environmental practices and readily available 24/7 for your convenience.
SERVPRO of Middletown/New Britain is your resource for water removal and ancillary issues such as drywall replacement and floor restoration. Call our knowledgeable team at (860) 826-5169 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”
What Should Homeowners Consider When Selecting the Best Fit Among Local Water Restoration Companies?
10/10/2020 (Permalink)
For Water Damage Restoration and Repair to Your Middletown Home--Call SERVPRO
SERVPRO Offers a Full-Spectrum of Solutions -- Assessment and Building Stabilization Through Build Back for Your Middletown Home
Finding and hiring a water restoration firm that shortens and simplifies the journey from a water-filled Middletown home, suffering from structural damage and potential human health and welfare concerns, can seem daunting. Many different skill sets and restoration industry-developed standards come into play during the process. The job starts with the assessment of the extent and levels of structural damage and personal and environmental hazards. Then planning of efficient and implementation of best-practice interventions designed to mitigate and remediate the water damage occurs. Finally, repairs and rebuilding return the devastated spaces to preloss condition.
Does a Homeowner Need to Act as a General Contractor During Water Damage Restoration?
Avoiding the stress of hiring several different contractors to handle the various phases needed to reverse the disruption is crucial. Engaging just one company is possible when you find a good match among multi-licensed and certified water restoration companies serving the Middletown area. Choosing a partner to work with you from assessment through water damage mitigation and remediation to final reconstruction streamlines the process. Transitions from phase to phase occur more smoothly, and you never need to wait for a second or third contractor to fit you into their busy schedule.
What Is on the Checklist for a Premier “One Stop Shop” When Picking from Several Water Restoration Companies?
Options might abound, but SERVPRO ranks at the top of any list of water damage restoration firms. How can you tell we have what it takes for quality water damage recovery?
We invest in training for our managers and technicians, concentrating on various disaster recovery specialties from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC is an international standards development and education organization, basing all training on the latest technological advances, cutting-edge equipment, and scientific research.
- Sufficient Capacity -- Workforce and Equipment
Our resources are scalable. Every signature green service vehicle in our fleet is stocked fully with a multi-unit inventory of water removal and drying equipment and sufficient quantities of cleaning and disinfection proprietary products and tools.
- Insurance Coordination Experience and Competence
Managers and office specialists work with homeowner insurance companies throughout every project, ensuring proper documentation of damage and interventions to support claims based on your insurance contract and to limit your out of pocket costs.
- Flexibility and Options for Home Contents
A spacious, climate-controlled production facility is available if we recommend a pack out of furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions. Dedicated contents processing technicians evaluate and plan cleaning, drying, deodorizing, and disinfecting of packed-out items using our digitized Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS). Articles are stored until your home’s restoration is complete.
What Does Your Local SERVPRO Offer that Sets It Apart from Other Water Damage Restoration Companies?
One of the challenges SERVPRO and other water damage restoration companies face during the wind-up phase of projects is providing repair and reconstruction services. Not every water damage disaster mitigation and remediation company also holds a license as a residential contractor. This failure creates a hurdle for the homeowner, now required to vet and choose another contractor to perform the last tasks needed to return a home to “Like it never even happened.” Our business can legally act as a general contractor during the build-back phase, saving you the time, stress, and expense of engaging a firm to pick up where the remediation left off.
How Does Having Our Contractor License Help During the Project?
Additionally, our license to provide contracting services helps when we are managing potential hazards. For example, if temporary or permanent supports are needed to secure sagging ceilings or bowed-out walls, we rely on our construction division. In the event we decide to use controlled demolition to release trapped water, our expertise allows us to employ tactics such as:
- Punching, sawing, or drilling holes to release water
- Cutting drywall several inches above the waterline to remove ruined materials and drain water and provide access for efficiency in drying
These mid-project tasks also require action to patch holes or replace gypsum boards. We add them to the rebuilding and repair agenda, ensuring that your home is clean, dry, disinfected, deodorized, and intact when you return to normal day-to-day life.
Enjoy an integrated turnkey water damage restoration experience with the multiple certifications held by SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain. Call (860) 826-5169 to inquire about your initial assessment options through needed reconstruction and finishing touches.
Contractor Licenses:
Residential: HIC.0652559
Is Residential Water Intrusion Unhealthy?
9/29/2020 (Permalink)
Don't let a small amount of water take over your home, call SERVPRO today.
Water Spills Happen to Many Middletown Residents. SERVPRO Can Return your Home to a Sanitary State with Professional Water Cleanup.
Why does water intrusion cause odor?
Middletown residents with a moisture issue in their homes may discover unpleasant odors in the affected area and beyond. The reason water causes odor is due to microbes. Microbes are microscopic organisms that live in water. Typical microbial microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Many microbial growth issues occur as a result of previous problems with water damage. SERVPRO can help mitigate these secondary damages by performing expert cleanup and applying biocides or antimicrobial chemicals to break down microbial organisms.
What do microbes need to reproduce?
- A water or moisture supply. High humidity can provide the right conditions for microbial growth
- A food supply of organic matter which is abundant in residential building materials including woods or natural materials
- The temperature which creates the ideal conditions for growth
How can I get rid of microbial growth?
Using professional water cleanup in your Middletown home is the first step to controlling microbes. These organisms are a natural part of a home environment but lay dormant without moisture, causing no problems. We take care to dry a home thoroughly during water restoration to ensure that microbes return to an inactive state. We can accomplish this task by using advanced drying equipment and regularly monitoring humidity alongside wetness in your property. With moisture under control, we can then apply antimicrobial chemicals to restrict microbial growth further.
How is microbial growth controlled?
- Cleaning the affected area using detergents or biocides
- Drying the area thoroughly to ensure microbes remain dormant
- Treating the area with antimicrobial chemicals to break down organisms
Water intrusion can cause expensive secondary damage through microbial growth. To keep microbes under control, contact SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain at (860) 530-4353.
Does My Home Need Professional Water Removal Services?
9/1/2020 (Permalink)
Property owners breathe a sigh of relief when the SERVPRO green fleet swiftly arrives for water loss mitigation. Don't wait, call us right away.
Call SERVPRO of Middletown if You Suspect Your Home Needs Water Removal Services!
When a water removal emergency hits a Middletown home, many owners wonder if they can clean up the issue themselves. There is nothing wrong with a good DIY project. However, when it comes to removing moisture from your home, you may want to think twice.
It is essential to rely on professional Middletown Water Removal services when you need them. Here at SERVPRO, we have access to advanced technological devices that allow us to swiftly get water out of your home. Our technology is industry-grade and powerful. Furthermore, we have access to other technologies that enable us to track down unseen moisture in your home. When it comes to anything that could severely damage your home if left unchecked, leave it to professionals.
What Are the Pros of Relying on SERVPRO?
There are many benefits to working with our technicians. You can feel confident in our services knowing:
- Our technicians are IICRC-certified (Institution of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification)
- We use advanced technology, designed to reduce excess moisture in your home as quickly as possible
- We want you to feel good with the services we supply and always can treat you like family
We build our schedule around yours. If you need help, don't hesitate to call us. Our technicians can hurry to your house and begin an investigation of the water damage immediately.
What Can SERVPRO Do to Remove Water From My Basement?
Picture your sump pump failing during a heavy rainstorm. Your basement floods and leaves cold water covering the concrete floor. Here at SERVPRO, we could:
- Use truck-mounted wet/dry vacuums, to relocate the water elsewhere later
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture from the air
- Use flood drying mats to remove as much moisture from the pores of the concrete
Should we believe your basement needed additional drying services, we could provide them. We always try to ensure that your home meets an appropriate moisture level.
Never wait for help when you need it. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain by dialing (860) 826-5169. Our technicians are ready to help you.
See more about Middletown.
How Many Contractors Do I Need to Clean Up a Water Loss in Middletown?
8/5/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain is ready for water cleanup and repair and rebuilding if needed.
SERVPRO Provides Full-Service Professional Water Cleanup in Middletown, Taking on Projects from Initial Assessment to Repairs and Build Backs, Streamlining the Process for Local Homeowners
A water loss can be one of the most disruptive events you experience in your Middletown dwelling. An overflowing bathroom sink or tub can soak the subfloor, risking migration of water to the walls and ceilings under the bath. You need a fast water removal response. Depending on the condition of the building materials affected by secondary damage from water spread, you might need partial or total replacement of the subfloor and repairs to walls and ceilings.
I Thought Ceramic Tile Floors Were Watertight -- How Did the Water Percolate Down?
As long as the grout and any caulk along walls and around fixtures are intact, tile floors shed water well. If the grout or caulk is cracked or missing in places, you require professional water cleanup in Middletown. The subfloor is porous, and, when wet, drips onto the ceiling tiles or drywall below. Staining and even pooling of water then occur though not a drop of water is visible in the bathroom.
What Steps Need Competition to Manage Water Migration?
When SERVPRO arrives, a visual check one level below locates the water incursion in general terms. Water does travel away from origin sites on pipes, wires, and structures, so we use moisture detection and metering tools to trace the path and the levels of absorbed and perhaps collected water. We also check the bathroom, using the detection tools, and maybe pulling up a few tiles to evaluate water saturation. Then we:
• Release pooled water with weep holes
• Pop-out ceiling tiles to enhance water removal and subsequent drying
• Use portable extraction equipment to suction the released water
• Establish moisture drying goals
What Does Drying Look Like?
We position air movers to sweep moisture away from saturated surfaces and maintain a temperature optimal for evaporation. Drying occurs in the bathroom and upwards from the floor below. Dehumidifiers capture the vapor for disposal.
Now I Have Holes -- What Is the Plan to Fix That?
We are licensed as general residential contractors, so we repair smaller holes and replace tiles or drywall if needed. If the subfloor needs replacement or tiles resetting, we do that as well. New grout (sealed) and caulking prevent future incidents.
SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain is ready for water cleanup and repair and rebuilding if needed. Explore your options for a wrap-around restoration by calling (860) 826-5169.
Is it Possible to Save Water Damaged Items in My Home?
4/16/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle all types of water damage.
SERVPRO Can Save the Personal Belongings in Your Middletown Home After a Water Damage Incident
One of the common calls that we get at SERVPRO is a customer who is dealing with a water loss inside their Middletown home. We understand that your belongings are valuable to you, so we work quickly and put together a plan that allows us to salvage as much as possible. Each job site is unique, so we formulate the best combination of techniques, equipment, and skills to get the job done.
What Happens When You Arrive at My Home?
Once you call on our team at SERVPRO to help with your water damage in Middletown, we come out to perform an assessment. The crew chief works with the technicians to put steps into play that allow us to clean up the water and make sure that your belongings are addressed in a timely manner. The initial phase of our cleanup efforts set the tone for the rest of the steps moving forward.
What Are the Different Types of Water Damage?
Salvageability of the items throughout your home will depend on whether the water is deemed clean or contaminated. Clean water incidents have a much higher salvageability rate, whereas contaminated water incidents pose potential health hazards that may limit the number of items that we can save.
Clean water incidents include:
- Water that comes from leaking appliances, such as dishwashers, water heaters, etc.
- Water from leaking or burst pipes
Contaminated water incidents include:
- Sewage backups
- Flooded basements
- Overflowing sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets
- Flooding that results from firefighting efforts
- Floodwater from storm damage
What Can SERVPRO Do if My Belongings Have Been Saturated for a Long Time?
We always take into consideration the length of time that the materials and belongings inside your home have been saturated with water. The longer that certain elements sit in the water, the further the water is able to penetrate. For example, solid wood furniture does not take on water as fast as a pressboard or drywall. Any porous materials like carpeting, upholstery, and other fabrics have an increased risk of mold and mildew growth. Our technicians work quickly to increase the chance of restoring your porous interior belongings, while non-porous items like porcelain, metal, or marble can be dried and disinfected much faster.
What Do You Bring to Help with Water Restoration?
We utilize a wide range of professional equipment to help us address water and moisture removal throughout your home. Once we determine the level of water cleanup necessary, we then deploy pumps and extractors to remove as much as possible in a short period of time. Some of the equipment on the trucks that allow us to commence with water restoration include:
- Portable or truck-mounted extraction units that help address varying levels of water removal.
- Deep extraction equipment like self-propelled tools and stationary tools use weight to help push water from carpets and padding so that the vacuum unit can take it away.
- Light wands, also known as carpet wands, help remove water from the glue-down carpet.
- Air moving equipment helps speed up evaporation and drying times at the surface level. We strategically place air movers to produce optimal airflow that replaces the cool air at saturation level with drier, warmer air from our dehumidifiers.
- For hidden moisture within wall cavities, our technicians use structural cavity drying equipment. This allows us to direct airflow throughout wall cavities while increasing the rate of evaporation.
- We also carefully place dehumidifiers that help our crew to remove as much water vapor from the air as possible. Lowering this water vapor in the air also cuts the humidity levels, thus speeding up drying times. We use a unique formula that tells us how many dehumidifiers should be used in unison with air movers to provide optimum results.
How Can I Be Sure That My Home Is Safe from Mold Growth?
In order to successfully complete a water cleanup project, SERVPRO technicians thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces with industrial-strength products that slow or inhibit microbe growth.
- Broad-spectrum EPA-registered disinfectants are applied to non-porous surfaces when potential microbial contamination is suspected.
- Products are applied to walls, baseboards, subfloors, and any other organic materials prone to odors and microbe development.
- Non-porous surfaces are wiped down and thoroughly disinfected.
- Deodorizes may also be applied to the backs of carpets, carpet fibers, and other materials to help cut back on odors.
Our technicians follow standards put forth via the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC). We always ensure the health and safety of all occupants and our workings, taking the time to document all procedures and conditions. This allows us to set a solid course of action for your water cleanup, drying, cleaning, and any necessary repairs.
Call us today at SERVPRO of Middletown/New Britain at (860) 826-5169 if you need help addressing water damage in your home! We are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Mitigating Water Damage In Middletown
3/8/2020 (Permalink)
We're here to help you, 24/7.
Mitigating Water Damage from Middletown Flooding Takes the Right Expertise
The potential for flooding is often on the minds of Middletown area residents, especially during the spring thaw. Many times, springtime creates the "perfect storm" for flooding along the Connecticut River. The melting snow draining off the mountains, combined with rain from seasonal showers, routinely leads to problems for those living in this area. Considering this, it's important to prepare beforehand and know whom to call when flooding issues arise at your home.
The initial shock of your Middletown home flooding can be quite traumatic, but it's important that you quickly get control of the situation. Luckily, limiting water damage in your Middletown location is as easy as making one fast call to SERVPRO. Within four hours of your call, our experienced experts will be on-site to start helping you assess, clean up, and limit further water damage. Using state-of-the-art equipment, like moisture sensors and meters, they will detect where water is coming from and how much of it different items have absorbed. This will enable them to effectively direct their efforts, thereby reducing recovery time and your overall costs.
After SERVPRO determines where water is seeping into your Middletown residence and how much it has damaged various things, they will get to work mitigating and preventing further property deterioration. Our trained professionals will first use extractors to remove water from upholstered items, carpets, and other flooring. Then, they will foster increased airflow and surface evaporation with air movers. Following this treatment, in order to facilitate greater evaporation, workers will proceed to remove excess water vapor from the air with dehumidifiers. These are, generally, of one of two types. One functions much like an air conditioner, drying the air by cooling it and reducing its moisture capacity. The other type utilizes drying agents that bond with water vapor to reduce airborne moisture. After the dehumidifying process, SERVPRO experts use deodorization equipment to eliminate odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew.
If and when a waterborne disaster catches you by surprise, rest assured that help is just a phone call away. Save yourself time and money by calling the seasoned professionals of SERVPRO of Middletown / New Britain at (860) 826-5169. We're here to help you, 24/7.
For more about Middletown click here.
Winter Roof Damage and Repair: How will you prepare your Middletown, CT home?
11/21/2018 (Permalink)
Winter in New England can be beautiful: The gentle flakes drifting to the ground during the first snowfall. Taking the children sledding and ice-skating. Helping your grandchild build their first snowman. Holiday cheer. The tastes and smells of your family recipes. Although the season is joyous, winter has a harsher side we must prepare for. Relentless storms. Icy roads and stairs. Frigid days and nights. Preparing our homes for the winter can be tedious; it feels like the leaves were just raked up off our yards in Middletown and all of a sudden they’re covered in a blanket of snow. As homeowners one of the most common problems that winter brings is roof damage and leaking roofs. The last thing we want to deal with is water damage during the winter. In addition to the costs and labor involved, leaking roofs invite a host of problems:
- Structural Deterioration
- Insulation Damage and Mold
- Fire and Shock Hazards
Leaking roofs are preventable and there are several steps you can take to prevent damage to your home before the winter season moves in for good:
Get a roof inspector to look at your roof and attic:
A trained inspector will look for cracked or loose seams, failing sealants, gaps and separations, as well as punctures in the roof that may not be visible from the ground and offer solutions to fix any problems they may detect.
Clean your gutters:
All of the leaves, acorns, and other autumn debris eventually will create clogs in your gutters and downspouts if not cleaned properly. If clogged, melting snow and rainwater could potentially overflow and damage your roof, trim, and siding. Once all the leaves have fallen, take the time to give your gutters a thorough cleaning; your house will thank you for it later!
Check around the house:
Another great preventative measure to take to prep your house for winter is to do a walk around of your property and make sure that there aren’t any hazards that pose a threat to your home. Hanging tree limbs, adjacent buildings, debris caught in gutters, faulty power lines. Being proactive is the best way to prevent disasters.
In case of roof damage and leaking our SERVPRO professionals are highly trained water restoration technicians. When you may suspect your Middlefield home has roof damage, call SERVPRO of Middletown/New Britain.
SERVPRO is on emergency call 24 hours a day in case the worst case scenario does happen.
Locally owned and operated we will happily and expertly handle any leaks that winter may give you as an (unwanted) gift. Call 860-826-5169!
We're always 'Here to Help!'
Winter is coming to Berlin, CT! Staying on top of mold: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst!
11/21/2018 (Permalink)
All too often in life we react to problems rather than taking preventative measures. Medicine, natural disasters, and car troubles just to name a few. Being prepared and staying on top of potential household problems is a lot easier (and cost-effective!) than trying to deal with it once it has gotten out of hand. Along with frozen pipes, melting snow, and stubborn ice, the chances of basements flooding or roofs leaking during the winter season is at a high. Where there is flooding and water damage, mold is never far behind. Mold is one of the first and foremost problems we should prepare for and be aware of during the winter. Mold can grow on almost any surface where moisture is present, however, it grows best in musty, damp environments, (just like the conditions found in most of our basements here in Middletown!) Once mold invites itself into our homes, getting rid of it can be quite a hassle. It spreads through airborne spores and once it starts growing, it can live almost anywhere. Here are a few simple steps to take to avoid mold ruining your holiday season:
Keep all your prized possessions in plastic receptacles...
However simple this may sound, we have witnessed (and have been the recipient) of flooding that has ruined clothing, books, furniture, and electronics. Head to your favorite local hardware store and stock up on waterproof plastic containers (with lids). This simple purchase could save you thousands of dollars in valuables, as well as your possessions with priceless sentimental value.
Keep your possessions on shelving units...
Another simple yet effective means of preventing mold from destroying your things in case of basement flooding is to build or purchase a simple shelving unit that keeps all your valuables above water level. If your basement has flooded before, this should be easy to identify, but any shelf taller than 3 or 4 feet should do the trick. If the worse happens, it will be easy to relocate all of your items to a dry, warm environment where they can be saved from any effects of mold.
Get experts in to check your basement...
Getting people trained to look for warning signs is a great way to stay ahead of flooding. A qualified SERVPRO professional is a great resource to check for any pre-existing mold. Often times mold is hard to, if not impossible, to spot without firsthand experience.
In the event of a flood, our SERVPRO of Middletown/New Britain professionals are just a phone call away (860-826-5169). Our experienced staff are efficient, knowledgeable, and are experts at handling any problems that may result from winter flooding. Don’t let winter kick you around! By following these simple steps you will be well on your way to keeping you and your valuables safe and sound.
An Ounce Of Prevention: 4 Common Plumbing Problems near Hartford County
9/20/2018 (Permalink)
When water pipes freeze they often burst, and once they thaw they can leak a large volume of water until the water is turned off.
These are 4 of the most common plumbing problems linked to potential water & mold issues.
Water Heater Malfunctions Replacing a water heater can be expensive, but regular maintenance can ensure its longevity. It’s always best to contact a professional, reputable company when getting an expensive appliance serviced.
Pipe Leaks Frozen pipes often become burst pipes. Leaky pipes lead to mold. A leaking pipe can go unnoticed for months depending on where the pipe is located. Visual inspections can help avoid a long-term leak, which can possibly restrict mold growth.
Clogged Drains Landlords are often privy to the damage caused by clogged drains. Drains can clog easily when items that are not suitable for flushing/rinsing get disposed of improperly such as grease, solid foods, hair and personal care products. It’s important to keep drains clear of unnecessary debris.
Sewer System Backups If you’ve never experienced a sewage backup, you’re probably not aware of how smelly a situation it is. Getting the source of a sewage back up repaired immediately and properly is crucial. Residents in Middletown, New Britain, Cromwell, Haddam, East Hampton, Kensington, East Haddam, Durham & Berlin Connecticut call our office at 860-826-5169. Our professional staff answers questions about sewage, cross contamination, we even schedule cleanup services.
As with any loss or damage to your property, always review your insurance policy and speak with your agent prior to placing a claim.
We’re always ‘Here to Help!’
Not Enough Power?
3/16/2018 (Permalink)
One way to prevent a basement from flooding is to install a Sump Pump...right? This seems empirical, but simply having a Sump Pump is not enough. A Sump Pump can fail to perform properly at a moments notice resulting in a flooded basement. Therefore, it is important to make certain your Sump Pump is running and running well.
The main function of a Sump Pump is to prevent excess rain water or ground water from entering a basement or crawlspace by pumping the water away from the structure.
On average Sump Pumps last about 10 years.
Is your Sump Pump working effectively?
A few common factors of Sump Pump Failure include:
- Power loss/outage
- Blocked/frozen discharge pipe
- Bad float switch
- Too much water for the Sump Pump to handle.
Tip: If your home uses a Sump Pump, consider getting it tested regularly, and if you have questions about Sump Pump Failure, do not hesitate to contact us at (860) 826-5169.
We're always 'Here to Help'!
Sewer backups: What are the common causes? How can SERVPRO Help?
3/27/2017 (Permalink)
Fresh rain
Have you ever experienced a sewer backup? If not, you’re not missing out on anything. They can be extremely smelly and hazardous…but what causes a sewer backup?
Some of the most common causes of sewer line backups:
- Cities with merged sewage/storm water systems (when there’s heavy rainfall – can result in a backup)
- Blocked drain (from pouring viscous substances like oil & grease down your drain)
- Blockage in the main sewer line (from damaged pipes or soil settlement)
- Items that don’t flush well other than human waste
As with any other type of loss, prompt cleanup is crucial after a backup occurs. We want to help you minimize secondary damage & avoid health risk. That’s why we offer 24 hour emergency cleaning services. Trust the team that’s ‘faster to any size disaster.’ Contact our office at 860-826-5169
We’re always ‘Here to Help’!
April showers can bring more than May flowers! Are you prepared?
3/8/2017 (Permalink)
Cracked concrete
A sufficient amount of rain can cause severe flooding, especially to the basement of your home. All it takes is an aperture in the foundation of your property. Are you prepared to handle flooding from heavy rains?
An ounce of prevention:
Things you need to know/do
- Know the phone numbers to your local emergency responders (Fire, water depts…)
- Know whether or not the sump pump in your basement is functioning properly
- Ensure that your gutters are clear and drainage is away from the dwelling
Also take some time to review your insurance policy before you have a loss.
If you need flood cleanup services, do not hesitate to contact our office at 860-826-5169. We offer 24 hour EMERGENCY cleanup services.
Remember we’re always ‘Here to Help’!
Is your home prepped for Winter?
12/2/2016 (Permalink)
Winter home
Being prepared for winter weather is essential. Here are a few things to consider before the bitter cold & snow arrive:
- Check for failing shingles
- Drain outside spigots (where pipes can freeze)
- Caulk window gaps
- Switch your screens for storm windows, and seal any drafty windows and doors
- Check for leaks in the attic
- Test your sump pump
- Make sure that paints or any flammable materials are stored away from heat sources in a closed metal cabinet.
- Clean dryer vents & chimney (regularly)
- Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating contractor
- Test and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors
- Organize your garage. Clean and store summer garden tools.
- Check the supports, stairs, and railings on porches & decks.
- Make sure handrails can support someone slipping on snow or ice
*Source: Bob Vila
How to prepare for the Storm!
10/13/2016 (Permalink)
Bitter cold
You can avoid many dangerous weather problems by planning ahead. To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:
Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit.
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways...
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel...Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
It's also good to have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
- Antifreeze levels
- Battery and ignition system
- Brakes
- Exhaust system
- Fuel and air filters
- Heater and defroster
- Lights and flashing hazard lights
- Oil
- Thermostat
- Windshield wiper equipment
- Install good winter tires
Please note: If bad weather is forecast, drive only if absolutely necessary. Make sure your tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions.
*Source: Ready.gov
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