The Silent Culprit: Wet Insulation Water Damage

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

When it comes to home maintenance, there's one silent intruder that often goes unnoticed until it's too late – wet insulation. Many homeowners are unaware of the potential havoc that water damage in insulation can wreak on their property. In this short blog, we'll explore the dangers of wet insulation and the importance of addressing this issue promptly.

The Hidden Threat:

Insulation is a crucial component of any home, helping regulate temperature and conserve energy. However, when insulation becomes wet, it transforms from a helpful ally into a silent threat. Whether due to leaks, condensation, or flooding, moisture can seep into the insulation material, compromising its integrity and effectiveness.

Mold and Mildew Growth:

One of the primary concerns associated with wet insulation is the rapid growth of mold and mildew. These fungi thrive in damp environments, and once they take hold in your insulation, they can spread quickly throughout your home. Mold not only poses health risks to occupants but can also lead to extensive and costly remediation efforts.

Reduced Insulation Effectiveness:

Wet insulation loses its ability to provide effective thermal resistance. As a result, your home's energy efficiency takes a hit, leading to increased utility bills as your HVAC system works harder to maintain the desired temperature. Additionally, compromised insulation can contribute to uncomfortable indoor conditions, with drafts and uneven temperatures becoming more prevalent.

Structural Damage:

Water-damaged insulation can extend its destructive influence beyond itself. Over time, moisture can seep into the surrounding structures, weakening the building's framework and leading to issues like rot and decay. Ignoring wet insulation can ultimately compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Prevention and Remediation:

The key to mitigating the risks associated with wet insulation is prompt action. Regularly inspect your home for signs of water damage, such as leaks, stains, or a musty odor. If you discover wet insulation, it's essential to address the issue immediately. Identify and repair the source of moisture, remove and replace the damaged insulation, and thoroughly dry the affected areas.

Wet insulation water damage is a stealthy threat that can compromise your home's comfort, efficiency, and structural integrity. By staying vigilant and addressing water issues promptly, you can protect your investment and ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for you and your family. Don't let wet insulation silently sabotage your home – take action and safeguard your property from the hidden dangers of moisture infiltration.

Water Damage In An Office Building

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Due to the recent cold spell that Fairfield County has experienced, temperatures have been dipping back below freezing, especially at night.  These low temperatures, much like the entire winter season, can bring issues like frozen pipes with them.

One office building in the area was having issues with their heating system.  After getting the issue checked out, they found that one piece of the system had failed, and needed replacement.  Due to the temperatures trending warmer, the issue was not deemed to be of high importance.  Then the weather got cold again…

Once temperatures had dropped, the internal temperature of the building dropped significantly.  This led to not one, but two pipes freezing and bursting.  Water flowed out on the second floor, which seeped down to the first floor.   When employees arrived the next morning, they noticed that the carpet was waterlogged.  

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton was called in immediately after the damage was noticed.  We arrived quickly and extracted the excess water.  Then we dried the area thoroughly.  It is important to contact a damage restoration professional as soon as you notice any storm damage. SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had damage to their property.  If you have any type of damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Commercial Reconstruction Services

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Damage can strike Norwalk and Wilton businesses in many ways, and in varying degrees.  From a small water leak, to a large fire, no business is fully immune.  When the damage reaches a certain level, remediation is not enough.  Sometimes, reconstruction, where parts of the building’s structure must be rebuilt or repaired. 

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton has the ability and capacity to not only fix the initial damage, but also to repair and reconstruct the space to preloss conditions.

Projects that go above and beyond remediation include such services as:

• Carpentry
• Painting
• Flooring
• Cabinetry
• Electrical

We have the manpower and expertise to take your property damage and fully restore it to preloss condition so that you can get back to work as soon as possible, minimizing business interruption. We have multiple seasoned contractors on staff that will work with you every step of the way, as well as work with your insurance company to minimize cost to you.

It is important to contact a damage restoration professional as soon as you notice any water damage. SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had damage to their property.  If you have any type of damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Hidden Damage In An Office Kitchen Fire

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Everyone makes mistakes.  And for one Norwalk employee, their mistake started a fire in their office building’s kitchen.  They accidentally put something with metal in the microwave, which sparked and caused a small fire in the kitchen.  Once the fire department came and assured everyone that it was safe, employees went back to work.

But days after the fire, it still had the odor of smoke throughout the floor that the small fire had been on.  That’s because even though the fire had been minor, and no structural damage had occurred, there was invisible damage that was not taken care of.  Of course, flames and heat are cause for considerable concern when dealing with a fire in an office setting.  But all types of fire and smoke damage must be accounted for.

Odors that result from smoke and fire sink into porous materials in the environment, such as drywall and cloth furniture.  This residue almost always needs to be professionally cleaned, both because of the techniques and tools used in the process.  SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton was called in by the building maintenance staff, and we were able to rid the building of the foul odor within a matter of hours.

It is important to contact a certified fire and smoke damage remediation professional as soon as you are aware of damage. SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton has over 30 years of experience working with people who need damage restoration at their business property.  If you have any type of commercial property damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Should Your Business Replace Or Restore?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

When your Norwalk or Wilton business suffers any type of property damage, you may be confronted with a decision.  Depending on the type and extent of the damage, some items in your space may be heavily affected.  A common belief is that it is less expensive to replace an item than it is to restore it.  This may be true, but it is not always the case.

It can be more cost-effective to restore some items in your office space.  For example, an expensive rug can be dried properly at our facility, or furniture that hasn't been heavily affected can sometimes be salvaged.  As with many property damages, acting quickly will greatly increase your chances of being able to restore expensive or sentimental pieces.  

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton has the tools and knowledge to restore many different items in the proper manner.  This may be less expensive, and allow you to salvage some items that would be hard to replace.

It is important to contact a certified damage remediation professional as soon as you are aware of damage. SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton has over 30 years of experience working with people who need damage restoration at their business property.  If you have any type of commercial property damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Is Your Office’s Carpet Actually Dry?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

After your business has had any amount of water damage to a carpeted area, you will undoubtedly need to dry the area.  If you are able to determine that the carpet can be dried without replacing it, you may be tempted to dry the area yourself.  But you may run into issues down the road if you choose to go this route.

What many people fail to understand is that the subfloor and pad may still be retaining water or moisture, even if the carpet itself feels dry to the touch.  Without expert knowledge and tools, you may not be able to determine the extent that those materials are affected.  If those materials are not dried properly, you could develop mold and foul odors in the future.  As it is under the carpet, the mold can spread basically undetected until it is a major problem.

It is important to contact a certified damage remediation professional as soon as you are aware of damage. SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton has over 30 years of experience working with people who need damage restoration at their business property.  If you have any type of commercial property damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Commercial Remediation Capacity

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Fairfield County is home to many businesses, large and small.  When your business has property damage, we can handle whatever you throw at us. From multiple floors flooding in an apartment building, to fires damaging large office buildings, we’ve seen it all.  And we’ve been able to successfully restore these places to our customers’ satisfaction.

SERVPRO of Norwalk has the capacity to handle even the biggest property damage, due to a few factors.

Large Inventory - We have a large warehouse that houses hundreds of pieces of equipment.  When a property in the area is in need of a large-scale remediation, we have the quantity that is necessary.

Market-leading equipment - We are always investing in the highest quality and most efficient machines to make the restoration of your property go as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Expert knowledge - Our staff and technicians routinely undergo education classes that teach them the best techniques and methods, especially for remediating damage to large properties.

SERVPRO partners - When a major event happens that requires multiple large businesses to need assistance, we have the ability to call upon our fellow SERVPRO teams to assist.  We can bring in additional equipment and manpower, so that your commercial property is taken care of in a timely manner.

It is important to contact a certified damage remediation professional as soon as you are aware of damage. SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton has over 30 years of experience working with people who need damage restoration at their business property.  If you have any type of property damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Commercial Cleaning Is More Important Than Ever

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

We all know that the past year has changed many people’s perception of cleanliness and safety.  While Connecticut is slowly returning to normal, research shows that a large percentage of the population takes the sanitization of commercial spaces very seriously, and will make decisions taking this factor into consideration.  Over 65% of people report that they are conscious of COVID when they are outside their homes, especially when it comes to high-touch surfaces.

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton is poised and ready to help businesses ensure their consumers that they are shopping or eating at a clean establishment. We use cleaning products that are safe, and are also rated highly by the CDC for viral decontamination.  Many businesses in Fairfield County have already used our services, either on an as-needed or regular basis.

We have the skilled technicians and specialized equipment needed for your commercial sanitization and cleaning needs.  That’s why SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton should be your first call. Contact us at 203.324.1642 for assistance.

Fire In A Moving Truck

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton handles hundreds of fires every year, ranging from small kitchen fires to massive blazes that engulf entire floors of buildings.  We’ve also been remediating fire damage in Fairfield County for over 30 years.  But recently, we got the opportunity to handle a situation that we’ve never had before - a fire that broke out in the back of a large moving truck.

Our technicians power washed the entirety of the trailer to remove the soot and smoke damage, which eradicated the discoloration left by the fire.  We also deodorized the area to make sure that the smell would not be left behind, and more importantly, left on any items that would be in the truck in the future.

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton is available around the clock to assist you with commercial fire damage.  Give us a call at 203.324.1642 today.

Water Damage Destroys Commercial Offices

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

The recent snow storms caused many issues, from excess snow piles to hazardous road conditions.  But for one commercial space, the weather led to costly water damage that wreaked havoc on their business.

The conditions that led to the damage were common, but the outcome was less than ideal.  The damage that was suffered affected both the exterior and interior of the structure. After multiple snowfalls, snow had piled up on the roof.  Because of the temperature fluctuations, the snow began to melt, where it refroze on the eaves of the building.  The gutters became stressed under the weight, and began to separate from the roof.  Some even fell to the ground as a result.

On the inside, damage occurred too.  Melting ice led to a large amount of water that trickled in through the roof, and fell into multiple office spaces inside.  Unfortunately, this happened on the weekend, so no one was available to catch it before it became a larger issue.  When employees came in on Monday, they witnessed the damage.  Flooring was waterlogged, ceiling tiles were sagging, and documents had become soaked.

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton responded at the request of the building owner.  When we arrived on scene, we extracted the excess water and began to dry the office out.  Our reconstruction team redid the floors, ceilings, and walls after the areas were dry enough to continue.

If you have a similar issue at your business or home, please call SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton today.  We can be reached for immediate assistance at 203.324.1642.

The Best Time To Prepare For A Fire Is Now

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your Norwalk or Wilton business can cause many problems, ranging from small to large.  This could be anything from a portion of your office being unusable to significant injury.  Guarding yourself and your employees against this harm can go a long way to mitigating the risk.  Follow these steps to insulate yourself from risk as best as you can. 

Make A Plan

Having an action plan in the event of a fire is the first step to protecting your business and the safety of those inside it.  The plan should include evacuation routes, locations of fire extinguishers, and can even have a buddy system included.  Also include a designated meeting area outside and away from the building.  Make sure that all employees receive a copy of the plan, and review the plan on a regular basis.  

Monitor Emergency Equipment

Your business should be outfitted with an array of fire safety equipment, like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.  These are crucial for a prompt response to a fire, but if not maintained, can be unavailable when you need them.  Smoke alarms need to be checked regularly, and batteries may need to be replaced.  Fire extinguishers expire periodically, so make sure that yours are within that time frame.  You can designate an employee to check the equipment once a month to verify that everything is in working order.

Get An Emergency Ready Plan

This is a service that SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton provides to businesses free of charge. We do a thorough walkthrough of your business and gather important information.  This includes, but is not limited to locations of shutoffs, emergency contact numbers, and vendor information.  We give you a copy, and retain one for ourselves.  In the event of an emergency, this allows our team to respond even more efficiently, as we can act quicker with the information at our fingertips.

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton is available around the clock to assist you with commercial fire damage.  Give us a call at 203.324.1642 today.

Why Warmer Weather Can Mean Problems At Your Business

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Fairfield County has had a good amount of snow in the past month.  Snow means that the temperature has stayed below freezing for a good period of time, especially when it accumulates.  Along with freezing temperatures comes the possibility of freezing pipes inside your business. A common misconception is that water expanding as it turns to ice causes a pipe to burst.  It is usually the pressure that builds up behind the ice that causes a breakage. The pressure caused by the water that begins to rush through the pipe threatens to cause a pipe to burst.

Pipes that have been previously frozen may thaw when the weather starts to get more mild.  As thawing occurs, the pressure builds up and causes the fracture in the pipe to occur.

To prevent pipes from freezing:

• Insulate your pipes properly
• Keep the temperature at your office warm enough
• Let faucets drip slightly

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton is available around the clock to assist you with commercial water damage.  Give us a call at 203.324.1642 today.

Viral Decontamination At Norwalk And Wilton Medical Offices

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

We can focus on decontamination so you can focus on your patients.

We know how valuable healthcare professionals are to our safety as a community. You keep us safe and healthy, especially during the current situation. You have been on the front lines, and we really appreciate your efforts. We want to enable you to continue, while relieving you of the burden of decontamination of your offices.

SERVPRO Of Norwalk/Wilton Is Ready And Able

We have been working the last year to do our part in fighting the pandemic.  We are experienced in biohazard cleanup, using the latest tools and methods to disinfect residential and commercial settings.  We use cleaners and techniques in accordance with CDC standards for viral and bacterial decontamination.

Comprehensive Decontamination Methods

We work in two ways to fight contamination.  The first is by focusing on “high-touch” areas, such as door handles, counters, and locks.  It also includes workstation settings for chairs, keyboards, and mouses. These areas are cleaned by hand with CDC-approved solutions.  The second method we employ is the use of fogging, which settles on other surfaces to disinfect them.

You can depend on SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton to help with your clinic’s decontamination needs. Call us at 203.324.1642 for 24/7 assistance.

Our methods designed to provide decontamination are predicated on present knowledge, which is subject to vary, as the situation continues to develop.

How SERVPRO Of Norwalk/Wilton Reduces Flood Damage To Your Business

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the water damage that you have, action must be taken quickly. A few simple but important steps made at the right time can go a long way to limiting the extent that water damage ravages your business.  The upside of working with a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton is the degree of experience we bring to every job, guaranteeing that you get the best service possible.

Water damage can affect many parts of your business, including the insulation in your walls and ceilings. Once wet, the effectiveness of the material becomes compromised.  This can lead to worsened temperature control and threats to your plumbing system. Additionally, mold can develop quickly, leading to foul odors and potential health risks. Our SERVPRO experts examine the insulation for moisture.  If present, we extract the moisture so neither of these adverse conditions occur.

Water that accumulates on the floor will inevitably make its way into the walls and subfloor material.  Sometimes this damage is undetectable to the naked eye. SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton address both of these issues as part of our remediation process.  Our technicians make small holes in the wall to check for moisture levels, and dry the area when necessary. For flooring, we have specialized floor drying systems that pull moisture out of multiple layers.

To limit damage down the road after water damage in your Norwalk or Wilton business, call SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton.  We are accessible every minute of every day, and are ready to respond quickly to begin the remediation process.

Asbestos In Your Norwalk Or Wilton Business

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton, we respond to hundreds of damages at commercial buildings every year. We often find extenuating circumstances that we must confront to properly remediate said damage.  One of the common issues we see is asbestos, which can be harmful if not treated the right way.

“Asbestos” is actually a group of six minerals that are made up of millions fibers that can be released into the environment by abrasion and other similar ways.  All six minerals are known to be human carcinogens. It was used in building construction for many years, as it is a great electrical insular and is highly heat-resistant.  It was used in such materials as siding and drywall mainly for its fireproof properties.

The asbestos fibers are especially dangerous because they are almost invisible and carry no odor.  If inhaled, they can cause serious respiratory issues, even many years later.  If you know or suspect that you have asbestos present in your building, schedule an asbestos inspection.

When SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton is present at a job, and we find asbestos, we know how to navigate the situation.  Our highly skilled technicians have the knowledge to keep you and your building hazard free.

Damage Restoration For Norwalk And Wilton Food Shops

2/15/2020 (Permalink)

The family owned food shops and restaurants in Norwalk and Wilton form a vibrant piece of the local business landscape.  These businesses have specialty appliances and equipment that can malfunction, leading to damage.  This could be anything from a broken dishwasher, a freezer unexpectedly thawing, or fire damage from an accident during food preparation. When any of the above happens, SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton can help.

When water damages your food business, we are trained in the highest level of sanitary cleaning, something very important when dealing with food.  Our highly-skilled staff knows how to restore your space to meet health code standards.  We use safe materials when conducting the remediation, and can even erect containment around the problem area.  This allows other parts of your business to operate as normal, so you can serve your customers as best as you can.

If fire damage affects your business, SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton can help here too.  Whether there is a fire as a result of a grease fire or stovetop malfunction, we know how to clean the mess.  This process consists of debris removal if necessary, initial cleaning, and deodorization.  If need be, we can also offer reconstruction services.

If your food store or restaurant suffers any type of damage, please give SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton a call.  We are here to help when you need us.

Pay Attention To Discolored Ceiling Tiles

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

In many businesses and commercial buildings, dropped tile ceilings are a common choice for a few reasons.  They are easy to replace, allow easy access to the area above, and are also a very affordable option.  This leads them to be an easy choice for installation.  They sometimes become discolored or stained, which is unsightly.  But beyond the eyesore, there may be a larger problem that is causing the issue.

These tile ceilings have been installed for a long time, as they have remained affordable throughout the years.  And outside of external forces, they are a durable option.  But because they may not have been replaced in a long time, they can show their age by taking on any pollutants in the environment.  This can be anything from pollen to cigarette smoke.

Another reason that discoloration may develop is light exposure.  Over time, these dropped tile ceilings can become stained as a result of sun exposure or from the light that is given off by the bulbs in the office light fixtures.

Both of these issues are annoying, but are not reasons for concern.  You may choose to replace discolored tiles, but if it is due to the two reasons above, it is not a necessary step.

The reason that you want to pay attention to discolored tiles is that it may be indicative of water damage or mold damage. Stains on the tiles, while unsightly, can be an alert for a leak above.  If undiagnosed, this could lead to mold growth.  Either way, action must be taken.

If you observe discolored ceiling tiles in your business or commercial building, it may be a smart move to investigate.  You may find that the discoloration is a symptom of a bigger problem.  Addressing that problem early can prevent the need for costlier and more extensive repairs down the road.

Do Not Use Bleach To Kill Mold In Your Business

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

When you find mold in your business, you may be tempted to clean it yourself.  The urge to rid yourself of harmful mold could make the problem worse.  Many people think that bleach is a useful tool to combat mold growth, but this is not true.  Contrary to popular belief, bleach may not kill mold.  In fact, it can have the opposite affect.

Bleach cannot neutralize mold growth when applied to porous surfaces like wood or drywall. The spores may actually adapt and become resistant to the bleach. Bleach is largely made up of chlorine and water. When applied to a surface, the chlorine might kill the surface mold, but the water in bleach penetrates deeper, and the moisture can in turn feed the mold, causing more growth.

If you find mold in your business, do not attempt to clean it yourself.  Call SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton.  We have trained professionals who are knowledgeable in mold remediation. We use the right combination of solutions and techniques to get the job done right.

The Importance of HVAC And Duct Cleaning

2/9/2020 (Permalink)

Your ducts could be in need of a cleaning.

If you are a business or home owner, you are probably familiar with your duct or HVAC system.  These forced air systems are made up of many parts, all of which are important the effectiveness of the system. Each part of the system need to be cleaned periodically, a service that many people overlook.  This can lead to many issues. If not properly maintained and regularly serviced, the systems may operate at less than optimal levels.  Even more importantly, these systems could accumulate dust from the interior of the building, or pollen from outside world. If a sufficient level of moisture is present, the chance of mold spores developing is much higher. 

If you have one of these systems, and it has not been checked or serviced in a while, you may consider getting that done.  It could improve your indoor air quality, and prevent any of the negative effects mentioned above.

Showroom Flooding

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

This was one of our trickiest jobs that we have taken on in recent history.  A pipe burst in a local art gallery and interior design showroom.  Due to the high value of many of the items in the business, we had to act extremely quickly to save them.  We were on scene within 30 minutes to begin extracting the water, and removing the valuable items. We set up our drying equipment to eradicate the remaining moisture and had them back in business in the shortest period of time.  If you have water in your business from a burst pipe, please call us.

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Liquor Store Flooding

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

Recently, a local liquor store was going about their business when a piece of their ceiling tile fell onto the floor.  Over the next few hours, most of the ceiling had collapsed into the store.  Rain was causing the waterlogged material to become heavy and fall down.  This soaked a lot of the merchandise and business had to be halted for a long time.  We came in, removed the water and also carried out all the debris. If you have water in your business from a storm, please call us.

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Crawl Space Cleaning

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

This customer called us with mouse droppings and other debris in the crawl space under their business. This was causing foul odors to permeate up into the actual retail area.  Because business was conducted in the space, a loss of business was at stake.  We knew that we needed to take care of the issue quickly to minimize the effects on the tenants business.  We came in and cleaned both visible and invisible contaminants, and left the space fresh. We can see Roberto here, proud of the good job he did. 

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Store Your Contents With SERVPRO

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

One of the benefits that SERVPRO of Norwalk / Wilton offers is our pack-out service. When disaster strikes your home or business, more often than not, you need to have your belongings stored while remediation is performed. Your business may smell like smoke or have a musty odor.  Items should be stored away so they do not take on any unwanted smells.  Items may also just need to be moved to make room for remediation efforts to continue.  SERVPRO will carefully wrap and store your items while we make it "Like it never even happened." Here we see Luis and Emilio loading up our vans with items to be stored. 

SERVPRO of Norwalk / Wilton provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

SERVPRO School Remediation

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Norwalk Wilton works in both residential and commercial settings. We handle small damages from single carpet cleanings to large-scale losses in large industrial complexes. As a certified Large Loss franchise, we are equipped to handle even the biggest and most intense of situations. 

One of the commercial settings that we have had success with is educational facilities. SERVPRO of Norwalk Wilton has remediated issues such as mold and water damages in many schools, ranging from elementary schools to universities, throughout Fairfield County. Chances are, if you have heard of a school, we have helped them in a time of need.

In 2018 alone, we have abated damages over 200,00 square feet in schools alone.

SERVPRO of Norwalk Wilton provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Water Leak in a Commercial Building

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

Recently, we were called to remediate a large-scale water damage in a multi-use commercial building.  Multiple businesses were affected when a sink malfunctioned, and water pooled on the second floor, seeped into the drywall, and flowed down to the first floor.

Our crew responded quickly, using cutting-edge equipment to extract thousands of gallons of water.  Once the excess water was removed, we observed that the carpets and the lower drywall was the most in need of drying.  Our skilled crew set fans to dry the affected area in a timely and efficient manner.  The photo shows our fans in action as they evaporate the moisture in one of the affected carpeted areas.

The customers involved were taken care of, and were all happy with the outcome after our crews finished the job.

SERVPRO of Norwalk Wilton is always ready to help those in need, so if you suffer a damage like this, please do not hesitate to call.

Why More Insurance Agents Choose SERVPRO

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO blends customer service with accountability! SERVPRO understands your responsibility to provide results to your shareholders and clients. SERVPRO is uniquely qualified to help when disaster strikes, making you their "hero" in their times of need. 

We are here to make you look good.

There are many ways to ensure success as an insurance agent. Having a strong office staff, a company who pays claims in an ethical and timely manner, advertising, being involved in your community, and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients.  Our Treasure Valley team knows how critical it is that every job goes as smooth as possible, ensuring your clients trust you time and time again when they need help. Our teams are trained to reduce the lost time and mitigate the damages as quickly as possible. Whether it’s fire, water, mold or any other cleanup; we are here to help, 24 hours a day. 

Our team members are available for direct cellular calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You earn your client’s loyalty by providing timely solutions. You provide help in a time of need. Instead of offering a call center solution, our team members are available to take the call on their business line! We will personally call your client back, offer a listening ear, and take away some of the fear they are experiencing.

Having a relationship with SERVPRO of Norwalk Wilton and our team of highly trained professionals has many benefits. We will ensure help arrives quickly (following our 1-4-8 time commitment), and our production team will help your clients regain control of their lives by treating them with respect, courteousness and working hard to get the job done the right way the first time. There are no unwelcome surprises with SERVPRO. Calling direct reduces wait times. The faster SERPVRO of Norwalk Wilton's team can arrive onsite to perform the cleanup, the better the results. 

That’s the SERVPRO difference.

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops the Standards for The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Prevent Legionnaire’s Disease in Commercial Settings

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

From the CDC:

Water System Maintenance

The key to preventing Legionnaires’ disease is to   prevent Legionella colonization (growth) in water systems.  Guidelines for reducing the risk of Legionella growth and spread are available for those who maintain and manage building water systems, including systems for potable (water for drinking and showering), non-potable, and recreational water from ASHRAE®. ASHRAE is a not-for-profit organization that develops standards and guidelines for industries that design, manufacture, and maintain building systems.

• ASHRAE Standard 188: Legionellosis: Risk management for building water systems (ANSI approved)

• Frequently Asked Questions: ASHRAE Standard 188
Get the answers to frequently asked questions about ASHRAE Standard 188, which outlines a minimum legionellosis risk management program for buildings.

• ASHRAE Guideline 12-2000: Minimizing the risk of legionellosis associated with building water systems

CDC developed a toolkit to help building owners and managers better understand ASHRAE Standard 188 and how to develop a water management program to reduce the risk of Legionella growing and spreading in their building(s). The first step is determining if your building or certain devices in your building need a water management program. Use this quick yes/no worksheet to find out.

Dangers of Asbestos in a Business

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Although asbestos is for the most part no longer used in construction and manufacturing, many buildings today still retain traces or even large quantities of asbestos. Particularly in older buildings, testing for and identifying this asbestos is an important job, but one that is unfortunately neglected by many business owners. Failing to test for asbestos when making renovations or restorations to a building can cause long-term negative health effects for restoration professionals, customers, and even yourself, creating a legal and financial disaster large enough to ruin most businesses. There are specific Federal regulations mandated by the EPA regarding renovating buildings, and asbestos abatement. SERVPRO provides certified asbestos testing to ensure the safety of our technicians and your customers alike.

Asbestos testing for a business is not only advisable for practical reasons, but also for legal ones. Failing to test for asbestos can lead to steep fines and regulatory penalties, regardless of whether or not the substance is present. OSHA has explicit guidelines in place regarding demolition or renovations of commercial structures, especially schools, and other municipal buildings. Furthermore, if a customer or employee gets sick as a result of untested asbestos, you may be at risk of a costly and difficult lawsuit. Federal and state authorities alike take this process seriously, which is why it is always recommended to hire a certified company like SERVPRO to complete the task. 
 
Health Reasons 
In addition to laws on the subject, testing for asbestos should be a major consideration for your health. Asbestos can cause many negative health effects, some of which can shorten your lifespan or lead to long-term illness. Asbestos is a known carcinogen.The longer you are exposed to it, the more likely many of these side effects are to manifest, meaning that valued employees and regular customers may also be at risk. Just as the removal of mold growth can help to avoid a medical emergency in your business, so too can asbestos testing prevent a host of serious medical issues. 
 
Your local SERVPRO is certified in asbestos testing and guarantees a fast and efficient process for your business. Call us today for our services or a quote.

Fresh Year, Fresh Look with Dry Ice Blasting

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Dry ice blasting is a relatively new cleaning process using solid CO2 pellets (known as dry ice). It is 
primarily used for industrial use in a variety of applications. The pellets sublimate (convert directly from a solid blast pellet to a vapor (CO2) leaving no residue. The process is superior to sand blasting, glass bead blasting and other types of cleaning methods for numerous reasons.

SERVPRO of Norwalk/Wilton demonstrate the effectiveness of dry ice blasting on a heavily traveled sidewalk in downtown Stamford, CT.  This is a great service that SERVPRO of Norwalk Wilton provides to many of our commercial clients.

Learn more about the process here.

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. The SERVPRO training program includes the follow:

• IICRC Training

• Employee Certification Training

• Initial Franchise Training

• e-Learnings

• Continuing Education Classes

SERVPRO cleans office building too!

3/10/2017 (Permalink)

Cleaning is an important part of owning a business. Customers expect and employees expect for a company to ensure the building they shop and work in is clean and odor-free. However, many businesses only schedule cleaning the floors or trash removal on a regular basis. If you want your business to always look and smell its best, it's important that you plan deeper cleaning. SERVPRO of Norwalk Wilton utilizes state-of-the-art deodorization techniques that guarantee a cleaner office.

Deodorization is a deep cleaning process that can completely eliminate odors in a  building. This is a process that doesn't just get rid of the surface grime, but makes sure that your building is clean in a way that typical processes can't match.

What SERVPRO of Norwalk Wilton Brings to You

If you need deodorization services in Norwalk Wilton, you need to call SERVPRO of Norwalk Wilton. Our employees receive certification in the best cleaning and deodorizing techniques in the industry. Our equipment is designed to get your business clean, and to ensure that the deep-down grime and muck is removed. This makes for a more professional clean as well as a longer-lasting process.

Of course, SERVPRO brings with it more than just the right equipment for the job. When SERVPRO comes in, you'll know the job will get done correctly the first time, every time. Because of the company's deep connections to Norwalk Wilton, you know that they'll always stand behind their work. This isn't just a cleaning company - SERVPRO cares about the work that it does.

If you want bad smells removed from your property, there's only one place to call. Make sure that you always work with the professionals to complete major tasks such as this, as using the wrong chemicals or the wrong techniques might end up making your problem worse. SERVPRO is here to make sure the job is done correctly.