Help with Commercial Water Mitigation in New Providence

5/24/2024 (Permalink)

Controlled demolition after water damage in a commercial building by SERVPRO. We restore and repair New Providence area commercial properties.

SERVPRO Provides Commercial Water Cleanup and Mitigation

New Providence was purchased from the Lenape Indians in 1664 by the brother of King Charles II. Settlers established a colony in 1720. Initially named Turkey due to the many turkeys in the area, the colony was renamed New Providence in 1759 after a church balcony collapsed without causing severe injuries. The town remained semi-dry until 2011, when two local bars were granted a liquor license. Today, the city of 12,000 people has several schools, a library, and various athletic fields and is home to many commercial industries.

Water damage occurs quite often in New Providence commercial warehouses and manufacturing plants. A water leak in the roof, fire suppression systems, or plumbing can shut the plant down and damage raw materials and finished goods. Electrical circuits exposed to water may also cause electrical hazards.

SERVPRO® is on-site within four hours of your call at any time of the day. We understand how important it is to protect your investment and return your plant to complete service as soon as possible. Water mitigation involves safeguarding your equipment and materials from permanent damage.

• High-capacity vacuums, air movers, and dehumidifiers are deployed 

• Covering equipment with waterproof tarps 

• Covering finished goods and raw materials to prevent further water damage 

• Applying board-up protection to broken windows and doors 

• Providing roof protection to prevent additional water damage 

• Arranging for tradespersons to make repairs as needed 

• Working closely with your personnel to ensure all of your needs are met 

SERVPRO can coordinate all of your repairs to damaged structures and contents with skilled contractors and your equipment specialists. 

Call for help with commercial water mitigation, cleanup, restoration, and repairs at SERVPRO of Western Union County and nearby areas. Call (908-791-9177

Revamping Your Floorboards During Commercial Water Damage Repair in New Providence

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

Call your local professionals at SERVPRO to ensure your property is dry and sanitary.

SERVPRO Can Restore Your Water-Damaged Floorboard in New Providence 

Repairing damaged floorboards can present unique challenges when performing commercial water damage repairs. We have to perform the necessary restoration procedures to ensure they keep on playing their role of making your business appear appealing and functional. Floorboards can be made of stone, tile, laminate, engineered wood, or hardwood.

The floorboards in your New Providence property can be impacted in different ways after a water damage incident. It is our SERVPRO technicians' work to assess the damage's extent and determine whether it can be salvaged. Since the different types of floorboards have varying susceptibility to water damage, we use different restoration techniques.

If hardwood floorboards get exposed to water for a long time, they may develop cupping and warping. We perform the following procedures during restoration:

• Sanding: We sand to remove the water stains
• Refinishing: Normally done after sanding to ensure restored sections match with the existing ones
• Replacement: We do this when the damage is so extensive.

Although engineered floorboards are more resistant to moisture damage when compared to hardwood, they still get affected by cupping and warping. The restoration procedure is the same as the one we use when restoring hardwood floorboards. It is also not possible to restore laminate floorboards that have been exposed to water for an extended period; the only remedy is to do a replacement.

When SERVPRO technicians restore stone and tile floorboards, it is a different scenario. Even though they are resistant to water damage, they can still get damaged once water infiltrates to cause discoloration, chipping, and cracking. Our team normally removes and replaces the affected stones or tiles and re-applies the sealant if it has been compromised.

Contact SERVPRO of Western Union County for effective and fast water damage mitigation solutions. Our team offers 24-hour emergency services and is Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call (908) 791-9177 and get to work with highly skilled restoration technicians.

Quicken Your Water Damage Remediation Process in New Providence with SERVPRO

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage dampen your wedding plans in New Providence! Call SERVPRO for cleanup and restoration.

Boutiques and Bridal Shops Benefit from SERVPRO's Services

Water damage affecting stores can happen anytime from accidental or negligent leaks. When that happens, you should focus on how to save items and restore the store to its preloss state. A bridal shop can develop a wide range of issues, including secondary damage affecting high-value items such as gowns. A response plan that relies on variety will likely produce a better outcome.

Commercial water damage in your New Providence bridal shop will likely affect many areas. While most of the damage may be from the water pooling on floors and other surfaces, the incident can affect your store differently. Contents made of fabrics such as gowns have hygroscopic properties meaning they can easily absorb moisture from the air, which can ruin them. Our SERVPRO technicians anticipate such problems and can help move the contents from your facility. We can section of the property unaffected by the spill. We can also take further steps, such as sealing doorways with plastic sheets to limit air movement between affected and unaffected areas, thus limiting the effects of high humidity levels on your contents.

The restoration process differs at different stages. Immediately after discovering the spill, removing water from visible surfaces is the main priority. Having efficient extraction equipment is crucial to ensure that no standing water remains in the structure after 24 hours. After dealing with standing water, there is a need to address water in concealed areas such as subfloors or wall cavities. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to a wide variety of equipment, including high-pressure pumps, truck-mounted water extractors, and submersible pumps. We also have specialized cavity-drying systems, which help us remove moisture from concealed areas with minimal demolition.

Drying moisture remnants from the shop is necessary to comfort and prevent microbial growth. Various types of dehumidifiers can help dry the property to the desired level. Our SERVPRO technicians use different dehumidifiers, including conventional refrigerant, low grain refrigerant, and desiccant dehumidifiers. Conventional ones are efficient when drying up to 55gpp humidity level. If we need further drying, we can use LGR dehumidifiers which can achieve levels as low as 40gpp.

Water loss situations can be full of surprises, so preparation is necessary. Call SERVPRO of Western Union County at (908) 460-5426 to help provide various solutions. "Like it never even happened."

A Very Wet New Providence Warehouse

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Enjoy a show with a box of popcorn and leave the restoration of your New Providence warehouse to SERVPRO. "Like it never even happened."

Selecting the Correct Drying System to Remediate Flood Damage in Your New Providence Business

After the flooding of your New Providence commercial site, drying out the structure is not as simple as merely using commercial-grade pumps and extractors to suction up the liquid water. Although aggressive and thorough water removal is the foundation of appropriate flood remediation, the final drying step is critical. Understanding how drying elements work together clarifies why we use specific techniques and equipment when restoring your business property.

Choosing Between Open and Closed Drying Systems

Best restoration practices dictate which drying system is preferred when we plan for your New Providence warehouse flood damage recovery. For efficient drying, we must balance temperature, air movement, and humidity (H.A.T.), measuring and continuously monitoring the decreasing amount of moisture trapped inside porous building materials. The two systems achieve this in different ways:

Open drying systems:

• Exchange moist indoor air with drier outdoor air, negating the need for dehumidifiers
• Use open windows plus fans or air movers to facilitate the exchange

Closed drying systems: 

• Contain (seal) the affected area from both outside air and undamaged spaces inside the rest of the building
• Use air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to control the environment, encouraging evaporation and capture of the resulting water vapor

Outdoor Temperature Limits Use of Open Drying Systems

Although an open drying system in a large area like a warehouse is more straightforward, SERVPRO Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians only recommend it under particular weather conditions. During the cooler and cold times of the year, when the outdoor temperatures dip below 60 to 70 degrees F, it becomes tough to balance the system regardless of how dry the outdoor air is. If the outdoor air is nearly equal to or more humid than the indoor air, problems with condensation or increasing the vapor load inside prevent effective drying. The result may be "inside rain."

Closed Drying System Options in Commercial Areas

Water absorbed into porous building materials and fixtures cannot be wiped off, squeezed out, or suctioned up, causing SERVPRO to consider adaptations to closed dying systems in vast commercial spaces. Partitioning flood-affected areas into smaller drying sections help accelerate the evaporation and dehumidification. We also have extensive inventories of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers and access to additional equipment and technicians from our nationwide network of affiliated franchises to ramp up our efforts. Trailer-in desiccant dehumidifiers are powerful equipment for enormous volume drying efforts.

SERVPRO of Western Union County is prepared to help dry out and resolve even extensive commercial flood damage. Contact us at (908) 460-5426 to get trained crews in place and working fast.

Repairing Fire Damage for Businesses in New Providence

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

All commercial and residential surfaces covered with soot from a fire could all use one company--SERVPRO--Here to Help in New Providence

SERVPRO Fire Restoration Professionals Can Help Your Business

A fire at your business can cause serious disruption to workflow and even impact revenues if the premises is forced into temporary closure. To minimize disruption, property managers need to enlist the help of professional restoration technicians. Restoration technicians can scope the structure and contents of your business to put together an efficient game plan to ensure your company returns to normal.

The scoping procedure for fire damage in your New Providence business is split into two categories: scoping of contents and structure. In broad terms, this process is a thorough inspection of the premises for signs of smoke residues and damage. During a fire, the most heavily soiled areas are those closest to the source of ignition. However, hot smoke can travel rapidly through a structure leaving behind moderate and minor residues as it gets further from the ignition source. Sometimes, residues can be barely perceptible while still causing unpleasant odors. Scoping helps find soiling in all parts of the property by comparing surfaces and noting different materials or textures. SERVPRO has expertise in:

• Fire damage restoration
• Smoke damage mitigation
• Structural repair

Scoping materials involves taking an unaffected area of the structure or contents and comparing it with affected areas. By performing a direct comparison, we can ascertain which smoke-affected surfaces. Pre-testing is the natural follow-up to these comparisons where technicians perform light cleaning on different materials and textures. The success of light cleaning can help us to determine which materials are salvageable and which require replacement. This process helps to increase restoration efficiency by allowing technicians to direct their focus purely on items or structures that can return to preloss conditions. Any non-salvageable materials can be replaced with like-for-like materials to return your business to its normal state.

• Materials differ in porosity which can be a defining factor in using a wet or dry-cleaning method to restore.
• Synthetic materials in the premises are generally easier to clean than their natural counterparts despite gathering more soot or damage in a fire.
• Semi-refinishing is an aggressive cleaning procedure that removes a finish before refinishing to allow an item to return to preloss condition.

We are here to help businesses recover from emergencies. Contact SERVPRO of Western Union County for fire damage restoration at (908) 791-9177.

What Residues Get Cleaned Up After Fires in Scotch Plains Shops?

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage restoration is no easy task. SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for every size disaster.

Fires produce many soil and residue deposits that fire damage restoration in Scotch Plains properties must address.

It is important to get fire mitigation services started as soon as our team arrives. We can work quickly to determine what threatens the structure the most and work through emergency services to protect the shop and its wares from irreparable harm. These approaches might include:

• Debris removal
• Water extraction
• Furniture and content removal

Soot and Smoke Residues

More than any other cleanup need for businesses, fire damage in Scotch Plains shops and commercial properties is most often centered on removing soot and smoke residues. This process changes based on the type of soil composition on affected surfaces. This is usually indicated by the source of the fire, how fast it spreads through the house, and the heat involved.

Fire Suppression Residues

We must also find a suitable approach for cleaning up fire suppression residues. Many commercial properties feature a building-wide fire suppression system using sprinkler heads and clean water, but fire extinguisher residues can also be challenging to remove. We must determine the surface cleaning needs and begin these processes as soon as possible to protect your shop's wares, electronics, and structural elements.

Addressing Solids Before They Land

We can reduce the need for residue cleanup on surfaces and contents by trapping and removing these particles before they reach their destination. After a fire gets extinguished, smoke solids can continually circulate throughout the environment for several days. Our use of air scrubbers and HEPA filtration equipment can be crucial in grabbing microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns to improve indoor air quality substantially.

Cleaning up after fire damage incidents can involve multiple residues and soils across the entire shop area. Because soot and smoke residues present a challenging obstacle to restorers, we arrive with considerable cleanup and deodorization solutions to manage these concerns quickly. Give our SERVPRO of Western Union County team a call today at (908) 791-9177.

A Guide to Performing Commercial Water Removal in New Providence

1/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO mitigates water damage in New Providence hotels, motels, and commercial structures without disturbing the patrons or customers

SERVPRO Can Perform Commercial Water Restoration in New Providence

Water damage can happen in commercial establishments like hotels due to several issues, including burst pipes, faulty appliances, and roof leaks. Water can cause long-term problems in your hotel, such as warping of wooden structures, mold growth, and bad odors that can turn guests away. As a responsible business owner, it is advisable to hire an experienced firm like SERVPRO to assist you in bringing things back to normal and continuation of service for your customers.

Our water restoration technicians (WRT) can perform commercial water removal in your New Providence hotel quickly and efficiently. We take fast action to prevent secondary destruction and to reduce restoration costs. To restore your property, we can take several steps, including:

• Locating the water source
• Erecting containment
• Water extraction
• Drying and dehumidification

Locating the water source

Our SERVPRO team can use infrared cameras to inspect and monitor the moisture in affected building materials. They work by displaying infrared images. At the beginning of a water repair project, infrared cameras offer a quick evaluation of the moisture’s extent. With them, we can determine how water traveled throughout the affected areas. At the end of the water restoration process, these devices offer excellent proof that drying was successful.

Erecting containment

During a water restoration project, contaminants can spread to unaffected areas due to foot traffic, debris removal, movement of equipment, and air movements. Our SERVPRO team can prevent pollutants from spreading to uncontaminated regions by using appropriate engineering controls like establishing negative pressure and building containment.

Water extraction

Our SERVPRO technicians can use extraction equipment to remove water from the flooring. We also have deep extraction tools that we can attach to extractors. For instance, we can use self-propelled extraction tools to remove water from carpets. An independent motor powers these tools. They work by compressing carpeting and pad, squeezing out water, and removing the water through an extractor’s vacuum system.

Drying and dehumidifying

We use drying and dehumidifying equipment to increase the evaporation rate, and remove water vapor from the air.

SERVPRO of Western Union County can help you to restore your commercial property after water damage. Call us any time at (908) 791-9177.

Capable Flood Removal Equipment for Berkeley Heights Facilities

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Western Union County is here to help you face the flood that damaged your business.

Water removal tools help warehouses and manufacturing facilities in Berkeley Heights after flooding. 

Flooding is not uncommon in massive commercial properties like warehouses and manufacturing facilities. When these threats exist, our SERVPRO team is there quickly to help with mitigation and preservation.

Assessing the Damage 

It is important to understand how spreading flood damage in Berkeley Heights warehouses can impact the facility. We work to evaluate the migration of infiltrating water and protect the contents and wares stored in the building from direct water exposure. Careful evaluations of the facility must be conducted to choose the best mitigation and restoration approach. Our professionals collect information about:

• Affected areas
• Moisture damage
• Mold threats
• Contamination

Removing Water from the Floors

Eliminating standing water is one of the top mitigative strategies that our team can provide after flood damage exposure. The longer standing water exists, the greater harm it does to exposed building materials and content throughout the facility. We work fast to remove standing water on the floors with tools like vacuums, pumps, and specialty wands. In many cases, greater commercial-grade equipment is needed, like truck-mount extractors.

Thorough Drying and Preventative Measures 

Drying your business after a flood can involve some of our recovery inventory's more sophisticated and intricate tools. The extent of moisture damage and the ideal solutions for removing this moisture and protecting exposed materials and contents must be carefully determined. Likewise, our professionals can provide repairs to help prevent recurrences of flood damage.

Removing flood damage is more than just arriving quickly to a threatened warehouse. While We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, we reach properties with effective equipment to mitigate loss and clean up after devastating flood effects. Our SERVPRO of Western Union County team is available to help when you need it at (908) 791-9177.

How Crucial Is Dry Cleaning During Mold Remediation at Your New Providence Business Premises?

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial mold remediation services by SERVPRO are second to none. We will have your property back to preloss condition ASAP.

SERVPRO Enhances Methods Such as Vacuuming Minimizing the Addition of Moisture Into the Premises

When you notice mold contamination at your New Providence public facility, you need to understand several things, including the harmful role moisture plays in proliferating the problem. Therefore, extracting moisture or avoiding introducing new moisture in the facility during cleaning are two essential aspects of remediation.

Thoroughly cleaning your New Providence premises during mold remediation without introducing moisture can be challenging since some residues and stains may necessitate wet cleaning. One way to achieve effective dry cleaning is by involving a professional like SERVPRO since we can enhance procedures such as vacuuming or using blast cleaning, which delivers exemplary results.

Effective vacuum cleaning to remove soiling from mold requires:

• The right type of vacuum cleaner
• Sufficient training on the use of vacuum cleaners
• Keen observation when vacuuming different surfaces

Various factors determine a good vacuum cleaner. For instance, a lightweight model that is simple to use is essential in ensuring sufficient attention is given to all affected areas. Some features, such as a separate vacuum motor and brush drive motor, improve the removal of embedded mold residues. SERVPRO teams have the best vacuum cleaners since we keep up with changing trends in the cleaning sector.

The level of skill an operator has can also determine the outcome of the cleaning effort. With better-trained technicians from SERVPRO, you can expect better handling and thus better cleaning.

Some essential handling aspects that change the outcome include:

• Adjusting brush height when dealing with different surfaces like carpets
• Securing the debris removed property to avoid accidents
• Using the correct type of filters

SERVPRO of Western Union County uses simple or advanced approaches to improve the outcomes of mold remediation, allowing you to resume operations faster. Call us at (908) 791-9177. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Where Are New Providence Retail Businesses Likely to Go Wrong With Water Restoration Exercises?

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage happens in a retail store, business literally stops. Mitigate the situation with a call to SERVPRO for water removal services.

SERVPRO Evaluates the Loss Conditions to Develop Appropriate Restoration Approaches

On discovering water intrusion at your New Providence retail store, you may expect that simply wiping wet areas and opening a couple of windows to air the place is sufficient intervention. However, if the spillage involves significant water amounts, your efforts may not be sufficient.

When planning water restoration for your New Providence retail store, you must pay attention to several factors to ensure your efforts bear fruit. The variety of materials in the affected areas matters since water spreads uniformly, but materials react differently when exposed to moisture. For instance, you should anticipate different effects on furnishings, structural materials, and stock items.  SERVPRO provides the technical knowledge to handle various materials during restoration.

Some of the expected restoration actions during an exercise include:

• Water extraction
• Manipulation of contents
• Cleaning up different soils
• Specialized drying of materials

The variety of work needed to complete the restoration process is what complicates it beyond your expectations. However, involving a professional from the start can help you take back control since the professional has a deeper understanding and sufficient resources. For instance, SERVPRO checks for any factors that might hinder restoration before starting the process.

Typical hindrances that can delay or stop the restoration process include:

• Different materials cross-staining or soiling
• Materials acting as moisture barriers delaying drying
• Non-uniform drying of semi-porous materials

SERVPRO also takes simple steps to overcome any of the obstacles. For instance, our IICRC-certified technicians can readily and safely move your valuables, such as the stock items, from the shelves creating room for other restoration tasks. We can also evaluate the materials to establish whether any moisture barriers might cause delays. Removing wallpaper or perforating gloss paint are some simple actions that remove the barriers. We also have advanced extraction equipment to fast track the removal of any pooling water and drying wet materials.

SERVPRO of Western Union County handles any water restoration exercise professionally to eliminate soiling or moisture accumulation, "Like it never even happened." Call us at (908) 791-9177.

How Can You Lessen the Need for Fire Damage Restoration in a Berkeley Heights Business Property?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage can really change the course of your business. Contact SERVPRO for effective cleanup and fire damage remediation services.

SERVPRO Can Inspect and Perform All Types of Fire Safety and Damage Cleanup in Berkeley Heights

Fire damage in a Berkeley Heights business property does not simply occur due to bad luck. The post-fire investigation often uncovers the reason for the blaze, and in many cases, it could have been avoided.

To decrease the potential for a Berkeley Heights business to need fire damage restoration, SERVPRO recommends putting some or all of the following actions into regular practice:

• Set up regular fire safety drills
• Inspect the property for fire hazards
• Set up the SERVPRO app for your business property

Companies involved in producing goods that include flammable materials such as solvents are particularly susceptible to fires. The area where supplies get stored should not be near outlets or where a spark could occur. A solid fire prevention policy can include the safe storage of chemicals and comprehensive knowledge of what to do in case of a fire.

The benefits of an established fire safety policy for a company are many. Performing regular inspections and establishing best practices for storing and using flammable chemicals and more actually works to reduce the likelihood of a fire. Certain situations, such as a lightning strike, are unavoidable; however, many situations are.

Many business owners have push-back at the expense of implementing a fire prevention training program. However, this level of training for employees has repeatedly shown that the results justify the cost. This is particularly true when a fire can shut down a facility for days or weeks while it undergoes a fire damage restoration.

When every employee knows how to handle a fire extinguisher, a fire hose, or smother flames under a fire blanket, it makes the area a little safer and can work to lessen fire damage to a structure or contents because each employee knows what to do.

SERVPRO of Western Union County at (908) 791-9177 brings professional fire damage restoration to every Berkeley Heights job.

What Fire Restoration Steps Fix Grease Fire Damage Well In New Providence Hotels?

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

For fast and efficient remediation services, you can count on SERVPRO. We are available 24/7.

SERVPRO Uses Specialized Cleaning Techniques during Water & Fire Damage Restorations

Apart from the open flames in your hotel kitchen, other issues such as grease increase the risk of fire damage. When such damage occurs, it is necessary to complete restoration fast and, if possible, without affecting other property sections is crucial. 

Fire restoration in New Providence may require extensive demolition and rebuilding of the kitchen area where the fire starts. In the other areas, smoke damage might be the only issue, so cleaning is enough. 

One way to prevent debris from spreading from the demolished area is to set up a containment barrier on the doorway or other openings connecting the kitchen to the rest of the hotel. Our SERVPRO technicians then embark on removing all unsalvageable structural materials and fixtures. We then begin on cleanup using abrasive methods such as sanding to remove charring or smoke deposits from the affected surfaces. Alternatively, blast cleaning using a medium such as sodium bicarbonate also helps remove greasy residues, charring, and odor. Fortunately, stainless steel is commonly used in commercial kitchens for many fixtures. This hard surface generally can wipe down easily using the correct cleansers and detergents.

With our services, you can easily resolve the issues affecting your business operations, including:

• Fire and smoke damage
• Smoke damage
• Water & fire damage restorations

SERVPRO of Western Union County has IICRC certified fire restoration technicians to help restore your business operations fast. Call us at (908) 791-9177.   

Burst Pipes? You Need Rapid Water Mitigation Services!

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

When a pipe burst in your commercial building, SERVPRO is the team to call. Our techs are IICRC certified for any size water restoration service need.

Berkeley Heights store owners benefit most from SERVPRO’s prompt, reliable water mitigation efforts.

Running a store and getting hit with water damage after a pipe breaks becomes a serious concern from a safety and financial standpoint. Waiting too long leads to loss of inventory, secondary damages, and potential mold growth. Your Berkeley Heights store needs assistance fast, which is where SERVPRO can step in to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster so that your store sees less downtime.

As a company well-versed in water mitigation for Berkeley Heights customers, we know the right equipment and methods for the job. Some points to consider include:

• The time it will take for mitigation within your storefront depends on the level of water damage endured.
• The industrial-grade drying equipment and dehumidifiers we have help to speed the mitigation process.
• Our crew uses proven formulas to move and adjust equipment as needed to achieve our drying goals.
• EPA-registered antimicrobial application is a must to help eliminate the chance for mold development.

Overall, SERVPRO follows along with four main principles of drying to get the results you deserve. These phases include:

1. Water extraction
2. Airflow
3. Dehumidification
4. Temperature control

Do you need immediate water mitigation in your commercial space? Call SERVPRO of Western Union County at (908) 791-9177, and we will send out our Green Fleet and skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) as soon as possible.

Floodwaters Can Shut Down New Providence Businesses

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the way that your home was flooded, SERVPRO is the effective company for water removal services. Call right away.

SERVPRO can provide flood damage mitigation and get your business back on track 

New Providence played a role in the Revolutionary War when the Battle of Short Hills took place. The British troops, led by General Howe, and the Continental Army, led by Brigadier General William Alexander, clashed on June 26, 1777. 

Defending the Watchung Mountains

General Howe, during this time, was trying to lure the Continental Army into a vulnerable position. To do this, his troops had marched into central New Jersey. The goal was for the British to be in a better position to defend the Watchung Mountains. But General Washington wasn’t budging. This led to Howe returning to his previous location in Amboy. 

Following the Shadows

Unbeknownst to Howe, several of Washington’s divisions and Lord Stirling’s (Brigadier General Alexander) division shadowed the British. Washington then moved his main army away from the hills. On June 26, Howe took advantage of the situation and sent out troops to cut Washington off from the high ground. 

A Skirmish Leads to a Battle

As Howe’s columns marched through the Short Hills regions, they met with Stirling’s guards. A skirmish ensued with the Americans falling back as they gave fire. Stirling set up a defensive position as the retreating soldiers drew the British into Ash Swamp and Scotch Plains. Even though he was determined to stay put, the British cannon and numbers forced him back. But he didn’t stay put for long.

British Lose the Day

The British troops were lagging under the heat, so they ended the pursuit. This allowed Stirling to a stronger position. Washington was alerted to the fact Howe was close by and was able to withdraw his men to a more secure location. This became a strategic battle for the Americans. Stirling gave Washington time enough to tighten his defense, and Howe declared Washington’s lines too strong to attack. By June 30th, the British had evacuated New Jersey.

Battle of Short Hills Historic Trail

Today visitors can explore the path of the soldiers through Metuchen and Edison historical sites. It continues through the:

• Frazee House
• Ash Brook Reservation

Much of the areas where the battle took place has been developed. This is one area that is much the same as it was back then. One of the goals of the Colonials was to bog down the British cannons in the Ash Swamp. It is a fascinating look into a critical battle that led to American winning the War of Independence.

Choosing the Correct Drying System Remediates Flood Damage to New Providence Businesses

When storms send floodwaters raging through your business, it can shut you down for days. Getting SERVPRO involved in the cleanup can mean opening faster. Determining the correct drying system is the key to restoring your business correctly. For efficient drying, we must:

• Achieve a balance between air movement, humidity, and temperature
• Measure and monitor moisture trapped inside porous building materials

Once everything is taken into consideration, we then choose between an open or closed drying system. Closed drying often works best in commercial buildings. We can accelerate the drying by partitioning off flood-impacted areas into smaller drying sections. We then use:

• Air movers
• Heaters
• Dehumidifiers

For commercial flood damage services, contact SERVPRO of Western Union County at (908) 791-9177. We can put you back in business.

New Providence Commercial Water Removal is Easy When Companies Use SERVPRO

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is no easy job. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the experience help you need.

New Providence Businesses Depend on Us to Keep Their Business Going

Located on the Passaic River, New Providence is a beautiful borough in New Jersey. Almost 10% of the land in New Providence is protected parkland, publicly-owned, which the residents often enjoy. A borough is a form of government used in New Jersey by a good portion of municipalities. While a borough does have a mayor, he has limited power. Most of the executive and legislative functions get carried out by the council.

Purchased from the Lenape Indians

New Providence history began back in 1664. The Duke of York, brother to King Charles II, bought the land from the Lenape Indians. It was known as the Elizabethtown Tract. It wasn't until 1720 that the Puritans established a settlement. There were many wild turkeys in the area, so it became known as "Turkey Town." This was the first permanent settlement in the area.

A Church is Established & A Name Change

In 1737 the Presbyterian Church was started. In 1759 the church's balcony collapsed, but miraculously there were only minor injuries. The church believed this was God's hand of protection on them, and this resulted in the town's name being changed to New Providence.

George Washington Slept Here

The borough's local stream, Salt Brook, is so named because of an incident that took place when the colonial village dumped all their salt into the brook to prevent the British soldiers from claiming it. Local tradition has it that George Washington visited the area and spent the night in a home which can still be seen today. But the British soldiers never ended up crossing the Watchung Mountains into the area. 

Population Increases - Becoming a Borough

Springfield Township was formed in April of 1794 and included not only the present-day township but:

• Summit
• New Providence
• Berkeley Heights

Due to substantial growth in the region, the New Providence Township was formed on November 8, 1809. New Providence withdrew from the New Providence Township on March 14, 1899. It was at that time they reincorporated as a borough. Many townships in New Jersey were choosing to become boroughs at this time for economic reasons and to govern themselves. 

Nokia Bell Labs

Located in the New Providence neighborhood of Murray Hill, Nokia Bell Labs is an industrial, scientific development and research company. It is owned by Nokia, which is Finnish but is an American company. It was previously:

• Bell Telephone Laboratories (1925-1984)
• AT&T Bell Laboratories (1984-1996)
• Bell Labs Innovations (1996-2007)

The lab got its beginnings in the late 19th century in New York City as part of the Western Electric Engineering Department. It was reformed into the Bell Telephone Laboratories in 1925. Bell Lab researchers are credited with developing:

• Radio astronomy
• The transistor
• The photovoltaic cell
• The charge-coupled device (CCD)
• The information theory
• Unix operating system
• Programming languages B, C, C++, and S

Bell Laboratories have been awarded nine Nobel Prizes for their work.

It All Started with Alexander Graham Bell

When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1880, he was awarded the Volta Prize by France. This equaled roughly $10,000 then and about $270,000 in 2019. Graham would invest the money into the Volta Laboratory's development, today known as the Alexander Graham Bell Laboratory, in Washington, D.C. His cousin, Chichester Bell, and Sumner Tainter would collaborate with him on the project. It has also been known as:

• Volta Bureau
• Bell Carriage House
• Bell Laboratory

Bell invented the telephone while looking for a way to communicate with the deaf. The focus of the lab was the analysis of sound, recording it, and transmitting sounds. The research was quite lucrative, and he used the money to further fund research and education into the deaf. 

The Telephone is Patented & A Company is Formed

The first patents for the telephone were filed in 1876 by Bell, Thomas Sanders, and Gardiner Hubbard, as the Bell Patent Association. A year later, the Bell Telephone Company was born. In 1889 the company became part of the American Telephone & Telegraph Company (AT&T). The Bell Laboratories headquarters was moved from New York City to Murray Hill. 

Scientific Leaps

Crucial research is still taking place at the Bell Lab in Murray Hill. It is a fundamental and essential part of New Providence. The scientific strides made since the time of Alexander Graham Bell have been phenomenal. The residents of the borough, and the world, look forward to the discoveries and inventions that will come from this committed business. 

Salt Box Museum

Another landmark is the Salt Box Museum. It has a fascinating history, and visitors today can see memorabilia and artifacts from before the American Revolution era. The museum is located in what was actually two different houses. They were built at different times, and one half was later moved to the present location. At one point, the entire combined house was moved to the current location on Springfield Avenue.

SERVPRO Provides Commercial Water Removal Services to New Providence Businesses

When your business experiences flooding from an in-house source such as a faulty HVAC system or burst pipe, it can mean downtime. The flowing water can seep into the flooring, wall spaces, behind fixtures, and flow to the levels below. Left unattended, water is caustic and can damage whatever it comes in contact with. Secondary damage, such as mold, is also a concern. SERVPRO can provide:

• Emergency mitigation
• Water Extraction using powerful, commercial pumps
• Drying with industrial dehumidifiers and air movers
• Repair and restoring the facility 
• Content cleaning – providing pack-out if needed.

Our goal is to help you get your doors open as quickly as possible. We can work around your schedule and after hours if you can stay open. SERVPRO of Western Union County has the experience, expertise, and equipment to professionally mitigate the water damage done to your business. Contact us today at (908) 791-9177. We can handle commercial water removal of any size. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Fintech Webinar for Berkeley Heights Businesses

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Our crew at SERVPRO can inspect your business for mold damages and if we find any, we can remediate and restore your property from the mold damage!

Virtual Event for Berkeley Heights Businesses Owners to Learn About Imminent Fintech Changes

The changes in the Fintech sector are very rapid. At times, it is almost hard to tell what the latest changes are. For Berkeley Heights business owners, lagging is not an option since payment solutions can give competitors an edge. The current pandemic proved the vital role Fintech has to play in the future of businesses.  This December, you can catch up on the latest changes and expected future trends. A webinar series organized by the Innovation Centre Denmark in Silicon Valley can put you up to speed. 

Some of the things you should expect from the virtual event include:

• Exclusive access to experts from UC Berkeley and various companies
• A detailed summary of what to expect from Tech Giants in the future
• Insights and findings from top world Fintech conference

You can access the free on December 16, 2020, starting from 8 PM to 9 PM.

SERVPRO of Western Union County helps business owners in Berkeley Heights when they need mold inspection services to ensure the best conditions environment for customers. Call us at (908) 791-9177.

New Providence Business Owners can Learn How Rutgers University is Helping Develop Ways of Handling Nuclear Waste

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Western Union County supports our young minds and university.

Glass is an Inert Substance Found in Every New Providence Business and Residence

Reserve a spot for Friday, November 20, at 1 PM EST with Dr. Ashutosh Goel, Associate Professor at Rutgers Materials Science & Engineering Department, to learn more about his latest research. You need Cisco Webex Meetings downloaded to take part in this free seminar. Call (848) 445-4512 for your login credentials. 

Here are some of the questions you might find answered at Dr. Goel’s session on Turning Nuclear Waste into Glass:

• Could drinking glasses in the future be made from some of the most dangerous compounds in the world?
• Would such glass be clear enough for use as windows?
• Would it be strong and flexible, perfect for use in the automotive and medical industries?

Your business does not need to handle hazardous waste for an on-site fire to create dangerous hazards. Call SERVPRO of Western Union County at (908) 460-5373 for cleanup, rebuilding, and restoration services.

How Quickly Can I Reopen My Business After a Water Spill?

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle all types of water damage. We will have your business back open for operation in no time.

Hire SERVPRO for Fast Water Removal Service in New Providence.

What Can SERVPRO Do to Reopen My Motel Operation?

When overhead pipes are involved, a break that goes undetected overnight can shut down an entire block of rooms until the water removal in a New Providence motel is completed. Fortunately, SERVPRO is ready to support any size operation with a 24/7 response team. 

Can the Response Team Save My Carpets During Removal?

In most cases, yes. Few commercial carpets have a pad underneath, so there is no need to lift and remove the carpet to dispose of the pad, which deteriorates quickly after it gets wet. Our team can immediately begin using water extractors to draw out all traces of the spill from the carpets. We can use Rovers, self-propelled ridden by a technician extractors, to squeeze out the water from the short-napped fibers. In addition to removal, the commercial devices team members use also have a heating element that helps them begin drying each carpet quicker than with a standard water-vac.  

After removing the standing water, each room still needs drying out. If this is not done professionally, remaining traces of moisture can lead to a lingering, musty odor, and the possibility of mold growing overhead, in bathrooms, and under sinks. Team members open all doors and windows weather permitting, install box fans to draw out the damp air, and use air movers to direct warm airflow across the floors to dry them. By leading the airflow, they can also place the warm air directly into the overhead space to dry them thoroughly.

What about the damaged pipe and ceiling? 

As the response team removes the water, other SERVPRO specialists can repair or replace many types of plumbing failures, as well as demolish and replace any ruined ceiling tiles and other types of paneling, to include drywall. If there is a problem needing specialized material, the team leader always recommends a licensed plumber.  

To learn more about what SERVPRO of Western Union County can do for your business, call us today at (908) 791-9177. 

Learn more about New Providence.

How Can Water Spots Get Removed From the Carpet in My Office?

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO has the equipment and decades of experience to restore carpet with water loss in New Providence commercial properties

When SERVPRO handles this type of loss, the techs approach each situation as unique and apply their knowledge to determine the restoration techniques for the best outcome.  Water spots on a carpet can be a sign of a larger issue at work in commercial properties. Common reasons are: 

• Plumbing leaks 
• Air conditioning unit malfunctions
• Water heater failures
• Vandalism

How Can the Act of Rewetting a Carpet Correct Commercial Water Damage Stains? 

Each case of commercial water damage in a New Providence property is unique, but the rules of the science used in the restoration services are finite. After the extraction of excess water and drying a property, unsightly water stains may remain on the carpet and upholstery. 

SERVPRO techs perform tests on the fibers to determine if they are prone to bleed dyes or subject to shrinkage. Once the makeup gets determined, the techs use various methods to remove the water spots, including resetting and using professional steam cleaners to turn any water within the carpet into a vapor. One of the biggest benefits of using this type of cleaner is that no residues get left behind in the fibers, and it leaves them sanitized. 

The techs have access to a large selection of EPA-Registered cleaning agents developed especially for fabrics and carpet fibers. These are ideal for spot applications to remove stains that can occur on carpets when other objects bleed onto wet carpet threads.

SERVPRO of Western Union County at (908) 791-9177 has the experience and equipment to take any type and size of commercial water damage and restore your property to its preloss condition. The certified techs are available 24/7 and arrive on-site a short time after the initial call with everything needed.

Find out more about New Providence.

We Get You Back In Business In Providence After A Water Loss

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

We are experienced and ready to handle your property's sewage backup. Our customers are always extremely surprised at how quick we get it clean.

Who Can I Call for Commercial Water Cleanup After a Bathroom Sink Pipe Bursts in My Supermarket?

SERVPRO Techs Are Available in New Providence for Commercial Water Cleanup

Supermarket bathrooms tend to see high amounts of foot traffic, meaning these areas tend to get frequent inspections and maintenance. However, even with proper preventive measures in place, accidents can still happen. A sink overflow, pinhole leak, or burst pipe can leave water all over your commercial bathroom that may be more than your custodial staff is equipped to handle. 

If your New Providence retail facilities require commercial water cleanup, Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-certified technicians from SERVPRO are just a phone call away from assisting you. SERVPRO's training ensures that technicians adhere to both restoration industry standards and local regulations for commercial facilities during cleanup.

"Don'ts" of Commercial Water Damage

• Do not enter an area with standing water and running electricity. While a tiled bathroom with water-resistant paint can pose less risk, water can seep through grout and nooks and crannies to affect the electrical system.
• Do not soak up standing water with newspaper or similar material. Not only does newspaper not address water accumulation in and behind structural material, but the ink on the paper can transfer to surfaces and become difficult to remove, especially from porous surfaces like tile grout.  
• Avoid adjusting temperatures. The success of a drying project is highly dependent on the temperature and humidity of the affected area. Warming up a wet room can instead evaporate water and cause secondary damages. Adjust temperatures in the area only after consulting with a restoration technician.

SERVPRO Technicians Can Restore Your Commercial Restroom Area

SERVPRO's water damage approach starts with a thorough inspection with cutting-edge technologies. Penetrating and non-penetrating sensors and meters allow for technicians to plan and execute a cleanup and drying strategy tailored to your space's needs. These pros can also measure relative humidity, temperature, and even moisture behind surfaces for the precise calculation of air mover and dehumidifier ratios and placement.

SERVPRO of Western Union County brings business owners a high standard of clean that is Faster to Any Size Disaster when you call (908) 791-9177.

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Remediating Commercial Mold Damage In New Providence

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

When your business requires commercial remediation, an emergency response team is only a phone call away at (908) 791-9177.

Remediating Commercial Mold Damage in a New Providence Hotel Lobby

Business owners are well aware that mold exists in some form in all buildings, and that the key to curbing mold growth is regular inspection and thorough sanitation. While mold cannot be eliminated from any building, it can easily be kept at safe levels by keeping moisture levels low and not providing these microbes with organic material to eat.

If your New Providence business needs rapid commercial mold damage remediation from licensed professionals, SERVPRO technicians are only a phone call away from returning your facilities to a preloss condition. Because mold can cause health effects, it is essential to quickly sanitize areas and implement proper containment measures to prevent the spreading of spores. Restoration techs take the safety of both you and your clients seriously and focus on administering cleanup that is done to code.

Preventative Measures for Mold Proliferation
    •    Know the signs. Mold can grow in unexpected places and comes in a variety of colors and textures. Keep an eye out for damp surfaces or particularly humid areas, speckled or fuzzy-looking stains, and musty, wet smells, especially from porous surfaces.
    •    Implement repairs ASAP. Whether you have a roof leak, loose window seals, or cracks in your building's foundation, all it takes is one pipe leak in a vulnerable location to allow gallons of water per day into a hotel.
    •    Keep HVAC spotless. Mold spores can spread very quickly through ventilation systems and affect multiple areas, including guest rooms and communal areas.
    •    Call in the pros when you need them. A mold remediation expert can help you not just by removing mold, but also by helping you prevent future issues with mold in your building.

SERVPRO Restores Your Building's Safety
After establishing thorough containment measures, including covering vents and establishing clean rooms, SERVPRO technicians can remove mold-affected items quickly and wipe down affected surfaces with EPA-registered biocides or dry cleaning and agitation. Techs may also use purification tools like HEPA-filter air scrubbers to improve indoor air quality and catch small spores during cleanup.

SERVPRO of Western Union County can leave your facilities looking, “Like it never even happened.” When your business requires commercial remediation, an emergency response team is only a phone call away at (908) 791-9177.

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Responding to Mold Growth in Your New Providence Nursing Home

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get your New Providence Nursing Home back in order after mold strikes.

We Understand the Importance of Removing Mold and Improving Air Quality in Your New Providence Property

There is no mistaking the knowledge that mold colonization and exposure to the residents of your New Providence nursing home can lead to health effects. Considering the health ailments that already affect many of the guests in the facility, direct exposure to active colonization could lead to considerably hazardous conditions. The discovery of microbial threats should get handled immediately by competent professionals like our SERVPRO team.

One of the initial obstacles that exist when contending with mold damage in your New Providence nursing facility is how to navigate remediation with the care and attention that the patients and residents need. Assisted living requirements do not slow or stall out because of a developing hazardous situation in the building. Instead, our professionals can establish defined boundaries to seal off the property from the colonization and prevent the spread of spores or volatile organic compounds.

Containment barriers exist for two specific reasons: to limit the exposure of bystanders and employees to mold colonization and to increase the productivity of remediation tactics within this established zone. Thick 6mil plastic sheeting and wood framework can get constructed throughout the broad tiled hallways and seal against the walls and the ceiling drywall. This seal all around the damaged areas can help efforts like drying, air scrubbing, and controlled demolition to be less compromising to the rest of the facility.

Within this containment area, we can work on applying antimicrobial agents to areas like the linoleum flooring. However, materials such as the gypsum drywall, wood trim, and thinner ceiling drywall might require removal over abrasive cleaning or sanding techniques that might remove colonies from more durable and less sensitive materials.

You have set standards and thresholds that your medical facility must remain within to adhere to regulations regarding any potential health hazard. While our professionals can help with the removal of present colonization, it is recommended in assisted living facilities to utilize a third party hygienist to test and sample the environment after remediation to assure property management and board oversight that the problem has gotten resolved. 

With so many assisted living patients to consider when mold growth gets discovered, it is critical to act immediately to stop the spread of these colonies, remove the present threat, and resolve the underlying moisture concerns that allowed microbial growth in the first place. Our SERVPRO of Western Union County team can help in all of these areas when you call (908) 791-9177.

Want to learn more about New Providence?

Fire Extinguisher Protocol

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

According to OSHA, the most common emergency small businesses must plan for is a fire. In fact, OSHA requires employers to thoroughly train workers not only on how to use an extinguisher properly, but also how to accurately asses a situation and determine when evacuation is the safest course of action. You never know when a fire is going to occur, so it helps to be prepared.

PASS Method

When using a fire extinguisher, the acronym almost everyone is popular with is PASS. PASS stands for

• Pull the pin on the extinguisher
• Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire
• Squeeze the handle
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire

By following this method and keeping the acronym in the back of your mind, you no longer have to worry about fires in the break room. If the situation does arise and you need help with the aftermath, call SERVPRO of Western Union County at (201) 496-6024.

Restoring Your Western Union County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

7/14/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Western Union County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Western Union County

SERVPRO of Western Union County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Dealing With a Commercial Loss

7/13/2019 (Permalink)

A local food market suffered from a sewage backup.

Here at SERVPRO of Western Union County, we know how important it is to recover after a loss. Whether, it be a fire damage, water damage, mold issue, storm damage, or any type of issue, our goal is to get you and your business back up and running in no time.

Sewage Backup in Local Market

A local market called recently about a sewage backup they had. They were extremely worried due to the fact that they did not want it to impede on their business. We reassured them we would be there as soon as we could to handle the situation. Our crew went to the store and got the sewage cleaned up within a couple of days. The store owner was ecstatic that they did not have to close down!

If you experience any kind of damage in your commercial business, give us a call at (201) 496-6024.

Edgewater Police Department Called Us For a Cleaning!

7/13/2019 (Permalink)

Edgewater Police Department Called Us for a Cleaning!

Recently, the Edgwater Police Department called us for a loss. This wasn't an ordinary loss. After a recent incident, they decided they needed SERVPRO to come and clean one of their police cars. They were extremely excited how good of a job we did and how quick we got the job done! One police officer even called the rest of his colleagues out to show him the good work!

About SERVPRO of Western Union County

SERVPRO of Western Union County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Mold Growth in Your Commercial Building

7/13/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is not something anyone wants to deal with. In fact, it's something they should never have to deal with. However, sometimes mold strikes and when it does, it's no fun. There are some ways to reduce mold growth and lower the risk of it growing in your commercial building!

What Causes Mold?

The key to mold growth is moisture. Mold can result from something as simple as an increase in humidity. Although that is not something we can control, there are other times when mold can grow but we can prevent it. Mold can be a result of:

• Leaking Pipes
• Leaks in the Roof
• Condensation
• Flooding

All of these have to do with moisture. To avoid mold growth, check regularly for leaks or flooding. Mold only needs between 24-48 hours to grow. By checking regularly, you are slimming the chances of allowing the mold to grow. To prevent condensation, if you keep the temperature of the building slightly warmer, condensation will not form.

Mold is no fun. In the event that you encounter it in your commercial building, give SERVPRO of Western Union County a call and we'll help you right away.

Fire Safety in Commercial Buildings

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Although we like to think tragedy will never strike, unfortunately, it does. Whether it be in your home, on the road, or at work, it can come when you are least expecting it. However, some things can be prevented and lives can be saved if you have a plan of action in emergency situations!

Plan of Action in a Commercial Building

Commercial buildings can often be the most deadly forms of tragedy. If in the event of a fire at home, people know where they can and can't go and how to get there. However, at work, that might not be the case. It is extremely important that employees know where to exit in case of a fire while at work. We recommend a few things to help.

1. It is best if there are exit signs posted around the building as well as pictures depicting the route to the nearest exit. If people are aware of the exits as well as the routes they can take to get there, they will be able to act more efficiently in an emergency situation.
2. We also recommend commercial buildings have fire drills at least once a month. By conducting fire drills, employees of a commercial building can familiarize themselves with the nearest exit and the quickest route to get out safely.

By implementing these tips, commercial buildings can help reduce the severity of a tragedy and prepare people in the event that it occurs.