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Cleaning Your Smithtown Property After Water Damage

2/11/2024 (Permalink)

a flooded laundry room with water covering the floor Water damage isn't something that is easily dealt with. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for certified professionals.

Main Focus Areas for Water Restoration Efforts

Smithtown, NY, is a fascinating place on the North Shore of Long Island. Its rich history starts with the legend of its naming when allegedly Richard Smith was awarded all the land he could encircle in one day riding a bull. Some historical establishments like the Frank Brush Barn, Caleb Smith House, and Roseneath Cottage provide a glimpse of the town’s history. The town has educational institutions under the Smithtown Central School District, including Smithtown West High School, Accompsett Elementary School, and Nesaquake Middle School. Businesses include shops and restaurants like Stop & Shop Florist, Lacrosse Unlimited of Smithtown, La Famiglia, and Timboo.

Water damage at your Smithtown home may force you to undertake different procedures to restore preloss conditions. Cleaning is one such procedure that helps remove soils, stains, and microbial growth triggered by moisture invasion. Cleaning procedures differ significantly depending on the amount of water involved and whether the source is clean or not. SERVPRO® offers comprehensive cleanup services to address any outcome you may be facing.

Common cleaning scenarios

  • Water removal
  • Cleaning and disinfecting
  • Mold removal

When the water originates from a clean supply pipe, and the response to the incident is fast enough, cleanup may only involve removing the intruding water. Our crews use water extractors, dry/wet vacuums, water claws, and other specialized equipment for thorough water removal. When a contaminated source is involved, or the water remains in the building for several days, cleaning requires some decontamination, so our technicians mix disinfectants with cleaning solutions or mist them over surfaces after cleaning.

Specific areas requiring cleaning after water damage

  • Carpeted areas and upholstery
  • HVAC system
  • Crawl spaces or basements

Carpets absorb and hold moisture just like upholstery items, which can be the genesis of many problems, including dye bleeding and staining. Moisture might also find a way into the HVAC ducts, where mold can proliferate. SERVPRO technicians can use convenient methods such as hot water extraction when cleaning up your upholstery and carpets. We also inspect your HVAC system, changing filters and vacuuming ducts to remove any moldy materials.

SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown cleans properties thoroughly, eliminating the effects of water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call (631) 265-9200.

SERVPRO Water Removal Dries Smithtown Residences

12/9/2023 (Permalink)

servpro equipment drying floor Rapid air circulation speeds up the drying process and mitigates water damage to Smithtown properties. Here to Help®

Smithtown Has Help for Water Damage Restoration

Plumbing failures are one of the most common means of water damage in any given home, especially during the colder months. Freezing temperatures, pinhole leaks, or damaged joints can all introduce excess water that can take hours, days, or even longer for residents to detect, depending on the location of the damage.

SERVPRO® ’s water removal services can save Smithtown properties time and money while providing increased comfort. These crews emphasize compliance with restoration industry standards to ensure that homes affected by water receive thorough care and attention during cleanup.

Kitchen Fixture Water Damage and Its Effects on Surfaces

  • Loose gaskets on appliances or damaged sink plumbing can rapidly introduce excess water. These disasters can be especially damaging to baseboards, drywall, and flooring in the following ways:
  • Vinyl or linoleum floors may experience bubbling or damage to the underlayment. Adhesives may lose their hold, causing delamination that pulls up the flooring.
  • While floor tiles rarely experience direct water damage, the moisture can cause stains or swelling in grout that can damage tiles or introduce mold.
  • Baseboards exposed to water may require careful demolition and replacement for drying moisture-affected drywall, which can degrade after water exposure.

SERVPRO can address these damages and provide efficient water removal and build-back solutions.

Drying the Damage After Water Removal Implementation

SERVPRO water extraction and drying services rely on careful planning and calculation to ensure success.

  •   After extracting excess water with wands, mops, and vacuums, air movers can be placed in the affected area every 10 to 16 feet.
  •   Air movers are positioned at 45-degree angles along affected walls to push moist air toward dehumidification units.
  •   Crews may use containment measures like polyethylene sheeting over doorways to accelerate drying further.

Property owners need a team that is Here to Help®. To that end, they can contact SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200.

Fire and Smoke Cleanup Procedures of Smithtown Homes and Contents

11/2/2023 (Permalink)

a fire damaged hallway with soot covering the walls After a fire in your home, you want the damage dealt with quickly. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for certified technicians to help you.

Our Fire & Smoke Cleanup Crew Uses IICRC Guidelines

When your Smithtown home catches fire and becomes a devastated mess, SERVPRO® is nearby. The fire and smoke cleanup process takes time; however, we are efficient at what we do, making homes and businesses "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO performs fire and smoke cleanup of your Smithtown home according to IICRC standards. Fire and intense heat affect materials at the molecular level and in predictable ways. Because of this uniformity, we know that damage in one home will be similar to changes sustained in another.

Many customers ask about how we handle smoke and fire damage to different aspects of their property. Here are a few of the areas we concentrate on after a blaze: 

  • Extraction of water, foam, or powder 
  • Removal of charred materials 
  • Coping with fallen deposits throughout the home. 

Part of cleaning up the aftermath of a fire, including smaller ones, is ridding the house of the material used to extinguish the fire. Sometimes firefighters use foam or powder to extinguish a fire. We extract the water and remove the foam before it can disintegrate, protecting groundwater. We use vacuums and stiff brushes to clean up fire-suffocating powder. 

Our process of removing charred items like furniture or carpeting is straightforward. When it involves the structure, we rely on our building team to assist us in maintaining the structural integrity of your house's framework. To remove a load-bearing element, we need to construct a sturdy brace to replace it. Outside construction companies may be required to comply with safety and code regulations.

Smoke contains solid particulates, oils, ash, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Many of these substances remain suspended in the air after a fire and slowly descend onto surfaces. SERVPRO's technicians can readily remove these from surfaces (countertops, furniture, flooring) and the air with our powerful air scrubbers. The science of SOS-smoke odor sealers is evolving, but we offer known effective products for limiting the migration of odors. 

At SERVPRO of Port Jefferson, we do what it takes to make your house safe for your family. Call us at (631) 476-5300, 24/7, any day of the year.

Dependable Flood Damage Restoration Solutions in Smithtown

10/15/2023 (Permalink)

a flooded bedroom with water up to the bed Getting flood water out of your home is a difficult process. Call SERVPRO 24/7 for certified equipment and professionals.

SERVPRO® Ensures Proper Flood Damage Remediation After an Event

Natural disasters such as flood damage are a common threat. As such, you would not want to handle the aftermath of such events by yourself –it is stressful, and you might make costly mistakes. That is why you deserve a dependable professional in your corner to help you with and throughout the flood damage restoration process.

Our team is well-trained to offer comprehensive flood damage cleanup solutions in Smithtown to help you return your property to normalcy after a disaster. We ensure a smooth process from repairs and cleaning to removing water, drying, and eventually restoring your property and contents.

After a disaster, most people rush into making decisions like disposing of some properties they "deem" unrestorable, costing themselves valuables and hard-earned money. SERVPRO endeavors to restore every salvageable property. Our technicians have the skills and experience to revive seemingly unrestorable flood-damaged properties using IICRC-approved techniques and state-of-the-art equipment.

Furthermore, we know the struggle of dealing with wet vents and odors from hidden spaces after a flood. At SERVPRO, we have advanced moisture detection and removal equipment to help accurately measure moisture content for effective drying and removal. We then apply EPA and OSHA-approved products to remove any bad smell from your home and all your properties.

You cannot undermine the purpose of ensuring safety during flood damage remediation. SERVPRO technicians prioritize safety as per local standards. We wear appropriate PPEs, including gloves, helmets, and special overalls, to mitigate any harm while working. Our technicians also advise you accordingly if it is necessary to move when applying some decontamination products that might cause health effects.

Did you know you should not compromise your privacy when restoring your property? Our team advises you to remove anything like financial information and jewelry you might not feel comfortable leaving on the premises during the restoration work.

SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown's restoration team is available 24/7 to help with any water, mold, fire, and storm damage restoration. Call (631) 265-9200 now for an appointment or inquiries.

Water Mitigation Is One Step in Remediating Smithtown Businesses

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Van Don't let water damage go unchecked in your property. Call SERVPRO for help to avoid further damage.

Effective Water Mitigation Saves Smithtown Shops 

Water damage remediation terminology can sometimes be confusing to Smithtown business owners, but it is helpful if they can distinguish between industry terms. Words that seem almost synonymous to them could be quite different. They might improperly conflate distinct stages in the overall remediation process. Therefore, the following explanations attempt to clarify some of what happens during water damage recovery.

SERVPRO’s team of highly-trained water mitigation experts in Smithtown has quickly and skillfully returned countless commercial enterprises to normal operations. As knowledgeable professionals in this field, our technicians would like to give you a better understanding of what water mitigation is and how it differs from water damage restoration. Simply put, mitigation is doing what it takes to prevent water damage from becoming worse. At the same time, restoration refers to water damage repairs to return facilities to their pre-event state. More specifically, water mitigation:

  • Is done during/immediately following basement flooding or a water event caused by things like ceiling leaks and burst pipes
  • Occurs before restoration efforts in the water damage remediation process
  • Offers temporary or top-gap solutions, while restorative actions are permanent
  • Helps protect property from further damage and ensure the safety of customers, workers, and owners, while repairs are meant to fix existing damage
  • Usually involves fixing or throwing things away instead of replacing them, while restoration adds new materials to buildings and replaces damaged items.

As you can see, both steps are integral to helping you fully overcome a water-related event as cheaply and swiftly as possible.


With this in mind, remember to call your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown whenever you need top-quality water mitigation work done on your business. Our skilled crews can often stop further water damage from developing, which is likely going to save time as well as money in the long run. So, call us at (631) 265-9200 whenever you need us.

The Obstacles of Smithtown Fire Damage Restoration

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vans in front of a Fire Department SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for any size of fire damage to your Smithtown property. Call now!

SERVPRO Offers Efficient Fire Damage Recovery  

It is essential to have a crew of professionals ready 24/7 to help with post-fire cleanup and recovery. Mitigating losses after fire events is crucial, as effects can continually spread and impact new surfaces and contents. We have a roster of FSRT-Certified technicians available to help when every minute counts. Our accreditations from the IICRC are in multiple beneficial restoration niches like: 

  • Fire Restoration
  • Carpet Cleaning
  • Upholstery Cleaning
  • Water Restoration
  • Odor Control

Reaching a Damaged Property Fast

Smithtown fire damage events do not improve on their own and, in many cases, exponentially worsen until direct mitigative and restorative action is taken. As a trusted name for recovering fire losses and smoke damage, SERVPRO professionals on our roster have the tools and training to help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, a commitment we show by our available team of technicians who mobilize for emergency services when disasters strike.

Damage Claims Approval 

One of the obstacles that many professionals like ours face when starting the fire damage cleanup process is the insurance company involved. Most homeowners rely on their policies to cover the bulk of restoration costs after a fire emergency, so our SERVPRO team must work closely with providers and policyholders to meet demands. Claim approval is often subject to specific needs by the representing company, including:

  • Estimation – SERVPRO provides detailed estimates regarding the expected costs of specific aspects of the restoration a property needs and the anticipated timeline to complete these phases.
  • Damage Tracking – Insurance adjusters need the full scope of the damage upon the initial inspection and continued progress updates. We interface directly with the company to keep this process going.
  • Content Inventory – The initial cataloging of fire damage also gives our professionals the chance to take an entire inventory of impacted contents and personal belongings that must get replaced, restored, or relocated.

Soot and Smoke Deposits

Partial combustion creates acidic particles that can severely mar impacted surfaces where these solids come to rest. It is vital to undertake direct actions to remove buildup and soot solids on building materials and contents as rapidly as possible. Varying smoke and fire damage types can involve unique cleanup strategies ranging from solvents to abrasive tactics. Our SERVPRO team is ready to help remove these residues to protect underlying substrates.

Harsh Malodors

Burning can also create odor compounds that spread rapidly in the structure. The hotter the fire burns, the more combustion occurs, and smoke odor molecules penetrate the porous elements in the immediate vicinity. Because malodors exist in different forms, several deodorization practices and products must neutralize these effects in a property. Techniques can include:

  • Fogging – These portable units operate by rapidly heating a wet deodorizing product in a reservoir to form a mist or vapor that can be sprayed in an affected area. Vaporous products can penetrate porous materials and neutralize trapped smells.
  • Hydroxyl Machines – Using UV cleaning, hydroxyl machines simultaneously manage the malodor threats and airborne contaminants with HEPA filtration.
  • Ozone – Ozone machines generate unstable chemical compounds that bind with the molecules of smoke odors and neutralize them immediately. This is highly effective, but the process is hazardous to humans and pets, so this approach halts restoration until the ozone dissipates.

When Smithtown fire damage incidents occur, there is a finite timeline to restore and recover impacted areas of your house. Our SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown team is always ready to respond to these emergencies with our prompt mobilization of vehicles, equipment, and specialists. Call us today at (631) 265-9200.

Restoring Smithtown Water Damage with Effective Solutions

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

an employee holding a moisture meter on a water damaged ceiling Moisture meters and other tools help SERVPRO technicians locate and remove water damage from your Smithtown home.

SERVPRO Overcomes Many Types of Water Damage 

It is critical to appreciate the immediate actions professionals like our SERVPRO team must take when we reach a damaged property. Water continues to spread until containment barriers are installed and operated. It is necessary to complete multiple phases of restoration and cleanup in succession to return a home to preloss condition. These efforts can include:

  • Water removal services
  • Surface cleaning
  • Structural drying
  • Content restoration
  • Repairs

To adequately manage Smithtown water damage, we prioritize mitigation and emergency services tailored to the specific property and its compromising event. Often, threats to the structure and its occupants can result from several different avenues.

Several Types of Water Damage 

Water is consistently one of the most harmful conditions for a household, making the processes during restoration vital to prevent irreparable damage. Each situation is different from one house to the next, as the trigger for the disaster changes. Recovery and restoration services are vital after:

  • Burst Pipes – a broken or burst pipe can introduce hundreds or thousands of gallons of water into the affected area.
  • Appliance Malfunctions – Dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, and even air conditioning units can leak and cause compromising damage.
  • Flooding – Storm damage can also require immediate mitigation and restoration as intruding water can continually spread in the structure until it is stopped and dried.
  • Accidents – Overflows and spills can also account for part of the annual volume of water disaster calls our professionals address, which often threaten a specific portion of a household.

Addressing Standing Water 

Water damage is at its worst for the household when pooling persists on much of the flooring. Our SERVPRO team has an array of extraction and water removal devices ranging from powerful engine-driven truck pumps to portable wet vacuums to help. Once surface water has been addressed, we can use sophisticated equipment to track moisture migration and appropriately place drying tools.

Removing Trapped Moisture

Water and moisture can become a concern when it penetrates the surface and begins to impact the composition of the building material through its pores. Thorough saturation or moisture trapped in structural cavities will most likely require special tools like an Injectidry system or drying mats to help.

Providing a Thorough Drying Result

Drying consists of several steps and stages. The entire process combines chemical reactions like evaporation, absorption, condensation, and sublimation. Air movers are placed strategically in the house to cover the greatest surface area of moist elements and run simultaneously to evaporate surface moisture to be absorbed or pulled in by dehumidification units for outside exhaustion. We can verify successful drying progress with tools like:

When Should Water Damage Repairs Occur? 

Damage repairs are another phase of the recovery process but essential to returning to preloss conditions. We have a general contractor license (#51995-H) to provide a wealth of construction services needed in a home after disasters. An emergency like a burst pipe, for example, can require plumbing repairs, wall and ceiling system replacement, and flooring repairs. From controlled demolition to the final paint coat on a replaced wall, our team is ready to help in this post-restoration capacity.

Smithtown water damage makes up the bulk of the restoration callouts that our SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown team addresses throughout the year. The frequencies of these situations and how they vary from one incident to the next leaves a need to always stay prepared for mitigation and recovery. Our crew is here to help 24/7 when you call (631) 265-9200.

The Threat of Smithtown Mold Damage on Structures

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

two employees in PPE in a mold damaged attic Our SERVPRO technicians in Smithtown are at your service when you detect mold damage in your home.

SERVPRO Remediates Mold Damage to Protect Property

Homeowners must appreciate the impact of mold on their properties. Because of the proximity of our communities to major water bodies on Long Island’s North Shore, several homes contend with groundwater concerns and higher humidity. Without appropriate moisture content management and ventilation, the result can be the formation of mold colonies. Our SERVPRO AMRT-Certified technicians are trained to help with:

  • Moisture removal
  • Surface cleaning
  • Odor removal
  • Structural repairs
  • Mold inhibition

Responding fast is one of the best defenses against Smithtown mold damage. We understand the importance of a quick arrival window as mold colonies continue to spread through the structure and new hosting materials until containment is established and remediation work begins.

How Does Mold Damage Threaten a Home? 

With more than 120,000 in Smithtown and a substantially larger population through Suffolk County, many homes and businesses could get impacted by mold and microbial damage. There are a few ways that active colonies can destroy your home or make comfortable living impossible:

  • Structural Deterioration – Mold uses organic matter as a food source, destroying hosting elements the longer they stay exposed to the organism. After as little as 24 hours, materials like drywall often require demolition
  • Moisture Damage – The same conditions that allowed mold growth initially can also be detrimental and destructive to the property. 
  • Volatile Organic Compounds – VOCs are a byproduct of colonies, and their presence can directly impact living conditions. Widespread VOCs overwhelm a property with harsh, offensive malodors. 

How Does Mold Get Discovered?

As destructive and harmful to property as mold damage can be, it is surprising that finding the colonies can often seem elusive. Mold often forms in darker, moist environments, so these typically do not describe the high-traffic areas of your household. There are signs to alert you to possible mold growth, and these include:

  • Odors – Volatile organic compounds produce strong, musty smells from active colonies, which can penetrate nearby areas and signal mold trouble. 
  • Structural Damage – The deterioration of building materials like drywall is a strong indicator that some type of damage exists, be it water or mold. 
  • Spotting – Physical spotting on surfaces can show the earliest colonization of hosting materials. These can be any color: black, blue, orange, green, and others. 

Removing Mold Damage 

There are multiple approaches to removing mold and microbial growth from a property. The factors that determine the ideal solution range from the type of hosting material to the severity of the infestation. The degree to which microbes have penetrated an impacted building material also determines what methods are best for removal, including:

  • Antimicrobial products
  • Mechanical action
  • Abrasive cleaning
  • Demolition

Fast Damage Repairs 

With a general contractor license (#51995-H) and IICRC AMRT-Certifications, we have the training and accreditation to complete a wealth of building services your property might need. After mold exposures, controlled demolition is often a significant factor in the approach to restore the property and prevent the spread of spores and colonies. Our team can also replace discarded materials, repair structural compromise that permits moisture infiltration, and repair damaged utilities like plumbing that could contribute to the moist environment.

Smithtown mold damage impacts many surfaces, contents, and materials throughout an affected property. Remediation professionals need to act fast to help. With a roster of accredited AMRT-Certified professionals, our SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown team is ready to mitigate loss and repair the damage that mold can do to a house. Give us a call today at (631) 265-9200.

When Your Smithtown Bathroom Suffers Mold Damage

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

Magnified Mold SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

SERVPRO Helps Remediate Mold Damage Threats

The presence of mold in your home threatens the structural elements and creates a volatile environment for your family. Fast restoration and remediation services are needed when a high-traffic house area like the bathroom suffers from these organisms.

What Mold Can Damage in the Bathroom

The mold damage in your Smithtown bathroom can be alarming to see. As fast as these symptoms can develop in moist conditions, multiple materials in the room can begin to get ruined by colonies:

  • Vanity
  • Flooring
  • Paint
  • Drywall

Cleaning and Remediation Solutions

The preferred method of mold remediation and removal is surface cleaning. Using antimicrobial and sporicidal agents from our inventory, we can apply these products to colonies on hosting materials to destroy the accessible spores. We also have more intricate recovery options, such as sanding and media blasting, to remediate beyond the surface layer.

While surface cleaning and other remediation solutions are favored, it is not always practical for the existing damage. Our certified and licensed team can help with controlled demolition services that cut out the ruined hosting materials. We safely discard these elements and leave a clean and stable foundation for reconstruction. 

Preventing Recurring Mold in the Bathroom 

Recurrences of mold can be one of the direct concerns for remediators. The extensive work and effort that goes into clearing an active mold issue can be undone by the regrowth of new colonies in the same bathroom spots. We can overcome structural vulnerabilities and moisture penetration through repairs and permanent regulation equipment. 


Mold can be an underappreciated threat to your home or business. Professional remediation is critical with threats like structural deterioration and recurring development in areas like the bathroom. Our SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown team is ready to help when you need us. Call now at (631) 265-9200.

Smithtown Homeowners Trust SERVPRO with Water Damage Restoration

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

Moisture Device Call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown for fast and efficient service.

Water Damage Restoration in Smithtown Homes Happens Fast with SERVPRO 

Water damage restoration of your Smithtown home after a storm involves multiple steps, including removing water, drying the affected areas, and repairing or replacing materials to restore the property to its preloss condition. SERVPRO techs have the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment to properly assess the extent of the damage and develop an effective restoration plan.

SERVPRO techs make hundreds of drying decisions during the water damage restoration of your Smithtown home to guide the process to the most cost-efficient result. Whenever possible, techs ensure that the affected items are cleaned and restored rather than replaced entirely to reduce expenses.  

Cleaning and Drying Carpet During Water Cleanup  

Carpets absorb water and are challenging to dry, especially if stormwater intrudes on your property. SERVPRO techs use penetrating or non-penetrating moisture meters to determine the moisture levels in the carpets and use one of the following four techniques to dry the carpets as quickly and effectively as possible. 

  • In-place drying: As the name suggests, this technique involves drying the carpet and padding without disengaging them from the floor. In most situations, this is the preferred method. 
  • Drying the carpet flat: The method involves removing and disposing of the wet padding and placing the carpet on the subfloor to dry. 
  • Floating the carpet: It also involves removing and disposing of the padding, following which the rug is laid back down on the subfloor, and airflow is directed underneath it.  

When is In-place Drying Preferred?

In-place drying is preferred only for Category 1 water losses, where the water is sanitary. In case of Category 2 or 3 losses, SERVPRO techs dispose of the carpet pad. Even in Category 1 water damage, techs remove the pad if it has been saturated for more than 72 hours. 

Call SERVPRO of Greater Smithtown at (631) 265-9200 for fast and efficient water damage repairs.