With all the rain we received a few weeks ago, it's no surprise to get phone calls from customers that have an "odd" odor in their home or basement. It is usally described as a musty or moldy smell. This smell is typically a warning that something is wrong. If you had water damage of any kind, and it was not addressed properly or at all, that smell is an indicator. It means that the area still has too much moisture and could be an indication of a mold problem. I blog about water and mold so much because I have seen the damage that it can cause to not only our homes, but our health. If you know your home was affected by water, and now you can smell a musty odor, it is better to be safe than sorry. Call a professional! Avoiding a water damage problem will not make it go away. It only creates more problems and expenses.
Michael Bowerman - President
Bowerman Restoration LLC - Experts in Disaster Recovery
Storm, Water, Flood, Mold, Sewage, Fire, Smoke & Soot Remediation
17 Jean Lane, Hartsdale, NY 10530
WEB: http://www.bowermanrestoration.com/
E-MAIL: michael@bowerman restoration.com
CELL: (914) 804-5737
OFFICE: (914) 674-1499
TOLL FREE: (800) 638-4799
BOWERMAN RESTORATION
- about us //
- White Plains, New York, United States
- Bowerman Restoration has been a trusted name in the cleaning and disaster restoration industry for over 35 years. Michael and the entire “Clean Green” team provide a full range of disaster restoration services: water, sewage, mold, fire and smoke. Our goal is to get your commercial or residential property back to its pre-loss condition quickly and efficiently, using cost-effective solutions. We take the time to assist our clients through each step of the restoration process: filing claims, communicating with the insurance company, and actual reconstruction. Technicians are IICRC certified so we can provide our discerning clientele with a knowledgeable and experienced staff. We provide project management to keep each job running smoothly and a licensed general contractor to oversee all reconstruction.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
So Much Rain, So little Time
The past few weeks here in Westchester County have been quite, well, wet. Maybe its just me but it seems that April, the month that's supposed to be rainy, wasn't, and May and June were. Regardless, the rain was here and supposedly there is more to come. So I want to remind all of you to protect your property from the potential hazards that come along with heavy rains.
Making sure your gutters are in proper working order is a top priority. They should be cleaned every year to remove debris like leaves and sticks. The only way that a gutter can do its job is when its clear of obstructions. The gutters are supposed to carry water away from your house and foundation. So often I see gutters that have down-spouts that are pointed directly towards the foundation of the home. This will only lead to one conclusion, when heavy rains come, the water will find its way into your basement or first level via the porous concrete. Take my advice and do a proper walk through of your property. Make sure your down spouts are directed away from your home.
While we are talking about walk throughs, inspect the rest of your property for other red flags. If you see any broken or dead branches that could potentially damage your roof or home, have the branches removed. All it takes is one strong gust of wind, and that branch could wind up damaging your roof, windows, or worse. Once you have damage on your roof, water is likely to follow. Don't take a chance with the safety of your home.
The next time a heavy rain storm comes, take a walk around the perimeter of you house. Check the ground for any pooling water or heavy puddling around the foundation. Sometimes, if the ground has not been properly leveled or graded, the rain water will pool very close to your home. French drain systems and dry-wells are common solutions to re-directing water away from the foundation of your house.
If you have an underground sprinkler system, be sure to have it professionally checked. Faulty sprinkler heads can directly place water right at your front door. Broken pipes or underground lines can lead to massive flooding. Proper maintenance will keep your grass green and your house dry.
Be sure that if you do have a basement that is prone to water infiltration, you have a sufficient number of sump pumps. If you are concerned about losing power to your sump pumps, you might want to consider having an alternative source of power installed. Generators have become very popular since Hurricane Irene occurred in the summer of 2011. Many of us lost power for long stretches of time, rendering our sump pumps useless. Back up generators can be a lifesaver. They come in a variety of sizes, price-ranges and use several different sources of power.
Lastly, household maintenance is a sure-fire way to prevent water damage in your home. Having items like water heaters, air conditioners, heating systems, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers inspected and maintained by certified professionals is the only way to ensure their properly working. These items are notorious for causing damage to homes. There is no way to prevent complete accidents from occurring, but you can drastically reduce the potential with simple, regularly scheduled maintenance.
Water damage is the number one cause of damage for our customers in particular. It can destroy a lifetime of memories in a matter of hours. Please remember, water damage can lead to even more disastrous situations like mold infestation. Keeping your home and family safe from the elements of Mother Nature is the only way to reduce your risk for expensive remediations.
Making sure your gutters are in proper working order is a top priority. They should be cleaned every year to remove debris like leaves and sticks. The only way that a gutter can do its job is when its clear of obstructions. The gutters are supposed to carry water away from your house and foundation. So often I see gutters that have down-spouts that are pointed directly towards the foundation of the home. This will only lead to one conclusion, when heavy rains come, the water will find its way into your basement or first level via the porous concrete. Take my advice and do a proper walk through of your property. Make sure your down spouts are directed away from your home.
While we are talking about walk throughs, inspect the rest of your property for other red flags. If you see any broken or dead branches that could potentially damage your roof or home, have the branches removed. All it takes is one strong gust of wind, and that branch could wind up damaging your roof, windows, or worse. Once you have damage on your roof, water is likely to follow. Don't take a chance with the safety of your home.
The next time a heavy rain storm comes, take a walk around the perimeter of you house. Check the ground for any pooling water or heavy puddling around the foundation. Sometimes, if the ground has not been properly leveled or graded, the rain water will pool very close to your home. French drain systems and dry-wells are common solutions to re-directing water away from the foundation of your house.
If you have an underground sprinkler system, be sure to have it professionally checked. Faulty sprinkler heads can directly place water right at your front door. Broken pipes or underground lines can lead to massive flooding. Proper maintenance will keep your grass green and your house dry.
Be sure that if you do have a basement that is prone to water infiltration, you have a sufficient number of sump pumps. If you are concerned about losing power to your sump pumps, you might want to consider having an alternative source of power installed. Generators have become very popular since Hurricane Irene occurred in the summer of 2011. Many of us lost power for long stretches of time, rendering our sump pumps useless. Back up generators can be a lifesaver. They come in a variety of sizes, price-ranges and use several different sources of power.
Lastly, household maintenance is a sure-fire way to prevent water damage in your home. Having items like water heaters, air conditioners, heating systems, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers inspected and maintained by certified professionals is the only way to ensure their properly working. These items are notorious for causing damage to homes. There is no way to prevent complete accidents from occurring, but you can drastically reduce the potential with simple, regularly scheduled maintenance.
Water damage is the number one cause of damage for our customers in particular. It can destroy a lifetime of memories in a matter of hours. Please remember, water damage can lead to even more disastrous situations like mold infestation. Keeping your home and family safe from the elements of Mother Nature is the only way to reduce your risk for expensive remediations.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Flooded Basements and Wet Feet in Elmsford, NY
Yesterday and into today, we were given some much needed rain. But it fell pretty hard and fast, causing some areas to get flooded. We received a call already from a client in Elmsford, NY who's basement has several inches of water in it. When your home or business is located in in low-lying areas like Elmsford, NY, you are at greater risk for water infiltration, even with a small amount of rain. And if you have a basement, you can assume that the water will be headed for it because when it comes to water, gravity rules.
If you cant afford a total home makeover, I suggest starting with the least expensive option, buy a sump pump, or two. The sump pumps should be placed in the lowest points of your basement and having more than one pump will provide back up in case the something goes wrong with the other. Two is always better than one. If water enters your basement, the sump pumps will turn on and do their job, removing the excess water and expelling it into a slop sink, drain, bucket or outside. But installing your sump pump properly is very important. As I saw too frequently during Hurricane Irene, many home and business owners lost power, thus, making their sump pumps obsolete. The solution is simple, have your sump pumps installed properly and have a backup power source. Even a small generator that runs on any alternative power will do the trick, as long as you do proper maintenance on a regular basis. The very last thing that you would want to happen is to have the power go out and get to your basement only to discover that your generator will not start.
A more advanced solution to flooding basements is to have a french drain system installed below the soil line around the perimeter of your homes foundation. These systems carry excess water away from your home and the ground surrounding it and expel it into the street or to an underground dry well. The perforated pipes can be a material as simple as PVC or more advanced materials depending on your needs. French drain systems can be installed professionally or by a savvy do-it-yourselfer. The choice is yours.
Finally, there are several professional companies that provide basement systems to prevent any water infiltration. These basement sealing systems have proven very effective, and many times are guaranteed for years by the company that installs it. Without getting into every step of the process, they seal out water from entering your basement, from floors to walls, interior to exterior. But each home is different and some companies have a variety of materials and methods.
Educating yourself about the options that are available to you can save you a headache in the long run. Preventing water damage in your home is essential. As my Dad always says, "An ounce of prevention is worth its weight in gold!"......... I think he just makes this stuff up out of thin air (LOL) ! Stay dry out there!
If you cant afford a total home makeover, I suggest starting with the least expensive option, buy a sump pump, or two. The sump pumps should be placed in the lowest points of your basement and having more than one pump will provide back up in case the something goes wrong with the other. Two is always better than one. If water enters your basement, the sump pumps will turn on and do their job, removing the excess water and expelling it into a slop sink, drain, bucket or outside. But installing your sump pump properly is very important. As I saw too frequently during Hurricane Irene, many home and business owners lost power, thus, making their sump pumps obsolete. The solution is simple, have your sump pumps installed properly and have a backup power source. Even a small generator that runs on any alternative power will do the trick, as long as you do proper maintenance on a regular basis. The very last thing that you would want to happen is to have the power go out and get to your basement only to discover that your generator will not start.
A more advanced solution to flooding basements is to have a french drain system installed below the soil line around the perimeter of your homes foundation. These systems carry excess water away from your home and the ground surrounding it and expel it into the street or to an underground dry well. The perforated pipes can be a material as simple as PVC or more advanced materials depending on your needs. French drain systems can be installed professionally or by a savvy do-it-yourselfer. The choice is yours.
Finally, there are several professional companies that provide basement systems to prevent any water infiltration. These basement sealing systems have proven very effective, and many times are guaranteed for years by the company that installs it. Without getting into every step of the process, they seal out water from entering your basement, from floors to walls, interior to exterior. But each home is different and some companies have a variety of materials and methods.
Educating yourself about the options that are available to you can save you a headache in the long run. Preventing water damage in your home is essential. As my Dad always says, "An ounce of prevention is worth its weight in gold!"......... I think he just makes this stuff up out of thin air (LOL) ! Stay dry out there!
Sewage Backups....Don't Touch!
Contact with sewage is hazardous! Sewage contains a number of disease causing organisms and should ONLY be handled, removed and cleaned by a qualified professional! If your home has been contaminated or exposed to sewage, here are a few things you should know.
1- Call a professional as soon as possible. Companies, like my own, can provide service professionals to shut off or fix the actual cause of the sewage leak. Otherwise, contact your plumber immediately.
2- Call a reputable disaster restoration company. Bowerman Restoration will respond to your emergency within one hour. We proudly service all of Westchester County, NY, Putnam County, NY, Rockland County, NY & Fairfield County, CT. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, just a phone call away, 1-800-638-4799. We work with homeowners, property adjusters and insurance companies to restore your property efficiently, with quality and care.
3- Call your insurance provider to report your claim. Being knowledgeable about your coverage will eliminate any surprises when an emergency arises. Your insurance company should provide you with a claim number and a property adjuster who will assess the damage to your home or business.
4- Keep a detailed list of any items, contents or personal property that was affected, damaged, contaminated or destroyed. If you had to replace or repair any of these items, save your receipts. Keeping an accurate log of all money spent will assist you during the claims process.
5- If anyone in the home or business has a compromised or weakened immune system, they should find other accommodations immediately. Those with compromised immune systems (infants, young children, elderly, sick) are especially susceptible to the dangers of contact with sewage. They should remain off the property until it has been deemed safe by a professional. Testing and sampling may be necessary to determine when or if the contamination has been eradicated.
6- Do NOT touch or use any item that has been contaminated or that you suspect has been contaminated. Even small amounts of sewage can cause severe illness. The items that are salvageable must be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected by an experienced professional.
7- If you suspect that you or someone in your home has had contact or is sick due to contact with sewage, see a doctor immediately. Sewage contains disease causing organisms and toxins that can cause very serious complications to your health. Professional restoration technicians have protective equipment and suits to reduce their risk when they are exposed to sewage. Never the less, the only way to completely eliminate the health risks associated with sewage is by having no contact with it whatsoever.
There are times when a home or business owner can handle small emergencies on their own but that is not the case when it comes to sewage. If your residential or commercial property has been affected by sewage, call Bowerman Restoration 1-800-638-4799, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
1- Call a professional as soon as possible. Companies, like my own, can provide service professionals to shut off or fix the actual cause of the sewage leak. Otherwise, contact your plumber immediately.
2- Call a reputable disaster restoration company. Bowerman Restoration will respond to your emergency within one hour. We proudly service all of Westchester County, NY, Putnam County, NY, Rockland County, NY & Fairfield County, CT. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, just a phone call away, 1-800-638-4799. We work with homeowners, property adjusters and insurance companies to restore your property efficiently, with quality and care.
3- Call your insurance provider to report your claim. Being knowledgeable about your coverage will eliminate any surprises when an emergency arises. Your insurance company should provide you with a claim number and a property adjuster who will assess the damage to your home or business.
4- Keep a detailed list of any items, contents or personal property that was affected, damaged, contaminated or destroyed. If you had to replace or repair any of these items, save your receipts. Keeping an accurate log of all money spent will assist you during the claims process.
5- If anyone in the home or business has a compromised or weakened immune system, they should find other accommodations immediately. Those with compromised immune systems (infants, young children, elderly, sick) are especially susceptible to the dangers of contact with sewage. They should remain off the property until it has been deemed safe by a professional. Testing and sampling may be necessary to determine when or if the contamination has been eradicated.
6- Do NOT touch or use any item that has been contaminated or that you suspect has been contaminated. Even small amounts of sewage can cause severe illness. The items that are salvageable must be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected by an experienced professional.
7- If you suspect that you or someone in your home has had contact or is sick due to contact with sewage, see a doctor immediately. Sewage contains disease causing organisms and toxins that can cause very serious complications to your health. Professional restoration technicians have protective equipment and suits to reduce their risk when they are exposed to sewage. Never the less, the only way to completely eliminate the health risks associated with sewage is by having no contact with it whatsoever.
There are times when a home or business owner can handle small emergencies on their own but that is not the case when it comes to sewage. If your residential or commercial property has been affected by sewage, call Bowerman Restoration 1-800-638-4799, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Don't Rip Up That Wet Hardwood Floor Just Yet!
A few months ago, we completed a fairly large restoration job in Scarsdale, NY. The homeowners had a significant amount of water damage to their home after several days of heavy rains. Because their house sits at the lowest part of a steeply inclined street, their house is the prime target for excess runoff from heavy rains, or any water for that matter. Being new homeowners, they had begun to update areas of the house to suit their personal tastes. One of the first things they did was installing beautiful hardwood floors throughout the basement. They were trying to create an upscale game room and the pictures that they showed me were really impressive. unfortunately, the heavy rainfall created alot of excess water, and water, as we know, seeks the lowest possible place to settle. It just so happens that the lowest point was their newly finished basement. They were devastated, to say the least. There was several inches of water covering their brand new hardwood floors when I arrived.
The clients assumed that their hardwood floors would have to be ripped out and replaced because of the warping they had begun to see after we extracted the water. It's actually not always the case. In this particular instance, we were able to successfully salvage their floors. Depending on how long the floors were exposed to the water, how much water actually penetrated the wood, and several other factors can determine if your floors can be saved. An experienced restoration company will have the tools to properly assess the damage and the equipment to properly fix it. The equipment that I use in scenarios where there are wet hardwood floors uses air that is directly injected under and in-between the planks or panels of wood. It can take several days of drying to properly salvage the floors, but only experienced technicians should be handling these types of repairs. It's important that flooring, among other fixtures, dry slowly, evenly and thoroughly. This principle actually applies to most damaged parts of the structure.
If your home suffers water damage, the best thing to do is to call a reputable disaster restoration company (preferably mine....shameless plug......I know). Next, take a deep breath and let the professionals do what you hired them to do. A great restoration company will have employees that can answer all of your questions and concerns, the proper equipment to do the job and a plan of action to properly handle the situation. If they don't, call another company!
The clients assumed that their hardwood floors would have to be ripped out and replaced because of the warping they had begun to see after we extracted the water. It's actually not always the case. In this particular instance, we were able to successfully salvage their floors. Depending on how long the floors were exposed to the water, how much water actually penetrated the wood, and several other factors can determine if your floors can be saved. An experienced restoration company will have the tools to properly assess the damage and the equipment to properly fix it. The equipment that I use in scenarios where there are wet hardwood floors uses air that is directly injected under and in-between the planks or panels of wood. It can take several days of drying to properly salvage the floors, but only experienced technicians should be handling these types of repairs. It's important that flooring, among other fixtures, dry slowly, evenly and thoroughly. This principle actually applies to most damaged parts of the structure.
If your home suffers water damage, the best thing to do is to call a reputable disaster restoration company (preferably mine....shameless plug......I know). Next, take a deep breath and let the professionals do what you hired them to do. A great restoration company will have employees that can answer all of your questions and concerns, the proper equipment to do the job and a plan of action to properly handle the situation. If they don't, call another company!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
How To Store Your Rugs The Right Way
When you are having any work done in your home or are moving, prevent damage from happening to your area rugs and store them the right way. I was called by a client in Larchmont that stored her rug in her unfinished basement while construction was being completed on her home. While her intentions were good, her actions created a bigger problem. The rug had a mold problem and large crease marks in it. So if you need to store your rug, do it the right way, and follow the simple steps below to keep your rug in its best possible condition.
- Never store your rug when its dirty. Have your rug professionally cleaned before it is stored. A quality carpet cleaner, such as myself (shameless plug, I know) can pick up, clean and store your rug, eliminating the hassle all together.
- Never store a wet rug. Even if the rug is damp, it can lead to mold growth. Other problems include cracking and de-lamination of the backing of the rug. These types of restorations can be costly.
- Never fold your area rug. Folding you rug will lead to annoying creases and ugly wrinkles and can potentially damage the backing of the rug. The proper way to store your rug is by rolling it around an acid-free cardboard tube.
- Never store your rug in a room that isnt climate controlled. Basements and attics are not good places to store your area rugs. Basements are typically damp and have the potential for water infiltration. Attics are typically too dry with little air flow. Store your rugs in a cool, dry room with climate control, so it wont get too hot or too dry.
- Never store your rug on the floor. If the room ever gets flooded so will your rug.
- Never store your rug in direct sunlight. Sunlight will fade your rug and the cost to fix the problem can be very steep.
- Never wrap your rug in materials that have acidic properties. When you wrap your rug, it should be in acid-free paper or fabric that does not contain inks or dyes. We recommend using "TYVEK" building paper or Muslin, tucking the ends of the fabric or paper into the edges of the rolled carpet. Dont use any sticky tapes directly on the rug. They will leave residues and attract dirt.
These do's and dont's are important to follow to prevent damage from occurring to your rugs. But to eliminate the hassle and headache of wrapping and storing your rug all together, just call a professional, quality carpet cleaner. We will pick up, clean, properly roll, wrap, store, and even deliver your rug to you when you are ready. So to properly store your rug and keep it in its best possible condition, follow the simple steps above, or just call me!
MICHAEL BOWERMAN - PRESIDENT
MICHAEL BOWERMAN CARPET CLEANING, INC & BOWERMAN RESTORATION LLC
- Never store your rug when its dirty. Have your rug professionally cleaned before it is stored. A quality carpet cleaner, such as myself (shameless plug, I know) can pick up, clean and store your rug, eliminating the hassle all together.
- Never store a wet rug. Even if the rug is damp, it can lead to mold growth. Other problems include cracking and de-lamination of the backing of the rug. These types of restorations can be costly.
- Never fold your area rug. Folding you rug will lead to annoying creases and ugly wrinkles and can potentially damage the backing of the rug. The proper way to store your rug is by rolling it around an acid-free cardboard tube.
- Never store your rug in a room that isnt climate controlled. Basements and attics are not good places to store your area rugs. Basements are typically damp and have the potential for water infiltration. Attics are typically too dry with little air flow. Store your rugs in a cool, dry room with climate control, so it wont get too hot or too dry.
- Never store your rug on the floor. If the room ever gets flooded so will your rug.
- Never store your rug in direct sunlight. Sunlight will fade your rug and the cost to fix the problem can be very steep.
- Never wrap your rug in materials that have acidic properties. When you wrap your rug, it should be in acid-free paper or fabric that does not contain inks or dyes. We recommend using "TYVEK" building paper or Muslin, tucking the ends of the fabric or paper into the edges of the rolled carpet. Dont use any sticky tapes directly on the rug. They will leave residues and attract dirt.
These do's and dont's are important to follow to prevent damage from occurring to your rugs. But to eliminate the hassle and headache of wrapping and storing your rug all together, just call a professional, quality carpet cleaner. We will pick up, clean, properly roll, wrap, store, and even deliver your rug to you when you are ready. So to properly store your rug and keep it in its best possible condition, follow the simple steps above, or just call me!
MICHAEL BOWERMAN - PRESIDENT
MICHAEL BOWERMAN CARPET CLEANING, INC & BOWERMAN RESTORATION LLC
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Cold Weather Reminder for Westchester County
I just want to remind everyone out there in Westchester County, NY and those in the tri-state area that the weather is changing tonight! The temperature is expected to dip down to about 18 degrees by midnight and then continue to drop thru the early morning, possibly getting as low as 12 degrees! When the weather gets this cold, I always get phone calls from clients with water in their home due to burst pipes. Remember to shut off all of your outdoor water faucets and sources, making sure that there is no remaining water in the pipes. Sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets that are not prepared properly for the freezing temperatures can absolutely burst. These lines must be "bled", which basically means removing the remaining water in the pipes after the main shut-off valve is turned off. Even if there is only a little bit of water in these pipes, they can burst when the temperature drops below freezing. Water expands when it freezes, thus causing pipes to crack, break and burst. Also remember that on days like this, when it is very cold and very windy, check the areas that surround your home. If you see any hanging branches that are lurking dangerously close to your roof, gutters, or windows, call a professional company to have them removed. Many times, it only takes one strong gust of wind to break branches from the trees near our homes. If the branches are big enough, they can leave massive damage in their wake; holes in roofs, shattering windows, or ripping off gutters. Even small branches and leaves that get blown about in windy weather can clog up gutters. You might not even realize that your gutters are clogged until the next rain storm, when water starts seeping into your house because the gutters cant carry it away. Being vigilant about keeping your home safe and periodically checking gutters, trees, and the foundation of your house can prevent a high priced remediation and reconstruction job. Stay warm this winter but most importantly, stay safe. If you do find that your having a problem with water, mold, smoke, soot, fire or sewage, and you live in the Westchester County area, give us a call. We have proudly serviced Scarsdale, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Ardsley, Bedford, Mamaroneck, Chappaqua, Purchase, Rye, Eastchester, Bronxville, White Plains, Yonkers, Tuckahoe, NYC, and Connecticut. We answer your emergency calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.
MICHAEL BOWERMAN - PRESIDENT
BOWERMAN RESTORATION LLC - EXPERTS IN DISASTER RECOVERY
STORM, WATER, FLOOD, MOLD, SEWAGE, FIRE, SMOKE & SOOT REMEDIATION
17 JEAN LANE, HARTSDALE, NY 10530
WEB: http://www.bowermanrestoration.com/
E-MAIL: michael@bowermanrestoration.com
CELL: 914-804-5737
OFFICE: 914-674-1499
TOLL FREE: 800-638-4799
MICHAEL BOWERMAN - PRESIDENT
BOWERMAN RESTORATION LLC - EXPERTS IN DISASTER RECOVERY
STORM, WATER, FLOOD, MOLD, SEWAGE, FIRE, SMOKE & SOOT REMEDIATION
17 JEAN LANE, HARTSDALE, NY 10530
WEB: http://www.bowermanrestoration.com/
E-MAIL: michael@bowermanrestoration.com
CELL: 914-804-5737
OFFICE: 914-674-1499
TOLL FREE: 800-638-4799
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