Winter Storms and Freezing Temperatures

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Where should you be checking your Columbia or Greene County home when major winter weather strikes? As a Nor’easter heads up the coast this weekend, it is a great reminder to check over your homes or businesses and their readiness for severe winter weather. After a major storm, clean-up can be a pain in the neck and some obvious forms of damage can make themselves apparent, but it is important to inspect your home for even the most minor or insignificant-looking damage to avoid issues in the long run. Here are three great places to start when inspecting your home for any damage after a big winter storm:

• Standing water or ice around the exterior of your home. The Hudson Valley has experienced high levels of rainfall over the past few months which has led saturated grounds to freeze over. This can lead to drainage issues around your home. If water does not properly drain or move away from your home it could lead to seepage in your foundation, basement, or crawlspace.
• Ice damming or snow build up on your roof. When looking over your roof, be sure to look for damage such as missing shingles, debris on the roof, or pockmarks from where hail, branches, or other debris may have struck. These can be indicators a bigger problem with the seal of your roof. Also be sure to clear away any snow build-up to avoid ice damming and water accumulation.
• Ceiling Discoloration. A more obvious sign something could be wrong in your home would be to see any ceiling discoloration inside of your home. This is a common sign that water is leaking from somewhere above, whether it be from a roof leak or compromised or frozen pipes.

By staying vigilant this winter, your home can hopefully stay safe through the roughest of winter weather. Addressing damage after a storm quickly, you are able to avoid more costly issues down the line such as structural damage or even mold.

If you find any level of damage to your home due to a storm this winter, or for any other reason; do not hesitate to give SERVPRO of Columbia and Greene Counties a call 24/7 at (518)943-5005.  

2021 Hurricane Season

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call 24/7 at (518)943-5005 for all of your restoration needs.

There were 21 storms named in the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. This hurricane season soaked New York and the Atlantic coast almost the entire 2021 Summer and Fall. Tropical Depression Ida dropped a little over 11 inches of rain in the Northeast this past September. These levels of rainfall overwhelmed many structures throughout the Hudson Valley. Homes, businesses, and roads struggled against the flooding waters for weeks.

This home in Stephentown, NY suffered water coming up from below, causing water damage under the flooring, and carpeting. Our SERVPRO of Columbia and Greene County team got to work ripping out and discarding all the unsalvageable flooring and drying the home. Our crew also managed the restoration of this home by rebuilding the subfloor and installing all-new carpeting. Even though our hurricane season has come to an end, water damage can happen at any time from any amount of rainfall. SERVPRO of Columbia and Greene Counties is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any size damage and work with you to restore your home back to its original glory…”Like it never even happened.” Call us 24/7 at (518)943-5005 for any water damage remediation and restoration.

Winter Storm Garrett

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call 24/7 at (518) 943 - 5005 for all of your restoration needs.

The first “snowstorm” of the year has arrived! Winter Storm Garrett will be New York’s first 1-inch plus snowfall storm of the season. There have been several winter storm warnings, winter weather advisories and winter storm watches issued by the National Weather Service, but what does that all mean for people and their homes and/or businesses?

A winter storm watch will be the first statement issued when a storm is approaching. This statement means there will be conditions that could be dangerous with snow, ice, and winter. Snow accumulations will only be about 1 – 3 inches.

When a storm is upgraded to a winter storm advisory, this means conditions can pose a significant inconvenience to those traveling and dangerous conditions. People should prepare their homes and businesses for snow accumulations up to 5 inches, sleet, or ice accumulations about half an inch and high winds that would hinder visibility.

The next upgrade is a winter storm warning. The same conditions as an advisory apply but snow accumulations could reach over 6 inches in a 24-hour period and could cause serious damage to buildings through winds, ice, and heavy snow.

These warnings allow people to understand how to best prepare. Check out our blog post on how to prepare for winter posted on December 20, 2021, and snow preparedness posted on December 07, 2021, for more information on how you can best weather the approaching storms.

Keep an eye on your local weather resources for updates on the storm and snow accumulations. If your home or business suffers from any damage due to Winter Storm Garrett or any winter weather this winter, do not hesitate to give us a call 24/7 for your restoration needs.

Snow is Just Around the Corner

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

We have not seen much snow yet, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t coming! Before we here in Columbia and Greene Counties get hit with the first big snowstorm- let’s make sure your home and vehicles are prepared. First, water and ice proof your home. To ensure wintery elements stay outside be sure to caulk or use weather strips around doors and windows, repair any roof leaks, and insulate water lines that may run along the exterior of your home to avoid freezing. It may also be helpful to cut away any tree limbs leaning over your home that could fall in the event of a snowstorm.

It is also a great idea to prepare your car for the enviable snowstorm as well. Before the mad dash to the store for supplies happens the day before a forecasted storm, be sure to have the essentials handy. Some of the necessities are a snow shovel, windshield scraper, tire chains (if needed), and sand or road salt to give tires traction.

If your home is damaged by storms this winter, be sure to call SERVPRO of Columbia and Greene Counties. From general storm damage to complete water and fire remediation, your local SERVPRO is here to help any day of the week, at any time. Call us 24/7 at (518) 943 – 5005.

Storm Damage Left at Your Home

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO of Columbia & Greene Counties have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

The damage left behind from a storm can be devastating and put a big damper on your life. Knowing what to do before the storm comes and what to do after it is over is important for you and your home or business. It can lessen the amount of stress and worries you might come across resulting from the storm. 

SERVPRO of Columbia & Greene Counties is here and ready to help you and your home or business after a disaster. We are equipped with knowledgeable, experienced crews with the right equipment to get your life back to normal. We are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."

"Like it never even happened" SPOTLIGHT

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

This Sleepy Hollow home in Athens faced a good amount of water in the basement after some heavy rain one night and left behind some damage. SERVPRO of Columbia & Greene Counties was called for their expertise and arrived quickly to find the entire carpet sopping wet. We immediately removed all the wet carpet from the whole basement and continued to remove any wet contents and document them. Anything left over that wasn't damaged was moved into a pod. More metering was done to find wet drywall about 2-3 feet up all surrounding walls of the basement that were then removed by making flood cuts. SERVPRO brought drying equipment to the area to dry everything so that we could begin rebuilding all the walls and trim. A new paint job on all the walls was also completed. Carpet was to be installed by another company. 

Flooding TIPS

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

What to do after a flooding:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to do after a flooding:

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Basement Flooding in Ancram

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

This home experienced a lot of heavy rain over a long period of time causing the basement to flood. The water seeped in throughout the foundation coming in from around the whole house. The homeowner called SERVPRO of Columbia & Greene Counties to come assess the situation to find several inches of water on the ground that needed to be extracted immediately. After the water was removed they were able to begin making flood cuts on all of the walls in the basement to remove wet drywall that they later replaced. The flooring also was removed and replaced by SERVPRO to porcelain tile. The homeowner also had to have an excavation company come in a redo the entire drainage system around the house so this wouldn't happen again. SERVPRO helped make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO READY

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

Storms hit across the U.S. throughout the year nearly everywhere. It is very important to have a set plan of preparation to prevent or minimize the amount of damaged inflicted on your home. 

The damage left behind from a storm can be devastating and put a big damper on your life. Knowing what do do before the storm comes and what to do after it is over is important for you and your home or business. It can lessen the amount of stress and worries you might come across resulting from the storm. 

SERVPRO of Columbia & Greene Counties is here and ready to help you and your home or business after a disaster. We are equipped with knowledgeable, experienced crews with the right equipment to get your life back to normal. We are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Prevent Flooding in Basement

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

Experiencing a flood in your basement after a storm can be stressful and will bring in a lot issues to your home. SERVPRO of Columbia & Greene Counties is here to help bring your home back to normal in case of such disaster.

Here are a few tips to take to help prevent water in your basement.

1. Install a sump pump. Having and maintaining a sump pump in your basement helps take away and prevent basement floods. Make sure to check on your pump frequently to ensure it is properly working.

2. Clean and prevent clogged gutters. Keep your gutters free from debris to ensure adequate drainage from your roof. Allow the gutters to extend at least three feet from foundation to keep water from seeping in. Frequently check and clean gutters. 

3. Inspect or repair your foundation. If you notice crack on the interior and/or exterior side of your home, be sure to repair them to keep water from making its way into your home. 

If you experience water in your home or basement, call professionals at SERVPRO of Columbia & Greene Counties at (518) 943-5005 today!