Staten Island Flood Damage - How Homes Have Adapted Over Time

10/6/2024 (Permalink)

If your home suffers from flood damage contact SERVPRO immediately. Our certified technicians can help to mitigate the situation.

Learning from the Past to Protect the Future

Flooding has been a persistent issue for homeowners in Staten Island. Over the decades, as construction techniques and materials have improved, homes have been better equipped to manage the increasing risks associated with rising waters. Given the growing frequency and intensity of storms, it's crucial to examine how homes have adapted over time and what these changes mean for the future.

Early 1900s: Homes Without Flood Protection

In the early 20th century, homes in Staten Island were often built with minimal flood protection. Many lacked adequate drainage systems, leading to frequent basement flooding after heavy rain. The focus during this time was more on the aesthetic appeal of homes, with little consideration for protection against flooding. Wooden structures were common, but they were not ideal for flood-prone environments.

Post-War Construction Boom: 1950s-1970s

The housing boom following World War II brought a wave of new construction to Staten Island. Builders began incorporating concrete foundations, which were more resistant to water damage. Despite these improvements, many homes still lacked critical features such as waterproofing and sump pumps, leaving them vulnerable to flooding. While awareness of flood risks grew, the available technology and materials were not always sufficient to prevent long-term damage.

Modern Homes - Designed for Flood Resistance

Today, homes in Staten Island are built with flooding in mind. Modern materials, including reinforced concrete, help ensure the resilience of new homes. In flood-prone areas, many houses are built on elevated foundations to keep living spaces out of harm's way. Additionally, advanced drainage systems, flood vents, and sump pumps are standard features designed to reduce the impact of severe storms.

Looking Ahead and Staying Prepared

As storms become more powerful, it's essential to ensure that houses are built to withstand these challenges. Regular inspections and detailed maintenance are vital to keeping your home safe from potential flood damage. With significant advances in building techniques, homes are more resilient, but proactive care is essential. 

If you're dealing with flooding and water damage, contact SERVPRO® of Northern Staten Island at (718) 750-9455 for professional help in restoring your home.

Staten Island Basement Flood Damage Cleanup and Recovery

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

If your Staten Island home suffers from flood damage, call SERVPRO. We're Faster to any size disaster™.

The Focus of Early Flood Cleanup in Your Basement

Flooded basements are no joke. The last thing you want is to see all your precious belongings or finished living space ruined by the intruding water. Our skilled SERVPRO® restorers understand this well, and they will work tirelessly to find solutions for:

• Pooling water
• Bacteria and contaminants
• Destroyed building materials
• Wet personal belongings

Addressing the Standing Water 

When tackling flood damage in Staten Island basements, finding a suitable extractor is crucial. The key is to consider the depth of the damage - if the water is too shallow, some extractors might not do the job correctly. That's where our range of submersible pumps and wet vacuums come in. 

Overcoming Debris in the Water

It is crucial to choose an extractor that can handle debris without causing any damage to the pumps. Luckily, our truck-mount extractors and submersible trash pumps are up to the task and are perfect for removing any standing floodwater.

When Contaminants Are Suspected 

Floodwater is considered a blackwater loss event, which is as severe as it sounds. It is basically like dealing with hazardous sewer backup. Our inventory includes powerful disinfection products that work wonders on non-porous building materials like concrete floors. 

Drying the Basement Fully

Our experienced professionals can access various drying tools to complete the job. The placement and frequencies of devices like air movers and dehumidifiers play a crucial role in the drying process. To speed things up even more, we use portable heaters to increase the temperature of drying surface materials, promoting faster evaporation.

It is crucial to start removing the water and cleaning up this lower level of the house as soon as possible after flooding. Our team at SERVPRO of Northern Staten Island is prepared to assist you whenever needed. Please call us today at (718) 750-9455.

Staten Island Homes Get Much Needed Water Damage Repair

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO extracts storm water from Staten Island basements.

Water Damage Repair Helps Staten Island Residents  

Following severe weather in Staten Island that impacts local homes, remediation services arrive to treat interior surfaces fouled by stormwater. These efforts employ different methods, which depend on the kind of water, type of material, and level of damage involved. Some materials are removed from the residence, while others are wiped, vacuumed, refinished, repainted, and treated with strong disinfectants. Knowing how to deal with each particular situation most effectively saves time and money in the long run. 

SERVPRO’s water damage repair technicians in Staten Island have been extensively trained in the restoration techniques necessary for restoring different kinds of water damage. We have successfully rehabilitated homes suffering from severe, storm-related ceiling leaks, basement flooding biohazard remediation issues, and those in need of extensive flood restoration measures. In order to develop the best plan of action for restoring your residence, company experts determine the following once they are on-site: 

• The category or categories of water impacting your home – Is the water damaging your property clean rainwater from a ceiling, window, pipe, or foundation leak? Did it come from contaminated “black water” from floodwater or otherwise fouled water?  
• Material types of affected structural elements and household contents – Are water-damaged materials porous (like drywall, wooden or concrete flooring, and carpeting), semi-porous (such as varnished wood and certain types of plastic), or non-porous (like metal, ceramics, and glass)?  
• How severely structural elements and furnishings have been damaged – How long has the material been in contact with water? Is the harm resulting from increased airborne moisture levels? Is anything salvageable? 

That said, it is important to note that carpeting and contents generally cannot be saved if floodwaters contaminate them. Also, porous and semi-porous materials are more susceptible to moisture and difficult to save than their non-porous counterparts. 

So, whenever you need water damage repair, call your neighbors at SERVPRO of Northern Staten Island. Contact us anytime at (718) 750-9455.