Recent Posts
Understanding Mold in Your Beachwood Home
2/10/2023 (Permalink)
Mold from a leak in a Beachwood basement before SERVPRO of Toms River's mold remediation removal process.
Do you know that mold growth can start in 24-48 hours?
When water and/or moisture intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 24 hours. Mold growth occurs when mold spores settle on a surface at the proper temperature, with appropriate food sources, and with the proper amount of moisture.
Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture.
- Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed and stopped. Otherwise the mold may return.
- Mold grows fastest between 77°F and 86°F with relative humidity above 55%.
How do I tell if my Beachwood home has mold?
You can contact a qualified mold testing company.
What to do if you discover it is mold?
Mold in your home should be treated with caution until it can be safely remediated. Try to avoid the areas affected with mold if possible. Don’t touch or disturb the mold because you could inadvertently cause the mold to spread.
If you suspect that you have a mold issue and are in need of mold remediation in Ocean County, contact SERVPRO of Toms River at 732-349-9898.
How to Check Your Home for Storm Damage in Island Heights
2/10/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Toms River drying out the garage in a home in Island Heights, NJ.
Your roof is designed to weather the elements of a bad storm. Your shingles, flashing and gutters can be damaged from heavy rain, hail, lightning, and wind. When the roof is exposed, other damage can easily occur from the seeping of water or holes from flying debris. If you suspect your roof experienced storm damage, investigate as soon as possible after the storm passes so secondary damage does not happen.
Signs you may have storm damage:
- Cracked, curled or missing shingles.
- Gutters with water buildup.
- Check your ceilings for water spots and yellow, copper, or brown discoloration.
- Check your siding for large dents.
- Attic, basement, and crawlspace for mold or wood rot and leaks.
Also, it is important to check around the entire house. It is easier to see the dents at dusk or dawn.
Remember that hail and windstorms tend to be directional, so one side may be damaged while the remaining side are fine.
If you realize you have experienced storm damage, call your local restoration experts at SERVPRO of Toms River. We are available at 732-349-9898 for 24/7 all storm damage emergency cleanups.
Where to Take Hazardous Waste in Toms River
2/3/2023 (Permalink)
This floor has biohazardous waste that needs to be professionally cleaned by SERVPRO technicians.
At SERVPRO of Toms River, customers often ask us where to dispose of items such as
paint cans or thinners after coming in contact with fire or smoke damage. Ocean County Recycling Center is a great facility that accepts a multitude of waste items that are deemed and hazardous
Hazardous waste accepted by the facility include:
- Aerosols
- Auto Products
- Cleaning Products
- Pool Chemicals
- Fire Extinguishers
- Gasoline
- Herbicides or pesticides
- Mercury-Containing Devices
- Paint Thinners
- Polyurethanes/Polishes
- Propane Tanks
- Stains
- Varnishes
Batteries, used motor oil and propane tanks should be disposed of at the Recycling Center.
If you have other biohazardous materials that you cannot clean yourself such as blood, sewage, human waste, chemical spills, animal waste or animal remains, call SERVPRO of Toms River. Our technicians are trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (732) 349-9898
6 Signs You Need to Replace your Water Heater
2/1/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Toms River has water damage technicians available 24/7 for all water damage cleanup emergencies.
One of the common causes for water damage in residential homes aside from damaged pipes are old or faulty water heaters. Water damage can’t always be prevented, but in some cases it can if steps are taken ahead of time. Below are 6 signs you need to look for to see if it’s time for a new water heater:
- Standing water around the base - Pooling water behind the exterior of your water heater indicates a possible leak. When this occurs, you will need to replace your water heater promptly. Although, not all puddles are caused by eroded and leaking water heater tanks. Condensation can be a reason why small pools of water are collecting. Either way, when this happens it is best to call in an experienced technician.
- Rusty water in the sink - Rust stains on your bathroom sink are often caused by rusty water heaters. Rust and corrosion go hand in hand with leaks.
- Water has a metallic smell or taste - If your tap water has a metallic smell and taste, it’s likely that your water heater tank is starting to corrode. Typically, this happens to older water heaters.
- Water is not getting hot - If your water is cold or tepid it could be an indication that your tank’s heating element may have burned out.
- A water heater that is 10 years or older- The lifespan of a water heater is typically 10 years. With the proper maintenance, a tank water heater should last 6 to 12 years and a tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years.
- Frequent repairs-If your water heater has reached its mid-life but is requiring frequent repairs. Several factors can cause premature wears such as heavy household use or lack of regular preventative maintenance. In this case, it’s more cause effective to replace your water heater.
You just never know when water damage disaster is going to strike, but a quick response is imperative. When a water emergency strikes your home from things like a water heater, the sooner you respond, the less damage will be done to your property.
If you need help from a water heater leak or malfunction and need water damage restoration call (732) 349 - 9898 and SERVPRO of Toms River will be there to make it “Like it never even happened”.
Seaside Heights Flood Safety Facts
1/31/2023 (Permalink)
After the flood waters recede, SERVPRO of Toms River will begin the drying and reconstruction process to restore your Seaside Heights property.
There are 2,067 properties in Seaside Heights that have greater than a 26% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years. This represents 92% of all properties in Seaside Heights. There is always potential for
flood damage no matter where you live. According to National Geographic, “Floods are among Earth’s most common and most destructive natural hazards”. During a flood it is in your best interest to stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you right off of your feet. If you happen to approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water. Never walk on beaches or riverbanks. Beaches are changing environments influenced by the force of the ocean. Always keep children away from the water. Children are curious and often lack judgment about running water. Not only is it extremely dangerous, the water may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage.
If water damage occurs and you are in need of a professional water damage restoration expert, call SERVPRO of Toms River. We are faster to any size disaster. call us at 732-349-9898 24/7 for any size flood water cleanup emergency.
Traveling for the Holidays? ‘Waterproof’ Your Home Before You Leave
11/14/2022 (Permalink)
Six important and simple steps you can take before you leave for a holiday trip to help prevent water damage to your home.
Your home is subject to water damage from inside and out when you head out on a trip. Leaking or burst pipes can wreak havoc on the inside of your home. Severe weather can pose a flooding threat inside and outside your home. If you are planning to travel this holiday season, there are steps you can take before you leave to help ensure your home will be ready and welcoming when you return.
Follow these six simple steps to help prevent water damage to your home and property:
- Ask someone to check on the house while you’re gone. Taking the simple step of asking a friend or family member to stop by while you’re gone may catch a potential problem before it becomes a disaster.
- Check for leaks. Inspect pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks, check your water heater for cracks or rust, and ensure that hoses connected to dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines are leak free.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Insulating exposed pipes can help prevent them from freezing in cold climates, but wherever you live, your home needs constant air circulation to help prevent water damage and mold caused by condensation. Keep the HVAC system turned on and open the cupboard doors under sinks to promote airflow.
- Turn off the main water valve. If you don’t already know where this is, this is a good time to find out – and then shut it off if your home will be unattended and vacant during your trip.
- Clear gutters and downspouts of debris. Clear out debris, dirt, leaves, and sticks and position downspouts to direct water at least ten feet away from the home to prevent flooding.
- Inspect and test the sump pump. If you have a sump pump, test it before you leave by filling the sump pit with water and watching to see if the pump empties out the water. This can mean the difference between finding a dry or flooded basement when you arrive home.
SERVPRO® of Toms River specializes in water damage cleanup and restoration so we know how difficult it can be to deal with flooding caused by burst pipes, failed sump pumps, or heavy rainfall, even if you discover the problem right away. To return to your home after a holiday trip to find that water has been creating chaos while you were away can be devastating. Taking steps to ‘waterproof’ your home before you leave on your holiday trip can help ensure you return to a dry, safe home, rested and relaxed from your time away.
For more information, please call us 24/7 at 732-349-9898.
Can Watersheds Cause Water and Flood Damage in Ocean County?
9/19/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Toms River specializes in water damage cleanup in Toms River.
What is a watershed?
A watershed is simply the land that water flows across or through on its way to a common stream, river, or lake. It is a land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers, and eventually to outflow points such as reservoirs, bays, and the ocean. A watershed can be very large (e.g. draining thousands of square miles to a major river or lake or the ocean), or very small, such as a 20-acre watershed that drains to a pond, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Not all water flows directly to the sea, however. When rain falls on dry ground, it can soak into, or infiltrate, the ground. This groundwater remains in the soil, where it will eventually seep into the nearest stream. Some water infiltrates much deeper, into underground reservoirs called aquifers. In other areas, where the soil contains a lot of hard clay, very little water may infiltrate. Instead, it quickly runs off to lower ground.
Rain and snowmelt from watersheds travel via many routes to the sea. During periods of heavy rain and snowfall, water may run onto and off of impervious surfaces such as parking lots, roads, buildings, and other structures because it has nowhere else to go. These surfaces act as "fast lanes" that transport the water directly into storm drains. The excess water volume can quickly overwhelm streams and rivers, causing them to overflow and possibly result in floods, according to the National Ocean Service.
What is a subwatershed?
Subwatershed means a portion of an identified watershed containing all the lands from which water, sediments, and dissolved materials drain to a particular receiving surface water body or to a particular point along a receiving surface water body, according to Law Insider. A small watershed that nests inside of a larger watershed is sometimes referred to as a subwatershed, according to Law Insider.
Barnegat Bay Watershed
The term "watershed" is used to describe the drainage system of the Barnegat Bay. The various lakes, streams, and rivers located throughout this highlighted boundary all eventually run into the Barnegat Bay.
It is comprised of 11 subwatersheds and the barrier island communities. Each subwatershed drains into a particular stream, creek, river or groundwater which then flows into Barnegat Bay.
Over 560,000 people reside within the Barnegat Bay watershed, which includes nearly all of Ocean County and portions of Monmouth County.
Kettle Creek Subwatershed
The Kettle Creek subwatershed includes:
A subwatershed is relatively small in comparison to the rest of the subwatersheds within the Barnegat Bay watershed; it encompasses approximately 950 acres of lands in the northeast portion of the watershed. Kettle Creek itself is a 7.5 mile freshwater stream that is fed by many smaller tributaries: the Main Branch (fed by the Green Branch and Tarklin Creek in Lakewood), the Tunes Branch, the Mudhole Branch, the Polhemus Branch (in Toms River Township) and the Long Causeway Branch. It empties into the Barnegat Bay estuary in Brick Township.
The areas within the Kettle Creek Watershed boundaries are comprised mainly of tidal salt marshes. This area also contains some upland forest, lowland forest, pine barrens/pinelands, cedar swamps, and tidal wetlands. Due to intense development in this subwatershed, most of the native habitats have been degraded, according to the Barnegat Bay Partnership.
Can watersheds cause flooding?
When water enters the watershed too quickly for the land to absorb it, flooding can occur. Floods can result from rapid melting of winter snows, severe thunderstorms, tropical storms, and other precipitation events. Watersheds in urban areas with lots of concrete, pavement, and roofs, shed water quickly, while forested and grassy rural areas absorb more water. Accurate flooding forecasts rely on an understanding of land use, geology, and hydrology of an area, combined with weather predictions, according to NOAA.
As watersheds are urbanized, much of the vegetation is replaced by impervious surfaces, thus reducing the area where infiltration to groundwater can occur. Thus, more storm water runoff occurs - runoff that must be collected by extensive drainage systems that combine curbs, storm sewers, and ditches to carry storm water runoff directly to streams. More simply, in a developed watershed, much more water arrives into a stream much more quickly, resulting in an increased likelihood of more frequent and more severe flooding, says USGS.
With all the natural sources of water surrounding Ocean County, that gives Toms River residents and business owners many different causes for a water damage to strike your property.
SERVPRO of Toms River specializes in water damage cleanup and our highly trained technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Call us today at 732-349-9898.
There is Never a Shortage of Storms in New Jersey
9/9/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Toms River drying equipment in the attic of a Toms River home after a heavy rainstorm.
Living in Toms River, our homes and business are not only surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Barnegat Bay, the Toms River and many lagoons, but there are numerous pipes that bring an estimated 80-100 gallons of water per person per day to and from our homes. With all the natural and manmade sources gives Toms River residents and business owners many different causes for a water damage to strike your property. Since 2012, Ocean County has experienced many natural events that caused severe water damage to our area including:
SERVPRO of Toms River has handled the water damage cleanup for many of these events. Established in 2001, we have proved that we are the leader for water damage cleanup in our Ocean County community. Our highly trained technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. We respond quickly to all size water damage emergencies at your Ocean County property. Our technicians will monitor and document the process from start to finish to ensure your peace of mind. Call SERVPRO of Toms River as soon possible and let us handle the water damage cleanup process.
SERVPRO of Toms River Commercial Damage Restoration Services
9/6/2022 (Permalink)
An air conditioner drain clogged and caused flooding to this office in Ocean Gate, NJ.
When it comes to your commercial property, you need a restoration company that can minimize the disruption while delivering superior and fast results. Whether you need water or fire damage cleanup, mold removal, storm cleanup, flood cleanup, sewage removal, bio-hazard cleanup, professional cleaning services or Covid-19 cleaning services, SERVPRO of Toms River handles it all. We are your local commercial cleanup experts. We service:
- Office Buildings
- High-Rise Office Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotels and Motel
- Retail Stores
- High-Rise Buildings
- Manufacturing Buildings
- Industrial Parks
- Warehouses
- Flex Buildings
- Suites or Condominiums
- Multi-Dwelling Units and Buildings
- Medical Buildings
- Government Buildings
- Military Buildings
A professional commercial water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO of Toms River, will have the knowledge and experience to mitigate these risks, as well as restore your property. our technicians are trained and certified to handle any commercial water damage restoration project. We can assist you through every step of the process and help return your property back to a state of normalcy.
September is Campus Fire Prevention Safety
9/1/2022 (Permalink)
September is Campus Fire Safety Month! Spend some time this month by focusing on creating a fire-safe environment either on or off campus.
As September approaches, students are heading to college, so now is the perfect time to review best practices and learn how to put these practices into action for both students living on or off campus. Whether you are a student or parent, taking a few minutes to evaluate the new housing could go a long way toward preventing potential fire-related injury or deaths.
Click here to down the Campus Fire Safety Checklist for Students or click here for the Campus Fire Safety Tips for Parents.
When you first move in to your new housing, analyze your surroundings. Take time to educate yourself and your roommates about fire safety can make all the difference in a life-or-death situation. Taking small steps in identifying two ways out of a room, ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and working can go a long way toward preventing potential fire-related injury or deaths.
Listed below are some simple things to evaluate for fire safety measures for campus-related housing:
- Keep combustible items away from heat sources.
- Smoking, candles, and other open flame items should never be used in student housing.
- Fire sprinklers control a fire and provide lifesaving time for escape.
- Know and practice the building’s evacuation plan, as well as alternate routes. Create and practice a fire escape plan, if living off campus.
- Ensure smoke alarms are installed in all sleeping areas, test smoke alarms monthly in an apartment or a house.
- Never remove or disable smoke alarms.
- Keep common areas and hallways free of possessions and debris, and never block exit routes.
What are some common causes of fires for college students?
There are several common causes for fires in dorms and off campus housing, including cooking, candles and overloaded power strips.
Follow these simple tips from the U.S. Fire Administration to avoid fires in campus housing:
Cooking
- Cook only where it is allowed.
- Keep your cooking area clean and free of anything that can burn.
- Keep an eye on what you are cooking, especially if you are cooking at high temperatures.
- If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.
Electrical safety
- Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn.
- Never use an extension cord with large appliances, like a refrigerator.
- Do not overload outlets.
- Use only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection.
We know how exciting it is to make the transition from home to college and we want you to stay safe, so we hope you share this information with friends in dorms and off campus. Don’t forget to check with your school’s individual fire safety plans.
As a certified fire restoration company in New Jersey, SERVPRO of Toms River pledges our commitment to serving local colleges and the surrounding communities. We’re proud to provide the best emergency fire restoration services in Ocean, Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, Atlantic and Burlington Counties.
24/7 Emergency Service