Why SERVPRO®? SERVPRO® of East Erie County

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

From emergency flood cleaning and restoration to routine disinfection, we’re there for you.

Certainly, restoration and cleaning involve a lot of time-honored processes. There’s hauling off materials that are irreparably damaged. There’s plenty of mopping and scrubbing. There’s, well, a lot of elbow grease.

However, modern restoration and cleaning also draw heavily on advanced technologies. At SERVPRO, we stay on top of the research through our professional organizations. We’re constantly expanding our armamentarium so we can provide cutting-edge service to you, our customers. Let’s look at some of the technologies that might be involved in a SERVPRO job.

Water Removal Technology

When we show up after a flood, we use some fascinating devices to locate water, which can hide under floors, behind walls and in seemingly dry substances. Then we use powerful water-removal tools.

Moisture Meters. Hidden moisture may be found by means of a hygrometer, which can measure the humidity in an area. We also use infrared meters to help detect water. How does infrared—which identifies heat—work for water detection? Simple: The wetter the area, the cooler it is!

Industrial Drying Tools. After locating any lurking water, we use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and powerful fans to remove water, both from structures and their contents and from the air. Strong-enough equipment can draw moisture out of porous substances such as wood, preventing it from warping or becoming moldy down the road.

Cleaning

To remove contaminants and odors, SERVPRO uses both devices and cleaning solutions to make sure your air and surfaces are clean. First, we may deploy industrial scrubbers to remove the particulate matter that causes odors from the air.

Then we clean your surfaces with OSHA-approved products to destroy bacteria, fungi, molds and other unhealthful growths. We’re always researching the best products for the situation. For instance, in 2020, we responded to the COVID-19 threat by adopting EPA-certified disinfectants.

You Can Make Your Home a Safer Place SERVPRO® of East Erie County

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for emergency cleanup

After a long winter, who doesn’t look forward to spring? Especially as April turns to May and beyond, people start to long for warmer weather. For residents of the Cheektowaga area, where winters are cold and snowy, the reprieve of warm weather is usually welcome. 

As we start to look forward to warmer days, we’re ready for melting snow and the chance to spend some time outdoors without being bundled up against freezing temperatures.

When spring comes to Cheektowaga, it’s definitely worth celebrating. However, as with every season, spring brings different homeowner hazards to keep in mind and plan to mitigate. In the case of warmer spring weather, it’s storms.

Spring can bring strong thunderstorms, including wind, rain and hail.

With severe storms, homeowners can be put in dealing with damage to their homes these weather issues can cause.

There’s nothing we can do to stop storms from hitting. After all, we can’t control the weather, can we? But there are things we can do to put our homes in the best position to weather the issues.

How to Protect Your Home From Storms

Here are some items you’ll want to put on your to-do list for the next year:

Ensure your roof is in good shape. Check your roof for problems like missing shingles and signs of leaks. Repair them to keep your home safer.

Keep an eye out for tree limbs that hang over your home. Limbs and branches overhanging your family can come down when the winds get high and heavy. Cut down any stems hanging over your roof or garage.

Be sure your gutters are clear. This step is vital every season. Sometimes, it’s the most important thing you can do for your home. Clean gutters are vital to keeping water around your home flowing the right way, instead of causing water damage.

Be sure anything that’s around your home is secure, too. Don’t let unsecured furniture or other similar items become tools for wind damage. Trim back trees that need it and secure everything you can.

Satisfaction at SERVPRO of East Erie County is Our Number One Goal

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Another satisfied customer!

Mary said, “The guys were professional. Crew was a few hours past original time estimated, nut not their fault.”

This is our why! Why we do what we do at SERVPRO of East Erie County every day of our lives for 49 years. We are a family operated business; Team Sullivan and we just love what we do. At times things can be stressful micromanaging several jobs and at times we can receive sixty calls or more in one day after a rainstorm with flooded basements. Most customers understand as the storm makes the news. We do our best dispatching our crews, having them work late hours with weeks of no days off to help our customers. We develop a waiting list and reach out to the neighboring franchises to assist with the overflow of flooded basements. At times, a SERVPRO storm team will be dispatched from another state to help with local jobs. A job scheduled before yours might require additional services and could cause a delay getting to the next job. Thank you, Mary, for understanding ??

SERVPRO of East Erie County 1972 has out lasted all competitors in Western New York with family trust.

Is Humidity an Issue in Your Home?

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold formed and stained a window sill caused by condensation.

No one wants to be in an overly dry home but having too much humidity in your home can create problems. Did you ever wonder why your windows constantly have condensation on them? Too much moisture in your home can cause the wood in your home to swell, rot and even deteriorate. Moisture can cause your home to smell. Dust mites and bugs love a moist environment. According to the Mayo Clinic, dust mites can increase allergies of sneezing, runny nose, and hay fever. Bacteria loves moisture and mold thrives in it. Mold can grow in perfect environments such as dark, moist, and warm. Many times, our customers will discover mold in their closets on the lower dry wall require mold mitigation. A balance of moisture is needed in a home is important. If you discover mold in your home, SERVPRO of East Erie County specializes in mold removal and cleaning. Call us for advice and an inspection.

Bring in The Patio Cushions, Since Wind and Rain is Expected in Lancaster, NY

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

April Showers, Bring May Flowers, but its still March. SERVPRO of East Erie County

The last few says we have had really nice Spring  weather.  We have been enjoying the time spent outside, cleaning up our yards and some of us even started setting up our patio furniture.   But use caution, rain and wind is on its way.

These weather events can cause your basement to flood.  During heavy rains, your sump pump may malfunction from trying to keep up with the volume of water.  Many times, sewer systems cannot handle the storm water and d could back up in your basement.  Should your basement flood, SERVPRO of East Erie County is ready to help with your water damage.

Rain showers will start Thursday afternoon and become consistent and heavy at times.  Rain will continue into Friday. Starting Friday morning through Friday afternoon for Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties. Winds will be 25-35mph and gusts near 60mph. High winds could topple trees, down power lines and cause roof damage.  Strong winds also will cause lake levels to rise along Lake Erie and could potentially cause coastal flooding.

Street Flooding Causes Sewer Back in Multiple Homes in West Seneca

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

A basement in West Seneca that suffered from a sewage back up. SERVPRO of East Erie County provided cleanup services.

Heavy rain is no stranger to Western NY especially in the summer months.  A cold front meets a warm front creating precipitation and storms. We can get 2-4 inches of rain in an hour resulting in flooded streets, overflowing creeks, soaked lawns and unfortunately, flooded basements or roof leaks. 
Living in a flood zone or near a creek is plenty to worry about. During a torrential downpour, the rain can overwhelm the storm sewage treatment plants and pump stations.  Because of the amount of rain, the pumps cannot always keep up no matter how great the system is.  When the water has no other place to go, our backs up into our basements causing either storm water backup or feces from the sewer lines.  Some older cities have both the storm and septic lines combined into one system.  Either source contains high levels of bacteria and classified as gray or black water.  Precautions should be taken when dealing with face contaminated water.  The experts at SERVPRO of East Erie County can help with the cleanup.

Are You In A Flood Zone?

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

A creek in West Seneca, NY with accumulated ice.

West Seneca, NY has had its share of flooding incidents.  Many neighborhoods are in a flood zone due to the creek. Ice jam flooding can cause havoc on many residents.  It’s important to make sure you have extra insurance coverage for flooding.  Many residents were misplaced in 2019 from extensive flooding and many did no have coverage.  Flood insurance is different from your homeowners policy.  It is a totally separate policy.  The National Flood Insurance Program is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency which is made available to the public with approximately 60 insurance companies. Floods can happened at any time and being prepared is the way to go. One inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damages to your basement contents and structure. It’s important to protect your property. To purchase flood insurance, call your local insurance agency.  If you experience any water damage, SERVPRO of East Erie County is hear to help.

Avoid Burst Pipes in Winter Storms!

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help in the event of a burst pipe!

The snow keeps piling up here in the Western New York area and it seems like this winter will never end. But while the snowy landscapes may look beautiful, the extreme cold brings danger of pipes bursting. What causes a pipe to burst? When a pipe experiences too much pressure, it will break open causing major flooding and damage. Frozen pipes are one of the factors that can cause pipes to burst. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and increases the pressure within the pipe. To prevent water pipes from bursting in the extreme cold, turn your faucet on to a slow steady stream of water. This keeps water moving throughout the pipes and prevents the buildup of pressure. Also consider insulating your pipes and never letting your home go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter time. You can also open up cabinet doors around kitchen pipes to allow warm arm to circulate. These tips should help you avoid a catastrophic pipe burst from the stormy winter conditions. If a pipe burst does occur, make your first call to SERVPRO and we’ll respond right away to help mitigate damage and help clean up any mess.

Melting Snow and Spring Storms

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Spring showers bring spring floods!

Spring is almost upon us here in Erie County. The temperatures have become much more mild from our cold winters, but the spring showers are just beginning! Spring rains and thunderstorms are often the cause of basement flooding. It’s time to take some preventative measures to ensure you don’t end up with a flooded basement. First clear away the snow that may be close to your foundation and exterior. Snow buildup will add a lot of water flow to the ground once it starts melting. Check your gutters and clear them if debris has gotten stuck. This will ensure the correct flow of water off your roof and away from your home. Be sure to inspect any cracks in your foundation and fill them if necessary. In the event of major foundation damage, call a professional contractor to help. Also consider bringing in a skilled professional to perform a home inspection. They’ll be able to find any vulnerabilities that may allow water to leak in. SERVPRO has the experience to help you cleanup storm damage and water damage, so don’t hesitate to call if you need help! Call SERVPRO of East Erie County at 716-656-7131

Winter Storm Warning for East Erie County

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Use caution on roads and sidewalks during and after a winter storm

There’s snow once more in the East Erie County area. The warming up temperatures were too good to be true and it looks like another winter storm advisory is in effect for the area. The winter storm warning put out by the National Weather Service says to be aware of the possibility of heavy snowfall tonight into the morning tomorrow. We may see between 5 to 9 inches in accumulation of snowfall and winds as high as 45 mph, that will result in drifting snow. Be very careful while on the roads and sidewalks. The winds may bring down tree branches so be wary of walking underneath snow-piled branches. As always during a storm, use caution and avoid travel when possible. If your home or business has damage as a result of the storm, call SERVPRO of East Erie County to help!

Winter Storm Precautions

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Don't be caught unaware! Prepare for winter storms

Storms on are on the horizon this weekend in Buffalo. Winter storms have been hitting us left and right it seems, and this weekend is no different. There’s a chance for precipitation on Friday that may freeze over in the night. Be especially cautious on the roads, because black ice will form right above the pavement, creating hazardous driving conditions. Saturday is predicated to have both rain and snow throughout the day. Another day to be careful for icy conditions. Monitor your sidewalks and driveways and make sure to salt them to avoid any ice forming. On Sunday, look for snow showers throughout the day and a flurry or two throughout the night. It’s important during these winter storms to use extra caution outside and while driving. Also be sure to keep your home safe by taking preventative measures to mitigate any storm damage. Pruning dead branches and salting your driveway are two great ways to prevent storm damage. If any storm damage occurs, SERVPRO has a highly trained team that can help you clean up any and all messes.

Tips on what to do if your pipes freeze

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

This is a frozen pipe at a home in Elma NY SERVPRO was called out to handle the water mitigation

Here in Erie county are winters can be brutal on our homes. freezing pipes are always a possibility and can be costly to repair.Here are some tips if this issue occurs in your home. Tip #1 A hairdryer doesn't always do the trick when it comes to frozen pipes.Sometimes heating cables are necessary to dethaw a frozen pipe.they are like long extension cords you wrap around your cold water pipes to keep them from freezing. Pipes can also freeze behind walls which can cause issues in the long run. It can lead to mold or removal of the wall itself in order to fix the problem. If an exterior wall is not properly insulated it can cause interior pipes to freeze. If these issues happen to you, give SERVPRO a call we're always here to help. another great tip is too leave your water drip just a little during the winter months. it will not impact your water bill too much and will save you costly repairs in the future

The Snow is Falling in Lancaster, NY

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

The lake effect machine is in full effect in West Seneca, NY and SERVPRO of East Erie County is ready to go!

The snow is falling! We live in a city where it looks magical. Looking out the window at a real snow globe or walking outside and you’re part of the snow globe.  Pretty white pristine snowflakes covering the world. So pretty.  I couldn’t imagine not living here in Buffalo.  Our seasons are truly beautiful.  But the beauty can cause damages and that’s no surprise to SERVPRO.  Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business.  Serving Western New York for over 46 years we know what’s in store.  Our crews brush off the snow and are ready to respond to daily jobs and emergency water/fire losses.  SERVPRO of East Erie is ready to brave the elements and respond to our jobs in Lancaster and West Seneca.

Storm season tips for Erie County

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was called to a home in Cheektowaga for a broken pipe, clean up like new and another happy customer

Here in Erie County, SERVPRO knows our winters can be brutal. During this time of year its crucial to protect your home and business against the elements. Pipe bursts can happen due to freezing cold temperatures. Flooding is definitely a possible with our cold temps and pipe issues. A good rule of thump is to keep your heat at at least 62 degrees  if possible to avoid freezing. However if you should happen to have an issue with water in your home due to this issue, SERVPRO is always here to help. With our 24/7 service we are only a phone call away. We specialize in clean up and mitigation due to water , ice or the elements. Please be proactive to avoid any problems but if a problem should arise call SERVPRO to come make it like it never happened. Have a Happy Holiday Buffalo, and stay warm this season.

A Buffalo, NY Snow Storm Creates Havoc For All Causing Flooded Basements. SERVPRO to the rescue.

10/14/2018 (Permalink)

The October Surprise Storm Buffalo, NY. SERVPRO of East Erie County assisted over 5000 customers who had flooded basements.

Be Prepared For Severe Weather

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurancepolicies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Celebrating 45 years in Business!

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

45 Years of Service in the SERVPRO family ;)

Proudly Serving Cheektowaga and the Surrounding Areas

SERVPRO^® is often recognized as a nation-wide leader in disaster restoration services but, it is important to note that SERVPRO^® of East Erie County and all SERVPRO^® locations are locally owned and operated. As a local business, we enjoy getting involved in our community; getting to know each other, engaging in community events, and of course, working with other business owners in our area when called upon. We know that working locally means our reputation is always on the line and for each and every job it is of the utmost importance for our team to maintain our great reputation, especially with our neighbors! We are family operated and have been in the business for 45 years!

In addition to our restoration services, we also provide carpet and upholstery cleaning!

SERVPRO® of East Erie County is ready 24/7 365 to help, call us at 656-7131

Storm Damage: What Causes It?

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Can Cause A lot of Problems

New York has had its fair share of damaging storms, and Cheektowaga is no exception. Knowing what type of storm is coming is the best way to be prepared. Did you know there are 10 different storm types? This far north, most people think about winter storms when they think about storms. But in the summer months, it’s important to be prepared for effects of tropical storms, too.

SERVPRO® of East Erie County recognizes the importance of keeping homes or businesses safe before and after a storm.