Recent Posts

What do Mold Remediation Companies Do?

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

If you’ve discovered mold growing in your home, you know that the first step that you should take is to contact a mold remediation company and have an inspection of your property.

You may call a number of companies to your home (we hope we are one of them!) to give you their professional opinion of your situation. When choosing a mold remediation company, there are several key factors that we recommend you consider.

Whoever you choose to work in your home should be able to explain the remediation process to you in layman’s terms.

We know that we have been educated in mold and it’s removal from homes but do not expect that our customers have been! Mold remediation does require training and equipment but the process can be explained easily to our customers. If a company uses only technical terms and the process seems overly complicated, take them off your list! 

Look for signs that your mold remediation specialist uses safety precautions.

Proper safety gear should be worn when dealing with mold. Are their technicians using personal safety equipment such as high quality, high filtration face mask and gloves? If they aren't safe about their own health, you shouldn't trust that they will be about yours!

Ask your prospective mold remediation company the following questions:

Will your chosen company use containment materials to seal off the work area so that mold spores do not become dispersed throughout the home? 

What kind of equipment does the company use? Mold professionals use HEPA air scrubbers and vacuums, commercial-strength dehumidifiers and proprietary cleaners. 

Will the company be using an air scrubbers and an air exchange through ventilation to remove the airborne mold spores after the mold is physically removed?

Will moldy porous building materials such as drywall, insulation and baseboards  be removed and discarded? These materials are relatively inexpensive to replace and difficult to impossible to restore to their previous uncontaminated condition.

What antimicrobial chemicals will be used to clean any remaining mold and mold stains after the demolition has been completed? 

Will the area be treated with a sealer or encapsulant to make the treated areas more resistant to water damage and mold?

How much experience and training does the company have in mold remediation and are they certified by the IICRC? A company that has been in the business for at least 10 years will be prepared for any situation and will know how to best handle your job.

Does the company have experience and training cleaning HVAC ductwork in structures that have had a mold infestation?

SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County will answer yes to all of these questions.

We are the areas number one mold remediation company for a reason. If you have mold in your home, give us a call for a straightforward discussion about how we can help! 

Basement flooded? We can help!

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Quick action is the key to limiting damage if you have flooding. Here are some actions that can prevent mold from growing in your Bethel home. 

  1. Protect your belongings – remove light furniture and upholstered items as well as other items that are susceptible (cardboard boxes, carpets and other porous items) from the affected area. 
  2. Remove as much water as possible using a wet/dry vacuum. 
  3. Use fans to circulate the air and speed up the drying process. A good rule of thumb is to run the fans for an additional week after the area appears dry. 
  4. A dehumidifier can be used as well to remove excess moisture and dry out the room. 

Water damage can easily be hidden underneath rugs or carpet, so be sure to give your home a thorough inspection if you suspect water damage. Although carpets can be steam cleaned, they are tough to treat and padding typically cannot be saved. 

If you do have wall to wall carpeting in your basement that has gotten wet from flood water, give SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County a call at (203) 743-5362. We are an IICRC trained mold and water mitigation company and have the tools and expertise to treat your Brookfield home for damage.

Smoke and Soot Cleaning After the Fire

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Some of the toughest jobs we respond to are house fires. It can be devastating, both physically and emotionally, for the family who has experienced such a loss. Not only is there damage from the fire itself, the smoke and soot can render many possessions unsalvageable. On top of that, water damage from fire fighting efforts adds another layer of damage. Our team knows how important it is to save whatever we can of your belongings.  We have technicians trained and experienced in the art of content cleaning, which can take different forms depending on the item. 

Dry-Cleaning: In order to remove smoke and soot from porous items such as clothing, furniture and drapery, we use the dry cleaning method. The soot has to be removed from the textiles before they are washed with water. 

Ultrasonic: Non-porous items can go through a more vigorous cleaning than materials that soak up water. The ultrasonic treatment incorporates ultrasound and a cleaning solvent to rid your belongings of soot.

High-Pressure Water: In some circumstances, such as for larger items, our technicians opt to use  high-pressure water treatment on non-porous household items. 

Odor Removal: Smoke isn't the only thing that can cling to your possessions. The smell can linger after all visible signs of fire damage has disappeared. Our team may use thermal fogging or ozone treatments to make your home smelling good again. 

With decades in the business, our team has helped hundreds of families back into their homes after house fires. If you are faced with such a loss, please know that we are available to help.

After the Fire: Board Ups and Pack Outs

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

When your business or home has had a fire, the restoration process involves more than the structural restoration of your home. In addition to cleaning the smoke from the air in your home and the soot off of the surfaces, SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County offers the following services:

Board-ups In many cases in which there has been a fire, it is necessary to secure the openings of your home, such as the windows, doors and the roof. The SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County team uses sturdy, durable materials designed to protect homes from both the outside elements such as rain and snow as well as intrusion by outsiders. This is often one of the first actions we will take when we arrive at the job - even if it’s in the middle of the night.

Move-Outs After a fire, it may be necessary to move some or all of your personal belongings and furniture out of your home. This may be to protect your contents, to make the restoration and rebuild of your home easier and also in order to clean your things off site. Our franchise offers a pack out service and also has a dedicated storage facility in which we can store your items. Items such as carpeting, electronics, artwork and furniture might be restored off site by our technicians.

Inventory When your home or business has experienced a fire, it is important to take an inventory of the contents inside prior to anything being discarded or packed up. At SERVPRO, we use a system called the Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which allows us to generate comprehensive room-by-room inventories. As we go through the items , we will categorize the contents as salvageable, non-salvageable and questionable. This allows for easier contents settlement with your insurance company. Home fires are devastating.

Even if the structural damage is minimal, the process of cleaning the smoke out of the air and your belongings can be extensive. SERVPRO Of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County is here to help you step by step through the process.

Building Relationships: Commercial Property Water Damage

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

The relationship with a restoration company for commercial property owners is an important one.

When water damage strikes a business, it’s vital for the owner to have a restoration company that they know is locally owned, reliable and trustworthy come mitigate the damage. Whether you manage an apartment complex or own a local store, you need a quick and professional clean up so that your business is minimally impacted.

You never know when water damage will occur. Yes, flooding after a storm or during the spring snow melt is common source of water damage however you would be surprised at some other causes of water damage in Connecticut businesses.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems.

We frequently receive calls from owners of commercial properties- from warehouses to nursing homes- in which the sprinkler system has gone off and flooded the building. This can be caused by a faulty sensor, broken thermal element or sprinkler head and allow thousands of gallons of water to flood the structure and cause substantial damage.

Damaged appliances and equipment.

In particular, restaurants, hotels  and catering facilities are susceptible to water damage due to a broken appliance however this can pertain to any commercial property that has appliance. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

Backed up sewer lines.

This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, the potential dangers of the contaminated, or "black", water. Black water can have negative health consequences to residents and employees as well as and damage the structure and contents of your building. 

Broken pipes.

Whether it’s a simple crack from the aging process or a frozen pipe that freezes, commercial properties are just as at risk of widespread damage from a broken pipe as residential properties are.

If you own a commercial property in Litchfield County and have water damage, call us as soon as possible at (203) 743-5362 for immediate service.

It's all in the Timing

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

We realize that, at times, we may sound like a broken record.   

“Call us immediately” 

“Act quickly” 

“Do not delay” 

We admit that we stress this point repeatedly however, because it is so important, we probably won’t stop talking about it. Why is getting help as quickly as possible such a consequential factor when you have a flood? In this blog post, we provide you with a water damage timeline to help you see how quickly a small flood can turn into a major problem.  

Water Damage Timeline 

In the First Hour:

  • Water will quickly move throughout the dwelling, saturating everything in it's path.
  • Stains or finishes that are on furniture that gets wet will be released. This can cause staining to the carpeting and flooring of your home. Additionally, any furniture that is moisture sensitive, such as antiques or unfinished materials, will be affected.
  • In particular, paper goods are vulnerable in the first hour. Due to their porosity, it doesn't take long for water to render books and documents unsalvageable.
  • Artwork that is hanging on your walls can be permanently damaged when water drips down the walls in that first hour. 

The First 24 Hours:

  • Drywall, which is found on the walls and ceilings of most Connecticut homes, gets saturated and begins to disintegrate. Many people discover their water leak only after the ceiling is already on the floor. That's how quickly this can happen. 
  • You will notice a musty smell and normal household odors grow stronger. 
  • Any uncoated metal surfaces, which are vulnerable to moisture in the air, will begin to tarnish.
  • Your furniture may begin to show signs of damage. In particular, laminated furniture and flooring will begin to swell and crack due to the moisture. 
  • Free-floating laminated flooring may also begin to pop out of place due to swelling.

48 Hours to 1 Week: 

  • The 'clean water' situation will have been upgraded to a 'gray water' intrusion.
  • You will notice an earthy smell in the home, which is caused by standing water as well as building materials and contents that have begun to decay.
  • Because of the high moisture levels, fungi, mold and mildew will begin to grow at this time, especially on porous materials such as sheetrock and carpeting. 
  • Wood building materials begin to show signs of damage as they swell, warp and split. You will notice this on window frames, wall moldings, the interior doors in your home and even studs and joists at this time. 
  • Rust and corrosion will begin to occur on metal items. 
  • Electronics in the home will begin to malfunction. 
  • Wood flooring and furniture begin to swell from the saturation. 
  • The Indoor Air Quality in the structure is compromised and health hazards can become an issue. Occupants of the home who are at risk due to health issues may begin to experience negative health effects.

More Than 1 Week: 

  • A 'black water' situation is most likely the case at this time due to the growth of bacteria and other harmful contaminates in the home. 
  • Mold spores will spread quickly and begin to break down natural materials, wallpaper, wood paneling, and other building materials
  • The structural safety of the home is in question as wood building materials are compromised.
  • The air quality in the home can pose a danger to all inhabitants.
  • The costs associated with your insurance claim exponentially rises.  The demolition and replacement of, rather than the restoration of, damaged materials becomes necessary. 
  • Our water damage restoration crews will be required to wear personal protection equipment in order to work in your home. 

If you have a water leak in your home, give us a call as soon as it is discovered to minimize the damage to your home.  

Fire Preparedness with your Pet in Mind

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Not only are house fires devastating because of the damage they inflict to your home, but many people also lose their pets in such fires. There are safety precautions that can be taken to help protect your pets in the case of fire. 

If you leave your pet home unattended (whether for an extended period of time or daily while you are at work), consider installing a monitored smoke detector. If the alarm goes off while you are away, emergency services will be alerted.  

Also consider placing a pet rescue sticker on the door or window. Such stickers inform emergency responders information about the pets inside of your house, such as how many and what kind are inside.  

During your household fire drills, include your pets. Know where your pet may hide in the event that they are scared of the fire itself, the smoke alarms and fire trucks. Practice your drill with your smoke detectors ringing so that your pet will associate the noise with the evacuation routine.  

Have a plan in place. Designate a family member who is responsible for each pet as well as a backup. If your pet cannot be safely located because of smoke or flames, leave windows and doors open as an escape route.  Always have identification tags on your pet, as they sometimes run away out of fear. Tags will ensure their return if they are found.  

Nobody expects to experience a house fire, but having a safety plan in place will help keep your fur baby safe in the event that you do. If you have a house fire in the New Fairfield, CT area, give SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County a call at (203) 743-5362.

Commercial Property Water Damage Restoration

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

The plumbing system in your busy Newtown restaurant gets a lot of wear and tear. When many people are filtering in and out of bathrooms all the time and the kitchen never stops, it is essential that you keep up with plumbing repairs and maintenance. A plumbing problem such as a sewage backup or a broken pipe can cause water damage to your facility and potentially force you to close your doors while it is being repaired. Beyond inconvenient, this can result in a loss of income.

In addition to sewage backups and toilet overflows, busy restaurants might also experience water damage from clogged pipes and drains.  It doesn’t take long for an overflowing sink or dishwasher supply line leak to cause major damage. Water damage can occur in new and old restaurant kitchens alike – even a brand new appliance can be installed improperly or have a manufacturing defect.  


If you own a business in the Fairfield County area, having an established relationship with a local plumber that you trust is essential. Not only will regular inspections help you get ahead of disasters before they happen, you will also have someone ready to help if you do have a toilet overflow at your restaurant.  

If, despite the best precautions taken, you do have flooding at your Bethel commercial building, SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County is available around the clock to respond to your call.  We understand that time is of the essence when a restaurant has water damage and have an experienced crew ready to restore your building. 


SERVPRO of Newtown & Southern Litchfield County will help you get your restaurant open for business as quickly as possible, ensuring that the job is also done right so that you don't experience secondary damage such as mold. If you have flooding to your Brookfield restaurant, give us a call at (203) 743-5362 for immediate service.  

Commercial Property Damage Restoration

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

The relationship with a restoration company for commercial property owners is an important one.

When water damage strikes a business, it’s vital for the owner to have a restoration company that they know is locally owned, reliable and trustworthy come mitigate the damage. Whether you manage an apartment complex or own a local store, you need a quick and professional clean up so that your business is minimally impacted.

You never know when water damage will occur. Yes, flooding after a storm or during the spring snow melt is common source of water damage however you would be surprised at some other causes of water damage in Connecticut businesses.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems.

We frequently receive calls from owners of commercial properties- from warehouses to nursing homes- in which the sprinkler system has gone off and flooded the building. This can be caused by a faulty sensor, broken thermal element or sprinkler head and allow thousands of gallons of water to flood the structure and cause substantial damage.

Damaged appliances and equipment.

In particular, restaurants, hotels  and catering facilities are susceptible to water damage due to a broken appliance however this can pertain to any commercial property that has appliance. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

Backed up sewer lines.

This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, the potential dangers of the contaminated, or "black", water. Black water can have negative health consequences to residents and employees as well as and damage the structure and contents of your building. 

Broken pipes.

Whether it’s a simple crack from the aging process or a frozen pipe that freezes, commercial properties are just as at risk of widespread damage from a broken pipe as residential properties are.

If you own a commercial property in Litchfield County and have water damage, call us as soon as possible at (203) 743-5362 for immediate service.

If you have mold, we are trained to help!

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

One of the most common searches on the internet that is combined with the word "SERVPRO" is the word "mold". Home and business owners in the Fairfield County area are concerned about the mold that they see or suspect might be in their home or office. Consumers are aware that mold can cause negative health risks and are searching on the internet for a company who can help them assess their situation. 

An important factor in the growth of our company and giving our customers the highest level of service is providing our technicians with the necessary training.  The reality is that not all restoration companies have provided their employees with top tier levels of specialized training like ours does. 

At SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County, we believe that an investment in education for employees is money well spent. Our team participates in IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) training courses throughout the year. The IICRC sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. The mission of the IICRC is to promote high standards and ethics within the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries and to advance communication and technical proficiency.   

Two of our production technicians, Mario and Anthony, recently attended an IICRC training course called The Applied Microbial Remediation Technician training. In this course, the guys received specific training in mold and sewage remediation.  The course covered topics such as containment planning and strategies, microbiology basics, respiratory protection, bird and bat droppings, biocide uses, how to safely work in confined spaces, sampling and more.  It may not sound like fun to most people, but they came back from the course excited about the new information they learned.

Above all else, trust is the most important factor in our business. When you have experienced damage to your home, it's important to know that your restoration company is fully capable and working in your best interest. At SERVPRO of Newtown and Southern Litchfield County, we value doing the job right. We make the investment and take the time to provide continuing education to our employees so that they can best serve you.

If you have a mold infestation in your home that requires remediation, give us a call at (203) 743-5362