We Get You Back In Business After A Flood In Manhattan

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

The air movers are drying the room in this home after a storm hit. Our technicians removed the carpet as a loss and restored this home right away.

Mitigating Commercial Flood Damage in Your Manhattan Diner Should also Address Salt Water

When the East River pushes over its banks in Manhattan, business owners should have concerns about the salt deposits left behind. Contaminants related to flooding can change once-familiar surroundings in diners and small restaurants from safe to highly risky. The health effects associated to flooding decrease from the use of our disinfectant sprays, but salt remains unaffected by such applications.

Salt left behind in Manhattan businesses make flood damage especially troublesome for many. Because of its hydrophilic properties, the increased moisture close to structural materials can rapidly erode finishes. Corrosion of metals, including underneath protective paints, can happen quickly. Chlorine is only one of the three most common salts deposited on surfaces during a flood. Sulfide and nitride ions also bond to surfaces. The damage caused when surfaces stay damp from ocean water happens much faster than with freshwater. 

This stark increase in the rate of how quickly damage such as corrosion sets in on metal plumbing, electrical components, and metal furnishings requires swift manual removal of the film left on these items. Rinsing with fresh water often fails to remove all of the salts in any given area. A very dilute mixture containing muriatic acid helps dissolve salt from surfaces when applied with a cloth. We use rubber gloves and goggles during this task, and follow it up with a thorough rinsing with clean water. 

Even after drying the area using axial fans and desiccant machines, any remaining salt in the area can continue to cause corrosion. We recommend regular inspections so you can stay informed of any problems that develop before they cause interruption of electrical service or broken plumbing.

One area that diner owners might find they often replace due to flood damage from the Hudson or East River is the floors. Tile flooring can withstand flooding, even when salty, better than other flooring materials. Another option, while seemingly counterintuitive, is inexpensive carpeting. Gluing this directly to a concrete slab allows secure removal in the event of any future flooding. Our building department team can discuss potential options with you to help reduce the impact of any future disasters.

SERVPRO of Upper West Side stays prepared to assist diners and eateries in Central Park West stay open after flooding bathes our part of the city. Call (917) 498-1362 for experts who live and work here, and who know how flood damage from the East River can affect local businesses.

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