Local Service Helps with Water Cleanup in Queens Properties
12/21/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Uses Various Approaches to Resolve Water Spills Affecting Properties in Queens
Queens is famous as the home of the New York Mets, but there are several other interesting aspects of this borough, which has the second-largest population density among the five New York City boroughs. It was instituted in the late 17th century as one of 12 counties in the province of New York. The name Queens was chosen in honor of English Queen Catherine Braganza. At the time, the neighboring county of Nassau was part of Queens County. 1898 marked the consolidation of New York City, and Queens became one of its boroughs. Politicians from the local, city, and state spheres of influence spearheaded the consolidation after it had failed when proposed as a government vote. If the consolidation had not sailed through, Queens would currently be the fourth most populous city in the United States with its 2.23 million people.
The borough itself has polyglot origins since it was a collection of villages and small towns initially, including Maspeth, Vlissingen, Newtown, and Jamaica. Even today, Queens stands out since the Endangered Language Alliance estimates over 800 languages are spoken by residents, making it the top multilingual location in the world. It is no surprise since 47% of the population is foreign-born.
Unique Structures and Landmarks that Define the Borough
The skyscraper is a ubiquitous structure in New York. In Queens alone, at least 37 buildings are taller than 300 feet. However, other unique structures stand out for various reasons, including historical significance and architectural beauty.
- The Unisphere is a stainless steel structure set up in Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, created as a celebration of the beginning of the space age. It was also the theme symbol of the New York World fair held in 1964. It is made of a spherical steel skeleton with over 500 chunks of metal formed to represent the continents. Three rings surround the sphere representing the satellites in orbit at the time. It is set atop a 20-foot base with a reflecting pool at the foot of the structure. Completing the unique look are 48 fountain heads that shoot water at the sphere make it appear to be floating.
- The Church of the Transfiguration, constructed in 1962, is a unique A-frame structure that incorporates aspects of traditional Lithuanian symbols in a modern structure. The front façade is a wall of colored glass, while white bricks surround the doors.
- Fort Totten officers club, or "the castle," as it is commonly known, was designed by the military engineer Robert E Lee before the civil war and then constructed in 1870. It features the neo-Gothic style, which was popular during the era and was approved as a generic style for military installations. The Castle is part of the fort built in 1857 to keep the New York waters safe.
Museums and Historical Institutions
For an area as culturally diverse as Queens, it is possible to lose track of the changes happening over time. Luckily the borough has dozens of museums and galleries that have helped preserve the history over the years.
- The Queens Museum, or the Queens Museum of Arts, as it was formerly known, was set up in 1972. It has over 10,000 artifacts on display. Of these, 60% relate to the two world fairs held in 1939 and 1964 in the city. The most notable exhibit at the museum is the Panorama of the City of New York, which allows people to explore the miniature version of the city. It features all the buildings in the five boroughs constructed before 1992. The work of art has been featured in movies such as New Year's Eve and a book titled Wonderstruck.
- Louis Armstrong's house keeps the memory of one of the most talented jazz musicians alive. In 1943 Louis Armstrong chose the modest address on 107th street to spend the rest of his life with Lucile. After he died in 1971, his wife decided to hand over the house to the city to set up a museum focusing on her husband's legacy. Currently, it features souvenirs and paintings given to Armstrong from different places, including Asia and Africa.
- Museum of the Moving Image or "Momi" is located in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens. It documents the history, art, technique, and technologies in film, digital media, and television. Visitors who patronize the facility can follow the various stages the industry has gone through as it evolves over the years.
- The Queens County Farm Museum is a forty-seven-acre piece of undisturbed farmland, which gives people a rare insight into how the area was before it was all built up. It is still a functional farm and has several restored farmhouses, greenhouses, and various vintage farm equipment.
How Does SERVPRO handle Water Cleanup in Queens Properties?
Water leaks or other forms of water intrusion cause significant damage to properties because of the excess moisture they introduce or promoting microbial growth. The Leaks affecting Queens' properties may develop mostly because of old infrastructures such as pipes and accessories or accidental discharge. Whatever the cause, having a plan on what to do to restore the property to its preloss state is essential. SERVPRO helps homeowners or property managers perform thorough water cleanup in affected properties.
Water cleanup may involve several processes, including removal of any stagnant water in the property and cleaning of any soiling, staining, or other issues. The challenge in completing these tasks varies on a case-by-case basis, primarily if the leak originates from a hidden section such as a wall cavity or if moisture migration spreads the loss to hidden areas. SERVPRO technicians rely on various resources to address the challenges.
- Use of sophisticated water extraction equipment with sufficient lift capacity to cut down the time take to remove standing water. Cutting down the time materials remain exposed to moisture minimizes deterioration from microbial growth or staining, thus easing cleanup.
- Cleaning affected areas using potent cleaning products to deal with soiling
- Drying the property thoroughly to remove all traces of moisture
SERVPRO of Forest Hills / Ridgewood helps with water cleanup after leaks in Queens properties. Call us at (718) 381-3702 for immediate assistance.