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Overcoming Flood Damage in Brookline Properties

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment drying floor Our SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline rapid response team is available 24/7!

Flood Cleanup Services Start with Effective Mitigation

This Norfolk County community has been home to families for generations, dating back to its first recorded settlement in 1638. As part of the Greater Boston area, Brookline has connections to the historical significance of the metropolitan area through events like The American Revolution. Brookline is most known for being the birthplace of John F. Kennedy and even has a location for those to visit that has been protected as an entry with the National Register of Historic Places. Similarly, the community is home to other culturally and historically significant locations like the two stops of the Underground Railroad at 9 Toxteth Street and 182 Walnut Street.

When disasters strike, flood damage to Brookline properties can be substantial. This water surge can be irreparably destructive to cultural centers throughout the municipality, like the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, the Longyear Museum, or the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum. However, even shops and storefronts benefit from the swift response of SERVPRO professionals after these emergencies, such as the dozens of boutiques and retail locations within The Shops of Putterham or The Shops of Chestnut Hill.

Removing Water After Flooding

Flood damage can be devastating, especially when its presence can impact hundreds. Locations like the Pine Manor College or the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology house thousands of students throughout a semester, so it is essential for responding professionals to address standing water and contaminant concerns fast with our tools like:

  • Vacuums
  • Weighted Extractors
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Pumps
  • Air Movers

Flooding is more common than many homeowners and property managers might think. When severe weather events occur, lower-lying portions of Brookline become susceptible to the rising water of creeks and streams to impact structures. Contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline for fast mitigation and restoration solutions at (617) 903-5055.

Why You Should Trust SERVPRO for Mold Remediation in Allston

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

bottom mold area Don't let mold damage go unchecked in your home. Call SERVPRO for help to avoid further damage.

Mold Remediation in Allston Homes Requires Expertise

Mold often grows in homes, especially in the wetter areas of the nation. Yet, even homes in dry places have spaces and rooms that can develop mold. When a home has moisture, mold can grow. Mold commonly infests the grout between ceramic tiles. 

An easy form of mold remediation occurs every time homeowners use a bleach-based cleaner to spray the mold and wipe it off. However, more critical mold infestations from an aesthetic or safety viewpoint occur elsewhere. In that case, you need help from professionals who offer mold remediation in Allston. SERVPRO has expertise in remediating mold. 

During the mold remediation process, our team removes moisture and mold. The goal is not to create a fungi-free, sterile environment but to return the contents and space as close to the pre-damaged condition as possible. The severity of mold contamination determines the scope of remediation activities. Our SERVPRO technicians can implement several strategies during remediation to prevent contamination of mold-free areas and minimize risks to remediation workers and occupants. The strategies include:

  • Proper planning before remediation.
  • Ensuring vulnerable persons are not in the work area. These persons include infants younger than a year old, pregnant women, and those recovering from surgery.
  • Using suitable Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Containment during remediation. This reduces the distribution of particulates and mold to surrounding areas. 
  • Implementing appropriate quality control/quality assurance measures to monitor activities during and following the remediation project to eliminate the moisture. 

An essential step in mold remediation is to set up ventilation and containment. Our SERVPRO team can use appropriate ventilation and air filtration equipment like air scrubbers to ensure that the disturbed mold spores that become airborne do not spread to unaffected areas. Air scrubbers remove the gasses and particulates mold causes from the affected area. They eliminate airborne particles, gasses, and odors from the air.

Our SERVPRO team can also clean and disinfect your home. We can clean non-porous materials and use a fungicide or biocide solution to disinfect them. Addressing any humidity or moisture concerns is also essential. 


Please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline at (617) 903-5055 for mold remediation services. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Causes of Residential Water Damage in Brookline

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

poster check your plumbing for leaks SERVPRO says to inspect your Brookline's home plumbing system for leaks that can cause extensive water damage. We are Here to Help.

SERVPRO Water Mitigation Equipment and Services

Water damage cleanup is a restoration concern that homeowners in Brookline and all over the US encounter. A perforation in plumbing as small as 1/16" or 1/32" of an inch can leak gallons of water into a home over the course of days or weeks, causing utility bills to increase dramatically and potentially creating a suitable environment for mold growth at the expense of a resident's property.

SERVPRO is a water restoration company in Brookline that can implement 24/7 remediation for damaged homes and their contents. These services are available during weekends and holidays and are implemented in compliance with homeowners' wishes, insurance policy terms, and restoration industry standards.

What are the Most Likely Causes of Home Water Damage?

Weather is often cited as one of the most common causes of moisture damage on a property, usually due to structural damage or other phenomena that impact a building's structural integrity. Still, many water-related disasters have nothing to do with storms or other natural phenomena.

Non-weather sources of water damage in a residence can include the following:

  • Plumbing failures, including compromised parts, burst pipes, loose fittings, and damaged supply lines
  • Clogged drains in tubs, showers, and sinks can damage plumbing and leak copious amounts of water in other areas of the property
  • Some damages may be purely accidental, caused by leaving a sink or tub running on a busy day or accidentally overloading a washing machine before rushing off to work
  • Water-using appliances ranging from refrigerators to washing machines can cause moisture damage concerns for similar reasons to plumbing failures, such as loose fittings or supply line malfunctions. However, these units also have problems like overflows, drain clogs, and leaky door gaskets that can suddenly unleash copious amounts of moisture into a home

Regardless of the source, SERVPRO water cleanup technicians can detect impacted areas and formulate a drying plan that considers homeowners' needs. This consultation and estimate process also includes photo documentation of damaged contents to help residents file a proof of loss claim where applicable.

Commercial-grade Water Removal Tools and Strategies Used by SERVPRO

SERVPRO's inventory of moisture mitigation tools and tactics includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Portable extractors for pulling moisture off the carpeting, curtains, and hard-to-reach areas. These tools can provide up to 140 inches of moisture lift at a time per unit, and often dispense hot water and EPA-registered sanitizers to salvage impacted materials, which can help homeowners save on carpet repair and replacement costs
  • Larger truck-mounted extractors are made with large-scale disasters in mind, like pipe bursts that impact multiple floors of a home. These half-ton commercial cleaning units can store over 100 gallons of water for situations requiring it. These extractors are typically not needed for most home water cleanup needs, but they are available when the situation calls for them
  • Tools like rover vacuums, mops, squeegees, and gas-powered sump pumps can help save carpeting, basement floors, and hardwood. Specialized rubber pads are especially useful for keeping hardwood planks and subfloors from warping, cupping, or cracking
  • After technicians extract the bulk of moisture, the affected space can be dried with high-powered air movers and low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers. These units return homes to a dry condition much faster after extraction than using air movement alone

Homeowners can contact the SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline team at (617) 903-5055 for remediation that looks and feels "Like it never even happened."

Removing Tough Fire Damage Residues in Brookline with SERVPRO Equipment

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

poster smoke and soot cleaning SERVPRO fire damage cleanup and restoration equipment restores a Brookline home to preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Get 24/7 SERVPRO Emergency Fire Mitigation

Fire damage can be overwhelming and complex for Brookline homeowners to navigate without professional assistance. Flames leave behind soot, debris, and malodors. They can also leave homeowners tackling water damage and residues from extinguishing efforts. DIY cleanup solutions may appear cost-effective in the short term. Still, these efforts may impart unintentional secondary damages that affect a home’s structural integrity and comfort, leading to more costly repairs over time.

Brookline SERVPRO fire and smoke damage restoration technicians remediate soot and soils per Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. This accredited disaster cleanup firm performs soot removal, debris cleaning, and water mitigation to return affected homes to a clean and safe condition before rebuilding and moving contents back into the property.

Cleanup Challenges Created by Fire Damage

Cleaning up smoke and fire damage with consumer-grade solutions can prove challenging and even frustrating for many homeowners. Smoke residues differ based on factors like what was burnt and the temperature of the flames. Loose, dry soils might be easier to clean than wet soils from burnt plastics, but they can still smear easily and potentially stain surfaces without the right care. DIY cleaning in a fire damage situation can also affect how insurers compensate homeowners for their repair and mitigation needs.

Other considerations that restoration technicians can address with specially crafted tools include:

  • Migration of soot particles and clusters into the HVAC system
  • The proliferation of both light and heavy soils, including charring on wood surfaces
  • Odors and residues caused by burnt proteins

Because of the widely varied types of care needed for fire restoration, including odor control, soot cluster removal, debris disposal, and char mitigation, homeowners are highly encouraged to use a firm like SERVPRO. Not only does SERVPRO inspect and perform mitigation, but the team can also perform necessary documentation, inventory, and rebuilding services that let residents comfortably enjoy their properties as soon as possible.

SERVPRO’s Suite of Fire Remediation Tools

The success of professional fire restoration tools and processes relies on some very consistent truths about fire and smoke damage:

  • Ceilings need to be cleaned first, as smoke tends to rise and do the most damage above a fire’s source instead of below
  • Residues are primarily either hydrophilic or lipophilic
  • Protein residues need powerful enzyme digesters to mitigate these otherwise hard-to-remove soils
  • HVAC needs to be inspected during fire cleanup, even if it does not seem like it was impacted
  • Water damage from flame suppression needs to be dried before cleanup can commence in earnest

The more quickly SERVPRO can act on these principles of fire damage mitigation, the more likely it is that technicians can preserve a home with minimal necessary demolition and repairs. Residents typically do not need to wait for an insurance adjuster to examine their home before calling a fire restoration company.

Cleanup starts with the lightest, driest soils, and works from ceiling to floor. Technicians typically use items like clean cloths and dry cleaning sponges for this type of soot, which can fall to the floor and be collected with the help of HEPA-filter vacuums and negative air pressure machines pulling smoke particles toward the ground.

Heavier damages, particularly on walls, can be remediated with alkaline cleaners and other EPA-registered SERVPRO solutions. Wood and furnishings with charring can be treated with gentle but effective abrasion media like soda ash or dry ice pressurized pellets.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline serves communities in need with “Like it never even happened” levels of cleanup. Property owners can call (617) 903-5055 to kick-start the restoration process.

SERVPRO Remediates Brookline Residential Mold Damage

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

what to know about mold poster The more you know about mold, the more you want to call SERVPRO for remediation of your Brookline home.

Mold Mitigation Solutions and Safety Measures

Each year, mold damage impacts wood and structural materials more than fire and termites combined. This impact illustrates just how hard spores can be on home surfaces in a short period. Brookline homeowners can start feeling the effect of microbial growth within as little as one to two days after water damage enables its proliferation.

Brookline SERVPRO mold mitigation technicians utilize commercial-grade, cutting-edge remediation tools and technologies to restore homes after microbial damage. Technological advances like thermal imaging cameras, when paired with tried-and-true tactics like duct sealing, flood cuts, and debris removal, can return a home to its pre-mold condition safely and efficiently.

Reconsidering DIY Home Mold Cleanup

While it may seem tempting to cut costs by taking care of mold damage with do-it-yourself strategies, homeowners are encouraged to leave this restoration to certified professionals. Not only can trained restoration technicians more thoroughly restore spaces impacted by damage, but they can also inspect homes with high-grade sensors and imaging tools.

Homeowners looking into DIY spore cleanup should reconsider because:

  • Without thorough containment and decontamination of PPE, it is easy to unintentionally spread microbes which can then repopulate and damage structures and contents once more
  • When spores impact contents like carpet and mattresses, these items are typically not salvageable and require careful disposal. Mold remediation firms like SERVPRO can perform this service while preventing spores from spreading unintentionally
  • Structural materials like drywall may also need removal. We can perform a controlled demolition without removing a whole wall. Professionals can also implement solutions like spray-and-sealing on wall studs to prevent further contamination risks to essential structural materials like framing and subfloors

SERVPRO, meanwhile, adheres to restoration industry standards set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to implement microbial cleanup. While total mold removal is not guaranteed due to the microscopic size of individual spores, SERVPRO training ensures that remediation can achieve pre-disaster spore levels or lower without homeowners having to take on the work themselves.

SERVPRO’s Comprehensive Mold Restoration Strategies

One essential ingredient in SERVPRO’s recipe for effective mold remediation is its 24-hour responsiveness, which allows restoration to begin as soon as possible after homeowners call for assistance. These tasks can be implemented during weekends, late nights, and holidays to minimize homeowners’ discomfort and maximize the salvageability of home contents exposed to spores.

On top of cleaning, SERVPRO’s demolition and debris removal services are essential to keeping homes safe and maximizing their readiness for structural repairs. This crew’s loadout includes commercial-grade personal protective equipment (PPE), drying equipment, EPA-registered antimicrobials, and odor control units like foggers and sprays that can implement large-scale malodor removal. HVAC cleanup modalities, HEPA-filter vacuums, and air scrubbers significantly improve indoor air quality for Brookline residents.

Emergency-response remediation for mold damage includes the following:

  • Home inspection with moisture sensors, meters, and thermal imaging to locate potential microbial damage that has gone unnoticed and establish remediation goals throughout the cleanup
  • Negative air pressure and containment establishment that prevents spore spread through ducts, doorways, and windows
  • Decontamination of PPE in designated clean areas to follow restoration industry protocols for mold mitigation
  • Controlled demolition and disposal of unsalvageable materials contaminated by mold damage with the permission of homeowners
  • Spore drying and collection with structural drying equipment, dehumidification, and commercial-grade vacuum

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster and only a phone call away from providing restoration services. Contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline at (617) 903-5055 to begin mitigation as soon as possible after a disaster occurs.

Needed Water Damage Repair for Flooded Brookline Attics 

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Large tree roof damage Storm damage repair in Brookline--SERVPRO can do it! "Like it never even happened."

Storms Can Require Water Damage Repair

Storms are a likely scenario for Brookline homes and businesses. While buildings get constructed to withstand the severe weather the area experiences, sometimes damages place your attic at risk of flood damage and structural weakening. Our fast response can put experienced SERVPRO professionals at your doorstep to begin the property assessment and the earliest mitigation solutions.

Board Up Services 

One of the first steps of water damage repair for your Brookline attic is sealing vulnerabilities the storm created. We are experts with board-up and tarping services, preventing further water from getting into the attic and protecting the structural assembly of the roof from continued exposure to moisture. Sealing and tarping can also allow drying and restoration to begin despite the repairs not being fully complete. 

Securing the Structural Integrity 

We assess the condition of the attic and its structural integrity. Board-up services and tarping might keep the water out, but a roof that could collapse after substantial storm damage needs more than a tarp to cover penetration points. We install structural supports and shoring to stabilize the work area until full repairs get completed.

Repairing the Roof 

The needed roof repairs will vary based on the storm's impact. High winds can remove shingles or drop trees on the roof, making larger repair areas. The roof components must be evaluated individually for their salvageability and need for replacement. This structural assembly can get divided into three main categories:

  • Trusses
  • Underlayment Materials
  • Building Envelope

After a storm, your home can benefit from several water damage repairs. We prioritize securing and stabilizing threatened spaces in the house, like the attic, to keep further water and flood damage from destroying more. When a storm damages your home, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline can help when you call (617) 903-5055.

Why Thorough Inspection is Necessary During Fire Damage Restoration in Brookline

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke Clouds Our techs are ready 24/7, 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Inspects HVAC System in Brookline During Fire Damage Cleanup

Several systems within a building need to be inspected by professionals during fire damage restoration. Irrespective of the fire size, never assume that everything is okay after the fire. Soot particles can penetrate unimaginable areas and cause damage you should have prevented by acting appropriately.

One of the systems that our SERVPRO technicians inspect during fire damage cleanup in your Brookline property is the HVAC system. Suppose it is running or you make the mistake of operating it immediately after the incident. In that case, its filters may get clogged by soot and smoke particles. The appliance may not function efficiently and can spread the contaminants to other areas.

To unclog the filters and prevent further damage, our team performs the following procedures:

  • The HVAC system is turned off before attempting any restoration procedure.
  • Inspection: We remove the filters and closely inspect them for signs of clogging
  • Cleaning: Slightly clogged filters are vacuumed or washed with soap and water. We then make sure they are completely dry before fixing them back.
  • Assessment of other components: Our SERVPRO technicians check whether the evaporator coil, blower motor, and other components have been affected and recommend the necessary repair or replacement of fire damage.

Other systems that require careful and thorough inspection include electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, security, and structural systems. The goal is to make sure your property is safe for reoccupation. To reduce possible long-term effects and risks, work with a fire damage company that meets the IICRC standards and follows the local regulations.

Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline at (617) 903-5055 when you need urgent cleaning and restoration services to your residential or commercial property. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster and use advanced equipment for an efficient and stress-free process.

Commercial Water Mitigation in Brookline Is More Effective with SERVPRO’s Help

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

Moisture Reader All you need is SERVPRO for all your water damage needs.

Professionals for Commercial Water Damage in Brookline

Water damage in a commercial building has an impact much more significant than what is felt at residential properties. The complexity of commercial water damage lies not just in the size of the building but also in how complex the mechanical systems are. The consequences are severe, including but not limited to disruption of the free movement of customers, employees, and goods and services, and conspicuously denting the business finances. When not handled immediately and with great expertise, things quickly get from bad to worse.

Refrain from letting your business suffer unnecessary damage since SERVPRO is just a phone call away. Our local team is a collection of highly experienced technologists certified by regulatory bodies to perform commercial water damage mitigation in Brookline under any conditions. SERVPRO is well-trained and equipped with cutting-edge technology to handle even the most difficult tasks.

Water damage at commercial properties can leave behind odors that might be unpleasant to the workers and customers, interfering with the usual business flow. To handle the odors, our SERVPRO team can use multiple products or equipment, depending on the specific situation and size of the damage. Some of the modes of deodorization that we use include:

  • Wet fogging, by using Ultra low volume (ULV) foggers.
  • Dry fogging, using a thermal fogger.
  • Using hydroxyl generators to act on the odor-causing particles.
  • Using high-velocity exhaust fans to ventilate the structure before and after deodorization

In addition, our SERVPRO team can help you pack out, inventory, and relocate contents in your commercial property to our facilities for restoration. We also offer specialist help restoring documents and contents affected by water damage to avoid the loss of vital business information and records.


Business owners handling water damage should contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline for help at (617) 903-5055. We have innovative protocols and technologies that make a water damage incident seem “Like it never even happened.”

Different Methods of Water Removal in Brookline

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Equipment Our techs are ready 24/7, 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Helps Brookline Homeowners with Water Removal

Even though it doesn't happen every day, there are several ways unwanted moisture can find its way into your home. Weather is often a culprit; heavy rain and high-speed winds can cause your structure to fail and water to enter. A mishap could also occur inside your house that has nothing to do with weather conditions. For example, a pipe could freeze and break, or your sewage lines could clog and back up.

SERVPRO can help with water removal in Brookline, whether the source is clean or contaminated moisture. If a water supply line breaks, the damage is considered category one since the water is clean. H2O coming from the outside or a source like a sink or a shower drain then it gets classified as category two because there is a chance of contamination. Muddy water from the ground or a sewage line is a category three project because the moisture is more than likely contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungi. 

When we work on category two and three damage scenarios, we can take extra precautions to remove any contaminated materials and ensure that the contamination does not spread. For example, if porous materials like your carpets come into contact with dirty water, we can remove them in sealed bags. If non-porous materials come into contact with water, we can use disinfectant solutions to kill harmful microorganisms. We can also seal off the infected areas with a containment chamber so that toxic particles in the air do not spread to other places in your home. Setting up air scrubbers in affected sections of your structure can also help prevent the spread of microorganisms.

We can conduct the following to mitigate issues with all types of water damage scenarios:



  • Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
  • Remove standing water with a submersible pump
  • Water extraction services
  • Carpet and pad removal
  • Drywall removal
  • Restorative carpet cleaning

Anytime building materials inside your home get wet, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline at (617) 903-5055.

Why Mold Remediation by Experts in Brookline is Best

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Water On Floor In Doorway We aim to restore your property as quickly as possible, "Like It Never Even Happened."

SERVPRO Handles Mold Damage with Skilled Remediation in Brookline

Humidity and a rise in moisture content can spell trouble for businesses and residences around the Brookline area. A microbial threat can disrupt your life and daily routine, causing you to worry about cleaning and the cost of further damage. SERVPRO wants area property owners to know not only the triggers of mold growth but how we address it to get you the results you deserve. We always strive to ensure your property receives the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal of approval.

The mold remediation process for your Brookline property begins with looking at any internal triggers. These may include:

  • Hidden water leaks
  • Haphazardly addressed spills
  • Poor ventilation
  • Higher humidity

Why Choose Professional Mold Cleanup?

With all the possible hazards of mildew and mold growth, you should ensure you have a team with proper training to handle it. SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified technicians know how to handle all situations, and we formulate a tailored plan to meet the needs of your property. We look at areas like:

  • Moisture Issues – High relative humidity and poor ventilation can bring mold growth. We look at airflow, degrading materials in different areas, and how to best begin drying and safe cleanup.
  • Structural Damage – When mold colonizes, the spores feed on organic matter like paper, drywall, wood, and other elements throughout your home. We ensure all structural facets are solid and safe during the remediation process.
  • Halting Spread – By putting negative air pressure systems and containment measures in place, we limit the movement of spores. Doing so helps to ensure no unaffected areas of your business or home are in danger of mold colonization. 

With each mold cleanup project, our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) pay close attention to all malodors. We eliminate odors rather than masking them, ensuring you have a clean, fresh interior to enjoy once the project completes.

Call (617) 903-5055 to enlist the help of SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline for your mold remediation needs! We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.