Removing Tough Fire Damage Residues in Brookline with SERVPRO Equipment

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

Restoring Flood Damage in Brookline Basements

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let your property be a victim of flood damage, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is only a call away.

Brookline Flood Damage Cleanup Services

Storms can cause many problems for your home, from damaging the shingles on the roof to removing siding. One of the greatest threats to homes is flood losses, where penetrating water makes its way into areas like the basement of your house. 

Where Did Floodwater Enter Your Home?

Flood damage for Brookline properties, especially in the basement, must be carefully evaluated and inspected. Knowing where the water entered this lower level of your household can show where actions will be needed to repair the foundation or seal up vulnerabilities. 

Effective Floodwater Extraction

Standing water is one of the greatest obstacles in professional cleaning and restoration of these disasters. Because of the potential for debris and solids in the water, not all of the extraction tools in our inventory are capable of helping the situation. Larger discharge options like the trash pumps and truck-mount extractors provide consistent pull of standing water without being significantly slowed by floating debris concerns.

Starting Muck-Out Cleaning

Cleaning after a flood is a much-needed action for our team to take. Natural flooding introduces contaminants and debris into the structure, which can become plastered to vertical surfaces, float in standing water, or cake to the flooring as water recedes. Muck-out cleaning involves shovels, wet vacuums, and other tools from our inventory to collect and safely dispose of:

• Organic Matter
• Debris
• Bugs
• Solids
• Contaminants

Complete Drying Solutions

Drying involves numerous strategies. The full scope is to remove water damage from building materials, surfaces, and the environment. Achieving this is a product of combining tools like air movers and dehumidifiers to promote efficient evaporation solutions. Air movers are placed at a 45-degree angle to offer continuous moisture removal across a broad surface area.

Flood damage can be a compromising situation for your home. You must work on overcoming these conditions as soon as possible, and our SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline team is ready to respond with storm damage relief and cleanup. Call us at (617) 903-5055.

SERVPRO Helps Avoid Fire Restoration Hazards in Brookline

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your water damage needs. Call (617) 903-5055.

SERVPRO Keeps You Safe During Fire Restoration Activities in Brookline

Many Brookline residents are unaware of the potential hazards after a fire in their Brookline homes. Fire department has extinguished the fire, and they are ready to leave. Should you enter the house and try to recover some of your belongings, mementos, and important papers? Or wait for help from your insurance company and a restoration crew? Has your home been designated as unsafe to enter?

SERVPRO provides fire restoration services to residents of Brookline. We can be onsite within four hours of your call at any time of the day. Our team leader will assess the damage and any safety issues. We check for overhead hazards such as collapsing ceilings, electrical shock hazards from water damage to electrical wires, slip and fall hazards, poor lighting, and maintaining the security of your home or business until repairs can be arranged.

During the clean-up and restoration phase of the project, our team works closely with the client to retrieve any items needed for insurance claims, recovery of heirlooms, and other important things. We take the utmost care to avoid further damage and reduce secondary damage as much as possible. Our objective is to clean and restore whenever possible vs. replace. 

Before beginning restoration, we remove all water, chemicals, charred materials, and smoke residues. Our restoration team includes all the trades needed to restore a home, including electricians, plumbing and heating experts, drywall and flooring installers, and many more.

We can save you time and manage your total costs by utilizing our building services teams to coordinate repairs and restoration activities. Our services at SERVPRO include:

• Fire damage restoration and repair
• Smoke remediation and odor removal
• House fire clean up

Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline for fire restoration services. We provide service to Brookline and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (617) 903-5055.

Selecting the Best Commercial Fire Restoration Team in Brookline

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have the training and experience needed for all commercial fire damage restoration services.

Brookline Businesses Need Prompt, Professional SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration

Having fire damage within your commercial property is devastating. As a business owner, you need to know that you can handle the damage to possessions, structures, and water from putting out the flames. You need to call a professional restoration team fast so that you can limit the amount of downtime that you have. SERVPRO has all bases covered, from debris removal and water extraction to repair and odor control. We always make it “Like it never even happened.”

With our commercial fire restoration in Brookline, we give you workable timelines for rebuilding and repair so that you know what you are up against. When hiring someone for the task, we suggest that you ask yourself the following questions:

• What types of restoration services does the company provide? SERVPRO gets you through the entire process: initial inspection, tarping and board-up services, soot and smoke cleanup, odor control, and water removal services.
• Does the company work outside regular business hours? SERVPRO is available 24/7, 365 days a year, so you have a restoration team ready to get started as soon as possible.
• Will all fire damage get assessed right away? Once first responders give our crew the green light, a full inspection and assessment get done. We determine the level of fire damage, the types of soiling and residue present, and all possible structural and environmental hazards.
• Is the company certified to handle fire and water restorations? SERVPRO is fully IICRC-certified - ready to address all water damage, charring, smoke damage, and everything your commercial property needs to put the fire behind you and get back to business. 

Knowing you have hired the best team to take on your commercial fire restoration needs is nothing like knowing. Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline when you need us at (617) 903-5055 or request help online at your earliest convenience. Ask us about developing your Emergency READY Plan (ERP)!

Water Cleanup Equipment Makes All the Difference in Allston

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage cleanup is no easy task in Allston. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate services for your home.

Allston Property Owners Look to SERVPRO for Expert Water Cleanup

Water removal services help you to remove standing water after an emergency within your Allston property. However, most circumstances go beyond using a mop, bucket, or wet/dry vacuum. Powerful industrial-grade tools used by skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) help you get results quickly. SERVPRO’s 24/7 availability also brings you the trained team you need at your door within hours to help you limit the loss and secondary damage to your home or business – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Water mitigation and water cleanup in Allston go hand-in-hand. SERVPRO’s Green Fleet arrives in four hours or less so that our initial inspection can get underway and water removal services can begin. We have all the right tools of the trade to get results, including:

• Extractors – We have pumps, truck-mounted extractors, carpet wands, rovers, and other tools to pull up standing water and moisture in carpeting and other spaces.
• Drying Tools – Our technicians set up air movers and fans to increase airflow and dehumidifiers to help lower moisture in the air. We also have drying mats, the injectidry system, and other specialized tools to handle hidden moisture and trapped water.
• Heating – In some instances, heaters strategically help us achieve our goals quickly to lessen downtime and drying times.
• Cleaning Agents – Disinfection and mold prevention are vital with any water cleanup project. We have a collection of EPA-registered antimicrobials to clean all surfaces thoroughly. 

Trusted area contractors carry out water damage repairs to ensure everything gets restored to pre-water loss condition “Like it never even happened.” This includes everything from carpet and drywall replacement to electronics restoration by local professionals.

When dealing with a water emergency, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline can handle your water cleanup needs. Call the SERVPRO customer care center 24 hours a day at (617) 903-5055 for your restoration project.

Why Expert Mold Remediation Is Paramount in Brookline

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now for the help your home needs.

Brookline Contents Cleaning and Mold Cleanup with SERVPRO

When faced with mold damage to your Brookline property, you need a technical team that handles every aspect. All too often, content cleaning becomes an afterthought with some restoration companies. With SERVPRO, we ensure nothing goes unaddressed so that you can get your property back to pre-damage condition. This includes salvaging as many building materials and mold-impacted contents as possible. We never leave until your home gets the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned seal of approval!

Beyond containment and isolation measures with mold remediation in Brookline, you need to think about contents like personal belongings, linens, and furniture. The unfortunate truth is that improperly assessed and cleaned contents can become a cross-contamination source.

Why call SERVPRO

We perform a thorough initial assessment of all contents, separating those that can get salvaged from items that call for disposal. Determinations are made for the proper cleaning methods, the best products to use, and whether or not some things should be moved off-site for safe storage at our climate-controlled warehouse.

• Most non-porous contents can usually get satisfactorily cleaned of all items with visible contamination.
• Most porous, soft contents may support and harbor fungal colonies and call for disposal.

SERVPRO technicians know that even if specific contents are free from visible mold growth, there could be small pockets of contaminants like mycotoxins, hyphae, and spores. The IICRC characterizes this as Condition 2 within their mold remediation standards. Our thorough assessment and cleaning measures ensure thorough cleaning to restore spore counts to normal levels so that you and anyone else within your property can breathe easily again.

What about materials that are beyond repair?

Controlled demolition may also get performed to help us remove any unsalvageable building materials and replace them with brand-new ones. Once we get done, the indoor air quality (IAQ) improves, and all surfaces are thoroughly disinfected and sanitized.

Call us at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline at (617) 903-5055, and we will send a crew out to help with mold cleanup and remediation. You can also request help online at your earliest convenience.

The Demolition Necessary after Flood Damage in Allston Homes

7/10/2022 (Permalink)

If flood damage occurs in your home, you need to bring in the professionals. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for professional advice and remediation services.

SERVPRO Controls Flood Restoration Demolition in Allston

With the widespread damage that flooding unleashes in Allston homes, you may have no choice but to demolish your home to pave the way for full restoration. Demolition does not necessarily mean taking a wrecking ball and flattening the structure. In most flood damage cases, demolition is a surgical process that removes only the unsalvageable materials and leaves the structure standing.

Depending on the level of flood damage experienced in Allston properties, demolition can be limited or a “full gut.” Substantial evaluation is necessary to determine the required type of action. Otherwise, you might leave some damaged materials or waste money tearing down salvageable ones. Our SERVPRO crew chiefs can evaluate your property and rely on their skills or special equipment to determine what goes and what should stay.

Critical considerations for demolition

• Moisture absorption level
• Physical deterioration extent
• Contamination

Demolition skills

Whatever the reason for demolition, including facilitating material disposal, the right skills are necessary when doing it to achieve positive outcomes. Appropriate skills can be the ability to remove materials without damaging the surroundings or utilities. It can also mean creating manageable debris. These might sound like simple goals, but in a flooded property, slick floors, weak ceilings that can collapse anytime, and other challenges make it harder to carry out simple tasks. Our SERVPRO teams are well prepared with PPE such as rubber boots, heavy-duty gloves, and hard hats for safety when handling materials. We also have other useful resources like large trash cans for holding the debris removed from the structure.

Typical controlled demolition tasks 

• Disassembling countertops
• Making wall flood cuts
• Drilling ceiling weep-holes

Controlled demolition is a planned process that starts with removing materials attached to walls such as cabinets before removing wall panels. In the next stage, we remove ceiling fixtures and then the boards. Any demolition involving the floor is done last.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline takes the necessary action to address flood damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (617) 903-5055.

Fire Restoration on Unfinished Surfaces in Brookline Homes

7/10/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire in your home, you need quick remediation services. SERVPRO technicians are available any time to assess and remediate your fire damage.

SERVPRO Readily Handles Fire Cleanup in Brookline

You may think of fire damage only in terms of consuming materials, reducing them to charred pieces or fine residue like ash. However, fire also leaves surfaces caked with residues requiring extensive cleanup work. The condition of the soiled surface in your Brookline home matters since the porosity level influences the cleaning challenge. Fire restoration requires special attention or equipment if the affected areas include brick, wood, or concrete surfaces.

Whenever cleaning as part of fire restoration in Brookline properties, it is essential to consider whether the process might worsen the soiling or damage the underlying material. The problem for resilient materials such as brick or concrete is mostly soil setting since it takes tremendous force to harm them. On the other hand, significant moisture absorption, heavy agitation, and harsh chemicals can readily damage unfinished wood. SERVPRO fire restoration technicians comprehend these issues, so we try to create the best conditions to facilitate cleaning.

Cleaning unfinished surfaces requires:

• Special chemical agents like denatured alcohol
• Abrasive resources like sandpaper
• Vacuuming equipment
• Protective clothing like gloves, respirators, and goggles

Cleaning unfinished surfaces

You can achieve restoration through dry or wet cleaning. Starting with dry cleaning helps remove all loose residues, so that wet cleaning does not send them deeper into the surface. The method choice also depends on whether the situation involves wet or dry smoke residues. For dry cleaning, our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians combine an abrasive option like sanding with one that collects residues conveniently, such as vacuuming.

Wet cleaning helps remove the stubborn soils attached or embedded to the surface. The wet cleaning phase allows using potent chemical agents and rinsing of the surfaces once the process is over. Our SERVPRO technicians can use a pump sprayer to apply the cleaning agent or buckets and towels.

Reasons professionals finish wet cleaning faster

• Giving solutions sufficient dwell time
• Avoiding dipping soiled towels in cleaning solutions
• Heating the cleaning solution

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline can help you with any challenging fire restoration task. Call us at (617) 903-5055. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Resources Necessary for Water Removal in Brookline Premises

7/10/2022 (Permalink)

Getting rid of water from your Brookline property is a difficult task. SERVPRO professionals know how to get the job done efficiently. Call us 24/7.

SERVPRO Is Well Equipped for Water Removal in Brookline

Before water leaks into your Brookline premises, you may not consider removal a complicated process. Once the incident occurs, you must figure out how to scoop away gallons of water and dry, vast wet areas within a limited period. Seeking professional assistance can help you manage water removal conveniently.

The main determinant of the resources needed for water removal from your Brookline premises is the amount spilled. The materials affected may also have an impact. In case there is a significant percentage of porous materials like upholstery and carpets affected by the spill, removal is more challenging compared to a case where water spreads over tiled surfaces.

Necessary water removal equipment

• Pumps
• Vacuum extractors
• Humidity control

Depending on the prevalent conditions, various pumps, including submersible and high-speed varieties, can help evacuate water from a structure. A pump with sufficient head capacity is essential for a depressed structure section, such as a parking garage. High-speed pumps handle such removal conveniently. In most cases, vacuum extractors are sufficient since the standing water is not deep enough to necessitate a pump. Our SERVPRO teams are equipped with portable and truck-mounted extractors to facilitate quick removal.

The moisture absorbed by materials

A significant percentage of the water that leaks into your premises escapes into porous and semi-porous materials. Although removing high volumes of stagnant water may seem daunting, it pales compared to the effort needed to dry wet materials. Extraction only requires sufficient vacuum lift but drying wet materials in good time requires manipulation of several factors simultaneously.

Main factors to manipulate

• Air movements 
• Air temperature
• Humidity levels

Drying is only possible if there is sustained evaporation. Unfortunately, as the moisture evaporates from wet materials into the air, humidity levels increase, and once the air is saturated, drying stops. Supplying a steady stream of dry air across damp surfaces facilitates constant removal of the absorbed water. Our SERVPRO teams set up several units of air movers and dehumidifiers for sustained drying.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline can manage water removal conveniently from your business premises. You can reach us at (617) 903-5055.

Storm Flood Damage Cleanup in Brookline Requires Professional Help

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline at (617) 903-5055 for fast and efficient service.

SERVPRO Performs Storm Flood Damage Cleanup in Brookline

Few things can make property owners feel as helpless as the feeling induced by flood damage after a storm has hit. Storm flood damage can leave debris like broken tree branches, leaves, silt, and mud. 

Taking swift action and hiring professionals is the only way to minimize the damage and ensure that the house gets back to its former condition. SERVPRO can perform storm flood damage cleanup in your Brookline residence efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Floodwater causes blackwater damage because the water is highly unsanitary; contaminated by harmful chemicals, sewage, or other agents. It is more challenging to clean up a flood-damaged home than to remediate different types of water damage. We make sure that microbes do not get the chance to grow and multiply because this can lower your house's structural and aesthetic appeal. Our flood cleanup process involves several steps, including:

• Assessment
• Water removal
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Drying 
• Deodorization
• Reconstruction

The flood cleanup process requires treatment with the most excellent care. Our SERVPRO technicians have undergone rigorous training. We can use moisture meters to determine the extent of water penetration in flooring, ceilings, walls, and carpets. 

We can use self-priming trash pumps to remove the water. These pumps enable restorers to access the pump body if it gets clogged. Our team can check walls and floors below the damaged area and crawl spaces for stagnant water and pump it out as necessary. 

Mold can grow in open and hidden places after flood damage and ruin affected building materials. Our SERVPRO team can locate the colonies and remove them safely using special chemicals to kill the mold and its spores or remove the moldy materials.

The flood cleanup process also involves deodorizing the building to eliminate unpleasant odors. Our SERVPRO technicians can use ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers to dispense solvent-based and water-based deodorants into your home. The foggers generate small deodorants or particles, which penetrate most areas containing odor particles. 

Letting flood water remain in your Brookline house can cause the damage to worsen. Contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline at (617) 903-5055 for effective restoration. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Commercial Fire and Smoke Removal in Allston Requires a Swift Response

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

For any type of fire damage in your property you can count on SERVPRO to help.

Hire SERVPRO for Commercial Fire and Smoke Removal in Allston

I have fire damage in my office building and need fire restoration services. Which firm can I trust to restore it?

You can hire SERVPRO to perform commercial fire and smoke removal on your Allston property. Our certified and licensed restorers have extensive experience in commercial fire, soot, and smoke removal. You can be sure that we can quickly complete the fire damage repair process with precision and minimal disruption to foot traffic. We can do the following to restore your property: 

• Thorough inspection
• Debris removal
• Water removal and drying 
• Removal of smoke residues
• Deodorization
• Repair and rebuild

Thorough Inspection

We can complete a walk-through of the building to evaluate the fire and smoke damage. After completing the walk-through, our SERVPRO technicians can identify your priorities and determine the best approach to repairing your property. 

Debris Removal

We can test and evaluate ruined materials to determine which ones are salvageable or unsalvageable. Our SERVPRO fire and smoke restoration experts can remove the damaged materials. 

Water Removal and Drying

Our team can use water extractors to remove the water from fire extinguishing efforts. We can also place air movies and dehumidifiers in the affected area to eliminate moisture. Air movers and dehumidifiers work together to dry a structure effectively. 

Removal of Smoke Residues

Smoke residues can discolor the walls and tarnish metal structures and contents. We can use a vacuum device to eliminate particulate soiling and light debris. We often perform vacuuming before using other cleaning methods to eradicate excess residues. Our team can also use dry cleaning sponges to remove smoke residues from affected surfaces. 

Deodorization

Our SERVPRO technicians can thermal fog your commercial property with odor-eliminating products. We can also use HEPA air scrubbers to assist in the odor-removal process. 

Repair and Rebuild

We can perform the repairs required to return your property to its pre-damaged state. This may include replacing drywall, replacing or repairing flooring, and painting. 

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline can help you handle fire and smoke damage on your commercial property. Our emergency helpline is (617) 903-5055. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Hire SERVPRO to Deal With Water Damage in Your Brookline Residence

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let water take control of your property. Call SERVPRO today!

How to Efficiently Handle Water Damage in Brookline

After the unfortunate event of water damage in your home, you need to take steps to remove the water and dry the affected structures and contents. Letting water sit for a while creates a breeding ground for bacteria, mosquitoes, and other insects.

Water damage repair in Brookline requires special equipment like water extraction devices, moisture meters, safety equipment, air movers, and dehumidifiers. SERVPRO has the equipment and expertise needed to restore your residence to a preloss state. Some of the reasons why you should contact us to handle water damage include:

• Rapid restoration
• Safe mold remediation
• Proper documentation
• Reduction of costs and losses
• Professional advice

Our SERVPRO team is dedicated to cleaning, repairing, and restoring homes quickly and efficiently. Several professionals with the latest technology can work in sync to rebuild your house.

Water damage often goes beyond what is visible. Problems might occur in vents and ducts, which require cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing to remove foul odors. The restoration process is a series of steps that vary from situation to situation, taking care of the minor details that the ordinary eye cannot see but might be a source of problems in the future.

You might be unable to organize your thoughts in determining what areas need extra work and replacements. Contacting SERVPRO is of great help, for we can give you our input and assistance as professionals.

Our technicians can use air movers to increase evaporation at the surface level when drying your property. Evaporation is the procedure of pushing moisture from materials into the air. Moisture transforms from a liquid on a material's surface into a vapor. Air moving equipment assists evaporation by sweeping complete (saturated air) away from surfaces and replacing it with dryer air. After moisture gets into the air, our SERVPRO team can use dehumidifiers to dry it. We ensure that the amount of moisture we are removing from the air with dehumidifiers equals or is greater than the amount getting added to the air through evaporation. 

Water damage worsens if left untreated for long. Contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline at (617) 903-5055 for efficient restoration of your residence. 

How to Deal with Commercial Mold Damage in a Brookline Hotel

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial mold damage in Brookline needs the help of SERVPRO. We have the manpower and equipment for every size disaster.

Trust SERVPRO to Handle the Commercial Mold Damage in Your Brookline Hotel

When staying in a hotel, travelers expect clean, refreshing rooms. They do not expect mold damage. You must keep a safe, clean, and mold-free hotel space as a hotel owner.

SERVPRO can assist you in handling the commercial mold damage in your Brookline hotel to avoid losing your revenue stream. Mold problems in hotels can occur because of drastic changes in the indoor environment.

The temperature changes can cause mold infestation by creating condensation on building materials like wood and drywall.

SERVPRO can remediate the mold by taking these steps:

• Identifying and eliminating the moisture source.
• Remediating HVAC systems.
• Removing and remediating contaminated contents.
• Removing and disposing of contaminated porous materials.
• Disposing of contaminated materials.
• Cleaning.

Identifying and eliminating the moisture source

This step can involve structural modifications or repairs, like increasing ventilation with air movers and adding insulation. Once we address the moisture source, we can dry all the affected areas using dehumidifying equipment.

Remediating HVAC systems

During structural remediation, our team may deactivate or seal off the HVAC system to reduce the dispersal of mold spores and prevent contamination. We can remediate mold-contaminated HVAC systems.

Removing and remediating contaminated contents

We can remove the non-contaminated and harmful contents from the affected areas. Our team can discard or cleanse the soiled contents using suitable methods.

Removing and disposing of contaminated porous materials

We can use HEPA vacuums to decontaminate dry, porous materials infused with mold spores or dust only. If the materials have been wet for a lengthy period, we can remove and discard them. Our SERVPRO team can surface clean semi-porous materials with mold growth through scrubbing, scraping, and HEPA vacuuming.

Cleaning

After removing the mold-contaminated materials and drying your hotel’s interior, our SERVPRO team can remove visible traces of debris and dust from the remediation process using HEPA vacuum cleaners and damp wiping.

To deal with commercial mold damage in your hotel, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline for help at (617) 903-5055.

How to Handle the Water Damage in Your Allston Residence

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO handles water damage restoration like no other company. We use the latest technology and equipment for every job.

Fix Water Damage in Allison With SERVPRO’s Help

I have a water intrusion incident in my home. Who can I trust to bring things back to normal? Water damage is a catastrophe that every homeowner fears because of its ability to cause structural defects in a home and lead to the growth of mold or other microbial organisms.

You can trust SERVPRO to help you handle the water damage in your Allston residence. We can restore your house quickly since we have the required equipment and expertise. Our water damage repair process proceeds as outlined below:

• Assessment
• Water extraction
• Cleaning, sanitization, and deodorization
• Drying
• Repairs and reconstruction

Assessment

We can assess the damage to determine how severe it is, the hazards it might present, and what is restorable.

Water extraction

Our SERVPRO team can use powerful portable pumps to remove as much water as possible. This helps prevent the spread of the damage to other areas and reduces the time required for drying.

Cleaning, sanitization, and deodorization

Our SERVPRO technicians can use industrial cleaning agents to clean all the affected belongings, furniture, and floors before sanitizing them to kill microorganisms. Our restorers can remove airborne particles, chemicals, and gases from the air using air scrubbers. These devices draw dirty air through several filters, capturing particles and unpleasant smells. After that, the air scrubbers bring clean air into the environment.

Drying

We can use structural cavity drying equipment to direct airflow into wall cavities to replace moist, cool air with dryer, warmer air. This increases the temperatures of the surfaces and reduces the vapor pressure. It also increases the evaporation rate to get materials back to normal moisture levels.

Repairs and reconstruction

Our SERVPRO crew can conduct minor repairs or perform full rebuilding to get your house to its preloss condition, depending on the damage levels.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline can perform water cleanup and restoration in your home. Contact us at (617) 903-5055. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in Brookline Requires Experts

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage restoration service by SERVPRO are second to none. We will be on-site within 4 hours. We are here to help.

Trust SERVPRO for Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in Brookline

A fire at your commercial property can cause immense losses to materials, structural damage, high repair costs, and halting the normal functioning of the businesses in it. This ignition can cause financial losses, which may mean a long recovery time.

Fire damage requires a rapid response. SERVPRO has a team of dedicated, well-trained technicians to help you perform commercial fire damage restoration in your Brookline property. Our fire repair process is as outlined below:

• Damage assessment
• Minimizing the damage
• Removing soot, debris, and ruined materials
• Water extraction and drying
• Cleaning and deodorizing

Damage Assessment

We confirm that the property is safe for entry and repairs when we get on-site by assessing the structural damage. The assessment also enables us to develop a suitable restoration plan.

Minimizing the damage

Our SERVPRO team can tarp the roof if it has openings and board up torn walls and windows to protect the property from weather elements and vandalism.

Removing soot, debris, and ruined materials

We can remove all the soot and debris left behind to minimize airborne odors and improve air quality inside the building. Our SERVPRO technicians can remove the materials that have been damaged beyond repair and discard them appropriately.

Water extraction and drying

We can use our powerful pumps to remove the water left by fire suppression systems and fire departments out of the building and then use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected areas. We manipulate humidity levels and temperature to produce optimal drying conditions without causing secondary destruction.

Cleaning and deodorizing

We can restore the salvageable materials, including furnishings, through effective cleaning and replace those damaged beyond repair. Our SERVPRO team can then use Ultra Low Volume (ULV) misters to deodorize your property. This equipment atomizes liquid deodorizing agents, mainly water-based agents, to produce a fine mist. The misters generate deodorant particles of about 20 to 60 microns, small enough to get into most areas with odor-causing residues.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline has expertise in offering commercial fire cleanup and  restoration. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Contact us at (617) 903-5055.

Air Movers Work to Dry Water Damage in Brookline Homes

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO arrives at your Brookline property with advanced equipment for water damage cleanup, restoration, and repair.

Air Movers Are Critical for Drying Brookline Property Water Damage

When drying is necessary after loss incidents, our SERVPRO professionals rely on several tools from our inventory to achieve these goals. One of the critical elements of effective evaporative drying is the air movers of our equipment stock. With several types, there are multiple ways they can benefit the restoration process.

Surface Water

Water damage in Brookline homes and businesses relies on specific drying tools and products to overcome the effects of a situation like burst pipes or appliance leaking. Several materials can be quickly overwhelmed and damaged by spreading moisture, so specific tools like centrifugal air movers target direct places on building materials damaged by water. Units are placed several feet apart and frequently moved to continue their efforts in overall evaporation of:

• Drywall
• Carpets
• Trim
• Hardwood

Cavity Drying

Centrifugal units can also be used in a process to dry structural cavities. Low-profile options work alongside flood cuts and drywall to infuse these structural openings with dry air for faster evaporation. The cavity can hold water after leaks and burst pipes, making it critical to drain standing water and use these focused blasts of air to help in efficient drying production.

General Evaporative Drying

Axial air movers are ideal for broader areas of building materials and environments that are saturated and wet. Unlike centrifugal units that target a specific area of the wall system or flooring, axial options provide a general evaporative drying to aid a damaged region of the house.

There are multiple applications for air movers within a home after a water damage incident occurs. These tools are instrumental in the drying process, and for this reason, we have hundreds of these units to ensure that even large loss scenarios are managed efficiently. Give our SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline team a call today at (617) 903-5055.

Three Phases of Mold Removal for Allston Homes

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO for mold remediation inside your Allston home. Be confident in a finished project that is CERTIFIED SERVPRO CLEANED.

These Steps Are Critical for Remediating Mold Damage in Allston Properties

Mold damage management begins as soon as our professionals arrive. Situations like microbial threats only worsen without direct action, so we utilize three distinct recovery phases to protect the house, its contents, and its occupants from greater harm.

Identifying the Scope of the Damage

To cope with mold damage to Allston homes, we must first determine the extent of the loss and the work scope. Experienced managers from our teamwork alongside customers and property owners to identify priorities of remediation and restoration and the needed recovery efforts to come. Cataloging the loss of contents and the structure also helps create a detailed estimate for the work to be done.

Removing Mold Damage

The most versatile of these stages necessary to remove mold and microbial threats from your property is the management of the organism itself. Depending on how severe the infestation is, several types of mold removal strategies are effective. Surface treatment solutions are the preferred method, as these are the least invasive, but more aggressive measures are often required.

Repairs and Cleanup

An advantage to having a general contractor license is the ability to provide build-back services necessary for many homes after mold exposure. The destructive capability of active colonization compromise is hosting materials quickly, so it is important to have experienced professionals capable of repairing the damage caused to the household during the remediation process and the prolonged exposure to colonies. Some processes include:

• Replacing Structure
• Returning Contents
• Addressing Malodors

Each of these phases of mold removal and remediation is critical to protecting the exposed materials and preventing greater harm to the property. As leading applied microbial remediation professionals, our SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline team helps quickly to manage active colonization scenarios to protect your home. Give us a call today at (617) 903-5055.

Allston Storms Can Bring Various Flood Damage Hazards

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call SERVPRO to rescue your flood damaged Allston home

SERVPRO Acts Fast to Help with Flood Damage for Allston Residents

Allston residents could be subjected to storms that bring on flooding and water damage regardless of the season. If you have flood water coming into your property, you must be cautious when navigating any standing water. Not only that but having a skilled team of water restoration technicians (WRT) available to handle extractions and cleanup will get you the best results. SERVPRO is available around the clock for rapid flood water removal services and storm cleanup – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

When it comes to all flood damage in Allston, there is a genuine concern about contamination. SERVPRO handles safety concerns from contamination within saturated materials to possible structural damage. Our team also takes added precautions to ensure contaminants do not turn into an issue throughout areas unaffected by the floodwater.

It is important to note that protection is vital for storm flooding anywhere in your home. Exposure to floodwater could mean possible chemicals, feces, vermin, etc. Should you have any contact with water entering your home, you can:

• Wash hands/body parts with clean water and soap as soon as possible. If clean water is not available, hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes make suitable substitutes.
• Clean any clothing containing flood water or sewage using hot water and detergent before wearing it again.
• Any wounds that possibly come into contact with floodwater should get looked at and cleaned/appropriately dressed.

SERVPRO enters all flooded properties with the utmost caution while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). We set up containment barriers, place drying equipment, and utilize pumps and truck-mounted extractors to pull up all standing water. Flood situations also call for water pre-treatment with antimicrobials before water removal services begin.

Flood damage gets handled quickly and effectively by our team at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. Contact our team at (617) 903-5055 if you require assistance.

The Types of Smoke Residues in Brookline Homes Require Cleaning

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Trust the FSRT fire and smoke damage restoration technicians from SERVPRO to restore your home in Brookline, "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage Requires Multiple Cleaning Approaches for Brookline Properties

Fires can produce multiple types of residues and soil deposits that must be overcome to restore the home to its original condition. Our SERVPRO team responds fast to help with this needed mitigation and deep cleaning. Most smoke deposits and residues left behind after combustion require cleanup and restoration services. Common smoke damage types include:

• Dry Smoke
• Wet Smoke
• Protein Residues

Dry Smoke Residues

While it is among the easier fire damage in Brookline homes to resolve, dry smoke damages still require specific recovery processes to clear. These types of residues are produced by high heat fires that combust products almost completely, leaving only a thin layer of chalky residue on nearby surfaces. In many cases, dry cleaning products like chemical sponges can be an effective tool to remove these deposits.

Wet Smoke Damage

Wet smoke is among the most challenging residue types to remove from surfaces, as these are usually thick and moist. In most situations, some wet cleaning products are ineffective for overcoming these soils and can smear the residue or stain the underlying surfaces. Emulsification is a chemical process that can often pull soils away from the connected substrate to wipe clean.

Protein/Grease Fire Residues

These are commonly produced during kitchen fires and can be a difficult obstacle for restoration professionals. The thickness of these residues and their oily consistency makes them challenging to remove without applying solvents to dissolve the soils. Products must be carefully considered to avoid damaging the finish of impacted surfaces.

The type of smoke residue that exists plays a considerable part in how easy property is to clean and the extensive restoration processes necessary to return a home to preloss condition. The fast response of our SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline team gets these mitigative strategies started as soon as possible. Call today at (617) 903-5055.

The 4 Things That Often Cause Flooding | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline has the team to help you recover from any disastrous event.

Natural disasters of any type can be devastating. Whether you are dealing with tornadoes, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms or something else, they can all be quite dangerous. However, most people are surprised to learn that flooding is the most common and the most deadly type of natural disaster within the United States.

There can be a lot of variation in the damage that flooding causes, but the types of flooding and the things that make it occur are often the same—and that is what we will be examining today.

The Silent Business Partner You Didn’t Know You Needed | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline are your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

Owning a business of your own can be a lot of work! We understand that it takes every ounce of dedication to ensure that your company is successful. So, if a major disruption happens, it can truly be devastating as well as chaotic for you personally.

You should know that just because you are alone in running a business doesn’t mean you are alone in dealing with emergencies. You have a partner in SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. We want to see you succeed, and we will work to get you prepared and back on your feet.

Large loss recovery. Fires, storms and flooding are the top causes of financial losses. This can cause major damages to any business, and even more so if you don’t react quick enough. That’s why we are available ²⁴⁄₇ so that you can count on us any time of the day or night!

Emergency Ready Plan. Your best defense is preparation. Any and every business needs an emergency plan, and we’re here to help you implement one. We will work to create an optimized plan for your company, outlining the specifics of what to do in an emergency and how to do it.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We offer more than simply the general carpet cleaning that you might be thinking of! We also providing specialty cleaning services like biohazard removal. We can find a solution for any kind of mess, because we’ve been in the industry for a long time and we know what to expect.

Restoration Services. Storms bring floodwaters, fires can spark in the kitchen and pipes may burst sometimes! No matter what kind of disaster has taken hold of your business, they will all require cleanup and restoration services of some kind. We can assure you that with SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we will have your business back to preloss condition in no time.

Industry Specialization. There’s no commercial enterprise that we can’t help! We have trained our technicians on every in and out that accompanies commercial properties. No matter what type of special needs your place may have, we have you covered. We will also do our best to enclose our work area, in hopes of not disrupting your regular business operations.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

What Will Spring Weather Bring? | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to severe weather. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton Brookline is here if you experience any damage.

The United States comes in at a close second as one of the largest countries with only Russia and Canada being larger!

Because our country is so large, that means that seasonal weather can look a lot different depending on where you are. With our nation being so spread out, it can create different weather patterns for certain areas, which in turn creates different weather threats.

As the spring season is drawing near, it means that the cold and warm air masses will collide, causing weather hazards. With the official start of spring on March 20 quickly approaching, let’s take some time to review the weather:

Let’s get started on our first region, the Pacific Northwest. This region will experience heavy rains during the spring months, which can cause flooding or water damage. The higher elevations also might have to worry with flooding, but from melting snow or ice, which clearly can cause problems of its own.

Moving to the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions, these ares are still experiencing winter weather. In fact, this region is likely to still be dealing with snowstorms or blizzards until late spring or early summer. We’re intimately acquainted with this weather pattern! While the arrival of spring might bring a little more warmth, we usually don’t fully warm up until summer.

As we move on to the West Coast, this region is experiencing opposite of what we see here. On the West Coast, they may be faced with excessive heat waves. When temperatures get intensely high and the air remains dry, it puts the area at risk of wildfires and also endangers people.

The middle part of the United States, from Iowa down to Texas, has drier air, but it’s very windy! This region has to prepare for windstorms, derechos and wildfires. Part of the Midwest is also home to what’s known as “Tornado Alley,” where tornadoes are incredibly common.

Last but certainly not least, we have the Southeast region, which can experience severe weather hazards during the spring. Intense thunderstorms and even tornadoes are common in the South this time of year, and states along the coast also have to keep an eye out for early-season hurricanes.

So, as you can see, with the United States being so large and spread out, weather patterns can look extremely different. That’s why you must always stay prepared and aware about what is going on in your area!

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Tips For Fire Restoration

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be very messy. Know what to do in case you are ever confronted with it.

Fire damage restoration is complicated for those who do not deal with it on a consistent basis. Many times we get calls to ask for advice on how to clean up after fire. Below we have listed tips that can help most fire cleanup situations.

Please keep in mind that fire damage restoration takes time and skill. See below and realistically consider whether you want to try these ideas on your own or enlist the help of a restoration specialist like SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline, where we will guarantee our work!

1. Remove smoke damage

Wash walls one small area at a time. Work from floor up to prevent streaking. Wash the ceiling last. Wipe down and dry the areas that got wet to prevent possible growth of mold and mildew. You can do this with small solution of household bleach and water. If drywall and insulation is soaked your best option is to contact a professional to ensure the materials are fully dried.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055 will help

2. Limit activity and movement

Once you are cleared to reenter your home by first responders do your best to work on one area at a time to prevent spreading soot into other areas. The worst thing you can do is give yourself more work in what is already considered a very laborious process. Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet in high traffic areas.

3. Avoid smearing soot into fabrics

Soot from smoke damage is greasy so ensure you dust it off to prevent rubbing it your fabrics and upholstery. Fabrics and upholstery are very porous and will likely absorb the smoke odor. You may need to wash the fabrics multiple times in order to fully get rid of the smoke odor. Make sure that your hands and cleaning equipment is clean so you do not add more soot to the material.

4. Thoroughly Dry Everything!

This will be the most important yet tedious step. You will need to determine whether or not you should restore (dry) or replace items that were affected by the water (ie. carpet, flooring, insulation and more). It takes on average about 48hrs for a wet area to promote the growth and spread of mold. Your home will most likely be wet if a fire department put out the fire. Before repainting and putting things back to its original place make sure your walls, insulation, ceiling, furniture and all other porous materials are completely dry. You can rent commercial grade fans and open windows. The key is to know when everything is dry! Do not stress yourself and make the mistake of turning the fans off too soon. Instead, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. We have the equipment that will let us know what areas need to be dried and when drying has been completed.

5. Repaint & Restore

Once the walls are thoroughly cleaned and dry you can repaint a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling. Before painting it is very important that the walls and ceiling is thoroughly dried so there are no streaks. You are now ready to put furniture back in its original space.

Fires are no joke and the damage they leave behind much less. Our goal here at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is to be able to make the restoration process as seamless as possible. That way you can work on getting the rest of your life back in order pre-fire. Let us help 617-903-5055

What SERVPRO Means by “Full Service” | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline to get the job done.

If you drive by a neighbor’s home and see carpets on the side of the house along with a green SERVPRO truck sitting in the driveway, it’s safe to assume that they had some kind of disaster happen to them.

We are well-known as being a cleaning company, but what we want people to understand is that we are actually a full-service company! So if you need cleaning, restoration or even reconstruction, you can rest assured that we will see you through all of it.

Let’s take a deeper look into what SERVPRO provides for home and business owners:

Water damage recovery. If you suffer from some type of water damage, you can bet that we will be there to help in no time. Water damage requires a quick cleanup, and we are available ²⁴⁄₇ so that we can provide that for you.

Fire damage recovery. There is a fire reported every 23 seconds here in the United States. As we’ve seen for ourselves, fires can do a lot of damage to a home or business, but that’s why we know to bring in big help!

Mold removal. Mold damage can creep up on you in no time, and sometimes without you even noticing! It can threaten the structure of your home, and it spreads quickly. That’s why you should leave that cleanup to the professionals.

Storm recovery. Whether you’ve been hit by a tornado or high winds, the damage weather can do to a home or business can be quite catastrophic! We are here and ready to help restore or even reconstruct your home or business following storm damage.

Commercial needs. While we are best known for residential services, we provide the same services (plus a few more) to business owners, too. We work to give your business a shiny look so that your customers and employees see that you care about them.

General cleaning. Sometimes, life can be hectic, and general cleaning can be difficult to keep up with. That’s why we provide these services, along with carpet, curtain and upholstery cleaning.

Specialty cleaning. Businesses sometimes need specialized services for things like biohazard cleanup or document restoration. No matter what it is, we know that if it can get dirty, we can get it clean.

Construction. There are times that a home or business is past the restoration process, and the only option left is reconstruction. And while we understand that is stressful, we will provide you with services to help you get through it, and make your home or business look just as good as before.

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

Ice Storms - Be Prepared

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure you are surveying your property year room for potential damages. As always call us when you need us!

Blizzards and freezing rain are a pain not only for commuting but also for your property. Winter storms and freezing rain can cause ice dams here in Boston, MA and surrounding areas of New England.

Water dams can trap water and freeze pipes. The frozen water causes expansion which is common to burst or leak once the ice melts causing damage throughout your home or business. You should also be aware that mold can grow after frozen water is melted and mixed with humidity.

Mold is a living organism that spread pores throughout the area causing more damage. Mold can cause health effects. The best thing you can do for your home or business is to constantly monitor your property before and after a storm. If you discover damage you need to act fast to prevent further damage. Having emergency contacts (ie. roofer, emergency clean up, GE) is recommended so you can get the issue resolved as soon as possible.  

Check out our emergency ready plan if you are looking for a place to store emergency information (click here)

Give SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline if you experience water damage after a storm 617-903-5055

Fire Safety Tips

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call us if you experience fire damage

Fire damage is the physical damage to a property as a result of burning. The damage can be directly caused by flames or indirectly due to smoke and other substances emitted by fire such as soot.

Smoke and soot can be as damaging to your property as actual flames. This is because the smoke will create black clouds throughout the walls, ceiling, and porous materials in your property. There is also a strong odor associated with smoke that is very hard to remove from porous materials such as clothes, carpets and furniture.

In the unfortunate event your home or business experiences fire damage (flames, smoke or soot) we recommend you enlist the help of a professional to help you clean your property as thoroughly as possible. If a firefighter was called to your property the likelihood that water damage occurred is highly likely. In this event you have to make sure that the water is dried as quickly as possible to prevent the possible growth of mold. When mold grows it will spread quickly, cause possible health effects and increase the cost of remediation. For this reason edge on the side of caution and just hire a professional in the beginning.

We at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline will ensure we get everything done right the first time so you can have your peace of mind and property back!

What Happens Next After Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

Each day, there are 14,000 Americans who have the unfortunate experience of water damage. That’s a lot of people in a day’s time, but when you have people like SERVPRO on your side, you can stay calm if disaster strikes.

When you call your local SERVPRO team following water damage, this is what you can expect:

Emergency Contact. When you reach out to our team, we’ll ask a handful of questions to get a good understanding of the emergency and damage. Then we’ll schedule an appointment to visit your house and assess the damage in person.

Water Damage Inspection and Assessment. When our technicians arrive on site, they immediately get to the main water source to shut it off, if the leak or source of damage hasn’t curtailed. They will inspect the inside and outside of your home and note any hazards along the way.

Water Removal. This stage is about saying goodbye to standing water. The longer that water lingers, the more damage occurs. We’ll use powerful pumps and extraction tools to rid your home of hundreds and even thousands of gallons of water, which speeds up the drying process.

Damaged Material Removal. We will hopefully be able to restore many of the items in your house, but some items will be rendered unusable after water damage. We’ll quickly remove those items to free up space and air for other items to dry out.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorizing. Water can and will be absorbed by many things in your home, leaving behind odors and toxins. That’s why we use some of the most up-to-date cleaning agents that will not only clean your property, but also help sanitize and deodorize your home.

Drying. While to the naked eye it may seem that your home is dry, the reality is it’s probably not. We have specialized equipment to help monitor the moisture levels in your home. If excess moisture is still present, we’ll use tools to restore a normal moisture balance and limit mold growth.

Monitoring. Even though it’s a waiting game at this point, we never lose communication with you. We will call and also stop by regularly to confirm that everything is going according to plan.

Repairs and Construction. Now that your home is dried out, you can begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Repair of physical damage is up next. We can do any minor or major repair needed in order to get your home back in good working order.

If water damage impacts your property, call SERVPRO for complete cleanup and restoration. We’ll make sure your property is back to normal and "Like it never even happened."

The Fire Tetrahedron & Why It’s Important | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is ready around the clock to help you recover.

You might have read that title and wondered why on earth we’re talking about a geometric term, the tetrahedron.

Well, we’re not actually talking about geometry in today’s blog. We are actually going to discuss the fire tetrahedron.

If you think back on your childhood education, you may remember that a tetrahedron is a four-faced shape. That’s the connection, because there are essentially four “faces” to fire, or four things it can’t live without.

Put a Plan Together for Winter Storms and Extreme Weather | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline for fast, restorative solutions.

The latter part of the year is busy. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are approaching, and you may simply look forward to the new year and a fresh start!

The one thing we want to remind you of is the importance of safety during potentially hazardous winter weather. Massachusetts has cold winters with abundant snow. It’s best to be prepared before the weather arrives.

Let’s take a look at a few items you need to keep in mind as winter storms are on the horizon.

Commercial HVAC System

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline.

Massachusetts winters can be very brutal. If your commercial building is not ready it can be very expensive for you because there are so many things that can wrong and disrupt business. Below are simple things you can do to keep your HVAC system and your business running all winter long.

Change filters

It is highly recommended that you change your filters before a peak season like summer and winter. This is because your system has a greater demand at these times. Make sure you are changing filters regularly (1-6 months) to avoid getting pollutants and mold into the air. If you do not, it can cause health effects to your employees and those entering your premise. If you smell musty odors in any area of your building make sure you get the air quality sampled to rule out the possible growth and spread of mold. Depending on the size and location of your HVAC system it may be better to hire someone to help change the filter for you.

Inspect and clean your system

Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your system if it is being done correctly. You can contract an experienced professional to help or have a plan in place to maintain on your own. What is important is that you always have a good idea of the current condition of your system and when possible services will be needed.

Keep a contact list of local service providers who can help repair your system in the event of a mal function. This will help save you time when something happens, it eventually will happen. Your preparation now can help save you hundreds in the future!

Where to Look for Water Leaks in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline team if you are dealing with any water damage.

Water damage isn’t something anyone really wants to deal with. However, we never really get notice that a disaster is about to happen. Water is always looking for somewhere to go, and it seeks the path of least resistance.

Understanding your home water system can go a long way to preventing water damage. Practice preventive maintenance with an emphasis on the most common sources for water damage:

Toilet leaks. Whether it’s a broken wax seal or a clogged toilet, these have to be repaired quickly before more damage results. The tank has many moving parts, and these can wear out over time. Proper fixture maintenance in the bathroom can save you time and aggravation in the future.

Ice maker supply line. Ice maker supply lines are common sources of water leaks. If the line is damaged, replace it. If it’s loose, secure it.

Foundation cracks. Foundation cracks are serious and should be repaired by a professional. They can allow water to seep into the basement, and if your basement is finished living space, the damage can add up quickly.

Poor ventilation. Proper attic ventilation is important because it removes moisture from the attic that could condensate, drip and cause mold growth.

Roots in drain lines. Older homes have more problems with roots in the drain lines due to the types of materials that were used in construction. Septic systems utilize field lines, and they tend to attract tree roots due to the moisture in the ground.

Common drain issues. Homeowners face many issues with drain systems, including slow drains, recurring clogs, a foul odor or flooding from a backup.

Staying current on your home maintenance is the best way to avoid a potential catastrophe!

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

Be Aware of Storms | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is on the line, ready to make things right

Stay Alert

Storms may be more common in summer but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them less seriously. Storm alerts are issued for a reason so take notice.

Consider canceling or postponing outdoor events if bad weather is in the forecast.

Local meteorologists try to provide the most accurate forecasts possible. Get yourself an NOAA Weather radio if you think a power outage could happen.

Plan to stay home and off the roads if storms are in the forecast.

Consider tree maintenance to remove dead or low hanging limbs that could be susceptible to strong winds. Also, store outdoor lawn furniture in a secure location.

Unfortunately, with all of these precautions, people still die each year from storm-related weather. Don’t take storms for granted.

If lightning accompanies the rain, stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder you hear. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from the storm.

Stay away from windows, and don’t shower or bathe during a thunderstorm. Consider unplugging sensitive electronics.

Make sure you have an emergency kit prepared, and know the evacuation route for your area.

If flooding materializes, stay on high ground and avoid flood water if possible.

Don’t attempt to drive or walk through moving water, as it can easily knock a person off their feet. Flood waters can also conceal hidden road damage, and that could be catastrophic for you and people in your car.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

Here’s How to Find a Restoration Provider You Can Trust | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/13/2021 (Permalink)

You can rest easy! You’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

When an emergency strikes, it causes chaos. It doesn’t make any difference how the disaster occurred, all that matters is you find a local reputable restoration company that can restore your property to pre-disaster condition.

When that time comes, you’re going to be in a situation where you have to make a decision quickly, as you decide what company is going to get your business and handle your restoration.

Keep these points in mind when evaluating a partnership with a restoration company:

Are They Legit?

Keep in mind that not everyone who shows up after a disaster has the best of intentions. Unfortunately, major storms and disaster situations bring scammers to your area who try to rip you off for money when you’re most at risk, deliver nothing and then disappear.

We have been part of the national landscape for over 50 years. You don’t get that kind of longevity without satisfied customers.

National brands like the PGA Tour trust us with their disaster needs. We provide high-quality service to maintain their affiliated facilities.

Can They Act Fast?

When disaster strikes, there’s no time to waste. You have got to reach someone right away so resources can be mobilized and your restoration can begin. Even a small delay can lead to more damage and costs.

That’s why we’re on call 24 hours a day to respond to your emergency situation.

Does They Have Access to National Resources?

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is locally owned and operated, which means there’s always a team right here in Cambridge ready to act. But if major storms come and a surge of activity is at hand, your local franchise is supported by the full, coast-to-coast network of SERVPRO franchises.

This means when trouble hits, we’ll be sending in a surge of help and powerful tools to make sure every local homeowner in need gets the service and attention they deserve.

When you call SERVPRO, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.

With Fall Weather Comes New Fire Dangers | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/13/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is the trusted leader in the restoration industry

One nice aspect of living in Boston is that we get to experience all four seasons. And fall is quickly approaching! The official start of the season is Sept. 22 this year.

Fall is a favorite season for campers, leaf-peepers and of course trick-or-treaters. There are lots of fun activities to do during autumn.

But along with the fun comes a few potential fire hazards. So grab a pumpkin spice latte, and let’s look over fire safety tips for the season.

Campfires and Fire Pits

This is the season for campfires and fire pits. But when you’re indulging, be sure to do so safely.

Knowing where and how to build a campfire is as important as knowing how to put it out. Start small with twigs and tinder and then ad larger stick and wood.

Use an extended lighter to start the fire if you have one. If not, consider buying one. Accelerants like kerosene or lighter fluid should be avoided.

Build your fire away from structures and other flammable items. And finally, extinguish your fire completely before leaving your campfire or fire pit.

Slowly douse it with a bucket of water to make sure no embers remain. A slight breeze can restart an ember and possibly cause a fire.

Fall Burning of Yard Debris

This time of year, yards are becoming full of dried leaves and many people like to burn leaves as a method of disposal. Make sure you check with your local Fire Department to obtain a burn permit prior to burning.

Never burn household trash or debris can that can have adverse effects like explosions or the release of toxic fumes.

Safety With Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are one of the most frequent causes of home fires in fall and winter. Following the proper safety precautions with space heaters is important for life and property safety.

Always keep your heater away from flammable objects. Make sure your heater has an automatic shutoff in case the heater turns over or overheats.

Plug any space heater directly into the outlet and avoid extension cords if possible.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

Cleaning and Restoration Solutions for Businesses | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Are you ready to have the cleanest business in town? Contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline for all your cleaning needs.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline has been providing disaster recovery services for our residents for many years. Did you know we also provide restoration from storm damage, fire damage, flood damage and mold remediation for business owners?

That’s right! Besides providing these services for homeowners, we also provide them to commercial enterprises. And the services don’t end there—we also provide commercial cleans.

Many commercial businesses usually have a higher level of cleaning requirements because customers and suppliers use their facilities as well as their employees. Knowing your business has been cleaned at the highest level can give you peace of mind knowing you have provided a clean and sanitized work environment for all that use it.

SERVPRO Custom Business Solutions

Satisfying your customers is your business—ours is making your business sparkle for them. We provide professional cleaning and sanitization services for all types of businesses:

Community grocers, as well as national chain stores, strip malls and other business locations. Facility cleanliness is our mission, whether you’re the mom-and-pop store on the corner or a mega-chain big-box retailer. We provide a superior level of cleanliness to all clients.

Academic institutions including preschool through universities and everything in between. Faculty and student cleaning is inadequate, according to a recent study. It appears that only half of the bacteria is cleared from desks. The number get even worse if items aren’t cleaned daily.

Any healthcare facility, including hospitals, assisted living centers and even hospice centers. Cleanliness in these institutions is critical and must be done properly and often. We can make sure your medical facilities are cleaned above CDC standards.

Bowling alleys, night clubs, recreational facilities and other entertainment venues. Recreational facilities require a high level of cleaning due to the number of people that utilize these facilities. We can make your venue sparkle.

Food service facilities, warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Cleanliness in these facilities is crucial for the safety of their customers. Let us handle the cleaning so you can focus on the food.

Office buildings to high rises, commercial complexes to property management companies. SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda provides the best environmental care and sanitation service for their clients.

Did you know workplaces lose an outrageous $260 billion per year due to the lost productivity that comes from sick days and lost productivity? Let SERVPRO help you turn the tide of workplace germs and ensure a healthy, clean environment for your teams and customers.

When you’re ready to have the cleanest business in town, we’re ready to help. Contact your local SERVPRO to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

Prepare for Potential Water Damage

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is ready to help when you need us

When it comes to keeping your home structurally sound and well-maintained, watching out for water damage is one of the best things you can do. Not only can water damage cause cosmetic problems and lead to unsightly spots throughout the home, but it can also significantly damage structures when it is allowed to fester.

Fortunately, homeowners can easily perform their own routine checks to look for water damage throughout the house, which can help them catch issues early and avoid having to make costly claims on their homeowners insurance.

Tips for Doing an At-Home Water Damage Inspection

Inspect your walls and ceilings. Drywall and paint can quickly show water damage, making walls and ceilings one of the best and easiest places to begin your search. Any discoloration, particularly soft spots or peeling areas of paint, might indicate that there is water damage present. It is also wise to check up on your external window and door frames for weather-related leakage.

Don’t forget to look down. It is not uncommon to find water damage that shows itself in the floor, since that is the lowest spot in every room. Water can pool and begin to saturate the subfloor, not causing surface issues but instead showing up with warped floorboards, buckling or a general smell of mildew, which should always be checked out.

Inspect your roof. It is important to keep your roof in good shape to make sure it is keeping out all the elements it can when it rains. A pair of binoculars can give you valuable insights into the quality of your roof and help you spot any loose shingles or peeling places. Additionally, it is smart to check that your gutters are doing their job the next time it rains to prevent water from building up around your foundation.

Pay close attention to the basement. Though basements have a reputation for being damp, if you have moisture problems under your home it can be a serious issue. Look for signs of water running down foundation walls or musty odors, which might indicate there is too much moisture present that should be addressed.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with a water damage restoration expert - 617-903-5055.

When Disaster Strikes, Choose SERVPRO | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is your local restoration expert.

Homeowners, business owners and property managers, it’s your job to make sure operations run smoothly. Keeping morale high and the family happy is a priority.

When something like a disaster strikes, the status quo is upset! All of those responsibilities take a back seat, and you now have a new focus. You may have never managed a crisis before—and that’s why we’re here.

Managing and handling a crisis is our job, not yours! Let us handle the pressure, we do it for a living.

When life tries to get a fast one by you, trust SERVPRO to take over and get you back to normal.

Equipped, Qualified & Ready

Our job is to be ready when needed. When you call, we’ll be on the way in a moment’s notice. We understand there is no time to spare when fire damage, flooding or a natural disaster is at hand.

When a crisis happens, we’re queued up and ready to go.

Being Faster to Any Disaster Is What We Do

When a disaster hits, we understand that we need to drop everything and come running. After all, in a disaster situation, every second counts.

For every minute that passes, mold can grow, and you can have more smoke or water damage. A fast response is critical, and with a local office right here nearby, you’ll be the beneficiary of a local company with national resources.

We Know the Best Disaster Recovery Techniques

Disasters don’t care where or when they strike, and homes and businesses can suffer accidental or natural damage.

We have custom plans for many situations, and we’re prepared to get your home or business back to normal ASAP!

Our Expertly Trained Techs Restore Your Property "Like it never even happened."

We’re not a “here today and gone tomorrow” type of operation. SERVPRO is an expert in the recovery and restoration business because we care about your satisfaction enough to ensure your property is restored to its original condition.

We are committed to ensuring your restoration is exceptional from start to finish.

We Modify Our Approach When New Disasters Arise

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, illness prevention is high on the priority list. With that in mind, we now offer sanitization and disinfecting services that go beyond normal office cleaning.

If you want your customers to feel safe and welcome, we can give you that ultra-clean space and ease the worries of your customers and employees at the same time.

Fires burn, storms rage, pipes leak—it happens. Your local SERVPRO is ready to take on the challenge so you can get back to life.

Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO has the tools, the technicians and the training to get your situation under control. When you’re ready to get help from the best, get in touch with SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline at 617-903-5055

Precautions to Take to Keep Your Home Safe From Wildfires

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is ready and able to repair any damage.

While flooding is a major concern in the greater Boston area, there is also a risk of wildfire. While the risk may be lower in Massachusetts than in other parts of the country, it is still a risk, and wildfires by their very nature can cause great damage.

There are a number of steps you can take in advance to minimize the risk of a wildfire affecting your home and property. First and foremost, it’s important to simply be more careful when it comes to fire hazards.

But defensible space is another important protocol you can implement.

Create a Barrier of Protection Around Your Home

Creating a fire break around your home is recommended by most communities and its law in a few states. State and federal agencies have coined the term “defensible space.”

This essentially creates a buffer zone around your house that removes most, if not all, of the fuel available for a wildfire. Things like dead trees, broken-off tree limbs and gutters full of debris are all examples of the fuel that makes wildfires extra dangerous around a home.

Defensible space involves removing combustibles and incorporating nonflammable elements in landscaping, which creates a barrier around your home from the flames, embers or even heat from a wildfire. This is the best way to slow down or stop a wildfire.

States like California require defensible space by law and all homeowners must comply. In Massachusetts, it’s simply recommended.

The Rising Number of Wildfires

While California is a hot spot for wildfires, they happen in other parts of the country as well. Last year, we experienced over 59,000 wildfires.

Of the 59,000 wildfires, over 10,000 occurred in California! That still leaves each state in the union an average of 1,000 wildfires per month. Here in Massachusetts, we had 1,189 wildfires in 2020.

Creating defensible space is something tangible we can do in advance a wildfire, so it’s a great place to begin when it comes to protecting your home.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team.

We Help With Storm Damage

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

We are always here when you need us 24/7 365

Severe weather is a powerful thing, and it can cause significant damage to homes, property and businesses. In recent years, the cost of treating storm damage has continued to rise nationwide, but not treating it can lead to much larger problems with your structures later on.

Choosing the right restoration company is one of the most important things you can do if you have sustained storm damage. They will be responsible for taking care of your building and belongings, as well as making sure that every aspect of the damage is thoroughly handled.

Picking the right company for the job will provide you with great peace of mind and ensure that any damage is properly addressed.

Why We Have Become Leaders in Storm Restoration

Our reputation has been earned over time. We are proud to be not only a member of the local community but also to be considered a leader in the restoration industry as a whole. We have worked hard to earn our reputation, and we are proud of it. After disasters, there are many scams afoot that take advantage of those who are vulnerable, but when you trust us, you can be certain you are getting the best in the business.

Our resources allow us to take on more jobs. If there is a large area that is impacted by a storm, you do not want a company that is struggling to keep up with demand to be in charge of your restoration. Thanks to our national partners, we can handle disasters that are any size with the same service and expertise we always do. When there is a large storm, we can call for backup in the way of extra resources and workforce to handle the issues.

Our emergency response is truly ²⁴⁄₇. Severe weather never takes a day off, so we won’t either. You can call us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to report your damage and receive exceptional service, so as soon as you discover you need us, we can be there. No matter what time you discover you have received damage, you can call us and be certain you will receive a rapid response from our expert technicians.

When you have damage from a storm to your home or commercial building, you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us at any hour to see our exceptional service in action.

Your Business and Changing Seasons

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Being prepared is the best thing you can do for your business.

If you are a Boston resident or property owner you know that the winter is unpredictable. Some years we barely get snow and the temperatures are fairly mild. While other years it is frigid with howling winds and never ending snow storms.

No matter what kind of winter is in the cards for us this year, as a property owner you should be prepared. You should not wait until winter is upon us to prepare your property. The time is now, before the fall! During this time you should be making repairs and doing preventative maintenance.

Some areas to consider:

Gutters

Clean and repair the gutter before the temperature drops. Seal leaking caps and if you can add a gutter cover to prevent debris build up. Consider investing in a gutter heating cable. This will help prevent ice dams. 

Windows and walk ways

Check your windows to make sure there are not any air leaks or excessive condensation build up. Most windows are believed to have a life cycle of 20yrs check your windows to ensure they are not at or nearing the end of their cycle. Check your walk way for any major cracks that will need to be repaired.  Pay attention to seams as well.

Boiler Room

Boilers should be serviced once a year by an engineer. The most important part of winterizing is ensuring buildings boiler will operate throughout the long winter. Ensure the pipes are well insulated as extreme cold weather can cause the boiler to shut off - which can result in frozen pipes.

HVAC

Check and replace air filters if necessary. Turn your system on to ensure it is functioning properly. Like a car idleness is not good. Run the heating unit a few weeks before temperatures start to drop to keep it working properly.

Water faucets and water lines

Drain outdoor water faucets and water lines to make sure there is no sitting water. If there is water in the water lines it can freeze in cold temperatures and cause damage to the water line and faucets.

Roof

Roofs typically have a 12 year life span. You can usually do a visual test of your roof to get a better idea of its current condition. Repair or replace any missing shingles. An added benefit of updating your roof is an insurance discount for newly replaced roof!

Fix crack in concrete and asphalt

Water is easily absorbed by concrete given the nature of the materials. If there are large cracks make sure you fill them in because salt during snowy season causes damage.

Whether you are a home owner or a property manager it is important to be proactive so you prevent possible damages to your property. Losses will happen but if you use preventative measures you can possibly help minimize the level of damage thus lowering the amount of money needed to repair/replace your property.

If your business or home experiences a loss give SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline a call 617-903-5055! We are here to help 24/7. 

Storms - Be prepared

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can catch you off guard. Knowing what to do is important.

When the sky is clear and the weather is warm, it seems silly to think about thunderstorms ruining the fun—but unfortunately, this happens quite often on hot, humid days, as that creates the ideal condition for a sudden storm to form.

When storms catch people off-guard, they are often extra dangerous because people are not sure of what to do. With these tips, you can make sure you are prepared for a storm anywhere.

Make Sure You Are Prepared for a Storm Anywhere

Know your options for shelter. When you hear that a storm is a possibility and you are somewhere you can wait out the threat, this would be the ideal thing to do. That being said, when storms come up suddenly, this will not always be an option. You can set up shelter in your vehicle with the proper guidelines in mind, enabling you to wait out the storm anywhere you are.

Practice electrical safety. Claps of thunder are caused by lightning strikes, so any thunderstorm has the potential to cause lightning damage. If you are sheltering in a building, unplugging your electronics can help prevent damage from a power surge in case lightning strikes the building. Surge protectors are also a smart thing to invest in, both for your home and your office, in case you are not around when a storm starts.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. While concrete structures do have sturdiness going for them, they also pose risks when it comes to lightning strikes due to their metal framework. When lightning strikes a concrete building, the electricity can transfer from the metal and through the concrete, so be careful to not sit or lean against any concrete surfaces during a storm.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If you are interrupted by a thunderstorm, you will likely want to get back to your summer fun as soon as you can, but it is important to give yourself ample time in your shelter spot. Lightning can travel nearly 30 miles from the center of a storm cell, so experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before heading back outside.

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.617-903-5055

Handling Storm in Your Business

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Be prepared and know that SERVPRO of Allston. Brighton & Brookline is only a call away.

If your business has been affected by flood the most important thing you can do is act quickly to reduce the level of damage and try to contain recovery costs. If no one is injured the first thing you want to do is call your insurance company.  Follow the 3 Be's:

Be Safe

Make sure your building is safe before you enter. Do a quick assessment of the exterior of the building to see if there are any structural damages. You should also check for possible electrical hazards. The safest thing you can do is to turn off the power if possible. Since there is the potential for electrocution if electricity is still running make sure you are wearing protective gear as you walk through the property.

Be Quick

Time is of the essence when dealing with standing water. It takes less than 48 hours for mold to grow and spread. For this reason you want to quickly remove the excess water. Open windows and use air movers to help with drying. You then want to ensure there are no pockets of concealed water – either under carpet or on water absorbing material (i.e. concrete).  If flood is laden with bacteria or chemicals do not try to clean on your own get a professional like SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline involved.

If you have suffered a flood or other water disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055

Be Thorough

Make sure you document everything! Take a picture of the damaged condition and anything you are throwing out. This will be important for the recovery process with your insurance company.

If all of this seems like a lot of work that you are not ready or do not have the time to take on do not worry! SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline can ease the stress and complete the entire process for you. All we need is your insurance carrier name and your claim number and we will take care of the rest. We are here for you during this time of need and our trained technicians will make the damage look “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline when you need us 617-903-5055!

Water Damage - What to Expect

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

Know what to expect when you call us. We are always here to help!

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today -(617) 903-5055

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis.SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect: When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

OurSERVPRORepresentative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information

Your insurance information (if applicable)

The street address of the water-damaged home or business

When did the flooding or water damage occur?

What caused the water damage (if known)?

Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

Plumbing Trouble? What To Do

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Plumbing issues can cause a lot of damage - know what to do to prevent such a loss.

You depend on your plumbing each and every day, from the hot water in your shower to the water boiling on your stove. As such, it’s important to maintain your plumbing regularly to make sure there aren’t any major issues such as leaks or sewage backups. But plumbing problems can still occur with regular maintenance, so it’s good to be aware of common plumbing issues and what you can do to solve them or minimize damage to your home.

Low Water Pressure

Proper water pressure is necessary for washing your hands, cleaning dishes, and taking a shower. If you’ve noticed a significant drop in your home’s water pressure, you probably have a clogged pipe. It’s also possible that you need to fully open your shutoff valve. If you’re only having water pressure issues with one faucet, the solution may be as simple as cleaning the aerator or removing a nearby clog.

Dripping Faucet

Depending on the severity of the drip, a dripping faucet can raise your water bill and waste a significant amount of water—not to mention how annoying it can be. Luckily, fixing a dripping faucet is usually as simple as replacing seats and springs or a washer in the faucet.

Running Toilet

It happens so frequently: minutes after flushing your toilet, you can still hear the toilet running as if the bowl is filling with water. This is an incredibly annoying problem to have, but usually, an easy one to fix. Remove the lid from your toilet tank and make sure that your tank ball, flapper valve, and flush valve are working properly—if any of them are sticking or not functioning right, they’re easy to replace.

Clogged Drain

Clogged or slow drains are probably the most common plumbing problem. Plumbing pipes are designed to allow water and waste to flow through freely, but over time, built up hair, soap scum and other debris can form a clog in your drain that prevents water from passing. This is almost sure to happen in any home given enough time. You can use vinegar and baking soda to break up clogs in your sink, or you can buy a drain auger and remove the clog manually.

Sometimes the clog may be deeper in your pipes or too severe to easily remove, look into professional plumbing services; they have the equipment and expertise to clear clogged drains without causing damage to your plumbing. If you have sewage damage as a result of a clogged drain or other plumbing issues, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055

Leaking Pipes

Leaks aren’t just an annoyance; they can significantly increase your water bill and quickly cause damage to your home. If you have a leaking pipe that’s beyond a slow drip, shut your water off as soon as possible. If there is any chance of mold or structural damage to your home, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055 to avoid spending a fortune on repairs. Leaking pipes generally need to be replaced, but you can use marine tape or epoxy to cover small leaks temporarily—just remember to shut the water off first.

No Hot Water

Have you ever rolled out of bed and into the shower only to find there’s no hot water? It’s not a good experience. Chances are you’ve got something wrong with your water heater, most probably an electrical problem such as a thermostat or element. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting your water heater, it’s a good idea to get help from a trained, knowledgeable professional.

Plumbing truly is an essential part of our everyday lives. We can’t all be professional plumbers, but with a little bit of research and hard work, you can stay cool, calm and collected in the face of a plumbing emergency

 If you have water damage as a result of any of these or other plumbing issues, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055

Trauma and Your Business

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Its important to call professionals when there is trauma that needs to be properly cleaned. We are here 365 24/7

If you are in the hospitality business then you know that fatalities happen in the facility. Maybe more than you would like. 

Under the Federal Government and Department of Labor, OSHA has created regulations concerning the handling of items or objects that may have been contaminated with blood and/or bodily fluids. These regulations are in place to not only protect the general public but also, the professionals doing the cleaning. Potential pathogens in bodily fluids include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and prions. It is extremely important that the standards are abided to not only to prevent the spread of possible disease but also to avoid hefty fines from the Environmental Protection Agency EPA.

It is important to note that cleaning cannot and will not begin at a trauma site until police actions are completed and the site is released by police. We stress the importance of performing quality cleaning services to prevent cross contamination. For this reason we clean the ceiling down to the floor. Our techs will be in special protective gear and use EPA certified products to clean the affected areas.

Time is of the essence when dealing with cleaning a trauma site because the longer the pathogen settles the harder it is to clean the surface and eliminate contaminates.  Because we have experience in this field our team already knows the process and what to do – so you can be rest assured the cleanup will be done right and under Federal standards.  Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline when you need us 617-903-5055!

Is Your Business Prepared For Fire Emergencies

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Fire safety is important let us know how we can help!

If you own a business, it is important that you are honest about potential risks from every source—including from emergencies and natural disasters. With the possibility of commercial fires and the data behind how costly they can be, preparing for these is key to the longevity of your operations.

There are many ways to get started in fire safety planning, but we always recommend originating from a safety standpoint. Teaching your employees how to perform a fire evacuation is a key element to keeping everyone safe in case the fire alarm were to sound for real.

Teaching Your Employees How to Perform a Fire Evacuation

Consult with your local fire officials. With the internet, you have so many research options at your fingertips surrounding commercial fire safety, but do not forget about your local options as well. You can generally have your local fire officials come and provide you with personalized advice for planning your evacuation routes and boosting your fire safety.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. After you have decided what evacuation routes suit your needs, be sure they are labeled clearly and your staff is aware of the upcoming drill. Keeping everyone looped in will create more transparency and be sure every one of your staff members are prepared when the drill begins.

Have fire drills frequently. Though taking time out of your day for a fire drill is not ideal, generally doing them once every few months is sufficient enough for everyone’s safety. Keep them on the schedule regularly enough so that everyone can remember the protocols, but not so often that they become mundane.

Run different fire scenarios. There are many ways fires start and spread throughout an office space, so your drills should reflect this to better prepare everyone for a real fire. Have your mock fire block different exit routes so your employees can see what it is like to alter their course with little notice just like they may have to if the fire alarm sounds for real.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour— call us today 617-903-5055

A New Standard of Clean, That’s the SERVPRO Difference | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re business has sanitation and cleaning needs, get in touch with the SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline.

All throughout the country, as well as in Massachusetts, areas are experiencing declining COVID-19 cases and a return to a more normal life. Consumers around Cambridge, and the Boston area in general, are beginning to return to life as it was pre-pandemic.

As we do so, though, we have new expectations when it comes to businesses. Today’s savvy consumers know they have choices.

As normal activities resume, consumers will go to businesses they feel have cleaned and sanitized. In other words, they will patronize restaurants and stores that care about their safety.

Looking to meet those new expectations? SERVPRO can help.

How the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program Works

To achieve the level of clean your customers now expect, you need the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. This is an unprecedented level of clean, and it provides customers and employees the satisfaction of knowing they shop or work at a business that cares for their post-pandemic safety.

We use groundbreaking biohazard cleaning products to provide your business with an exceptional level of clean. This in turn creates a safe environment for everyone that comes through your doors.

Here’s how the program works:

Consult. Every business is different. We customize a plan that meets your business’ unique cleaning and sanitization needs. And because SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont is locally owned and operated, we’re familiar with the local area and its guidelines and requirements.

Clean. Once we’ve created a customized cleaning plan for your business, then we clean. We use proprietary, hospital-grade cleaning agents that are unique to SERVPRO. This is the highest level of sanitization, and it’s unequalled in the cleaning and restoration industry. CDC guidelines are always met or exceeded.

Certify. The last step is telling your consumers and employees that your business is clean and sanitized! Door and window decals are provided to show your customers that your business is clean and sanitized. By displaying the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield on your premises and your website, this demonstrates you have met or exceeded sanitization requirements.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

We Are Always Ready to Help

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

We are always here to help!

SERVPRO has been in business for over 50 years. We have been able to establish a well recognized brand that symbolizes quality and expertise!

 When you have a flood you need to think- SERVPRO. When you have a fire you need to think -SERVPRO.  When you have large clean up you need to think- SERVPRO. You need to think of us in any disaster because we have the expertise, the techs, and equipment to help you get back to your pre disaster condition.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline truly cares about its Boston community. We are invested in the local community - our team lives in Boston, our children attend the local schools and we use the local businesses.  The fact that we can give back to our community in its time of need is important to us. All of the crew members are trained and certified in proper remediation and cleaning techniques. We are also one of the few remediation companies that also have a reconstruction team so you do not need to hire another contractor – saving you time and money. If the damage is a covered by insurance we will work directly with your assigned adjuster to help ease the claim process for you.   

It’s a known fact; we are here to be a resource for our community. We want to help you prevent losses where you can and have a plan ready for the things you cannot control. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is able to provide businesses and home owners with a free Emergency Ready Profile so that you know who to contact in the event of a disaster. Just give us a call 617-903-5055 and we will schedule a time for an office representative to go onsite and fill out a profile for you.

With Outdoor Activities in Spring, the Risk of Fire Increases | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline to learn more.

As old man winter starts to ease its grip on Boston and with the long cold days behind us, spring is right around the corner. Spending more time outdoors is now a priority since the weather is milder. However, with the increased outdoor activity, there also comes and increased risk of fire.

Spring brings with it the increased risk of fire mainly due to the increased outdoor activity around the grill. Unfortunately, spring is responsible for the largest increase in average daily fires.. But if you are diligent, we can all work to prevent fires this spring.

The Fire Marshall Say Pay Special Attention to These Areas Around the Home

BBQing. Single-handedly, the grill is responsible for a large percentage of outdoor fires, with lack of proper cleaning being the major cause.. When you have fuel, flame and grease in close proximity, that recipe has all the ingredients for a grill fire. Food particles that fall through the grill grates and the accumulation of grease are the biggest cause of unintended grill fires. Clean the grill before each use, and replace defective or worn parts.

The fire pit. The grill gets its share of blame for accidental fires, but the fire pit is another source of unplanned outside fires. We all enjoy a nice spring evening, but temperatures can get cold after the sun goes down. The fire pit provides an opportunity to interact outside with others. These safety tips are important to remember: Don’t leave children unattended around a fire. Keep water close by. Adding debris or other materials, other than wood, to a fire pit should be avoided. This can cause “flare-ups” and embers can be carried away by gusting winds. Roasting food should be done over the embers and not the open flame.

The dryer vent and chimney. Chimneys and dryer vents are another cause of outdoor fires. Warmer weather brings fewer fires in the fireplace or woodstove. Ash, soot and creosote build up during the winter in the stove pipe, and unless it’s removed, the risk of fire increases. Professional chimney sweeps are well worth the investment. It’s hard and dirty work. Clogged dryer vents are another opportunity for fire damage. The leading reason for fires in a clothes dryer is clogged lint in the dryer vent. Don’t become a statistic; keep dryer vents cleared of excess lint.

Has your home or business recently suffered fire or smoke damage? Our tech’s will be there fast and have it cleaned up quick. We’re available ²⁴⁄₇ for emergency situations. Call today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

617-903-5055

A Look at the Types of Damage Associated With Thunderstorms | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline if you experience any damage.

Thunderstorms are quite a dangerous weather event, and though they occur frequently, it is important to not become immune to the threats that they pose. Every thunderstorm brings the potential for injury and damage along with it, and between hail, high winds, heavy rains and flooding potential, there are lots of issues that can be present each time a storm happens.

Every storm that contains thunder and lightning has the potential to be dangerous, as lightning strikes and heavy rain are major hazards. Additionally, a thunderstorm can become severe when winds over 58 miles per hour and hail over one inch are present, posing even more possible hazards to those in the path of the storm.

Various Ways That Thunderstorms Can Cause Damage

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Every thunderstorm will also contain lightning, as thunder and lightning always go hand in hand. Lightning strikes are responsible for over 300 injuries each year, which does not include how often they cause structural fires or fell trees that cause additional damage.

Property damage due to hail. Though hail may seem like a minor occurrence compared to something like lightning, its damages can be quite far reaching. People without adequate shelter can receive injuries from hail, and it can also dent cars, cause damage to homes that lead to water entry and lead to leaking roofs. Large hail is extremely dangerous because of the sheer speed with which it can fall.

Harm from flash flooding. Though most people consider flooding something that is only likely to happen around bodies of water, with flash flooding, it can be a threat nearly anywhere. Flash flooding is often caused when rainfall is heavy and drainage systems or ditches get backed up, which can quickly lead to standing or flowing water. Flash floods are particularly dangerous because of their force, which can knock people over and carry cars away in its tide.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇  617-903-5055 for more information about our storm restoration practices.

You Can Keep Heavy Rains From Damaging Your Home | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline.

Water damage to your home can come from expected and unexpected sources. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably know that natural disasters (like flash floods) and home accidents (like plumbing failures) can cause water damage.

But have you thought about the damage heavy rains can do?

Heavy rains might not have been at the top of your list of water damage causes. But it can be a real problem for homeowners, and it’s common.

Drenching rainstorms are a common prediction during spring and summer forecasts. If your home is not properly maintained, these rains can cause costly damage.

Water Damage Is a Common Hazard

If you have to file a claim for water damage, you’ll be in good company. One in every 50 Americans will also be filing a claim this year. Depending on your neighborhood, that means several people you know may file a claim soon.

You can’t avoid all water damage hazards. Flash flooding can’t always be predicted and can cause serious damage to entire neighborhoods and communities.

But sometimes, homeowners can avoid the damage caused by heavy rains if they take the right steps.

Keep Your Home Safe During Heavy Rains

We see many water-damaged homes, so our teams have valuable insights into how you can protect your home from suffering water damage. Basic home maintenance can make a difference, and many of these projects might be on your list already.

Take stock of your yard. Knowing how your yard drains (and how it works with your home) is vital. If you notice that your yard is draining toward your home, then you might want to get in touch with a landscaping expert to look for ways to protect your yard.

Choose to landscape your yard thoughtfully. Many people choose plants and flowers because they like the aesthetic they create. But choosing landscaping items for protection can ensure your home is ready for heavy rain. Native plants, trees and bushes can be vital in protecting your home from water damage.

Look into sealing your roof. Experts estimate that almost 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles, which can be prevented with this step.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

617-903-5055 24/7 365

Signs of Water Damage in the Basement | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is a full restoration company. Our restoration experts are on call 24/7 and ready to help.

Many homeowners find their basement to be a great resource. It’s very utilitarian, serving as everything from a storm shelter to a bonus bedroom to some much-needed storage space.

Basements, however, have an inherent issue: They’re dug into the ground, which means they’re susceptible to water damage from the ground around them over time.

While this is not an absolute certainty, you’ll definitely want to be aware of the risks of water damage from the underground as you go forward in home ownership. Let’s examine some of the most likely indicators of water damage and leaks, so you know what you’re looking for in the fight against interior moisture.

What to Look for to Determine Possible Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. Water that seeps into the basement from underground may in fact be clean to begin with, but it doesn’t take long for it to stagnate, causing that signature musty odor. This happens so frequently, in fact, that many people assume basements simply smell that way all the time. In actuality, though, the pungent smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment,. While you may not see mold or mildew right away, the smell is a dead giveaway that there may be a problem.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Many people assume that waterproof paint is a foolproof solution for basement dryness. Unfortunately, even the most advanced paint will give way over time, beginning to crack, flake and bubble, eventually creating a larger problem than you would have encountered without waterproof paint.

Foundational cracks. Homes do often experience some mild shifting over a period of many years, but a real crack in the foundation is a tipoff that there may be a major leak somewhere that needs immediate attention. Cracks can also show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls and are often a sign that there is water damage that could progress into something worse. Hairline cracks are no cause for alarm, but if they become any larger, they should be treated immediately.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

Keep the Holidays Fire Free

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Keep fire safety in mind during the Holidays

In our opinion the final months of the year are a very joyous time of year! Flashing lights light up the night. Everyone is scrambling to get home for the holidays. With the holidays its is also reported that the number of home fires increase dramatically. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline wants to ensure this time of year remains joyous for you and your family. Below are simple tips to help prevent a fire.

These simple easy tips can prevent a fire from starting within your house this Christmas!

• If you have a Christmas Tree, always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety, and throw out any damaged lights that are broken.
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree
• Bedtime means lights off! ­ Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.
• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches. The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily

After your tree starts to drop needles and some may turn brown it is time to say your last goodbye and throw it outside.  These simple and easy facts can really be a lifesaver come the holidays. If there ever is a problem in your home call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. 

Office: 617.903.5055

Planning Ahead in Case of a Burst Pipe | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, contact us right away. We are available 24/7.

Burst pipes are something that can happen when you least expect it, causing serious damage in a brief amount of time. While there is no way to know when a pipe may burst, knowing what to do in the event that one does can help you act quickly to mitigate the damage that the water can cause.

In a perfect world, water damage would be a rare occurrence—but many people are surprised to find out how often it occurs. Every year, one in 50 homes will experience some type of water damage, but a plan can significantly lessen the impact that it has.

Having a Plan in the Event a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

Shut off your water main. When a pipe bursts in your home, in some situations, it can continue pouring water into the area, creating even more damage. If it is safe to do so, shutting off your water main can reduce the overall damages that are caused.

Shut off your electricity. Water and electricity definitely do not mix, so if you are able to get to your circuit breaker to cut your electricity off safely, it is wise to do so. This will ensure that if water comes in contact with outlets or appliances, there is not a shock or fire hazard.

Contact your restoration company. Setting your restoration in motion quickly is one of the best things you can do for water damage, so it is wise to get in touch with your restoration company right away. We recommend always choosing a company that is available ²⁴⁄₇ so you never have to wait for a call back when you report your damages.

Take a record of the damages. Not only is keeping good records helpful for you, but it will also be helpful if you are eligible to file a claim with your insurance provider. Take photos and videos in addition to making a list of everything that is damaged by the water.

Contact your insurance company. The type of coverage you will receive for water damage of this nature can vary, so your insurance company is the authority on what is and is not eligible to be covered by filing a claim. Contacting them quickly can help you set this process in motion so you can get it settled as fast as possible.

Open windows and doors if possible. If the weather permits and it is safe to do so, increasing the airflow around water damage by opening windows and doors can speed up the drying time by encouraging evaporation.

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Contact us at any time 617.903.5055 to learn more about our restoration services.

Water Damage - The Process

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

We are the industry leaders in Water Restoration. Call us anytime 24/7

Every situation is different and may require a unique solution. However, the general process is always the same!

Step 1: Emergency Contact

We are always available for you in the event of a water emergency. When you call in, no matter the day or time someone will return your call. The main goal during the initial contact is to understand what is going on so we can dispatch someone to your home or business as soon as possible.

Step 2: Inspection and Assess Damage

When we arrive on site our goal is to know what caused the damage if it is not apparent. This way we can have the issue addressed. The damage may require a third party to be involved (i.e. plumber). You may contact your own contractor we are also happy to provide a few recommendations. Once we know what has caused the damage we can continue move on to the next step!

Step 3: Water Removal/ Water Extraction

A licensed technician will use specialized water extraction equipment to remove water from your home. Removal and extraction may result in removal of flooring depending on the type of water damage (ie. sewage back up). Our technicians will document and removal items that cannot be restored.

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

We will place machines in your home or business to ensure the space is dry and prevent the possible growth of mold. The average run time for drying machines is between 3-5 days. Of course, it may be more or less depending on the extent of the water damage to your property. It is important that you not unplug or move the equipment from where they were placed by the technician to ensure the space dries properly.

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Our technicians will clean the affected area and neighboring areas with anti-microbial cleaning products to prevent the possible growth of mold. We ensure we clean every crack and crevice! We

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration is the process of putting your home back to pre damage condition. This may result in reconstruction. Our technicians are also very experienced in the construction industry. We are a one stop shop for you. 

In all, the first few steps my take place upon the first to second visit. The remaining steps will depend on the extent of the damage. In situations where we are working with your insurance carrier we will happily communicate with your adjuster directly to keep the work moving smoothly so restoration can begin as soon as possible. For questions please do not hesitate to call our office at 617-903-5055!

Bio Hazard? We Are Ready To Help!

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we take biohazard seriously you should too!

Bio hazard by definition is anything that is a risk to human health or the environment. They stem from biological substance especially microorganisms and pathogens.

Pathogens, many times are disease-causing. They can be found in the form of bacteria, viruses, or protozoans. Here at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we classify water by the level of contaminant that may be present in the water. Sewage back up would be classified as the most contaminated.

If you ever have a toilet over flow or notice sewage back up in your home or business it is highly recommended you call a professional to ensure the area and surrounding areas are properly and thoroughly disinfected. The worst thing you can do is try to clean it yourself and discover that instead you spread the contaminants to other areas of the property.  

If your home or business experiences a bio hazard loss do not place fans in the area. Ensure you have little to no contact with the affected area to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas of your home or business. If you have an active leak or plumbing issue call the local plumbing company so they can address the situation. Once they have addressed the cause of the issue you will want to call a professional to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area. We use hospital grade disinfectants and ensure we complete a thorough cleaning of the affected and surrounding area.

If you have any questions call us today! 617-903-5055

Fire Restoration Tips

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Know what to do if you ever experience a fire in your home or business.

Fire damage restoration is complicated for those who do not deal with it on a consistent basis. Many times we get calls to ask for advice on how to clean up after fire. Below we have listed tips that can help most fire cleanup situations.

Please keep in mind that fire damage restoration takes time and skill. See below and realistically consider whether you want to try these ideas on your own or enlist the help of a restoration specialist like SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline, where we will guarantee our work!

1. Remove smoke damage

Wash walls one small area at a time. Work from floor up to prevent streaking. Wash the ceiling last. Wipe down and dry the areas that got wet to prevent possible growth of mold and mildew. You can do this with small solution of household bleach and water. If drywall and insulation is soaked your best option is to contact a professional to ensure the materials are fully dried.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055 will help

2. Limit activity and movement

Once you are cleared to reenter your home by first responders do your best to work on one area at a time to prevent spreading soot into other areas. The worst thing you can do is give yourself more work in what is already considered a very laborious process. Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet in high traffic areas.

3. Avoid smearing soot into fabrics

Soot from smoke damage is greasy so ensure you dust it off to prevent rubbing it your fabrics and upholstery. Fabrics and upholstery are very porous and will likely absorb the smoke odor. You may need to wash the fabrics multiple times in order to fully get rid of the smoke odor. Make sure that your hands and cleaning equipment is clean so you do not add more soot to the material.

4. Thoroughly Dry Everything!

This will be the most important yet tedious step. You will need to determine whether or not you should restore (dry) or replace items that were affected by the water (ie. carpet, flooring, insulation and more). It takes on average about 48hrs for a wet area to promote the growth and spread of mold. Your home will most likely be wet if a fire department put out the fire. Before repainting and putting things back to its original place make sure your walls, insulation, ceiling, furniture and all other porous materials are completely dry. You can rent commercial grade fans and open windows. The key is to know when everything is dry! Do not stress yourself and make the mistake of turning the fans off too soon. Instead, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. We have the equipment that will let us know what areas need to be dried and when drying has been completed.

5. Repaint & Restore

Once the walls are thoroughly cleaned and dry you can repaint a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling. Before painting it is very important that the walls and ceiling is thoroughly dried so there are no streaks. You are now ready to put furniture back in its original space.

Fires are no joke and the damage they leave behind much less. Our goal here at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is to be able to make the restoration process as seamless as possible. That way you can work on getting the rest of your life back in order pre-fire. Let us help 617-903-5055

Weight of Snow Can Affect Your Roof

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Regular roof maintenance is important all year round especially during winter.

In New England we often experience snow storms in the winter. Heavy snow storms are not only an issue for the pavement and the public roadways. Snow can also affect your roof by adding more weight to your roof, which can over time weaken your roof.

After the snow storm passes the accumulation of the snow can also cause damage to your roof. This is because of the moisture penetration when the snow or ice begins to melt then gets frozen again. Depending on the type of roof you have, the moisture in the roof can expand and ultimately cause your roof to wear out more quickly. A damaged roof can affect your entire home!

It is important that before the cold weather arrives that you have an idea of the current condition of your roof. If you have an attic you should inspect it as often as possible especially after severe weather to ensure there are not any leaks or staining on the ceiling. This can be a telling sign that there is a roof issue that will need immediate attention.

At SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we can help remove snow from your roof and repair walls and ceilings affected by water damage. Call us today for more information 617-903-5055!

Winter Weather - Be Advised

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Winters in Mass can cause damage to your property. Be one step ahead!

Blizzards and freezing rain are a pain not only for commuting but also for your property. Winter storms and freezing rain can cause ice dams here in Boston, MA and surrounding areas of New England.

Water dams can trap water and freeze pipes. The frozen water causes expansion which is common to burst or leak once the ice melts causing damage throughout your home or business. You should also be aware that mold can grow after frozen water is melted and mixed with humidity.

Mold is a living organism that spread pores throughout the area causing more damage. It is also known to affect your health. The best thing you can do for your home or business is to constantly monitor your property before and after a storm. If you discover damage you need to act fast to prevent further damage. Having emergency contacts (ie. roofer, emergency clean up, GE) is recommended so you can get the issue resolved as soon as possible.  

Check out our emergency ready plan if you are looking for a place to store emergency information (click here)

Give SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline if you experience water damage after a storm 617-903-5055

Fire Fire Fire

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Electrical Fire caused this ceiling to burn. There was smoke and soot damage as well.

Fire damage is the physical damage to a property as a result of burning. The damage can be directly caused by flames or indirectly due to smoke and other substances emitted by fire such as soot.

Smoke and soot can be as damaging to your property as actual flames. This is because the smoke will create black clouds throughout the walls, ceiling, and porous materials in your property. There is also a strong odor associated with smoke that is very hard to remove from porous materials such as clothes, carpets and furniture.

In the unfortunate event your home or business experiences fire damage (flames, smoke or soot) we recommend you enlist the help of a professional to help you clean your property as thoroughly as possible. If a firefighter was called to your property the likelihood that water damage occurred is highly likely. In this event you have to make sure that the water is dried as quickly as possible to prevent the possible growth of mold. When mold grows it will spread quickly, cause possible health effects and increase the cost of remediation. For this reason edge on the side of caution and just hire a professional in the beginning.

We at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline will ensure we get everything done right the first time so you can have your peace of mind and property back!

A Guide to Flash Floods After Severe Weather Occurs | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is your local water & storm restoration expert. We will get the job done right, contact us today.

While many weather events get a bad reputation as being dangerous or deadly, many people do not consider flooding to be included in this list. Many people are surprised to find that flooding is second only to heat deaths in total weather-related fatalities in the United States, and flash floods are especially dangerous.

One of the reasons why flash floods can be so deadly is because they come about suddenly, and even areas not prone to flooding can be impacted. Even a small drainage pond or blocked sewer system can lead to a dangerous flash flood if enough rain falls, which is why knowing the facts about safety is key.

How Are Flash Floods Defined?

While regular floods occur slowly, flash floods start within six hours of extreme rain after a storm or other severe weather, and often occur in as little as three hours. Additionally, they are rarely found in known floodplains and instead are frequently occurring in urban areas and other parts of towns that are not used to floods occurring traditionally.

What Are the Levels of Warning Present for Flash Flooding?

Because flash floods happen so quickly, it is important to tune into your local weather broadcast during storms and severe weather so you can always be alerted to their possibility. If there is a flash flood watch issued, that means that it is a possibility that a flash flood might occur and you should be sure you are ready to evacuate. For a flash flood warning, flooding is more imminent and everyone should move to higher ground. If an emergency is issued, that means to move immediately as there are life-threatening flood issues taking place.

How Can I Increase My Safety During a Flash Flood?

Being safe is so important during any storm or severe weather event, especially when flash floods become a possibility. These are some of the best rules to keep in mind to make sure you and your family are always as safe as possible:

• When storms involve heavy rain, stay inside and away from low-lying parts of properties.
• Always have an evacuation plan for floods and be sure your family is aware of it.
• Avoid trying to cross floodwater, whether in a vehicle or on foot.
• Avoid touching floodwater or allowing children to play near it, as it can be heavily contaminated.
• Always turn around if there is water on your intended route of travel.

If your home or business has been damaged due to a flood or other severe weather, you can depend on us. Contact us at any hour 617-903-5055 to learn more about our services or to report damage to your property.

Practicing Fire Safety This Holiday Season | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your fire risk is low during the holidays. If you experience any damage, SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont will be here to help.

The holiday season always arrives rapidly, and as we get our homes and ourselves ready to celebrate, it is still important to keep the importance of fire safety in focus. Winter is the peak of fires in the home according to the Red Cross, partially because of the risky activities that occur primarily in the wintertime.

Cooking is always a concern, but winter also brings about the concerns of heating and decoration that are not present at other times of the year. Do not give fires the opportunity to spark by focusing on fire safety as you celebrate the best of winter.

Wintertime Tips for Fire Prevention

Keep safe when cooking. The top cause of house fires is cooking at any time of year, but more people tend to prepare large meals and increase the frequency of their baking when it is cold outside. It is wise to practice fire safety each time you cook, keeping a fire extinguisher nearby and keeping flammable items at least three feet from the stove. Make sure children and pets are not allowed near open flames in the kitchen as well.

Heat the house with proper precautions. Many people make use of space heaters and fireplaces to supplement their home’s heating system, but it is important that you always use these tools with caution. Space heaters should always cut off if they get too hot or tip over, and should never be used on carpet or near flammable items. If you use a fireplace, be sure to get your chimney inspected every year and never allow a fire to burn unattended.

Decorate with care. The decorations commonly associated with Christmas, such as trees and lights, present an electrical hazard if they are not installed correctly. Christmas tree fires due to electricity are extremely common, often as a result of the lights being plugged in improperly. Make sure to not overload outlets or power cables, and never use decorations with frayed wiring.

If you have damage due to a house fire, you can depend on us to help. Contact us 24 hours a day to report damage and receive a quick response from our certified restoration technicians. Get in touch today 617-903-5055.

Keep Your Holidays Joyous

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Stay safe by following fire safety guidelines during the Holidays

In our opinion the final months of the year is a very joyus time of year! Flashing lights light up the night. Everyone is scrambling to get home for the holidays. With the holidays it is also reported that the number of home fires increase dramatically. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline wants to ensure this of year remains joyus for you and your family. Below are simply tips to help prevent a fire.

These simple easy tips can prevent a fire from starting within your house this Christmas!

• If you have a Christmas Tree, always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety, and throw out any damaged lights that are broken.
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree
• Bedtime means lights off! ­ Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.
• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches. The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily

After your tree starts to drop needles and some may turn brown it is time to say your last goodbye and throw it outside.  These simple and easy facts can really be a lifesaver come the holidays. If there ever is a problem in your home call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. 

Office: 617.903.5055

Remediation & Reconstruction Services By SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

We are here when you need us

If you are looking for a company that can do it all when you have water, fire, mold or bio hazard loss look no further because SERVPRO of Jamaica Plain/Roxbury has you covered. We are open to work with you directly and/or with insurance companies if you choose to put in a claim.

Remediation

During the remediation process if there is water damage entails extracting standing water if any and placing professional grade drying material to ensure the materials (dry wall, hardwood etc.) are completely dry to prevent the possible growth of mold. If there is fire damage our team will remove the affect area, most times it is wet from putting out the fire. If there are contaminants (sewage, plumbing back flow, etc.) our crew will use hospital grade material to remove and disinsfect the whole premise. Once affected materials are removed, anti microbial agents are applied throughout the area. Lastly we apply drying equipment to ensure affected materials dry thoroughly.

Reconstruction

Our team has the capability to put your business or home back to pre damage condition with our construction team. We are one of the few businesses that can see a job through from start to finish. Our construction team has more than 20 years of construction experience and they are happy to work with our customers to get their home or business back to pre damage condition or better. Give us an opportunity and our team will not disappoint!

Commercial HVAC System Maintenance

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Maintaining your HVAC system can save you thousands in the long run

Massachusetts winters can be very brutal. If your commercial building is not ready it can be very expensive for you because there are so many things that can wrong and disrupt business. Below are simple things you can do to keep your HVAC system and your business running all winter long.

Change filters

It is highly recommended that you change your filters before a peak season like summer and winter. This is because your system has a greater demand at these times. Make sure you are changing filters regularly (1-6 months) to avoid getting pollutants and mold into the air. If you do not, it can be a major health issue for your employees and those entering your premise. If you smell musty odors in any area of your building make sure you get the air quality sampled to rule out the possible growth and spread of mold. Depending on the size and location of your HVAC system it may be better to hire someone to help change the filter for you.

Inspect and clean your system

Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your system if it is being done correctly. You can contract an experienced professional to help or have a plan in place to maintain on your own. What is important is that you always have a good idea of the current condition of your system and when possible services will be needed.

Keep a contact list of local service providers who can help repair your system in the event of a mal function. This will help save you time when something happens, it eventually will happen. Your preparation now can help save you hundreds in the future!

Bio Hazard Remediation - Let the Pros Take Care of It!

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

We take bio-hazard seriously here at SERVPRO!

Bio hazard by definition is anything that is a risk to human health or the environment. They stem from biological substances, especially microorganisms and pathogens.

Pathogens, many times are disease-causing. They can be found in the form of bacteria, viruses, mold spores, or protozoans. Plumbing or sewage back flow can present a higher bio hazard risk. For this reason if you ever have a toilet over flow or notice sewage back up in your home or business the best thing to do is to call a professional to ensure the area and surrounding areas are properly and thoroughly disinfected.

At SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton and Brookline we take bio hazard damage very seriously because of the potential impact it can have on the health of not only our customers but also our employees.

If your home or business experiences a bio hazard loss do not place fans in the area. Ensure you have little to no contact with the affected area to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas of your home or business. If you have an active leak or plumbing issue call the local plumbing company so they can address the situation. Once they have addressed the cause of the issue you will want to call a professional to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area.

Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline today if you are facing a bio-hazard issue in your home or business! We are available 24/7/365

Why Our “Restore First” Mentality Is Best for Customers | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

Have you sustained property damage and feeling overwhelmed? We are here to help, contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline.

If your home sustains damage for any reason, it can be a frustrating and fraught time for your entire family. There are many emotions that people will cycle through after a fire or other disaster, and having to go through the process of handling the damage can further complicate the recovery process.

While there are always difficulties to consider throughout the recovery period, having a good restoration company on your side can truly make all the difference.

We will work with you and your insurance company to make the entire procedure as seamless as possible, and with our restoration-first mentality, we will do our best to preserve your belongings so you do not have to replace them.

How Our Restoration-First Mentality Helps Our Clients

We can help you save money on your insurance. Homeowners insurance is designed to help you cover the cost of losses in case of many types of damage, but filing a claim can also raise your premium tremendously. In the event of water damage, for example, the average claim is over $10,000. We can help lower the cost you have to claim with insurance by restoring objects where possible.

We can protect your sentimental items. We have invested in some of the most advanced restoration equipment available to us, which is what enables us to save items that may seem like a lost cause. In the past, we have been able to restore irreplaceable objects such as family photos, documents and art, as well as valuables such as electronics. Some things can’t be replicated, which is why we do our best to keep these sentimental objects intact.

We make sure your home feels like home again. As we have helped many people in the community with losses and damage, we understand all the complex emotions involved. To help make the return home easier, we focus primarily on restoring your house to its pre-damaged state and placing your belongings just how they were before the damage occurred. This will help your house feel like home again so your family can focus on healing.

If you have damages and are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help. You can call us as soon as you need to in order to begin the restoration process. Contact us today 617-903-5055 to learn more.

How Can I Check for Water Damage in My Home? | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have any water damage to your home? Contact SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline, we are your local water restoration experts.

When it comes to keeping your home structurally sound and well-maintained, watching out for water damage is one of the best things you can do. Not only can water damage cause cosmetic problems and lead to unsightly spots throughout the home, but it can also significantly damage structures when it is allowed to fester.

Fortunately, homeowners can easily perform their own routine checks to look for water damage throughout the house, which can help them catch issues early and avoid having to make costly claims on their homeowners insurance.

Tips for Doing an At-Home Water Damage Inspection

Inspect your walls and ceilings. Drywall and paint can quickly show water damage, making walls and ceilings one of the best and easiest places to begin your search. Any discoloration, particularly soft spots or peeling areas of paint, might indicate that there is water damage present. It is also wise to check up on your external window and door frames for weather-related leakage.

Don’t forget to look down. It is not uncommon to find water damage that shows itself in the floor, since that is the lowest spot in every room. Water can pool and begin to saturate the subfloor, not causing surface issues but instead showing up with warped floorboards, buckling or a general smell of mildew, which should always be checked out.

Inspect your roof. It is important to keep your roof in good shape to make sure it is keeping out all the elements it can when it rains. A pair of binoculars can give you valuable insights into the quality of your roof and help you spot any loose shingles or peeling places. Additionally, it is smart to check that your gutters are doing their job the next time it rains to prevent water from building up around your foundation.

Pay close attention to the basement. Though basements have a reputation for being damp, if you have moisture problems under your home it can be a serious issue. Look for signs of water running down foundation walls or musty odors, which might indicate there is too much moisture present that should be addressed.

If you have water damage anywhere in your home, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with a water damage restoration expert - 617-903-5055.

What Sets Our Storm Restoration Methods Apart? | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Choosing the right restoration company is crucial to getting things back to normal. Call us today 617-903-5055

Severe weather is a powerful thing, and it can cause significant damage to homes, property and businesses. In recent years, the cost of treating storm damage has continued to rise nationwide, but not treating it can lead to much larger problems with your structures later on.

Choosing the right restoration company is one of the most important things you can do if you have sustained storm damage. They will be responsible for taking care of your building and belongings, as well as making sure that every aspect of the damage is thoroughly handled.

Picking the right company for the job will provide you with great peace of mind and ensure that any damage is properly addressed.

Why We Have Become Leaders in Storm Restoration

Our reputation has been earned over time. We are proud to be not only a member of the local community but also to be considered a leader in the restoration industry as a whole. We have worked hard to earn our reputation, and we are proud of it. After disasters, there are many scams afoot that take advantage of those who are vulnerable, but when you trust us, you can be certain you are getting the best in the business.

Our resources allow us to take on more jobs. If there is a large area that is impacted by a storm, you do not want a company that is struggling to keep up with demand to be in charge of your restoration. Thanks to our national partners, we can handle disasters that are any size with the same service and expertise we always do. When there is a large storm, we can call for backup in the way of extra resources and workforce to handle the issues.

Our emergency response is truly ²⁴⁄₇. Severe weather never takes a day off, so we won’t either. You can call us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to report your damage and receive exceptional service, so as soon as you discover you need us, we can be there. No matter what time you discover you have received damage, you can call us and be certain you will receive a rapid response from our expert technicians.

When you have damage from a storm to your home or commercial building, you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us at any hour to see our exceptional service in action.

Are you Ready for the Cold Season?

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Boston Weather can be unpredictable - make sure you are ready

If you are a Boston resident or property owner you know that the winter is unpredictable. Some years we barely get snow and the temperatures are fairly mild. While other years it is frigid with howling winds and never ending snow storms.

No matter what kind of winter is in the cards for us this year, as a property owner you should be prepared. You should not wait until winter is upon us to prepare your property. The time is now, before the fall! During this time you should be making repairs and doing preventative maintenance.

Some areas to consider:

Gutters

Clean and repair the gutter before the temperature drops. Seal leaking caps and if you can add a gutter cover to prevent debris build up. Consider investing in a gutter heating cable. This will help prevent ice dams. 

Windows and walk ways

Check your windows to make sure there are not any air leaks or excessive condensation build up. Most windows are believed to have a life cycle of 20yrs check your windows to ensure they are not at or nearing the end of their cycle. Check your walk way for any major cracks that will need to be repaired.  Pay attention to seams as well.

Boiler Room

Boilers should be serviced once a year by an engineer. The most important part of winterizing is ensuring buildings boiler will operate throughout the long winter. Ensure the pipes are well insulated as extreme cold weather can cause the boiler to shut off - which can result in frozen pipes.

HVAC

Check and replace air filters if necessary. Turn your system on to ensure it is functioning properly. Like a car idleness is not good. Run the heating unit a few weeks before temperatures start to drop to keep it working properly.

Water faucets and water lines

Drain outdoor water faucets and water lines to make sure there is no sitting water. If there is water in the water lines it can freeze in cold temperatures and cause damage to the water line and faucets.

Roof

Roofs typically have a 12 year life span. You can usually do a visual test of your roof to get a better idea of its current condition. Repair or replace any missing shingles. An added benefit of updating your roof is an insurance discount for newly replaced roof!

Fix crack in concrete and asphalt

Water is easily absorbed by concrete given the nature of the materials. If there are large cracks make sure you fill them in because salt during snowy season causes damage.

Whether you are a home owner or a property manager it is important to be proactive so you prevent possible damages to your property. Losses will happen but if you use preventative measures you can possibly help minimize the level of damage thus lowering the amount of money needed to repair/replace your property.

If your business or home experiences a loss give SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline a call 617-903-5055! We are here to help 24/7. 

Smoke & Soot - How to handle

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can cause a lot of damage to you home or business

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (617) 903-5055

Most Common Causes of Fire in the Workplace

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Know what to do during work place fire

Electrical Fires

Over 25% of all fires are linked to a malfunction of either a piece of electrical equipment, wiring, or both. Electricity is a common source of ignition for major fires. One way to avoid problems with electrical fires is to establish an electrical safety program.

All employees should be thoroughly familiar with the safety procedures for their particular jobs. To maximize his or her own safety, an employee should always use tools and equipment properly. Extension cords must be inspected before use, and those found questionable, removed from service and properly tagged. Damage or inadequate maintenance can cause equipment to deteriorate, resulting in unsafe conditions.

Flammable and Combustible Materials

There are thousands of chemicals in use in the modern American workplace. One of the most prevalent dangers of these chemicals is their flammability or combustibility. Improper handling of flammable materials brings a great risk of fire. When a flammable liquid is spilled, vapors begin to form immediately. It is the vapors that will ignite, and which pose the greater danger.

Flammable liquid spill cleanup should begin immediately. Vapors will continue to build until the liquid is removed, and they can be ignited by a variety of sources in the average workplace. The best way to avoid fire caused by these materials is to follow all OSHA guidelines when dealing with flammables.

Human Error

The most common reason for a sprinkler system failure is human error. Often times the water supply was turned off at the time of the fire. The success of fire prevention strategies depends primarily on pre-planning, preparation, equipment quality, and the readiness of personnel. Employees and loss prevention practitioners must be knowledgeable about the proper use of extinguishers. If the wrong extinguisher is used, a fire may become more serious.

General Negligence

Negligence is another common cause of fire in the workplace. It’s slightly different from fires caused by human error. Negligence occurs when an employee does not follow established procedures and knowingly undertakes an activity that is a potential fire hazard.

Fire caused by negligence can be the result of:

• Hot surfaces too close to heating equipment
• Open flame that’s not properly located or protected
• Not following smoking restrictions or careless disposal of butts, ashes, and matches

Good common sense, self awareness, and close adherence to policy are a great way to avoid fires caused by general negligence. Posting fire safety signs in common areas is another way to keep fire safety at top of mind.

 Arson

The premise behind arson prevention, like other prevention programs, is to address the opportunity to commit the crime. Arsonists, like other criminals, typically prefer to start fires in locations that are secluded or hidden. Prevention programs often suggest improving the surveillance in these areas by lighting the area, removing visual obstructions to natural observation, and moving the targets such as dumpsters.

If your company, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055 to assist you with the cleanup.

Heavy Rain & Back Ups

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

City Sewage System Diagram

The heavy rains that occurred in the Boston area caused not only flooding but also many sewage back- ups. The town & cities sewage system gets overwhelmed causing the sewage to flow into basements through toilets and sinks. When a storm drain suffers a partial or complete blockage, rain water gets trapped in the pipes and must go somewhere. Unfortunately, the only exit point is the pipe servicing your home that connects to the sewer line. With nowhere left to go it goes up through your pipe, pushing whatever refuse and filth it’s carrying into your basement and other areas of your home. Contact your local plumber to install a backwater valve to prevent this from happening to you! If your basement gets flooded or has sewage issues, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055 to assist you.

Did you know that SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline also helps Commercial and Industrial customers?

Water Damage - 24 Hour Emergency Service

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

We are always here to help!

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline Today - (617) 903-5055

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information

Your insurance information (if applicable)

The street address of the water-damaged home or business

When did the flooding or water damage occur?

What caused the water damage (if known)?

Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Create a System for Evacuation Drills at Your Business | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

If your business experiences any fire damage, you can count on us. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline specializes in fire restoration.

If you own a business, it is important that you are honest about potential risks from every source—including from emergencies and natural disasters. With the possibility of commercial fires and the data behind how costly they can be, preparing for these is key to the longevity of your operations.

There are many ways to get started in fire safety planning, but we always recommend originating from a safety standpoint. Teaching your employees how to perform a fire evacuation is a key element to keeping everyone safe in case the fire alarm were to sound for real.

Teaching Your Employees How to Perform a Fire Evacuation

Consult with your local fire officials. With the internet, you have so many research options at your fingertips surrounding commercial fire safety, but do not forget about your local options as well. You can generally have your local fire officials come and provide you with personalized advice for planning your evacuation routes and boosting your fire safety.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. After you have decided what evacuation routes suit your needs, be sure they are labeled clearly and your staff is aware of the upcoming drill. Keeping everyone looped in will create more transparency and be sure every one of your staff members are prepared when the drill begins.

Have fire drills frequently. Though taking time out of your day for a fire drill is not ideal, generally doing them once every few months is sufficient enough for everyone’s safety. Keep them on the schedule regularly enough so that everyone can remember the protocols, but not so often that they become mundane.

Run different fire scenarios. There are many ways fires start and spread throughout an office space, so your drills should reflect this to better prepare everyone for a real fire. Have your mock fire block different exit routes so your employees can see what it is like to alter their course with little notice just like they may have to if the fire alarm sounds for real.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour— call us today 617-903-5055

Know What to Do No Matter Where a Storm Catches You | SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Stay safe in the event of a storm

When the sky is clear and the weather is warm, it seems silly to think about thunderstorms ruining the fun—but unfortunately, this happens quite often on hot, humid days, as that creates the ideal condition for a sudden storm to form.

When storms catch people off-guard, they are often extra dangerous because people are not sure of what to do. With these tips, you can make sure you are prepared for a storm anywhere.

Make Sure You Are Prepared for a Storm Anywhere

Know your options for shelter. When you hear that a storm is a possibility and you are somewhere you can wait out the threat, this would be the ideal thing to do. That being said, when storms come up suddenly, this will not always be an option. You can set up shelter in your vehicle with the proper guidelines in mind, enabling you to wait out the storm anywhere you are.

Practice electrical safety. Claps of thunder are caused by lightning strikes, so any thunderstorm has the potential to cause lightning damage. If you are sheltering in a building, unplugging your electronics can help prevent damage from a power surge in case lightning strikes the building. Surge protectors are also a smart thing to invest in, both for your home and your office, in case you are not around when a storm starts.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. While concrete structures do have sturdiness going for them, they also pose risks when it comes to lightning strikes due to their metal framework. When lightning strikes a concrete building, the electricity can transfer from the metal and through the concrete, so be careful to not sit or lean against any concrete surfaces during a storm.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If you are interrupted by a thunderstorm, you will likely want to get back to your summer fun as soon as you can, but it is important to give yourself ample time in your shelter spot. Lightning can travel nearly 30 miles from the center of a storm cell, so experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before heading back outside.

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.617-903-5055

Emergency Ready Profile for Your Business

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help you prepare

When accidents strike they do not care whether you are prepared or not! As a business it is vital that you know what to do, who to call, and how you will bounce back in the event of an emergency.  The fact is that as many as one in four businesses that suffer a major disaster will not reopen afterward. Do not let your business become a statistic!

Here at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we pride ourselves in being a resource to the businesses in our community. It is important to us that the businesses in our community and surrounding communities survive. SERVPRO has a Free Emergency Ready Profile that your business can use to help prepare you in the event of a major disaster. Studies show that the faster you can react to a disaster it lowers the damage done. The profile helps store everything you need such as contact information, locations of shut off valves, pictures and so much more to help in the event there is a disaster. The profile you create for your business is also useful to us as it will inform us of where our vehicles should park in the event of a loss. This is helpful in the event you do not want to bring public attention to the fact that your business is experiencing some kind of loss.  

We understand you may already have a facilities manager or be a facilities manager who knows the ins and outs of the building. The profile is not meant to replace a facilities manager in any way – it’s a resource for them.  Anything can happen and as a business you want to make sure whoever is nearby can pick up your profile and depending on the type of disaster know exactly who to contact and what to do if anything.

The Emergency Ready Profile can be distributed in digital form and/or hard copy. We understand that as a business too much time cannot be wasted, for that reason the profile can be completed within 30 minutes.  If you are interested in creating an Emergency Ready Profile for your business Call us today 617-903-5055. We will set up a time for an office representative to go to your business to fill out the profile for you for free!

Summer Time & Storms

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricanes in the Summer

If you are a Boston resident you may have been looking forward to the arrival of warm weather given some of the cold days we experienced this past winter. Long behold summer is finally here! It’s a great time to visit the beaches and the beautiful towns of Boston. Just keep in mind, the summer weather also brings an increase in thunderstorm activity.

July is typically one of the hottest months of the summer in Boston with temperatures averaging over 80 degrees.  We also see the most thunderstorms in July than any other month. According to weather experts there is a higher chance of a tropical storm coming within 100 miles of Boston during the month of July.

What does this means for you as a home or business owner? It means you need to ensure your home and/or business is properly protected to prevent damage due to storm. One of the most common losses caused by storm is water seeping into the property causing a flood and damaging personal belongings. In addition, if moister is left then coupled with warm temperature it creates a breeding ground for mold. Fire’s can also start as a result of a storm. In the summer months it’s common for lightning to strike and cause a fire. Prepare yourself and business for anything that can happen this summer – good and bad.

In June our office answered to multiple water damage calls after rain fall. So far we have had more than 3 major rain fall this summer – each resulting in a few claims that our office attended to in the Allston, Brighton & Brookline area. We were happy to be called but at least four of the losses could have been prevented had the business properly closed a window or checked if the sump pump was functioning properly. None the less, our team was available to help. We were able to address the cause of the damage, dry the area, then restore/replace the area “Like it never even happened.”

Summer time is for your enjoyment here at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we want to make sure you can get back to your summer time fun after a storm without a hitch. Call us in your time of need or if you want to be proactive and set up an Emergency Ready Profile call us today 617-903-5055.

We are Here for You

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Ready for any size disaster

SERVPRO has been in business for over 50 years. We have been able to establish a well recognized brand that symbolizes quality and expertise!

 When you have a flood you need to think- SERVPRO. When you have a fire you need to think -SERVPRO.  When you have large clean up you need to think- SERVPRO. You need to think of us in any disaster because we have the expertise, the techs, and equipment to help you get back to your pre disaster condition.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline truly cares about its Boston community. We are invested in the local community - our team lives in Boston, our children attend the local schools and we use the local businesses.  The fact that we can give back to our community in its time of need is important to us. All of the crew members are trained and certified in proper remediation and cleaning techniques. We are also one of the few remediation companies that also have a reconstruction team so you do not need to hire another contractor – saving you time and money. If the damage is a covered by insurance we will work directly with your assigned adjuster to help ease the claim process for you.   

It’s a known fact; we are here to be a resource for our community. We want to help you prevent losses where you can and have a plan ready for the things you cannot control. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is able to provide businesses and home owners with a free Emergency Ready Profile so that you know who to contact in the event of a disaster. Just give us a call 617-903-5055 and we will schedule a time for an office representative to go onsite and fill out a profile for you.

Trauma Clean Up & Restoration

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Professionals should handle bio hazards

If you are in the hospitality business then you know that fatalities happen in the facility. Maybe more than you would like. 

Under the Federal Government and Department of Labor, OSHA has created regulations concerning the handling of items or objects that may have been contaminated with blood and/or bodily fluids. These regulations are in place to not only protect the general public but also, the professionals doing the cleaning. Potential pathogens in bodily fluids include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and prions. It is extremely important that the standards are abided to not only to prevent the spread of possible disease but also to avoid hefty fines from the Environmental Protection Agency EPA.

It is important to note that cleaning cannot and will not begin at a trauma site until police actions are completed and the site is released by police. We stress the importance of performing quality cleaning services to prevent cross contamination. For this reason we clean the ceiling down to the floor. Our techs will be in special protective gear and use EPA certified products to clean the affected areas.

Time is of the essence when dealing with cleaning a trauma site because the longer the pathogen settles the harder it is to clean the surface and eliminate contaminates.  Because we have experience in this field our team already knows the process and what to do – so you can be rest assured the cleanup will be done right and under Federal standards.  Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline when you need us 617-903-5055!

Remediation & Reconstruction Services

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

We are the only company you need

Here at SERVPRO Allston, Brighton & Brookline our technicians are not only IICRC certified but they are also very knowledgeable in construction work. Most of our technicians have more than 20 years of construction experience. If your home or business experiences a major loss you can count on our team to not only clean and remediate but you can also count on us if you need reconstruction.

We pride ourselves in being able to meet all of our customers’ needs. We understand that at a time of loss the last thing you want to worry about is vetting a reliable contractor to help get your property back pre loss. You can be rest assured that with SERVPRO Allston, Brighton & Brookline you will receive quality work every time. We always seek customer satisfaction prior to installation, midway, then at completion. Finally, all completed work is then reviewed by our project manager to further ensure quality. Customer service is very important to us, in the rare occasion you are dissatisfied with a job we did do not hesitate to give us a call and we can fix it.

We do every job to the highest standard so you are comfortable referring us to your family members or closest friends. If you have a job you need our assistance with call us today 617-903-5055.

How to Handle a Flood in your Business

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare yourself and your business for when disaster strikes

If your business has been affected by flood the most important thing you can do is act quickly to reduce the level of damage and try to contain recovery costs. If no one is injured the first thing you want to do is call your insurance company.  Follow the 3 Be's:

Be Safe

Make sure your building is safe before you enter. Do a quick assessment of the exterior of the building to see if there are any structural damages. You should also check for possible electrical hazards. The safest thing you can do is to turn off the power if possible. Since there is the potential for electrocution if electricity is still running make sure you are wearing protective gear as you walk through the property.

Be Quick

Time is of the essence when dealing with standing water. It takes less than 48 hours for mold to grow and spread. For this reason you want to quickly remove the excess water. Open windows and use air movers to help with drying. You then want to ensure there are no pockets of concealed water – either under carpet or on water absorbing material (i.e. concrete).  If flood is laden with bacteria or chemicals do not try to clean on your own get a professional like SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline involved.

If you have suffered a flood or other water disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055

Be Thorough

Make sure you document everything! Take a picture of the damaged condition and anything you are throwing out. This will be important for the recovery process with your insurance company.

If all of this seems like a lot of work that you are not ready or do not have the time to take on do not worry! SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline can ease the stress and complete the entire process for you. All we need is your insurance carrier name and your claim number and we will take care of the rest. We are here for you during this time of need and our trained technicians will make the damage look “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline when you need us 617-903-5055!

Are you Prepared for a Natural Disaster?

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Floods are more common than you may think

When natural disasters occur most times we have little time to prepare. A common natural disaster that not only affects coastal property is a flood. Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

A flood can be a result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems. They can develop slowly or quickly – Flash floods can come with no warning. When there is a flash flood there is typically no warning or very little time between when the warning is given and the onset of the flood. Floods have been known to cause electrical outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

It is very important if you have been warned of a potential flood that you do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. It is very easy to drown during a flood - Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Be safe by evacuating if you are told to do so or moving to higher ground and/or level where possible. It is also recommended that you stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

The best thing you can do is prepare yourself well in advance. Gather and store supplies in a safe place in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each family members specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets either. Keep extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment so they are functioning during the time of need.

Once the warning is over and the storm has passed assess any damages to your home or business. Your top priority is still safety! Call your insurance provider if there were any damages – for a flood it would typically be a specialized flood policy. Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline for the remediation and reconstruction of your property – 617-903-5055.

We Can Help with your Claims Process!

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

We are always here to help!

If you have suffered a disaster at your home or business the last thing you want is more things to worry about. For this reason our team ensures they make the claim process as stress free as possible. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline will help the damage look “Like it never even happened.” That way you and your family or business can get back to what is important.

Our goal is to make the insurance process as smooth as possible. Therefore, we will:

• create thorough visual and written documentation of the damage to your home or business
• document the condition of each item we remove for cleaning or storage
• work directly with your insurer, communicating with you at all times
• handle the paperwork to make sure the processing and payment of your claim is as fast as it can be

We are so proud that so many insurance companies recommend SERVPRO to their clients because working with us makes their jobs easier.

Our Team is here for you if you experience a disaster. Our technicians have specialized training and years of experience in water, fire, mold and bio-hazard clean up and restoration services. Call SERVPRO Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055 we are available 24/7.

Storm Causes Power Outage

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Be prepared in the event of an outage

Storms can cause power outages that can span a couple of hours or even days. In addition, if multiple locations are affected the company may not be able to make it to your home due to being backed up. In the event your town or neighborhood is affected by a power outage here are a few tips to stay safe!

Before the storm:

• Purchase a flash light that runs on batteries
• have extra batteries available
• Invest in a generator if possible or rent one if you know a major storm is coming.
• Keep mobile phones and other electrical devices charged
• Keep your vehicle gas tank full just in case!
• Place a thermometer in your fridge and freezer so you can monitor the temperature during the storm
• Buy food supplies that do not require refrigeration
• Have a plan of where to go if the storm lasts more than 4 days. Community Centers are usually good places to go.

During the storm:

• Disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics
• Use a generator where possible to avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning from running the oven for heat or electrical stove.
• Keep freezer and refrigerators closed. Food will stay cold for about 3 days.
• Stay connected with family or local news so you are up to date on the status of the storm. This will also let you know if evacuation is necessary.

After the storm if you notice damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055 so we can help get you back to pre loss conditions.

Ways to prevent fires in your home

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Protect yourself and your loved ones

A house can easily catch fire from the misuse of appliances to smoking in bedrooms. You can take measures to avoid fire in your home and ensure the safety of your family. Below are some of the most common causes of household fires, and some tips to take precautions.

Cooking Equipment

Pots and pans can overheat and cause a fire very easily if the person cooking gets distracted and leaves cooking unattended. Always stay in the room, or ask someone to watch your food, when cooking on hotplates.

Heating

Keep portable heaters at least 5’ away from anything that could easily catch fire such as furniture, curtains, laundry, clothes and even you. If you have a furnace, get it inspected once a year to make sure it is working to safety standards.

Smoking in bedrooms

Bedrooms are best to be kept off limits for smoking. A cigarette that is not put out properly can cause a flame, as the butt may stay alit for a few hours. It could burst into flames if it came into contact with flammable materials, such as furniture. Did you know that fires started in the bedroom or lounge make up 73% of all house fire fatalities?

Electrical Equipment

An electrical appliance, such as a toaster can start a fire if it is faulty or has a frayed cord. A power point that is overloaded with double adapter plugs can cause a fire from an overuse of electricity. A power point extension cord can also be a fire hazard if not used appropriately. Double check the appliances and power points in your home.

Candles

Candles look and smell pretty, but if left unattended they can cause a room to easily burst into flames. Keep candles away from any obviously flammable items such as books and tissue boxes. Always blow a candle out before leaving a room. Did you know that in Perth last year 34 house fires started as a result of candles?

Curious Children

Kids can cause a fire out of curiosity, to see what would happen if they set fire to an object. Keep any matches or lighters out of reach of children, to avoid any curiosity turned disaster. Install a smoke alarm in your child’s room and practice a home escape plan with your children and family in case there was a fire. Inform your kids the importance of knowing their address knowing their address and if they needed to, call 911.

Faulty Wiring

Homes with inadequate wiring can cause fires from electrical hazards. Some signs to see if you’ve bad wiring are: 1) Lights dim if you use another appliance; 2) For an appliance to work, you have to disconnect another; 3) Fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently. Have a licensed electrician come and inspect your house, or contact your landlord if you have any of the above occurrences.

Barbeques

Barbeques are great for an outdoor meal, but should always be used away from the home, tablecloths or any plants and tree branches. Keep BBQs regularly maintained and cleaned with soapy water and clean any removable parts. Check the gas bottle for any leaks before you use it each time.

Flammable Liquids

If you have any flammable liquids in the home or garage such as petrol, kerosene or ethylated spirits, keep them away from heat sources and check the label before storing. Be careful when pouring these liquids.

Lighting

Lamp shades and light fittings can build up heat if they are very close to light globes. Check around the house to make sure. Lamp bases can become a hazard if they are able to be knocked over easily, and so should be removed if they are. Check that down lights is insulated from wood paneling or ceiling timbers.

The above tips are a good guide to avoiding a fire in your home. If you do have a fire and need assistance with the cleanup, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055

Its Lightening Season

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Roaring Lightening in the night

Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within the clouds.

"Sheet lightning" describes a distant bolt that lights up an entire cloud base. Other visible bolts may appear as bead, ribbon, or rocket lightning. During a storm, colliding particles of rain, ice, or snow inside storm clouds increase the imbalance between storm clouds and the ground, and often negatively charge the lower reaches of storm clouds. Objects on the ground, like steeples, trees, and the Earth itself, become positively charged—creating an imbalance that nature seeks to remedy by passing current between the two charges.

Lightning is extremely hot—a flash can heat the air around it to temperatures five times hotter than the sun’s surface. This heat causes surrounding air to rapidly expand and vibrate, which creates the pealing thunder we hear a short time after seeing a lightning flash.

Types of Lightning

Cloud-to-ground lightning bolts are a common phenomenon—about 100 strike Earth’s surface every single second—yet their power is extraordinary. Each bolt can contain up to one billion volts of electricity.

A typical cloud-to-ground lightning bolt begins when a step-like series of negative charges, called a stepped leader, races downward from the bottom of a storm cloud toward the Earth along a channel at about 200,000 mph (300,000 kph). Each of these segments is about 150 feet (46 meters) long.

When the lowermost step comes within 150 feet (46 meters) of a positively charged object, it is met by a climbing surge of positive electricity, called a streamer, which can rise up through a building, a tree, or even a person.

When the two connect, electrical current flows as negative charges fly down the channel towards earth and a visible flash of lightning streaks upward at some 200,000,000 mph (300,000,000 kph), transferring electricity as lightning in the process.

Some types of lightning, including the most common types, never leave the clouds but travel between differently charged areas within or between clouds. Other rare forms can be sparked by extreme forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and snowstorms. Ball lightning, a small, charged sphere that floats, glows, and bounces along oblivious to the laws of gravity or physics, still puzzles scientists.

About one to 20 cloud-to-ground lightning bolts is "positive lightning," a type that originates in the positively charged tops of storm clouds. These strikes reverse the charge flow of typical lightning bolts and are far stronger and more destructive. Positive lightning can stretch across the sky and strike "out of the blue" more than 10 miles from the storm cloud where it was born.

 If you have had damage from a lightning strike, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055

Common Plumbing Issues

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

faulty plumbing causes water damage

You depend on your plumbing each and every day, from the hot water in your shower to the water boiling on your stove. As such, it’s important to maintain your plumbing regularly to make sure there aren’t any major issues such as leaks or sewage backups. But plumbing problems can still occur with regular maintenance, so it’s good to be aware of common plumbing issues and what you can do to solve them or minimize damage to your home.

Low Water Pressure

Proper water pressure is necessary for washing your hands, cleaning dishes, and taking a shower. If you’ve noticed a significant drop in your home’s water pressure, you probably have a clogged pipe. It’s also possible that you need to fully open your shutoff valve. If you’re only having water pressure issues with one faucet, the solution may be as simple as cleaning the aerator or removing a nearby clog.

Dripping Faucet

Depending on the severity of the drip, a dripping faucet can raise your water bill and waste a significant amount of water—not to mention how annoying it can be. Luckily, fixing a dripping faucet is usually as simple as replacing seats and springs or a washer in the faucet.

Running Toilet

It happens so frequently: minutes after flushing your toilet, you can still hear the toilet running as if the bowl is filling with water. This is an incredibly annoying problem to have, but usually, an easy one to fix. Remove the lid from your toilet tank and make sure that your tank ball, flapper valve, and flush valve are working properly—if any of them are sticking or not functioning right, they’re easy to replace.

Clogged Drain

Clogged or slow drains are probably the most common plumbing problem. Plumbing pipes are designed to allow water and waste to flow through freely, but over time, built up hair, soap scum and other debris can form a clog in your drain that prevents water from passing. This is almost sure to happen in any home given enough time. You can use vinegar and baking soda to break up clogs in your sink, or you can buy a drain auger and remove the clog manually.

Sometimes the clog may be deeper in your pipes or too severe to easily remove, look into professional plumbing services; they have the equipment and expertise to clear clogged drains without causing damage to your plumbing. If you have sewage damage as a result of a clogged drain or other plumbing issues, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055

Leaking Pipes

Leaks aren’t just an annoyance; they can significantly increase your water bill and quickly cause damage to your home. If you have a leaking pipe that’s beyond a slow drip, shut your water off as soon as possible. If there is any chance of mold or structural damage to your home, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055 to avoid spending a fortune on repairs. Leaking pipes generally need to be replaced, but you can use marine tape or epoxy to cover small leaks temporarily—just remember to shut the water off first.

No Hot Water

Have you ever rolled out of bed and into the shower only to find there’s no hot water? It’s not a good experience. Chances are you’ve got something wrong with your water heater, most probably an electrical problem such as a thermostat or element. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting your water heater, it’s a good idea to get help from a trained, knowledgeable professional.

Plumbing truly is an essential part of our everyday lives. We can’t all be professional plumbers, but with a little bit of research and hard work, you can stay cool, calm and collected in the face of a plumbing emergency

 If you have water damage as a result of any of these or other plumbing issues, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service – SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

We are ready when you need us

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today -(617) 903-5055

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis.SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect: When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

OurSERVPRORepresentative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information

Your insurance information (if applicable)

The street address of the water-damaged home or business

When did the flooding or water damage occur?

What caused the water damage (if known)?

Is there electricity available (on-site)?

AboutSERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property

Mice droppings?

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

check for signs of mice in your office

Did you know that an office or warehouse can be like a giant playground for mice and friends? Your office makes for excellent shelter for mice, its keeps them warm in cold weather and protects them from animals that are larger.  To make matters worse, all the food that is left behind in an office and warehouse can lead to an all-you-can-eat buffet for these little critters.

Once there is one mouse, then becomes multiple...  Mice and rats can do more damage to your office than meets the eye.  

First, spread disease!

• Mice may be small animals but they can carry big diseases. 

Second, droppings.

• Mice and rats can spread diseases through their droppings. Mice have no shame and will go anywhere they please, including your keyboard and phone. That would not be a pleasant way to start a Monday morning.  

Third, urine.  

• Mice also like to urinate everywhere, especially in a new place. It lets them keep track of the places they’ve been and is a way of leaving messages behind for their friends.

Fourth, chew cables.

• Imagine coming into work one day and your computer does not turn on? Then imagine realizing that a mouse or rat had chewed through the cord to your computer…bummer.

Fifth, start fires.

• Mice chewing on wires in your office can lead to the potential to start fires.  By chewing wires under your desk, the mice leave the rubber casing open, which can lead to them short circuiting and catching alight.  Exposed wires are more prone to become in contact with water and as we all know water and electricity do not mix very well.

At the first sight of any of these things happening, make sure you call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617-903- 5055) to make sure your business is cleaned properly and prevent this problem does not happen again.

Small water damage can be a big issue

7/5/2020 (Permalink)

Latest Technology

Whether it's behind the washer, above the ceiling or under the sink, a little drip can lead to big trouble. Water damage happens quickly and can be expensive to fix. Ignore a leak, and you not only could you have a mighty mess on your hands, but your home insurance probably won't bail you out. "What's really important to know for leaks is when did the insured notice it and take action," Says John Bruni from SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. 

"People now build houses to be airtight," says John Bruni, project manager. "Houses are wrapped in plastic like Saran Wrap. That's good for energy conservation, but if water gets on the wrong side of that plastic, then mold will follow, as certainly as night follows day." Bruni observes that damage often occurs after people get security systems installed. Holes are drilled into airtight window frames for wires to run through them, but they aren't properly caulked and sealed, allowing water to slowly seep in over time. "You notice that maybe the wall below the window is looking funny, and by that time the framing behind it is rotted out," he says. If the homeowner reports the problem right away, it would likely be covered by home insurance.

Today's houses also have more bathrooms, and the washing machine is often located next to the master bedroom on an upper floor for convenience, Bruni notes. "That means you've got more pipes, and if the washing machine leaks, it can affect the third floor, the second floor, the first floor and even down to the basement," he says. For water damage from leaky appliances or pipes, the damage must be "sudden and accidental" in order to be covered by insurance - such as a pipe that bursts while you're washing clothes.

But what about a slow leak you can't see? Say, for instance, a pipe behind a wall leaks, and you don't notice it until water starts seeping through the wall. Are you covered? Most likely the answer is yes, as long as you take action as soon as there is evidence of the leak, Bruni says. "Nobody expects you to tear out your drywall now and again to check the pipes. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055. They will send out a crew to test the walls using moisture detectors and an infrared camera.

Insurance companies understand it's impossible to know you have a hidden leak until the damage becomes apparent. The same goes for leaks behind and under appliances, or above a ceiling. If you can't see the leak, you can still make an insurance claim as long as you report it when it becomes apparent. Don't expect much sympathy if you ignore the wet spot in your ceiling, only to report it when the problem gets worse. The insurance adjuster probably will be able to tell if the damage is fresh.

"If the insured had a leak in the roof and had a pot under it for six months, then that damage is not covered," Bruni of SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline says. "Insurance Professionals are pretty good at seeing whether a wet spot has been there for a while. Sometimes they have engineers go out to look." When it comes to insurance coverage, everything depends on the language in your policy. Although most policies cover damage from leaks as long as you responded quickly, language among policies differs. Keep in mind, though, that while home insurance may cover the water damage to the ceiling, floor, walls or furniture, it won't pay for replacing the worn-out pipe or the leaky roof (unless the roof was damaged by a covered peril, such as hail or a fallen tree).

If you think you have a leak, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055

Protect against a Fire

7/5/2020 (Permalink)

Be safe when handling fire

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property in the event of a Fire:

SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.

Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence, including the basement.

Install a working carbon monoxide detector in the common area of the bedrooms.

Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.

COOKING SAFETY

Never leave cooking unattended.

Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.

Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames

Never use the range or oven to heat your home.

ESCAPING THE FIRE

Have an escape plan. Review escape routes with your family.

Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut.

Teach family members to stay low to the floor, where the air is safer, when escaping from a fire.

In high-rise, never lock fire exits or doorways, halls or stairways. Never prop stairway or other fire doors open.

HEATING SOURCE

Place space heaters at least three feet away from flammable/combustible materials.

Use only the type of fuel designated for your space heater.

MATCHES/LIGHTERS AND SMOKING

Keep matches/lighters away from children.

Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated.

If you must smoke, do it responsibly.

ELECTRICAL WIRING

Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs

Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.

Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic areas.

Do not overload extension cords or outlets.

If you do have a fire, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055 to assist you in the cleanup

Ways to Prevent Water Damage

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

wet floor in home after carpet removed

1. Disconnect hoses

Standing water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe. This may create an ice block that stops your water flow. The block may may burst your pipes and create damage to walls, floor and foundation.

2. Clean gutters and downspouts

Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dams. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof, and unmanaged overflow may create puddles that could damage your foundation.

Don't forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from the home.

3. Maintain trees and vegetation

Thriving shrubs can be a beautiful thing — except when their roots wrap around your pipes and break them. That's why it's important to minimize landscaping near utility pipes or, if necessary, remove trees and shrubs that have become too big.

Interior Measures to Prevent Water Damage

4. Know your water main

Know the location of your water main, and shut it off if you leave for an extended amount of time. If no water goes in to the house, chances are no faucet drips can wreak havoc on your home while you're away.

5. Check appliances regularly

Check and maintain your home appliances regularly for leaks, according to manufacturer's directions. 

6. Investigate leaks right away and fix promptly

If you opt to ignore moisture damage or postpone making the necessary repairs, be prepared to experience mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home.

Keep in mind that homeowner's insurance provides coverage for damage that is sudden and accidental. Damage that results from lack of maintenance is not covered on a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

If it's too late and you're already dealing with a wet disaster, check out advice on how to minimize water damage in your home.

7. Upgrade washing machine hoses

Old, brittle or leaky washing machine hoses are among the most frequent causes of water loss for homeowners. Replace yours regularly to avoid a mighty mess and expensive damage.

8. Install water detection devices

A water detector is a small electronic device that sounds an alarm when its sensor comes in contact with moisture. Its main benefit is that it detects low moisture levels or slow leaks that often go unnoticed. Install it near water heaters, sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers and toilets to prevent extensive damage and mold growth.

9. Check your water pressure

If the water pressure to your home is set too high, pipes and hoses may fail under the pressure. Buy a water pressure gauge at a local hardware store, attach it to an outside faucet, and turn the faucet to full force. The gauge will give you a reading of the home’s water pressure.

Typical residential water systems are designed for water pressure of 40 to 70 psi. If your home’s water pressure exceeds 100 psi, install a pressure regulator (which is available at hardware stores as well.) 

10. Monitor your water bill 

Sometimes, the only way you know that water is leaking is taking a closer look at your water bill. If your usage jumps significantly from one month to the next without explanation, put your "water detective hat" on. Is there a leak in your crawlspace? Or, is it a pipe in your front yard? Don't leave mystery leaks unattended!

If you have had water damage to your home please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055

Water Damage in Commercial Facilities

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

We are always here to help

Flooding and water damage events at City of Boston commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. If your business has water or fire damage, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055

Furnace Puff Back

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Know what to do if this happens to you!

If your home has an oil burning furnace, there are several dangers to be aware of. Any furnace can experience a puff back, while puff backs are more common with oil systems, a furnace puff back can also occur with forced air, gas and hot water heating systems. A puff back in a furnace is a volatile explosion that occurs inside your furnace. The result of this explosion is fire and smoke being spewed out from your furnace. This fire, smoke and soot will damage your homes building materials and contents. This explosion will not be lethal, but can cause thousands of dollars in costly repairs and damage restoration, and can also cause health problems for you and your family. The explosions are caused by a buildup of vapor inside your furnace. This build up can occur with furnaces which have not been maintained properly. Parts sometimes need to be replaced, and bi yearly cleaning of your furnace and heating system will help prevent puff backs. Conducting a yearly exam of your heating system or having a professional check your heating system yearly will often times fully prevent a puff back from ever occurring.

 If you have experience a puff back avoids doing the following: Try to clean or wash away soot residue yourself. This soot and smoke residue needs special cleaning methods, as it spreads easily. Soot stains can also set very quickly, making soot damage especially trick to clean if you should do it wrong. Soot is black carbon, and black carbon will stain extremely quickly when mixed with water and common household liquid cleaners. Should you attempt to remove the soot yourself and end up staining something with soot in your home, a professional cleaner may be required to remove the stain. Should you have soot damage, you should leave it to a professional to clean. SERVPRO professionals trained in soot damage have special cleaners and cleaning methods to use to remove your soot and soot damage. Use furniture or walk on carpeting affected by the fire or puff back. Do not use furniture that has been exposed to heat, soot or smoke. You can cause further damage to your furniture, until it is professionally cleaned and restored. Do not turn on any electronics such as computer, stereo's, and TV's until you have had them checked for soot damaged. Computers can be especially vulnerable and ruined as soon as they are turned on if soot has made its way inside them. This soot also contains a corrosive element, which will damage home's building materials, and contents such as your electronics, furniture, clothing and more. Not only can this soot damage your property, it can also affect the health of your loved ones by causing respiratory problems. This soot will often have a very terrible odor that will swiftly travel throughout the home, and will need to be cleaned and deodorized in order to remove the offensive odor from your home. If the soot and smoke travels through your home's duct work, it will need to be cleaned and deodorized as well. You also need to have a professional check your furnace following a puff back, to avoid further incidents. You may have a faulty part or an oil burner that may need replacing. If the problem is ignored, it can cause repeated and long lasting effects to your home. Should you have experienced a furnace puff back, you should SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055 to help with the clean up.

Moisture in Your Home

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Too much moisture in your home is not good

1) – Your home produces moisture.

Any household produces moisture by cooking, washing, bathing and exercising. Even breathing brings moisture into the air. Your family and pets bring many liters of water into your home every day.  Moisture can also enter your house from the soil through the basement or crawl space.

 2) –  High humidity is not healthy

 Humidity is important for our health. A normal humidity level is needed for feeling comfortable. However, too much moisture in your home can cause big problems and even affect your health. Microorganisms that thrive in humid conditions are of special concern as they can help cause allergies and asthmatic conditions.

 3) - Low humidity is not healthy either

 Low humidity can, in turn, have all kinds of unpleasant effects. Your skin can feel dry, your lips can start to chap and your eyes can start to itch. Sore eyes, difficulty breathing and painful sinuses are also common problems caused by too dry air. This is especially true in winter when the outside air tends to be very dry. Air conditioned spaces, including airplanes and offices, are also well known ‘dry zones.’

 4)  – Bugs and mold love a humid home

 Bugs thrive in humid conditions. Dust mites especially love warm temperatures (23-27 degrees Celsius / 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit) and high humidity levels of 70-80%. One study has found that mite populations stop growing and die out when relative humidity levels drop below 60%. Air conditioning has been proven to lower dust mite allergens in homes by lowering the ambient temperature and relative humidity. Mold loves humid conditions as well. When the relative humidity is higher than 80%, mold is likely to develop more than 50% of the time. Their spores are known to contribute to the development of asthma in children and cause allergies.

 5)  – Moisture is the No. 1 electronics killer

 Excess moisture can not only damage your health, but also damage your possessions. Electronics are especially susceptible to damage by condensation. Moisture can corrode contacts inside and lower insulation resistance, which may cause short circuits. Watch for high humidity and drastic temperature changes that occur when bringing in electric appliances from your cold garage or basement. Take care to let them adjust to the climate before switching them on. You can protect stored electronics or other valuables by putting them in closed plastic boxes with a small dehumidifying satchel/bag.

 6)  – Winter is the real humid season for homes

 The air is often cold and dry in the winter. While your lips, skin and nails suffer due to all that winter dryness, your house might suffer from the effects of excess moisture because two things happen:

 Winter is the heating season. We close our windows and reduce ventilation and circulation of air in our homes to keep out the cold. At the same time, rain and melting snow can increase the amount of moisture entering your house through crawl spaces, basements and walls. Because less moisture leaves the house, humidity levels inside can start to rise.

 At the same time, something else happens. Parts of your house that are in direct contact with the cold outside air are cooler than the air inside. Examples are single glazed windows and walls with low insulation. The temperature difference with the warm, moist air inside can cause continuous condensation to occur on those cold surfaces. All that wetness will attract mold growth and cause moisture stains.

 7)  – Ventilation is essential

 Especially areas that produce a lot of moisture like bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms need lots of ventilation. In some areas, it is simply not possible, cost effective or energy efficient to ventilate continuously. For those areas, there are many great solutions out there. Check our dehumidifier section for suggestions.

  8)   – Humidity is always relative

 So what exactly is “humidity,” anyway? Humidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air. However, you will usually hear the term “relative humidity.” Why “relative”? Because the maximum amount of water the air can “hold” depends on the temperature of the air. A relative humidity of 100% means the air contains the maximum amount of water it can hold at that specific temperature. Warmer air can hold more water than colder air.

 So, what happens when warm humid air cools down? The colder air can hold less moisture and might “drop” some of it. This happens most easily when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cold surface (like a cool soda bottle in summer or windows in winter). Water released by the air in this way is called “condensation,” which can cause serious problems in your home, car, boat or RV.

 9)  – The ideal humidity level is 40-60%

 Opinions on the ideal relative humidity level in your home vary somewhat. Generally, it is thought best to be in the 40-60% range. Moving outside this range for a short period is not likely to cause you any discomfort. Negative effects are most likely to occur when parts of your home are continuously exposed to high humidity.

 10)  – Humidity can be controlled

 There are many solutions available to help you maintain healthy humidity levels and moisture problems. You can use a hydrometer to monitor the inside air and there are all kinds of commercial dehumidifiers and humidifiers out there. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.

If you require help with any moisture issues in your home, please call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline (617) 903-5055

Non Penetrating Hydrometer

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Non penetrating meter

The thermal-hygrometer is used in almost all of the work sites we come out to! It is used to measure the humidity and temperature of the affected area in order to ensure the work that needs to be performed is accurate and efficient. For example, if there is a water leak we have to attend to, we would be able to measure the moisture of the material, such as wood, to know the expected time needed to dry. 

This is one of many tools we use to give you results you want and need. At the click of a button, our workers have access to data that allows us to provide you with stellar service.

Our techs have access to the best technology and resources, which is a reason why we are #1 in both USA & Canada!

Give us a call and our experts are on stand-by, waiting to help 617-903-5055

Extension Cord Causes Fire

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Do not overload your extension cord!

Electrical fires are extremely scary and cannot be simply put out with water. Our crew was called to a Dorchester, MA home because a fire was caused by a lamp (see picture). There was extensive damage to the walls, ceiling and their personal belongings. According to the residents the lamp was left on over night. after further investigation it was uncovered that not only was the lamp connected to an overloaded extension cord but it also had a light bulb with WATTS that exceeded what was recommended by the lamp. 

What can you do?

To prevent something like this from happening to your home - First you must ensure the lamp and light bulb are compatible. Then if you can avoid using an extension cord, do so. Extension cord overload have been a leading cause of fire as well. You need to be cautious of how you are using your extension cords because the more you plug in the higher the chances of a spark. Finally, when you are not using a lamp or any electrical accessory unplug it. This will not only prevent a potential fire but it will also help you save on your electrical bill. the reason being is that even though you physically do not have the lamp, radio, etc. on because it is plugged to an outlet there is active electrical currents going through. 

In the unfortunate event there is a fire caused by electrical equipment call 911 immediately. Do not try to put out the fire with water as you can risk electrocution. Once fire is put out call us and your insurance company so we can help make the damage look "Like it never even happened." 

Call SERVPRO Allston, Brighton & Brookline for more information 617-903-5055!

We are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help 24/7

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline, 617-903-5055

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Fire Damage Restoration Tips

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Family room in Boston, MA home after a fire

Fire damage restoration is complicated for those who do not deal with it on a consistent basis. Many times we get calls to ask for advice on how to clean up after fire. Below we have listed tips that can help most fire cleanup situations.

Please keep in mind that fire damage restoration takes time and skill. See below and realistically consider whether you want to try these ideas on your own or enlist the help of a restoration specialist like SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline, where we will guarantee our work!

1. Remove smoke damage

Wash walls one small area at a time. Work from floor up to prevent streaking. Wash the ceiling last. Wipe down and dry the areas that got wet to prevent possible growth of mold and mildew. You can do this with small solution of household bleach and water. If drywall and insulation is soaked your best option is to contact a professional to ensure the materials are fully dried.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055 will help

2. Limit activity and movement

Once you are cleared to reenter your home by first responders do your best to work on one area at a time to prevent spreading soot into other areas. The worst thing you can do is give yourself more work in what is already considered a very laborious process. Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet in high traffic areas.

3. Avoid smearing soot into fabrics

Soot from smoke damage is greasy so ensure you dust it off to prevent rubbing it your fabrics and upholstery. Fabrics and upholstery are very porous and will likely absorb the smoke odor. You may need to wash the fabrics multiple times in order to fully get rid of the smoke odor. Make sure that your hands and cleaning equipment is clean so you do not add more soot to the material.

4. Thoroughly Dry Everything!

This will be the most important yet tedious step. You will need to determine whether or not you should restore (dry) or replace items that were affected by the water (ie. carpet, flooring, insulation and more). It takes on average about 48hrs for a wet area to promote the growth and spread of mold. Your home will most likely be wet if a fire department put out the fire. Before repainting and putting things back to its original place make sure your walls, insulation, ceiling, furniture and all other porous materials are completely dry. You can rent commercial grade fans and open windows. The key is to know when everything is dry! Do not stress yourself and make the mistake of turning the fans off too soon. Instead, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. We have the equipment that will let us know what areas need to be dried and when drying has been completed.

5. Repaint & Restore

Once the walls are thoroughly cleaned and dry you can repaint a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling. Before painting it is very important that the walls and ceiling is thoroughly dried so there are no streaks. You are now ready to put furniture back in its original space.

Fires are no joke and the damage they leave behind much less. Our goal here at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is to be able to make the restoration process as seamless as possible. That way you can work on getting the rest of your life back in order pre-fire. Let us help 617-903-5055

Heavy Snow No Good For Your Roof

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Snow accumulation on roof of Boston, Ma home

In New England we often experience snow storms in the winter. Heavy snow storms are not only an issue for the pavement and the public roadways. Snow can also affect your roof by adding more weight to your roof, which can over time weaken your roof. After the snow storm passes the accumulation of the snow can also cause damage to your roof. This is because of the moisture penetration when the snow or ice begins to melt then gets frozen again. Depending on the type of roof you have, the moisture in the roof can expand and ultimately cause your roof to wear out more quickly. A damaged roof can affect your entire home! It is important that before the cold weather arrives that you have an idea of the current condition of your roof. If you have an attic you should inspect it as often as possible especially after severe weather to ensure there are not any leaks or staining on the ceiling. This can be a telling sign that there is a roof issue that will need immediate attention. At SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we can help remove snow from your roof and repair walls and ceilings affected by water damage. Call us today for more information 617-903-5055!

Blizzards and Freezing Rain

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Active blizzard on Beacon Street, a well known street in Boston

Blizzards and freezing rain are a pain not only for commuting but also for your property. Winter storms and freezing rain can cause ice dams here in Boston, MA and surrounding areas of New England. Water dams can trap water and freeze pipes. The frozen water causes expansion which is common to burst or leak once the ice melts causing damage throughout your home or business. You should also be aware that mold can grow after frozen water is melted and mixed with humidity. Mold is a living organism that spread pores throughout the area causing more damage. It is also known to affect your health. The best thing you can do for your home or business is to constantly monitor your property before and after a storm. If you discover damage you need to act fast to prevent further damage. Having emergency contacts (ie. roofer, emergency clean up, GE) is recommended so you can get the issue resolved as soon as possible.  Check out our emergency ready plan if you are looking for a place to store emergency information (click here)

Give SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline if you experience water damage after a storm 617-903-5055

Unwanted Fires and its affect on your property

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Home in Brighton, MA experiences fire damage

Fire damage is the physical damage to a property as a result of burning. The damage can be directly caused by flames or indirectly due to smoke and other substances emitted by fire such as soot. Smoke and soot can be as damaging to your property as actual flames. This is because the smoke will create black clouds throughout the walls, ceiling, and porous materials in your property. There is also a strong odor associated with smoke that is very hard to remove from porous materials such as clothes, carpets and furniture. In the unfortunate event your home or business experiences fire damage (flames, smoke or soot) we recommend you enlist the help of a professional to help you clean your property as thoroughly as possible. If a firefighter was called to your property the likelihood that water damage occurred is highly likely. In this event you have to make sure that the water is dried as quickly as possible to prevent the possible growth of mold. When mold grows it will spread quickly, cause possible health issues and increase the cost of remediation. For this reason edge on the side of caution and just hire a professional in the beginning. We at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline will ensure we get everything done right the first time so you can have your peace of mind and property back!

General Water Damage Process

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Water seeping through door when tech arrived on site

Every situation is different and may require a unique solution. However, the general process is always the same!

Step 1: Emergency Contact

We are always available for you in the event of a water emergency. When you call in, no matter the day or time someone will return your call. The main goal during the initial contact is to understand what is going on so we can dispatch someone to your home or business as soon as possible.

Step 2: Inspection and Assess Damage

When we arrive on site our goal is to know what caused the damage if it is not apparent. This way we can have the issue addressed. The damage may require a third party to be involved (ie. plumber). You may contact your own contractor we are also happy to provide a few recommendations. Once we know what has caused the damage we can continue move on to the next step!

Step 3: Water Removal/ Water Extraction

A licensed technician will use specialized water extraction equipment to remove water from your home. Removal and extraction may result in removal of flooring depending on the type of water damage (ie. sewage back up). Our technicians will document and removal items that cannot be restored.

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

We will place machines in your home or business to ensure the space is dry and prevent the possible growth of mold. The average run time for drying machines is between 3-5 days. Of course, it may be more or less depending on the extent of the water damage to your property. It is important that you not unplug or move the equipment from where they were placed by the technician to ensure the space dries properly.

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Our technicians will clean the affected area and neighboring areas with anti-microbial cleaning products to prevent the possible growth of mold. We ensure we clean every crack and crevice! We

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration is the process of putting your home back to pre damage condition. This may result in reconstruction. Our technicians are also very experienced in the construction industry. We are a one stop shop for you. 

In all, the first few steps my take place upon the first to second visit. The remaining steps will depend on the extent of the damage. In situations where we are working with your insurance carrier we will happily communicate with your adjuster directly to keep the work moving smoothly so restoration can begin as soon as possible. For questions please do not hesitate to call our office at 617-903-5055!

Your Solution for Biohazard

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Plumbing back flow in this Boston, MA bathroom

Bio hazard by definition is anything that is a risk to human health or the environment. They stem from biological substance especially microorganisms and pathogens.

Pathogens, many times are disease-causing. They can be found in the form of bacteria, viruses, or protozoans. Here at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we classify water by the level of contaminant that may be present in the water. Sewage back up would be classified as the most contaminated.

If you ever have a toilet over flow or notice sewage back up in your home or business it is highly recommended you call a professional to ensure the area and surrounding areas are properly and thoroughly disinfected. The worst thing you can do is try to clean it yourself and discover that instead you spread the contaminants to other areas of the property.  

If your home or business experiences a bio hazard loss do not place fans in the area. Ensure you have little to no contact with the affected area to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas of your home or business. If you have an active leak or plumbing issue call the local plumbing company so they can address the situation. Once they have addressed the cause of the issue you will want to call a professional to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area. We use hospital grade disinfectants and ensure we complete a thorough cleaning of the affected and surrounding area.

If you have any questions call us today! 617-903-5055

Happy Holidays – Lets Prevent Fires

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Holiday lights light up this public walk way

In our opinion the final months of the year is a very joyus time of year! Flashing lights light up the night. Everyone is scrambling to get home for the holidays. With the holidays its is also reported that the number of home fires increase dramatically. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline wants to ensure this of year remains joyus for you and your family. Below are simply tips to help prevent a fire.

These simple easy tips can prevent a fire from starting within your house this Christmas!

• If you have a Christmas Tree, always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety, and throw out any damaged lights that are broken.
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree
• Bedtime means lights off! ­ Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.
• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches. The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily

After your tree starts to drop needles and some may turn brown it is time to say your last goodbye and throw it outside.  These simple and easy facts can really be a lifesaver come the holidays. If there ever is a problem in your home call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. 

Office: 617.903.5055

Plumbing Issues Resolved

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Plumbing issues result in toilet back flow

Bio hazard by definition is anything that is a risk to human health or the environment. They stem from biological substance especially microorganisms and pathogens.

Pathogens, many times are disease-causing. They can be found in the form of bacteria, viruses, mold spores, or protozoans. Plumbing or sewage back flow can present a more bio hazard risk. For this reason if you ever have a toilet over flow or notice sewage back up in your home or business the best  thing to do is to call a professional to ensure the area and surrounding areas are properly and thoroughly disinfected.

At SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton and Brookline we take bio hazard damage very seriously because of the potential impact it can have on the health of not only our customers but also our employees.

If your home or business experiences a bio hazard loss do not place fans in the area. Ensure you have little to no contact with the affected area to prevent the spread of contaminants to other areas of your home or business. If you have an active leak or plumbing issue call the local plumbing company so they can address the situation. Once they have addressed the cause of the issue you will want to call a professional to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area.

Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline today if you are facing a bio-hazard issue in your home or business! We are available 24/7/365

One Stop Disaster Cleanup

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

This is a picture of a room we remediated and reconstructed after a water loss.

If you are looking for a company that can do it all when you have water, fire, mold or bio hazard loss look no further because SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline has you covered. We are open to work with you directly and/or with insurance companies if you choose to put in a claim.

Remediation

During the remediation process if there is water damage entails extracting standing water if any and placing professional grade drying material to ensure the materials (dry wall, hardwood etc.) are completely dry to prevent the possible growth of mold. If there is fire damage our team will remove the affect area, most times it is wet from putting out the fire. If there are contaminants (sewage, plumbing back flow, etc.) our crew will use hospital grade material to remove and disinsfect the whole premise. Once affected materials are removed, anti microbial agents are applied throughout the area. Lastly we apply drying equipment to ensure affected materials dry thoroughly.

Reconstruction

Our team has the capability to put your business or home back to pre damage condition with our construction team. We are one of the few businesses that can see a job through from start to finish. Our construction team has more than 20 years of construction experience and they are happy to work with our customers to get their home or business back to pre damage condition or better. Give us an opportunity and our team will not disappoint!

Commercial HVAC tips for the winter

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Replacing filters regularly can help the quality of the air and keep your system running smoothly.

Massachusetts winters can be very brutal. If your commercial building is not ready it can be very expensive for you because there are so many things that can wrong and disrupt business. Below are simple things you can do to keep your HVAC system and your business running all winter long.

Change filters

It is highly recommended that you change your filters before a peak season like summer and winter. This is because your system has a greater demand at these times. Make sure you are changing filters regularly (1-6 months) to avoid getting pollutants and mold into the air. If you do not, it can be a major health issue for your employees and those entering your premise. If you smell musty odors in any area of your building make sure you get the air quality sampled to rule out the possible growth and spread of mold. Depending on the size and location of your HVAC system it may be better to hire someone to help change the filter for you.

Inspect and clean your system

Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your system if it is being done correctly. You can contract an experienced professional to help or have a plan in place to maintain on your own. What is important is that you always have a good idea of the current condition of your system and when possible services will be needed.

Keep a contact list of local service providers who can help repair your system in the event of a mal function. This will help save you time when something happens, it eventually will happen. Your preparation now can help save you hundreds in the future!

Preparing your home and business for the cold season

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

Quick transition from summer to winter here in Boston, MA!

If you are a Boston resident or property owner you know that the winter is unpredictable. Some years we barely get snow and the temperatures are fairly mild. While other years it is frigid with howling winds and never ending snow storms.

No matter what kind of winter is in the cards for us this year, as a property owner you should be prepared. You should not wait until winter is upon us to prepare your property. The time is now, before the fall! During this time you should be making repairs and doing preventative maintenance.

Some areas to consider:

Gutters

Clean and repair the gutter before the temperature drops. Seal leaking caps and if you can add a gutter cover to prevent debris build up. Consider investing in a gutter heating cable. This will help prevent ice dams. 

Windows and walk ways

Check your windows to make sure there are not any air leaks or excessive condensation build up. Most windows are believed to have a life cycle of 20yrs check your windows to ensure they are not at or nearing the end of their cycle. Check your walk way for any major cracks that will need to be repaired.  Pay attention to seams as well.

Boiler Room

Boilers should be serviced once a year by an engineer. The most important part of winterizing is ensuring buildings boiler will operate throughout the long winter. Ensure the pipes are well insulated as extreme cold weather can cause the boiler to shut off - which can result in frozen pipes.

HVAC

Check and replace air filters if necessary. Turn your system on to ensure it is functioning properly. Like a car idleness is not good. Run the heating unit a few weeks before temperatures start to drop to keep it working properly.

Water faucets and water lines

Drain outdoor water faucets and water lines to make sure there is no sitting water. If there is water in the water lines it can freeze in cold temperatures and cause damage to the water line and faucets.

Roof

Roofs typically have a 12 year life span. You can usually do a visual test of your roof to get a better idea of its current condition. Repair or replace any missing shingles. An added benefit of updating your roof is an insurance discount for newly replaced roof!

Fix crack in concrete and asphalt

Water is easily absorbed by concrete given the nature of the materials. If there are large cracks make sure you fill them in because salt during snowy season causes damage.

Whether you are a home owner or a property manager it is important to be proactive so you prevent possible damages to your property. Losses will happen but if you use preventative measures you can possibly help minimize the level of damage thus lowering the amount of money needed to repair/replace your property.

If your business or home experiences a loss give SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline a call 617-903-5055! We are here to help 24/7. 

A Smoother Claim's Process

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

We get the job done right the first time and we handle the claims process so you don't have to!

If you have suffered a disaster at your home or business the last thing you want is more things to worry about. For this reason our team ensures they make the claim process as stress free as possible. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline will help the damage look “Like it never even happened.” That way you and your family or business can get back to what is important.

Our goal is to make the insurance process as smooth as possible. Therefore, we will:

• create thorough visual and written documentation of the damage to your home or business
• document the condition of each item we remove for cleaning or storage
• work directly with your insurer, communicating with you at all times
• handle the paperwork to make sure the processing and payment of your claim is as fast as it can be

We are so proud that so many insurance companies recommend SERVPRO to their clients because working with us makes their jobs easier.

Our Team is here for you if you experience a disaster. Our technicians have specialized training and years of experience in water, fire, mold and bio-hazard clean up and restoration services. Call SERVPRO Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055 we are available 24/7.

Power Outage Due to Storm

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Know what to do in the event of a power outage.

Storms can cause power outages that can span a couple of hours or even days. In addition, if multiple locations are affected the company may not be able to make it to your home due to being backed up. In the event your town or neighborhood is affected by a power outage here are a few tips to stay safe!

Before the storm:

• Purchase a flash light that runs on batteries
• have extra batteries available
• Invest in a generator if possible or rent one if you know a major storm is coming.
• Keep mobile phones and other electrical devices charged
• Keep your vehicle gas tank full just in case!
• Place a thermometer in your fridge and freezer so you can monitor the temperature during the storm
• Buy food supplies that do not require refrigeration
• Have a plan of where to go if the storm lasts more than 4 days. Community Centers are usually good places to go.

During the storm:

• Disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics
• Use a generator where possible to avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning from running the oven for heat or electrical stove.
• Keep freezer and refrigerators closed. Food will stay cold for about 3 days.
• Stay connected with family or local news so you are up to date on the status of the storm. This will also let you know if evacuation is necessary.

After the storm if you notice damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055 so we can help get you back to pre loss conditions.

Your Business is Flooded. Now what?

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Be safe. Be Quick. Be Thorough during flood to help damage from getting worse and keep recovery costs down

If your business has been affected by flood the most important thing you can do is act quickly to reduce the level of damage and try to contain recovery costs. If no one is injured the first thing you want to do is call your insurance company.  Follow the 3 Be's:

Be Safe

Make sure your building is safe before you enter. Do a quick assessment of the exterior of the building to see if there are any structural damages. You should also check for possible electrical hazards. The safest thing you can do is to turn off the power if possible. Since there is the potential for electrocution if electricity is still running make sure you are wearing protective gear as you walk through the property.

Be Quick

Time is of the essence when dealing with standing water. It takes less than 48 hours for mold to grow and spread. For this reason you want to quickly remove the excess water. Open windows and use air movers to help with drying. You then want to ensure there are no pockets of concealed water – either under carpet or on water absorbing material (ie. concrete).  If flood is laden with bacteria or chemicals do not try to clean on your own get a professional like SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline involved.

If you have suffered a flood or other water disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055

Be Thorough

Make sure you document everything! Take a picture of the damaged condition and anything you are throwing out. This will be important for the recovery process with your insurance company.

If all of this seems like a lot of work that you are not ready or do not have the time to take on do not worry! SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline can ease the stress and complete the entire process for you. All we need is your insurance carrier name and your claim number and we will take care of the rest. We are here for you during this time of need and our trained technicians will make the damage look “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline when you need us 617-903-5055!

Flooding is more common than you think

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

A flood can be a result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.

When natural disasters occur most times we have little time to prepare. A common natural disaster that not only affects coastal property is a flood. Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

A flood can be a result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems. They can develop slowly or quickly – Flash floods can come with no warning. When there is a flash flood there is typically no warning or very little time between when the warning is given and the onset of the flood. Floods have been known to cause electrical outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

It is very important if you have been warned of a potential flood that you do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. It is very easy to drown during a flood - Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Be safe by evacuating if you are told to do so or moving to higher ground and/or level where possible. It is also recommended that you stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

The best thing you can do is prepare yourself well in advance. Gather and store supplies in a safe place in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each family members specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets either. Keep extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment so they are functioning during the time of need.

Once the warning is over and the storm has passed assess any damages to your home or business. Your top priority is still safety! Call your insurance provider if there were any damages – for a flood it would typically be a specialized flood policy. Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline for the remediation and reconstruction of your property – 617-903-5055.

SERVPRO Allston Brighton Brookline

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Our Technicians have construction experience and can work on any job ceiling to floor!

Here at SERVPRO Allston, Brighton & Brookline our technicians are not only IICRC certified but they are also very knowledgeable in construction work. Most of our technicians have more than 20 years of construction experience. If your home or business experiences a major loss you can count on our team to not only clean and remediate but you can also count on us if you need reconstruction.

We pride ourselves in being able to meet all of our customers’ needs. We understand that at a time of loss the last thing you want to worry about is vetting a reliable contractor to help get your property back pre loss. You can be rest assured that with SERVPRO Allston, Brighton & Brookline you will receive quality work every time. We always seek customer satisfaction prior to installation, midway, then at completion. Finally, all completed work is then reviewed by our project manager to further ensure quality. Customer service is very important to us, in the rare occasion you are dissatisfied with a job we did do not hesitate to give us a call and we can fix it.

We do every job to the highest standard so you are comfortable referring us to your family members or closest friends. If you have a job you need our assistance with call us today 617-903-5055.

Does Your Business Have An Emergency Plan?

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile

When accidents strike they do not care whether you are prepared or not! As a business it is vital that you know what to do, who to call, and how you will bounce back in the event of an emergency.  The fact is that as many as one in four businesses that suffer a major disaster will not reopen afterward. Do not let your business become a statistic!

Here at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we pride ourselves in being a resource to the businesses in our community. It is important to us that the businesses in our community and surrounding communities survive. SERVPRO has a Free Emergency Ready Profile that your business can use to help prepare you in the event of a major disaster. Studies show that the faster you can react to a disaster it lowers the damage done. The profile helps store everything you need such as contact information, locations of shut off valves, pictures and so much more to help in the event there is a disaster. The profile you create for your business is also useful to us as it will inform us of where our vehicles should park in the event of a loss. This is helpful in the event you do not want to bring public attention to the fact that your business is experiencing some kind of loss.  

We understand you may already have a facilities manager or be a facilities manager who knows the ins and outs of the building. The profile is not meant to replace a facilities manager in any way – it’s a resource for them.  Anything can happen and as a business you want to make sure whoever is nearby can pick up your profile and depending on the type of disaster know exactly who to contact and what to do if anything.

The Emergency Ready Profile can be distributed in digital form and/or hard copy. We understand that as a business too much time cannot be wasted, for that reason the profile can be completed within 30 minutes.  If you are interested in creating an Emergency Ready Profile for your business Call us today 617-903-5055. We will set up a time for an office representative to go to your business to fill out the profile for you for free!

Storms in the Summer Time

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

July 5th, 2019 thunder storm depiction in Boston, MA.

If you are a Boston resident you may have been looking forward to the arrival of warm weather given some of the cold days we experienced this past winter. Long behold summer is finally here! It’s a great time to visit the beaches and the beautiful towns of Boston. Just keep in mind, the summer weather also brings an increase in thunderstorm activity.

July is typically one of the hottest months of the summer in Boston with temperatures averaging over 80 degrees.  We also see the most thunderstorms in July than any other month. According to weather experts there is a higher chance of a tropical storm coming within 100 miles of Boston during the month of July.

What does this means for you as a home or business owner? It means you need to ensure your home and/or business is properly protected to prevent damage due to storm. One of the most common losses caused by storm is water seeping into the property causing a flood and damaging personal belongings. In addition, if moister is left then coupled with warm temperature it creates a breeding ground for mold. Fire’s can also start as a result of a storm. In the summer months it’s common for lightning to strike and cause a fire. Prepare yourself and business for anything that can happen this summer – good and bad.

In June our office answered to multiple water damage calls after rain fall. So far we have had more than 3 major rain fall this summer – each resulting in a few claims that our office attended to in the Allston, Brighton & Brookline area. We were happy to be called but at least four of the losses could have been prevented had the business properly closed a window or checked if the sump pump was functioning properly. None the less, our team was available to help. We were able to address the cause of the damage, dry the area, then restore/replace the area “Like it never even happened.”

Summer time is for your enjoyment here at SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we want to make sure you can get back to your summer time fun after a storm without a hitch. Call us in your time of need or if you want to be proactive and set up an Emergency Ready Profile call us today 617-903-5055.

#SERVPRO #Allston #Brighton #Brookline #summertime #rain #fire #waterdamage #remediation #reconstruction

SERVPRO Is Here For You

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Equipment delivery - to be installed into Boston home after water damage

SERVPRO has been in business for over 50 years. We have been able to establish a well recognized brand that symbolizes quality and expertise!

 When you have a flood you need to think- SERVPRO. When you have a fire you need to think -SERVPRO.  When you have large clean up you need to think- SERVPRO. You need to think of us in any disaster because we have the expertise, the techs, and equipment to help you get back to your pre disaster condition.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton, & Brookline truly cares about its Boston community. We are invested in the local community - our team lives in Boston, our children attend the local schools and we use the local businesses.  The fact that we can give back to our community in its time of need is important to us. All of the crew members are trained and certified in proper remediation and cleaning techniques. We are also one of the few remediation companies that also have a reconstruction team so you do not need to hire another contractor – saving you time and money. If the damage is a covered by insurance we will work directly with your assigned adjuster to help ease the claim process for you.   

It’s a known fact; we are here to be a resource for our community. We want to help you prevent losses where you can and have a plan ready for the things you cannot control. SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline is able to provide businesses and home owners with a free Emergency Ready Profile so that you know who to contact in the event of a disaster. Just give us a call 617-903-5055 and we will schedule a time for an office representative to go onsite and fill out a profile for you.

#SERVPRO #Brookline #Allston #Brighton #disasterrelief #fire #mold #waterdamage #remediation #reconstruction #boston #community

Trauma and Clean Up

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Bio-hazards require special cleaning and protective equipment

If you are in the hospitality business then you know that fatalities happen in the facility. Maybe more than you would like. 

Under the Federal Government and Department of Labor, OSHA has created regulations concerning the handling of items or objects that may have been contaminated with blood and/or bodily fluids. These regulations are in place to not only protect the general public but also, the professionals doing the cleaning. Potential pathogens in bodily fluids include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and prions. It is extremely important that the standards are abided to not only to prevent the spread of possible disease but also to avoid hefty fines from the Environmental Protection Agency EPA.

It is important to note that cleaning cannot and will not begin at a trauma site until police actions are completed and the site is released by police. We stress the importance of performing quality cleaning services to prevent cross contamination. For this reason we clean the ceiling down to the floor. Our techs will be in special protective gear and use EPA certified products to clean the affected areas.

Time is of the essence when dealing with cleaning a trauma site because the longer the pathogen settles the harder it is to clean the surface and eliminate contaminates.  Because we have experience in this field our team already knows the process and what to do – so you can be rest assured the cleanup will be done right and under Federal standards.  Call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline when you need us 617-903-5055!

#SERVPRO #Allston #Brighton #Brookline #trauma #cleanup #remediation #safetyfirst #PPE

Don’t let your summer plans go up in flames! Simple ways to prevent a fire

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

Fire in Brookline, MA home caused by electrical equipment

Summer time is here and the last thing you want to deal with is a house fire! Some of the most common causes of fire damage are:

1. Cooking equipment
2. Careless smoking
3. Electrical equipment
4. Lawn Mowers
5. Barbecues
6. Flammable liquids

Many cooking fires are caused by grease or oil that ignites while unattended. A lot of grill fires are caused by mishandled propane gas. Smoking indoor or outdoor and not properly putting out the bud can spark a fire. Also lawn mowers can build up flammable vapors and when combined with heat source go up in flames in your garage. Short circuits and electrical malfunctions can also cause a fire to start in a home.

The good news is that all of these causes of fire can be prevented. When cooking for large group have a designated cook who will watch over the food on the stove or grill until it has cooked and then properly shuts the stove or grill. Always grill outdoors and away from any structures.  Have baking soda or a bucket of sand nearby in case you need to put out a fire. NEVER add water to grease fire. Try to smoke outdoors when you can, ensure the bud is completely put out by dipping in water or a bucket of sand.  Check the batteries on your smoke detectors regularly. Also, keep flammables away from fire sources. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby!

Accidents happen, in the unfortunate event that there is a fire call 911 immediately and get to a safe location!  

When the fire has been put out assess the damages to determine if you need to put in a claim with your property insurance carrier. Once complete begin the remediation process by reaching out to a professional like us! Although we cannot get what was lost back - Our job is to make it look like the fire never happened.

#Boston #SERVPRO #Allston #Brighton #Brookline #Fire #Homefire #electricalequipment

#firesafety #remediation #reconstruction

Why so many choose SERVPRO

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

Some of the equipment used to make damage "Like it never even happened"

Its more than just the brand recognition, it’s also the qualified personnel, the expertise and dedication to the community that make us the place to call. Below are additional reasons why:  

Qualified

We have the best training in the industry. Each team member is trained in clean up and restoration which can range from bio hazard, fire, mold to water damage. We are IICRC certified (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certificate) for fire and water cleanup and restoration. Our job is to make sure our clients understand the loss and how we will help restore their home or facility. We live up to the motto and we leave each location looking “Like it never even happened.”

Immediate

Our team understands that the best way to limit further damage is to begin the clean up and restore the property as soon as possible. For this reason our team is available 24/7 - day, night, or holiday!  This also helps with keeping costs down. We strive to always answer the first call or respond within a few hours.

Latest Technology

We take pride in the fact that we are able to keep up with some of the advancements technology has to offer. This allows us to restore your property as quickly and efficiently as possible so you can get back to what you were doing preloss.

No Loss Too Big or Too Small

Whether you have multiple locations, or a room that has suffered a loss we can help restore your property.  SERVPRO is a national company and as a result our SERVPRO Allston, Brigthon, and Brookline team has access to the 1,800+ other franchises to handle any scope of loss.  You call us and we will handle the rest!

Future Loss Prevention

With every job we ensure we understand what the cause of the loss was. We do this to ensure the cause of loss is addressed to prevent similar damage from occurring again.

Our Community

Our office is based in Brookline and our team is from Boston. We love what we do and the ability to help our community. We know the roads, the neighborhoods, and what makes our towns so special. It is important to us that our town thrives so we are highly motivated to do all we can to make this an even better town to live in.

Help is always here

Whether you have a question or a loss give us a call and we will help 617-903-5055. We serve ALL - businesses, home owners, property managers and tenants in the Allston, Brookline and Brighton area.

#remediation #Boston #Brighton #Brookline #Allston #water #Fire #mold #SERVPRO #Reconstruction #Likeitneverevenhappened

Common Water Damage Causes

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage caused by leaking pipe in Boston home.

Appliances

Household appliances such as a dishwasher, washing machine and refrigerators can malfunction and cause water damage. Review the factory recommended replacement time to avoid damages due to wear and tear. The older the appliance is the more susceptible the pipes and hose are to deterioration. Many of these appliances come with a limited warranty if the appliance is faulty before the warranty is up. Keep a log and include each appliances recommended lifecycle so you know when it is time to replace or schedule a maintenance check up for the appliance.

Leaking Pipes

Drains, toilets, and sinks can get backed up and blocked. This blockage creates pressure in the pipe which ultimately leads to the pipe bursting or leaking. If you have a garbage disposal it is wise to have someone look at it if it is not working properly as they are common causes of water damage as well. Set a reminder for you to check all pipes in the home and try your best to replace old rusty pipes because they are more prone to leaking. It’s harder to detect if there is a pipe leak if the pipes are covered by a wall or other items. In this case the only way to know is once there is build up and the surface shows the water markings.

HVAC

Heating, Ventilating, and air conditioning unit are also a common cause of water damage. When not maintained properly they can cause water build up. When the moister settles and cools it can interact with mold spores in any of the HVAC units and cause mold to grow.

What should you do after water leak?

The first thing you should do is see if it is possible to find the source of the water damage. That way you can either turn off the water or try to minimize the damage. Second, you will want to contact a water damage remediation company like us. You do not want to delay the steps above because the longer water sits the higher the changes of mold developing. If water has been sitting for more that 48hrs chances are mold is growing. By contacting a professional like us you will ensure that the water is extracted, your property is dried, and mold is addressed if necessary. Third, contact your insurance company to see if you have coverage for the damaged property.

#water #waterdamage #whattodo #SERVPRO #remediation #reconstruction #Likeitneverevenhappened

Lightning Causes Fires Too!

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

Lightning bolt hitting home https://county17.com/2018/06/26/lightning-strike-to-blame-for-small-house-fire/

Lightning peaks during the summer months around June – August here in Massachusetts. Lightning – related fires typically happen during the late afternoon and evening.

A simple Google search returns numerous counts of lightning fires that have occurred in our state in the recent years. One of the highest profiles was in 2018 where a 150 year old church in Wakefield, Ma went up n flames after being struck by lightning.

Lightening is normally accompanied by a storm which turns the day into darkness and at times is followed by rumbles in the air. To some it’s a scary experience. What is most important and the purpose of this post is that you know what to do in the event you find yourself near or in a property that is in flames due to being struck by lightning.

How do you know if your home was struck by lightning – one insurance company states: Expect to hear an explosive sound so loud and powerful that everything inside your house shakes.

Because lightning storms are so common, many newly constructed homes have been designed to withstand lightening strikes. Most homes are also equipped with some sort of surge protection. It is still recommended that you are still extra cautious with these simple steps:

1. Protect electrical equipment by unplugging them when you know a thunderstorm has surfaced.
2. If you have to talk on the phone during a lightning storm its best to use your cell phone
3. Stay away from windows and doors
4. Stay away from water until the storm has passed

In the event you believe your home was struck most times a fire will follow. Call 911 if you suspect there is a fire in your home and get to a safe location.

After the storm assess the damages (if any) to determine if you need to put in a claim with your property insurance carrier. Once complete begin the remediation process by reaching out to a professional like us 617-903-5055! Although we cannot get what was lost back - Our job is to make it look like the fire never happened.

#lighteningstrike #fires #SERVPRO #remediation #reconstruction #homefire #Allston #Brighton #Brookline

Crawl Space - What You Need to Know

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

Boston, MA home where crawl space experienced water damage after rain fall.

A crawl space is a small space below your home that some contractors use to place wiring and plumbing. A lot of times this area is neglected by homes owners either because it’s an inconvenient space (small and dark) or they simply do not realize they have a crawl space. The issue with ignoring this space is that it is very susceptible to damages (for example: water, mold, rodent infestation). It is common for a crawl space to be flooded by water after heavy rain fall or if a pipe is damaged for whatever reason. Because a crawl space is usually small and dark moister can settle and cause the growth of mold spores which eventually spread throughout the area. Septic tank can also overflow and cause raw sewage to spew into crawl space.

In all, it is very important, if you have a crawl space, that you keep the area clean and have a plan in the event you discover water damage, mold growth, animal infestation and/or raw sewage in the space. You should start by knowing who the professionals are! Contact us today and we can answer any questions and help in the event of an emergency.

We proudly serve Brookline, Allston, Brighton, and the surrounding areas with SERVPRO restoration services of all kinds. Give us a call today 617-903-5055.

Cleaning Up Bio-hazard So You Don't Have To

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Sewer backup in Commercial Building in Boston, MA.

Sewer back ups are not only common in residential facilities! They also happen in business facilities! 

One of the most common causes of sewer back ups in business facilities is the flushing of items down the toilet. Most businesses have posts in bathroom stalls asking that people not flush items other than toilet paper. Other causes of sewer back up can be worn out piping  when the pipes are old it is easier to be damaged. Beware of tree roots as they can enter the pipes or even crush the pipes and cause damage.  

In the picture we responded to sewage back up in a commercial facility due to a sewer line clog. Our customer had posts in their backroom stalls and other forms of non toilet paper waste removal products. Unfortunately, someone flushed something down the toilet which clogged their system and resulted in the flooding of their basement with biohazard material. Due to our previous relationship with this business, they knew exactly who to call - SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055 to help remediate the situation.

Raw sewage material is dangerous, because it contains bacteria and other potential pathogens. For this reason it is strongly recommended that you contact a professional for the containment and cleanup process. Our team will be dressed in protective gear and use specialized products to properly clean the affected area. 

If you are a facilities manager, I’m sure this can be frustrating at times since you all are doing everything in your control to try to prevent clogged plumbing. If your business has high traffic like a healthcare facility, school, or retail to name a few, the best thing you can do is prepare yourself and know who to call. Sewage back up is more common than you may think so be prepared.  Worry not! Whether it is a residential or commercial space, we respond fast and arrive with the resources needed to assist you any time, any day. We are located in your backyard!

At SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline we make long lasting relationships with surrounding companies and build trusting partnerships that allow us to engage with our community.  With our help, the business pictured was back to normal "Like it never even happened."

 
#SERVPRO #Boston #Sewage #Clogged #basementflood #247service

Caring for You & Your Home

6/9/2019 (Permalink)

Technician using air scrubber to eliminate airborne contaminants in Brookline, MA Home

Don't let water take over!

We are here to make sure you don't feel like you're alone when facing an emergency in your home.

This Brookline home had to undergo water and mold remediation after a ceiling leak was discovered. Our techs used high quality equipment, such as the HEPA 500 Airscrubber shown in the picture, to ensure air quality is safe by removing air contaminants in your home while we resolve your issues.

SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial water damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. This will not only be less stressful on you, but also on your pocket.

We are available 24/7 with any assistance you need - mold, fire, water...we have you covered!  Call now 

Don't Overload Your Outlets!

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

MA home experienced fire due to overloading outlet

Don't add more than what your outlet can handle!

Overloaded circuits is one of the leading cause of fires in homes. It can be as simple as an overloaded outlet! There is too much energy which the conductor does not have the capacity to disperse. The energy build up converts to heat. The heat build up with the static from the electricity cause fire to ignite. 

If a fire starts in your home due to an overloaded circuit do not try to handle the fire on your own as you can risk electrocution. Instead, call 911 and get yourself and your family to a safe place. Once the fire has been put out call your insurance company and a remediation company like us to help get your home back to pre loss condition.

We are always here to help in the event of a fire in your home or commercial space. We offer local support and expertise 24/7 to ensure you are taken care of! Give SERVPRO Allston Brighton, & Brookline a call at 617-903-5055.

 Learn more 

Sewage Back-Up? No Problem!

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Sump pump failure

Pathogens are disease-causing agents, which can be in the form of bacteria, viruses, mold spores, or protozoans, and which are normally present in large numbers in sewage wastes.

Call SERVPRO today if you are facing a bio-hazard issue in your home or business! We are open 24/7 to ensure that once sewage comes in, we take the bacteria out.

#Massachusetts #Sewage #Bacteria #AlwaysOpen #LocalBusiness

https://www.mass.gov/guides/flooding-and-sewage-back-ups-home-care-guide

Dust & Particle Containment

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Demolition process in Dorchester, MA home after water leak. Protection used to avoid particles settling on kitchen appliances

Containment is a vital and important process during the construction and renovation of a home. Unaffected areas should be secured and this should be done with proper care. There are many pollutants generated that can possibly harm someone. Harmful particles can settle on a surface or be airborne for a long time. Therefore, keeping surrounding areas protected is something we take very seriously. 

In the picture shown, we used the proper techniques to ensure the client's home is safe for use and protected from possible harmful material during the remediation process.We monitor these areas daily to make sure the barriers are in place and progress is recorded. 

We take Health and Safety very seriously at SERVPRO Allston, Brighton, & Brookline. Our staff are also pictured using proper protective equipment to ensure they are not harmed by dust and particles found in the home as well. 

If you have a reconstruction job and you want it done right, call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline 617-903-5055. We care for your home like it is our and we make any damage look "Like it never even happened." 

#safetyfirst #reconstruction #demolition #SERVPRO #Allston #Brighton #Brookline 

Memorial Day

5/27/2019 (Permalink)

Boston Commons

To Our Fallen Hero’s 

We at SERVPRO would like to take this time to honor those who have bravely fought for our country. It takes strength and courage many fail to sustain in order to keep America safe that has been exemplified effortlessly in your hands. 

For those serving, we give you our support and prayers as you embark on a fight for peace and stability for our nation.

Lo and Behold: The Thermal-Hygrometer!

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Thermal-Hygrometer

The thermal-hygrometer is used in almost all of the work sites we come out to! It is used to measure the humidity and temperature of the affected area in order to ensure the work that needs to be performed is accurate and efficient. For example, if there is a water leak we have to attend to, we would be able to measure the moisture of the material, such as wood, to know the expected time needed to dry. 

This is one of many tools we use to give you results you want and need. At the click of a button, our workers have access to data that allows us to provide you with stellar service.

Our techs have access to the best technology and resources, which is a reason why we are #1 in both USA & Canada!

Give us a call and our experts are on stand-by, waiting to help.

Decrease Chances of a Fire and Your Electric Bill

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Dorchester, MA home caused by a lamp

Electrical fires are extremely scary and cannot be simply put out with water. Our crew was called to a Dorchester, MA home because a fire was caused by a lamp (see picture). there was extensive damage to the walls, ceiling and their personal belongings. According to the residents the lamp was left on over night. after further investigation it was uncovered that not only was the lamp connected to an overloaded extension cord but it also had a light bulb with WATTS that exceeded what was recommended by the lamp. 

What can you do?

To prevent something like this from happening to your home - First you must ensure the lamp and light bulb are compatible. Then if you can avoid using an extension cord, do so. Extension cord overload have been a leading cause of fire as well. You need to be cautious of how you are using your extension cords because the more you plug in the higher the chances of a spark. Finally, when you are not using a lamp or any electrical accessory unplug it. This will not only prevent a potential fire but it will also help you save on your electrical bill. the reason being is that even though you physically do not have the lamp, radio, etc. on because it is plugged to an outlet there is active electrical currents going through. 

In the unfortunate event there is a fire caused by electrical equipment call 911 immediately. Do not try to put out the fire with water as you can risk electrocution. Once fire is put out call us and your insurance company so we can help make the damage look "Like it never even happened." 

Call SERVPRO Allston, Brighton & Brookline for more information 617-903-5055!

#fire #electricity #SERVPRO #Allston #Brighton #Brookline #lamps #extensioncord

Faulty Sink Pipe!

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage to ceiling of Cambridge, MA home.

We get it - life happens and sometimes the mess is too big to handle. So what you need to do is call the experts!

This Cambridge, MA home experienced a water damage loss. The sink piping on the second floor was faulty and water build up caused damage to the ceiling below. Our SERVPRO Allston, Brighton, & Brookline team was called and we got on site immediately. Our first reaction was to address the cause of the loss. Once that was fixed we continued to restore the ceiling below to its preloss condition. Because our customer called us immediately we were able to prevent mold growth. Let us do the same for you!

Its is important to us that we get your home or business back to its preloss condition as quickly as possible so you can continue on with what is important to you. 

We proudly serve Brookline, Allston, Brighton, and the surrounding areas with SERVPRO restoration services of all kinds. Give us a call today 617-903-5055.

Mold and mildew can show up anywhere given the right conditions. What do you do?

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Before & After of Downtown Home

Mold is a fungus that exists virtually everywhere and once you open your door, they can move right in. As a homeowner, it is important to understand where it can be found and how to control it. Basements and attics are the best places to catch these fungi - they lurk in areas that may have experienced a leak and spread out due to the spores released into the air. We have 5 tips you can use when you come face to face with mold:

• Fix any water leaks you may have ASAP (Including your roof!)
• Decrease humidity in your home to 30%-50% - as instructed by professionals
• You can do this by using air conditioners & dehumidifiers
• Remove any wet carpeting, bedding, or furniture that cannot dry within 24-48 hrs
• Open doors in the home to create air circulation and prevent moisture
• Dry any surfaces that are wet in the household

When faced with a mold issue, do not hesitate to give SERVPRO a call! We have the devices needed to ensure that the problem is handled with professional care, such as the HT-4000 Hygrometer, which our  highly trained mold remediation specialists use to measure the humidity levels in the affected areas of your home. We are leaders in the restoration industry in both US & Canada and our expertise is number one - with 24/7 service by your side, there is always help on the way!

Water Damage & 48 Hour Has Passed:

1/13/2019 (Permalink)

Moldy Closet in Condo in Boston, MA

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Although every mold damage scenario is different requiring a unique solution, the general mold remediation process stays the same. Knowing who to contact that is prepared to follow the appropriate steps is key for a less stressful remediation for you.

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline at 617.903.5055. A representative will ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.

Our Techs are alway ready to help. #24/7

Biohazard, Vandalism & Crime Scene Cleanup & Remediation.

1/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove hazardous biological substances and prepare waste for proper disposal.

Biohazard, Vandalism & Crime Scene Remediation and Cleanup

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. Failure to properly handle and safely remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline Professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove hazardous biological substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, our trained certified professionals, help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and businesses.

Blood borne Pathogens

We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained Professionals thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs

Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout at structure. We follow federal and state guidelines to clean all surfaces.

Arson and Vandalism

We are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. We also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty and smelly. These damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. Trained Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture disinfecting as they clean to ensure the structure is cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Hoarding

Hoarders typically collect excessive amount of items. As these items pile up in a home it can create a serious safety hazard. Hoarder homes become a breeding ground for pests and possibly unsafe pathogens. SERVPRO® of Allston, Brighton & Brookline has the necessary tools to safely complete the job.

Christmas tree safety tips to keep your home safe over the holiday

12/22/2018 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays to You & Yours!

Christmas tree could be found throughout your house. 

These simple easy tips can prevent a fire from starting within your house this christmas!

• Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety, and throw out any damaged lights that are broken.
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree
• Bedtime means lights off! ­ Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.
• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches. The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily

After your tree starts to drop needles and some may turn brown it is time to say your last goodbye and throw it outside.  These simple and easy facts can really be a lifesaver come the holidays. If there ever is a problem in your home call SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline. 

Office: 617.903.5055

Halloween Home Safety Tips for Homeowners

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

Clear the Pathway for Trick-or-Treaters

Make sure the path to your doorway is free and clear of twigs, rocks, and other things that excited trick-or-treaters and their parents stumble upon. Remove leaves and clean up other debris. Move your hose or sprinkler before Halloween or a few hours before it begins in your area. Be mindful of where you set up your Halloween decorations so that kids don’t run into or trip over them.

Fix or Secure Railings on Porches and Steps

As part of your fall home maintenance, check your railings on your porch or steps. Look for loose screws and anything else that may cause your railings to come out. After all, many kids and some parents will need to hold onto your railings as they make their way to your door.

Use LEDs Instead of Real Candles

You may enjoy lighting candles, but it may be better to use an alternative light source like LED. After all, placing a lit candle inside your Halloween pumpkins may be a safety hazard. For instance, if the air is dry, flames could spread causing costumes and homemade decorations to catch on fire. An alternative is to use a rechargeable tea light candle. And when it comes to Halloween decorations, choose ones that are solar powered or use batteries.

Use Caution When Opening Your Door

You may be excited about Halloween and opening your door to trick-or-treaters. However, you should still use caution. If don’t feel right about someone who approaches your door, do not open it. Also, as the night progresses, and you notice that you aren’t getting many trick-or-treaters, turn off your light and close your door. There’s no reason for you to ___ until 8:00 p.m. or whenever Halloween ends in your area,

Keep Your Pets Safe

You may love dressing your pets up for Halloween, but you may want to let them sit out the holiday. Some pets may not be able to handle a constant ringing doorbell and kids yelling, “Trick-or-Treat!” In fact, the ASPCA states that frightened cats or dogs may scurry out the front door. Avoid any pet mishaps by keeping your pup or kitty in a separate room, away from the festivities.

Light Up Your Yard with Outdoor Lighting

Make sure you provide enough light for the little ghosts and ghouls who’ll grace your doorstep on All Hallows Eve. Consider adding motion sensor lights because some models allow you to set the sensor light for either 30 seconds or 120 seconds. If you get one with a swivel head, you can position it wherever you want. You may even consider adding path lights to your front yard or lanterns to your porch. The more light you have the better!

Consider Your Candy Options

Buying Halloween candy is fun! After all, it gives you an excuse to buy what you like. But keep in mind that some candy may not be right for every child. For instance, children have food allergies, ranging from peanuts to chocolate, wheat, fruit, and more. Keep in mind that some candies are made in facilities that handle peanuts, soy, wheat, etc. Suckers may not be appropriate for every child because the stick may be a choking hazard. Check the bag’s label for allergy and choking warnings.

Check Your Homeowner’s Insurance

Did you know that opening your home to trick-or-treaters can expose you to unwanted claims and lawsuits? Unfortunately, this is the not-so-fun side of Halloween. Contact your insurance agent to ensure that your homeowner’s policy is current and you have adequate coverage.

Make Your Sure You Have a Happy and Safe Halloween

When it comes to celebrating Halloween, make sure your home is ready for trick-or-treaters. If you have a garage, park your car in it. Not only will it keep the pathway clear for children and their parents, but it will also give you peace of mind that your car won’t be broken into, egged, or covered in toilet paper. If you have to leave your car in your driveway, lock it and remove all valuables.

There’s no reason why you can’t have an enjoyable Halloween. Even though it has a frightful reputation, the holiday doesn’t have to be scary, especially when it comes to keeping your home safe. Use our tips to keep your family and trick-or-treaters as safe as can be. And if you want to know how the spooktacular holiday began, read our blog post, The History of Halloween.