Water we doing to help?!

4/21/2025 (Permalink)

Flooded basement was caused by a storm!

 While every situation is unique and may require a specific solution, our general process remains consistent: 1. Emergency Contact:  We are available to assist you in the event of a water emergency. When you call, our team will promptly return your call to understand the situation and dispatch someone to your location as quickly as possible. 2. Inspection and Damage Assessment: Upon arrival, we will determine the cause of the damage. In some instances, a third party (e.g., a plumber) may be necessary. You are welcome to contact your own contractor, or we can provide recommendations. 3. Water Removal/Extraction: A certified technician will employ specialized water extraction equipment to remove water from your property. Depending on the type of water damage (e.g., sewage backup), this may include removing flooring. Our technicians will carefully document and remove any items that cannot be restored. 4. Drying and Dehumidification: We will strategically place drying equipment in your home or business to thoroughly dry the space and prevent mold growth. The average drying time is between 3-5 days. For optimal results, it's important not to unplug or move the equipment. 5. Cleaning and Repair: Our technicians will clean the affected area, as well as neighboring areas, with anti-microbial cleaning products to prevent mold growth. 6. Restoration: We will restore your property to its pre-damage condition, which may include reconstruction. The initial steps are often completed during our first visit, with the remaining steps dependent on the extent of the damage. If we are working with your insurance carrier, we will communicate directly with your adjuster to ensure a seamless process. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your local SERVPRO office at 617-903-5055.

“Be cool about fire safety” - protect yourself, family, and property.

4/18/2025 (Permalink)

“Be cool about fire safety”

Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Properly working smoke alarms can cut your risk of dying in a fire in half.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in the common areas near bedrooms.
• Test and clean smoke alarms monthly, replace the batteries at least once a year, and replace the entire unit every 10 years.

Cooking Safety

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Keep towels, potholders, and curtains away from flames.
• Never use the oven to heat your home.

Escaping a Fire

• Have an escape plan and review escape routes with your family.
• Ensure windows are not nailed or painted shut.
• Teach family members to stay low to the floor where the air is safer when escaping a fire.
• In high-rises, never block fire exits, doorways, halls, or stairways.

Heating Source

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials.
• Use only the type of fuel designated for your space heater.

Matches/Lighters and Smoking

• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated.
• If you smoke, do it responsibly.

Electrical Wiring

• Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires and loose plugs.
• Ensure 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.

 In the event of a fire, please call SERVPRO of Mattapan/Hyde Park at (857) 399-9797 for cleanup assistance.

Workplace fires : Common Causes?

4/16/2025 (Permalink)

Our crews are always prepared to help but prevention is key! Look out for these common causes of workplace fires.

Here are common causes of workplace fires:

Electrical Fires: Over 25% of fires involve electrical issues. Ensure all employees know safety procedures and properly use equipment. Extension cords should be inspected regularly.

Flammable and Combustible Materials: Handle chemicals carefully and clean up spills immediately to prevent vapor ignition.

Human Error: This is the most common reason for sprinkler system failure. Be knowledgeable about extinguisher use, as using the wrong one can worsen the fire.

General Negligence: Avoid negligence by following procedures and being aware of potential fire hazards, such as hot surfaces near heating equipment or improper smoking. Use fire safety signs.

Arson: Improve surveillance in secluded areas by adding lighting, removing obstructions, and moving targets like dumpsters.

If your company needs assistance with fire cleanup, please contact SERVPRO of Roslindale/Hyde Park at 857-399-9797.

Costs you nothing to be Ready!

4/15/2025 (Permalink)

Ready to help!!

Accidents can happen anytime, regardless of preparedness. For businesses, knowing exactly what to do and who to call is crucial for a quick recovery after an emergency. It's a sobering statistic that one in four businesses may not reopen after a major disaster, and we want to help you avoid becoming one of them. At SERVPRO of Allston, Brighton & Brookline, we are dedicated to supporting our local businesses. We offer a Free Emergency Ready Profile designed to help businesses prepare for major disasters. Research indicates that a swift response can significantly reduce damage. Our profile helps you store critical information, such as contact details and locations of shut-off valves, along with photos and other essential data, to aid in disaster response. The profile also provides us with important information, such as preferred parking locations for our vehicles, which is especially useful if you prefer to minimize public attention during a loss. Even if you have a facilities manager who is well-versed in your building's operations, the Emergency Ready Profile serves as an additional resource. It ensures that anyone on-site can quickly access vital information and take appropriate action, regardless of the disaster type. The Emergency Ready Profile can be distributed digitally or in hard copy, and it can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. If you're interested in creating a free Emergency Ready Profile for your business, please call us at 617-903-5055, and we'll schedule a time for one of our representatives to assist you.

Mold Remediation and Control Inside Your Roxbury Home.

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

Whatever your home needs, we are here to help!

Remediators Can Manage Mold Damage in Roxbury

Whether the lingering water in your home after a water damage emergency or a damp basement that continually contends with penetrating groundwater, conditions for mold development are common concerns for area homeowners. When you suspect microbial damage in your property, our SERVPRO team responds with a crew of experienced professionals representing multiple industry niches like:

• AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation
• WRT – Water Restoration
• ASD – Applied Structural Drying
• CDS – Commercial Drying 
• OCT – Odor Control

How Does Mold Form?

Roxbury mold damage can exist without homeowners knowing, especially in less-trafficked areas of a residence like a basement or an attic. Any moist environment that persists for several days can facilitate mold colonies. Common examples include:

• Unresolved Water Damage – A small leak at a connection of your plumbing or a dripping fixture could create a wet zone sufficient for welcoming mold. 
• Humidity Concerns – Humid conditions are not foreign to our communities, and residences dealing with high moisture content can also contend with developing mold.
• Post-Flooding – Flooding can leave many areas of the structure damp, a suitable environment for mold development.

What Materials Does Mold Target?

Organic matter becomes a food source for mold colonies. Those building materials and contents in the house are most at risk for supporting organisms and facing disastrous results. Some include:

• Drywall
• Wood elements
• Baseboard
• Carpets
• Soft materials 

Removing Mold Damage Professionally

 The removal of mold and microbial threats involves several trusted strategies. Because of factors like the impacted materials, irregular or challenging surfaces, and the severity of the infestation, multiple remediation tactics are needed:

• Surface Products – The least intrusive remediation method is applying sporicidal agents to the surface. Contact time with these colonies can often eradicate surface mold without further action.
• Power Sanding – Wood framing and structural elements impacted by mold colonies can allow colonies to penetrate beyond the outermost surface layer. Power sanding removes a thin exterior segment to eliminate intruding mold colonies.
• Dry Ice Blasting – Dry ice is not the only blasting material we can use for these pieces of equipment. We place various media under pressurized air and blast at hosting materials supporting surface colonies. 
• Removing Damaged Materials – When surface and more abrasive cleaning methods are not possible, controlled demolition is an effective alternative. 

Will Mold Damage Repairs Be Needed?

 A contractor license for our team allows us to be there for the repairs and reconstruction that your home might require after mold cleanup. There are many instances where the infestation of colonies compromises hosting materials to the point of needing partial or complete replacement. Understanding that repairs are likely, our SERVPRO team prepares for this by dispatching experienced professionals to help with mold damage remediation.

Preventing Mold Recurrences in Your Home

 Another objective of our restoration team and the reconstruction specialists we provide is preventing recurrences. We adhere to IICRC standards for mold services. It is possible to address the entry point for moisture penetration and avoid continued infiltration. In many cases, rebuilding compromised structural elements allows moisture migration to the damaged area. Roof repairs, sealing penetration points in your home's foundation, and several other structural improvements can help.

When contending with Roxbury mold damage, homes and businesses can be impacted by these growths over a long period. The development and spread of mold and microbial organisms threaten the hosting materials and could lead to a need for extensive reconstruction. Our SERVPRO of Jamaica Plain / Roxbury team has a fast response through our Boston neighborhoods and communities to help. Call now at (617) 466-6909.

Mold In Your Home

5/2/2024 (Permalink)

Open 24/7 - We are here to help!

Mold Remediation in Allston Homes Requires Expertise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SERVPRO Water Mitigation Equipment and Services

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

We are ready 24/7 to assist Brookline, MA Residents with their water damage needs.

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

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

What are the Most Likely Causes of Home Water Damage?

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

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

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

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

Commercial-grade Water Removal Tools and Strategies Used by SERVPRO

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

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

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

Fire Damage - How Mitigate

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

We can always be a resource to you no matter the type of loss

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 Should Be Your First Choice

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

We are faster to any size disaster!

Mold Remediation in Allston Homes Requires Expertise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Home vs. Water Damage

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

Let us help you make it "like it never even happened".

Common Causes of Water Damage in Roxbury Buildings

Water entering your Roxbury home causes immediate water damage. Any cleanup delay leads to secondary damage to contents and structure. Mold infestations may occur, carpets are soaked, and hardwood floors swell and buckle. Porous materials such as drywall and pressed wood products absorb moisture, swell and lose integrity causing permanent damage if cleanup is delayed.

SERVPRO provides water damage cleanup for homeowners in Roxbury. We respond in less than four hours from your call. We aim to minimize the initial and secondary damage from water leaks into your home.

Homeowners are surprised to learn they have water in their homes caused by storms in the area. Common causes of water in homes leading to water damage include water entering due to heavy rainstorms as well as other domestic situations:

• Stormy conditions lead to roof leaks and broken windows allowing rainwater to enter the home.
• Clogged rain gutters filled with leaves and debris causes water to back up under the shingles
• Sewage backup caused by debris and backflow
• Pipes bursting due to age
• Leaking plumbing systems
• Faulty appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers with moisture systems
• Plugged toilets
• AC systems malfunctioning
• Water overflow in sinks and tubs

All of these conditions can lead to extensive damage to your home. Storms can introduce hundreds of gallons of water into your home in minutes. SERVPRO provides board-up services to cover windows and roof damage. We deploy high-capacity pumps to remove excess water. We use water extraction systems to remove water from carpets and hardwood flooring. Our high-capacity dehumidification and air movers quickly lower the humidity and dry your home.

Call SERVPRO of Jamaica Plain / Roxbury for water damage services. We provide service to Roxbury and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (617) 466-6909.