Why Plumbers Partner with SERVPRO

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Plumbers partner with SERVPRO

Imagine walking into your home after a long day at work to find half an inch of water pooled in your living room. After shouting a few curse words and getting over the initial shock you calm down a bit and begin investigating what exactly happened. Come to find out a pipe broke in the wall and water is still pouring out. First, you run to the basement to shut off the water. What do you do next? I think most people would call a plumber to get the pipe fixed as soon as possible so you can turn your water back on and go about your life. The plumber comes over and is happy to fix your broken pipe. Then what? You have a large amount of water soaking into your beautiful hardwood floor. The plumber says their work is done by fixing the pipe and good luck. What?! Now your next call may be to your insurance company to see if it is covered loss or it could be to SERVPRO, in which order those happen does not really matter at this point. There is an opportunity for the plumber to let you know about SERVPRO and that we should be your next call. We partner with plumbers in the area to let them know we can be a resource for their clients that experience a water emergency and need help. That way they are assisting their customer further and solving their problem as opposed to simply wishing them luck as they leave their water-logged living room. Now imagine this person calls SERVPRO first, before the plumber, because they know we are faster to any disaster. SERVPRO cannot start drying the property until the pipe is fixed or else it will just flood again. So now we have an opportunity to refer a plumber to help solve the problem. This is why plumbers partner with SERVPRO, it is a natural partnership. Plumbers fix the source of a leak, but do not clean up the mess, SERVPRO will clean up the mess but, not fix the leak. By partnering together we solve a problem for the client. If you are a plumber or know a plumber, please have them contact us so we can partner and help our clients together. 

Commercial Large Water Loss at Office Building in Waltham

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses containment barriers to create drying chambers with air movers and dehumidifiers in them to dry large open spaces

Our franchise recently responded to a commercial large loss at a 500,000-square-foot office building in Waltham. The building is currently under construction and while spraying foam insulation onto the ceiling, a scissor lift operator accidentally hit a sprinkler head causing it to discharge. The property management company called SERVPRO to assist with drying and remediation. While the contractors had drying equipment themselves, it was not sufficient for the size and scope of the loss. We provided supplemental power via a generator outside of the building running into a feeder panel inside that fed multiple power distribution boxes. Our team set up containment barriers around the affected space on 3 different floors to create drying chambers. In those chambers, nearly 100 air movers and 20 commercial-grade dehumidifiers were placed. The high-velocity air movers push moisture off of any surfaces into the air and the dehumidifiers capture that air and remove the moisture from it causing the space in the drying chambers to be completely dry in just 3 days' time. After only 3 days, with tens of thousands of square footage affected, construction could resume. Any delays on a project this size cause a lot of disruption which leads to increased costs. If you experience a flood of any size, SERVPRO can get you back up and running faster than anyone else.  

Residential Water Loss Caused by Dishwasher in Lexington, MA

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO responded to a residential water loss in Lexington, MA caused by a faulty dishwasher

Last Tuesday afternoon I got a call from one of my insurance agent contacts at Ironside Insurance. He let me know that one of his insured experienced a water loss in Lexington, MA and he wanted me to handle it. I called his insured right away to gather information and set up a time for us to come out to his home. He let me know that his dishwasher somehow cycled all night long with the door open flooding his entire kitchen. I asked if he had filed an insurance claim yet and he told me was waiting to hear back from his carrier with the claim number. The client hesitated and said his insurance company was going to send out a restoration vendor once the claim was filed so he was unsure if he should schedule an appointment with us. I asked who his carrier was and he let me know it was Hanover. I told him that if he has Hanover and lives in Lexington, MA then we are the company they will call as we have a national partnership with Hanover. The client hesitated once again but kept the appointment with us and said he would call back if his insurance company said differently. Sure enough, 3 hours later Hanover sent us the claim. Luckily for the client, we were already on site at his home to assess the damage and schedule a crew to begin mitigation. This story highlights a few key points, the first being, how important it is to have a good insurance agent who will respond to a claim immediately and not just send it to the claims department to handle. The second point is how important it is that your agent has a relationship with a restoration vendor so they can get on top of claims before more damage occurs. Finally, that SERVPRO is the go-to restoration company for most insurance companies on a national level. That is because we are the best at what we do and ultimately make them look good to their customers. If you experience a water loss don’t hesitate to call the pros (781)-861-0500.

Discovering Smoke Damage 60 Years Later

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can restore your property after experiencing smoke damage

I recently got a call from one of our partners in the senior real estate space. The company helps place older adults who can no longer live safely at home in assisted living facilities. They will also fix up your home and sell it to help fund care expenses. As you can imagine, some of these homes are in disrepair and may have been neglected for many years. This is where SERVPRO comes in as a vendor to handle the numerous situations that these homes find themselves in. Last week a home in Belmont, MA was inspected prior to listing the home to find any serious issues that need to be addressed. The home inspector found extensive smoke and soot damage in the rafters of the attic. The homeowner, a 99-year-old holocaust survivor, was shocked to hear this and stated there has never been a fire in the home since she lived there in 1962. Everyone involved was upset and nervous about what this meant for getting the home listed. They called SERVPRO in to save the day. We sent a project manager out later that day to take a look at the attic and determined there was in fact smoke damage to the rafters but, thankfully no structural damage had occurred. We just needed to prime and seal the rafters with 4 coats of sealant so on a hot and humid day there was no chance of smoke odor being released into the home. We were able to get the work done 2 days later so there was only a 2-day delay in getting the home on the market for sale. Everyone involved was extremely happy with our response time and work. If you need smoke damage restoration or find a surprise during the home buying process, call the pros at 781-861-0500.

SERVPRO Cleans Dryer Vent for Local Non-Profit: The Cat Connection

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO cleans dryer vent for local non-profit The Cat Connection

SERVPRO recently had the opportunity to help a local non-profit organization, The Cat Connection, with dryer vent cleaning. Elisif Brandon, a local architectural photographer, reached out to Aaron Roy, Sales and Marketing Manager of SERVPRO, to get involved with TCC. Aaron helped Elisif create an Emergency Plan for the shelter last summer, part of which focused on fire safety. The Cat Connection recently opened its first-ever shelter in Brighton so a plan was needed for the property. It occurred to Elisif that The Cat Connection washes and dries numerous towels daily to care for their feline friends. It was uncertain the last time the dryer vent had been cleaned in the building, so she called on Aaron once again to assist. SERVPRO was happy to provide a high-level dryer vent cleaning in exchange for letting the crew play with some kittens afterward. If you are interested in adopting a cat while also supporting a great cause, please contact The Cat Connection. If you need an Emergency Ready Plan created for your business or a dryer vent cleaning, reach out to Aaron Roy.

More About The Cat Connection

The Cat Connection is an almost all-volunteer (one employee) 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is: to rescue stray and abandoned cats and find loving homes for them through our foster and adoption programs, to help decrease the local homeless cat population through our Trap-Neuter-Return-Maintain program, and to provide resources to help people in our community retain and care for their cats.

Tips to Prepare Your Property for a Storm

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Be sure your Massachusetts home is protected from storm damage

As we enter the summer months in Massachusetts the chances of severe storms will increase. Now is a good time to inspect the property of your home or business to be sure you are prepared. Here are some preventative measures you can take to protect your property.

• Trim trees and clear limbs. Heavy winds can push limbs into your home causing structural damage or broken windows. Heavy rainfall can cause trees with shallow root systems to pull out of the ground
• Secure fences. Be sure your fences are secured properly so they cannot be lifted from the ground and thrown against your home.
• Secure furniture. If you have patio furniture outdoors make sure it is secured to the ground or bring it inside. Also, be sure playground equipment and/or toys are stored.
• Check gutters. Inspect your gutters twice a year for any damage. Have downspouts carrying water away from your home and clear gutters of any debris to ensure proper flow.
• Protect critical areas. Your roof, windows, and doors are vulnerable during extreme weather. Consider shutters or board-ups if you expect hurricane-like conditions.
• Protect what is most important. Document high-value items in your home in case of an insurance claim. Protect important documents from water damage and secure them.
• Stock and emergency kit. Have food, water, flashlights, radio, cell phone charger, batteries, and basic first aid supplies in case you lose power for an extended period.
• Create an emergency plan. Have an evacuation plan ready that you and your family can rely on if needed. 

If you experience storm damage at your home, call SERVPRO to repair it. We will work directly with your insurance company through the claim so you do not have to. 

Is Storm Damage Tax Deductible?

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Do you qualify for the casualty tax deduction?

As we enter hurricane preparedness week and consider all of the various ways to get ahead of storm damage, it occurred to me to also think about what happens after severe weather damages your property. You can be the most prepared, have the proper insurance, and still end up with significant damage that is not reimbursable. I sincerely hope this does not happen to you but if it does, here is some insight on tax deductions due to storm damage. The deduction is called, the casualty loss deduction and was designed by the government to help taxpayers who suffer financial losses due to storm damage. Much like insurance coverage, the loss must be caused by an event that is sudden, unexpected, or unusual. Instances could include lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes, vandalism, riots, fires, floods, storms, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, car accidents, and shipwrecks. The deduction does not include normal wear and tear or accidental damage like your cat jumping on your 60-inch flatscreen TV and knocking it to the ground. Let’s say storm damage causes $15k worth of damage to your home. Your insurance, either by an endorsement or adjustment, will cover $10k of it and reimburse you. What about the remaining $5k? You can use the casualty loss deduction and write off $5k of taxable income when you file. I am oversimplifying this of course for the sake of explanation, you would be wise to hire a tax professional to walk you through exactly how to use this deduction. Nonetheless, you are now aware that you can use this deduction, which I hope you do not have to, to help mitigate the financial loss caused by storm damage. 

Is Storm Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Review your insurance policy to see what storm damage is covered

As hurricane season approaches and extreme weather conditions continue to increase in severity, Massachusetts is sure to experience intense summer storms this year. You may be wondering, “Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage?” The answer is yes and no. In general, your policy will cover damage caused by lightning, hail, and wind. Most policies will not cover earthquakes and floods as those are separate types of insurance. You should review your policy to see what is covered, what is not, and if you need additional coverage. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding and/or earthquakes you may be required to buy additional coverage by your bank or lender as a part of your mortgage agreement. You can help limit storm damage by clearing storm drains around your property regularly. Conduct routine maintenance of sump pumps and have backup power for them in case you lose it. Inspect gutters and downspouts to make sure they are moving water away from your home. Check weatherstripping and caulking around any openings in your foundation like bulkheads and windows. Maintain grading around your property so that it is sloped away from the building. In some cases, installing a french drain to divert water is necessary to keep water out of your basement. If you do experience storm damage give us a call right away so we can begin mitigation as soon as possible. We will work with your insurance company directly so you don’t have to. 

Hot Water Heater Bursts in Framingham, MA

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

This is the cause of loss, a hot water heater tank that burst to cause the basement to flood.

It was Monday evening around 7pm and I was just about to sit down to eat dinner with my wife when my phone rang. Working for a company that has 24/7 emergency response services means I should answer my phone whenever possible. Sure enough, it was a gentleman who was having a bad night. His tenant in Framingham, MA just called to let him know that the hot water heater tank burst. Water flooded the basement covering the floor and its contents. I asked if this was something he wanted us to look at tonight or tomorrow and he responded, “this is something that shouldn’t wait”. I would have to agree since water moves quickly and causes damage wherever it flows. I had our on-call project manager reach out to set up a time to come out and take a look at the situation. Our project manager got there around 10pm and we had a crew at the property until midnight extracting water and setting up drying equipment. Our office worked directly with the property owner’s insurance company for billing so he did not have to. We left air movers and dehumidifiers in the basement for 3 days until everything was dried out. I think this particular job highlights exactly what SERVPRO brings to the table. We are available 24/7 with advanced technology and techniques. We are preferred vendors with most insurance carriers and can work with them directly for billing. We take the stress out of a highly stressful situation and make it "Like it never even happened." When you experience a water loss at your home or business, call the PROs at 781-861-0500.

Commercial Water Loss at Biotech Lab Space in Waltham, MA

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster

Our office was called to respond to a commercial water loss in Waltham, MA on a Friday afternoon. The cause of loss was an accidental discharge of a sprinkler head. This job required coordination between multiple large corporations which we managed seamlessly to accommodate all needs and to produce effective and rapid results, to establish a safe environment (with engineered controls as needed - HEPA filtered air filtration devices), and to allow all zones to be operational so the businesses were not interrupted. Including the high-tech state-of-the-art biochemical laboratory. 

We managed the procurement and application of supplemental power due via a 100 kW portable generator, 400 AMP feeder panel, and 8 power distribution boxes, to the limited power available as a result of shutdowns made by our customers electrician.  Shutdowns were sparked by concerns of water intrusion into outlets. 

We managed drying in two zones. The Second Floor Zone equated to 16,233.21 Square Feet and the Lower Level Zone of 2876.72 Square Feet.

Equipment was provided by, installed by, and monitored by SERVPRO.  Equipment was installed based on the scientific calculations outlined in the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard. 

We installed:

• 124 Axial Air Movers (Fans)
• 40 Dehumidifiers
• 8 Air filtration devices (HEPA filtered)
• 2 4-optic Hydroxyl Generators 
• 8 Power distribution boxes
• 1 400 AMP feeder panel

We applied learned and certified tactics to facilitate a dry-in-place procedure in order to eliminate the need for demolition and saving 10's of thousands in carpet replacement, drywall replacement, and repainting.  Another huge benefit of drying in place to avoid this demolition is that operational downtime is significantly reduced from potentially multiple weeks down to 3-4 days.  This effectively reduces the loss of profit for the clients. 

This building houses a world-famous and highly reputable biotech company which is ranked as the third-largest biotech firm globally.  Their research focuses on finding cures to rare diseases, rare blood disorders, and has groundbreaking research on neurology, immunology, and oncology. Their work is fundamental to creating a better, safer, healthier world for today, tomorrow, and all the future to come.  Any time out of operation is extremely harmful to their operational goals and needs. Those needs are in discovering ways to cure mankind.  In essence, they are working to save the world and with great success. That's why having SERVPRO of Waltham is the best tool at their disposal when it comes to mitigating the loss and making it "Like it never even happened."   We save their world so they can save ours!

Residential Fire in Wilmington, MA

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Cold temperatures and heat from the flames caused this window to explode allowing smoke to billow into the home.

Our office recently responded to a porch fire in Wilmington, MA. The source of the fire is believed to be a cigarette that was not extinguished properly. The fire occurred on a cold night and the heat of the flames combined with cooler temperatures caused a window on the porch to explode. Smoke billowed into the home from this window covering the entire interior in soot. There was extensive damage to the porch itself and vinyl siding on the exterior of the home. All occupants were able to escape safely and put out the fire with a fire extinguisher before the fire department arrived on site. In addition to exterior physical damage and interior soot damage, there was a strong odor. Just like when your clothes smell after being around a campfire but much more intense. Not only does the smoke cause a strong odor but the melting of the vinyl siding left a particularly unpleasant smell as well. SERVPRO arrived within one hour of being called and had a crew out that night to begin work. All smoke and soot damage was cleaned up from the interior within a few days. After that, odor removal equipment was left at the home for some time. The end result is "Like it never even happened." Reconstruction on the exterior of the home is also being handled by our franchise to repair the porch, window, and vinyl siding. If you experience a fire at your home or business, give us a call to restore it. 

Seasonal Flooding & Tips to Prevent a Flooded Basement

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let your basement fill with water during seasonal flooding this year

We are approaching that time of year when snow and ice melt completely from surfaces across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Coupled with that, snowstorms become thunderstorms, further increasing the amount of water soaking the landscape. Melting and rain showers can also increase the flow in waterways. When flooding occurs, the channel of a river or stream is filled causing water to move into the floodplain, slowing down the flow of water. As the water slows it can carry less and less material. The sand, silt, leaves, and other materials that were once carried while water was moving swiftly down the channel are dropped into the floodplain causing a slower run downstream. All of this water has to go somewhere and with high water tables it may not be absorbed into the ground before reaching your home. Now would be a good time to check your foundation for any cracks and get them sealed. Check your sub pump and perform normal maintenance to be sure it is working properly. If you do not have a sub-pump and experience regular flooding in your basement, consider installing one. Check your gutters and downspouts to be sure they are routing water effectively away from your property. Check weatherstripping and caulking around any openings in your foundation like your bulkhead or windows. Maintain grading around your home to be sure it is sloped to move water away from the property. Do not plant too close to your home as they can crack concrete and restrict drainage. Consider installing a French Drain to divert water and prevent floods. If you do experience a flooded basement give us a call right away. We have crews standing by 24/7 to respond to emergencies and mitigate damage.

Utilizing Advanced Technology with Matterport

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Matterport can create a 3D virtual rendering of a property

When our project managers arrive on-site responding to a call they have a few tasks that need to be completed. The first is to meet the client or representative who called and learn more about what is going on at the property. Once they know what the issue is, they can begin to assess the situation. A large part of the assessment is taking photos of the affected areas as well as measurements. Since we use Xactimate software to generate estimates we need to know measurements to input to create an accurate price per line item. The photos are used to document the damage before, during, and after restoration. Measurements are taken with a laser and used to create a sketch of the affected areas. This can be quite time-consuming if there is a lot of space affected. Imagine if there was a tool we could use that would take a picture and measurements of a property all at once? Well, there is! Our office recently purchased its first Matterport camera. It is a camera that takes 3D virtual renderings of a building as well as measurements. That rendering can be easily uploaded and shared as needed. Now, a project manager can arrive on-site, drop the Matterport in the affected spaces, and effortlessly get all the information they need to create an estimate and scope of work. Using cutting-edge technology is just one of the many reasons why SERVPRO is the number one brand in restoration. Our locally owned and operated franchises are always on the lookout for the newest technology to support our crews in their work. 

Service + Professionals = SERVPRO

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Our original logo was an arrow pointing up to represent elevated customer service.

The name SERVPRO comes from combining the two words, service and professionals. We strive to bring top-notch customer service to each and every job. It is what separates us from our competitors. The orange house logo is actually an evolution of the original logo which was an arrow pointing upwards, representing elevated service. It is who we are at our core as an organization. There are many imitators of SERVPRO but none stress the importance of high-quality service more than we. I was recently reminded of this and wanted to share it with you. A friend of mine went away on vacation with his terminally ill wife, they were enjoying the small amount of time they had left with one another. When they returned home they encountered a leak from their refrigerator. It was a small leak but since it was unattended for some time while they were away, it caused a pretty significant amount of damage. Water leaked into their basement, destroying most of the building materials used to finish it. My friend called me and we responded immediately. We had the place dried out in a couple of days, taking care of a stressful situation for a couple that did not deserve any more negativity in their lives. My friend’s wife passed away shortly after, sadly. My friend wanted to host a get-together to celebrate her life at his home and the best space to do that was in the now destroyed basement. Since our franchises now offer reconstruction services, he hired us to do the work. The problem is that he needed the basement finished immediately to be able to host this event. Our construction manager went out of his way to move things around and put my friend at the top of the list. We were able to get the basement redone and my friend could host his event celebrating his late wife. This would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of our crews, especially the reconstruction team. When you hire SERVPRO you can expect only the best in terms of customer service. 

Commercial Water Loss at Private School in Weston

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

We used multiple fans, dehumidifiers, air filtration devices, wood floor drying mats, and a hydroxyl generator to mitigate water damage

SERVPRO of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland received a notification that the fire department was called to a private school in Weston. When looking up the address we realized we had done a water loss at the same school back in August. Our office manager called the contact we had on file to see if they needed our help with the fire. They responded with a resounding, “YES!” Our project manager arrived on-site within one hour to assess the situation and found there was in fact a fire on top of the gymnasium from an air handler. The fire was small but the response from the fire department was large. They doused the roof with so much water that it flooded the gym in the process. Now it was time for us to get to work. First, was how to save the gym floor for this school so they do not have to shut down to replace it. We had (2) 5000 CFM desiccant dehumidifiers dropped off immediately. These units are about the size of a large van and came with a generator about the same size to power them. These intense dehumidifiers are used to remove moisture from the air in the entire gym in an attempt to save the floor. We set up fans, wood floor drying mats, air filtration devices, and a hydroxyl generator to support the dehumidifiers in drying and sanitizing. Once the gym was completely dry we needed to rent scissor lifts to clean the soot off the gym wall. Beyond that, the hallways behind the wall needed to be cleaned to remove soot as well. We are currently still cleaning and our hope is to have the gym open in no more than 1 week from the fire. SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster and we have the capacity to handle large commercial losses. 

More Equipment = More Capacity

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

We have increased our equipment to handle any size disasters!

SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford & of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland just acquired Arlington, Somerville, Charlestown. The original franchise was purchased by the current owner’s parents over 35 years ago. It has been locally owned and operated by the same family ever since. Now, a new legacy is born with the third franchise. We will still be based out of Waltham at the same warehouse/office building on Sun Street. We will still continue to provide the best service in the industry. The only major difference that will occur is a new focus on serving our commercial clients in our territories. SERVPRO as a company grew and flourished in the residential space. A majority of our business is taking care of your homes and we love that. Now, as we grow into the #1 cleaning and restoration company in the country, it is time to take care of your businesses as well. We have the capacity to respond faster to any size disaster. To prepare for this shift and expansion we have increased the amount of equipment we have available to our clients. We now have an additional 50 Phoenix Focus Axial Fans, 10 Phoenix Dry Max XL dehumidifiers, and 1 Phoenix D850 Desiccant Dehumidifier. With this equipment we will be fully capable of handling any size water damage you may encounter at your home or your business. Thank you for your nearly 40 years of support and we look forward to another 40!  

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Do not let your pipes freeze causing them to burst and flood your property!

Last weekend’s weather brought frigid temperatures well below freezing for 40+ hours straight, causing pipes to freeze. We have been providing emergency response to homes in the Waltham, Lexington, and Somerville areas. As we enter another weekend of severe cold I thought it would be helpful to publish some tips about keeping your pipes from freezing. 

• Drain water from your swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines.
• Drain water hoses and store them inside. Close valves inside supplying water to your spigot and drain the remaining water. 
• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
• Survey your property for any water lines that are not insulated like in the garage or under kitchen cabinets and insulate pipes as needed. 
• Consider relocating uninsulated pipes altogether. 
• Keep your garage door closed if there are water supply lines in it.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate in them.
• During severe cold - let water taps drip to keep water flowing. 
• Do not lower your thermostat at night.
• Do not turn off your heat if you are going to be away from your property.

If you experience a frozen pipe that bursts at your residential or commercial property, call us immediately. We have crews standing by 24/7 to respond to emergencies and we will work directly with your insurance company. 

Commercial Water Loss at University in Cambridge, MA

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

159 air movers were deployed to dry 3 floors of office space

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse….

And then a water pipe burst, giving 3 floors a douse.

That’s right, on Christmas Eve our franchise responded to a water emergency at an administrative building for a prestigious university in Cambridge, MA. A water line, about six inches in diameter, carrying hot water for heating finally gave out. Upon inspection the line was severely rusted and corroded, it was only a matter of time before it popped open releasing an immense amount of water. The water flooded the 3rd floor of the building and the two floors below it. Our crews responded immediately, delivering 159 fans, 14 dehumidifiers, air filtration devices, and hydroxyl generators to the property. Our team returned on Christmas day to monitor the equipment and the progress of drying. The day after Christmas our technicians thoroughly cleaned everything including steam cleaning the carpets and applying antimicrobial to prevent mold growth. I share this story to let you know about our capacity to handle any size commercial job and that our crews are standing by 24/7/365 to respond. While I sincerely hope something like this does not happen to your property, if it does, call the pros to handle it.

Drying Out a Toyota Tacoma

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

We used a desiccant drying process to dry out this pick-up truck

We got an interesting call last week from a customer who “accidentally” went mudding in his Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck which caused it to flood. While the exact chain of events remains unknown - the outcome was a vehicle flooded with muddy river water. The client went to Google for answers and our franchise popped up as a potential solution to his problem. I remember when we got the call our admin asked, “Do we dry out and clean cars?” to which I answered, “Sure! We will dry out and clean almost anything”. While this job was different than most we handle in our office, the work was essentially the same as any other water damage call. We first had to extract all the standing water that remained and then dry it out. We used a desiccant dehumidifier to remove moisture from the interior cabin and recirculated the warm air back into the vehicle to expedite the drying process. This process took a couple of days like any other water loss in a home or business. Once the seats and upholstery were completely dry we detailed the entire vehicle and treated it with antimicrobial to prevent any mold from forming. Whether it is a home, business, car, boat, plane, or anything else that can get wet - we can dry it out. We use advanced methods, technology, and highly trained professionals to remediate water damage. Next time you experience a flood of any kind, call the pros to clean it up. 

D850 Portable Desiccant Dehumidifier

1/8/2022 (Permalink)

We have the best equipment available - like this D850 Portable Desiccant Dehumidifier

Last week we ordered a new piece of equipment to expand our capabilities and continue to serve our customers with the best technology available. The D850 Portable Desiccant Dehumidifier can be utilized for midsize to large residential or small to midsize commercial jobs. It is also ideal for drying dense materials such as brick, concrete, hardwoods, and plaster. The machine can move roughly 850 cubic feet of air per minute through it - removing about 370 pints of moisture per day. Desiccants work by passing air through a rotating wheel of silica gel that absorbs moisture. Since there is no actual water produced during the process it can perform well when used in cooler temperatures, unlike our refrigerant dehumidifiers. The 850 cubic feet per minute (CFM) is over double the amount of air that our current desiccants can provide, so this is a great addition to our inventory. We will always be looking out for the latest and greatest drying equipment on the market so we can provide you with the best service possible. When you experience water damage of any kind, we are equipped to handle it, and faster to any size disaster.   

How to Avoid a Chimney Fire this Winter

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Be sure to keep your chimney and flue clean of creosote to avoid a fire

As temperatures continue to fall, homeowners in Lexington, MA, and the surrounding areas spend more time indoors to keep warm. Those who have a fireplace or wood-burning stove may begin to use them more regularly to keep energy costs down. Let’s face it, there is nothing better than snuggling up next to a fireplace in the depths of winter. While these additional sources of heat are pleasant to be around, they must be properly maintained to not put your property at risk. Bottom line is that dirty chimneys can cause a fire and clean chimneys don’t. The chimney and flue carry dangerous gasses, smoke, water vapor, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog, and assorted minerals safely out of your home. As these substances leave your fireplace or stove, they condensate as they rise through the relatively cooler chimney. The residue that is left behind and sticks to the inside of the chimney is called creosote. All forms of creosote are highly combustible and if it builds up in sufficient amounts along with a high internal temperature of your flue, the result could be a chimney fire. It is imperative that you have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney annually to avoid a fire. In the extremely unfortunate circumstance that you experience a fire in your home or business, give us a call to remediate the smoke and soot damage.

More Than Just Another Restoration Company

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

We love making happy customers!

I was fortunate enough to meet Debbie at Bedford Day back in September. It was my first event setting up a tent to interact with the public, answering questions, and giving out promotional products. I did not know what to expect but I knew I was there to represent the company in one of our service areas. Debbie approached our tent and asked about the other services we provide besides fire, flood, and mold remediation. I was happy to let her know about all of the various cleaning services we offer and gave her a pamphlet with all of them listed out along with my business card. I did not think much more of the interaction as I spoke with numerous people that day. A couple of months later I got a call on my cell phone from Debbie wondering if I could give her a quote to clean some items in her home. She was interested in duct cleaning, carpet cleaning, and upholstery cleaning for her couch. She liked the price and asked to add on a recliner, bathroom floor tiles, and her back stairwell. We worked around her schedule and sent out a crew on a day that was convenient for her. The crew spent all day at her home and brought back her area rugs to be washed at the shop. Debbie called me to ask when they would be returned and we were not going to have them done before Thanksgiving which was a problem as her husband was having surgery that weekend. Our team was able to expedite the area rug cleaning and get them delivered just in time for the holiday. Debbie was so impressed with our work she left us a 5-star review on Google, “I have never used Service Pro before and was pleasantly surprised.  I found the young men Jake and Elijah were: professional, knowledgeable, and hard workers.  They were here most of the day and left everything in perfect shape.  I will be recommending Service Pro to my friends and family.  Thank you for a great job!” I am writing this to let people know we are more than a restoration company. We are a cleaning company but even more than that, a customer service company. 

Preparing for Winter Weather

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure your property is prepared for winter weather and you have a plan in place

Today is the official start of winter here in the northeast. Winter storms can be intense and devastating to our local communities. Like any other disaster that may strike, a preparedness plan goes a long way in preventing damage to your property. Be sure you have a plan in place and communicate it with your family and friends.

You will want to weatherproof your home to protect it from cold temperatures. Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls so you do not get frozen pipes. Weatherstrip doors and windows where needed. Check to see if any walls need insulation, as well as the attic. If you do not have storm or thermal-pane windows, cover them with plastic from the inside. Repair any leaks in your roof and cut away tree branches that are close to your home. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected if you use a fireplace or woodstove. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well as fire extinguishers. Have your furnace inspected by a qualified technician. If you do experience storm damage or burst pipes give us a call and we can restore your property immediately to keep your family safe during the winter months.

Holiday House Fires

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your family safe by following these holiday house fire preparedness tips

Happy Holidays

It is December and now officially the holiday season - Ho, Ho, Ho! With that comes Christmas trees, decorations, candles, home-cooked meals, and additional heat sources like space heaters or fireplaces. All of these things used to make me smile and make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside until I started working for SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford & Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland. Now, these festive activities make me concerned for the families that will experience a house fire in the coming months. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 47,000 fires occur during the holidays claiming over 500 lives, 2,200 injuries, and costing half a billion in property damage. I do not mention these statistics to scare you or to turn you into a Scrooge - I feel an obligation to bring awareness and help keep families safe. Below you can find some holiday home fire preparedness tips from the American Red Cross. If you do experience fire damage give us a call to restore your property and make it, "Like it never even happened."

Preparedness Tips

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles. 
• Purchase flame-retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water. 
• Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed. 
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed. 
• Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees. 
• Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stovetop. 
• Designate one person to walk around your home to make sure that all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.  
• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Residential Water Loss in Wayland, MA

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has crews standing by 24/7 to respond to water emergencies at your home

It was first thing Thursday morning when my phone rang with a call from Moses Ortiz, the owner of Top Notch Contracting out of Lexington, MA. We have been getting a lot of rain recently and he let me know that one of the houses he is doing work on in Wayland, MA got flooded. Moses showed up on-site to get to work on the home when he noticed the basement flooded overnight. With the basement flooded, his crew could not do any work on the home that they needed to that day. His first thought was to call SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland to dry it out, as Moses has worked with our franchises for many years. I was able to get a project manager on-site within the hour to assess the situation. The project manager dispatched a crew to the property later that day. Our crew extracted the standing water from the basement and left drying equipment overnight. Top Notch Contracting was able to resume work on the home the next day. When you experience water damage at your home, don’t call just anyone, call the PROs to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Commercial Water Loss at Office Building in Dedham, MA

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has crews standing by 24/7 to respond to any size disaster at your commercial property

It was just after 8 am Wednesday morning when I got a call from my good friend Jim Currie at Stanton Insurance. We have done a lot of work over the years with Jim and he recognizes our franchises’ value to his clients. We recently provided an estimate for mold remediation at a movie theatre in Maynard that impressed one of his insureds. That same client walked into her office space in Dedham to find it completely flooded with rainwater from the storm the night before. In a panic, she remembered the mold estimate she received from SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland for the theater and quickly called Jim Currie to get the contact information for the company. Jim let me know she would be calling me soon about the water loss. I took the call and let her know we could have a project manager out to her office space within the hour. She was happy to hear we would be on site so soon. Our project manager showed up right away, as promised, to assess the damage. He then dispatched a crew to arrive later that day to set up drying equipment. Our crew chief monitored the equipment daily to be sure the property was drying out properly, which it was. After only 3 days, the building was completely dry and it was "Like it never even happened." Our office worked directly with her insurance company to handle the billing side of things so she did not have to worry about that. This is what you can expect when you call our franchise to handle a commercial water loss. Don’t leave your business in the hands of just anyone, call the PROs. 

Do You Have an Emergency Response Plan in Place?

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profiles prevent businesses from closing their doors after disaster strikes

A common question I ask business owners is, “If there were 6 inches of water on the floor right now, what would you do?” The overwhelming majority respond with, “I have no idea”. To me, this is shocking, but that is because I work for a water damage restoration company so I am constantly reminded of the importance of preparedness. Business owners have a lot on their plates and most of their bandwidth is dedicated to running their company. Emergency response is of course not top of mind until an emergency happens….and then what? Do you have a plan in place to respond to a disaster? According to the latest research, as many as 50% of businesses close following a disaster. The overwhelming majority of businesses that survive had an emergency plan in place. If you own a restaurant and it floods, you cannot be open for dinner service thus resulting in loss of revenue. Having a response plan in place will shorten the amount of time your doors are closed. The same goes for retail, hotels, gyms, and numerous other businesses. SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland is offering a complimentary Emergency Ready Plan for businesses in our community. A representative will come out to assess your property and create a profile of your business. This profile will include relevant information like where your water shutoff valve, gas shutoff, and electric shutoff are located. That way your employees can reference it in an emergency situation to limit the amount of time damage can occur. The plan will also compile important contact information such as your insurance company, alarm company, and plumber contact information. Having all of this information on hand will significantly reduce the amount of damage occurring in an emergency situation. This plan can be printed and left at key locations at the property. The plan is also stored in our database that can be accessed via our mobile app so you can access the plan from anywhere and share access with anyone you wish. If you would like an Emergency Ready Plan to be created for your business give us a call to schedule it at 781-861-0500. 

The Corrosive Nature of Smoke and Soot

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Stove hood vent affected by fire and smoke damage caused by a grease fire in Arlington, MA.

I recently visited a home in Arlington, MA that experienced a grease fire in their kitchen. Fortunately, the homeowners caught it quickly and the fire department responded immediately. The damage was not extremely extensive but there was certainly some work to be done. As I walked the property with our production manager Chris, something caught my eye. It was the stainless steel (at least I assume it was SS) hood vent that was mounted above the stove where the fire started. I noticed that it was corroded and rusting which was odd to me because I was under the impression that stainless steel did not rust. I figured it must have been from the water that the fire department used to douse the flames. I asked Chris if it was from the water and he explained to me that it was actually the fire that corroded the metal. How is that possible? Fire creates smoke and soot which are actually small particles that move through the air. The soot is acidic and can corrode metal. Heat is an accelerant, so this hood was capturing large amounts of soot under extreme heat which was accelerating the corrosiveness of the smoke. You can see in the picture where the flames and soot damaged the hood and not in the surrounding areas. It is important to understand the destructive nature of smoke damage, even if you cannot see it with the naked eye, you must remediate soot as soon as possible to limit the damage it can cause. For example, if your television or computer vents intake soot and it gets inside the components, it can cause corrosion. Furthermore, soot can also conduct electricity causing short circuits. If we arrive at a fire loss we immediately send out all electronics to professional cleaners to remove the smoke from the components inside. If you experience fire and soot damage at your property give SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland a call immediately to mitigate the damage.

Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover Mold?

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are here to help and will inspect crawlspaces for mold growth.

Over here at SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland, we have been getting a lot of calls concerning mold. With the unusual amount of rain and humidity in July, followed by high temperatures, microbial growth has been very prevalent this summer. SERVPRO has an excellent relationship with insurance companies and we are happy to work with them directly so you do not have to. A common question that comes up is, “Does my homeowner's insurance cover mold remediation?” This is a fair question to ask but is difficult to answer. In the late 90s to early 2000s, most insurance companies changed the coverage in homeowners' policies to limit mold remediation. This is because there were too many claims being filed that amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars being paid out by insurance companies. Because of this, policies got more specific about what they would and would not cover.

As a general rule of thumb, mold remediation is covered by insurance if it is a result of a specific problem that is covered by your policy. Furthermore, you must demonstrate that the mold damage was sudden, accidental and that you reported it immediately. For example, if your roof had a leak that you promptly fixed and in the process found microbial growth in the attic due to water damage, it would most likely be covered. But if you let the leak in the roof go unattended for a year before addressing it and then you found mold all throughout the attic, it would not be covered. The difference is that the roof leak is accidental but not fixing it immediately is negligence in which case the subsequent mold growth could have been avoided. It is important that you document everything in as much detail as possible to show your adjuster. If you come across mold in your home or business give us a call immediately to begin remediation. If it is covered by your insurance, we will work with them directly so you do not have to.

Why Realtors Choose SERVPRO

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Realtors choose SERVPRO when selling homes!

A good real estate agent has strong ties to the community and knows everything there is to know about the areas they do business in. Realtors regularly recommend and call on SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is for a general deep clean of a home that is about to hit the market. Having your home professionally cleaned from top to bottom by highly trained professionals makes a huge impact on the overall presentation of the home. Beyond general cleaning, we can handle a host of other issues that may arise when getting a home ready for an open house. We have state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology to handle deodorization. Whether it was a smoker or pets, we can remove unwanted odors from your home. Did you find mold during the home inspection? No problem! SERVPRO specializes in mold remediation so you do not have to worry about microbial growth while selling your home. Did you remodel the kitchen and bathroom ahead of listing your house? Let us handle the post-construction cleanup. We can professionally clean drapes, blinds, upholstery, walls, floors, ceilings, crawlspaces, and even your ducts! You do not want to leave sawdust sitting in your ventilation system as it can lead to mold growth that will spread through the HVAC system over time. No matter how big the job is, we are here to help. We can even clean out the home of a hoarder, regardless of how extensive the cleanup job is, we can clean it up and get your home into pristine condition. Find out why realtors choose SERVPRO to sell their homes faster at 781-861-0500.

What Exactly Is Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration?

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are highly trained professionals in more than just water restoration.

When most people think of SERVPRO, they think of water damage cleanup and restoration. Storm damage cleanup and restoration is one of the five core services that we offer but, what does that mean? If there was a nasty storm ripping through the Boston metropolitan area, a tree could fall down into your Lexington home, destroying your roof and allowing gallons of rain water to flood the attic. We would do more than just dry the water. We have crews standing by 24/7 to respond to any storm emergency. We will tarp up the roof to stop more rain from entering the property. We will pack up any contents that are wet and move them to our warehouse to be dried properly while we restore your home. After the drying is complete, we can have our construction team come in to redo the floors, repair the roof, and put a fresh coat of paint on everything to make it "Like it never even happened." What if the storm destroyed hundreds of homes in Lexington, Waltham, Wayland, Weston, and Watertown? SERVPRO has over 1800 franchises around the country that can deploy to severe weather events to handle any amount of damage caused. Our Massachusetts franchises recently went down to Texas to help hundreds of families in need after the severe weather event they experienced in February. Storm damage cleanup and restoration means more than just drying rain water, it means you and your family will be taken care of in their time of need by the experts. You do not have to worry about dealing with multiple vendors, wondering if they are giving you the honest truth, or just trying to make a buck off of a storm emergency. When a storm causes damage at your property, call the pros who are faster to any size disaster.

Controlling the Path of a Fire

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Second floor bathroom damage due to venting and not the fire

Our office recently got a call for a fire damage job in Arlington, MA. I was eager to tag along with our production manager, Chris Mack, to photo document the work from start to finish. The fire began in a first-floor kitchen as the result of food on the stove igniting. The damage was extensive in the kitchen, which was to be expected, what was unexpected was the damage done above the kitchen. As I explored the second floor I noticed a lot of damage had occurred in the bathroom directly above the stove. The interesting part was the bathroom sink, toilet, and wall looked as though they had been destroyed by a heavy object. Chris explained this was the work of the fire department venting the fire upwards. I also thought this was odd as there was very little smoke, soot, or fire damage done in the bathroom. So what is venting and why did it need to be done in this home?

Venting is all about controlling the path of the fire and smoke. As a fire grows, heat and smoke are expelled into the air. When a home is not ventilated, the heat and smoke get trapped in the building, slowly permeating from one room to another. As heat and smoke build in surrounding rooms the fire spreads with it. The fire department's first goal is to vent the fire to control where it will go next. In this case, the fire was in a first-floor kitchen, so the best course of action was to vent the fire upwards and then spray water down on it. Heat and smoke want to rise, so by venting the fire up, it only wanted to spread upwards and not sideways to surrounding rooms making it much more difficult to contain. The firefighters quickly assessed the scene and sprang into action by making a large opening in the bathroom floor and wall above the kitchen stove. Once the opening was made they sprayed water into the home from above dousing the flame and extinguishing the fire. Because of this the fire was contained in the kitchen and was unable to spread anywhere else. Now that I know what venting is I can appreciate what happened at this home in Arlington and how the fast actions of the local fire department kept the flames at bay. Now it is SERVPRO's chance to get to work, making this home look "Like it never even happened." 

Primary Water Damage vs. Secondary Water Damage

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians working with customers in their kitchen after a sink leaked everywhere

Primary vs. Secondary Water Damage

Water is a powerful force and when it is unleashed, containing it can be quite the feat. Liquids have a way of moving around, and even through, some barriers. Once a large amount of water has been released into your home, there is no way of knowing exactly where it will end up and which materials it will wick into. Water damage occurs in two phases, primary water damage and secondary water damage. Mitigation is crucial and must happen as soon as possible to reduce the amount of damage that will occur. 

Primary Water Damage

Primary damage occurs immediately after a flood or severe leak. The leak could be from an overflowing sink or tub, a washing machine drainage tube, a burst pipe, a blown boiler, or a malfunctioning dishwasher. All of these incidents will release a large amount of water suddenly into your property and allow it to travel into places it should not. Examples of primary damage include soaked furniture, saturated flooring, bubbling wallpaper, and wet drywall. If not taken care of quickly and professionally, primary damage will lead to secondary damage.

Secondary Water Damage

Secondary water damage is the additional damage caused by primary water damage that has not been mitigated. Bubbling wallpaper will begin to peel, wet drywall will sag, saturated flooring will warp, and mold will start to grow. In a water emergency time is of the utmost importance. The sooner you dry your property the less severe the damage will be. Be sure to address the source of the water first by turning off your malfunctioning appliance, calling a plumber, or shutting off water to the property entirely. Once the source of water has been stopped, call the restoration professionals. SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and SERVPRO of Waltham / Weston / Watertown / Wayland has crews standing by 24/7 to respond to any size or type of water emergency. Our highly trained technicians will get to work immediately to restore your property to preloss conditions. 

How Does Fingerprint Powder Work?

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Who cleans up after a crime scene?

Human hands and fingers are covered in ridges that are formed at birth. Each person has their own unique set of ridges forming a specific singular fingerprint. Because of this, fingerprints can be an excellent way to identify who was at the scene of a crime if any are left behind on surfaces. Law enforcement has been using this technique for over a century to capture criminals. But how exactly does it work? 

The ridges are made up of rows of sweat pores that are constantly secreting perspiration. This perspiration along with oil and grease from other parts of the body sticks to your fingerprints and can be transferred to other certain types of surfaces. Think of when a piece of scotch tape gets stuck to the tip of your finger, when you remove the tape, an impression of your fingerprint is left on the tape. The same thing happens when a criminal breaks into a home and touches a marble countertop or door handle. The prints will remain on the surface long after the perpetrator has left the building. Law enforcement can then lay down fingerprint powder on these surfaces to expose any prints left behind. Since your fingerprint is unique to only you, your prints prove without a doubt that you were in fact at that location. 

If your property was the scene of a crime and law enforcement covered it in fingerprint powder, SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and SERVPRO of Watertown / Weston / Wayland / Waltham can clean it up. Removing fingerprint powder is a difficult task and can often ruin wooden surfaces, carpets, and paint. SERVPRO has highly trained professionals who can safely remove the powder from your property without damaging it.

Mold Growth Increases During Summer Months in Your Home

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician in full PPE and respirator wiping down kitchen table

It is that time of year when temperatures and humidity reach their highest levels. Homeowners venture into their basement or attics for the first time in months and discover a musty odor... uh oh! Molds are constantly moving through the air and their spores are so small they cannot be detected by the naked eye. You do not see mold until it lands on a damp surface and begins to colonize. Mold spores need organic materials to feed on in addition to water and warm temperatures. Because of these factors, your home is an excellent place for mold to spread. Mold can grow on drywall, wallpaper, insulation, ceiling tiles, under carpets, and numerous other materials in your home. It can be nearly impossible to notice until you have a serious problem on your hands. If you suspect mold is growing in your home you need to act quickly to keep it from spreading. As mentioned earlier, mold spores float in the air and if you have a large amount of mold in your home it can enter your HVAC system and spread to each room, colonizing any damp areas very fast. SERVPRO has been helping families in Lexington, Bedford, Lincoln, Watertown, Weston, Wayland, and Waltham remediate mold for over 40 years. Our technicians are highly trained and on standby 24/7 to help you. In addition to mold remediation we can clean your HVAC system if it has been contaminated and as water mitigation experts we can stop microbial growth at the source to prevent further outbreaks.

Introducing Construction Manager: Nelson Valada

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Construction Manager Nelson Valada with his two dogs Pretzel and Rosie

We are ecstatic to officially introduce the newest member of our management team, Nelson Valada! Nelson is the Construction Manager here at SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland. He joined our team in February 2021 and hit the ground running. He has 20+ years in the construction industry working as a carpenter, general contractor, and construction supervisor with experience in both residential and commercial settings. He is well versed in many trades and has “a guy” for everything. He has an 11 year old son who is an awesome hockey player and is active in Arlington Town Hockey Leagues. He is a Somerville High School graduate and currently lives in Burlington with his wife, son, and two dogs; Pretzel and Rosie. Nelson and his family are avid animal lovers who have adopted several pets over the years. His meticulous nature and high standards in “fit and finish” are commonly complemented along with his pleasant and easy going demeanor. We are happy to welcome him aboard to our new (Re)-Construction team!

Read what Peter from Weston had to say about Nelson’s recent work at his home, “Your painters have done an absolutely marvelous job with the basement. Their meticulous work brings vibrancy to a drab old basement. Throughout the entire salvage operation, from decontaminating the sewage backflow, to restorative carpentry and painting, your men acted with the utmost professionalism and courtesy. My hat off to the team at SERVPRO: they are role models for the industry.”

If you are planning to remodel your bathroom, kitchen, basement, or attic  this summer and are unsure of which contractor you can trust - look no further! Our franchises have been locally owned and operated for over 35 years - we live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors and we are always here to help.

Are You Part of the Air Fryer Craze?

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are experts in fire damage restoration including soot removal, deodorization, and contents removal.

The air fryer craze reached new heights during the Coronavirus pandemic as Massachusetts residents were quarantined to their homes for over a year. Picking up new hobbies that could be enjoyed in your home, not being able to go out to restaurants, and increased awareness of healthy diets, created a perfect storm for air fryers to make their way into kitchens across the Commonwealth. With any new product on the market, consumers are not educated about the dangers associated with them. Cooking techniques and best practices are usually passed down from one generation to the next and as first-generation air fryers, it is our responsibility to enjoy them safely. Here are some helpful dos and don'ts while using your new kitchen appliance:

• Do read the manual that came with your air fryer and take it seriously.
• Don’t leave your air fryer plugged in while it is not in use.
• Don’t burn yourself or your countertops.
• Don’t let air fryer vents blow exhaust into electrical outlets.
• Don’t put the air fryer on the stove.
• Don’t use perforated parchment paper without food on it to keep it from floating around.
• Don’t use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical-based non-stick sprays.
• Don’t use wet batters or wet coatings on food.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Don’t forget to regularly check on your food while it is cooking.
• Don’t season food with salt while it is still in the air fryer.
• Do season food before or after cooking.
• Do only use accessories and inserts that are made for your air fryer.
• Don’t clean your air fryer or its components with metal scouring pads.

While this is not an exhaustive list, it will certainly help you operate your air fryer safely which will protect your kitchen and home from fire damage. If you experience fire damage in your home - SERVPRO is here to help. We have been restoring homes in Lexington, Bedford, Lincoln, Watertown, Waltham, Wayland, and Weston for over 40 years. Give us a call at 781-861-0500 so we can make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Hurricane Preparedness Week

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Water floods a home and pools at the bottom of a staircase.

May 9^th to the 15^th is Hurricane Preparedness Week. While hurricanes do not often hit New England, when they do, they can be deadly and costly. Hurricane Bob made landfall in Massachusetts on August 19, 1991, causing 18 deaths and $2.5 billion in damage. Hurricane Irene took the life of 9 New Englanders and left thousands without power in August of 2011. Massachusetts and Rhode Island sustained power outages, flooding, and wind gusts over 70 mph in October of 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy. SERVPRO of Lexington, Bedford, Waltham, Weston, Wayland, and Watertown was proud to respond to those in need during Hurricane Sandy. Here are five steps to prepare for extreme weather:

1. Know Your Risks – figure out what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live and how to prepare for them. Although coastal communities are usually the most affected, impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland. Create an emergency plan for your family that includes emergency meeting places in your home, neighborhood, and surrounding areas.
2. Build An Emergency Kit – have access to food, water, cash, medicine, and phone chargers. Keeping a kit at work, in your car, and at home can keep you prepared for any emergency at any time.
3. Review and Gather Documents – review your insurance policies for your home, boat, and car. Be sure you have enough coverage to repair or replace your belongings. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding – check if flood insurance is available as soon as possible as it usually requires a 30-day waiting period.
4. Be Informed and Have a Plan – sign up for phone alerts and get the FEMA app to be informed of any extreme weather approaching your area. Have an evacuation plan ready that accounts for pets and remove you from the evacuation area.
5. Strengthen Your Home – if you do not live in an evacuation area and plan to weather the storm in your home, be sure it is up to date on repairs and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Trim trees and board up windows to prevent debris from potentially flying into your home.

If you experience flooding at your home, SERVPRO of Lexington, Bedford, Waltham, Weston, Watertown, and Wayland is on call 24/7/365 to respond. Our highly trained team of technicians has advanced techniques and equipment to handle any water damage situation making it "Like it never even happened."

Wind Speeds and their Effects on Your Home

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Disaster recovery team in action

Is Boston the new ‘Windy City’?

As many of you have probably noticed, it has been unusually windy in Massachusetts recently. One Boston Globe article even headlined, “Is Boston the new ‘Windy City’?” According to CurrentResults.com, Boston is in fact the windiest US city averaging a blustery 12.3 mph annual wind speed. As a New England native who has resided throughout the northeast for all of my 31 years, volatile weather is just a fact of life. It is what makes us, “hardy folk” and some might say it gives us a surly attitude, especially those from temperate climates. So what does all this wind mean for your home anyways, and should you be worried about its effects?

Wind Speeds and Effects

• 19mph - Small trees begin to sway.
• 25mph - Umbrellas break and you can hear the scraping of branches and wires.
• 32mph - Whole trees begin to move and it can be difficult to walk.
• 39mph - Vehicles can veer off the road and branches break off of trees.
• 47mph - Minor structural damage can occur. 
• 55mph - Trees begin to uproot and structural damage increases.
• 64mph - Even higher prevalence and severity of structural damage.

What Does this all Mean?

Anything above 64mph and we are getting into hurricane force winds which are clearly not good for your home and you should be making the necessary preparations. What is interesting is that 47mph and above is when damage can begin to occur. Just last month Massachusetts saw gusts up to 60mph! It seems wind could be more of a problem than you thought for your property. If storm damage occurs, SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford & Waltham / Weston / Wayland / Watertown has crews standing by 24/7 to respond. We can provide board ups for windows, tarps for your roof, and any cleanup or restoration work needed. Call the professionals to make it "Like it never even happened." at 781-861-0500.

Plumbing Problems Caused by Heavy Rain

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician at water shutoff valves with commercial customer

May and June are some of the wettest months of the year here in Massachusetts. We have all been caught in a torrential downpour that seemingly came out of nowhere and unleashes an incredible amount of rain very quickly. This type of weather can cause plumbing and drainage issues. Let’s look at 4 common plumbing problems caused by heavy rain.

1. Flooding Due to Lack of Outdoor Drainage

Heavy rain will cause pools of water to accumulate at low points in your yard. If you do not have proper drainage to move the water away from your property then you can have serious problems on your hands. Your walkway, driveway, or basement steps could flood, compromising the stability of your deck or foundation. If you notice pooling water on your property during heavy rain fall you should consider installing an area drain to carry water away from your home.

2. Debris Blocking Indoor Drains Leading to a Backup

Debris such as trash, soil, leaves, and sticks can get into the sewer system causing your drains to clog. Blocked drains can back up your entire system causing water to pool in your shower, sink, bathtub, or near other household drains. 

3. Sewage Backup due to Blocked Drains

When debris blocks pipes in the sewer system as previously mentioned, it can eventually affect the sewer line itself. The sewer line carries wastewater from your house to the municipal sewer line. If the municipal line becomes blocked then contaminated water will accumulate and back up into your home.

4. Burst Pipes from Blockage

When rainwater pools and has nowhere to go it exerts pressure on your pipes. This pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst open. If water from your sink tastes coppery, is colored, or smells like mildew, than you probably have a cracked or burst pipe. The fresh water running into your home may be contaminated with materials surrounding your broken plumbing.

Who Do I Call if I Have a Backup?

If you experience a sewer backup or flooding at your property in Lexington, Bedford, Waltham, Weston, Wayland, or Watertown we are here to help. We have crews standing by 24/7/365 who are highly trained with advanced techniques and technologies to make it "Like it never even happened."

Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover Water Damage?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician uses a water extractor to remove standing water from a kitchen floor

When Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover Water Damage?

If water damage occurs at your home your homeowner's insurance may or may not cover it. As a general rule of thumb; sudden internal damage is covered, while damage caused by lack of proper maintenance or negligence, or external flood damage, is not. Here are some common examples of situations when a loss is covered or not.

When Water Damage is Covered:

• As the result of rain or snowstorm
• Plumbing: accidental overflow, faulty plumbing, frozen or burst pipes
• Fire suppression systems
• A leak in your roof (insurance would not cover the roof itself - just interior of the home)
• Accidental overflow of an appliance or fixture (washing machine, dishwasher, toilet, bathtub)
• Vandalism
• Mold when it is a result of a covered water loss

When Water Damage is Not Covered:

• Ground seepage
• Water or sewer pipe backups
• Flooding 
• Poorly maintained or neglected pipes that break

What Next?

Call your insurance company as soon as possible after noticing water damage in your home. Document affected areas and contents with photos that can clearly describe what happened to your adjuster. Call SERVPRO once your insurance is notified to begin mitigation immediately. Water damage spreads quickly and causes exponential amounts of damage if not remediated quickly. SERVPRO production managers will work with your insurance company directly so you don’t have to. Using advanced technologies and techniques we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Increased Mold Risk in Commercial Buildings due to Prolonged Closures

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Highly trained SERVPRO technician inspects crawlspace for moisture and mold growth on wood beams and ductwork.

Molds can be found almost anywhere and they do not need much to grow indoors. Mold spores float through the air constantly and when they land on damp areas indoors, they may begin spreading. After a full year of shutdowns due to the pandemic, many commercial buildings in Massachusetts have been closed for prolonged periods of time. Without HVAC systems operating daily, temperature fluctuations are going to occur which could cause condensation at various locations in the structure. Also, older buildings typically have tighter envelopes that do not allow for proper ventilation. With buildings being closed and no regular airflow from open windows, doors, and HVAC systems – moisture will not be ventilated. Mold can grow quickly on ceiling tiles, carpet, drywall, wallpaper, fabrics, and insulation. Leaks from plumbing pipes, outdoor gutters, or sinks naturally occur over time and can be addressed if noticed but, if left unnoticed will create a perfect environment for mold to thrive. All of these factors and more are acting together in commercial buildings across the Commonwealth. Molds have the potential to cause health effects especially in those with asthma or mold allergies. Here are five steps you can take to minimize mold risk after a prolonged shutdown of your commercial property:

1. Maintain as low a humidity level as possible in the structure – never exceeding 50%. Building managers should use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels daily.
2. After a prolonged shutdown, the property should be thoroughly inspected before reopening. An inspection from an industrial hygienist is ideal and if they detect anything, remediation is required immediately to prevent further spread.
3. After an inspection has confirmed there is no mold in the structure or remediation of mold has occurred you need to flush the HVAC system. Run the HVAC system for at least 48 to 72 hours with outdoor air dampers set to the max setting. If an odor is detected look for mold and have remediation completed if mold is discovered in the HVAC system. Complete another flush of the system until no odors or mold is present. You should replace your filters or at the very least clean them before reopening the building.
4. After the building is reopened be sure to routinely monitor your HVAC system and its filters.
5. If there is no routine maintenance program in place for your HVAC system, now is the time to create one. Inspection, calibration, testing, balancing, and cleaning of the system regularly is vital to keeping indoor air quality at healthy levels.

Here at SERVPRO of Lexington, Bedford, Waltham, Wayland, Weston, and Watertown we can help with your commercial mold and HVAC needs. We have a team of highly trained professionals to remediate mold with advanced techniques and equipment. We also offer comprehensive HVAC and duct cleaning services making us the only call you need to make before reopening your property after being closed due to the pandemic.

Emergency Fire Damage Process Overview

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage/soot surrounds doorway to into kitchen.

We Are Fire Damage Experts

SERVPRO is the number one brand in restoration services. For over 50 years our highly trained professionals have been helping communities restore their properties to pre-fire conditions using advanced technology and techniques. Our goal is to restore your building and its contents instead of replacing them - saving you time, money, and the potential loss of important items to your home or business. Our restoration services include structural cleaning, contents cleaning, and deodorization of both.

The Process

One Hour: Within one hour of being notified of fire damage we will contact you to arrange service.

Four Hours: Within four hours a professional SERVPRO technician will arrive on-site to begin mitigation services. Responding quickly is key to reducing damage and saving money!

Detailed Explanation: A highly trained professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect.

Pretesting: We will pretest your property and its contents to discern what is restorable and what needs to be replaced.

Eight Hours: Within eight hours of being notified you can rest assured that our team has communicated the extent of damage and subsequent work that needs to be done to you or your insurance adjuster.

Cleaning, Restoration, & Deodorization: Using state-of-the-art restoration techniques our technicians will ensure your property is taken care of correctly.

Final Walk-Through: Once our work is complete, we will walk the property with you to be sure you are completely satisfied.

We sincerely hope that you never experience a fire emergency, but they are an unfortunate reality that we must face from time to time. At SERVPRO we are here to help and can respond to any size emergency 24/7.

Disaster Response Team Deployed to Texas

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO disaster response trailers unloading equipment.

For over two weeks we have had teams deployed to Texas to help with storm relief efforts. Insurance claims are rivaling those after major hurricanes - something Texans are all too familiar with. After record low temperatures hit the area, snow and ice made roads impassable, the state lost control of their energy supply, and caused millions of dollars in water damage in a matter of days. At SERVPRO we are here to help and are faster to any size disaster. Disaster response teams were immediately dispatched from all around the country. Our locally owned Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland franchises answered the call. Our teams have been working non-stop since they arrived helping Texans make it "Like it never even happened." Our highly trained professionals specialize in storm and flood restoration. Crews use advanced technology and techniques to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. Whether you are in Massachusetts, Texas, or anywhere else in the United States - SERVPRO is here to help.

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians cleaning a bookshelf

Spring is right around the corner which means plants are blooming, the temperature is rising, and it is time for the annual deep clean we have all come to know as Spring Cleaning! This can be an intimidating and daunting process so we wanted to offer some advice to make the process more manageable. The tips below will help you clean your home from top to bottom.

• Restock your cleaning supplies
• Wipe down walls and ceilings
• Reseal grout lines
• Vacuum and shampoo rugs
• Dust thoroughly 
• Clean upholstery
• Polish metal hardware
• Wax wooden furniture
• Ensure fire safety
• Wash windows, screens, and treatments
• Wax non-wood floors

Here at SERVPRO® we have been helping residents of the Lexington, Bedford, Waltham, Wayland, Weston, and Watertown areas clean their homes for over 30 years. In addition to the list above, we recommend getting your air ducts professionally cleaned to increase heating/cooling efficiency and air quality. We can also provide an extra level of carpet and upholstery cleaning where your vacuum and shampoo just don’t cut it. Finally, if you are experiencing offensive odors and the above checklist of cleaning does not remove them - give us a call. We have the expertise to effectively clean and remove unwanted odors from your home.

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

About the IICRC

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC, is a non-profit organization founded in 1972. The organization originally began as the International Institute of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Inc. but has grown to become the global organization that it is today with over 60,000 active technicians by expanding its scope. The Institute has 4 core values:

1. Get it done: We don’t make excuses. We find solutions.
2. Be honest: No one needs to be around to do the right thing.
3. Embrace failure: We learn from our mistakes.
4. One Team, One Mission: No silos. Our mission requires us to operate together.

The SERVPRO Mission

The SERVPRO Mission Statement is, “To develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect”. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses. The IICRC core values and the SERVPRO Mission Statement align with one another. Together, we have satisfied clients for over 40 years by being leaders in the industry.

We Are Here When it Matters Most

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO emergency response storm team

According to CNN, “about 78 million Americans are currently under a winter weather alert and more than 27 million are going to bed under a hard-freeze warning”. The weather system that developed in the southern part of the country, with particularly high impact in Texas, is moving through the mid-Atlantic and east coast bringing snow, ice, and rain with it. At SERVPRO®, We are Here to Help® - our storm team has been activated and hundreds of crews are on standby to assist communities in need 24/7.

Our Highly Trained Teams Are:

• Experts in water, fire, and mold restoration
• Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified (IICRC)
• Recommended by most insurance companies
• Faster to any size disaster
• Utilize advanced water inspection, extraction, and drying equipment

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Don't wait for a storm to hit to respond to water damage and have an emergency response plan in place just in case.

How to Prevent Flood Damage at Your Commercial Property

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a basement caused by flooding.

As temperatures begin to rise in the Lexington / Bedford and Waltham / Watertown / Wayland / Weston area it is time to think about potential flooding at your commercial property. As snow storms change to rain and accumulated snow melts - a sudden influx of water can cause serious damage to buildings leading to costly repairs and potential injuries. According to Statista.com there were nearly 100 deaths and approximately $3.75 billion worth of damage due to flooding in 2019 in the United States alone. 

Commercial Property Flood Prevention Tips

• Assess: Inspect your property and identify areas where flooding could be a problem. Make repairs as needed to protect your building from water damage.
• Basement: Check your basement for cracks and holes to patch as needed - consider a sump pump for an added layer of protection.
• Flood Proofing: If you had issues with flooding and/or water damage in the past, consider flood proofing which will wrap your property in water resistant material.
• Landscaping: Be sure downspouts move water away from your building and landscaping around your property is elevated to achieve the same goal.
• Clean: Clear out downspouts, drains, gutters, and roof so water does not collect.
• Take a Proactive Approach: Do not wait for a storm to hit to begin protecting your property, stay ahead of potentially bad weather to prepare when potential flooding or water damage could occur and have a plan in place to respond to an emergency.

After the Storm

Flood and water damage can devastate companies with an estimated 50% never reopening after a disaster. Almost all companies that are able to reopen had some sort of emergency response plan in place. If water damage is to occur give us a call and our highly trained professionals will survey the damage and give you a quote to begin restoration immediately to make it, “Like it never even happened.” Timely mitigation allows your building to reopen as soon as possible and prevent large losses in revenue. For over 30 years SERVPRO® has been providing high quality 24/7 emergency services to the Lexington-Bedford area, give us a call 781-861-0500.

Any Golf fans out there?

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Here is a little fun fact for you on this Friday:

SERVPRO is the official cleanup and restoration partner of the Pro Golfers Association (PGA). The PGA is the highest level of competition in the field of professional golf and SERVPRO is proud to be a part of their community. Keeping golf courses clean and pristine is optimal for comfort and high quality tournaments. In past years, SERVPRO has been fortunate to show off our work and perform services for major PGA events such as The Players Championship and The TOUR Championship. We are always happy to help out our friends associated with the PGA because we understand a major draw for playing golf is the beauty and scenic environment a golf course can provide.

In addition to our partnership with the PGA, PGA Golfer Brandt Snedeker became the official our official Brand ambassador of SERVPRO last year. We are thrilled to have Brandt represent us because he stands for our core values and is an excellent professional golfer. Brandt has won several major PGA tournaments and is view respected by his peers. 

If we can provide repair, restoration and clean up services for an entity like the PGA, there is nothing we cannot do for you. We are always here for our local communities and can respond at a moments notice if you need immediate repair, restoration or clean up services in your home or business. 

24/7 Emergency Services, 365 days a year. 

We know how to take care of Your Contents

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

After fire or water damage occurs on your property, how the restoration process is handled is pivotal. Trust our team to help you restore your property and get back on your feet. Our crew prioritizes taking care of and salvaging your valuable contents after fire or water accident. 

During the fire and water restoration process, our team can conduct a "pack out" process at your request. The pack out process consists of our highly-trained team members packing up the properties contents in the affected area. After the contents are packed up, our team will temporarily move them to a safe area until the affected area is cleaned and restored. 

We know you value your contents. We value them too and want nothing more than to ensure they stay intact and unaffected. Our professional team members have countless years of training and experience and always know how to handle a situation after fire and water damage strikes. 

Fire Damage 101

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

While, fire Extinguishers are often in the very back of our minds everyday, they should never been neglected. Each year, fire extinguishers save countless lives and minimize damage. Always make sure there is a easily accessible fire extinguisher in your home, office, restaurant, etc. Fire extinguishers should be immediately visible and everyone in the building should know where one is. 

Everyone above the age of fifteen should know how to use a fire extinguisher properly. The process is quite simple but only those who have been trained on how to use one should use them. For offices and commercial spaces, it is recommended that new employees are trained on how to use fire extinguishers. Extinguishers only work properly and efficiently when the people using them know what they are doing. Contrary to popular belief, fire extinguishers do not last forever. It is recommended that they are changed out every 5 to 10 years whether or not the previous one was used. 

Last but not least fire extinguishers should be well-maintained and kept in a safe place. It never hurts to inspect them from time to time. 

Choose SERVPRO when you notice Water Damage

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, no home or commercial building is immune to water damage. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to tackle water damage and mitigate it when it occurs. What makes SERVPRO superior in the water restoration industry is our up to date advanced technology and services. We are open 365 days a year 24/7 for emergency services such as water damage incidents. When water damage occurs, our team moves swiftly and promptly to help homeowners or businesses get back on their feet in no time. 

Our SERVPRO warehouse is stocked with countless Air movers, Dehumidifers, and Air Scrubbers. Want a dry surface as soon as possible after flood? Our air movers can help with it. Want to prevent mold growth after a flood? That is what our dehumiders are here for. You know that awful after smell a water leak or flood? Let our air movers take care of that for you. All top-notch portable equipment that help us get jobs done with relative ease. 

Water damage on property comes in many forms: Storms, Sewage backup, Clogs, Leaks etc. Vigilance when you notice interior water damage, can mitigate the damage and make the restoration process less stressful. Contact a professional water restoration company like us here at SERVPRO to help you with the process.

We have been serving our communities for over 50 years and there is no one we don't want to help when they deal with water loss. 

Using a Fireplace

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Fireplaces can provide a cozy and scenic environment. With temperatures often below freezing this time of year in New England, it is the perfect time of year to utilize a fireplace if you have one. If you are a new homeowner or don't know much about fireplaces and want to know more, don't worry, you've come to the right place. 

Check, check, check 

Before fireplaces are put to use, fireplaces should first be inspected and checked for unwanted build up or blockages. This includes a assessment of your chimney. Chimney inspections before a fireplace is used is essential and should not be neglected. If you do not feel comfortable inspecting your own chimney, leave it up to the professionals. Do not assume your chimney is infallible and avoid the necessary repairs. Thousands of home fires and fire damages occur every year as a product of unsafe fireplace conditions. 

What type of wood should you use?

The best type of wood to use for fireplaces is seasoned wood. Season wood are wood pieces that have been dried out for at least one year. Season wood pieces provide a good source of fuel and heat. Wet pieces of wood should be avoided for safety reasons. 

Last but not least........

Always make sure the area is cleared around the fireplace. Furniture and appliances should be at least 5 feet away from a fireplace at all times. In addition to that, every home should have easy access to a fire extinguisher. Always know where your fire extinguisher is 

Once all of this is taken care of, create a comfy setting and enjoy the fireplace. 

Water Restoration

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, one of our specialties is water damage restoration. Our professional team knows water damage can occur anytime during the day or night, so our team is always prepared. The water mess won't clean itself up so we offer 24/7 water restoration services to ensure the water damage on your property is kept to a minimum.

Obviously no one wants to see further water damage on their property so being proactive is essential. Water leaks inside a home or building are common this time of year. Do not treat water leaks nonchalantly when you notice it. 

SERVPRO can always provide a solution to your water damage needs.

Our uniformed crew will arrive on-site usually within four hours of notification to begin providing a resolution to the water damage situation. From there, our Technicians communicate their assessment with the business manager or home owner in detail before beginning the cleanup and restoration process. Our crew is experienced and well trained. They will use their training and industrial equipment to examine the extent of the damage. Our Restoration services  include moisture detection, water extraction, dehumidification and much more. 

SERVPRO is open 24/7 & 365 days a year for   Emergency restoration services. 

Our Mission

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

2020 is thankfully in the past, and hopefully the grass is much greener on the other side of 2021. In 2020, despite all the uncertainty and unprecedented events, we were still proud we were able to help out as many people as we did, as safely as we did. We always took all precautions necessary to each and every job and left no stone left unturned. As an "essential business", we remained open for the entire 2020 calendar year and continued to offer 24/7 Emergency Restoration services. In 2021, we look forward to continuing to work with our communities and strive to be better than ever. 

Integrity, Respect, Teamwork and, Excellence.

Those are four key aspects all of our employees always believe in. 

With integrity, comes honesty. Here at SERVPRO we believe in being honest people with strong character. We hold ourselves accountable and each other responsible which ties into teamwork. Here at SERVPRO teamwork is very important. We are only strong and successful when we all work together and build a powerful work environment. Here at SERVPRO, our team members are always flexible and supportive of each other. We can only accomplish what we set out to accomplish when we work as a team. 

We respect everyone here at SERVPRO. We respect our team members, our customers and our community. We are a patient group open to new ideas, different beliefs and suggestions. Treating others respectfully and professionally is something we take seriously every day. 

Finally, last but not least we are committed to excellence! We always want to give our customers a great experience so our crew always works hard! Our crew and team is thorough, diligent and focused on the task at hand. Our office members and the restoration team have an abundance of experience in this industry and are always more than ready to help out! 

Storm Damage in 2021

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Just because it is a new year does not mean storms in New England will show any mercy. Storm damage does not play favorites and can affect any property anywhere, anytime. 

Here at SERVPRO we know and understand this. Our team stays ahead of schedule by preparing for storm damages and the aftermath. We always have the necessary equipment ready and have members of our professional team on stand-by, ready to go. If your house or property experiences damage due to a storm, stay as calm as possible and allow our professional crew to make it life easier for you. Always look out for your safety first and foremost during storm damage or when thunder strikes. Never do something outdoors that would put you or others at risk. 

Thunderstorms occur year-round and can happen at any time. According to weather.com, more than 1,800 Thunderstorms occur on planet earth every day. 

We all know thunderstorms are prevalent when we see thunder and lightning, but few consider how catastrophic thunderstorms can be when it comes to storm damage. With thunderstorms, comes heavy rain and strong, potent winds. Some people enjoy watching thunderstorms from inside their homes, but thunderstorms can wreak havoc on residential and commercial property due to the potential of flooding. 

Keep in mind that thunderstorms often lead to unexpected floodings. When the flooding soaks the floor and carpet, the drying process is essential. Drying the carpets and floors efficiently after a flood is important because by doing so, one can prevent a terrible odor from culminating and stop microbial growth.

When thunderstorms affect your home or business, do not fear, SERVPRO is here 24/7 and ready to help! Our team of experts are well-trained and more than ready to assist in water damage clean up whenever you need it!  

Water Damage? No Problem

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage doesn't stand a chance against our advanced technology and drying equipment. With the game-plans our experienced production mangers put out, along with our driven professional team, we can make water damage on your property look "Like it never even happened." On top of that, our dehumidfiers, air movers, and water extraction devices will teach water not to make a mess on your property again. 

It's a popular time of year for sewage and drain back ups, house floods and pipes bursting. When water damage occurs in your home or business, do not be nonchalant. Taking proactive measures and being vigilant can prevent the situation from getting worse. We understand water damage can be very stressful which is why we are here to help. 

Here are some important facts you need to know about water damage. 

1. After water damage occurs, mold can begin to grow in just under 24 hours. Lucky for you, our team also specializes in mold remediation.  With that being said however, it is imperative to contact our team right away so the extent of the mold can be mitigated and treated. 

2. There are different forms of water damage. Identify the type of water as soon as you can. It can either be Black, gray or clear water and the quicker you identify it, the less chance it turns into a biohazard. Limiting contamination is obviously important. 

3. Attics are known to be at a high risk for water damage so if your house has an attic, always inspect your attic often, even the hidden areas of your attic. 

Please keep in mind, once water damage occurs, each minute accrued can further affect the area. With that said, do not panic and contact us asap!

We always offer 24/7 Emergency Services and are always ready to help! 

What to know about Fire Damage

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Fires kill and injure thousands of people across America every year. The unfortunate part of that is most fires can actually be prevented. Studies have shown that most house fires start in the kitchen. These fires start in the kitchen due to unattended or unfocused cooking. Never walk away from a stove that is turned on and don't be distracted when using the stove. 

Another important aspect when it comes to fires is the smoke alarm/detector. A handful of fire deaths occur every year in households where there was not a functional smoke alarm. Test your smoke alarm out at least once a month and replace the batteries every half year at a minimum. 

If you do ever experience Fire damage, evacuate the area as safely and quickly as possible. When you are away from the fire, stay as far away from the smoke as well. Smoke inhalation is just as dangerous and harmful. 

When it comes time for fire restoration, look no further than SERVPRO. Our highly trained professional team has a vast experience dealing with fire damage. No job is too big or too small for us and we want to help everyone we can in our communities. We can also work with adjusters and your insurance agency to make the process smoother. 

Our motto and company mission is to make fire and water accidents look "Like it never even happened."

We're Always Ready to Help Commercial Businesses

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Businesses play vital role in our communities and societies. At SERVPRO, we understand how important it is for local citizens to have commercial businesses functioning at their best capability.  

Just like residential property, Commercial Businesses are not invincible to Fire or Water Damage. This is why our team always stays ready and is ready to help out around the clock 24/7. No Water or fire damage job is too big or too small with us. Cold temperatures this time of year make  frozen pipes inevitable. Consider boosting the heat in your business overnight when the temperature dips below 10 degrees, and drip water from taps to keep the water moving. Make sure to check your building daily to make sure it is smooth-sailing. 

While we are known for providing fire and water clean up, we also offer commercial duct cleaning services and general cleanings. Duct cleanings lead to better air quality within environments and a better, more efficient HVAC system. So if your business has not conducted duct cleanings recently, schedule one asap. Here at SERVPRO^®, we provide free duct cleaning estimates. Your customers and employees will breathe easier when the air is clean. 

Don't hesitate to call us today if you think your Commercial Business could use our services, we are always happy to help out. 

Mitigate the Water Damage

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a property is obviously stressful and unpleasant, but dealing with residential or commercial water damage is our specialty. We understand water damage comes in many forms, but before our professional team arrives to the scene, it is important to do everything you can to mitigate the water damage.

Once you notice water damage, in a safe and timely matter, try to identify what caused the problem to begin with. Finding out what caused the water damage will play a huge part in preventing further damage and loss. 

After doing that follow these steps:

1. Unplug outlets in the vicinity of the affected area to prevent hazardous situations

2. Remove personal or valuable items away from the affected area as long as you can do so safely.

3. Assess the water damage. Is it something you can handle by yourself? 

It most cases that is not the case and that is okay because our trained team of professionals is always on stand-by. While our office hours are 8-5, water damage can happen at any time which is why we always have team members on call. 

Our team can help you restore your property to back to normal. Our mission is to make water damage look like it "Never even happened". We always want what is best for our communities and love helping out. 

National Preparedness Month

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

For the past handful of years, September has been known as National Preparedness Month. 

National Preparedness month is aimed at preparing communities for emergencies and disasters of all types. By being prepared, disasters can be avoided, prevented or minimized. 

Prepare Now

Disasters, such as Fire Damage do not operate on a 9-5 schedule. It can occur at anytime. Our team is always ready and equipped to help out the moment we hear about fire damage. With that said, having your house and family members prepared for emergencies can make a notable difference too. 

Make and Practice Your Plan

Do you have an evacuation and shelter in place plan at home? You and your family should communicate and have an emergency supply kit ready. Make sure your family is informed of what to do should an emergency occur. Smartphones are capable of delivering alerts and warnings for your area so much sure you have the necessary apps to stay up to date and informed. 

Double Check

Check your smoke detectors from time to time and replace the batteries after a year. Always keep an eye on your smoke detectors and be proactive when it is defective. 

Homeowners should also check their fire extinguishers to make sure they are fully functional and effective. Some fires can be prevented and minimized by merely having a good fire extinguishers on hand. 

If you ever need our assistance regarding emergency services or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office in Waltham

Check out our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

This year has been a firsts for so many of us. Consumers, customers and employees have had to do numerous things differently this year compared to years past.  Being vigilant about our health and well-being is as important as its ever been, which is why many of us constantly think about the best ways to approach our daily lives during this pandemic.  

The 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic has certainly changed the way we approach things but one thing that has not changed is SERVPRO's commitment to helping our community. 

With our SERVPRO: Certified Cleaned program, we can help businesses, stores, offices, employees and customers feel as safe as possible. Our disinfecting and decontamination services can help give you a better peace of mind. Most of the general public has been more observant of cleaning procedures in 2020, and SERVPRO always takes pride in executing top-notch cleaning services. 

Whenever we conduct a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned service, our professionals make sure no stone gets left unturned. Our crew has a vast deal of experience and has the proper training to help the community. We use C.D.C approved cleaning products and our products are also E.P.A registered. 

Our crew wears PPE to every job and are always eager to help out!

Show your customers and employees you are taking their well-being seriously, and schedule a SERVPRO: Certified Cleaning with us today!

781-861-0500

24/7 Emergency Fire and Water Damage Services

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Established in 1984, Our SERVPRO offers 24/7 Emergency services no matter how early it is in the morning or how late it is at night. We understand Fire and Water Damage can happen at any given time, and we are fully equipped and prepared to help out when it happens. We are the trusted leaders in Fire and Water restoration. 

At our SERVPRO, we are fortunate to have not one, but two outstanding, hard-working Production managers. We are also thrilled to have a handful of crew members who are dedicated to getting jobs done and satisfying customers. Our team has an abundant of experience and know what it takes to mitigate a disaster. 

We have team members on-call and ready to help out. Call us right away at 781-861-0500 if you experience water damage, flooding, or fire damage day or night. 

Thermal Imaging Cameras

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

At our SERVPRO, we have access to a handful of advanced technology that helps us stay on top of things. In certain situations, our team members may use a device known as Thermal Imaging cameras to detect changes in temperature which can indicate water. 

When you have a water damage, the water you see is only part of the problem. The water you do not see, behind walls or beneath floors, poses a risk as well.

If you do not dry all the water, then you will likely have secondary damage from mold or other microbes.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Our productions managers may use thermal imaging cameras to help determine where water may be hiding out of sight. These cameras draw attention to changes in temperature.

If we see a spot that registers much cooler than the area surrounding it without a good reason for the temperature difference, we know to check that spot with a moisture meter to see whether excess water is hiding there.

You might wonder why we do not simply use the moisture meter on every surface.

The moisture meter must touch the surface in the spot with the moisture to measure it. We could spend all day sticking the meter on every spot in the building, or we can use the thermal imaging camera to quickly scan and see the spots that merit further investigation.

Get It Right the First Time

After a water damage, you need a restoration crew that can dry your building completely the first time.

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland, our production managers are equipped with the latest technology, including moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and a very useful app known as DryBook. 

Call us at the first sign of a water damage. We are available 24 hours a day to take your call and determine the best strategy for restoring your building. We always want to be available to whoever may need our help which is why we offer 24/7 Emergency Services. 

We pride ourselves on making fire and water accidents "Like it never even happened."

Insure your contents

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

House fires are the biggest challenge we face in restoration cleaning. Not only must we dry any water damage associated with putting the fire out and clean the soot, we also have to assess what can be restored help occupants come to terms with their losses.

Despite our training and experience, we never find it easy to deliver bad news, and the worst bad news is that a tenant's fire loss is not covered by insurance.

Landlord Limitations

The common misconception that a landlord’s insurance policy will cover a tenant’s contents costs tenants thousands of dollars a year in lost contents and cleaning bills.

In many cases, fires cost tenants everything they own.

Affordable Renter’s Insurance

It does not have to be that way. Renter’s insurance is reasonably priced given the peace of mind it brings.

Tenants who own cars can often get a discount when bundling renter’s insurance.

Depending on the policy, tenants may even get additional protections for theft outside the home or liability coverage. 

Landlord’s Insurance

Insurance for landlords differs from regular homeowners insurance because it only covers the structure.

When we are called to a job with tenants, we are not allowed to touch contents until we have verified renter’s insurance or confirmed the tenant will pay for services performed on their contents.

If there is no contents’ coverage and no commitment to pay, we will clean the walls, ceiling, and floors, but that is about it.

Similar Fires, Different Results

Two similar jobs can have very different results.

For one job, we were called to a home where a short circuit started an oven range fire that spread soot throughout whole house.

The landlord’s insurance covered removing soot from the outside of the cabinets and closets along with the walls, ceilings, and floors.

However, we were not permitted to open the closets or cabinets or to clean any contents because the tenant had no renter’s insurance.

In contrast, an electric short caused a fire in a closet of two-story condominium in Weston which affected all rooms on both floors and the attic.

The tenant in this case had renter’s insurance. Her insurance covered the $4000 invoice for the contents' restoration, while the landlord’s insurance covered the $15,000 invoice for structural restoration.

Losing Everything in a Fire

When a four-unit Waltham apartment building built in the 19^th century had a fire a few years ago, the city’s fire inspector declared the building unsafe for entry. Tenants were locked out and unable to access their contents.

The owners learned that restoration on a building that old would require permissions from the city’s historical commission, and they decided a rebuild was cost prohibitive.

Rather than hiring a restoration company, the owners left the condemned building as is and sold off the property.

The tenants lost everything that remained locked up in the condemned building. Those who did not have renter’s insurance received no compensation.

What Do You Have To Lose?

If you or someone you know rents but does not have renter’s insurance, consider how much is at stake.

Take ten minutes to explore how much a renter’s policy would cost. Consider that whatever it costs, tenant's insurance protects against a devastating financial loss. 

We hope you never suffer a fire loss, but if you do, we hope you are properly insured.

And if you ever need our assistance for fire damage, we offer 24/7 Emergency Services and can help out right away. 

Our Water Extraction Machines

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we stay one step ahead of our competitors by using advanced technology such as these Water Extraction machines. 

When you have standing water or saturated carpet following a water damage, we need to remove as much of the water as we can before setting up fans and dehumidifiers.

The more water we are able to extract, the faster your building will dry. Our Water extraction machines are efficient and always get the job done. 

Truck-Mounted Extractors

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland, we prefer to use a truck-mounted water extraction machine like the one in this photo.

This is the same machine we use to clean carpets and extract the dirty water after cleaning. Truck-mounted extractors work very quickly and do not need to be emptied as often.

Portable Extraction Machines

If your loss is located too far from the truck or above the third  floor, we will use a portable water extraction machine instead.

These machines are far more powerful than your standard workshop vacuum and shorten the drying process.

Our franchise professionals are trained and certified Water Damage Technicians using professional drying equipment. You can count on us to dry your building using the latest science and technology to shorten the restoration time and minimize costs.

Call us as soon as you notice flooding, so we can extract the water and begin drying as soon as possible!

We continue to offer 24/7 Emergency Services and always look forward to helping whoever we can. 

Stay Alert during Summer Thunderstorms

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

In the past week, mother nature has given us some really nice summer days with the weather getting up to 90 degrees. 

With that said, scattered summer thunderstorms can blow by even in the summer. If we know anything about New England, it's that the weather can be very unpredictable.Rainfall, even in the summer, can be intense and overwhelming. 

Office Building Floods

An office building in Burlington, Mass. experienced an unexpected flood as a result of torrential rains recently.

The building owner said he watched the water quickly rise several inches above the ground level door jamb and start pouring into the building. The water flowed behind the walls and soaked an office carpet.

Drainage Issues

Water has not flowed in through this door in past storms, so the building owner suspects that a clogged underground drainpipe leading to a catch basin backed up.

He plans to repair the drainage to prevent future floods, but this goes to show flooding can happen anywhere, even on lots with preventive systems in place.

Importance of Drying

The owner thought he contained the problem by mopping up behind the flood, but several days later his tenant complained of a musty smell in the office.

Drying out porous materials like carpet and drywall is key to preventing microbial growth, so we are sending a crew to apply a botanical anti-microbial solution and set up fans and a dehumidifier to completely dry the area.

Emergency Ready Plan

In addition, we suggested downloading our free Emergency Ready Plan (ERPs) to create and store a plan digitally which will help expedite a disaster response if something should go wrong in the future.

Call us, the Professional leaders in fire and water restoration. 

When thunderstorms strike in our area, SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland is available around the clock to respond to your flood emergency. We always offer 24/7 Emergency Service and always have team members on-call ready to help. 

SERVPRO Can Always Help You

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO, our Professional SERVPRO Crew does not work a 9-5 schedule. We are always available 24/7 Day and Night. Our experienced, franchise professionals understand your situation and are always ready to help you out. 

When you are in need of assistance regarding water damage mitigation, mold remediation, or fire damage restoration, look no further than us!

In addition to those services, we also take great pride in providing top notch cleanings, sanitation work and can help you disinfect your structure. 

All of our technicians have been properly trained and are always eager to help you restore your property. 

The SERVPRO brand has been around for over 50 years and has more than 1,700 franchises across North America. Through the years, SERVPRO has been recognized as one of the leaders in the restoration industry. 

When we arrive on a job, we work diligently and efficiently to ensure your home or building gets back to normal asap. 

Most importantly, we value and listen to our customers. We always love your feedback and suggestions and whenever we hear about unhappy customers we strive to make it right and we will not be satisfied until the customer is. 

Do not hesitate to reach out to us for help!

781-861-0500

Always be Prepared with our Ready Plan App

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Those who live in New England know how unpredictable the weather can be, even in the summer time. Believe it or not, despite how nice the weather can get in the summer, we can still experience severe thunderstorms. When Summer time is over, the fall and winter can bring in cold blasts, heavy snow, and bomb cyclones, just like the one we had to endure just two years ago. 

So no matter what time of the year it is, always be prepared by having our SERVPRO Ready Plan App ready to go. It is a free and useful download for all smartphones, so what are you waiting for?

Home owners and business owners creating a plan for their building will make everyones job easier if an emergency ever occurs. 

What can the SERVPRO Ready Plan do?

The Ready Plan also requests key contact information so you can store phone numbers, email addresses, even account numbers of critical emergency contacts including those for:

• Water
• Sewer
• Electric
• Gas
• Plumber
• HVAC
• Non-emergency Police and Fire numbers

You can customize the contacts and include any information you know you might need, all in one place on your phone.

What makes this Ready plan great is the fact it is easy to share if you choose to do so. 

By storing this information in the Ready Plan App, you will also be able to quickly share it with others: baby sitters or dog walkers, etc.

Keep small problems from becoming major disasters!

 This is your tool for your preparation and protection. And of course, when you need us, we will be there for you! We continue to offer 24/7 Emergency Services and always have professional crew members on-call ready to go!

Lightning Safety Week 2020

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

2020 has been full of curveballs so far but this is something we can get ahead of. In a few weeks is National Lightning Safety Awareness week. June 21st to June 27th to be exact. The annual week for this is important because it raises awareness and is a great reminder on how to stay safe when lightning occurs. This week was created 20 years ago and Lightning fatalities have decreased significantly ever since. 

Facts

1 Bolt of Lightning is so potent it is more than 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun! A heat 5 times hotter than a summer sun? Crazy!

In America, lightning strikes the ground around 25 million times each year and causes 28 fatalities per year on average.

Many victims were caught in storms during work and leisure activities while their attention was not focused on the weather change around them. Water-related activities made up 34% of these fatalities. Always make sure to mind your surroundings and to be cognizant of what is going on. 

Safety 

Always make sure to monitor the weather forecast. DO NOT go in the water or swimming if the forecast calls for rain, thunder or lightning. When lightning occurs, do not touch electrical equipment, do not do plumbing of any sort, do not hang out on the porch or balconies. 

Lightning can enter structures by either a direct strike, through wires or pipes that extend outside and through the ground. It is important to seek shelter in either a building with electricity and plumbing or a metal-topped vehicle with the windows closed.

Always keep all of this in mind and have a safe & fun summer! 

Flooding Safety Guide this Summer

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

In the summer, storms pose a risk for floods. It is always a great idea to be prepared and protect your property before damage happens. 

First order of business is to get familiar with our Emergency Ready Plans (ERPs). Contact our office at 781-861-0500 and someone on our marketing team will be more than happy to explain how our ERPs work and how they can be beneficial. Having an ERP in place before damage happens allows us to mitigate the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency always has great tips and advice on flood safety. 

https://www.fema.gov/

Some advice from us during a Flood storm:

1. Never try to walk, swim or drive through a flood storm. 

2. Always make sure your drains and gutters are not cluttered in the summer time.

3. Only save what you have to save if you experience a severe flood storm

SERVPRO 24/7 Emergency Services

Flood damage that cannot be avoided can often be minimized with the proper water damage response. Our emergency crews are available to dry and restore your property should your home or office suffer a flood. We always have members on-call and ready to help whenever you need. 

Call as soon as possible to begin water damage restoration!

781-861-0500

Fire Prevention this Summer

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

It has really started to feel like summer the last few days with highs reaching 90 degrees. Obviously, with the warmer weather comes an increase chance of fires. Outdoor fireworks and BBQ grilling are known as staples in America during the summer. 

Fireworks are Illegal in Massachusetts

If you did not know already, fireworks are very dangerous and illegal in our state of Massachusetts. They often times can harm people and cause fires. Although fireworks are banned in Massachusetts, a handful of people try to use them around here every year so watch out for that. Never let kids or children play or handle fireworks. 

Grill safety

Grilling and BBQs are a popular option when it's summer time. We understand that. 

Here are some of best tips on how to grill safely and properly:

-Only grill outside and keep grill at least 3 feet from property. Do not let it touch a fence or wall. 

-Open your gas grill before lighting

-Don't leave grill unattended. Always be around the grill when it is on. 

-Clean your grill after each use to remove grease, which can cause a fire

SERVPRO's Always here for You

We wish you a warm summer season free of disaster, however, we are here 24/7 should you need our expertise to recover from a fire damage.

Do not hesitate to call us any time day or night. We are always Here to Help, Always offering 24/7 Emergency services.

781-861-0500

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC)

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation. 781-861-0500

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Continue to be mindful as days get nicer

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

While we are all trying to adapt and make the most of the COVID-19 situation, we are well into the spring season and summer will be here before we know it. We all know what that means here in New England. While we will still probably have some mild chilly days, most days are gonna feel warmer and nicer from here on out. 

Fire Safety Advice

Most New Englanders love outdoor grilling when the calender flips to April and into the summer. Grilling is a popular method to cook food when the weather is nice but with it come safety hazards. A grill is obviously very hot when in use and burning injuries have happened and can happen if one is not careful. Please follow these steps to best protect yourself.

1. Do not use a propane or barbeque grill indoors. Propane and barbeque grills should be for outdoor use only as indoor use has the potential for many hazards.

2. Keep as few people around the grill as possible. There really is not need nor should there be a reason for more than two people next to a grille. Make sure young children and pets are not running around or near the grille when it is in use. 

3. Never leave your grille on by itself. House fires often occur due to unattended cooking. Just because the grille is outside does not make it okay to be left alone. Attend to the grille at all times when it is on. 

Other Fire Prevention Tips for the Summer

1. Do not Smoke cigarettes inside your home or anyone's home for that matter. If you are the smoke a cigarette, step outside and do so. 

2. Stand by your stove when your are cooking. Do not multi-task or wander around. Focus on cooking and using the stove and do not be unattended during the process.

3. Arson is not funny or safe so don't do it. Arson can lead to deaths, serious injuries and is a serious crime so avoid it at all costs. 

With these tips in mind, you are all set for a safe and fun summer! Always look out for yourself and those around you. As the weather gets nicer and warmer, make wise decisions and you'll have a great summer.

SERVPRO is faster to Any Size Disaster

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, SERVPRO is still fully functional and offers 24/7 Emergency Services. While many storms and hurricanes can be unpredictable and inflict damage, SERVPRO stays on top of things and is immediately ready to help if a disaster affects your property. 

Hurricane Preparedness 

Sometimes we never think the impossible can happen to us and we overlook it. Take the COVID-19 crisis for example. Then unfortunate situations do arise and we have to be prepared and ready when they do. Everyone needs to know exactly what to do in an effort to stay safe and minimize damage. 

Hurricane Preparedness Week

Hurricane preparedness week usually occurs every spring. This year its the week of May 3rd 2020 to May 9th 2020. It's objective is to raise awareness and help people across the world have a plan in place if they experience a hurricane or storm damage. 

https://www.ready.gov/

Please check out our Youtube channel: SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford to see videos of our Emergency Ready Plan and learn about handy tips during storms. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH1H-bPGH17xXSHsJ_HYMpw

Let Us Help You

If you experience hurricane or storm damage and need restoration services, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is experienced, highly trained and ready to help as soon as they are notified. 

781-861-0500   24/7 Emergency Services

SERVPRO's Cleaning Expertise

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland remains open and is available to help at this time

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 and CDC approved Cleaning products

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

With commercial spaces we could do a cleaning and disinfecting of offices, schools, classrooms, Stairs, handrails, equipment, shelves, etc. 

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 Massachusetts. 

If your home or business would like or needs deep cleaning services today, please do not hesitate and call our office in Waltham 781-861-0500. 

What Is Your COVID-19 Tenant Plan?

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are available for your biohazard cleaning needs

When a tenant tests positive for COVID-19, what is your plan for the common areas?

We help property managers prepare their response to an outbreak by creating a plan in advance.

Reduce COVID-19 Transmission

Are there ways to minimize contact between tenants? Could they be asked to 

• use different entrances?
• limit themselves to their own floors?
• avoid loitering in common areas?

Are knobs and other commonly touched items being cleaned regularly? If you don’t have staff onsite, is this a task a fastidious tenant would be willing to take on? 

Free Biohazard Cleaning Estimate

Call us today at 781-647-9100 or 781-861-0500 and SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford SERVPRO of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland will provide an estimate for cleaning and disinfecting your common areas should a tenant test positive.

You’ll have no obligation, while an estimate ensures we can act faster when you call.

Stay safe! Wash your hands!

Do the 5 Campaign

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Do the 5.

Many of you have heard that phrase recently, and for those who haven't, now you have. "Doing the 5" has taken on a very important meaning in lieu of recent events. As a society we are trying to slow and stop the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Doing the 5 can help us achieve that. 

Step 1. Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Make sure your rubbing your hands together well and getting all the spots. Sing a song that is stuck in your head or hum a favorite tune of yours to help time pass! 

Step 2. When you cough or sneeze, do it into your elbow or arm sleeve. Cannot stress this step enough because bacteria and germs can spread easily if you do not cover up a cough or sneeze. Try to avoid coughing into your hands. 

Step 3. Do not touch your face, nose or eyes often during this time. Humans touch parts of their face countless times throughout the day, we get it, we all cannot help but touch are faces from time to time but do your best to avoid doing so. 

Step 4. Do maintain distance from others often. Whether it is at home or in public, try to give yourself and others at least 6 feet of space apart. It can go a long way. 

Step 5. Stay Home if you can! One of the safest places we can be at this time is in the comforts of our home. If you can work from Home, try your best to do so. As a society, we need to take this pandemic seriously and flatten the curve ASAP. By having most people stay at home we can minimize the spread of the COVID-19 and get past this sooner. 

Overall, pretty straightforward steps and they are easy to follow! Let's all do all of them frequently and everyday!

Cleaning Daily Items

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

During these unprecedented times, The CDC has strongly recommended the daily cleaning of the following items: 

-Door Knobs

-Light Switches

-Keyboards

-Phones, IPads, and Tablets 

-Tables and Counter Tops

-Bathroom appliances 

Of course cleaning should not just be limited to just those items during this COVID-19 pandemic and everyone needs to be vigilant and proactive during this time. 

In recent weeks the EPA has put out a list of disinfectants that have proven to be an effective cleaning tool: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Clorox Disinfecting Spray, Lysol Clean and Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner and Oxycide Daily Disinfectant cleaner. 

If you would like cleaning assistance during this time, our SERVPRO professionals are trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. 

Our SERVPRO professionals can conduct a Proactive Cleanup for your property or facility as long as there is no active known threat of COVID-19. Cleaning and disinfecting would only apply to the current state of the property and contents. It is important to know a proactive cleanup cannot guarantee killing the COVID-19 if an infected person were to enter and occupy the area that was cleaned. 

Here at SERVPRO, we can remove biohazardous material and use our specialize training and cleaning products to assist you.

Please get in touch with our office in Waltham if you would like our help. We are always ready!

Regarding the Coronavirus

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

There has recently been an outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a novel Coronavirus also known as the COVID-19. The Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China months ago and has spread to 60 locations internationally as far as we know. One of those locations is the United States. 

• SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
• SERVPRO is performing all cleanup and bioremediation in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.
• SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porous surfaces.
• There is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the Coronavirus.
• Proactive cleaning will not prevent or protect the building from future contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.

SERVPRO's Cleanup Protocol regarding the matter

SERVPRO professionals can perform proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. Please note and acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents. The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building. If you would like our SERVPRO Franchise to assist you during this time or if you have any questions, please contact our office in Waltham at 781-861-0500. 

Advice 

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, phones, tables at a minimum.  The CDC also recommends washing your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds and limiting touching your face such as your eyes, nose and mouth. 

Protect Your Home from Fire

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

An ounce of fire prevention is truly worth a pound of cure

As we head into the winter season in Middlesex County, we can expect to see residential fires on the rise. Statistically, January is the month in which the U.S. sees the highest percentage of house fires.

More Deadly Fires

Fires in the home cause great concern because although only eight percent of total fires occur in the home, they cause 23 percent of the injuries and 30 percent of the deaths. Of the deaths, about 60 percent occurred in homes with smoke alarms missing or not working.

Kitchen Fires

Cooking is the number one cause of fires in the home. You can protect your family by

• Keeping combustible materials away from the stove and other cooking appliances
• And monitoring children when they are cooking.

Malfunctioning Appliances

Short circuits and other appliance malfunctions also cause many house fires. Again, keeping flammable items away from space heaters and other appliances that get hot will help protect your home and family.

Never leave a space heater on when sleeping or not in the room with the heater. Unplug electric appliances when not in use.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Be sure to check your smoke detectors monthly and replace your batteries annually. You should also replace your detectors when they are ten years old or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Fires happen, but many do not have to be fatal.

Call SERVPRO for Professional Fire Restoration

Should you have the misfortune to suffer a fire in your home, you can call SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford anytime day or night at 781-861-0500 to speak with a caring individual who will help you start taking back your home. Our fire restoration technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to provide professional restoration services according to industry standards.

We can dry wet materials, clean the soot, and filter harmful particulates out of the air. We will even deal with your insurance company to help them understand the scope of your loss. We want to be your first choice to make fire “Like it never even happened.”

Laundry Pipe Burst in Lexington, Mass.

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

Small leaks become large losses when no one is home.

Do you run your washing machine or dishwasher when you are not home? You might get away with this 999 times out of 1000. However, if a hose fails or a pipe bursts, the problem will likely get much worse in the time it takes you to return to your home.

Lexington, MA Pipe Burst

We were recently called to a colonial in Lexington, Mass. with a laundry closet on the second floor. The homeowners had started the washer before heading out for the day. Upon their return in the evening, they found a pipe leading to the washer had burst and three floors had water damage. Water had leaked from the laundry closet into the master bedroom and flowed down through the first floor into the basement.

This loss was much more expensive than it would have been had someone been home to hear the water flowing and shut off the water main until a plumber arrived to fix the pipe. Not only was the loss more expensive, but also more intrusive.

In order to dry the house quickly and avert microbial growth, we had to remove several floorboards in the master bedroom and drill holes in the living room wall. Which means these rooms also needed repairs once the house was dry.

Be Prepared

Here at SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we recommend every adult and responsible young adult knows where to shut off the water to the home in the event of a water emergency. Inspecting your washer hoses and replacing aging ones will also help prevent a problem. And running your dishwasher or washing machine only when someone is home is key to keeping a small leak from becoming a major flood.

Get It Dry

Of course, once the damage is done, you need to get your home dry as soon as possible to avoid mold growth. Call SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford at the first sign of water intrusion. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

When a Property Inspector Finds Mold in Bedford, Mass.

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Call our mold remediation specialists when a property inspector finds mold

You have so many balls to juggle when selling your Bedford home. You have to clean and make cosmetic repairs. Then you stage the living areas, schedule showings and open houses, and field the offers.

Finally, when you think you are in the homestretch, you hear the property inspector found mold.

Mold in Bedford, Mass.

Mold will make a real estate buyer nervous. You will likely need to remediate the outbreak before closing or the whole deal may fall apart.

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we work with home sellers to remediate mold as quickly as possible. Most of the time, we are able to salvage the closing date as long as we are called in as soon as you know you have a problem.

Remediation Professionals

Home buyers trust our brand. They see our trucks and commercials. They know our applied microbial remediation specialists have the training and experience to properly contain the outbreak and remediate the mold growth. 

When you show your home buyers that you have trusted professionals on the job and resolving the issue, they will be reassured that they have chosen the right home from a responsible seller.

Save the Sale

Call SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford when your property inspector finds mold in your Bedford home. We will do all we can to ensure you are clear to close on time.

Free Emergency Planning for Lexington, Mass. Businesses

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

If you fail to plan for your business surviving a disaster, you are planning to fail

Does your Lexington business have an emergency plan? If a pipe bursts in your building, do occupants know where to shut off the water until a plumber arrives? Can you quickly access all your emergency contact information no matter where you are? 

Free Emergency Planning in Lexington, MA

SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford offers a free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your business to ensure you are prepared for building disasters.

With our ERP, you will have the information you need to respond quickly and get back in business as soon as possible following a fire, flood, or other catastrophic event. 

Tag Utility Shutoffs

As part of the plan, we will tag your shutoffs for water, gas, electricity, and other key mechanical systems. We will also take a photo of each shutoff and note where to access it, so anyone reading the ERP can act fast when necessary.

Building Contacts

Building owners, facility manager, and human resources manager are among the key personnel you may need to contact quickly in an emergency. We gather all these primary contacts along with direct numbers for first responders and utility companies, so you have all the information you need in one place.

Key Partners

After a disaster, you may need to partner with several different organizations to restore and rebuild. We help you organize your preferred vendors ahead of time in a list that makes it easy for you to reach out and connect with them.

Mobile App

Once we have all the pertinent information and photos, we generate a hard copy report you can keep in your facility. We also store this emergency profile in a mobile app, so you always have the information available at your fingertips and can easily update information when appropriate.

You can request our services directly from the app, and you can easily share it via email with anyone else who needs the information during your disaster response.

Call for Your Free ERP

Our marketing team is available to create an ERP for your business. Call today to schedule a walkthrough of your facility, so you are prepared no matter what happens this winter.

Were Your Fire Extinguishers Recalled in Bedford, Mass.?

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Check your Kidde fire extinguishers to ensure they were not recalled last year

Last November, Kidde Fire Safety issued a recall on several models of fire extinguishers. We advise everyone check their fire extinguishers against the Kidde recall page to confirm that no recalled models remain in their facilities.

Bedford, MA: Check Extinguishers

The Kidde recall applies to certain models with plastic handles or push-button “pindicators”. Visit the recall page to verify whether or not your Kidde fire extinguishers are part of the recall.

Here are some other things to keep in mind regarding your equipment.

Regular Inspections

Fire extinguishers should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Facility managers and/or owners should inspect them every month, and a licensed company should be called in to inspect and maintain them annually.

Employee Training

Like any equipment, extinguishers only work properly when handled by someone who knows how to use them. Safety training in your facility should include teaching the proper use of extinguishers.

You could also call in a fire safety company to train all employees at once. Just remember to train new employees as they come on board as well.

Fire Safety Provider

If you would like to connect with a local company that provides fire safety equipment, annual inspections, and training, call our office at 781-861-0500. We will refer you to the team we trust to maintain our equipment.

Plan Ahead To Survive Disasters

Up to 50 percent of businesses will not survive a catastrophic loss like a fire or flood. SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford offers a free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) to help local businesses prepare in advance to recover quickly when things go wrong.

Please call us today to learn more about how an ERP can help your business be prepared.

Dental Office Fire Cleanup in Brookline, Mass.

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

We want to help you reopen ASAP following a fire

Who do you call when fire closes your business? You need so many things once you hear the all clear from the fire department:

• Your building secured,
• The soot removed from all surfaces,
• Damaged building materials replaced,
• Wet materials dried, and
• HVAC ductwork cleaned.

And you need all these things as soon as possible so you can return to business.

Dental Office Fire Cleanup

When a midday fire all but destroyed a restaurant in a Brookline, Mass. plaza, our franchise offered restoration services to neighboring businesses. An adjacent dental office manager said we would get the job if we could guarantee the office would open the following morning.

The other restoration companies at the scene said we were crazy to take the job. They were sure we could not follow through and we would ruin our reputation by trying and failing.

However, we knew if our crews applied themselves and worked through the night, we could get meet the deadline.

Working Through the Night

As each crew finished their assignments for that day, we sent them to the dental office to pitch in and get the job done. They scrubbed soot from floors, walls, and fixtures. They cleaned ductwork. They removed and replaced ceiling tiles.

Four crews worked through the night. The next morning, that office opened on time and kept its commitment to patient appointments.

Hard To Believe

A competitor who had said the job could not be completed overnight was surprised when he stopped by a couple of days later to find the office open. He said we could not have completed the job so quickly. He suggested we must have misled the customer about the work we did.

Our competitor did not realize that the office manager had stayed on site and supervised our crews through the night. Our customer had no doubt we did what we said we would do in the time we said it would take.

Professionals Committed to Business

When you have a fire, any downtime threatens the life of your business. Employees who cannot work may find new jobs. Customers who depend on your goods and services may seek alternative suppliers. Lost revenue may affect capital investments, shareholder confidence, and the bottom line.

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we understand the importance of time in commercial disaster response. We have committed fire restoration professionals who will make your loss “Like it never even happened.” Call us first when fire closes your doors and you need them opened again as soon as possible.

Can I Dry My Own Water Damage in Lexington, Mass.?

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

Call at the first sign of water damage in Lexington, Mass.

Can I Dry My Own Water Damage in Lexington, Mass.?

Lexington residents and business owners often wonder if they really need a restoration company to dry their water damage. They call and ask us if they can just set up a fan for a few days and everything will be fine.

Without seeing the water damage and assessing the extent of saturation, we cannot answer that question. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford offers free estimates that can set your mind at ease.

Here are the things we will consider:

What Kind of Water?

One big concern when cleaning and drying a water damage is whether the water is contaminated. If the water came from a sewer pipe or through the ground, it contains microbes and pollutants that pose a risk for building occupants.

Porous materials that have soaked up this contaminated water must be removed and discarded. No one can safely decontaminate carpets, drywall, insulation, and other porous building materials. 

How Much Water?

Your restoration needs will also depend on the amount of water and the saturation of the building materials. Even clean water will provide an excellent environment for microbial growth if it sits for over 48 hours.

Your goal following a water damage should be to get the building dry within three days. Our franchise professionals have a warehouse of fans and dehumidifiers available to meet your needs.

Can You See All the Water?

Many times, the water you see is only part of the problem. Water can seep down into the subfloor or behind the walls. This water you cannot see will lead to microbial growth and greater restoration costs.

Call SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford for a free estimate when you have a water damage. We will bring moisture meters that can detect hidden water and advise you on the proper response to get your building dry as soon as possible.

Summer Storm Safety in Bedford, Mass.

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can cause flash floods and other storm damage in a matter of minutes.

Many summer storms in Bedford, Mass. appear to arise out of nowhere. Sunny skies suddenly darken and fill with angry storm clouds. Within minutes a beautiful day gives way to torrential downpours that bring lightning, hail, and high winds

How does this happen?

Bright sunshine warms the air below. When the warm air below meets cool air above, the change in temperature creates clouds, rain, and an unsettled atmosphere. The same effect can be created when cool air blows in from the ocean or a cold front comes through the area.

Summer Storm Safety

Make no mistake: Summer thunderstorms are dangerous. Sudden downpours can overwhelm storm drain systems leading to flash flooding. You may have visibility issues while driving through the rain. Even the most experienced drivers may have to contend with other, inexperienced drivers on the road.

If you see a storm on the horizon while driving, consider finding a safe spot to park and wait out the violent weather.

Know the Forecast

Awareness is key to avoiding injury during summer storms. Check the weather forecast if you plan to spend time outdoors. Keep an eye on the sky and listen for weather alerts when thunderstorms are forecast.

Understand the difference between weather warnings and watches. A storm WARNING means that a storm is imminent in your area. A storm WATCH means a storm might be on the way.

Head Indoors

When you see lightning or hear thunder, it is time to head indoors for safety. Stay away from water as it is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Once inside, avoid taking a shower or running water. Do not talk on corded landline telephones as the electricity can travel through the line. Stay away from windows so you are safe from lightning strikes and blown debris.

Storm Damage Cleanup

After the storm, call SERVPRO if you experience flooding or other storm damage to your home or place of business. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Furnace Puff Back in Lincoln, Mass.

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

Puff Backs Can Leave Harmful Residue on Surfaces and in Air

Aging homes in Massachusetts have aging heating systems. Some of the older systems are subject to malfunctions. When they break down, we have a situation often referred to as a “puff back.”

Lincoln Puff Back Clean up

For example, our franchise responded to a puff back in Lincoln, Mass. The furnace in a 1939 colonial had malfunctioned and forced soot throughout the home. Every object in every room of the house was covered with a fine film of soot.

Contacting the Adjuster

Our estimator arrived on site to assess the extent of the damage. He contacted the adjuster to obtain authorization for our services. He then presented the plan for restoration to the homeowner.

Cleaning All Surfaces

Soot is sneaky. The pressure of a puff back forces soot into the tiniest of openings. Homeowners are always surprised to find soot at the back of closed cabinets and behind the contents of closets. Following a fire or puff back, our certified Fire Restoration Technicians are tasked to wipe down every surface: walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures, as well as all sides of all contents.

Clearing the Air

In addition to the deposits on all surfaces, a puff back also leaves chemicals and other particulates floating in the air. These byproducts may be hazardous and can cause odors to persist. For this Lincoln puff back, our crew installed three HEPA-filtered air filtration devices to scrub all the particulates out of the air.

Neutralizing Odors

Smoke odors penetrate porous materials that are difficult to clean on the surface. We employ an industrial odor-neutralizing system to eliminate lingering malodors. This machine uses a nontoxic dry vapor that penetrates everywhere the soot and smoke went. The vapor leaves a home with a pleasant aroma without damaging fabric, plants, or electronic devices.

Trust Professionals for Puff Backs

Attempting to clean soot with conventional cleaners may actually set the stains into your walls and furnishings. Additionally, the air in your home may not be healthy to breathe following a furnace malfunction. Even if you think you have cleaned successfully, you may experience an overpowering smoke odor the next time it rains.

Regular maintenance should keep your heating system functioning normally. However, if you experience a puff back, you should contact us as soon as possible. At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford we pride ourselves on making it “Like it never even happened.”

Attic Mold in Bedford, Mass.

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Attic mold should be remediated immediately, before heat and humidity encourage more blooming.

As the weather warms in New England, many homeowners find microbial growth in their attics. Water intrusions from ice dams or moisture diverted by bathroom vents to the attic can provide the humidity necessary for mold growth, and warm temperatures encourage microbial colonies to bloom.

Bedford Attic Mold

We were recently called to a single-family ranch in Bedford, Mass. that had an outbreak in a humid attic. Our estimator found visible microbial growth on all ceiling materials in the attic.

Containing the Outbreak

Before our technicians began remediating the mold, they set up moisture barriers to contain the infestation to the attic. They also laid down plywood on the rafters to better maneuver in the confined space and keep mold from the ceiling falling down into the insulation.

Remediating the Mold

Once the area was contained, our crew HEPA vacuumed affected surfaces to remove visible microbial growth and installed a HEPA-filtered air filtration device to scrub microbial spores and other particulates out of the air. They then applied a mold remediation solution to all surfaces.

Trust Certified Mold Professionals

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we remediate mold using the Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 Standard. Our technicians are IICRC-certified and will recommend the best course of action to remediate attic mold. They will also advise you on steps you can take to minimize humidity in your home and discourage future outbreaks.

Call us at the first sign of mold growth so we can help you breathe easier knowing the problem is contained and will be remediated.

Hot Water Tank Failure in Natick, Mass.

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Hot Water Tank Failures Require Professional Drying

Hot water heater tanks hold a lot of water, over forty gallons in most household tanks. When the tank fails, all that water can flood to several inches in your home. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO franchise can help guide you through the process of contacting your insurance adjuster and drying your property in a timely manner.

Natick Hot Water Tank Failure

For example, we recently got a call from a Natick, Mass. resident at 6:00 p.m. He had just learned the hot water heater in his basement had failed. Fortunately, his basement was not finished, but he had several storage boxes on the cement floor that were now saturated with Category 2 water.

Free Estimate

This customer was out of town on the evening he called us, so we could not access the property until morning. Our estimator confirmed that a plumber had been called and the water shut off, and then he scheduled an appointment with the homeowner for the following day to conduct a walkthrough and assess the situation.  

Adjuster Permissions

Upon arrival the following day, our estimator determined that we could use fewer fans than normally recommended for that size area because the walls and floor were concrete and would not take as long to dry. He called the insurance adjuster and received permission to begin the job and place our equipment.

Two Day Drying

This job dried in two days using five fans and one LGR dehumidifier. The fans helped evaporate the moisture out of the concrete while the dehumidifier pulled the water vapor out of the air.

Many of the contents of the storage boxes were determined not to be salvageable after contamination with Category 2 water. However, the customer was satisfied with our efforts and gave us top scores on the customer satisfaction sheet at the end of the job. 

Call Professionals

Check out our hot water heater maintenance tips. We hope you never suffer a tank failure, but please do not hesitate to call us if you do. Anytime day or night, our water restoration professionals are available to help assess your situation, determine the best course of action, and expedite your return to normal.

Sump Pump Fails in Bedford, Mass.

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Sump pump fails and floods basement

Here in New England, we were hammered hard with storms in the month of March. Downed trees, power outages, and localized flooding created headaches for much of Massachusetts.

Bedford, Mass. Sump Pump Fail

SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford was called to a sump pump failure in Bedford, Mass. The owner was out of the country, so we worked with his local agent.

Upon arrival at the home, we found the entire basement floor was wet and water had wicked up the walls. Fortunately, this was not a finished basement, so the loss was not as great to contents and flooring as we have seen for others.

Extraction and Prep

Our certified water damage restoration technicians suited up in personal protective equipment (PPE) and extracted all remaining Category 2 water. They set up a HEPA-filtered air filtration device to scrub particulates out of the air and applied a botanical anti-microbial product to the walls and floor.

Drying

To dry the area, our crew installed five axial air movers (fans) to speed up evaporation of water out of the affected walls and floor and an LGR dehumidifier to pull the moisture out of the air. The basement dried in three days, and the crew wrapped up the job by pressure washing the floor.

Flood Restoration Professionals

Our franchise has been serving Bedford for over thirty years. Our certified technicians have the tools and expertise to make your water damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Removing Soot From Your Home

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

Trust Professionals to clean soot from your home

After a fire in your home, you will likely find soot everywhere. The heat of a fire pushes soot into every nook and cranny, deep into cupboards and closets coating every surface.

Do Not DIY

Some homeowners are tempted to clean the soot on their own. Do-it-yourself cleaning is not recommended following a fire. The soot particles are so small they can get behind walls and between floorboards. Even when surfaces appear clean, smoke smells can linger for years due these hidden particles. 

Another issue is the HVAC system. Soot will hide inside the ducts for heating or air conditioning systems. Once a homeowner believes the house is clean and turns on one of these systems, the soot in the ducts will once again blanket the house.

Consult a professional before you make your problems worse.

Fire Restoration Professionals

If you have a fire in your home, you should act fast to prevent further damage. Most importantly, you should trust the cleanup to fire restoration professionals with the training and experience to remove soot thoroughly the first time. They can show you what can be cleaned, what should be discarded, and when you can safely turn on your HVAC and electricity again. They can communicate the scope of your loss to your insurance company. 

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we have over 33 years of experience responding to fire damages and removing soot for homeowners in Middlesex County. Our fire restoration technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and they are on call 24/7 to respond quickly and secure your home if needed.

Trust SERVPRO for Soot Cleanup

We hope you never have a fire in your home, and we strive to educate homeowners about fire prevention. However, should you suffer a fire or puffback and you need soot removed from your home, you can trust our fire restoration technicians to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Commercial Water Damage Response

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Our crew will make your commercial water damage its highest priority

When a business suffers a water damage, the top question on the owner’s mind is usually, “How soon will I be back in business?” (Yes, “How much will this cost?” is a close second, but the total cost is usually tied to how much downtime the business suffers.)

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we are sensitive to business needs. We understand the importance of getting back to work as soon as possible. 

The 1-4-8 Promise

SERVPRO offers commercial clients a 1-4-8 promise for emergency services.

1. We will respond to a commercial emergency call within one hour.
2. A crew will arrive onsite within four hours to begin mitigation services.
3. Within eight business hours, a scope of the loss and estimate for restoration will be discussed with the insurer or property manager.

At our franchise, we average significantly better than the promise. Most calls are returned within twenty minutes. And we rarely need four hours to rally the troops.

Cold Weather Is Here

We have already had a tease of what winter holds for Lexington and Bedford this year, with an ice storm overnight December 23rd and snow storms on December 9th and 25th. Now we are bracing for several days of frigid temperatures. 

Frigid temperatures invariably lead to frozen pipes. Consider boosting the heat in your business overnight when the temperature dips below 10 degrees, and drip water from taps to keep the water moving. Check your buildings daily over the long weekend.  

If your Middlesex County business should suffer a water damage from frozen pipes, call our office as soon as possible. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Holiday Fire Safety

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Protect your home and family from fires during the holidays

During this holiday season, SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford would like you to exercise caution when staging your holiday décor and preparing holiday meals. Holiday decorations and food preparation are the culprits in many house fires that occur during November, December, and January.

Candles

Candles light up many events during the season. Unfortunately, candles also start 55 percent of home decoration fires in December. Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve are the top three days for house fires started by candles. 

Place candles carefully away from flammable items. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. If you cannot protect your candles from cats, consider using flameless candles for your celebration.

Christmas Trees

Approximately 200 house fires each year involve Christmas trees. More alarming is the fact that one in every 32 Christmas tree fires will result in death.

You lessen your risk when you:

• Keep live trees watered
• Inspect tree lights for exposed wiring
• Replace old lights with newer, safer ones
• Place candles and space heaters far from trees
• Secure tree against tipping

Do not permit a situation where an active child or pet could knock over a tree and have it touch a lit candle or fireplace.

Cooking Holiday Dinners

The top three days for home cooking fires are Thanksgiving, the day before Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Hectic cooks trying to do too much, houseguests helping in unfamiliar kitchens, and decorations placed too close to cooking equipment all contribute to these fires.

Keep decorations and other flammable items away from cooking equipment. Take care when using slow cookers, roasting pans, and other cooking appliances. Place all cooking appliances where they cannot be knocked over. Do not use extension cords as they may not be rated for the appliance you are using and they can create tripping hazards that lead to burns and fires.

Happy Holidays

SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford wishes you all the best this holiday season. We hope your friends and family enjoy safe celebrations. Remember we are here 24/7 throughout the year to assist should disaster strike.

Avoid Washing Machine Hose Leaks

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

A bad washing machine hose could ruin your day.

Washing machine hoses are notorious in the restoration industry because washers often outlive their hoses. Most washers have a ten-year lifespan, but rubber hoses start failing at around five years.

When a washer’s hose fails, water can start pouring out of the hose at a rate of 650 gallons/hour. If you are not home to turn off the water main, you will quickly have a major water damage. Washers located aboveground will leak into living area. For apartment dwellers the risk is even greater as a loss from a washer in one unit may affect several adjacent or lower units.

Here are some tips to reduce the possibility of a washing machine hose leak and to minimize the damage should one occur.

Inspect Washer Hoses

Look for signs of corrosion and bulging areas in the hose to spot problems before they become floods. Replace the hose if you see signs of stress.

Replace Aging Washer Hoses

Most experts recommend replacing washing machine hoses every five years even if you do not see damage. If you have easy access to your washer and the area behind it, hose replacement is a simple task. 

Consider a Water Shutoff

Your plumber can install a simple water shutoff valve between your water source and the hoses. By shutting off the water when the washer is not in use--recommended by washing machine manufacturers--you will reduce pressure on the hoses and extend their life.

Stay Home While Washing

You may be tempted to dash out for a quick trip to the store while your washing machine runs through its cycle. However, if the hose fails while you are out, you face a much bigger water damage than if you had been home to cut off the water supply at the first sign of flooding.

Identify Water Shutoff

Be sure you and all responsible adults in your home know where to find the water shutoff. Keep the path to the shutoff clear at all times. You want to be able to respond quickly in the event of a washer hose failure.

Finally, remember SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford is available 24/7 in the event of a washing machine leak or other emergency water damage. Call 781-861-0500 to begin mitigating the problem and avoiding secondary damage like mold growth. 

No Renter’s Insurance in Lexington, Mass. House Fire

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Your landlord's insurance does not cover your contents in a fire.

Do you rent a house or apartment? Do you have renter’s insurance? Unfortunately, our franchise is frequently called to the scene of fires where tenants do not have coverage for their contents. No coverage means they risk losing everything they value in the event of a fire or other catastrophe. Fires are always terrible, but fires without proper insurance are heartbreaking. 

Earlier this year, we were called to clean after a fire in a house in Lexington, Mass. A short circuit caused an oven range fire that affected the whole house, especially the kitchen. Heavy soot covered all surfaces and contents, including cabinet and closet interiors.

Owner’s Insurance

The property owner had insurance to cover the building. Our certified fire technicians were able to clean the soot off the ceiling, walls, and floors. However, we could only clean the exterior of the cabinets and closets, because the insurance company and property owner would only agree to pay for their areas of responsibility.

No Tenant’s Insurance

The tenant was on the hook for any contents cleaning, but the tenant did not have renter’s insurance to cover the contents. Without renter’s insurance, any destroyed items were a total loss for the tenant. Even worse, if the tenant did not have the right training and materials for soot removal, there is a good chance the tenant damaged items that could have been restored by an experienced fire restoration cleaner. 

Talk to Your Insurance Agent/Carrier

If you currently rent a house or apartment and you do not have renter’s insurance, please take the time to get a quote for this coverage. You will likely find the coverage is less expensive than you expected and well worth protecting everything you keep in your home.

Here at SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we are committed to restoring property following a fire or flood. Please consider carrying the right insurance coverage to ensure we are able to make your disaster "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Water Damage in Dental Office

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

We are committed to getting you back in business ASAP after a flood.

The seasons and elements do not care about your business. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford does care. We make it our highest priority to work with business owners to ensure the best outcome for their organization following an adverse weather event.

Flooded Dentist

We were called to a dental office in Lexington, Mass. last month. High winds and driving rains had created a roof leak overnight. Water traveled down through the ceiling, into the walls, and onto the carpeted floor. The business owner called us at noon the next day, and our production manager arrived on scene within an hour.

The challenge for the dentist was that due to the amount of water and saturation we could not possibly dry the office in a day. Usually a water damage takes about three days to fully dry. However, the dentist had appointments to keep and did not want to close the business for several days.

Immediate Mitigation

We agreed to bring an emergency crew out that evening to:

• Extract water
• Remove ceiling tiles and other contaminated building materials
• Drill holes to allow drying inside walls
• Create a drying chamber
• Set up drying equipment including fans and dehumidifiers

These early mitigation steps minimized the damage and allowed the office to reopen the next day.

Patient Comfort vs. Drying Time

We explained to the dentist that our best advice was to run our equipment continuously for three days to complete the dry out in the least amount of time. The dentist insisted on turning off our equipment during office hours for the comfort of patients. This meant the drying would take at least four or five days, but the office could function during those days.

Satisfied Commercial Client

This water mitigation job was another great success for us. The dentist’s office opened the day after we were notified and the drying was completed within four days.

If your business suffers a water damage or other disaster, call the restoration team that works with commercial clients to get them back in business as soon as possible.

Basement Mold in Lexington, Mass

11/14/2017 (Permalink)

Treat mold as soon as you find it to save time and expense

No one likes mold growing in their home. Mold smells unclean, it looks terrible, it degrades organic building materials, and it may have health effects for the home’s inhabitants.

Mold in Basement Closet

Our franchise was called out recently to inspect a home in Lexington, Mass. because the owner thought he saw mold in the basement. Upon inspection, our production manager found surface microbial growth on the lower walls of a basement closet. He recommended cleaning and disinfecting the affected wall, but the homeowner requested that we go a step further and remove a section of drywall to be sure there was no hidden mold growth inside the wall.

Mold Remediation

Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in mold remediation, so they knew just what to do. They set up a barrier to prevent microbes traveling throughout the home. They installed a HEPA-filtered air scrubber to collect airborne particulates including microbial spores. They removed the affected drywall and inspected what they could see of the studs and framing inside the walls. 

After our technicians established there was no additional infestation in the walls, they cleaned and deodorized the basement carpet. The homeowner was pleased with the job they did. The basement smelled fresh and clean, all visible microbial growth was removed, and the air was filtered to extract any abundance of spores.

Call and schedule an estimate

If you find mold in a basement closet, call us for an estimate as soon as possible. Our IICRC-trained mold remediation technicians will help resolve the problem before it gets worse and more expensive to repair.

Commercial Duct Cleaning in Lexington, Mass

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Call today for a free commercial air duct cleaning estimate

SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford offers duct cleaning services to businesses of all sizes in Lexington, Mass. We use a push-pull system, blowing from one end and vacuuming from the other while our brushes stir up debris stuck to the duct walls.

Why Clean the Ducts?

We recommend air duct cleaning to improve the quality of air for everyone in the building. Modern commercial buildings are designed to be airtight. This sealed environment prevents the loss of hot and cold air and saves on energy costs associated with these losses, but people in the building end up breathing the same air over and over. 

In addition, dust, dead skin cells, and microbes accumulate in the ducts. This buildup can provide a perfect home for mold if humidity ever rises in the building.

Finally, the buildup on the walls of the ducts can restrict air flow making your HVAC system run inefficiently.

Commercial Duct Cleaning - Free Estimates

Here at SERVPRO^®, we provide free duct cleaning estimates. Call to schedule your estimate today at 781-861-0500. Your customers and employees will breathe easier when the air is clean. 

Is It Mold or Mildew?

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO mitigation specialists to combat mold or mildew

We recently took a call from a concerned resident in Bedford, Mass. Her family had relocated from out of state, and her leather couch arrived covered in microbial growth.

When she complained to the mover about the condition of her couch, the mover claimed to have hired an expert who determined that this was mildew and not mold on the couch. According to the mover, the couch owner had no reason to be concerned about mildew.

Here at SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford, we find that distinction laughable. Both mold and mildew are considered potentially hazardous by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, if you search “mildew” on their site, you will be directed to their mold pages. 

Mildew is Everywhere

Both mold and mildew are fungi. Both flourish in warm, damp conditions. And both are linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy people. 

You can never completely eliminate molds and mildews from your home. Their spores are everywhere, even in your refrigerator. The risk is when these microbes are permitted to grow to the point of visibility. They are then releasing a higher-than-normal amount of spores into the air.

Call in a Mitigation Specialist

If you see microbes growing on a porous surface in your home (drywall, for example), you do not need to spend extra money testing to find out which type of microbe is growing there. You need to hire a mitigation specialist who can contain the contamination, remove the microbial growth, and advise how to avoid its regrowth.

Call SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford at the first sign of mold or mildew.

Who Cleans a Hotel Tennis Court on Short Notice?

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Cleans Tennis Court in Time for Tournament

Here at SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford, we help out in all kinds of emergencies. A few years ago, we were called in to do emergency cleaning of a tennis court at a hotel in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Tennis Court Covered in Paint Dust

The day before a tennis tournament, someone painted the ceiling of an indoor tennis court without protecting the surface of the court. The paint spray created droplets which dried before they hit the ground, covering the court and the walls with a fine, white dust.

The manager explains her situation that morning in our testimonial video. She had a tournament starting that afternoon. “So when I walked in and I saw the condition of my tennis court, I panicked. This would have been a violation of the contract, and I really didn’t know what I was going to do at that point.”

Saving the Day and the Tournament

“Steve mobilized a team very, very quickly. It was just an amazing amount of work that had to be accomplished in a very short amount of time.”

Our franchise sent four crew members to HEPA vacuum and pressure wash the floors. Then they had to dry the court. They managed to complete the job just minutes before the teams arrived for the tournament. 

“I would absolutely recommend SERVPRO^®. They’re a wonderful business partner.”

If you have a crisis that involves cleaning or restoration, partner with a team that has provided commercial services in Lexington, Mass. and Bedford, Mass. for over thirty years.

Mold Remediation in a Lincoln Attic

9/7/2017 (Permalink)

Attic microbial growth before and after remediation

Mold grows wherever it has the proper combination of moisture, temperature, and organic matter. Attics are a common area of concern when they are not properly ventilated. Moisture and heat accumulate, and building materials provide food for the microbes.

Lincoln Attic Mold

Here at SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford, we frequently respond to calls regarding mold growth, particularly during humid summer months. In July, we were called to provide an estimate for the attic of a commercial building in Lincoln, Mass.

Upon arrival, our estimator found microbial growth on the wooden walls and ceiling of the attic. He then prepared an estimate for remediation, and the organization hired us to complete the job.

First Step – Contain the Contamination

The first step in a mold remediation job is to contain the area so that none of the spores get transferred to other parts of the building. We contained the contamination by setting up a barrier and using a negative air machine to draw air in without allowing it to flow out of the area.

Next step – Remove the Contaminants

This job involved HEPA vacuuming then cleaning the affected surfaces. We also used a HEPA-filtered air scrubber to remove airborne particulates including microbial spores and bacteria. With the negative air situation already established, we were able to cycle through all the air in the attic.

Final step – Apply Anti-Microbial Solution

We finished this mold remediation job by applying an all-natural anti-microbial solution to deter future microbial growth.

If you see mold in your attic, our certified technicians have the training and expertise to remediate the situation. We are always “Here to Help.”

Why a Brighton Pizza Shop Chose SERVPRO for Fire Restoration

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Fires can shut down restaurants for days. Call SERVPRO to get back in business ASAP.

Fires can shut down restaurants for days. Soot must be removed from affected surfaces, fumes must be deodorized, and any water damage must be cleaned and dried.

Many city health departments will require a health inspection before allowing a restaurant to reopen after a fire.

Our franchise professionals have the experience and Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Certification (IICRC) certifications to properly assist restaurants in reopening as quickly as possible.

Time Is Money

When a restaurant is closed for a meal, every minute is lost revenue for the business. Most restaurants run on a slim margin and cannot recoup money lost when forced to close. Employees also suffer a loss when they cannot work.

At SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford, we make every effort to restore a business following a fire as soon as possible to reduce the financial impact on owners and employees.

Brighton Pizza Shop

Last spring, the exterior shingles on a Brighton, Mass. pizza shop caught fire during lunch, contaminating two levels of the restaurant. The Boston Board of Health closed the pizza shop until it could pass inspection.

The owner had only one question, “Can you have my shop ready for inspection tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.?”

Our IICRC-certified technicians worked into the night:

• Cleaned all surfaces to remove soot
• Deodorized with thermal fog
• Scrubbed the air with HEPA-filtered devices
• Cleaned the ducts and HVAC system

We also sent a crew to stand by during the health inspection in case the inspector raised any issues. The inspector was satisfied with the cleaning and deodorizing and permitted the restaurant to open the morning after the fire.

Hire SERVPRO for Fire Restoration

When your restaurant needs to get back in business quickly following a fire, call our office at 781-861-0500. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Building Safety

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

The International Code Council wants to keep people aware of "what it takes to create safe, resilient, affordable, and energy-efficient homes and buildings."

Here are some tips they offer in regards to Disaster Safety & Mitigation:

• If you live in a high wind or hurricane prone area and do not have tested and code-approved shutters for protection from windbourne debris, consider temporarily protecting your doors and windows by mounting exterior grade, 7/16" minimum thickness plywood and fastening into place. Visit www.flash.org for detailed instructions on how to use plywood for emergency board-up
• Consider building or retrofitting to create a tornado-safe room in your home. Follow ICC/NSSA 500 Standard for detailed construction information and to ensure you achieve the highest level of protection for your family
• In wildfire prone areas, remove fine (dead grass, leaves, etc) and coarse fuels (dead twigs, branches, etc.) within 30 feet of a building to create a survivable space in case of wildfire. Be sure to remove dry leaf and pine litter from roofs, rain gutters, decks and walkways. Follow ICC's International Wildland-Urban Interface Code for detailed requirements. 
• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters or on flooded roads. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream. It only takes 6 inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet and two feet of water to move an SUV-sized vehicle. 

Sump Pumps

5/3/2017 (Permalink)

During this past spring, we got to learn a bit about sump pumps!

Sump pumps are usually located in the basement of many properties, both residential and commercial. The purpose of the sump pump is to relocate water from flooding away from the property. What many of our customers experienced was due to the water tables being low and then rapidly rising due to the wet weather (rain and snow).

While there is no size disaster we cannot restore, it is important to know as a property owner what your insurance does and does NOT cover! While many of our customers were covered, some of them had no coverage at all because they never purchased a sump pump rider on top of the insurance policy! 

Make sure when you are purchasing a property and an insurance policy, that you are paying for an insurance that will cover all different attractions in you home. It's a true bummer to have damage to your property and then find out you have no coverage like you assumed!

Ways to prevent water and mold damage!

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

There are different ways that water can affect your property and if the mitigation is prolonged it can cause the building structure to become a food source for mold. Here are some precautions to take to try and avoid these kinds of damages to your property

Water System:

- Inspect water lines every 6 to 12 months for sinks, toilets, and tubs as well as home appliances such as washing and drying machine, dishwashers. Things to check for include cracks, looseness, and corrosion of pipes. If a leak is found, shut off the water to it until it can be fixed!

- During cold weather, allow water to run through the pipes as it minimizes the risks of pipes freezing and bursting.

Appliances:

- Replace the hose on your washing machine supply every five years and keep your machine properly balanced! When the washing machine is not in use – shut off the water!

- As tempting as it maybe, do not run water appliances when no one is home!

Roof & Gutters:

- While you can routinely check your roof and gutters, it is great to have a professional come every three years check your roof out for you. Keeping your gutters clear help water from entering your home and cluttered gutters promote mold!

- If the roof doesn’t have a drip edge or cap, consider installing one because it aids in capturing water into the gutters. Make sure the downspouts are not facing he foundation of the structure – try to buy extenders to get the water at least 6 feet away from your property

Other tips:

- Check your attic’s ventilation and insulation, seal gaps that allow warm air into the attic. We don’t want ice dams forming up there!

- Test your sump pump and the water pressure in the home.

- Always know where your water shut-off valve is in case of emergency!

The Roof is on Fire!

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

We’ve all done and said it. We have all “raised the roof” at some point because it was on metaphorical fire. But what does one do when it is literal? In non-musical proportions, this recently happened to one of our local businesses.  Boston Rhythmic, a rhythmic gymnastics school, had a fire in their Watertown location.  Their roof was literally on fire. Their sprinkler system managed to retard the fire from spreading but water damage ensued.

To paraphrase the owner of the company, she never thought she would face that type of disaster. Never her business. Water had spread at the back end of the facility and the bathrooms were nonfunctional by the time the restoration crew arrived.

It is at these types of circumstances that we are forced to respect the wisdom: better safe than sorry. SERVPRO offers Emergency Ready Profiles to give business owners peace of mind as they become disaster ready. ERP’s are a free service we provide to consolidate all building information to respond to any disaster, small or large. Whether it is knowing the where the electric shutoff is to your main building to have the property owner’s contact information, ERP’s allow SERVPRO to respond to your needs in a timely manner.

Why raise the roof when you can prepare for the fire? 

Prepare your Commercial property for a Hurricane!

3/1/2017 (Permalink)

Just 3 months ago, SERVPROs from all over the country headed to Virginia Beach and North Carolina to help residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Matthew. Commercial losses are just as important as residential ones and SERVPRO strives to get you back into business in a timely manner. We know how many factors go into getting your business back on track after a disaster so here are some things to take into consideration

Planning

- Review the property insurance with an insurance agent to determine concerns of a hurricane

- Write up some protective procedures for not only the structure of the business but also the contents

- Inform key employees of what their responsibilities are in regards to hurricane procedures and even try to set up an employee training program

- Consider having these protective tools on hand: heavy plastic sheeting, duct tape, masking tape, sandbags, an emergency generator, storm shutters, chain saw, large pieces of plywood and hand tools

- Make a plan for the protection of your computer files

Preparedness

- Monitor a local radio or television station that gives official emergency information and instructions

- Document the interior and the exterior of your business with pictures! This helps significantly with insurance claims

- Package insurance policies and financial records into waterproof containers so you have quick and accurate information to provide

Building Exterior

- Clean all the drains, gutters and downspouts of the property

- Remove antenna or loose objects from the room

- Bring in things that are usually left outside, remove outdoor signs and secure loose objects that can cause possible damage if there are strong winds

- If the property has glass frontage, clear the area as much as possible and board it up with shutters or wood. If you do not have shutters or boards, try masking or duct tape and tape the window in an “X” fashion to reduce shattering.

Building Interior

- Move things away from the windows to avoid water damage

- Clear flat surfaces of small loose objects and take down all loosely secured pictures, plaques

- Relocate files, boxes, computers, office machines and other equipment to the driest place in the building. Try not to leave boxes on the floor and remove contents within lower file cabinet drawers to a secure location

- Try to keep an inventory of where all things were relocated so when it is time to unpack you’re saving time!

- Disconnect electronics and equipment and try to secure with tarpaulins and tape.

Last but not least, do not hesitate to contact your local SERVPRO. We are faster to any sized disaster and there is no loss we cannot handle!

To Mold or Not to Mold

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

Here's one of our 1000 CFM AFD's doing its job as we remediated a kitchen full of mold!

There is mold everywhere!

While some molds can affect our health - there are molds that we benefit from! Molds can be used for medicines, for foods and wines (we all know someone who loves that extra stinky cheese) and molds biggest contribution is bio-degradation in the environment!

Mold turns into "bad mold" when it is on a sustainable food source and for many properties owners they can go months without noticing mold until they smell it - especially in the warmer months of the year! Most building materials (drywall, wood framing, wood sub flooring, debris, contents) act as hosts for these "bad" molds and when it is not remediated properly the problem can continue.

SERVPRO uses Air Scrubbers during Mold Remediations as a mean to collect airborne mold spores, bacteria and other debris. 

PASS the Fire!

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Fires aren't something we come across too often but once they start they can become massive. Portable fire extinguishers aid in being a life and property saving tool. The NFPA (The National Fire Protection Association hopes the word PASS will help people remember how to properly use a fire extinguisher

Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. 

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. 

Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side

Reading the instructions on the extinguisher and familiarizing yourself with one helps you prepare incase a fire breaks out. There are limitations to fire extinguishers so it is important that you have the correct type and use them for the correct purposes! If you need more help on finding the appropriate extinguisher visit www.NFPA.org

SERVPRO Water Mitigation Process

12/5/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damage Cleanup & Restoration

SERVPRO can provide a solution to your property's (regardless of whether it's your home or business) water damage needs.

- Uniformed Franchise Professionals will arrive on-site usually within four hours of notification to begin providing a resolution to the water damage situation

- Technicians communicate their assessment with the property manager or owner in detail before beginning the cleanup and restoration process

- Franchise Professionals utilize industry guidelines, knowledge, training and industrial equipment to examine the extent of the damage

- Restoration services include moisture detection, water extraction, dehumidification and contents inventory

- Closing the event work order in a timely manner through electronic claims reporting, consistent communication and professional restoration techniques

- SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, no matter rain, hail or snow

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Killer

11/28/2016 (Permalink)

You can't see or smell carbon dioxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes. CO is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas and propane burn incompletely. An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers or idling cars left running in garages. 

Taking some basic , precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves, inspected by a trained professional every year
• Open the damper for proper ventilation before using the fireplace
• Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home
• Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice or other materials
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris
• Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home. 

Improving Air Quality

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Duct Cleaning Process

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before vacuuming begins. 
• Next, a powerful push-pulll air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.
• Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt. 

Call us at 781-647-9100 to see how we can best improve your home or businesses air quality. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

What is Lurking in Your Air Ducts?

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority.

In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirt ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. 

Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money. SERVPRO can often restore the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage conditions. 

• We provide written inspections and estimates
• Eliminate offensive odors
• Restore peak energy efficiency
• Reduce potential for mold growth
• Remediate bacteria, fungi and mold

Post-Construction Cleanup

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO does services outside of water and fire mitigation restoration! Structural integrity materials, labor safety, customer satisfaction and deadlines - the list goes on when building a commercial facility. The bottom line, however, is you are responsible for getting the doors open on time.

Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it's time to remove the debris and dirt in order to lay carpet, paint and decorate. SERVPRO can provide debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design. 

During the construction phase, a building can trap moisture and excessive moisture can result in mold growth. SERVPRO can help eliminate moisture and prevent potential mold growth. 

Post Construction Services we provide:

• Carpet, resilient and non-resilient floor prep and finish
• Ceilings, walls and fixture cleaning
• Deodorization
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Debris Removal (if necessary)
• Window Cleaning

Mold - Don't Let It Grow!

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

While fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment and can add value to our lives (such as yeast, blue cheese, mushrooms and penicillin), other forms of mold can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to mold may present health concerns for some people.

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increase risk of harmful mold growth. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish.

Be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth
•  Excessive humidity

Help is here, if you think you might have a mold problem call us at 781-647-9100

Your Business & Indoor Air Quality

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know that healthier air saves you money?

Sick building syndrome became apparent as groups of people displayed similar symptoms after having spent extended periods of time in buildings with poor air quality. While mold is naturally found in the environment, an abundance of mold can cause illnesses and SERVPRO recommends it needs to be removed immediately.

The World Health Organization says that poor indoor air quality costs $60 billion in employee sick leave and lost production. As a business owner, your responsibility is to provide proper maintenance and prompt response to any situation that could cause illness or health concerns. 

You have one chance to make a first impression with your customers. SERVPRO can create a clean, fresh and long lasting impression by providing carpet cleanings, general structure cleanings, upholstery cleanings, HVAC & air duct systems.

Fire, Smoke & Soot Restoration Services

10/12/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can help provide a solution to your property's fire damage needs. 

Structural Cleaning 

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. A SERVPRO Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your facility. Depending on the amount of soot, the local SERVPRO Franchise Professional may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing.

Contents Cleaning

 All of the tolerable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This included area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. Finally, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can provide an inventory list of all "to be claimed" items if requested. 

Deodorization 

 SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide specialized services that rid your place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them. 

Fire and Smoke Do's and Dont's

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

Do: 

• Limit the movement in the house to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork
• Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open
• Clean soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances and protect with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil 
• Pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls, and tubs if heat is off during the freezing season
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants
• Change HVAC filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system

Don't:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc...) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service 
• Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water (They may be contaminated)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged
• Send Garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor

Know your Smoke

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

A fire loss is very complex because of the unique behavior of smoke. That is why is it important to have trained technicians at your home or business. 

Smoke Characteristics

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas
• Smoke migrates to upper levels of a structure
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor
• The type of smoke will greatly affect the restoration process

Types of Smoke

• Wet Smoke - Plastics and Rubbers
  
  • 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
• Fuel Oil Soot -  Furnace Puff Backs
  
  • While "puff backs" can create havoc for your insured, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can in most cases restore the contents and structure
• Other Types - Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue
  • Special loss situations require special care. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to handle your toughest losses!

Defending Against Mold Growth

9/30/2016 (Permalink)

A water damage can result in visible mold growth in as little as 24 to 48 hours, under certain conditions if not properly mitigated.

• Keep humidity between 30 to 60 percent
• Provide for proper drainage away from building foundations
• Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks
• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris 
• Inspect the roof, windows and other areas where water might enter the building, and perform necessary maintenance
• Respond to all water intrusions immediately
• Contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional for assistance after a water damage or if you discover mold

Not only does mold have the ability to deteriorate your home but it can also have horrible affects on your personal health. Make sure to reach out to your local SERVPRO if you are facing mold and mildew issues.

"Like it never even happened."

Emergency Fire Damage Tips

9/30/2016 (Permalink)

Fires are scary monsters whose's flames can engulf a home in under 5 minutes. In case you ever face a fire here are some tips to stay safe:

• Keep hands clean
• Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Wipe soot from chrome on faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant
• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a SERVPRO® Franchise Professional
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO® Franchise Professional
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service 

Samantha's Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese

9/26/2016 (Permalink)

Photo from Serious Eats

Office Administrator and Marketing Coordinator Samantha knows her way around the kitchen since her mother is a chef. Samantha loves cooking, eating soul food and sharing it with others. Besides, who can turn down a great baked mac and cheese?! Check out this yummy recipe!

1 package of macaroni elbows

2 tablespoons of butter

1 can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 egg

2 cups of milk

2 cups of Kraft shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

2 cups of Kraft shredded Sharp White Cheddar Cheese

Salt and pepper for taste

Breadcrumbs optional for topping

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish
2. In a large pot of salted water, boil macaroni for 7 mins and then drain in strainer. Then move macaroni elbows into 2-quar baking dish
3. In a medium pot on low heat combine melted butter, 1 can of cream of mushroom, 1 egg and 2 cups of milk. Stir until all ingredients are smooth. Then add in 1 ½ cups of Sharp Cheddar Cheese and 1 ½ cups of Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
4. When sauce is completely whisked together, empty into 2-quart baking dish containing macaroni. Stir the mixture evenly so all macaroni becomes cheesy
5. Using remaining cheese, spread over the top of the dish
6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 mins
7. Enjoy your cheesy baked mac and cheese!

Kristen's Simply Amazing Bar Cookies

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

Photo Compliments of Eagle Brand Recipes

I like to call these bar cookies simply amazing because they are simple to make and the end result is amazing. These treats are so versatile and indulgent. You can top these bars with a variety of toppings such as candies, chocolate, coconut and nuts, or all of the above. Be creative and try out all of your favorite combinations to satisfy every sweet tooth you know.

Ingredients:

1 ½-2 cups Graham crackers or crumbs

1 can condensed milk, I prefer Eagle Brand®

1 stick of melted butter

Toppings of your choice

Preheat oven to 350°

Spray bottom of 13x9 glass baking dish with non-stick spray.

Crush graham crackers to a preferred texture or use pre-crushed crumbs.

Mix crumbs with melted butter and press mixture into the bottom of baking dish.

Drizzle top with condensed milk, allowing it to spread evenly over the mixture.

Top with your choice of toppings.  My kids love chocolate and butterscotch chips.  

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cool completely.

Using a pizza cutter, cut the cookies into bars. 

Store left over cookies in refrigerator.

Lisa's Recipe For The Perfect Chili

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

Lisa's Chili

Office Administrator, Lisa Daiute grew up eating this savory Chili made by her favorite uncle David. Throughout the years she has continued this delicious tradition in her own home, making it for her roommates and family. 

The Perfect Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• One 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour, found in the Mexican food section of many supermarkets)
• One 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• One 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• Shredded Cheddar, for serving
• Chopped onions, for serving
• Tortilla chips, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions:

Place the ground beef in a large pot and throw in the garlic. Cook over medium heat until browned. Drain off the excess fat, and then pour in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and cayenne. Stir together well, cover, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add 1/2 cup water at a time as needed.

After an hour, place the masa harina in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup water and stir together with a fork. Dump the masa mixture into the chili. Stir together well, and then taste and adjust the seasonings. Add more masa paste and /or water to get the chili to your preferred consistency, or to add more corn flavor. Add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with shredded Cheddar, chopped onions, tortilla chips and lime wedges.

Team Bedford for the win, AGAIN!

7/26/2016 (Permalink)

Team Bedford, lead by marketing rep. Amanda Aiken.

Saturday, July 23

Team Bedford & Team Lexington went head to head in a softball tournament to see which team would win the trophy for the 3rd Annual SERVPRO Softball Event. 

Local business owners, supportors, and sponsors came out to play Saturday morning bringing non perishable food items to donate to our local food pantry. This is our third year putting together a softball event and every year they just keep getting better. Last year Team Bedford won the trophy and this year we would like to say congrats to Team Bedford on being the victors, they were lead by Marketing Representative and Team Captain, Amanda Aiken! Team Bedford won 15-5. Better luck next year Team Lexington. We already can not wait for next summers tournament, will Team Lexington finally defeat Team Bedford? Stay tuned. 

Team Watertown are the Champs! Now it's just up to team Lexington to take home the trophy on 7/23/16

7/19/2016 (Permalink)

Team Watertown takes home the winning trophy

Satuday, July 16

Team Watertown and Team Waltham from our Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland franchise went head to head in a softball match at Arsenal Park in Watertown to see who would take home the Softball Champion Trophy. The victor's this past weekend were Team Watertown! Congrats team! Our Marketing Representative's Vanessa Vicente and Amanda Aiken were the team captains who lead their team to victory. It was a great turn out last weekend especially for it being our first annual Waltham vs. Watertown game. Can't wait for next year.

Saturday, July 23

We will be hosting our 3rd Annual Lexington vs. Bedford Softball game at Springs Brook Park in Bedford. Last year team Bedford took home the trophy, this year will it be team Lexington? May the best team win! Stay tuned.

Emergency Trauma Cleanup

5/19/2016 (Permalink)

Trauma, Crime scene clean-up.

At SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford, our goal is to provide an emergency response whenever we are needed. Emergency situations include:

• Standing water to be extracted (especially sewage)
• Fire scene that needs to be secured
• Biohazard

We have a production manager and crew on call through the night and over the weekend in order to respond to these emergencies as they arise.

Evening Trauma Scene

For example, a local property manager recently called us to a trauma scene at the end of the workday. Her tenant had fallen down a flight of stairs and through a plate glass window. Upon arrival, Production Manager Tim Owens found a mess of glass and blood that needed immediate attention. This situation presented not only a health risk for building occupants but also a horrific scene for them to observe.

After confirming the police investigation was complete, our crew began cleaning the debris and safely disposing of it as a biohazard. Instead of heading home for dinner with their families, they donned their personal protective equipment and contained all of the debris for proper disposal. This task lasted until nearly midnight, but our crew managed to get the site sanitized and safe for occupation.

Call Us Any Time, 24/7

Remember to call SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford whenever you have a flood, a fire, or a bodily trauma scene requiring immediate attention. Our professionals are always here to help make it…Like it never even happened.^®

SERVPRO® of Lexington-Bedford will be hosting a Lexington vs. Bedford softball game on Saturday, July 23, 2016

5/19/2016 (Permalink)

Flyer for the event.

SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford will be hosting a Lexington vs. Bedford softball game on Saturday, July 23, 2016 to benefit local food pantries. We are looking for sponsors and players. 

PLAY BALL!

We will be playing at the Springs Brook Park, 181 Springs Rd., Bedford, Mass. Warm-ups will begin at 9:00 am and then the game starts at 10:00 am. All players are asked to bring a glove and a non-perishable food item that we will donate to a local food pantry.

Each player will receive a t-shirt, and SERVPRO^® will serve hot dogs and chips after the game. Players are encouraged to bring their families and enjoy the picnic! 

In addition to bragging rights, a trophy will be awarded to the Chamber of Commerce in the winning community.

If you would like to play, please contact Maria Aguirre at 781-861-0500 for more information.

Sponsorships

We are also looking for sponsors for the game. Sponsorships cost $50. Sponsors logos will be printed on the players’ t-shirts, and sponsors are welcome to bring a tent and pass out marketing materials at the game.

If you would like to be a sponsor, please make your check payable to Maria Aguirre and mail it to 50 Sun St. Ste. 1, Waltham, Mass. 02453. We must receive payment by July 15, 2016 to include your logo on the t-shirts.

Please Join Us

The SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford franchise has hosted a Lexington vs. Bedford game the past two years that has been a lot of fun. Lexington won the first year, and last year was Bedford’s turn to dominate. Now that we are also the SERVPRO^® of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland franchise, we are looking forward to establishing a rivalry between Waltham and Watertown as well.   

If you have any questions about playing or sponsoring the game, please call 781-861-0500 and speak to Maria. Click here ==> Softball List to be added to our email list and receive updates.

Little Red Heaven

2/1/2016 (Permalink)

Valentine's Day Little Red Heaven

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease baking sheets

Combine in a large bowl:

Red Velvet Cake Mix

2 Eggs

1/3 Cup Olive Oil

2 Teaspoons of Lemon Juice

Blend with a wooden spoon until smooth

Combine in a small bowl 

8 ounces of cream Cheese

1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract

1/2 cup of sugar

1/4 cup of all purpose flour

Blend until smooth

Shape dough into 1 inch ball

Flatten in the palm of your hand 

Dab cream cheese into the center of the dough

Roll the dough so it goes around the cream cheese and reforms into a ball.

Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets

Bake 8 to 9 minutes, until the edges are set.

Storm Team has arrived!

2/20/2015 (Permalink)

Locally Owned and Operated

Ice dams and burst pipes are making this the most disastrous winter in our SERVPRO history. We have been inundated with calls for both issues due to the extreme snow and cold temperatures. However, what sets SERVPRO apart is our ability to mobilize and work together all across this country whenever an event like this happens. We have Storm Team here to assist is loss mitigation so please keep calling us and 1-800-SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of Lexington/Bedford Moves to Waltham

1/19/2015 (Permalink)

Garage space at SERVPRO's new location.

SERVPRO of Lexington/Bedford has been serving Massachussets for over 30 years and has recently purchased the SERVPRO of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland franchise. The office location will be moved to 50A Sun Street in Waltham, MA on February 1, 2015! The office is located close to the downtown area of Waltham and is over 10,000 square feet. An open house will be planed for the Summer of 2015.

SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford's 30th Anniversary Party

5/2/2014 (Permalink)

Please celerbrate with us!

September 9th 2014

Double Tree Hotel - Bedford

5:15pm to 7:15pm

The Taylor Family purchased the franchise in 1984 with the goal of helping people with homes or businesses that had fire, water or mold damage. " In the past 30 years we are proud to have helped thousands of customers "