How to Maintain Your Home During a Heat Wave to Prevent Water Damage

7/15/2024 (Permalink)

Gutter maintenance is just one of the ways you can protect your home during the summer heat waves

As the summer heat intensifies, homeowners face the challenge of maintaining their homes during prolonged heat waves. While most people focus on staying cool, it’s equally important to consider the impact of extreme heat on your home’s infrastructure, particularly when it comes to preventing water damage. Here are some essential tips to help you safeguard your home during a heat wave and minimize the risk of water damage.

1. Inspect and Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

Why It's Important: During a heat wave, your air conditioning system works overtime to keep your home cool. A poorly maintained system can leak, leading to potential water damage.

Tips:

• Check for Leaks: Inspect the area around your air conditioning unit for any signs of leaks or water accumulation.
• Clean the Condensate Drain: Ensure the condensate drain line is clear of clogs to prevent overflow.
• Replace Filters: Change air filters regularly to maintain optimal performance and prevent blockages.

2. Monitor Humidity Levels

Why It's Important: High humidity levels inside your home can lead to condensation, which can cause water damage over time, especially in areas like basements and attics.

Tips:

• Use a Dehumidifier: Place dehumidifiers in areas prone to high humidity to keep moisture levels in check.
• Ventilate Properly: Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to reduce indoor humidity.

3. Check Your Roof and Gutters

Why It's Important: Heat waves can exacerbate existing issues with your roof and gutters, leading to leaks and water damage during unexpected summer storms.

Tips:

• Inspect for Damage: Look for cracked, missing, or damaged shingles on your roof and repair them promptly.
• Clean Gutters: Remove debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling around your foundation.

4. Examine Windows and Doors

Why It's Important: Improperly sealed windows and doors can allow humid air to enter your home, increasing the risk of condensation and water damage.

Tips:

• Seal Gaps: Check for and seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
• Install Window Film: Consider using window film to reduce heat gain and protect your home’s interior from UV rays.

5. Inspect Plumbing Systems

Why It's Important: Extreme heat can cause pipes to expand and contract, leading to leaks or bursts, especially in older plumbing systems.

Tips:

• Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect exposed pipes for signs of leaks or corrosion.
• Insulate Pipes: Insulate pipes in unconditioned spaces to protect them from temperature fluctuations.

6. Maintain Landscaping

Why It's Important: Improper landscaping can direct water towards your home’s foundation, increasing the risk of water damage during heavy rains.

Tips:

• Grade Your Yard: Ensure the ground slopes away from your home to direct water runoff away from the foundation.
• Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent roots from interfering with plumbing and drainage systems.

7. Prepare for Storms

Why It's Important: Heat waves often precede summer storms, which can lead to sudden and heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of water damage.

Tips:

• Check Sump Pumps: Ensure your sump pump is in working order and consider installing a battery backup in case of power outages.
• Create an Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials like flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit in case of severe weather.

By taking these proactive steps, you can effectively maintain your home during a heat wave and minimize the risk of water damage. If you do encounter water damage, remember that SERVPRO of Lawrence is here to help with professional restoration services to get your home back to its best condition.

For more information on preventing water damage or to schedule a service, contact SERVPRO of Lawrence today. Stay cool and stay safe!

Essential Safety Tips for Summer Storms: Protect Your Home and Office

6/14/2024 (Permalink)

When rain storms hit, be prepared.

Summer storms can be both awe-inspiring and hazardous. While watching a storm from the safety of your home can be a thrilling experience, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your property and ensure the safety of everyone inside. Here are some vital safety tips to follow before, during, and after a storm.

Before the Storm

1. Have an Emergency Supply Kit

   • Stock up on essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and any necessary medications.

2. Develop a Communication Plan

   • Make sure all family members know how to contact each other and where to meet if separated during the storm.

3. Unplug Electrical Equipment

   • Disconnect devices to protect them from power surges and reduce the risk of electrical fires.

4. Secure Outdoor Objects

   • Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture, trash cans, and other objects that could become projectiles in strong winds.

5. Stay Inside a Building or Hard-Top Vehicle

   • Ensure that everyone is inside a safe structure or a hard-top vehicle to avoid injury from flying debris.

6. Secure Windows and Doors

   • Close and lock all windows and doors, and consider using storm shutters or plywood to protect against broken glass.

During the Storm

1. Use a Battery Operated Radio

   • Keep a battery-operated radio on hand for weather updates and emergency alerts in case of power outages.

2. Avoid Contact with Electrical Equipment

   • Do not touch electrical appliances or devices, as they can pose a shock risk during a storm.

3. Avoid Contact with Water

   • Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water, as plumbing can conduct electricity.

4. Stay Away from Windows and Doors

   • Keep a safe distance from windows and doors to avoid injury from broken glass or flying debris.

After the Storm

1. Do Not Touch Downed Wires

   • Treat all downed wires as live and dangerous. Report them to the utility company immediately.

2. Do Not Drive Through Flooded Roadways

   • Avoid driving through standing water, as it may be deeper than it appears and can cause vehicles to stall or be swept away.

3. Stay Away from Storm-Damaged Areas

   • Avoid areas with visible damage, as they may be unstable or hazardous.

Stay Safe and Be Prepared

Remember, if your property does suffer damage, SERVPRO of Lawrence is here to help with expert restoration services to make it "Like it never even happened."

Building Services: Elevating Property Restoration with SERVPRO of Lawrence

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

In the aftermath of a disaster, whether it's fire, water damage, or a natural calamity, restoring your property to its pre-damaged condition requires more than just cleanup. It demands a comprehensive approach that addresses structural integrity, repairs, and reconstruction. At SERVPRO of Lawrence, we understand the complexities of property restoration, which is why we offer a range of building services to ensure a seamless and efficient recovery process.

Here's how our building services can help you rebuild and restore your property after a disaster:

1. Structural Assessment and Stabilization: Our certified technicians begin the restoration process with a thorough assessment of your property's structural integrity. We identify any structural damage caused by the disaster and take immediate steps to stabilize the building to prevent further deterioration.

2. Emergency Board-Up and Roof Tarping: In the event of fire damage or severe weather, your property may be vulnerable to additional damage from exposure to the elements. Our team provides emergency board-up and roof tarping services to secure your property and prevent further damage while restoration work is underway.

3. Water Extraction and Drying: Water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your property and promote mold growth if not addressed promptly. Our technicians utilize advanced water extraction equipment and drying techniques to remove standing water and moisture from your property efficiently, preventing further damage and mold growth.

4. Reconstruction and Repairs: Once the affected areas are thoroughly dried and sanitized, our skilled craftsmen begin the reconstruction and repair process. Whether it's repairing damaged drywall, replacing flooring, or rebuilding structural elements, we handle every aspect of the restoration with precision and attention to detail.

5. Content Restoration and Pack-Out Services: In addition to restoring the structure of your property, we also offer content restoration and pack-out services to salvage and restore your belongings. We carefully inventory, pack, and transport your items to an off-site facility for cleaning, restoration, and storage until your property is ready for their return.

6. Seamless Communication and Project Management: Throughout the restoration process, our project managers maintain open communication with you every step of the way. We keep you informed about the progress of the restoration, address any concerns or questions you may have, and ensure that the project stays on schedule and within budget.

7. Direct Insurance Billing: Dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming, which is why we offer direct insurance billing to streamline the process for you. Our team works directly with your insurance company to ensure that your claim is processed efficiently and that you receive the coverage you deserve.

At SERVPRO of Lawrence, we're more than just a restoration company – we're your trusted partner in rebuilding and restoring your property after a disaster. With our comprehensive building services and commitment to excellence, you can trust us to deliver superior results and peace of mind during challenging times. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you restore your property to its pre-damaged condition.

Elevating Your Business with Professional Commercial Restoration

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

In the fast-paced world of business, unexpected disasters can strike at any moment, disrupting operations and threatening the safety and well-being of employees and customers alike. From water damage and fire outbreaks to mold infestations and biohazard incidents, the aftermath of such disasters can be overwhelming for business owners. That's where SERVPRO of Lawrence steps in, offering comprehensive commercial restoration and cleaning services to help businesses bounce back quickly and efficiently.

Here's how our professional services can benefit your business:

1. Swift Response and Emergency Services: At SERVPRO of Lawrence, we understand the importance of a prompt response in mitigating the damage caused by disasters. Our team is available 24/7, ready to respond swiftly to your emergency. Whether it's water extraction, fire damage cleanup, or biohazard remediation, we arrive on the scene quickly to assess the situation and begin the restoration process immediately.

2. Comprehensive Restoration Solutions: Our commercial restoration services cover a wide range of disasters and damages, including water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and biohazard cleanup. We utilize advanced equipment and techniques to restore your property to its pre-damaged condition efficiently and effectively, minimizing downtime and disruption to your business operations.

3. Professional Cleaning Services: In addition to disaster restoration, we also offer professional cleaning services to help businesses maintain a clean and healthy environment for employees and customers. Our cleaning services include carpet and upholstery cleaning, odor removal, and general janitorial services. We use eco-friendly cleaning products and state-of-the-art equipment to achieve exceptional results without compromising indoor air quality or environmental sustainability.

4. Customized Solutions for Every Business: At SERVPRO of Lawrence, we understand that every business is unique, with its own set of challenges and requirements. That's why we tailor our restoration and cleaning services to meet the specific needs of your business. Whether you operate a small retail shop, a large office building, or a healthcare facility, we have the expertise and resources to handle projects of any size and complexity.

5. Minimal Disruption to Business Operations: We understand the importance of minimizing disruption to your business operations during the restoration process. Our team works efficiently and diligently to complete the restoration and cleaning work in a timely manner, allowing you to resume normal business activities as soon as possible. We also communicate closely with you throughout the process to keep you informed and address any concerns or questions you may have.

6. Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations: As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Lawrence adheres to the highest standards of quality and safety in all our operations. Our technicians are highly trained and certified in the latest restoration and cleaning techniques, and we strictly adhere to industry regulations and best practices to ensure the safety of your property and occupants.

7. Peace of Mind and Professionalism: When you choose SERVPRO of Lawrence for your commercial restoration and cleaning needs, you can rest assured that you're in good hands. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, integrity, and commitment to customer satisfaction. From the initial assessment to the final cleanup, we strive to exceed your expectations and deliver superior results that restore your property and your peace of mind.

When disaster strikes your business, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Lawrence to provide professional commercial restoration and cleaning services that restore your property and get you back to business quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your business from the unexpected and keep it running smoothly.

The Importance of Professional Biohazard Cleaning Services

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

Biohazardous materials pose serious risks to human health and safety, requiring specialized handling and disposal to mitigate potential dangers. Whether it's bloodborne pathogens, sewage backups, or hazardous chemicals, exposure to biohazards can result in severe health consequences if not properly addressed. At SERVPRO of Lawrence, we recognize the critical importance of biohazard cleaning and remediation in safeguarding both individuals, pets, and communities. Here's why professional biohazard cleaning services are essential:

1. Health Risks of Biohazards: Biohazardous materials contain infectious agents, toxins, or other harmful substances that can pose significant health risks to humans. Exposure to these materials can lead to infections, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other serious health issues that only your doctor can diagnose. It's crucial to handle biohazards with caution and adhere to strict safety protocols to minimize the risk of exposure and contamination.

2. Compliance with Regulations and Standards: Biohazard cleaning and remediation are subject to stringent regulations and standards set forth by government agencies and industry organizations. By enlisting the services of a professional biohazard cleaning company like SERVPRO of Lawrence, you can ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards, protecting your business and reputation.

3. Specialized Training and Expertise: Professional biohazard cleaning technicians undergo specialized training and certification to safely and effectively handle biohazardous materials. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to assess, contain, and remediate biohazard incidents of all types and sizes. From blood cleanup and crime scene decontamination to sewage cleanup and hazardous waste disposal, our technicians are prepared to handle any biohazardous situation with professionalism and care.

4. Advanced Equipment and Techniques: Biohazard cleaning requires the use of advanced equipment and techniques to ensure thorough decontamination and sanitization. At SERVPRO of Lawrence, we utilize state-of-the-art equipment and EPA-approved disinfectants to remove biohazards safely and effectively. Our comprehensive cleaning process includes thorough disinfection, deodorization, and restoration to restore the affected area to a safe and sanitary condition.

5. Minimized Risk of Cross-Contamination: Improper handling of biohazardous materials can result in cross-contamination and the spread of infectious agents to other areas of your property. Professional biohazard cleaning technicians employ strict containment protocols to prevent cross-contamination and minimize the risk of further contamination. They use specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment barriers to isolate the affected area and ensure the safety of occupants and workers.

6. Prompt Response and Discretion: Biohazard incidents require a prompt and discreet response to minimize the impact on individuals and communities. SERVPRO of Lawrence understands the sensitive nature of biohazard cleanup and responds quickly and discreetly to mitigate the risks and restore peace of mind. Our technicians arrive on the scene promptly, assess the situation, and develop a customized remediation plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Professional biohazard cleaning services are essential for protecting your health, safety, and well-being in the event of a biohazard incident. By entrusting the cleanup and remediation to trained professionals like SERVPRO of Lawrence, you can ensure thorough decontamination, compliance with regulations, and peace of mind knowing that your property is safe and sanitary. Contact us today to learn more about our biohazard cleaning services and how we can help you in your time of need.

Winter hasn't left just yet!

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

At this point most New Englanders know how to handle the big winter storms. We rush to the grocery store to get milk and bread because we are all convinced we will be in our house for days on end! The storms that bring feet of snow to our area, no school for days, and state of emergency to keep nonessential personal off the roads. You could lose power, which could cause food spoilage or frozen pipes… and let’s not forget if there is a quick warm up right behind it, you could experience flooding. The nice thing about these larger storms is that they give us time to prepare.

BUT what about the smaller storms? The ones that only bring a coating, inch or two of sleet, snow or ice? The ones that they always say won’t cause much of an impact?

Did you know these smaller, less significant storms can actually cause a greater impact to your home and business? Why? Because we don’t prepare as much. We are told they won’t be as big so we tend not to stress as much and let our guard down. Four wheel drive can plow through anything right… wrong!

So... what can you do?

1. Have a list of your vendors and an emergency ready profile (ERP) completed on your business as an additional add to your continuity plan. It saves you time, in the event this “insignificant storms” turns out to be a really big deal.
2. Just because there is a storm coming, your business operations cannot come to a halt. Set clear expectations for those in authority as well as non-critical employees in the event an emergency does occur. Is your emergency plan communicated by text, email, or phone call? Is everyone aware of this? It may also be beneficial to subscribe to and send out public transportation updates so no employees are left stranded at your office. Likewise is it acceptable for your employees to arrive late or leave early to ensure their safety?
3. With smaller storms we tend to not walk the perimeter of our business to inspect for damage or ice accumulation. By not doing this, it can lead to larger issues down the road or worse, a customer becoming injured. It is always a good practice no matter how large or small the storm might be to inspect your property and document everything. You never know when your insurance may need that information.

In the end, the size of the storm shouldn’t matter. As business owners preparation is key no matter what Mother Nature has up her sleeve. Contact your sales and marketing representative to learn more about the emergency ready profile (ERP) and how it could benefit your business. Call us with more information 978.688.2242 

Dress for all Seasons this time of Year!

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

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Winter time in and around Lawrence, Methuen and Dracut can be very beautiful! It can also bring lots of weather hazards. Dressing in layers and taking steps to each your body properly fuel should ensure you can enjoy all that winter has to offer!

1. Wear layers - Many layers trap more heat in than just a big jacket alone

2. Hat and Gloves - Most of the body's heat loss occurs in these extremities so keep them covered. 

3. Stay Dry - Water compounds any cold weather situation and dramatically speeds up heat loss.  For example, wet feet loss heat 25 times faster than dry feet. 

4. Take a break = take frequent, short breaks in a warm dry shelter to let your body heat up.

5. Feed! - Eating warm, high calorie foods will give your body the energy it needs to create body heat. Pasta, warm sugar water/sports drinks, etc. 

Stay Safe and Warm! Keep COVID common sense in mind as well by always washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds!!

Want more helpful tips. Call us at 978.688.2242

Protecting yourself and potential buyers during a home sale

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

In today's real estate marketplace, you can have an edge with a reputation for having quality listings. You also want the ability to move a sale through quickly to get your commission. Presentation is everything. 

SERVPRO of Lawrence professionals will inspect a property - including crawl spaces - to help determine the extent of water or mold damage and remove potentially harmful bacteria and odors. 

So before you risk your buyer's health or the opportunity to close the sale of a property, call the local cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Lawrence at 978.688.2242 for a free personal walk through and quote. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, SERVPRO staff arrives on any and all inspects in personal protective equipment for the safety of all parties. 

50 years of Keeping it "Green"!

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lawrence has been a family run business since it opened its doors in Windham, NH back in 1975. Our franchise moved to Lawrence, MA in 1985 and has been here ever since! 

With over 100 combined years of knowledge and expertise, SERVPRO of Lawrence continues to lead our industry in cleaning and restoration services throughout the Merrimack Valley region. Our second generation ownership team was born and raised this community. Because of this, we are full aware of its strengths, challenges and its local people and businesses. It brings us some much joy to be able to help the schools that taught us, to serve the agents and adjusters who grow with us, and the homes we made memories in.

If working with a trained and certified firm is important to you, as well as supporting a local company - SERVPRO of Lawrence at 978.688.2242 is your only call!

Fire, Water, Mold, Reconstruction Services

SERVPRO of Lawrence would love the opportunity to work with you to make it “Like it never even happened.”

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

2/9/2021

WATER… that amazing property that can be a liquid, solid or a gas. We need water to wash dishes, do laundry, shower, cook… the list could go on and on. But in the winter when temperatures drop, that liquid can quickly turn to solid ice and cause havoc in our plumbing. Outlined below are the 3 main causes of frozen pipes as well as ways to prevent pipes from freezing when the bitter cold strikes.

The 3 main causes of frozen pipes are:

1. Quick drops in temperature
2. Poor insulation
3. Thermostat too low

Quick drops in temperature

We can’t control Jack Frost but we can take actions to prevent pipes from bursting when he puts us under a cold spell. Did you know a frozen garden hose can actually burst an indoor pipe? When the water in the hose freezes, it expands, increasing pressure throughout the whole plumbing system. Garden hoses should be disconnected, drained, and stored before the first freeze.

Close the interior shut-off valve leading to outside faucets, open and drain the spigot, and install a faucet insulator. Don’t forget, outdoor kitchens need winterizing, too, to prevent damage.

Poor Insulation

Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing so be sure to insulate pipes in your attic or crawl space even if you live where freezing is uncommon. Consider installing products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve," "heat tape," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes.

Thermostat too low

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By momentarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

If you are planning to head south for the winter, make sure the furnace is set to no lower than 55 degrees. Shut off the main water supply and drain the system by opening all faucets and flushing the toilets. In extreme situations (a vacation home in a bitterly cold climate), you may want to have a plumber come to inspect the system.

If you find yourself in the middle of disaster, our trained, certified professionals are just a phone call away. We are available 24/7/365 and we work with your insurance company to manage the process and paperwork. SERVPRO of Lawrence would love the opportunity to work with you to make it “Like it never even happened.”