Winter is Coming: 6 Ways to Prevent Property Damage and Keep Your Home Safe This Season

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

November ushers in colder temperatures, and with that comes an increased risk of damage from winter weather. From frozen pipes to ice dams, homeowners and businesses need to take proactive steps to avoid costly repairs and property loss. SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland is here to help you stay ahead of winter’s worst, with tips on preparing your home or business for the season.

1. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing Frozen pipes are a major concern in colder months. When water freezes inside the pipes, it expands, which can lead to burst pipes and extensive water damage. To prevent this:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as attics, basements, and garages.
• Let faucets drip during extreme cold snaps.
• Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, especially those under sinks.

2. Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof Ice dams can cause serious water damage to both the interior and exterior of your home. The combination of snow and ice buildup at the roof’s edge can block melting water from draining off properly, causing it to back up under shingles. To avoid ice dams:

• Ensure attic insulation and ventilation are adequate.
• Clean gutters before snow and ice accumulate.
• Consider installing heated cables along the roofline to prevent ice buildup.

3. Inspect Your Heating System A malfunctioning heating system can lead to uncomfortable—and even unsafe—conditions inside your home. Check your furnace or heating system before temperatures drop to avoid a breakdown. If you’re unsure about the condition of your system, consider hiring a professional to inspect and clean it.

4. Maintain Your Chimney and Fireplace If you plan on using your fireplace this winter, make sure it’s safe. Creosote buildup and blockages can lead to dangerous chimney fires. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional before you light your first fire.

5. Prepare for Storms and Power Outages November often brings the first major snowstorms and ice storms of the season. Prepare your home by:

• Stocking up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, and medications.
• Checking your emergency kit, including flashlights, batteries, and blankets.
• Making sure your generator is in good working condition (if you have one).

6. Clean Your Roof and Gutters Leaves and debris can clog gutters, preventing proper drainage and increasing the risk of water damage. Clean gutters regularly and inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles before the heavy snow falls.

By taking these simple steps now, you can help prevent significant damage to your property during the colder months. However, if the worst happens—whether it's a burst pipe, water damage from ice dams, or a fireplace mishap—SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland is here to help restore your home or business to its preloss condition. Contact us for expert cleanup, water damage restoration, and winter weather-related services.

Deck the Halls Safely: Holiday Fire Safety Tips to Protect Your Home and Business

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. But with the festivities come potential fire hazards that could put your home or business at risk. Whether you're stringing up lights, cooking a big holiday meal, or gathering around a fireplace, safety should always be a priority. SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland is here with important fire safety tips to help you protect your property from fire damage this season.

1. Inspect Holiday Lights for Safety Holiday lights are a beloved part of decorating for the season, but they can be a fire hazard if not used properly. To reduce the risk of fire:

• Always inspect your lights for damaged wires or broken bulbs before hanging them.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Plug no more than three strands of lights into one outlet.
• Turn off all holiday lights when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Use LED lights instead of traditional incandescent bulbs—they burn cooler and are less likely to overheat.

2. Be Cautious with Candles Candles are a popular holiday decoration, but they can easily cause fires if left unattended or placed near flammable materials. Keep your holiday atmosphere safe with these tips:

• Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from curtains, paper decorations, and other flammable materials.
• Consider using flameless LED candles for a safer alternative.

3. Keep the Kitchen Safe During Holiday Cooking The kitchen is the heart of holiday gatherings, but it’s also a prime location for fires. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires during the holiday season. Follow these steps to keep your kitchen safe:

• Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying or grilling.
• Keep flammable objects, such as oven mitts, towels, and paper towels, away from heat sources.
• Keep a fire extinguisher within reach in case of a grease fire.
• Ensure your smoke detectors are working and that you have a clear escape route in case of emergency.

4. Keep Your Fireplace and Chimney Clean Many people love gathering around the fireplace during the holidays, but improperly maintained chimneys can pose a serious fire risk. If you plan to use your fireplace, make sure to:

• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional before using it.
• Always use a fire screen to prevent sparks from escaping the hearth.
• Never leave a fire unattended and always extinguish it completely before going to bed.

5. Safely Decorate Your Christmas Tree Christmas trees, both real and artificial, are a staple in many homes during the holidays. But trees, especially dry ones, can be highly flammable. Keep your home safe by:

• Watering your live tree daily to prevent it from drying out.
• Keeping trees at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, and candles.
• Turning off the tree lights when you’re not home or when you go to sleep.

6. Plan Your Fire Escape Route With the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s easy to overlook the importance of fire escape planning. In the event of a fire, every second counts. Make sure your family or employees know how to get out quickly:

• Create and practice a fire escape plan with everyone in your household or business.
• Ensure there are multiple exit routes and that windows and doors can be easily opened.
• Install and test smoke alarms in every room, and change the batteries at least once a year.

While the holidays are a time for celebration, they also bring an increase in potential fire hazards. By following these simple fire safety tips, you can help protect your home or business from the devastating effects of a fire. However, if the unexpected happens and you experience fire damage, SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland is here to help. Our expert fire damage restoration team is ready to restore your property and give you peace of mind this season.

Contact us today for fire damage restoration services, and stay safe as you celebrate the holidays with family and friends!

What to Do If Your Water Heater Fails: A Step-by-Step Guide to Handling Water Damage

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

What to Do If Your Water Heater Fails

A malfunctioning or burst water heater can lead to extensive water damage in your home or business. Whether your water heater fails suddenly or is showing signs of wear, it's important to act quickly to minimize damage and prevent further issues. SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland is here to guide you through the essential steps to take if your water heater goes out, as well as how our water damage restoration services can help you get back on track.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply The first step when dealing with a failed or leaking water heater is to stop the flow of water. This will help prevent further flooding and water damage in your home or business.

• Locate your water shut-off valve. For most homes, this will be near the water heater itself, but it may also be located at the main water line leading into the building.
• Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply. If you're unsure where the shut-off valve is, look for a main shut-off valve near your water meter or in the basement or crawlspace.

2. Turn Off the Power or Gas Supply If your water heater is electric, the next step is to cut the power to the unit to avoid electrical hazards. If you have a gas water heater, you'll need to turn off the gas supply.

• For electric water heaters, locate your circuit breaker panel and switch off the breaker that powers the water heater.
• For gas water heaters, find the gas valve and turn it off. You may also want to consult your water heater’s manual or a professional if you're unsure how to safely turn off the gas.

3. Assess the Damage Once the water supply and power have been turned off, carefully assess the extent of the damage. Depending on the situation, you may experience everything from a minor leak to a full flood. Check the area around the water heater for standing water, damp carpets, wet walls, or water pooling in nearby rooms.

• If you notice significant water damage or standing water, it’s important to take quick action to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

4. Remove Excess Water and Moisture If the water is still leaking or has already flooded a room, it’s crucial to remove excess water as quickly as possible. You can use a wet/dry vacuum, towels, or a mop to soak up as much water as you can.

• If the flooding is extensive, it’s best to call in professionals like SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland, who have the equipment and expertise to remove large amounts of water efficiently and safely.
• If you can’t access the water heater area immediately or if there’s too much water to handle alone, call a professional to start the restoration process immediately.

5. Dry Out the Area Once the standing water has been removed, the next step is to dry out the area to prevent further damage and the potential for mold growth. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to promote airflow and moisture evaporation.

• SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland uses industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out affected areas, ensuring that water-damaged areas are properly dried and reducing the chances of mold and mildew growth.

6. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Service Water damage restoration isn’t a DIY job, especially if it involves significant flooding or moisture exposure to structural elements such as drywall, insulation, or flooring. That's where SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland can help.

• Our IICRC-certified water damage restoration experts are trained to assess the full scope of the damage and restore your home or business to its pre-damage condition.
• We provide services like water extraction, drying, mold remediation (if necessary), and the repair or replacement of damaged materials like drywall and flooring.

7. Contact a Plumber or HVAC Specialist While SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland can handle the water damage restoration, you’ll also need a licensed plumber or HVAC professional to address the root cause of the problem—your water heater.

• A plumber can assess whether the water heater needs repairs or if it requires replacement.
• If your water heater has been damaged beyond repair, a professional can help you select and install a new unit to avoid future issues.

8. Prevent Future Water Heater Failures To avoid dealing with water heater problems again in the future, it’s important to take preventive steps:

• Regular Maintenance: Have your water heater serviced annually to check for signs of wear, leaks, or sediment buildup.
• Inspect for Leaks: Periodically inspect the area around your water heater for any signs of leaks or pooling water.
• Install a Leak Detection System: Consider installing a water leak detection system or a water heater pan to catch small leaks before they cause significant damage.

A failed water heater can cause significant water damage, but acting quickly and following the right steps can help minimize the impact. Whether it's turning off the water supply, assessing the damage, or calling in a professional for restoration, SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland is here to help. If you’ve experienced water damage from a broken water heater, our experienced team can quickly respond to assess, clean, and restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

Don’t let water damage from a faulty water heater cause lasting problems—contact SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland for fast and reliable water damage restoration services today.

Battling Mold: A Comprehensive Guide to Mold Remediation in Your Home or Business

4/5/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the training and equipment to remediate mold in your home or business.

Battling Mold: A Comprehensive Guide to Mold Remediation in Your Home or Business

Mold is a silent intruder that can wreak havoc on your home or business if left unchecked. Not only can it cause structural damage, but it can also pose serious health risks to occupants. In the face of mold, swift and thorough remediation is crucial to safeguarding your property and the well-being of those who reside or work within it. At SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland, we understand the urgency and complexity of mold remediation, which is why we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process effectively.

Identifying Mold

The first step in mold remediation is identifying its presence. Mold can manifest in various forms, including visible growth, musty odors, and signs of water damage such as discoloration or warping of surfaces. It tends to thrive in moist environments, making areas like bathrooms, basements, and attics particularly susceptible. However, mold can also lurk behind walls, under flooring, and in other hidden spaces, making detection challenging without proper expertise and equipment.

Assessment and Containment

Upon discovering mold in your home or business, it's essential to enlist the services of a professional mold remediation company like SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland. Our team of experts will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the extent of the mold infestation and formulate a customized remediation plan. Central to this plan is the containment of the affected areas to prevent the spread of mold spores to unaffected areas. This often involves the use of specialized equipment such as negative air machines and physical barriers to seal off contaminated zones.

Removal and Cleaning

With containment measures in place, the next step is the removal and cleaning of mold-infested materials. This may include porous surfaces like drywall, carpeting, and insulation that cannot be salvaged and must be safely discarded. Non-porous surfaces can typically be cleaned and sanitized using antimicrobial solutions to eradicate mold spores and prevent regrowth. Our technicians are trained to handle mold remediation with precision and care, ensuring thoroughness while minimizing disruption to your property.

Drying and Dehumidification

Addressing the underlying moisture issue is paramount to preventing mold recurrence. Our team employs industrial-grade drying and dehumidification equipment to extract excess moisture from the air and affected surfaces. This step not only aids in the remediation process but also helps mitigate the risk of future mold growth. By restoring optimal humidity levels, we create an inhospitable environment for mold proliferation, thereby safeguarding your property against future infestations.

Prevention and Maintenance

Once the remediation process is complete, proactive measures must be taken to help prevent mold from returning. This may include repairing leaks, improving ventilation, and implementing moisture control strategies such as dehumidifiers or waterproofing solutions. Regular inspections and maintenance are also essential to identify and address potential moisture issues before they escalate into mold problems. SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland offers comprehensive mold prevention services to help you safeguard your property against future infestations effectively.

Conclusion

Mold remediation is a complex and nuanced process that requires expertise, precision, and thoroughness. By entrusting your mold remediation needs to SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland, you can rest assured that your home or business is in capable hands. From initial assessment to final restoration, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and peace of mind every step of the way. Don't let mold compromise the safety and integrity of your property – contact SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland today for expert mold remediation services tailored to your needs.

What To Do When You Experience Water Damage

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

What to do until help arrives:

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What to do after Flooding:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after the removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to do after Flooding:

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland is available 24/7 with the help you need. Call us at (781) 834-7707!

Rug Water Damage Prevention

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

The best thing you can do to save that area rug you love so much, is to roll it up BEFORE the storm. If you’ve been warned of possible flooding, take the extra time to put away your mats and area rugs that you can. 

Textiles wet for over 24 hours should be considered trash, as they are unrecoverable and have already started getting mold and bacteria. That being said, when the water is out of your control, there is hope for your carpets - if you act quickly. 

Carpet recovery is NOT a do-it-yourself job. Immediately call a professional. While waiting, you can sop up excess water with towels and remove any large debris from the floor. Do not lift carpet that is tacked to the floor, this can cause shrinkage that can ruin the product. While carpet padding often cannot be dried quickly enough to prevent spore growth, calling SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland for their professional drying services can be your best chance of saving your carpet.

Commercial Water Damage Assistance

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

Water main breaks or frozen pipes at your business can cause quite a mess. 

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

So when an emergency situation arises in your office, warehouse, restaurant, or store, give us a call and we’ll be there quickly with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland has the training, experience, and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO of Marshfield / Rockland can respond immediately to your commercial water damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,600 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale events and disasters.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Marshfield
• Scituate
• Pembroke
• Duxbury
• Rockland
• Hanover
• Hull
• Norwell
• Cohasset

SERVPRO Is Faster To Any Commercial Disaster

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

You work hard every day to keep your business running smoothly and your customers satisfied. Don’t let unforeseen damages slow you down. Nobody plans for disaster or messy accidents, except SERVPRO. That's what we expect, we know - trees fall, pipes burst and windows get broken. Or, worse yet, fires and smoke damage can happen.

Our experienced teams are equipped to handle any situation with the utmost care, guaranteeing a swift and effective resolution. Entrust SERVPRO's professionals for all your commercial disaster and cleaning necessities, and have the job completed correctly on the first attempt.

Call SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland today! 

Why SERVPRO Is The Right Choice For You

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Marshfield/Rockland provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Marshfield, Rockland, Pembroke, Hull, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Hanover, Norwell, or Scituate. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Residential Services

Whether your South Shore home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your South Shore commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (781) 834-7707

Commercial Clean Up!

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

Water main break or frozen pipes can cause quite a mess. 

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

So when an emergency situation arises in your office, warehouse, restaurant or store, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland has the training, experience, and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”  

SERVPRO of Marshfield / Rockland can respond immediately to your commercial water damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,600 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.