Recent Posts
6 Tips to Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home
11/10/2023 (Permalink)
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reduce the risk of mold growth in your Worcester home.
Living in the heart of Massachusetts, we know that our region's climate can bring both beauty and challenges. One of the challenges many homeowners face is dealing with mold growth, particularly in our humid summers. But fear not! In this blog, your local SERVPRO® team is here to provide you with practical strategies to prevent mold.
Understanding the Mold Challenge
Worcester experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot, muggy summers and cold winters. This climate can create an ideal environment for mold to thrive, especially in areas with poor ventilation or moisture problems. Mold is not just unsightly; it can also cause structural damage if left unchecked.
Effective Mold Prevention Strategies for Worcester
- Maintain Proper Ventilation
Install exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms to remove excess moisture generated during cooking or showering. Ensure these fans vent to the outside of your home, not into your attic or crawl space, as that can introduce moisture problems in those areas.
Whenever weather permits, open windows and doors to encourage natural ventilation. Cross-ventilation helps exchange humid indoor air with drier outdoor air, reducing indoor humidity levels.
- Control Indoor Humidity
In areas prone to high humidity, such as basements, use dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity below 50%. This level discourages mold growth without making your home uncomfortably dry.
Regularly inspect and maintain your HVAC system to ensure it is adequately sized for your home and functioning optimally. A well-maintained HVAC system can help regulate indoor humidity levels throughout the year.
- Regular Maintenance
Regularly inspect your home for leaks, especially after heavy rainfall. Address any leaks promptly to prevent water from infiltrating your home. Pay close attention to areas like roofs, windows, and foundations where water intrusion is common.
Clean and maintain your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. This prevents rainwater from pooling near your foundation and seeping into your home.
- Seal Gaps and Cracks
Seal any gaps or cracks in your home's exterior using weatherproof caulk or sealant. This helps prevent moisture from penetrating your home's structural elements. Ensure your home is adequately insulated to prevent condensation on walls and ceilings, which can create ideal conditions for mold growth.
- Monitor Indoor Plants
While indoor plants can improve air quality, overwatering them can increase indoor humidity levels. Be mindful of your indoor plant care routine, especially in areas with carpets and fabrics.
- Regular Cleaning
Regularly dust and clean your home to prevent the buildup of organic materials that can serve as food sources for mold. Pay particular attention to areas with limited airflow, such as closets and storage spaces.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reduce the risk of mold growth in your home. Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy and mold-free living environment. If you ever encounter mold problems beyond your control, our local SERVPRO® of Worcester team is here to assist you with professional mold remediation services. Stay mold-free and enjoy a comfortable living environment in Worcester!
The Top 10 Causes of Water Damage and How to Prevent Them
10/14/2023 (Permalink)
By staying vigilant and taking preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of water damage and protect your investment.
We understand that Worcester, MA, residents face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their homes from water damage, especially with the New England weather. In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 causes of home water damage in Worcester and provide practical tips on how to prevent them. By being proactive and taking these measures, you can save yourself from the headaches and expenses associated with water damage restoration.
Roof Leaks
Worcester's heavy snowfall and frequent rainstorms can put extra stress on your roof. Regularly inspect and maintain your roof to identify and repair leaks promptly. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent clogs and ice dams that can lead to water seepage.
Basement Flooding
With Worcester's high water table, basement flooding is a common issue. Install a sump pump and backup battery system to ensure water is pumped away from your home. Additionally, make sure your basement is properly sealed to prevent groundwater infiltration.
Burst Pipes
Winter in Worcester can be brutal, and frozen pipes are a real concern. Insulate your pipes and let faucets drip during freezing temperatures. If you leave for an extended period during the winter, consider shutting off your water supply and draining the pipes.
Faulty Appliances
Regularly inspect and maintain your appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Replace old or worn-out hoses and connections to prevent leaks. Install water sensors that can detect leaks and shut off the water supply automatically.
Clogged Drains and Sewers
Leaves, debris, and grease can clog drains and sewers, leading to backups and water damage. Schedule routine drain cleaning and be cautious about what you flush down toilets and drains.
Window and Door Leaks
Ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent rainwater infiltration. Re-caulk and weatherstrip if necessary, especially before the rainy season in Worcester.
HVAC System Leaks
Regularly inspect your HVAC system, including the air conditioner and furnace. Change filters as recommended and check for condensation or leaks, which can cause water damage if left unattended.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks in your home's foundation can allow water to seep into your basement or crawl space. Inspect your foundation regularly and repair any cracks promptly. Consider waterproofing your basement walls.
Poor Drainage
In Worcester, inadequate yard drainage can lead to water pooling near your home's foundation. Grade your yard away from the house, install downspout extensions, and create proper drainage channels to divert water away from your property.
Neglected Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to overflow and damage your home's siding and foundation. Clean your gutters regularly and ensure they are securely attached to your home.
Water damage can wreak havoc on your Worcester, MA, home if left unchecked. By staying vigilant and taking preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of water damage and protect your investment. If water damage does occur, remember that SERVPRO® of Worcester is here to help with professional water damage restoration services. Don't hesitate to contact us for expert assistance in restoring your home to its pre-damage condition. Stay dry, Worcester!
Give Your Home a Seasonal Tune-up!
4/21/2023 (Permalink)
When disaster strikes, SERVPRO can help make it “Like it never even happened.”
Local SERVPRO® franchise professional says routine maintenance can help prevent the common sources of fire and water damage in homes and businesses
Worcester, MA (Grassroots Newswire) April 2023 - Spring is the perfect time to assess the maintenance of your home after the long, cold, brutal winter months. A checklist from the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHS) outlines what it takes to help ensure your home is healthy – such as keeping it dry, clean, well-ventilated, free from contaminants, pest-free, safe, and well-maintained.
As the disaster remediation specialists at SERVPRO know, unexpected issues can quickly turn your dream home into a nightmare. “While we specialize in cleanup, restoration, and construction after a fire or water loss, we think it’s even more important to do what you can to help prevent these losses in the first place,” says Donny McKendall of SERVPRO of Worcester. “Routine and effective maintenance will help you meet all these healthy home criteria and serves as one of your best defenses against the curveballs that can be thrown at your home.”
While catastrophic events like storm-related wind, water, and hail damage are usually covered by most standard homeowner’s insurance policies, many maintenance-related claims are not – such as leaks over time or mold from lack of ventilation.1 So, on top of suffering a loss to property, there is a good chance the property owner will be on the hook for the entire cost of remediation and repairs.
To help pinpoint common areas of concern for routine home maintenance, the NCHH developed a Healthy Homes Maintenance Checklist.
“We deal with the consequences of unfortunate disasters that negatively impact the lives of property owners every day,” says McKendall. “The routine and simple spring maintenance tasks on this checklist can help minimize the types of hazards we specialize in remediating, and they can preempt many of the bigger problems that can cause significant damage to your property.”
Fire
- Clean dryer vents and screens.
- Check electrical equipment for damaged cords.
- Test all ground fault circuit interrupters.
Water and Mold
- Clean downspouts and gutters and ensure they direct water away from your home.
- Look for damaged or failing waterproofing, often caused by storms, such as lifting shingles, loose siding, or leaks around doors and windows.
- Test your sump pump, including the check valve. Clear out floor drains.
- Check hoses for leaks under sinks and on your water heater, washer, and refrigerator water dispenser.
“As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO understands that there are some things we simply can’t control,” says Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, LLC. “The weather is certainly one of those things. In spring, storms may bring flooding rain, lightning-sparked fires, and high winds, all of which can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. That’s why it’s important to take control where we can. Performing timely spring maintenance could be one small step to helping prevent a larger disaster that could permanently impact your family or property.”
SERVPRO specializes in disaster cleaning, restoration, and construction services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened” for both commercial and residential customers.
1 https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_document-and-insure-your-property.pdf
SERVPRO Urges Worcester Property Owners to Focus on Disaster Readiness as Spring Approaches
2/23/2023 (Permalink)
The importance of advance planning grows as severe weather and climate events become more frequent
Property damage remediation specialist says the importance of advance planning grows as severe weather and climate events become more frequent
Worcester, MA (Grassroots Newswire) February 9, 2023 - Since Fall 2022, the United States has experienced extreme weather from coast to coast ranging from major rain and flood events to hurricanes and tornadoes to extreme freezing conditions including a “once in a generation blizzard.” As catastrophic weather events impact property owners more frequently, it magnifies the need for disaster readiness ahead of this spring’s storm season.
The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reports that from 1980-2022, there were, on average, 7.9 “billion-dollar” events each year. In 2021, there were 20 “billion-dollar” weather or climate disaster events, and 2022 delivered another 18 – each year more than doubling the previous multi-year average.1
“These statistics are revealing,” says Donny McKendall of SERVPRO® of Worcester, “but not surprising to businesses like SERVPRO who specialize in disaster response and remediation. SERVPRO franchise owners experience the real-life impact of events like these as home and business owners reach out for help after flooding, fire, wind, and other natural disasters wreak havoc on their properties. That’s why we continue to emphasize the importance of preparing in advance before disaster strikes.”
Because spring weather can be particularly unpredictable, McKendall urges property owners in the Worcester area to take advantage of state, federal and other online resources now to prepare for a possible severe weather event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers tips here2 for preparing an emergency kit to have on hand. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers an emergency preparedness checklist here3, and more ideas and tools are available from sources like the Red Cross, the AARP, and others.
According to Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, LLC, the number of calls for help and web traffic to SERVPRO.com increased more than 300% after the most recent winter storm event in late December 2022 over the same period last year (12/22/22 – 12/28/22).
“Advance preparation might have helped some of these property owners literally weather the storm with less damage,” said Isaacson. “And for those whose homes or businesses were severely damaged or destroyed in spite of efforts to avoid damage, advance preparation would mean that critical papers, contact numbers, insurance information, and recovery plans would be close at hand. Time spent improving your disaster readiness is time well spent.”
SERVPRO specializes in disaster cleaning, restoration, and construction services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers.
1 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/
2 https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/springweather/index.html
3 https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/FEMA_Red-Cross_Emergency_Preparedness_Checklist.pdf
About SERVPRO
For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, construction, mold mitigation, biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”
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Extreme Temperatures Have Led to a Record Number of Burst Pipes and Water Damage Calls
2/9/2023 (Permalink)
The SERVPRO Storm Team is Here to Help!
SERVPRO would like to remind residents and business owners that we are “Here to Help.” Serving the people of this community is our number one priority. Due to the recent frigid cold snap and wave of burst pipes/ water damage it has caused, our current call volume is at a record high. Our goal is to complete each job safely and quickly and get to the next family or business owner in need as soon as we can. To do this, the SERVPRO Storm Team has been activated, it consists of several SERVPRO franchises from different areas of the country who have stepped in to help meet demand. The SERVPRO Storm Team has deployed additional crews and equipment to the most heavily impacted areas.
Please know we are experiencing higher than normal call volumes. Calls will be addressed in the order they were received and we are working to connect you with a local storm team crew as soon as possible.
Is Your Worcester Property Protected from Freezing Pipes?
2/3/2023 (Permalink)
If you do find yourself facing water damage due to frozen or burst pipes SERVPRO is Here to Help®.
When faced with artic temperatures it’s important to protect your pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can lead to a rupture and we all know even the smallest of cracks in a pipe can gush hundreds of gallons of water causing flooding, water damage, structural damage and potential mold issues.
Quickly falling temperatures and inadequate insulation are key contributors to frozen pipes.
The following preventative measures can help reduce your risk of frozen water pipes this winter:
- Seal any cold air leaks. These can often be found around dryer vents, electrical wiring, dryer vents or pipes. You can use caulk or insulation to keep the cold air out.
- Insulate your pipes. The more exposed the pipes are, the greater the risk for freezing.
- Let it drip. Let warm water drip from a faucet.
- Leave cabinets open to allow heat to circulate around pipes.
- Turn off outside faucets and remove garden hoses.
Here are some tips to follow if your do freeze :
- Open your faucets all the way to encourage water flow.
- Make sure you know where your water shut off valve is.
- Remove the insulation around pipes and gently heat with a hair dryer or wrap with warm soaked towels. NEVER use an open flame or blow torch to defrost your pipes!
If you do find yourself facing water damage due to frozen or burst pipes SERVPRO is Here to Help®.
When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical. You can reach us 24/7. Day or night, Worcester residents and business owners can rely on the #1 Brand in the industry to respond immediately to your water emergency and work to make it Like it never even happened.®
When it Comes to Water Damage in Worcester, There’s No Such Thing as a Small Disaster!
7/27/2022 (Permalink)
Call today 508-757-7885 SERVPRO of Worcester can help ensure the value of your property.
There is no such thing as a small disaster- especially when a small leak now could blossom into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on sub-floors, causing major problems over time. You need help fast.
SERVPRO® of Worcester is Here to Help.
No matter the time of day or night, the professionals of SERVPRO of Worcester are available to begin emergency mitigation. Emergency mitigation means under normal circumstance, a SERVPRO franchise professional can be on-site within four hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage to your facility.
Every SERVPRO professional is trained and understands how to manage the drying process. By utilizing state -of-the-art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damages. SERVPRO will remove moisture and any contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing to safely clean and dry your building and contents.
Call today 508-757-7885 SERVPRO of Worcester can help ensure the value of your property.
SERVPRO of Worcester Offers Fast, Reliable, Biohazard & Crime Scene Cleanup And Restoration Services.
7/26/2022 (Permalink)
Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Worcester also offers fast, reliable, biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.
The SERVPRO of Worcester professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. SERVPRO can remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from an accident, trauma, crime, or death. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO professionals help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and buildings by thoroughly cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the structure. SERVPRO of Worcester professionals can help with the following issues: bloodborne pathogens, methamphetamine labs, crime scene residues, arson, vandalism, sewage backups, black water intrusions, and mold mitigation and remediation. There is a lot we can do! From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO can clean and restore your property and contents. We can also provide general cleaning and/or deodorization services for situations resulting in graffiti, eggs, spoiled food, and human or animal waste. State and local regulations vary.
HERE TO HELP. 508-757-7885
Contact your local SERVPRO of Worcester today for 24-hour emergency services.
Celebrate Summer Safely
7/1/2022 (Permalink)
If your property suffers from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of Worcester to help make it "Like it never even happened." 508-757-7885
Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and firework displays; but along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to the emergency room?especially during the month of July.
Each year, around 230 people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to causing injury, fireworks are also responsible for thousands of house fires each year with millions of dollars in property damage.
There is nothing like firing up the grill during the summer months! Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? A backyard barbecue can become dangerous quickly if proper safety precautions aren't considered. SERVPRO wants you to have an enjoyable and safe summer.
Consider the following tips to help ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free:
- Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
- The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. Children should never pick-up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.
- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
If your residential or commercial property suffers from structural fire damage, call SERVPRO of Worcester to help make it "Like it never even happened." 508-757-7885
How Clean Are Your Worcester Property’s Ducts?
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Worcester to help protect your health and your property from ventilation and air quality issues. 508-757-7885
Did you know your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Inspecting the ductwork in your facility or home should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your home or office.
Keeping your HVAC and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life-span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may help you save money. Duct cleaning may not always be necessary. Let SERVPRO inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make the proper recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.
In some circumstances, such as after a fire, smoke, or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, SERVPRO can often times restore
the HVAC system and ductwork to pre-damage condition. SERVPRO uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.
- 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 the vacuuming begins.
- Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ductwork to a container.
- Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97% of the particles in the airstream.
- Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.
Call SERVPRO of Worcester to help protect your health and your property from ventilation and air quality issues. 508-757-7885
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