Storm Damage Versus Flood Damage

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

You may not think there is a huge difference between storm and flood damage, but your insurance company sure does. It's absolutely vital to make sure that your Lowell business is covered for both types of damage. Doing research on the ins and out of your insurance company can prevent you from spending thousands of dollars in property damages.

The Difference Defined
Differentiating between the two types of damages can be tricky.

Insurance companies typically label the accident as storm damage if the destruction was a result of one or more of the following:

• Heavy rainfall
• Cyclones and tornadoes
• Hail storms
• Hurricanes and other tropical storms

The Insurance Code of Practice defines flood damage as "the covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of any lake, river, creek or other natural watercourse, whether or not altered or modified, or any reservoir, canal or dam."

Even though it is obviously possible for the above storms to cause flooding in your building,your insurance company will not see it that way.  While it is absolutely possible for the above incidents to cause flooding, your insurance company won't see it that way.

How to File a Claim
If your commercial building is covered, then you need to file your insurance claim as soon as possible by contacting your insurance company.

Separate your damaged and undamaged property and make a itemized list of both, including the items model number, serial number, and brand name. Do NOT throw anything away until your insurance company sends out an adjuster to inspect it.  If you still have any receipts or bills, include them in the report.

Both severe storms and floods can cause massive amounts of water damage, but your insurance company still treats them like separate accidents. Make sure to contact remediation experts if your commercial building has recently suffered from storm or flood damage.

Contacting a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO of Lowell can do all the work for you. Our technicians will come in prepared with all the required insurance paperwork, will take photos of all salvageable and salvageable content, as well as all structural damage. We will create detailed itemized lists of all content for your adjuster and we will submit all information to your insurance and work with your adjuster.

Our technicians are on call 24/7 365 days a year- they can be called out on a moments notice if your business experienced flood or storm damage, because we know how precious time is when dealing with property damage. SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577

Household Chores Can Reduce the Risk of Fires

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Lowell is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need

The American Red Cross has reported 847 deaths this year due to house fires at the start of 2022. This figure is part of the 20,000 house fires reported in the first half of this year. House fires are a risk in any household, thus precautions should be taken to prevent them.

Making changes and establishing routines around your home are the first steps toward fire protection. Yard work around the house and chores to tidy up the inside of your home are simple ways to prevent a fire tragedy on your property.

The Main Sources of Commercial Damage

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell is your local commercial disaster team. Contact us to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services

Every day, we rely on businesses. They benefit us greatly, whether it is the business we work for or the ones we employ for their services. Of course, these establishments would never be as successful if it weren’t for the owners in charge!

Each day, business owners face numerous hurdles to managing a successful workplace. One thing all business owners have in common is the desire to keep their company going. Commercial damage, like natural disasters, is something that business owners fear because it can result in significant loss—or worse, the shutdown of their organization.

Over the last five years, the NCEI documented around an average of $153 billion worth of damage in the United States annually from the result of natural disasters. It’s no doubt these disasters are a threat to businesses all over the country.

In Lowell, you face all kinds of weather throughout the year like snow, thunderstorms and hurricanes. This weather brings along hazards like severe flooding. This Lowell high school faced the effects of severe flooding, causing thousands in damage.

Because natural disasters are unavoidable, taking precautions to protect your commercial property is critical. It all begins with understanding how these disasters may influence your Lowell business.

Your Storm Safety Plan Needs These 3 Elements

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Lowell right away.

Nowhere in the United States is impervious to storms. You never know when a warm or cold front could kickstart a severe storm, bringing along lightning, heavy rain, hail and strong winds.

These weather events can cause serious damage to your home. Since there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, it’s likely you will encounter bad storms more than once.

Storms in Lowell often lead to some sort of flash flooding that could impact your home at any moment. In at-risk areas, you might experience flooded roads, downed trees and power lines, and flooded basements.

Even though you cannot prevent storms, you can prevent some of the negative effects by being prepared. You should have an emergency kit and a communications strategy ready to go in cause your household is caught in a severe storm.

Food Service Cleaning & Restoration

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

From the smallest family-owned restaurant to food processing plants, SERVPRO of Lowell has the experience and equipment to restore your facility to its preloss condition following a disaster.  Time and safety are our top priorities, just as they are to you in running your business.  Our highly trained technicians are available 24-hours a day to help mitigate the damage done to food manufacturing facilities and commercial kitchens, so you can get back to serving your customers safely and quickly.  While conducting the cleanup and restorations of your facility, we take special care to pay attention to the regulations, health codes, and potential hazards involved in restoring your food service spaces.  We will work to help ensure that all surfaces are restored to preloss condition and sanitized.

SERVPRO of Lowell technicians are trained and experienced in the cleaning and restoration of food service facilities of all sizes, including:

• Food Manufacturing Facilities
• Fast Food Establishments. Restaurants and Cafeterias
• Food Processing Plants
• Commercial Kitchens

If your food service facility requires cleanup or restoration services, SERVPRO of Lowell has a team of highly trained technicians on call 24-hours a day to help.  Please contact us at 978-454-7577.

When You Need an Expert, Call SERVPRO

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell is your local restoration expert. We are the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration

It may be difficult to know where to turn when an unexpected tragedy affects your home or business, but that’s why SERVPRO of Lowell is here! We have the tools and experienced teams you need to start restoring your space back to preloss condition.

Here are some of the areas in which SERVPRO specializes:

Water Damage in Your Lowell Home

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of Lowell has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting step in your life. There’s much to look forward to, but there’s also much to look out for.

At some point in time, you may come across a small issue like a leaky tap. It’s a minor problem now, but it can worsen quickly. Did you know the average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year?

Water damage is one of those issues that can get out of hand quickly, so you need to be prepared to address the issue right away. Here’s how you can expect the damage to progress as time goes on:

Here Are the Types of Flooding You Might See

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of Lowell has the team to help you recover from any disastrous event

Every state sees its fair share of flooding, but did you know flooding is actually the most common natural disaster in the world? In the United States, it claims more lives per year than hurricanes, tornadoes or lighting. Its devastation can affect communities far and wide, as excess water gathers on properties.

You may not know there are actually similarities in the different types of floods and causality among all them. In fact, there are three common types of flooding that happen for four typical reasons.

We Can Help You Be Prepared

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell are your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

When it comes to keeping a company operating smoothly, every little bit of support goes a long way. As company owner or manager, you are well aware that keeping things afloat takes every available hand. Significant delays or damages to commercial buildings could mean shutting the doors for good.

However, your retail space, manufacturing facility or rental property already comes equipped with a hidden assistant to aid with cleaning and restoration, and it’s right here in Lowell. SERVPRO is capable of serving a vast variety of company demands; it’s as if you have a hidden business partner overseeing an entire component of your organization’s success strategy.

Large loss recovery. Fires, hurricanes and flooding are among the major causes of financial loss for enterprises in the United States. They can cause a lot of damage, especially if they are not handled promptly. When you call SERVPRO, you can be confident that you are calling a highly qualified crew that is available 24 hours a day to deliver reliable emergency services and minimize your downtime and recovery time.

Emergency Ready Plan. Recovery begins even before the disaster strikes—that is, if your business is prepared. We can aid you in setting up the appropriate strategy for when the time comes. You may require an emergency chain of command, alternative meeting or work spaces, and temporary suppliers during a crisis, and we’ll have you set up for a simple button press to commence all of this.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We provide solutions for every scenario, from specialist cleaning services such as trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal to more common requirements such as carpet cleaning and upholstery restoration in high-traffic areas. We’ve been doing this a long time and have seen and cleaned everything.

Restoration Services. Storms cause flash floods. The interns might ignite a fire in the kitchen. A water pipe could rupture. All of these unpredictable situations require repair and cleaning, which SERVPRO excels in. From water removal to restoration, you can depend on us to restore the shine to your organization after a disaster.

Industry Specialization. We are equipped to help any organization, having spent decades understanding the ins and outs of each industry. We can assist you with any very particular or unusual cleaning and restoration demands your organization may have. In many circumstances, we may even enclose the workspace to avoid interfering with the routine activities of adjacent regions.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

Spring Storms and Other Weather Events in the U.S.

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of Lowell is a click away if you experience any damage.

As one of the world’s biggest nations, the United States features a highly diverse climate across the board. As a consequence, seasonal weather in the United States is not one-size-fits-all—different parts of the country experience unique weather patterns, resulting in varying degrees of weather threats for different areas.

Let’s take a look at the weather patterns that may develop as spring approaches and warm and cold air masses mix throughout the country—as well as what we might expect here in Massachusetts.

The Pacific Northwest’s spring months are prone to severe rain, which may cause floods and water damage. Snow will continue to build at higher altitudes, and the resulting melting and runoff may cause issues of its own.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast, including our state, enjoy the longest winters and will have cold temperatures throughout the season. But that’s changing.

In Massachusetts and the Northeast, winters are projected to become warmer and reduce the average number of snowfalls from an average of five snowfalls to between one to three per month. By the end of the century, the number of severe precipitation occurrences is expected to more than double. From Maine to the Dakotas, folks can anticipate frigid weather, blizzards and heavy snow even until late spring or early summer.

The Southwest and southern West Coast, on the other hand, will need to be on the lookout for severe heat waves that may harm people and property. The South Pacific, including Hawaii, will be on high alert for the risk of tectonic activity-caused tsunamis.

Windstorms, derechos and the possibility of wildfires will also be on the radar for the central United States, from Iowa to Texas as they can spread quickly when winds are strong and conditions are dry. Tornado Alley, which is particularly prone to tornadoes, is found in this area.

Finally, we should anticipate a broad variety of severe weather occurrences in the Southeast, from thunderstorms and tornadoes in landlocked regions to early-season hurricanes along the coast later in the spring.

Extreme weather is a risk wherever you reside in the United States. While conditions differ by state, it never hurts to be aware of and prepared for extreme weather.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Have You Considered Disaster Preparedness?

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Lowell will be there to help.

It’s reasonable that you have a lot on your plate when you own a company. You have a full-time job as well as an infinite to-do list that follows you around at all times. It’s just a lot of work between recruitment, bookkeeping, inventory, advertising and so much more.

But all of your hard work might be in jeopardy if you are not prepared for the worst. To get to this point, you’ve put in a lot of time and effort, and you want to do everything possible to give your business the best chance of surviving a disaster.

A lot of times, it is impossible to get your company back up and running after a fire, hurricane or other tragedy. FEMA reports that 40% of small businesses shut down permanently after a disaster, with a large percentage of those that do reopen closing again within a year.

So, what can you do? The answer is to have a plan. Having a plan in place for what to do next if your organization is hit by a disaster incident might be the difference between survival and failure.

In fact, three-quarters of small businesses in the United States do not have a disaster plan in place. It’s only natural that businesses that are disaster-prepared have a higher chance of surviving.

SERVPRO of Lowell assists businesses in disaster preparedness by helping them create a customized Emergency Ready Plan that can be tailored to business objectives, location and industry. If you have a plan in place, you will be able to minimize interruption to business since you will know what to do in the event of a crisis.

On their own, disasters are difficult to cope with. Take advantage of your chance to prepare for a disaster before it occurs. We’re ready to assist you with your Emergency Ready Plan right now.

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

What Does “Full Service” Really Mean?

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Lowell to get the job done.

You know what it means when our big green truck show up to your favorite restaurant after it had a kitchen fire. It means our expert help has arrived.

Most know SERVPRO as a restoration company of some sort, and that’s not false—it’s not a complete picture of what we can really do.

We are a full-service restoration and reconstruction giant. Keep reading to understand exactly what we can do.

Water damage recovery. You found damage from a leak or a flood? Our experts will dry it up and restore it.

Fire damage recovery. Every 23 seconds, a fire occurs in the United States. That’s a lot of fires and the effects can be disastrous, but we’ve got all the skills it takes to help.

Mold removal. Mold develops very soon after water damage occurs, and it can get bad enough to threaten the structure of your home. You can endanger yourself and potentially cause the mold to spread if not treated properly—so let our pros in green handle it.

Storm recovery. Storms can cause devastating destruction. We have what it takes to get your home or business restored to “Like it never even happened” status from the day the storm hits to when you move back in.

Commercial needs. Businesses and commercial spaces of any kind have access to the same services we offer to homeowners, plus more.

General cleaning. We also offer cleaning services for your home or business. From your carpets to your upholstery and everything in between, we can clean it when you simply don’t have the time. We are here to give you the clean you deserve so you can live your life.

Specialty cleaning. From document restoration to duct cleaning to even biohazard cleanup, we offer it all. Seriously, if it can get dirty, we can clean it.

Construction. In the event that the worst happens and your space can’t be restored, you can trust SERVPRO to rebuild and restore whatever possible to its preloss condition. 

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done

The 4 Sides of the Fire Tetrahedron

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Lowell is ready around the clock to help you recover.

If you take three triangles and fold them around a fourth triangular base, you’ve got yourself a tetrahedron. This three-dimensional shape may not be one you think of often, but the fire community thinks about it all the time.

The fire tetrahedron is a visual aid that has come to represent the four things a fire must have in order to ignite and survive. These things must be present in order for fire to begin, and without any one of them, a fire can’t start or survive.

The SERVPRO Process for Water Damage Restoration

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Lowell for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration

Here’s some astonishing math for you—14,000 Americans, on average, will deal with a water damage issue today. That means that by the time you finish reading this paragraph, it will have happened to someone else already.

And while we certainly hope you are never that particular someone, we’re on call 24 hours a day if it ever happens. When you call SERVPRO with a water emergency, here’s what you can anticipate.

Emergency Contact. Right away, we’ll ask some guiding questions to give ourselves a good feel for what’s going on. Then we’ll set up a time in the very near future for an in-person evaluation.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once we get to your home, we’ll properly assess the causes and effects, shut off any remaining flow, and get to work. We’ll make sure you’re aware of any potential dangers caused by the damage, and we’ll help you identify items that may be damaged beyond restoration.

Water Removal. Three words: big, strong pumps. We’ll let our machinery flex its muscle and remove the potential tons of water that may be overrunning your home. We’ll completely remove all the offending liquid so we can move on to getting your home back in the dry.

Damaged Material Removal. Once removal is underway, we can go about the next step: removing and hauling away items that have been too heavily damaged to be restored, including carpet, furniture and more.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. A watery mess caused by flooding or other incidents leaves staining at the very least, and may also introduce toxins, chemicals or contaminants. We’ll thoroughly clean and disinfect areas of need to ensure your home is safe and sanitized.

Drying. The clock is ticking on mold growth, so once the main water is removed, we’ll get micro and use powerful HEPA vacuums to pull the remaining excess moisture from the air and extract it from dampened surfaces and items.

Monitoring. We’ll have a close watch on the whole process, monitoring for efficiency and function of equipment, and making any changes as needed on the fly.

Repairs and Construction. Once all is dry again, we can get to the work of restoration, making your damaged possessions look like new again, and reconstructing any areas of your home that have been negatively affected by the water damage.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like It Never Even Happened.”

Are You And Your Business Ready For A Disaster

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Be Ready For Whatever Issues May Happen

We at SERVPRO of Lowell are helping local businesses prepare for disasters. We call these, ERP’s. (Emergency Ready Profiles).  One of the best reasons to start an ERP is because disasters seem to happen when you are away from the office or on vacation.  Our SERVPRO ERP is a start-up approach that provides critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services so that in the event of a disaster, you are already prepared and ahead of the game!

Many businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a plan to get back into their buildings following a disaster.  Knowing what to do, who to call, and what to expect in advance is the key to mitigation.  Timely mitigation minimizes the effects of water and fire damage allowing your property and business to be restored at an advanced rate with minimal downtime.

For more information about starting an ERP for your business today please call James Colton 978-454-7577.

There’s No Time to Wait When You Have an Emergency

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire issue pops up during the holidays, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry, SERVPRO of Lowell

Imagine, if you will, a scenario. Back in the prehistoric age (aka before the internet), if you wanted to read a book that wasn’t on your shelf at home, you had to go to a place called the library, where they kept lots of books.

Instead of being able to instantly read whatever you want on your phone or tablet, you had to get dressed, drive downtown, browse through some weird card system that was somehow a combination of boredom and math, and then find your book (hopefully) on the proper aisle. And there was a chance it might just be gone. You could try again in two weeks.

Waiting for something you want is annoying. Waiting for something you need is potentially dangerous.

When disaster strikes at home, there’s no time to wait, because waiting means further and worsened damage. That’s why SERVPRO is always right on the other side of this screen—24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency services.

After a fire. Waiting to deal with a fire means you have to contend with more than burned wood and possessions. It also means you have to manage the effects of soot, the resulting sludge that covers your walls and belongings after incomplete combustion during the fire. In only minutes, soot attaches to carpets, drywall and other surfaces, and only a few hours later, its stains, along with the smell of smoke, become permanent.

After water damage. Water damage is gutting—it soaks whatever it touches, bringing instant degradation to all manner of things. But you have a window of about 48 hours to eliminate the water and extract the moisture from affected areas before mold also becomes a problem. Having to wait for service means giving mold a head-start, and for your sake and the sake of your home, that can’t happen.

Additionally, your home could incur sudden damage from things like natural disasters, storms and more, and those things certainly aren’t working a 9-to-5 schedule. When something happens, you need help right away. And you can trust SERVPRO to be at the ready. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster not only in slogan, but in function.

When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.

Water Damage Numbers That Will Have You Reeling

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO of Lowell

There’s a potential damage source running through your home at every moment—your water supply, being held in place only by your pipes, appliances and supply hoses. This water supply can do swift, sweeping damage if it breaks containment. That’s why having a well-equipped and maintained plumbing system is of great importance.

When you get a good look at some of these water damage numbers, you’ll start to see the incredible amount of damage happening all over the country every day, and the absolutely astonishing cost of making it all right again.

24. It’s the number of hours in a day, but it’s also the percentage of all U.S. home insurance claims that are based on water damage. One out of every 50 homeowners this year alone will encounter a water issue that requires insurance-level repair or restoration.

48. You’ve got 48 hours max, and as few as 24, before mold starts growing. This is one of the most important reasons water damage has to be dealt with quickly; mold will begin growing well before you can see it on surfaces.

98. There’s not much to say about this one except, “May the odds be ever in your favor.” This is the number out of every 100 basements that will flood or experience water damage eventually. So you might be able to avoid this one if you catch all your houses during the right time periods, but those basements are most likely going to end up being somebody’s problem.

10,234. This is the amount of the average water insurance claim. Look at that number again and consider the cost of a little preventive leak repair or updates to plumbing versus the cost of repair. It’s worth it to act quickly.

14,000. If you circled today’s date on your calendar, there would be 14,000 tiny burst pipes or floods living inside it, one for each actual event that will happen somewhere in the United States today. Yes, today alone, every six seconds, someone is calling an insurance agent about a water issue.

13,000,000,000. This is the annual amount spent on repairs and restoration of water damage events. That’s 13 billion. Over 400 dollars per second are going toward repairing someone’s burst water heater or a leak that got out of hand.

Incredible, isn’t it? It’s honestly a little overwhelming, but don’t fret. Keeping your plumbing up to date and in good working order, staying on top of leaks and replacing hoses regularly can help you do your best at being part of the prevention of these numbers, rather than being a victim of them.

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO to see how we can quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

It’s Time to Prepare for Winter Storms and Extreme Weather

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Lowell for fast, restorative solutions

Lowell isn’t exactly Westeros, but make no mistake—winter is coming.

Some of you have been looking forward to this season since March, and others of you have been dreading it since the first leaf fell. But loving or hating winter won’t do anything to change the fact that living in Lowell means dealing with winter storms.

Your Home’s Top 5 Risks for Fire

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Lowell are here for you if your home is affected by fire

Fire safety reminders are ubiquitous. If you’re at a place of business, they even hang on the walls. You did fire drills every year in school, and you learned to stop, drop and roll. We’re all pretty well-acquainted with the dangers of fire by this point.

And yet somehow, more than one-fourth of all reported fires, and more than three-fourths of all civilian fire casualties, happen at home.

What are we still missing about fire safety? Let’s look at the most likely places fires may begin at home, and you can see for yourself.

Cooking. The most likely place, by a long shot, for a fire to start in your home, is the kitchen. And the most likely cause of a fire in the kitchen by quite a margin is unattended cooking. If you’re leaving food to cook while you step out of the room, or being inattentive to the cooking process, you’re cooking up disaster.

Heating equipment. It’s only reasonable to assume that the increased use of heating equipment and elements during colder months might lead to a rise in fires—it’s simply going to happen sometimes. But beyond equipment malfunction there are a couple of important things to always keep in mind. Keep your heat sources safely away from anything that could ignite—furniture, bedding, clothes. And if you’re using a portable space heater, keep it from tipping or overheating, and prevent dangerous scenarios by turning it off whenever you leave the room and when you go to sleep.

Electrical fires. Electricity is an inherent fire risk, but routine maintenance, inspection and upgrades can keep you from as much danger as possible. Frayed or aging wiring can easily lead to shorts, overloads and other dangers, as can things like misusing extension cords and overloading light sources with high-wattage bulbs.

Intentional fires. It happens more often that you’d think: Around 28,000 intentional home fires happen each year in the U.S. More than 75 fires a day are started with the intent of doing harm to a piece of property.

Smoking materials. The lowest statistical cause for home fires comes with the highest price tag—more people die as a result of smoking mishaps than any other cause. If smoking is your thing, never do it while you’re groggy, impaired or in bed, or you could end up paying the ultimate price.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.

3 Things You’ll Want to Know About a Service Company

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

You can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line, SERVPRO of Lowell

Home repair is rarely something homeowners get excited about, because it typically means that something unfortunate has happened to catalyze the repair. The reality is that home ownership often comes with a ticking clock, counting down to some random event like a local flood or a grease fire that gets out of containment—something that means you’re going to need some restoration.

When that happens, you’ve got some decisions to make. What service company will you call, and how will you know they’ll get the job done and give your home the proper care?

When you’re considering anyone to make restorative repairs at home, ask these questions first.

Are They Legit?

Having an unfortunate incident at home, only to be ripped off by a less-than-savory contractor is adding insult to injury. Unfortunately, scammers often appear in areas hard-hit by disaster to take advantage of the need to find fast repair. They’ll offer “too good to be true” rates and estimates, take a deposit and then be gone with repairs that unacceptable, unfinished or just plain un-done.

When you call SERVPRO, you’re getting a company with a half-century’s reputation for honest work, reasonable estimates and excellent care. Homeowners continue to trust us because protecting our good name is one of our top priorities.

If that’s not enough, consider that no less than the PGA Tour counts on SERVPRO as a cleanup and recovery partner for their immaculate facilities and tour stops. That’s the level of care you can expect when you call us, too.

Will They Be There When I Need Help?

Nights, weekends, holidays—disasters happen during all of them, and when they do, you shouldn’t be left waiting for office hours to resume. That’s why SERVPRO has a team waiting right here, right now for around-the-clock emergency services.

When you call, we take action right away.

Where’s a Fleet When You Need One?

SERVPRO of Lowell is locally owned and operated, which means our elite team is both close and fast. But did you know that we’ve got backup?

If a widespread disaster requires a sudden surge of service, we send out a beacon and a host of SERVPRO professionals answer the call to assist you and your community. There’s no cleanup or recovery too large, and yet there’s no need so great that yours gets overlooked.

When you call SERVPRO, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.

Care for Your Customers With Commercial Services From SERVPRO

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Are you ready to have the cleanest business in town? Contact SERVPRO of Lowell for all your cleaning needs.

When homeowners face destruction from natural disasters, fires or mold outbreaks, they know that they can contact SERVPRO and receive top-shelf, fast restoration, rebuilding and remediation. It’s a reputation we’ve earned over a half-century-plus in the industry.

Likewise, business owners also know that SERVPRO can help when a crisis comes, whether from water leaks, roof damage or otherwise. But did you know there’s something else we can help businesses with, even when there’s no damage to repair?

That’s right—even in peacetime we can serve you, by making sure your business is clean—not merely clean-looking, but actually, really clean.

Commercial Services for Businesses of Any Size

No matter the business, we can improve your standard of clean with a custom plan for your context. We’ve got services for:

Grocery stores, retail shops and department stores. Whether your store is a sole location of part of a multi-national conglomerate, we can give you world-class clean and bacterial care.

Schools and athletic facilities. The daily swiping of students and teachers is only ridding school desks of half the bacteria that’s living on them, and it’s even worse for items that don’t get cleaned every day. We can provide a safer environment for students to learn and play, from preschool through college and beyond.

Healthcare, outpatient clinics and nursing facilities. When lives are at stake or patients are receiving critical care, you can’t afford to be worried about extra germs lying around on surfaces and equipment. We can focus on keeping the facility clean to give you one less thing to stress over.

Convention centers and hotels. When people are buzzing around all day, you’ve got to know that high-contact surfaces are disinfected and germs are held to a minimum—plus you want your space to have an impressive, clean feeling that’s conducive to the work and play that goes on at resorts, casinos and convention centers.

Food distribution and service. When it comes to the foodservice industry, every step of the way has to be safe and disinfected to avoid unwanted bacteria coming in contact with the cuisine.

Property management and business complexes. We can give apartments, high rises and commercial parks the sparkling clean that keeps tenants happy.

Every year, businesses are losing $260 billion due to sick days and the lost productivity office illnesses cause. We want to help you cut down on those losses and put your best foot forward for clients, customers and tenants.

When you’re ready to have the cleanest business in town, we’re ready to help. Contact your local SERVPRO to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

Enjoy Fall With Fire Safety in Mind

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Lowell is the trusted leader in the restoration industry

The Pats are are back on the field, the weather is perfect for hiking and camping and suddenly the smell of pumpkin spice is all over the place. That all points toward one conclusion—fall is really here.

The mild season before the plunge of winter is here to relieve you from summer and give you one last chance to get your outdoor fix in before the freeze.

Autumn, as with any season, comes with special considerations for fire safety, so let’s go over a few before you break out the s’mores.

Campfire Safety

Cool fall nights are perfect for camping, and we say make the most of it. But when you’re setting up your fire, make sure to take proper precautions.

Build your fire in a pre-dug pit surrounded by stones if there is one provided by the campsite. If not, keep it at least 25 feet away from any tents or structures.

Only light your fire with trusted methods like matches or lighters, never using kerosene or lighter fluid to light or accelerate the flames.

When it’s time to go, don’t leave anything hot or glowing. Any live embers you leave behind are potential wildfire threats. Don’t walk away from your campfire until all remaining wood and ash are cool to the touch.

Open Burning

Open burning of leaves or yard waste is prohibited in Lowell proper, but surrounding areas may provide exceptions, and you can check with your local municipality to find out.

If your township does allow leaf burning, you’ll probably be required to use a metal or concrete structure with a screened top. There will also be restrictions as to times and placements of any open fires.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are repeat offenders when it comes to starting home fires. Any heater you employ should be used with utmost care and kept a minimum of three feet from any flammable objects.

Always place your heater on a level surface, and ensure that no children will be playing nearby. Newer heaters may include functions for automatic shutoff if they’re tipped over or if they overheat—it’s highly recommended that you upgrade to these.

Never leave your heater on when you go to bed, and turn it off whenever you leave the room.

Halloween

We’ll talk more about this later, but be aware of fire risks as you decorate and celebrate this fall—hanging lights, decorations and candles can all present potential hazards.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

How SERVPRO Can Help Your Insurance Agent

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

How SERVPRO Can Help Your Insurance Agent

After a disaster at your Lowell MA business , you may contact your insurance adjuster to file a claim and figure out the next steps for restoration. In many cases, your agent may have a preferred restoration vendor such as SERVPRO they recommend for a variety of reasons. In addition to being certified professionals, a preferred restoration team may also be able to help your insurance agent in a number of ways.

1. Damage Assessment

One important aspect of an insurance claim is a damage assessment. In many cases a restoration service may have to do this as well, so choosing a preferred provider allows the restoration professionals to perform the assessment they need to create a repair plan, and then share this information with your insurance provider.

2. Electronic Inventory System

Your insurance adjuster may also recommend a local SERVPRO as they offer the use of an electronic inventory system. This system can be accessed remotely and can store files needed for the insurance claim. This can allow all the information to be kept in a single location making it easy for your agent to access what they need as they work on your claim.

3. Item Cleaning Services

Another service your professional restoration team may be able to offer is item cleaning. This means that they can possibly clean and restore many of the company items that may have been damaged. Each item will require a different cleaning solution depending on size, material, and if the item is mechanical or electrical in nature. A restoration service may even be able to repair documentation. This can be helpful to your agent because it allows them to recommend a single team to work with rather than several.

Your insurance adjuster may recommend a preferred restoration service such as SERVPRO for a number of reasons. These can include the team’s ability to help with damage assessment, as well as their ability to offer an electronic inventory service and item cleaning. If you have further questions a professional can help.

How You Can Eliminate the Smell of Cigarette Smoke From Your Home

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re struggling to get rid of cigarette smoke smell, consult SERVPRO of Lowell for help.

How To Get Rid Of The Cigarette Smoke Smell In Your House

If you’re a non-smoker, if you’re trying desperately to quit, there are few worse odors than the smell of lingering cigarette smoke. Whether you used to the smell of smoke and the smell is strong in your Lowell, MA home, or whether you’ve never smoked but you just moved into a home where smokers once lived, you want to do everything you can to get rid of the strong stench. Simply opening the windows or spraying an air freshener won’t do the trick. You need something heavy duty such home deodorization efforts.

Eliminate the Sources

The smell of cigarettes can hang around your home for years, so even if you’ve never smoked a day in your life, it doesn’t mean previous owners’ habits can’t affect you. However, if you once were a smoker or recently stopped the habit, you need to get rid of anything that produced the smell. These include:

• Cigarette butts
• Ends of cigars
• Ashtrays

Try Some Home Remedies

Home deodorization techniques can be effective, especially if you use them as soon as you detect a smell and if you repeat the steps as necessary. One of the most basic tricks is to sprinkle baking soda on the affected areas. This will probably include your carpet and furniture. The baking soda will absorb the smell. You can then vacuum the baking soda. Another option is to use charcoal, which also absorbs strong smells. If these don’t work, try using hydrogen peroxide in the smelly areas of your home.

Use the Right Equipment

When you use these remedies, make sure you wear disposable gloves and clothing that covers your arms and legs. It will also help to place a fan in the area.

It may surprise you how effective these home deodorization techniques may be. If you’re still struggling to get rid of the smells, consult an expert home restoration technician for help.

Understanding a Flood Cut

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Unless you have experienced past house flooding in Lowell , MA or are an experienced home renovator, there is a good chance that you do not have the phrase “flood cut” in your vocabulary. For the typical homeowner, many questions come to mind when the water restoration specialist uses this expression after assessing the storm damage in your home.

What Does “Flood Cut” Mean?

• A flood cut refers to the removal of drywall from the bottom portion of the rooms in your home that experienced water damage.
• Typically, this cut is made between 12 – 18 inches above where the water damage stopped.
• The restoration specialists then tear out the drywall below the flood cut line.

When Is a Flood Cut Necessary?

• After flooding, the excess water is removed from your house. However, there may be moisture behind the walls and the drywall may be damaged. Removal of the bottom portion of the wall allows the contractors access to the interior structures of your home.
• If there is contamination in the water that touches the drywall, such as from sewage backup, all affected walls require removal to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• When insulation is present behind water-damaged walls, it is necessary to remove the drywall because insulation cannot be properly dried out or replaced with the wall intact.

How Does a Flood Cut Work?

• Restoration contractors begin the flood cut process soon after water removal to prevent the formation and spread of mold, which can occur within 24 – 48 hours.
• The flood cut line is measured and determined before a laser level marks the wall. A tarp is placed to catch the debris, and the cut is made.
• Once the restoration specialists inspect behind the drywall, another cut may be needed if the damage is larger than expected.
• Damaged materials are removed and adequate ventilation is put in place.

By knowing the meaning of “flood cut”, you are one step closer to understanding the terminology used in your home’s recovery from a water damage in Lowell, MA.

How To Care for Wet Items After You’ve Had Water Damage

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

When a disaster hits, such as a massive storm or a broken pipe, and there’s water in the home, don’t forget about saving valuables and keepsakes. Mold and mildew start to form in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Here are a few suggestions to help you restore your cherished household items.

General Cleaning Tips

Rinse wet items with clean water.
Brush off debris from dry items or use a damp cloth to brush the dirt away.
Dry items indoors as the sun and outdoor heat may be too intense.
Reduce moisture in the air with a dehumidifier or open windows and run fans.
Wear proper safety gear, such as gloves and masks, when dealing with water in the home.

Photographs
Carefully take photos out of paper or plastic envelopes. It may be easier to cut the envelope away from the picture so you don’t risk tearing it. Don’t pull apart wet photos or negatives that are stuck to each other. Submerge them in clean water until they come away from each other. Dry photographs by hanging them or laying them on a flat surface.

Documents
Place the paper in a sturdy container; stack them carefully so they aren’t compressed too much. Put the boxes in a freezer set to the lowest temperature. It may take weeks or months for the papers to dry completely.

Textiles
Water can seriously damage fabric and leather. Allow them to air dry before removing any dirt and debris. Rinse material with clean water and gently blot with towels to remove the excess water. Replace any water-logged stuffing or padding. Take take rugs and window treatments in for dry cleaning as you normally would.
When in doubt, contact a professional water restoration company in Lowell, MA. They know how to repair and restore damage caused by water in the home and have the equipment and training to make the process easier for you.

How Can I Stop Damages from a Fire Affecting My Whole Lowell House?

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Containment Is Vital to Stopping the Spread of Soot, Smoke, and Odors – Our SERVPRO Team Can Help. 

Knowing how to reduce the spread and severity of fire loss effects is not common knowledge to homeowners, but it is something that professional restoration teams like our SERVPRO technicians begin working on immediately with our arrival. Containment strategies help to keep the damaged area in one place and do not allow the work involved in restoration to be necessary over the entire property.

How Does Containment Work? 

When it comes to reducing fire damage in Lowell homes, containment barriers are among the first steps that our responding technicians employ. There are multiple approaches to accomplishing this, including physical constructions around the perimeter of the damaged area to keep spreading effects like soot and odors in one area. These walls usually feature wood and thick plastic sheeting. Non-physical barriers are the equipment set up along this perimeter to contain environmental threats like soot particles, floating debris, ash, and odors.

Some other advantages to containing the damage include:

• Singular recovery area
• Maximizes drying and cleaning
• Prevents the spread of harmful effects

How Do You Prevent Contaminating Clean Areas? 

Cross-contamination can be a challenge to avoid on any recovery site. Our SERVPRO team sets up a staging area beside the primary damaged region of your house. This second space also gets contained with the same defense. This area allows us to manage tools getting used in the compromised space and our clothing to prevent contaminating other areas of the house. Setting up a staging area limits our trips in and out of the work area as well, which reduces the chances of contaminating other areas of the house.

Fire losses can be stressful enough without the effects spreading throughout your entire residence. Our SERVPRO of Lowell can help with effective containment to maximize our production and focus. Give our professionals a call anytime at 978-454-7577.

Helping Your Business Be More Prepared for a Disaster

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you are a business owner who has not yet considered what you would do in the event of a disaster, now is a great time to figure it out. Preparing for a disaster is one of the best ways to protect the investment you have made in your business. Though your commercial insurance policy may cover some losses, it will often not be enough—nearly 40% of businesses are never able to reopen after a disaster strikes.

Fortunately, planning ahead can allow you to significantly reduce the likelihood that your business will sustain irreparable damage and will help you and your employees stay safe if an emergency situation occurs. Here are some ways that any business owner can prepare for a disaster:

Check Your Insurance Coverage

While many business owners assume that if their commercial insurance policy is in good standing that they are covered, this is not always the case, unfortunately. While your commercial insurance covers many types of traditional losses, damages due to natural disasters are often specifically excluded from policies, leaving many business owners at a loss when they attempt to file a claim. 

Check your insurance coverage in advance to determine exactly what is missing from your policy and consider purchasing additional protection if needed.

Make Sure You Have a Plan for Employees

If a disaster becomes imminent while you and your staff are on-site, being able to manage everyone in a panicked state is extremely important. One way you can make this easier on yourself is by having a plan in place and communicating that to your employees ahead of time. 

You should have a plan for a sudden evacuation, such as when a fire or flood becomes a threat, but you should also make a plan in case you and your staff are required to stay on-site until help arrives. If everyone knows what to do, it will be much easier to keep the group calm and make sure people are safe

If your business has suffered damage due to a disaster, let us help you with restoration. We can work with your insurance company and completely restore all of your damages. Contact us at any time to learn more.

Property Owners Benefit from SERVPRO's Advanced Techniques for Water Mitigation

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO Combines Advanced Skills and Equipment during Water Cleanup in LOWELL MA

Water loss can happen at any time since water plays a significant role in day-to-day life. The steps you take after noticing the loss play a significant role in determining the outcome of the incident. Among the steps that should be prioritized is cleanup. Cleaning up the affected area helps remove standing water and any soiling or debris from the incident. We are IICRC certified, so we offer highly skilled teams and use state-of-the-art equipment to restore your Lowell home.

Water Cleanup and Restoration

An exercise of water cleanup in Lowell should address both current and future problems. In most cases, the current problem is making the affected areas habitable again. Extracting any standing water and drying contents should help make the area habitable. Our SERVPRO technicians use advanced equipment such as dry-wet vacs and truck-mounted water extractors to remove water fast from all affected areas. The water extractors have pumping and vacuum capabilities, which allow the collection of standing water and extraction from soggy materials such as carpets.

Extraction removes most of the water However, a significant percentage remains as moisture, which is more stubborn to deal with, especially when involving materials like wood. This moisture is also likely to cause long-term problems if not adequately addressed. Our SERVPRO technicians tap into their Applied Structural Drying skills to overcome challenges in the drying phase. In addition to using advanced drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers, we also use unique approaches. For example, when drying hardwood floors, we can seal the damp area with a plastic sheet to control the drying process, further preventing issues like the splitting of floorboards.

Water loss incidents can also cause foul odors because of microbial growth or from wastes pushed into concealed spaces. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on their training to identify problem areas where mold can grow, or wastes pushed and remain hidden for long. We clean and deodorize such areas eliminating any odors.

In case of a water loss incident, call SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Stopping Water Damage at Home Before It Starts

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Lowell team if you are dealing with any water damage.

When it comes to water in your home, gravity and pressure can be a volatile combination. Together, they mean that not only is the water in every pipe and hose always looking for somewhere else to go, but also that it’s exerting force on every connection and passageway to try to get out.

Much of a homeowner’s experience with water damage happens from events that you’ll never see coming. But there are a few places that, if kept in check, you might be able to prevent some leaks and damage before they begin.

Toilets. Most of your toilet is very solid, and leaks through cracks are very rare. But the rubber pieces (the flapper and valve seal) are your most likely source of leaks.

Appliances. Anything that uses a supply hose to send or transfer water—toilets, refrigerators and especially washing machines—are prone to develop leaks in the hoses and potentially in other places as well. Dishwashers may leak through the door, for example, if seals wear down. Oh, and when’s the last time you thought about the age of your water heater? Tank heaters over 10 years old run the risk of exploding.

Clogged gutters. Now here’s a leak you can almost surely prevent. A little time on the ladder a couple of times a year can make all the difference when it comes to keeping leaves, dirt and debris from forming a dam inside your gutters and damaging your roof. Speaking of which…

Roof damage. Inspect your roof from the ground regularly, and you may notice signs of wear before they become a real problem. Look for cracked or bowed shingles, damaged flashing or mortar around the chimney. You may also catch areas of mold or pooling that require care as well.

Pipes. Metal pipes can burst because of oxidation or excessive water pressure, and any pipe can overwhelm a loose-fitted joint. In your front yard, you may even have to deal with tree roots, which can intrude upon pipes and choke out your water supply—this one takes some real sleuthing to figure out.

Blocked garbage disposals or other pipes. Anything that clumps together (eggshells, coffee grounds), solidifies (grease or animal fat), or soaks up water and expands (pasta or rice) can cause disposal problems and backups.

Water damage can happen anywhere water is flowing, but with a little time and maintenance, you may be able to keep it flowing only where it’s supposed to.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

Take Summer Storms Seriously

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

If a storm caused damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Lowell is on the line, ready to make things right.

It’s summer in Lowell, and that means it’s time to get outside and be active. The days are longer, the weather is warmer—it’s a lovely time.

Maybe you’re heading to Boston to cheer on the Sox or planning a weekend hiking in the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest. But whatever your plans, be sure to take your umbrella.

In spite of the sun and warmth (or more accurately, because of it), summertime is actually more likely to produce thunderstorms than other times of year. Though average rainfall is on the lower end during summer, it actually rains 28% of the time during those months, and the warm air clashing with moisture is more likely to result in thunderstorms.

Be Storm-Alert

Storm alerts mustn’t be ignored. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, you should pay attention and plan to plan around them. An NOAA Weather radio can provide a big assist as well, as it can provide helpful alerts and updates, even if a storm should knock out your power.

If local news predicts the possibility of flooding, you should consider rearranging travel plans or canceling planned events. And check the backyard—you may need to tie down patio furniture or secure garbage cans so they don’t get blown or washed away by the storm.

Storm prep isn’t as fun as watching J.D. Martinez crush baseballs, but it’s essential if you want to ensure your safety. Flooding and storm-related accidents cause a number of fatalities each year, and most of those deaths could have been prevented with some extra care or preparation.

Be Storm-Safe

You’re safest indoors during a storm, even after rain has stopped. Lighting can strike up to 10 miles from an active storm, so you’re not fully safe until the storm has moved on and you haven’t heard any peals of thunder for 30 minutes.

Indoor safety includes staying out of the shower or tub, as currents can travel through pipes and water—they can also shatter windows, so sit away from those as well.

How’s your emergency kit? If you don’t have one ready, get one ready before storms present a problem, and keep a mobile kit in the back of the car for evacuation situations.

If flooding does occur, avoid floodwater at all costs. It can wash away established roads and compromise others, it can carry off cars and cause hydroplaning, and coming in contact with it can make you ill.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

Pawtucketville’s Trusted Expert in the Recovery Industry

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Lowell is your local restoration expert

You deserve an award.

As a home or business owner, you’re constantly playing any number of leading parts, from executive chef to chauffeur, from design consultant to social media manager. It’s the role of a lifetime, and you’re pulling it off well.

But we’re willing to bet you’re not ready to tackle a full-blown recovery effort after a fire or natural disaster.

When that kind of crisis takes over, you need specialized help from someone you trust. That’s when you call on us.

We’re Always Ready and Faster to Any Size Disaster

Disaster doesn’t wait for you to be ready, and we don’t wait until it happens to get ready. We’re prepared to move out right now, or whenever a crisis should call.

Any time you have to wait for a service company means more mold, thicker smoke smell or more sopping furniture. A rapid response makes all the difference, and having a SERVPRO franchise right here in Lowell gives you the amplified power of having a local, mobile team backed by the resources and strength of a nationwide resource dynamo.

We’re Trained to Handle Residential and Commercial Services

Over our 50-plus years of experience, we’ve seen it all—and we’ve come to learn that homes and businesses need custom solutions to fit specific areas and situations. So when you call, you can rest assured we’ll find the right process to take care of your crisis.

We’ll Make It "Like it never even happened."

You can expect no less than total, expert service from beginning to end, with a finish so clean you’ll have to remind yourself that we were even on site in the first place.

We Offer the Services You Need in a Changing World

Disease prevention is at a premium for businesses, and we want you to be at the forefront of the next wave of customer care—that’s why we offer the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program.

Your business will be the safest in town, and your customers will know they’re valuable to you.

Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO has the tools, the technicians and the training to get your situation under control. When you’re ready to get help from the best, get in touch with SERVPRO.

Restoring Your Commercial Property in Lowell After a Damaging Water Event

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events in Lowell commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we are dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges.  Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your financial constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When an emergency arises in your business, call SERVPRO of Lowell at (978) 454-7577 and we will be there fast with the help you need.

Maintaining Your Gutters Prevents Water Damage in Lowell

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tips for Your Lowell Home to Stop Damage by Water

Keeping your home’s gutters in good shape is one of the most important things you can do to avoid water damage to your home. The one thing gutters are designed to do is to channel water away from your foundation. They are critical in protecting the structural integrity of your home. However, for gutters to work correctly, they need to be kept in shape and free of holes, clogs, and sags. If your gutters have caused water damage to your home, you may be wondering where near me is a water damage remediation company, such as SERVPRO, who can help you clean up the mess.  

Most gutter problems are easily avoidable with proper upkeep to your Lowell home. It is worth the time and effort to avoid water damage to a Lowell home. Gutters are something where regular maintenance and inspection can stop more significant problems down the road. 

Clogged Gutters 

If left unattended, the most common problem is that downspouts and gutters get clogged with debris, which renders them useless. The extra weight of twigs, leaves, and standing water can make them sag as well and pull away from the fascia. Clean out your gutters once a year or twice if there are a lot of nearby trees. Maintenance should be scheduled four times a year, with more checks after big storms. If you are comfortable on a ladder, cleaning your gutters is possible on your own if your house is not unusually tall. Once the muck is cleared out, flush the gutters with a garden hose to ensure they flow well. 

If you still wind up having a problem with clogged gutters causing water damage to your home in any way, our trained staff at SERVPRO can come out and help you. We have the tools and experience to correct the damage and prevent more from occurring. 

Sagging Gutters 

Generally, this is a problem with the hardware which secures the gutters to the fascia. The fasteners could have backed out of the wood, the hangers may have deteriorated over time, or are spaced too far apart to support the whole weight of the gutters. As soon as you notice this problem, get new hangers right away to prevent any water damage. The fasteners are inexpensive, and this is an easy fix. 

Holes and Leaks 

You can seal gutter joints that are leaky by caulking the joint with gutter sealant on the inside. A tube is only a few dollars, and gutter sealant can be used to fill minuscule holes. Bigger holes need patches. 

Gutters that are not operating the way they should can cause severe water damage to your home. Once you realize there is a problem, contact SERVPRO of Lowell right away.  (978)-454-7577

Your Land as a Passive Wildfire Defense

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of Lowell is ready and able to repair any damage

Nothing frightens a homeowner more than the thought of seeing their property engulfed in a raging wildfire. While most home fires in Massachusetts are ignited by other things, wildfires are a more frequent occurrence than you might think. And they burn so hot and move so fast, it’s a small marvel that firefighters are able to stop them at all.

But there are methods you can employ to prevent and stop wildfires, the most important of which is being careful, which is far and away the best method of prevention, even though it still doesn’t happen often enough.

Let’s examine one of those methods today: It’s called “defensible space.”

What Is Defensible Space?

It’s not some new NASA missile thing. “Defensible space” is a series of buffer zones which surround your home and increase your chances of being protected from wildfire. Using the land around you wisely, removing fuel sources, and adding hard areas and materials that won’t burn all defend your home passively, before active help ever arrives.

Defensible space give you a chance to choke out a fire before it reaches your home by depriving it of fuel. If a fire can’t eat, it can’t grow. It also gives firefighters their best chance of stopping a wildfire before it gets to your house.

Why Defensible Space Matters

You probably think of wildfires as primarily a West Coast threat, but they can and do happen everywhere in the United States. In fact, there were over 59,000 wildfires across the country in 2020.

Even if we set aside California’s 10,000+ fires, there were still almost 1,000 fires per state on average in 2020, and no state got by without any at all.

Even Massachusetts had over 1,100 wildfires. And don’t look now, but 2021 is on pace to shatter last year’s mark—there have been 25% more fires this year so far.

It’s a good idea to set protections up to safeguard your home from wildfires, and using defensible space is a smart, practical way to protect what’s most precious.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team.

Extreme Storms Lead a Record Year for Weather Disasters

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

2020 was a nightmarish year for many, and a distressing year for basically everyone. And it was deeper even than COVID-19: Not only did the year bring a deadly global pandemic and an extended quarantine across the country, it also broke prior high marks for extreme weather in the U.S.

In fact, 2020 saw more weather disasters than any previous year on record.

A weather event isn’t officially classified as a disaster until it causes a billion dollars in damages, and there were an astounding 22 of these events in 2020. And there were many others that caused plenty of damage without reaching that status—there were so many storms in the Atlantic, for example, that the National Weather Service exhausted its list of names for the year and had to name storms using Greek letters for just the second time in history.

Here in Lowell, we suffered one of these many storms, as Tropical Storm Isaias left more than 200,000 people in our area without power.

Not Just Hurricanes

Hurricanes are massive storms, and they are definitely common culprits of these billion-dollar disasters. But it turns out that the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorms and tornadoes: Almost two-thirds, 14 of 22, were storm systems.

It’s astonishing the damage even one thunderstorm can cause. In August, a typical-looking system intensified, becoming a destructive derecho (picture a tornado, but with straight-line winds instead of a cyclone shape). The massive storm hit over 10 million acres of Nebraska corn fields, putting almost 50% of the state’s precious corn crop in peril, and endangering over 11% of the entire country’s corn.

Not Just 2020

We can hope 2020 was a singularity, but truthfully, it seems to be following an unsettling trend: The previous two years joined together for damages totaling $136 billion, and 2017’s weather caused a record-high $300 billion in repair costs. In fact, each year since 2010 has suffered at least eight billion-dollar natural disasters in the U.S.

Storms are possible anytime, anywhere, and it’s important to take precautions against storm and water damage. But if those precautions should become insufficient in an extreme weather situation, remember that SERVPRO is always standing by with ²⁴⁄₇ emergency support.

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO today to see how we can help.

A Deep-Clean that Gives Peace of Mind | SERVPRO® of Lowell

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re business has sanitation and cleaning needs, get in touch with the SERVPRO of Lowell team.

Lowell joins the rest of the nation’s communities both large and small in hoping to see “real life” return amid continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and business owners are hopeful for a full return to economic recovery as well.

But as employers return to on-site work and customers cautiously begin in-person shopping habits again, it’s incumbent on business owners to offer an experience in stores and offices that is up to a new standard of expected cleanliness.

And what’s more, your customers need business owners to go out of their way to show that they have made customer care a priority.

Get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program gives you both of these things. We’ll sanitize and disinfect your building with a custom cleaning solution that’s been used to combat threats like MRSA and anthrax, and we’ll give you a series of ways to let your customers and teams know before they ever walk inside that they’re safe in your store or office.

It’s all due to the three C’s of a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program.

Consult. We know your business has its own particular sanitation and janitorial needs, and we’ll work with you to find out what those are. It also helps that SERVPRO of Lowell is locally owned and operated, so we are already acquainted with many of the intricacies of northeastern Massachusetts.

Clean. Now that we’ve collaborated on a plan, we’ll get to work giving you the deepest clean available, using proprietary solutions and techniques that meet or exceed existing CDC standards, are NSF approved for food safety and are EPA-approved for use around children, pets and older people. And our focus is more than the coronavirus—our program is designed to reduce the risk of many common and uncommon sources of viral or infectious disease.

Certify. Now you can let everyone know that you’ve taken extra precautions to provide a safe shopping and working environment. We’ll grant you usage of the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned official shield, and we’ll supply you with physical and digital resources to let your customers know before they even step inside that you’ve put their safety at the forefront of your business strategy.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Fire Safety Around the Backyard | SERVPRO® of Lowell

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Many people relish spring as a favorite season, and what’s not to love? The cold of winter has left us, trees and plants are blooming and beautifying the landscape again, and the outdoors beckon us to activity. We might even get really crazy and do some of that running we said we’d start doing in January.

Spring and summer also bring ample opportunities for outdoor barbecues and gatherings, which in turn also give rise to the number of accidental fires in and around homes.

In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year. But don’t worry—there are a few simple ways you can safeguard your backyard activities from fire this season.

The grill. Let’s start with the biggest culprit of accidental spring and summer fires, the beloved grill. Grills present an inherent fire risk and danger, ubiquitous in society as they may be, but the close combination of flames and combustible elements creates prime opportunity for fires. So play it safe. Only use grills that are in good working order, operated on stable ground and that have no leaks or holes. Keep the grill away from any flammable objects, and don’t forget to clean it regularly. Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning!

The fire pit. The fire pit is a favorite new home feature, and it encourages social time in a relaxed atmosphere, a situation in which many of us thrive. But again, safety is paramount: Use a grate to keep embers from flying, and put out the fire slowly when you’re done for the same reason. Never leave the fire alone, and never leave children alone with the fire. And keep a bucket of water on hand, not just to extinguish the fire, but to have in case ash escapes the pit and finds the ground.

Chimneys and dryer vents. These are general safety tips, but now’s a good time to take care of them, too. Get rid of ash and soot that can cause a fire hazard when you need the fireplace again in the fall, and check your dryer’s vent pip for dangerous, flammable lint.

Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

The Dangers Associated With Thunderstorms

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Many people who live in areas that are prone to thunderstorms will begin to discount their dangers over time. While thunderstorms happen frequently and often do not cause any serious problems, there is always the potential that significant damages can occur. Thunderstorms always contain high winds and lightning, with hail and flooding being common as well.

Thunderstorms are defined as any storms that produces thunder, which means it is also producing lightning. A severe thunderstorm is any storm with hail that is an inch or more in diameter, and winds of over 58 miles per hour. With these conditions, there are many dangers to be cognisant of, which we will examine below.

What Dangers Can Thunderstorms Cause?

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Lightning strikes are one of the most dangerous elements of thunderstorms, and it is reported that they cause around 300 injuries every year. This does not include the damage that lightning can cause to homes, such as starting a house fire or felling trees that can then fall on structures. Every thunderstorm also produces lightning, so even if you do not see it, it is a possibility.

Property damage due to hail. While hail does not occur during every storm, if the thunderstorm is classified as severe that means hail will be present. Hail can present serious dangers to property, and can also cause injury if someone is caught outside in the storm. Hail has been known to not only dent cars, but also damage the siding and roofs of homes that are in its path due to the serious speeds it can fall at if conditions are right.

Harm from flash flooding. While people often think that flooding is not a concern in their area, flash flooding can happen nearly anywhere if conditions are right. Backed up drains, overwhelmed ditches and other temporary clogs can quickly cause a flash flood if the rain is significant. Floodwaters can damage homes and cars and also cause serious injury or death—a car can get swept up in just a few inches of water if the current is strong, and this amount can also quickly knock someone off their feet.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for more information about our storm restoration practices.

3 Tips for Handling Your Home's Sewage Problems

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Unusual odors, gurgling sinks and flooding toilets are indicators that a home is suffering from a sewage backup. A blockage within the pipes prevents the proper water flow, forcing the fluid to exit out of the nearest exit; therefore, simple acts such as washing a load of clothes or taking a warm shower could lead to a major flood as the water moves throughout the system, eventually coming out when it cannot continue to pass. The flooding becomes a sewage hazard and requires particularly cleaning. Homeowners in Lowell MA, should be aware of the following three things that help with sewage cleaning.

1. Locate the Cause of a Toilet Backup
A toilet overflow begins with a complication in the lines. When a backup begins, turn off the main water valve. Begin to observe the area near the spillage. Is something in the commode's drain? Is there a problem in the yard? Observational skills are important here. Look at the drain cleanout. It's either outside in the yard or in the basement. A long pipe wrench may be needed to take it off. Buildup of sewage is a sign of an external issue rather than something internal.

2. Grab the Proper Tools
Sewage cleaning demands proper equipment and materials. Gather the following items to assist in fixing the problem:

• A plunger
• An auger or snake
• Soap
• Disinfectant cleaner
• Gloves
• Dehumidifier

3. Dry and Wash the Area
Clear the clogged pipe with the auger or plunger. Then, run the dehumidifier to extract excess moisture. Wipe off fixtures, walls and flooring with warm water and soap. Discard porous items that have absorbed sewer water. Bacteria have penetrated it, making the object harder to sanitize. If in doubt, contact a sewage cleanup company for assistance. Finish off the project by using a disinfectant throughout the space.
Discover the source of the trouble. With that under control, sewage cleaning may start. Survey contaminated material, removing anything ruined. Then, properly wipe everything down and use cleaner that can effectively kill germs.

How To Clean Up Damage After a Fire

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fire cleanup takes place in multiple stages. When your commercial property in Lowell , MA , has water, fire and smoke damage, it all has to be dealt with before the building can be rebuilt. Fire restoration specialists take several steps to make sure your building is restored fully.

Water Damage
Before technicians can get to the soot damage done by the fire, they typically have to address the problems the water used to put out the fire left behind. Firefighters must use water liberally to ensure that all flames are extinguished, and this can lead to a lot of water damage. They must inspect and tear out all materials affected:

• Drywall
• Insulation
• Tile
• Carpet
• Textiles
  
  

Fire Damage
At the same time as the water damage removal is happening, the smoke cleaning crew is likely to remove materials with fire damage as well. If a support beam is burned beyond repair, for example, it has to go. Temporary supports are installed in its place until the final stage of the process when it can be rebuilt.

Soot Damage
The last step of the cleanup phase is soot and smoke damage cleaning. During a fire, these particles get everywhere. They don't just land on surfaces. They also get trapped in corners and cracks. It is not unusual to even find soot damage under floor tiles or in air ducts. To infiltrate all the areas that smoke and soot can go, a thermal fogger may need to be used. It disperses the cleaning agent the same way that a fire disperses smoke so that the detergent can get to every place the particles are hiding. Afterward, an ozone machine may be used to clean the remaining odor from the air.
Fire Damage is only the start of what technicians have to handle during the cleanup stage of the restoration process. Both water and smoke damage must also be cleaned before rebuilding can begin.

Water Damage in a Lowell Hotel

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Among the biggest threats to your Massachusetts hotel is the guests that you attract to the premises. Often people do not treat these rented rooms or the utilities piped to each unit with the same respect and regard as they do in their own home, and as such, negligent accidents can happen at any time. Overflows from sinks and tubs are the most common, often attributed to a malfunctioning or poorly installed failsafe drain system intended to prevent water levels from reaching the brim of the bathroom fixture. The result is substantial water loss in the bathroom areas of a guest’s room that can quickly spread into the main area and to adjoining units without the appropriate mitigation and water removal.

Water Damage in Massachusetts hotels threatens more than just any immediate guests inconvenienced or required to locate. Your ability to handle these emergencies in real-time can often become a direct reflection of your reputation in the community, and can even later bolster more business and repeat business. Even with moderate-sized extraction and drying equipment likely purchased for your maintenance and custodial teams, the best solution is to reach out to skilled professionals like our SERVPRO responders.

The longer that emergencies like this wait for complete drying, the more units and guests that become affected. Not only does this displace more of your paying customers, but it also directly impacts your online rating in forums travelers use to determine the quality of your establishment. Our SERVPRO team can implement multiple extraction tools and drying units suited for the specific scope of the damage present. With the right thorough drying approach, materials like tile and even wood vanity fixtures can avoid getting removed and replaced.

The ability to double-check our efforts with infrared imagery and hygrometers can show management and the hotel owner our progress. This non-invasive approach prevented removal and controlled demolition, where it has not become necessary.

Every hour can mean more disaster and damage to your area hotel, so do not waste time in getting this situation resolved as quickly and confidently as possible. Trust our SERVPRO of Lowell specialists to arrive quickly with a deep inventory of tools and products to help. Give us a call anytime at (978)-454-7577

Property Manager Partnerships

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Property Managers as Partners

The winter months can create significant challenges for property managers. Snow and ice don’t have the predictability of grass and shrubs.   Further, grass and shrubs don’t cause ice damming and pipe freezes.  

How you react to the challenges of winter can set the tone of your relationship with HOAs and association boards come spring and summer. Your clients are likely to forgive you for that which you can’t control so long as they constant progress toward restoration of their lives, starting yesterday.

SERVPRO of Lowell recognizes the urgency to react and to immediately build a recovery plan when we partner with property managers. Winter months aren’t the time for training in front of upset tenants.  Our crews receive technical and service training to identify a situation and do the right thing and to be sensitive to a situation.

Our office works with our partners to make sure documents flow through the right channels which simplifies settlement whether there is a claim or the job is a direct pay. We also anticipate and recognize coverage issues so that tenants and owners understand how the claim will be settled.

The SERVPRO brand is the most recognized and respected brand in the mitigation industry so your first decision to call on SERVPRO of Lowell should be an easy one. No one gets fired for hiring the industry leader.

Snow Storm In Lowell Mass

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Lowell MA is no stranger to wind and ice, but snowstorms are a lot less frequent but not unheard of. Snowstorms can be beautiful to look at but the damage they cause to properties can be massive.

Snowstorms can cause damage to properties like roof collapse from a build-up of snow that puts extreme pressure and weight on week spots on roofs or ice dams which is a backup of ice that is formed in cold temperatures. 

Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your Lowell area property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, no matter the time or the day. Our crews are ready 24/7, 365. Immediate action helps to minimize secondary damage from water being absorbed into more materials and affecting more of the property.

Keep animals safe in Winter Storms

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Animal lovers want to be sure their pets are safe in storms. SERVPRO of Lowell brings these tips from the Red Cross and others to keep your four-legged friends happy and well.

Protect Your Pets from Winter storms:

- Sight and scent cues are harder to keep in the winter, so make sure your pets have tags, chips, or other identification

- More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season so do not let your dog’s off the leash in a storm

- If there is a storm or it is cold, keep the pets indoors

- Clean up antifreeze as it can be fatal to mammals that drink it

- Let your dogs' coats grow in the winter

- When your pets come in from winter weather, wipe off the paws, legs, and stomach to get rid of salt, ice, and dangerous chemicals

- Make sure that outdoor enclosures are insulated and away from the wind

- Do not let ice or snow drifts block access to shelter, food or water

- Older animals (like older people) are more sensitive to cold and damp than younger ones

- When you prepare your own emergency kit, prepare ones for the animals

- If you evacuate, bring pets because you don't know how long you will be gone

- Arrange for the safety of larger animals that can't come indoors

- Shelters have to allow service animals, but not pets

- Check ahead of time which shelters or motels allow pets

If storm damage hits your Lowell Area home, call SERVPRO of Lowell, MA 24/7. We will repair your home “Like it never even happened.”

Cleaning Up a Leaking Roof

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

What To Do When You Discover A Roof Leak?

A major storm in Lowell MA , did serious damage to many properties, including to the roof of your business. Suddenly, you need a roofing professional not only to fix the exterior but to repair your attic storage space and the ceilings in the upstairs offices. A roof leak may seem small, but it can result in lots of damage. Here's what to do once you've discovered a leak.

1. Check the Roof
If your building has a shingled roof, check for missing shingles. That may give you an idea of how water is getting in. If water is definitely coming through, puncture a small hole that will allow the water to flow out freely. If you leave it intact, water will spread over the ceiling which could cause the whole thing to sag and possibly collapse. A hole gives the water somewhere to go. Put a bucket underneath to catch the water and move furniture and other items out of the way.

2. Move Wet Items
Once belongings are wet, they need to be dried and disinfected. As long as there are no electrical dangers, launder furniture covers, bedding, and other washable items. Air out and clean furniture and rugs. Check for irreparable damage. If something is in poor condition, throw it away.

3. Dry Everything Well
From the attic on down, everything needs to be as dry as possible. Run fans or heaters or open windows to get air circulating through the area. Only once everything is completely dry can any restoration work for the roof leak begin.

4. Call a Restoration Company
A roof leak can cause substantial damage in hard-to-reach areas. Call a water damage restoration  specialist to evaluate the safety of your building before you attempt any repairs yourself. It's important to have everything dry and disinfected to prevent future problems.
A damaged roof can cause extensive issues for your business. Cleaning up properly after storm damage ensures that you have a safe working environment for your company's future.

Commercial Water Cleanup Operations In A Lowell Businesses

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

How SERVPRO can help you clean up your building from water damage.

Lowell businesses deal with more problems from mundane issues like broken water pipes and other plumbing failures.

In a commercial building, initial water removal is often easier than in a private home. Here, there are no carpets or pads to contend with, so our personnel can quickly clear out all standing water from concrete floors using pumps for large amounts, extraction wands for water just covering the surface, and then long-handled squeegees to push any trace amounts out from corners and under machinery to the nearest exit.

If the water source was from a malfunctioning sprinkler, food preparation and packaging surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. SERVPRO uses cleaning agents designed for the purpose and carefully use them with cloths and brushes when needed to eliminate any possible airborne contaminants that mixed with the water as it fell.

After removing the water from the floor and wiping down other surfaces, our specialists next dry the facility. We use air movers to generate warm, dry air throughout the building. Combined with exhaust fans at main entrances and exits, they force out the damp, inside air and draw moisture out of building materials such as drywall and wood support structure.

If the interior is exceptionally humid, specialists install one or more dehumidifiers to draw moisture out of the air. This action lowers the humidity level and speeds up the natural evaporation process. Once completed, our restoration team examines all preparation and packaging surfaces for any trace amounts of dirt or water for hand-cleaning and drying.

At SERVPRO of Lowell, we understand that being shut down interrupts employee paychecks and can drive away customers to other suppliers. Our restoration teams quickly work to help every business reopen their doors and prevent that from happening. If you need our expertise, call 978-454-7577.

Four Methods of Drying a Flooded Building Before Help Arrives

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Put The Following Damage Tips In Action

When water infiltrates a building, it's critical to dry the property as quickly as possible. Water can do a lot of damage fast; the very structure of a building can be affected. Mold can also turn into a huge problem in a short time. Professionals should be called, but there are damage tips you can put into action to begin the process until they arrive.

1. Extracting the Water
First, the standing water will need to be extracted. Flood cleaning tips will usually recommend using a wet/dry vacuum to begin the process. Industrial pumps will be brought in by the restoration professionals to remove the remaining water.

2. Circulating the Air
Mold can begin to grow within 24 hours of water introduction. As long as the mold hasn't had time to begin growing, air circulation should begin as soon as possible. Open windows and doors if the outdoor humidity levels are lower outside than in. Fans can also be used. If it's been more than 24 hours, you should wait until help arrives; the slightest movement of air will blow mold spores throughout the area, and even into unaffected areas.

3. Heating the Area
Heaters work best when there are proper air circulation and ventilation. Warm air absorbs more moisture than cool air, so heaters evaporate the water more efficiently. Heaters with built-in fans are even more effective. Flood damage tips will often inform you that heat is typically the fastest way to dry an area. However, you should be cautious not to dry it so quickly that heat damage occurs.

4. Dehumidifying the Area
Dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air. Desiccant dehumidifiers are the most effective, as they also expel dry air. For best performance, the indoor temperature should be between 32 and 77 degrees with 40 to 90% relative humidity.
Be prepared for a building flood in Lowell MA, by remembering these water damage tips. It's helpful to plan which water cleanup experts to call well in advance of a disaster. Whether the flood is a result of a pipe burst or a storm, they'll return your building to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.

Provide a clean healthy environment for our children

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

When you think of SERVPRO and commercial cleanings do you think cleaning of schools?

Our priority is to help schools as well, and to provide clean, healthy environments for our children!

We here at SERVPRO of Lowell we like to say we are in a "CLASS" by ourselves.  We can provide educational institutions fast thorough service in the event of a fire, water, or mold damage.  With the 24-hour emergency response, SERVPRO of Lowell provides mitigation, cleanup, and restoration services to reduce recovery costs and to help ensure minimal interruption to your curriculum.  We also provide expert cleaning for emergencies or special needs exceeding routine janitorial capabilities, including stain removal, upholstery, and drapery dry cleaning, indoor air quality and vandalism cleanup.  Our professional technicians are trained to clean and sanitize building materials, surfaces and contents following restoration industry standards, using professional cleaning products and EPA registered cleaners and disinfectants. 

If your commercial building such as a school in need of restoration services give us a call at 978-454-7577

Who To Call When Fire Strikes Your Home? Call SERVPRO!

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Knowing what to do when a disaster impacts your Lowell home is critical to getting the restoration process started as promptly as possible. The faster that experienced technicians can get to work on recovering the damages to your home, the faster that this process goes. In a situation like a fire in your house, there are some steps that you can take to ensure that you get the help you need as quickly as you can get it.

Fire Damages in your Lowell residence can vary significantly from one situation to the next, so there is no telling what a homeowner should expect, or what the technicians that work on the restoration could expect as well. One of the first things that you should remember is that you should wait until a competent individual informs you that it is safe to walk back into your home to see the damage for yourself. Structural weakening or failure is always a persistent possibility depending on the severity of the fire itself.

One of the first things that you should do before you reach out to dedicated restoration specialists like our SERVPRO team, is to call your insurance provider. When you get your agent on the phone, you can get all of the details about what you need to provide them and what they need to begin and approve a claim to restore the damages to your home.

The next call that you should make is to our SERVPRO emergency response team. This dispatched small crew of experts can help to mitigate the immediate damages, and our estimator can help to provide the necessary documentation and cataloging of the damages needed by your insurance company to move these repairs and restorations along through approval of the claim.

Smoke and Soot Damaged Contents

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

A house fire is never planned for or expected. Many of our favorite and most treasured items are the once that are irreplaceable. Some examples are pictures, handmade items and antiques. Good thing for our customers, SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in cleaning all types of contents. 

Many times some of the things, like photos, that get wet and stick together and seem like they are a loss, can actually be saved. SERVPRO of Lowell has the knowledge, expertise and training to clean and restore all of your property after a house fire. 

Generally fire affected contents will be wet as well from the fire department putting out the fire. This can cause extra issues as well but these items can usually be still be saved. We make it our priority to clean and restore your contents as if they were our own. 

Early Mitigation Steps for Fire-Damage

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

One of the most severe disasters that can affect a house in Lowell is a fire. While these emergencies ultimately require professional restoration and remediation service, this cannot begin until the appropriate extinguishment process has been completed. In many situations, our SERVPRO team gets notified of the disaster, along with first responders, to have our qualified technicians mobilized and ready to step in with emergency services when firefighters have given the all-clear.

Recovering after a loss involves more than scoping the fire damage and odor residences and working to overcome them. Early mitigation work can both reduce the severity of current damages and prevents worsening conditions from developing in the hours and days following the fire. There are a few specific steps that our team can implement immediately to help reduce the cost of restoration and shorten the timeline of recovery.

Many of the emergency services provided by our SERVPRO professionals get chosen for their ability to reduce harsh odors in a residence after a fire. Odors can often be one of the most significant challenges to face for even experienced professionals on our team, so reducing catalysts to the problem can help to make this deodorization process more streamlined and successful.

In many cases, removing charred and partially combusted items that can supply the region with noxious scents is a good starting point. Between the controlled demolition practices available to our customers through our licensed general contractors we have in-house to our content management department that can remove overly damaged personal belongings and seek to restore items not completely ruined, we have effective strategies for contending with fire and smoke odor origin points.

All of the immediate services for a fire-damaged home are vital to prevent further spread and deterioration of the structure. When it comes to reducing and eventually eliminating harsh odors, controlled demolition and content management can be useful starting points. No matter what your home needs after a fire, you can count on the experience and equipment of our SERVPRO of Lowell team to help. Give us a call anytime at 978-454-7577.

The Cleaning Experts

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time marked by the global pandemic of coronavirus, SERVPRO of Lowell wants to remind our customers we are specialists in cleaning services. As a professional team, we strictly adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards derived by industry authorities.

Specialized Training

We are currently prepared to clean and disinfect homes or businesses according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our franchise has years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and our crews will clean well beyond the scope of work 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. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently not a product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, our franchise is following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your residence or business requires deep cleaning services, do not hesitate to contact us immediately.  

SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577

Cleaning of your home or office.

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Proper cleaning can help maintain healthy families, employees, and businesses! Viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms are ever-present and can be transmitted around homes and workplaces. You know how it works, your coworker comes in and says their kids came home sick, then suddenly the entire office has a cold. These microorganisms travel by latching to moisture, dust, dirt and all kinds of particles. Luckily, cleaning and disinfecting can slow the process and make it harder for these organisms to spread!  

Here are 5 tips for cleaning in your home and office.

1. Regularly Vacuum.  

The right equipment will make all the difference! HEPA filtered vacuums are designed to get the ultrafine (really super tiny) particles that traditional vacuums won’t.  

2. Regular Dusting and Dust Control.  

Not everything can be vacuumed effectively, so you have to get in there!  Behind the soup cans, tops of the cabinets, ceiling fan blades too! Get after that built-up dust and debris that can harbor germs.   

3. Remove the Clutter.  

Too much stuff is too much stuff. When your house is packed too tight you can lose beneficial airflow and generate pockets of stagnant air and moisture. Tidy up the clutter and let the breeze blow.   

4. Use the Proper Cleaning Methods and the Proper Cleaner.  

Dirt and grime can creep into tiny nooks and crannies, making surfaces harder to sanitize, especially if you don’t do it right. Remove heavy dirt by vacuuming and washing with your cleaner of choice, then sanitize or disinfect with your favorite solution. Tip: To be sure you are using the right stuff, read the labels.  

5. Deep Clean IT.  

Time to go where no one has gone before. You know where, behind the refrigerator, behind the bed, in and under the couch. Don’t forget your vents and air filters. Heavy debris can build up in these places. Keep the change but don’t eat the french fries.   

6. BONUS TIP: Call SERVPRO of Lowell  

We know that deep cleaning can be tough and time-consuming. SERVPRO of Lowell has the tools and expertise you need to freshen up your living and workspace. 

For more information on our cleaning services call us @ 978-454-7577.

What To Do After A Water Heater Leak Caused Damage

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater may not seem like a big deal. However, it could cause a major flood in your Lowell MA home.
A broken water heater needs to be dealt with right away so that it does not cause any further damage. Below are the steps involved in this cleanup process.

1. Emergency Call
Do not attempt to handle a water emergency on your own. This could be dangerous and may cause additional harm to your property. Instead, contact your local damage cleanup professionals. Ideally, you should make the call as quickly as possible. Even a delay of just a few hours can have disastrous consequences.

2. Assessment
Next, a cleanup expert will arrive at your home to check out the leaking water heater. The professional will fix the leak and determine the extent of the damage. He or she may additionally move furniture to prevent the buildup of rust.

3. Water Removal
The professionals should use truck-mounted vacuums or strong pumps to eliminate the excess water in your home. They can even utilize hygrometers to determine the extent of the saturation, and infrared cameras to find hidden moisture.

4. Drying
Once the visible water is removed, your belongings might still feel wet. Professionals will bring in equipment to boost airflow and encourage the evaporation of remaining moisture. Strong dehumidifiers can also be utilized to prevent the warping or swelling of walls and furniture.

5. Cleaning
A failed water heater can leave behind mold and other unpleasant odors. Restoration experts will use air scrubbers to eliminate these smells. They will also utilize a variety of methods to sanitize any moldy belongings.

6. Restoration
Restoration is the final step of the process. It can include small changes such as the installation of new carpet, or larger jobs such as the reconstruction of entire rooms.
Cleaning the damage caused by a leaking water heater can be a complex process. That is why the job should be left to the professionals.

What To Do With Water Damage in Your Ceiling

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

When water gets into your Lowell MA home’s ceiling, it’s reasonable to worry about getting water in light fixtures among other potential issues. Ceiling damage can tricky to fix, but it is doable. Here are a few things you may want to know.

Know What to Look For

If you think there may be water damage in your ceiling there are a few things you can look for

• Discoloration in the ceiling surface
• Soft spots in the material
• Bubbling or warping of tiles, paint or surfacing
• Areas showing drip marks around the top of walls
• Condensation around light fixtures
  
  

Remember, if you think you may have water in or around a light fixture or fan, it’s important to turn the electricity to the area off.

Find the Source of the Problem

When investigating any problems with water in light fixtures it’s important to locate the source of the problem. In some cases, it may be a leak in the roof, but there’s also the possibility of a leaking pipe among other things. Finding the source will allow you to remedy the problem and prevent future issues.

Contact a Professional When Needed

In many cases you may want to contact a local water damage restoration service to help conduct repairs. They should know how to find the source of the problem and make any repairs necessary. This team of professionals may also be able to help with leak and flood prevention, offer cleaning services, and some may even be able to work with your insurance company to help ensure that every step of the process goes smoothly.

When dealing with water in light fixtures and other ceiling damage it’s important to remember to put safety first. A professional should have the tools and knowledge necessary to do the job properly, so if you don’t feel comfortable handling the situation yourself it’s best to contact the experts in your Lowell MA area. It’s also important to locate the source of the problem so you can prevent future issues. Knowing what signs to look for may help If you need help Give us a call 978-454-7577.

Three Causes Of Water Damage After A Fire

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

It is hard to know what to expect when walking into a commercial property after a fire. As an owner or manager, you likely expect significant equipment loss because of fire and smoke damage, but what about water? Expecting flood loss after a fire seems unusual. Ask any disaster restoration company in Lowell MA, and they will tell you water and fire damage go hand-in-hand. There are at least three causes of water damage during and after a commercial property fire.

1. Hoses
2. Suppression systems
3. Pipe damage

1. Hoses

   The primary source of water loss during a fire rescue may come from a fire hose. These large-diameter, high-pressure hoses can expel hundreds of gallons of water per minute to flood and extinguish the flames. Unfortunately, the flooding of the blaze also floods your facility, and depending on the size and extent of the fire, you may have significant property loss.

Suppression Systems
Water-based suppression systems can also lead to extensive flooding. However, the extent of flooding caused by these systems depends on the type. Some systems do not use water. Other systems that use water may only release sprinklers in areas where fire damage is occurring, leaving other spaces dry.

Pipe Damage
Water damage can also occur because of damaged pipes. The temperatures in violent fires often reach the melting points of certain metals. If the fire reaches these temperatures, pipes may melt, warp or break. Since no one is in the facility, there is no way to shut off the water supply, meaning that water can flow freely from pipes until the system is shutdown.
Commercial property owners should have concerns over water and fire damage if such a disaster occurs. Knowing that one problem can lead to the other may allow you to better prepare for emergencies. Contact your local emergency services or fire restoration experts to discuss disaster planning and strategies.

Here Are Some Steps To Protect Your Commercial Property

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

When most people think of flood damage, they are probably picturing storm damage from a hurricane or an overflowing river. However, flooding can occur almost anywhere and cause significant destruction to your property. Even if your business in Lowell MA, is not located in a high-risk flood zone, it could be wise to take steps to protect your commercial property.

Assess Your Risk

Assessing the perils unique to your business can be a good place to start. Answering these questions will help you pinpoint hazards you need to address:

• Is your business located in a high flood-risk area, such as a flood plain or a location that frequently experiences storm damage?
• Which parts of your valuable property are most endangered?
• Do your buildings have any structural vulnerabilities?
  
  

Prepare Your Basement

Basements of commercial properties are particularly vulnerable to flood damage due to the risk of water seeping in from the surrounding saturated ground. If you are storing anything of value in the basement, you may want to consider moving it to an area less prone to flooding, such as a higher floor. Other steps you can take to safeguard your basement include sealing up any leaks in the floor or walls, regrading your landscape to direct water away from your building, and installing a sump pump and drainage system.

Prepare the Rest of Your Property

Once you’ve got the basement squared away, turn your attention to the rest of your property. You may be able to reduce your potential for damage by inspecting and cleaning your gutters, sealing up any leaks, installing moisture detection systems, and using flood-resistant materials in any new construction or repair work. Addressing any standing water promptly after flooding can also help reduce future problems. A professional storm cleanup service may be helpful to evaluate the situation.
Flood damage can be a costly interruption to your business functions. By taking steps to protect your building and promptly address your flood cleanup needs, you may be able to significantly reduce the impact on your operations.

Emergency Response Plan

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

For a business owner and a homeowner, a worst-case scenario involving fire or water damage can seem like the unthinkable, until it suddenly becomes a reality. In the aftermath of a disaster, quick response time from SERVPRO of Lowell MA can help minimize property damage. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a tool used during any disaster event. Owners need to have quick access to a disaster plan that connects them with the appropriate contacts and pertinent information. When building an emergency plan, here are four key things to remember: Identify your facility's greatest threats in order to assess the overall severity of the event. During this time, take a look at your locations and the surrounding areas and figure out what your greatest threats are. Is your building in a flood zone? Are you subject to freezing temperatures? These are things to keep in mind. Document all vital information and establish clear communication activities. An ERP contains critical property information that can help speed up response time after a disaster occurs. Consider including any documented prior loss history, identify and label utility shut off locations, and prioritize who your key contacts are. Practice! Practice! Practice! You should conduct practice sessions to make sure everyone is clear on the procedure if anything happens. Always have clear evacuation routes in your ERP. Keep it updated, and have all necessary information communicated to your insurance company and emergency restoration vendors. Be proactive in keeping your ERP updated as things change. People will come and go, updates will be made to the facility, utilities can change, etc. Your SERVPRO representative can help you keep your ERP up-to-date so you're always prepared if disaster strikes! Interested in an Emergency Ready Plan? Call SERVPRO of Lowell MA today and ask for James! 978-454-7577jcolton@SERVPROoflowell.com

SERVPRO Offers Off-Site Restoration to Damaged Possessions from Fire & Smoke

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Once a fire in your home has gotten extinguished, you are only part of the way towards recovering from the incident. In fact, you now face damages to your property the likes of which many homeowners have never experienced before. Fortunately, even though this same damage might be out of the wheelhouse and skill sets of most property owners, professional and reliable restoration services are only a simple phone call away.

Even areas that were not directly affected by the blaze can house lingering effects like smoke and soot damage. One of the most pressing concerns beyond the structural integrity of your home is the contents you keep inside. Our SERVPRO professionals have a plan to keep these items safe and give them the attention they need to get fully restored as well.

Pack-outs are a service offered by our professionals which remove contents of your home to keep them safer throughout the restoration process. While some of these items might have gotten damaged during the fire, this same process provides a means for these damaged items to get concise inspection and restoration to make them ready for the second phase: pack-ins.

Once the appropriate attention and work have gotten done to the removed items of your home, and the restoration within your house is complete, the contents of your house are ready to get returned. Our SERVPRO professionals carefully bring in each item and put it back in its original position, helping to make the unfortunate circumstance a distant memory as you move on with your fully restored home. Trying to prevent fires from occurring with foresight and planning can at least mitigate fire damage to your property.

Fire damage in your home might feel overwhelming to overcome at first, but with the right professional assistance, it does not have to be as daunting. You can rely on the rapid response and expertise of our SERVPRO of Lowell fire damage restoration technicians to act quickly to get your home back to original conditions as soon as possible, "Like it never even happened." Give us a call anytime you need us at (978)-454-7577.

Our Experts Explain The Importance Of Safety After A Fire In Your Lowell Home

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Going through a fire is the fear of many homeowners in Lowell MA, but taking precautions can help to protect your home from the devastating effects. Doing what you can to prevent a fire is not only beneficial for your family’s safety but your wallet as well. You may be able to get privileges and grant discounts from your insurance company if you’ve taken extra measure to fireproof your home.

You need the help of professionals to restore and clean your fire damaged home. With the right tools and training, SERVPRO can fix your home up to the way it was before the fire occurred. However, consider the following things to help keep your home safe from a fire.

The number of house fires that happen every year is dramatically reduced by installing smoke alarms. Smoke alarms can detect even the slightest bit of smoke and alert you before the fire gets to a size that is unmanageable. The more smoke alarms you install in your home, the more discounts you can also get on your insurance. SERVPRO technicians can also help you clean smoke and soot damage if need be.

You need to be prepared in case a fire does ignite. Sink water is not great for extinguishing a fire quickly. However, a fire extinguisher suffocates flames faster and on a much larger scale. You can keep various fire extinguishers accessible in your home to make sure you can quickly put out all kinds of house fires.

Many house fires happen from mistakes which could have been avoided if you or family members were more attentive to fire hazards. One of the best ways to fireproof your home is just by checking it for any fire hazards and re-organizing to avoid the hazards. You should, for example, clear the areas around heating vents, electrical sockets, stoves, fireplaces, lamps and other areas which could start a fire. Make sure to only smoke outdoors and extinguish your cigarettes with sand or water to be safe.

After a fire in your home in Lowell MA we can help get your structure and life back to normal. We can be reached any time by dialing 978-454-7577, so do not hesitate to call our professionals as soon as the fire is out.

Professional Restoration Service After Flooding

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

Identifying Reputable Restoration Teams After New Haven Flooding 

Flooding in Lowell homes can be overwhelming and leave many homeowners so fixated on fixing the immediate issues that they do not approach the situation with a clear mind. Many predatory companies can pop up amid natural disasters that we have seen in the area. As much as we can be a positive responder to these emergencies, we hope to keep our neighbors from befalling the unfortunate scam artists that appear after a storm. 

Knowing how to identify reputable restoration teams from these fake companies is not always easy, especially when you are under the stress of flood damage in your Lowell MA home. There are a few key differences that should help these fraudulent restoration teams stand out against accredited professionals in the industry like our SERVPRO team. 

Paying Upfront for Services  

One of the most considerable red flags that should inform you that you are not speaking to a legitimate restoration company is the request to pay money upfront, even part of the final bill. Our company does not ask for money until the work gets finished, and this is discussed throughout the restoration process to keep everyone on the same page. 

Unknown to Your Insurance  

After flooding, many local insurance companies reach out to our team directly on behalf of their clients and properties because we are a recognized name in quality restoration. If your insurance company has not heard of the team you are considering, there is a chance they are not as renowned as they might pretend to be. 

Undocumented  

Accredited restoration teams like our SERVPRO team have a business license complete with insurance for the work that we do in homes throughout the area. After flooding, many things could happen to your home in even the earliest stages of restoration. Choosing an uninsured and unlicensed restoration team leaves you vulnerable to even greater financial disasters. 

Flooding is a scenario that is more common than many homeowners might believe. When you need reputable and reliable service during an emergency, you can always count on our SERVPRO of Lowell professionals to help. Give us a call at 978-454-7577.

Damage from a Storm: Go Big and Go Green

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

If you have ever had a weather related emergency, such as a flood, tree fall, pipe burst you may have experienced the frustration of calling for help only to find you would be put on a list and gotten to when you’re gotten to. If you have not had a weather or event related issue at your home or business, good. If you ever do, here’s a few things to keep in mind: 1) Everyone you reach out to, whether a plumber, tree company or SERVPRO wants to help you and as quickly as possible. 2) When an area is affected, whether by a microburst, hurricane or deep freeze, the damage is common. In other words, if your pipes freeze when the temperature drops from 40 to seven over a 24 hour period, the same thing is happening all around you. 3) Immediate response resources in an area are always limited. Your plumber of 15 years can not hire additional crews overnight, as much as he would like to. So when this occurs, it pays to Go Big. At SERVPRO of Lowell, our first question is always: Is the source fixed or do you need help fixing the source? We work with a huge network of trades people and labor and can often recommend someone to help out. Once the source is fixed, our large trained staff supplemented by experienced labor and equipment sources from all over the tri-state area will be rolling.  Whether its factory fire, burst water heater or a tree on a house, We are Ready for Whatever Happens.

Let us help you get back to business

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and peace of mind..

As our communities re-open in Lowell, 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

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.

Call SERVPRO of Lowell today at (978) 454-7577 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Why SERVPRO of Lowell? Because we are the cleaning experts!

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of Corona virus, 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

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 performs 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. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the Corona virus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the Corona virus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

So give us a call today 978-454-7577  We are faster to any disaster and are here to put our expertise, equipment and experience to work for you!

We bring you all the important info!

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know that according to the National Fire Protection Association, it is estimated that some 370,000 home fires occur each year, costing close to $7 billion in total property damage? 

In many of these fires, however, the fire starts and is contained in a certain area of a home or business.  Even though containment eliminates the necessity for complete demolition and reconstruction, it is still necessary for proper cleaning of soot and smoke.  Smoke and soot have a way of getting into places that do not seem possible.  Proper cleaning and deodorization are vital in order to restore your business or home to preloss conditions.  

Fires are extremely dangerous, leaving you with nothing.  Always remember to check your smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly.  In business, you need to make sure you check all the outlets and make sure you do not have too much into one outlet. 

There are so many different ways to avoid a fire, but so many ways that can go unnoticed by the average eye.  Make sure you have a Fire Marshall check your commercial building often.  

In the instance of any type of emergency in your business or home please call SERVPRO! We are faster to any disaster and are here to make things "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage In Your Basement

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Water in a residential basement

What It Takes for Timely Resolution of Water Damage Incidents in Lowell 

Most water damage in the home is in the bathroom or the kitchen. Usually, leaks and spills require mopping up and potentially replacing the wall in front of the pipe that leaked. However, there are times that the leak went unnoticed or occurred in an area of the house, such as the basement, where you may not visit regularly. In these cases, you may need to use different methods to restore your home to preloss condition. 

Dealing with this type of considerable spill water damage in Lowell requires specialized extraction techniques and equipment. In the winter months, a massive spill requires even more care due to freezing temperatures requiring the house to remain heated so that the water does not freeze within the home or in the pipes. 

Depending on the amount of water and the location of the spill, SERVPRO technicians may need various types of extraction equipment. 

Portable Extractors

Portable extractors like light wants are used for smaller amounts of water extraction or for hard to reach places after technicians complete the heavy-duty extraction, using them in conjunction with truck-mounted extractors and submersible pumps. 

Truck Mounted Extractors

Truck-mounted extractors use powerful vacuums to suck out the water, working off the work truck's fuel, requiring no on-site power. For standing water in a basement, this type of extractor is ideal as long as there is access through a basement door or window as the hose length can be an issue. Truck mount waste tanks hold between 70 and 100 gallons. 

Pumps

Electric submersible pumps and high-pressure pumps are the two pumps most likely used when a basement has more than two inches of standing water. Electrical sub pumps are the most typical; however, if the basement requires a high amount of lift, the high-pressure pump may be a better option since it gives a stronger discharge. Both of these pumps do not handle solids well but can move 1000 to 6000 gallons of water per minute. 

Regardless of the type of extraction equipment used, SERVPRO water restoration technicians safely dispose of wastewater according to local and state ordinances. 

For 24/7 assistance, contact SERVPRO of Lowell at (978)-454-7577. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Damage While You Are On Vacation

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

A pump broke over the weekend in a basement and caused a backup.

The worst time for water damage to occur is while you are out of the home, as you have no control over the destruction that may occur. Here are some helpful tips to keep your house protected from any water damage while you are enjoying your summer vacations.

Before you leave:

-Inspect your home for leaks or rusts in pipes, water heaters, windows, doors, roofs, and hoses.

-Clean out your gutters of debris to prevent water pooling and damage.

-Shut off water supply, whether at the main valve or at the most frequent offenders (toilets, refrigerators, and washing machines).

-Install and test Sump Pump annually.

While you are away:

-Have someone check on your house to make sure that, if a leak does occur, it will be caught and stopped as quickly as possible.

If you have suffered water damage or any other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Lowell (978)-454-7577

Three Things To Look For In A Restoration Team

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

The signing of paperwork

If your in Lowell, Ma , and your business has experienced fire damage, then you may be looking for a local fire restoration service to help with cleanup and repairs. However, knowing what to look for in the best company to help your business can seem daunting at first. Here are three recommended things to look for in your chosen restoration team.

1. They Can Work With Your Insurance

Try to look for a restoration service that can also work with your insurance adjuster. Some crews offer services such as damage documentation, electronic inventory databases, and regular progress updates. All of these services can help your insurance stay on top of the information they may need for your claim.

2. They Can Clean Up Different Damage Types

A fire damage restoration service should also be able to clean up the various types of damage that may result from a fire. Not only does this include repairs to any burned areas along with smoke and soot repairs, but water damage as well. Water damage can result from fire suppression efforts, so choosing a company that can make these types of repairs as well means you can work with a single team, and your business repairs may be completed faster.

3. They Can Help with Mitigation

A restoration service that can help with fire mitigation may also benefit your company. During the restoration process, they can help update any fire suppression systems you may have, ensure the property is up to fire code and address other mitigation concerns you may be worried about. Once repairs are completed they can walk you through any recommendations they have for further protective measures your company can take.

When looking for a restoration service to help with fire damage at your place of business, consider contacting a company that can do these three things. Work with your insurance provider, clean up different types of damage, help with future mitigation needs. A company that can do all three can help ensure you find all the services you need after a fire in one, reliable place. We at SERVPRO of Lowell are that company. We can help you get all this done.

Against The Clock When Water Strikes

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

When it rains it pours

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.

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration.

Ready to Help! Call SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577

Be Prepared For Any Challenges That A Storm Can Bring

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

We Handle Any Type Of Storm That Might Happen.

SERVPRO Works Fast to Remove Storm Water to Preserve the Integrity of Your Property

The word flood causes people to think of thunderstorms and bursting levees. Most of the restoration costs come from smaller water sources.

Much of the flood damage that SERVPRO finds within and nearly everywhere else results from failing plumbing and broken appliances. In winter months, poorly insulated pipes can freeze and burst, flooding basements, attics and other areas of the home.

Year-round, lines get blocked and rupture, old plumbing corrodes and fails as do clothing and dishwashers. While all this may seem like a small amount, a burst water pipe can send 160 gallons across a kitchen floor per hour. If this happens when a family is out for the weekend, they can come back to find over 5,700 gallons (36 hours) has flooded their entire home. Typically, this is clean water, which is not the case with intruding ground water from a storm.

To put things right; our response team starts with two tasks: an inspection to determine the extent of the flooding while technicians set up the first pump to begin removing the flood water. A quick check with a tape measure tells us the depth; if it is over two inches, we start a commercial grade pump to drain the water.

As this happens, a team inspector checks the other areas of the house to see how much water is present and if there is ancillary damage such as water in the electrical outlets. It is not a regular occurrence, but it can happen in basements or split-level homes. More common are flooded carpets, walls, ceilings, and floors with possible damage to other structural property. 

Once we finish with the pumps, the next steps are to remove water trapped in the carpets and floors and to dry or replace damaged drywall. We use extractor wands to draw water out of carpets and wood floors without damaging the nape or surface. In most cases, we throw out the carpet pad, as it is too expensive to dry out something that cheaply can be replaced. Once again, if surging water from the exterior transported debris, the contaminated padding must be tossed.

To prevent removing drywall, we try to dry it in place if it is not too soaked. SERVPRO IICRC trained technicians set up dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air, install exhaust fans to pull damp air out of the affected rooms, and place air movers along the affected panels to force heated, dry air across the surfaces to carefully lower the moisture content. We may also drill small holes into the baseboard area and close to the ceiling joints to increase air flow and the rate of evaporation. This further mitigates the loss.

These are just a few of the actions we take to return your home to its normal, pre-flood state, "Like it never even happened." If you need our help to dry out your home and property, call SERVPRO of Lowell Today at (978)-454-7577. We are here and ready for you.

Make A Fire Escape Plan

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Just a simple plan can keep your family safe until helps arrives.

If a fire breaks out in your home, you have to get out fast—even though you may be plunged into darkness, have trouble breathing and are trying to keep family members calm while fighting your own panic. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place before a fire starts.

Make a Plan to Get Out

• Have a plan for young children who cannot get outside by themselves. Decide who will help each child get out safely.
• Teach everyone to use the back of a hand to check doors for heat before opening and, if the door is hot, to use a different way out. If you need to use an escape ladder, show everyone where you keep it and practice how to use it.
• Teach children to never hide from firefighters and never go back inside a burning building.
• Learn two ways out of every room in your home, in case one exit is blocked or dangerous to use.
• Remember, if there is smoke, you need to get low and stay below the smoke.
• Choose a meeting place a safe distance from your home. Once you’re out, stay out!

For Fire Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Lowell at 978-454-7577

Practice Your Plan

Fires can start anywhere and at any time, so run through the plan at different times of the day or night, and practice different ways out. Do this at least twice a year.

• Check your smoke alarms: Test your smoke alarms each month with your kids so they know the sound. Make sure there’s a smoke alarm on every level of your home, and one in each bedroom.
• Know where to go: When the smoke alarm beeps, everyone needs to get out of the house quickly and meet at the safe meeting spot.
• Do the drill: Have kids head to their bedrooms and wait for the drill to begin. Assign adults to help children under 6. Put one adult in charge of sounding the smoke alarm and running the drill. Next, sound the smoke alarm, start the timer and have everyone hurry to the meeting spot. Once everyone gets to the safe meeting place, stop the timer. Try to have everyone there in less than two minutes. If not, keep practicing.

In a real fire, get to the safe meeting place, then call 911 and keep everyone close until firefighters arrive!

We have the ability to handle any size loss

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

With over 1700 franchises we can be there to handle any size disaster.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO. The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.

Storm Damage Happens Quick

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

We will do our best to get to you in any weather

We’re dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost. Storms and floods can strike any hour of the day or night. That's why we at SERVPRO are here to respond to your emergency 24/7. Locally owned and operated, we will immediately take action to help preserve as much of your valuable property as possible and help to avoid further damage and cleanup costs. Within minutes of flooding, water can spread throughout your entire property and quickly saturate floors, walls and furniture upholstery. Wood finishes on furniture can seep into the carpets and other floor coverings, permanently staining them. In addition, any paper or books can begin to swell and warp. Within just one day, the drywall can start to swell and break, metal can begin to tarnish and musty odors will become noticeable. When your property suffers storm or flood damage, you immediately need a highly-trained professional to respond to the disaster. Fast cleanup is essential to minimize the threat of further damage.

WHEN YOUR COMMERCIAL BUILDING HAS A FLOOD

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded office space from a lighting strike hitting the roof

Nobody is ever ready for a flood especially at work! Water intrusion may be more severe in commercial buildings than in a residential setting, and the effects more extensive. Many commercial structures have a larger volume water entering the premises through plumbing supply lines, and at a higher water pressure. The quantity of outgoing sewage is greater than a typical residence, as well. Also, commercial buildings tend to be of larger square footage than a home, so entry points for water intrusion through areas like the roof, exterior walls or windows are commensurately greater in number.

Water intrusion in commercial buildings can damage high-value equipment like computers and building services such as HVAC, lighting, elevators and security equipment. Common long-term consequences of water damage; like the growth of toxic mold, may be even more problematic than in a home due to the larger occupancy of a business or commercial enterprise. When a greater number of people with a wider range of sensitivity are exposed to mold and bacteria spores, health impacts may be significantly magnified, perhaps leading to an enforced closure of the facility until the situation is fully remediated.

Typical issues from water intrusion in the commercial environment include:

• Water from roof leaks penetrating through ceilings. Chronic leakage through the roof may proceed unnoticed for long periods, hidden by suspended ceiling panels or in electrical or HVAC service areas above.
• Ruptures of water supply lines typically release clean (white) water.  Sewage backups or leaks in drain pipes release toxic (black) water that may be a bio hazard and require evacuation of the premises.
• Flooding from external sources can result from heavy rains, storms such as hurricanes, rapid snow melt or local overflowing lakes or rivers.
• Moisture intrusion through the building envelope is typically more subtle. Humid outdoor air may be drawn in through structural cracks and gaps. Over a period, chronic dampness forms in spaces like wall voids, unventilated attics and service areas, spawning hidden mold growth that persists unseen.

For professional remediation of water intrusion in commercial buildings and secondary damage such as mold growth, contact SERVPRO of Lowell at (978)-454-7577

Help After A Storm Strikes

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Winter Storms On The Way.

Being prepared for severe weather is just part of living in New England. Part of living in New England is accepting the fact that hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, snow storms and heavy rains may result in water and flood damage.
 
If you are experiencing any kind of water damage from a storm, SERVPRO will help you get your home or business back to normal after the devastating water deluge has occurred. It is important that damage from the water is taken care of immediately to minimize losses to your home or business.
 
When it comes to the type of flooding we experience here in New England, the best option is professional water removal and cleanup for safety and proper restoration. SERVPRO's highly trained technicians are consummate professionals who are IICRC certified and practice the best methods in cleaning and restoration services. One of the most important parts of preparedness is knowing who to call when you have storm damage, Call SERVPRO of Lowell at (978) 454-7577.
 
Flood Damage Restoration and Cleanup Services
Our trained technicians will arrive at your residence or commercial business and assess the flood damage and needs that your structure will require. From water damaged furniture, flooring, walls, and damage as a result of flooding, we do it all.
 
SERVPRO’s Residential and Commercial-Grade Services include:
• Water Removal
• Water and Storm Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation if necessary
• Cleaning Services
• Building Services including rebuilds and reconstruction with affiliated partners

Our Thoughts On Fires

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Residential fire in a Kitchen

Not all fires are started the same way. Some can be caused from a candle burning through the night or a cigarette not being put out all the way. Whatever the cause may be, all fires are messy and leave an unwanted burden on a number of individuals. We know the stress thoroughly but more important than that, we know how to help.

In the photo pictured here is a house that suffered a fire in its kitchen. While the cause remains unknown to us it does not matter to our services. Here at SERVPRO of Lowell we care about restoring your home, business, or property back to its original state. We are here to help you forget the stress of the damage and make you realize it is possible to make the problem look like it "Never even happened". 

How To Clean Your Dryer Vent

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Before and after a Dryer Vent Cleaning.

Three Areas of Your Dryer That Need to Be Cleaned Regularly

Washers and dryers are convenient to have in your home in Lowell MA , but your dryer can also pose a lint fire risk if you do not clean it often enough. Lint is highly combustible, and your clothing sheds a lot of lint during the drying cycle. There are three areas of your dryer that need to be cleaned regularly.

Lint Screen

Every time you dry a load of laundry, you must clean the lint screen. There are three ways you can do this:

• With your hands
• With a brush
• With the hose attachment on your vacuum

Remove all the lint from the screen before putting it back in the machine. Fire damage cleanup specialists also recommend that you vacuum out the area that holds the screen and wash the screen with mild, soapy water to remove residue left by dryer sheets every few weeks.

Dryer Cavity

A lint fire can be started by debris within the dryer itself. Every six months, vacuum out the inside of your dryer. To do this, you must first unplug the dryer. Then remove the back panel with a screwdriver. Using the hose attachment, clean every bit of lint you see out of the dryer’s cavity. This can help you avoid a dryer fire and subsequent fire cleanup.

Exhaust Hose

The exterior part of your dryer’s exhaust is the hose that connects it to the wall and the area that exhausts it to the outside. It is a good idea to make sure these areas are lint-free every six months in order to avoid fire damage to your home. Detach the hose from your dryer and vacuum it out. Use a vent cleaning rod with a brush attachment to clean out your wall. Make sure the exhaust hose is clamped to the wall output and to your dryer before using it again.

Cleaning the lint screen every time you use it is only one part of avoiding a lint fire. If you are uncomfortable doing the deep cleaning yourself, you can hire a professional to perform the service.

If A Toilet Overflows In A Multi Story Business

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Overflowing Toilet In Lowell Ma

Handling an overflowing toilet is a frustrating situation enough on its own, but the issue can become even more complicated when dealing with a multi-floor building. If the bathroom is located on one of the higher floors, sewer damage can make its way into the ceiling of the lower floor and start to leak. Even if you can’t tell by inspecting the area yourself, a flooded toilet in your business in Lowell MA, can cause substantial problems that require specials steps to remedy.

Always Start by Getting Help

Since it can be difficult to determine the extent of the problem without the proper equipment on hand, it always best to get help from a water restoration company to assess the situation and take the appropriate next steps. It is very important to leave the area and immediately call a sewage company if there is any raw sewage in the water to avoid coming in contact with harmful bacteria.

The Water Damage Cleanup Process

A flooded toilet on the top floor can lead to several types of sewer damage including:

• Damage to drywall and flooring
• Soaked insulation or sub floor
• Exposure to electrical wiring
• Water damage to cabinets
• Staining, leaking, and cracking of the ceiling below
• Mold growth
  
  

If no sewage is present, you should immediately stop the source of the overflow by turning off the water supply valve and mop up as much water as possible. After the water restoration company arrives and inspects the area, they will start by using pumps, industrial vacuums, and other drying methods to remove all water from walls, floors, and ceilings. Once all wet materials are removed and the area is dried, the area will be sanitized and disinfected as necessary. Following this step, restoration can begin which may include installing new walls and floors, repairing the sub floor, and painting walls.
Sewer damage caused by an overflowing toilet might cause more damage than you’d imagine. However, a water restoration company can tackle situations that may seem beyond repair.

Staying Safe During A Commercial Fire

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

A business that is on fire.

Being Safe During Commercial Fire

Commercial fire damage is a hazard every business owner faces. Each business owner must be prepared to cope with the possibility of a fire that may cause fire damage. Commercial fire damage can happen as a result of many factors including an electrical fire or utility room fire. During the fire, the business owner may need to deal with a firefighter on their company space. They may also need to cope with a fire truck and a fire hose that may be in use in order to help clear out soot damage and fire damage as well as smoke damage. The fire may have taken place in a single area of the business such as a utility room fire or it may be far more extensive requiring fire restoration efforts that can time to fully fix. It's best to realize that any commercial fire damage from any kind of fire including an electrical fire or utility room fire can take time to fix.

Stay out of the way

In the aftermath of commercial fire damage, there may be lots of things present including a fire hose, firefighter and fire truck. The owner may find it hard to get in during the fire to assess the fire damage, smoke damage and soot damage. A fire sprinkler system may still be on and going, possibly creating even more problems. Fire suppression efforts may be ongoing by the firefighter and a team with a fire truck and a fire hose. It's best to take the time and let the fire suppression efforts continue until the professionals with the fire hose and fire truck are finished.

Some methods to fight against getting a frozen pipe.

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen pipe

When operating a business through the harsh winter months in Lowell MA, you may experience water concerns related to frozen pipes. Pipe freezing is more likely to occur in the following areas:

• Along exterior walls
• In areas of poor insulation
• In outdoor settings exposed to harsh cold such as hose spigots and sprinkler heads
• In unheated areas of your facility including basements, garages, or unheated storage areas
  
  

In order to prevent pipe bursts and water damage, consider the following three tips for preventing and addressing frozen pipes.

1. Allow Faucets to Drip on Cold Days

One simple solution for preventing pipe freezing and water damage is allowing a slow stream of water to flow through the pipes at all times. Constant water flow prevents freezing and may melt any ice crystals that are beginning to form. Even a slow drip can do a lot to prevent the freezing and expanding that can occur on cold days.

2. Maintain a Minimum Temperature

While some business owners dread heating areas of their facility that aren't occupied by employees, the cost of operating the furnace may pale in comparison to the hassle and expense of repairing broken pipes. Try to keep the temperature of your facility at a minimum of 55 degrees. If your heating mechanism isn't giving sufficient heat to warm the area, consider adding extra insulation inside of exterior walls.

3. Apply Heat

When you go to turn-on a faucet and notice that the water only comes out at a trickle, this may be a sign of a frozen pipe. Try to warm the pipe in one of the following ways:

• Wrap it in a towel soaked with hot water
• Warm it with a blow dryer
• Turn up the heat or bring in a space heater
  
  

Despite your best efforts to prevent freezing, water expansion may still take place within your commercial plumbing fixtures. If water damage occurs as a result of a burst pipe, shut off the water supply and get professional water cleanup help immediately.

Soot and smoke Damage

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage after a kitchen fire.

Soot and smoke are byproducts given off from fires. Both can vary in color and smell depending on the materials that make up the fire. Smoke is a collection of airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases emitted when a material undergoes combustion together with the quantity of air that is mixed into the mass. Smoke odor and color can change from a dark black to a light gray depending on what was burnt. Protein fires result in smoke damage from the burning of any protein enriched fibers, most commonly due to neglectful cooking. Unlike any other typical house fire where there is lots of visible smoke from fast burning materials, the low temperature of cooking food reduces the animal fat and protein to a fine mist. This specific type of fire does not appear to produce much smoke or cause significant visible damage to your property, but the mist it produces will cover your entire home in an invisible, sticky, foul smelling residue. This residue can penetrate your range hood, cabinets, ducts, closets, textiles, ceiling tiles, insulation, the paint on your walls, and any other porous surface in your home. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your tenants with empathy and respect and your property with care. Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577

We'll make it "Like it never even happened."

National Preparedness Month

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready??

National Preparedness Month Offers Home and Business Owners an Opportunity to Resolve to be Ready for an Emergency

Local SERVPRO disaster restoration specialist highlights no-cost tools to help property owners prepare and maintain a comprehensive emergency readiness plan

Lowell, MA - No matter where you live or work, emergencies caused by weather, fire, wind, water, and other natural or manmade disasters can strike at any time and are largely unpredictable. SERVPRO of Lowell reminds Lowell-area home and business owners that preparing in advance is the best thing you can do to help minimize a disaster’s impact on your loved ones and your property. Each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates September as National Preparedness Month – a time to create, or update, your plan for when disaster strikes.

“In the same way that people make ‘resolutions’ at the New Year, National Preparedness Month is a great time to resolve to create a plan, or review your existing plan, each and every year,” said Vincent Grande of SERVPRO^® of Lowell. “Everyone needs a comprehensive emergency plan. Business owners also need to plan for business interruption and continuation. But equally importantly, families and businesses alike need immediate access to data like emergency and insurance contacts, shut-off valves, electrical panel locations, and the line of command to authorize work so emergency responders can react quickly and appropriately during the emergency. This month’s focus on preparedness is a great incentive for both families and businesses to put a plan in place and review it regularly.”

Creating an emergency plan is straightforward, according to Grande. No matter what type of threats exist where you live or work – wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural or manmade disasters – tools are available from FEMA (https://www.ready.gov) with guidelines for preparing emergency food, water, and medical supplies; planning for special needs; and creating communication and evacuation plans. These tools and others, like the SERVPRO READY app, also help you store essential contact and property information electronically where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if disaster strikes. Both home and business owners can download the free app at https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp.

Local business owners can take an additional preparedness step by designating SERVPRO of Lowell as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider. SERVPRO professionals will conduct a no-cost assessment of the facility and assist the owner in completing a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile^® (ERP) to be stored in the READY app.

“The key to getting your life or business back on track is timely response after a disaster strikes. That’s why it’s important to take the time to record and store your information electronically, and then commit to a time – like National Preparedness Month – to review and update your records at least once each year,” said Grande. “Remember, filing cabinets and their contents may be inaccessible or even destroyed in an emergency situation, so don’t depend on them to keep track of critical insurance, property, or contact information in the event of a disaster. Store your data electronically. If disaster strikes, you’ll have the information you need literally at your fingertips.”

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Lowell, please contact Vincent Grande at (978)454-7577 or sp9902@SERVPROoflowell.com. For more information on SERVPRO^® and the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program, please visit www.ready.SERVPRO.com.

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

National Preparedness Month

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready??

National Preparedness Month Offers Home and Business Owners an Opportunity to Resolve to be Ready for an Emergency

Local SERVPRO disaster restoration specialist highlights no-cost tools to help property owners prepare and maintain a comprehensive emergency readiness plan

Lowell, MA - No matter where you live or work, emergencies caused by weather, fire, wind, water, and other natural or manmade disasters can strike at any time and are largely unpredictable. SERVPRO of Lowell reminds Lowell-area home and business owners that preparing in advance is the best thing you can do to help minimize a disaster’s impact on your loved ones and your property. Each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates September as National Preparedness Month – a time to create, or update, your plan for when disaster strikes.

“In the same way that people make ‘resolutions’ at the New Year, National Preparedness Month is a great time to resolve to create a plan, or review your existing plan, each and every year,” said Vincent Grande of SERVPRO^® of Lowell. “Everyone needs a comprehensive emergency plan. Business owners also need to plan for business interruption and continuation. But equally importantly, families and businesses alike need immediate access to data like emergency and insurance contacts, shut-off valves, electrical panel locations, and the line of command to authorize work so emergency responders can react quickly and appropriately during the emergency. This month’s focus on preparedness is a great incentive for both families and businesses to put a plan in place and review it regularly.”

Creating an emergency plan is straightforward, according to Grande. No matter what type of threats exist where you live or work – wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural or manmade disasters – tools are available from FEMA (https://www.ready.gov) with guidelines for preparing emergency food, water, and medical supplies; planning for special needs; and creating communication and evacuation plans. These tools and others, like the SERVPRO READY app, also help you store essential contact and property information electronically where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if disaster strikes. Both home and business owners can download the free app at https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp.

Local business owners can take an additional preparedness step by designating SERVPRO of Lowell as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider. SERVPRO professionals will conduct a no-cost assessment of the facility and assist the owner in completing a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile^® (ERP) to be stored in the READY app.

“The key to getting your life or business back on track is timely response after a disaster strikes. That’s why it’s important to take the time to record and store your information electronically, and then commit to a time – like National Preparedness Month – to review and update your records at least once each year,” said Grande. “Remember, filing cabinets and their contents may be inaccessible or even destroyed in an emergency situation, so don’t depend on them to keep track of critical insurance, property, or contact information in the event of a disaster. Store your data electronically. If disaster strikes, you’ll have the information you need literally at your fingertips.”

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Lowell, please contact Vincent Grande at (978)454-7577 or sp9902@SERVPROoflowell.com. For more information on SERVPRO^® and the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program, please visit www.ready.SERVPRO.com.

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Lowell Community: Are you aware of the Wireless Emergency Alerts?

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Lowell Residents:  

Learn how to be prepared and gain precious time when major weather events bear down on our area...especially if yo work outside the Lowell Community and plan to return home that evening...possibly picking up your children before returning home.  Please refer to the attached article from Mass.gov to help your planning!

Be Informed and Receive Emergency Alerts

Receive emergency alerts and weather warnings with Massachusetts Alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts, Emergency Alert System and other systems.

Receiving advance warnings for severe weather, timely emergency alerts, and information during a disaster is critical to staying safe during an emergency. Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts, including at least one with an audible alert to wake you in the middle of the night.

Massachusetts Alerts Smartphone App

The free Massachusetts Alerts app provides emergency notifications and public safety information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service based on your location, proximity to an event or incident, and the preferences you select.

MEMA encourages all residents of the Commonwealth to download Massachusetts Alerts which is available for Android and iPhone devices.

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national warning system that uses radio, television, and satellite channels to broadcast important public safety information during times of emergency. When an EAS is issued, you will hear a tone followed by an audio message. Participating television broadcasters will also display a visual message, which might take the form of a scrolling banner or a static slide.

This system can be used by state authorities to deliver emergency information, such as America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) alerts and severe weather warnings.

MEMA, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), has the authority to activate EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on behalf of the Governor of Massachusetts, Director of MEMA, Massachusetts State Police (MSP), and National Weather Service (NWS).

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) program is part of the EAS national alerting initiative, which enables cellphones to receive alerts for severe weather emergencies, imminent threats to life or property, AMBER alerts, and Presidential alerts.

Most WEAs are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). These alerts are only used for the most imminent and severe weather conditions, which includes tornadoes, flash floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis.

MEMA can also issue a WEA for other imminent threats that meet the requirements set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that were designed to ensure that only the most urgent public-safety messages are sent as a WEA.

The alerts are delivered on technology that overrides any wireless network congestion and delays and allows the information to target cellphones within the impact area. A WEA alerts users with a special tone and vibration. If you receive a WEA, you should follow the protective actions advised in the message.

You do not need to subscribe to any service to receive alerts. The alerts are sent to all WEA-enabled devices in the impacted region. To find out whether you have a WEA-enabled phone, you should contact your mobile carrier.

More information about WEA (including links to cellphone carrier) is available on the CTIA website. For answers to frequently asked questions about this tool, see FEMA’s Ready.gov website, the FCC website, or the National Weather Service website.

NOAA Weather Radio

A NOAA weather radio provides alerts for weather warnings in your area. With batteries, a radio can work even when the power is out and can be programmed to provide alerts within your local area. Weather radios are a reliable source for severe weather announcements or weather-related emergency information. 

Social Media & Traditional Media

MEMA uses Twitter (@MassEMA) and Facebook to provide preparedness tips as well as information about severe weather, emergency situations, and disasters. MEMA also uses social media as a secondary method of alerting.

Traditional local media outlets (such as TV and radio stations) are another source for emergency alerts and information.

2-1-1 Hotline

2-1-1 is the Commonwealth’s primary telephone information call center. Call 2-1-1 for information about the location of open shelters, transportation or other restrictions due to a declared state of emergency, post disaster assistance, ways to volunteer or donate, or other services you or your family may need. Mass 2-1-1 is a 24/7 resource to connect callers to information about critical health and human services programs.

Local Notification Systems

MEMA urges residents to contact their local Emergency Management Director to find out whether their community uses its own alert and warning system, such as Reverse 911 or Code Red for important local information. Your local official will be able to direct you how to enroll in these notification systems.
Residents can also check if their local public safety agencies (police, fire, emergency management) have social media accounts and if so follow them for local emergency information.

Other Systems

• Outdoor sirens, which are used to alert residents within the nuclear emergency planning zones (EPZs) for Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station and Seabrook Station of any nuclear related incidents.
• A teletypewriter (TTY) device, which allows individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired use the telephone to communicate.
• U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Broadcasts are used for maritime weather and safety broadcasts.
• MassDOT variable message boards and private sector digital billboards can be used to provide information during emergencies.

Understand the Differences Between Weather Alerts

The National Weather Service issues watches and warnings to alert the public of potentially dangerous weather. It is important to understand the difference between watches and warnings so you know what to do to stay safe.

• A watch means that the weather conditions are favorable for dangerous weather. If a watch is issued, then you should be alert to changing weather conditions.
• A warning means that severe weather is already occurring, or is likely to occur, and that you should take protective actions to stay safe.

Prepare for All Types of Hazards

Residents can be impacted by a range of severe weather, natural hazards, and man-made threats — Learn about the types of emergencies that are likely to impact Massachusetts and how to prepare for and respond to them: https://www.mass.gov/types-of-emergencies-and-disasters

Remember when your home or business does experience storm events, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Lowell for help! 1-978-454-7577.

Do you know how to handle asbestos during your cleanup? SERVPRO of Lowell does!

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

We encounter many a homeowner trying to dry up their basements after a water event. Usually, the water emergency that a homeowner clean up themselves

We encounter many a homeowner trying to dry up their basements after a water event.  Usually, the water emergency that a homeowner clean up themselves turns into a mold call when it is discovered a few weeks to months later.  When materials become wet, we adhere to IIRC standards of drying, and the MA DEP protocol for asbestos!

https://www.mass.gov/guides/massdep-asbestos-construction-demolition-notifications#asbestos-health

The link for the entire article is above for your reference!

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, mostly fibrous mineral that has been used in a variety of building products and industrial settings over the years because of its resistance to heat, fire, and many caustic chemicals.

The physical properties that give asbestos its resistance to heat and decay are also linked with a number of adverse human health effects. Asbestos tends to break apart into a dust of microscopic fibers that remain suspended in the air for a long time. When inhaled, these fibers can cause:

• Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that makes breathing progressively more difficult.
• Cancer, most frequently of the lungs.
• Mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the chest and abdominal membranes.

Symptoms can take up to 40 years to develop, all can lead to death, and each exposure increases your risk.

Although seldom used in construction since the late 1980s, building materials that contain asbestos are still legal to sell. They can be found in structures of all ages in various forms: decorative plasters, fireproofing, resilient flooring, heating system insulation, wallboard joint compound systems, mastics, roofing, exterior siding, and more.

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/tx/asbguid.pdf

Lowell Residents: Technology,Technology Technology!

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell uses Technology to better serve you during all of your water, fire, storm and mold emergencies! 

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor  air quality  issues  over time.

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO® of Lowell www.SERVPROlowell.com has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO® of Lowell will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by your local SERVPRO® of Lowell Professionals.

• Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and Moisture Meters (pictured) are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing your SERVPRO® ofLowell Franchise Professionals to monitor the drying process.
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO® of Lowell can calculate and create an environment most conclusive to drying.
• When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.

What is the bottom line? SERVPRO® of Lowell (978-454-7577) has the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

1-978-454-7577

24/7 AND FASTER to Your Commercial Property Emergency!

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell: Lowell Businesses, "we are here to help" with your Commercial Property Emergencies! Call the professionals!

Time IS Money! Locally Owned

SERVPRO of Lowell provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Lowell. 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 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 978-454-7577

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Lowell 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 are the professional team ready to respond promptly to get your property back to business.

You Know who to Call SERVPRO of Lowell!

www.SERVPROlowell.com

978-454-7577

Lowell Residents: 5 Different Sources of House Fires and How to Prevent a Fire in Your Home

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

This Home Fire Began inside of a Wall!

Wiring and Outlets

• Make sure all electrical cords are checked throughout your home for signs of fraying and make sure all frayed wires are replaced.
• Do not cover cords with item such as rugs or blankets.
• Be aware of the capacity that your home can handle in its electrical system.
• Make sure to understand the difference between surge protectors and power strips.  Surge protectors help protect electronic devices.

Kitchens

• Make sure there is a fire extinguishers readily available and make sure one knows how to use it in case of emergencies.
• Keeping your stove clean is another way to prevent a house fire. Grease on a stove or in an oven can lead to a fire the next time it is used, if not cleaned properly.  

Dryers

• Installing a dryer not properly could lead to a house fire when it is used for the first time.  Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly to prevent a fire from happening though the vent.
• Make sure your dryer is cleaned regularly
• After each load of laundry is done make sure the lint is taken out from the previous load.

Other Sources of Heating

• Space heaters are known for starting house fires when left on too long, or on when nobody is in your home.
• Make sure your space heater is far enough away from all furniture or anything else that can get too warm and catch on fire.

Chimneys

• If there in a chimney that is located in your house make sure it is inspected annually. Have a professional clean or repair your chimney as needed.  
• Make sure to use wood only.

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 978-454-7577

www.SERVPROlowell.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

Lowell Community: Flood Safety Tips and Resources Weather.gov > Safety > Flood Safety Tips and Resources

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Turn Around Don't Drown at Flooded Roads Know What to do Before, During and After a Flood

Weather.gov > Safety > Flood Safety Tips and Resources

Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to some part of the United States and its territories nearly every day of the year. This site is designed to teach you how to stay safe in a flood event. If you know what to do before, during, and after a flood you can increase your chances of survival and better protect your property. For instance, it is vital to know what to do if you are driving and hit a flooded road. Here you will find an interactive flood map, information describing the different types of flooding and educational material.  You will also learn how the National Weather Service keeps you aware of potentially dangerous flooding situations through alerts and warnings.

Learn how to better protect yourself and your family by reading our flood survivor stories.  If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of a flood, please share your story so we can prevent others from becoming a victim. When you write, please note that NWS has permission to use your story and, if possible, let us know the town and state you were in and the year the event took place.

Water Damage Do's & Dont's-Lowell,MA

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

No one wants to come home to a flooded basement or to wake up to the sound of a broken pipe spraying water on valuable furniture and household possessions. However, the possibility of water damage occurring in your Seekonk home is very real. Whether it is a pipe burst or a weather-related issue, it is important to arm yourself with some basic knowledge to deal with this type of emergency before it happens.

Here are a few tips to help in the event of water damage in your Massachusetts home:

• First, ascertain whether it safe to stay in the house.
• Make sure there are no active electrical devices or outlets immersed in or near the water.
• Note that wet floors are slippery and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Keep in mind that wet materials can be VERY heavy.
• Have your plumber’s phone number ready and available.
• Contact your SERVPRO Professionals at SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann at 978-927-8665 for complete restoration.

While waiting for your SERVPRO Professional to reach your location, here is what you CAN do:

• Shut off the water
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after 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 condition on for maximum drying in the Summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects and other prized possessions 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.

Call SERVPRO of Lowell for ALL Your Water Damage Restoration-We are the Professionals!

978-454-7577

Water Damage Restoration is the Keystone of our Business at SERVPRO of Lowell!

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Call us the minute you discover your water emergency! We will help you with your insurance company! We know exactly what to do, and how to do it!

We are trained in and know how to use technology to answer the questions you may have regarding your water loss.  This is exactly what we do-call us and put your mind at ease! 978-454-7577www.SERVPROlowell.com  We use moisture monitoring equipment to effectively measure and document the drying process to ensure your property is dry!  We handle all kinds of water issues from an overflowing toilet to "the ocean is now in my basement!", to roof leaks to burst water pipes to overflowing washing machines to failed sump pumps.  And, surfaces that range from a concrete basement to entirely finished basement living areas to exotic hardwood flooring  to custom tiles, custom carpet and one of a kind area rugs.  Because water finds it's way everywhere, we also often times end up cleaning out basements. I have been told by many homeowners that having the water issue in their basement sure made easy work of the basement clean out!

 We use moisture monitoring equipment to effectively measure and document the drying process to ensure your property is dry!  We handle all kinds of water issues from an overflowing toilet to "the ocean is now in my basement!", to roof leaks to burst water pipes to overflowing washing machines to failed sump pumps.  And, surfaces that range from a concrete basement to entirely finished basement living areas to exotic hardwood flooring  to custom tiles, custom carpet and one of a kind area rugs.  Because water finds it's way everywhere, we also often times end up cleaning out basements. I have been told by many homeowners that having the water issue in their basement sure made easy work of the basement clean out!

Have Water or Flood Damage?

978-454-7577Have Water or Flood Damage?

WE WORK HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS FOR YOU!

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Open all weekends, holidays to serve you when you need us! OPEN 24/7 to better serve you!

SERVPRO of Lowell is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today: 978-454-7577

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lowell has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Lowell

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO™s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Call us today, 978-454-7577

Lowell Community: Let Us Help You!

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell uses Technology to better serve you!

We see a lot people try to get rid of a sizable water damage themselves to try and save money. But in the end, it may cost you more trying to do it by yourself. 

Let's take a look at what you will need to do to handle a water cleanup yourself.

• You have to remove all the excess water. You might be able to handle this one if you or a neighbor has a wet vac or a submersive pump. SERVPRO  of Lowell has professional  extraction equipment.

• So that pump got you out of the jam, make sure it got ALL the water cleaned up. So that means getting out your infrared camera to help to see what is intrusive. Oh you don't have one laying around? SERVPRO of Lowell can help.

• Now you have to dry the area that had all that water. SERVPRO of Lowell has dehumidifiers, do you?

• Ok you got it bone dry (took a bit but you got it) but now mold is probably going to give you some problems as secondary damage.  SERVPRO of Lowell can sanitize when cleaned up - it will be a more comforting feeling knowing this was done. 

We really can help you out, please call SERVPRO of Lowell www.SERVPROlowell.com from the start to come handle your water damages 1-978-454-7577.

Do you know how to handle asbestos during your cleanup? SERVPRO of Lowee does!

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

State of MA Dept. of Environmental Protection Asbestos Information

We encounter many a homeowner trying to dry up their basements after a water event.  Usually, the water emergency that a homeowner clean up themselves turns into a mold call when it is discovered a few weeks to months later.  When materials become wet, we adhere to IIRC standards of drying, and the MA DEP protocol for asbestos!

https://www.mass.gov/guides/massdep-asbestos-construction-demolition-notifications#asbestos-health

The link for the entire article is above for your reference!

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, mostly fibrous mineral that has been used in a variety of building products and industrial settings over the years because of its resistance to heat, fire, and many caustic chemicals.

The physical properties that give asbestos its resistance to heat and decay are also linked with a number of adverse human health effects. Asbestos tends to break apart into a dust of microscopic fibers that remain suspended in the air for a long time. When inhaled, these fibers can cause:

• Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that makes breathing progressively more difficult.
• Cancer, most frequently of the lungs.
• Mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the chest and abdominal membranes.

Symptoms can take up to 40 years to develop, all can lead to death, and each exposure increases your risk.

Although seldom used in construction since the late 1980s, building materials that contain asbestos are still legal to sell. They can be found in structures of all ages in various forms: decorative plasters, fireproofing, resilient flooring, heating system insulation, wallboard joint compound systems, mastics, roofing, exterior siding, and more.

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/tx/asbguid.pdf

Are you MORE than ready for Summer?

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

Enjoy your Summer safely! When using a firepit, a cover is always a good idea!

Enjoy Summer Safely!

Bar B Q Fire Safety

I am ready to grill and enjoy the tastes of summer! Please keep these safety tips in mind when grilling.

• Keep a 3 foot area clear on all sides of the grill...kids and pets, too!
• Locate the grill away from the house or any building, including anything hanging above it!
• Do not use under trees or shrubbery.
• Do not forget to clean the grease drippings and the grill itself, often.
• When disposing of any coals, please make sure you use a metal container and a lid, without anything piled on top of the lid!

Don't you just love a fire pit?

• Make sure your fire pit has a cover. It may be needed to extinguish the fire quickly and easily in the event of an emergency.
• Look around the fire pit before lighting it.  Make sure there is nothing easily flammable near it...piles of dried leaves, firewood, tiki torches and/or their fluid.
• Watch out for what you are adding to your fire pit.  Leaves, paper,magazines or cardboard can separate and send large fire filled pieces into the air, causing a fire elsewhere!
• Always be bear your lighted fire pit.
• Not a bad idea to have a fire exteiguisher and/or a hose with the water turned on, handy.

Enjoy your outside time this summer and stay safe!

SOUTH LOWELL: Call SERVPRO of Lowell to handle any storms that Mother Nature sends our way!

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577, where you will always reach a SERVPRO of Lowell team member every time!

Mother Nature send a STORM our way?

SERVPRO of Lowell has the resources to handle floods and storms!

When storms hit South Lowell, The Acre, Pawtucketville ot Lowell proper, SERVPRO of Lowell is prepared to scale our resources to handle it all!  Thanks to our SERVPRO Industries connection as a locally owned and operated franchise, we have access to SERVPRO's Elite Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the United States.

From flooding to flooded basements to water line breaks to failed sump pumps, we can handle your storm emergency!

When Mother Nature sends storms our way, call SERVPRO of Lowell at 978-454-7577.

https://www.SERVPROlowell.com/contact/contactus

The best part:  your call will be answered by a team member ready to assist you!

Lowell Area Residents: We ARE The Flooded Basement Specialists!

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell uses advanced inspection and extraction equipment to give you accurate and efficient cleanup results!

Flooded Basement? 

Contact us at SERVPRO of Lowell!https://www.SERVPROlowell.com/contact/contactus or simply call us 978-454-7577 where your call will ALWAYS be answered by a SERVPRO of Lowell team member ready to assist you!

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall.  Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level.  There are a number of reasons wjy your Lowell basement may flood, including:

• blocked or failed sewer pipe
• sewer backup
• failed foundation drainage
• water line break
• hot water tank failure
• sump pump failure

And many, many more.  Call SERVPRO of Lowell today at 978-454-7577.

We are the Flooded Basement Specialists:

• If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeapardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home's structure!  Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get
• We are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week, with always a SERVPRO of Lowell team member answering the phone ready to help!
• SERVPRO is a preferred vendor to many national insurance companies.
• We bill the insurance company directly leaving you onel less thing to worry about!
• Our technicians are highly trained in water restoration techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment.

Time IS Money: Restore your Lowell Commercial Property Properly

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell: Commercial Property Restoration Specialists, Where you will always reach a Team Member ready to assist at 978-454-7577.

Flooding and water damage events at Lowell commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Unique Challenges Arise During Commercial Property Restoration!

Our professional Team Members are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

https://www.SERVPROlowell.com/commercial-water-damage

About SERVPRO of Lowell

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

https://www.SERVPROlowell.com/contact/contactus

SERVPRO of Lowell is currently hiring Full & Part time Sales/Marketing Representatives

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Looking to be part of the bigger picture; Join SERVPRO of Lowell Today!

Summary:

Promote and sell franchise services in assigned territory, which results in meeting or exceeding assigned sales goals. Grow and develop commercial customer base by utilizing a systematic business development process to identify new commercial prospects and cultivate relationships using marketing materials like SERVPRO® Key Differentiators, Emergency Ready Plan, National sponsorships, and others to market and sell SERVPRO® Services. Attend, coordinate, and promote marketing, networking, and continuing education events. Monitor loss activity and priority responding to generate work from these opportunities. Monitor and follow up on all assigned jobs, ensuring customer needs are met and all applicable Centers of Influence (COIs) are identified and captured for future reference.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Commercial Contacts Development
2. Regular business networking and business interactions
3. One to one engagement
4. Relevant new feed/content-driven touch base

2. Commercial Facilities Target Development
3. Development of Emergency Ready Plan
4. Networking and business setting interactions
5. Engagement one-to-one
6. Relevant new feed/content-driven touch base

3. Commercial Events and Promotions
4. COI/Association involvement
5. COI/Association attendance
6. Commercial continuing education

4. Priority Responding
5. First Response monitoring
6. Reconnaissance and lead qualification
7. Maintain brag book and Franchise references
8. A minimum two years of progressively responsible business-to-business sales experience
9. Experience with sales and marketing within the commercial sector
10. Superb sales, customer service, administrative, and verbal and written communication skills
11. Strong business and financial background and process- and results-driven attitude

Formal Education/Training:

Previous Sales experience required but will train the right candidate

Physical and Work Environment Requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role requires the ability to lift 25lbs, bend, stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.

This job is 90% OUTSIDE sales job with our territory (Lowell, MA).

Normal Working Hours, Additional Working Hours, and Travel Requirements:

We have several positions available full-time & part-time:

These positions offer varying hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday?Friday. These positions may require longer hours and after hours for special events. Occasional weekend events required.

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary, company matched retirement plan, vacation, personal time off and employee funded health insurance

Interested candidates please email your resume to jpbrown66@gmail.com

Lighting Strike

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Dumpster hit by Light Creates an exposure loss

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your employees and tenants with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 978-454-7577

 This Lowell machine shop suffered from a fire caused by lighting SERVPRO of Lowell] worked around the clock to remediate the property, so that business could be restored as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Many businesses are at risk for a fire, especially when they lease older buildings in need of repairs. We know how costly and devastating a fire can be to a business, so it is always our goal to get you back up and operating reducing your business interruption. 

What to Expect: 

When we visit/inspect your business after a fire loss, we will scope the affected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your business, call us right away at 978-454-7577 SERVPRO of Lowell.

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. SERVPRO of Lowell has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion

SERVPRO OF LOWELL is always here to help! Try us today!

978-454-7577

When Time counts!

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Help is on the way!

SERVPRO of Lowell provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Lowell. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• All Calls are answered by one of our project managers ready to help not a service asking questions and forward page for services which make us 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 978-454-7577Whether your Lowell Commercial Space 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:
• Commercial Services
• Have Questions? Call Us 24/7/365

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction ServicesThere's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Lowell 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: http://www.SERVPROlowell.com/commercial-cleaning
• Commercial Services

Faster Response

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our highly trained technicians bring the knowledge required to handle your commercial manmade or natural disaster we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

We are locally owned and operated able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits secondary damage, reduces business interruption and allows your employees to meet your company’s deadlines.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Lowell, we are prepared to scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. Our access to equipment and personnel from a network Franchises across the country. Elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Calling (978)454-7577 24/7/365 you will be connected directly no answering service with a team member ready to assist with any size disaster.

Ready to make it “Like it never even happened”

Help is on the way

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained team members are qualified to assist in all types of devastation. If your commercial property is affected natural or manmade disaster? Call your local restoration company SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-757.

These are some of the services we provide to keep your business operational.

• Blood borne Pathogens
• SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Our team of Technicians thoroughly clean disinfects and deodorizes the structure.
• Methamphetamine Labs
• Many of the chemicals used in the product of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO of Lowell Professionals follows federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces
• Crime Scene Residue
• From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO of Lowell Professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.
• Arson and Vandalism
• SERVPRO of Lowell Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. Your local Franchise Professional also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.
• Sewage backup
• Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. Our Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. SERVPRO of Lowell Professionals helps ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected and deodorized.

SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577 is ready 24/7/365 to handle all of your restoration requests.

Why Clean Duct Work? Not only because they get dirty!

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all office space with air ducts, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

• occupants with allergies or asthma
• cigarette or cigar smoke
• water contamination or damage to the building or HVAC system
• renovations or remodeling projectsTop Benefits of HVAC CleaningIndoor Air QualityThrough normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work. 
• Contact SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577
• While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.
• Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually through everyday living. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system taken air in and breathes air out.
• NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Below are some other reasons homeowners choose to have their air ducts cleaned.
• Some occupants are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as young children and the elderly tend to be more susceptible to the types of poor indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address.

5 Benefits of Duct Cleaning

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Typical Residential Heating/Cooling System

5 Benefits Of Air Duct Cleaning You Should Know:

1. Air Duct Cleaning Improves Indoor Air Quality:

Contaminants, pollutants, allergens, and mold tend to settle along air vents and ductwork as they are transported through the ventilation system and air ducts. Even though most ductwork systems have air filters as well, not all these contaminants may be contained by the filters. Regular cleaning of air ducts has been seen to improve indoor quality as it improves airflow and reduces the amount of debris within the ductwork that could be transported into indoor environments through the air.

2. Air Duct Cleaning Reduces Air Pollution Hazards and Promote Indoor Health:

Kitchen fumes, tobacco smoke, radon, and mold are some of the most common indoor pollutants, which can intensify the more when combined with higher humidity. Dust particles, mold spores, viruses, and allergens carried through the air from the air ducts can make the matter even worse. By cleaning your home’s air ducts, you actually reduce the chances of indoor pollution by a great degree and promote health, since the duct cleaning process gets rid of most pollutants and contaminants, thus making the air breathed fresher and less contaminated with allergens.

3. Increases Indoor Comfort:

Clogged or dirty air ducts can affect your HVAC system’s performance. However, air duct cleaning gets rid of clogged debris and improves air flow, which can actually increase the effectiveness of the system. Consequently, this increases indoor comfort as far as heating, cooling, and air conditioning is concerned.

• Can Reduce Air Conditioning Costs:

1. As the ducts are cleaned and less clogged, the heating and air conditioning system will struggle less to deliver the desired temperatures inside your home. This could mean less consumption of energy, especially since airflow is improved during the air duct cleaning process. in other words, ductwork cleaning can boost energy efficiency, improve [performance, and reduce conditioning costs since the lesser you HVAC unit struggles, the less likely it is to break down, which also means lower HVAC repair costs during its lifetime.

• Boosts the Longevity of Your HVAC System:There are various signs that can help determine if it’s time to get air duct cleaning service according to    NADCA. which recommends that the process should be more frequent for people with pets at home, smoke indoors, or have a family member with seasonal allergy problems.

1. When a heating and cooling system experiences a problem in terms of air flow, it tends work harder in order to perform as it is required or deliver the preferred temperature conditions. This obviously has an effect on its functionality and durability as the rate of wear and tear is increased. One of the technicians I spoke with at a company that provides air duct cleaning service in Denver confirmed that a thorough duct cleaning can improve an HVAC system’s life expectancy since it helps restore smooth airflow through the HVAC system, and reduces the stress load on the heating and air conditioning equipment. 

Day Light Saving Time Nov 3, 2019

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Get Ready To Turn Back Time!

SERVPRO of Lowell reminds you to turn back your clocks on Nov. 3rd , 2019 and take notice to the following;

• Check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Ensure they are working properly and replace the batteries. As the cold sets in and many start up their gas-fired furnaces, fireplaces, portable unit heaters and the like for the first time, carbon monoxide poisoning risks increase dramatically during this time of year. Replace any smoke alarm unit that is older than 10 years. Replace any CO alarm unit that is older than 5 years.
• Prepare a winter emergency kit for your automobile. Such kits can be a lifesaver if you are stuck out in bad weather while driving. They should include items such as: warm clothes, blanket, flashlight, batteries, water, non-perishable snacks, shovel, flares, reflective hazard triangle, jumper cables, cat litter or sand for traction, ski hat and gloves.
• Check to see if your fire extinguishers need recharging. Check the small gauge at the top of the extinguisher. If the needle in that gauge is in the green, chances are, the extinguisher is okay. If it is in the red, you need to have the extinguisher replaced or recharged.

Commercial Fire in Lowell

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Warehouse Fire in Lowell

Most common causes of commercial fires and how to safeguard against them: 1. Cooking Cooking is the most common cause of both residential and commercial fires. In the commercial arena, we tend to associate cooking fires with restaurants, but the problem extends to office kitchens as well. Treat all kitchens the same, wherever they are. All kitchen should have a smoke detector, a well-conditioned fire extinguisher and strict safety protocols, including no unmanned appliances. 2. Electrical When it comes to electrical fires, the problem is twofold: user error and electrical system malfunctions. In the realm of user error, the big issues are frayed power cords, misused extension cords and overloaded and daisy-chained surge protectors. When it comes to a system malfunction, the biggest problem is faulty wiring, which is why it’s essential that all commercial buildings have their electrical systems regularly serviced by a professional. 3. Heating Fires caused by heating are similar to those caused by electrical factors in that they’re caused by both user error and system malfunction. The most common form of user error is misuse of space heaters. Commercial spaces often have cold spots, and space heaters are a great way to alleviate that. Space heaters are also quite dangerous if users don’t respect a three-foot or greater safety zone around the unit. As for system malfunctions, fires often occur due to dust buildup and ventilation blockage, so be sure to have your heating system checked regularly. 4. Arson Arson is much more common than you might realize. Although it often occurs at abandoned commercial structures, arson fires that occur at occupied buildings can be devastating. In addition to monitored fire detection and fire suppression measures, security cameras are an essential defense. 5. Smoking Smoking was once a leading cause of commercial fires. Even in smoke-free buildings however, cigarettes can and do lead to fire. Prevention starts with commercial alarm monitoring, but it also requires proper receptacles and fire-retardant furniture. 6. Combustibles Most commercial buildings, including basic offices, must have combustible materials on hand. The real danger with such materials comes when they’re stored improperly, and this is a common occurrence because the materials are often being managed by people who aren’t trained in proper use. Therefore, it’s crucial to have safe storage space available, but it’s also essential that the business trains employees in the use of such materials and continues to refresh that education. Commercial Safety When it comes to fire and other risks to a commercial enterprise, it’s best to be proactive. Contact a security company that specializes in commercial security systems. They can help you identify risk factors in your place of business and make recommendations to help protect your enterprise against fire-related catastrophes.

When damage strikes call on your local hero's at SERVPRO of Lowell

(978)454-7577

24/7/365 You’ll be connected immediately a team members ready to assist you.

Restoring Your Commercial Property

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Lowell commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. When you need your business restored rapidly SERVPRO of Lowell is ready to make that happen. We’re faster to any size disaster.

Call us today 978-454-7577

Locally owned Nationally known restoration company

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Blazing Fire

About SERVPRO of Lowell we’re your locally owned nationally known restoration contractor.

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial property after fire damage. Your call will be answered LIVE by one of our project managers who can be on site within 1 hour conducting a walk through and create an action plan. Our teams of professionals are highly trained in property damage restoration through initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility. They are also IICRC certified. A governing agent in the restoration industry; rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. When disaster strikes; contact your single source provider ready to assist in reducing business interruption. SERVPRO of Lowell will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call today 978-454-7577

Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold.

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your property.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your property. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your property.

Contact SERVPRO of Lowell for mold remediation services. While you awaiting SERVPRO’s inspection.

Here’s a couple of ways to make it safe.

• Stay out/reduce of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in mold cleanup and restoration; in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our team of highly trained restoration professionals utilizes specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem effectively and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 978-454-7577

Does Your Lowell property have a mold problem?

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

Within 48 hours Mold can spread throughout your property.

Mold remediation reduces spore counts back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water or high humidity. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your property has a mold problem, one of our project managers can conduct a site inspection to assess your property. Our specialized training, equipment, and expertise will properly remediate your mold infestation.

When You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-757

Local Fire Clean up

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

Lingering Hidden smoke/soot odor

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your property, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  As seen in this photo the Drywall was opened to expose the smoke and soot damage in the wall cavity. Contact your locally owned nationally known restoration company SERVPRO of Lowell

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Lowell will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• 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. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your tenants with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577

We'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Ready Set Go!

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

On the Move!

SERVPRO of Lowell provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Lowell. 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 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 978-454-7577

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Lowell 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 are the professional team ready to respond promptly to get your property back to business.

You Know who to Call SERVPRO of Lowell!

978-454-7577

Inspection Tools

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Thermal Inspection

One of the greatest assets to our arsenal of inspection tools is the Flir thermal camera.

During the initial loss inspection we utilize the Flir thermal imaging camera to identify the amount of damage to the plaster board. Since we’re able to quickly identify the amount of water wicking in the plaster board we can reduce amount of demolition required to the affected walls. (Asbestos testing is required prior to removal of the affected materials under Mass DEP asbestos regulations at 310 CMR 7.15).Reducing the amount of demolition also reduces the cost of the repairs which allows the business to return normal operating hours sooner.  

Our image shows a water line approx. 6’’ above the floor. This water is contaminated (a sewer damage) the wall will was removed 2’ above the floor.

If you’re in need our emergency services want to reduce the Business Interruption contact SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577

Are the conditions right for mold? Call SERVPRO of Lowell to find out.

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lowell knows how to proceed if mold grows in your property.

There are approximately 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any property, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Any water leaks, damp basements, whole house humidifiers to name a few examples of issues that make a property prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your property, call SERVPRO of Lowell to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 978-454-7577

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – SERVPRO of Lowell

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Minutes Count!

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.

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration.

Ready to Help! Call SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577

The potential for mold growth exist in every property

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Moldy Building materials and contents should be removed from property.

Mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

Mold growth can occur in any property, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Wet or damaged contents, roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, high humidity, leaking water pipes or condensation from ducts are just a few examples of issues that make a property a target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Lowell to assess the situation. Our team of professionals will effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at 978-454-7577. You will be connected to a qualified team member ready to assist remediation your property. 

What to Do:                                                                  

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Lowell for remediation services.