Businesses in Mattapan Trust SERVPRO for Water Restoration

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Afraid your floors have been damaged by a water? No need to stress it, Let SERVPRO fix it.

SERVPRO Can Save Time and Money for Mattapan Businesses during Water Restoration 

A water incident can cause significant damage to commercial property, disrupt business operations, and inconvenience customers. Hiring professionals like SERVPRO for the water restoration of your Mattapan commercial property is crucial to mitigate the damage and restoring the property to its pre-damaged condition. 

SERVPRO techs understand the importance of time during the water restoration of your Mattapan property and use advanced technology and a multi-step approach to speed up the process. Our IICRC-certified restorers understand building and material science which helps them to create drying strategies that are as effective as they are fast. 

Interaction of Moisture with Martials During Water Cleanup

Excess moisture in a water-damaged property can enter the various surfaces through one of the following two sources:

• Absorption of water directly in contact with the surfaces
• Absorption of moisture from the air

SERVPRO techs address both these processes to reduce the impact of water on various surfaces. 

Typically, the more the material's porosity, the more water can enter through both mechanisms. SERVPRO techs classify surfaces in your commercial building into the following three categories depending on the degree of porosity they have:

• Porous surfaces have the highest porosity and can absorb water quickly. Organic substances such as carpet, gypsum board, and fiber-fill insulation fall under this category. 
• Semi-porous surfaces absorb moisture slowly and, if organic, can support microbial growth. SERVPRO techs categorize unfinished wood, concrete, and brick under this category. 
• Non-porous materials are of the least concern to a restorer as they do not absorb moisture under any conditions. Glass, plastic, and sheet metal are good examples.  

Hygroscopic Material 

These materials readily absorb water vapor also release it under appropriate drying conditions. However, if the relative humidity rises above 60 percent in a water damage event, hygroscopic materials can suffer secondary damage quickly. 

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / Roslindale at (857) 399-9797 for trustworthy restoration services.

Commercial Water Restoration for Mattapan Businesses

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / Roslindale at (857) 399-9797 for assistance from a professional remediation company.

SERVPRO Water Restoration Technicians Can Help

Business premises with water intrusion are non-functional. Customers and staff can feel the impact of an emergency like this. It can also affect the company's bottom line by forcing a temporary closure of the premises. Resolving unexpected property damages as quickly as possible is essential to a healthy, fully-functional business. At SERVPRO, we have a roster of qualified technicians available to local companies that can help minimize the disruption of a burst pipe, slow leak, sewer backup, or plumbing malfunction. Our call lines operate twenty-four hours a day to help local businesses. At the same time, our qualified and licensed team can assist companies with:

• Water Restoration
• Water damage 
• Water Cleanup

The challenge of commercial water restoration in Mattapan depends on the property's size and the damages' scope. For example, a burst pipe left over the weekend can cause significantly more harm to your business than a plumbing or appliance malfunction. Our team can work around your business, posting signage and barriers to inform staff of potential restoration work. This process is often suitable for minor water impacts where the damages are confined to a single space. Substantial damages or contaminated water issues may require a more comprehensive approach to the premises. Our technicians can communicate with the premises manager throughout the restoration to meet all needs. Returning premises to their pre-damaged condition relies on water extraction, cleaning, and fast drying. Our equipment includes:

• Dehumidification, air-movers, and venting fans allow rapid warm air circulation and speed up the drying process.
• Truck-mounted extraction units can store hundreds of gallons of water in their tanks before emptying.
• After cleaning, rotary machines can buffer fabrics, carpets, and other textiles. 

If your business faces water intrusion, contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park / Roslindale for commercial water restoration at (857) 399-9797.

Why Trash Pumps Are Beneficial for Mattapan Office Water Removal

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides commercial damage restoration services for Mattapan business owners. We are here to help.

Water Removal is Efficient with Trash Pumps

There is a finite restoration window to start water mitigation for your business. Open areas like the office can have water spreading quickly through workspaces, shrinking any possibilities of maintaining limited production for your services. We start this process with water removal and content relocation.

Making the Right Extractor Choice

Water removal for Mattapan offices ultimately requires several types of extractors and drying tools. When choosing among available options, several factors inevitably play a part in this decision. Some of the variables that might encourage the use of trash pumps over wet vacuums include:

• Depth of the water damage
• Trapped water
• Impacted materials

Fast Extraction for Deep Damage

One of the advantages of choosing trash pumps is the power of the unit itself. When several inches of standing water is a concern, you need a formidable extraction machine that can move a large quantity of water over a short period. Gas-powered trash pumps can reach gallons per minute (GPM) movement in the hundreds compared to the limitations of two-inch intakes and discharge hoses common with high-pressure or submersible pump units.

Water Removal That Does Not Require Electric

Electricity is not a guarantee for your office after water damage emergencies. In some situations, it can be safer to temporarily sever electrical services through the early mitigation steps to prevent shock hazards, but this limits available equipment not being run on a portable generator. Trash pumps offer powerful draw and discharge without requiring steady electrical power sources.

Water damages can destroy your business, and some may never recover after prolonged exposure. You cannot wait to get mitigation started, and our SERVPRO of Hyde Park / Roslindale team is standing by now to help with water removal services and cleanup. Call us when you need us at (857) 399-9797. 

Fire Restoration and Handling Smoke Damage in Mattapan Businesses

6/11/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage restoration for your Mattapan building should be handled by SERVPRO. We have the manpower and equipment for ever job.

Commercial Fire Restoration with SERVPRO in Mattapan Gets Results

You already have plenty going on with daily operations throughout your Mattapan commercial space. Whether you have an office or retail store, you need everything to be up and working at all times, or you could run the risk of financial loss. Should a fire occur, you not only have to think about reconstruction but also the possibility of foul-smelling smoke damage. SERVPRO features knowledgeable fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) ready to address charred debris, inventory cleaning, and smoke remediation.

With any project for commercial fire restoration in Mattapan, smoke mitigation efforts must be part of the process. We have Odor Control Technicians (OCT) on our team to help address powdery ash, stubborn protein smoke residue, and other soilings. With our knowledge about malodors and the best way to tackle them, you can count on your business back to normal, “Like it never even happened,” after we get done.

Things you should know about smoke damage:

• Smoke can lead to structural and material damage. Not only is the smell a problem, but the soot is acidic. It can cause etching, pitting, rot, and corrosion when not handled promptly.
• Smoke can impact your business even if a fire occurs outside the building. Whether it was a car fire in the parking lot, a dumpster fire in the alley, or another fire-related event, the smoke particles can enter through your doors, windows, and HVAC system.
• Smoke can create hidden damage. Even with the best cleaning efforts while taking the DIY route, you could miss cracks and crevices inside your business where smoke particles settled. You could also have heat from industrial processes or muggy weather that could re-release the smoke smells once again.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park/Roslindale is the team you want in your corner if you require commercial fire restoration. Get in touch with us by calling (857) 399-9797 or request help online. We can send a crew out in as little as 4 hours.

Importance of Drying Goals for Damaged Hyde Park Offices

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Has your business been damaged by water? Call the professionals at SERVPRO. Their technicians are ready 24/7 365.

Establishing Goals Sets the Pace for Restoration and Drying in Hyde Park Buildings 

Production is the heartbeat of every business, so when disasters like water damage impact your office, you need answers as to when you can anticipate your facilities to be up and running once more. Our SERVPRO professionals respond fast to help when every minute counts. 

Containment and Staging

Water damage in Hyde Park office structures can be immensely helped with swift action from experienced restoration professionals like our SERVPRO team. This rapid response means establishing more efficient containment for impacted areas to dry and manage moisture concerns. Similarly, staging areas are created next to the worksite to prevent cross-contamination and keep needed equipment close by for faster restoration.

Establishing the Drying Progress Plan

Any successful drying plan intends to speed up nature’s processes for managing water damage events and working to balance and ultimately dry up this damage. Nature seeks an equilibrium, so in this way, wet goes to dry locations, hot seeks colder environments, and high pressure finds lower pressure conditions. Creating a drying plan means balancing these known principles and using them to calculate:

• Affected materials
• Placement of air movers
• Needed number of dehumidifiers 
• Projected milestones of drying successes

Documenting Progress and Changing Strategies

One of the advantages of SERVPRO for drying and restoration services is our advancements in technology and software. We have proprietary programs exclusively created and managed by SERVPRO like DryBook for documenting the drying process, tracking equipment progress, and notifying the appropriate connected parties of the milestones reached during the recovery and cleanup of the office after a water damage incident. 

To get your business back to helping customers and clients, give our SERVPRO of Hyde Park / Roslindale team a call. We have effective mitigation and drying solutions to help after any disaster your property faces. Call now at (857) 399-9797. 

Commercial Fire Damage - Unique Challenges for Hyde Park Businesses

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t deal with fire damage on your own. Our technicians are standing by 24/7 for your emergency call

Call SERVPRO’s Hyde Park Team to Handle Commercial Fire Damage Fast!

Every fire restoration project is different, and our SERVPRO team knows this from years of experience in the field. We have addressed everything from fire and smoke issues to water infiltration from first responders putting out the blaze. Not only do we offer excellent results for Hyde Park homeowners, but you can count on us to be there for small and large-scale commercial fire projects. We can handle all smoke remediations, charred debris, inventory pack-outs, and everything else your business needs to recover from the damage.

At SERVPRO, we know that your commercial fire damage in Hyde Park impacts not only your business but also your staff and their families. It would be best to have a solid team of IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) to help you get back on your feet. 

We Have What it Takes for Commercial Fire Restorations

• The scope of a commercial fire damage project can be massive in scale, so you want a trusted team like ours to precisely handle the disaster. There is no amount of fire devastation that our skilled crew cannot handle.
• Every hour you must spend restoring your business means you are also losing that hour of revenue. We respond fast with 24/7 availability, so we can be at your business within hours to get started – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Something that sets SERVPRO franchises apart from other companies is our ability to scale to meet the needs of commercial customers. We have warehouse facilities loaded with equipment, tools, and various products to perform drying, odor control, and reconstruction services.

Insurance Claim Assistance

Are you concerned about filing your business insurance claim for the fire restoration? Let us help! Our customer care team ensures you have all the detailed paperwork to make your claim go as smoothly as possible.

Reach out to SERVPRO of Hyde Park/Roslindale at (857) 399-9797 whenever you require a rapid response for any fire damage at your place of business.

Be Prepared for the Winter Season

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your business during the winter season against damage

If you are a Boston resident or property owner you know that the winter is unpredictable. Some years we barely get snow and the temperatures are fairly mild. While other years it is frigid with howling winds and never ending snow storms.

No matter what kind of winter is in the cards for us this year, as a property owner you should be prepared. You should not wait until winter is upon us to prepare your property. The time is now, before the fall! During this time you should be making repairs and doing preventative maintenance.

Some areas to consider:

Gutters

Clean and repair the gutter before the temperature drops. Seal leaking caps and if you can add a gutter cover to prevent debris build up. Consider investing in a gutter heating cable. This will help prevent ice dams. 

Windows and walk ways

Check your windows to make sure there are not any air leaks or excessive condensation build up. Most windows are believed to have a life cycle of 20yrs check your windows to ensure they are not at or nearing the end of their cycle. Check your walk way for any major cracks that will need to be repaired.  Pay attention to seams as well.

Boiler Room

Boilers should be serviced once a year by an engineer. The most important part of winterizing is ensuring buildings boiler will operate throughout the long winter. Ensure the pipes are well insulated as extreme cold weather can cause the boiler to shut off - which can result in frozen pipes.

HVAC

Check and replace air filters if necessary. Turn your system on to ensure it is functioning properly. Like a car idleness is not good. Run the heating unit a few weeks before temperatures start to drop to keep it working properly.

Water faucets and water lines

Drain outdoor water faucets and water lines to make sure there is no sitting water. If there is water in the water lines it can freeze in cold temperatures and cause damage to the water line and faucets.

Roof

Roofs typically have a 12 year life span. You can usually do a visual test of your roof to get a better idea of its current condition. Repair or replace any missing shingles. An added benefit of updating your roof is an insurance discount for newly replaced roof!

Fix crack in concrete and asphalt

Water is easily absorbed by concrete given the nature of the materials. If there are large cracks make sure you fill them in because salt during snowy season causes damage.

Whether you are a home owner or a property manager it is important to be proactive so you prevent possible damages to your property. Losses will happen but if you use preventative measures you can possibly help minimize the level of damage thus lowering the amount of money needed to repair/replace your property.

If your business or home experiences a loss give us a call! We are here to help 24/7 857-399-9797

Prep Your Business in Case of Fire

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to pre loss conditions in the unfortunate event you experience fire damage.

If you own a business, it is important that you are honest about potential risks from every source—including from emergencies and natural disasters. With the possibility of commercial fires and the data behind how costly they can be, preparing for these is key to the longevity of your operations.

There are many ways to get started in fire safety planning, but we always recommend originating from a safety standpoint. Teaching your employees how to perform a fire evacuation is a key element to keeping everyone safe in case the fire alarm were to sound for real.

Teaching Your Employees How to Perform a Fire Evacuation

Consult with your local fire officials. With the internet, you have so many research options at your fingertips surrounding commercial fire safety, but do not forget about your local options as well. You can generally have your local fire officials come and provide you with personalized advice for planning your evacuation routes and boosting your fire safety.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. After you have decided what evacuation routes suit your needs, be sure they are labeled clearly and your staff is aware of the upcoming drill. Keeping everyone looped in will create more transparency and be sure every one of your staff members are prepared when the drill begins.

Have fire drills frequently. Though taking time out of your day for a fire drill is not ideal, generally doing them once every few months is sufficient enough for everyone’s safety. Keep them on the schedule regularly enough so that everyone can remember the protocols, but not so often that they become mundane.

Run different fire scenarios. There are many ways fires start and spread throughout an office space, so your drills should reflect this to better prepare everyone for a real fire. Have your mock fire block different exit routes so your employees can see what it is like to alter their course with little notice just like they may have to if the fire alarm sounds for real.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—call us today 857-399-9797.

Cleaning and Restoration Solutions for Businesses | SERVPRO® of Hyde Park/Roslindale

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO of Hyde Park/Roslindale has been providing disaster recovery services for our residents for many years. Did you know we also provide restoration from storm damage, fire damage, flood damage and mold remediation for business owners?

That’s right! Besides providing these services for homeowners, we also provide them to commercial enterprises. And the services don’t end there—we also provide commercial cleans.

Many commercial businesses usually have a higher level of cleaning requirements because customers and suppliers use their facilities as well as their employees. Knowing your business has been cleaned at the highest level can give you peace of mind knowing you have provided a clean and sanitized work environment for all that use it.

SERVPRO Custom Business Solutions

Satisfying your customers is your business—ours is making your business sparkle for them. We provide professional cleaning and sanitization services for all types of businesses:

Community grocers, as well as national chain stores, strip malls and other business locations. Facility cleanliness is our mission, whether you’re the mom-and-pop store on the corner or a mega-chain big-box retailer. We provide a superior level of cleanliness to all clients.

Academic institutions including preschool through universities and everything in between. Faculty and student cleaning is inadequate, according to a recent study. It appears that only half of the bacteria is cleared from desks. The number get even worse if items aren’t cleaned daily.

Any healthcare facility, including hospitals, assisted living centers and even hospice centers. Cleanliness in these institutions is critical and must be done properly and often. We can make sure your medical facilities are cleaned above CDC standards.

Bowling alleys, night clubs, recreational facilities and other entertainment venues. Recreational facilities require a high level of cleaning due to the number of people that utilize these facilities. We can make your venue sparkle.

Food service facilities, warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Cleanliness in these facilities is crucial for the safety of their customers. Let us handle the cleaning so you can focus on the food.

Office buildings to high rises, commercial complexes to property management companies. SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda provides the best environmental care and sanitation service for their clients.

Did you know workplaces lose an outrageous $260 billion per year due to the lost productivity that comes from sick days and lost productivity? Let SERVPRO help you turn the tide of workplace germs and ensure a healthy, clean environment for your teams and customers.

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.

When Disaster Strikes, Choose SERVPRO | SERVPRO® of Hyde Park/Roslindale

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

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

Homeowners, business owners and property managers, it’s your job to make sure operations run smoothly. Keeping morale high and the family happy is a priority.

When something like a disaster strikes, the status quo is upset! All of those responsibilities take a back seat, and you now have a new focus. You may have never managed a crisis before—and that’s why we’re here.

Managing and handling a crisis is our job, not yours! Let us handle the pressure, we do it for a living.

When life tries to get a fast one by you, trust SERVPRO to take over and get you back to normal.

Equipped, Qualified & Ready

Our job is to be ready when needed. When you call, we’ll be on the way in a moment’s notice. We understand there is no time to spare when fire damage, flooding or a natural disaster is at hand.

When a crisis happens, we’re queued up and ready to go.

Being Faster to Any Disaster Is What We Do

When a disaster hits, we understand that we need to drop everything and come running. After all, in a disaster situation, every second counts.

For every minute that passes, mold can grow, and you can have more smoke or water damage. A fast response is critical, and with a local office right here nearby, you’ll be the beneficiary of a local company with national resources.

We Know the Best Disaster Recovery Techniques

Disasters don’t care where or when they strike, and homes and businesses can suffer accidental or natural damage.

We have custom plans for many situations, and we’re prepared to get your home or business back to normal ASAP!

Our Expertly Trained Techs Restore Your Property "Like it never even happened."

We’re not a “here today and gone tomorrow” type of operation. SERVPRO is an expert in the recovery and restoration business because we care about your satisfaction enough to ensure your property is restored to its original condition.

We are committed to ensuring your restoration is exceptional from start to finish.

We Modify Our Approach When New Disasters Arise

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, illness prevention is high on the priority list. With that in mind, we now offer sanitization and disinfecting services that go beyond normal office cleaning.

If you want your customers to feel safe and welcome, we can give you that ultra-clean space and ease the worries of your customers and employees at the same time.

Fires burn, storms rage, pipes leak—it happens. Your local SERVPRO is ready to take on the challenge so you can get back to life.

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 of Cambridge/Belmont.

Time To Check Your HVAC System

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your HVAC system running its full term with regular maintenance checks

As facility-maintenance professionals prepare for summer, it is important they make sure evaporator-coil cleaning and maintenance is on their to-do list states John from SERVPRO of Roslindale/Hyde Park.

“Not only do you want to make sure your HVAC system is running properly, but uncleaned coils can shorten the life of your equipment and force your system to work harder than it should,” John said, “Dirty coils can drastically increase the cost of running your HVAC, but one of the quickest and safest ways to maintain your system is through a comprehensive coil-cleaning program.”

Citing a Southern California Edison report, while uncleaned evaporator coils decreased energy efficiency by 35 percent, dirty condenser coils caused energy efficiency to drop 60 percent, meaning much more power and money was required to cool at the same rate as a system with clean coils.

Additionally, dirty evaporator coils can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria as airborne contaminants are filtered through the system, negatively impacting indoor-air quality.

SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont recently released a checklist for effectively cleaning coils:

• Obtain the best possible access. Cleaning coils works best when a maintenance technician can get the cleaning wand close to the areas that need to be cleaned. Consider using flexible wands if access is difficult.
• Vacuum coils and fins. Before cleaning, remove dry debris from coils with a vacuum that can reach dust and dirt in tight spaces. Other options include using compressed air.
• Clear blockages. Condensate pans and lines need to be free of blockages before wet cleaning can begin, as any obstructions can cause major damage from flooding and because of HVAC-system condensate. Consider a wet/dry vacuum to remove any debris prior to cleaning.
• Use a wet cleaning process. Pressurized water forces deeply embedded dirt and debris to come loose, vastly improving the cleaning process.
• Use a powerful-yet-delicate cleaning system. High-pressure equipment can damage fins, especially on evaporator coils. The ideal system should deliver 125 to 200 psi and up to a half-gallon of flow per minute.
• Apply an alkaline non-caustic cleaning foam. Use of a non-caustic cleaner helps to protect coils from corrosion.
• Apply a mold-control agent. Adding a mold inhibitor that is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered and approved for use in occupied spaces can help to keep coils clean and free of odor and allergy-causing mold and mildew.

If you need Your Air Conditioning unit checked out, please call SERVPRO of Roslindale/Hyde Park (857) 399-9797

Use A Ladder The Right Way

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Take the time to learn how to properly use a ladder. It could save you from a bad injury.

With the weather getting warm here in Boston its common to use this time for building maintenance. One of the handiest tools is the ladder. Unfortunately, there have been many preventable injuries due to misuse.

Take the time before you climb. Check to see if your ladder is safe to use before stepping foot on a rung. Ladders get thrown in and out of trucks and closets which may cause the ladders to get beat-up. A damaged ladder is unsafe to use and should be immediately taken out of service. 

If you notice any cracked or damaged uprights, braces, or rungs, the ladder should not be used. Loose nails, screws, bolts or other metal parts are also a huge red flag. The ladder rungs should be secure and clean of any oil or dirt. Foot treads should not be worn out and all of the ladder’s labels should be present and legible. As always, only use a ladder on a stable surface. If the ladder is rocking even slightly, or if you need to place something underneath the feet of the ladder to keep it stable, the ladder is unsafe for use.

Why is inspection so important? According to the World Health Organization, the United States has the most number of deaths caused by falls from ladders. Falls from ladders are also the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry. There are over 164,000 emergency room visits and 300 deaths from falling from ladders. The majority of falls from ladders that lead to death are from heights of 10 feet or less from the ground. The number of deaths has tripled over the past decade. Most of these deaths may have been prevented by inspecting ladders before use and putting defected ladders out of service. Another factor that may decrease the amount of fatalities and injuries due to falls from ladders is proper training.

The following list outlines just a few items to train employees in regards to the safe and proper use of ladders.

Always maintain 3-points of contact at all times when climbing

 Do not carry any materials up or down a ladder

 Wear a tool belt

 Use a hand line

 Face the ladder when ascending or descending

 Never overreach

 Work only within an arm’s reach of the ladder

 Keep your belt buckle between the sides rails of  the ladder at all times

Only allow one person to climb the ladder at a time

Extension Ladders:

Position the ladder at the proper pitch (1/4 rule)

Extend the side rails at least 36 inches or 3 rungs above

Secure the top of the ladder to help prevent shifting

If you have water or fire damage, please call SERVPRO of Hyde Park/Roslindale (857) 399-9797

Preparing your home and business for the cold season

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare your home or business for cold weather before the cold gets here

If you are a Boston resident or property owner you know that the winter is unpredictable. Some years we barely get snow and the temperatures are fairly mild. While other years it is frigid with howling winds and never ending snow storms.

No matter what kind of winter is in the cards for us this year, as a property owner you should be prepared. You should not wait until winter is upon us to prepare your property. The time is now, before the fall! During this time you should be making repairs and doing preventative maintenance.

Some areas to consider:

Gutters

Clean and repair the gutter before the temperature drops. Seal leaking caps and if you can add a gutter cover to prevent debris build up. Consider investing in a gutter heating cable. This will help prevent ice dams. 

Windows and walk ways

Check your windows to make sure there are not any air leaks or excessive condensation build up. Most windows are believed to have a life cycle of 20yrs check your windows to ensure they are not at or nearing the end of their cycle. Check your walk way for any major cracks that will need to be repaired.  Pay attention to seams as well.

Boiler Room

Boilers should be serviced once a year by an engineer. The most important part of winterizing is ensuring buildings boiler will operate throughout the long winter. Ensure the pipes are well insulated as extreme cold weather can cause the boiler to shut off - which can result in frozen pipes.

HVAC

Check and replace air filters if necessary. Turn your system on to ensure it is functioning properly. Like a car idleness is not good. Run the heating unit a few weeks before temperatures start to drop to keep it working properly.

Water faucets and water lines

Drain outdoor water faucets and water lines to make sure there is no sitting water. If there is water in the water lines it can freeze in cold temperatures and cause damage to the water line and faucets.

Roof

Roofs typically have a 12 year life span. You can usually do a visual test of your roof to get a better idea of its current condition. Repair or replace any missing shingles. An added benefit of updating your roof is an insurance discount for newly replaced roof!

Fix crack in concrete and asphalt

Water is easily absorbed by concrete given the nature of the materials. If there are large cracks make sure you fill them in because salt during snowy season causes damage.

Whether you are a home owner or a property manager it is important to be proactive so you prevent possible damages to your property. Losses will happen but if you use preventative measures you can possibly help minimize the level of damage thus lowering the amount of money needed to repair/replace your property.

If your business or home experiences a loss give us a call! We are here to help 24/7 857-399-9797

Create a System for Evacuation Drills at Your Business | SERVPRO® of Hyde Park/Roslindale

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

If your business experiences any fire damage, you can count on us. SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont specializes in fire restoration.

If you own a business, it is important that you are honest about potential risks from every source—including from emergencies and natural disasters. With the possibility of commercial fires and the data behind how costly they can be, preparing for these is key to the longevity of your operations.

There are many ways to get started in fire safety planning, but we always recommend originating from a safety standpoint. Teaching your employees how to perform a fire evacuation is a key element to keeping everyone safe in case the fire alarm were to sound for real.

Teaching Your Employees How to Perform a Fire Evacuation

Consult with your local fire officials. With the internet, you have so many research options at your fingertips surrounding commercial fire safety, but do not forget about your local options as well. You can generally have your local fire officials come and provide you with personalized advice for planning your evacuation routes and boosting your fire safety.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. After you have decided what evacuation routes suit your needs, be sure they are labeled clearly and your staff is aware of the upcoming drill. Keeping everyone looped in will create more transparency and be sure every one of your staff members are prepared when the drill begins.

Have fire drills frequently. Though taking time out of your day for a fire drill is not ideal, generally doing them once every few months is sufficient enough for everyone’s safety. Keep them on the schedule regularly enough so that everyone can remember the protocols, but not so often that they become mundane.

Run different fire scenarios. There are many ways fires start and spread throughout an office space, so your drills should reflect this to better prepare everyone for a real fire. Have your mock fire block different exit routes so your employees can see what it is like to alter their course with little notice just like they may have to if the fire alarm sounds for real.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—call us today 857-399-9797.

Air Conditioners - To Do List

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Regular maintenance is a must

As facility-maintenance professionals prepare for summer, it is important they make sure evaporator-coil cleaning and maintenance is on their to-do list states John from SERVPRO of Mattapan/Hyde Park.

“Not only do you want to make sure your HVAC system is running properly, but uncleaned coils can shorten the life of your equipment and force your system to work harder than it should,” John said, “Dirty coils can drastically increase the cost of running your HVAC, but one of the quickest and safest ways to maintain your system is through a comprehensive coil-cleaning program.”

Citing a Southern California Edison report, while uncleaned evaporator coils decreased energy efficiency by 35 percent, dirty condenser coils caused energy efficiency to drop 60 percent, meaning much more power and money was required to cool at the same rate as a system with clean coils.

Additionally, dirty evaporator coils can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria as airborne contaminants are filtered through the system, negatively impacting indoor-air quality.

SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont recently released a checklist for effectively cleaning coils:

• Obtain the best possible access.Cleaning coils works best when a maintenance technician can get the cleaning wand close to the areas that need to be cleaned. Consider using flexible wands if access is difficult.
• Vacuum coils and fins.Before cleaning, remove dry debris from coils with a vacuum that can reach dust and dirt in tight spaces. Other options include using compressed air.
• Clear blockages.Condensate pans and lines need to be free of blockages before wet cleaning can begin, as any obstructions can cause major damage from flooding and because of HVAC-system condensate. Consider a wet/dry vacuum to remove any debris prior to cleaning.
• Use a wet cleaning process.Pressurized water forces deeply embedded dirt and debris to come loose, vastly improving the cleaning process.
• Use a powerful-yet-delicate cleaning system.High-pressure equipment can damage fins, especially on evaporator coils. The ideal system should deliver 125 to 200 psi and up to a half-gallon of flow per minute.
• Apply an alkaline non-caustic cleaning foam.Use of a non-caustic cleaner helps to protect coils from corrosion.
• Apply a mold-control agent.Adding a mold inhibitor that is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered and approved for use in occupied spaces can help to keep coils clean and free of odor and allergy-causing mold and mildew.

If you need Your Air Conditioning unit checked out, please call SERVPRO of Mattapan/Hyde Park (857) 399-9797

We are here to help!

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Yesterday a pipe broke in the middle of the night causing water to pour into 2 retail businesses. At 5:30 Am the commercial property owner was notified and he immediately called SERVPRO of Mattapan/Hyde Park.  SERVPRO’s crew arrived and immediately began to extract the water. The business owner was hoping to be open for business at his usual 9:30 AM opening time. Additional crews were dispatched to take care of the 2 other business affected.  The crews worked feverishly to ensure that both businesses could open at their usual time.  The SERVPRO of Mattapan/Hyde Park project manager using a moisture detector and infrared camera created a moisture map to determine all affected floors, walls and ceilings. The project managed related this information to the crews so that they could strategically place the necessary drying equipment. The equipment was set up and the businesses were open at their usual time. If your home or business has undergone water damage, please call SERVPRO of Mattapan/Hyde Park (857) 399-9797 to assist you.

Ladder Safety

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Ladder safety is important

Take the time before you climb. Check to see if your ladder is safe to use before stepping foot on a rung. Ladders get thrown in and out of trucks and closets which may cause the ladders to get beat-up. A damaged ladder is unsafe to use and should be immediately taken out of service. 

If you notice any cracked or damaged uprights, braces, or rungs, the ladder should not be used. Loose nails, screws, bolts or other metal parts are also a huge red flag. The ladder rungs should be secure and clean of any oil or dirt. Foot treads should not be worn out and all of the ladder’s labels should be present and legible. As always, only use a ladder on a stable surface. If the ladder is rocking even slightly, or if you need to place something underneath the feet of the ladder to keep it stable, the ladder is unsafe for use.

Why is inspection so important? According to the World Health Organization, the United States has the most number of deaths caused by falls from ladders. Falls from ladders are also the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry. There are over 164,000 emergency room visits and 300 deaths from falling from ladders. The majority of falls from ladders that lead to death are from heights of 10 feet or less from the ground. The number of deaths has tripled over the past decade. Most of these deaths may have been prevented by inspecting ladders before use and putting defected ladders out of service. Another factor that may decrease the amount of fatalities and injuries due to falls from ladders is proper training.

The following list outlines just a few items to train employees in regards to the safe and proper use of ladders.

Always maintain 3-points of contact at all times when climbing

 Do not carry any materials up or down a ladder

 Wear a tool belt

 Use a hand line

 Face the ladder when ascending or descending

 Never overreach

 Work only within an arm’s reach of the ladder

 Keep your belt buckle between the sides rails of  the ladder at all times

Only allow one person to climb the ladder at a time

Extension Ladders:

Position the ladder at the proper pitch (1/4 rule)

Extend the side rails at least 36 inches or 3 rungs above

Secure the top of the ladder to help prevent shifting

If you have water or fire damage, please call SERVPRO of Mattapan/Hyde Park (857) 399-9797

Water Damage and Your Business

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to get you back to business!

Flooding and water damage events at Town of Boston 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.

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.

SERVPRO of Mattapan/Hyde Park 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. If your business has sustained a fire or water damage, please contact SERVPRO of Mattapan/Hyde Park (857) 399-9797 to assist you.