Our Quick Action Helped Overcome Water Damage in Local Basement

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

If your Upper Cape Cod home has water damage, call SERVPRO. We'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Early Actions Greatly Impact Water Cleanup

Your basement is one of the catch-alls of your home for many property owners. You want to store a lot throughout the year that might only make brief appearances in your everyday life, such as an artificial Christmas tree or holiday decorations. When water damage impacts this lower level of your property, it can do much harm unless professionals work to resolve it quickly.

The water damage in the basement of this Cape Cod property impacted the structure and its contents while making life difficult for the homeowners. Once discovered, the family made the right first call to our SERVPRO® team to help. Once we established the degree of damage and affected areas, we began mitigation and cleanup to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Removing the Bulk

Step one in this situation is removing all the wet contents from the basement. We will also temporarily move any boxes or loose items that could come into contact with migrating water before our team can pump it out. Items rarely need to leave the premises and can be treated and dried on-site.

Cleaning Up the Water Damage 

Next, our SERVPRO professionals set their sights on removing the present water damage. Ideally, this begins with eliminating standing surface water or puddling with wet vacuums and pumps. With the visible water removed, our technicians can set up for efficient structural drying.

Structural Drying 

Sometimes, setting up the equipment to remove the moisture is not enough. Controlled demolition is an essential aspect of effective drying, and we are experienced in knowing when it is necessary to preserve most of the remaining structural elements affected. Thorough moisture removal involves:

• Air movers
• Dehumidifiers
• Drying mats
• Negative air pressure
• Moisture detection sensors

This basement space was severely impacted by spreading water damage, so much so that we spent days clearing out the stored items, evaluating them for salvageability, and cleaning and drying the structure. When your home is damaged by water, count on our experienced and thorough team to help. Call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands at (508) 888-5985.

Diverse Reasons Why Falmouth Properties Develop Water Damage

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Our staff and technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and equipment to handle any size of water damage in Falmouth.

Can Falmouth Water Restoration by SERVPRO Deliver?

Many materials that form the house structure, whether in the floors, ceilings, walls, and trim, deteriorate if exposed unnecessarily to moisture. The water damage your Falmouth home develops can be instantaneous or gradual, taking weeks or months to become noticeable. The deterioration from gradual water exposure is usually dire since exposure time for materials is unlimited. 

Knowing why your home in Falmouth can develop water damage is essential in preventing or limiting extreme deterioration from gradual moisture exposure. Moisture retention or intrusion are the two most likely reasons for such damage. SERVPRO professionals can help inspect your home, revealing where such risks might emanate from. 

A house can retain moisture because of a drainage system problem that prevents regular evacuation, especially wastewater, as intended. Partial clogging is especially problematic since it might go unnoticed or ignored over a long time. Moisture retention can also happen without involving plumbing systems. Condensation is one of the main processes that can cause such retention. Condensation occurs when humid air cools down, converting the vapor it holds back to liquid water. The kitchen and bathroom are the most likely vapor sources of condensation in your house, leading to water damage. 

Water intrusion occurs from:

• Pipe leaks
• Roof leaks
• Appliance malfunction

Effects of Moisture Exposure

Water is benign in everyday use, but when left to interact with materials over an extended period, it triggers several problems ranging from swelling, staining, warping, and delamination. For example, you might notice that doors operating smoothly suddenly start getting stuck, indicating warping trim or swelling door materials. 

Since water is by far a standard substance, the effects moisture has on materials depend on the physical properties of the said material. Some materials can withstand extended exposure for weeks or months, while others are ruined within a day. 

Factors Affecting Moisture Processes

• Composition
• Permeability
• Porosity

High moisture levels readily damage highly porous materials and those made up of composite parts because of higher absorption rates and the deterioration of cement or glues holding the distinct materials together. On the other hand, permeability is the possibility of moisture passing through materials at standard vapor pressure. Permeance is measured in grains per hour on a square foot of a surface. Permeance determines which materials act as a vapor barrier locking in moisture within a material, thus hampering mitigation efforts such as drying. 

Professional assistance helps identify the uniqueness of materials and establish the best remedies to halt or reverse damages. Our SERVPRO technicians check for moisture barriers such as gloss paint on surfaces or 4-mil plastic sheets installed behind drywall which might stall drying. 

Whatever materials the intrusion effects, performing thorough drying is essential. Our SERVPRO crews facilitate drying by increasing airflow around the wet materials using specialized equipment. We successfully set up several air movers and a dehumidifier unit to cover the wet areas. An air mover is a technological device that uses fans to harness and direct airflow in a specific direction. We also apply heat when necessary, but in most cases, the warm exhaust from dehumidifiers is sufficient in providing the essential heat.

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands can help evaluate your property to determine the source of water damage if it is not readily apparent. You can reach us at (508) 888-5985.

SERVPRO’s Fast Water Removal Service Saves Falmouth Homes

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

Our techs are ready 24/7, 365 days a year.

Falmouth Homeowners Trust SERVPRO with Water Removal 

Removing the standing water from your property is a crucial and time-sensitive step in water restoration. If water removal from your Falmouth home does not happen quickly, water can seep into the structural components causing widespread damage.   

SERVPRO restorers employ several pieces of equipment during the water removal of your Falmouth property. While pumps and extractors remove the standing water, deep extraction tools and light wands remove water absorbed into the carpets and pads. 

Deep Extraction Tools in Water Damage Repair

One of the best ways to accelerate the drying rate is by removing as much liquid water from the structure as possible before using dehumidifiers and air movers. Once the pumps and extractors remove the standing water, the SERVPRO techs focus on the water absorbed into the carpet. 

We use the following types of extraction tools to remove this water-

• Self-propelled tools have an independent motor moving the units over the carpet constantly. The tool compresses the carpet and the pad to squeeze out the liquid water and remove it using a vacuum system. Some tools are designed so that the restorer can stand on them while it works to provide additional weight. 

• Stationary tools don’t have a motor, and the restorer extracts water section by section by manually moving the tool from one part of the carpet to the other. The techs must use their weight to increase the efficiency of the tool.

• Light wands are used to remove residual water on the surface of the carpets after a stationary tool has been used.   

Water Removal is Necessary

Removing as much liquid water from the water-damaged structure as possible is crucial. Not only does liquid water continue to damage the structure, but it is also very difficult to remove by evaporative drying alone.  

Call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985.

How Do I Know if My Carpet Pads and Floors are Wet Under the Carpet in Falmouth?

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water can quickly ruin carpet. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the know-how to dry and make it, "Like it never even happened."

Our Skilled SERVPRO Technicians Working in Falmouth Restore Your Carpet 

Excessive water leaking onto your carpet requires quick attention. It is not always as simple as letting the carpet dry on its own, even if the water is clean. Effectively extracting water may be more difficult in humid climates like Cape Cod. 

Technicians Use Moisture Sensors to Detect Excess Water  

Water Removal in your Falmouth home first requires that you detect and then possibly measure moisture levels. SERVPRO technicians use moisture sensors with long sharp probes to penetrate through carpet and padding, reaching to the floor underneath to determine the presence of water. Then, they may use moisture meters to determine the amount of moisture present. 

How Do Technicians Remove the Water? 

• Water extraction is vital. The more passes made with portable extraction equipment, the better as it expedites the drying process.

• Self-propelled extraction moves throughout the impacted areas as a technician stands on them, using their weight as they ride around the carpet, vacuuming up as much water as possible.
• Restoration professionals may also use stationary extraction equipment that uses the technician's weight to remove water in one location. The technician then moves it to another section after 10-15 seconds. 

Why Do SERVPRO Technicians Use Air Movers and Dehumidifiers? 

• Air movement, ventilation, and dehumidification are all critical in effectively drying the carpet to prohibit mold colonies from forming.
• Air movers move warm, dry air over the impacted carpet while dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air.

Removing a soaked carpet may be tempting; however, our professionals have the tools and techniques to dry and restore your carpet adequately. For 24/7 assistance, contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985. We make it "Like it never even happened." 

How SERVPRO Restores Water Damaged Finished Basements in Falmouth

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

This finished basement experienced a water loss event. Our team removed the water and restored the home. Call us today!

Recovering a Falmouth Finished Basement After Substantial Loss 

Several inches of standing water can present a uniquely damaging scenario for the subterranean levels of Falmouth homes. Our technicians have encountered many finished basements that required substantial water loss recovery. Recently a local home needed our efficient extraction approach and restoration tactics to make their disaster “Like it never even happened.” 

When we approach a situation where flooding or substantial water removal for Falmouth finished basements is necessary, we assess the conditions quickly. We have multiple avenues that must get addressed immediately in the mitigation phase, including removing exposed furniture and contents to prevent their destruction. This recovery effort in this flooded basement required a fast response from our professionals. Our technicians safely address submerged objects like surge protectors and the residential dehumidifier. Powered electric outlets and machines can be a danger to occupants of the house and our SERVPRO technicians first arriving on the scene. 

Expect that simple water extraction in these situations is not sufficient for recovering your finished basement. Upon arrival to this standing water, our professionals deployed the highest efficiency extractors available to our technicians, including the use of the engine-driven extractor truck and our gas-powered trash pumps. These extractors provided continual water removal without requiring reliable electricity. 

Flood cuts to the drywall are needed, with structural cavities also receiving the same standing water concerns. Our air movers and dehumidifiers have better access to these cavities, with portions of damaged drywall removed. With lower flood cuts, we can utilize our low-profile air movers to access these spaces and protect installed construction materials as much as possible. 

Drying mats remove moisture and saturation from the vinyl plank flooring where it could stay installed. Our moisture detection equipment verifies the presence of dampness pockets to prevent lingering water damage that can develop into microbial threats. 

After substantial water loss incidents, you might think that your finished basement can never go back to looking like it did. Our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands professionals have the expertise and cutting-edge equipment to offer fast mitigation that saves our customers time and money. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Contact us anytime at (508) 888-5985.

Falmouth Water Damage Repair for Wet Furniture

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Let your local SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands professionals resolve your water damage problems.

SERVPRO Water Restoration Techs Sanitize and Dry Upholstery

Water damage typically impacts much more than the source of the damage. A small plumbing mishap or clog can quickly grow into a ceiling or wall leak that pours water onto furniture and possessions. Fast action can prevent potential mold growth, stains, and odors from impacting Falmouth homes without the exorbitant restoration costs.

SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians in Falmouth use extensive training and sophisticated technologies to address home water damage 24 hours a day. The team’s comprehensive water mitigation response includes necessary structural material repairs and furniture restoration when needed.

Treating Wet Furniture to Prevent Spots, Stains, and Mold

SERVPRO water restoration technicians observe restoration industry best practices to address wet furniture depending on the materials’ condition and makeup. These strategies include:

• Gently wet the surface of a piece of fabric-covered furniture before drying to prevent water spots and seams from wet stains.
• Pre-treatment with EPA-registered, OSHA-approved antimicrobial solutions
• Hot water extraction with portable or truck-mounted units that can deploy biocides or detergents compatible with the fibers being treated
• Tenting cushions and pillows for drying with air movers and dehumidifiers and accelerating the process by erecting polyethylene drying chambers
• Deodorizing furniture with injection solutions, sponge treatments, and wet fogging, among other odor control solutions. Sanitation also addresses odor-causing microbes.

SERVPRO restoration technicians can also perform furniture refinishing and staining for wood components and treat carpet affected by stains before they set and permanently discolor carpet fibers. Antiques and other pieces that require specialized care can be referred to licensed professionals as needed.

Homeowners needing 24-hour services after disaster strikes on their property can contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands by phone at (508) 888-5985 to begin the mitigation process.

Can Professional Water Restoration Lessen Damage to Sandwich Properties?

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO transports a large inventory of drying equipment in our Green Fleet to mitigate water damage in Sandwich.

SERVPRO Technicians Have Extensive Training in Handling All Kinds of Water Damage in Sandwich Residences

Two big things matter when water damage happens within a Sandwich residence. The first is if the water in the home can have contaminants such as sewage or chemicals, and the second is how long it was waiting for the cleanup to start. Some property owners believe waiting for water to recede can lessen the damage to the home when the exact opposite is true.

Using professional water restoration services, Sandwich property owners tend to have a much better outcome after a water damage incident within their residence. This fact is particularly true in the case of a toilet backup or an incident where the home has water contaminated with harmful elements. SERVPRO techs have the protective equipment that allows them to handle this type of cleanup safely. The techs also have a diverse selection of tools such as:

• Extraction pumps, including submersible units
• Moisture detection devices for locating all areas that need attention
• Drying equipment
• Tools for any required controlled demolition actions

When the water in the home contains biohazards, contents within the house that have absorbed the water generally require disposal unless they are washable. SERVPRO techs rely on the Esporta Washing System, which has the power to sanitize and clean fabrics in a single cycle. For important documents and books affected by the water, the techs can use freezing and drying equipment to halt the deterioration of the articles. SERVPRO never has a one-size-fits-all approach to water cleanup. The equipment and applications used are determined by the needs of each job site.

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985 has the training and equipment to handle any size water restoration in Sandwich properties. The certified techs are available 24/7 to make the water damage, "Like it never even happened."

Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming Prevention Tips for Falmouth Residents

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Ice damming can lead to major water damage on the exterior of your Falmouth home. Call SERVPRO to mitigate the damage and offer advice.

SERVPRO Supports Falmouth for All Types of Winter Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration Services

When the winter season rolls around in Falmouth, water damage from pipe bursts becomes a frequent issue. While this type of home disaster can lead to thousands of dollars in repair and restoration fees, it is largely preventable.

The first task for frozen pipes and ice damming prevention in Falmouth homes starts with learning where the vulnerable places are within the structure. Every property will have unique attributes, but commonly the most likely areas to have this type of damage are found within unheated interior spaces such as:  

• Basements
• Attached garages
• Attics
• Crawlspaces

Safely Thawing Frozen Pipes 

If only a tiny amount of water comes out of a faucet, there may be a frozen pipe. Do not thaw the pipe if it has already burst because the ice is the only thing keeping the water from flowing throughout your home. If a burst pipe is suspected, turn off the water at the main shutoff and bring in a professional. 

If the water is still running and there is no evidence of a break, you can probably safely warm the pipe. Turn on the cold water and let it run through the pipe, the water will melt the ice plug, and the flow will return to normal. An electric heating pad can be wrapped around a pipe, or a hairdryer on low heat can also be used. The idea is to bring up the temperature slowly.

Ice Dam Prevention 

An attic that allows the heat from the home to melt the snow on a roof can be the reason for ice dams forming. When the snowmelt runs towards the edge of the roof, it runs into ice and snow covering the gutters, downspouts, and pools. As it backs up, this water may run into the home, under shingles, and cause damage such as fallen gutters from the weight. Insulation to prevent excess heat loss, clean gutters, and snow removal are keys to avoiding ice dams.

Frozen pipes and ice damming prevention is a priority for SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands. If winter water damage cleanup is needed, the techs are available 24/7 at (508) 888-5985.

Need Water Damage Repairs After a Water Leak in Falmouth? – Call SERVPRO

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

When a water disaster strikes your home don't fret. SERVPRO water damage restoration team has the training and experience needed for any size disaster

SERVPRO provides Water Damage Repair and Restoration Services in Falmouth

Many of our customers experience plumbing leaks in Falmouth. The amount of water and the length of time the water is allowed to remain in contact with carpeting, hardwood flooring, and structural materials such as framing and drywall materials can dramatically impact the amount of damage. Short-term exposure limits the damage, while long-term exposure can cause much more secondary damage to these materials.

SERVPRO provides water damage repairs to residents and business owners in Falmouth. Our team responds in less than four hours from your call to help limit the amount of secondary damage from standing water and high humidity levels. We immediately focus on removing standing water and installing dehumidifiers and air movers to reduce humidity to dry your contents and structure.

Many wood products, including furniture, are made from particleboard covered with a wood veneer. While the wood veneer resists water penetration for a short period, once these materials begin to absorb moisture, the material swells, loses integrity, and may even disintegrate. Drywall can also absorb moisture and lose its shape from swelling. Wood framing absorbs moisture and warps. These materials must be either repaired or replaced if the damage is too extensive.

Hardwood flooring can also absorb moisture causing cupping and crowning. Removing the water and drying the various materials using our specialized equipment, e.g., floor drying mats for floors mitigates the damage and reduces the repairs required after a water leak.

Don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO after a water leak. With a fast response and appropriate drying techniques applied, we can significantly reduce the potential secondary damage. Our services include:

• Fast response and water clean up
• Water damage restoration and repair
• Water extraction from hardwood floors, carpets, interior walls, and more

Call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands for water damage repair in Falmouth and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (508) 888-5985.

How Fast Can Water Removal Happen in a Sandwich Home?

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO techs scope, set up equipment, document the water damage, and provide data to our Sandwich homeowners insurance company

SERVPRO Techs Restore Sandwich Homes with Water Damage

One of the best reasons to outsource water damage cleanup in a Sandwich home is because homeowners do not need to wait until the next business day. SERVPRO technicians are available around the clock to handle restoration services in local properties.

SERVPRO technicians arrive for water removal in Sandwich properties a short time after the initial call for assistance. The tech that handles calls takes pertinent information so the green service vans can get loaded with the equipment needed for the job. Portable pumps are not required for every cleanup in a local residence. In some cases, the water damage is so widespread that larger extraction methods are needed, such as ride-on units or truck-mounted.

The speed at which water gets removed from a house differs on every job SERVPRO handles. The reasons for this variation include:

• The type and amount of water in the home
• The length of time before the cleanup began
• Interior and exterior humidity levels

Outsourcing the cleanup to trained professionals like SERVPRO is also a healthy choice. Even clean water can build up bacteria and degrade quickly. Water that contains contaminants or sewage has the potential for harm to both people and pets. The technicians use full-body protective gear as well as adhere to safety protocols for handling biohazard-level materials.

Post-extraction and drying cleaning is an important part of the restoration service. Water has a unique musty odor that can permeate porous objects, and once the area with the water damage gets dried, residual odors can remain. SERVPRO techs have access to several devices to neutralize odors in homes, so there are no reminders.

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985 perform water removal of any size in Sandwich area properties. The trained, certified techs are available 24/7 to make water damage "Like it never even happened."

What Can the SERVPRO Green Fleet Do for Water Damaged Sandwich Properties?

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Sandwich property can be overwhelming. Let the experts help you. Call SERVPRO at (508) 888-5985.

Fast Mitigation Services are Possible for Sandwich Homes With our Fleet of Service Vehicles.

Water mitigation is a vital need for structures after burst pipes and other threatening conditions. To reduce where water damage repairs might be necessary, our SERVPRO professionals implement several mitigation tactics and emergency services water damage to help, including:

• Water Removal
• Content Relocation
• Moisture Detection
• Controlled Demolition

Can SERVPRO Handle Large Loss Water Mitigation for Sandwich?

From the warehouses and manufacturing properties to medical facilities, large loss water mitigation in Sandwich is also a constant need. The same fast mobilization that benefits residential customers can push our water restoration team to reach damaged commercial buildings quickly as well. We have trailered generators, desiccant dehumidifiers, and other industrial-grade mitigation equipment to help manage rapidly changing conditions.

When your home or business needs water mitigation, our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team can help nearly every step of the way. Call us today at (508) 888-5985.

Preserving Falmouth’s Historic Structures from Water Damage

5/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians know all the steps to take after water damage strikes in your home.

From Water Clean up to Water Damage Repairs, our SERVPRO Team Helps Falmouth Homes and Landmarks. 

You cannot predict when water disasters might impact your home or business. With so many properties of historical significance throughout the city, a fast and reliable restoration response is invaluable. We can help with:

• Emergency services water damage
• Basement flooding
• Ceiling leaks
• Water damage remediation
• Burst pipes
• Flood restoration

The Historical Significance of Falmouth, Massachusetts 

While Falmouth has been around since the late 1600s, its main historical significance would be its contributions to water-powered mills and its involvement in the War of 1812. Because the area is not war-torn by destructive battles and combat that many other colonial American communities and towns would experience, many historic properties built in the late 1600s and early 1700s still stand to this day.

Iconic Landmarks and Properties of Falmouth

Because there are so many recognized structures of historical significance and in need of protection, multiple districts have formed where concentrations of these properties exist. In total, there are seven historic districts boasting hundreds of properties in total. Some of the most famous of these buildings include:

• Josiah Tobey House – This home has been on the National Register since 1994 and has stood in its spot on Oxbow Rd since 1854. The house is one of many Greek Revival architecture examples found in the historic districts around Falmouth.

• Lawrence Academy – Another Greek revival architectural example exists with the former school building found on Academy Lane. This building has stood since 1834 and currently serves the Chamber of Commerce business. For a brief period lasting only four years, the Lawrence Academy building was the high school for Falmouth.

• Central Fire Station – While newer than many other structures throughout the city, the Central Fire Station has been an iconic structure serving Falmouth since 1929.

When Are Water Damage Repairs Needed in Falmouth Homes? 

Because water damage incidents can be so destructive to area homes, there is often a need for some water damage repairs to return the property to its original condition. Job scoping and damage assessment practices can determine where approaches like controlled demolition are necessary and if other emergency services and build-back are required.

When Do Repairs and Reconstruction Start? 

Because every loss situation is different from the last, we must evaluate each circumstance for its unique properties. With the general contractor license, we can begin repairs and reconstruction services as soon as possible following water damage remediation. These efforts could include replacing removed building materials during controlled demolition or replacing damaged plumbing components responsible for burst pipes. We have many ways to make it “Like it never even happened.”

We understand the urgency of getting you back in your home as soon as possible when water damage repairs are needed. You can count on our experienced SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team. Call us at (508) 888-5985.

Inspecting and Testing Are Important Components to Water Damage Restoration

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

When water invaded this home, SERVPRO was there! We were able to completely restore this home.

Monitoring for excess moisture in your Sandwich home

Water damage often means that there needs to be some extraction of excess moisture during the cleanup. Before extraction, it is essential to thoroughly test the impacted area to understand the damage's extent and see if the damaged areas have restoration potential.

Water Removal in your Sandwich home consists of measuring the presence and then the amount of moisture before moving on to removal. SERVPRO encourages pretesting areas of the house to determine complete restoration's feasibility before completing the entire job.

Pretesting has four objectives:

1. What portion of the home and contents can dry and be cleaned to preloss condition?
2. What amount of the house and contents can NOT dry and be cleaned to preloss condition?
3. What part of the home is unaffected?
4. What part of the property is unknown for repair status?

For assistance with water removal, contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985. Our team will make it "Like it never even happened."

Safety Precautions are Important During Water Cleanup

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is no stranger to water damaged basements. Should water invade your home, contact us. SERVPRO is always on call.

Electricity Safety Measures for Your Falmouth Home

Falmouth, originally named Sacconnesset by Algonquian-speaking Native Americans, was settled in 1661 by Isaac Robinson and his fellow Quakers. Incorporated into a town in 1686, Falmouth, one of the country's oldest areas, was named after the town in England. Since the city lies near the Ocean in Cape Cod, it was a perfect place for the British to attack Americans during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

Isaac Robinson came from Bristol, England, to Boston. On February 5th, 1631, he arrived via the ship Lyon, surviving a 66-day journey in the winter. The vessel only sailed during the winter to bring supplies to the settlers. Supplies included lemons to ward off the rampant amount of scurvy in Massachusetts.

Isaac settled in Sandwich but relocated when Quakers were fined and persecuted there. Quakers in the region were heavily fined and sometimes even executed for refusing to pledge allegiance to the colonial government. He built a house between Fresh and Salt ponds at Falmouth, including four acres of land by his home and eight more acres nearby, which was the location that later became Falmouth.

Isaac continued to contribute to the community, establishing the West Falmouth Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Quaker meetings from Cape Cod are still in practice today, having been established more than 300 years ago. From the late 1600s until the early 1800s, Quaker meetings rapidly grew. As a result, more meeting houses were established. Quaker membership declined in the late 19th century but has since seen revivals in the 1950s and early 2000s. Quaker meetings are often silent and yet welcoming to everyone. Although they say that they pull from Christian beliefs, they note the sign that says "All are Welcome," insisting that anyone from any religion may find benefit in the meetings.

Currently, Falmouth is typically a busy tourist town in the summers with ferries to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island. 

There are beautiful places to visit, including:

• Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Long Pond Watershed
• Beebes Woods
• Crane Wildlife Area
• Nobska Point Lighthouse
• The 300year old West Falmouth Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends

Safety First During Water Cleanup

During the home restoration, it is essential to take safety precautions seriously. Our SERVPRO team performs safety inspections before beginning the job to identify hazards. Since electricity and water are an unsafe combination, it is the first thing technicians inspect.

• Here are some electrical safety steps:
• Turn off the main circuit breaker before beginning work.
• Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for all electrical equipment to mitigate risks.
• Do not turn on electrical components exposed to water.
• If you are standing in water, do not turn on electrical appliances.

For assistance with water cleanup, contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

Attention Falmouth Residents Interested in Creating Successful Online Businesses

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home may occur anytime. Call SERVPRO for the water restoration services needed for the job. 24/7 365 days a year.

Falmouth Entrepreneurs Can Learn How to Establish or Enhance an Etsy Shop Starting January 18, 2021

Drive to the Cotuit Center for the Arts Monday evenings for step-by-step classes that jump-start your art, products, or collectible sales in your own online Etsy Shop. Experienced Etsy seller Laura Bouton can help you start from scratch or enhance your current virtual Etsy storefront. She cannot wait to share pro tips and brainstorm with you to make your online Falmouth business soar.

The first class is Monday, January 18, 2021, and meets three more Mondays, winding up February 8, 2021.

Bring your device -- laptop, iPad, or tablet. Basic computing ability is a must.

Masks and social distancing are required. 

• Dates/Times: January 18 through February 8, 2021

5:30-8:30pm

• Location: Cotuit Center for the Arts

Schoolhouse

4404 Falmouth Road 

Cotuit, MA 02635

• Cost: $180/$153 members 

Register on the Cotuit Center for the Arts website

Water woes need not dampen your newfound Etsy enthusiasm. SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands is the water cleanup expert, reachable 24/7 at (508) 888-5985.

Contractor Licenses:

General: CS-108357

Falmouth Community Members – Don’t Miss the Art Market!

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Supporting local artisans and getting your holiday shopping done is a win. Go out to the Falmouth Art Center.

The Art Market is Taking Place at the Falmouth Art Center on Select Days and Times

Even with the need for safe social distancing, you still have the chance to enjoy a broad selection of crafters and local artisans during the Art Market at The Falmouth Art Center on Gifford Street. During this event, you will find everything from hand-knitted hats and scarves to jewelry, bags, papercrafts, baskets, homemade soaps, and much more! The Falmouth Holiday Market and Gift Gallery are open now until Christmas Eve so that you can get in a little bit of shopping while supporting local vendors.

• Dates/Times: December – Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm
• Location: Falmouth Art Center, 137 Gifford Street, Falmouth, MA
• Cost: Free

Taking part in the holiday shopping season and supporting local vendors is something we are passionate about at SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands. If you have some sort of water damage to your home that calls for prompt restoration, you can look to our team to get the job done right the first time. We are available 24/7 for emergency service by calling (508) 888-5985, and we will send out our Green Fleet and skilled technicians as soon as possible.

Is a Wet-Dry Vacuum Enough to Remove Water From my Home?

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

No matter when you make the call, we have technicians who can assist you.

Protect your Sandwich Home by Inviting a Professional Service and their Water Removal Equipment.

Imagine the water heater of your Sandwich home breaking and leaking all over your kitchen and living areas. It may leak overnight, allowing the water to travel freely throughout your home, soaking walls, carpets, and baseboards. Your first reaction could be to go to your local store to rent a wet-dry vacuum to resolve the situation. Even though this is a logical step, you may fall short and leave water hiding throughout your home, which can later cause issues such as mold or a weaker structure.

For our neighbors in Sandwich, water damage restoration is a job for our SERVPRO team. We are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which parallels our experience in restoring homes like yours. Even if your water damage does not appear extensive, call our 24-hour hotline for our expert opinion. You might be surprised by how quickly water can seep into your home and set the stage for significant damage.

What is the best equipment to extract water?

Water extraction is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The volume of water, the materials in your home, natural humidity and many other factors play into our ability to restore your home. It is not uncommon for Sandwich homeowners to feel like excess moisture is under control only to realize later that water was hiding under baseboards or within a wall cavity. Our SERVPRO crew has several measuring tools at its disposal, including infrared technology, which can pinpoint problem areas. We can also use one or several of the following to remove water and restore optimal humidity levels-

Truck-mounted pumps which we can connect to municipal sewers as needed

Submersible pumps to place within your home

Wand extractors to access the hard to reach corners of your home

Don't underestimate the impact of water to your home. SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands is available at (508) 888-5985 whenever a leak occurs. Let us work with you to leave your home, "Like it never even happened." 

Learn more about Sandwich.

After Fluid Removal, Who Helps Repair the Damage Water Did in My Falmouth House?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes flood cuts in the drywall are necessary to dry water damaged homes.

Skilled Extraction and Structural Drying Sets the Stage When SERVPRO Completes Water Damage Repair in Falmouth  

Water is incredibly corrosive to a wide range of conventional building materials in your Falmouth dwelling. Even if we remove the liquid water and promptly absorb moisture, some structural components might need repair, replacement, or rebuilding if the damage is severe enough. Hiring a firm that provides a full spectrum of restoration services streamlines the project and saves you from the necessity of finding more than one contractor. 

What Kinds of Structural Repairs Should I Look for After a Water Loss? 

The list of water damage repairs for your Falmouth home is somewhat predictable for our experienced crews, but we are always open to the unexpected. We see the effects of water incursions frequently, if not daily, and have a robust range of strategies to mitigate and remediate the affected areas in anticipation of any rebuilding needed. Damaged highly hygroscopic (quick to absorb water) materials might include: 

• Drywall
• Ceiling tiles
• Unfaced insulation
• Particleboard 

Do Hygroscopic Materials Always Need Repairs and Replacing? 

Some materials with a high permeance factor can survive a brief soaking if water cleanup and focused drying are immediate. Few scenarios exhibit this “perfect” response, and instead, SERVPRO crews assess and plan an intervention for irreparable damage. Crumbled gypsum wallboard needs replacement, as do bulging ceiling materials threatening a loss of structural integrity. Particleboard can warp, dislodging the materials it underlies. Wet insulation packs down, no longer able to deliver the desired R-value. Controlled demolition choices such as flood cuts also require repair. 

Who Completes the Water Damage Repair?  

Although some disaster response companies stop short after water removal and drying, our team provides wrap-around build-back services. We have four decades of construction experience and a dedicated rebuilding division and are confident we can manage your water damage repair start to finish.     

Count on SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands to mitigate, remediate, and restore the water damage in your home. Call (508) 888-5985 for rapid response and reliable repairs.

More about Falmouth. 

Contractor Licenses:

General: CS-108357

Water Has Damaged My Home, Who Can Help?

5/2/2020 (Permalink)

Technicians in East Falmouth are finishing up a water damage house. SERVPRO does it again.

Call SERVPRO to Perform Water Removal in Your Falmouth Home

Whether it is a faulty water heater or a burst water pipe, it takes only a short time for water to damage the structure and contents of a Falmouth area home. Once you notice a water emergency, it is essential to act immediately to hire professionals who can restore your home to its preloss condition, whenever possible.

How do restoration experts extract water in a property?

It is crucial to note that it takes only a few inches of water or even a large spill to cause significant damage to valuable items. Since we understand how devastating water damage can turn out, our team of highly trained water restoration experts can perform water removal in your Falmouth residence promptly to avoid further damage. Our technicians have decades of experience and access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools that help us handle any magnitude of water damage. We use cutting-edge techniques that protect homes against mold, microbes, and odors. You can trust SERVPRO technicians to extract water, clean, and deodorize your residence effectively.

Can I remove water from my residence before the restoration experts arrive?

You can begin the water removal process depending on the amount of water present in your residence. A large puddle from a leak? Sure, try a mop and bucket. If the water levels are high, wait for us for extraction, you may exacerbate the situation. If the weather is conducive, open the windows to allow air circulation and remove the affected furniture outside. Remove items in the flooded area to safeguard them from damage. More extensive damage can occur to furnishings and building materials the longer water remains on them. Failing to remove the water fast can also encourage mold growth.

If the water levels are too high for your water removal equipment to handle, it is crucial to wait for the SERVPRO team to arrive. It takes a short time for clean water to turn to gray water, and then black water, which can cause unhealthy conditions for the residents. We have a wide range of advanced extraction equipment and tools that can handle any amount of water.

Can restoration experts help me file my insurance claim?

Many home insurance policies provide coverage for water damage if the cause is accidental and sudden. The Insurance Information Institute reports that homeowners insurance can help pay for repairs for reasons such as:

• If drywall gets drenched after a water heater raptures
• A pipe bursts upstairs and water saturates the ceiling underneath
Depending on what is destroyed, two kinds of coverage within a homeowner’s insurance policy can apply:
• Dwelling coverage – It helps pay for damage to the structure of a house if a covered peril damages it. Therefore if a pipe bursts suddenly and ruins a wall, dwelling coverage can pay for repairs.
• Personal property coverage – It helps pay for damage to your possessions if a covered risk ruins them.

Before beginning the water extraction process, you need to contact your insurance company to determine how much coverage is available. Our team can work with your insurance adjuster to make it easier for you to claim for compensation. The cause of damage and its extent may determine your coverage.

Our technicians have years of experience in dealing with local adjusters and insurance companies. Our technicians can document your loss by taking photos before we work on the affected area, during the mitigation process, and after completing the job.

As part of our water damage cleanup procedure, our team of experts can also include the drying logs and sketches. We work hard to make sure our customers enjoy a hassle-free experience from the moment you call us to the minute we complete the restoration process.

Which water restoration equipment and tools do professionals use?

Some tools we can use to handle water damage include

• Water extraction units
• Air moving equipment
• Inspection devices
• Deodorizing equipment

Water extraction is the primary process that SERVPRO technicians use to speed up the drying process and to minimize further damage in your property. We can use stationary tools that extract water from the carpet and pad. Since the tool needs weight to work effectively, one of our restoration technicians can stand on the device to help it extract as much water as possible. After using the stationary tool, our technician can use a carpet wand to remove residue water on the surface of the carpet. The machine is useful for extracting the excess water, leaving moisture only.

If the moisture left on the surface is not extracted on time, it can lead to mold growth. We can use axial air movers to speed up the evaporation process.

Water damage comes along with unpleasant odors, which can persist if not mitigated on time. Our team can use different equipment to eliminate bad odor from your property, including:

• Air scrubbers
• Hydroxyl generators
• Ventilating box fans
• Thermal foggers
• Scented beads

When dealing with water damage, you can rely on SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands for reliable water removal services that can restore your residence to its preloss condition. “Like it never even happened.” Talk to us today at (508) 888-5985.

When Washing Machines Bring Water Damage to Falmouth

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Washing machines cause many homeowners to experience water damage each year. Inspect your hoses often and look for signs of water damage.

Water Damage Falmouth – Washing Machine Malfunction

Washing machines and dryers reside in many homes. It is not uncommon for homeowners to begin a load of laundry and then run out to complete errands, drive the kids to activities, or even go to work. Virtually all manufacturers caution buyers never to leave laundry machines unattended, yet many people do every day. Occasionally the results can be disastrous, causing significant flooding in their home from an overflowing washing machine or laundry tub.

SERVPRO provides water damage mitigation and reconstruction services in Falmouth and surrounding areas. We respond in less than four hours from your call and are available on a 24 / 7 basis. We have over 35 years of experience in the industry and also provides full repair and reconstruction services in conjunction with water, fire, mold, and storm mitigation services. Our contractor's license is General: CS-108357.

Laundry Room Floods

Water inlet hoses can leak; outlet hoses can fall out of the receptacle, or the laundry tub or the tub drain can become clogged, preventing water from draining. The result is a great deal of water on the floor that quickly spreads to adjacent rooms, soaking flooring and weeping into the drywall of your walls.

SERVPRO utilizes a variety of equipment in situations like these. We use shop vacs to remove water on hard surface floors and weighted extractors to remove water from carpeting and underpadding. We utilize moisture meters to check for moisture inside walls and hard to reach areas. Our technicians may need to remove baseboards and drill access holes in the walls to check for moisture as well as blow dry air into cavities to absorb moisture.

We deploy air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the area of your home, impacted by water damage to absorb moisture and lower the humidity levels to dry your home. We may ask homeowners to turn on the AC system to manage the humidity levels further. Our team of subcontractors can also assist with repairs and reconstruction to save time and reduce the total cost of water damage mitigation in your home.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve East Sandwich, West Tisbury, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

More about Falmouth.

The Speed of the Water Removal Makes the Difference in Falmouth Homes

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

We can get your property back to the state it was in before the unfortunate incident.

You Need SERVPRO’s Experts For Quick and Thorough Water Removal and Remediation 

When water damage occurs, the timer starts ticking on the degrading of the water and the loss occurring to the carpet, walls, and contents of the home. Airborne mold spores can germinate as quickly as 24 hours, and after 48 hours, the water can have bacteria that make it unsafe to handle without personal protective equipment. 

SERVPRO technicians know that the more thoroughly and faster they perform the water removal in Falmouth properties, the more loss they can help the property owner avoid. 

Types of Water Extraction Equipment 

The equipment makes the difference in how rapidly the water removal phase of restoration goes. SERVPRO techs have access to an extensive array of equipment designed for use on specific surfaces. Centrifugal pumps have the pulling power to extract deeply embedded moisture, and the addition of a weight extractor head makes it ideal for use on wet carpet and padding. Thus, saving homeowners from the stress of having to replace their carpet as a water loss. They also have the equipment to work on flooring made of tile, wood, and other substrates for the best results. 

Controlled Demolition Actions are Necessary

When water wicks into sheetrock, there is a limited time for removal and drying before permanent damage results. Once the interior core of the building materials gets wet, often, that is the point of no return, and it requires removal. SERVPRO techs halt the water loss through the use of actions such as flood cuts. This controlled demolition cleanly removes damaged sheetrock and leaves as much of the wall intact as possible. 

Going from Restoration to Reconstruction

A significant stress factor after a water loss in a home after the restoration is the repairs and rebuilding necessary to return a home to its preloss condition. When a property requires any type of repairs, the certified technicians have a general contractor license #CS-108357 and can perform anything needed to undo the results of the water loss.

Contact the certified techs at SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985 when you need rapid water removal in your home. Their advanced equipment and restoration methods make the loss, "Like it never even happened."

Learn more about Falmouth.

We Arrive Right Away In Falmouth To Prevent Further Damage

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage to this home flooded the basement. We arrived right away to clean up the water damage and debris.

Water Removal After Plumbing Breaks in Falmouth Basements

After the winter of 2017, where a bitter Nor’easter storm dropped temperatures dangerously low, our professionals worked around the clock to recover instances where exposed and lightly insulated pipe burst under these extreme conditions and damaged Falmouth homes. As challenging as this might have been for our technicians, we understand that this threat is a constant every winter to come, and that plumbing in the basement of area homes is susceptible to exposure and pressure.

A burst pipe can quickly cause standing water concerns for the lower levels of your property and can force homeowners to seek out efficient water removal for Falmouth basements. Our SERVPRO team has experience with facing the rapidly worsening conditions of the subterranean level of the house, including the spread and migration of these effects even after the water flow gets stopped. Between our water restorers and their cutting-edge equipment and our in-house team of contractors licensed through the state of Massachusetts (CS-108357), we can address nearly any obstacle in restoring the property.

Plumbing breaches can happen for multiple reasons including backpressure on the lines or through freezing during cold snaps during the winter months. Whatever the case is, a burst line can permit water to begin rising from the floor without an adequate drainage and sump pump system in place for discharging the effect. The result is likely several inches of standing water until the service shutoff can get reached and used.

Extraction is a vital element to recovering your entire household after the water damage event, though with the concrete flooring and blockwork walls, addressing the standing water can often be a substantial step towards a full recovery. We can utilize tools like our sump pump and trash pumps for the continual discharge of the standing water, and then turn our drying tools loose on saturated block and concrete to make the damage “Like it never even happened.”

The first 48 hours of a water loss event are the most critical, which makes it all the more critical that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Trust our local and accomplished SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team to help however you need by calling (508) 888-5985.

See more about Falmouth.

We Have Specialized Techniques To Restore Your Falmouth Home After Water Damage Hits

8/11/2019 (Permalink)

Our staff and technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and enough equipment to handle any size loss.

How SERVPRO Lessens Loss for Falmouth Homes with Water Damage

In cases where water drenches furnishings, the situation can look like a complete loss, and you might begin adding up the numbers for how much this water damage event costs in terms of replacing the sofa, recliner and carpeting. The good news is that the faster you involve professional water cleanup efforts, the more possessions you have the potential to save. 

When SERVPRO mitigates water damage in a Falmouth home that involves furnishings, there are specialized techniques used to ensure the best outcome. In cases where water has emanated from the floor above, not only is it common to find water in the floor joists between the stories but also damage to the ceiling below. And anything under the ceiling is in danger of being drenched.

We have specialized attachments for our water extraction equipment to work on upholstered furnishings, carpet and window treatments. Our technicians use various methods to enable faster drying of the home such as:

• Weep holes drilled for speedier drainage and airflow during drying
• Removal of buckled and warped sheetrock
• Floating wet carpet during drying to limit the disruption to the home during mitigation and dry it in place
• Tenting cushions on furnishings for complete drying

After drying the home, SERVPRO technicians scope the water damage areas to ensure no moisture remains. Complete drying and hand cleaning with our professional quality antibacterial and antimicrobial solutions often negate any water odors, however should any remain, we have several applications to eradicate foul odors. 

We possess a General Contractor License# CS-108357 and any controlled demolition necessary during water cleanup, we can also repair to ensure the house returns to its preloss condition. We work hand-in-hand with both homeowners and adjusters to ensure any restoration or reconstruction services we provide are within the range of coverage.

At the first sign of water damage, contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985. Our emergency response team is ready 24/7 to turn around the water loss in your home and make it "Like it never even happened."

See more about Falmouth.

If Foul Odors Remain After A Water Damage Incident In Your Falmouth Home Call Our Crew For Help

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985.

Fighting Odor After Water Damage In Falmouth Home

Water damage happens in so many ways, but they all have one thing in common: they are unexpected. After cleanup of a water loss, foul odors have the potential to linger.

When SERVPRO tackles water damage in Falmouth homes, our team members have certifications as Water Damage Technicians. They use state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment to ascertain precisely where the water migrated within the home. Whether it was a supply line break in a kitchen with a localized water spill affecting the cabinets and subfloor or a flood in multiple rooms from a water tank seal breach, we have different types of extraction equipment to handle the various porous surfaces such as carpet and upholstered furnishings.

Once our technicians extract the water and clean the restorable things, we dry the property. To facilitate airflow, it is occasionally necessary to drill drainage facilitators known as weep holes in sheetrock. If our technicians performed any controlled demolition techniques during clean up efforts, we have a General Contractor License and can do any reconstruction necessary to return the home to its preloss condition.

After drying, there are sometimes lingering water odors left behind. These musty scents do not go away on their own. Some methods used by our certified Odor Control Technicians include:

    •    Injection: Our technicians inject a deodorizing solution into porous items such as carpeting or upholstery, ideal for spot treatments.
    •    Ultra-low-volume-fogging: A method that uses a heated deodorizing agent that effectively neutralizes deeply embedded odors.
    •    Disinfection: Hand cleaning with our EPA-registered antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaners assist with reducing odors on surfaces.
    •    Pellets: These time-release gel pellets work to overtake water odors.

It's not unusual for a technician to apply multiple methods as water odors have the potential to emanate from numerous sources ranging such as bacteria or mold. We treat until the smell is gone.

When water damage strikes, contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985. Our certified specialists are available 24/7, and since we are local, we arrive soon after your initial call because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Falmouth click here.

We Can Save Your Contents And Personal Belongings In Your Falmouth Home

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

No matter how severe water loss incidents can become, we can make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Protecting Contents From Water Damage In Falmouth Homes

Homeowners can quickly become overwhelmed when even simple water loss incidents affect their Falmouth residence. Often more troublesome to property owners than the threat of water damage to their structural elements is the effect that these hazardous conditions can have on the contents and personal belongings within the house. A fast reaction to these hostile conditions can help to save these unique items, but can even save both time and money on professional restoration work that might be necessary.

No matter how severe water damage is in Falmouth properties, there are steps that homeowners can take on the scene right away that can save them from costlier restoration and repair. As much as many property owners might rely on their insurance company to recover monetary loss and fund professional restoration like our SERVPRO team can provide, many personal belongings and treasures only carry sentimental value. No dollar value can recover these losses. Here are some tips to help you:

• If the damage is excessive – affecting more than 10 square feet – you should contact professional restoration professionals like our SERVPRO team.

• After a short time, you can gain an understanding of the affected areas of your property. Begin moving at-risk contents out of these regions and to areas of your home unlikely to become affected by spreading water damage.
 
• If you must vacate the house, be sure to take what time you do have to collect sentimental items that cannot get replaced.

• If possible, shut off the supply of water to the damaged element of your property, causing the current damage. These valves often get positioned where your service line enters the property in the basement area, and can usually get spotted by their flat design, quarter turn shutdown, and colored handle.

Content management is an essential element to the full-service recovery that our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team can offer damaged homes in our area. No matter how severe water loss incidents can become, we can make it, “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (508) 888-5985.

For more about Falmouth click here.

Water Damage to Wood Floors

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a bedroom in a home on Cape Cod

If your home or business experiences a water damage event that affects your hardwood flooring, it is essential to call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands immediately.  It is possible for the hardwood floors to be saved if the water is extracted immediately and the area is completely dried. First, any standing water is pumped out of the home or business. Second, our industrial grade water extractors are installed onto the flooring to "suck out" any remaining water hiding inside the wood. You will be amazed how much water is actually extracted during this process.  When the water is not extracted in this manner, it's very common for the wood floors to buckle.  Third, industrial fans and dehumidifiers are installed into the damaged area to completely dry it out.  Lastly, anti-fungal treatments are applied to prevent mold from forming (known as secondary damage).  If your home or business suffers water damage to your wood flooring, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands. 

Causes of Refrigerator Leaks

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

Causes of Refrigerator Leaks

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you’ve discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.

Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.

Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.

Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.

Refrigerator leaks can damage the flooring and cabinets in your kitchen.  If you experience a refrigerator leak, please contact us right away to treat and help to prevent any further damage.

Source: https://www.erplumbing.com

5 Things to Know After a Water Damage| SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Trained professionals from SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands do exceptional work restoring buildings affected by fire, mold, water & storms.

Electrical Wires and Gas Lines

Before even approaching the scene of a flooded home that needs water removal on Cape Cod be very careful. If the water reaches outlets or damages electric wires and gas lines, then it could be dangerous to the touch. Therefore, the best way to do is to let professionals handle this kind of work. Otherwise, you may have to replace these wires and gas line later which can be much more expensive.

Grey and Black Water

Whereas fresh water is the cleanest and safest, grey water is dirty and black water is hazardous. Because water can be a bacteria breeding ground, fresh water can easily become grey or black water when it passes through structure. The nature of grey and black water is much more damaging than fresh water and requires special precautions. Therefore, dealing with a fresh water damage as soon as possible will seriously save you a headache.

Mold

If the water doesn't destroy your home and belongings, then the mold can. Did you know it only takes 24 hours for mold to appear? This is why it’s smart to anticipate the need for mold remediation on Cape Cod. If you wait too long, the mold will multiply rapidly and become more and more stubborn. If it turns to black mold, then toxicity in the air will become a serious concern.

Building Structure and Foundation Damage

Water damage often finds its way into spaces that are out of view. Such examples might be crawl spaces, inside of walls or retained in the ceilings and floors. Not only will it cause damaging mold, it will warp and weaken these structures, eventually causing them to fall apart. Even worse, long term water damage can cause rot and put the rest of the building in jeopardy.

Valuables and Belongings

One of the most devastating things about water damage is how it can steal away prized possessions. Books, photos and important documents name just a few things that can get wrecked within a day. You’ll have even bigger problems if the water penetrates your furniture, electronics and appliances. If the water damage is handled immediately, then you may be able to save these items. If you wait then you are not only losing sentimentally valued items, you are also losing thousands of dollars in damages, replacements, and repairs.

For help, contact professionals of SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Island by calling us at (508) 888-5985.

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building?

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building? 

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO® of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that .  SERVPRO® of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster

Never Wait When Dealing with Water Damage| SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands  

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands can restore your property affected by fire, mold, water and storm damage.

Never Wait for Water Damage Restoration

We consider water damage the most unforgiving property damage because left untreated it can cause more damage than an initial loss that can end up with a pretty steep price tag. That is why we cannot stress enough to deal with water damage as soon as possible. Please seek the help immediately for the emergency services from a professional water damage restoration company on Cape Cod, because your problems will get exponentially worse with each passing hour.

Water damages are often avoidable, and many are caused by human error. Even when flooding occurs, you can still avoid the worst of the damages if you react quickly. Therefore, you should pay attention to the following, as these are the damages and causes that you need to look out for to save yourself stress.

Causes of Water Damage

It’s easier to prevent water damage if you know what you’re looking for. The most common causes of flooding and water damage include:

• Burst / leaking pipes
• Faulty appliances
• Water tank malfunction
• Broken sinks, bathtubs or toilets
• Long term humidity in small spaces and basements
• Sewage Back up
• Storms and Flooding conditions

Get Help

For immediate help from a reputable water damage restoration service in Cape Cod, get in touch with SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands. SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands uses special equipment designed to remove the humidity from the air and effectively prevent mold. We can arrive at the scene of any home or commercial disaster in no time ready to help you recover. Contact professionals of SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Island by calling us at (508) 888-5985.

Is Carpet Cleaning After A Water Damage Needed? | SERVPRO® of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

If you’re still unsure if carpet cleaning is a solution for your home, our SERVPRO team of professionals is happy to discuss how it can help!

Carpet cleaning is rarely considered a routine chore by most homeowners. While most assume that vacuuming is sufficient, it often isn’t enough for the heavier debris.

It’s not uncommon for carpet companies to require regular cleaning to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty, but there are several other reasons why carpet cleaning is a wise choice. By extending the life of your carpet, allowing for easier floor maintenance and banishing bugs and mites, carpet cleaning is a smart choice for any homeowners looking to improve the quality and appearance of their floors.

Still not convinced? Here are some ways that carpet cleaning can benefit your home:

Extend the life of your carpet. During home renovations, carpet is often replaced for looking “tired”—which is a simple way to say that it’s been too dirty for too long. Debris serves like sandpaper to carpet fibers, and every time dirty carpet is walked on, it becomes more deeply embedded, tremendously shortening the lifespan.

Have simpler floor maintenance. Though vacuuming handles only the surface dirt and debris, it can happily coexist with regular carpet cleaning to make your routine cleaning much easier! Regularly cleaned carpets are simpler to vacuum because the heavy-duty dirt and debris have already been removed.

Remove mites and bugs. As with any other soft surface, mites and bugs are perfectly content making their home within plush carpet fibers. Thankfully, professional cleaning creates an inhospitable living environment for the critters and staying on a regular schedule will discourage them from coming back.

Improve indoor air. Not only do carpets contain dirt, but there are also more dangerous pollutants and bacteria that can lurk within the fibers. When doors and windows are opened, contaminants from the outside air are whisked into the home. Because vacuuming only handles surface-level debris, the other pollutants are free to degrade indoor air quality until they’re professionally removed.

Remove bacteria and odor of a water damage.
Even if the water damaged isn’t where the carpeted room is doesn’t mean it wasn’t affected. The foot traffic of every person who comes into the house from outside such as the property owners, insurance adjuster and even the SERVPRO team of professionalshelping to clean up the mess are potentially spreading the bacteria from the affected portion of the house to the unaffected section. Carpet cleaning injunction with sanitizing and disinfecting treatments can help limit the bacteria and restore the life of your carpeting. 

13 Essential Points on Undertaking Water Damage Repair

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

Get in touch with SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands day or night. The water damage restoration service in Cape Cod will help you.

13 Things You Should Know About Water Damage Repair

Water is a symbol of well-being for humanity and their surroundings. Its resources are useful to us up until mother nature fights back with storm or flooding. Storm surges, excessive rain or devastating flood are the main sources of water and storm damage. It is the worst condition that any homeowner can face and this is where water damage restoration process becomes crucial, lengthy and painstaking, but not for SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands.

There are many reasons of residential water damage. The most common reason is failure of sump pump, following broken or leaked pipes, washing machine overflow, flood waters or clogged toilets, etc. Moreover, this damage may also be caused due to the ongoing corrosion of the building structure. This leads towards a more destructive processes i.e. rusting of steel, growth of mold, decaying of wood, discoloration of walls, etc. In short, it is a major contributor to loss of property.

Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind:

Shut Down Electricity

Whenever water damage ensues at your property, always shut off the main electricity to prevent accidents and hazards.

Shut Off Water Source

If you find any water leaks through pipes or dishwasher, immediately close taps. Assess the area and do water damage repair.

Wear Safety Gear

Before the water damage and mold restoration professionals step in, carefully inspect the area with proper safety gear to protect yourself.

Remove Damaged Material

If porous materials like fabric and carpets have been soaked in water due to water leakage, you should cut them out, wash them and keep them out in a dry place. However, in some cases shrinking and warping of these materials causes irreversible damage. Also, do not try to pick up water-soaked fabric as it gets considerably heavy.

Inspect Mold Growth

Inspect damaged materials for mildew and mold growth, as it can grow in as little as 24 hours. You need to be aware of toxic mold that might cause health concerns. Don’t try to remove it by yourself. Call for professional help.

Dry Affected Area

Remove moisture from the affected area. You can use fans to circulate air in the damaged areas. If water damage is in large scale, ask SERVPRO crew to dry out carpets, furniture and other affected materials.

Disinfect Damaged Area

Disinfect area to destroy bacteria settled on your furniture, walls and other items.

Check Damage to Ceilings

Constant and unnoticed moisture on the ceilings might cause it to collapse. Therefore, remove damaged ceiling panels first and find out the true source of leak, ensuring no structural damage to rafters.

Exchange Rotten Wood

Exchange rotten woods. Mold or mildew developed on wood flooring must be replaced. Do thorough cleaning with the help of professionals.

Install New Floors

Insulations and underlayment are particularly susceptible to water damage. Moisture trapped underneath is more than often evident of floor damage. Install new waterproof flooring in that particular area.

Paint Your Property

Apply fresh coat of paint after replacement of materials to minimize future water damage.

Claim Property Insurance

If water damage is at disastrous level, you can file insurance claim. Photograph items and areas damaged by water as proof and document the pictures along with insurance statement. Our professionals will help you through the procedure.

Contact Restoration Company

Water damage restoration companies such as SERVPRO are available 24/7 to serve you with highly trained professionals. They clean damaged area efficiently with latest equipment to give you high-quality results.  

Every inch of water damage can deteriorate your property over time. So, get the help of professionals from SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands today by calling at (508) 888-5985.

5 Things to Do in Case of Flooding in Your House or Business

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

I'm not worried anymore because I hired SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands who will help me clean up the flood damage at my business.

What to Do If Your House or Business Floods

The world is unpredictable! No one knows what can happen in the next few minutes of your life. Natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, storms, etc., are inevitable. People get confused and worried when their houses or businesses get flooded. The reason may be natural floods or even unrecognized water leakages. Most people panic when this happens, but it is nothing that cannot be handled. If not you, then with a professional, water damage restoration service in Cape Cod will be able to help you out. SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands has factory trained, skilled restoration crews that will restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Here are a few things to consider if and when your house or business gets flooded:

Locate and Stop the Source

The first thing that should be done in case of leakages in the house or business is to locate the source. Find out whether it is a pipe, the basement, bathroom, etc. If you are unable to do that, shut off the water supply to the whole house. Secondly, turn off electricity to avoid electrical failure and hazards. If you  are unable to do it yourself, call an electrician to carry out this task. If you have insurance, then it is advised to take pictures of the affected area so that the damage can be evaluated and instantly shared with the insurance agent. If affected by a natural flood, stay calm and be patient to carry out all necessary steps.

Assessment of Flood Damage

In case of insurance, after getting a go-ahead, use a pump to remove water, open your door and window for air to assist in drying. Be careful while walking to avoid fall or slip, place all valuable and important things in a dry place. If handling this situation is not your cup of tea, contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands for water damage removal in Cape Cod to have instant and effective results.

Calculate Additional Risks

If you are affected by a flood so much so that you have to evacuate your house or business, make sure you return back if and only if the official authorities give a green signal. Be careful when entering the house again and check for electrical supply. Check for any visible damages such as cracks, holes or weakened foundations. Contact utility companies to monitor your water, gas, electric and sewer lines to avoid additional risks.

Health is Always Wealth

Health comes first and you should take precautions to be safe. Even if the water has been cleared, your house or business may still be contaminated with sewage or household chemicals. It is better to use gloves, and wear rubber boots. Do not use food that has been contaminated even in the slightest by flood water. Also, boil the water for drinking use to avoid infection until concerned authorities declare it safe for use.

Mitigation for Mold Growth

Mold problem commonly develops after 48 to 72 hours after a flood. It is better to dry the things; removal of wet carpets and other textile and upholstery is necessary to avoid mold growth. Get in touch with SERVPRO operating from Upper Cape Cod and the Islands for mold remediation in Cape Cod through expert and professional restoration technicians.

Remember to keep in contact with concerned authorities for updates, information, and help. Above all, be safe and secure through the calamity and keep your loved ones safe too.

Your Perfect Property Rescuers Around Cape Cod

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Equipment is set up after all the flood cuts are complete and the insulation is removed from the wall cavities to ensure the structure dries properly.

Property these days is neither easy to make nor easy to maintain. Getting calls for urgent help as water leakage damage to the property, are very common.

A family in West Yarmouth shuts their house for the winter season and visited another town. While they were gone, a small pin hole sized damage to the water pipe caused slow leakage of the water, all through the winter. When they moved back, they were welcomed by a horrible surprise. The slow water leakage caused seepage which damaged the distemper of the walls. Not only this, constant water leakage made the environment moist, making it favorable for molds to grow and infect the house. With insects and molds infecting the entire house, it was no longer livable. With the fear of losing the property, the family immediately called the best water restoration company in Cape Cod.

What we offer:

As we claim to be available 24/7, we can provide services in emergencies. Home water damage restoration must be treated as soon as it is detected. Our team, comprises of experts who know their job well. They know how to detect water damage and treat it instantly. Our restoration services include a check up of the entire house, finding possibilities of water damage. Then we move to the steps of cleaning up the mess that has been made because of water leakage.

Well Defined Procedure:

Water Damage Cleanup Service is a six-step process which starts with an inspection and ends at a restoration of the loss. As water leakage and damage makes the environment humid and moist, one of the most important steps is drying and dehumidification. Our water damage restoration technicians are the best ones you can get when you are struck with water damage. Having the knowledge and prior experience to tackle the problem is very important.

Worry-less future:

Anyone can have trouble with the water supply in their property. Anything can cause the damage as well. Being responsible citizens, it’s important to contact the right people at the right time. Once you let us in, we will make sure that no more troubles come your way. Water damage can be a nasty business to deal with, if it is not cured and treated properly and adequately, it is most likely to relapse. Water damage can be a disease which doesn’t affect the property only, it affects you, your family, your finances, and your health as well.

As horrid as water damage can become, contacting SERVPRO is inevitable. Being experts in water damage removal and restoring your property to what it was like before, you won’t be able to deny our expertise and excellence. Using the genuine and first quality products and tools, we guarantee repair like no one other can claim.

Water Damage Restoration Service Cape Cod by us has become a need of almost every household around town. Water damages do occur, somewhere in the house, and they should be treated by the ones who know their job and value your investment in them.

SERVPRO Repairs a Local School

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

Cape Cod School needs help drying out from water damage.

SERVPRO Repairs a Local School

To make school colorful and more fun for students studying there, schools have installed fish tanks in their buildings. One morning, a local school in outer Cape Cod contacted SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cods and The Islands for help. During the holidays at their school, the fish tank accidently broke, because of some unknown reason. It caused immense water damage in the building which had to be dealt with before the school reopened and students returned.

How We Helped

Because we are available 24/7, we can be of great help whenever someone contacts us with an emergency situation.  Water damage if not treated effectively, can cause a permanent damage to your property. Our water damage cleanup service is provided to our clients by highly specialized technician and experts in water damage and restoration department. Having an immense experience, we guarantee to restore your property to what it looked like before the incident. We analyzed the situation of the school, made the diagnosis and started off with the spilled water treatment.

Procedures-Most Convenient

Clients sometimes show concern that the procedures will cause inconvenience. As experts and after proper studies, we have devised a six step process for water damage restoration. After thorough inspection of the property, we are able to identify the root cause of the damage in no time. Moving further, our aim is on drying and dehumidification of the damaged areas. This prevents the molds from growing in the damp areas. Finally, we work on how we can restore your property and make it as good as new.

SERVPRO has a reputation like no other

It takes years to build up a well reputed company. Not every company gets to win the trust of their clients. For years, we have served our neighbors and friends in Cape Cod. We are a locally owned and operated company with national resources.

Why You Should trust SERVPRO

Once you experience the way we work, you shall be our client always. We provide 24/7 services and best technicians who are experts in their areas. We also have faster service to any sized disaster that may occur. Having always resolved the problems of water damage, our water damage removal service is undoubtedly the best.

Doesn’t matter how big the water damage disaster is, we are always there to help you get back to your routine, through our effective restoration processes. Water Damage Cape Cod and restoration is a service like no other. We work day in and day out, for the satisfaction of our clients with the best technology equipment available. Our trucks are loaded with the best tools and equipment needed for the restoration process.

No matter what the time, just remember that we are only one call away. Water Damage Removal, Cape Cod by us provides efficient services as it’s very important to treat the damage caused by water as soon as possible. Being always at your service, you will not return dissatisfied from our company. We have won the hearts and trust of our clients, and built up our company on core values of honest help. The school was successfully redeemed to its original state and everything was returned to normal.

Knowledge is Power

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding conditions on Nantucket after a storm hits the area.

SERVPRO is a family own and operated company specializing in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property damage of fire or water. We also provide mold inspections and remediation. We work directly your insurance to make an easier and seamless process for the property owner. With our repair/rebuilding services available to you, our team can truly make your property damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Born and raised here on Cape Cod, we understand the concerns and needs people have when their property has a damage; whether residential or commercial. Resolving issues quickly is our number one goal. We want you to feel confident in our services and know that we care about you because we are your neighbors. We believe all members of the team need to be training in property damage.  That training is continuous from initial to more advanced certifications with IICRC. Our team is equipped with the knowledge, equipment and professionalism to restore your property quickly.

Over the years, SERVPRO  has worked with thousands of customers and it is surprising the most common statement we hear is, “I don’t understand my insurance policy.” We find that people in general have little knowledge about how their policies work, what type of coverage they have, what is and isn't covered and basically the entire claims process. After all, we all have busy lives. I thought it may be helpful to write a blog series on these topics in hopes of helping people learn more about something that most of us are required to have in our lives but know very little about.

• Lesson #1: If you have a mortgage it’s guaranteed that you will be required to have insurance on your property.

• Lesson #2: If you default on your payment to the insurance carrier and the insurance policy and its coverage lapse the bank will secure insurance on your behalf charging you for it, and at a premium price most likely.

• Lesson #3: Flood Insurance is an additional policy that you may have to have depending where the property is located. Here's more information about Flood Insurance from FEMA

 Common Question: What Does Insurance  Cover?

That can be a trick question because most policies vary. The things you need to think about are what is the amount of risk or liability covered for an individual or entity by way of insurance services. Insurance coverage is issued by an insurer in the event of an unforeseen or unwanted occurrence. Personal property coverage may not help protect everything you own. You may find that certain types of belongings, such as jewelry or a coin collection, have limited coverage under a standard policy. Some other situations that require additional insurance is water damage or better known as flooding or ground water intrusion. Flooding is not covered under a standard insurance policy.  Another situation that has questionable coverage is sewage backups. Depending on what the source of the backup will determine coverage. Check out your water IQ; Having a good understanding of what is and what is not covered when it comes to insurance coverage is the key to peace of mind before filing a claim.

Flooding Water Can Turn Into A Mold Problem Fast!

2/16/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding storm surges in the streets of Cape Cod & The Islands can turn into a mold problem for properties.

With outside temperatures dipping and storm tides rising, the furthest thing from most property owners’ minds right now is the possibility of mold spores spreading on their walls. But it is not just summer’s humidity that can invite dampness or moisture into a home. Despite winter’s dry air, moisture can find its way into properties through ice dams and other means, creating the perfect environment for mold spores to form and take root.

It’s a good idea to check interior and exterior walls after a storm has passed and the ice begins to melt. I also recommend that property owners do a brief inspection at the end of the winter season. Any dark spots or water stains on the walls can be an indication that water infiltrated the home and it needs to be assessed sooner rather than later. Here’s what happened at a job we recently completed in South Yarmouth.

Our customer called, asking us to clean up what he thought was just a minor water damage in South Yarmouth, MA. But when we got there and looked at the problem, we realized the area of damage must of occured from an ice dam the previous winter and the damage done over the course of a year was significant. Mold spores had already formed and the fungus had established itself. The mold damage affected an interior wall in the kitchen area and the mold spores spread to a point that the entire kitchen had to be replaced.

Not sure if you have a mold problem in your home or business?

Signs and Symptoms that there are mold spores living with you.

• A stale, musty odor pervading the inside of your home. This odor will cling to fabrics, drapes even carpeting, including linens, window treatments, clothes, sometimes even after they have been washed.
• There are speckles of black and white appearing on surfaces in your home, such as on the walls.
• The black marks reappear even after you have cleaned them.
• Cardboard items in your basement, attic, or garage feel damp.
• The wooden parts of the structure of your house are soggy and or are rottening.

Mold Inspection versus Mold Testing

At SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands, inspecting for mold is a standard part of what we do. We know the signs to look for and how to identify a problem. Once we detect signs of mold, we search for the cause. After determining the source of the moisture, we begin the process of fixing the problem.

If there are no visible signs of mold spores, but there are some symptoms, allergens for example, the property owner can choose to have their home or business tested for mold. In this case, we recommend that they call in an unbiased, third party to do the testing. This eliminates any doubt or questions about the test results and makes for a good system of checks and balances. At SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands, we sell our services based on information and not scare tactics. If you need more information please contact us.

The Arctic Blast Will Effect Cape Cod & The Islands

2/12/2016 (Permalink)

The arctic blast storm will be upon us this weekend. Preparing for it will help prevent water damages from happening on Cape Cod and the Islands

Local meteorologists are forecasting an arctic blast heading towards Cape Cod & The Islands this weekend! With severe wind chill warnings of temperatures that can dip as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, this artic blast can cause frostbite to unexposed skin and water damage from frozen pipes. 

Also for many, this weekend marks the start of school vacation for many students in Massachusetts. Families with dreams of laying on sandy beaches may have their bags packed, heading for warmer climates or, in some cases, to hit the slopes. Before leaving your home this weekend make sure that you take these precautions to prevent your pipes from freezing. No one wants to return home from a dream vacation to find a nightmare of a water damage.  

How to keep your pipes from freezing:

 ·      Keep the thermostat turned up.

·      Allow water to trickle from a faucet. This will keep the    water flowing through the pipes, which helps to prevent freezing.

·      Open cabinet doors ajar in the kitchen and bathroom, which allows warm air to flow into these areas which tend to contain water and plumbing pipes. This is especially important if the pipes are located on an exterior wall.

·      Shut off the water main to the house.

·      Shut off the water to the washing machine

·      Avoid starting the dishwasher before leaving the house. If the hose gives away, which can happen any time, it will cause significant amounts of water to flow into the home.

·      Turn off the water to any outdoor faucets, including the outdoor shower. 

 However, if it does happen, know that with one call to SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands, we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Other precautions to consider to keep your home safe during an artic blast. If possible, have a friend or neighbor check on the home while you are away. If you have pets or animals, do not leave them alone. These four legged family members have been known to cause significant water damage to homes.  

We once received a call from a homeowner whose cat flooded the house.  Apparently, the homeowner had gone away on vacation but had made arrangements for a relative to come in once a week to check on the cat.  The owners decided to leave the bathroom faucet on just enough for it to trickle so the cat could access water any time it wanted between the weekly visits. One day, while drinking from the faucet, the cat happened to step on the stopper in the sink, its paw pushing it down so that the sink began to fill with water. A trickling faucet can rack up significant gallons of water over the course of a week. About six days later when the caretaker opened the front door to check on kitty, she found water pouring down the stairs.

 If it does snow, have the snow from the roof removed to prevent an ice dam.

If you are using a space heater in any of the rooms in your home, keep it clear of any fabrics or furniture and never leave it unattended.

If you use an electric heating blanket, do not fall asleep with the blanket turned on and do not leave it turned on unattended.

The sun really is a wonderful and natural warming agent, even in the winter. Try to open blinds and drapes during the day so that the sun can warm up the home and close them at night to keep the cold temperatures out.

Looking on the positive side of this upcoming artic blast …. the coldest day of this weekend is going to be Sunday, February 14th….a perfect day for snuggling up with the one you love to stay warm. The better news is that these artic temperatures are not expected to last long and by Tuesday, it will be a balmy 40 degrees…practically bathing suit weather here in Massachusetts.  But for the next three days, I hope you stay warm and make sure that you have taken precautions to keep your pipes from freezing. If you or anyone you know needs help with a property damage, please contact us.

Water Damage...What you don't see can hurt you on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard

11/14/2015 (Permalink)

Just because you don't see the obvious symptoms of a water damage doesn't mean you are safe from property damage.

Just because you can't see the water damage in front of you, doesn't mean that it isn't there.  For many of my customers, reminders of last year’s unending snow storms and accompanying ice dams began to surface some time around the spring and even into the summer and autumn. That's when they started to notice water stains on interior walls or a soft, mushy area on the floor. Whenever water makes its way into a home, it will do damage and it will continue doing damage until the issue is completely resolved. And the only way to properly treat it is to call in a restoration company to repair the water damage.

Believe it or not, sometimes a flood in the house can potentially cause less water damage than an ice dam. When you come home and find two inches of water in your basement because of a burst pipe or failed water heater, you immediately jump into action to get the water damage repaired. But when an ice dam causes water to back up into your home, it does so very quietly and discretely…behind a wall, where you can’t see it. By the time it makes its presence known, in the form of peeling paint, soaked carpets, buckled floors or moldy black marks on the wall under a window or an interior wall, the damage is extensive. But since it is not interfering with your daily living, you shrug and promise to take care of it…one of these days. The danger with this type of damage is that most people…myself included…underestimate the severity of the problem. And the longer you wait to fix it, the more damage it does, eventually compromising the integrity of the structure.

Just after I moved into my home in 1997, we had a nor’easter during the winter but I was completely unaware that any water had gotten into the house. It wasn’t until years later during a June rainstorm when I noticed signs of a water damage. The rain was falling pretty hard and I remember thinking, “gee, it sounds like it’s coming right inside the house.” That’s because it was. The damage from the nor’easter had gone unchecked for so long that structural damage had started to occur. I had to have the entire front of my house reshingled, walls removed and replaced. The good news is that it was covered under my homeowner’s insurance.

I certainly hope that we do not have a winter like we had last year but if we do, there are some precautions you can take to reduce the risk of ice dams. Make sure the attic properly insulated. Clean the gutters. And, if possible, remove the snow from the roof between snow storms. You can also look for tell-tale signs of a  water damage. Check for water stains or moisture in the attic or around the top of exterior walls on the top level of your home. If you notice any stains, contact a restoration company.

When Disaster Strikes

8/13/2015 (Permalink)

Pipes break! Washing machine hoses let go! Toilets overflow! It's a fact water damage happens and it is never at a convenient time!

My mom used to say, "nothing good ever happens after midnight,"---which is how 12 AM became my curfew. In the clean up and restoration business, we know that no disaster ever happens at a convenient time. Mother Nature tends to send us some of her wildest storms this time of year----remember the downed trees and property damage from last week's rain storms? Though weather forecasters do a great job of letting us know when and where a storm will hit, there is little we can do to prevent the damage caused by a fallen tree, lightning strike, or floods. But we can at least be prepared when these types of things happen so that the process of restoring our home or business ----- can begin as quickly as possible. The best way to do that is through the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile.This plan is available for both residential and commercial businesses and contains all of the information, including contact names and numbers, that will be needed when disaster strikes. Having this plan in place not only saves the homeowner or business owner time and money, it mitigates the stress that comes with an emergency and that can be extremely valuable in the aftermath of a disaster. Unplanned events happen all the time and they often happen at the worst time possible. Toilets overflow just as guests arrive; the oven will go on the blink on Thanksgiving Day the year you are hosting. The best way to deal with any disaster or unplanned event is to be prepared with an Emergency READY Profile and to arm ourselves with a solid sense of humor.

Trust Your Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We are proud to serve our local communities. 

Let's Talk...Water Damage In Your Home or Business.

7/17/2015 (Permalink)

When a storm leaves a home flooded, or a burst pipe causes serious issues in the house, getting water damage restoration services from a respected company should be considered a top priority. Unfortunately, this industry is not regulated, and there are people out there who pose as professionals or overstate their qualifications. Therefore, homeowners should be mindful of who they hire, as an untrained technician may do more harm than good or delay repairs, resulting in a higher degree of destruction. Before selecting a company to handle the job, keep in mind these points of emphasis:

• Only choose certified professionals to perform water damage restoration services. Even though the industry is not regulated, technicians who have received certification have made the effort to get the best training possible, proving that they take their job seriously. Certification through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a sign that a professional has received the most up to date training and is knowledgeable in the latest techniques and technologies employed during repairs. The IICRC operates a Certified Firm registrant-only database on its site, making it easy to find a local, certified professional without trouble.
• Do not select a technician based only on the price or an insurance company’s recommendation. When possible, speak to neighbors or friends who have had to hire a technician recently and try to get a recommendation from them. Insurance companies often select a restoration company based on price, and unusually low pricing suggests the company does not use modern drying or repair methods.
• Choose a company that offers a range of water damage restoration services. The easiest way to determine the expertise of a firm is to see if they provide a full range of options for homeowners. Mold remediation, for example, is often needed given how quickly mold can set in. This is a standard field of knowledge that advanced technicians should possess. If a company doesn’t offer mold remediation, it may not be prepared for all job settings.
• A company that is available 24/7 is a good sign. Stay away from any firms that are reluctant to start right away. In many cases modern equipment can enable near-complete drying in as little as 36 hours,  although many situations require longer. Also, a homeowner should not have to wait before repairs begin. Every minute counts when there is standing water present, and reputable professionals understand this. If a technician insists on waiting to begin the  remediation portion of the loss, they probably cannot be trusted to see the job through in a reasonable time frame.

Using these guidelines, a homeowner should be able to find a technician that can be trusted and is equipped to do the job the right way. A storm or other disaster is hard enough to deal with, and a remediation firm should do everything in its power to make this difficult process easier. - Information provided above is from www.iicrc.org blog from June 20, 2014.

Why Choose SERVPRO Upper Cape Cod & The Islands to handle your water damage?

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Sandwich, MA
• Falmouth, MA
• Bourne, MA
• Sagamore Beach, MA
• Buzzards Bay, MA
• Martha's Vineyard, MA
• Nantucket, MA
• Pocasset, MA
• East Sandwich, MA
• Vineyard Haven, MA

We are water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-water-damage condition. Using advanced water removal and drying equipment and scientific drying principles to get your property dried quickly, we document the drying process to validate your home or business is ready. Learn about our water damage training and certificates.

Frozen Pipe in Nantucket, MA

7/7/2015 (Permalink)

Winter conditions caused a pipe to burst in the ceiling of this Nantucket home.  This before picture shows the location of the busted pipe. 

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands was able to clean up the aftermath!  The owner was thrilled and said "Wonderful job!  Very professional, attentive and kind.  Thank you!"