Recent Posts
How Mold Impacts A Building's Structure
11/27/2024 (Permalink)
Discolored ceilings are one of the first indicators that you have a mold issue. If you see something like this, call SERVPRO to get it out!
When you notice extensive mold growth happening on your property, getting it out should be of the utmost importance. Failure to do so could lead to negative consequences for both your health and your building itself. Mold can seriously impact many of the parts of a building. We’ll break down the damage it can cause below.
What Makes Mold So Dangerous?
Certain types of mold can be a hazard to a building’s structure and makeup because of its ability to break down organic material. As the spores spread and start to thrive, they multiply and break down the material of your walls and structures. These can reduce your property’s ability to hold its own weight over time. While it takes a lot of mold growth to collapse a building from the inside out, curbing it quickly is the best way to prevent that scenario.
Signs Of Mold Growth In Your Building’s Structure
You should always be on the lookout for the following signs of mold growth to prevent damage to your building’s structure:
- Foul, musty odors
- Discoloration on exterior walls
- Water stains near doors
- Discoloration on ceilings
- Exorbitant water bills
Mold Remediation with SERVPRO®
If you notice mold growth in your property, SERVPRO of Stoughton & Brockton can ensure that it gets snuffed out. We offer mold remediation services at the dial of a telephone, as we provide 24/7 emergency service to deal with serious issues. Give us a call if you experience mold growth in your building!
Tips On Lowering Indoor Humidity Levels
10/31/2024 (Permalink)
Our team stops indoor humidity as a part of our water damage restoration process!
High humidity levels in a property are one of the biggest contributing factors to mold growth. In order to prevent this problem from occurring, you should try to keep your indoor humidity as low as possible. We’ll give you our expert tips for lowering high indoor humidity below!
Take Cooler Showers
Everyone loves getting warm in the shower, but it’s one of the biggest contributing factors to indoor humidity. If you can, try to take showers at a cooler temperature. If you aren’t able to, use a bathroom fan or open an adjacent window to get the steam out quickly!
Give Your Rugs The Sniff Test
As high-quality as your rugs may be, they are capable of absorbing a ton of moisture. Give your rugs a sniff. If they smell musty or have a foul odor, it’s a good sign that you either need to clean them or get them replaced entirely.
Clean Your Gutters
As odd as it might sound, your gutters’ health contributes to how much humidity and moisture is indoors! Make sure you clean them regularly to prevent clogs and roof leaks.
Open Some Windows
No solution is more foolproof than opening the windows and letting moisture escape. It’s the quickest way to eliminate excess humidity.
Mold Remediation With SERVPRO
If your indoor humidity levels lead to mold growth, our team offers expert remediation to stop the spread. Contact SERVPRO of Stoughton & Brockton to eliminate mold growth for good!
Hazards That Cause Electrical Fires
9/30/2024 (Permalink)
If your property has experienced an electrical fire, the team at SERVPRO of Stoughton/Brockton can eliminate the ensuing damages!
While all types of fires can spread quickly, electrical fires are among the most dangerous. While some cases are accidental, there are a few hazards you can identify and eliminate to reduce the chances of electrical fires occurring. We’ll give you our expert tips below!
Extension Cord Misuse
While extension cords are great for plugging in items, you should never plug too many into one cord. The more units you plug in, the greater the risk of the cord overloading!
Older/Faulty Wiring
While this isn’t something you can actively prevent, older or faulty wiring is among the leading causes of electrical fires. If you notice any frayed or dilapidated cords, unplug them immediately and get them replaced!
Appliance Malfunctions
Don’t plug your heating or cooling system into an extension cord! Not only do they draw insane amounts of power, but they can malfunction if they aren’t used properly. Never plug more than one high-volume appliance into an extension cord!
Space Heater Misplacement
Don’t place a space heater within three feet of anything flammable. Space heaters are highly flammable in situations like these, and they can balloon out of your control if you aren’t careful!
Fire Damage Restoration With SERVPRO
SERVPRO of Stoughton/Brockton can take even the most fire-ravaged properties and give them a clean slate. By the time we’re done, it’ll be “like it never even happened.” Give us a call in the event of a fire emergency!
Let Us Finish Your Remodel With Confidence | SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton
5/20/2024 (Permalink)
Looking for the home remodel of your dreams? SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton is here to make that a reality. Contact us now!
We can see it now: You had a vision for your new kitchen remodel, you saved up the money for the project, bought all the supplies (you thought) and are halfway through tearing out your cabinets when you realize something. You are way over your head and don’t know how to do this.
What do you do? You can’t scrap the project with your kitchen in shambles, so you have to fix it somehow!
That’s where SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton comes in. In addition to our top-quality restoration services, we can also help you with any construction or remodeling needs that you may have.
What Our Construction Process Entails
Construction needs are important no matter what situation is going on at your home. Whether a storm damaged part of your family room or that kitchen remodel has you stumped, getting your home rebuilt properly is essential for your comfort and safety.
Our talented team can handle the entire process from the initial assessment to the permit process and everything in between.
We will come out to your home to do a full inspection of the space, and then we will create a personalized plan tailored to your home’s specific needs. From there, we will gather materials, collaborate with any other local contractors that we may need, and then get to work. We can even tackle the less exciting parts of a renovation like dust control and sanitization needs.
We Are Confident in Our Abilities
Your home is important to you, which means it is important to us. We are always learning and implementing industry best practices to make sure we are following all protocols and trends for construction. We can do everything from a simple drywall patch job to tackling a cracked marble floor.
Don’t forget that we are also here to handle your construction project following a disaster. If a garage fire damages your living spaces, we can tear down parts of your home and rebuild them. If a strong storm rips off part of your roof, we will secure it with tarps and get to work on the reconstruction.
We are so confident in our construction services that we promise not to leave you until you are 100% satisfied with the final product. We are ready to help you turn the home of your dreams into a reality!
We are the construction crew you deserve. Contact SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton today.
What to Do When a Heavy Rain Is Forecast | SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton
2/20/2024 (Permalink)
We're here to restore your home when unexpected water damage hits. Call SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton today!
We certainly see our fair share of rainstorms around the Brockton area, and they can range from gentle pattering rain to full-scale severe storms with heavy rain, strong wind and thunder.
No matter what kind of rainstorm we encounter, water damage is always a possibility. Rain can sneak its way into our homes and leak down our walls and into our floors without much forewarning.
Preparing for storms is always the best way to prevent significant damage. Starting some of the tasks below as soon as a storm is forecasted can help you keep the rain outside where it belongs.
Preparing Your Home
Each storm system that passes through our area can toss around yard debris and blow leaves onto your roof. As the seasons pass, that debris can get stuck in your gutter system and cause blockages or clogs.
When the rain comes pouring down, it won’t have anywhere to go and will back up onto your roof or pour over the side of your home and down into your foundation.
One simple fix for this is to clean out your gutters! This is especially important during the fall season, but it really should be done after every strong storm if debris is building up in the tracks. You should also make sure to check on your sump pump if you have one. The worst time to find out that your sump pump isn’t working is when your basement starts flooding.
Securing Your Roof
Another helpful way to prepare your home is to make sure your roof is ready for the incoming rain. Since our roofs are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping us safe and dry, they often are the first place to experience damage during a storm.
Check the roof line for any gaps or cracks, and grab a ladder and inspect your shingles. Even just a single missing shingle or broken corner can be enough to invite water into your attic that will leak throughout your home.
Doing a thorough inspection of your roof after every storm and tending to issues quickly can help you avoid more damage down the road. You should also do this with your windows and doors. Check the seals for signs of wear and tear or deterioration, and add new caulk or tackle repairs right away.
Our Water Damage Restoration Process
Even if you do all of this and are seemingly prepared for the next storm, you always run the risk of being surprised by water damage. Water can be sneaky and can get into the tiniest of gaps or cracks.
Our water damage restoration team is trained to handle every sort of water damage scenario, and we can ensure a thorough and reliable process.
We work hard to save as many of your possessions as possible and we will dry out everything before tackling your repairs. Water can easily warp walls, soak carpets and sag floors, but we are trained to restore all that and more. When you suffer water damage, SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton is the team for you.
Suffering water damage can be really frustrating. Contact SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton for a quick restoration.
Understanding Black Mold
1/23/2024 (Permalink)
Black mold growing on ceiling, potentially compromising the integrity of the building
What is Black Mold, and Why is it a Concern?
Black mold, scientifically termed Stachybotrys chartarum, is a toxic mold variant that thrives in damp, humid conditions. Often characterized by its dark coloration, this mold is not just an aesthetic concern but poses significant health and structural risks. Its spores, when airborne, can exacerbate respiratory problems, allergies, and even lead to more severe health issues, particularly in those with compromised immune systems. Beyond health risks, black mold can also undermine the structural integrity of buildings, leading to costly repairs and devaluation of property. It is crucial for home and business owners to understand the gravity of black mold infestations and take proactive measures to mitigate its growth and spread.
Primary Causes of Black Mold Growth in Buildings
Understanding the root causes of black mold growth is essential for effective prevention and treatment. Primarily, black mold thrives in environments that provide moisture, organic material, and adequate temperatures.
- Moisture: The predominant factor for black mold growth is excess moisture, which can originate from several sources such as leaking pipes, roof leaks, condensation, or high indoor humidity. Buildings with poor drainage systems or those that have experienced flooding are particularly susceptible.
- Poor Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation in buildings leads to moisture accumulation, especially in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. This lack of airflow not only supports mold growth but also prevents the drying out of damp areas, further exacerbating the problem.
- Building Materials: Black mold feeds on organic materials found in many building components like wood, drywall, and insulation. These materials, when exposed to moisture, provide the perfect breeding ground for mold.
- Temperature: Mold thrives in warm temperatures, typically found indoors. Buildings with inconsistent temperature regulation or poor insulation can have pockets of warmth that encourage mold growth.
Addressing these key factors is crucial in preventing and managing black mold in any building. By controlling moisture levels, ensuring proper ventilation, and using mold-resistant building materials, the risks associated with black mold can be significantly mitigated.
Identifying Early Signs of Black Mold
Early detection of black mold is crucial in preventing its spread and mitigating potential health risks. Being vigilant about the signs can help in taking timely action. Here are key indicators to watch for:
- Visible Growth: The most obvious sign is the appearance of dark, often black or greenish-black, splotches on surfaces, particularly in moist areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Musty Odors: A persistent musty, earthy smell is a strong indicator of mold presence, even if it's not immediately visible. This odor can be particularly noticeable in closed spaces or upon entering a room.
- Water Damage: Signs of water damage such as water stains, discoloration, or peeling wallpaper/paint can indicate potential mold growth areas, especially if the area remains damp.
- Health Symptoms: Unexplained allergic reactions like sneezing, sore eyes, nasal congestion, or skin irritation when at home may suggest mold presence. People with asthma or respiratory conditions may notice worsening symptoms.
- Humidity and Condensation: Excessive humidity and condensation on windows, pipes, or walls create ideal conditions for mold growth. Regular monitoring of these areas can help in early detection.
Regular inspections, particularly in prone areas, are essential in catching mold growth early. If any signs are detected, it’s advisable to seek professional assessment to determine the extent and necessary remediation steps.
Effective Strategies for Preventing Black Mold Growth
Preventing black mold growth is more manageable than dealing with its aftermath. Implementing effective strategies can significantly reduce the risk of mold infestation in any building. Here are some key preventive measures:
- Control Humidity Levels: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50% using dehumidifiers and air conditioners. This range hinders mold growth.
- Enhance Ventilation: Increase airflow in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens by using exhaust fans and keeping windows open when possible.
- Immediate Water Damage Response: Address water leaks and spills promptly. The faster you dry the area, the lesser the chance for mold to grow.
- Regular Maintenance Checks: Conduct routine inspections for leaks in roofs, pipes, and walls. Early detection and repair of these issues can prevent mold proliferation.
- Use Mold-Resistant Products: When building or renovating, consider using mold-resistant drywall, paints, and building materials, especially in moisture-prone areas.
- Keep Spaces Clean and Dry: Regular cleaning and vacuuming with HEPA filters can reduce mold spores in the home. Ensure that areas like bathrooms and basements are well-ventilated and dry.
- Proper Insulation: Ensure your home is properly insulated, including windows, doors, and pipes, to reduce the chances of condensation which can lead to mold growth.
Implementing these strategies creates an environment that is not conducive to mold growth, thus safeguarding the structural integrity of the building and the health of its occupants.
Conclusion
Combatting black mold effectively hinges on awareness and proactive prevention. Recognizing the early signs and understanding the causes is vital for maintaining a healthy environment in our homes and businesses. Simple measures like controlling humidity, ensuring good ventilation, and addressing water-related issues promptly can significantly deter mold growth. Regular maintenance and vigilance are key.
Need Expert Mold Remediation? Contact SERVPRO® Today
If you're facing mold challenges in your home or business, don't wait for the problem to escalate. SERVPRO of Stoughton and Brockton's professional mold remediation services are your solution. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and experience to efficiently identify, address, and prevent mold issues, ensuring your environment is healthy and safe. Trust SERVPRO of Stoughton and Brockton to provide effective, thorough, and timely mold remediation services. Read more about our mold remediation services or give us a call today!
What the Polar Vortex Means for Your Pipes
1/15/2024 (Permalink)
Polar Vortexes bring exceedingly cold temperatures
As the winter weather continues, "Polar Vortexes" become far more likely, signaling plummeting temperatures and severe weather conditions. This meteorological term, often associated with bone-chilling cold, can have a profound impact on daily life, particularly for homeowners and business owners. In addition to several drops in temperature to worry about, polar vortexes also heavily affect plumbing systems. As temperatures dive, the risk of pipes freezing and subsequently bursting increases, potentially leading to severely damaging water floods. Understanding the polar vortex, how it affects plumbing piping, and the necessary preventive measures are essential for bracing for the winter months. SERVPRO of Stoughton and Brockton has crafted some preventive measures you can utilize to ensure your plumbing stays safe during the ongoing polar vortex.
Understanding the Polar Vortex and Its Impact
A polar vortex is essentially a vast expanse of swirling cold air that typically envelopes the polar regions. However, during the winter, the vortex at the North Pole often expands, pushing frigid air toward the equator and affecting much of the Northern Hemisphere. This shift can result in a sudden and steep drop in temperatures, often catching businesses and residences off-guard.
The critical issue with these plummeting temperatures is their effect on water pipes. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can exert extraordinary pressure on pipes, regardless of whether they are made of metal or plastic. When the pressure becomes too great, pipes can burst, leading to water damage, the potential for mold growth, and the need for repairs on top of restoration and cleaning services.
Prevention and Protection
To mitigate the risks of a polar vortex freezing your pipes, consider the following preventive steps:
- Insulate Pipes: Wrapping exposed pipes in foam insulation, particularly those in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages, can significantly reduce the risk of freezing.
- Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperature: Keeping your home heated consistently, even when you're away, helps keep the internal temperature of pipes above freezing.
- Allow Faucets to Drip: Allowing a slight drip in faucets can prevent pressure buildup within pipes, reducing the risk of freezing and bursting.
- Drain Water from Pools and Sprinklers: Drain water from the swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Close Inside Valves Supplying Outdoor Hose Bibs: After removing and draining outdoor hoses, close the inside valves that supply these bibs but leave the outside valve open.
- Insulate Vulnerable Spaces: Increase insulation in areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors.
The polar vortex, while a natural weather phenomenon, poses a significant challenge to plumbing, particularly regarding the risk of frozen and bursting pipes. By understanding this meteorological event and taking proactive, preventative measures, you can safeguard your home against the potentially devastating and costly consequences. Prevention actions are far more effective and less costly than repair. Stay warm, stay informed, and prepare your home for whatever the winter brings.
Should you incur any water or storm damage during the Polar Vortex, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Stoughton and Brockton, and we'll make it "Like It Never Even Happened!"
Breaking Down the Rapid Progression of a House Fire | SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton
11/20/2023 (Permalink)
Has a fire left your home in a devastating condition? SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton is Here to Help®. Call us today!
No homeowner wants to think about the possibility of suffering a house fire. The sheer amount of damage and destruction is one thing, but the danger that a fire poses to your family is another threat entirely. Any time that a fire breaks out in your home, your priority should always be finding your way to safety.
Fire can fully engulf homes in just a few minutes, so knowing how fast they can spread and what to do if a fire starts in your home can keep your family safer in a true emergency situation.
The Minutes After a Fire Starts
Fires can start in any manner of ways, and they can get out of control quickly. A forgotten candle, an overloaded extension cord or a grease bubble that pops and sparks in the kitchen can lead to a growing blaze.
Once the fire has started, it will start to consume everything flammable in its vicinity.
After 30 seconds: The small flame grows into a large fire by consuming all of the available flammable materials.
After one minute: Black smoke fills the entire room where the fire started.
After two minutes: The smoke becomes dangerous to inhale. Blackout conditions may have occurred.
After five minutes: Your entire home is engulfed in flames.
How to Stay Safe
Your first goal should be either to quickly snuff out the flame or get out of your home as safely as you can. A quick reaction and a fire extinguisher can do wonders, but sometimes the fire will grow out of control before you get the chance to fight it, or you don’t feel safe enough to stay in the room to do so.
Either way, your safety should be your top priority. Make a quick exit by finding the nearest door or window. If you are in an interior part of your home, you may have to get down on your hands and knees and crawl to safety.
Even just a couple inhales of that smoke can disorient you and cause you to become sleepy, so stay below the smoke line and get outside to your family’s predetermined meeting location. Once outside, call 911 and make sure your family is accounted for.
How We Can Help You Recover
Once the authorities have fought the fire and it is completely out, the shock of what just happened may start to creep in. Get on the phone and give us a call. We handle situations like this all of the time, and we can walk you through your recovery process step by step.
Whether your home is only partially damaged or sections of your house are a total loss, we can help you clean and restore your property from top to bottom. We will handle everything from the initial debris removal to the cleaning, sanitization and final reconstruction tasks.
No fire damage is too large or too destructive for us to handle. We will always be here to help.
Fire damage can be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton for immediate assistance.
Answering Your FAQs About Our Construction Services | SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton
7/26/2023 (Permalink)
Need help with your home renovation? Call SERVPRO of Stoughton, Brockton to help get your home in top shape.
If you’ve ever needed our services before, you were probably dealing with the aftereffects of water damage, storm damage or fire damage. Or maybe you had a mold outbreak in your home or business. But did you know we also offer construction services?
It’s true! While we are perhaps best known for our comprehensive restoration services, we also offer a number of other services, including construction and reconstruction. These services can come in handy if you face a significant disaster situation, like major water damage or a fire, or if you simply want to remodel part of your home.
When you need construction services, it’s completely normal to have many questions before choosing a provider and starting the work. Keep reading as our SERVPRO® team answers some common questions.
Q: How long will the construction process take?
A: Of all the questions we get, this is by far the most common! That makes total sense: You don’t want your house to be a construction zone for any longer than absolutely necessary.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, though. The project timeline will be determined by a number of factors, including the reason for the construction work (a remodel vs. extensive home damage, for example) and the size of the project.
When we undertake your project, we will provide you with an estimated completion date. While that may shift over time for factors beyond our control, like access to certain construction components, we will keep you informed of the timeline at every step of the process.
Q: Do we need to be home during construction work?
A: No! You can trust our team to handle repairs and ongoing construction work with the utmost efficiency and care whether you’re in the house or away from it.
We mentioned above that we’ll keep you informed about the project timeline at all times. That also means you’ll be aware of what we’re working on and when we’re working on it. If there are certain parts of the construction process you would like to supervise, you’ll know when they’re happening.
Q: Do I need a permit for construction?
A: That’s one item you can take off your to-do list. When you partner with SERVPRO for your construction needs, we handle permit acquisition.
Because we are locally owned and operated, we’re your neighbors. We know the ins and outs of our community, including regulations we need to follow.
Have construction needs? Reach out to us today to get started! We’re here 24/7.
SERVPRO of Stoughton, MA: Your Reliable Ally in Fire Damage Restoration
7/13/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Stoughton, MA, transforming fire-damaged spaces into safe havens with expert fire damage restoration—your recovery is our mission.
Fire damage can be a harrowing experience, but you're not alone. At SERVPRO of Stoughton, Massachusetts, we specialize in fire damage restoration, bringing your property back to life. We understand that each hour spent restoring your property equates to lost revenue and productivity. That's why we're committed to providing immediate, round-the-clock service. Our team of highly trained experts leverages advanced technology and industry-approved techniques to handle smoke, soot, and fire damage. From initial and ongoing damage assessment to cleanup, repair, and deodorization, we oversee the complete restoration process. We're not just about restoring buildings—we're about restoring peace of mind. Trust SERVPRO of Stoughton, Massachusetts, to turn a fire disaster into a mere memory. Your recovery is our mission.
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