Severe storms can cause significant damage to homes, ranging from minor damage to destruction.
Severe storms can cause significant damage to homes, ranging from minor damage to destruction. It's important to be aware of the potential dangers of storm damage and take steps to protect your home.
Here are some of the most common types of storm damage that can affect a home:
Roof Damage: High winds, hail, and heavy rain can all cause damage to a home's roof. This can include missing or broken shingles, leaks, and even complete roof collapse in extreme cases.
Water Damage: Flooding, leaks, and standing water can cause extensive water damage to a home. This can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and other issues.
Structural Damage: High winds, tornadoes, and other severe weather events can cause significant structural damage to a home. This can include damage to walls, foundations, and support beams, which can compromise the safety of the home.
Window and Door Damage: High winds and hail can damage windows and doors, leaving your home vulnerable to further damage.
Electrical Damage: Lightning strikes and power surges can damage electrical systems in a home, leading to fire hazards and other safety concerns.
Tree Damage: Falling trees and branches can cause extensive damage to a home, including damage to the roof, walls, and other structures.
Car Damage: In severe storms, cars can be lifted or moved by high winds, causing them to crash into homes and other structures.
Severe storms can cause a wide range of damage to homes, from minor to severe. It's important to be aware of the potential dangers of storm damage and take steps to protect your home. By being proactive and taking steps to protect your home, you can minimize the damage caused by severe storms and keep your family safe.
We service Ashland, Framingham Centre, Framingham, Hopkinton, Nobscot, Saxonville, and Sudbury, MA
SERVPRO Of Framingham is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm damage.
What types of storms are there in spring Framingham MA?
The spring season can bring with it a variety of weather patterns, including rainstorms, thunderstorms, and tornadoes
As the season transitions from winter to spring, it brings with it a variety of weather patterns that can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. One of the most notable weather events of the spring season is storms. Spring storms can range from mild rain showers to severe thunderstorms and even tornadoes.
Rainstorms: These storms are characterized by heavy rainfalls, which can last for several hours or even days. They often occur as warm, moist air from the south collides with colder air from the north, leading to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds. While rainstorms can be beneficial for the environment, helping to replenish water supplies, they can also lead to flooding and landslides if the rainfall is too heavy. As such, it's important to stay up to date with weather alerts and to take precautions to protect yourself and your property.
Thunderstorms: These storms are characterized by the presence of thunder and lightning, which are caused by the discharge of electrical energy between the ground and the atmosphere. Thunderstorms can be dangerous, with the potential to produce strong winds, hail, and tornadoes.
Tornadoes: They are characterized by a rotating column of air that forms within a thunderstorm and can cause widespread damage, including uprooting trees, damaging buildings, and even destroying entire communities. While tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, they are most common during the spring season.
Dust storms: While not as common as the other types of storms on this list, dust storms can occur during the spring season in arid regions. These storms are characterized by strong winds that pick up dust and dirt, leading to reduced visibility and potentially hazardous driving conditions. If you live in an area that is prone to dust storms, it's important to avoid driving during these conditions and to take precautions to protect your eyes and respiratory system from dust.
The spring season can bring with it a variety of weather patterns, including rainstorms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and dust storms. It's important to stay up to date with weather alerts and to take precautions to protect yourself and your property during these weather events.
We service Ashland, Framingham Centre, Framingham, Hopkinton, Nobscot, Saxonville, and Sudbury, MA
SERVPRO Of Framingham is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm damage.
Preparing for a thunderstorm is essential to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
Thunderstorms are powerful weather events that can bring lightning, high winds, heavy rain, and hail. While they are a natural occurrence, they can also be dangerous, causing property damage, power outages, and even injury or death. Here are some essential steps you can take to prepare for a thunderstorm.
Stay informed: One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a thunderstorm is to stay informed about the weather conditions in your area. Keep an eye on local weather reports and download a reliable weather app that can give you up-to-date information. You can also sign up for emergency alerts or notifications from your local authorities.
Create an emergency kit: Putting together an emergency kit is an excellent way to prepare for a thunderstorm. Your kit should include items like a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, a portable radio, and a phone charger. Keep your kit in a designated place where you can easily access it during a storm.
Secure your home: It is essential to secure your home before a thunderstorm. Make sure your doors and windows are closed and locked and remove any objects that could become airborne in high winds, such as lawn furniture or outdoor decorations. You can also reinforce your doors and windows with shutters or plywood to protect against flying debris.
Unplug electronics: Lightning strikes can cause power surges that can damage your electronic devices. To prevent this, unplug your electronics before the storm arrives. This includes appliances, televisions, computers, and other devices.
Stay inside: The best way to stay safe during a thunderstorm is to stay inside a sturdy building or a car. If you are outside when the storm hits, seek shelter immediately. Avoid standing under trees or other tall objects that could attract lightning strikes. If you are driving, pull over and park in a safe location until the storm passes.
Wait for the storm to pass: Thunderstorms can be intense but usually pass relatively quickly. Once the storm has passed, wait for a while before going outside to assess any damage or potential hazards. Stay away from any downed power lines or other hazards and contact emergency services if necessary.
Preparing for a thunderstorm is essential to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. Staying informed, creating an emergency kit, securing your home, unplugging electronics, staying inside, and waiting for the storm to pass are all critical steps to take.
We service Ashland, Framingham Centre, Framingham, Hopkinton, Nobscot, Saxonville, and Sudbury, MA
SERVPRO Of Framingham is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm damage.
What should I do if my house is affected by storm damage in Framingham MA?
Natural disasters like storms can wreak havoc on homes, causing significant damage and posing safety hazards.
Natural disasters like storms can wreak havoc on homes, causing significant damage and posing safety hazards. If your home has been affected by storm damage, it's crucial to act quickly to minimize the damage and ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Here's what you should do:
Assess the damage and prioritize safety: If your home has suffered severe damage, it may be unsafe to stay inside. Look for signs of structural damage, such as cracks in the walls, ceilings, or foundation, and assess the damage to the roof, windows, and doors.
Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the damage to your home, both inside and out. This documentation will be important when filing an insurance claim.
Contact your insurance company: Your insurer will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the amount of compensation you're entitled to.
Make temporary repairs: Cover any holes in the roof or walls with tarps or boards, and use sandbags or other materials to block any openings where water could enter your home. Keep in mind that any repairs you make should be documented and kept for insurance purposes.
Hire a reputable contractor: Look for contractors who are licensed and insured, and who have experience with storm damage repairs.
Stay organized: Keep track of all communication with your insurance company and contractor, including emails, phone calls, and written correspondence. Make note of any promises or agreements made, and keep copies of all paperwork related to the claims process.
Prepare for future storms: Consider adding storm shutters or reinforcing your roof to make it more resistant to high winds. Keep important documents in a waterproof and fireproof safe, and have an emergency kit ready in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Storm damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but taking these steps can help you navigate the process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
We service Ashland, Framingham Centre, Framingham, Hopkinton, Nobscot, Saxonville, and Sudbury, MA
SERVPRO Of Framingham is The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration for residential and commercial buildings’ fire, mold, water, and storm damage.
SERVPRO of Framingham Explains Winter Storm Damage
In the event that winter storm damage occurs, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage. Contact a professional to assess the damage.
Winter storms can bring both beautiful snow and dangerous ice. While these events can be exciting for some, they can also cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Here are some common types of winter storm damage and tips for protecting your property.
Roof damage: Heavy snow and ice can put a lot of weight on your roof, which can cause damage, including cracks, leaks, and even collapse. Regularly removing snow and ice from your roof can help prevent damage.
Frozen pipes: When pipes freeze, they can burst and cause significant water damage to your home or business. To prevent this, make sure your pipes are properly insulated and kept at a temperature above freezing.
Power outages: Winter storms can bring high winds and heavy snow that can cause power outages. Have backup power sources, such as a generator, on hand to ensure that you have power during a winter storm.
Slips and falls: Ice and snow can make walkways and steps slippery, which can lead to falls and injury. Keep walkways and steps clear of snow and ice to prevent accidents.
Vehicle damage: Winter storms can cause damage to your vehicle, including dents, scratches, and even engine damage. Store your vehicle in a garage or covered area to protect it from winter weather.
To protect your property from winter storm damage, it is important to be prepared. Regularly inspect your home or business for potential damage and make any necessary repairs. If a winter storm is forecasted, take steps to secure your property, such as removing loose objects, reinforcing windows and doors, and stocking up on supplies.
In the event that winter storm damage occurs, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage. Contact a professional to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs. If you have insurance, make sure to report the damage promptly and follow the steps outlined by your insurance company.
In conclusion, winter storms can bring both beauty and danger. By taking the necessary precautions and being prepared, you can protect your property from winter storm damage.
SERVPRO of Framingham is your premier choice for fire damage and restoration. Our teams are ready to respond 24 hours a week, any day of the year. When you bring us on the job our team of licensed contractors and certified technicians will work collaboratively with you throughout the duration of the project. They will keep you updated on the project's status and ensure that your expectations are met. We will help you to move forward and make it “Like it never even happened” for all of your fire damage.
Ice storms can be dangerous if precautions are not taken.
Cold weather, especially ice, can create a challenge to property owners. When storm damage occurs, the effects can wreak havoc on your roof, siding, driveways, and walkways. Winter weather in Massachusetts can cause to frozen pipes, leaks, and other property damage. These issues can be severe, and quick action to remedy the damage is essential to protecting your property investment.
SERVPRO of Framingham assists home owners and commercial business owners of the Greater Boston Area deal with winter storms damage. Experience with storm restoration projects have taught us that when property owners plan ahead and create an Emergency Response Plan from SERVPRO, often these steps lessen the effects of the disaster.
There are many types of emergencies that are caused by winter storms. Know some common disasters that can effect your building before a storm arrives:
Flooding— Freezes can damage pipes and cause them to burst, causing water damage and flooded areas that need emergency restoration. Another consideration is flooding from rivers and streams.
Fires— Fires before a winter storm can be caused by unattended fireplaces, improperly cleaned chimneys, or space heaters plugged into overloaded outlets or left too close near flammable objects.
Roof leaks— Roof damage can be caused by ice dams which block drainage pipes. They can also be caused by heavy snow and ice which can break through shingles. High winds from winter storms can also damage your roof, leaving your property exposed to moisture damage, which can cause mold.
What to Do if Your Property Is Damaged
Once a winter storm strikes, your property can be left facing a number of things that need fixing fast. Use these tips to make sure the issue is dealt with in a timely manner to prevent the damage from becoming worse.
Make sure everyone is safe
When your property has experienced damage, it may make the premesis unsafe for people present. Be sure your family, tenants, and/or employees are safe. Move everyone out of any areas that are affected. Do a headcount to make sure you know where everyone is. If the property is unsafe, you may need to arrange for a temporary place for family or tenants to stay. If it is a commercial property, arrange for a place for employees to work while the property is fixed.
Turn off power and water to affected areas
Keeping water running during/after a storm may make flooding from a winter storm worse. Leaving electricity flowing could lead to electrical shocks or a fire that causes even more damage. Know where cutoff valves and breakers are located for electricity and water. Shut off the flow to damaged areas, and call your utilities companies if you need assistance.
Contact your insurance company
Call your insurance agent to begin the process of filing a claim. Leave everything in place, except for what must be moved or secured for safety, until the adjuster comes to document what happened. Take photos of the damage.
Remove property from damaged areas and secure the damaged area
As soon as you have documented the damage, SERVPRO of Framingham can help you move property out of the dangerous area quickly to minimize further damage. Valuables and important papers take first precedence, because they may be impossible to replace. After that, move items that you’d like to save but that can be replaced, such as furniture and electronics. Keep in mind that SERVPRO of Framingham can help restore these items as well.
If you experience damage from a winter storm, contact SERVPRO of Framingham to remedy the damage as soon as possible. Be informed of how to protect your building or home. Keep our phone number in your emergency contacts: (508) 948-9172.
If you haven't taken the time to think about how disasters could affect you, then it is time to become educated to help save you and your family.
We want everyone to be prepared in case of a disaster, as best as they can be. If you haven't taken the time to think about how disasters could affect you, then it is time to become educated to help save you and your family.
Make sure you are always informed. You can receive important lifesaving alerts no matter where you are from your city.
You can also receive wireless emergency alerts such as NOAA Weather Radio. Some weather & safety information can also be relayed through social media.
Know which natural disasters can occur in your area and how to prepare and stay safe.
Make sure you know where the nearest shelters are. You might also want to know evacuation routes.
It is important to make a family emergency plan that can be put into action.
Find opportunities to support community preparedness.
SERVPRO of Framingham is your premier choice for restoration and rebuilding. Our teams are ready to respond 24 hours a week, any day of the year. When you bring us on the job our team of licensed contractors and certified technicians will work collaboratively with you throughout the duration of the project. They will keep you up to date on the status of the project and make sure that your expectations are met. We will help you to move forward and make it “Like it never even happened” for all of your storm damage.
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with commercial damage. “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Framingham Shares What To Do If Your House Is On Fire
It is never a fun experience when a house sets on fire. However, it is important to know what to do in case it ever happens.
It is never a fun experience when a house sets on fire. However, it is important to know what to do in case it ever happens.
These steps can help you, and your loved ones, recover after a house fire:
Find a safe place to stay: No matter the amount of damage, you likely can't stay in your own home for a little while until damages are completed.
Contact your insurance agent: You'll need to start a claim immediately. Make sure to save all receipts and keep a detailed record of all purchases. Your insurance agent should also be able to help you secure your property and offer restoration companies like SERVPRO of Framingham.
Take care of your pets: You should have your pets checked by a veterinarian after a fire. It can affect some of their health.
Get a copy of the fire report: You can usually get fire reports from your local fire department. This will be handy for yourself and your insurance claim.
Address your finances: You'll still need to make mortgage payments, even if your home is destroyed. Keep in mind that you need to continue any car payments and replace any credit or debit cards that may have been destroyed.
Recover your possessions: Items destroyed in a house fire are usually covered by insurance. To help make sure everything is accounted for, keep a home inventory of possessions. It is also a good idea to add photos of before and after items.
Take care of your family's mental health: Disasters can affect people's mental health. It is devastating and traumatic.
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with your home damage. “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Framingham Explains Summer Storm Safety
Summer is just around the corner it can also bring the threat of dangerous storms. There are ways to reduce your lightning risk while outdoors.
Summer is just around the corner it can also bring the threat of dangerous storms. There are ways to reduce your lightning risk while outdoors.
Buildings such as offices, schools, and homes have good protection. Once you are inside, stay away from windows and doors. Make sure to stay away from anything that conducts electricity.
If you have no safe shelter anywhere nearby, the following actions may reduce your risk:
Never shelter under an isolated tree or utility pole; these areas tend to get hit easier.
Get off hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
Get out and away from ponds, lakes, and water.
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity.
Don’t lie flat on the ground.
Make sure to monitor the weather and postpone or cancel outdoor activities when thunderstorms are in the forecast. Always make sure that you are safe at all times; even if your building is damaged. We are here to help you with the damage that can be caused by storm damage.
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with residential damage. “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Framingham Explains What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Flood
Flooding in your home or business requires professional help. Call your local restoration company to help get it restored as quickly as possible.
Floods in your building can be devastating; we know firsthand how overwhelming and stressful this can be. However, we have some tips for you to do within the first 24 hours after a flood.
Take Pictures: Before you remove any water, document the damage for your insurer by taking photos of the damage.
Protect Your Health: The water could be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. If you are staying near the flood make sure to wear rubber gloves.
Call Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurer soon after the flood. Keep your insurance company and local agent's phone number in your phone for times like these.
Remove Water: Once you get approval from your insurer to remove the water, use a sump pump and call a restoration company.
Mitigate Mold Damage: Mold can happen within 24 to 48 hours of a flood. Make sure to remove wet contents, including carpeting and bedding quickly.
Flooding in your home or business requires professional help. Call your local restoration company to help get it restored as quickly as possible.
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with water damage. “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Framingham Explains Summer Storm Safety
Summer is just around the corner, but it can also bring the threat of dangerous storms. There are ways to reduce your lightning risk while outdoors.
Summer is just around the corner, but it can also bring the threat of dangerous storms. There are ways to reduce your lightning risk while outdoors.
Buildings such as offices, schools, and homes have good protection. Once you are inside, stay away from windows and doors. Make sure to stay away from anything that conducts electricity.
If you have no safe shelter anywhere nearby, the following actions may reduce your risk:
Never shelter under an isolated tree or utility pole; these areas tend to get hit easier.
Get off hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
Get out and away from ponds, lakes, and water.
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity.
Don’t lie flat on the ground.
Make sure to monitor the weather and postpone or cancel outdoor activities when thunderstorms are in the forecast. Always make sure that you are safe at all times; even if your building is damaged. We are here to help you with the damage that can be caused by storm damage.
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with residential damage. “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Framingham Share Cold Weather Storm Maintenance Tips.
Winter months may bring their share of problems. The winter weather can still create problems for homeowners and businesses.
Winter months may bring their share of problems. The winter weather can still create problems for homeowners and businesses. It is important to take precautions so that you don’t find yourself with significant structural damage.
Here’s a cold-weather maintenance checklist to help you maintain your property during the colder months:
Keep your pipes warm
Cold weather can lead to pipes freezing and bursting. To keep your piping accurate have your interior temperature above 55°F.
Keep water flowing
Water is slow to freeze while moving, so turn on your faucet to a slow drizzle.
Check your HVAC system
Make sure that the airflow around your furnace isn’t obstructed. This will help the heat can reach the rest of the house and also help protect your home against fires.
Prevent ice dams
When ice freezes on your roof and prevents melting snow from draining safely, it creates an ice dam. Left untreated, ice dams harm your roof and can lead to water damage. Take time to inspect your roof and shingles for damage to avoid worse problems down the line.
Keep your roof clean
You can prevent ice dams by keeping your roof clean. If an ice dam has already formed, call a professional removal service.
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with commercial restoration. “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO Framingham honors National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is an observance every September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters.
National Preparedness Month is an observance every September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies; these could happen at any time.
The best tip we can provide you with is to make a plan; you never know when a disaster might strike. Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster.
You will also want to build a kit, should a disaster strike. Gather supplies that will last for several days for everyone living in your home. Make sure to consider the needs of each person in case you have to evacuate quickly.
Become aware of your surroundings and know the risk of disasters in your area. Find ways to make your home prepared for storms and other common hazards. Make sure to also check your insurance coverage to make sure it is up-to-date.
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with residential or commercial fire damage. “Like it never even happened.”
Flooding can happen quickly, it is important to make sure to get notifications from your local weather channels so you can act quickly.
Summer is the time of year when flooding happens a lot. This can cause damage to any residential or business building. Here are some great tips should flooding happen:
Find safe shelter right away.
Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Evacuate if told to do so.
Check up on flood insurance policy.
Make a plan for your household, including your pets.
Learn and practice evacuation routes and shelter plans.
Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days.
Move valuables to higher levels.
Check on your sump pump.
Flooding can happen quickly, it is important to make sure to get notifications from your local weather channels so you can act quickly too. Be careful if you have a flood warning!
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with any flooding damage. “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with residential or commercial damage. “
A hurricane can hit anywhere or at anytime. By now, we have been getting major effects from hurricane season and it can cause damage to your home or business. There are some things you can in preparation should a hurricane, or storm weather hits.
Create a plan with your family: Whether it’s the possibility of tornadoes, hurricanes, or floods families need to be prepared, this can help reduce chaos. A plan should include evacuation routes, emergency numbers, shelter possibilities, and a communication strategy.
Build a disaster kit: A disaster kit may be different for each family. The kit should have basics: bottled water, non-perishable snacks, flashlights, batteries, sanitation items, important documents, and first aid kits.
Practice the plan: You will want to practice evacuation routes, where to go for shelter, and memorizing emergency numbers.
Stay informed: You will want to keep your family safe, so staying informed is critical. When a major disaster occurs, it is advised that everyone should have a reliable resource for emergency alerts: phone apps or emergency radio.
Tackle storm anxiety: Creating a plan is the first step in tackling anxiety. Make sure to allow your child to talk through their fears and concerns. This can help everyone around, remain calm.
SERVPRO of Framingham is available 24/7 including holidays and weekends to assist you and help you with residential or commercial damage. “Like it never even happened.”
Storm damage to your Hopkinton, MA residential or commercial property can force you to hit the pause button. An intense storm can bring water, wind, and even debris to your front door. Winds in excess of fifty miles an hour can blow signs, tree branches, and fencing into your property. A mighty gust of wind could throw open doors of and allow storm damage inside. Storm damage like this could enable:
Contaminated water to rush into your property
Flooring to become damaged or waterlogged
Mud and debris
Risk of mold and structural damage
Class 3 water is a serious issue and should not be ignored. It can contain biohazards, petroleum, gas, and other harsh chemicals. Should it impact the rugs in your home, they cannot be remediated as there is no way to ensure safety. Our team understands the health risks of contaminated groundwater and removes any residual amount as we begin the cleanup and restoration.
Why SERVPRO
Our technicians specially trained and IICRC-certified. They are have access to a fleet of vehicles and a warehouse full of state-of-the-art, professional grade equipment to clean up any size disaster. It is always our goal to make you feel "Like it never even happened."
To clean up and remove storm damage, our technicians can:
Use wet/dry vacuums to remove excess puddles of water
Set up flood drying mats to draw moisture from hardwood floors
Clean your property with industrial-grade disinfectants and detergents
If your commercial or residential property has been struck by storm damage, get professional grade help. Call SERVPRO of Framingham at (508) 435-5146. We will make it, "Like it never even happened."
Severe wind and rain storms are common place in New England during the spring months. While many of the commercial and residential properties in the region get safeguarded against most of the troublesome effects of severe weather systems, no precaution is ever foolproof and a sever storm can result in flash flooding that can cause significant damage to your Hopkinton, MA commercial or residential property.
No matter the cause flooding originates from it is critical to act quickly to prevent significant damage to structural elements of your home and the contents found in the affected areas.
Fortunately, the Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Framinghamis available to respond to your calls 24 hours a day, any day of the week, including holidays. This assurance shows you that even amid a disaster, you can count on our experience and professionalism to come through for you when you need restoration the most.
Our technicians get uniquely trained and certified in the most effective means of water damage restoration, from the modern techniques to the state-of-the-art equipment needed to deliver your house back in its former condition.
Extraction is a crucial component to resolving the flooding concerns, but this is only an option once the vulnerable points that allowed the water into your home have gotten repaired. The process to pull water out of the affected areas typically involves pump trucks from our SERVPRO fleet along with wet-vacs with extraction wands for areas that are challenging to reach with the more prominent pump.
Drying the area is a process that requires several different pieces of equipment. While the open areas can get addressed with industrial sized air movers and dehumidification equipment, that rarely completes the job. Often the water penetrates deep below the floors. This requires specialized drying equipment and techniques. Our Injectidry system uses several entry points to dry in between walls where water had gotten introduced to structural components of your property.
When storm damage strikes your commercial or residential property call the experts atSERVPRO of Framingham. We will make it "Like it never even happened."
Storms, hurricanes, heavy rains and winds can cause significant damage to your commercial or residential property. It is essential to completely get rid of the standing water residual moisture to prevent any long-lasting and/or secondary damage.
The drying of your Framingham, MA commercial or residential property after water damage strikes depends on several factors. The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Framingham are trained andcertifiedto make sure they can deliver rapid and efficient drying results. Here are the most critical factors affecting the rate of drying that you should know.
Temperature
The temperature of the air governs the rate of drying. Contents dry at a much faster rate if the temperature of the area to be dried is high as hotter air can carry more moisture. The ideal temperature for the fastest drying is between 70 and 80 degrees. That said, if the temperature of the room is above 85 degrees, the air can become saturated with too much moisture and can create secondary problems.
Volume Of Water
The volume of water dictates the time required for drying. SERVPRO of Framingham technicians can use extractors to eliminate the standing water and dehumidifiers and air movers to pluck out the airborne residual moisture. Their purpose is to prevent moisture from causing secondary water damage.
Relative Humidity
The relative humidity of the affected area also controls the rate of drying. Higher RH can slow down the drying process significantly. Dehumidifiers are used to extract excess moisture from the air and keep the RH low, speeding up the drying process.
Air movement
Air movement, or lack thereof, can be either a positive or negative impact to the drying process. The air in a water damaged area is usually damp which slows the rate of evaporation. Replacing this damp air with fresh and dry air can speed up the drying process.
Trained Team
Not only are we water remediation experts but we are also a licensed General Contractor. This means that after we finish removing all damage we can put everything back together, truly making it, "Like it never even happened."
When storm damage strikes your commercial or residential property call the experts atSERVPRO of Framingham.
When winter comes around in Massachusetts, we can expect lots of snow and cold weather which can lead to frozen pipes and icy driveways. While the snow is beautiful to look at and a great reason to cozy up, it can be dangerous to your home.
This week, NWS and forecasters have indicated that the snow totals will reach higher than four inches, and a winter weather advisory exists now for tonight through the evening hours for all of CT, RI and MA west of I-95. Totals are expected to be 3-5 inches (with the 5 inches in the Berkshires and higher terrain of Worcester County). Elsewhere in MA, the totals will be closer to 1-2 inches with a trace of snow on the mid-Cape and the islands.
This change reflects the latest models which anticipate the secondary low pressure system not departing as quickly as initially thought. On Thursday, another storm coming from Utah, NM, AZ region, will take a more southerly route than this current storm. It will miss us but drag down some very cold air. By Friday, wind chills will be in the double digits below zero! The coldest air of the season by a longshot!
With this snow storm on the way, now is a good time to look over winter safety procedures with your family to prepare for any circumstance that may come your way. The storms can make driving and walking extremely hazardous, so it is in everyone’s best interest to listen to the radio for the latest information for your area.
Tips to keep safe during this weather:
Stay indoors and dress warmly
Eat regularly, because food gives energy to give the body its own heat
Drink water to stay hydrated when inside
Wear thick and layered clothing and protective gear against the cold if you go outside to shovel or do anything else
Keep the gas tank full
Avoid driving
Check on neighbors to make sure they are okay
Every snowstorm instance is different, but it is important to keep safety tips in mind for assured protection in any situation.
As late fall and eventually wintertime arrives in Framingham, MAso will good oldfassion New England snow storms. The issue with snow is that if the outside temperature rises too fast the melting snow can cause excessive flood damage to your commercial or residential property. When the snow melts, especially if piles of it are up against the exterior of your property, the resulting water can infiltrate the property.
The problem with vast amounts of rapidly melting snow is that the resulting water has nowhere to go, especially if the ground remains frozen. While properties may be "water-tight", they are never "waterproof". Cracks in foundations, improperly installed flashing, rotten clapboard siding, damaged weatherstripping are just a few common entryways for migrating water to find its way inside a property.
Depending on the severity, the resulting damage can range from wet carpets to actual structural damage. When carpet become wet they can suffer from delamination (the backing of the carpet becomes separated from its fibers) requiring the carpeting, and possibly the padding, to be removed replaced. Along with carpeting, hardwood and laminate flooring are also extremely susceptible to damage from moisture. This damage is usually more noticeable as the building materials can bow and may even pull apart.
When the resulting damage requires the removal of the flooring materials down to the subfloor, it is always a good idea to consult an expert. Why? Hidden danger may exist. Older flooring materials and adhesives may contain asbestos, which is extremely hazardous and can only be removed by professional mitigators. The certified technicians are trained at identifying the warning signs of materials that contain asbestos and know how to safely remove samples for testing. If any harmful minerals are found we will bring in certified asbestos mitigation teams to properly and safely remove the hazardous materials.
Calling in the experts of SERVPRO of Framingham at (508) 370-4400 will help you identify any potential risks associated with asbestos.
The immediate damage to your Hopkinton, MA commercial or residential property from a storm is evident in broken windows, flooded rooms, soaked carpets, and waterlogged furniture and personal items. Most property owners understand the need to remediate visible damage after a flood. However, some might not be aware that storm damage can have longer-lasting effects that they might not even notice, to begin with.
What are the long-term effects of flood damage?
Storm damage has several unpleasant long-term effects:
Undetected (and therefore untreated) moisture can lead to unseen structural damage. Even though the visible water has been removed moisture has already seeped into inconspicuous areas such as wooden beams or floors. If this hidden moisture is left untreated, it can cause warping and rotting of structural elements such as wood and drywall.
Flood damage often leaves behind unpleasant odors. Even after removal of the standing water property owners might notice lingering faint damp odors. Such smells are not only unpleasant but can also indicate an unresolved mold issue.
Hidden moisture damage can lead to mold growth throughout your property. Mold can be harmful to your health and the health of your family.
When attempting to sell your property any signs of unremediated storm damage could:
Make it difficult to sell the property
Force you to sell it at a devalued price
How to mitigate the long-term effects?
The best way to avoid long-term effects after storm damage is have your property and its contents remediated by certified professionals. The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Framingham are trained to assess both the visible damage and the potential for hidden damage in your commercial or residential property. Our teams use state-of-the-art, professional grade equipment and scientifically proven techniques to dry and restore your home thoroughly. When storm damage devistates your commercial or residential property call the experts at SERVPRO of Framingham, (508) 370-4400. We will make it "Like it never even happened."
A flood can cause serious damage to your Bellingham, MA residential or commercial property. You should file a claim for flood damage as soon as possible. Check your policy to determine how much coverage you have for flooding and then follow these three steps to file a flood claim.
Document Damage
The first step toward filing an insurance claim is to document the extent of the damage. Capture photographic or video proof of standing water as well as damaged building materials and contents. While you should take timely steps to mitigate primary damage and limit the extent of secondary damage, you must capture the condition of the affected areas of your home beforehand. Also, gather and prepare to provide information such as dates of purchase, item values, and any receipts for major possessions that you can find. You may dispose of damaged items after thoroughly documenting the damage.
Notify Your Insurer and Talk to an Adjuster
Secondly, notify your insurer of the property damage and file a flood claim. It is a good idea to file this claim as soon as possible, as it may take some time for your insurer to get around to processing your claim if the flood that has affected your home is widespread. An adjuster will contact you to discuss your coverage and help you prepare a sworn statement regarding the amount of damages supported by documentation.
File Proof of Loss Within 60 Days
Lastly, file proof of loss documentation with an insurance company within two months of a flood. Payouts can only be processed once Proof of Loss is on file.
These are the three major steps to file a flood claim. You should maintain a reliable method of contact such as a cell phone number. Once the damage has been properly documented call the experts at SERVPRO of Framingham, (508) 370-4400. We will make it, "Like it never even happened."
This time of the year brings the best chance for heavy rains in our New England. When rains cause flooding in your Hopkinton, MA commercial or residential property the range of potential safety issues presented is broad. Merely waiting for the excess water to drain and dry out is never the best option. You need the help of the certified experts at SERVPRO of Framingham to identify and help minimize hazards before restoring the damage.
Identifying safety concerns
When flash floods damage your property you need an immediate response. Restoration industry best practices require a safety evaluation before emergency mitigation begins. The reasons to consider safety first include:
Personal Hazards
Slip, trip, and fall
Confined spaces
Chemical safety issues
Environmental Hazards
Submerged debris
Structural damage and weakness
Electrical shock
Biohazards
Waterborne chemicals
Infectious waste from sewage
Molds
The risks are not always the same
Every job SERVPRO of Framingham takes on is unique. The systems, contents, and building materials are different at each job site. That is why our certified technicians are trained to identify and remedy the following specifics as we evaluate the condition of your flooded property:
Posting of warning signs
Exposed carpet tack strips will be removed or covered
Check for hidden water and moisture in ceilings and walls
Identify and resolve any electrical risks
When necessary we install external generators and use use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to get the job done safely
Identify potential mold, lead, or asbestos risks
Identify the water Category 1,2 or 3
The Disaster Remediation Teams a SERVPRO of Framinghamare ready to help 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays! Call us at (508) 370-4400 and we will make it, "Like it never even happened."
Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering from flood damage.
Just because you haven't experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3 billion in annual losses in the United States. Commercial flood claims average more than $75,000.
According to the American Red Cross (ARC), floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster. The ARC offers the following flood safety tips.
Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing scream where water is above your ankles, stop, rum around and go another Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. Keep your pets out of the water too.
If a flood does strike your Ashland, MA residential or commercial property contact the water remediation experts at SERVPRO of Framingham. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly. A quick response will minimize the total damage to your property. Call SERVPRO of Framingham at (508) 370-4400 and we will make it "Like it never even happened."
Storms can cause severe damage to Bellingham, Ma properties. Even though the New England winter weather is behind us you still may need storm remediation. Strong winds can take down trees and limbs causing damage to your roofs. Heavy rains can lead to flooding. When storm damage strikes you need the help of trained professionals.
Whether you are dealing with a significant amount of flooding, roof damage, or leaky roofs you need storm remediation. There is a reason why a lot of people are currently contacting home restoration experts like SERVPRO of Framingham. We come to your home with our own flood pumps and tools to get rid of the excess water.
Why contact a storm restoration professional
Storm Damage can leave behind a lot of problems once the storm has passed, and this is why storm damage involves so much cleanup. Whether you are looking for water restoration due flooding or you need professional roof repair done because you have a significant amount of damage and roof leaks due to wind damage or fallen tree damage, you need to contact a full service storm restoration professionals who not only will remediate any damage to your property but also repair the damage too!
If your commercial or residential property suffers storm damage call the full service experts at SERVPRO of Framingham, (508) 370-4400. We will make it Like it never even happened.
The peak of Atlantic hurricane season is here which is why it's important to take some time to reflect on disaster preparedness. As unlikely as it may seem, a disaster can strike at any moment. Whether it's a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or blizzard, it's critical to be prepared and have a plan in place.
Unfortunately, pets are sometimes unintentionally left out of their owners' disaster preparedness plans which makes it difficult to know what to do with them during an emergency.
Luckily, you can plan ahead for your pets using these tips:
Listen to your veterinarian
Make sure your pet wears a collar with up to date information on it, get them microchipped, and have them vaccinated. These recommendations will come in handy during a disaster and help you avoid any potential pitfalls, such as being unable to get into a shelter with an unvaccinated pet or losing them during an evacuation. If possible, take your pet's medical records with you and attach their rabies tag to their collar.
Find out which shelters allow pets
Do some research into where you can safely evacuate with your pet during a state of emergency before a disaster occurs. Your local police department can typically give you this information. If not, they'll likely be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. Though unfortunate, it is not true that hotels must accept pets during evacuations, so please keep that in mind while planning ahead.
Prepare a pet disaster kit
In a suitcase or other easily movable storage container, pack food and water bowls, a manual can opener, two weeks' worth of canned food and bottled water per pet, plastic poop bags (for dogs), litter and a small litter box (for cats), and two weeks' worth of any medications your pet may need. You should also pack cleaning items, sturdy leashes and harnesses, toys, and a copy of your pet's medical records. For small animals and cats, have a carrier ready. Use this checklist to prepare.
Create handouts
Create an identification handout and a boarding instruction handout. Have both ready to go at a moment's notice. They should contain important information, such as your pet's name, age, sex, markings, microchip number, allergies, and vaccination status.
If you get separated from your pet, make sure you're safe before you begin your search. If you're in a shelter that houses pets, inform a caretaker and provide them with the identification handout. Once you've been given the OK to leave the shelter and return home, contact animal control and call the microchip company to make sure all information about you and your pet is current.
The damage on Cape Cod was the culmination of two tornado touchdowns in Yarmouth and Harwich along with plenty of straight line wind damage, the NWS reported.
Cape Cod has only experienced 4 reported twister's within the last 70 years, according to the NWS.
Powerful winds almost entirely lifted the roof of a Cape Sands Inn in Yarmouth with fear of it being blown away. The rains accompanying the tornado left many rooms flooded and the owner said one-third of the hotel is now unusable heading into peak tourist season
While Mother Nature is unpredictable, SERPVRO of Framingham is here to stay to help you find your way.
After the 4th of July celebrations has ended, Mother Nature decided to display 'works' of her own. Less than 48 hours later, heavy thunderstorms rolled through Massachusetts, causing flooding, damage, and power outages.
The thunderstorms shook the region that evening and lighting was the cause of a house fire in Marlborough, striking their basement.
Fortunately the homeowners were awake and immediately aware of what happened and were able get help and get to safety.
There was also heavy rainfall and flooding in the Boston area, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). and finally, the thunderstorms subsided at around 9:45 p.m.
Mother Nature is unpredictable, and we never know when an emergency situation will arise or in this case, strike. But SERVPRO of Framingham is there for you 24 hours/7 days a week. No job is too big or too small all that matters is we quickly get the job done.
Many homeowners dream of waterfront property, the smell of salty sea air and to be greeted by the ocean when the wake up every morning. As idyllic as it may sound there is another side to living on the coast. During 2018 coastal communities experienced record number of high tide flooding. Sidewalks and streets were frequently flooded mainly due to El Nino conditions. The projected increase in high tide flooding in 2018 may be as much as 60 percent higher across U.S. coastlines as compared to typical flooding about 20 years ago, according to NOAA scientists. These predictions are part of NOAA’s 2017 State of High Tide Flooding and 2018 Outlook, a report produced by NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services every year since 2014.
The report finds that during the 2017 meteorological year (May 2017-April 2018), the U.S. average number of high tide flooding days was the highest measured at 98 NOAA tide gauges. More than a quarter of the coastal locations tied or broke their individual records for high tide flood days.
The top five cities that saw the highest number of flood days across the U.S. and broke records include Boston; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Sandy Hook, New Jersey; Sabine Pass, Texas; and Galveston, Texas. These cities faced the brunt of an active nor’easter and hurricane seasons and sea level rise, which has made these and other less extreme events more impactful.
SERVPRO of Framingham specializes in Water Remediation, if you ever experience a flood or water damage call us 24/7 508-370-4400.
National Weather Service is warning of intense weather headed to Massachusetts, which could mean severe thunderstorms or even tornadoes.
Temperatures are expected to climb as high as the mid-80s on afternoon in late May and as a storm system makes its way across the state, the highest risk of extreme weather is expected to kick in at around 5 or 6 p.m., NWS meteorologist. Short-lived but powerful storms, isolated thunderstorms and powerful winds, and hail sized up to an inch or two inches are more likely out in the west and northwestern parts of the state, the Weather Service says, but still possible closer to the city. The conditions may also be right for tornadoes to form.
“There’s a cold front approaching the area and we’re going to have a storm that will form along that boundary,”Correia says. “Really warm temperatures will help that instability.”
She says that the risk of tornadoes remains pretty remote, but it’s worth being alert regardless, especially if you commute by car or haveplans to be outside.
SERVPRO of Framingham Stops the Flood Damage In Its Tracks
When a severe thunderstorm strikes the Metro West area, conditions can cause extensive property damage.High-speed winds can break exterior walls or blow tree branches into your windows leaving a gap for rainwater to come into your structure.
If there is a significant amount of water present in the home, moisture gets pulled out of materials using a specialized extraction system. After water removal, the next step in mitigating flood damage is the rapid drying process. Drying out structural components promptly can happen with the use of drying equipment.
Air movers and dehumidifiers get placed by our SERVPRO of Framingham technicians in the affected area to create an environment that speeds up the natural evaporation process. The number of air movers and dehumidifiers used depends on the size of the affected region and how much water got into the home from the thunderstorm. The amount of dehumidification needed is calculated by how many porous materials inside the house got wet.
Once the amount of dehumidification is figured out the number of dehumidifiers needed to start drying get set up. Each day our SERVPRO of Framingham technicians return to the site and check moisture levels and humidity inside the affected area. If the region is not drying quickly, then more equipment can be set up to improve drying. If drying has been successful and the levels have dropped, then dehumidifiers get taken out.
In some situations, our SERVPRO of Framingham technicians set up a drying chamber around the affected area to help speed up drying. A drying chamber consists of thick plastic sheeting that is set up with poles around the affected region. This "tent" targets the damp areas needing additional drying. The smaller the chamber is, the less cubic feet of air the dehumidifier has to turn over.
Specific methods and techniques can help reduce drying time so that microbial growth should not occur. Monitoring the work site every day helps us make a change to ensure rapid drying. For professional help with drying out moisture after a storm floods your neighborhood, call SERVPRO of Framingham today!
Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage like ice dams and roof damages to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property.
An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.
Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.
It’s mid-January and just this past weekend, we finally said goodbye to our snowless winter. In true New England fashion we started our weekend off with 6 inches of snow and temperatures in the single digits. These unbearable arctic temps were responsible for dozens of pipe bursts throughout the region, wreaking havoc in several homes. The precipitation then quickly transitioned into rain, freezing rain, and sleet in parts of the state the following day. Shortly thereafter our snow washed away and The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for southeastern Massachusetts expecting 2 to 3 inches of rain with temperatures climbing to the mid 50’s. Frantic calls to SERVPRO of Framingham for pipe bursts quickly switched over to frantic calls for flooded basements caused by groundwater and leaking roofs. Rain, freeze, sleet or snow – SERVPRO Framingham is here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
June thru August is the Peak Season for Lightning Fires
According to the National Fire Protection Association, During 2007-2011, U.S. local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 22,600 fires per year that were started by lightning. These fires caused an average of nine civilian deaths, 53 civilian injuries, and $451 million in direct property damage per year. Most of these fires occurred outdoors, but most associated deaths, injuries, and property damage were associated with home fires.
Lightning-related fires are more common in June through August and in the late afternoon and evening.Peak seasons for lightning-related fires vary by region, as do weather patterns in general.
In addition to the fires reported to local fire departments, federal and state wildland firefighting agencies reported an average of 9,000 wildland fires started by lightning to the National Interagency Fire Center per year in 2008-2012. These fires tended to be larger than fires started by human causes. The average lightning-caused fire burned 402 acres, nine times the average of 45 acres seen in human-caused wildland fires.
In addition to causing fires, lightning is dangerous on its own. Data from the National Weather Service show that in 2008-2012, an average of 29 people per year died as a result of lightning strikes. The most common location for these deaths was outside or in an open area. The average number of lightning flashes per square mile varies considerably by state, as does the death rate from lightning incidents.
Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In most places, they can occur year-round and at any hour.
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study, and play.
Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.
Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.
When thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm.
Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms. Be ready to change plans, if necessary, to be near shelter.
When you receive a thunderstorm warning or hear thunder, go inside immediately.
If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines.
Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices. Secure outside furniture.
If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
If necessary, take shelter in a car with a metal top and sides. Do not touch anything metal.
Avoid flooded roadways. Turn Around. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Hailstorms are statistically one of the most costly natural disasters
As stated in "Hale Depot", according to the National Weather Service, hail results in some of the highest rates of property damage in terms of natural hazards. In 2015, hail caused 586 million dollars in property damage, and in 2016, hail caused 3.5 billion dollars in damage.
Hail does not immediately fall after it forms
Hail forms inside the clouds of a thunderstorm, and actually begins as just a tiny drop of supercooled water. This just means that it is below freezing temperatures, but still in a liquefied form. If it stays at this extra cold temperature for long enough, it will eventually freeze and solidify into a small hailstone. The tiny ball of ice still isn’t heavy enough to fall yet and remains suspended in the thundercloud by an updraft caused by the storm. These hailstones tumble around and collect more condensation, which freezes and makes the hailstone bigger – kind of like rolling a snowball around in the snow to make larger. Once the stone becomes too heavy to stay afloat, it falls to the ground.
There is a threshold for what is considered “severe” hail
The National Weather Service classifies “severe” hail as being at least 1-inch in diameter, about the size of your average gumball. It seems like a lot of hail storms are considered severe because that’s what we see on the news, but most hailstorms involve hailstones that are closer to the size of peas. Even hail that does not reach the “severe” state can still cause damage to cars and injure people.
The largest hailstone ever recorded was the size of a volleyball
We often refer to sizes of hailstones in terms of recognizable, everyday objects. We’ve already done it in this article! For some perspective, a hailstone that is 1 inch in diameter is the size of a gumball. After that, a hailstone that is 1.5 inches is most recognized as the size of a ping-pong ball, and next comes some golf ball-sized hail at 1.75 inches across. When people talk about “baseball-sized hail,” they’re referring to hailstones that are about 2.75 inches in diameter. The largest hailstone ever recorded was bigger than a baseball. It was bigger than a softball.
Hail happens most often during the summer
No, it isn’t opposite day. Even though balls of ice fall from the sky during a hailstorm, these occurrences are actually most common during the summertime and warmer months. So why does this happen? Hail forms inside of thunderclouds, so there need to be proper atmospheric conditions that support both thunderstorms and hail. This happens in the early months of summer when the ground temperatures are warm, but temperatures in the upper atmosphere are cold enough to form ice. The greater the contrast between upper and lower temperatures, the stronger the updraft of the storm will be. Stronger updrafts can suspend hailstones for longer periods, meaning that the ice continues to collect and grow the hailstone bigger until they eventually fall. That’s why warm summer months are the perfect time for hail to form and ultimately fall.
Hailstones fall fast… really fast
The bigger the stones, the faster they fall. Hail often falls so fast that it doesn’t really lose a lot of mass between when it leaves the thundercloud and when it reaches the ground. The speed at which hail is falling when it hits the ground is often referred to as terminal velocity, and this speed varies depending on the size of the hailstone. A hailstone that is about 1 centimeter in diameter has a terminal velocity of about 20 miles per hour. What about a stone the size of a baseball? This size of hail can hit the ground at a walloping 100 miles per hour. To put that into perspective, the fastest fastball baseball pitch ever recorded was clocked at 105.1 miles per hour. So if you ever find yourself stuck in a hailstorm of any proportions, please take cover.
There is a place called “Hail Alley”
You’ve probably heard of Tornado Alley, where tornadoes frequently occur, but did you know there is a Hail Alley as well? We talked above about how hail forms in thunderstorms. It would follow that the areas that receive the most hail are places that have the most thunderstorms – like Florida. However, Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming report the most hailstorms, and the region where these states meet is called Hail Alley. This is because these states have high elevations where parts of the atmosphere that remain below freezing temperatures are closer to the ground, meaning the hail is more likely to stay frozen as it travels to the earth. Internationally, China, Italy, Russia, and India also receive large amounts of hail storms each year.
You can tell how many times a hailstone circulated a thundercloud by cutting it in half
You’ve probably heard about tree trunks having rings inside that help you determine how old the tree is, but did you know that if you cut a hailstone in half, you can also see rings in the cross-section. These rings form when new layers of ice freeze on the hailstone, and usually alternate between clear and milky white. Scientists believe that the clear layers occur when the stone is at the lower end of the thundercloud where the temperature is slightly higher. This makes the water freeze more slowly and appears clear, just like when you make ice cubes in your freezer at home. The milky layers are thought to form when the hailstone is at the top of the cloud where temperatures are well below freezing. This means that water droplets freeze almost immediately upon contact with the hailstone, creating white air bubbles.
There once was a time when you rarely heard about a tornado threat in Massachusetts. These frightening and sometimes deadly storms were rarely on any New Englander's radar.
However, according to Weather.com, tornado outbreaks have been producing more tornadoes and more deaths in recent years, according to a new study.
Published in the online journal Nature Communications, the findings revealed tornado "clusters" are more dangerous now than they've been since at least 1954. Responsible for 79 percent of tornado fatalities in the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., these outbreaks often leave damage totals in the billions, the study also found.
"These discoveries suggest that the risks from tornado outbreaks are rising far faster than previously recognized," Joel Cohen, a mathematical population biologist and head of the Laboratory of Populations at Rockefeller University in New York and Columbia's Earth Institute, told Live Science.
Using NOAA tornado records from 1954 to 2014, the scientists studied events when at least six tornadoes rated EF1 or higher were spawned in a 6-hour span. In calculating the average number of tornadoes spawned by each of these clusters, the findings revealed an average of 15 twisters per outbreak from 2004 to 2014. In the 1950s, the average was just 10.
April and May tends to be New England’s rainy season. Will your h home be safe during a heavy downpour? Here is what SERVPRO of Framingham recommends you can do to help protect your home from rainwater damage.
> Maintain your roof. Neglecting the care of your roof could lead to some serious damage when the rain comes. Inspect your roof for damaged, missing, or loose shingles. Keep in mind that roods have a lifespan of 20-30 years.
> Seal windows, skylights and doors. If windows and doors are not properly sealed, water can seep in through the cracks. Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks. They can be sealed with caulking or with sprayable insulating foam.
> Maintain your homes's exterior finish. Water may be able to enter your home through holes in your exterior walls, resulting in mold, peeling paint, or discoloration. Repaint and repair exterior areas as needed.
> Ensure proper drainage. If water isn't properly diverted away from the home, the foundation could possibly be at risk. Make sure that there is no standing water available.
> Clean your gutters. They should be free of any debris. Blocked gutters cause the water to flow down the side of your house and collect at the base.
> Check your downspout. Downspouts should extend to at least two or three feet from the house. If it doesn't extend far enough, then it could actually be channeling the water directly into a puddle at the base of your house.
According to Ready.gov, the extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.
Know the Facts!
They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
Know the Difference!
Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately
You can scrape snow from the roof whenever it falls, using a snow rake from below or a broom or plastic shovel from above. Take Caution, especially when on the roof. It is best to hire someone who knows how to use a safety line.
Replace your shingle roof with standing seam or other metal roof. Or you can replace the bottom three feet or so of your shingle roof with a wide metal drip edge. Always install a water-repellent membrane under any new roofing.
NOTE: If your roof is not very steep, an ice dam can still form on metal roofing and drip edges.
DEALING WITH EXISTING ICE DAMS
1. Remove the ice dam by breaking it free in small chucks. Do NOT use an ax or other sharp as it can rip the shingles. Instead, gently tap with a blunt mallet. Even if you do it safely, the chunks of ice can take pieces of shingle with them.
2. Clear out gutters and downspouts. Again, this is ladder work and an easy way to damage either plastic or metal gutters and spouts.
3. Melt troughs through the ice dam with calcium chloride ice melter. Never use rock salt. It will damage paint, metals, and plants beneath the eave and wherever the salty water drains.
A good trough-maker is a tube of cloth (a leg from an old pair of panty hose works well). Fill it with calcium chloride, tie off the top, and lay it vertically across the ice dam. It will slowly melt its way down through the dam, clearing a path for the underlying water to flow free.
WHAT DAMAGE DO ICE DAMS CAUSE?
When an ice dam gets big enough, melted water backs up behind it and seeps underneath the shingles. Eventually, it will drip into the insulation and down into the ceilings and exterior walls beneath the eave, ruining sheetrock and paint. If the ice dam breaks free, it can pull shingles and gutters off with it, and it will damage anything it falls on: shrubs, windowsills, cars, pets, and people. If the roof sheathing stays wet, it can form mildew and start to rot.
That's where SERVPRO of Framingham comes to help. We can't prevent the ice damming from happening, but we can help you take care of the damages that it can cause.
An average of 75 people have died in the U.S. from flash floods each year from 2004-2013, according to the National Weather Service. That's more than double the average death toll from lightning
Almost two of every three U.S. flash flood deaths from 1995-2010, occurred in vehicles, according to Dr. Greg Forbes, severe weather expert for The Weather Channel.
The single worst decision you can make in a flash flood is driving your vehicle into floodwaters of unknown depth.
It's easy to misjudge the depth of floodwater, particularly at night. Sometimes the bridge or road masked by flood water may have been undermined or completely washed out.
In some cases, the flash flood event occurs over such a localized area, say one part of one county or city, that driving conditions may go from dry roads to high water in a matter of a few miles. Only 2 feet of water can float a large vehicle or even a bus, therefore you should never drive through flooded roads If you come upon water standing on the road turn around and go back the way you came, do not cross over because you don't know exactly how deep the water is.
Furthermore, just 6 inches of rapidly moving flood water can knock a person down and carry them away.
Always heed warning and seek shelter when your area will be affected by torrential rains.
Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. For more information about food safety visit our food page.
Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside. In intense heat when the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall or “cooling shelter” that may be open in your community. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level of your home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.
Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
If you are considering purchasing a generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing.
Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system.
For those who have not yet invested in a generator, here are some helpful tips to prepare for a power outage.
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power. For more information visit: Get Tech Ready
Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices.
Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
Keep your car’s gas tank full-gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by visiting your state’s or local website so you can locate the closest cooling and warming shelters.
If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent like a medical device determine a back-up plan.
Winter driving conditions can be hazardous due to factors such as snow and ice on the road. While it’s important that you are prepared for winter driving, it is also important that your car is up for the challenge. It is recommended that you winterize your car before the winter season to make sure your car can handle the winter road conditions.
Install winter wipers
These come equipped with rubber that keeps ice from collecting on the blades. Just be sure to remove them when spring rolls around. As winter wipers are heavier than regular ones, keeping them on all the time increases the risk of burning the motor out too soon.
Mount winter tires
If you live in a place that experiences extreme cold winter temperatures, it is recommended that you install winter tires when winterizing your car. When the temperature consistently hovers around or below freezing, the rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden, decreasing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires use special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, providing better traction.
You should definitely have snow tires installed with plenty of time to spare before extreme winter weather arrives. We say, if you can see your breath, it’s time to install winter tires.
Keep washer fluid full
When driving in snow and ice, you may use a lot of washer fluid in an effort to keep your windshield clean. In order to properly winterize your car, maintain a nearly full washer fluid reservoir and consider keeping a spare bottle or two in the trunk.
Pack a winter safety kit
Tips for Winterizing Your Car | Bridgestone Tires
Here are some things to pack in your winter driving safety kit:
Ice scraper
Bag of sand and a shovel
Cell phone
Flares
First aid kit
Extra antifreeze
Flashlight and batteries
Car tool kit
Jumper cables
Warm clothing: Extra jacket, hat, socks, boots
Non-perishable food and beverage items
Pack of matches
And Always:
Keep the gas tank at least half full!
How to Protect the Outside of Your Home (and Car) During The Winter Season
Clean your gutters and downspouts before cold weather arrives to prevent ice from forming in them.
Spray an ice repellent solution on steps and walks before freezing weather arrives
Check antifreeze levels in cars. Add if needed, then run the engine to circulate the new antifreeze through the radiator and engine block.
Add freeze resistant windshield wiper fluid, and spay to circulate it in lines.
Check air pressure in tires, since cold weather causes the pressure to lower.
Bring in container plants, add mulch around plants, and cover plants that are prone to frost damage. Remove covering when temperatures warm above freezing.
Drain birdbaths and fountains
Gently sweep snow off plants and shrubs in an upward motion with a broom.
Use rock salt, sand, or clay based kitty litter on walks and drives (NOTE: Salt can damage grass and other plants).
Don’t overdo it when using a snow shovel.
Stay off your roof during freezing weather, but once the ice and snow have melted, inspect your roof for any damage.
September is National Preparedness Month - SERVPRO of Framingham
SEPTEMBER is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come.
Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune:
Make a Plan. Work with you family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.
Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes – renters, too! When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.
Make a Ready List. You may not need all of the items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don’t forget to keep supplies at work and in your car.
Plan Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don’t buy preparedness items just before a storm when they’re expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.
Shop Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won’t notice the cost as much.
Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe, containers. You don’t need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight.
Request a Gift. We all get things we don’t need. Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It just might save your life.
Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.
*The best tip: start now. Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
Water, one gallon per person per day
Food, non-perishable 3-day supply
Manual can opener
Battery operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Clothing
Dust masks or bandanas
Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Hygiene items
Important documents, copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account information
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Flooding often occurs following a hurricane, thawing snow, or several days of sustained rain. Flash floods occur suddenly, due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. Learn what to do to keep your loved ones safe!
A flood/flash flood WATCH means a flood or flash flood is possible.
A flood/flash flood WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon. TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS!
Right Before a Flood You Should Do the Following:
> Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
> Be prepared to evacuate quickly and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter.
> Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications or other medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
Then, If You Can, Do This
> Fill plastic bottles with clean water for drinking.
> Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for flushing the toilet or washing the floor or clothing.
> Fill your car's gas tank, in case you need to evacuate.
> Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.
> Turn off propane tanks to reduce the potential for fire.
If You Still Have Time, Do This
> Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
> Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities to prevent damage to your home or within the community. If you shut your gas off, a professional is required to turn it back on.
> Unplug small appliances to reduce potential damage from power surges that may occur.
In the United States, an average of 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year by lightning. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.
Before Thunderstorms and Lightning To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
The following are guidelines for what you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:
Postpone outdoor activities.
Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
Avoid the following:
Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area
Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water
Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas
In a forest: Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
In an open area: Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.
On open water: Get to land and find shelter immediately.
Anywhere you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike) squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact to the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.
In the event you experience storm damage please contact your restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Framingham 508.370.4400.
Although they may be known as the mother of all storms when they wallop U.S. coastlines, hurricanes seem to be taking a vacation -- while their more narrowly focused but fiercer cousins, tornadoes are grab the headlines.
With Accuweather redicting a below-average hurricane season for 2017, this could be the year when tornado damage actually exceeds that of hurricanes. Tornadoes, which lately seem to be an almost everyday occurrence, are all over the news. In addition to tearing up the Plains and Southeast, they’ve even reached as far north as New England in recent years.
Hurricane season encompasses the six months of summer and fall, starting June 1 and ending Nov. 30, but tornadoes can pose a danger year-round. Spring is usually considered the prime time for twisters, but don’t say that in Georgia or Florida, which had a cyclone epidemic in January. That month, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported 138 tornadoes, a sharp jump from the January average of only 35 a year for the period of 1991 to 2010.
If a storm strikes your business or home, call SERVPRO of Framingham and we’ll respond immediately to your flood and storm damage emergencies.
Hailstorms can damage your business, your car and your home. Although they are easy to spot, most of us are unaware of how large hailstones can be. The size of a hailstone can range anywhere from1/4 of an inch - 4 1/2 inches in diameter. That is equivalent to the size of a pea (¼ inch) and the size of a softball (4 ½ inch). Average hailstorms typically have pellets ranging from ¾ of an inch or smaller, comparable to the size of a nickel. Often this fact leads to little concern from homeowners, however hailstones the size of nickels can be damaging, especially when they are falling anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 feet at speeds of 120 mph.
During a hailstorm, your house is susceptible to damage with your roof being at most risk. It is important to check for hail damage immediately after a hailstorm has occurred. You should also inspect your siding, windows, rain gutters, and roof to see if any repairs are needed.
When a storm hits your home or business, you need help immediately. SERVPRO of Framingham’s quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal and plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold.
During cold weather, take preventative action:
- Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and night. You may incur a little higher heating bill, but, you can prevent a much more costly repair job if a pipe were to burst.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees.
To thaw frozen pipes:
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water will help melt the ice inside.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe like using an electric heating pad or hairdryer. Never use an open flame.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes.
***If in doubt about any of the above steps or if you do not feel comfortable with the situation, it is always best to contact a licensed plumber.
In the event you incur frozen pipe damage, SERVPRO's trained technicians are available 24/7 to assist with your cleanup and restoration needs.
April showers help to bring us the most vibrant May flowers and we are so happy with this change of season. However, when April showers are more like torrential, relentless downpours we could face a flooded basement and other water damage causing costly repairs. Flooding generally occurs in the springtime as the result of heavy rains that cannot be adequately absorbed by the still thawing earth. Particularly formidable are the flash floods resulting from thunderstorms, swiftly melting snow, ice jams in creeks, and then there is the fearsome “El Nino." Consider if more than one of these circumstances happens at the same time, you have the potential for a catastrophe with flooding waters and raging mudslides.
Homeowners you can take some simple precautions to secure your property and keep your possessions safe.
Elevate: Keep your furnace, water heater, electrical planels above predicted water levels to protect yourself from costly home replacements.
Install check valves: These valves close to prevent the backward flow of liquid and prevent water from backing up into the drains in your home.
Build barriers: Use sandbags to create flood walls to prevent or reduce flow of water into your home.
Waterproof the basement: Use a waterproofing compound to seal the walls of your basement.
Clean: Clean gutters, drains and downspouts for proper water flow.
Purchase flood insurance: Most standard homeowners' and business insurance policies unfortunately do no cover flood damage. In the event of a flood, you would be responsible for covering the full cost of repairs and replacing items damaged.
There is help close by should you experience an unfortunate event with your home or business. Contact FRAMINGHAM or SERVPRO NEWTON/WELLESLEY. We are trained storm specialists who will come in and quickly get your home or business back to a safe and healthy environment. We have the specific training and certifications to handle your restoration needs provided by an Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist, a Water Damage Restoration Technician, and an Applied Structural Drying Technician. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.
Although icicles do look like pretty prisms dangling from your roof, they are also a sign of big trouble. This is because the same conditions that create icicles -snow covered roofs, freezing temps and cold winds- can also lead to ice dams. Ice dams are thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the overhang of your house. Ice dams grow heavy and tear off gutters, damage windows and siding, loosen shingles and cause water to back up and pour into your house. As a result you could have peeling paint, warped floors, stained and sagging ceilings and dreaded mold! When a harsh and lasting winter storm hits with heavy snow and extremely frigid temperatures this kind of damage is almost inevitable.
However you can stay ahead of the game with a few simple tricks. Keep an eye out for icicles, check for backflow under the roofs shingles, and watch for interior leaks. Heated cables can also be used to fight ice dams. By attaching the cables with clips to the roof in a zigzag pattern, it will help control the roof's temperature and prevent damage. Or you can place a box fan in the attic and aim it at the underside of the roof where water is likely to leak inside. This targeted dose of cold air will freeze the water in its tracks and stop the flow of water. Invest in an aluminum roof rake and remove snow immediately before it begins to build up on the roof. Another trick is to use a pair of panty hose filled with calcium chloride/ ice melter placed on the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. This will create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters and off the roof.
Unfortunately we can’t prevent storms from happening so when you need emergency help because of storm damage, call SERVPRO Framingham or SERVPRO Newton/Wellesley. Our 24 hour service is specialized and ready to come to you for cleanup and restoration of either residential or commercial property. Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a storm, a fire or have smoke or water damage, give us a call. We know catastrophes don’t always happen conveniently during business hours so we are available 24/7.
We are also ready to help when you need to mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business. The main goal of SERVPRO of Framingham and Newton/Wellesleyis to help minimize the interruption to your life and as quickly as possible make it "like it never even happened."
Sergio Daros of SERVPRO of Framingham pulls down a waterlogged ceiling in a Framingham home after a frozen water pipe burst.
Posted in the Metro West Daily News:
As temperatures in MetroWest plummeted to minus-12 degrees Sunday, business for David Kurzontkowski started heating up.
Kurzontkowski, owner of SERVPRO Framingham, said the extreme cold over the weekend caused sprinkler heads to pop and pipes to burst in homes and commercial buildings. Kurzontkowski, whose crews go in to clean up damage after emergencies, said his phone started ringing at 9 a.m. Sunday “and then it just hasn’t stopped since.”
“I’m just driving from burst pipe to burst pipe,” he said Monday.
And now, as it gets warmer, there’s still a high risk: He expects more water pipes that froze from the cold will burst as they start to thaw out.
“I think it’s going to get a little worse before it gets better,” Kurzontkowski said.
Plumbers, firefighters and cleanup crews across the region kept busy dealing with heat problems and burst pipes and don’t expect it to slow down for days.
Framingham Deputy Fire Chief Paul Gildea said his department responded to about a half dozen such calls Sunday, another half dozen during the day Monday and expected still more. One was at the MetroWest Daily News after a frozen sprinkler pipe burst, flooding the lobby and newsroom.
“It was a tough weekend,” Gildea said, noting that the Presidents Day holiday made it difficult for people to order parts to fix systems.
Andy Rodenhiser said his company, Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric in Holliston, was giving out space heaters to customers it couldn’t get to just yet.
“We took about 700 calls over the course of the weekend and it starts off primarily as no heat and maybe some frozen pipes where cold water or hot water isn’t working in a particular fixture,” Rodenhiser said.
The timing during school vacation week was unfortunate, he said, because some people were gone.
“A lot of people make the mistake of turning down the heat,” he said. “Maybe they’re gone to Florida, or away.”
Rodenhiser said pipes expand when water freezes and the stress can cause them to burst. He recommends everyone be alert as pipes thaw and be ready to immediately shut off the water supply if they do burst.
“If something had been frozen you’ve got to watch for it and look for a split,” he said. “When it does suddenly thaw you want to be around so you can minimize damage.”
Kurzontkowski, who deals with the damage from burst pipes, has a rule of thumb:
“Keep your heat at 70, especially when you leave,” he said. “Don’t try to save money and turn your heat way down when you leave. Some people think put it to 60 and you’re OK.”
Other tips include opening up the cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathroom – wherever you have pipes – to hit them with warm air, and properly insulating a home to stop cold drafts from blowing in.
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal and plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold.
During cold weather, take preventative action:
- Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and night. You may incur a little higher heating bill, but, you can prevent a much more costly repair job if a pipe were to burst.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees.
To thaw frozen pipes:
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water will help melt the ice inside.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe like using an electric heating pad or hairdryer. Never use an open flame.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes.
***If in doubt about any of the above steps or if you do not feel comfortable with the situation, it is always best to contact a licensed plumber.
In the event you incur frozen pipe damage, SERVPRO's trained technicians are available 24/7 to assist with your cleanup and restoration needs.
24/7 Emergency Service
Severe storms can cause significant damage to homes, ranging from minor damage to destruction.
