Gutter Size

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Proper gutter size

How many of you know if you have the proper size gutter? Well follow this handy guide. 5 inch K-style gutters or 6-inch half-rounds, are able to handle the rainfall on most houses in most parts of the country.

. But houses with big, steep roofs or those located in heavy rainfall areas with heavy downpours may need wider gutters and extra downspouts to keep rainwater from overflowing.

First, you'll need to calculate the square footage of the gutter's drainage area. For a gable-end roof, you'll only need to make 2 calculations, one for each slope. Intersecting roofs have multiple facets. For those you'll need to add up the area (length x width) of each surface within a drainage area to get the total square footage. Contact a home improvement expert to offer help and advice so you don't have water damage. Always make sure down spouts are directed far enough away from the foundation to prevent water damage

We do it all!

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

One of our Crew Chiefs using a fogger.

Here at SERVPRO of Pottstown/Souderton not only do we do fire and water restoration, but all types of cleaning as well. We do soot, mold, bio-hazard, carpet, upholstery, and all flooring. We use many different chemicals and techniques in order to get the truest clean and the best odor removal. We have the best completely plant based, organic cleaners and we also utilize ozone to get the property clean and smelling great! There was a job we did in an apartment building in Collegeville, for a foul odor in one of the apartments. We ozoned the property for 24 hours and she had a fresh-smelling apartment. It's just one of the many things we do here at SERVPRO.

Fire Damage

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Basement Fire

The national fire protection association recommends that smoke detectors be installed in every bedroom, and outside of all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Smoke alarms work best when they are combined with a fire evacuation route that allows your family or customers a way to safety. Smoke detectors should be on every level of the home including the basement. They should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms and at least 10 feet from all appliances. Test your detectors at least once per month by using the test button at the bottom of every smoke detector. If it begins to randomly chirp change the batteries immediately. Smoke detectors are only good for ten years after that they need to be replaced. If you sleep with your doors closed at night it can help prevent further damage to the bedrooms, and save lives.

Bursting Pipes Have Businesses Feeling Pressure from Freezing Water

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pottstown offers a FREE, customized Emergency Ready Plan to Local Businesses

(Pottstown, PA – February 2023) Anyone who has taken fourth grade science will tell you, heat causes matter to expand while cold makes it contract. Unfortunately, there is one very important exception to this rule that we are reminded of each winter.

At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water begins to freeze. When water freezes, it actually expands… nine percent in volume. As a result, an ice blockage may form, and pressure builds in the water pipes causing them to crack and break.

Most of these problems go undetected until temperatures rise, and blockages melt. Once the restored waterflow rushes against the still-frozen areas within the pipe it pries apart small fissures in the material until water escapes causing damage to property and belongings.

For many businesses, down time resulting from water damage could be the tipping point of having their doors closed forever. That’s why SERVPRO of Pottstown/Souderton is offering its expertise to local businesses to develop a free Emergency Ready Plan (ERP).

Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)

When disaster strikes, whether it is a flood, fire, or mold, a business having a plan in place will make all the difference in determining whether it survives. SERVPRO’s ERP will minimize interruption because employees will know what to do and what to expect should any-sized disaster strike.

“Having an ERP is important to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business,” said Ed Lachowicz, owner of SERVPRO of Pottstown/Souderton. “A SERVPRO expert will create a concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency to get businesses back on track fast.”

There are many benefits to having this no-cost assessment completed, including:

• Having a easy-to-implement guide will help get staff get back into their building following a disaster and minimize downtime.
• Identifying a chain of command for authorizing work to begin, saving time and money to being mitigation.
• Providing facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
• It makes the processes of filing insurance claims easier with SERVPRO navigating the process and coordinating the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.

If you would like a SERVPRO of Pottstown/Souderton expert conduct a free Emergency Ready Plan for your business, call 610-447-4637 to schedule an appointment. If you have an emergency and need immediate help, SERVPRO offers 24 hour service, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

About SERVPRO of Pottstown/Souderton Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO franchise system is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 2,100 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

How to Prepare Your Home for Natural Disasters

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

How to Prepare Your Home for Natural Disasters

Your home is a central aspect of your life. It is your own personal space that you share with your loved ones, such as your parents, siblings, spouse, or children. Your home is where most of your dearest memories are made and you probably want to protect it forever.

However, natural disasters are common. They can wipe away all the memories you have made in your beautiful home in a split second if you are not adequately prepared for the disaster.

Preparing for a Hurricane

One natural disaster that combines many different disasters is a dangerous hurricane. It can bring heavy rainfall, winds that are faster than 150 MPH, extreme thunderstorms, and even flash floods in areas that are near the coastline.

In the US, hurricanes are especially common between June to November and it is important to prepare for them accordingly.

Hazards of a Hurricane

When a hurricane hits your area, there are many hazards that you need to look out and prepare for. These include

1. Storms: A dangerous storm can affect both human life and property in just a few minutes. In the surge of a hurricane, ocean water is pushed towards the coast. When combined with the high, swirling winds, such storms can cause major damage to the structure of your home.
2. 2. Winds: Hurricanes don’t have normal winds. Instead, the wind is as fast as 150 MPH and has a swirling direction. This can easily destroy entire buildings or cause irreparable damage to the foundational structure of the building.
3. Heavy Rainfall and Floods: When a hurricane hits, it is accompanied by tropical storms that can bring rainfall of more than 6 inches. As the water builds, there can be flash flooding in low-lying coastal areas. This is extremely dangerous for people who live in the inlands, especially because they may not have sufficient time to evacuate in such situations.

Hurricane and Natural Disaster Preparation Guidelines

Here are a few things you can do beforehand in order to minimize the damage caused by hurricanes or other natural disasters in your area:

1. Assess Your Home

Before you start taking any precautions to prepare for a hurricane, it is important to first analyze the risks of your own home. You can check with contractors or damage repair companies to ask whether the foundational structure and landscaping of your home will be able to survive heavy winds and storms. After the inspection, you may be required to have a few repairs made in your home to make the structure sturdier.

2. Removal of Debris and Garbage

Since storms and hurricanes come with intense winds, it is important to remove any dead trees or garbage material such as logs of wood that could be blown into your house due to extreme wind pressure.

3. Make an Evacuation Plan and Kit

If you live in a low-lying coastal area, it is important to have an evacuation plan in place that all of your family members are aware of. Apart from the plan, you also need to prepare a kit that must be equipped with food and water supplies, essential medication, a first-aid kit, and a battery-powered flashlight.

How Can SERVPRO Cleaning Services Help Your Business Become More Efficient

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

How Can SERVPRO Cleaning Services Help Your Business Become More Efficient

Every business is looking for ways to become more efficient. It's a good idea to take care of the little details so that you can spend your time on what matters most: running and growing your business! One way to help with this is by outsourcing certain services, such as cleaning - for example, SERVPRO Cleaning Services. We offer many different cleaning services tailored to meet the needs of any business, from janitorial services and carpet cleaners to upholstery cleaning or window washing. But can such services help your business become more efficient? Well, the answer is actually YES! They can.

A Cleaner Workplace Will Make Employees More Productive

A clean and well-maintained work environment is proven to boost morale and keep employees happy, which leads them to be more productive. Employees will feel better about coming into the office if their desks are tidy and they don't have to worry about clogged drains or dirty bathrooms!

A Cleaner Workplace Will Make Your Business Look More Professional

All of your customers meet you at your place of business - whether it's a restaurant, retail store, hotel, etc. You want those people who come in contact with your company every day (your customer service staff) as well as potential new customers (those visiting for the first time), to experience an inviting atmosphere that makes a good impression on them. From receptionists greeting guests with a smile and a 'how may we help you?' to having clean carpets, updated bathrooms and tidy work spaces.

It Will Increase the Retention Rate of the Employees

When employees have to work in a less-than-sanitary environment, they're more likely to get sick and take off from work. Compared with companies that invest in services such as janitorial or floor cleaning, the ones who don't are going to lose their best people much faster than those who do. Employees want to feel appreciated by employers! By offering them a clean workspace where they can focus on what's important without worrying about being distracted by dirty bathrooms or cluttered desks is one way of showing your appreciation for them.

Your Employees Will Stay Healthy So There Will Be Low Absentees

When employees stay healthy and come to work, they're more productive. By providing them with a clean workspace that is free of hazardous germs like viruses or bacteria found on dirty floors and doorknobs as well as unhygienic bathrooms where they can stop by after lunch without worrying about catching the stomach flu from their co-workers, you'll keep your best people happy and coming back day in and day out!

More Clients Will Be Attracted To Your Business

A professional-looking office that's free of clutter and is kept in good condition will make your business more pleasant for employees, which makes it a comfortable environment to work in. A clean workspace with updated fixtures helps customers feel welcome, so they'll be happier about coming back if they have had positive experiences previously. When you combine all these benefits together, what do you get? An efficient workplace that boosts morale throughout the company as well as being presentable to potential new clients!

Five Steps to Fire Restoration the Best Practices

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Five Steps to Fire Restoration the Best Practices

Fire restoration is a process that can take weeks or months to complete. That's why it's important to have the right fire restoration professionals on your side from the beginning of the process. Here are five steps for getting started with fire restoration

1. Assess any damages before moving anything, and then contact a professional team to help you remove debris and secure damaged materials.

 The first step is to assess the damage caused by the fire. You may be tempted to try and move or clean up damaged items yourself, but this can damage even more of your property. The right restoration professionals know how to move things safely, and they will have the proper equipment.

2. Remove smoke damage by cleaning walls, ceilings, furniture, carpets, drapes and other items using specialized products designed for this purpose.

 The second step in fire restoration is removing smoke damage. This can be done by using a water-based cleaner to remove soot from walls, ceilings and any other surrounding surfaces. You must also clean all fabrics thoroughly, including furniture, carpets and curtains.

3. Clean out all vents and ducts in your home or business as soon as possible after a fire has occurred

 The third step in fire restoration is to clean all vents and ducts. If you leave this for too long, it can cause more damage to your property. Cleaning out these areas will ensure that smoke does not continue to spread throughout the home or business.

4. Take care of any lingering odors with an air purification system or by opening windows daily to get fresh air

 Once you have addressed all smoke damage, the last step in fire restoration is to address any lingering odors. This can be done with an air purification system or by opening windows regularly so that fresh air flows through your home or business for at least a few months after the fire occurred.

5. Keep your home or business dry by using fans, dehumidifiers and other systems to reduce humidity

 The final step in fire restoration is to keep your home or business dry at all times. This can be done by using fans, dehumidifiers and other equipment that reduces humidity levels in the air. However, you should only use these when necessary since they may damage wood floors if used too often.

You need to hire a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO to help you with the restoration process. We are fully equipped to take care of your fire damage restoration need. A professional company like SERVPRO can assess the damage, remove smoke and other odors, clean vents/ducts, repair any fire or water damage to your home or business, take care of lingering odors with an air purification system or by opening windows for fresh air.

Storm Damage Prevention: What You Should Do Before and After the Storm

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Prevention: What You Should Do Before and After the Storm

Have you ever wondered how to prepare your home for the next big storm? It is not always easy to know what steps are necessary, but this blog post will give you some helpful tips. We'll discuss all of the things that can be done before a storm hits, as well as what should happen after the storm has passed. Keep reading for more information on how to protect your property from damage!

Preventive Things to Do Before the Storm

* Have a family meeting to discuss what should be done in the case of an impending storm.

* Ensure that all your windows are covered by sturdy shutters or impact-resistant glass, especially on the ground floor level. If possible, secure double hung windows with clips and braces so they cannot open more than five inches.

* Make sure that all doors and windows can be locked securely.

* Replace weather stripping on your exterior doors if it is worn out or missing, as this will help to lock heat inside during cold months and keep hot air from escaping in the summertime.

* If you have a basement, make sure that there are no pipes located near any outside walls to prevent them from freezing during cold weather. You should also install a sump pump in case the basement floods.

* Place any lawn furniture and heavy objects against your house so they won't blow away if there is high wind.

After The Storm Has Passed

You can always tell when a storm has passed by looking at the amount of debris left in its wake. If you have any downed trees or branches on your property, be sure to clean them up as soon as possible so they don't pose a safety hazard. Additionally, if there is a large amount of water pooling around the exterior of your home due to rain damage it may need to be treated by a professional who can repair the damage.

A Storm Damage Restoration Company

If you don't feel comfortable dealing with storm damage yourself, then your best course of action may be to hire a professional restoration company. These are the people who have all the necessary tools and equipment required to fix any damages that were done by high winds or rain. Even if you think there is only minor damage it's still better to get an outside opinion before making repairs so you will know exactly how much work needs to be done.

SERVPRO has been in the industry for many years and offers exceptional storm damage restoration and cleaning services. We will be able to repair your home and also remove any mold that has grown in the aftermath of a storm. When you hire SERVPRO, you can be rest assured that we are a certified company that can cater to all your cleaning and restoration needs.

Identifying Causes of Water Damage Is Important

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Identifying Causes of Water Damage Is Important

Water damage is one of the most common home disasters to occur. It can be caused by a number of factors, but often times it is due to improper maintenance or installation of plumbing fixtures. Preventing water damage begins with identifying the causes and implementing strategies that will help you avoid it in the future.

Leaking Roof

One of the most common causes of water damage is a leaking roof.

This can be caused by loose or missing shingles, worn out caulk around chimneys and skylights, or broken flashing where roofs meet walls. Whatever the cause might be you should always try to identify it as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage from happening. This includes taking note of how much time has passed since there was last heavy rainfall so that you have an idea about what kind of repairs need to happen during drier weather when trees lose their leaves and your house is less likely to get damaged again due to foliage contact with your home's exterior. Once any leaks are repaired immediately look for other potential areas where water may seep through the roof and check them as well.

Faulty Plumbing Fixtures

Another common cause of water damage is faulty plumbing fixtures like sinks, tubs, or toilets that are not properly installed. These can lead to water leakage behind walls which may result in rotting wooden studs , mildew underneath flooring materials, warped sub-floors , peeling paint on interior surfaces etc. If you suspect any issues with your home's plumbing be sure to have it inspected by a licensed plumber so they can repair it before mold sets in.

Outdoor Water Damage - Poor Drainage Systems

Leaks from outdoor faucets often go unnoticed for extended periods because people don't normally spend much time outside during rainstorms. The best way to prevent damage from occurring is by installing a water sensor in your garden or lawn. This will activate an automated sprinkler system that can help you extinguish any potential fires before they get out of control.

Appliances That Use Water

Another major cause of water damage is leaking appliances that use water like dishwashers, washing machines, or refrigerators.

If you suspect any issues with your appliances be sure to have them inspected by a licensed plumber so they can fix the issue before mold sets in. If you are not able to afford repairs on these things right away look for cheap alternatives online without sacrificing quality and effectiveness. For example, some people even find success using dryer sheets instead of laundry detergent when doing their clothes!

Rain and Floods

Another cause of water damage is rain and flooding. If your home happens to get flooded you should not try to clean it yourself. Instead, contact professional flood remediation services in order to prevent mold growth inside the house which can be extremely hazardous for both humans and pets alike. If there are no signs of mold than simply airing out any rooms that have been affected by flooding will suffice until repairs begin. It's important that you do not use space heaters or other electrical sources when doing this because they could create a fire hazard.

When it comes down to preventing water damage in your home, identifying the causes of water damage is half the battle. The other half involves taking steps towards resolving those problems as soon as possible so they do not become an even bigger issue than they already are.

Why You Should Hire SERVPRO

6/11/2022 (Permalink)

Why You Should Hire SERVPRO

You can't control everything that comes with owning a business, but you can certainly prepare for the inevitable. One of those inevitabilities is fire and water damage. There's nothing worse than coming into work to find your building ruined and thousands of dollars’ worth of inventory destroyed by water or smoke damage. SERVPRO has been in the disaster recovery industry for years and we know what it takes to get your life back on track after an emergency situation like this occurs at your home or place of business. We've seen it all over our years in service. So if you are looking to hire a cleaning and restoration service then you should definitely hire SERVPRO.

We Have an Extremely Positive Word Of Mouth in the Market

We've been in business for many years. This means we are the go-to company when it comes to natural disasters that strike. It's pretty rare to find a business with that many positive reviews and testimonials from customers who walk away happy after using our service. We're all about quality customer service which is one of the reasons why SERVPRO has expanded into other areas like mold mitigation services. Our commitment to excellence will make sure you get everything your home or office needs during this difficult time.

Highly Trained Technicians and Cleaning Experts

We hire only the most qualified technicians. SERVPRO has some of the best cleaning and restoration teams with years of experience under their belt. We know how to get your home or business back into tip top shape after it's been hit by any type of natural disaster that causes water damage, fire damage or smoke damage. Working for a company like this one can be rewarding because you always feel like you're providing an important service to someone who needs our help during these tough times. You'll never need another provider when it comes to emergency response services once you've used us!

Advanced Technology for Cleaning and Restoration

You'll never have to worry about our technicians using outdated methods when it comes to services like water damage restoration, fire damage repairs and mold removal. We invest in the latest technology for cleaning your floors, carpets or hardwood. Our company is always looking ahead of the curve which sets us apart from other providers out there.

24/7 Service and Emergency Response

Our team is available around the clock. That means we'll come to your house or business and start cleaning up water damage, fire and smoke damage, no matter what time it is. Its nice knowing you can always rely on a company like SERVPRO for all of your emergency response needs. We're not going to judge you for calling us in the middle of the night either because that type of stuff happens from time to time! So don't hesitate when our office line rings after hours - pick it up every single time!

Efficient Process and Less Work for You

If you're like most people then you hate it when your home or business is in shambles after something bad happens. SERVPRO will make sure to get the process started as soon as possible so that we can help avoid further damage and inconvenience for our customers. You don't want to be stuck living out of a hotel room right? So let us take care of everything with lightning speed. Our technicians are experts at getting rid of water, smoke smell, fire damages and more without putting too much stress on the homeowner!

If you're looking for a trustworthy business that has been around for years then look no further than SERVPRO! Contact us today if you need more information on hiring the right service provider for emergency response needs.