National Day of Service and Remembrance

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

In loving memory and honor of those who passed on September 11, 2001, as well as the survivors and first responders,  National Day of Service and Remembrance was established in 2009 as a day of reflection. Led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, this is a day to come together as Americans did following the events of 9/11 to help neighbors in need, and to honor veterans and First Responders in your community.

On this day and everyday, SERVPRO®   of Cambridge/Belmont salutes those who served in the greatest times of need and stand tall and strong in the mists of disaster.  Those heroes are the First Responders who keep our communities and country safe.

Always give back to your community each year. To find a volunteer opportunity near you, or to register your National Day of Service and Remembrance event, visit nationalservice.gov/911day.

Basement Cleanup Time

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

Basement before SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont's Cleanup services

We know that cleaning out the junk in your basement can feel overwhelming. It is tough to know where to start. We can help you make the process easy and stress free. Call SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378 to help organize, sort and remove unwanted items in your basement.

SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont can handle all of your basement cleaning services. Whether your basement looks and feels like  storage unit for all your junk from over the years, or you are doing some cleaning and clearing out to make room to finish your basement.

SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont will

• Remove all the junk from your basement
• Clean everything, and leave no junk behind
• Rearrange items in your garage (at your request)
• Create as much possible space for your basement
• Dispose of all your basement junk responsibly
• Recycle and donate whatever we can

Air Conditioning system maintenance

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

AC Unit

As facility-maintenance professionals prepare for summer, it is important they make sure evaporator-coil cleaning and maintenance is on their to-do list states Sergio Rodriguez from SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont.

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

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

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

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

• Obtain the best possible access. Cleaning coils works best when a maintenance technician can get the cleaning wand close to the areas that need to be cleaned. Consider using flexible wands if access is difficult.
• Vacuum coils and fins. Before cleaning, remove dry debris from coils with a vacuum that can reach dust and dirt in tight spaces. Other options include using compressed air.
• Clear blockages. Condensate pans and lines need to be free of blockages before wet cleaning can begin, as any obstructions can cause major damage from flooding and because of HVAC-system condensate. Consider a wet/dry vacuum to remove any debris prior to cleaning.
• Use a wet cleaning process. Pressurized water forces deeply embedded dirt and debris to come loose, vastly improving the cleaning process.
• Use a powerful-yet-delicate cleaning system. High-pressure equipment can damage fins, especially on evaporator coils. The ideal system should deliver 125 to 200 psi and up to a half-gallon of flow per minute.
• Apply an alkaline non-caustic cleaning foam. Use of a non-caustic cleaner helps to protect coils from corrosion.
• Apply a mold-control agent. Adding a mold inhibitor that is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered and approved for use in occupied spaces can help to keep coils clean and free of odor and allergy-causing mold and mildew.
• If you need Your Air Conditioning unit checked out, please call SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378

Advertising with Drones!

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Drone with camera attached

Drones offer a new perspective on real estate marketing, literally.When we think of drones many things come to mind. Whether it’s the military’s use of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) or the image of Amazon dropping packages at your door, drone technology is here to stay. And in a technology friendly business like real estate it only makes sense that UAV’s should play a pivotal role. If you’re already imagining the views of those luxury properties from on high, here are some of the possibilities and some of obstacles to incorporating drones into your marketing.

Cost: Radio controlled drones weighing 4.4-pound with four spinning propeller blades capable of carrying a video camera can run anywhere from $2,000 – $5,000.

Control: Navigating a drone takes considerable skill, so you’ll want to hire a pro to navigate it. You can expect to pay a licensed professional anywhere from $350 to $500. In the long run it’s more cost effective and much safer than doing it yourself.

Risks: No matter how skilled your professional pilot might be, there are still risks involved when it comes to using drones. Before you take off, you’ll want to be sure you have insurance in place in case of unforeseen property damage, as well as damage to the drone itself.

Be proactive: Be sure to notify local law enforcement and surrounding neighbors before you take to the sky.

Where to start: In late summer of 2016 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the use of drones for commercial use and removed a restriction that mandated a full FAA pilot’s license replacing it with $150 drone license. Check out the National Association of Realtors drone resource page for FAQ’s, timeline and political advocacy resources.

Drones, like other new technologies will continue to drop in price as demand increases. While it is true that drones will first be employed to highlight and promote luxury properties, they will no doubt become more main stream as costs come down. More than anything, a drone is an excellent differentiator, giving prospective buyers a bird’s eye view of the house, the property and the neighborhood.

If you have water or fire damage to your home, please call SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378 to assist you.

How to prevent unwanted pests from your home without use of harmful chemicals

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Household ants in the Kitchen

Do you have a pest infestation? When insect and rodents invade your home it's time to fight back. Living in the country I've had to deal with my fair share of pests. I used to go straight for store bought pesticides. While they worked great at getting the job done, I absolutely hated the smell of them and I wasn't too crazy about using harmful chemicals in areas where my kids and pets often played. According to DIY Home Sweet Home, these are great ways to safely eliminate unwanted pests

ANTS

Repel: Clean with white vinegar. Not only does vinegar make a great all-purpose cleaner but ants can't stand the smell and it will mask their scent trails so they will lose their direction. Follow the ants to locate the food source (usually something sticky that has been spilled on the counter or floor). Removing the source and cleaning the area with a solution of one part vinegar and one part water a couple times a day will usually eliminate the ants. 

Exterminate: If you still find ants try this simple bait recipe. Mix one part powdered sugar to one part baking soda*. Place this mixture in small shallow dishes (I found that Gatorade or juice lids work perfect for this) and leave around the home in places where you often find ants.  *Please note large amounts of baking soda can be harmful to pets. For this recipe you should only be using a small amount but to be on the safe side I would place the mixture in areas where your pets can't get to it.

COCKROACHES

Repel: Place mint & bay leaves around the home. Cockroaches hate the smell and will stay away. I like to place the leaves in small mesh or muslin bags and place in dark areas such as closets and cabinets where cockroaches like to hang out.  Exterminate: The same recipe we used above for ants will also kill cockroaches. Place equal parts of powdered sugar and baking soda into shallow containers and leave around the home where you notice cockroaches.

MOSQUITOES

Repel:  Grow marigolds, basil, & mint. Mosquitoes are repelled by the strong scent of these plants. Place live plants around your home or place dry mint leaves in muslin bags to keep in your home. Also cleaning with mint or citrus scented cleaner will do wonders at keeping mosquitoes away.  Exterminate: Make a mosquito trap. Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 cup hot water. Cut the top off of a bottle. In the bottom half of the bottle add the cooled down brown sugar mixture and 1 gram of yeast. Place the top half of the bottle upside-down inside the bottle. Wrap a sheet of black construction paper around the bottle and tape it in place. Place the bottle in at area of your home where you find the most mosquitoes. Placing these bottles in your front and back yard a few feet away from your home will also attract the mosquitoes and trap them before they have a chance to enter the home.  Mosquito’s larvae live in water. Removing any standing water around your home can greatly reduce the amount of mosquitoes in and around your home. 

MICE

Repel:  Mice hate peppermint. Place a few drops of peppermint essential oil and a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray this around your home especially any entry points or holes that mice use to come into the home.  Exterminate: The best way I've found to kill mice is a simple mouse trap. I've tried other traps and even tried poison with little or no luck. Place a small amount of peanut butter or cheese on the traps before you set them and leave them in several areas around your home where mice have been seen making sure they are out of reach of children and pets. Be sure to check the traps often. You don't want a dead mouse stinking up your home. If you would like to catch mice without killing them try out this handmade 5 gallon bucket trap and leave out the water.  SPIDERS

Repel:  Peppermint repels spiders. The same recipe used above to repel mice also repels spiders. You can replace the water with white vinegar and it makes a great cleaner. Use this solution to wipe down counters, appliances and even the floors. Your home will be spider free in no time.  Exterminate: Fill a spray bottle with one part white vinegar and one part water. Spray this directly on spiders. The acid in the vinegar will kill spiders on contact. FLIES

Repel:  Lemons & cloves. Cut a lemon in half and stick several cloves in the pulp. Leave the lemon halves on your kitchen table or wherever flies gather. The scent of the lemon and cloves will drive the flies away.  Exterminate: Cut a plastic bottle in half. In the bottom half pour in a small amount of wine and fruit scraps. (I usually use strawberries or some kind of melon.) Place the top half of the bottle upside down inside the bottom half. Place the trap in your kitchen and replace every couple days until flies are gone. Another option would be to use rotten meat in place of fruit and place the trap outside, away from the home. The rotten meat smell will attract the flies and keep them away from your house.

OTHER

On top of following these methods of controlling insects you should also find a cleaning schedule that works for you and stick to it. Insects and rodents tend to like messy/dirty homes a lot more than they like clean home. It seems that every time I find pests in my home it's always after a busy week or after I haven't been feeling well. That's usually when I tend to slack on my cleaning schedule and it doesn't take long for the bugs to set up camp and move on in. Sticking to a cleaning schedule won't guarantee that you will not find bugs in your home but it does help a lot to minimize them.  Another great way to keep bugs out of your home is to make sure they can't get in the first place. Go over your entire house and look for areas where insects may be entering the home. Replace any caulking around windows and doors, check weather stripping to make sure it's in good shape, and fix or replace broken window screens.   After the pests are removed or exterminated and you need professional cleaning, please call SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378 to assist you.

Did you know that SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont also does Industrial and commercial work?

9 Air Conditioning tips to prevent costly breakdowns

5/3/2017 (Permalink)

A/C Duct after cleaning.

It is getting warmer in New England & homeowners will soon be turning on their Air Conditioning units. Appropriate maintenance at the beginning of the cooling season is one of the best ways to prevent an air conditioning breakdown. Prevention is the key to avoiding an air conditioning emergency in the height of summer. Here are nine maintenance tips that can help you avoid a costly air conditioning repair:

1) Energize the crankcase heater

2) Clean outside coils twice per year

3) Inspect the compressor motor starter

4) Check/ replace moisture filters

5) Check refrigerant charge

6) Check for leaks

7) Clean evaporators

8) Protect electrical equipment

9) Familiarize yourself with normal operating conditions of the system

For all your duct cleaning needs please call SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378

Angie's list Super Service Award

5/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont wins Super Service Award

SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont Earns Esteemed Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

SERVPRO Cambridge/Belmont has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2014.

 “Only about 5 percent of the damage restoration companies in New England have performed so consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s  a really high standard.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2014 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

Angie's List helps facilitate happy transactions between nearly 3 million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly-rated service providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local service, Angie's List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

Call SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378 for your restoration needs.

Duct cleaning

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

Duct cleaning before & after

Professional duct cleaning services use specialized blowers, vacuums, and brushes to clean out the supply, intake, and return ducts throughout your home. Duct cleaning should also involve a thorough cleaning of the air handler, registers, grilles, fans, motors, housings, and coils of the HVAC system.The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends getting your air ducts cleaned every three to five years.

5 benefits of having your ducts cleaned are it creates a cleaner living environment, reduces allergens and irritants, helps everyone breathe easier and removes unpleasant smells and odors and improves air flow efficiency.

Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, not the least of which is the preference of the home owner. Some of the things that may lead a home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:
-  Smokers in the household
-  Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander
-  Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
-  Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system
-  After home renovations or remodeling
-  Prior to occupancy of a new home.

Please call SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont to assist you with your duct cleaning needs (617) 864-7378

Declutter your Basement

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

Let us clean up your clutter

We know that cleaning out the junk in your basement can feel overwhelming. It is tough to know where to start. We can help you make the process easy and stress free. Call SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378 to help organize, sort and remove unwanted items in your basement.

SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont can handle all of your basement cleaning services. Whether your basement looks and feels like  storage unit for all your junk from over the years, or you are doing some cleaning and clearing out to make room to finish your basement.

SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont will

• Remove all the junk from your basement
• Clean everything, and leave no junk behind
• Rearrange items in your garage (at your request)
• Create as much possible space for your basement
• Dispose of all your basement junk responsibly
• Recycle and donate whatever we can

Spring Allergy Season

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

Spring Allergies are nothing to sneeze at

Spring is a welcome reprieve from the long New England winters — that is, unless you suffer from spring allergies. You don’t, however, have to suffer inside your home.

Here are 8 solutions to alleviate spring allergies:

1. Change air filters every 30 days during peak usage months.
2. Clean hard and carpeted floor surfaces often and shake out or vacuum door mats.
3. Check the seals in all windows and doors, and re-seal where necessary
4. Use a humidifier  to balance humidity levels.
5. Install a whole-house air cleaner.
6. Have your air ducts cleaned.
7. Resist the urge to open doors and windows even on the nicest days!
8. Have your home checked by an HVAC technician annually.

Don’t suffer from Spring Allergies! Contact SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378 for assistance!

Spring Cleaning can help with allergies

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

Spring Allergies are nothing to sneeze at

Spring is a welcome reprieve from the long New England winters — that is, unless you suffer from spring allergies. You don’t, however, have to suffer inside your home.

Here are 8 solutions to alleviate spring allergies:

1. Change air filters every 30 days during peak usage months.


2. Clean hard and carpeted floor surfaces often and shake out or vacuum door mats.


3. Check the seals in all windows and doors, and re-seal where necessary


4. Use a humidifier  to balance humidity levels.


5. Install a whole-house air cleaner.


6. Have your air ducts cleaned.


7. Resist the urge to open doors and windows even on the nicest days!


8. Have your home checked by an HVAC technician annually.

Don’t suffer from Spring Allergies! Contact SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont (617) 864-7378 for assistance!

Angie's list Super Service Award 2014

3/20/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cambridge/Belmont Earns Esteemed 2014 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

SERVPRO Cambridge/Belmont has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2014.

 “Only about 5 percent of the damage restoration companies in New England have performed so consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s  a really high standard.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2014 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

Angie's List helps facilitate happy transactions between nearly 3 million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly-rated service providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local service, Angie's List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.