Ice Dams-The Winter Nighmare

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Most homeowners are unaware of the term-ice dams but should be. Ice dams are a common winter phenomena in which melting snow from the roof freezes causing think slabs of ice to freeze along the eaves of the structure. The ice acts as a "dam" blocking the flow and forcing the water back into the house causing structural damage. Wet insulation and sheet rock can certainly have negative implications to the structures interior. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is called to ice dam related issues several times per season.

The good news is that with some preparation and maintenance ice dams can be prevented sometimes for good. The link below is an excellent resource in preventive maintenance for  the cure and prevention of ice dams.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/21017660/how-to-get-rid-of-ice-dams

North East Pa. and Weather

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

This business experienced a large scale water intrusion following a pipe break after several days and nights of extremely cold temperatures.

Weather is regional. Northeastern Pennsylvania is notorious for our winters. Cold and frigid temperatures play havoc with pipes and heating units. This past week was unseasonably cold and SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties was called to numerous burst water lines causing substantial water damage to many residential and commercial properties.

In several incidents the business owner, employee or home owner discovered the damage and water running for an extended period of time which never bodes well. Obviously the more water the more damage. One tip is to make sure all know where the water shut-off value is located within the home or business. Tagging it is another worthwhile venture. The quicker the water is stopped the better chance of reducing any additional damage and secondary damage. 

So in short, (1) identify main water shut off and (2) tag it so it is easy to identify in a panic situation.

Storms: The Unpredictable Enemy

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

Depending upon the region of the country you reside in can dictate what type of weather you experience. Here in the northeast we come to expect freezing temperatures which brings snow sleet and ice. The spring and summer seasons can be rainy. All of these weather phenomonins bring their own hazards to home and business owners.

Rain can lead to flooding. Snow and ice play havoc on roofs. Freezing temperatures cause frozen and burst pipes which leads to water damage. None of these scenarios are good but unfortunately occur. The unpredictable nature of storms are a reason to maintain a relationship with a local clean up and restoration company like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties. Knowing who to call when a disaster happens leads to quicker service which reduces both any potential secondary damage and limits any business interruption. 

Storms will happen; are you prepared?

Winter is Approaching

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Call us at 570-235-1646.

As winter approaches and Northeastern Pa. gears up for the ice, snow and freezing temperatures, here at SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties we remain ready to meet the winter demand. When events like a winter nor'easter occur, the amount of calls we receive can become overwhelming. One of the advantages of calling a national company like SERVPRO is our ability to partner with other local franchises to meet this demand. SERVPRO has franchises that specialize in storm damage and are available when the demand gets too great for a single franchise.

SERVPRO storm teams are trained and have the resources available to supplement the local franchise in order to ensure that we are able to help as many businesses and families as possible. It is important to us that everyone receives the same quality of service that we provide to bolster the brand. At SERVPRO we are "always here to help"

When Lightning Strikes

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Severe storms can cause major damage to a home.

Severe weather can happen anytime and anywhere. SERVPRO recently got called to a house fire that resulted from a lightning strike. Its important to know what you can do to protect yourself. Below are some helpful tips to know in the event of severe thunderstorms.

Safety Tips from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/lightning-safety/index.html

Protect Yourself from Lightning Strikes

Safety precautions outdoors

You can protect yourself from risk even if you are caught outdoors when lightning is close by.

• If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity.
• Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.
• Don’t forget the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
• If you are caught in an open area, act quickly to find adequate shelter. The most important action is to remove yourself from danger. Crouching or getting low to the ground can reduce your chances of being struck but does not remove you from danger. If you are caught outside with no safe shelter nearby, the following actions may reduce your risk:
• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
• Never lie flat on the ground. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears so that you are down low with minimal contact with the ground.
• Never shelter under an isolated tree.
• Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
• Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (such as barbed wire fences, power lines, or windmills).
• Stay away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.

Safety precautions indoors

Being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. In fact, about one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors.

• Avoid contact with water during a thunderstorm. Do NOT bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
• Avoid using electronic equipment of all types. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems.
• Avoid using corded phones. Corded phones are NOT safe to use during a thunderstorm. However, cordless or cellular phones are safe to use during a storm.
• Avoid concrete floors and walls. Do NOT lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm. Also, avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.

Hopefully these tips come in handy and protect you if lightening strikes in or around your home. If you do experience damage from severe weather, call the professionals at 570-235-1646. SERVPRO is always “here to help”.

Storm Damage: The Importance of A Sump Pump

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

A severe storm caused this basement to fill with water.

We have had some severe storms in the last several weeks. These storms brought some heavy rain which caused for major water losses for many in this area. When a severe storm hits, homeowners may experience excess water in their basements or the lower levels of their home. A sump pump is an important tool that can help protect your property by controlling water and keeping your home dry.
Sump pumps are typically found in the lowest part of a house, such as a basement, and are usually installed by a professional in a specially constructed sump pit. Its job is to pump water outside and away from the home. It is always good to make sure your pump is working properly.
It is also a good idea to obtain coverage for water backup or sump discharge or overflow. Many homeowners' policies do not cover water in the basement without this.
If your home or business does experience a water emergency, call the area’s premier water restoration company at (570) 235-1646. SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm available 24/7 to serve you.

Disaster Response Team for Any Storm

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Call 570-235-1646 when a storm disaster happens.

When a natural disaster strikes it can be all too easy to lose hope in light of severe damage and loss. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood – the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help fast.

No Disaster Is Too Big
The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO fire, water and flood cleanup professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.

Mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

2014 Polar Vortex
2012 Sandy
2010 Nashville floods
2008 Ike
2007 Chicago floods
2007 Ohio floods
2007 California wildfires
2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (570) 235-1646. SERVPRO is the area's leader in flood and storm cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Basement Floodings

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was called to this flooded basement.

When a severe storm hits, homeowners may experience excess water in their basements or the lower levels of their home. A sump pump is an important tool that can help protect your property by controlling water and keeping your home dry.

Sump pumps are typically found in the lowest part of a house, such as a basement, and are usually installed by a professional in a specially constructed sump pit. The sump pump’s primary job is to pump water outside and away from the home.

Consider obtaining optional coverage for water backup or sump discharge or overflow. Many homeowners' policies do not cover water in the basement.

If your home or business does experience a water emergency, call the us at (570) 235-1646. SERVPRO has the trained professionals to help handle any water emergency.

Roof Damage from Heavy Rains

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

This ceiling suffered water damage when the roof of the building was damaged during a recent heavy rain storm.

SERVPRO was called to a commercial structure in the city of Scranton to begin the mitigation process of drying and restoring the property. The building suffered water damage on all three floors from the recent wind and rain storms which caused the roof to literally tear away.

SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is the Scranton areas premier cleanup and restoration company and our goal is to get this business back up and running as quickly as possible. Reducing business interruption is one of our goals. Due to the severity of the water damage, this commercial structure unfortunately did experienced a some minor business interruption but we were able to return them to a safe and dry working environment.

If your home or business experiences smoke, fire or a water disaster, call Lackawanna County's leading specialty cleaning company at (570) 235-1646. We are an emergency service company responding 24/7/365.

Flood Disasters

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding from a recent rainstorm threatens this Scranton business. Once the water recedes the restoration can begin. But WOW! That's some rain!

When your home is being threatened by water damage from flooding, bursts or leaks, SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties, the Scranton's areas premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company, has the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects water damage can have in order to help preserve and restore your property.

SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties, serving all of Lackawanna and Wayne County, has the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and are available around-the-clock.

SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties in the Scranton area has the expertise on the latest drying science to concentrate on safely drying, deodorizing and disinfecting the areas flooded or damaged by water. No job is too big for us.

Basement Flooding

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Following a heavy rain storm, this basement in Scranton flooded when the sump pump failed.

SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties, Scranton areas premier smoke, fire, water and mold cleanup and restoration company. Being located in Taylor, PA we are centrally located to service the Lackawanna and Wayne County areas when heavy rains and storms cause basement flooding and emergency water damage. We are independently owned and operated we are proud to serve the Scranton area. From Taylor to Waverly to Honesdale, SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is here to help. No disaster too big.

Whether it be a pipe break, supply line split or storm damage call the Wayne and Lackawanna Counties mitigation specialists at SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties at (570) 235-1646. As an emergency services company we respond 24/7/365 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO- Disaster Recovery Team

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

A sea of SERVPRO green as we respond to large disaster at a local commercial property.

When a natural disaster strikes it can be all too easy to lose hope in light of severe damage and loss. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood – the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help fast.

No Disaster Is Too Big
The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO smoke, fire, water and flood cleanup professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.

 Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (570) 235-1646. SERVPRO is the county's leader in flood and storm cleanup and restoration. We proudly serve the Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties even in the face of a disaster, SERVPRO flood cleanup professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Ice Dams

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Ice dams lead to water seeping into the ceiling of this home in Scranton. Ice dams are problematic and cause some serious damage.

What is an ice dam?

Ice dams are a pervasive and damaging winter roofing problem caused by poor roof ventilation and a warm attic space. Left untreated, ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof, gutters, paint, insulation, drywall, structure and even contribute to mold. Ice dams form when melting snow on a roof runs off and refreezes at the edge of a roof. This condition occurs when the snow is melted by a warm roof, creating water running between the snow and the warm roof surface, then freezing and turning to ice when it gets past the exterior wall and hits a cold unheated roof edge or gutter.

The water backs up and eventually seeps into the inside of the home or business. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties responds to many water emergencies which are the result of ice damming. Water is an amazing phenomenon and without professional drying can lead to both structural and health concerns over the long run.

Be proactive and prevent your home or business from experiencing an ice damming situation and a costly repair. However, if it does occur call a professional restoration company to ensure you and your family's health and safety. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is the area leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup. We are an IICRC certified firm and follow all the recommended guidelines in drying any water disaster. An emergency services company we are available 24/7/365.

Disaster Recovery Team

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

A sea of green on a Sunday morning following a storm.

When a natural disaster strikes it can be all too easy to lose hope in light of severe damage and loss. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood – the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help fast.

No Disaster Is Too Big
The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO  smoke, fire, water and flood cleanup professionals are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big.

Mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Should a catastrophic storm strike, call (570) 235-1646. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is the leader in flood and storm cleanup and restoration. We proudly serve the local Scranton community even in the face of a disaster, flood cleanup professionals will strive to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Winters-A-Coming

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team has the resources available to address any size winter disaster.

Here in Northeastern Pennsylvania we are all too familiar with terms like Nor'eastern, Bombogenesis, and Polar Vortexes. In layman terms theses mean freezing temperatures, heavy snow and ice. Welcome to winter or as I say-Claim season.

Winter is typically the "busy" season for restoration companies. There is just a higher propensity of disasters leading to insurance claims.  Over-worked furnaces that cause puff backs, frozen pipes that burst, extreme extended cold spells cause ice damns. Thankfully these common disasters are covered losses which your insurance company recognizes. (on a side note winter is also a great time to review your policy to ensure that you maintain the proper amount of coverage)

If your home or business experiences some form of winter related disaster, know that SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is available 24/7 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Our Ability to Address Wide Spread Damage

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Having the ability to partner with other local franchises or our corporate storm teams allows us to meet the demands of the winter season.

As winter approaches and Northeastern Pa. gears up for the ice, snow and freezing temperatures, here at SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties we remain ready to meet the winter demand. When events like a bombagenesis or a winter nor'eastern occur, the amount of calls we receive can become overwhelming. One of the advantages of calling a national company like SERVPRO is our ability to partner with other local franchises to meet this demand. SERVPRO has franchises that specialize in storm damage and are available when the demand gets too great for a single franchise.

SERVPRO storm teams are trained and have the resources available to supplement the local franchise in order to ensure that we are able to help as many businesses and families as possible. It is important to us that everyone receives the same quality of service that we provide to bolster the brand. At SERVPRO we are "always here to help"

High Winds and Heavy Rains

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

High winds and heavy rains are foretasted. For 24/7 emergency services call the team that is "always here to help" at (570) 969-9470.

Halloween spooky forecast tonight is for high winds and heavy rains tonight and here at SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties are "always here to help". As I write we are servicing our generators to address any loss of power issues especially for our senior living and nursing home customers. If power is a must, we are prepared.

Our certified water restoration technicians are on-call to service any water emergencies and our air movers and dehumidifies are loaded and ready to roll.

If your home or business experiences any storm related damage call the brand that your insurance company knows and trusts. here at SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties no job is too big. For your storm emergencies call us at (570) 969-9640  

Storm Damage? We are there to help!

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

A broken pipe due to a sustained cold spell caused this basement to flood. SERVPRO was called to help this business owner begin the recovery process.

Northeastern Pa. is known for our seasons. We are privileged to live in an area which experiences all four (spring, summer, fall and winter) and we are able to take advantage of each in our own way. For restoration professionals each season brings its own unique challenges.

As we quickly leave fall, the winter will be upon us in no time. The below freezing temperatures, the howling winds and snow and ice will have mother nature causing havoc in no time. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties will be extremely busy helping our Wayne County communities recover from the havoc.

Winter naturally brings more occurrences of burst pipes and flooded homes and businesses; and we are there to help. Winter also brings more occurrences of fires due to heating units operating at full force; and we are there to help. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is "always there to help" when storms like the past several bomb-genesis occur. 

if your home or business experiences storm damage and need a specialty cleanup company like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties, call us 24/7 because we are "always there to help".