Large Scale Tarping Project

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Using a crane to build a temporary protective roof following a roof fire at a local commercial property.

Following any fire one of the initial steps for returning the property back to preloss condition is reducing any potential secondary damage. Depending on the severity, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge can tarp a hole in the roof and board up windows and doors.

Boarding up a property serves to not only protect it from further damage but also keeps others out reducing theft and liability concerns. Burglary to fire damaged properties is unfortunately not uncommon.

Tarping of a roof is a preventive measure. While damage has occurred, reducing additional damage is a responsibility of the property owner and required by the insurance company Pictured is a large scale roof tarping where our contractors had to construct a temporary roof to ensure not additional water entered causing even more damage. Plus it allows restoration companies to begin the work of restoring the structure.

Full Service Restoration Company

9/22/2019 (Permalink)

After this water disaster is dried and made mold free, SERVPRO re-construction division will return it to preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is a full service restoration company. Not only do we mitigate and clean up smoke, fire and water damage, we have the skilled employees to return any structure to its pre-damage condition.

By utilizing a single contractor for the entire project saves both time and money. Our extensive experience in dealing with the insurance claims process gives us a unique advantage and helps our customers navigate a sometimes frustrating process. Let us deal with the insurance adjuster instead. We speak the same language.

So after your home or business is dried-out from a flood, or cleaned from smoke damage, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge can return repair your home or business to it's preloss condition- "Like it never even happened".

Preventive Maintenance Program-Dryer Duct Cleaning

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Without proper maintenance, the dryer ducts can become clogged with lint and pose a fire hazard.

Dryer fires remain a leading cause of all fires and not properly maintaining them is a big factor. When lint builds up in the exhaust duct system, it could cause the dryer to overheat and ignite a fire. This is true for both residential and commercial properties. In most instances, the residential ducts are shorter and with a simple shop vac can easily be cleaned. Commercial properties like hotels, nursing homes and apartment complexes can have a longer and more intrigue duct system and may require a company like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge to clean them. While the dryers in commercial properties are industrial by nature, they certainly are used more frequently leading to a greater need for a preventive maintenance program. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge can offer a quarterly, semi-annually or annual cleaning of the dryer duct system by our certified HVAC technician. Better to be safe than sorry. Call us for a free estimate for your preventive maintenance program and ensure your dryer ducts are properly maintained. We are proud to serve our local Lackawanna County communities.

Post Construction Cleaning

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

A recent post construction clean we completed for a Scranton hotel. We were able to meet their quick turnaround time and high standards of quality.

As a specialty cleaning company, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge offers post construction cleaning. Many times contractors either do not have the time or resources to successfully clean once the project is completed. That's where we come in. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the trained personnel and specialized cleaning products to ensure that the finished project is finished. Hiring a company like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge serves several purposes. 1. We have the personnel available to meet short turn around times. We stay unit we are done. 2. If we can clean smoke and soot from a fire damaged home, best be sure we can clean following a construction project. 3. We have the specialized materials and equipment to handle any size cleanup. If your home or business is in the midst of a construction project and need a final cleaning call the cleaning professional at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge. We are proud to serve our local Lackawanna county communities.

Dryer Duct Cleaning-Preventive Maintenance Programs

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Lint build up in dryer ducts like this become a fire hazard.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge recently completed this dryer duct cleaning in the city of Scranton. Dirty and clogged dryer ducts are a leading cause of both home and commercial properties fires. When lint clogs the duct, heat will build and could result in a disaster.

At SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge we offer preventive maintenance programs for commercial properties owners as a way to avoid these disasters. A regular scheduled cleaning/unclogging of the dryer ducts will reduce the dangers of overheating as well as increase the dryer efficiency saving both time and money.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the premier specialty cleaning company in the Lackawanna County area. Call us today for a free review of your preventive maintenance plans. We offer both dryer duct and air duct cleaning programs tailored to fit your organization's needs. Don't risk a catastrophe and have your ducts professionally cleaned.

Benefits of Cleaning Your HVAC Duct System

9/4/2017 (Permalink)

This is a picture of an HVAC duct before we cleaned it. How is your indoor air quality?

Top Benefits of HVAC Cleaning

NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Below are some other reasons homeowners choose to have their air ducts cleaned.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually through everyday living. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system taken air in and breathes air out.

Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.

While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is Northeastern Pennsylvania's premier specialty cleaning company. We provide free estimate for any air duct cleaning and offer preventive maintenance programs for both air and dryer ducts. We service all of Lackawanna and  Susquehanna Counties.

Why Clean Your HVAC Ducts?

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

An inside of an HVAC duct line at a business in Scranton.

Top Benefits of HVAC Air Duct Cleaning NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your ducts look dirty, they probably are,. Below are some other reasons homeowners choose to have their air ducts cleaned.

Indoor Air Quality: Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually through everyday living. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out. Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work. While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies. Energy Savings According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use. When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton areas premier specialty cleaning company. We offer free estimates and competitive rates. Call us at (570) 235-1646. 

http://nadca.com/en/why-clean-air-ducts#

Tarp-up for Safety and Security

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Our technicians tarping this room following a house fire in Scranton.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge responds to emergency calls 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. We are an emergency services company available for tarping and board-up service to protect and secure your home or business following a fire disaster.

A fire-damaged structure must be secure since these unoccupied structures become a target for crime. Our services include the boarding-up of all windows and doors as well tarping the roof when necessary. This not only secures the property but also protects against additional damage and saves the integrity for any investigation that may occur.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is  Lackawanna counties leading fire, water, and smoke cleanup and restoration company. Proudly serving all of Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. Call us if your home or business needs to secured at (570) 235-1646. We help make it "Like it never even happened."

HVAC Cleaning-Indoor Air Quality

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

An actual HVAC air duct prior to a cleaning. This is the indoor air which is circulating throughout the home.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge certified HVAC technicians routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. SERVPRO of carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on duct cleaning contact your local SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge at (570) 235-1646. proudly inspecting and cleaning dirty HVAC ducts for 10 years in the general Lackawanna County area. 

Preventive Maintenance to Reduce Dryer Fires

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

This pictures indicates the amount of lint that can be extracted from a commercial dryer ducting system. Regular maintenance reduces risk.

Most dryer fires occur from a build-up of lint within the ducting system. Unable to properly vent, the temperature rises to a dangerous level eventually overheating which can ignite into a fire. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge have been called to several dryer fires in the Scranton area due to the lint traps and duct lines not be cleaned after every use.
The picture below is lint and dust that our machine was able to extract from a commercial dryer ducting system following a recent service call at a hotel in Scranton. For commercial buildings it is recommended that a preventive service agreement be established for regular service. The more the use the greater build-up of lint as evidence in this picture.
SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge provides preventive service agreements to several Lackawanna County apartment buildings, senior centers and hotels to be pro-active in preventing disasters. If your commercial building needs regular dryer duct service call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge to receive a free estimate on a dryer duct preventive maintenance plan at (570) 235-1646.

Dryer Duct Cleaning

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

Lint build-up in a Scranton hotels dryer ducting system. Preventive maintenance programs reduce risk.

The below pictures show the importance of a regular dryer duct cleaning.A new clean sock filter as opposed to one which was not cleaned in a period of time. Preventive maintenance programs for dryer ducts are an important part of any safety plan. Excessive lint build up is a fire hazard, especially in a commercial drying setting.
SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge offers service agreements for dryer duct cleaning. Regular maintenance not only reduces the fire hazard but increases efficiency and the life of the dryer themselves.
If you're Northeastern Pennsylvania hotel or apartment complex does not have a preventive maintenance program in place, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge at (570) 235-1646 for a free estimate. Let us assess your needs and become #SERVPROPrepared.

Commercial Cleaning Services

8/19/2016 (Permalink)

Cleaning and restoring commercial properties require a unique blend of training, experience, and equipment. SERVPRO of Carbondale / Clarks Summit / Old Forge has the resources and expertise to give you excellent results while minimizing the disruption to your business. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Carbondale / Clarks Summit / Old Forge responds quickly to your Scranton fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,650 Franchises gives us access to personnel and resources to respond to any size restoration emergency.
Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep-cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of Carbondale / Clarks Summit / Old Forge to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your work space look its very best.
For more information regarding our commercial cleaning services in the Scranton area call us at (570) 235-1646.

Service Agreements-Dryer Cleaner

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Lint filled dryer ducts increase the chances of a dryer fire.

Clothes Dryer Fires: Too Common of a Tragedy According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission there are approximately 16,000 Clothes Dryer fires per year resulting in injuries and deaths. In addition to these tragic dryer fire events, exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer vent setups is another major cause of injury and death. When it comes to dryer vents, shorter and straighter is ideal. Only metal vents should be used, which is what most manufacturers specify. Metal vents resist crushing better than plastic or foil vents, which allows air and lint to be carried out of the system. Reduced airflow from build-up or crushing of plastic or foil vents are a major cause of over-heating. Many state and local municipalities have code requirements on new construction to include all metal dryer venting. Clean your dryer vent on a regular basis, or hire a professional like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge to clean the dryer duct. This routine maintenance will reduce the fire hazard and improve the efficiency of the appliance as well as extend the unit's operational life cycle. Use a lint brush or vacuum attachment to remove accumulated lint from under the lint trap and accessible places periodically. Ideally, depending on usage, have the unit fully disassembled and thoroughly cleaned by a qualified service technician.

Air Duct Cleaning Video

5/17/2016 (Permalink)

What a recently cleaned Air Duct should look like. Clean air circulating throughout the structure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkXaLTRNoHE

Board-up for Security

5/2/2016 (Permalink)

Board-up service we provide to secure the property a property from theft and liability purposes.

Board-ups are a required service to secure the property from both a liability and theft standpoint. The safety and security of property and injury need to be addressed following any fire disaster, and board-ups serve this purpose.
If your Scranton home or business has experienced a fire and you or your insurance company require a secure property call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge at (570) 235-1646. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Specialty Cleaning Projects

4/29/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton area's leader in specialized cleaning. From the top down - ceilings to floors, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the specialized equipment and experience to handle any size job. We realize that not only are these specialty cleaning situations strange, but they can be hazardous to all involved. Call in the professionals to handle your specialty cleaning.

Our previous specialty cleaning projects include:
Meth homes
Trauma and crime scene clean up
Tear gas
Fire extinguisher discharge
Skunk odor
Suicide clean up
Graffiti

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is an emergency services company available 24/7/365. We never close! If you or your team won't or can't clean it...We Will! Call us at (570) 235-1646 for all of your unique cleaning situations.

Air Duct Cleaning

4/27/2016 (Permalink)

Spring has sprung and that means spring cleaning! How is your indoor air quality? Air circulates throughout a home or business through the air duct system. A dirty duct can certainly affect the quality of the air that your family, employees or customers breathe. Here is an example of a before and after of a duct line. Which air would you rather breathe?

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge uses a system of whips and brushes while under negative air pressure to thoroughly clean the air duct system in a home or business. Call in the professionals to get the job done right! If your ducts need attention due to poor indoor air quality, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge for a free estimate at (570) 235-1646.

Air Duct Cleaning

3/4/2016 (Permalink)

How is your in-door air quality?

How is your in-door air quality? This is the amount of dust, dirt and debris that accumulates over a period of time inside the air ducting of your home or business. naturally, this seriously impacts the air quality that you breath on a daily basis.
This commercial property in Dunmore, Pa has not had the ducts cleaned in an extended period of time and the this was the result. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was called to mitigate a water damage that was caused from the air conditioning unit freezing from the recent cold spell. As part of the clean up the air ducts were evaluated and the insurance company recognized the need for a through cleaning.
A untreated wet duct system has the potential for mold growth and  left unattended could result in the mold being spread throughout the building via the duct system seriously affecting the employees, and customers.
SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barres area for specialty cleaning. If your home or business has experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster call us at (570) 235-1646 for 24/7 emergency service. We also can clean mold, bio-haz and air ducts.

Odor

1/8/2016 (Permalink)

A sewerage spill is one of the leading causes of odor we deal with.

The Physiology of Odor Detection:
The strongest sensation of smell is transmitted by the olfactory nerve to the olfactory lobe of the brain where pure odor recognition takes place.

There are 8 basic odors: camphor ,floral, citrus, peppermint, ether, pungent and putrid.

The real health benefits derived from positive odor management include removal of contamination (real odors) and an overall improved state of well-being resulting in less stress and increased productivity.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre leading odor removal company. We are an IICRC certified firm trained in the latest odor removal techniques. If your home or business has a persistent odor issue call us at (570) 235-1646. We serve Lackawanna, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties are are available 24/7.

Emergency Ready Profile

8/28/2015 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO® Ready Plan is a tool for property managers and owners, both residential and commercial. It allows for the creation of an Emergency READY Profile. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your home or business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your home or business.

https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp

Get the Picture in your air ducting system

8/13/2015 (Permalink)

Dust and debris accumulate in the duct system over time.

AIR DUCT CLEANING:
Wouldn’t it be handy if you could take an incredible journey through your ductwork to see if cleaning is needed? Using a pocket digital camera equipped with a flash, you can come close. Simply remove a floor register, reach as far as you can into the duct (don’t drop your camera!), and take a couple of shots.

If there’s gunk within a few feet of the register, take heart. It’s easy to snake a vacuum cleaner hose into the duct and remove the stuff. However, if you see a long trail of junk and a thick coat of dust beyond what your vacuum can reach, your house may be a candidate for professional cleaning. 

Look for These Symptoms

Clogs of dust, cobwebs, and debris, or noticeable particles blowing out of supply registers

Visible mold on the inside surfaces of ducts

Rodent droppings and dead insects inside ducts

In addition, recent construction inevitably creates dust you don’t want in circulation.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge uses a system of whips and brushes to clean the duct lines while they are under negative air pressure. We take before and after pictures to assure cleanliness. Call us for a free estimate. (570) 235-1646.

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

8/12/2015 (Permalink)

A picture of a returns from a retail business in Dickson City, Pa.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, the Scranton/Woilkes-Barre premier specialty cleaning company offers free estimates. For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (570) 235-1646.

Air Duct Cleaning

8/12/2015 (Permalink)

Registers from a retail establishment in Dickson City, Pa.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

Dust
Pollen
Odors
Dirt and debri

If your registers and returns look like these from a retail store in Dickson City, Pa., SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge can help. Please call for a free estimate. (570) 235-1646

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

7/13/2015 (Permalink)

A typical air duct before being cleaned.

Top Benefits of HVAC Cleaning

Why should you have your HVAC system cleaned? The short answer is simple: because they get dirty over time and they have the potential to contain large amounts of dust and particulates.

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use. When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness. 

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one concern that building managers and building inhabitants have when they decide to investigate HVAC system. Through normal occupation in a building, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the ductwork.

While a contaminated HVAC system doesn't necessarily mean unhealthy air, the situation may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.

http://nadca.com/en/benefits-hvac-cleaning

Industrial Cleaning

6/8/2015 (Permalink)

An industrial cleaning job in Archbald, Pa.

As a specialty cleaning company, industrial cleaning is one direct service we offer. In a manufacturing facility we will do a through top down of the entire facility. Ceiling, walls, floors as well as equipment is our specialty. Using SERVPRO's exclusive green products, not only will the machines be clean the facility will have a fresh odor.

So when your manufacturing facility is in need of a top down scrub, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre premier specialty cleaning company.  

How is your In-door Air Quality?

5/14/2015 (Permalink)

Are you breathing this?

 How is your in-door air quality?
Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the duct work of your home or business.
If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:
Mold
Dust
Pollen
Odors
Dirt and debris
Other contaminants

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barres area premier specialty cleaning company. Our team is certified in both residential and commercial air and dryer duct cleaning. Call us for a free estimate on your home or business. http://www.SERVPROcarbondaleclarkssummitoldforge.com/airduct-cleaning

Commercial Cleaning Services

5/13/2015 (Permalink)

Commercial cleaning project in Scranton. We cleaned from top to bottom in this manufacturing facility.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

Air Ducts and HVAC
Biohazard and Sewage
Trauma and Crime Scene
Carpet and Upholstery
Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
Odor Removal and Deodorization
Vandalism

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barres premier specialty cleaning company. Call us for a free estimate today for all your specialty commercial cleaning needs. 

Breath Clean Air

5/12/2015 (Permalink)

Dirty air duct system. How is your in-door air quality?

Breathe Cleaner Air:

Spring is the perfect time of year to get your air ducts
cleaned. Clear your home or office of dust, dirt, allergens, odors and other contaminants that a dirty HVAC system can circulate.
The benefits of cleaning your unit:
• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency
• May help to eliminate offensive odors
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth

FREE ESTIMATE and DEODORIZATION

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre premier specialty cleaning company. We proudly serve all of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Susquehanna counties.

Ice Dams Prevention

12/9/2014 (Permalink)

ICE DAMS

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow (water) from draining off your roof. The water that backs up behind this “dam” can leak into your business and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Additionally, when the roof doesn’t drain properly, snow, ice, and water remains trapped on the roof, adding loads that put your roof at greater risk.

Preventing Ice Dams

IBHS offers the following guidance to help prevent damage from ice dams:

• Increase insulation above ceilings.

• Create a roof preventative maintenance, including periodic roof drainage inspections.

• Install self-regulating heating cables on gutters, downspouts, and around roof drains.

• Keep all drains, scuppers, gutters, and downspouts free of debris and vegetation.

• Prune trees that may hang over the roof to prevent an accumulation of tree leaves and branches that may clog or slow roof drainage.

• Improve ventilation. Consider installing electric power vents with thermostats.

Removing Ice Dams

IBHS does not recommend chipping or breaking ice dams because this can damage the roof. The following IBHS guidance is for the most common types of commercial roof systems.

Steep Sloped Roof Systems:

• If the building has a history of ice dams, remove the snow to reduce the risk.

• If the building is too tall to reach with a roof rake from the ground, hire a roofing professional. For more information, please see Selecting a Roofing Professional.

• Remove or relocate heat sources that are installed in open areas directly under the roof.

• Increase ventilation in attic spaces:

  • New gable roofs: Soffit/ridge vents provide good ventilation.

  • Gable end vents: place an electric fan over vents to increase the flow of air.

  • Hip roofs: Box or static vents are practical improvements.

• Insulate recessed light fixtures in the ceiling to reduce heat entering the attic. Look for visible light inside the attic. If present, insulate or seal.

• Insulate or seal all attic penetrations: partition walls, vents, plumbing stacks, electric and mechanical chases and access doors.

• New roof installation: Seal the roof deck using at least two layers of underlayment cemented together or a selfadhering polymer modified bitumen sheet. Extend the moisture barrier at least 24 inches from the edge of the eaves to beyond the inside of the exterior wall. See Sealing the Roof Deck.

Flat, Monoslope and Low Sloped Roof Systems:

• Flat roofs are particularly vulnerable to water leaks if ice dams keep water from flowing into roof drains. Removing the snow will remove the source of a potential ice dam.

• Drains:

  • If ice dams form around drains, place heating cables on the roof and connect the cables to the drains to create a path for the melting ice to follow.

  • Consider installing heating cables in a zigzag manner inside gutters.

  • If there is extensive ice build-up around the drains, consult a roofing professional. See Selecting a Roofing Professional.

• When the roof is dry, inspect the roof cover. Look for mold, mildew and vegetation, all of which are signs of a problem with the slope of the roof cover system and drainage. A roofing professional can advise you about re-pitching the roof cover.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/clarks summit/old forge the scranton/wilkes-barre premier speciality cleaning company is pleased to provide this information form the insurance institute for safety.

Proudly serving all of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoiming and Susquehanna Counties.