How to Clean Your Gutters

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fall is the perfect time to check your gutters!

"Preparing to Work on Your Gutters

Thoroughly cleaning your home’s gutters every spring and fall will keep them working like they should. Leaves can build up and clog the downspouts, which can cause water damage to your roof and fascia (the board behind the gutter).  Water pouring over the gutters or from leaks can end up next to your home’s foundation, in the basement or crawlspace.

Cleaning the Gutters

A hose-end attachment specially designed for gutters may make this project a lot easier. If you need to clean from a ladder, follow these steps.

Step 1
Begin cleaning the gutter near a downspout.

Step 2
Remove the large debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) with a trowel and dump it in a bucket.

Step 3
To clean out finer materials, flush the gutter lengths with a hose starting at the end opposite the downspout. Alternatively, you can use a gutter-cleaning attachment on a hose. If the water doesn’t drain, recheck the downspout strainer and clean as necessary.

If gutter water still doesn’t drain, the downspout may be clogged.

1. Check the drain end. If the downspout runs underground, remove it from the pipe as needed.
2. Install a small nozzle on the hose, and lock it at full pressure. Turn on the water and feed the hose up from the bottom of the spout. If this doesn’t clear the downspout or the nozzle is too big, use a plumber’s snake tool to clear the blockage.
3. Reattach the downspout.
4. Flush the entire gutter again.
5. Be sure to clean the downspout strainers.

Gutter Maintenance and Repair

Step 1
If there's still standing water after the gutter has been flushed, the gutter may not be sloped correctly and will require adjustment. The length of the system should decline at least ¼ inch every 10 feet toward the downspout.

If the gutter doesn’t slope enough, detach the hangers and adjust the gutter enough to drain properly, then reattach. It may be easier to work on small sections at a time to prevent the entire gutter system from falling.

Step 2
Inspect the gutter sections and downspouts for obvious damage and missing parts. Support hangers should be spaced every 2 feet along the gutter.

To replace or add hangers:

• Install screw and ferrule hangers by marking their position on the gutter, drilling the holes in the gutter lip and fascia, then driving the screw with a drill through the ferrule.
• Install screw-in or hidden hangers following the manufacturer’s directions. Most are attached through the rear of the gutter and into the fascia board, then clipped to the inside-front of the gutter.
• If no fascia board exists, use roof hangers with straps, following the package instructions. Typical installation involves attaching a hanger across the gutter channel, clipping a strap to the hanger, then attaching the hanger under the shingles.

Step 3
Repair any leaks in the gutter.

• To repair leaks at the seams, make sure the gutter lengths are tight against each other, and run a bead of gutter sealant on both sides of all joints.
• To repair leaks at the end caps, add sealant along the inside of the joint.
• To repair holes in the gutter material, ask a Lowe’s associate for products designed to repair aluminum or fiberglass gutters.

Step 4
Apply gutter touch-up paint to cover any blemishes as desired. If necessary, repaint some or all of the gutters."

Hurricane Preparedness Week 2021

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Preparedness Week

Hurricane Preparedness Week starts today and we are sharing tips to help you create a plan. Here are some things you can do this week to prepare:

Day 1: Create an Emergency Plan

Start by creating an emergency plan for your family that includes emergency meeting places in your home, neighborhood, and outside your neighborhood. Create a plan here.

Day 2: Build an Emergency Kit

Build an emergency kit to have at work, in your car, and at home. This could include a backpack, water, nonperishable food, a blanket, etc. See the full list here.

Day 3: Review and Gather Documents

Look at your policies ahead of time to see what's covered and if flood insurance is available to you since it's the leading cause of damage from tropical systems. For more insurance tips visit https://bit.ly/2PupnxJ.

Day 4: Be Informed

Plan your route and have an alternate. Remember, you may not have to drive hundreds of miles to evacuate, only far enough away from the evacuation area.

Day 5: Strengthen Your Home

Trim your trees to prevent damage from snapped branches and board up your windows to protect them from flying debris. For more ways to strengthen your home click here.

Tornadoes!

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Tornado

Tornadoes are arguably nature's most violent storms. Generated from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes generally appear as rotation, funnel-shaped clouds extending form the cloud base to the ground. With winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour, tornadoes can cause massive destruction within seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and fifty miles long. 

 The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. 

The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 miles per hour, but may vary from stationary to 70 miles per hour.

Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.

Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

For more information, email our office at SERVPRO9937@jdcrestoration.com or give us a call at (914) 358-9000. 

Flash Flooding

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy rainfall

Flash Flooding

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. As much as 90 percent of the damage related to all natural disasters (excluding droughts) is caused by floods and associated debris flows. Most communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding. Over the 10-year period from 1988 to 1997, floods cost the Nation, on average, $3.7 billion annually. Flash floods occur within six hours of a rain event, or after a dam or levee failure, or following a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam, and flash floods can catch people unprepared. You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. So if you live in areas prone to flash floods, plan now to protect your family and property. 

Know the Difference Between Watches and Warning

A National Weather Service (NWS) WATCH is a message indicating that conditions favor the occurrence of a certain type of hazardous weather. The NWS Storm Prediction Center issues such watches. Local NWS forecast offices issue other watches (flash flood, winter weather, etc.) 12 to 36 hours in advance of a possible hazardous-weather or flooding event. Each local forecast office usually covers a state or a portion of a state.

An NWS WARNING indicates that a hazardous event is occurring or is imminent in about 30 minutes to an hour. Local NWS forecast offices issue warnings on a county-by-county basis. 

Plan for a Flood

• Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see the "Family Disaster Plan" section for general family planning information. Develop flood- specific planning.
• Contact your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, local National Weather Service office, or planning and zoning department about your area's flood risk.
• Knowing the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and dams will let you know if forecasted flood levels will affect your home.

SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford's trained technicians are available 24/7 to assist with your cleanup and restoration needs,  call (914)358-9000

What should I put in my Emergency Supply Kit?

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency Kit

Storms happen, so why not be ready for it? Here is a list of recommended items to include in your basic emergency supply kit:

• Water- 1 gallon per person per day 
• Food- non-perishable 3-day supply
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandannas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Hygiene items
• Important documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Other basic items to include:

• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Prescription Medication

The dangers of flash flooding

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

heavy rainfall

A flash flood is a rapid flooding of geomorphic low-lying areas: washes, rivers, dry lakes and basins. It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a severe thunderstorm, hurricane, tropical storm, or melt-water from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or snowfields. 

Flash floods can occur under several types of conditions. Flash flooding occurs when it rains rapidly on saturated soil or dry soil that has poor absorption ability. The runoff collects in gullies and streams and, as they join to form larger volumes, often forms a fast-flowing front of water and debris.

Flash floods most often occur in normally dry areas that have recently received precipitation, but they may be seen anywhere downstream from the source of the precipitation, even many miles from the source. In areas on or near volcanoes, flash floods have also occurred after eruptions, when glaciers have been melted by the intense heat. Flash floods are known to occur in the highest mountain ranges of the United States and are also common in the arid plains of the Southwestern United States. Flash flooding can also be caused by extensive rainfall released by hurricanes and other tropical storms, as well as the sudden thawing effect of ice dams. The United States National Weather Service gives the advice "Turn Around, Don't Drown" for flash floods; that is, it recommends that people get out of the area of a flash flood, rather than trying to cross it. Many people tend to underestimate the dangers of flash floods. What makes flash floods most dangerous is their sudden nature and fast-moving water. A vehicle provides little to no protection against being swept away; it may make people overconfident and less likely to avoid the flash flood. More than half of the fatalities attributed to flash floods are people swept away in vehicles when trying to cross flooded intersections. As little as 2 feet (0.61 m) of water is enough to carry away most SUV-sized vehicles. The U.S. National Weather Service reported in 2005 that, using a national 30-year average, more people die yearly in floods, 127 on average, than by lightning, tornadoes, or hurricanes.

Preventing an Ice Damming!

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

How ice damming occurs

ICE DAMMING - An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

The article put out by www.weather.gov, shows how you can prevent or minimize the chances of getting an ice dam.  We have had some nice warm weather up until now, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Take a look at the article by clicking the link below:

http://www.weather.gov/grr/roofIceDams

By installing extra insulation in your attic, adding roof cables to your soffits and gutters and making sure your gutters and downspouts are cleared you can help keep yourself and your home out of the path of water damaged ceilings, walls, floors or even flooded basements.  

Will Your Roof Withstand Winter's Snowy Fury?

11/1/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford

While snow-covered roofs can make for a picturesque winter scene, the combination of freshly fallen snow with the melting and refreezing of snow can place stress on the roof of your home or business. If more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice have accumulated on the roof, you should have it removed as soon as possible to prevent ice dams from forming.

Remember to avoid using ladders in snowy/icy conditions. This can be extremely dangerous and should be left to the professionals. 

For Sloped Rooftops:

It may be possible to remove the snow and ice from your sloped roof using a roof rake – a long-handled tool designed specifically for this purpose. Stand on the ground and pull as much of the snow off the eaves as you can safely reach.

If you cannot safely reach the roof, contact a home builder, landscaping and roofing contractor, or property maintenance company to remove the snow and ice.

For Flat Rooftops:

If your flat roof is easily accessible from an interior stairway, you may want to shovel the roof, but be careful not to damage the roof covering.

Remember to put safety first any time you are on a roof, especially one that is covered in snow and ice. If you have any doubt, leave it to professionals.

How much snow is too much snow?

If you have had a big snowfall in your area and you are wondering whether or not your roof can support the extra weight, do not reach for a ladder or a shovel - reach for the telephone. Calling in a professional to remove the ice and the snow from your roof is always the smartest - and safest - option. Check out this article from houselogic.com that gives excellent advice on what you can do in this situation by clicking the link below:

Snow Removal Houselogic.com

Remember, if you experience a water damage as a result of an ice dam, frozen pipe, or snow covered roof, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford so our trained technicians can make your loss "Like it never even happened."  

Just Call (914) 358-9000 and one of our staff members can assist you on getting your home restored as quickly as possible.

Floods Strike Everywhere

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Floods strike everywhere

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.

Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. On average, floods cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. The following are a few more little-known flood facts:

• Floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the U.S., making flooding the most deadly natural disaster.
• More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto related, often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.
• The principle causes of floods in the eastern United States are hurricanes and storms.
• Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood - especially at night, when it's difficult to see. 

Be Prepared for Flooding!

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford if you experienced flooding in your home or business

The following are tips from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for preparing your home or business for a flood.

Before the Flood:

• Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.

During the Flood:

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.

After the Flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. 

Hurricane Storm Damage

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Aerial View of Hurricane

Hurricanes are large, spiraling tropical storms that can pack wind speeds of over 160 mph and unleash more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day.The difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane is wind speed – tropical storms usually bring winds of 36 to 47 mph, whereas hurricane wind speeds are at least 74 mph. High winds are a primary cause of hurricane-inflicted loss of life and property damage. Another cause is the flooding resulting from the coastal storm surge of the ocean and the torrential rains, both of which accompany the storm.

Ways to Protect your Home

• Brace your garage door to prevent more-extensive damage
• Secure your windows and doors
• Protect your roof
• Trim your trees
• Take inventory
• Update your insurance

SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford's trained technicians are available 24/7 to assist with your cleanup and restoration needs,  call (914)358-9000!