Ace Fire & Water Restoration Helps victims of June 1st Tornado

Gary Brunelle, owner of Ace Fire & Water Restoration, Inc., talks with Business West about the Re-Building of homes in Western Massachusetts after the June 1st Tornadoe that wreaked havoc on homes and businesses across the Pioneer Valley.

http://businesswest.com/2011/07/silver-lining

Kitchen Re-Model at Wilbraham Monson Academy

Head Masters Home at Wilbraham Monson Academy in Wilbraham, Massachusetts

Ace Fire and Water Restoration Inc., is not only emergency services, we are also a Licensed General Contractor. Wilbraham Monson Academy in Wilbraham, Massachusetts has hired Ace to do a complete kitchen re-model in the Head Masters home. The above photos are of the new hardwood flooring being installed in the kitchen.

Stay with the Ace Fire and Water Restoration Inc.’s Blog for updated photos.

Ace Fire & Water Restoration Inc. Crews hard at work.

Above: Ace Fire and Water crew hard at work restoring a fire damaged two-family home in Springfield, Ma on Eastern Ave.

ACE FIRE & WATER RESTORATION INC. HELPS TORNADO VICTIMS

On the first day of June 2011, a massive Tornado touched down in Western Massachusetts leaving a trail of destruction in it’s path.
Ace Fire and Water Restoration was on the scenes of the destruction within hours of the Tornado’s strike, and Ace is actively helping people affected by the Tornado on thier way to re-building thier homes today.

The above photos are the after affects of the Tornado at one residence on Abbott Street in Springfield. Ace will be re-building this home from the ground up to get this family back into thier home. Stay tuned for updated photos of the building progress of this home!

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM SEASON IS HERE!!!

When Severe weather strikes know that the professionals at Ace Fire and Water Restoration are there to help in the event of a Fire. Water or Flood damage, and in the event of the severe thunderstorms, Ace is also there when Wind strikes.

WWLP.com has some preparation tips for when Severe Thunderstorms strike:

http://blogs.wwlp.com/2011/05/29/prepare-for-the-worst/

How to Stop a Water Heater Leak

A leaking water heater can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a home; therefore, a leak must be stopped as soon as possible. The origin of the leak must be determined, and there is a strong possibility that the tank will need to be replaced. Before a professional plumber arrives, there are some steps you can take to help stop any further damage from occuring.

Step #1:
Put on a pair of safety glasses and cover your hands with gloves. These safety measures protect your eyes and hands from hot air and water that comes out of the hot water heater.

Step #2:
Turn off all power to the tank at the breaker if using an electric water heater. If using a gas water heater, turn off gas using the gas shutoff valve on the gas line that goes into the tank.

Step #3:
Inspect the pipes around your water heater and the top and bottom of your tank with the help of a flashlight. Make a note of where the leak is coming from.

Step #4:
Turn off the water supply shutoff valve, which is typically above the tank and has a red wheel; twist the wheel clockwise. Take care to not force the knob once it no longer moves to prevent breakage.

Step #5:
Locate the pilot control knob, found at the bottom of the gas water heater tank, and move it to the “Off” setting. Find the gas supply valve near the tank (usually has a red handle) and move it in a clockwise position to turn off the gas. For electric water heaters, simply turn off the circuit breaker that powers the system

Step #6:
Attach a hose to the drain valve, which is the part towards the bottom of the heater that has a threaded opening, and place the end of the hose outside in a safe place away from pets, children and plants. Slowly open the knob on the drain valve to allow the water to drain out of your tank. Additionally, turn on the hot water of a nearby faucet to force air into the water heater and assist with the water drain.

These are just some of the steps you can take when your hot water heater is leaking. The professionals at Ace Fire & Water Restoration are there to help in the event of a leak in your basement.
For more information on your water heater:

http://www.hotwaterheaterproblems.net/

Ace Fire & Water Restoration Wins Work Place of The Month Award from 94.7 WMAS

http://www.947wmas.com/photoWallPhoto.asp?wallID=48761&photoID=4636536

Ice Dam Causing Problems?

You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters and not realize the significance of the damage that may be occurring behind them. Icicles are usually one of the first warning signs of possible ice dams on your roof.

What is an Ice Dam?An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, usually at the gutters or soffit. When it forms the water then backs up behind the ice dam and creates a pool of water. This pool of water can leak into your home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

What Causes Ice Dams?Ice dams are usually caused by heavy snowfall and improper ventilation in the attic. This causes warmer areas in your attic then the snow begins to melt, even when the outside temperature is well below freezing. When the accumulated snow on your roof starts melting it runs down your roof underneath the snow until it reaches a “colder” section like the soffits, valleys or in gutters then it begins to freeze again, this process of thawing and refreezing is what causes an ice dam. Cleaning the gutters on your home can help prevent ice dams from occurring as quickly but they can still occur if the conditions are right. The gutters will be just as cold as it is outside and in some cases, full of frozen debris. So even if you don’t have a soffit for the water to refreeze in, the melted water will most likely refreeze when flowing into the gutters.

Removing an Ice Dam from your home can be very dangerous, and if not done properly can cause damage to your roof, gutters, and possibly yourself. Ace Fire and Water Restorations certified technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you in the unfortunate event of an ice dam at your home.
413-750-5200

Protect Your Personal Property!!!!

Do you rent? Did you know that your landlord’s insurance does NOT cover your personal property? Your clothes, jewelry, stereos, televisions, bicycles, computers, furniture, and other valuables are NOT protected against a loss or destruction. Truth is, apartment renters need a special renters insurance to protect their belongings.

Renters insurance protects your personal property at home and away from home against the following hazards: fire, smoke or lightning, burglary or vandalism, riot or civil commotion, explosion or electrical surge damage, windstorm or hail, falling objects, and other hazards detailed in policy. Your personal property can be protected with replacement cost coverage. This additional protection assures that if a loss occurs, you will receive reimbursement for the full cost to repair or replace your property at today’s market cost, up to the policy limit. Renters insurance also covers you within your policy limits if someone slips and falls in your dwelling or is injured by any of your possessions and then sues. The insurance should cover your responsibility to other people injured at your home or elsewhere, and includes legal defense costs if you are taken to court within the policy limits.

Renters insurance rates and coverage vary from state to state. Shop around and compare coverage and rates from different companies.

Here are some insurance agencies that offer renters insurance:
Blair, Cutting & Smith Insurance Agency
http://www.encharter.com/

Webber & Grinnell Insurance
http://www.webberandgrinnell.com/

Habermann Insurance Group
http://habermaninsurance.com/

Puff Backs

A puff back can happen when an oil burner doesn’t ignite immediately and vapors are allowed to build up before ignition, resulting in an explosion similar to the backfiring of a car. Buildup of debris can also create an excessive explosion at ignition. In either case, the explosion can shoot soot and debris through the furnace or boiler’s exhaust system and into your home. This can make an awful mess of your home. If this happens to your home Ace’s certified technicians will make it a priority to restore your home to pre-loss condition.

http://www.heatingoil.com/articles/puff/