Holiday Trees Celebration

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Whatcom was happy to be selected as a participant in the Hotel Bellwether’s Holiday Trees Celebration – benefiting Skookum Kids, a community organization that keeps children safe and helps them transition into foster care. Area businesses commit to creating a tree that represents their business – this year, there were more than 20 local businesses entered.

Our tree focused on our amazing team members, and framed photos were the highlight of our holiday décor as was a nod to our branding logo and colors – we were the only Holiday tree boasting bold orange!

Community members can cast their vote for their favorite tree – with winners announced at the end of the holiday season – wish us luck. Serving our community and honoring our team makes us winners already!

Thank you to our Marketing Team for sharing their holiday cheer, especially Kyle Little who was the best at reaching the high spots!

Essential Steps of Mold Damage Restoration in Bellingham Properties

9/17/2023 (Permalink)

You can't get rid of mold on your own. Our certified technicians are here to help you 24/7.

SERVPRO Helps Repair Bellingham Homes after Mold Damage

One of homeowners' most prevalent concerns after moisture damage is mold growth. After all, mold can quickly decay building materials. Mold remediation is the only way to restore your Bellingham property and ensure it is safe for occupation.

There are fundamental aspects to the mold damage restoration process in Bellingham to return your home to its previous state before the issue occurred. Such factors mean mold removal is something better left to experts. It is a challenging task requiring advanced equipment and specific training to perform the job correctly. SERVPRO® uses a systematic approach to ensure efficient remediation and safe mold removal.

Steps for efficient mold damage removal

• Source identification
• Containment
• Air filtration
• Removal and cleanup

Sometimes mold can be tricky to detect, especially the hard-to-reach areas like behind walls. SERVPRO crews have the expertise and gears to properly assess the extent of the microbial damage and identify hidden growth. We perform thorough inspections using specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras for better accuracy. We address the underlying moisture issue, which is the main factor in the situation.

What Happens During Mold Restoration

The mold restoration process is not only about removing microbes from the damaged area. The process may involve demolishing specific components to expose moisture trapped in hidden places. We build containment barriers to avoid cross-contamination as we remove damaged materials. Porous materials such as drywall, carpeting, insulation, and upholstered furniture that are extensively mold-contaminated cannot be salvaged. We use 6-mil polyethylene to pack the damaged items.

Regarding semi-porous materials such as glass, metal, and certain types of wood, we use cleaning agents to damp-wipe their surfaces, thus cleaning and disinfecting the items.

Methods used to remove mold

• HEPA vacuuming
• Scrubbing with detergent and antimicrobial treatments
• Sanding
• Wire brushing

SERVPRO of Whatcom County is an experienced full-service restoration company offering efficient solutions, including mold damage restoration. Call us at (360) 733-1800. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Needed Approaches and Solutions for Bellingham Mold Damage

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows all about mold. Call us to remediate your Bellingham home "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Has Many Mold Remediation Techniques

Effective mold and microbial cleanup and restoration is an intricate process that begins as soon as homeowners suspect colonization. Even without physical signs of an infestation, many property owners have been able to speculate about microbial development with effects like musty odors or persistent moisture in specific areas of the residence. Our SERVPRO team works quickly to help mitigate loss from spores and colonies.

Early Structure Inspections

Our SERVPRO remediation team works to understand the scope of the work necessary and the severity of the infestation to the house after Bellingham mold damage by inspecting. We have talented administrators capable of walking through a household with the homeowners to show the likely restoration processes to come, document damage, and evaluate the condition of structural elements directly exposed to mold growth or moisture.

How Does Mold Damage Remediation Begin?

There are no set ways for mold remediation and recovery to occur. In most situations, there is a combination of cleaning and removal efforts based on varying levels of infestation across materials:

• Cleaning Surfaces - Several sporicidal agents are available to our SERVPRO team to overcome surface mold threats. In most cases, mold spores and microbes are eliminated on contact or within minutes of exposure.
• Effective Mechanical Actions - Surface treatments alone are not always enough to be successful, and mechanical action must accompany the sporicidal products. Vacuums, brushes, steel wool, sanding, and other aggressive cleaning approaches can amplify the effectiveness of antimicrobial solutions.
• Blasting Options - Media blasting combines various abrasive products like baking soda, dry ice, or crushed walnut shells with pressurized air or water to eradicate mold on the surface of irregular materials. Water is not typically used as this could further promote mold growth.
• Removing Damaged Materials - Removing impacted materials can be a last resort for our IICRC-certified SERVPRO professionals when other ineffective remediation approaches. The process removes overly damaged building materials entirely, preventing their further negative influence on the damaged areas.

Can Mold Damage Dissipate on Its Own?

Many mistakenly believe that ignoring mold growth in the house is the best action. In most cases, microbial threats do not improve with time, allowing these conditions to worsen the more that action is not taken to overcome colonization. Understanding that conditions can continue to decline should inspire homeowners to pursue experienced remediation professionals like our SERVPRO team to help.

Clearing Strong Malodors from the Property

Residential mold growth can be challenging, but lingering effects like the harsh malodors these organisms produce can be even more formidable. Offensive odors remain even after much of the mold colonies have been removed and require separate focused actions to overcome and neutralize. Counteractant products can reduce the severity of these smells, but vapor fogging impacts musty malodors.

Will Mold Damage Repairs Be Needed?

Because mold uses organic matter as a food source, hosting materials and structural elements can routinely get destroyed by an aggressive organism. After cleaning up the bulk materials and eliminating lingering portions of the property too weakened to preserve, build-back services are necessary. Our SERVPRO professionals have a general contractor license showing our experience in this area. We begin needed repairs when remediation nears its completion.

Bellingham mold damage occurs frequently. There are homes in the area contending with microbial damage right now that could benefit from the focused mold removal tactics we provide. Give our SERVPRO of Whatcom County remediators a call today to mitigate loss and repair your home after mold exposure. We are ready 24/7 at (360) 733-1800.

SERVPRO Offers Premier Mold Damage Remediation in Bellingham

1/22/2023 (Permalink)

Don’t delay when you see or smell the tell-tale signs of mold. Contact SERVPRO for effective mold damage remediation services.

Mold Damage Repair in Bellingham Homes Needs Professionals like SERVPRO

Ignoring the early signs of mold damage in your Bellingham can lead to the situation quickly getting out of hand. If the mold finds conducive conditions, the contamination can spread quickly and cause structural damage to building materials. You need professional mold specialists to control the situation and get the damage under control. 

SERVPRO uses industry-leading, proven methods to restore mold damage to your Bellingham home. Our techs understand that it is crucial to prevent the spread of airborne mold spores to uncontaminated parts of the structure for an effective remediation process. Hence, we use strong containment systems as recommended in the IICRC S520 guidelines. 

Containments and Their Use During Mold Removal

Spores are loosely held on top of the mold hyphae and can become airborne with the slightest of disturbances. Removing mold growth without proper precautions can generate millions of airborne spore particles that air currents can carry to other parts of the structure.  

SERVPRO mold specialists use containment made from a high gauge 6-mil plastic system to prevent the spread of airborne spores to unaffected areas of the structure. 

The IICRC S520 guidelines recommend three types of containment:

• Source containment is done when the visible mold growth is confined to a small area. SERVPRO techs use tape and 6-mil polyethylene sheeting to cover the visible mold growth before removing it. 
• Local containment: It is done with a moderate level of mold growth present. SERVPRO techs create a structural enclosure with 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, PVC pipes, and spring-loaded expansion poles. 

• Full-scale containment: If contamination is too much to be controlled by source or local containment, SERVPRO techs must seal off a room or an entire building section. 

Call SERVPRO of Whatcom County at (360) 733-1800. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Mold Damage in Bellingham - How It Impacts Your Property

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says to properly ventilate your Bellingham bathroom to help prevent mold damage.

SERVPRO Successfully Addresses Mold in Bellingham Homes

Mold can be black, white, spotted, or colored. It may appear velvety, powdery, cottony, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most produce musty odors, the first indication of a problem in your Bellingham home. It develops with adequate moisture, favorable temperature, and a food source.

The best way to discern mold damage in your Bellingham home is to look for water staining, warping, or find the source of the odor. It would help if you looked underneath surfaces like carpets, sinks, cabinets, and walls. Some home areas are always susceptible to infestation and require routine cleaning to control the growth. SERVPRO helps identify areas in your home that may be prevalent to damage.

Mold latches onto diverse materials, including:

• Insulation
• Wood
• Fabrics
• Wallpaper

Dealing with the infestation

Due to its porous nature, wood tends to attract mold. When exposed to moisture, it acts as a good breeding environment. Spore removal is challenging and, when done inadequately, causes the infestation to spread further. SERVPRO has experienced technicians who look for adequate cleaning methods rather than those that only scratch the surface. We use products as indicated by the manufacturer to ensure your home is mold-free.

Practical measures to minimize indoor mold

• Adequately heating and insulating your home
• Install appropriate ventilation
• Avoid water leaks

To prevent microbial growth, avoid water leaks and address any moisture source immediately. This can be achieved by controlling and maintaining rain and surface water drainage. Also, removing or replacing upholstery and carpets that have been soaked and cannot be dried right away is necessary. Routine domestic activities may encourage growth. Make sure simple activities like cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing laundry do not invite an infestation by providing proper ventilation.

SERVPRO of Whatcom County can safely deal with mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (360) 733-1800 to make the necessary repairs.

Bellingham Mold Damage Is Often Hidden

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO professional mold remediation to make your Bellingham home appear "Like it never even happened."

Where is Mold Damage Occurring in Your Bellingham Home

Many areas of homes can suffer mold growth, such as the basement and the attic. If you believe mold could impact your property, you should take the necessary steps to confirm.

Mold Visual Inspections

A suspicion of mold damage in Bellingham homes should be enough for property owners to consider professional inspections. Our sophisticated instruments and probes can verify the presence of moisture when certain signs indicate mold might exist, such as:

• Musty odors
• Spotting
• Damp surfaces

Following the Water Damage to Mold

Tracking moisture movement can be another method of identifying possible mold development in the house. This strategy is ideal for noting where mold colonies could exist in structural cavities and less accessible areas, as we have moisture meters, thermal imagery, and other methods to track damp pockets. Our technicians adhere to EPA and IICRC guidelines.

Controlled Demolition Where Needed

Another obstacle to finding mold and discovering the scope of the damage is structural elements. For instance, when mold is believed to exist in wall systems, surface materials like drywall must often be removed and discarded to provide access for our SERVPRO team to begin remediation in this opening.

Removing the Mold When Discovered

Finding mold is only the beginning of the work that must be done. DIY remediation and mold removal are rarely advisable, as our SERVPRO professionals have trusted strategies and products to overcome microbial colonies. While surface treatments are the least invasive, more aggressive measures like sanding, dry ice blasting, and even controlled demolition might be necessary.

Mold is one of the common threats to homes in the Pacific Northwest, making the response of remediators like SERVPRO of Whatcom County East critical. Our involvement in mitigating loss and containing the movement of spores can protect more of the structure from avoidable harm. Call us when you suspect mold in your home at (360) 788-4158. 

SERVPRO of Bellingham for Your Safety

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

The exposed floor of a 112 year old home in Bellingham Washington.

Why SERVPRO? Because SERVPRO of Bellingham takes all of the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of our crews. That means taking lead paint samples before starting demolition as well as taking asbestos samples prior to disturbing potential hazardous materials.

We have licensed professionals with the credentials needed to correctly and competently sample friable materials, diagnose potential hazardous building materials and assure all parties of a clean, healthy work environment. 

The only way to know for sure if a building material or product contains asbestos is to have an approved laboratory analyze a representative sample. We employee a number of AHERA certified building inspectors that will take samples and get them tested at an approved laboratory.

When demolition needs to happen due to fire, mold, sewer or water damage you can trust the professional at SERVPRO of Bellingham to do what's right and what is legal. 

SERVPRO - Committed to Community

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Champion Boards by SERVPRO

When the graduating senior class asked for donations for end of the year auction SERVPRO of Bellingham immediately stepped up to the plate. We have been a driving force behind the Boys and Girls Club Cornhole Tournament for years and wanted to assist the class of 2021 in a similar manner. 

We developed the idea to build custom game boards and create a totally unique set of Championship logos for our boards. We celebrate the Seattle Supersonics and Seattle Seahawks, but we truly celebrate the Senior Class of 2021. They have overcome many obstacles to get this point. A pandemic has taken away so much, but our hope is to help them celebrate by raising funds and raising dreams. 

Best of Luck in the future Class of 2021!!!

Why you need to call SERVPRO

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Toilet Supply Line Failure.

Why SERVPRO? We are here for you when you need us most.

The time you left the water running in the tub and went outside to mow the lawn. The night you heard the sound of rain on your roof followed by a drip in your kitchen. There was the day that started off with massive rainfall and ended with the basement filling up with water and all of you belongings needing to be clean, dried and stored while you addressed the building? I remember the time the sprinkler system failed and four floors of condos got wet and everything in them had to dried. Then there's the frightening evening that the smoke detector warned you that an electrical fire was about to change you life forever. Nobody was hurt but your home needed lost of help. These are just some of the reason you call SERVPRO.

Why SERVPRO? Because we are always here to help when you need us most.

We Know Containment

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

We set impeccable containment for our clients.

Mold is fact of life. We deal with mold on a daily basis here at SERVPRO of Bellingham and one of the most important factors when working with mold is keeping the mold spores confined to an affected area. 

Containment is the term used for limiting the spread of mold, dust, fibers and other items that can quickly make a small job a big job or a safe home a not safe home. 

We use the latest in technology and all of our available resources to create negative pressure, knock down mold spores down, containing the mold, drying any wet surfaces and utilizing a HEPA vacuum, thusly keeping our clients happy, safe and on their way to getting their homes back to "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO cares

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Another excellent day on the course.

SERVPRO of Bellingham cares about community. We are involved in coaching and supporting youth sports, various chambers of commerce in leadership and membership, high school fundraisers and a litany of other endeavors.

We also support a variety of non-profits in our area. We have been sponsors, planners, doers and shakers for many years helping with auctions, food and clothing drives, Christmas Trees pickups, and celebrator dinners.

One of our favorite ways to give back is during the year is when the weather turn gorgeous and the people of the Northwest take to the links. We have a policy when it comes to sponsoring golf tournaments and the policy is yes. If we can fit it in our schedule and the boss says yes... then we are there. 

SERVPRO of Bellingham loves our community and supporting those in need.

Work Hard Play Hard

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bellingham hosting an all Chamber Taco Night

One of the most difficult professions in the world is that of a Water and Fire Restoration professional. Our crew has gone above and beyond for our customers for over 40 years and this past year has been even more harrowing than ever before for our technicians.

The best way to unwind after a crazy week is to invite 100 or so of your closest friends and business associates to your shop for a meet and greet punctuated with fresh street tacos. The response has been undeniable as the "Thank yous" and "Oh mys" are almost never ending.

We enjoy hosting an Open House  and at SERVPRO of Bellingham we work hard, but we also know how to say thank you and play hard, and the tacos are authentic soft corn tortillas. 

Hopefully, we will be hosting another Open House as our world returns to normal. 

SERVPRO of Bellingham Cares About You

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bellingham cleans contents for Renters after a Fire

We have been working with a number of property managers lately as apartment buildings have been flooded by a leaky pipe, set ablaze by unattended soup stock, or lit up by an overzealous candle and put out by tons of water from even more overzealous firefighters. The structures were covered by insurance. We dried them out, cleaned them up and made it “Like it never even happened.”

The renter’s belongings…not so much. They are NOT covered by the building owner’s insurance.

Either way it happens one thing is for sure you better have renters insurance for your belongings.

I recently read that over 60% percent of renters do not carry insurance.

Get renters insurance.

Talk to an agent.

Know the policy.

How much stuff do you have?  What’s it worth?

Does your roommate need insurance too? YES!

Talk to those you trust. They will give you names of insurance agents that care about you and your stuff. That’s what they do.

For the cost of a latte a week, about $16 a month, you can have the security that you need.

A recent fire affected 13 units in an apartment building. We helped one family with their contents. One family had all of their items dried, cleaned, restored for immediate quality of life and preserved for future generations. The other 12 households didn’t have insurance. That’s 1 in 13 that were prepared.

Are you prepared?

It’s called renters insurance…and you need it

Why Ferndale, Washington chooses SERVPRO

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Our crew shows up in full force to help our clients

Our crews work throughout Whatcom and Island Counties. One of our favorite cities to help customers in Ferndale, Washington. 

We are involved with the local Chamber of Commerce and many of our employees are raising children and living in the community. 

A neighborhood of Ferndale sits right on the Puget Sound and must deal with high winds, king tides and various other weather related issues during the year. 

Sandy Point is a beautiful water front community that prides itself on amazing homes, an awesome marina and wonderful people. SERVPRO of Bellingham is often called to assist with frozen pipes in second homes, salt water intrusion on water front homes and mechanical failures in family homes.

Our neighbors on Sandy Point help each other when it's needed and call SERVPRO when they need a professional. 

Why SERVPRO?

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? Because we work with you to get the job done.

The basement has leaked and the water has been rising in the lower portion of the house. Efforts to curtail the water damage have yielded some success, but the professionals need to be called.

Why SERVPRO? Because we are always ready and willing to help those is need of assistance. 

The educated and certified technician at SERVPRO of Bellingham know what to do to get your home back to normal. Our mission is to help homeowners and commercial property owners get back to life and business as usual. 

Through hard work, knowledge and communication our office staff, field representatives and diligent technicians rally to get the job done in a timely matter and work with all insurance companies to get the bill taken are of. "Like it never even happened."

Carpet Delamination in Bellingham Washington

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

The Carpet Delaminated and Needs to Be Replaced

Why SERVPRO

Because we work for you and your best interests.

Our goal is to always have a happy customer. We advocate for your needs and understand the hardship you are experiencing when you call us. When Fire hits your home or place of business or water dampens an otherwise normal day, we are here for you.

One way we help you is by understanding the ins and outs of the insurance industry. We are the eyes and ears of your insurance company on most jobs and report back to the adjuster on what we find.

Delaminated carpets usually indicate the need for replacement. The cost benefits are weighed and a decision is made. We want to be your eyes and ears while helping you overcome a difficult time. Let SERVPRO of Bellingham be your insurance remediation champion.

Here to Help Everyday in Whatcom County

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

The crew is ready to help our neighbors everyday.

Why SERVPRO?

The green SERVPRO trucks are images most people think of our company, but the memories our customers keep are about the people that were here to help. 

Our crews are comprised of hard working, selfless team players that go above and beyond for their customers. We take great pride in providing services seven days a week, twenty for hours a day. The focus of our techs is diagnose the problem and come with a solution that makes sense to all parties. The work we do is physically demanding and takes a great deal of problem solving skills.

We find ourselves in the middle of residential catastrophes on a regular basis and our people make the difference. We help our community members in the most difficult of times and the single greatest compliment we can receive is a happy customer. To bring light through the dark is what we strive to do.

Why SERVPRO? Because we are there and because we care.

We put safety first in Bellingham and Whatcom County.

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

An asbestos sample taken in Bellingham, WA.

The first action item before demolition of a home or business is to take asbestos samples.

Why SERVPRO?

Because we take many safety measures before disturbing building materials and the health our clients and customers comes first.

We sample 100% of the building materials that could contain asbestos before breaking into walls, tearing our flooring or dealing with insulation. Our professionally trained and certified staff takes the time to diagnose possible issues before they create greater damage. Before every job there is started a sit down meeting that occurs where numerous possibilities are discussed and sampling procedures are outlined. Many times we deploy two or more Certified Asbestos Samplers to a structure to ensure all safety measures are taken and adhered too.

Why SERVPRO?

Because the health and safety of all parties are taken into account before we start demolition.

SERVPRO of Bellingham cares about our community

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

The big winner of the SERVPRO of Bellingham Seahawk Prize Pack.

We are proud of the community we call home. The owners have lived and worked in Whatcom County for over 40 years and our employees are raising children, volunteering, coaching and leading in our local communities.

One our favorite non-profits to support in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. We have coached various teams, sponsored events and even volunteered to clean carpets, spruce up the grounds and headed up charity events.

The annual bean bag tournament, or cornhole, is an excellent event to give back and have a great time. We donate to the event by assisting in the planning, donating prizes and creating the annual unique trophies for the winners. We put together a Seahawk prize pack this year and one lucky winner was able to go home with the prize.

We love our community and love giving back. That's "Why SERVPRO."

Pipe Burst in Bellingham, WA.

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

A burst pipe or failed water supply line is the perfect reason to call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of Bellingham is proud to have been in business for over 42 years. In that time we have alomost seen it all from frozen pipes to electrical fires and moldy basements to unattended stock pots. Our crews and staff have the skill, experience and knowledge that sets us apart from the competition. 

One of the most common issues with a home or business that would necessitate a call to SERVPRO of Bellingham is a failed water supply line or burst pipe. The pipe has lived a long a glorious life never causing any trouble and always doing a perfect job until one day. On this day, it's last day on the job, the pipe or supply line fails releasing all of it's pressured contents into the living envelope. Today is the day to call SERVPRO at 360-733-1800. 

We have the ability to make it "Like it never even happened."

Cleaning Contents in Bellingham, WA.

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Our Contents Shop touts an ESPORTA Wash System and a Fireline Ultrasonic Cleaning System.

One of the best reasons to choose SERVPRO of Bellingham when dealing with a large fire, mold infestation or sewer back up is our ability to clean almost all of the contents of the structure "in-house."

The ESPORTA Soft Contents Recovery System and the Fireline Ultrasonic Cleaning System give us the opportunity to clean, disinfect and deodorize all shapes and sizes of homegoods and office belongings. 

We have sent many year perfecting our Contents Cleaning Shop and are proud to have saved innumerable household and office items for our clients.

We like the idea of a one stop shop for clean up and restoration and our clients love the opportunity to tour our contents shop and see where and how their personal belongings are going to be restored. 

We Work Clean in Whatcom County and San Juan County

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

A clean work space is a happy work space.

We Work Clean.

What does that mean?

The idea of working clean in the clean up and restoration business means that at the end of every work day our crews take the time to tidy up and prepare for the following day. We take great pride in keeping a clean work space and strive to make a fresh start the following workday

Each of our customers have different wants and needs when it comes to the drying or cleaning of their homes and businesses. We always coordinate and communicate with our clients to make this difficult process as painless as possible. 

We take great pride in keeping a clean work space and taking that extra bit of effort to help make working with SERVPRO of Belllingham that much better. 

We appreciate your trust.

We Always Test for Asbestos

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

We Test Before We Disturb Potentially Dangerous Materials

SERVPRO of Bellingham realizes the importance of Asbestos Testing.

Many of our customers question why we need to test for asbestos?

We test because it's the law, because the health of our customers matters to us, because the health of our employees is paramount, and because it is the absolute right thing to do.

Our's require us to "demo" materials that have to affected all sorts of weird things like by microbial growth or sewer back ups. The policy is to always test these materials before they are removed to ensure the safety of the family that lives there, the employees that come to work everyday and the valued workers of SERVPRO fo Bellingham. 

We promote safety first by always testing for asbestos.

Frozen Pipes in Ferndale, WA.

2/22/2019 (Permalink)

Note the ice build up on the siding.

The recent cold weather and winter storms have left our community in a difficult position. Our homes and businesses are not built to the standards that would allow for freezing temperatures for an extended time. There are steps individuals can take to help prevent frozen pipes, but at the end of the day sometimes nothing can be done. It's really trial by fire... or should I say trial by freezing. 

The major issue with residential building is plumbing in the exterior walls. Everybody should know to remove the hose from the hose bib and cover the spicket, but it's almost impossible to prevent a pipe from freezing that is in a wall. Be aware of where your home's plumbing is located and pay extra attention to those pipes that are in exterior walls that get hit by our cold Northeastern winds.