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Syracuse Trusts SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO says--Say goodbye to odors when we clean and restored your fire damaged home in Syracuse.
How SERVPRO Deodorizes Syracuse Properties After Fire Damage?
Restoration of fire damage to Syracuse properties involves removing the smoke and soot residue and deodorizing the odors. SERVPRO technicians use several deodorizing techniques depending on the type, intensity, and nature of the odor-causing particles present in the fire-damaged property.
SERVPRO technicians deal with two types of odors after fire damage to your Syracuse home-
- Real odors, and
- Imaginary or psychological odors–Phantosmia
Real odors result from burnt substances that release odor molecules producing a sensation of smell by interacting with our Olfactory receptors. On the other hand, imagery or psychological odors are odors that people think they smell. Under some circumstances, a fire-damaged building can stimulate imaginary odors. Imaginary odors are also called heightened awareness odors, as certain circumstances make an individual more aware of odors. Residents expect smoky odors after a house fire.
SERVPRO technicians not only treat and neutralize real odors, but we also address imaginary odors to leave your home smelling “Like it never even happened.”
Deodorization Steps During House Fire Cleanup
Not all odors in your fire-damaged Syracuse home come from a single source. Consequently, SERVPRO technicians. The four basic steps that technicians use during the deodorization of fire damage to residential buildings include:
- Removal of the odor source and the debris: Rather than attempting to deodorize the source, SERVPRO technicians prioritize removing it entirely. Technicians remove charred structures and other debris before implementing any deodorizing process.
- Cleaning to remove odor-causing residues: Small particles of odor-causing substances keep releasing odor molecules if technicians don’t remove them properly. Hence, cleaning the residues is crucial in combating odors after a fire incident.
- Recreating conditions that caused odor penetration: As odor-causing particles formed during a fire are hot, they can penetrate porous surfaces. SERVPRO technicians must recreate the conditions that made the particles travel and penetrate the surface to neutralize these particles. Creating a fog or mist of the deodorizer can allow the deodorizer molecules to penetrate surfaces and neutralize foul-smelling particles.
- Seal the surfaces: Although sealing is not required in all situations, it can be especially effective in extreme odor situations. If removing the odor is too expensive or impractical, SERVPRO technicians use alcohol-based shellac or acrylic sealers to contain the odor-causing particles.
Deodorizing Agents SERVPRO Technicians use in Fire Damaged Syracuse Homes
Neutralizing the many types of odors after fire damage requires more than one type of deodorizing action. The most common type of deodorizers that SERVPRO technicians use to combat fire and smoke odors include:
- Masking agents: Masking agents cover malodors with a more pleasant smell. They are of little use to combat real odors as they won’t eliminate them. However, these are great for combating imaginary or psychological odors.
- Pairing agents: Combine chemically with an odor-causing molecule to alter its chemical nature. SERVPRO technicians use deodorizing agents with both paring and masking agents. The two ways paring agents work include absorbing airborne odor particles and causing them to precipitate so that they can be cleaned up and neutralizing the odor molecule by combining with it chemically and rendering it odorless.
- Adsorption filter agents: These agents work by capturing odor-causing molecules from the air and holding them onto the surface. Activated charcoal used in the air filtration systems eliminates the odor by this mechanism.
SERVPRO is here to help you in the time of your need; We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Call SERVPRO of East Onondaga County at (315) 446-8776.
Water Damage Restoration Happens Fast in Syracuse with SERVPRO
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO offers advanced equipment to extract water and dry water damaged homes in Syracuse. "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO’s Water Damage Restoration Process for Syracuse Homes
Restoration of water damage to your Syracuse property is a complex process that requires meticulous planning and flawless execution. With years of experience and highly trained technicians, SERVPRO’s streamlined restoration process can save you both time and money.
SERVPRO technicians understand that time is of the essence when dealing with water damage in Syracuse properties. Hence, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. We aim to begin the restoration process as quickly as possible to avoid any secondary damage to the structure. The restorative work is divided into several crucial steps, including the following-
- Setting up a staging area to coordinate all activities
- Establishing engineering controls to prevent the contaminants from spreading to unaffected areas
- Water extraction and bulk material removal
- Providing humidity control to accelerate drying
- Cleaning and decontaminating salvageable materials
- Disposing of waste material
- Verification of remediation
Water Extraction After Water Damage to Your Syracuse Property
Extracting the standing water is a key step in the restoration process. Water lingering on materials causes more damage steadily. SERVPRO technicians use several state-of-the-art equipment to extract water from flooded Syracuse properties. Some of the gear that we use include-
Extractors are robust vacuum systems that can drain water from your flooded property. Depending on the amount of water that needs to be removed, SERVPRO technicians might use portable or truck-mounted systems. The portable systems are very flexible as the technicians can carry them to almost any part of the structure, but they require electricity. Besides, the portable systems aren’t powerful enough to move a large quantity of water.
The truck-mounted extractors can offer a lot more vacuum than the portable extractors. As they run on the vehicle’s fuel, they don’t require electrical power.
- Light Wands and deep extraction tools
Light wands and deep extraction tools are attached to the extractors and can remove residual moisture from the carpets and pads. The deep extraction tools can be self-propelled or stationary and work by compressing the rug and pad to squeeze water out, which is vacuumed off by the extractor.
Pumps used in water damage restoration vary in capacity and function. Different types of pumps offer various sets of advantages and disadvantages. The three types of pumps that SERVPRO technicians use for water removal in most residential properties include trash pumps, high-pressure pumps, and submersible pumps.
The trash pumps are very effective in pumping out water containing a lot of suspended solids. However, they offer little lift and are not ideal for pumping water from underground structures such as basements.
Submersible pumps offer a great vertical lift and provide continuous and quiet operation. Technicians can also use submersible pumps in occupied spaces as they work on electricity.
Humidity and Airflow Control
Once the techs extract the standing water for your property, the next step is to provide humidity and airflow control to accelerate the drying process. SERVPRO techs use dehumidifiers and air movers to create ideal drying conditions.
The dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air by condensing it into liquid water or absorbing it onto a desiccating media. The goal here is to facilitate the evaporation of water off the wet surface into the air.
Air movers help in the circulation of dehumidified air throughout the structure. As the air movers replace colder, saturated air with warmer and drier air, strategic placement of these pieces of equipment accelerates drying.
SERVPRO is committed to providing quality and reliable service to Syracuse residents and helping restore your home “Like it never even happened.”
Call SERVPRO of East Onondaga County at (315) 446-8776.
Why Should You Trust SERVPRO with Mold Damage in Syracuse?
6/28/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO’s Structural Remediation Strategy of Mold Damage in Syracuse Homes
Successful mold damage remediation in your Syracuse home requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving seasoned and experienced professionals. SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified techs use several mitigation and remediation strategies to get your home back to preloss conditions as quickly as possible.
One of the top priorities of SERVPRO techs during remediation of mold damage from your Syracuse home is to control the contamination at its source. If the mold spores become aerosolized, they become much more challenging to capture, and the chance of them spreading throughout your home increases exponentially. Once the SERVPRO techs identify the microbial growth, they use several tools to remove it from the contaminated structure and contents physically.
The Importance of Engineering Controls in Mold Remediation
Engineering controls are the steps taken to prevent the spread of mold growth in remediation processes. Some of the engineering controls that SERVPRO techs routinely employ include the following-
- Source Containment
- Isolation barriers
- Pressure differentials
- HEPA vacuuming
- Air filtration
Engineering controls help prevent the aerosolization of the mold spores and spread the contamination to the unaffected areas of the structure. The two most important engineering controls that SERVPRO mold specialists use are containment and pressure differentials.
Isolating mold-contaminated materials or areas is called “containment.” SERVPRO techs use containment barriers made from polyethylene sheeting material to create three containment systems- source, local, and full-scale containment.
Techs use source containment if visible fungal growth is limited to a small area and when they don’t anticipate any hidden mold growth. A polyethylene sheeting taped over the affected area constitutes a local containment.
A local or “mini” containment is essential in dealing with moderate levels of fungal growth. Techs usually build an enclosure using PVC pipes, wood framing, and spring-loaded extension poles and cover it with 6-mil poly material to cut off the affected area from the rest of the structure.
An entire room or building section is designated as the work/containment area in a full-scale containment. Techs establish critical barriers to separate unaffected areas from affected areas. A room could be set up as a “decontamination” chamber to stage equipment and PPE.
Techs use pressure differentials to manage the airflow and keep the contaminated areas negatively pressurized relative to the unaffected areas. SERVPRO mold specialists use air filtration devices equipped with HEPA filters to create pressure differentials in your Syracuse home.
The IICRC S520 guidelines recommend a pressure differential of ≥ 5 Pascals to contain mold fragments and spores.
Managing the Airflow and Exchange Rates
SERVPRO techs use air exchanges to dilute the airborne fungal concentrations in the containment areas. When air is exhausted from the containment area, replacement air enters; this is called “make-up air.”
SERVPRO techs ensure that a minimum of four air changes occur per hour for proper ventilation and dilution of microbial spores. We use negative air machines fitted with HEPA filters to ensure that no airborne spores or fungal particles are exhausted in affected areas.
Managing the airflow is also essential as too much negative pressure can easily collapse containments. Techs routinely check the barriers to ensure that there is no breach of containment.
When is Controlled Demolition Necessary?
Controlled demolition is necessary for some situations if extensive fungal growth is present on porous surfaces such as drywall, insulation, or ceiling tiles. Techs take extra precautions to prevent aerosolization of mold spores and fragments during a controlled demolition.
Techs use dust suppression methods if controlled demolition is necessary. Once the contaminated material is removed, it is double-bagged in 6-mil polyethylene sheeting before disposal.
SERVPRO techs are committed to helping you restore your home “Like it never even happened.”
If you need assistance with mold damage, call SERVPRO of East Onondaga County at (315) 446-8776.
Tools and Products Used for Water Cleanup in Syracuse Homes
6/27/2022 (Permalink)
Water cleanup services for your home needs to be addressed by SERVPRO. We provide fast and immediate services at a moment's notice. Call now!
Water Cleanup Involves Several Products
Because water damage is a frequent concern for the city, our SERVPRO team stays ready to help with water removal, drying, and cleanup needs. After mitigation and restoration get underway, we can assess where direct cleaning measures are beneficial.
Structural Drying Solutions
We must address present water concerns before water cleanup in Syracuse homes can officially begin. Our SERVPRO professionals cannot know the full measure of needed cleaning without removing standing water and trapped moisture that could negatively impact exposed structural elements like the flooring.
Carpet Cleaning
Discoloration and embedded soils can threaten carpeted flooring after water damage or floods. We use powerful carpet cleaning tools to dislodge and extract any set-in sediments or soils and improve the color and feel of the fibers.
Wood Flooring Cleaning
Wood flooring can be left with residual films after water gets removed. We rely on thymol and citric-based cleaners to remove these residues and improve the appearance of wood plank after water damage.
Needed Chemical Agents to Prevent Mold
Preventing mold is a key factor in protecting a structure after water damage. Cleanup must include suitable solutions for addressing the threat of microbial growth:
- Chlorines – These products are used for their low toxicity and germicidal action during the cleanup process. Chlorines can also remove stains when discoloration occurs after prolonged water exposure.
- Quaternary Compounds – Quats are designed to destroy microorganisms, so we intentionally use them to attack and overcome fungi and bacteria.
- Phenolics – While these are strong-smelling chemical agents, they can help protect surfaces against future infestations and get made into vapor for faster and more widespread distribution.
Cleaning up after water damage events requires several products and approaches. We carefully evaluate the condition of the house and its contents to ensure that the most efficient techniques are implemented to make losses “Like it never even happened.” Call our SERVPRO of East Onondaga County team today at (315) 446-8776.
Why Choose SERVPRO for Mold Removal in Your Syracuse Home
6/19/2022 (Permalink)
Mold remediation is no DIY project. SERVPRO technicians are experienced and trained for every issue.
Professional Mold Remediation Salvages Syracuse Homes
It is distressing to find mold on your property, but you should not panic. Mold should be tackled before it spreads and become a bigger issue as it can ruin household valuables. SERVPRO technicians are well-versed in containing the spread of mold even in hard-to-reach places without damaging your Syracuse home structure.
Mold thrives in moist conditions, so mold removal at a Syracuse home should involve cleaning up existing mold while preventing new growth by addressing the moisture source. Also, the location of the mold is important as it affects how easily it is to detect and remove the colonies.
Hard to reach spots where mold grows include;
- Attic
- Crawlspace
- Ducts and vents
Attics are among the common areas where mold grows in the home since they tend to have the perfect conditions for growth. This is not an area where most homeowners regularly check; hence mold grows undisturbed. Signs of attic mold may include dark stains on plywood, water dripping from ceiling fans or smoke detectors, and a musty smell.
Steps towards mold removal
- Isolate the contaminated area
- Remove all wet and mold-damaged materials
- Discard all moldy materials in plastic bags
- Clean and dry the affected area
Mold mitigation measures
It is unnecessary to take a wrecking ball to the whole house at the sight of a little mold. We can only focus on the affected area. For instance, mold in one corner of the drywall needs to be cut out and replaced even though we may have to clean the adjoining rooms.
Our technicians seal the work area using plastic sheeting, preventing mold debris from dispersing throughout your home. We usually discard moldy, porous building materials like drywall, insulation, and baseboards instead of restoring them because their spores grow network structures beneath the surface. Therefore even after cleaning, the hyphae remain.
SERVPRO of East Onondaga County helps you determine the best course of action in mold removal, thus limiting the chances of a recurrence. Call us at (315) 446-8776. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Cleaning Flood Damage in a Fayetteville Home
6/12/2022 (Permalink)
Flood damage restoration is a job for SERVPRO. Our technicians have the training and equipment for every size disaster.
Flood Damage in a Fayetteville Home-call SERVPRO
Storms involve drenching rainfall which saturates grounds and fills riverbanks. If your Fayetteville home is located in a flood-prone area, you might experience damage. The waste, mud, and high water volumes cause considerable property damage. However, much can be salvaged if immediate restoration steps are taken.
Some structural flood damage in a Fayetteville home may be apparent, while others may require closer inspection. SERVPRO technicians can inspect your home for damage, such as distortion and warping of floorboards, wet wallboard, paneling, insulation, and plaster.
Areas that require thorough inspection include;
- Electrical and gas appliances
- Air conditioning and heating systems
- Flooring and carpeting
- Drywalls and ceilings
Water absorbed by porous materials may dry, but the contaminants left behind continue to pose risks. Therefore you should dispose of porous materials like mattresses, upholstered furniture, and vinyl flooring, especially if they have been underwater for more than 24hours. If the carpeting on the floor is not removed, it fosters mildew, wood decay, and warpage of wooden flooring by hindering its drying.
Important considerations after a flood
Our technicians can help salvage items and fixtures, like glass, plastic, porcelain, and concrete, through thorough cleaning, disinfecting, and drying as quickly as possible. Also, it would be best if you do not use electrical appliances that have been submerged in water, even for a short period. SERVPRO can recommend a certified electrical repair professional to service the devices.
Gas appliances damaged by floodwater must be inspected and repaired by a certified professional. Even if the device appears to be functioning properly, the safety features may have been disabled by standing water and can be dangerous to operate. Gas leaks caused by floodwater damage can cause fires if exposed to flames.
Other services offered by experts
- Washing out dirt, mud, and debris using a hose
- Cleaning surfaces that have been inundated with floodwaters
- Discarding all foods exposed to floodwater
SERVPRO of East Onondaga County is your best option for cleaning up flood damage "Like it never even happened." Call us at (315) 446-8776.
SERVPROs Exceptional Water Damage Restoration at a Syracuse Home
5/24/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO water damage restoration services are second to none. Call now for the help your home needs.
Measures That Aid Water Damage Mitigation in Syracuse
Water damage in your Syracuse home is something you never plan for. So when the incident strikes, you need to dry out and restore everything to its preloss state. Water damage affects your property and its contents. Stopping the water in its tracks helps minimize the damage.
Certain situations could turn water damage restoration in your Syracuse home into a big job. For instance, structural material might have to be torn out and replaced after more than 24 hours of exposure to water. Also, specialized mitigation techniques might be necessary in case of mold growth deep inside walls. By bringing in the right professionals, like SERVPRO, you can restore your home and salvage what you can.
Signs of water damage
- Warped or loose baseboards
- Warped and cracked tile or laminated wood floors
- Under-sink watermarks or mold signs
- Ring-like stains on ceilings
Removing moisture and drying out affected areas
Time is crucial when responding to a water loss because water can quickly absorb various building materials and contents. This causes water damage to spread over a wider area and puts the affected materials at risk of staining, warping, and rotting. When structural materials such as wood and drywall become affected by moisture, severe structural damage can occur.
Removing water from a structure starts with extraction. There are different extraction tools to use depending on the amount of water in your home. For example, a portable extractor works well in restricted areas since it can be carried around. Most extractors feature three components, the heater, pump, and vacuum systems. We only use the vacuum components when removing water; however, we use all the components when cleaning the carpet.
Dehumidification is also essential to help remove water vapor from the air. Additionally, shutting the room's windows and doors prevents more humidity from circulating in, thus enhancing faster drying.
Some activities during restoration may include;
- Ripping out floorboards
- Tearing down walls panels
- Removing mold
SERVPRO of East Onondaga County inspects your home and then mitigates the damage. Call us at (315) 446-8776. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster
Ensuring Efficient Water Damage Repair in Syracuse Business Premises
5/13/2022 (Permalink)
Commercial water damage restoration is a job for SERVPRO. We use the latest technology and equipment for every disaster.
SERVPRO Assesses All Damages in Syracuse Businesses, Providing Proper Restoration
A leaky or burst pipe may cause water to soak into many building materials like the walls and floors of your Syracuse commercial property. The water can spread far from the source of the intrusion and may not even indicate signs of damage for a long period. Therefore, there is a need for specialized tools to accurately determine how far the moisture has spread and rapid response to minimize disruption. This calls for a water damage repair expert.
The work done during water damage repair in Syracuse business properties can be too demanding without specialized training. SERVPRO professionals have the right tools and skills to minimize risks from common hazards in water restoration work, such as weakened floors which may collapse. Also, an expert is more likely to successfully dry out the structure minimizing the overall damage and risk of future problems.
A few specialized tools for the restoration
Moisture damage removal
Our technicians measure the moisture content on materials where we notice water damage using a moisture meter. We continue to check progressively further from the damage site to establish the severity of the moisture intrusion. The readings help us know if we need to focus on drying the affected materials or replacing them.
Removing standing water is an important step toward repairing a moisture-damaged business premise. If not extracted quickly, excess water may further damage contents leading to costly repairs. Our crew uses wet vacuums, carpet wands, portable pumps, and mops to remove water from the floors.
SERVPRO often uses dehumidifiers and air moves to enhance drying. By setting up the equipment in the affected areas, we can efficiently remove moisture from surfaces and the air.
Ways of making property waterproof
- Installing additional ventilation
- Selecting floors that can withstand moisture
- Using water-resistant drywall materials
SERVPRO of East Onondaga County offers quick and efficient water damage repair "Like it never even happened." Call us at (315) 446-8776 to recover your business as quickly as possible.
Managing Odor When Addressing Fire Damage in Fayetteville Homes
5/6/2022 (Permalink)
Fire damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO technicians have the training and experience for ever phase needed for your home.
SERVPRO Helps Fayetteville Homeowners Identify and Remove Smoke Remnants Causing Odor
A fire is one of the most dangerous events that can affect your Fayetteville home. Though the flames have irreversible effects on structural materials and belongings, it is essential to note that the dangers of fire go beyond the flames. The potential for harm remains after the fire has been extinguished from lingering byproducts. Smoke residues attach to surfaces and become embedded in porous materials like carpets and upholstery. The smell can stay for an extended period jeopardizing the indoor air quality.
Knowing the dangers of smoke and taking immediate action like cleaning after fire damage in a Fayetteville home is essential. Smoke residues often require specialized cleaning methods. Therefore you should seek out professional services. SERVPRO ensures quality restoration to your property, bringing it back to its preloss condition.
Steps for cleaning smoke odor
- Locating and identifying residue type
- Identifying the kind of surface affected
- Removing and disposing of the residues
- Cleaning the salvageable contents
Removing the Smoke Smell After a fire
Smoke odors are produced depending on the type of materials burned in the fire. The smell type varies when burning natural materials such as wood or synthetic materials. As such, some odors can be easier to eliminate than others. For example, burnt synthetic materials produce smells that can prove challenging to remove. Identifying the type of surface affected also helps determine the best cleaning method.
SERVPRO technicians eliminate smoke odor particles at their source using professional products that are both advanced and eco-friendly. Thus, restoring safe living conditions within the affected area. Additionally, we provide controlled demolition services to remove and haul away the debris. SERVPRO also cleanses the area to eliminate any remaining soot particles.
Smoke remediation techniques
- Thermal Fogging
- Air scrubbing
- Vapor modification
- Ozone generation
SERVPRO of East Onondaga County has the techniques and experience to restore your home after fire damage "Like it never even happened." Call us at (315) 446-8776.
The Best Approaches for Mold Remediation in Syracuse Homes
4/25/2022 (Permalink)
Mold remediation services for your home need to be done by SERVPRO. We have the manpower and experience.
Does SERVPRO Take a Conscious Approach to Clean Mold in Your Syracuse Home?
Mold issues can start with something simple and slow as a water leak from a burst pipe or something major such as a flooded basement. However, there is more to preventing mold damage than calling a plumber to fix the leak. Hiring a mold remediation company such as SERVPRO ensures a safe and efficient mold removal process designed to cause minimal disturbance to your Syracuse home.
If you are experiencing unexpected mold damage and need urgent mold remediation for your Syracuse property, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO. Our technicians understand the science behind mold growth, cleanup, and removal with the skills to address any mold issue you might be confronted with. We specialize in cleaning mold in basements, crawlspaces, attics, drywall, etc.
Measures to contain mold
- Identify and isolate the contaminated area
- Remove affected materials
- Clean the affected areas and materials
Mold abatement techniques
Containing mold-contaminated areas ensures it does not spread to the unaffected areas. Our crew covers all doorways and other openings with a 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Using duct tape, we seal all seams of the sheeting and slip openings in the sheeting for access to the contaminated area. To remove mold contamination, we assess the type of surface affected. Typically, we can dispose of all wet and mold-damaged porous material.
Steps in cleaning moldy surfaces
- Release mold from the surface using a wire brush
- Use disposable heavy-duty cleaning wipes
- Apply cleaning solutions to the area and scrub
SERVPRO releases mold from porous surfaces using a wire brush, then wipe the area with disposable wipes. Using a damp cloth and detergent solution, we scrub all surfaces until all mold has been removed, then rinse with clean water. Additionally, we dry the structure and contents to stop further mold growth.
SERVPRO of East Onondaga County has your mold remediation services covered 24/7. Call us at (315) 446-8776. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
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