Mitigating Fire Damage

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a fire is a stressful situation and may leave a homeowner uncertain about how to mitigate a situation that complex. The first step during the mitigation process is to ensure the safety of the homeowners and restoration professionals. Our team will go over any potential hazards that are present along with securing the property. This may involve boarding up windows and disconnecting utilities to prevent further damage or accidents.

When the property is determined to be safe, our team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the fire damage. Restoration professionals will document the extent of the damage, both visible and hidden, including structural, personal belongings, and areas affected by smoke and soot. Documentation is a crucial step that needs to be done for insurance purposes and helps guide the restoration process.

When a fire is extinguished, means water was most likely used to put it out. This means water damage can be present on the site of a fire loss. Water extraction and drying are critical to preventing further damage and mitigating the risk of mold growth. We will use special equipment to remove standing water along with dehumidifiers to control any moisture within the air. By doing this on the property, it allows us to lay the foundation for effective restoration.

After the water damage is dealt with our team can begin to work on the areas of the property that were affected by soot and smoke. The soot and smoke can permeate every surface, leaving behind stubborn stains and pungent odors. Our mitigation process includes the cleaning and removal of any smoke/soot residue from the walls, ceilings, floors, and any personal belongings that can be salvaged. We will utilize special cleaning agents combined with our experienced technicians to restore your home to its preloss condition.

Fire loss mitigation is a comprehensive process that involves assessment, safety measures, water extraction, drying, soot removal, smoke removal, content cleaning, and final touches in order to put your property on track to being fully restored.

What Makes Closter Grease Fire Damage Harder to Cleanup?

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers fire damage mitigation service that makes your home in Closter look “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Technicians Remove Closter Fire and Smoke Damage 

A grease fire in a Closter property is not limited to a pan left on a stove to the flashpoint. Another way people have caused fire damage to their properties is by putting frozen turkeys or chickens into outdoor fryers that are operated too close to the structure. During the fire, protein residues spread throughout the room and coat surfaces. While hard to see, they are highly intense, depositing a sticky residue.

SERVPRO technicians handle different types of Closter fire damage cleanup. One situation is from a single pan that caught on fire on a stovetop, and the flames in a pan were not too large until water or flour was used to attempt to extinguish it. These actions are enormous mistakes and rapidly elevate the fire and smoke damage within the kitchen. Flour is explosive, but the real danger is using water. When water comes into contact with the hot oil, it instantly vaporizes, travels upward, and carries the flames. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) recommends the following actions when there is a grease fire: 

• Turn off the heat source and use a tight-fitting lid on the pan
• Use salt or baking soda
• Double-check to make sure frozen items thawed before cooking
• SERVPRO advises having even a small amount of fire damage mitigated professionally to avoid spreading pungent odors throughout the property

Common Fire Damage Effects

After this type of fire damage in a kitchen, the issues can be widespread. SERVPRO technicians deal with ruined and sometimes melted exteriors of appliances, heat and smoke damage cleanup on cabinets and surfaces, and blackened walls and ceilings. Water damage used by first responders can also be an issue that requires extraction during the fire mitigation service. 

Actions During Housefire Cleanup

SERVPRO technicians section off the worksite when handling house fire cleanup to keep any airborne soot particles within the job area. Once the charred materials are removed, the technicians can inspect the ductwork to ensure no residues can carry odorous soot throughout the home. Property owners can avoid this common post-fire issue through a follow-up cleaning of the ducts and HVAC. Simply changing the HVAC filter will not lessen the potential for spreading smoke odors throughout the home. SERVPRO technicians can:

• Use unique collection methods to remove dirt and debris from the ducts
• Cleaning vents
• Using odor control within the home as needed

Surface Smoke Residue Removal

Protein fires have a lightly-colored, thick residue that deposits tiny droplets on surfaces. Although difficult to see, it has a powerful odor and, once dried, often has a bumpy texture that can be felt on smooth surfaces such as countertops. The stuck-on nature of this kind of smoke damage makes it hard to remove without the use of a strong cleaning agent. SERVPRO technicians mix their solvent-based solutions and emulsions using EPA- approved formulas. Afterward, homeowners can hand off any repairs the property needs, including installing floor to ceiling and painting walls in colors chosen by the homeowner or other cosmetic touches. 

Closter residents with fire damage trust SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100 with the cleanup and restoration job. The trained, certified technicians are ready 24/7 to make the fire and smoke damage, "Like it never even happened."

How Our Experts Can Save Your Fire Damaged Closter Home

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

When fire hits your Closter home, you need to call the technicians at SERVPRO.

What You Can Expect During Fire Damage Cleanup in Your Closter Home

Fire damage is one of those home disasters that tend to look worse before it gets better. Numerous actions are necessary during the cleanup and readying for repairs and reconstruction.

One of the most common steps taken in Closter homes during fire damage restoration comes in the form of controlled demolition. This is a method that SERVPRO technicians receive a large amount of training in during the certification process. The cutting away of charred sheetrock or building materials that buckled from either fire or water damage is a necessary step in reducing odor, limiting the spread of soot, and prepping the property for reconstruction.

How Much is Too Much Fire Damage for Restoration?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule for fire loss cleanup. SERVPRO technicians examine each item and area of the home for restoration potential through various cleaning methods and techniques. Non Porous items generally fare better than things that can take in smoke odors and soot.

Stay Out of the Fire Loss Area

One of the first actions technicians practice involves establishing containment or a negative air barrier space around the area in the home with fire damage. This limits the accidental spread of soot to currently unaffected areas of the house.

Let the Technicians Know What is Important

SERVPRO knows that some things in the home are invaluable to homeowners, and when someone tells them to save their favorite 75-gallon aquarium or wedding photo album is priceless, the technicians work to find those items and ascertain the restoration potential. Through their various cleaning solutions, often complicated restorations are possible.

Taking the Stress Out of Rebuilding

After fire damage cleanup, the property receives treatments against odor and to ensure it is ready for reconstruction. Because SERVPRO has a general contractor license #13VH001305854800, they can lessen the anxiety for property owners from having to find, vet, and hire builders to perform the needed repairs and construction to restore the structure entirely.

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County stands ready to handle fire damage cleanup of any size for local property owners. The technicians are available 24/7 at (201) 244-0100 and arrive on-site quickly because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

A Quick Guide to Restoring Fire Damage in your Dumont Home

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians will take every leap and bound when it comes to your fire damage in Dumont.

We Want to Always Help Our Dumont Community, Especially With Fire Damage.

A home that has become damaged by fire is a stressful obstacle for a homeowner to overcome. Smoke and soot residues can become attached to walls, ceilings, surfaces, appliances, and ventilation spots. In contrast, some soot can be harmful if ingested. If you have the correct safety equipment, some soot can be cleaned yourself. However, you need to bring in a qualified professional to restore certain areas, remove unpleasant odors, and ensure that soot is not spread around.

If you want to tackle fire damage in your Dumont home, the first thing you need to do is contact a Fire Marshall. A quick inspection is required to ensure your home is safe to enter after minor to moderate fires. Carcinogens and monoxides, and specific soot can be harmful if inhaled, so you should make sure you open all doors and windows and wear a mouth mask to prevent tiny particles from being ingested. Additionally, you should lay down a tarp or floor covering in the affected area to prevent loose soiling from dropping onto the floor. 

Begin by vacuuming dry soot from walls and ceilings. Vacuuming should remove any loose debris without spreading damage. If soot deposits are oily, you should leave them to a restoration professional. A chemical sponge can be applied directly onto dry soot to remove them. However, you should test on a small area to ensure no adverse effects on paintwork or finish. Contact SERVPRO to arrange a visit from a certified restoration provider for areas that require professional attention.

Generally speaking, shutting off the electrical supply to the affected area, opening windows, performing light cleaning tasks with a vacuum and sponge as well as checking a homeowner can carry out appliances. SERVPRO professionals can take care of walls and clothing, which may require a pre-test of materials to determine a cleaning method that does not cause further damage. Avoid wiping any powder residues that may have been used to control a fire, as these can have a chemical composition that could erode finishes, flooring, or appliances. 

Enlisting a professional restoration provider can help by providing expert knowledge and equipment that gets your home back to its pre-damaged condition. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100.

How SERVPRO Handles Fire Damage Restoration in Closter Homes?

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes the ideal thing to mitigate the situation is to remove the home contents in order to restore the fire damage. We are standing by 24/7.

Why might SERVPRO recommend a pack-out during fire restoration in Closter homes?

A pack-out involves moving the affected contents to a remote location during fire damage restoration of your Closter home. Pack-outs might facilitate SERVPRO techs to save time during the restoration of the damaged structure. 

Although pack-outs are labor-intensive, SERVPRO might recommend them in certain situations if the additional expenses are justified. Some of the most common reasons that justify a pack-out include-

• Moving contents may enable a quicker remodeling process
• A pack-out can protect content from potential damage during the remodeling process
• If the structural damage is extensive and it poses a threat to security and safety
• If the structure is saturated with water so much that humidity can damage the contents

SERVPRO takes utmost care of the contents if a pack-out is unavoidable. We meticulously box, catalog, tag, and scan each piece of content to minimize losses. 

Phases of a pack-out during water & fire damage restorations of Closter homes

The primary tasks involved during a pack-out of your Closter home fall into the following six phases:

• Conducting the initial scope and estimating the damage
• Pack, tag, and inventory 
• Sort, clean, and salvage items
• Move the contents to a warehouse for storage
• Clean, deodorize and repack the contents
• Move the contents back in the property

How do SERVPRO techs try to make the process as smooth as possible? 

The key to a successful pack-out is communication. SERVPRO techs communicate clearly and consistently with you throughout the process. Despite the most comprehensive system of checks and double-checks, unexpected situations might come up, and SERVPRO techs keep you abreast of the changing situation. We are committed to having your home restored “Like it never even happened.” 

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100 with any questions.

Need Smoke and Fire Restoration Services in Cresskill? – Call SERVPRO

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has skilled technicians to mitigate fire damage and odors to upholstered furnishings and drapes in Cresskill

SERVPRO Provides Clean Up and Restoration after a Fire in Cresskill

After even a small fire in Cresskill, there is often plenty of smoke residues on non-porous surfaces such as countertops, appliances, and cupboards. Residue also settles on fabrics or porous materials near the location of the fire or even in adjacent rooms. Air currents caused by the fire and forced air furnaces can distribute small amounts of residue throughout the house. These residues may be oily in nature if there was a grease fire on the stove, or they could be light and fluffy from a higher temperature fire.

SERVPRO specializes in fire restoration techniques for homeowners in Cresskill who have unfortunately experienced a fire in their homes. Every fire is different due to the length of time the fire burned. Also, the cause of the fire, materials burned in the fire, and the temperature of the fire are factors to be considered. We use a variety of solvents, including water and soap, to wipe down and clean non-porous surfaces. Everything is washed several times as part of our fire restoration process.

Textiles, Fabrics, and Upholstery

Fabric cleaning and porous materials require a variety of cleaning processes. Some materials can be wiped down using a hand wash and rinse approach. We also utilize upholstery cleaning machines to wash and rinse many fabrics with the appropriate solvent based on the type of fire and the material to be cleaned. We also immerse items in tanks filled with cleaning agents. Our restorers control the amount and type of products used to clean items depending on their exposure, residue, and the material being cleaned.

SERVPRO fire and smoke restoration technicians are trained to bring your property back to its pre-fire condition. Our services include:

• Water and fire damage restoration
• Smoke remediation and restoration
• Controlled application of cleaning products appropriate for the material and type of fire

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County for fire restoration in Cresskill and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (201) 244-0100.

Does SERVPRO Provide Fire Damage Restoration in Closter

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Luckily for our Closter customers, SERVPRO works with you and your insurance company to optimize the fire and smoke damage cleanup and rehab

Fire Damage Restoration in Closter by SERVPRO

Homeowners often feel so much pressure to get moving with cleaning and recovering from a fire. On the list of things to do are calling the insurance company, making arrangements for someplace to stay, recovering important documents, ensuring your belongings are safe, talking to neighbors and friends, and wondering where to begin restoration. The owner may need to meet with the fire investigation team to assess how the fire started, the insurance adjuster shows up, perhaps even the police if arson was suspected. Homeowners need help to clean up and restore their homes, but who should they call?

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration in Closter, and while we cannot help you find a place to stay, we can make sure your home and contents will be safe from the weather and nocturnal visitors. We provide emergency service to our customers and can be onsite within four hours of your call. Once the fire department has given the green light, we can cover the roof with a tarp if needed and board up windows and doors to protect your home.

Our team develops a plan to restore your home and reviews the plan with your insurance adjuster and your family. SEERVPRO’s experience shows that it is much less costly, and we can get you back into your home faster by removing fire damaged debris, water, drying, and cleaning your home and contents vs. replacing many items. We can explain our cleaning approach in detail to ensure that you fully understand our process.

Our services include:

• Emergency fire, smoke damage restoration, and cleanup
• Dry and wet cleaning processes to remove smoke residues
• Industry approved disposal of cleaning materials
• Restoration of your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County for fire damage restoration in Closter and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (201) 244-0100.

Why Hire a Professional Closter Fire Restoration Company?

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire, smoke, and soot damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. We are dedicated to having your property back to preloss condition.

SERVPRO has Trained and Certified Technicians to Handle All Phases of Fire Damage Cleanup

After fire damage occurs within a Closter property, if only a small area of the home receives the effects of the smoke and heat, it can be tempting to self-clean to save money. However, in the long run, this decision can wind up costing more money. 

SERVPRO technicians have the tools and experience to handle Closter fire restoration of any size or type. Handing off the job to a professional company is a smart decision for property owners because:

• SERVPRO communicates with the insurance carrier, so every action taken is within the scope of coverage
• Professional equipment makes a difference in the outcome
• Avoid health hazards from airborne soot or structural dangers 

Soot forms during the fire because items such as upholstery, textiles, wood, plastic, and building materials do not burn cleanly. Some soot contains potentially toxic materials, and the technicians wear full-body protection, including respirators.

Seeing a favorite table covered in soot may give the impression the piece is only fit for disposal. SERVPRO techs can inspect the table for heat or water damage at the joints. If the table is intact, it probably has good potential for restorative cleaning. Dry cleaning sponges are great for lifting off dry smoke, which usually has a fine powder texture. The techs have access to various wood-specific cleaning solutions to lift away the residues without harming the wood. The professional cleaning agents are particularly useful in cases where wet smoke is the type of residue that needs removal. These greasy, thick substances deposit on surfaces and can be difficult to remove without using a solvent-based solution.

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244-0100 brings compassion, professionalism, and years of expertise in fire restoration to every Closter job.

Can SERVPRO Fire Restoration Crews Remove Smoke Odors in Closter?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fires may start anywhere in your home. SERVPRO has all the manpower and experience needed for the fire damage restoration for your home.

SERVPRO Provides Smoke and Fire Restoration Service in Closter

Even small fires can be devastating to the homeowner in Closter, and the lingering odors after the fire can last for months unless the home and the contents are thoroughly cleaned and deodorized. Many homeowners will self-clean their homes after a small fire on the stove since there is minor physical damage. However, removing the smoke odors is often more challenging, especially if smoke residue was carried throughout the home.

SERVPRO can help with fires restoration in Closter regardless of the size of the fire and the amount of damage. Our team of fire restoration technicians can assess the damage, develop a plan to restore the damage, and remove the odors that remain after a fire. We use specific cleaning agents that work well on porous and non-porous materials to remove the odor.

Our services include:

• Complete house fire cleanup
• Water & Fire damage restoration
• Smoke residue and odor remediation

All hard, non-porous surfaces are hand washed and rinsed, then toweled dry. Our specialized upholstery cleaning machine washes and rinses most fabrics, although dry cleaning may be used to properly clean fabrics in some cases. Hard non-porous surfaces can be sprayed and wiped. We also use foam cleaning on materials that may be damaged by high moisture levels associated with some cleaning products.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County for fire restoration in Closter and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (201) 244-0100.

Our Team is Ready To Inspect Your Closter Home After A Fire

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

After your home suffers fire damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you with cleanup. Call SERVPRO right away! We are always available.

SERVPRO - Restoring Fire Damaged Homes In Closter

Accidents and disasters can happen in your home in Closter, so when residents need to clean and restore their homes, they call SERVPRO to get the job done right. 

Inspection After Fire Damage

Eliminating the effects of fire damage to Closter homes means starting with a thorough inspection. After the Fire Marshall gives the OK, our response team leaders enter the house and then examine everything from the carpet to the roof. 

Demolition and Removal

The next step is demolition and removal. Our specialists break down and dispose of everything that was physically damaged by the heat and flames. They do this for two reasons. First, it allows team members to get into the support structure and determine if further demolition and replacement are needed. 

Second, removing the damaged property takes out the source of many of the odors left behind after a fire. That allows our technicians to find the source of the remaining odors, usually trapped in support structures, and eliminate the odor-causing particles. 

Fire Damage Restoration

Next, SERVPRO technicians begin restoring the home. If there is only minor surface damage to the wall framing and overhead supports, they sand down the surfaces to remove the fire damage. Then, they hang new drywall or other building material to restore the interior walls, dividing the rooms once more. If required by the homeowner, our restoration teams can also paint the interior to match the original appearance. 

As they replace the walls, other members restore the interior. Technicians carefully strip the old varnish from the wood floors, clean them to remove soot and smoke residues left by the fire, then apply new varnish to seal the wood and protect them against future damage. With the floors restored, other team members replace damaged ceiling panels or tiles to return each room to a normal appearance. 

At SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County, our goal is to restore each home to a clean, safe home after fire damage. If you need us, call (201) 244-0100 today. We are here for you.

The Multi-Step Process of Removing Closter Fire Damage Residues

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County is ready to help local property owners with any size fire damage problem. Call today at (201) 244-0100.

When Vacuuming Fails, Fire Cleanup Specialists Succeed.

Removing fire and smoke residues from your home is not easy. Store-bought cleaning agents fail to eliminate the deep-set particles that result from these accidents. SERVPRO uses advanced methods to handle these problems.

The first step in removing residues from fire damage in Closter is to vacuum up whatever materials we can. After this step, much of the ash and smoke remains. At this point, we must dissolve the residues to remove them. This is a multi-step process:

1. We analyze the damages to determine the type of fire and smoke.
2. Experienced technicians select appropriate specialized cleaning agents.
3. We repeatedly wash, rinse, and dry the area, changing out cleaning agents as needed.

Throughout the whole process, we take care to avoid disturbing residues elsewhere in the area. Without the right precautions, a single blunder could stir up ash and dirty an area once more. Between working fast and implementing fire damage mitigation measures, our professional team avoids these situations.

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County has the equipment and experience to handle any size or type of fire damage. Call us at (201) 244-0100.

Therapeutic Art Workshop Delivered Virtually in Closter

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Raise your hand for creative and professional SERVPRO fire damage restoration for your Closter home!

Weekly Lesson to Help Closter Residents Use Art for Better Mental Health

Expressing yourself in art can be a great way to blow off steam or challenge your capabilities. Creating art can also have a therapeutic effect, thus helping people cope with mental issues such as the isolation that the pandemic has introduced. The type of art can range from painting, drawing, coloring, collage, or any other exciting thing. However, guidance is necessary to maximize the benefits. Since you may not know other people in Closter that might be interested, the virtual Therapeutic Art Workshop can be of great help to you.

The main aspects of the event include:

• Weekly classes held on Tuesdays starting from 11 AM
• The instructor, Sarah Serrano, is a Master's graduate from Pratt Institute in Creative Arts Therapy
• The event is organized by SocietyX, which brings hyper-niche creatives who share or teach various engaging lessons for the benefit of the public

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County brings together highly trained and experienced technicians who help Closter homeowners carry out successful fire and smoke restoration. Call us at (201) 244-0100.

Spice Up Your Friday Night in Cresskill with Tango

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your Closter Home? It takes two to tango--The local fire department and SERVPRO for the cleanup and restoration

Pair Up with Your Partner and other Cresskill Tango Enthusiasts for an Evening of Fun

Dancing tango is great for many reasons, apart from the thrill of enjoying music. Some people do it for physical exercise, emotional health, and social interaction or improve their cognitive abilities. Although the most popular thing about tango is that it takes two people, other aspects such as music or other people's presence are equally important.  You can enjoy all the thrills of this spectacular dance in Cresskill at The American Legion Hall.

The event is organized every Friday by Club tango to promote the dance art in New Jersey. If you would wish to take part, you should note that:

• Seating is limited, so you should make a reservation before the day.
• Participants enjoy both traditional and Nuevo dancing style and music
• Beginners get a free lesson
• A community wine table plus food provided

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County helps provide professional fire damage cleanup in Cresskill properties. Call us at (201) 244-0100 to help restore your property to its preloss state.

Cresskill Residents in Need of Professional Fire Damage Restoration.

11/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage is certainly unwelcome. Contact SERVPRO if your home has sustained damage after a fire.

SERVPRO Technicians Can Identify and Repair the Damages Caused by Fire in your Home.

In the Palisade cliffs region is Cresskill of New Jersey. The quaint township was incorporated at the end of the 19th century and bordered by Dumont, Alpine, Demarest, and Bergenfield. Of the 7,000 plus residents are 2,161 families residing nearby the Hudson River. Cresskill in North East Bergen County has three major airports nearby, including LaGuardia, Newark, and John F. Kennedy Airport.  The suburb itself is around an hour's drive from New York City, which attracts families and individuals looking for a quieter life while still enjoying weekend trips into the surrounding metropolitan area. 

The area of Cresskill has several unique sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places. These include unique architectures from the 18th century and properties owned by famous citizens, military personnel, and politicians. Among these is the Blackledge-Gair House on Madison Avenue that was home to carton inventor Robert Gair, The Peter Huyler House, which predates the American revolution, and Dutch Colonial period property the Westerveld house on County Road. Cresskill's proximity to both New Jersey and New York makes it an ideal getaway that still offers a host of activities, just a short car, bus, or train away. 

• Sports and entertainment are just a short drive away at the Metlife Stadium, New Jersey. Met life plays host to two massive sporting franchises, the New York Giants and the New York Jets. The stadium also opens itself to live music and entertainment, with previous headliners being made up of rock royalty the Rolling Stones and pop sensation Taylor Swift. Tickets for sports or shows are purchased through the online ticket office. 
• The shopping options rival any of those found in the United States. Westfield Garden State Plaza is an enormous mall with over 300 stores, restaurants, and entertainment businesses. The mall is great for younger children with its Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, Sea Life Aquarium, Dreamworks waterpark, and Legoland Discovery Center. Bargains are abundant thanks to the tax exclusion for clothes and shoes throughout Bergen County. 
• There are many outdoor activities to experience around Cresskill with Horseback riding, medieval jousting, skiing, and golfing. The Palisades region is renowned for its spectacular views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, and New York. Local hiking and biking trails are available for download from the Bergen County official website.

Exploring the Gateway Region From Cresskill, NJ

The Gateway Region is a historic interchange that passes through the lower bay and moves Northeast along the Hudson River. This area holds some of the largest cities in New York and New Jersey and famous sites like the Statue of Liberty. The region gets its name from the history of immigration through Ellis Island. As a result, the stretch of waterways, rivers, and bays has among the most diverse populations in the US and incorporates over four million citizens. At the northern reaches of the Gateway Region is the Palisades, which stretches up to 540 feet high with Cresskill, one of the many boroughs below. 

The first village of the Gateway Region, Pavonia, was established by the Dutch East India Trading Company in 1660 and remained the oldest municipality. A few years later, the British entered New York Harbor creating ElizabethTown. Bergen County arrived much later with the borough partitioning in 1675, where it gained its name as Jersey. The Gateway region became a center for innovation and technological excellence with mass production of steam trains, lightbulbs, photographs, and rocket engines being either invented or produced here by the Industrial Revolution. During the 20th century, much of the landscapes surrounding natural beauty became the preservation object, which has led to stunning park trails and wildlife reserves. 

There are several annual festivals and events to be celebrated throughout the year, including the All Points West Music & Arts Festival, the New Jersey Film Festival, and the Black Maria Film Festival initially founded by Thomas Edison and made up America's first production houses. Tours, along with the Gateway Region via the Hudson River, are available. However, many visitors choose to explore the natural getaways themselves by taking Kayaks or traversing the hundreds of trails and walks. During the year, ski enthusiasts take to the Palisades Interstate Park to enjoy cross-country as well as chutes.

• Ski season tickets are on sale now at the Campgaw mountains for 2020/2021 passes. Rental equipment includes snowboarding as well as skis and tubing.
• The Begen Equestrian Center offers riding schools and after-school programs for Cresskill and wider Bergen County residents.
• The Bergen County Zoo has live animal shows in their Amphitheater every day and offers educational tours.

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County Can Help Cresskill Residents with Fire Damage Restoration. 

The inspection and removal of fire soils, soot, smokes, or odors can be challenging. Our staff is dedicated to restoring homes in the area by using advanced cleaning techniques, which can reduce the expense and timespan of restoration. Our odor control technicians are well-versed in both finding and counteracting unpleasant fire smells. We can restore furniture, structure, and building assemblies using a combination of chemical agents and deodorant solvents. When items are damaged beyond repair, our team can quickly bag up these items and dispose of them correctly. Trained experts in the SERVPRO roster carry out reinstallation of drywalls, carpets, pads, or other parts of your home. 

• Our team can combine odor pellets, emulsifying agents, and ultra-low volume fogging (ULV) of your home to neutralize unpleasant odors.
• Using a range of solvents and water-based cleaners, we can remove most soils or stains from the property and ventilate it thoroughly. 
• Our crew chiefs have years of experience transforming damaged homes to a preloss condition. Contact us to arrange restoration within four hours of notification of loss. 

Housefires do happen. By enlisting professional services, you can get your home back quickly with minimum inconvenience. Contact SERVPRO of North East Bergen County at (201) 244-0100 now.

Can Wood Furniture Be Saved After a Fire in Closter?

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

Even a small fire in your home can cause your family stress. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for professional remediation services for your home.

SERVPRO’s Goal is Always to Restore Instead of Replace if Possible

In this Closter home, a small fire broke out in the living room. A spark from the fireplace landed on the curtain. The fire was promptly contained, but the smoke residue settled through the room.

Can the Smell Be Removed from My Coffee Table?

Smoke odors can easily penetrate unfinished wood furniture. Coffee tables, end stands, and desks can have unfinished sections. For example, the underside of the coffee table, the bottoms of drawers, and the back of desks. Our professional technicians use several cleaning methods depending on the type of soot. Dry cleaning sponges are often used as is denatured alcohol. 

My End Table Was Affected by The Fire

While soot and smells can often be removed from wood items that are soot damaged, there are situations in which the item cannot be salvaged. If the end table was exposed to high heat or direct flames, you might not be able to save it. Signs that the item is a loss include:

• Severe surface blistering
• Joints that are water-logged
• Cracked joints from the high heat
• Permanent staining of light-colored wood
• Severely charred areas

 If the coffee table has a finished surface that has mild damage, there are some semi-refinishing techniques our technicians can use. This can be done when there are slight stains from water damage that can come with a fire. A solvent-based cleaner can remove watermarks, chalky spots, and light staining. 

Even small contained fires can cause damage to a home. We understand fire damage and fire restoration. Our certified technicians look at each case individually and use whatever restoration methods the situation warrants. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County at (201) 244 - 0100 for professional fire restoration service you can trust. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Closter.

What Are the Phases of Fire Restoration Cleaning for Closter Homes?

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating. Let SERVPRO restore your home and make it, "Like it never even happened."

Knowing What to Expect When Fire Restoration Technicians Arrive at Your Home can Help you Appreciate the Need for Qualified Professionals 

There are distinct advantages to entrusting your Closter property to our competent cleaning and restoration professionals after a fire loss. As traumatic as these situations can initially appear, the immediate actions taken to counteract loss and damage can protect the structure, its contents, and its occupants. Our SERVPRO professionals have extensive training and coursework in specific restoration niches such as Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), Odor Control (OCT), and Upholstery Cleaning (UFT.) 

Despite our experience and knowledge in managing fire damage for Closter homes, our preparedness for these emergencies is our service's efficient element. We understand the value of restoration preparation to reach a damaged address quickly and make the recovery process more thorough and intricate.Having customers that can realize these additional levels of our restoration process can appreciate our commitment to making these fire losses "Like it never even happened." 

How Does SERVPRO Set Up for a Fire Loss?  

Preparation can happen in many stages that occur before our technicians officially arrive and begin emergency services or mitigation tasks. As much as homeowners might believe that technicians' immediate arrival might be beneficial, unprepared professionals cannot adequately protect or preserve any impacted elements. These initial conversations with the customer and the insurance company can keep all parties on the same page moving forward with restoration and recovery efforts. Our SERVPRO team sets up for fire losses by: 

• Allocating resources
• Comprising the available budget
• Work orders to detail work to come  

Helping customers understand what to expect after a fire loss incident can offer peace of mind in a trying time. Communication is a vital element to preemptive restoration and recovery work, as we strive to meet your expectations and priorities. No one understands your home as well as you. 

How Does Job Scoping Aid Restoration?  

Initial inspection and evaluation of the fire damaged property in Closter are critical to understanding the extent of damage and what must get done to return the house to the preloss condition. As overwhelming as this restoration might appear when debris and charring exist throughout the property, our trained project managers can work around these hurdles to determine:  

• Present damage
• Catalog losses
• Note pre-existing conditions 
• Identify safety hazards  

This information gets documented in multiple programs used to determine both the progress of drying, the necessary reconstruction efforts, and the expected costs of the work to get performed. Xactimate and SERVPRO DryBook are two of the standard ports for data entry access to the responding technicians and insurance adjusters working to approve a damage claim for the house.  

What is Staging?  

Another preemptive action that we can take involves preparing a safe and undamaged area near the work zone for staging equipment, products, and devices. Because fire restoration happens in so many different stages, the volume of equipment and products needed to accomplish these tasks is substantial. Bringing these tools in before they are needed is beneficial in multiple ways:  

• Saves time
• Prevents cross-contamination 
• Allows for work areas to be less active
• Keeps equipment readily available 

Staging is most effective when it occurs in an area adjacent to the workspaces. This space can also serve as a decontamination or clean room, meaning that professionals passing through can reduce tracking ash, soot, and residues through the rest of the house. This buffer room provides adequate opportunity to remove shoe coverings, Tyvek coveralls, and other protective equipment before entering other unaffected areas of the property.  

What is the Benefit of a Final Walkthrough?  

Once the work has completed on the job, including any reconstruction and repairs necessary to return the property to its original conditions, we must complete a quality control inspection of the work areas. This walkthrough is foremost to ensure that all of the projected tasks to recover the property have completed successfully and ensure that the customer is satisfied with these results. It is possible that, through the eyes of homeowners that know the property best, punch list items can get identified that must get resolved before we can say the job is complete.  

Fire loss incidents can present substantial obstacles for even experienced restoration professionals like our SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County team. Providing quality results and positive customer experiences are vital parts of the fire restoration process for our professionals. Contact us anytime at (201) 244-0100.

What Can I Do To Save My Cresskill Carpets After Fire Damage

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County can help clean your carpets or rugs caked with fire residues.

Advanced Carpet Cleaning Resources from SERVPRO can Help Restore Fire Damage in Your Cresskill Home

Carpets are vulnerable to fire damage in many ways. The fibers can burn from the intensive heat and flames during the fire. The water that quells the fire can also cause damages. Finally, residues such as soot deposited on the carpet surface at any stage of the incident can cause damage.

Is carpet damage from fire incidents preventable?

As the fire rages, saving contents such as carpets is probably an afterthought since the main concern is quelling the fire. However, fire damage in your Cresskill home is likely to continue even after the flames are out. Some typical secondary damages include:
    •    Separation of backing due to moisture exposure
    •    Stains from soot and other fire residues
    •    Stains from dyes or rust

With help from our SERVPRO crews, it is possible to prevent or reduce some of the secondary damages using a combination of simple or complex cleaning techniques, and use of other restoration resources.

What simple steps help save carpets?

Before trying to save the carpet, it is good to establish how the fire affects it since it is hard to reverse burning or heat action. When the problem involves soiling or moisture, simple steps can help save the carpet:  
    •    Timely vacuuming dry residues
    •    Lifting rather than dragging furniture during movement
    •    Pilating the carpet to prevent matting

The combination of people moving around the loss site and powdery residues such as soot and ash leaves sections of the carpets heavily soiled. Our SERVPRO team pre-treats such areas and use spot removal for isolated soiling. We apply specially formulated cleaning products to break the heavy soiling then agitate the areas thoroughly using pilating brushes or roto. We use rotary jet extraction, showcase, as well as, deluxe precondition and rinse for restorative cleaning.

Planning the cleaning process also helps. For instance, starting with areas further away from the exit helps prevent re-soiling through movements, thus expediting the cleaning process.

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County can help clean your carpets or rugs caked with fire residues. Call us at (201) 244-0100 to help.

For more about Cresskill click here.

Fire Damage In Your Cresskill Laundry

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County offers a mitigation service that makes your home look, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Removes Fire Damage from a Cresskill Laundry

Failure to clean the dryer and remove flammable dust or lint is the leading cause of approximately a third of all dryer fires. Not only can these disasters char your laundry room and destroy the dryer, but soot residues can create long-term corrosive damage that eventually causes other appliances and structural materials to decay.

When the utility room of your Cresskill home requires fire damage mitigation, SERVPRO technicians offer IICRC-certified training in mitigation techniques that restore your home. The Institute of Inspection Cleanup and Restoration Certification determines the universal standards necessary to return homes a clean, safe condition after various types of disasters occur.. Your local SERVPRO is also licensed to offer general contracting services (#13VH001305854800) for your home.

Preventing Clothes Dryer Fires
    •    Keep the lint filter clean. Check it both before and after use. This is especially crucial because dryer lint is one of the primary ignition sources in clothes dryer fires.
    •    Examine the venting system behind your dryer. Is it damaged or dusty? Is there enough clearance between the dryer and the wall? Consult the manufacturer or a licensed installer for troubleshooting if needed.
    •    Unplug the dryer when away from home. If you plan to take a vacation, you can minimize fire risks due to electrical system failures by keeping appliances unplugged while you are away.
    •    Replace damaged components ASAP. Do not operate a dryer with damaged hoses or without a lint filter.

How SERVPRO Saves Your Laundry Room
If your laundry has wood or vinyl paneling around or behind the source of the fire, it may need removal. Synthetic wood options are generally more cost-effective to replace than repair, but real, finished wood can often be restored. Wet cleaning methods are adequate for light to moderate soiling of paneling. More substantial damage may require SERVPRO's Wood Creme Paste, which can be gently applied with #0000 steel wool to treat wood without removing finishes.

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County offers a mitigation service that makes your home look, “Like it never even happened.” You can call (201) 244-0100, no matter when your home is affected by a disaster.

For more about Cresskill click here.

We Act Fast In Cresskill To Restore Your Home After A Fire

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Our ozone machine was used in this home to counteract the smoke produced from a fire in this home. We are available 24/7 so call us right away.

Cleaning Out Your Closet After Fire Damage in Cresskill

Considering the other damage in your Cresskill home after ablaze, the last thing on your list is going through your closets and dressers. The expense and aggravation of replacing your wardrobe and those of your family would be significant, pushing this task more to the forefront once you realize the impact of waiting to cope with it. Our technicians understand the urgency of evaluating and responding to the condition of your clothing. Let us help.

Synthetic Fibers Pose Remediation Challenges

When fire damages your Cresskill home, countless toxic gasses, vapors, and chemicals form. The synthetic fibers found in many items of clothing can bond with these hazardous emissions, causing discoloration, deterioration, and persistent smell. Clothing damaged with heavy smoke can be hazardous to wear, requiring disposal for the health and safety of your family. Our technicians sort clothing into three main groups:

• Clothing you need immediately (during the restoration time frame)
• Clothing that you need shortly
• Clothing that is specialized or seasonal

Off-Site Clothing Cleaning

Once the sorting and detailed inventorying complete, specially trained SERVPRO technicians or subcontractors get to work, often at our production facility, removing the residues and odors so the items are refreshed and safe to wear. We have industrial washers and dryers and fire damage restoration-skilled dry cleaner resources to return clothing to preloss condition.

Examples of Equipment and Strategies

As a first step, SERVPRO workers often blow away loose fire debris with compressed air. The evaporation process accelerates, deactivating some odor particles. Items are then laundered or dry cleaned, depending on the material. One detail with which most homeowners would not be familiar is the need to remove clothes from metal hangers. The corrosive action of fire residues can oxidize the metal, transferring the discoloration to the clothing.

Deodorization

We chose from among several solutions if odor persists in your clothing. Proprietary SERVPRO solvent-based odor counteractants are a possibility, sprayed on and allowed to dry. Thermal fogging is another option. We place the clothing into garment bags, directing the fog inside. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County is a full-service fire damage recovery company. Give us a call at (201) 244-0100 for help with all your smoke and residue-damaged possessions.

See more about Cresskill.

SERVPRO Skilled Team Provides Closter Properties with Fire, Smoke, and Odor Mitigation Services--And Fast!

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke, Odors, Fire Damage in Closter Have You Down? SERVPRO Can Lift You Up--"Like it never even happened."

Restoring Air Quality from Fire Damage in Restrictive Spaces of Your Closter Home

Fire Damage Closter
A fire situation can cause catastrophic harm to your home environment and indoor air quality. The combustion process- when materials burn- releases myriad gases into the air. Synthetic materials, in particular, can release gas that is noxious and odorous in the form of smoke. When these hot smoke plumes come into contact with cold surfaces, they can leave behind staining as well as soiling. In high-pressure fires, soiling pushes beneath the surface and may require intensive agitative to remove.

When restoring fire damage in Closter, our technicians conduct a pre-test before any work begins. Pre-testing allows us to understand the different types of smoke damages. By following the composition of soiling, SERVPRO can apply cleaning solutions and strategies that are effective. Wet smoke deposits, for example, produce greasy smoke signatures that require oil-based solvents. Dry smoke deposits, on the other hand, usually respond well to water-based cleaning solutions and products.

While several gases may deposit particulates on the walls of your home, some may remain airborne. Odor-causing particles can bond with particles in the air, causing them to linger. In some cases, you may not be able to re-enter your home until harmful particles in the air disperse. This dispersal usually takes around an hour or more after a fire is put out. However, you should always wait to receive an all-clear from a fire marshall before re-entering your home. SERVPRO recommends that you check before opening windows immediately to ventilate the space and remove gases and odorous particles. Unintended consequences can exacerbate the smoke and fire damage.

Some areas of your home may be tough to ventilate in normal conditions. You may find that hallways, stairwells, and small spaces like attics become difficult to ventilate thoroughly. SERVPRO technicians can deploy air filtration devices (AFDs) to help restore indoor air quality in restrictive areas. AFDs draw air through layers of filters that can capture odorous particles. The clean air then exhausts back into the home, removing gases and odors. Under severely compromised air quality, HEPA filtered air scrubbers can do the heavy lifting to clarify the air.

Take back control of your indoor air quality IAQ. Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen at (201) 244-0100.

How SERVPRO Removes Fire Odors From Closter Homes

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Yikes!. Soot, smoke and fire odors traveled throughout this home. SERVPRO has the equipment for effective odor removal.

Closter Fire and Odor Removal Through Recreation of Fire Conditions 

After a household fire in Closter, a substantial agenda of recovery phases, tasks, and steps develop as our experienced project managers assess the situation. We work through the list, checking box after box, and your home returns to preloss condition as we clear away debris and residues. Throughout the project, our technicians are open to your questions and concerns. One worry we want to put to rest is a lingering odor. No matter how diligent we are while cleaning, disinfecting, and rebuilding fire-damaged structures if the odor remains, our work is incomplete.  

Reality and Perception 

In your Closter home, fire and odor link themselves together. When you or members of your family notice a smoky smell, the memory of the chaos and fear felt during the fire comes rushing back. Your experience of fire odor might be primarily an individual perception. Still, we tackle the task of neutralizing and eliminating all traces of fire damage malodors with perseverance, working with you until you are satisfied.  

The Four Basics Underlying Deodorization 

SERVPRO technicians understand that if we are meticulous about the following, nearly all odor complaints resolve.  

• Remove the odor source
• Deep clean surfaces that were in contact with the odor-causing substances
• Recreate circumstances that permitted odor penetration
• Seal surfaces that persist in emitting odors 

Why Deep Cleaning Alone Is Frequently Inadequate 

The odor-bearing particles that float and settle after combustion are tiny, invisible to the naked eye. They persist in a professionally-cleaned environment because: 

• They absorb into a porous material
• They often form in large quantities
• They are present for extended periods
• They penetrate materials more easily under super-heated conditions
• They vaporize readily when humidity levels rise

How Recreating Odor Penetrating Conditions Helps 

SERVPRO uses thermal fogging as an option when odors linger with excellent results. Deodorant compounds are combusted in a heated chamber, minimizing the size of the deodorants to the equivalent of the persistent odor-bearing particles. These minute particles seek out the odors, pairing with the residues to neutralize the smell. Because they act similarly to the odor-bearing particles, they can cause the change even deep within porous materials. 

Count on SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County to help with fire odors that you fear would remain troublesome forever. We have many options we can explore when you call us at (201) 244-0100. 

More about Closter.

Furnace Puffbacks Can Be Cause Significant Damage To Your Cresskill Home

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call anytime at (201) 244-0100.

Cleaning Furnace Puffback Symptoms Throughout Cresskill Homes

When oil gets left in an ignition chamber of a furnace but does not get burned, puffbacks can occur that spread their effects quickly through your Cresskill property. You can often find soot damage to indicate a persistent problem with the furnace system by checking in the room where you keep the furnace for black stains on the walls and ceilings. If you do not frequent this area, you can also find what looks like black sooty spiderwebs in cooler corners of closets and your living areas.

Soot can be challenging for fire damage professionals to overcome in Cresskill residences. Many owners mistakenly think that they can handle this condition on their own, but in many situations, can smear the soot and cause staining. Once a material, surface, or item becomes stained, it can be nearly impossible to restore. Our SERVPRO professionals know what cleaning agents, tools, and approaches are best for each type of affected material.

When our team first arrives at your fire-damaged home, we assess how widespread the puffback damage is throughout the property. This inspection often involves a thorough look at the entire ductile network and furnace unit, which our professionals have the advanced equipment to clean. The SERVPRO cleaning technicians have a borescope camera to put eyes on the full heating system that could all have variances of soot damage after ongoing furnace concerns.

We have high powered HEPA vacuums that can remove the largest portion of soot sediment and buildup. We can also utilize chemical sponges that can be beneficial in removing nearly fifty square feet of damaged wall space with a single pad. We also have industrial-grade, OSHA-approved cleaners that can remove lingering particulates attached to surfaces and contents.

Furnace puffbacks can be a dangerous situation that homeowners should address as quickly as possible by servicing their heating unit. While we cannot repair this compromised appliance, our SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County professionals can help to make the soot damage throughout the property “Like it never even happened.”  Give us a call anytime at (201) 244-0100.

For more about Cresskill click here.

What Type of Fireplace is Best?

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that 1 in every 3 homeowner uses a fireplace to provide heat in their home? It is also one of the top 10 sources of a fire in a home. There are several different types of fireplaces out there to use, some safer than others. This blog will help you distinguish which one may be best for you.

Some key factors to think of when choosing the right fireplace for you are the following:

• Efficiency
• Cost
• Maintenance
• Safety

1. Traditional fireplaces -wood-burning

A traditional fireplace is nostalgic for many people and can often been seen by some as the one and only fireplace out there.

It involves an open combustion system which can produce some heat but the heat generated actually just gets sucked back up the chimney like a vacuum. Older fireplaces are around 10-15% efficient in producing heat into a home. 

It requires a chimney which in itself has its own maintenance needed. If they aren’t inspected and cleaned regularly, they can create a build-up of soot and other substances that can be flammable. 

It also requires more effort to burn the logs correctly as well as the post fire clean up. However, many will say it is worth it because of the authenticity of having a real fire shooting sparks and crackling as it burns. It is easy on the eyes, creating a warm comfort feeling. 

2. Gas

This method is most popular for a number of reasons. It takes minimal installation effort and can be installed almost anywhere since venting gets set up through a PVC pipe in the wall instead of a chimney. Everything is enclosed behind a piece of glass so it very safe to use with little to no monitoring. It can easily be turned on with a switch and heats up a home very well. 

It also comes in a vent-less option however these emit the exhaust they produce into your home.

They produce an actual flame that is visible without the need of wood or pellets. It is very efficient in producing heat into a home.

3. Electric

This is probably the most mobile type of fireplace as it can be moved from room to room wherever it can reach an outlet. Downside is because there are no live burning flames it doesn’t produce much heat.

It does prove to be ideal for commercial settings like hotels because of the beautiful appearance of a fireplace without the liability of burning someone who tries to touch it. Cost to buy one is more affordable but in the long-term electric bills will spike.

4. Bio-ethanol

This is the most expensive and referred to as the high-end option. They don’t run on gas, wood or electric but bio-ethanol which is a burning fuel made from an alcohol produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates. They have no cleaning required and are very good looking on the eyes. Downfall is they do not provide as much heat as gas fireplaces and minimal protection from heat.

When deciding on which option is best for you we hope this helped point you in the right direction. 

How to Prepare For and Prevent a Fire.

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that the actual heat from a fire is more dangerous than the flames?

Room temperature during a fire can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level.

You can scorch your lungs just trying to take a breath. The high temperature will even melt your clothes onto your skin.

PREVENTION

• Install the right number of smoke alarms for your home and test them at least once a month. Batteries should be changed once a year.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended
• Turn off portable heater when unattended.
• Never smoke in bed, when drowsy, or medicated. Douse cigarette buds in water before disposal.
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used. Oxygen can be explosive and will make a fire burn hotter and faster.
• Never use a portable generator indoors. It should also only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.
• Keep items 3 feet in distance from any fire source.

PREPARE

• Teach children what to do when they hear the sound of the smoke alarm.
• In the dark close your eyes and practice feeling your way out of your house.
• Establish two ways to exit each room.
• Create a meeting point for all the members in your family outside of your home.
• Make sure everyone knows how to call 911.
• Make sure windows are easily accessible and screens can be removed quickly.
• Make digital copies of all important documents and records such as a birth certificate.

In the event of a fire; before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If it is hot and/or has smoke coming out of the cracks do not open it. Use your second mode of escape from that room. If clothes catch fire teach everyone to stop, drop and roll. If someone cant drop down you can also take a blanket to smother the flames.

Better Act Quick!

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Soot cob webs found in the kitchen of this home.

A fire is a devastating thing to have happen to anyone. No homeowner wants to experience a fire and its damages left behind.

Why is it important to start clean up and restoration after a fire?

Health Risks

First and foremost, left over smoke & soot particles is a bio-hazard. Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory problems or worsen conditions like asthma and heart disease. If possible always try to limit exposure by staying with a relative or in a hotel during restoration. Many times when filing a claim your insurance company may offer you a stay in a hotel until it is no longer a hazard. 

Was Water Used?

There may be occurrences where water was used to cease the fire. If that is the case you may be experiencing not only fire and smoke damage to your home but also water damage. It is imperative to start proper drying of water in your home to prevent mold growth from occurring. 

Permanent Damage

Acidic soot can cause damage to porous materials leading to permanent discoloration that even a professional at that point wouldn't be able to remove.  However, if action is taken quickly permanent damage can be prevented.

It is expected that wherever the fire occurred there can also be electrical damage to outlets, wires, appliances. Make sure these are deemed safe before return to use. 

Soot can also cause damage to finishes on appliances or kitchen surfaces. These can become discolored turning a yellow hue. Over time smoke and soot can cause etching to glass and tarnishing of metal. 

Hopefully this situation will not occur in your home but if you find yourself needing to act quickly contact SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County.

What Is Soot?

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Soot found on chemical sponge.

Did you know that the highest cause of house fires is from cooking? Usually when a homeowner leaves a pot or pan unattended and then only remembers it when smoke invades their home. It may not develop into fire damage to your property but rather smoke and soot damage that usually is worse than you would think. Although your kitchen cabinetry isn’t on fire and ruined there is still some specialized clean-up needing to be done from the smoke & soot. 

Soot is a powdery, flaky substance composed of mostly carbon that is a result of incomplete combustion of materials like coal, oil and wood. Not only is it harmful but it can also be a pain to remove due to its stickiness which can cause staining if not treated properly. 

A chemical sponge is used to clean soot from walls. Commonly a chemical sponge may also reveal soot you did not notice was there. 

When treating textiles, a heavy duty vacuum must be used  before trying to clean them. Do not try to wash these in regular dry-cleaning or wash. Professional cleaners will need to use counteractants to break up smoke molecules and eliminate odors. 

It is highly recommended to hire a professional to properly handle clean-up and restoration to eliminate chances of staining and odor. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (201) 445-5588

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause Pervasive Odor in Your Home

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Special Chem or Dry Sponges used to remove excessive soot and smoke from hard surfaces

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (201) 244-0100