Methods for fire damage restoration

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

No two fires are alike; each one causes different damage based on what burned, how much oxygen was present and how hot everything burned. Even within a single fire, many various types of smoke and residue damages require multiple cleaning methods.

Restoring property in Phoenix homes after fire damage is not a quick task. SERVPRO® has decades of experience in dealing with returning homeowners to their residences as safely and rapidly as possible. We use six methods developed over those years and are backed by a nationwide support network.

Dry Cleaning is the first method we use. Much of the residue damage after a Phoenix home fire is light-to-medium, and our technicians can usually clean the residue off surfaces using dusting cloths and feather dusters. If there are particulates (pieces larger than dust), they use dry sponges or commercial vacuum cleaners.

Wet Cleaning is for medium-to-heavy residues. Our technicians use water, for the most part, to clean with cloths and sponges. If this proves insufficient, they repeat with a mild chemical cleaner.

Spray and Wipe is a method we use on materials that can be damaged by saturation with water or cleaners. Our certified technicians dampen the surface using a spray bottle and wipe it down with a white cloth. This method gives our work crews better control applying the product on upholstery and wood surfaces.

Foam Cleaning is used on fabrics to prevent shrinking and fading colors. Technicians stir up a chemical foam in a bucket and then apply it with an upholstery brush, agitating the residue on the surface. If we need to force more air into the foam, technicians use a pump-up sprayer to reduce the chance of damage. 

Abrasive Cleaning uses chemical cleaners on heavy residues with rough surfaces like stone or brick that are not easily damaged. If there are deep cuts or grooves on the surface, technicians may use scrubbing pads or even steel wool.

Immersion Cleaning is exactly that. For an item that is already saturated and has heavy residues over most of its surface, we place it in an ultrasonic tank of chemical cleaner. We then use sound waves to force bubbles of the cleaner through and across the surfaces. Depending on the item and the thickness of the residue; immersion can take from one to several hours.

Restoring property can be a lengthy process, but it is more often cheaper than replacing fire damaged items. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix understands that there is also the sentimental factor to consider with inherited items. If you need our help in Avondale, Phoenix, and Tolleson, call us today at (623) 594-6033

SERVPRO® can extract water swiftly and mitigate damage

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

When flooding happens, regardless of the source, you need a professional service with years of experience and training to return your home to normal. A quick response means less property damage and lowers replacement costs.

Significant water damage I Phoenix home is not something many people even consider possible. We are well known for our heat and the desert (and the Suns of course) but not for rain or cresting creeks and rivers. Most damage to a home is not from those sources, however. Broken plumbing such as a leaking faucet can cause thousands of dollars in damage before the homeowner is even aware of it. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the skills and equipment to take care of it.

First, we inspect and secure your home. Technicians check for weakened sub-floors, crumbling drywall and electrical hazards. With the inspection complete, we board up the doors, windows, and other entrances to prevent loss from the elements, theft, and vandalism.

Now, we remove any standing water. If it is two inches or higher, our team deploys a set of sump pumps to get the job done. For amounts lower than two inches across the home, we use smaller water extractors. If the power is out, we also use one of the generators we maintain in our equipment inventory to ensure continuous electrical support.

Our next step is to examine the property no longer under water. There is always some water trapped in carpets and wood floors, so our SERVPRO IICRC cretified technicians use special vacuums designed to remove water without damaging the nape of the carpet or surface of the wood. If the standing water was high enough, there might be some amount behind the walls as well. If we find excess water, we use extraction wands to draw it out. In almost every case of standing water, we recommend removing and replacing any carpet pads. It is rarely ever cost-effective to attempt to dry them.

Next, comes examination and repair of the carpets. We look for thinning lamination and damaged seams. Since the lamination is what holds the fibers together, too much loss means that the fibers detach when vacuumed and the carpet must be replaced soon. We can repair damage seams quickly and cheaply, but if too many fibers near the seam have begun to detach, it is not cost-effective.

As we complete repairs, other technicians check the inside humidity and the moisture levels of the surrounding structural property. For high concentrations in both, we deploy commercial dehumidifiers to assist and quicken the natural drying process. Depending on the size, these machines can draw over 25 gallons of water from the air each day. We also use air movers to force airflow over surfaces to dry them and push the damp, inside air out of your home. The air movers are particularly useful with wet drywall that has not yet begun to crumble and structural property (kitchen cabinets for example) that was not under water. If we do not lower the moisture levels, physical damage continues to your home, and the threat of a mold infestation begins as well. Our goal is to make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Our last step is to perform a final inspection with you to show what we accomplished and make certain you are satisfied with our work. At SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix, this is not just a job. Every client is also one of our neighbors. Call us today at (623) 594-6033

Professional Mold Remediation

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Battling with mold growth on your own can make many to feel like it is a losing battle. Using bleach to clean mold away from surfaces, a method claimed by many people to work well is counter-productive and can be part of the reason that mold returns to the same location repeatedly.
 
The climate in Phoenix can be dry at times, but mold damage can still happen to your home's interior. The tiniest drip from a water line can provide enough moisture for fungal infestations to prosper in hidden areas of your home. This shows how vital a nutrient water is for the spores.
 
Remove water from the interior environment of your home, and unwanted mold colonies find it nearly impossible to return after they have been cleaned away. Removing mold with the use of bleach fails to work as claimed because of bleach's high concentration of water and the physics involving permeability of a common material used in homes – sheets of drywall.
 
Moisture can penetrate into the drywall, while bleach molecules are too large to do the same. While water remains inside the porous drywall, and available to mold's hyphae, all of the bleach remains on the surface, only discoloring this tough, durable, but tiny microbe, creating the illusion that the mold has been killed and removed.
 
To remove unwanted mold and prevent damage, remediation is required. During this process, any materials affected by mold damage are removed and repaired, so the area involved is completely restored, “Like it never even happened.” Hard surfaced materials such as cast iron, glass, and ceramic tiles can be cleaned and treated. These materials cannot be penetrated by fungi as it grows, but any dust or other minute debris can provide the basic surface changes to allow this to happen.
 
When an area has re-attained a normal microbe level again, treating the previously affected areas with microbe-inhibitors can prevent recurrences. This can include a special liquid that is applied like paint or simply sprayed on directly. After it has dried, it is both long-lasting, but also safe around children and pets.
 
There is no reason to continue your solo-battle against mold damage in your home. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is only a phone call away. We are ready to help you with the devastation that microbial infestations can cause, so call us, 24/7, at (623) 594-6033. Our IICRC trained technicians can win your battle and let you relax.

Commerial Water Damage Tips

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in a commercial disaster he first thing you should do is call SERVPRO we can dispatch right away and we will make sure you get some help.

Tips until SERVPRO arrives:

• Shut off the water source if identified.
• Place aluminum foil or wood block under furniture legs.
• DO NOT use regular vacuum to remove water

When we arrive we will do a very thorough dry out and complete in a timely manner. We practice the science of drying...and we specialize in restoring your property. We are a "One Stop Shop"- A company that can dry your property, take care of your contents, and rebuild if necessary. Call us at 623-594-6033 and we will be there 24//7, 365.

SERVPRO makes it look like it nothing ever happen! Restoring business to a preloss condition is not simple, but hiring the right service can make the process much easier for you. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix has decades of training and experience to do just that for you. Call us today at (623) 594-6033 to get started

Smoke and Soot Removal Best Practice

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

For people who’ve experienced a fire in their home, the initial cleanup of soot and water can be only the beginning. On top of the devastation of possibly losing irreplaceable personal items and memorabilia, the process of getting the home back in living order can be filled with difficulties.

Restoring the home requires professionals who are experienced in dealing with fires and restoration of the property. The national association that certifies companies’ expertise in fire cleanup is the IICRC, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. IICRC-certified companies must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise.

IICRC, working with the manufacturers of carpet, upholstery and fabric, works to establish the standards on how these items can be restored, whether from fire or water damage. When it comes to cleaning, restoring and inspecting that items are safe to be replaced in the home, the IICRC writes the books, so their certification of a local company offers homeowners the reassurance that the fire restoration work will be done correctly.

SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix is IICRC-certified, and our technicians receive ongoing training in the IICRC best practices. We also understand the need for immediate response, working with your insurance agent to document the loss and items that are able to be restored versus those that are a total loss.

If you ever experience a fire and need a restoration company, look for these factors in your chosen company:

• Proof of proper insurances and licenses
• Their level of experience in fire-related restoration
• Formal and recent training in specialized fire restoration work
• IICRC Certification

For restoration of your home and its contents after a fire, Litchfield & the West Valley turn to SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoenix. We take pride in keeping our customers informed about their restoration work, and in upholding the standards of our IICRC certification.

Dealing with Fire Damage

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

No matter how big or small your structure is—whether it’s a house, business, mobile home, or garage—the damage from a fire can be devastating. First things first: Take a deep breath. A fire is scary and cleanup can be stressful, but the best thing you can do now is keep a level head and take on the next steps calmly and deliberately. 

1. Contact your insurance company right away.

If you have insurance on your property, you’ll want to call them as soon as the fire is safely extinguished. The faster you file a claim, the sooner you’ll receive payment and your life can get back on track.

2. Have the damage inspected by a third-party, licensed professional.

This is why it can be in your best interest to hire a licensed contractor or structural engineer to accurately evaluate the extent of the destruction, determine the integrity of the structure, and provide an honest estimate of the overall cost of repairs.

3. Decide if you should repair or demolish and rebuild.

Once the inspection is completed and you have an accurate estimate, you’ll be able to determine whether you want to repair the damage or demolish and rebuild.

Professional Mold Remediation

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Battling with mold growth on your own can make many to feel like it is a losing battle. Using bleach to clean mold away from surfaces, a method claimed by many people to work well is counter-productive and can be part of the reason that mold returns to the same location repeatedly.

There is no reason to continue your solo-battle against mold damage in your home. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is only a phone call away. We are ready to help you with the devastation that microbial infestations can cause, 
 
The climate in Phoenix can be dry, but mold damage can still happen to your home's interior. The tiniest drip from a water line can provide enough moisture for fungal infestations to prosper in hidden areas of your home. This shows how vital a nutrient water is for the spores.
 
Remove water from the interior environment of your home, and unwanted mold colonies find it nearly impossible to return after they have been cleaned away. Removing mold with the use of bleach fails to work as claimed because of bleach's high concentration of water and the physics involving permeability of a common material used in homes – sheets of drywall. Our IICRC trained technicians, here at SERVPRO of Litchfield/West Phoexni, can win your battle and let you relax.
 
Moisture can penetrate into the drywall, while bleach molecules are too large to do the same. While water remains inside the porous drywall, and available to mold's hyphae, all of the bleach remains on the surface, only discoloring this tough, durable, but tiny microbe, creating the illusion that the mold has been killed and removed.
 
To remove unwanted mold and prevent damage, remediation is required. During this process, any materials affected by mold damage are removed and repaired, so the area involved is completely restored, “Like it never even happened.” Hard surfaced materials such as cast iron, glass, and ceramic tiles can be cleaned and treated. These materials cannot be penetrated by fungi as it grows, but any dust or other minute debris can provide the basic surface changes to allow this to happen.
 
When an area has re-attained a normal microbe level again, treating the previously affected areas with microbe-inhibitors can prevent recurrences. This can include a special liquid that is applied like paint or simply sprayed on directly. After it has dried, it is both long-lasting, but also safe around children and pets.
 
There is no reason to continue your solo-battle against mold damage in your home. SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix is only a phone call away. We are ready to help you with the devastation that microbial infestations can cause, so call us, 24/7, at (623) 594-6033. Our IICRC trained technicians can win your battle and let you relax.

Preparing for the Possibility of Flood Damages in Phoenix

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

While Phoenix on average gets significantly less water throughout the year than other parts of the country, this does not in any way imply that the capital city does not have the appropriate weather conditions to allow for flash flooding. In fact, over the course of the last several years, there have been numerous instances of this type of disaster happening to areas all across the city, but lower lying plains were hit the worst.
 
The problem with flash flood damage to your Phoenix home is that there is a very little warning to prepare for the incident adequately. In many cases, this has caused residents to do more to prevent this kind of home-life crisis by improving water diversion implements that exist all around the exterior of the house. When Hurricanes Irma and Harvey were sweeping across the southern part of the country, many in the city feared that whatever lingering torrential rains still due to head their way could cause these dire conditions for them or their neighbors.
 
Truthfully, preparing for such a disaster is often easier said than done. Our SERVPRO professionals can help you to inspect the areas of your house that are more prone to experiencing water damage and help you to determine what might need to be repaired or replaced for the water to stay outside of your home (even in the event of forceful flash flooding).
 
Many people did not even realize that our SERVPRO team is available for smaller tasks like this, offering up our advice and expertise to keep your entire home safe and avert a potential crisis. Much like our emergency response team (that can be called at any hour of the day or night to help you in your most urgent times of need), you can also call us 24/7. We can have a professional on-site to begin assessing where the primary problem areas are and which components to thwart water penetration are not up to snuff.
 
Whether you would like your home checked for potential threats or you are currently dealing with flood damage already, you can always give SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix a call. We are available anytime at (623) 594-6033.

Water Damage Experts in Phoenix

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody ever plans it, but accidents do happen. Sometimes disasters come in the form of a pipe leaking in your Phoenix townhouse. Whenever a pipe breaks, water gets into your townhome and causes damage.
 
During this type of situation, it is a possibility that building materials and contents inside your home get negatively affected. Whenever a pipe breaks inside your building, it is wise to call SERVPRO's professional water damage crews in Phoenix. 
 
The first step to mitigating a problem inside your home is to repair the problem at its source. Our crews first make sure that there is not any more water leaking into the structure. Then our specialists assess the damage caused by the leak.
 
After our team determines all of the areas affected, we extract any water present. After all standing water gets removed, we use specialized equipment to extract more from carpet and hard surface floors. The next step in the mitigation process is the drying procedure.
 
It is possible in some cases that moisture causes damage to your building's structure. Sometimes building materials such as drywall and insulation get too wet, and removal becomes necessary. In other cases, building materials get dried out back to normal moisture levels.
 
One building material inside a structure that possibly gets damage when pipes break is insulation. Moisture lessens the insulating power of the insulation inside your walls. At times, water mats the insulation and causes the materials "R" value to drop.
 
Some types of insulation like fiberglass easily get dried without ruining its effectiveness. Other types of insulation such as cellulose and Rockwool get destroyed and removing the material becomes mandatory. When drying out walls with fiberglass insulation, our experts at SERVPRO pull your baseboard and drill holes into the drywall behind it so that air can get to the insulation located behind the wall.
 
When you call experts in to mitigate your problem, it often prevents you from being forced to replace contents and building materials. When dealing with any damage to your home, it is smart to call SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix at (623) 594-6033 for help 24/7.

Smells from Fires

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with the after-effects of a fire in your home, one of the biggest frustrations is the smell. It can foul the air for days, weeks and even months. People never get used to a bad smell. It can make your home unlivable. The technicians here at SERVPRO know how to deodorize thoroughly, making a home smell “Like it never even happened.”

Removing the source of fire damage odors in Phoenix is the first step. Our team never tries to cover up the smell. We know we need to eliminate the cause of the smell. Without doing that, efforts to deodorize don’t stand a chance. For example, charred materials left in place continue to give off an offensive smoky scent for months. That is why our experts remove building material and debris tainted with smoke residue before starting the process of deodorization.

Once our experts take away the cause of the smell, we turn our attention to deodorization. We clean all surfaces that have residue because even tiny particles can keep giving off the stench of smoke. Did you have a kitchen fire? Then your stove, counters, vent hood and cabinets likely need a thorough scouring, using advanced cleaning agents.

After cleaning, we ventilate the area to find out if odors linger. At SERVPRO, we use state-of-the-art tools and cleansers to remove smells from your home. We tailor the method to the cause of the problem. The rule of thumb is that “like works on like” in most cases. Special fog products often work on smells caused by smoke. It follows the original path of the smoke, deodorizing as it travels through your home.

Our team not only has access to industrial strength products and the latest tools. We also have the training to use them correctly. Each technician meets the standards of the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Cerfitication).

For help with odors and other fire damage restoration, call in the experts at SERVPRO of Litchfield / West Phoenix. Available 24/7, we are strategically located to serve Phoenix and surrended areas.