SERVPRO is your partner after a property fire disaster, providing complete restoration and rebuild services

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO staff will formulate a plan based on the amount of damage to your property from your fire disaster to restore your home or business to its original condition. Our team will explain the plan, the timeline, and the overall cost. Once a plan is in place, homeowners can focus on their personal recovery and trust our experts in fire damage recovery will work on their behalf to expedite the phases of the mitigation, restoration, and rebuilding process. Our SERVPRO rapid response team offers real-time mitigation solutions designed to protect the contents and the structure of your home as much as possible, sometimes areas of your home are too badly damaged to restore. We can use controlled demolition techniques on the fire-damaged structural elements of the property to remove only what cannot be saved. Our licensed contracting division can help provide comprehensive support to our customers from the initial inspection through entire reconstructions of leveled properties. Along with our mitigation and restoration tactics, our licensed contractors work to efficiently replace the removed materials to minimize our impact on your life in this traumatic time to get you back into your home quickly.

Phases of a complete fire damage property restoration

• Cleanup: After a disaster occurs, licensed technicians focus on restoring your residence to a clean and safe condition.

• Restoration: This process can include installing new tile, cleaning your HVAC system, repainting walls, and repairing nearby carpet that may have been affected by the fire.

• Rebuilding: If the structural damage in your home from the fire requires more work to restore, SERVPRO contractors can repair flooring, install new wall joists, hang the drywall and much, much more.

Our team is available 24/7 to offer our comprehensive solutions including emergency mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction for customers affected by fires. You can depend on our SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury IICRC-certified technicians to arrive quickly to protect your property as much as possible.

FIRST STEPS TO FIRE RESTORATION:

Isolate Fire Damaged Areas

SERVPRO professionals will start with containment to help restrict odors and debris from contaminating the air throughout the house and keep the damage contained at the source of the fire and affected areas of the home.

Water Damage Remediation

Fire suppression and rescue uses a lot of water, and it can be just as destructive to structural components and contents as the fire. Our SERVPRO professionals will take the steps needed to minimize the damage by prioritizing water extraction.

Pack-Out for Contents

Fire damage mitigation and restoration is more effective when furnishings and personal possessions are relocated to avoid continued exposure to contaminated air and debris. Our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) creates a digital listing of the affected property, very helpful when corresponding with your insurance company. Specialized contents technicians evaluate the pack-out items’ conditions and recommend and implement efficient strategies to clean, dry, deodorize, and disinfect them.

Customized Soot Removal

Smoke and soot damages are especially invasive attacking every space of your residential property, including areas far from the actual fire. The residue from the fire travels with the air coating surfaces SERVPRO 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. Quick action is crucial to minimize damages; soot must be removed before it begins etching, distorting, discoloring, and disintegrating wood, carpeting, fabric, drywall, plastic, metal, and glass.

Focus on fire safety to avoid backyard summer accidents and property damage from grills, fire pits, and candles

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is a fun time, family and friends gather for pool parties, and people take vacations, but Summer is also a prime time for home fires. This year as our community continues to endure the global pandemic and people are encouraged to entertain in small groups outdoors and with social distance, outside spaces will likely see more use. Much like every other type of property disaster, BBQ’s, fire pits, portable heaters, and other cooking or recreational flames can cause accidental damage. 

Spring and Summer Fire Hazards can cause property damage in your backyard

Open flames are hazardous whatever time of year, the changing of the season to warmer weather brings outside spring and summer fire hazards to your backyard. Every year, there are between 350,000 and 400,000 home fires in the U.S. (according to the National Fire Protection Association). Your home is at risk of catching fire for a variety of reasons no matter what the season, knowing some common reasons for residential fire damage can be important to fire prevention. SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury has been providing property disaster cleanup and restoration service to fire damage victims for nearly 30 years, our IICRC certified fire damage restoration specialists arrive ready to rescue and recover your home and property following a fire, "Like it never even happened."

Common causes of residential fire property damage disasters:

Grilling: Nothing announces the arrival of summer like firing up the grill. In the summer months, many people grill outdoors for various holidays and barbecue dinners. In fact, 5,700 home grill-related fires occur each year. 

Prevention tips: To prevent barbecue fires, check for gas leaks before use, regularly clean your barbeque, and try to create a dedicated safe barbecuing space that is free of clutter and away from children.

Fire pits/Heaters: On cool summer nights, kids and adults alike will enjoy a cozy place to gather and stay warm. Fire pits are known to be a great source of warmth and ambience. Unfortunately, due to the increase in popularity, the number of fire-related injuries and accidents is on the rise as well. The good news is that with the proper safety precautions, a fire pit can be safely enjoyed by the whole family.

Prevention tips: Before striking the match, never place a pit closer than 10 feet from anything flammable, including your house and overhead tree branches. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the fire. 

Electrical fires: About 2,300 residential air conditioners start fires each year. These fires are usually the result of inadequate wiring while having to deal with heavy electric loads, short circuits, or other electrical malfunctions. It’s not just the AC that catches on fire, if your AC heats up, flammable materials near your unit can catch on fire. Fires are most likely to occur when it’s hottest outside—between 2 and 8 p.m. 

Prevention tips: Using fans may allow you to set your thermostat a degree or two warmer than you may have been able to stand otherwise—especially if you rotate the blades clockwise, which directs airflow downward and prevents hotter air from rising up and signaling the A/C unit to kick on.

Candles/Torches: A flickering flame is both comforting and exciting, they are guaranteed to elevate your backyard living space. Adding candles and torches can provide ambient lighting and fend off mosquitoes and other nighttime insects when used with citronella. Yet, like anything that involves a fire or open flame, it’s important to exercise caution when installing, handling, and storing these creative outdoor lighting options.

Prevention tips: It’s important to exercise caution with these lighting options, consider placement carefully, do not place torches under trees, overhangs or near other flammable materials. Position torches at least 6 feet away from the house or other structures. Never leave an open flame unattended, keep an eye on any flames and ensure they are entirely out before you go inside for the night.

Be aware of the risk of fires and prepare by checking the batteries in your smoke detectors and having functioning fire extinguishers. If you find yourself faced with a fire emergency this summer, we are here to help!

The Damage Caused by a Property Fire 

To repair your New Jersey property after experiencing a damaging fire, you should seek the help of a professional team like SERVPRO. Fire damage is multi-faceted and to recover as much of your property as possible contacting professionals right away with experience, equipment and training will help avoid additional repairs and costs. Our New Jersey SERVPRO technicians know what steps to take to assess your property and possessions, they can look for hidden damages and quickly start to mitigate concerns to avoid further damage from smoke and soot, documenting damages and removing items for restoration.

New Jersey Commercial Property Fire Damage Cleanup and Repair Service

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SERVPRO can provide services to prevent further damage, help determine which items can be restored and rebuild your property completely

Fire damage can have a devastating effect on local businesses, so SERVPRO is here to help providing emergency and rebuild services to local property owners and managers

Fires cause massive amounts of damage, destroying structural materials and business items, also bringing massive amounts of water damage, toxic chemicals, harmful soot pollution and unhealthy smoke levels. First Responders often extinguish the flames quickly, but soot and smoke move even more rapidly. The moment authorities permit you to reenter your dwelling the clock starts on a successful restoration. SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury understands the need for speed and assigns skilled technicians to your job within hours of your first call.
COMMON TYPES OF COMMERCIAL FIRE DAMAGE
    •    Burnt Structure; framing, roofing, doors, drywall, flooring and cabinets
    •    Office Property and Equipment; furniture, supplies and appliances
    •    Soot and Smoke Damage; HVAC unit, surfaces, air quality
    •    Odor; smoke and toxic chemicals from damaged structure and contents
    •    Water Damage; results of fire suppression system and local Fire Department efforts
    •    Mold Damage; water damage left untreated can quickly cause mold growth

Smoke and soot damage are especially invasive attacking every space of your commercial property, including areas far from the actual fire. The residue from the fire travels with the air coating surfaces. This debris must be removed before it begins etching, distorting, discoloring, and disintegrating wood, carpeting, fabric, drywall, plastic, metal, and glass.
CONSIDER CLEANUP REQUIREMENTS: SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury can provide services to prevent further damage, help determine which items can or cannot be refurbished and which structural elements do and do not need to be repaired or replaced.
SERVPRO CAN HELP WITH YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REPAIRS FOLLOWING A FIRE DISASTER
    1.    Secure your business site including board up and tarping services
    2.    Protect areas unaffected by the fire with barriers and storage if necessary
    3.    Assess the affected areas for a full scope of damages
    4.    Take a detailed inventory of damaged property and materials
    5.    Detect, neutralize, and remove harmful gases and toxic materials
    6.    Determine the best cleaning, repair and restoration solutions for your property
    7.    Restore, replace and repair building materials with our skilled building/restoration teams

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, our crew will assess the damage in each room and plan proper procedures, using dry or wet cleaning strategies matched to the character of the residue found and the materials affected. Systematically SERVPRO progresses through your business room by room to assure all harm is reversed and the corrosive soot and smoke permanently eliminated.
We answer the phone ready to help with your property damage.

As a leader in property damage restoration and repair services, we have helped countless families and businesses through very unpredictable and devastating residential and commercial property losses. We understand you may not know what to do in a disaster situation; SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury can help by responding faster with professionals who can help you through the restoration process.

SERVPRO offers a Custom “EMERGENCY READY PROFILE” Preparation Service; one of our professionals will come to your commercial property and assess your proper emergency service solution should you have a disaster in the future. The preparation process is quick and easy and makes the aftermath of a disaster simple, because all the details can be assessed by our staff and technicians should you need us.

Heating Hazards: Winter House Fire Property Restoration Services

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Rapid fire damage restoration can hold the key to limiting the emotional and financial struggles caused by a fire.

Keeping warm in the winter months can be challenging, homeowners often use secondary heating sources to supplement furnaces and radiators to help keep warm. Fireplaces, wood burning stoves, space heaters, or electric blankets can produce comfortable heat for smaller, more targeted areas of your home at a fraction of the cost of turning up the thermostat for the entire home. These heat sources also pose their own unique risks, and it's important to take safety precautions when using them.

The Damage Caused by a Property Fire 

When you experience a property fire, you may reflect on the mess left behind in the charred ruins of the property. However, the damage you need to contend with will go far beyond the ashes. To repair the property entirely after experiencing a damaging fire, you will need to seek the help of a professional team like SERVPRO. Water may have to be extracted after the firefighters' efforts. While a fire may be contained in one area of the building, smoke can fill most or all the areas, and it can cause significant damage and odors. Our trained Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT) can resolve these issues.

Commons Source of Winter House Fires

Fireplace

Fireplaces and chimneys require regular maintenance, so conducting an annual chimney inspection and cleaning is crucial. A careful inspection can catch cracks that might leak dangerous gases into your home, and a thorough cleaning removes the buildup of creosote, a residue that can catch fire if ignited by a spark.

Wood-Burning Stove

Though not as popular in the modern era as fireplaces, wood-burning stoves have their own aesthetic appeal and are still used as efficient heat sources in many homes and cabins. Like fireplaces, these stoves must be connected to chimneys, which require annual inspection and cleaning.

Space Heaters

When it comes to safety, space heaters have come a long way in recent years. Some older models increased the risk of house fires, particularly models operated with liquid fuel. Today's space heaters are mostly electric and often have built-in safety features that turn the heaters off if they tip over, overheat, or have been left turned on for too long.

Electric Blankets

As economical as they are cozy, electric blankets can provide comfort at night even with the heat down low. Operating electric blankets in multiple bedrooms can often be much cheaper than turning up the thermostat.

We are Always Here to Help

Many homeowners have little or no experience when it comes to addressing the fallout of a fire loss event.

Comprehensive Reports Assist in Filing Insurance Claims

SERVPRO technicians create detailed reports that include photos and a full description of whether the item was a loss or underwent restorative efforts for reuse. Having these reports helps expedite the filing of insurance claims. The technicians also give recommendations for any needed repairs or reconstruction that the home needs to attain pre-fire damage loss status.

Get Cleanup, Restoration, and Rebuilding in One Place

Our SERVPRO location is uniquely qualified to offer property owners the services of both restoration and reconstruction. Instead of having one company do the cleanup and another company repair or rebuild fire loss areas in the home, you can use a single company for both needs. 

SERVPRO technicians have advanced techniques that allow us to address all the secondary effects of smoke and soot residue. Quick cleanup and proper restoration techniques can make a big difference limiting the emotional and financial struggles caused by a fire. If you do experience a fire, professional fire restoration services like SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury can handle the entire fire cleanup process—from assessing the smoke and fire damage to rebuilding your home, “Like it never even happened.” 

Fast fire disaster property damage cleanup and restoration services for Middlesex County

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If you have experienced fire or smoke damage in your home or business it is important to contact the SERVPRO team for quick and effective mitigation and restoration, depending on the surface material and the duration and time elapsed, damage from soot and smoke maybe completely reversible. Smoke and soot cleanup is expensive and time-consuming, our SERVPRO professionals take careful steps to minimize further damage from soot staining, mold and mildew, rust and corrosion and improve the air quality in your home following a fire emergency. Our trained professionals have the knowledge, skills and equipment to restore your property quickly and efficiently saving you valuable time and money.

STEPS FOR PROPER FIRE PROPERTY RESTORATION in New Jersey:

STEP 1: THE INSPECTION

The first step in the fire mitigation process is determining the cause of the fire, as well as the extent of the smoke damage, and then documenting it through photos to provide to the homeowner’s insurance company. How the fire was started and what materials were damaged gives insight to our professionals on how best to cleanup and restore the loss areas. SERVPRO professionals will explain the cleaning process, go over what you can expect from the demolition and repair/rebuild phases, explain the types of equipment used during the process and begin to decide what items are salvageable after a thorough inventory has been completed.

STEP 2: PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE WITH CLEANUP & INTERVENTION

SERVPRO cleanup teams will remove any contents from your home as quickly as possible to minimize further damage, our technicians will focus on improving air quality and removing soot and debris to avoid continued damage to your home and contents. HERE TO HELP TIP: If you can turn off your homes HVAC system until a professional arrives for the inspection to avoid spreading contamination to unaffected areas. Our restoration professionals may recommend having vents, ducts and furnaces cleaned/serviced to prevent soot from circulating throughout the home.

STEP 3: REMOVAL OF ITEMS DAMAGED BY FIRE AND SMOKE

SERVPRO professionals know how important your home and possessions are, we take extra care in removing items, and involve homeowners during the inventory process. Make sure to notify our SERVPRO technicians of important/sentimental items, or things your family may need returned to them quickly. Contents are photographed, inventoried and packaged, and then taken offsite to our cleaning facility where they’re stored during the repairs. Since the fire cleanup process can vary, it’s common for fire- or smoke-damaged items to be inventoried and later determined as salvageable or non-salvageable.

STEP 4: CONTAINMENT, MITIGATION, REPAIRS AND RESTORATION

SERVPRO professionals will start with containment to help restrict odors and debris from contaminating the air throughout the house and keep the damage contained at the source of the fire and affected areas of the home.

Mitigation – water restoration equipment including air movers and dehumidifiers will remove moisture from walls, flooring and subflooring. Our SERVPRO team will give advice when deciding what items and materials to clean and restored, or what should be replaced. Carpets, fabrics and other porous materials usually need special attention because they are easily ruined. SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury’s licensed construction team is an asset to our organization, with them our professionals can provide an additional estimate to continue your complete home restoration solutions with scheduling your repairs and reconstruction phase getting homeowners back into their property as quickly as possible.

Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration Solutions for local Northern New Jersey homes and businesses

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SERVPRO Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration Professionals Can Handle Any Size Property Disaster

Having a fire in your Old Bridge property can seem devastating, even if you know what to look for after the smoke settles. Many of your cherished possessions can sustain fire and smoke damage and often leave you wondering what comes next. No one should ever face events such as these alone, which is why we train diligently to provide you with the SERVPRO quality restoration services you need to turn things around.

Knowing the proper steps to take and which company to turn to after experiencing fire damage to your Brooklyn property can play a significant role in your restoration effort. While many property owners can feel relief from prior research, SERVPRO is an industry leader in property disaster restoration. Choosing SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury provides an experienced project manager and crew with extensive training and advanced technology to implement a cleanup, mitigation and recovery plan unique to your fire damage concerns.

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage in your home it is important to contact the SERVPRO team for quick and effective mitigation and restoration, depending on the surface material and the duration and time elapsed, damage from soot and smoke maybe completely reversible. Smoke and soot cleanup is expensive and time-consuming, our SERVPRO professionals take careful steps to minimize further damage from soot staining, mold and mildew, rust and corrosion and improve the air quality in your home following a fire emergency. Our trained professionals have the knowledge, skills and equipment to restore your property quickly and efficiently saving you valuable time and money.

SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration Services

When you experience fire or smoke damage to your local Middlesex County home or business you might not be sure what steps to take next. Once the fire department has left and you have called SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury, wait for the professionals to arrive, our fire damage remediation specialists will guide you through the fire damage restoration process.

1. Initial Inspection- One of our trained managers will come inspect your property for damages and see how intensely the fire/smoke affected your home and determine with you and/or your adjuster what steps need to be taken next.
2. Structure/Content Clean- Depending on what has been determined in step one, SERVPRO will start the process of cleaning and restoring your home and/or contents, including cleaning walls and ceilings, personal belongings, ducts, etc.

SERVPRO Restoration & Reconstruction Services

Residential or Commercial Fires often causes significant structural damage and often require repairing and rebuilding your property. SERVPRO offers comprehensive reconstruction services for both residential and commercial properties our professionals are uniquely qualified and prepared to meet your reconstruction needs. Our construction team works quickly and effectively, working with you to survey the extent of the damage, develop a plan for reconstruction, and assess whether your property is safe to occupy. Our SERVPRO crews are ready to undertake reconstruction projects of any size, structural repairs and rebuilding may only involve a portion of your property, or in some cases a complete rebuild may be necessary.

When your property has been damaged and it’s in need of repairs or reconstruction services, SERVPRO professionals are available to help.

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.

Fire, smoke and soot property damage cleanup and restoration questions for our community.

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SERVPRO restoration specialists know a lot about the secondary damages from soot and smoke we are here to help.

SERVPRO technicians can answer all your fire, smoke and soot property damage cleanup and restoration questions for our local New Jersey community.

SMOKE AND SOOT CONCERNS FOR YOUR PROPERTY

Even a minor property fire or a season of outdoor fires and BBQs can cause or contribute to significant smoke or soot damage to your Old Bridge or Cranbury home’s interiors and exteriors, including your HVAC unit. Our SERVPRO restoration specialists know a lot about the secondary damages from soot and smoke that happen as the result of a blaze. Whether the fire was from a recreational source like a fireplace, outdoor fire pit or grill, or the fire was the result of a fire mishap and a property disaster. Fire creates smoke and soot, and the tiny particles float in the air and will become trapped in drapes, carpets and furniture, or collect on surfaces and inside your HVAC system. When these issues arise and you see soot residue or smell smoke odors, the solution is the same. Calling your local SERVPRO Fire Cleanup and Restoration Professionals will provide top quality services, experience, knowledge and trust that our New Jersey restoration crews will quickly restore your home or business, “Like it never even happened.”

When the wind changes while your outdoor fire or BBQ is going it can bring secondary fire damages like smoke and soot concerns to the interiors and exteriors of your home. That’s why it’s always recommended that you avoid outdoor fires during windy evenings and you should pay special attention while cooking. Smoke and soot can permeate your walls, surfaces and air ducts leaving unseen odors throughout your property. Consulting a full-service cleanup, restoration and repairs company is your top-priority to keeping restoration costs lower and salvaging as much of your property and possessions as possible. SERVPRO has a long history in the restoration industry and we focus on salvaging and restoring your contents and structure. SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury provides exceptional fire, smoke and soot damage restoration services and experience, balanced with efficiency and cost-effective techniques in response to your property damage disaster.

Want to know more about how SERVPRO can help with smoke odors and soot damage in your home following seasonal outdoor fire property damage?

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury has been providing disaster restoration services including, fire, smoke, flood and water damage for nearly 30 years, we have learned that property damage happens even to the most cautious of homeowners. A fast response is critical as fire residue can immediately damage structural components and contents, the contamination grows progressively worse and more expensive to remediate as time passes. SERVPRO is Faster to any size disaster, arriving at your home as soon as possible with a full complement of Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and the products, tools, and equipment needed in our well-stocked service vehicles.

The training our crews complete from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) prepares them to use effective strategies that clean up the charring, soiling, and odors post-fire. SERVPRO’s professional fire restoration specialists and high-tech commercial equipment ensure quick and effective cleanup, removal and repairs of your property and contents following smoke, soot and ash surface buildup and damage before it continues to spread. SERVPRO uses industrial grade foggers to deodorize a property. Using water-based or chemical solvents that find and neutralize smoke odor particles, making the damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO starts with a Deep-Cleaning of all surfaces to remove soot and mitigate smoke damages fast

Clean the soot residue that builds up on surfaces before it continues to spread.
Remove soot residue from at-risk items including brass, aluminum, chrome, marble, tile, fabrics, carpets and upholstery.
Deodorize carpets, curtains and clothing and other porous materials
Neutralize the odor to keep them from returning


Deodorization is a multi-step process

Our SERVPRO technicians use a variety of processes and equipment to reverse odor concerns caused by fire and smoke damages, including;

•    EPA registered antimicrobials
•    Thermal and ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers
•    HEPA filter air scrubbers


Property owners can suffer from fire and smoke damage in a multitude of ways, Monmouth County can rely on SERVPRO’s trusted, educated approach to fire restoration service to get the job done completely. Our technicians are IICRC certified and are trained to detect different types of smoke and teach them the most effective methods of restoration of each kind. Removing odors relies on having access to the right equipment and the training to understand how smoke travels. When you have lingering smoke or fire damage problems in your home or business give our professional SERVPRO restoration staff a call to find out what our services can do for your property.


SERVPRO restoration specialists know a lot about the secondary damages from soot and smoke we are here to help.

SERVPRO offers professional fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration assistance for New Jersey property damage disasters.

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The more time that passes after the fire event and before restoration services begin gives soot the opportunity to spread and cause additional damage.

After your commercial property suffers from a fire, water or other disaster, contacting our local New Jersey SERVPRO Property Restoration Professionals is an important step to avoid costly secondary damages. Our SERVPRO team has over 30 years of experience helping communities during property disasters, trust that your commercial property will be restored quickly and correctly by IICRC licensed professionals and advanced equipment.

Getting your local commercial property operational quickly following a property disaster is the SERVPRO way. Our local Old Bridge/Cranbury restoration professionals rely on decades of hands-on property restoration experience and proven results to help local Middlesex County business owners and managers dealing with fire, smoke and soot damage cleanup, repair and restore their commercial property quickly. Our commitment to quick and effective property restoration and recovery after a property disaster makes selecting SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury restoration experts the right choice.

SERVPRO commercial property restoration services include special help to minimize damages including:

Eliminating Fire Damage Residue
Our SERVPRO technicians will assess and pre-test many damages areas and property to decide the precise type of clean and fire damage remediation services needed for your commercial disaster. Our crews use various wet and dry methods to clean different materials most effectively. We can also use specialized cleaning methods such as soda blasting which offers deodorization qualities and also helps restore charred surfaces without causing further damages.

Remove Smoke Odors
Odor control after a fire is a crucial part of the restoration process, odor-causing particles are microscopic SERVPRO has advanced equipment to eliminate the microscopic odor-causing particles and reverse your commercial property damage concerns.

Guarding Against Mold
Water is a big help when putting out fires, however it can have a lasting negative impact on the structural elements and contents of your building. Our SERVPRO IICRC certified water or mold remediation specialists work to extract the remaining water quickly, and can take proactive actions against mold growth if necessary.

Big or small, fire, smoke and soot damage to your New Jersey commercial property will have a multi-faceted impact on your business. The effects of a property disaster can range from loss of revenue, inventory, customers and/or employees to irreversible structural and financial damages. After a property disaster strikes, we recommend calling an expert in property restoration. Here at SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury we can get to work fixing your commercial fire property damage immediately. Our SERVPRO team is here to help with fast and effective disaster restoration and cleanup services, we provide a full-range of disaster restoration services including: emergency response, water damage extraction and repair, water removal, flood restoration, fire damage restoration, soot and smoke damage services, storm damage repairs, wind damage restoration, industrial dehumidification, structural cleaning and decontamination, mold remediation, environmental services such as hazardous waste removal, lead removal and asbestos removal, duct cleaning services, vital document and paper recovery, machinery and equipment restoration, semiconductor services, reconstruction, consulting and more. Restoring your commercial property is our business, and we are always ready to help get local businesses back up and running, “Like it never even happened.”

Why Choosing a Professional Disaster Restoration Company, like SERVPRO is Important?

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury offers Emergency Restoration Services in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your unique commercial property damage disaster needs. Our staff and restoration managers understand that a rapid response is critical to your recovery, our team will provide comprehensive cleanup, mitigation, restoration and rebuild options following a property fire disaster. SERVPRO is trusted leader in the restoration industry providing advanced technology and training to a nationwide team of skilled technicians and project managers. Our crews have vast experience and knowledge offering a wide variety of restoration services to recover your commercial property with minimized cost and business interruption.

• Our crews will assess the full damage of your property taking necessary steps to save as much of your inventory, appliances and equipment, furnishings and inventory as possible.
  
  
• They will do a complete inventory of all items removed from your property taking photos and documentation, and return all salvageable items back to your business following the restoration process.
  
  
• Our technicians work quickly and carefully to get your business up and running as soon as possible. Our project managers and staff will follow-up to make sure you are satisfied or address any other concerns.
  
  
• Our construction managers can seamlessly begin putting back together any structural, interior and exterior damages sustained during the initial disaster or as a result of restoration and cleanup. Our staff can work with your insurance and answer any concerns you may have about the process.

Fire damage restoration solutions for a full recovery

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Our primary goal is to mitigate damages with containment procedures and recover sustained damages using expert skill, experience and equipment.

Our SERVPRO location responded quickly to this private home fire. Our restoration specialists contained the damaged areas to stop the spread of hazardous soot, smoke and toxins. SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry; our team is ready to respond to your emergency fire property damage, quickly and effectively with unparalleled training and equipment. Giving you peace of mind that your property is being cleaned and restored by caring and competent restoration professionals.

Often during a fire restoration, many recovery operations need to happen simultaneously, some of our crew will work on water extraction and demolition, while others will inventory and pack up items to move to another location to help prevent further property damage from exposure to contaminated areas. Smoke and soot particles are small and can get deep inside building materials, furniture and other porous items. HEPA filters help our industrial strength air scrubbers and vacuums capture soot, purify the air and neutralize odors. Our SERVPRO location is fortunate to offer restoration and rebuilding services following a property disaster from fire, water or mold. Using our highly qualified construction team will help keep your recovery process moving steady and hassle free, often times it can also minimize costs and completion time.

CONSIDER CLEANUP REQUIREMENTS: SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury can provide services to prevent further damage, help determine which items can or cannot be refurbished and which structural items do and do not need to be repaired or replaced. We can help you with providing estimates to insurance companies for the cost of damages and will help walk you through the process of thoroughly deodorizing, cleaning and repairing your home.

OPTIONS FOR COMPLETE FIRE RESTORATION REPAIR:

• Isolate Fire Damaged Areas
  SERVPRO professionals will start with containment to help restrict odors and debris from contaminating the air throughout the house and keep the damage contained at the source of the fire and affected areas of the home.
• Water Damage Remediation
  Fire suppression and rescue uses a lot of water and it can be just as destructive to structural components and contents as the fire. Our SERVPRO professionals will take the steps needed to minimize the damage by prioritizing water extraction.
• Pack-Out for Contents
  Fire damage mitigation and restoration is more effective when furnishings and personal possessions are relocated to avoid continued exposure to contaminated air and debris. Our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) creates a digital listing of the affected property, very helpful when corresponding with your insurance company. Specialized contents technicians evaluate the pack-out items’ conditions and recommend and implement efficient strategies to clean, dry, deodorize, and disinfect them.
• Customized Soot Removal
  Smoke and soot damages are especially invasive attacking every space of your residential property, including areas far from the actual fire. The residue from the fire travels with the air coating surfaces SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury 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. Quick action is crucial to minimize damages; soot must be removed before it begins etching, distorting, discoloring, and disintegrating wood, carpeting, fabric, drywall, plastic, metal, and glass.

Fires cause massive amounts of damage to a residential property; the flames, soot and smoke can destroy structural materials, interior and exterior items and personal processions. The aftermath of a fire can bringing massive amounts of water damage, toxic chemicals, harmful soot pollution and unhealthy smoke levels. First Responders often extinguish the flames quickly, but soot and smoke move even more rapidly, spreading damage throughout the entire property. Even a minor fire can bring significant smoke and soot damage throughout your home. We can provide property damage restoration service near you, SERVPRO is here to help with highly-trained IICRC certified fire damage restoration experts and advanced technology and equipment to restore your home and possessions, and provide knowledge and experience when you need it most.

SERVPRO responds quickly to your fire damage emergency with skilled technicians to your home, our team’s primary goal is to mitigate additional damages with preventative procedures and neutralize and recover sustained damages using expert skill, experience, and equipment.

SERVPRO has remedies and neutralizing equipment to remove unwanted fire odors after a home or business disaster

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Professional fire restoration specialists and high-tech commercial equipment ensure quick and effective cleanup

Want to know more about how SERVPRO can help reverse smoke odors and soot damage in your home following an accidental fire.

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury has been providing disaster restoration services including, fire, smoke, flood and water damage for nearly 30 years, we have learned that property damage happens even to the most cautious of homeowners. A fast response is critical as fire residue can immediately damage structural components and contents, the contamination grows progressively worse and more expensive to remediate as time passes. SERVPRO is Faster to any size disaster, arriving at your home as soon as possible with a full complement of Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and the products, tools, and equipment needed in our well-stocked service vehicles.

The training our crews complete from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) prepares them to use effective strategies that clean up the charring, soiling, and odors post-fire. SERVPRO’s professional fire restoration specialists and high-tech commercial equipment ensure quick and effective cleanup, removal and repairs of your property and contents following smoke, soot and ash surface buildup and damage before it continues to spread.

SERVPRO’s Proven Soot and Smoke Damage Cleaning and Deodorizing Process:

• Clean the soot residue that builds up on surfaces before it continues to spread.
• Neutralize the odor to keep them from returning
• Remove soot residue from at-risk items including brass, aluminum, chrome, marble, tile, fabrics, carpets and upholstery.
• Deodorize carpets, curtains and clothing and other porous materials

Advanced Deodorization Techniques

If a thorough cleaning does not do the trick and sealing is impractical, SERVPRO utilizes equipment like thermal foggers, ozone machines, or hydroxyl generators. These resources emit particles that seek out and pair with the odiferous smoke solids, neutralizing the smell through chemical changes at the molecular level. This approach can be successful with airborne smells and malodorous particles that settled and even worked their way into fabrics, cracks, or crevices.

Even when your belongings are in good shape, and the cleanup is minor, the lingering odor can be overwhelming. Our SERVPRO crew has a variety of approaches to use, including deodorizing pellets, charcoal-activated filters, and even ozone air purifiers. Here are just a few examples of materials and possible restoration solutions; Porous materials like drywall, wood and furniture often require ozone treatments to remove the smoke smell. Upholstery, carpeting, drapes and other fabrics are often dry cleaned with special chemical deodorizers to neutralize the smell, then either steam or dry cleaned. The exact deodorization process will vary depending on the extent of the fire smell and the type of materials involved.

Contact us today if your home or business has experienced smoke or soot damage from an accidental fire disaster. Our crews are always here to help with solutions and services tailored to your damages and needs.

Fireplace and Chimney Fire Damage Restoration Services for Old Bridge, NJ

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Even a minor property fire can cause significant smoke and soot damage to your Old Bridge, NJ home, our staff is here to help.

When artic temperatures move to the Northeast New Jersey homeowners get warm and cozy by their fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. It is important to remember proper maintenance and fire safety when starting that fire this season, for the first time and each time after. Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves pose a considerable fire threat to your home and family, a fire can result in the loss of personal items, property and even life. Taking proper precautions when using your fireplace or wood-burning stove can help you avoid a property fire disaster negatively impacting your life this winter.

Chimney fires and puffbacks can cause major destruction to your home and possessions; smoke and soot can continue to cause damage long after the flames have gone out.

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage to your home it is important to contact the SERVPRO team for quick and effective mitigation and restoration, depending on the surface material and the duration and time elapsed, damage from soot and smoke maybe completely reversible. Smoke and soot cleanup is expensive and time-consuming, our SERVPRO professionals take careful steps to minimize further damage from soot staining, mold and mildew, rust and corrosion and improve the air quality in your home following a fire emergency. Our trained professionals have the knowledge, skills and equipment to restore your property quickly and efficiently saving you valuable time and money.

SMOKE AND SOOT CONCERNS FOR YOUR PROPERTY

Our SERVPRO restoration specialists know a lot about the secondary damages from soot and smoke that happen as the result of a blaze. Fire creates smoke and soot, and the tiny particles float in the air and will become trapped in drapes, carpets and furniture, or collect on surfaces and inside your HVAC system. When these issues arise and you see soot residue or smell smoke odors, the solution is the same.

SERVPRO restoration professionals will address widespread effects of fire damage including soot and smoke residue that can stain surfaces with appropriate equipment and cleaning products to minimize damage. For structural concerns, we have a team of licensed contractors within our SERVPRO crew that can help to address both temporary construction solutions to prevent worsening damage while mitigation is underway and full-scale reconstruction and build back after that. Calling your local SERVPRO will provide top quality services, experience, knowledge and trust that our fire damage restoration crews will quickly restore your home or business, “Like it never even happened.”

WINTER FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

Before making a fire in the fireplace, open the damper and crack open a window, keep the screen closed to encourage airflow up into the chimney. Light a match, blow it out and watch the smoke to see if it is properly going up the chimney. To increase the draft in your chimney, burn your fires hot and for short periods of time instead of all day. Improper airflow can cause smoke and soot damage to your home’s contents. Poor airflow can result from excessive creosote deposits, closed or plugged dampers, malfunctioning flues, and chimney blockages or a dirty cap, always remember never leave a fire unattended.

Avoid using wood from recently cut trees, they contain high levels of moisture which contributes to additional smoke and deposits inside your chimney. Seasoned and dry wood appears dark, has cracks on the end and will sound hollow when hitting another piece of wood. Look for signs of creosote and soot buildup, creosote is a dark substance that accumulates if wood isn’t burning completely, it’s a major factor in chimney fires and a good reason to have an annual inspection to avoid costly fire property damage and repairs.

SERVPRO professionals have all the tools, equipment, and experience necessary to manage your entire property restoration from beginning to end. Our team work tirelessly to produce quality results from quick and effective mitigation, to putting the finishing touches on any repairs and reconstruction needed to complete the job.  

• Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury provides full-service property restoration solutions for all your fire, smoke, sewage and water emergency situations 24/7, 365, day or night. Call us today for access to fully IICRC certified cleaning and restoration professionals you can trust.

FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION AND REPAIR SOLUTIONS FOR MIDDLESEX COUNTY

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage in your residence it is important to contact SERVPRO for quick and effective mitigation and restoration.

FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION SOLUTIONS AND HOME FIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Artic temperatures across the Northeast have New Jersey homeowners getting warm and cozy by their fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. It is important to remember proper maintenance and fire safety actions when starting that fire this season, for the first time and each time after. Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves pose a considerable fire threat to your home and family, a fire can result in the loss of personal items, property and even life. Taking proper precautions when using your fireplace or wood-burning stove can help you avoid a property fire disaster negatively impacting your life this winter.

Chimney fires and puffbacks can cause major destruction to your home and possessions; smoke and soot can continue to cause damage long after the flames have gone out.

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage in your home it is important to contact the SERVPRO team for quick and effective mitigation and restoration, depending on the surface material and the duration and time elapsed, damage from soot and smoke maybe completely reversible. Smoke and soot cleanup is expensive and time-consuming, our SERVPRO professionals take careful steps to minimize further damage from soot staining, mold and mildew, rust and corrosion and improve the air quality in your home following a fire emergency. Our trained professionals have the knowledge, skills and equipment to restore your property quickly and efficiently saving you valuable time and money.

STEPS FOR PROPER FIRE PROPERTY RESTORATION:

STEP 1: THE INSPECTION

The first step in the fire mitigation process is determining the cause of the fire, as well as the extent of the smoke damage, and then documenting it through photos to provide to the homeowner’s insurance company. How the fire was started and what materials were damaged gives insight to our professionals on how best to cleanup and restore the loss areas. SERVPRO professionals will explain the cleaning process, go over what you can expect from the demolition and repair/rebuild phases, explain the types of equipment used during the process and begin to decide what items are salvageable after a thorough inventory has been completed.

STEP 2: PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE WITH CLEANUP & INTERVENTION

SERVPRO cleanup teams will remove any contents from your home as quickly as possible to minimize further damage, our technicians will focus on improving air quality and removing soot and debris to avoid continued damage to your home and contents. HERE TO HELP TIP: If you can turn off your homes HVAC system until a professional arrives for the inspection to avoid spreading contamination to unaffected areas. Our restoration professionals may recommend having vents, ducts and furnaces cleaned/serviced to prevent soot from circulating throughout the home.

STEP 3: REMOVAL OF ITEMS DAMAGED BY FIRE AND SMOKE

SERVPRO professionals know how important your home and possessions are, we take extra care in removing items, and involve homeowners during the inventory process. Make sure to notify our SERVPRO technicians of important/sentimental items, or things your family may need returned to them quickly. Contents are photographed, inventoried and packaged, and then taken offsite to our cleaning facility where they’re stored during the repairs. Since the fire cleanup process can vary, it’s common for fire- or smoke-damaged items to be inventoried and later determined as salvageable or non-salvageable.

STEP 4: CONTAINMENT, MITIGATION, REPAIRS AND RESTORATION

SERVPRO professionals will start with containment to help restrict odors and debris from contaminating the air throughout the house and keep the damage contained at the source of the fire and affected areas of the home.

Mitigation – water restoration equipment including air movers and dehumidifiers will remove moisture from walls, flooring and subflooring. Our SERVPRO team will give advice when deciding what items and materials to clean and restored, or what should be replaced. Carpets, fabrics and other porous materials usually need special attention because they are easily ruined. SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury’s licensed construction team is an asset to our organization, with them our professionals can provide an additional estimate to continue your complete home restoration solutions with scheduling your repairs and reconstruction phase getting homeowners back into their property as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury has some helpful tips to keep your New Jersey kitchen safe from fire damage.

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are the most common cause of home fires, follow these tips to help prevent potential cooking hazards in your Edison or Cranbury home.

Don’t let a cooking fire ruin your holiday season, SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury has some helpful tips for preventing fire property disasters.

While most of us are thankful for spending time with loved ones and eating too much delicious food on Thanksgiving. There are more potential hazards in your Old Bridge or Cranbury kitchen than over stuffing your turkey or yourself.

Year after year cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking accounts for about 47% of home fires and 45% of the fire-related injuries reported across the country each year. The NFPA says Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and then Christmas Eve. Make sure you keep yourself and your family safe this year with these safety tips.

REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE KITCHEN

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says 6 out of 7 cooking fires occurred while the cook was out of the kitchen, and 2/3rds of these fires happened in the first 15 minutes of cooking. So the BEST THING you can do to keep you and your family and property safe this year, ALWAYS watch what you’re cooking. If you’re using the stovetop, stay in the kitchen and watch closely. Also, experts recommend setting a timer periodically to remind you to check the oven.

OTHER FIRE PREVENTION TIPS INCLUDE:

• Roll up sleeves and don’t wear loose fitting clothing that could catch and open flame or heating element
• Ban children and pets from a 3-foot “safe zone” around the stove
• Keep the stove and oven clean, turn pot handles in to avoid spills and cleanup any messes when appropriate
• Keep potholders, dishtowels, oven mitts, food packaging and other clutter off and away from the stove.
• Clean cooking equipment thoroughly because built-up grease can catch fire.
• Don’t over heat your oils, and wait for grease to cool before disposing, tossing hot grease in a trashcan could turn into a disaster

Smoke detectors are your first line for defense against a fire disaster situation so make sure you have one installed in or near the kitchen and make sure it’s working properly.

IF A FIRE DOES HAPPEN, CONSIDER THESE SAFETY TIPS

• Just get out, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  

People often try to put out cooking fires themselves with a fire extinguisher or even water. NEVER use water on any grease fire. Store fire safety equipment in a cabinet or under the sink – It’s important to have a fire extinguisher close by as well as a box of baking soda or salt for grease fires. The first step you can take is turning the stove off and having a lid handy to put over the pan you can also smother the fire with baking soda or salt. If the fire is in your oven just close the door and turn off the heat. Done improperly your cooking fire can spread to other parts of your New Jersey kitchen, any time you are unsure of how to combat a fire your best option is to leave and call your local fire department.

CREATE AND PRACTICE A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN

In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly.

Practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year, more often if you have small children. 

Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

• Find two ways out. Visit each room of your house and find two ways out, including windows and
  doors. Make sure all escape routes open easily so you can get outside, and install emergency release
  devices on any security bars on doors or windows. Practice feeling your war out in the dark and with
  your eyes closed.
• Involve children in planning. Consider having your children help create a fire evacuation plan. Draw a
  map of the home and have children mark two exit routes and the locations of smoke detectors. Make
  sure your children know NOT to hide from firefighters or other first responders.
• Choose a meeting spot. Decide on a meeting place outside, such as a neighbor’s house, mailbox or stop
  sign. It should be in the front of the house so emergency responders can see you when they arrive.
• Agree not to go back into the house after you leave.
  Have a backup plan. If the planned exit routes are blocked and it’s not possible to leave the house, close
  all doors between you and the fire. Place a towel under the door and go to an exterior-facing window.
• Call the local fire department to report your location.

Whether you’re trying a new cooking technique or cooking your signature dish the way you have countless times before; practicing these important holiday safety tips can help you to avoid major mishaps that could lead to smoke or fire damage.

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury wishes you a safe and happy holiday season. If your home does experience fire or smoke damage, give us call at (732) 257-3739. We can restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

FIRES HAPPEN! Once the fire is out, the recovery process begins. SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury is here to help!

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury has been successfully helping Old Bridge/Cranbury, NJ homeowners with fire damage for over 27 years.

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury’s local professionals have been successfully helping Old Bridge/Cranbury, NJ homeowners with fire damage for over 27 years. We provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding FASTER to any size disaster. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

24-Hour Emergency Fire Restoration Service

Call SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury, New Jersey at (732) 257-3739 we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with all your damage remediation needs. 

First Steps After a Fire:

• Safety: Ask the firefighters or proper authorities on the scene if it is safe to go inside.
• Call your Insurance provider: Let them know what happened so they can start a claim and initiate the paperwork for you.
• Contact loved ones: Call to let everyone know you’re okay or let people who weren’t home know what happened.
• Secure the residence/business: Prevent theft by locking the doors and covering windows or holes. If, you need help contact SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury, we are here to help!
• Obtain a copy of the fire report: The report specifies all the necessary information about the fire including the time, casualties, date and the extent of fire damage.
• Your current location: Notify friends, family, employers, schools, utilities & services of your temporary location. If you need somewhere to stay you can also contact the American Red Cross for assistance.

CONSIDER CLEANUP REQUIREMENTS: SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury, NJ can provide services to prevent further damage, help determine which items can or cannot be refurbished and which structural items do and do not need to be repaired or replaced. We can help you with providing estimates to insurance companies for the cost of damages and will help walk you through the process of thoroughly deodorizing, cleaning and repairing your home.

SERVPRO Steps for a Fire Damage Emergency:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call the SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury, New Jersey, which is staffed 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch the nearest SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury Professional with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury Professional can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

The SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury, New Jersey at (732) 257-3739

Prevent Smoke Damage From Your Fireplace

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Prevent Smoke Damage From Your Fireplace

The weather outside is frightful and there is nothing better than curling up on a cold night to the warm glow of a fireplace. Unfortunately, fireplaces can also pose a smoke and fire hazard to your home. There is, however, nothing particularly soothing about unwanted fireplace smoke puffs that spill into the home while the fire is burning. Fires can also start when hot embers from the fire catch on residue from unclean chimneys.

If you are someone who likes to use their fireplace during the winter here are a few tips to prevent smoke or fire damage to your home.

Nobody likes a drafty house, but a house that is relatively airtight may not be able to supply enough outside air to the fire, resulting in a negative pressure in the home. Well-insulated homes can benefit from an outside air supply vent installed in the fireplace to satisfy the fire's needs.

Exhaust fans—like in kitchens or in forced air heating systems—can cause negative pressure, which will drag the smoke from your fireplace into your home. Turn off exhaust fans before settling down by the fire.

Only use your fireplace when it is cold out. The difference between the indoor and outdoor air helps the smoke draft properly. If it is too warm the smoke will have nowhere to go.

Make sure that the damper is open all the way. Sometimes there is a rain cap or even another damper on top of the chimney, which may be obstructed and needs attention. This can also be a fire hazard, so be careful.

Wet firewood can create heavy smoke. Make sure you only use seasoned firewood that is dry in your fireplace.

If you experience smoke or fire damage from your fireplace this winter contact the experts at SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury. Their smoke damage experts can clean your furniture, curtains, walls, and floors to get rid of not only the black soot, but the foul odor it leaves behind.

What to Do After a Fire

11/30/2016 (Permalink)

For fire damage recovery call SERVPRO of Old Bridge/ Cranbury.

A house fire is a devastating event. Even a small fire can cause serious damage to your home. So how do you rebuild? What do you do after the fire department leaves? Here are some tips to dealing with fire damage.

Contact your insurance company IMMEDIATELY after the fire is out. They can provide advice on how to handle the aftermath of your fire and possibly be able to recommend a professional fire restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Old Bridge/ Cranbury A fire restoration company can provide services to prevent further damage, help determine which items can or cannot be refurbished and which structural items do and do not need to be repaired or replaced. They provide estimates to insurance companies for the cost of damages and will help walk you through the process of thoroughly deodorizing, cleaning and repairing your home.

Things to remember after a fire:

• Do not use electrical appliances that have been near a fire.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
• Do not touch anything during your first inspection to prevent transferring soot from item to item.
• Do not wash drapes or other materials that may require dry cleaning.

Hiring a professional like SERVPRO of Old Bridge/ Cranbury right after a fire can save you time and money.

Call SERVPRO of Old Bridge/ Cranbury at (732) 253-4914