Fire damage restoration has many working parts in Plymouth

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO lessens impact and costs for Plymouth business owners when called for help with fire damage restoration

Even if you have a small fire at your Plymouth commercial space, you could have significant issues with smoke damage and indoor air quality (IAQ). Not only will there be burnt, charred materials to dispose of, but you also have to think about corrosive smoke and soot residue that may have traveled throughout the building – often via the HVAC system. SERVPRO is the only team to call when you want skilled fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) on the job.

When handling fire damage restoration in Plymouth, our team knows that circulating soot particles start to settle on contents and surfaces, posing a threat. This acidic, corrosive soot can damage surfaces it lands on, calling for specialized, careful cleaning. We work to:

• Cut back on the power of smoke odors present in the building
• Pay close attention to any safety hazards that fire and smoke/soot damage presents
• Reduce thickness and severity of residue and soiling on all impacted surfaces

SERVPRO technicians have access to the best equipment in the industry when handling water & fire damage restorations, including:

• Vacuums and air scrubbers with HEPA filtration
• ULV fogging equipment
• Ozone and Hydroxyl generators
• EPA-registered sanitizers and deodorizers

The team at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham is available 24/7 for emergency response when you require prompt, reliable fire damage restoration. Call us to your commercial space when you need us by dialing (508) 746-9500, and we can be there as soon as possible.

Commercial carpet water damage restoration in Plymouth

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Can carpets be dried in place in commercial properties in Plymouth?

Whenever flooring materials such as carpets and underpads become wet from a water leak, it is essential to dry the carpet, underpad, and subfloor to avoid permanent damage and mold growth.

SERVPRO responds in less than four hours to all water damage restoration calls in Plymouth. We use weighted extractors to remove water and moisture from carpeting and under padding. We use air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture. In addition to extraction, there are several other considerations for water damage restoration of carpeted floors:

• Older carpets may delaminate, requiring replacement
• Wet carpets may need to be floated to dry the underpad and subfloor properly
• Floated carpets expose tack strips, which are dangerous and must be covered to prevent injury
• Clients cannot walk on floated carpets until completely dry
• Walking from wet carpets onto tile floors can cause slip/fall safety concerns

Our team evaluates the best approach to restore your flooring materials exposed to water and minimize your commercial operations' downtime.

Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham for water damage restoration Plymouth and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (508) 746-9500.

What should a homeowner do if their Plymouth home is ever damaged by floods?

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

If Floods Ever Impact Your Plymouth Home, You Should First Contact a Good Local Flood Damage Cleanup and Remediation Service for Help.

Every year, powerful seasonal storms batter Plymouth and the rest of the Northeast.  These monstrous weather systems often bring with them intense winds, torrential rains, flooding, and massive headaches for area homeowners.  As the storms pass through our community, your home could be compromised in a myriad of ways.  Tree limbs, or even entire trees, could fall on your house, damaging roofing and windows.  This, in turn, could make your residence much more vulnerable to stormwaters.  At the same time, flying debris could further impact your home in such ways and block its drainage systems.  Then, as heavy rains swell local rivers, lakes, and ponds, your house could be put in the direct path of raging floodwaters.     

What Makes Flood Waters Particularly Hazardous?

Flood damage remediation in Plymouth involves much more than simply removing the floodwaters and airing-out a residence.  As SERVPRO, a local Plymouth flood damage cleanup and restoration company, understands, it takes much more than this.  This is because floodwater, classified as “black water,” is the most contaminated type of water you can encounter.  It flows over various polluted surfaces, carrying with it such things as:

• Human corpses and animal carcasses
• Animal and human feces
• Industrial wastes
• Toxic chemicals
• Other harmful substances in soils 

This contaminated water is teaming with troublesome microorganisms that could, if not quickly and successfully eliminated, irreparably impact your residence and cause health effects.

How Does SERVPRO Quickly and Effectively Clean Up Flood Damage?

As your neighborhood SERVPRO, we are located nearby and our skilled technicians live in your community.  This is why we can often be onsite to help resolve your Plymouth flooding issue within four hours of your call, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.  Once at your residence, SERVPRO experts:

• Inspect your home, noting all water damage and potential safety concerns like the presence of lead or asbestos
• Rapidly extract gallons of polluted standing floodwaters from your house with industrial strength extractors and submersible pumps
• Disinfect surfaces around your home with EPA-approved disinfectants and high-tech foggers
• Professionally dispose of hazardous wastes
• Set a drying goal based on local conditions and monitor its progress with moisture sensors/meters and thermohydrometers
• Quickly dry the interior of your residence with a network of cutting edge air movers, dehumidifiers, and Injectidry systems
• Further disinfect and deodorize your house with advanced antimicrobial-delivering foggers

Taken together, all of these measures help ensure that your flood damage is remediated as quickly and effectively as possible.  Many times, they can save you from future issues related to a flooding event, which can save you precious time and money.

How Do SERVPRO’s Foggers Disinfect Surfaces and Neutralize Odors?

The greatest concerns related to flood damage cleanup are eliminating harmful microbes and neutralizing unpleasant odors.  In order to tackle these key problems, SERVPRO employs the most advanced foggers in the industry today.  Our thermal foggers create dense fogs filled with disinfectants/deodorants that eliminate microbes or unwanted smells from confined areas of your residence.  Technicians use ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers that aerosolize microorganism/odor-eliminating agents to treat impacted materials and difficult-to-access parts of your home.  This is possible because ULV foggers, unlike other foggers, create fine mists that are able to easily penetrate tight areas and the small pores of affected materials.   

What Can Happen to My Home If I Don’t Have It Properly Cleaned by Knowledgeable Professionals?

As previously explained, floodwaters are particularly dangerous because they usually carry numerous harmful microorganisms.  The harm that these microscopic threats often cause is in addition to the troubles generally associated with regular water damage.  Some examples of the issues you can eventually expect to encounter after having ineffective remediation service performed are:

• Persistent foul odors that may become more pronounced during hotter and more humid periods
• Discolorations and stains from proliferating mold and mildew on floors, walls, and ceilings
• Deteriorating drywall and plaster
• Warping and buckling of floors, walls, and ceilings
• Structure-destroying dry rot that could require substantial and costly reconstruction efforts

It is for all of these reasons that you should take care of any flood damage as soon as possible and have the work done by trained professionals.  Otherwise, over the long term, your delays could cost you dearly.

As caring members of your community, we urge you to always prepare for storms and related flooding.  Also, you should know your cleaning and restoration options well before storms arrive.  With all that said, if you ever need help cleaning up in the aftermath of flooding, call SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500 for assistance.

How quickly can my home get dried out after a flood?

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

For Fast, Professional Restoration in Your Plymouth Home, Call SERVPRO 

Stormwater is a greater threat to area homes than what flows from a broken pipe or split hose. Even if the same amount of water hits the floor, outside water picks up a small amount of everything it crossed before entering your home. Removing the dirt, grass, and other debris takes additional time to return each home to a clean, safe condition. 

How Long Does Everything Take?

That depends on how much water is present, and the size of your home in Plymouth. Flood damage restoration also only starts with removing the water. SERVPRO technicians use pumps and extractors that draw out most of the small bits of contaminants along with the flooding, but getting out the larger debris still requires removing it by hand and shovel. 

Can Everything Be Salvaged?

Almost. Carpets simply absorb too much water and contaminants to safely use again, so our team members throw them out immediately after removing the water. Paper and cardboard turn to mush in minutes, so it goes out by the shovelful as well. Nearly everything else we can save with a combination of commercial-grade cleaning agents and restoration equipment.

What about Drying Out My Home, So It Doesn’t Smell?

SERVPRO technicians use air movers, dehumidifiers, and exhaust fans to draw out remaining moisture trapped in both the structure of your home and personal property. Besides preserving the material, these actions also help remove any musty odors left behind. In addition to our cleaning agents, technicians also have access to chemicals and tools that can cover up any malodors until they fade or eliminate them, even if they penetrated wall framing and other support structures. 

Regardless of how much water entered your home here, contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham today at (508) 746-9500. We are ready to help you return home as quickly as possible. 

Where can I find Plymouth water removal services?

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plymouth Can Help You with Your Water Removal Needs 

Many Plymouth homes may end up requiring water removal services at some point in their lives. There is no doubt that modern appliances are incredibly convenient. They are easy to use and take one more task off of your hands. However, they can sometimes run into problems.  

Imagine a situation where your dishwasher leaks and leaves your home in need of local Plymouth water removal services. Many thoughts may rush to your head, but it is essential to remain as calm as possible when you find water-based damage.  

What Should I Do First?  

Finding a puddle of standing water is never something with which a homeowner wants to deal. However, if it does happen, it is essential to know what to do at that moment. Consider:  

• Calling a professional restoration company, like SERVPRO
• Turn off the water source of your home
• Place any pets in kennels so that workers can move freely  

From the first moment you call, SERVPRO can begin to assemble a team of talented water damage restoration technicians (WRT) to help you.  

How Can SERVPRO Remove the Water in My Home?  

Using advanced technology, our technicians can begin to remediate your home and remove the damage as quickly as possible. For water removal jobs, our techs typically use:  

• Extractors
• Wet/dry vacuums
• Flood drying mats 
• Dehumidifiers and axial fans  

Using this equipment in conjunction allows our SERVPRO technicians to remove and then remediate the water damage inside of your home. Furthermore, we can also use devices such as moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to search for hidden pockets of water. Here at SERVPRO, we're water damage experts, and we know where to look and what to do.  

If you suspect your home may need water removal services, get help now! Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham by dialing (508) 746-9500. We're open 24/7 to help you!

What do I do when a pipe bursts in my Plymouth home?

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Provide Your Plymouth Home With Water Removal Services

The end of winter can be a dangerous time for the pipes in your Plymouth home. The constant flux between freezing and warm weather can cause your pipes to burst and leave your home in need of water removal services. 

How can SERVPRO technicians swiftly remove the water inside your Plymouth home? 

• Action: SERVPRO can immediately put together a team of highly trained water damage remediation technicians (WRT) and then send them to your home as quickly as possible. 
• Equipment: Our WRT can bring advanced technology to your home, which is specifically designed to mitigate water damage. 
• Removal: Using devices such as wet/dry vacuums and extractors, SERVPRO can swiftly remove the flooded water from your home. 
• Sanitization: To ensure mold growth does not occur, our WRT can use antifungal agents to sanitize the area.  

If you find your home in need of water removal services, never wait to get help. Speak with SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham by dialing (508) 746-9500. We're here for you now. 

What does SERVPRO do first to restore a fire damaged home?

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

After a Fire in Plymouth Our Technicians Assess What Mitigation Needs to Be Done After Dealing with Safety Issues

Today over 127 firefighters respond annually to over 11,000 runs. Many of these call-outs involve residential property. After the firefighters put out the flames, SERVPRO steps in to help clean, repair, and restore.

During Fire Restoration What Happens First?

Securing the building from safety hazards is the first step in any job we do. We cannot begin repair and restoration unless it is safe. Our technicians are trained to scope out a fire damage scene in Plymouth and look for potential hazards. Emergency mitigation, such as boarding up, may be needed as well. The particular things SERVPRO looks for include:

• Hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead
• Utility concerns including gas leakage risks and electrical shock dangers
• Damage to the structure that could lead to a collapse
• Fall or slip hazards
• Off-gassing during combustion
• Determining the level of water contamination

We have protocols we follow to mitigate any of the above situations so that everything gets done safely. These protocols include:

• Turning off utilities, such as gas and electric, at the source
• Using temporary supports for damaged structural components
• Letting our certified biohazard removal technicians handle hazardous materials.
• Use the correct PPE gear for the job.
• Working within local and state laws for removal of biohazardous material

How Do You Determine What Restoration Techniques are Used?

SERVPRO employs the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified and Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) that understand fires and fire residue. In a single fire, they often deal with wet, dry, and protein-based soot. Each of these requires different cleaning methods. The project manager considers several aspects when putting a restoration plan together. The conditions during the fire, materials consumed, and how the fire and smoke swept through the home are all considered.  The technicians then begin cleaning and restoring the home.

In order to properly clean, the technicians determine which type of soot is in the area where they are working. They test different cleaning methods and products in inconspicuous places to decide the best cleaning option. They go through the house, cleaning each impacted surface so that restoration can begin.

Why is Water Damage Cleanup Necessary After a Fire?

If firefighters were involved in putting out the fire, water and chemicals get used. Our IICRC techs deal with any water intrusion before they begin fire damage cleanup. Water is corrosive and destroys impacted material quickly. Water extraction methods are used to clear as much moisture from the building as possible. We use EPA-registered antimicrobial agents to treat contaminated water. Industrial strength drying equipment gets used to dry the structure. If the moisture is allowed to sit for long periods, secondary damage such as mold and mildew can become a serious problem.

How Does SERVPRO Restore My Home?

Once the safety issues get dealt with, and water extraction is complete, the cleaning and restoration begin. Charred and ruined material gets removed quickly as they contribute significantly to the foul odors present with fire damage. Cleaning methods such as soda blasting are used on fire-damaged structural elements. Scraping and wire brushing are other cleaning options for content covered in soot. Damp wiping removes smoke residue from surfaces. Damaged walls, floors, and ceilings get repaired. You can rest assured that our technicians use the most advanced restoration techniques and professional equipment to restore your home. Our goal is to leave the residence, “Like it never even happened.”

Can the Smell Be Removed?

Smoke residue settles on surfaces and becomes embedded into the content of the home. The airborne particles can travel quickly throughout the home, even from the smallest fire. Our technicians work tirelessly toward eliminating the foul odors present. We neutralize scent-bearing particles with chemicals that alter the composition of the soot. Enzymatic products, hydroxyl generators, and thermal fogging are techniques that help remove the awful smell.

A fire damaged home needs professional, well-trained fire damage restoration experts that understand what is needed. At SERVPRO, we sympathize with anyone who has undergone a disaster such as a fire. We want you back in your home and doing all the normal things you do every day. Our technicians work diligently to ensure that happens.

Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500 for professional fire damage service. We are licensed and bonded – Contractor Licenses: General: CS-108357.  We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Does Water Cause Harm to Upholstery, Carpets, and Textiles in Plymouth?

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

A Water Leak Can Lead to Permanent Fabric Damage. SERVPRO Can Provide Expert Water Cleanup for your Plymouth Home.

How does water affect fabrics?
Textiles in your Plymouth home are made up of unique fabrics with unique fiber and dye characteristics. When water exposure occurs, these textiles can bleed dye, shrink or become flat. Long-term water exposure can lead to unpleasant odors and mold growth. SERVPRO technicians are not only experts at drying your home and contents; we can also clean various fabrics to return them to a preloss condition. Understanding how different materials react to cleaning methods or chemical action is essential to reducing secondary damages. We can avoid these secondary harms by consulting manufacturer guidance or relying on our extensive fabric cleaning training.

What stages are there for textile cleaning?
    •    Assessing whether fabrics should be cleaned while wet or putting in place an immediate drying plan
    •    Using pre-conditioning elements as well as spot and stain remover to clean the fabric
    •    Providing a topical treatment onto the fabric to ensure a lasting clean finish

What are topical treatments for textiles?
Topical treatments are an essential part of water cleanup in your Plymouth home. These treatments are usually applied initially by the manufacturer but can be re-applied after cleaning the textile. We use topical treatments to help release soiling from a fabric piece and make the fabric stain resistant for the future. A soil-repellent can be used as a mitigation method to prevent soils from absorbing into a fabric, providing technicians with a vital window to clean upholstery before permanent staining occurs. One risk of using a soil repellent is yellowing, which is why we recommend you seek professional assistance when performing textile cleaning.

What types of topical treatments are available for fabrics?
    •    Soil release agents allow textiles to absorb more water or cleaning solution allowing for deep cleans.
    •    Stain-resistant chemicals can prevent or reduce the staining of materials through dye discoloration.
    •    Fire retardants can often wash out in the presence of moisture. Re-applying fire retardants can help return your furniture to its preloss condition.

Water spills can lead to staining, dye bleeding, or other forms of damage in upholstery, carpets, and fabrics. Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500 now.

Different Types of Smoke cause different types of Damage

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

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 Plymouth/Wareham 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.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 508-746-9500

TIPS to HELP YOUR FAMILY SURVIVE a FIRE from The AMERICAN RED CROSS

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

TIPS to HELP YOUR FAMILY SURVIVE a FIRE from The AMERICAN RED CROSS

* INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS on EVERY level of your home! Including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Once a month check whether each Smoke Alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button. Replace batteries in Smoke Alarms at least once a year. IMMEDIATELY install a new battery if a Smoke Alarm chirps; warning the battery is low!

* TEACH YOUR CHILDREN what Smoke Alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.

* ENSURE that ALL household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home, and where to meet up outside.

* PRACTICE your Fire Escape Plan at least twice a year and at different times of the day! Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.

* EMPHASIZE ~ “GET OUT, STAY OUT”! ~ Only professional firefighters should enter a building that is on fire; EVEN IF other family members, pets or prized possessions are inside!

* USE Quick-Release Devices on barred windows and doors. Security bars without Quick-Release devices can trap you in a deadly fire! If you have security bars on your windows, be sure one window in each sleeping room has a Quick-Release device!

* CONSIDER Escape Ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them, and store them near the windows!

* TEACH household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire! 

SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham ~ Faster to Any Size Disaster! ~ Available 24/7