Large Scale Tarping Project

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Using a crane to build a temporary protective roof following a roof fire at a local commercial property.

Following any fire one of the initial steps for returning the property back to preloss condition is reducing any potential secondary damage. Depending on the severity, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge can tarp a hole in the roof and board up windows and doors.

Boarding up a property serves to not only protect it from further damage but also keeps others out reducing theft and liability concerns. Burglary to fire damaged properties is unfortunately not uncommon.

Tarping of a roof is a preventive measure. While damage has occurred, reducing additional damage is a responsibility of the property owner and required by the insurance company Pictured is a large scale roof tarping where our contractors had to construct a temporary roof to ensure not additional water entered causing even more damage. Plus it allows restoration companies to begin the work of restoring the structure.

Commercial Cleaning

2/12/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that while SERVPRO is known for our cleanup and restoration of smoke, fire and water disasters, in reality however we are a specialty cleaning company. Employing the same skills our certified cleaning technicians use in remeading fire damage, we use in commercial cleaning.

We were recently contracted by a local health care facility to deep clean their kitchen in advance of a state inspection. They utilized our experienced labor force and specialized cleaning agents to complete the important task. We worked non-traditional hours and met the time frame in order to have them ready for the inspection.

So when your commercial kitchen absolutely needs a professional touch, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is "here to help". If we can cleanup after a fire, we can clean your commercial kitchen.

Below is a video of our team cleaning a commercial kitchen floor.

https://youtu.be/a5JwUCDncFg

An Ounce of Prevention

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Wayne nd South Lackawanna Counties specializes in the clean up and restoration of smoke,fire and water disasters. And while unfortunately the need is great, we would like nothing better than for our local residents to avoid these problems.

One way to increase your odds of a disaster free winter is to have your heating unit serviced on at least a yearly basis by a certified HVAC technician. They can check and change the filters, do an over haul to check for worn and defected parts. This simple and relatively inexpensive step can save any homeowner thousands of dollars in restoration work.

However should your home experience a furnace malfunction be sure to contact a professional clean up and restoration company like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties. We help make it "Like it never even happened".

Methods of Fire Damaged Clean Up

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

This is a picture of one of our certified technicians media blasting a fire damaged building.

Fires can be devastating. Recovering from them can be time consuming. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old specializes in the clean up and restoration of fire damaged properties.

Cleaning of soot, the product of smoke is tedious. Every surface must be "touched" using specialized cleaning and odor reducing tools. Chemical sponges are used on most surfaces because they remove the soot without smearing and embedding it into the surface. If not properly cleaned; odor will persist. With that being said, this is one of the main reasons to call a certified restoration company. A fire clean up is not a DIY project.

Media blasting is another tool used by clean up professionals to ensure proper cleaning and odor removal. Either sand based material or dry ice is used to literally blast away the soot. Media blasting is used primarily on hard surfaces like concrete or wood. The amazing thing about media blasting is there is no mess.

So in the event of fire damage always call the professionals to ensure proper restoration. 

24/7/365 WE RESPOND

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

This is a picture of post demolition drying the structure using air movers. Air movement is the cure for wetness.

No one can ever predict when a disaster will occur. Whether it be a broken pipe causing major water damage or a fire causing destruction and displacement. They certainly don't always occur between 9:00-5:00 o'clock. Unfortunately, most occur when either the business is closed or the family is away. Holidays and winter are the most common seasons.

One of the key elements to mitigating any disaster (especially water damage) is speed of clean up. Mold from water can begin to grow in as little as 48 hours and make a bad situation worse. Extraction and drying are paramount to avoiding this hazardous situation. But also the quicker the professional restorer begins the more likelihood they are able to "save" your belongings.  For all these reasons SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is available 24/7/365 to meet any disaster head-on. Call us at (570) 235-1646. Even on holidays!

What to do After a Fire

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a picture of a partially cleaned ceiling rafters. You can see what has been cleaned and what still needs to be hit with the media blasting.

Fires are devastating. Even a small fire can cause major damage. Knowing what to do after a fire is one key component of both safety and mitigating damages. 

Here are a few tips of what a fire victim could do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

By following these guidelines you increase the odds of "saving" your belonging and mitigating any further damage.

The Brand You Can Trust

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Box Truck

Disasters happen. You can be only so pro-active. It's how you respond to them that can either increase the damage or hopefully reduce it. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is a leader in the clean up and restoration of disasters. Whether the disaster be storm related, self-made or an structural failure, we respond 24/7 to help both homeowners and commercial property mangers restore their properties to pre-disaster condition.

SERVPRO is the brand you know and trust. Our employees are required to undergo continuous training and maintain certain designations to ensure they are prepared for all types of events. All of our crew chiefs are IICRC certified and remain on-site while the work is being completed.

On the event a disaster strikes, call the name you know. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge (570-235-1646)

Fire and Odor

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

One of our IICRC certified restoration technicians cleaning the wood beams of this house fire.

Fire results in smoke and soot. Smoke and soot result in odor. The primary reason you hire (and/or insurance companies recommend)a professional restoration company like  SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, is the knowledge and specialized equipment used in cleaning fire damaged homes and businesses. Without these tools the soot which permeates the surfaces will continue to cause odors long after the fire is extinguished.

The heat from fire causes the wood to expand which allows the soot to seep in so a simple wiping will not alleviate the cause of the lingering smell. All surfaces must be cleaned with a specialized cleaning product and after a though cleaning, the wood must be sealed with a sealant to ensure the odor does not escape. Only then can you safely paint.

To ensure your property is restored to pre-fire condition, call an IICRC certified restoration company.

Winter is Fire Hazard Season

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

This house fire was caused by a boiler malfunction. We were called to clean and restore the property.

As northeastern Pennsylvania enters the winter season the propensities of fires increase. The two (2) main reasons for this phenomime are an increase use of heating equipment and holiday time cooking accidents.

The leading cause of kitchen fires are unattended cooking. While during holidays times with family and friends gathered around, it is commonplace and understandable to become distracted while trying to do several things at once. However, the stove and your attention to it must remain paramount to avoid a disaster.

It is highly recommended having your heating equipment service prior to the heating season. Having the unit serviced by a professional HVAC technician greatly reduces the risk of malfunction and disaster. Changing filters and ensuring the chimney is clean will also increase efficiency thus saving energy costs.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge ask that you remain diligent and pro-active this winter season. Stay warm and safe.

The Science of Drying

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Dehumidifiers placed at a job site.

Psychrometry is the study of the air and its properties. It's the science of drying. The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in the structure, enabling a SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge certified water technician to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying.

Water can damage materials in two ways: first, by absorption through direct contact with water; and second, by absorption of moisture from the air. Measuring the moisture content of the air is critical to the drying process.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, is an IICRC company with certified water restoration technicians. This is just another reason why we are the Scranton area's premier smoke, fire and water restoration and cleanup company. Our technicians have the expertise to make the event "Like it never even happened."