Fire Restoration in Dallas Happens Fast with SERVPRO

7/14/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is a lengthy process that often requires professional help. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for certified technicians.

SERVPRO® Uses Industry-Leading Tools and Techniques in Fire Restoration in Dallas

A fire incident is often an overwhelming ordeal for any homeowner. Having professionals like SERVPRO by your side during the fire restoration of your Dallas home helps to minimize the damage.  

Restorers like SERVPRO use state-of-the-art techniques and tools during the fire restoration of your Dallas home. Our IICRC-certified technicians employ trusted methods to control the extent of lasting damage to the structure and belongings.  

Elements of Cleaning During Fire Cleanup

Cleaning up after fire damage involves a systematic approach, relying on four key elements- temperature, agitation, chemical action, and time- to effectively remove residues. Often abbreviated as TACT, our techs use these elements to restore fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

• Temperature contributes to the increase in the rate of chemical reactions within cleaning products. SERVPRO technicians control the temperature depending on the cleaning solution used and the items that need to be cleaned. 
• Agitation weakens the bonds between the residue and the surface. Technicians use tools such as towels, brushes, or even ultrasonic machines to provide the necessary agitation. 
• Chemical action entails using professional cleaning products to break the soil-surface bonds effectively. Depending on the type of residue and the required result, the technicians may use dissolvers, emulsifiers, bleaching agents, oxidants, acidity/alkalinity modifiers, or biodegradation products. 
• Time is the final element, referring to the dwell time required for cleaning and deodorization products to work effectively. The duration varies depending on the product used and the nature of the residues.

SERVPRO techs strive to restore your homes to the preloss state by carefully balancing these four elements. 

Agitation Equipment Used to Remove Smoke and Soot 

In the agitation step of fire damage cleaning, techs utilize different tools to remove residues. Some of these include:

• Wiping cloths: Techs use them to wipe surfaces
• Brushes and scrubbers: Used to scrub surfaces and remove stubborn smoke and soot particles. 
• Ultrasonic machines: Use sound waves to clean small, complicated objects. 

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 for a trustworthy service.

Fire Damage Restoration in Dallas Requires Specialized Equipment

9/17/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage can affect your home and family at any time. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for certified professionals and equipment.

Air Cleaning During Dallas Fire Damage Restoration

A major part of any fire damage recovery project in Dallas is purifying contaminated interior air. This essential stage in the remediation process often takes an arsenal of highly-specialized, industrial-grade equipment. Each of these tools works on smoke-fouled air in different ways and addresses specific aspects of it.

When performing fire damage restoration on Dallas homes, SERVPRO® utilizes numerous sophisticated devices to remove airborne particles and deodorize rooms. This crucial smoke remediation work must be completed by our house fire clean up teams before fire restoration efforts can begin. Depending on the particular situation, we generally clean up the air in fire damaged homes with one or more of the following:

• Air scrubbers, devices that use filters to remove smoke particles, soot, and odors from the air. They draw in contaminated air, filter it, and release clean air back into the environment.
• Cutting-edge filters, like high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and activated carbon filters. HEPA versions capture fine particles as small as 0.3 microns and are used in air scrubbers, vacuums, and other equipment to effectively trap soot and smoke particles. Activated carbon types are effective at adsorbing and trapping odorous gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. They are usually used together with air scrubbers.
• Negative air machines, which create negative pressure that helps prevent the spread of airborne contaminants during the restoration process. They contain and remove harmful particles from affected areas.
• Ozone and hydroxyl generators, machines that produce odor-neutralizing gases. Ozone generators create highly reactive ozone gas that oxidizes odorous molecules and thereby eliminates bad smoke-related smells. Hydroxyl machines use UV light and humidity to produce hydroxyl radicals, which help remove odors and break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air.

So, remember your friends at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas if you ever need fire damage restoration work done. Call us anytime at (214) 361-7887 for assistance.

Three Ways to Remove Fire Damage Odors from Dallas Homes

4/23/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage needs to be remediated thoroughly or odors will remain. Contact our SERVPRO team to learn more about our custom plans to help you.

We Offer Effective Fire Damage Deodorization

Your home can go through many restoration and recovery phases after a fire. Our comprehensive, end-to-end service covers these facets of cleanup and repair, including the intricacies of deodorization. Our experienced team focuses on three main objectives when moving smoke smells from a property.

Removing Smoke Debris

The first focus of deodorizing fire damage in Dallas homes is removing bulk materials and debris created by combustion. Ash, charred material remnants, and smoke solids create a volatile environment in the affected rooms. The greater the measure of this debris present, the stronger that malodors can become. We use hand tools and dry HEPA vacuums to address the debris threat.

Cleaning Soot-Damaged Surfaces

Another objective in effectively removing strong smells after a fire is managing the soot damage these disasters leave behind. Soiled surfaces amplify smoke smells, making removing and restoring soot-covered surfaces critical in effective deodorization. Strategies for this removal and cleanup include:

• Surface wipe cleaning
• Media blasting 
• Chemical sponges 

Deodorizing the Damaged Areas

With surfaces cleaned and debris removed, it is time to utilize effective deodorization and neutralization equipment available to our team. Thermal fogging is a productive approach, which superheats neutralizing compounds into a vapor, allowing this gaseous form to penetrate porous surfaces and destroy odor molecules.

We can also consider ozone neutralization when the property is vacant. This is a highly effective technique for total odor removal but can be hazardous to any living organisms until the generated O3 dissipates. 

Fires are among the most stressful conditions that homeowners must face. We understand the urgency of effective recovery solutions and can help with our fast response 24/7.  SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is ready 24/7 for smoke cleanup and odor removal. Call us at (214) 361-7887.

What to Do with Debris Left in Your Dallas Home by Fire Damage

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

When you are faced with fire damage in Dallas, call our experts 24/7. We have the expertise and equipment to handle any damage, large or small.

What SERVPRO Does to Keep Dallas Properties Organized During Fire Restoration

There are things you are prepared to do when your Dallas home is affected by a fire incident, but others might catch you by surprise. Cleaning smoke residues from surfaces is an obvious task. However, dealing with debris may not be something you prioritize, especially in the early stages of fire restoration. The magnitude of the problem only hits you when the clutter interferes with your restoration efforts or poses hazards. Aggregation and safe storage of debris is necessary when dealing with fire damage.

Many of the house materials Dallas fire damage incidents affect are not entirely consumed, thus leaving chunks of unsightly or even hazardous materials. Even when there is significant combustion, fine debris such as soot and ash accumulate on surfaces. SERVPRO can provide the necessary resources to manage all the waste for safety and convenience.

What it takes to manage fire debris:

• Identifying debris types
• Convenient removal
• Aggregation
• Safe disposal

The waste materials produced during a fire have unique physical properties. Apart from the big chunks of materials and fine residues, other variations might include sharp objects or corrosive materials. Identifying what variations prevail in your property sets the rhythm of what you can do or avoid. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect the affected areas, tearing down wall and ceiling panel remnants. We also check floors and other flat surfaces for small pieces such as shattered glass. Significant temperature differences on glass materials cause fracturing. The hot areas expand while the colder ones contract or remain normal. The substantial stress caused by the expansion and contraction leads to fracturing.  

Convenience When Removing Fire Debris 

Safety should be the foremost aspect to think of when handling fire residues. It may seem unusual since dealing with the soiling may be the natural thing to prioritize. However, prioritizing safety becomes clear with risks such as inhaling the fine residues, stepping on sharp materials, or suffering head injuries from falling materials. Our SERVPRO crews help take care of the safety issues.

Safe removal of fire residues requires:

• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Handy collection tools
• Storage containers

Proper personal protective equipment starts with items like rubber boots and heavy-duty gloves for safety when grabbing or stepping on materials. Respirators and goggles may be necessary when cleaning soot and other fine residues, especially when using a disruptive method such as compressed air or high-pressure water.

Like safety, collecting fire residues and debris requires appropriate equipment. One category of convenient tools our SERVPRO technicians use vacuums to collect fine debris such as soot from surfaces and crevices. Large specialized vacuums help remove insulation. Cutting tools are also essential for eliminating fire-damaged materials. Typical reasons for such devices include cutting away damaged materials if the incident only affects a limited area or reducing large materials like carpets, drywall, and ceiling panels into small pieces that can easily fit into trash receptacles. 

Odor is also one of the remnants you must address after a fire. Although a scent is not tangible, it is made up of molecules that you must deal with for the smell of fire to dissipate. Our SERVPRO technicians use chemical agents or activated oxygen to neutralize odor molecules. Various delivery methods, including fogging chemical agents into the affected areas, ensure convenience. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas finds convenient solutions whenever a fire damage incident affects a property. You can reach us at (214) 361-7887. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Restoration in Dallas

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are ready at a moment's notice; call now!

Pretesting Smoke Residues Part of Routine SERVPRO Dallas Fire Damage Restoration

Fires in Dallas homes produce large amounts of smoke and residues, especially those that start in the kitchen. Smoke residues quickly cover everything in the immediate area and throughout the house. Firefighters or even the homeowner may douse the fire quickly before it causes significant structural damage; however, the odor and smoke residues linger in almost every room.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration services in Dallas and surrounding areas. We restore damage caused by large fires and those that produce lots of smoke and cause minimal structural damage. Many of our clients attempt to clean up the smoke residues themselves, only to cause the residues to smear and penetrate the surfaces of porous materials. Every fire has its unique signature regarding the residue and odor produced.

For example, grease fires produce an oily residue that easily smears when cleaning. Hot fires produce light, fluffy ash, which can be wiped off non-porous surfaces and vacuumed off others. Every fire is different, and the materials the residue lands on are also different. That’s why 

SERVPRO takes the time to identify the type of fire, smoke residue, and the best cleaning approach for each surface type before beginning. By pretesting, our technicians determine the kind of residue and utilize the best cleaning method applicable for the surface type, e.g., porous vs. non-porous, fabrics, flooring, carpets, clothing, etc.

SERVPRO provides complete services to our clients, regardless of the type or size of the fire, including:

• Fire and smoke damage restoration
• House fire clean up
• Fire damage repair and reconstruction

We work closely with your insurance company adjuster and coordinate all activity on the site until your home is returned to its original condition “Like it Never Even Happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas for fire damage restoration services. We provide service to Dallas and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (214) 361-7887.

Cleanup Crews Can Help with Preston Hollow Fire Damage

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let fire damage your Preston Hollow home! Our pros at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas will clean and restore your home to its preloss condition.

How Cleanup Crews Can Assist with Fire Damage in Preston Hollow

Overcoming fire damage can be a difficult task, and those dealing with fire damage in Preston Hollow or elsewhere may find themselves at a loss as to what to do or how to do it. Depending on the intensity and destruction of the fire, cleanup may take significant time and effort. Luckily, most insurance companies will offer some degree of reimbursement after a fire and may ask you to employ a professional cleanup team. Here's a quick summary of what that may entail. 

Inventory Checks and Move-Outs 

Cleanup crews will often start a job by helping the owner create an inventory of items preserved and lost in the Preston Hollow fire and move out anything that could be in danger by remaining in the building. This process includes moving crews and relocation services to wherever you'll be staying. Our techs may also board up some windows, doors, or other entrances to the building to keep out the elements and potential thieves. 

Cleaning and Deodorization 

Fire damage cleanup typically involve a process of cleanup and deodorization, as any remaining smoke, ash, or soot is thoroughly scrubbed and removed. These steps may involve industrial-grade equipment such as thermal foggers, which can remove smoke particles embedded within the very floors and walls of buildings. Cleanup crews will also use scrubbers, sanitizers, and electronics cleaning equipment to scrub out visually staining material. 

Restoration and Replacement 

Cleanup crews will then begin restoring fire damaged parts of the home, bringing in new materials and objects to repair or replace those damaged in the fire. The materials refurbished in this step may range from floor finishing to ductwork to metal polishing, depending on the job's specifics.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

A locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas has been taking on fire repair and restoration jobs in the local community for years. For help or services related to fire or any other damage, call us today at (214) 361-7887. 

Paving the Way for Reconstruction When Fire Damages Your Dallas Home

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

The scene can seem quite overwhelming after a fire in your home. Team SERVPRO can take the situation in hand with a custom assessment to help you.

Trust SERVPRO for Expert Fire Damage Restoration

Your Dallas home does not get constructed to resist fire, nor are the materials used in the construction able to withstand a fire’s damaging effects for very long. When you are facing the aftermath of a significant incident like this for your home, you might get overwhelmed by the destruction and damage that you see. Fortunately, this is not a situation that you have to face all by yourself.

While the fire damage to your Dallas home might have affected nearly every area that you inspect, this might seem insurmountable to overcome. Fortunately, with the experience and equipment of our professional SERVPRO team, your home might be much closer to preloss conditions than you might have thought initially. For genuinely devastating blazes, we can help to prepare your home for the next logical step in reconstruction efforts.

When our IICRC-certified restoration specialists first arrive at your home, we prioritize understanding the full scope of the damage that your property has faced from the fire. This process is thorough because it helps to set the plan for the entire restoration process and aids our technicians in determining which areas of your home might require reconstruction instead of our restoration practices.

One of the very first tasks that our SERVPRO professionals set out to do is to seal up your home from further damage. With massive fires, the lingering symptoms and destruction spans more significant areas of your home and can cause holes and pathways to the exterior. Covering up these open spaces prevents further elemental damage that adds to the length of time that it takes to restore the damage to your home.

It is crucial in situations where reconstruction is a requirement that the area gets fully prepared for this process. Often this procedure requires controlled demolition. The managed tear out of overly damaged materials ensures that residential construction contractors that come to repair the damages can start their work immediately.

Sometimes the damage to your home after a fire seems almost insurmountable. Even in the most widespread of damage, let SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas help to show you how you can reclaim your home once again. You can give our emergency response team a call anytime at (214) 361-7887.

What Are Some Common Causes of Electrical Fire Damage in Dallas?

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage cleanup team uses the most advanced equipment and techniques for all disasters. Call now!

Dallas SERVPRO Fire Damage Cleanup Covers Electrical Fire Damage and Repair

Some of the most frequent culprits of electrical fire damage in homes today, including in Dallas, include ungrounded outlets, damaged or defective electrical wiring, and permanent reliance on extension cables as a power source for an appliance. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) data attributes electrical components to the ignition of 79% of home fires in the U.S.

SERVPRO fire damage mitigation professionals return Dallas homes to a pre-fire condition in a timely fashion. Better still, this service is available all day, every day, to ensure that property owners can save on cleanup and build-back services after a home structure fire.

Electrical Fire Damage Cleanup Considerations

SERVPRO professionals consider a wide array of cleanup strategies for fire damage cleanup depending on the surfaces affected.

• Wall cavities in the affected area can be partially demolished to remove unsalvageable outlet covers and prepare damaged drywall for replacement.
• It is often more cost-effective and safe to replace insulation in an exterior wall than repair it. Smoke damage absorbed by insulation that is otherwise salvageable, like fiberglass, can compromise its effectiveness.
• Nearby cabinetry, both inside and outside, can prove vulnerable to fire residues. Finished exteriors can be treated with wood oil soap and other cleaners designed for nonporous or semi-nonporous surfaces. Cabinet interiors, which are typically unfinished, are often be restored with careful cleaning with a dry cleaning sponge.
• SERVPRO techs clean light fixtures as well. Ceiling-mounted fixtures are usually cleaned during ceiling cleaning near the beginning of restoration. Light covers and chandeliers can be restored with careful hand cleaning, immersion cleaning, ultrasonic submersion, or with a low-pressure steam cleaner.

Homeowners seeking fast-responding, “Like it never even happened,” quality cleanup can contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887.

What Causes Most Fire Damage in Dallas?

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can occur from a multitude of sources. Practice fire safety and call SERVPRO for all of your fire damage restoration needs.

Fire Damage in Dallas Generally Results from a Handful of Common Household Mishaps

House fires are relatively common in the Dallas area, especially during the holiday season. A few common household accidents generally cause these unfortunate events. Some of these mishaps involve falling asleep with a lit cigarette or failing to monitor cooking food properly.

SERVPRO, a Dallas fire damage remediator, believes local homeowners can prevent most house fires simply by knowing and remaining mindful of how most of them start. Our skilled technicians, over their years of performing house fire clean up jobs, smoke remediation, and fire damage restoration work on fire damaged homes, have found that these blazes usually result from one or more of the following causes:

• Out of control grease fires that start because of inattention or clumsy attempts at frying foods
• or otherwise, dirty heaters that produce lit airborne particles which catch household materials on fire
• Floating embers from wood-burning fireplaces that ignite nearby carpeting and furnishings
• holiday trees that catch fire due to faulty lighting, burning cigarette ashes, or floating fireplace embers
• Residents who carelessly fall asleep with a lit cigarette and catch a bed or couch on fire
• supervised children that get involved in dangerous activities like playing with matches, lighters, or oven ranges

Armed with this knowledge, we believe our neighbors can better avoid or protect themselves from potentially devastating fire events.

However, should you ever suffer fire damage, remember that your friends at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas are always here to help. Contact us anytime, day or night, at (214) 361-7887 for fast and effective service.

Get Effective Fire Damage Cleanup Services in Dallas

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

A small fire caused smoke and soot to travel throughout the home and attach to the drywall and personal property.

SERVPRO Offers Prompt Fire Damage Restoration Services in Dallas

A fire can start in your home due to unattended space heaters, boilers, stoves, and electrical faults. SERVPRO's fire restorers can assess the destruction, including flame, smoke, soot, and water damage, and decide how to fix things. The intensity of the destruction usually depends on the severity and size of the fire. We examine a property to determine how far the flames, soot, water, and smoke penetrated the property.

Our SERVPRO restorers also examine the property's contents like furniture, carpets, and removable fixtures to determine what is salvageable. We can then provide complete fire damage cleanup services in your Dallas residence to get it back to livable, safe conditions. Cleaning up after a fire involves removing debris, smoke residues, and resolving water damage. It also involves removing and eradicating ruined contents and eliminating odors. 

The destruction from flames is what most people notice, but smoke can also cause destruction. Different kinds of smoke exist, including dry, wet, and fuel oil smoke. Wet smoke is the most challenging to remove. It covers surfaces in a thick coating and has a strong odor. Wet smoke comes from fires that burn at lower temperatures. On the other hand, dry smoke comes from fires that burn at higher temperatures and is easier to clean. It is not likely to find fuel oil smoke in a home unless an oil-burning furnace causes it. 

Smoke can cause significant destruction due to the corrosive effects and odor. It can begin the corrosion process a few minutes after falling on surfaces. It is a priority to clean it; otherwise, you may have to replace the affected surfaces. SERVPRO's emergency cleaning services may include:

• Immediate cleaning of the rooms you need to use.
• Deodorization of strong odors.
• Containment, if only a part of the structure is damaged.
• Water removal.

Some smoke residues are corrosive to surfaces. We can wipe residues from plastic surfaces, fiberglass surfaces, light-colored painted surfaces, and Formica countertops. Our SERVPRO team can also clean and protect metal surfaces that contain iron and chrome trim like door hardware, faucets, window frames, and lamps. Pre-cleaning the surfaces and coating them with lubricant can reduce further corrosion and protect them. 

If you need fire restoration services, call SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887. We have what it takes to make the fire damage seem "Like it never even happened."

How Can Property Owners Perform Fire Mitigation in Northwest Dallas?

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fires come in all shapes and sizes. SERVPRO is always on call for your fire damage restoration needs.

They Can Hire SERVPRO to Offer Fire Mitigation in Northwest Dallas Immediately after a Fire

Home fires can cause severe losses and disruption to your family's life. Although everyone is safe after the fire is extinguished, the damage has just begun. If you want your property to look new again, call a professional company like SERVPRO to help with mitigation.

It takes SERVPRO experts a different amount of time to handle fire mitigation in Northwest Dallas. The factors that help us determine how long the mitigation may take include:

• The number of fire-affected rooms
• The severity of the damage
• Burned materials
  

It may require a few days or weeks for SERVPRO's team of experts to complete the fire mitigation process. Most property owners may prefer handling the mitigation to avoid extra costs. However, you can damage your property more by using home remedies and cleaning products to clean the affected surfaces. Skilled and experienced individuals must also handle the restoration process to avoid significant losses and expensive repairs.

With our innovative equipment, tools, and products, our restorers can minimize and stop further damage. Moreover, our SERVPRO technicians wear protective gear to avoid inhaling smoke residues and getting in contact with them with the correct protective equipment. For easy cleaning of hard surfaces, we can use abrasive pads and brushes or abrasive powders. To avoid the loose particles spreading, we can then vacuum the heavy deposits from the surface.

Our SERVPRO restorers can also use duct cleaning systems with all the necessary equipment and accessories for cleaning your HVAC systems. This cleaning helps limit the spread of odors on the property.

Even after putting out the flames, fire damage continues to occur and spread to unaffected areas. Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas for professional fire mitigation "Like it never even happened." Call us today at (214) 361-7887.

Controlling for Variables During Fire Restoration in Dallas

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

When flames and smoke damage your Dallas house, call SERVPRO for the right cleanup treatment

The best fire restoration strategies in Dallas involve careful consideration

Part of the work SERVPRO does in our professional fire damage restoration project is to control conditions for optimal outcomes. Years of expertise lend us the ability to recognize details and restore your home faster and better.

One of the variables we control during Dallas fire restoration projects is temperature. Depending on how the fire burned, what it touched, and what type of smoke it left behind, our treatments may be best performed with a bit of heat applied. This may involve turning up your home’s heating, bringing in a space heater, towed portable furnaces, or using localized heating devices. We may use these types of treatments for:

• Smoke Damage
• House Fire Clean Up in the Kitchen
• Attic fire damage

One of the most important members of our team is the SERVPRO inspector, who analyzes fire residues in your home and recommends appropriate treatment strategies to our technicians. Before we begin our work, we create a comprehensive plan of cleaning agents, tools, and agitation techniques. This allows us to handle the situation correctly from the very beginning, cutting out expensive and slow steps in the process. The result is a cleaner home, faster.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas stays ready 24/7 to respond to fire damage disasters in local homes. Contact us at (214) 361-7887.

Should Homeowners Act Fast For A Small Fire Damage In Dallas Homes?

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Let our experienced professionals assist with fire cleanup in your home. Contact SERVPRO right away. We are always available to help.

Engage With SERVPRO Team of Technicians to Help You with The Fire Damage Restoration In Your Dallas Property

Nothing is more traumatic than a fire threatening your family’s sense of security. Even after the flames are gone, you need to worry about the secondary damages that may occur. Therefore, it is essential to act quickly by contacting restoration experts like SERVPRO within 48 hours to stop further damage.

Fire debris cleanup in your Dallas home needs to be conducted fast to protect you from incurring expensive damages. At SERVPRO, we know the first 48 hours after a fire as the golden hours of recovery. We have teams of certified members who provide our customers with an effective emergency response that stabilizes your home in a brief period to ensure you save as much property as possible. 

Beyond the visible structural damage, SERVPRO technicians evaluate contents inside your property for recovery based on factors such as:

• Decreased life expectancy

• Effect of smoke and heat

• Sentimental value

• Comparison between replacement cost and cost of restoration

During fire debris cleanup, we ensure to use advanced products that can safely remove soot and smoke residues on various surfaces. We use advanced products to clean the soot and smoke residues from different surfaces. We can use Liquid Crème Cleaners such as stain scrub to clean appliances made of stainless steel or high gloss surfaces.

Secondary damages of fire can destroy your property within a brief period. Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 immediately for an effective restoration “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damaged Homes in Dallas Need Professional Attention

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Accidental fires start all the time in homes. When it does SERVPRO is the team of professionals that need to be called for fire restoration services.

SERVPRO is an Expert in Fire Damage Restoration in the Dallas Area

Dallas is the ninth most populous city in the country and an integral part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Despite its being inland, it is a vital hub for those traveling by air, just as crucial railroad routes went through the site transporting cotton and cattle in the early days. A robust interstate highway system cements the city's importance in connecting goods and services.

The economy in Dallas is diverse, as is its population. Fortune 500 companies abound, as do colleges and universities. Some refer to the city as "Silicon Prairie" thanks to the presence of telecommunications companies. The confluence of different industries in Dallas protected the city (compared to other Texas cities) from the sharp decline in oil prices around 2014 and 2015 and allowed it to grow in other sectors. Its plurality of nationalities and ethnicities also contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, making it a wonderful place to live. 

Weatherwise, one can expect very hot summers and mild winters, with overall pleasant temperatures through most of the year.

The Arts District in downtown Dallas hosts several arts institutions and performance venues and is one of the nation's largest arts districts. The city's relevance in the arts community dates back to its roots, and many artists have had their beginnings in Dallas. Today, the arts continue to be an area of growth for the community.

House Fire Clean Up Services in Dallas

As in every other community, homeowners in Dallas run the risk of fire in their homes, leaving them in need of fire damage restoration services. Accidental fires can happen and escalate rapidly, leaving debris and disaster in their wake. What you do after the incident sets the stage for a speedy recovery, which is why calling SERVPRO is the best decision you can make. Our expert team focuses on efficiently restoring your fire-damaged home while mitigating your loss.

Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup is not a simple process. Our certified staff trains to understand your home's needs and treat them based on industry best practices. Cleaning after a fire is not a one-size-fits-all and can cause further damage if done incorrectly. Some of the nuances include the following-

• Porous surfaces- dry cleaning processes are usually put in place to clean surfaces such as plaster, unsealed wood, and concrete. As we pre-test surfaces and identify the least aggressive method for each surface, smoke removal becomes a reality.
• Washable surfaces- as expected, wet cleaning methods are indicated for this type of surface. The wet cleaning process is usually recommended for moderate and heavy soiling, and the process may be used in preparation for repainting if needed.
• Wood surfaces- depending on the finish of the wood, we may use wet cleaning products or limit ourselves to dry cleaning. On occasion, we need to sand and re-seal the surface depending on the extent of the damage.

Regardless of your situation, SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is ready to handle your fire restoration needs. Call us at (214) 361-7887 and let us develop a plan targeted to your needs.  

Get Results with Reconstruction and Fire Restoration by Skilled Technicians

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

We have the training, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your home to pre-damage condition after a fire. Call us right away.

SERVPRO arrives quickly to your Dallas home so that you can get prompt, reliable fire restoration

As one of Texas's major cities, Dallas happens to be the fourth-most populous metropolitan region in all of the United States. The city of Dallas had a population of 1,197,816 when the 2010 United States Census got taken. 

The Caddo people originally inhabited Dallas, TX, prior to the time that Spanish colonists arrived to claim the territory. In later years, France also claimed portions of the region but never did establish much of a settlement. 

The Assassination of John F. Kennedy

One of the more notable and sadly historical events known for Dallas, TX, is President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963. This event took place when his motorcade went through downtown Dallas and Dealey Plaza on Elm Street. In the years since that took place, the Texas School Book Depository where the shooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, was said to be – it has now been turned into a historical museum that details the life of the former president and all of his accomplishments. 

Dallas, TX, Offers Many Hidden Gems for Sights and Attractions

There is a lot to explore when you are in Dallas, including some incredible must-see attractions, including:

• The Arts District – This is 68 acres filled with walkable downtown sights, including restaurants, performing arts venues, award-winning museums, and much more.
• Margarita Mile – Some people may not know that Dallas has gotten dubbed the Official Home for the Frozen Margarita. When you visit Margarita Mile, you have the chance to sample different variations of this tasty beverage as well as a selection of eats from top restaurants. 
• Deep Ellum – This former warehouse district is known for incredible nightlife and live entertainment. It is not hard to locate this nightlife hotspot because it is also dotted with neon signs and a glowing arrow pointing the way.

Some of the top restaurants and bars to visit in Dallas, Texas, include:

• Bombshells Restaurant & Bar
• Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar
• Trinity Hall Irish Pub & Bar
• Magic Time Machine
• Steel Restaurant & Lounge
• City Council Restaurant & Bar
• Zenna Restaurant

Fire Restoration Gets the Interior of Your Dallas Home Back to Normal Quicker with SERVPRO

Prompt action and proven methods are the only way to ensure your Dallas home is back to preloss condition after a fire. SERVPRO arrives fast and utilizes a proprietary process to move through the steps of cleanup and restoration.

Once you have an emergency and need fire restoration in Dallas, the process is as follows:

• Make contact with our restoration team. We are available 24/7 to handle all levels of fire damage restoration.
• We assess the damage and your structure. 
• We provide boarding and tarp-up services as needed to protect your home from the elements and intrusion. 
• Cleanup begins, including all charred debris and unsalvageable materials.
• Repair and renovation get done using controlled demolition. 
• Deodorization and sanitization ensure no foul odors get left behind.

Call (214) 361-7887, and SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas will be on the scene within hours to help you with fire restoration. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Learn About La Catrina at This Special Event in Dallas

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire cleanup is not east matter to handle, especially by yourself. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the fire restoration services needed.

Fire Cleanup in Dallas

La Catrina is one of the most well-recognized faces of The Day of the Dead across Dallas and many other cities with significant cultural heritage from Mexico. Despite this, very few people know about the history and significance of that oft-seen skeletonized woman or much of the holiday's culture at all. Ramblers Media Production hopes to change that this year by hosting a casual, fun, and educational party to celebrate La Catrina and everything she stands for.

This 21-and-over event starts at 6 PM on January 23rd and continues into the early morning of the next day. Expect live music, great food, unique vendors, and many activities in which to partake. Professional face painting in the Day of the Dead theme will be available to anyone interested, and other artists plan to both create and sell their projects throughout the night. Tickets cost $20 per person, but if you act fast, you might be able to score an early bird special for half-price admission.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is a fire cleanup company that has served Dallas for many years and built up a reputation for quality, reliability, and professionalism. Call us 24/7 at (214) 361-7887.

New Wave Fans in Northwest Dallas – Get Your Tickets Fast!

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage will be too much to handle by yourself. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the fire restoration services needed.

New Wave Fire Damage Restoration Company of Choice

After many months of canceled concerts, closed stages, and a generally dismal local scene, New Wave music fans in Northwest Dallas should take note of one big event that is happening. Gas Monkey Bar and Grill, well-known for its ardent support of local musicians, plans to host one of the largest concerts Dallas has seen in the better part of a year. Local Duran Duran tribute band, the Wild Boys, has scheduled one of their biggest-ever performances at the restaurant, and tickets are selling out fast. At the time of writing, many tickets are still available but selling fast. If you have been dying for the chance to get out and have some fun, you might want to jump on this one.

The establishment plans to serve plenty of food and drinks throughout the evening, but the doors are open to all ages hoping to attend. The band will play on the evening of January 2nd, but if you cannot make that date, give Gas Monkey a call: they have a few other, smaller events planned in the meantime.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is a locally owned and operated company that helps with emergency fire damage mitigation projects in Northwest Dallas. Call our 24/7 emergency line at (214) 361-7887.

Can My Exposed Beams Be Restored After A Fire In Dallas?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

We want to help restore your home and leave it, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Technicians Mitigate Fire Damage to Structural Elements with Precision and Expertise in Dallas

A small fire can have a significant impact on a home. Fires in the kitchen area are the most common cause of residential fires in Dallas and across the US. Professional fire mitigation is the best way to handle cleanup and restoration.

Is There a Way Of Cleaning Soot From Exposed Beams?

Many people love the look of open, farmhouse style homes and kitchens. Exposed beams bring a rustic feel to the residence. The homeowner of this residence walked away from a skillet for a few minutes. The skillet caught on fire, and thankfully it was contained quickly. But smoke residue and soot spread rapidly throughout the house and onto the exposed beams. The fire damage to this Dallas home now requires professional cleanup and restoration. Our SERVPRO technicians can safely clean and restored the exposed beam using dry ice blasting.

What is Dry Ice Blasting?

Dry ice blasting is a dry process that uses CO2 pellets. The pellets evaporate instantly when they hit the item’s surface. It’s a non-abrasive and gentle cleaning method. Steel brushes, scrapers, and other blasting material can impact the surface area. In the case of the exposed beams, dry ice blasting allows them to be cleaned in a manner that safely and quickly restored them to preloss condition. Other benefits include:
    •    No waste disposal - Because this method produces no waste product, cleanup is simplified. The coating that gets removed from the beams is what needs to be disposed of. This can be taken care of by sweeping or vacuuming.
    •    Eco-friendly – The process is non-toxic. No hazardous or harsh chemicals get used.
    •    Time and money saver – Dry ice blasting is often quicker than traditional restoration methods. No solvents or blasting material need to be disposed of, saving the client money. Reduced restoration time means decreased labor costs.
    •    No pressure washing – prevents further water from being introduced to the scene.

 You create the type of home you desire. The look and feel of it reflect who you are. When fire damage impacts what you have built, you simply want it back. We want to help restore your home and leave it, “Like it never even happened.” Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 for quality fire damage service.

What Do I Use to Clean Black Cobwebs After a Fire in Dallas?

7/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 stands ready to assist any size fire damage restoration needs.

After the first responders leave, call SERVPRO to clean up your Dallas home after a fire

Black webs, also known as soot tags, are not uncommon after a fire when petroleum-based products or synthetic materials burn. During a fire, the soot forms and bonds together in long strands and the result are the formation of these black webs on ceilings and within corners. The reason for these specific locations is due to the typically lower temperatures after a fire rolls through the area, and the soot tags are attracted to these cooler areas. One thing Dallas homeowners should not do is remove the webs themselves as it can further damage walls and ceilings.

What Can a Fire Damage Restoration Company Do That I Can't?

There are many reasons to outsource the fire damage restoration of your Dallas home to SERVPRO. The technicians have extensive training and advanced equipment to ensure the best outcome for both the structure and contents. In the case of smoke damage on surfaces, the techs take preliminary steps to ensure the correct cleaning agents get chosen by:
    •    Testing residues to determine if they are dealing with dry or wet smoke
    •    Scoping of services to ensure cleaning methods chose will not mar surfaces
    •    Use of specific equipment such as dry cleaning sponges to carefully lift away dry smoke

What are Ways to Prevent Fires in My Home?

There are many ways for homeowners to lessen the chances of fires occurring in their homes. A good fire prevention plan begins with going over with your family what to do in case of a fire. Practice leaving and agree on a meeting place and see how quickly all family members can get there. Many insurance agents have checklists for home inspections, and you can ask for a copy for your own use. If not, make a list of each room in your home and look for the following:
    •    Overloaded outlets
    •    Extension cords under rugs
    •    Improperly stored flammable chemicals and cleaners
    •    Test smoke detectors monthly or consider upgrading to an environmental monitoring system
    •    Make sure all family members know basic fire prevention skills

How Does SERVPRO Know What My Insurance Covers During Cleanup?

In many cases, the cleanup after a fire comes with an insurance claim. SERVPRO technicians communicate with both homeowners and insurance adjusters to ensure that all the restoration services the techs perform get done within the scope of coverage. Additionally, when charred building materials or contents require disposal, it does not happen without approval. Items that need disposal get a detailed report created indicating the nature of the loss, the condition of the article, and photographs to back up the statement. This writeup can assist in the filing and expediting of insurance claims. The techs know this is a situation that can feel overwhelming, and they attempt to help lessen the stress on the property owners wherever possible.

Is it True You Can Paint Over Fire Odors?

Fire odors are pungent and stay until neutralized. Many homeowners assume they can paint over smoke damage and make it out of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately, that tactic works to eliminate the visible, but the strong odor can remain. SERVPRO technicians have a multi-layered approach to the removal of the instantly recognizable smell that fire leaves behind. The techs clean surfaces with the appropriate cleaning agent and then use equipment such as thermal fogging units or hydroxyl generators to eradicate odors from airborne soot particles. If any scents, however, mild remain within the loss area, the techs can use professional sealants to lock away the odor and prep the walls for priming and painting.

Air quality is a huge concern during the mitigation, and air scrubbers typically run during the cleanup efforts. If the HVAC ran after the fire or there is a reason to suspect soot is within the ductwork, the techs have the equipment and comprehensive training to clean the ductwork throughout the home thoroughly.

Post-Fire Restoration Actions

Once the team finishes the mitigation efforts for the loss within the home, the SERVPRO crew chief goes over the actions taken within the loss area, including items that required disposal, any controlled demolition needed, and the things that got successfully restored through the professional cleaning process. If any repairs need to get done to bring the home to a fully restored status, the homeowner and/or adjuster gets given that information also.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 stands ready to assist any size fire damage restoration needs. The certified techs are available 24/7 and use their knowledge and expertise to bring your home back to its preloss condition.

What Cleans Smoke Residue from Surfaces in My Dallas Home?

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the tools and expertise to assist you after a fire occurs in your home.

SERVPRO can thoroughly clean your home and its contents after a fire loss incident. 

Cleaning up after a fire loss can indicate several specific tasks that your Dallas home needs to return to preloss condition. Residues and debris are among the most challenging conditions for our SERVPRO professionals to address. That is why we have so many strategies for removing these layers of smoke and soot damage. 

Cleaning surfaces and contents is a portion of the total fire restorationfor Dallas homes. The cleaning and repair of these areas of your home is a calculated process despite how potentially hazardous or threatening smoke damages and residues might be on surfaces after a fire. There are more wrong ways to clean up these residues than right ones, so we carefully consider the best approach to ensure that no irreparable damage befalls structural elements or contents in your home. 

What Do I Need to Clean Up? 

As earlier stated, multiple cleaning processes must occur after a fire loss in your home. Some of these occur immediately during the emergency services that we provide or during mitigation. When you secure the services of professional restorers like our SERVPRO team, we can help through each of these individual cleaning focuses, beginning as soon as our technicians first arrive at your property. Some of these focal areas include: 

• Fire Debris - Charred remnants of contents and structural elements can lie in heaps of ash and soot throughout your house. Our focus on removing this debris early can reduce the concentrations of both soot and odors from circulating. 
• Smoke Residues - Wet smoke can leave a thick residue on surfaces and contents throughout the damaged area, which can be a challenge to remove without specific solvents and wipe cleaning techniques. 
• Soot Residues - Soot is carcinogenic, making it a hazard for those exposed. Even when these particles of incomplete combustion form a residue on surfaces, inadequate or improper cleaning could stir the coating and circulate soot particles into the environment. 

Can I Remove Smoke Residues on My Own? 

While it might be tempting initially to work on removing fire loss effects on your own, most homeowners lack the extensive training and hands-on experience of our SERVPRO technicians. Our team has accreditations in Fire & Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, and Cleaning through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.) Smoke residues cleaned and removed improperly can cause damages to the materials involved. Among the chief concerns of addressing smoke damage on your own include:

• Smearing - Wipe cleaning with improper cleaning supplies can smear residues across the hosting material. Smearing can be a challenge to remove once it occurs, so before surfaces get cleaned, small test areas indicate the success of suggested strategies.
• Staining - The longer that residues and buildup sit on the damaged materials and contents, it becomes more likely that acidic particles can mar surfaces. 
• Carcinogenic - Some cleaning strategies can stir up and agitate particles resting on the surfaces, some of which can be hazardous to those exposed. 

What Cleaning Practices Can Remove Residues? 

By utilizing our SERVPRO professionals, you are getting educated professionals that can implement multiple strategies for removing soot and smoke residues based on the materials involved and the severity of the damage. From the time that our team arrives at a fire-damaged address, we can begin assessing which of the proposed techniques can be the most effective to remove challenging residues efficiently. Some of these include: 

• Chemical Solvents - We have a substantial line of cleaning products and chemical agents, many of which are water-based to help contend with oily soiling.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Through brushing and vacuuming surfaces, we can remove the bulk of built-up residues before we attempt to thoroughly clean. 
• Soda Blasting - Using softer media highly pressurized by air, we can blast surfaces to remove surface damages without ruining the material underneath in most circumstances. 
• Controlled Demolition - When in doubt, removing the damaged portion of material can prevent other construction elements from becoming destroyed. 

Can SERVPRO Help Repair Structural Damages? 

There are many situations in which structure fires cause enough damage where controlled demolition and reconstruction are the only feasible solutions. When you have an in-house team of contractors available to help, we can seamlessly transition from mitigation to the build back and repairs that your home might need.

No matter how threatening fire losses can be in your home, our SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas team can work around the clock to make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call anytime at (214) 361-7887.

Fire Damage in Dallas? What Common Issues Occur from House Fires?

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

When there is a fire in your Dallas property, you might have a hard time understanding how some of the damages you have to deal with occur.

When there is a fire in your Dallas property, you might have a hard time understanding how some of the damages you have to deal with occur. Some things like soot only appearing on the upper half of the walls or pungent smell in rooms with no visible fire damage or smoke residues might be hard to understand. Over the years our crew has been offering professional restoration services, we have encountered most of these patterns, so we not only anticipate them but also know how best to deal with them.

In many incidents of fire damage in Dallas, the flames are put out before they raze the entire structure down. In some cases, most of the damage is from smoke residue left on the ceiling and upper sections of the walls. This is an outcome of convection currents that drive smoke movements while the fire burns. The currents occur when hot air displaces cold air in the surroundings forcing the cold air to flow downwards. Since the hot air is the smoke from the fire, it deposits soot and other residues on surfaces higher up in the affected areas.

Bad odors are a common problem after fire damage. Various residues left by the fire including soot and charred material remains produce these odors. It might, therefore, surprise you if there is a pungent odor in areas with no visible residues from the fire. This scenario is likely when there's a kitchen fire involving meats. The protein residues left are yellow, amber or virtually invisible which explains why there is a bad odor without any visible residues. In protein fires, our SERVPRO crew cleans up the entire home to get rid of all residues.

The smoke produced in fires is driven or floats freely depending on the temperatures involved. Every 10°F increase in temperature doubles air volume and increases pressure. Therefore. the hotter the fire is, the harder the smoke is forced into surfaces requiring extra effort during cleanup. Our SERVPRO technicians use different cleaning approaches including mechanical action such as agitation and application of professional cleaning agents to remove all residues.

From the sources to the outcomes, fire incidents can be puzzling. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas to help you unravel any mysteries. You can reach us at (214) 361-7887 any time.

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What Risks do Homeowners Incur When Performing DIY Fire Damage Cleaning in Dallas?

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Dallas House Fire Damage? Don't DIY--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Professional Restoration Services Reduce the Dangers Homewoners Face After Fire Damage in Dallas

One of the most troubling things about a disaster in your Dallas home is the uncertainty of when your home can ever look or feel the same again. With a situation like a fire in your residence, you want to correct the effects of this incident as quickly as possible to ensure that you do not allow for the situation to get worse. The temptation is probably high to immediately start to dry and clean or restore your damaged home on your own; there are many concerns that you should know.

As much as you want to save money and do things yourself, your fire damaged Dallas home often requires professional restoration.  There are too many variables and threats that exist within the house that the average homeowner is ill-prepared to face. Our SERVPRO team of professionals can respond quickly and help to mitigate further damages while we prepare a plan to restore your home.

One of the most significant risks that a homeowner faces, once their home is affected by fire damages, is environmental exposure. With dirt, debris, and smoke circulating throughout the air in the affected areas of your house, these contaminants to the atmosphere can lead to illness or breathing concerns for an individual without the appropriate protective equipment. Our technicians have the safety gear to prevent exposure in hazardous areas such as full-face respirators or even SCBA breathing tanks to get to work on making the environment less hazardous.

Another potential concern for the homeowner after a fire has gotten extinguished is a weakening of structural components and construction materials. It is not at all uncommon for ceilings to collapse, floors to give way, or walls to fall over. This risk is one that our SERVPRO professionals assume as we seek to begin the restoration process, but not one that you should.

SERVPRO Suggest Taking Precautions to Mitigate the Damages of Smoke Inhalation After a Dallas Area Fire Damaging Event

During a fire, smoke inhalation is one of the most dangerous effects that incapacitates people. The materials that our furniture, clothing and other items are made of, can produce dangerous residue. As a fire spreads inside a building, it will produce two life-threatening events - consume most of the breathable oxygen and create toxic gasses.

Not only will fire damage in Dallas affect structures, but it is also quite lethal to people. Smoke contains tiny particles that are harmful in their own way. These include vapors which are inhaled or absorbed through the skin and that act as poison within the body. Minute particles of our burning property are so tiny that they penetrate our respiratory and digestive system. These minute particles are so small, they enter our lungs, as well as cause irritation to our eyes.
 
Toxic gasses are a part of the characteristics of smoke. These gasses are the most deadly substances anywhere, consisting of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, cyanide and phosgene which is formed when products like vinyl are burned. These gasses also absorb the air we are trying to breathe, either by consuming it or by displacing it with other elements.
 
Smoke and soot can contain particles that don't cause direct harm to you, but that take-up air space needed for oxygen. If you have experienced a smoke inhalation event, no matter how small, get a medical check-up so that a doctor can check your A.B.C's – airway, breathing, and circulation. If you are involved in a fire, call a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing and wheezing is present
• hoarse voice
• coughing spells
• mental confusion

Smoke inhalation prevention measures can be taken that includes having smoke detectors in every room of a home or office. Also, invest in carbon monoxide detectors which should be placed in areas that are at risk for carbon monoxide exposure. Fire damage is always a devastating experience for you and the family.

Feelings of confusion and stress are common. This is not the time to work with uncaring professionals. When SERVPRO arrives, we always treat people with great empathy and above all – respect! We will also treat your property and belongings with great care.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas are experts in fire, water and mold remediation. We are locally owned and operated, so that when you call us, we arrive very quickly and are ready to work for you. As tempting as it might be to save yourself the cost of restoration, most homeowners would find that to restore their home to their insurance company’s standards adequately, they need professional and experienced specialists. Our SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas team is available 24/7 by calling (214) 361-7887.

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How Do I Handle Important Documents Damaged from a Fire in Dallas?

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO has advanced cleaning methods for handling all types of contents in Dallas homes with fire loss

A fire loss can present multiple issues in a house all at once. From the charring to smoke damage and finally water damage from the distinguishing efforts of the fire department. All of these things leave behind cleaning challenges. Individual items have no real value to insurance companies but are priceless to homeowners such as:

    •    Cherished letters from relatives
    •    Bills
    •    Canceled checks
    •    Everyday magazines

Why Can't I Clean Off Documents with Fire Damage Myself?
Not all smoke and fire damage in Dallas homes is the same. In fact, there can be different kinds of residues in a single area, depending on the materials burned and the heat of the fire. The biggest issue with paper products is frequently not from soot or charring, but water from the extinguishing efforts. Another commonly seen side effect from this on paper products is the evidence of mold growth on papers and books, as mold seeks out moisture and something organic to consumer, wood pulp products are ideal.

While you might successfully brush away dry smoke, which is a product of high heat fires where chiefly organic materials burned, the cleanup will come to a screeching halt when you encounter wet smoke. This greasy, smeary substance results from primarily plastics and rubber products burning, and it is challenging to remove. When it comes to the restoration of paper products, they need specialized applications, particularly if they also got drenched.

Collection of Papers With Fire Damage
It may not be safe to enter the fire loss area in the Dallas home to collect vital documents. There are numerous hazards after a fire in a house, including air quality, soot, slip, and fall accidents due to water and structural damage. If any of these potential dangers are present in the home, wait until the SERVPRO technicians arrive and inform the crew chief of the items you need to be retrieved.

Winning Tactics for Restoring Paper Items from Fire Loss
When SERVPRO technicians handle fire damaged paper-based items, one of the first actions they do is to freeze the documents at one of our state-certified document drying facilities. Any paper products get flash-frozen immediately, documented, and shipped for in-plant handling. Upon arrival, the pieces enter a low-pressure vaporization chamber. The entire process gets organized as follows:

    •    Inventory of all documents using a barcode system
    •    Vacuum and pressure drying of frozen materials, also known as sublimation
    •    Decontamination phase using gamma irradiation which kills bacteria and microbes without any harm to the paper fibers
    •    Manual cleaning
    •    Deodorizing as needed to remove smoke odors

What Makes Sublimation a Good Restoration Option for Books and Papers?
SERVPRO uses the same methods employed by the Library of Congress for handling historical documents and rare books for Dallas residents. The item gets first frozen through using vacuum freezing and sublimation as the best method for the removal of moisture from paper products. The freezing part of the process is necessary because it immediately stops any further degrading of the inks, prevents mold and fungus growth, or any further damage to the paper. Once frozen, the items can remain in this state indefinitely, which is beneficial when part of the restoration requires transport.

The next step is to ready the items for drying and cleaning. When ice melts, the outcome is water. Sublimation skips that step and takes the water within frozen items and turns it into a vapor state, skipping the water state as part of the transition.

To stop the wrinkling and warping of papers and books, they are sometimes pressed during drying to ensure they retain their shape. Afterward, the techs go through each article or book page one at a time to remove any remaining soot, stains, spotting, or other evidence of loss as much as possible.

How to Avoid Damage to Important Papers in the Future
There are several actions you can take to avoid this situation in the future. First, consider getting a storage box rated as fireproof and use it to store valuable documents.

Because a home box for storage can get lost or stolen, it is also a good idea to scan the files and back them up on a disk, flash drive, or use cloud storage. Consider renting a safety deposit box to stash copies, or if you have an attorney or accountant, see if you can arrange to have copies placed with them.

Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 when you need assistance with the cleanup and restoration of your home from fire damage of any size.

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Why Professional Restoration Services are Necessary After Fire Damage in Dallas

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

It is tempting to remove debris after a fire, but you can unintentionally spread soot. SERVPRO knows how to remove debris and restore your home.

Reasons DIY Fire Damage Cleanup is a Bad Idea in Dallas Homes 

After fire damage occurs in a home, the number one priority of most homeowners is to get life back to normal as rapidly as possible. One of the biggest mistakes they make is cleaning up the smoke damage and removing charred items themselves. Both of these actions have the capacity to make the situation worse.  

When Dallas homeowners work on fire damage in their homes on their own, the outcome can be less favorable than they expected. Some cleaning products or incorrectly used methods can increase the loss and render items unrestorable.  

Stop the Spread of Soot

Setting up containment is something that rarely gets done in DIY cleanups. SERVPRO technicians know soot particles can exist smaller than the human eye can see. If the fire loss area does get contained, it can spread throughout the home and require more cleanup to remove the soot and odors. 

Improper Cleaning Makes it Worse

It is vital to test smoke residues on surfaces before cleaning. Because a fire can burn at different temperatures in a single room and various types of items get charred, an array of residues get left behind. While sheetrock and wood structural elements tend to leave behind a light, powdery residues called dry smoke, plastic, and rubber items produce wet smoke, which is thick and can prove challenging to remove from surfaces without the proper cleaning agents.  

SERVPRO techs carefully test and use methods such as dry cleaning sponges to carefully lift away dry smoke. When wet cleaners come into contact with wet smoke, it drives the particles deeper into the surface, and this can mainly ruin painted walls and require further restoration efforts such as ceiling over painted walls to lock in the soot and odor and ready the wall for repainting. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 when you need fast, complete fire damage cleanup and restoration service. The certified technicians have the tools and knowledge to make the fire loss "Like it never even happened." 

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SERVPRO Can Remove the Effects of Fire and Smoke Damage from Dallas Properties

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Improves Indoor Air Quality with Fire Loss Cleanups of HVAC Systems in Dallas Area Homes

Dallas Area Fire Damage Professional Explain Possible Problems with the Heating And Ventilation Systems

After a fire takes place, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC system inside your Dallas home could have got negatively affected. Contaminated HVAC systems can become a large part of any fire damage restoration project. Even small blazes can produce smoke that can spread throughout your house. Once smoke cools, it can leave behind soils and soot residues. When this occurs, it is smart to call in a professional mitigation company like SERVPRO.

Our team of experts can handle many of the problems you might find during a fire damage problem in Dallas. Once we receive a call from you indicating that you have had an emergency problem, our SERVPRO technicians can arrive promptly. The initial step we take is to inspect your entire property for possible issues. We look for signs of soot residue contamination, and we can also use our test cleaning kits to conclude which items we can save and what methods can work best during restoration.

As a part of our initial inspection, we can also check your HVAC system. We start by discovering if the fire started near any of the HVAC intake vents. We then look for evidence and question you to find out how long the blaze inside your house burned. We also try to find out whether your HVAC system was powered on and in use while the fire took its toll.

If the HVAC system has been negatively affected, then we take further steps during our initial inspection phase. We can check your HVAC venting to see what type of soot residues are present inside your ducting. We can also look inside the ducts to ascertain if the residues are light, moderate, or heavy and the degree of odors present.

We can then determine the best mitigation methods with the final scoping to minimize any secondary damages, including water removal, mold remediation, and air quality work. During some restoration projects, we can seal off your HVAC system and use an ultra-low volume or ULV fogger to dispense chemicals inside your air ducts. The chemicals get broken down into a fog that replicates how smoke moved throughout your HVAC system.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 for professional fire damage restoration and cleanup. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Call SERVPRO When Your North Dallas Bedroom Suffers Fire Damage

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t allow a fire damage in your North Dallas home to take over. We can help you every step of the way, always!

We can tackle all your North Dallas fire damages.

Many people use candles for a variety of reasons, but it is never a good thing when a candle causes fire damage inside of your North Dallas home. A mother may want to light some candles and listen to calming music to unwind after a long day. A student may wish to light a scented candle while they study for their midterm. No matter the reason for the candle, it is always imperative to keep fire safety at the forefront of your mind while using one. 

Unfortunately for your home, your daughter left a candle lit in her North Dallas bedroom, causing fire damage to the immediate area around it. She left the candle burning on the window sill, enjoying the pleasant aroma while she cleaned her room. When she went to get some lunch, the candle remained lit inside of her bedroom, unattended. While gone, the candle caught the drapes on fire, and then jumped to a nearby clothing wrack from them. 

While the fire that happened in your daughter's bedroom was relatively small, it still caused damage. When you find your home in need of fire damage remediation, it is wise to call immediately. Fire damage is always easier to remediate right away rather than later on. 

When you call SERVPRO, our technicians can assemble quickly and then travel to your home in one of our signature green vehicles. Upon arriving, our Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration-certified (IICRC) technicians can get to work straight away. 

SERVPRO technicians use advanced equipment and technology to remediate fire damage. Our first step is to remove the damaged clothing and curtains. We can take an inventory before we dispose of any clothing articles or other damaged goods, to make an insurance claim a little easier for you. From there, we can use house-made cleaning agents, designed to break soot down at a particle level, to clean your walls and window sill. 

To rid your home of the foul odor that fire leaves behind, SERVPRO can use more advanced technology to do the job. Thermal foggers dispense a chemical vapor that traps and neutralizes the particles in the air that cause the malodor. Once finished, we can return your home to you, "Like it Never Even Happened." 

Should you need fire damage remediation, never hesitate. Get in contact with SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas by phoning (214) 361-7887. Whenever you need us, we're ready to help. 

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Our Fire Damage Technicians Can Manage Different Kinds Of Soot After A Fire In Your Dallas Home

8/3/2019 (Permalink)

Call (214) 361-7887 immediately after a fire for an expert assessment and swift resolution of this challenge.

Managing Different Kinds Of Soot After Dallas Fire Damage

In the aftermath of a fire in your Dallas home, the sight of blackened walls, ceilings, and surfaces can make you feel overwhelmed and unequipped to manage the cleanup. The first reaction is understandable, while the second is wise. Cleanup of toxic fire residues is a job best completed by our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained and experienced managers and technicians. We match soots to appropriate cleaners and methods for optimal results.

Fire damage cleanup in Dallas requires evaluation of the types of residues found throughout all spaces in your home. Even rooms far from the ignition site show signs of soot soiling. Depending on the materials combusted and the surfaces coated, we use different cleaners, tools, and methods. Structural components are cleaned on-site, but we might transport some of the contents of your home to our production facility for specialized treatment.

Wet soot occurs when a fire is lower in temperature and smolders because of limited oxygen. SERVPRO sees this kind of soot after rubber, plastics, and oils burn. The residue is thick and sticky, prone to smearing. Odors can be strong and irritating. Successful removal requires a cleaning agent with surfactants and wetting agents applied with agitation to loosen the residue before wiping.

Paper and wood burn fast and hot, leaving ashy soot. Lingering smells are not as dominant nor unpleasant as wet soot. Careful brushing and dry sponging followed by HEPA-filtered vacuuming work well. Fabrics suffering from an ashy buildup respond to foam cleaners applied and removed quickly with a brush.

Kitchen fires deposit a protein-based coating that travels throughout your home on the superheated air currents. It is nearly invisible, but incredibly and persistently malodorous. The residue clings tenaciously, requiring special cleaners, agitation, and often abrasive tools to remove. SERVPRO crews are vigilant about finding and removing this soot as it is difficult for a homeowner to see or manage. If not addressed, surfaces discolor and deteriorate, and the stench does not dissipate.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas has the trained crews, effective cleaning products, and appropriate equipment for thorough soot removal. Call (214) 361-7887 immediately after a fire for an expert assessment and swift resolution of this challenge.

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Our Fire Damage Experts Will Save Your Dallas Property

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Our technicians are available 24/7 at (214) 361-7887.

We Can Help With Residues From Fire Damage To Your Dallas Property

Candles are a great way of creating a romantic and inviting atmosphere in your Dallas dining room. However, a misplaced elbow is often all it takes for your romantic night to turn into a disaster. After the fire has been put out, you may find your dining room covered in residues and soot that can produce strong unpleasant odors. Fire residues and odors are notoriously difficult to remove, so it is recommended you contact professionals with experience cleaning up fire damage.

When SERVPRO crews arrive at your property, they can begin removing and discarding severely damaged pieces of furniture, scorched upholstery, and charred structural sections. Fires in Dallas typically coat all nearby surfaces in soot particles and residues. Residues can stick to upholstery and hard surfaces and can be powdery or sticky. To ensure that we don't further damage your home, our fire and smoke damage technicians (FST) can carefully inspect each affected surface to determine the best cleaning methods.

Dry residues can be removed with simple scrubbing and usually do not require the application of cleaning agents. Sticky residues, on the other hand, require intense scrubbing and the application of cleaning agents. We can utilize dry cleaning methods on more delicate surfaces to avoid accidental stains or damage.

To combat the strong odors caused by fire, SERVPRO tech teams can deploy hydroxyl generators that can filter out soot particles and smoke from the air inside your home. Furthermore, if we find that filtering your air has not fully removed the smell, we can use deodorizers to neutralize odor particles in hard to reach places. We do our best to retrace the path odors may have taken through your home to eliminate the smell.

Even after the flames are extinguished, fires can still be a pain. If you have suffered from fire damage, then call SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas. Our technicians are available 24/7 at (214) 361-7887.

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After A Fire In Your Dallas Home, You Need To Have Your HVAC System Inspected

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 to arrange a visit from our IICRC certified technicians.

HVAC Inspections After Fire Damage In Your Dallas Home

In any property restoration, there are visible damages and non-visible damages. Initial cleaning of the affected area may resolve cosmetic issues, but malodors or dust problems can persist. Professional services help to ensure that the non-visible signs of property damage are dealt with at the first time of asking and could prevent secondary issues from occurring further down the line.

Residential property owners with fire damage in Dallas should hire professional remediation technicians to inspect the affected area properly. Your HVAC system can end up distributing smokes, malodors, and soots throughout your property; mainly where the source of damage occurs on the supply side of the system. SERVPRO technicians can conduct an expert inspection of your HVAC, protecting both the system itself and your indoor air quality.

In moderate to major scale house fires, hot, smoke-filled air can enter the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), depositing dust and soots inside. Remediating rooms becomes a meaningless procedure if soots are redistributed into clean areas after the service is complete. A preliminary inspection can help to ascertain whether any mechanical elements were damaged during the fire. These could include dampers, turning vanes, mixing boxes, and cooling coil.

If during the inspection, mechanical damages are discovered, we may need to bring in an HVAC specialist to repair your system. Where there is heavy soiling, we can clean the shafts as well as replacing disposable filters. An HVAC technician may also need to disassemble parts of the system for proper cleaning. We can reassemble your system once all soiling has been removed. Soiling from major fires may require duct sealing services to fumigate the system entirely and prevent unpleasant odors from returning. Duct sealing procedure is complicated and may take some time to complete the procedure correctly.

Restoring non-visible damages is essential to getting your home back to its preloss condition, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887 to arrange a visit from our IICRC certified technicians.

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Our Qualified Technicians Are Ready To Restore Your Dallas Fire Damage

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

When you are faced with a kitchen fire disaster call our experts 24/7, we have the expertise and equipment to handle any damage big or small.

Getting Rid of Protein Residues after Fire Damage in Northwest Dallas

A protein fire is among the most common type of property damages caused by the burning of poultry, meat or fish during a kitchen fire. Although these tend to be contained relatively quickly, and cause minimal structural or permanent damage, protein residues can be unpleasant. At times, proteins may discolor paint works or surfaces. At other times, protein residues are invisible to the naked eye, and only distinguished by a pungent, thick smelling odor.

Properties with Fire Damage in Northwest Dallas rely on services that offer skill, expertise, and efficiency. SERVPRO technicians are local to the area which gives them a unique understanding of the architecture and blueprint of residences. They also hold IICRC certificates in odor control which they can use to restore your property to its preloss condition after a kitchen protein fire.

The thick odorous smells are usually the first cause for concern among homeowners, but the priority in restoring your property is cleaning surfaces. These surfaces are, more often than not, contaminated by protein residues which can spread rapidly throughout the home, not just in the affected area — failure to adequately remove these residues first results in odors returning after the deodorization process.

SERVPRO use proprietary cleaning solutions to help remove greasy textures from all the surfaces in your home before deodorizing. Once your technician is satisfied that the property is clean throughout, we can deploy foggers to clear odor from a large area in a time efficient way. The behavior of deodorizing vapor is also similar to that of smoke and enters the same areas neutralizing odor.

Kitchens often house ventilation shafts or other areas where odors could be residing. Since these areas are difficult to inspect employing various odor control methods can be beneficial. SERVPRO can deploy spray treatments, pellets, and air scrubbers to help tackle protein odors which may be residing in non-accessible areas of your home.

Kitchen fires require professional assistance to get back to preloss conditions, contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887.

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Let Our Professionals Restore Your Smoke Damaged Home In Dallas After A Fire

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

Call our 24-hour emergency services line, (214) 361-7887, any day of the year.

Cleaning Up the Smoke Residue from Fire Damage in Your Dallas Home's Carport

While your carport might have open sides, smoke and soot from cooking out in your Dallas home's add-on can accumulate. Fires are also possible when flammable liquids placed in storage come in contact with hot coals from the grill.

We help homeowners in Dallas deal with fire damage and how it affects their properties of many different kinds. Soot and residue from smoke, as well as charred areas, and the subsequent odors that linger can all make your home less comfortable for you and less inviting for guests. Getting these areas clean again requires the use of a ladder and working overhead with special agents hat strip surfaces of greasy soot without damaging the structure.

Instead of doing this yourself and spending a weekend laboring away at detailing every nook and cranny, SERVPRO recommends having skilled professionals perform the work. We do this type of work regularly and can save you the hassle of a 'lost weekend' that you could most likely put to better use.

We use specially formulated in-house cleaning agents that break soot and other greasy substances down and make them easier to wipe away without leaving a residue or streaks. The towels we use add to the cleansers' effectiveness and make our work incredibly efficient. Your carport can feel new again, “Like it never even happened.” by the time we finish.

When your tools, sporting equipment, and furniture your carport covers also feel grimy, we can get these cleaned up. The cleaning we do can produce such effective results, the odors you might have noticed disappear along with the soot. Everything looks and smells better after a thorough cleaning with SERVPRO's specialists.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas can help restore your carport and any other area of your home affected by fire damage. We're ready to answer your call and give you the answers you need. Call our 24-hour emergency services line, (214) 361-7887, any day of the year.

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Dallas Property Torched by a Fire?? Call SERVPRO for Fair and Reasonably Priced Cleanup and Restoration

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Feel Trapped by a Fire in Your Dallas Home? Call SERVPRO

The Cost of Fire Damage Restoration in Your Dallas Residence

When it comes to professional restoration work for your Dallas home, most homeowners must stop and consider their ability to afford this work and whether or not it is worth it. When a fire occurs in your home, widespread effects can prove challenging for even an experienced and skilled homeowner to contend with, so professional restoration becomes the best option. Here is how you can make sense of the costs for this kind of work and how our franchise determines estimates.

Overcoming fire damages in your Dallas home is not going to happen overnight, and is going to require many of our technicians working tireless hours with our industry-leading equipment to restore. As is customarily the case with fires, much of the incurred costs for restoration work falls to the insurance company offering coverage for your house and does not often dip into the homeowner’s pockets beyond a possible deductible. While this deductible might be a set amount regardless of the estimated cost of restoration, it might benefit you to understand how these rates get calculated.

When our SERVPRO team begins to work up an estimate, much of this process gets determined by the designated estimator we dispatch to the site. This employee catalogs the damage, photographs the affected areas and roughly determines the personnel required. Scoping the equipment needed, and a general idea of how long a task like this takes are components factored into the most significant portions of the end cost for restoration work.

Another consideration is the administrative processes of our SERVPRO team, and our overhead to cover processes like delivering oversized equipment to job sites and the rates of our experienced and highly trained technicians working on the project through its completion.

While the cost of the restoration work has too many variables to tell you directly how much you might expect, it is always best to speak to your insurance company about filing a claim to help you prevent extravagant out of pocket expenses when that is unnecessary. We provide the Xactimate proposal using the same software as most insurance companies which streamline the process and establishes a budget.

You can count on our SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas team of dedicated and experienced specialists to make the damage to your home “like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (214) 361-7887.

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We Can Handle Fire Damage Situations In Preston Hollow

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Dealing with a fire in your Dallas home can be a monumental task.

SERVPRO Can Handle Any Fire Damage Situation

Dealing with a fire in your Dallas home can be a monumental task. Cleaning up the mess can be overwhelming and dangerous at the same time. We highly suggest you contact trained and skilled professionals like us for the job. Our techs are well prepared and have the proper tools and equipment to do the job safely and correctly.

Our SERVPRO fire damage team in Preston Hollow can save your property when possible. Plus, using our services may salvage many of your belongings. It is best to act fast because waiting to call us could result in further damage to the structure. You can expect our crew to arrive at your residence on time and ready to work. The technicians first inspect the affected areas so they can assess the damages and prepare to restore your home. After the inspection phase, our IICRC certified fire damage team can employ several methods to remove soot, dirt and smoke residues from the structure and items in the home.

The techniques our team may use can include dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and agitation. Plus, they may use industrial cleansers to remove soot and residues from the floors, walls, and ceilings. Also, the crew may utilize air scrubbers, ozone machines, fans and thermal foggers to eliminate unpleasant smoke odors from the affected areas in the home. Also, the crew can check your HVAC system for trapped smoke residues. If fire residues are present, the team can clean the ducts to help prevent soot and dirt from spreading throughout the structure when the heating and cooling system is in use. Fires vary and may require a variety of different techniques to finish the job. Our SERVPRO technicians are well experienced and can properly restore your home and make it seem like “Like it never even happened.”

If you experience a fire emergency in your home, you can rely on our SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas fire damage team to return your property back its preloss condition whenever possible. We are available 24/7 so call us at (214) 361-7887 day or night. We are close-by and strive to do the job right.

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High and Dry Summer Heat Can Make Fires Burn Easier in Your Dallas Home

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

The longer your home sits after a fire, the more damage is done. Call SERVPRO as soon as the fire is out to minimize the damage.

Contact SERVPRO as Soon as Possible after Fire Damage

No one wants to deal with fire damage in their home. The cleanup in the wake of a blaze is a task that can seem difficult without the right tools. Unfortunately, with summer temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the landscape can become very dry without frequent rain. Without proper moisture levels, your home can become a bit of a fire hazard. Luckily, there is professional help nearby if an accident does occur.

Waiting to call for services after part of your Dallas home has sustained fire damage is not always the best choice. The longer that your belongings sit after the blaze was extinguished, the more damage that the remaining soot and smoke can do. Materials like plastic begin to discolor very soon after being exposed.

Here at SERVPRO, we strive to arrive at your home as soon as possible. We can inspect the damage quickly so that we may identify the different types of damages and the different materials that have been damaged. Inspecting the damage allows our IICRC certified technicians to efficiently pick the best restoration technique for your unique situation. SERVPRO can clean heat-adhered soot from your belongings in a few different ways, including agitation and lubricative cleaners.

Combating fire damage does not only include cleaning up the physical signs of a blaze, but also the smells that are left behind as well. SERVPRO can use a variety of tools to eliminate odorous particles from the air, such as thermal foggers or ozone machines. Air scrubbers can be used in union with carbon filters to help trap bad odors and leave the air in your home smelling fresh. We strive to remediate your home in as many ways as possible so that you can feel "Like it never even happened."

When a fire leaves damage in your home, do not wait. Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas at (214) 361-7887. 24/7, we can take your call and send our technicians out as soon as possible to help in your home.

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Unused Furnaces can cause Fire Damage through Puff Back in Your Dallas Home

1/27/2018 (Permalink)

Avoid Smoke & Fire Damage from Puff-Backs in Dallas with an Annual Maintenance--SERVPRO Says

SERVPRO Suggests Annual Maintenance to Prevent Smoke and Fire Damage from Puff-Backs

The latest cold spells blanketing Dallas and other areas nationwide have forced people to fire up their furnaces. However, some of these did not receive regular maintenance before the cold weather began. This lack of upkeep can create problems for homeowners when they attempt to heat their homes.

When the furnace in your Dallas home malfunctions, it can easily cause fire damage throughout your home. Puff-back happens in older furnaces more often than in more recent models, but a lack of regular use can allow tiny leaks of oil fuel to accumulate in an unused furnace of any age.

The professionals at SERVPRO can help clean your home of the soot that spreads everywhere from a malfunctioning furnace. This soot comes from incomplete combustion of the oil and can pose risks to not only your home but also to your family. While a substantial portion of this remains in the air breathed in, it also adheres to walls, ceilings, vents, and the inside of ducts. Under certain conditions, the soot is electrically charged and creates spiderweb looking filaments in corners called soot tags. These are not "dust bunnies" or their relatives.  After replacing the furnace, having a team of IICRC-certified professionals clean your home helps to restore it "Like it never even happened."

Although soot eventually settles onto horizontal surfaces within your home, other surfaces, such as walls, can also hold particles that slowly waft into the air and create an odor. Aided by small devices that detect foreign particles, we can efficiently and rapidly clean everything contaminated by soot within your home.

While not the typical fire damage, puff-back can pose more risks to homeowners, who see the residue as only an ugly wall around a heat vent instead of a possible threat to health. To help protect your family members' respiratory health, we use air scrubbers to clean the air of loose soot particles. Soot may feel greasy but contains very abrasive particles that can damage your lungs at the cellular level.

SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas wants families in our community to live in safe, healthy homes. Please call us at (214) 361-7887 whenever you see signs of puff-back in your home. We can quickly clean away the soot that your furnace deposited in your home.

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Deodorizing Following Fire Damage In Dallas

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Recovering from a recent fire, regardless of its size, can be a complicated process.

Deodorizing Your Home Following A Fire

After a small fire in your Dallas home, you quickly start to assess the damages to the area. You visually inspect the furniture and walls. Even if there is no real lasting damage, there is one problematic element that tends to linger for weeks after a fire: the smell. Odor removal is an often overlooked, but significant aspect of fire restoration services.

While our SERVPRO team is well educated in restoration techniques and cleaning processes to restore areas of your home that have been damaged aesthetically by an unexpected fire, the lingering odor that remains is often something that homeowners are less concerned with initially. It becomes more and more problematic as the home is being restored, but the smoke and charring scent of the fire’s destruction remains as powerful as ever.

Fortunately, our team of technicians has state-of-the-art equipment for removing foul smells from a residence or business. Deodorizing happens through the use of dense fogging machines. The machines are capable of producing a heavy chemical fog that is sprayed throughout the entire affected area, ensuring that all of the affected structure and contents are also affected by the fog.

Though this chemical has no scent, it reacts on a molecular level with the foul-smelling odor molecules lingering in the air after the fire gets extinguished. This new chemical compound is entirely neutral, leaving behind no smell at all. The process is a far cry from traditional deodorizing techniques, which merely overpower the harsh smell with an overbearing new scent for the damaged areas. Fogging leaves the room smelling like nothing has ever happened, even if you are still in the process of restoration efforts for the damages.

Since formidable smells (like those left behind after a fire) are challenging to live with, be sure to speak with our technicians assigned to your residence about deodorizing the area as soon as possible. Fogging can happen alongside our cleaning and restoration efforts, which makes the entire process more streamlined and efficient.

Recovering from a recent fire, regardless of its size, can be a complicated process. Contact us at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas to walk you through the entire restoration process and help to bring these damages back to their preloss conditions. Call us anytime at (214) 361-7887.

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Does Fire Damage Affect HVAC Systems In Dallas?

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is available 24/7 to respond to your fire restoration needs.

CAQ About Dallas Residential Fire Damage

Fires happen without giving a Dallas homeowner a chance to prepare to minimize the damage. The flames cause not only charring, but as your home structure and contents combust, considerable quantities of soot and smoke pervade every space in your dwelling. The restoration company you choose must be certified to clean all areas, including your heating and cooling system.

During the post-fire damage evaluation of your home in Dallas consideration must be taken of the effect the fire had on your HVAC system. Occasionally a fire can warp and destroy the ductwork that provides warm and cool air a pathway throughout your home. More often smoke and soot enter the HVAC system, causing concern for its proper operation and for the possibility that the debris due to the home fire will continue to circulate in your home. We provide HVAC system inspection, cleaning, and sealing, solving many fire-related climate control issues.

It is likely that the HVAC system operated at least for a time during the fire event. This contaminates the air flowing throughout the system, reaching spaces in your home far away from the fire. Even if the heating and cooling components were off during the fire, passive air movement still redistributes the smoke and soot within the ducts and eventually into rooms of your home. SERVPRO conducts a thorough inspection of your HVAC configuration and devises a plan to clean out the offending substances.

Not only does a smoke and soot compromised HVAC system spread debris and smell, the substances produced by the combustion act to corrode the parts of the system. Fire debris is very acidic and must be removed as quickly as possible from all surfaces, including hidden areas within the ducts and the mechanical parts of your forced air system. Trained and certified SERVPRO technicians clean the system and also use sealing strategies in areas that require them to contain debris.

Solving odor issues after a fire is a specialty SERVPRO offers. It is particularly important to follow through when the HVAC system is involved, as odors unresolved within the depths of the ductwork continue to be shared every time the heat or cooling operates. Our deodorization experts use a systematic approach to odors, starting with the removal of the offending substance. Sealing off an odoriferous surface area is often used in ductwork, but we also move on to thermal fogging and hydroxyl generators for stubborn smells.

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Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned after a fire by the professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas. Give our committed team a call at (214) 361-7887 as soon as possible after authorities permit you to begin restoration efforts.

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Preparations Necessary To Combat Fire Damage On Your Dallas Area Property

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Fires happen all of the time.

Combat Fire Damage

It may seem like a lot, but putting forth the effort to maintain invoices and records for expensive items found in your home can help you significantly during an emergency. Fires happen all of the time, anyone who thinks that their home is not at risk, is often left unprepared and stunned when incidents occur.

You can prepare yourself and your family for the risks associated with fire damage on your Dallas area property to make dealing with this type of situation a lot easier. Taking the proper precautions often saves your property from total loss, reduces costs associated with repairs, and maximizes the relief you receive from your insurance provider.

There are three things you should do when you find yourself facing this type of incident. Start with calling local authorities (911) while getting you and your family to safety, contact your insurance company to explain the situation, and notify SERVPRO to begin the fire damage restoration process as soon as possible.

Having a single trusted restoration company to evaluate the condition of your property after an emergency strikes give you more flexibility to fix damages that may occur, SERVPRO handles every aspect of your restoration from start to finish. You don't need to contact multiple contractors, schedule workers, or assemble supplies to get things under control; we do all of that for you.

It is your job to keep your family safe, communicate concerns to your SERVPRO representative, and let our specialists provide you with the services you deserve to help return things to normal as quickly and efficiently as possible. We help you fill out your claims paperwork and put your mind at ease during a very trying time.

We also make it attainable for you to turn a disastrous situation into an opportunity for improvement. Our technicians make recommendations for avoiding incidents like this in the future and often meet or even exceed any expectations you may have concerning the services we provide.

Give SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas an opportunity to provide you with the services you deserve to get back on your feet following an emergency situation occurs on your property; we are waiting for your call (214) 361-7887.

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Dealing With Fire Damage In Your Dallas Home

4/12/2017 (Permalink)

Combating the effects of fire damage in Dallas is a task we at SERVPRO take very seriously.

Fire Damage In Your Home

When it comes to fires in Texas, most people think of burning grass and ranch houses in danger. Most fires are urban in location though and affect small towns and large cities alike.

Combating the effects of fire damage in Dallas is a task we at SERVPRO take very seriously. Years in the restoration business and our in-depth, technician training gives our response teams the knowledge to clean just about any property and understand the factors of physical damage and the residues complicating the process.

Type Of Surface
Glossy, enamel paint and vinyl wall coverings (nonporous surfaces) are easier to clean than flat, latex paint and standard wallpaper (porous surfaces) which are penetrated by odors and residue particles more rapidly. Carpets (synthetic fibers) attract more residue than many types of clothing and curtains (natural fibers) but are easier to clean and require less harsh chemicals.

Age Of Surface
As paint deteriorates over time, it becomes more porous. Aging is true also for fabrics and carpets, regardless if they are synthetic or natural.

Amount Of Heat
High temperatures break down paint, melt or ‘bubble’ finishes, and cause surfaces to warp and expand. It causes residue and odor particles to penetrate deeper into the structure and property.

Amount Of Moisture
If sprinklers came on during the fire, residues are harder to remove. High moisture levels cause permanent stains and when combined with high temperatures, cause other surfaces (tile and vinyl countertops) to yellow.

Material Burned
Burnt synthetic materials leave a wet, smeary residue that is tough to remove. Burnt natural materials such as wood, paper, and cotton fabrics leave a dry, powdery residue that is removed more simply and with fewer chemicals.

Air Pressure
Heated air expands. This increased air pressure drives smoke and soot particles deeper into cracks and crevices. The damage is greater the closer an item is to the source of the fire.

Impingement
Heated air is also more turbulent. This air moves rapidly throughout a home, carrying smoke and soot particles, spreading the damage. The faster the air moves, the more damage it causes.

Temperature Change
Hotter residues cause more damage as they cool on the surface of a floor, wall or personal property. They not only form a film which is harder to clean but cause permanent surface damage in some cases.

Cleaning up after a fire is a difficult process. It is time-consuming and can quickly add up to thousand, even tens of thousands of dollars in restoration costs. The goal of SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is to return your home and property to as close to its original state as possible. If you need us, call today at (214) 361-7887.

Fire Damage Restoration For The Contents of Your Dallas Home

1/3/2017 (Permalink)

Dallas Fire Damage: On the Hot Seat? Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO Has Many Techniques to Rescue Your Fire Damaged Possessions

Smoke and soot are a difficult pair of soiling agents with which to deal, yet SERVPRO has teams of technicians, highly qualified to manage the grime and greasy residue, available to you just hours after your first call. When the greater tasks of cleaning wall, ceilings, and other structural elements are nearing completion, attention is turned to the “movables” in your home. These furnishings, clothing, and bedding and countless objects must be cleaned completely free of soot and smoky residues before your premises are truly back to normal. We have a procedure and a protocol for almost every possession you can imagine.

Some items you are struggling with on your list of fire damage to your Dallas home can be sent to professionals experienced with smoke and soot damage. Clothing and even some furniture can be cleaned satisfactorily using this method. Other items that can’t handle wetting like books and papers can simply be vacuumed or brushed clean with something light like a feather duster or a dry sponge. If items withstand saturation with water, we may use buckets, basins, and cloths or wet sponges to clean. Obvious examples for this method might be dishes and knick-knacks and even Venetian blinds.
 
SERVPRO uses spray bottles filled with appropriate solutions to spritz and wipe down solid, non-porous surfaces such as kitchen chairs, tables and other objects that might deteriorate if soaked. Heavy soiling on tough materials such as metal or tile might be treated with an abrasive cleanser, a textured pad or cloth, or both to remove thick residues. Foam cleansers work wonders on upholstered and other delicate items. We also have as a special tool an ultrasonic tub that uses high-frequency sound waves to remove soot and other debris from immersible objects. Only certified staff can safely operate this option. Our staff is well versed in what methods work best on various types of objects.
 
When you are dealing with the enormity of your post-fire situation, the experience and training represented by our skilled technicians are exactly what is needed to cut the task down to size. Do not try to conquer this beast all alone when our locally owned company is here to help. Let us use our Esporta Washing System to restore your smoke damaged possessions to pre-loss condition, "Like it never even happened."
 
Your first call after the firefighters should be to SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas. Partner with a team that has an answer to every fire damage cleaning question by calling (214) 361-7887.

Fire Damage in Preston Hollow- Homeowner Do's and Don'ts

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Preston Hollow Smoke & Fire Cleanup Can Use SERVPRO for Great Results

SERVPRO Tip: Rely on Professionals for Fire Damage Restoration

Loss of property from fire is always a threat. Once it is over, and the fire department has departed, there is the need to get started and restore your house to its original state.

Fire damage to homes in Preston Hollow can stress out anyone, but SERVPRO encourages homeowners to please take a breath, step back and let us do what we are trained to do. That said, we understand that this is your personal residence and there is an incredible desire to be a part of the solution. If you wish to get involved, here are a list of Do's and Don'ts to follow: However, we wish to emphasize that after a burning event that is severe, rely on professionals, for fire damage restoration.

DO lay down towels that won't bleed color or old sheets on carpets and upholstered furniture to reduce the potential for further damage.
DON'T attempt to clean and carpets or upholstered furniture without first consulting a professional restoration service.
DON'T try to wash any walls.
DO keep to a minimum how much you move in the house to keep soot from being ground into upholstered furniture and carpets.
DO keep your hands clean. Dirt and oils can impregnate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing more damage.
DO (if the electricity is off) clean out your refrigerator and freezer and block open the doors. This prevents food from leaving odors in the appliance.

DO clean and protect the chrome on your faucets, trim, and appliances with a small amount of lubricant.
DON'T operate and electrical appliances or equipment until they have been cleaned and checked. Smoke residues can be conductive.
DON'T send clothing with smoke residue to dry cleaners not experienced in cleaning fire-damaged garments. In the case of significant fire damage to soft fabrics and materials, we firmly suggest that we provide this service ourselves or through qualified partners. Odors and residues have unique characteristics which may require IICRC trained technicians to resolve.
DO rinse plants on both sides of the leaves with water to release stress.
DO change the furnace filter and tape folded pieces of cheesecloth over the air registers if the HVAC system was operating during the fire.

DO consider your safety. If the fire department has put your house off-limits, respect that until a final decision has been made. Once inside, do not use any cosmetics or medications that were exposed. They can easily become contaminated. The same goes for any food or beverages that were too close to the heat of the fire, or we wetted by the fire extinguishing efforts of the first responders.

Those of us here at SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas are dedicated to restoring your residence to its pre-fire condition. We understand that the first (and maybe the best) step to putting the damage behind you is to spend that first night back in your own bedroom. To get the process started, call us today at (214) 361-7887.

The importance of having a fire extinguisher in your Cedar Hill home

9/3/2015 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers can be the first line of defense if fire breaks out in your home or business

You could save your Cedar Hill home from fire with a fire extinguisher at your ready.

• Class A: for a fire involving normal combustibles and flammables, including cloth, paper and wood
• Class B: for a fire involving flammable liquids like gas, oil, paint, paint thinner and solvents
• Class C: to fight a fire involving electrical equipment/appliances that are plugged in and receiving power—electric drills, table saws, computer equipment, televisions, wiring and fuse boxes, for example
• Class D: to put out a fire involving combustible metals—magnesium, sodium, zirconium, etc. (Note: Don’t try to fight this kind of fire unless you’ve been specifically trained for it!)
• Class K: for fires typically found in restaurants, involving cooking oil and commercial-grade cooking equipment

1. Stand six to eight feet away from the flames.
2. Make sure you have a clear exit, in case the fire spreads or flames out of control.
3. Pull the pin to unlock the operating lever.
4. Aim the hose at the base of the fire.
5. Press the lever located above the handle to release the agent.
6. Use a back-and-forth sweeping motion to saturate the base of the fire until the flames are extinguished.
7. Continue the process if the fire re-ignites.
8. If the fire doesn’t go out or spreads, get to safety.

• Install fire extinguishers in areas where fires are likely to break out, including kitchens and break rooms.
• Check periodically to make sure all fire extinguishers are fully charged.
• Show every family member or employee where the fire extinguishers and fire alarms are located.
• Train yourself, your loved ones and your co-workers to use the equipment properly.

Even with a fire extinguisher, some fire damage will occur. When this happens, call your local SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas. (214) 361-7887. They live and work in the local community just like you and they can help make it, "Like it never even happened."

What Is A Dallas Fire Restorer?

4/4/2015 (Permalink)

Fire restorers use specialized equipment and techniques to mitigate damage and return your property to clean and safe use.

What is a fire restorer?

In the past, when a Dallas fire damage occurred, it often meant the complete destruction of property. Advanced fire-fighting techniques have allowed the preservation of structures, although the damage may be severe. A fire restorer is a contractor that is called in after a fire in Dallas to reduce the effects of smoke, heat and flames, so that properties can be returned to normal use. Fire restorers use specialized equipment and techniques to mitigate damage and return your property to clean and safe use.  

Why You Should Hire A Fire Restorer

A professional fire restorer has the knowledge and equipment to provide the water removal and odor eradication properties need after a fire. Water damage from fire-fighting procedures can cause as much damage as the fire itself. Dallas Fire restoration services can remove moisture from the area, so that further damage does not occur. In addition, they have the knowledge and training in techniques that remove offensive odors from the property so that it is usable again.   

Fire Restoration Equipment

Dallas Fire restorers use a variety of specialized equipment to remove smoke odors and moisture from homes and businesses. The first consideration is the safety of the technician, who must wear protective clothing, gloves and a respirator to prevent damage from contact with hazardous elements. Ozone machines are brought in to generate ozone, a gas used to destroy molecules that create the foul smoke odor. These machines are expensive and highly technical and should only be used by those who have received specialized training. Another important piece of equipment is the industrial-strength dehumidifier. These machines are many times more powerful than the common household humidifiers and are used to remove moisture from the property. The timing of water removal is critical because moisture can cause significant damage to property if left in place. Industrial-strength dehumidifies can quickly and efficiently remove moisture from buildings to prevent further damage.  

Benefits of Using A Professional Fire Restorer

A professional fire restorer has the knowledge, experience and equipment to 

• Remove moisture and odors, according to industry-approved standards to ensure the safety of their customers
• Provide the manpower needed for fast restoration of the property
• Utilize their training and experience to tailor their efforts to individual properties’ needs
• Understands how to work with insurance companies to ensure customer’s needs are served
• Years of experience enable the restorer to bring the property back into use as quickly as possible.  

How Is Fire Restoration Done?

Fire restoration in Dallas begins with a thorough examination of the property to assess the amount of damage and the areas that require the most intensive treatment. Because of the variety of different compounds that can be found in buildings, different methods of cleaning and treatment may be used. Natural substances such as paper, wood and metal may require removal or cleaning. Protein-based substances leave a greasy residue that requires special cleaning techniques. Synthetic substances leave a residue that can be toxic and also requires special techniques. Odors left behind may require a variety of techniques to completely eliminate them from the premises. An experienced fire restorer will know the right compounds and techniques that should be used for each of these circumstances.  

Fire restoration techniques are continually being improved and updated. If your property has been damaged by fire, contacting a professional fire restoration company will be able to use its expertise, training and experience to restore it to full use and complete safety.  

Fire Damage Restoration

We understand that smoke and fire damage is both devastating and disruptive to your family or business. SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas Professionals respond quickly to repair fire, smoke, and soot damage, including: 

• Fire damage cleanup
• Smoke and soot damage cleaning and repair
• Cleaning your home's contents and belongings
• Eliminating fire and smoke odor and deodorization

Should you suffer any of these fire damage emergencies SERVPRO of Northwest Dallas is standing by ready 24/7 to help. Just call (214) 361-7887)