Types of Fire Damage and Response to Buildings in Oak Ridge

5/20/2023 (Permalink)

Local Tennessee Fire Departments protect our citizens following a house fire. SERVPRO strives to complete the job,"Like it never even happened."

Different Types of Fires Require Specific Restoration Responses for Homes in Oak Ridge

Fires are caused by many different sources in Oak Ridge, including lightning, faulty electrical circuits, negligence, and outdated wiring systems, to name a few. These fires cause a great deal of damage; however, there are different types of fire damage in every fire, which must be addressed distinctly with appropriate processes and cleaning procedures.

SERVPRO provides fire damage cleaning and restoration services to Oak Ridge residents and building owners. Our technicians are highly trained in dealing with all types of fires, smoke residues, and chemicals used to extinguish fires.

There are three main types of damage caused by fires. These include:

• Damage caused by the flames
• Damage caused by smoke residue and odors
• Damage caused by the chemicals used to extinguish the fire, e.g., water, fire retardant, etc., and the efforts of the firefighters investigating interior walls and ceilings

SERVPRO provides fire damage cleaning and restoration services to Oak Ridge residents and building owners. Our technicians are highly trained in dealing with all types of fires, smoke residues, and chemicals used to extinguish fires.

Flame damage can be very different than an electrical fire. Flames burn fabrics and char wood and drywall products, while electrical fires may cause arcing leading to flame damage to the surrounding materials. Typically, heat from a blaze causes more extensive structural and content damage, often requiring a degree of demolition.

Smoke damage, including residues and odors, can last much longer and inundate the entire building, including all of the contents. Smoke residues may cause some porous surfaces to discolor, while nonporous surfaces can be wiped clean and the odors removed. Each item exposed to smoke damage must be evaluated, and the appropriate deodorization approach must be applied.

Water and fire retardant chemicals can lead to secondary damage, including mold and porous wood product damage. Firefighters often must break open walls and ceilings to check for hotspots. Fast removal of water, cleaning, and drying can reduce secondary damage.

SERVPRO applies controlled demolition techniques to remove secondary damage and repair or restore open walls and ceilings. We consider these issues during our initial assessment and use the appropriate fire restoration protocols to return your home to its original condition.

Call SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties for fire damage restoration services. We provide service to Oak Ridge and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (865) 271-9011.

Oak Ridge Businesses Turn to SERVPRO for Water Cleanup

4/30/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with excess water at your business location can certainly help to prevent any secondary damage such as mold. Call SERVPRO right away.

SERVPRO Offers Quick and Efficient Water Cleanup to Oak Ridges Commercial Properties

Water damage to a commercial property can catch business owners off guard. If water cleanup in your Oak Ridge commercial space does not happen fast, it can have a lasting impact on the aesthetics and structural integrity of the building. Professionals like SERVPRO can restore your property to its former glory as quickly as possible with minimal effect on the business proceedings. 

SERVPRO techs use a multi-faceted approach during the water cleanup of your Oak Ridge commercial space. The immediate goal of the restorers is to remove any standing water, followed by drying the structure as quickly as possible to limit the extent of the damage. 

Water Damage Repairs of Different Materials 

Moisture interacts differently with different materials. According to the IICRC S500 guidelines, permeability and porosity are the two factors that describe the interaction between moisture and materials. 

Highly permeable materials allow the water to move through them faster but are also quick to dry. Porosity, on the other hand, describes the number of void spaces within the material. SERVPRO techs encounter the following three types of materials in water-damaged commercial buildings-

• Porous materials like carpet and gypsum board absorb moisture quicker and support microbial growth. SERVPRO techs focus on drying these materials as quickly as possible. 

• Semi-porous materials like unfinished wood, brick, and concrete absorb moisture slowly. SERVPRO techs use a combination of dehumidifiers and air movers to dry these structures. 

• Non-porous materials like glass and metal are of the least concern during water restoration as they don’t absorb water. 

How SERVPRO Techs Speed Up the Drying?

SERVPRO techs understand how moisture reacts with different types of material and create ideal drying conditions depending on the type of material involved. We use state-of-the-art equipment like dehumidifiers and air movers to control the humidity and speed up the drying. 

Call SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties at (865) 986-3015. Remember, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Factors Affect Oak Ridge Water Damage Cleanup Costs?

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can soak through the flooring and walls. Contact SERVPRO to ensure all areas of your home are dried properly.

SERVPRO Technicians Help Oak Ridge Properties With Water Restoration

Numerous factors affect the outcome of a water cleanup job within an Oak Ridge property. One of the main factors is the time frame for the restoration services to start. A home with less water that waits for the cleanup job to begin can have a potentially worse outcome than a house with a more significant amount of water where the efforts started immediately. SERVPRO handles each job on a case-by-case basis and attempts to lessen costs for homeowners wherever possible.

Some of the most common reasons that cause water damage in an Oak Ridge property are plumbing problems, appliance malfunctions, weather catastrophes, sewer backups, and ventilations issues with a basement or crawlspace. For the best chance at the least amount of damage possible, it is vital to engage the water cleanup services of a professional restoration company. SERVPRO technicians trained using the IICRC methods and continuing education to ensure they are up-to-date on the most current advancements in the restoration industry.

Potential Major Losses After Water Damage

SERVPRO technicians work hard to minimize the replacement of building materials and contents; however, here are some of the most typical issues seen:

• Warped flooring or damaged sheetrock requiring controlled demolition
• Ruined carpet
• Damaged electrical system

The Size of the Water Cleanup

The size is a factor that directly bears the cost of the damage to the property owner. A kitchen with water damage may have a significantly lower price to extract and dry than an entire floor of a home with the same issue. Also, when sizable square footage needs help, some of the following factors can affect the monetary outlay of a restoration service:

• SERVPRO requires more extraction and dehumidification equipment for large-scale water cleanup jobs
• A sudden pipe burst may be less damaging than a slow leak that took years, ruining the interior walls and possibly harboring mold growth.
• Appliance failures can result in extreme cleanup measures as high volume leaks can result in huge problems. For example, a broken washing machine supply line can spill up to 600 gallons of water per hour.

SERVPRO Has Professional Restoration Methods for Flooring

The carpet and other floor coverings in a home get attention from SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians using their advanced methods and equipment. Since water migrates quickly, the technicians use their equipment to ensure all areas of water damage, including behind the walls and subfloor, get addressed. The popularity of laminate flooring means SERVPRO technicians handled it regularly. This flooring type has a different reaction than wood or tile. The laminate may not show water damage until a short time after the exposure to excessive moisture occurs as the water penetrates the core materials of the board.

Hardwood flooring may warp or cup in reaction to water damage. However, SERVPRO technicians have the training to remove the moisture from the wood at a steady pace to avoid damage. Water removal too rapidly can result in overly dried wood that splits and cracks, requiring replacement.

Whenever possible, the repair is always preferable to replacement, and the technicians work diligently towards that end during a water damage service. In cases where destruction to the point of no recovery, mold, or contaminated water is the issue, reconstruction or replacement can be the only option for homeowners.

SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties at (865) 986-3015 helps the local Oak Ridge community with all sizes and types of water damage restoration services

What Special Handling Does Oak Ridge Kitchen Fire Damage Need?

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO addresses water damage left behind by extinguishing efforts before cleaning up fire damage in your home.

SERVPRO Brings the Latest Fire Cleanup Techniques in Oak Ridge

After a kitchen fire in an Oak Ridge property, there can be numerous issues left behind for SERVPRO technicians to handle. This room in the home is commonly the hub for the plumbing and contains more appliances than other areas. The potential for a more significant casualty to home contents from both fire and water damage.

Water in an Oak Ridge kitchen with fire damage can complicate the situation. SERVPRO technicians work diligently to remove soaked items left within the kitchen and extract any remaining water before it can seep under flooring and create further problems during the fire cleanup service. SERVPRO technicians use different methods for water removal and cleanup, including:

• Extraction pump equipment
• Hand tools
• Microfiber towels and drying equipment

What Items Get Removed During Fire Damage Cleanup

Some articles cannot remain within a home after a fire because soot particles can get pushed within containers and other areas, including food receptacles, due to hot air expansion during the active part of the house fire. It is not safe to consume any foodstuffs, even canned goods, in the impact area of fire damage.

Appliances Need Inspection Before Reuse

Although the fridge, stove, or other appliance may look "okay" with only the need for any exterior cleaning of the smoke damage, the heat from the fire can ruin the electrical components within the item. SERVPRO technicians always recommended that homeowners err on the side of safety and allow an inspection before the things get reused. It is never safe to turn on an electrical appliance with potential fire damage to see if it will turn on. Testing a fridge or stove without an inspection by a certified industry professional can run the risk of:

• Shock
• Electrical fire
• Permanent damage to the item

Charred or Smoke Damage?

After a fire has occurred, a kitchen can be covered in black, smelly soot. SERVPRO technicians have the necessary training to discern the charred elements from those within the job site that the homeowner can reuse through advanced cleaning methods such as immersion or sonic applications. Charred building materials get removed through careful, controlled demo actions, reducing the smoke odors within the kitchen. Items that need surface cleaning get removed outside the worksite for detailed attention from assigned technicians.

The Challenge of Protein Fires

The fire damage left behind from a pan caught on fire on a stovetop is multilayered. The remnants left behind from this kind of home disaster leave a nearly invisible layer of greasy film on all surfaces in the immediate area. Not only is it difficult to see, but it also carries a strong odor. SERVPRO technicians use professional EPA-approved cleaning agents to remove these tough residues but also assist in eradicating the pungent smell.

Speaking of Odor Control After Fire Damage

No one cares to eat or cook in a kitchen that smells like something burned in it. SERVPRO technicians have specific equipment and methods to remove all traces of smoke odors. This is one of the final tasks before repairs, or needed reconstruction actions occur.

SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties at (865) 986-3015 brings professional fire damage restoration services to the Oak Ridge area. The trained, certified technicians arrive quickly and handle the job from start to finish.

Why Does Air Quality Matter During Oak Ridge Mold Damage Remediation?

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

The right way to correct mold growth in your home is to trust in the experience of a professional remediation team like SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Technicians Have Experience Handling Oak Ridge Mold Infestations

The air quality in an Oak Ridge home with a mold infestation of any size matters. This is because mold spores can be airborne and travel to other areas of the property if disturbed, mainly through the cleaning process. SERVPRO technicians utilize different methods of air improvement applications to capture or port airborne spores off-site.

An Oak Ridge property with mold damage can have a large-scale issue if the problem is not adequately resolved. Mold growth is never something that will go away on its own if the environmental elements creating a hospitable home remain in place. SERVPRO technicians use their equipment to determine the size of the mold infestation and the reason for the colony growth. Frequently seen situations allowing mold to grow and spread include:

• Water damage, either sudden or long-term such as a slow leak
• Trapped moist air in crawlspaces, basements, or wall cavities
• Ignored visible mold colonies

How Does Mold Damage Spread?

SERVPRO technicians take special care to avoid cross-contamination of mold spores during the remediation process by such actions as:

• Applying barriers over doorways and vents
• Removal of undamaged items within the work-site
• Use of air scrubbers or negative air chambers as needed

Finding Mold Growth Behind the Scenes

It is easy to spot when mold damage grows openly on a surface. However, by the time a mold colony is visible, there may be a significant issue within wall cavities, under flooring, or behind wallpaper, to name just a few common areas it is found. Mold needs a moist, preferably dark environment to consume to sustain itself. The moisture can be a giveaway of the location of mold colonies. SERVPRO IICRC Certified technicians use various devices for water collection that show up as locations of blue on an infrared camera and assist in narrowing down the most likely spots to check. The technicians can open a tiny area to confirm the presence of mold and include it in the mold damage remediation service.

How Do Air Scrubbers Assist With Air Quality?

This piece of equipment is invaluable to SERVPRO technicians during any mitigation service where airborne particulate is an issue. During a mold damage cleanup, the air scrubbers run and capture airborne spores before they can float to another area within the home or hitch a ride on shoes or clothing. The maze of HEPA filtration captures and safely holds the spores for disposal. In some cases, the technicians use self-created tubing to create a vacuum effect that pulls air containing airborne spores into the tube and ports them outside the work-site through a window or doorway.  

Use of Antimicrobial Solutions

SERVPRO uses the highest quality and a host of EPA-registered cleaning agents for the surface cleaning to make the work-site inhospitable to mold spores, so they are not likely to germinate within the same spot. The use of sealants on studs and other areas further inhibits the issue's return as long as the property owner addresses the necessary repairs that created a moist environment.

SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties at (865) 986-3015 brings professional mold damage remediation to local Oak Ridge properties. The technicians use the latest applications and equipment to make mold infestations a thing of the past.

Handling Water Cleanup in Oak Ridge Properties After a Storm

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

Storm frequently cause water to enter homes. Our SERVPRO team stands ready to restore your home.

Let SERVPRO Handle Oak Ridge Water Restoration Variations

One of the effects a storm incident might have is leaving your Oak Ridge property inundated with water, heavily soiled, or contaminated. Resolving such an outcome requires detailed water cleanup to save items and restore sanitary conditions in all structural areas.

The steps necessary to complete water restoration in your Oak Ridge property vary depending on the physical characteristics of the affected materials or the level of water intrusion. Professional restoration companies like SERVPRO play a crucial role in highlighting the challenges and taking appropriate remedial action. 

Typical cleaning variations depend on whether the problem impacts:

• Hard surfaces
• Porous materials
• Cavity areas

Hard surfaces in a house include tiled floors, stone countertops, sinks, bathtubs, and appliance covers. Since such materials are semi or non-porous, the impact of water exposure might be minimal. However, they still require cleaning to remove soils and contaminants. Adding disinfectants to cleaning solutions is one effective way to deal with soiling. Our SERVPRO crews use EPA-registered broad-spectrum disinfectants, restoring sanitary conditions on all surfaces. Alternatively, we spray them directly over surfaces after cleaning for better exposure and penetration.

Handling Contamination and Disintegration in Porous Materials 

Cleanup is more challenging when the floodwater spreads over porous materials like carpets, pads, rugs, or upholstery. The porous materials absorb and hold the moisture and contaminants. Moisture can cause physical disintegration, chemical reactions, or microbial development. That is why carpets delaminate when glues weaken and wood rots or warps. The most crucial cleanup step for porous materials is expediting extraction and drying. Our SERVPRO crews use vacuum extractors for faster water removal. We also improve airflow and humidity control indoors to sustain drying.

In cases where porous materials come into contact with dissolved soils and contaminants, flushing the debris and neutralizing the contamination is essential during cleanup. Fabrics like clothes, curtains, and bedding are easier to clean and sanitize using detergents, shampoos, and disinfectants. Other materials, such as carpets and pads, may be challenging to decontaminate, so our crews teardown the affected areas to remove the materials or reach concealed areas. 

Other useful cleanup resources

• Agitation equipment, such as rotating brushes
• Cavity drying equipment
• Deep extractors such as water claws

SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties has the resources to clean and sanitize your home. Call us at (865) 986-3015. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Can Help You Deal With Water Damage in Oak Ridge

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage repair requires a professional who can handle the job. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for professional technicians.

For Water Mitigation in Oak Ridge, Professional Help is Essential

Statistics indicate that about 40% of all homeowners in the U.S.A. have at some point experienced water damage, affecting houses ranging in age and value. Therefore, water mitigation is a vital process to be aware of. Its main aim is the prevention or reduction of water damage plus the rebuilding and restoration of the house following water damage.

SERVPRO has expertise in water mitigation. Our team includes well-trained technicians in handling water damage, enabling us to deliver high-quality water mitigation services in Oak Ridge. The process we abide by comprises several different activities.

The main concern is reducing property loss due to the damage, and water mitigation can be any action that deals with the damage. SERVPRO’s general steps involved in the water mitigation process include the following:

• Spotting the source of water.
• Extraction of standing water.
• Cleaning the affected property.
• Sanitization ensures the removal of any materials that have the possibility of being hazardous.
• Drying of the affected space to prevent mold growth and further structural damage.
• Repair of damages.
• Restoration of the property to its preloss condition.

To remove the water, SERVPRO has a variety of water restoration equipment. This extraction is usually followed by removing the water absorbed into different surfaces, at which point air movers and dehumidifiers are suitable. Air movers work by introducing evaporation at the surface level. They replace the saturated, cool boundary layer with drier, warmer air from dehumidifiers. We can also use different ventilation or drying systems to direct airflow into wall cavities.

Any water damage incident prevents the potential for the proliferation of microbes that can grow on many building materials. This is why SERVPRO ensures that all the surfaces that come into contact with the water are sanitized. We have biohazard cleaning specialists who carry this out on a professional level.

To handle the water intrusion incident in your home efficiently, contact SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties at (865) 986-3015. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Offers High-Quality Mold Removal Services in Loudon Homes

3/5/2023 (Permalink)

When you find or smell mold in your home, time is not on your side. Call SERVPRO to root out the cause and then to remediate the damage.

Mold Remediation in Loudon Calls for Competent Restorers

The presence of mold in a household creates not only an unsightly sight but also causes some structural damages, serious enough to compromise the structural integrity of the whole house. Getting rid of mold is an activity that requires some thinking before attempting it. When done incorrectly, it can cause the mold to sprout again after a short while if there is enough moisture.

When you discover or suspect mold in your house, contact professional restorers who can eradicate it. When you need mold removal services in Loudon, you can contact SERVPRO’s local station. We are a team of well-trained, qualified, and licensed technicians with enough experience to handle almost any situation. During the mold remediation process, we clean and sanitize the rooms and items affected to kill the existing mold, cut off its spread, and prevent it from returning.

The general approach that SERVPRO uses in the remediation process is mostly based on such variables as:

• The cause of mold growth.
• How big the problem is.
• The condition of the affected structures and contents.
• The type of affected surfaces.

Before containment, we address the moisture source and close the affected area off to prevent cross-contamination. Our SERVPRO team also disposes of all porous affected materials since mold can ingrain itself deeply into such materials. The non-porous materials are easy to clean using antimicrobial cleaners to make them mold-resistant and sealants to induce water resistance. HEPA filters are a crucial component of our process since they help remove airborne mold spores and other suspended particles from the air.

Our SERVPRO team can also remove materials like flooring and drywall that excess water has soaked in. We can also rebuild the destroyed structures, mostly using practices that enhance mold resistance.

Don’t just stand and watch as your Loudon house succumbs to mold infestation. Call SERVPRO of Loudon and Roane Counties at (865) 986-3015. We aim to make the infestation seem “Like it never even happened.”

Smoke Residues Requiring Fire Damage Restoration in Oak Ridge Homes

12/29/2022 (Permalink)

Various fire sources create differing types of smoke and soot deposits. SERVPRO is trained to restore all kinds of fire damage.

Fire Damage Restoration Through Soot Removal

Soot is one of the priorities of fire restoration services because prolonged exposure can destroy the materials underneath where these particles land. We have multiple products that can manage specific aspects of soot cleanup, from corrosivity to staining. Three common types of this damage include:

• Dry Smoke
• Wet Smoke
• Protein Deposits

Dry Smoke Deposits

Fire damage restoration for Oak Ridge homes often hinges on professional recovery professionals like our SERVPRO team. We must evaluate the property's condition after combustion, as soot deposits threaten the structure. Among the easiest types of this damage to manage is dry smoke resulting from high heat and nearly total burning of materials affected. The product is a thin and chalky residue on surfaces capable of getting removed with tools and products like chemical sponges. 

Wet Smoke Residues

Wet smoke is among the more tough smoke soils to remove, mainly because of the moist conditions of the property. Wet smoke results from smoldering fires that do not reach as excessive of temperatures. In this case, partial combustion occurs in all affected areas, creating a challenging soil deposit on horizontal surfaces. Alkaline cleaners and abrasive media blasting can be beneficial in removing formidable wet smoke without destroying the substrate affected.

Grease/Protein Fire Byproducts

Kitchen fires comprise a high percentage of the residential fire damage cleanup and repair work our SERVPRO team conducts. Stovetop fires deposit grease and protein residues on surfaces like cabinets and countertops. Beyond the potent, offensive smells accompanying this thick soiling, solvents must get utilized to break down the residues and preserve the underlying materials.

The type of smoke and fire damage your home experiences will require various cleaning and restoration solutions. We carefully evaluate the state of your house and can provide efficient solutions to get back to preloss condition. Call SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties at (865) 986-3015. 

Hire SERVPRO to Hande Commercial Water Damage in Lenoir City

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

When commercial damage restoration is needed, your first call should be to SERVPRO. We are ready at a moment's notice.

Commercial Water Damage in Lenoir City Calls for Expertise 

Commercial water damage is among the most expensive and frequent issues faced by small and large businesses. Statistics indicate that about 75% of losses experienced emanate from leakages connected to HVAC systems, plumbing systems, and appliances. There is loss of property, repair and restoration expenses, and suspension of any business activities if the damages are extensive.

The business owners dealing with commercial water damage in Lenoir City need not have sleepless nights because SERVPRO is there to take care of the situation for you. The steps we take to get your business running differ based on the situation. Some of the losses you are likely to incur in your business include the following:

• Loss of revenue.
• Loss of clients.
• Loss of employees.
• A potential stopping or closing of the business.

Our team can inspect the structures and contents of your place of business to determine which ones to keep or discard. Stabilization of the building and its restoration are SERVPRO’s main strategies when we arrive on-site to ensure we minimize the above-mentioned losses. We have extensive experience in restoring commercial properties following water damage. We use advanced equipment, including electrical submersible pumps, centrifugal air movers, and desiccant dehumidifiers, to restore buildings to preloss condition. Therefore, you can have absolute confidence in us.

Preventing mold growth is vital in SERVPRO’s restoration process since mold cannot just make the building lose its aesthetic appeal. It can eat away at it and critically compromise its structural integrity if not handled fast and with care. The Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) states that mold can grow within the first 48 hours of exposure and continue until the moisture source is handled and the existing mold spores are killed.

To deal with this, SERVPRO has a range of antimicrobials that apply to specific conditions. They include chemical compounds classified as germicides, disinfectants, virucides, sporicides, fungicides, sanitizers, and mildewcides.

For high-quality restoration services from well-trained and equipped technicians, contact SERVPRO of Loudon & Roane Counties at (865) 986-3015. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.