Fire Damage in Webster NY

7/22/2024 (Permalink)

Electrical Fire in Webster NY

An unknown electrical issue caused the fire damage in this house in Rochester.  The fire happened luckily while the homeowner was not home. 

This photo is from the kitchen and although it looks as if the fire may have  started in this room due to the damage, it actually started in the family room next to the kitchen.  The fire damage is so severe, there is very little able to be salvaged from this home.  The only salvageable items will be from the basement below, since smoke rises and the 2nd floor was heavily affected as well.

We were called in to see if there is anything we could possibly salvage for this customer.  And they were very happy to know there is a company like ours that can save some of her sentimental items and not all is lost.

Smoke and Soot Damage

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Fire Damage in Rochester

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

An unknown electrical issue caused the fire damage in this house in Rochester.  The fire luckily happened while the homeowner was not home. 

This photo was taken in the kitchen and although it looks as if the fire may have  started here, it actually started in the family room next to the kitchen.  The fire damage was so severe, there was very little able to be salvaged from the affected rooms in the home.  The most salvageable items will be found in the basement , since smoke rises and the 2nd floor was heavily affected as well.

SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County was called in to save everything we possibly could for this customer.  And they were very happy to know there is a company like ours that can save some of her sentimental items and not all is lost in a disaster like this.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County Today! (585) 482-9390

Limited Fire Damage

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires generally begin at the stove. However, damage caused by the fire may affect the entire kitchen, including the walls, ceiling, air ducts and appliances. Once the fire is out, you are left with smoke, soot and water damage to clean up. The damage to your home and personal belongings may be devastating. Handling the damage properly could prevent long-term effects. 

After contacting SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County, the following steps can be taken to help prevent further damage:

• Limit movement to prevent further damage.
• Place clean towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent additional soiling.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly.

SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County is trained in the line of cleanup and care of your home and personal belongings following a fire incident. Before attempting to clean up the fire damage yourself, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County today! (585) 482-9390.

Space Heater Safety Tips

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

9 Do's When it Comes to Space Heaters

1) Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, including beds, sofas, curtains, papers, clothes, etc.

2) Make sure the heaters power cord is not damaged or frayed in any way.

3) Make sure the heater is securely plugged into the power outlet. Ensure it does not come loose or fall out. 

4) Ensure your heater is on a stable and level surface with minimal risk of it getting knocked over.

5) Make sure your space heater has been certified as safe to use. You should see a safety logo on the back somewhere.

6) Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

7) Ensure your unit is turned off when you go to sleep, in a different room, or unable to keep an eye on it.

8) It is wise to teach everyone in your household how to properly operate your heater.

9) If your space heater requires fuel, make sure you refill it with the right kind... or you will most likely cause a fire.

Soda Blasting, What's That?

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

I don't know about you, but the first thing I think about when someone says 'soda blasting' is a bunch of kids running around shaking up cans of soda and spraying them at each other. If you were thinking along the same lines as me, you will be surprised to find out that soda blasting is a very helpful way to clean a fire damaged building. 

Soda blasting is a process in which sodium bicarbonate is applied against a surface using compressed air. Soda blasting is a non-destructive method for many applications in cleaning, paint & varnish stripping, automotive restoration, industrial equipment maintenance, rust removal, graffiti removal, oil removal, soot remediation and much more.

Fun Fact:An early use of soda blasting was to restore the Statue of Liberty in the 1980s!

We have used this method of cleaning in many homes in the Rochester area. So whether your Rochester business is vandalized by graffiti or if your home has experienced soot damage from a fire, call your restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County located in Rochester NY to come soda blast your problems away!

Call SERVPRO Today!! (585) 482-9390

Do's and Don'ts of Fire & Smoke Damage

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Do:

• Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keeps hands clean, Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.
• Clean soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances and protect with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls and tubs if heat is off during freezing season.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filters.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system. 

Don't:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of S.E. Monroe County!
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of S.E. Monroe County.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV, Radio, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first contacting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (they may be contaminated)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.