Recent Fire Damage Posts

The Importance of Cleaning Your Furniture After a House Fire

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

Soot covered bathroom. Cleaning your upholstery after a house fire is not just about your safety and comfort.

In the wake of a house fire, the immediate concerns revolve around the safety of your loved ones and the recovery of cherished possessions. While it's natural to concentrate on structural damage and irreplaceable keepsakes, the importance of cleaning your upholstery should not be underestimated. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of cleaning upholstery after a house fire, offering invaluable insights to guide you through the restoration process.

Understanding the Consequences

Smoke and Soot Residue

When a fire engulfs your home, it produces smoke and soot, which can infiltrate every nook and cranny, including your upholstered furniture. Smoke contains a mixture of harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, as well as tiny particulate matter. If left unaddressed, these residues can pose serious risks.

Lingering Odors

The acrid, smoky smell that lingers in your upholstery isn't just unpleasant; it can also be a hazard. They can also permeate your clothing and other belongings, making the unpleasant aftermath of a house fire an everyday nuisance.

Aesthetic Appeal

Soot and smoke residues can permanently stain your upholstery, making it not only unsightly but also decreasing the overall value of your furnishings.

The Cleaning Process

Now that we've discussed why it's crucial to clean upholstery post-fire, let's explore the cleaning process and what you can do:

Assess the Damage

It's essential to perform a thorough assessment of the damage your upholstery has suffered. Different materials and fabrics may require specific treatment. Understanding the extent of the damage will guide you in determining whether professional help is needed.

Vacuuming

Begin by gently vacuuming your upholstery to remove loose soot and debris. Use a nozzle attachment to get into crevices and seams. Be cautious not to rub the soot into the fabric, as it can cause further damage.

Dry Cleaning

In many cases, dry cleaning is the most effective way to remove smoke and soot residue from upholstery. Professional restoration services like SERVPRO of The Seacoast have the experience and equipment to do this safely and efficiently. Dry cleaning can effectively lift away the soot particles without saturating the fabric, which can lead to further damage or staining.

Deodorize

After cleaning, it's crucial to deodorize your upholstery to eliminate any lingering odors. Professionals use specialized equipment like ozone generators and deodorizing agents to ensure that your furniture smells fresh and clean. Deodorizing is a critical step to ensure your upholstery is not just visually clean but also free of any lingering odors.

Why Choose SERVPRO of The Seacoast

When it comes to restoring your home and belongings after a fire, you want a trusted and experienced partner. SERVPRO® has a long history of providing top-notch fire damage restoration services. Here's why you should choose us:

Expertise

Our technicians are certified and trained to handle fire damage restoration, including upholstery cleaning, safely and effectively. They are experienced in dealing with various types of fabrics and materials to ensure a thorough cleaning process.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

We utilize cutting-edge equipment and techniques to ensure the best results for your upholstery. This includes specialized dry cleaning methods, state-of-the-art vacuum systems, and advanced deodorizing equipment to guarantee a thorough and safe cleaning process.

Speed and Efficiency

We understand the urgency of fire damage restoration and the emotional toll it can take on you and your family. We work quickly and efficiently to help you get your life back to normal as soon as possible. Our goal is to minimize disruption while delivering top-quality results.

Compassion and Care

We treat your home and belongings with the utmost respect and care, ensuring that the restoration process is as stress-free as possible. Our team is dedicated to helping you through the challenging aftermath of a house fire with compassion and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your upholstery after a house fire is not just about aesthetics; it's about your safety and comfort. Don't overlook this crucial step in the recovery process. With the right knowledge and professional assistance, you can restore your home to its former comfort and beauty. Choose SERVPRO for expert fire damage restoration and upholstery cleaning services!

Common Issues Uncovered During Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance and How to Address Them

8/19/2023 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler systems are a critical line of defense against fires, providing valuable protection for homes and properties. To ensure these systems function reliably when needed, regular maintenance is essential. During routine inspections, professional technicians often uncover common issues that, if left unaddressed, could compromise the system's effectiveness. In this blog, we will explore these common issues in more depth and provide helpful guidance on how home and property owners can address them to maintain the optimal performance of their fire sprinkler systems.

Corrosion and Rust Buildup

Corrosion and rust buildup are common issues in fire sprinkler systems, particularly in older properties or those exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Corroded pipes and sprinkler heads can hinder water flow and reduce the system's overall efficiency. The presence of rust can also contaminate the water supply, making it less effective in fighting fires.

Addressing the Issue:

To combat corrosion and rust buildup, property owners should prioritize using corrosion-resistant materials for replacement pipes and sprinkler heads. Regular pipe flushing is also essential to remove sediment and minimize the risk of rust accumulation. Engaging professional technicians who have experience in dealing with corrosion-related issues will ensure the proper assessment and repair of affected components.

Obstructed Sprinkler Heads

Over time, sprinkler heads can accumulate dust, dirt, or debris, leading to blockages that compromise their functionality during a fire emergency. Obstructed sprinkler heads may not distribute water evenly, leaving certain areas inadequately protected.

Addressing the Issue:

Property owners should schedule routine inspections and cleaning of sprinkler heads to ensure they remain clear of any obstructions. Technicians can use specialized tools and techniques to remove debris without causing damage. In environments prone to dust or debris accumulation, installing protective covers on sprinkler heads can help maintain their effectiveness.

Leaks or Damaged Pipe Joints

Leaking pipes or damaged joints can cause water wastage and reduce the water pressure within the fire sprinkler system. This decrease in water pressure compromises the system's ability to effectively suppress fires.

Addressing the Issue:

Inspections should include a thorough check of pipe joints for signs of leakage or damage. Prompt repair or replacement of any damaged sections is vital to prevent further deterioration. Utilizing pipe sealants or joint compounds can also be beneficial in preventing leaks from occurring.

Inadequate Water Pressure

Insufficient water pressure within the fire sprinkler system can hinder its ability to provide adequate coverage during a fire event. Low water pressure may result from various factors, including water supply issues or clogged pipes.

Addressing the Issue:

Regularly testing water pressure is critical to ensure it meets the manufacturer's specifications. Property owners should collaborate with certified professionals to evaluate the water supply and recommend suitable solutions to address any water pressure issues. Installing pressure-regulating devices can also help maintain consistent water pressure within the system.

Improperly Positioned Sprinkler Heads

Misaligned or improperly positioned sprinkler heads can lead to uneven water distribution, leaving certain areas vulnerable to fire damage.

Addressing the Issue:

Property owners should conduct visual inspections to verify that all sprinkler heads are properly positioned and oriented correctly. If any misalignments are detected, immediate corrective action should be taken. Technicians can reposition or realign sprinkler heads as needed, ensuring comprehensive coverage and maximum effectiveness.

Blocked Fire Sprinkler System Control Valves

The control valves are crucial components of fire sprinkler systems, responsible for activating the system in response to a fire. Blockages or malfunctions in these valves can prevent the system from functioning as intended during emergencies.

Addressing the Issue:

Regular inspections and testing of control valves are vital to identify potential blockages or malfunctions. Technicians can clean and lubricate control valves following the manufacturer's guidelines to prevent issues and ensure smooth operation. Property owners should also maintain clear access to control valve areas, ensuring that they are readily accessible for inspection and maintenance.

Taking care of a fire sprinkler system through regular maintenance is a responsibility that should not be overlooked. By understanding the common issues uncovered during maintenance inspections and knowing how to address them proactively, home and property owners can keep their fire sprinkler systems in top-notch condition. Engaging the services of certified professionals for inspections and repairs ensures that any detected issues are promptly and effectively addressed, providing peace of mind and enhanced fire protection for their properties and loved ones. Remember, the reliability of your fire sprinkler system is crucial, as it can be the difference between a contained fire incident and a devastating disaster.

How Portsmouth Residents Restore their Homes after Fire Damage

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

Home on fire with smoke billowing out the windows If your Portsmouth home suffers fire damage, call our professionals for assistance with remediation services right away.

SERVPRO Has a Proven Formula for Efficient Portsmouth Fire Cleanup and Restoration

A fire in your home can be a traumatic experience. Everyday household items like draperies, mattresses, or fabrics can quickly ignite and leave behind debris and malodors. Sorting through belongings can be an upsetting experience. However, with a professional fire damage restoration service, it is often possible to save many possessions and return the structure of your home to a preloss condition.

Efficient fire damage restoration in Portsmouth depends upon the organizational experience of technicians. No two household fires are the same. However, it is possible to follow the same detailed procedure for taking home from a burnt-out ruin back to an inhabitable space. After less extreme fire damaging events, we can immediately inspect and begin mitigation steps to preserve, restore, and not replace burned furnishings, fixtures, and assemblies. Our tried and tested response ensures that technicians can deal with the numerous challenges presented by a property disaster like this. Our work begins when you pick up the phone to speak with one of our trained phone handlers. You can provide a notification of loss, and we can schedule a call out to your property. Our team can guarantee that we reach your home within four hours of receiving your call in emergencies. 

The Planning Stages of a Restoration Project

  • On arrival, our IICRC-certified technicians can review any information with you on-site and provide the necessary information on insurance, loss management, and any forms you need to fill out.
  • A consultation and pre-testing phase allows us to get a more accurate picture of the damages and our techniques to reverse them.
  • We can then present your insurance adjuster with a restoration plan and timeframe. Provided you are satisfied, we can begin as soon as you sign an authorization to begin services form.

The early phases of restoration are critical. It ensures that you are kept in the loop regarding work requirements, but it also allows us to organize the service most efficiently. Using the pre-test results, we can then coordinate the delivery of dumpsters for fire debris, removal vans for items that need to be packed out, storage locations for belongings, and equipment. Standard equipment in fire damage restoration relates to air quality. In moderate to severe fires, it may be necessary to bring air filtration devices (AFDs) to ensure that any particulate matter is safely filtered out from the property. Odor control devices such as foggers and misters may be crucial to remove your home's burnt smell. In some situations, advanced equipment like hydroxyl generators can be a valuable tool in returning your home to preloss conditions. 

Performing Effective Restoration in your Home

  • Production scheduling involves providing you and your insurance adjuster with accurate time frames for each restoration process. These may include drying the property, storing possessions, and cleaning rooms of soot or smoke residues.
  • Job management and monitoring are essential tasks that measure our predicted time frames against actual progress. Monitoring progress helps us to ensure we meet our predicted timeframes.
  • All restoration services end with a detailed walkthrough of the property with the homeowner. We can refer to our job file, production scheduling, and job management records with you and answer any questions you may have. 

A house fire is a challenging situation for any homeowner. We are here to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. Contact SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham for fire damage restoration at (603) 433-4300.

Kitchen Appliance Fire Restoration in Portsmouth

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Chair On Fire For fast and efficient service call SERVPRO of The Seacoast at (603) 433-4300.

SERVPRO Strategies for Protein Soot Cleanup

Kitchen fires cause nearly 50 percent of the yearly damage related to blazes reported in US residences. Unattended cooking, spills and boilovers, and combustible materials too close to the heat are common causes. Excessively high temperatures encourage liquids to boil away, producing charred and dehydrated ingredients. Greases and oils heated above their “smoke points” break down, becoming rancid. The dehydrated food bits vaporize with the rancid oils into a fine protein-based mist that spreads rapidly throughout the home on superheated air currents. 

The airborne soot attaches to surfaces as it spreads, so it is no surprise that kitchen appliances take a real beating after cooking mishaps in Portsmouth. Fire restoration interventions for protein-soot removal rely on technicians like our SERVPRO crew members, well-trained in the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) best practices for releasing highly adhesive and unpleasant-smelling residues. 

SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) focus efforts on the appliances near the kitchen ignition site. Typically the “suite” includes a refrigerator, oven and stove, and dishwasher, with trash compactors, microwaves, and freezers often rounding out the inventory. Appliance surfaces are usually non-porous and factory spray-painted with high-gloss or satin finishes. Some feature a stainless steel veneer. The restoration process includes the following:

  • Technicians pre-test how well different cleaners remove the coating in inconspicuous areas. Usually, the protein and oil-rich residues respond best to an oil-based solvent.
  • Workers evaluate the surface’s durability during cleaning, gradually increasing heat and agitation aggressiveness to dislodge stubbornly stuck residues. 
  • The team adds grit to the cleaner, employs rough-sided tools, or uses both enhancements to break the bond between soots and the surface. The skilled hands of our technicians ensure that if more vigorous scrubbing is needed, we do it cautiously and patiently to avoid permanent damage to the integrity of the appliance surface. 


The specialized training and experience of SERVPRO of The Seacoast fire restoration technicians support thorough appliance cleaning even when protein-based soot is present. Call (603) 433-4300 to set up a fire cleanup and recovery assessment to determine effective interventions.

Fire Damage Restoration of Portsmouth Properties Happens Fast with SERVPRO

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Coming Under Door We aim to restore your property as quickly as possible, “Like It Never Even Happened.”

How Do SERVPRO Techs Handle Structural Cleaning During Fire Damage Restoration of Portsmouth homes?  

Cleaning the structure is a big part of the fire damage restoration of your Portsmouth home. The goal of the SERVPRO technicians is to return the items to their pre-damaged condition during the restorative cleaning process.  

SERVPRO technicians conduct preliminary tests to determine the appropriate cleaning method during your Portsmouth property fire damage restoration. The method of choice should effectively remove the smoke and soot residues without damaging the structure or material itself. SERVPRO techs consider the following factors before they zero in on a method:

  • The type of smoke and soot residue- dry or wet
  • The extent of the damage
  • The type of surface- porous or non-porous
  • Chemical composition of the residue

What Types of Residues Are Left After Smoke Damage to Your Portsmouth Home? 

SERVPRO technicians encounter the following types of smoke and soot residues during house fire cleanup in Portsmouth:

  • Dry smoke residue
  • Wet smoke residue 
  • Protein residue

While dry residues are easier to clean, wet residues require unique cleaning products. Damp smoke residues can cause additional damage to your property if left to interact with the surfaces for a long time.  

How Do SERVPRO Techs Tackle Wet Smoke Residues? 

Eliminating wet smoke residues requires water-based or solvent-based cleaning products that can weaken the bonds between the residue and the surface material. SERVPRO techs also consider the pH and hydrophobic properties of the residues to design an effective cleaning method that is gentle on the surface being cleaned.  

Call SERVPRO of The Seacoast at (603) 433-4300; our fire damage restoration techs are available 24/7.  

The Need for Deodorization in Your Hampton Home Following Fire Damages

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in room Fire damage can leave behind smells that are not pleasant. Contact SERVPRO to deodorize your property after a fire.

SERVPRO Technicians Understand That Remediating Fire Damage Includes Combating Odors Left Behind

While no one likes to think about unfortunate events like fires occurring in their Hampton homes, it is critical to know what to do when a disaster strikes. While many might consider the damage from smaller fires to be something they can repair on their own, there are many reasons why choosing a professional restoration outfit is always a better decision.

Fire damage to your Hampton home might present itself in several ways, but none of them will be easy to live with and work around. This reality makes a fire in your home something that is difficult to move on from and move forward with, which leaves you struggling to restore the damages that you discover, and possibly unaware of the full extent of the devastation that the recent fire left behind.

The initial inspection that takes place by our SERVPRO professionals can help our team (and you, the homeowner) better understand the full scope of your home's damage. This process also helps our technicians to design a specific plan to combat these effects from the fire and to work towards making your life at home comfortable again as quickly as possible.

Symptoms such as noxious odors often get addressed first because they pose some of the most considerable threats to living in a home after a recent fire. These lingering foul smells can get combated with the use of thermal foggers. The dense chemical compound in our foggers engages the scent lingering in the affected areas of your home on a molecular level, effectively neutralizing them on contact. After this process, the area is left without a scent at all and can get tailored to the homeowner's liking.

Deodorization might be a small piece of the restoration process for you to know and appreciate. Still, it is a typical thorn in the side of homeowners recovering from a recent fire in their house. For this and every aspect of restoring your home from the fire damages that it suffered, call SERVPRO of The Seacoast. You can reach our experienced restoration technicians anytime at (603) 433-4300.

Greenland Area Homes Benefit from SERVPRO's Fire Damage Protocols and Methods

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

a house on fire with firetrucks outside of it trying to put the fire out The best time to contact our team is right after the fire fighters leave. We are standing by 24/7 - 365 days a year - for your emergency call.

Effective Cleaning Practices for Fire-Damaged Greenland Homes

Cleaning is a vital element of every fire recovery project that our professionals undertake in Greenland and beyond. We have a responsibility to live up to our reputation along The Sea Coast by exceeding expectations with both our efficiency and thoroughness. Cleaning is not an area where you can cut corners and expect the satisfactory result that our brand guarantees after fire damage devastates your home. Understanding our practices in cleaning and restoring your home can help you to appreciate these phases when they happen within your property.

Restoring fire damage in Greenland homes requires multiple approaches often working simultaneously. From deodorization to air purification practices, you should know that recovering a fire damaged house requires trained personnel, our state-of-the-art equipment, and powerful cleaning and deodorizing agents developed especially for the use of our SERVPRO team in the field.

We use mitigating approaches for cleaning surfaces, especially those affected by residues and soot to make our final cleaning more successful. Precleaning can reduce the volume and thickness of residues and work to break soils loose from the material beneath. These practices often involve powerful vacuums and other tools that can allow wet or dry chemical sponging to follow successfully. Not allowing this precleaning phase to take place opens up the possibilities of smearing and staining of these surfaces, which even our experienced SERVPRO IICRC-certified professionals cannot always recover.

We tailor our cleaning process specifically to the situation, and the surface affected, and do not use generalized practices that might not work in all circumstances. Cleaning is the phase that makes our efforts “Like it never even happened.” for your home, and that is why we invest into the latest equipment, tools, and products designed to help in this regard. With our inventory stocked in ready trailers at our facility, we can reach anywhere along our coastal service area within hours of your emergency call.

 We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we have the experience and readiness practices to prove it. No matter when fire damages affect your home, you can count on our SERVPRO of The Seacoast fire restoration professionals to help. We have a full division of cleaning technicians that can help in every facet of fire loss recovery. Give us a call anytime at (603) 433-4300.

Need Fire Damage Restoration After a Fire – Call SERVPRO

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

scorched, burnt kitchen assemblies Kitchen fires often require SERVPRO expertise for restoration and remodeling--We make our Portsmouth customers feel, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Restoration and Cleanup in Portsmouth

Many homeowners in Portsmouth want to begin cleaning up after a fire immediately. There may be damage in a small area from the fire; however, smoke residues and odors cover walls, appliances, and furniture. Attempts at cleaning using the wrong cleaning agents and materials can cause additional damage to the surfaces, embedding soot particles in fabrics.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration services to residents of Portsmouth and surrounding areas. We remove smoke odors, clean all surfaces and remove soot and smoke residues from walls, appliances, and cupboards. Small kitchen fires often require controlled demolition in the immediate area of the fire, cleanup of fire suppression chemicals, and debris removal.

Fires in kitchen areas produce a variety of smoke residues. Some are greasy and cling to everything, while other residues produced by hot fires are light and fluffy. The soft, fluffy resides are easy to remove and can be vacuumed. Greasy residues must be removed using appropriate chemicals to dissolve the particles and absorbent cleaning materials to avoid causing the residues to adhere tightly to the surfaces they reside on. Applying the correct cleaning agents and methods removes soot and smoke residues.

Let SERVPRO help you with all of your smoke damage cleaning and fire damage restoration. Our technicians are experienced professionals. We can be onsite within four hours of your initial call for assistance, work closely with your insurance company and have a policy of cleaning and restoration rather than replacement. Many of our customers appreciate this approach, especially when family heirlooms and mementos are involved.

SERVPRO provides the following services related to fire incidents:

  • House fire clean up
  • Fire and smoke damage cleanup
  • Fire damage restoration

Call the fire damage restoration specialists from SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham and nearby areas for assistance. We can help 24/7. Call (603) 433-4300.

Why Does My Exeter Home Smell Like Smoke if I Never Had Fire Damage?

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

cord plugged into outlet, cord is burning Even small electrical fires can leave behind a strong smoke odor if not properly remediated

Call on SERVPRO if You Are Experiencing the Effects of Fire Damage in Your Home

Some homes may exhibit signs of smoke damage despite lacking any apparent reasons why. Even with no tobacco consumption or history of fire damage, an Exeter home may still have a heavy smoke smell either in a small area or across the whole building. When SERVPRO comes to help reverse the damage, we not only solve the problem but also find out what caused it to avoid similar disasters in the future. Here are some of the reasons we may discover for your home's smoke odors.

Past Owner Habits

Despite the assurances of past homeowners and real estate agents, some unfortunate new residents may find their Exeter home fire damaged thanks to the bad habits of the old tenants. Some may have been longtime smokers, exposing the structure's materials to decades of tobacco smoke, and others may have failed to report or repair fire damage at any point in the home's life. If we find that the smoke smell originated well before you took up residence, we can help work with insurance companies to ensure that you are not held accountable for others' failings.

Electrical Failures

While some electrical failures and malfunctions result in a large fire, others may create smaller blazes that fail to spread beyond a small area. In some cases, a medium-sized fire may rage in an unseen part of the home but never find its way into any other space. While these situations can be somewhat complicated by burnt rubber and other potentially toxic substances, our technicians are well-trained to handle any eventuality.

Old or Poor Heating

All types of heating can be vulnerable to fire damage. While your heating system may have never gone through a proper fire, small overloads and issues may pile up until smoke residue becomes noticeable throughout the home. SERVPRO technicians are experienced with all varieties of HVAC systems and are most familiar when combating an issue of this sort.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast is ready anytime, any day, and any season to help locals recover from the effects of fire damage. Call us 24/7 at (603) 433-4300.

You Deserve Detailed Fire Restoration Efforts in Portsmouth

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO logo Odors from fire damage is no DIY project. SERVPRO IICRC certified fire damage restoration techs have the training and experience for every phase.

Portsmouth Residents Call SERVPRO First for Fire Damage and Restoration

You already have a lot on your mind when you have a fire in your Portsmouth home. Whether a garage fire took place or you had a significant blaze that went through several interior rooms, prompt response and restoration are vital. SERVPRO offers 24-hour emergency service so that your restoration project gets underway fast. With all of our training and experience, we make it “Like it never even happened,” so no heartbreaking reminders of the blaze get left behind.

Professional fire restoration in Portsmouth puts your mind at ease during this emotional time. SERVPRO has perfected our processes to ensure smooth repair, including coordination with your insurance company.

Industrial-Grade Equipment

Of course, our processes would be nothing without the help of our entire gamut of equipment and tools. Some of the equipment used during most fire-related calls include:

  • Extractors – Pumps and extraction tools help us remove standing water from first responders putting out the blaze.
  • Air Scrubbers – Powerful HEPA filtration works to pull odorous smoke particles from the air as we work.
  • Moisture Detection Tools – We use sensors, thermal imaging, and meters to locate areas where moisture may have traveled.
  • Ozone Machine – This portable machine generates ozone to chemically react with all odor-causing molecules, oxidizing residues, and removing foul odors. NOTE: All people, pets, and plants must vacate the space while ozone takes place for safety. 

Smoke Remediation

Nobody wants foul odors to arise in the future after fire restoration takes place. We have Odor Control Technicians (OCT) on our crew to handle stubborn odors and residues to ensure your home is free of any intense aromas. Everything gets a thorough cleaning along with deodorization so that you can breathe free and easy.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham are who you want on the scene when you require fire restoration. You can reach us day or night by calling (603) 433-4300.

Get Prompt and Efficient Fire Damage Restoration in Exeter

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke from a fire Fire damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. We have highly trained and experienced technicians for any phase of fire damage mitigation.

SERVPRO is a Reputable Company that Offers Fire Damage Restoration in Exeter

It is arduous to deal with a fire disaster, and restoring a home after a fire is challenging. The process of reconstructing a property after a fire needs to be done with extreme care and caution. Apart from the fire itself, the chemicals or water used to extinguish the flames can intensify the destruction. It would be best if you had an expert restoration firm such as SERVPRO to handle the situation.

To perform efficient fire damage restoration in your Exeter home, we begin by evaluating the damage and assessing it correctly. This enables our technicians to decide on the strategy to adopt and how to approach the restoration process. We remove the debris and the chemicals used to fight the fire. We also clean the chemical agents used to douse the flames carefully without harming the building materials.

From the moment you hire SERVPRO, we can provide you with ongoing updates until we complete the restoration process. We also provide accurate estimates based on the services we recommend to ensure that your home returns to its preloss state. When you choose us for fire restoration, you can experience other merits, including:

  • Water damage restoration services
  • State-of-the-art equipment
  • Pack-out services
  • Emergency board-up services

In a loss environment, there may be different kinds of smoke residues. These residues contain solid particles that consist primarily of carbon. Our SERVPRO technicians choose the cleaning method that can remove the type of smoke residues present effectively. We identify the kind of surface that is affected to determine which cleaning products and cleaning methods are ideal to use on the surface.

We take care to preserve the surfaces or materials we are cleaning. If a material cannot withstand the cleaning process, it is unrestorable. Smoke residues usually bond with the surfaces they contact. We can use wet and dry-cleaning procedures to release residue particles and carry them away from the ruined surfaces. Our SERVPRO crew then disposes of cleaning waste and debris in the right manner.

Reach out to SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433-4300 for fire restoration services. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Can Moist Conditions Impact Fire Damage in Portsmouth Homes?

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Call Now! Fire damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now!

Atmospheric conditions can greatly impact the fire damage experienced in Portsmouth properties. 

New England homes are no stranger to humid conditions and moisture, making situations like fire damages even more challenging to clean and restore. Our experienced professionals can quickly evaluate the damage and the best mitigation approach upon arrival.

Contending With Standing Water After Extinguishment

While higher humidity can lead to more challenging fire damage restoration in Portsmouth properties, standing water from the extinguishment process can further exacerbate this damage. Our team works fast with extraction devices to clear standing water and pooling.

Overcoming Wet Smoke Damage 

Thick residues can often be the product of moist conditions during a fire loss event. Dampness can reduce the speed of a spreading fire but allow for more challenging cleanup when thicker soot deposits exist. Our professionals have wet cleaning approaches that begin by emulsifying or dissolving soils to loosen and remove them.

Reducing and Removing Harsh Odors from the Property

Odors can also be one of the more challenging aspects of cleaning up after wet smoke damage. Smoldering fires produce a thicker smoke capable of traveling through pathways like the HVAC system and impacting multiple connected rooms with harsh odors. When deodorization is necessary, our professionals lean on several tools in our recovery inventory, including:

Fire damage can be an even greater challenge to overcome in area homes and businesses when moist conditions impact smoke generation and soot deposits. With the formidable presence that wet smoke damage can become, SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham teams must work fast to provide mitigation and restoration solutions. We are available 24/7 at (603) 433-4300.

How to Conveniently Handle a Fire Damage Disaster in Portsmouth

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

Home on fire After your home suffers a fire, call our fire professionals for assistance with remediation services right away.

Knowing the Options After Your Home Faces a Fire Gets You Top Notch Remediation Results

It is wrong to think that scrubbing the soot off the walls and cleaning the floors is all you need after a fire damage incident. There are hazardous materials that result from such challenges which need removal services and other contents that require an inspection to determine whether they are salvageable. That is why we advise Portsmouth residents to work with professionals in the restoration industry to prevent avoidable mistakes. 

Given that fire damage disasters in Portsmouth are unpredictable, you need to know your options. We recommend that you immediately contact a certified restorer like SERVPRO. Further damage is preventable by calling a professional as soon as the disaster strikes, and that means most of your contents at that point are salvageable. 

Fire and Soot Damage Restoration and Cleanup

The soot deposits that you usually see on the walls after a fire never tell the entire story. When left unattended, they can penetrate the walls and make the metal reinforcements corrode. When that happens, the structural integrity of a premise is under question, and it is something that our SERVPRO technicians can work to prevent. 

If there is still some considerable heat on your property and we still have to do the cleaning, we know the right cleaning products to use in such a situation. While in some cases, the heat can increase the rate of the chemical reaction and thus enhance the cleaning process, that is not always the case. Different cleaning products are efficient at specific temperatures, and we remember that when restoring your property. 

After a fire, smoke residues may mix with fluids and lead to the formation of odors. While some sources of the smells are easy to trace, they can be hard to locate others. Our SERVPRO technicians first identify the causes of the odors and then perform deodorization to neutralize the unpleasant smells. Our restoration process follows the regulations of the state and is approved by IICRC. 

SERVPRO of The Seacoast responds fast to all storm, mold, fire, and water damage disasters. Call us at (603) 433-4300 and be served by an industry leader. 

What Is Soot and Why Does It Form after Fire Damage to Portsmouth Homes?

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

dirty palms with carbonized soot Keep your hands clean and let SERVPRO cleanup and restore your Portsmouth fire damaged home

Clean-Up from Fire & Smoke Damage Calls for Professional Help

Dealing with soot is one of the most time-consuming parts of fire damage restoration. Residue quickly settles on surfaces after fire damage, and the cleanup is a genuine struggle for homeowners in Portsmouth who are dealing with the aftermath. However, what is soot, why does it form after the fire?

Soot Damage

Soot is the fine brown or black powder that clings to and discolors surfaces in the home after fire damage in Portsmouth. Soot is what gives items that charred and blackened look. Smoke is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of materials; as wood, paper, plastic, and other materials burn during a house fire, they produce residues and release particles into the atmosphere.

The composition of soot makes it slightly sticky, which means it clings to surfaces and is difficult to remove. As well as looking unsightly, this residue reduces air quality, and a smoke-damaged house does not feel like a home. SERVPRO is on hand to help with fire damage cleanup and restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

Whether or not an item is salvageable after smoke damage depends on how porous the material is. It is far harder to clean residue from a weathered and aged wooden table than to clean it from a smooth glass or polished metal surface.

Trained Fire Damage Restoration Technicians

Our IICRC-certified technicians arrive ready to thoroughly assess your property and devise the best cleaning plan for you. We advise you on which items are salvageable from soot damage and which are not. SERVPRO trains our technicians in a range of cleaning techniques and equips them with everything they need to scrub, scrape, and wipe soot from the surfaces in your home.

After cleaning, we set to work deodorizing your home as well. We understand that it is hard to settle back into your house when it smells of smoke. We have thermal foggers, ozone generators, and air scrubbers on hand to rid your home of smoky smells and leave it fresh once more.

For help with soot and smells in Portsmouth, Exeter, Hampton, Greenland, and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433-4300 today.

SERVPRO Provides Cleaning and Fire Restoration in Portsmouth

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

a fire damaged hallway with soot covering the walls Don’t make the situation worse! Contact team SERVPRO to clean up and remediate the fire damage in your home. We are available 24/7.

Let the Experts Clean Your Home After a Fire in Portsmouth, Call SERVPRO

Attempting to complete clean-up after a fire in Portsmouth yourself can make things worse if you use the wrong methods, cleaning agents, and materials. Every fire is different depending on the material burned and how hot the fire was. Grease fires on the stove produce a heavy, oily smoke residue that coats everything. At the same time, a fire that burns at a high temperature produces light, fluffy ash that is easily removed.

SERVPRO can help with fire restoration after a fire in Portsmouth. We immediately assess the conditions and determine the best approach to perform a complete house clean-up after a fire. In addition to the type of smoke residue and the surface type, we consider four factors while removing and cleaning smoke residues from surfaces and contents in your home.

  • The appropriate temperature for the surface and the cleaning solution.
  • How much agitation of the surface and chemicals?
  • Which chemical cleaning agents should be used on residues and surfaces?
  • How long should the cleaning agents dwell on the surface to work properly?

We have the skills, the knowledge, and the expertise to provide a thorough fire and smoke damage restoration of your home after a fire.

Call SERVPRO of Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham for fire restoration in Portsmouth and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (603) 433-4300.

Fire Damage Restoration Services are Available to Portsmouth Residents by Making One Simple Phone Call

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire illustration If your home has been damaged by a fire, you need expert assistance with cleanup and restoration. Call SERVPRO for help. We are always available.

When Homes Suffer the Consequences of Fire and Smoke Damage, SERVPRO is Prepared to Help

After a house fire in Portsmouth, the cleanup and restoration process may seem overwhelming to the average homeowner. However, when you enlist the help of professional fire restoration technicians, the process becomes manageable. At SERVPRO, we focus on removing unsalvageable items and eliminating the soot and smell characteristic of fire damage. To achieve the best results, we employ state-of-the-art equipment and industry-grade cleaning solutions tailored to the needs of your home.

Cleaning the contents of your Portsmouth home is as essential as cleaning walls, ceilings, and structural elements. It stands to reason that water and fire damage restoration is typically less costly than replacing each affected item. A one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning and restoration can create more fire damage to your property, which is why our SERVPRO team tailors its efforts to each surface. The following methods are used to clean your home-

House Fire Cleanup Products Can Include:

  • Dry cleaning- generally used to clean non-grease-based damage or to prepare a surface for wet cleaning. Dry sponges help remove light soiling, often aided by vacuuming.
  • Wet Cleaning- more aggressive in nature, it is used for heavy residues. As its name implies, water and cleaning agents are involved in the cleanup process. Sprays and foams are included in this category.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham are available to help all communities around us. Call us at (603) 433-4300 and allow us to leave the memory of fire damage in the past.

Downtown Manhattan Homeowners who Need Specialized Cleaning Solutions can count on SERVPRO for Support.

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

fire damage black Call us and let us work until your home looks “Like it never even happened.”

A fire in a Downtown Manhattan home can burn for a long time or just for a few minutes and still cause damage throughout the whole house. Many homeowners are genuinely surprised to see soot inside medicine cabinets and curtains of areas far from where the fire started. Only a professional restoration team can look at your needs and provide a comprehensive plan focusing on minimizing your loss.

To develop a plan for an Downtown Manhattan home with fire damage, call SERVPRO for our expert opinion. Our technicians arrive at your home, keeping in mind safety precautions and aiming for a full restoration with minimal disruption.

Once we inspect the area, we may recommend offsite services to clean and store items that would otherwise suffer more damage if left in the home. As a homeowner, you shouldn’t worry about the process's details, as our team documents and explains each step for your benefit.

Can flooring be saved after a fire?
Many factors come into play when deciding whether to restore or discard flooring materials following a fire. First and foremost, the proximity to the fire’s origin can dictate the severity of the damage, and our SERVPRO team acts accordingly. If safety is questionable due to the flames, then it is better to remove the flooring altogether. In some cases, items such as wall-to-wall carpets may be removed due to firefighters' water and extinguishing substances. However, if we can cost-effectively clean the residue, we can do some of the following:

    •    Use a rotary floor machine to agitate the residue and remove it
    •    Apply cleaning solutions to carpets and use machinery to help it permeate each fiber
    •    Incorporate air movers to evaporate water from hardwood flooring

At SERVPRO of Alphabet City/Downtown Manhattan, we know that restoration is a unique process, and each home deserves a personalized plan. Call us at (646) 665-4195 and let us work until your home looks “Like it never even happened.”

Exeter Seacoast Artist Association Theme Shows

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

A store next to a roadway. Exeter Seacoast Artist Association is having multiple shows for the next several months. Go out and support your local artists.

Let Me Show You What I Love on Display At – Exeter Seacoast Artist Association

The Seacoast Artist Association in Exeter, NH, is a volunteer organization supported by donations, sales commissions, and fees for exhibitions. The association meets monthly to promote art inspired by the seacoast of New Hampshire. They encourage artists in the pursuit of art and people of ages. One of its key initiatives is the Scholarship fund, which assists local high school seniors.

The Artist Association runs a variety of events every month. At this time, they are following local health guidelines. Receptions have not been scheduled; however, exhibits are proceeding, and interested parties may attend while abiding by social distancing guidelines. There are several theme shows scheduled in January, February, and March including:

  • Let Me Show You What I Love -  Jan 31 - Feb 26
  • We can Dream Can’t We - Feb 28 - Mar 26
  • Theme Show: The Colors of Spring - Mar 28 - Apr 30

Drop off and pick up times have also been scheduled for each theme. These shows are an excellent opportunity for local artists to place their work on display and patrons to view their latest creations.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, Dover-Rochester, and Durham provides fire damage assistance to Exeter urban and retail/business customers and surrounding areas. Call (603) 433-4300. We respond 24/7 to help with all your fire devastation needs.

The Town of Exeter Named by the Reverend John Wheelwright in 1638

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

Exeter on map Our dedicated technicians at SERVPRO will restore every level of fire damage on your property "Like it never even happened."

Exeter Gets its Name from the Same Town in Devon, England

The town of Exeter has a long and varied past. Grist and lumber mills were established early in the life of the village in the 1600s. Many residents and settlers spent their days hunting and fishing, planting, and expanding farms. Some raised cattle and swine. At the same time, others made cedar shakes as well as barrel staves.

The town was named after a similar village in Devon, England, and founded by the Reverend John Wheelwright. At the time, there were approximately 35 families with a total of 175 souls who moved from the Boston area, with Wheelwright to establish Exeter with the freedom to follow their own religious beliefs. The initial years for the settlers were challenging. However, they persevered and became established in the area.

Exeter is located near the waterfalls where the Exeter River meets the tidal Squamscott River. The waterfalls provided power for a local grist mill and later a sawmill. Access to the tidal Squamscott offered easy access to neighboring towns and many locations further afield to trade goods. Travel by river was one of the significant transportation modes in those early days of life in the small village.

The area prospered and began trading with neighboring towns as well as across the ocean to Europe. They became successful shipbuilders, lumbermen, and statesmen. A member of the Gilman family, Nicholas Gilman, became one of the founding fathers. The families populated government positions in the general assembly and the judicial courts. The last Indian raid took place in 1725.

History buffs can visit the following museums and important locations to explore further Exeter's history, contributions to the local environment, the state of New Hampshire, and the United States:



American Independence Museum

Congregational Church in Exeter, founded 1638

Exeter Historical Society & Museum

Phillips Exeter Academy



Congregational Church in Exeter, founded 1638

The church in Exeter passed through several iterations before becoming the magnificent historical building it is today. In the 1600s, every town must have a church to receive a charter. The Reverend John Wheelwright established this church in Exeter in 1638. The current building dated back to 1798 and was seen as a call for American Independence. The church and its members played a pivotal part in the daily life of the town of Exeter. 

Take A Walking Tour Around Exeter and Experience History

Walking tour pamphlets can be obtained from the Exeter Historical Guide. The guide explains the history of many of the buildings along Front and Water streets. Notable buildings along the way include:



Town Hall and courthouse – 1855

String Bridge

Simeon Folsom House

The Great Bridge – 1934

Gilman Garrison

Eagle Steamer house

The Bandstand - 1915

Houses along Front street dating back to the 19th century and many more sites along the way



Annual Events and Festivities

Not only is Exeter rich in history, having been founded in 1638, there are many events taking place throughout the year, attracting many residents as well as tourists. Note: Visitors should check local schedules to confirm the status, given current social distancing requirements and local and state authorities' guidelines. A sampling of the events includes:



Festival of Trees and Holiday Open House

Exeter Holiday Parade and Christmas Eve Luminaries

Art Exhibitions

Valentine Sweethearts Dance

Easter Town Egg Hunt

Memorial Day Parade

Fundraisers

Summer Outdoor Movies

Brass band concerts at the Bandstand

Fall Festivals including the UFO Festival

Beer and Chilli Festival

Halloween Parade



Bandstand Concerts

The Bandstand is located in the center of town and is home to concerts during many summer nights. Listen, sing-along, or dance to various genres, including pop, country tunes, rock, and folk music. Many people bring blankets and snacks to enjoy their summer evenings listening to great music.

UFO Festival

On labor day weekend, the Exeter Area Kiwanis Club hosts a UFO festival to celebrate "The Incident at Exeter," which occurred over 55 years ago. Norman Muscarello informed police of a UFO he saw hovering behind a barn. The sighting was later confirmed by local police, who also saw the UFO. The sighting garnered national attention as investigators tried to assess what Norman observed that night.

Speakers are invited to discuss the event and recent history regarding UFOs. Talks are presented at the Exeter Town Hall. Visitors can also purchase speaker's books on subjects associated with UFO's. There are trolley rides to the observation site and activities for the kids to enjoy.

Holiday Activities

The Exeter Holiday Parade usually takes place on the first Saturday of December. Residents can view the parade as it travels along Portsmouth Avenue. The town also features a Christmas Light Display enjoyed by everyone. The Festival of Trees, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, is a fundraising event. Proceeds support the Chambers Children's Fund using a silent auction approach.

Smoke Alarms Can Reduce Fire Damage in Exeter Homes

Fires can be devastating. The damage from the fire, the odor of smoke everywhere, and the damage added by the firemen as they control the fire can be extensive. Early warning systems such as fire and smoke detectors can provide occupants with a chance to save their lives and enable the fire department to control the fire before the damage becomes extensive.

SERVPRO fire damage restoration teams have seen the difference in damage in homes with and without a smoke detector. Regardless of the degree of fire damage, our highly trained technicians can restore your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Once the fire department is left the scene, our technicians:



Assess the damage and plan the restoration project

Remove unrepairable materials

Remove odor-causing items

Clean and sanitize all hard surface items

Arrange to clean fabric materials  

Install deodorizing equipment to remove odors from the entire home

Restoration involving repairs, painting, installing new flooring, and more



We have the training, the experience, and the equipment to return your home to its original condition, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, Dover-Rochester, Durham, provides fire damage services to Portsmouth residential and commercial business customers and the surrounding area. Call (603) 433-4300. We are available 24/7to help with all your fire damage needs.



What Should an Exeter Homeowner do to Control Floor Damage after a Fire in their Home?

10/25/2020 (Permalink)

fire damaged home Call us and let us work until your home looks “Like it never even happened.”

Exeter Homeowners who Need Specialized Cleaning Solutions can count on SERVPRO for Support.

A fire in an Exeter home can burn for a long time or just for a few minutes and still cause damage throughout the whole house. Many homeowners are genuinely surprised to see soot inside medicine cabinets and curtains of areas far from where the fire started. Only a professional restoration team can look at your needs and provide a comprehensive plan focusing on minimizing your loss.

To develop a plan for an Exeter home with fire damage, call SERVPRO for our expert opinion. Our technicians arrive at your home, keeping in mind safety precautions and aiming for a full restoration with minimal disruption.

Once we inspect the area, we may recommend offsite services to clean and store items that would otherwise suffer more damage if left in the home. As a homeowner, you shouldn’t worry about the process's details, as our team documents and explains each step for your benefit.

Can flooring be saved after a fire?
Many factors come into play when deciding whether to restore or discard flooring materials following a fire. First and foremost, the proximity to the fire’s origin can dictate the severity of the damage, and our SERVPRO team acts accordingly. If safety is questionable due to the flames, then it is better to remove the flooring altogether. In some cases, items such as wall-to-wall carpets may be removed due to firefighters' water and extinguishing substances. However, if we can cost-effectively clean the residue, we can do some of the following:

    •    Use a rotary floor machine to agitate the residue and remove it
    •    Apply cleaning solutions to carpets and use machinery to help it permeate each fiber
    •    Incorporate air movers to evaporate water from hardwood flooring

At SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham, we know that restoration is a unique process, and each home deserves a personalized plan. Call us at (603) 433-4300 and let us work until your home looks “Like it never even happened.”

Can All This Soot Be Removed After A Fire In My Home?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

hydroxyl generator green SERVPRO logo SERVPRO Provides Hampton Area Homes with Odor Control Post Fire-Damage with Devices Like this Hydroxyl Generator.

SERVPRO Technicians Are Soot Removal Experts in Hampton

If a fire breaks out in your Hampton home, SERVPRO technicians are ready to go. The longer the premises go without cleanup, the more you risk losing. We strive to restore as much as possible instead of merely replacing the structure or content.

Can Soot Get in My Ductwork?

You need to shut off your HVAC system as soon as possible. Do not wait for the professionals as airborne particulates can spread via the HVAC system to other areas in the home. Once a scope is done, and the fire restoration needed in your Hampton home is outlined, we can clean the ductwork. If necessary, we can apply sealants to the interior to prevent lingering odors.

Can You Get rid of Soot Smells?

Smoke residue and soot leave unpleasant odors that need appropriate mitigation. Unless they are taken care of properly, the smells linger. Our certified technicians understand how to determine the type of soot and the proper cleaning method. We do the following to remove odors:

  • Use the appropriate cleaning products to match the soot on surface areas
  • Use advanced deodorization methods and equipment
  • Use sealants to lock in mild odors that are left after cleaning

The type of soot determines the actions needed. Our techs can employ several deodorization methods. Thermal fogging disperses particles that pair with the odors in the air. This action then neutralizes the smells. Ozone machines oxidize foul odors., but this is only used in extreme circumstances. Hydroxyl generators use UV lights to create hydroxyl molecules that change the makeup of the soot rendering them scentless.

 Our technicians are available 24/7 to provide fire restoration to homes in our community.  Our goal is to return your home to preloss condition and leave it, “Like it never even happened.” Contact SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433 - 4300 for expert fire restoration service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster

What Structural Damages Can Exist After an Exeter Housefire?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

chair and furniture in room after burned Give our SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham team a call today at (603) 433-4300.

There are many repairs necessary after a fire moves through your Exeter property, and our contractors and restoration professionals can help.

Structure fires and repairs or reconstruction often go hand in hand for Exeter homes or businesses. The hotter the fire, the more rapidly it can spread through the structure and completely combust materials and structural elements in its path. Modern construction materials can burn more quickly and more completely than older homes. Depending on multiple factors, the amount of reconstruction or repair required for your emergency is unique.

Since our technicians and contractors first arrive, we are focused on each step necessary to address fire damage in Exeter residences. A careful evaluation of the property conditions upon arrival can help determine the steps required to provide a safe work environment for our responding technicians beginning mitigation work. Often, homeowners do not appreciate the full extent of structural damage because the entire property appears in disarray. Our SERVPRO team can help identify corrective actions and replacements necessary to make these fire losses “Like it never even happened.”

What Are Emergency Services?

Emergency services can be one of the most vital efforts that our SERVPRO team initiates when we first arrive at a damaged property. These efforts often precede mitigation and even job scoping to better protect the property from rapidly migrating conditions. Some of these initial tasks include:

    •    Temporary Construction Solutions - Openings in the exterior of your house can leave the property vulnerable to water penetration, animals, and other compromising situations. Our contractors work to seal up these breaches temporarily until full scale build back can occur.
    •    Debris Removal - The presence of debris and partially combusted materials can amplify conditions like lingering odors, smoke residues, and other harmful contaminants circulating in the environment.
    •    Air Quality Control - Particles moving throughout the damaged area can be harmful to those directly exposed without the appropriate personal protective equipment. Through the use of air scrubbers and other filtration tools, we can lower these risks.

How Can Our Contractors Contend with Man-Made Openings?

Firefighting efforts can often be more challenging than first responders expect upon arrival. These challenges require fast and direct solutions, where the structural boundaries hindering extinguishment might require removal. Man-made openings often occur through the roof or wall systems of the house, where the worst of the fire happens, to ensure that the water used for extinguishment reaches where it should. Once extinguishment completes, these openings must get addressed quickly to prevent conditions like flooding or animal infestations from happening. Our contractors can work rapidly on these temporary construction solutions, which include:

    •    Tarping
    •    Board Up
    •    Containment

Is Controlled Demolition Beneficial?

In addition to the full-scale build back that we can offer our customers after a house fire, controlled demolition is another beneficial service. Our licensed residential contractors can identify and remove overly damaged portions of exposed materials to prevent collapse or other safety concerns. Because controlled demolition is such a common element to the recovery of a property after a fire loss, it is essential to understand how this initial action by our contractors can benefit your property and the costs and time invested in restoration.

    •    Access to Damaged Areas – One of the immediate advantages of removing damaged portions of building materials is access to structural cavities where other concerns might exist, such as pooling water.
    •    Removing Compromised Materials – Many materials become partially damaged by the path of fire throughout the house, but do not combust entirely. These partially damaged surfaces can intensify odors and soot concerns in the house until the materials get removed, and the environmental hazards get addressed.
    •    Preventing Structural Hazards – Substantial structural concerns might not be immediately apparent in your house after a fire, especially with so many surfaces covered in smoke residues and debris present throughout the property. Controlled demolition focuses on areas that could become potential problems or hazards to those in the immediate area.

When Does Full-Scale Reconstruction Occur?

While much of the repairs and reconstruction work occurs during the mitigation phases, the final touches to your house often require rebuilding or replacing removed materials to return to preloss condition. Because we have in-house contractors that can respond along with our technicians, the transition from mitigation to reconstruction as a seamless process. Our customers do not wait for scheduling conflicts often encountered by pursuing subcontractors for construction after a fire loss.

With fires being the second most common call out that our restoration professionals address throughout the year, our response and experience in these matters can save our customers time and money. Give our SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham team a call today at (603) 433-4300.

What is the Best Method to Clean Fire Damage Off My Portsmouth Kitchen Walls and Ceilings?

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Incorrect cleaning methods on smoke residues can ruin surfaces, SERVPRO has specialized cleaning agents and techniques to remove smoke damage in Portsmouth properties 

When a cooking fire happens, the smoke damage can be the worst of it. In particular, a smoking pan is the worst as it can leave residues on the stove, walls, ceiling, and porous items rapidly. Unless cleanup happens, problems such as:

  • The spread of pungent odors to other areas of the home
  • Need for ductwork cleaning due to soot
  • The ruin of porous items with inadequate cleaning 

Why is Fire Damage from Cooking Fires So Difficult to Remove? 

When a protein fire occurs in a Portsmouth home, the fire damage left behind is nearly invisible. When meats, fish, and eggs burn, they turn into a fine mist that coats surfaces all over the kitchen. Soot particles can exist smaller than the human eye can see, so it is impossible to clean them away using visuals to find them. However, as long as they remain on-site, foul odors accompany them.  

What Are Some Tactics for Cleaning Away Cooking Fire Odors 

SERVPRO techs use a multi-layered approach to the cleanup of smoke and fire damage in Portsmouth kitchens. 

  • The use of air scrubbers to capture airborne particulates
  • Testing residues and choosing solutions to release their grip on surfaces
  • Immersion cleaning for non-porous items with smoke damage 

Odor Control is a Crucial Part of Fire Loss Mitigation 

Even when there is little to no charring in a kitchen, the techs from SERVPRO know that odor-causing soot particles may need neutralizing. They have various odor control applications and use them according to the treatment level required. Frequently used methods include thermal fogging, which works particularly well when porous items such as window treatments and upholstered items show evidence of smokey odors. 

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433-4300 can clean up and restore any size fire damage in your home with their advanced equipment and restoration methods. 

More about Portsmouth.

The Complete Guide to Understanding Fire Damage Remediation in Portsmouth

2/16/2020 (Permalink)

yellow fire line across property Facing fire damage can be quite overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO for effective fire damage remediation efforts by certified technicians.

Portsmouth Homes Do Not Have to Smell Like Fire Damage

When a fire loss happens in a Portsmouth home, it most definitely leaves a calling card. Not only with charred structure and contents, but a very distinctive odor is typical. 

Even a small amount of fire damage can leave significant odors in a Portsmouth home. In cases where the HVAC was running post-fire, odorous soot can be resident within the ductwork and require cleaning. Techs put up plastic containment barriers around the work area to limit the spread of soot.

Type of Fire Can Determine Odor Level 

Kitchen fires are frequent contributors to foul odors after a fire. When a protein, such as a steak on a grill pan, catches on fire, the fats vaporize and deposit on all nearby surfaces in a nearly invisible, but very pungent residue. Often in this type of loss, there is not much in the way of charring but a significant need for odor control. Other types of fires have the smell diminished by the removal of burned items and using air scrubbers to capture airborne soot particles.

Surface Cleaning 

Repairs and reconstruction cannot occur in the home until the smoke odors get neutralized. SERVPRO techs have access to a broad array of professional-grade agents that include solvents for sticky residues to release their grip on surfaces. The removal of the smoke damage goes a long way to diminishing odors.

Ductwork Cleaning

When a fire occurs in a home, the ductwork is one of the most neglected areas. During the fire, hot hair expands, it pushes into not only porous objects but also open vents and enters the ductwork. In the case of a fire loss that occurred in a single area of the property, if the HVAC ran post-fire, there is an excellent chance odor-causing soot particles are now resident within the ductwork. SERVPRO technicians can clean and restore the ducts and improve the air quality in the home.

Standard Odor Control Measures

When dealing with fire odor removal, the techs have access to numerous types of equipment. In some cases, the techs need to use a multi-layered approach to ensure the complete deodorization of the home happens. 

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Durham at (603) 433-4300 are ready to clean up and restore your property and contents from any size fire damage and make it, "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more information about Portsmouth.

Do You Know How to Remove Oily Soiling From Your Fire Damaged Exeter Home?

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

smoke and soot damage on ceiling and walls Smoke and soot damage are difficult to remove. We have the cleaning agents and expertise to remove all types of soiling.

Removing Oily Soiling from Exeter Homes After a Fire 

The combustion of materials when a structure fire moves from one room to another can leave various residues and sediment throughout your Exeter property. Removing these layers of carbon and debris from affected surfaces is a process that must get done carefully using sophisticated tools and potent cleaning products. The wrong approaches, such as inappropriately cleaning oily soils from materials, can lead to staining and irreparable damage. 

Oils that exist on surfaces must get sufficiently evaluated by our professionals when the scoping of the job determines the extent of fire damage in Exeter properties. The purpose of this inspection and evaluation is to assess the severity of the soiling. Depending on the depth and heaviness of the present oily soil, various approaches, products, and techniques are necessary. 

Light Soiling  

As you might already have learned through various stages of your life, oil and water do not mix. Therefore, special considerations must get made for how fire damage soiling gets removed when it is oil-based. If the soil is light enough on a surface, it is possible that these particles can get emulsified with the application of water-based detergents. The detergents can attach to this soiling and pull it away from the surface and get rinsed clean. 

Heavy Soiling  

Heavy soils present more significant obstacles for our SERVPRO technicians. The right approach here can help to prevent a need for removing damaged construction materials and structural elements. In many situations, the answer is dissolving. Unlike emulsion, heavier soils do not react positively with water-based detergents. Instead, solvents are a better solution because they can work to dissolve residues that are not water-soluble. We have many potent solvents to choose from depending on the type of material hosting the oily soil. 

Cleaning up damaged surfaces after fire loss incidents can be a challenge for even the experienced professionals of our SERVPRO of The Seacoast team. With a combination of water-based detergents and solvents, we can work to remove oily substances to protect and restore damaged materials and contents throughout your home. Contact us anytime at (603) 433-4300. 

More about Exeter.

Did You Know That SERVPRO Effectively Remediates Fire Damage in Exeter?

11/10/2019 (Permalink)

fire damaged picture frame and home contents Regardless of how the fire started, SERVPRO can help with mitigating the situation and remediating the fire damage - including lingering odors.

How Ozone Chambers Help Content Management for Exeter Homeowners

Content management is a considerable aspect of the fire recovery work we offer to Exeter property owners after a loss incident. As quickly as fire effects can spread throughout a property, personal belongings and possessions often get caught contending with the worst of these symptoms, including smoke odors. With pack-out procedures, we can take these damaged items to our nearby SERVPRO facility for focused cleaning and recovery efforts.

Fire damage in Exeter homes requires the skills and expertise of our highly trained technicians to overcome, as many scenarios are too potentially threatening to the health of homeowners to address on their own. After loss incidents, airborne threats can make it challenging to complete damage assessment and cataloging of loss for your personal belongings. Our team can work quickly to determine the full scope of the damage to the structure and earmark personal belongings for removal by our content management professionals.

In our warehouse, we have many tools designed to make the cleaning and recovery of incoming items as efficient and effective as possible. Advanced equipment like our ultrasonic submersion tanks present an innovative solution for soot threats to possessions, but one of the most remarkable features available to our SERVPRO team is our ozone chamber. This sealed region of the facility is a vital space for helping to overcome widespread smoke odors present in furniture, soft materials, and other removed items from your fire-damaged property.

Much like our units used within residences and businesses, the production of ozone is the catalyst for odor neutralization. This chemical compound features an additional oxygen molecule that can bond with odor compounds and neutralize it on contact. Because of its gaseous nature, ozone can permeate surfaces to address stubborn scents trapped in the damaged materials.

We have many tools that can play a vital role in the ultimate recovery and restoration of your home. As challenging as fire losses can be to overcome, we have advanced in-house and on-site tools to help. You can reach our certified SERVPRO of The Seacoast fire restoration specialists anytime by calling (603) 433-4300.

Click here for more information about Exeter.

Exeter Homeowners Call Out to SERVPRO for Fire and Soot Cleanup and Restoration

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Hey Exeter Property Owners--for Matchless Fire Damage Cleanup, Soot Removal, and More--Call SERVPRO

Locating Soot Damage Throughout a Damaged Exeter Home

After a fire loss event in your Exeter property, damages can spread quickly from the ignition point. The worst of the symptoms and hurdles to overcome for professional restoration specialists occur within the first 24-48 hours, making it critical to reach out to accredited professionals as promptly as possible. We have extensive experience in restoring fire loss incidents, including the use of advanced equipment and technology to address the widespread concerns like smoke residue and soot. Locating the full extent of this damage can help us to clean up the house sufficiently before more areas, contents, and structural elements become affected.

Soot and other fire damages can spread quickly throughout your Exeter residence, regardless of the cause of the blaze. Our SERVPRO professionals work to respond immediately to these emergencies, as every second counts when combatting the movement of soot, smoke residue, and other airborne contaminants and debris. We have cleaning technicians ready to mobilize immediately to get mitigation and recovery efforts started in your house right away.

Our technicians begin any restoration project with a thorough and complete assessment of the damages, loss, and affected contents of the property. Not only is this documentation and evidence necessary to secure insurance damage claims from your provider, but it also helps us to maintain an accurate track record of completed tasks and what restorative actions are still necessary to make fire loss effects “Like it never even happened.”

We have sophisticated equipment to help identify the presence of soot and smoke residues in areas that are inaccessible, such as air ducts. With the use of our boroscope cameras, we can see the entirety of the duct network, noting whether any threats exist within this system. We can also utilize similar technology to search other inaccessible areas where soot and smoke particulates could have penetrated.

Our SERVPRO of The Seacoast team has commercial-grade cleaners and chemical sponges to begin addressing widespread soot damage concerns along with the rest of the mitigation your property needs. Whenever disasters strike, you can give us a call anytime at (603) 433-4300.

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We Use State-Of-The-Art Equipment To Restore Your Portsmouth Home

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

We restored this Portsmouth house from soot and smoke damage in every room of the house with our expertise and equipment.

Discover How to Remove Fire Damage Odor from Your Portsmouth Home Effectively

Stubborn smoke odor is one of the detrimental consequences of fire damage. It can linger in your house for a lengthy period, compromising the air you breathe. If your home has a smoke odor, you should take steps to eliminate it effectively and quickly. Removing the smoke scent is challenging for the tiny smoke particles stick to all household surfaces and get embedded into porous materials like fabrics, carpeting, furniture, books and even paint. Removing the scent requires specialized cleaning equipment.

It is advisable to hire a fire restoration company like SERVPRO to remove fire damage odor from your Portsmouth home. Our experts can assess the situation and select the most appropriate remediation method while ensuring safety. We use state-of-the-art equipment like ozone generators to eradicate smoke smells. These machines generate ozone, which consists of three oxygen atoms. Ozone reacts with odor-causing molecules to oxidize residues and eliminate the scents.

Ozone can harm living things because of the way it combines with water. It may cause nausea and headaches among other health issues. SERVPRO technicians remove all living things from the area before setting up an ozone generator and sealing the rooms to prevent dissipation. After the deodorization process, ozone returns to the normal oxygen molecule quickly, without leaving residues. We also use high-velocity fans to ventilate the area until the smell of ozone is gone.

When it is not safe to use an ozone generator, our technicians use hydroxyl generators. These generators use ultraviolet light to produce hydroxyl, which is useful for removing fire damage odors. Hydroxyl generators do not affect the health of plants, pets, and humans. We can also seal porous surfaces that have absorbed smoke such as unfinished, raw wood. At times, odor remains in confined areas after the deodorization process is complete. In such a situation, our technicians can ventilate the confined space, place an activated unit in it overnight or thermal-fog the whole structure if necessary. Our goal is to deal with the fire damage odor to make your home smell “Like it never even happened.”

If your home has fire damage odor, SERVPRO of The Seacoast can assist you in eliminating it. We have years of experience in dealing with smoke odors. Contact us any time at (603) 433-4300 for fire restoration services in Portsmouth, Exeter, and Hampton.

Click here for more information on the summer programs we offer in Portsmouth.

SERVPRO Can Handle Any Size Fire Damage in Your Greenland Home

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Small kitchen fire but don't want to handle the clean up alone? Call SERVPRO for any size fire damage restoration needs.

Small Scale Fire Damage Leaves Big Odor Problem in Greenland Home

Fires that do not do much in the way of actual fire damage may seem like something a homeowner could take care of on their own, but they should not. The reason has nothing to do with the water cleanup, but rather the smoke and soot that permeated porous materials and left an odor and a residue that cannot be just wiped away.
 
When SERVPRO tackles the odor left behind from fire damage in a Greenland home, we first determine if there is any residual moisture left in building materials or possessions and ensure the area is thoroughly dried using our specialized techniques. Then our certified technicians access how much the odor has spread and implement measures to contain the smell and particles from any further spreading by setting up containment around the area.
 
SERVPRO Odor Control Technicians are specialists in eliminating offensive odors and have many resources to attacking stubborn scents left behind by a fire. Our technicians perform a complete wipedown of affected areas using professional grade cleaners with both wet and dry sponges as determined by the type of residue. We often use HEPA filtered air scrubbers with an additional activated charcoal filter can capture odor-causing particles as small as 0.3microns.
 
If the smell left behind proves stubborn, thermal fogging a very effective method we utilize to eliminate unpleasant scents. The thermal fogger delivers a solvent-based deodorizer that is heated and the dry fog acts in the same manner as smoke from a fire. The vaporized solution permeates and neutralizes foul odors in porous items and building materials leaving no trace of smoke odors.
 
Foul odors do not have to be a reminder of fire damage in your home. Call SERVPRO of The Seacoast at (603) 433-4300 and talk to one of our certified technicians. We are available 24/7 to come to your house and eliminate unpleasant odors leaving your home without a trace of smoke odor "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more about Greenland.

How Secondary Fire Damages affect your Portsmouth Home

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

It is important to quickly begin mitigation after a fire to minimize secondary damages.

Secondary Damages After a Fire in Your Portsmouth Home

As damaging as a fire can be to your Portsmouth home, there are also secondary effects that a homeowner has to be concerned about as well. From the time that firefighting efforts begin to put out the structure fire, many provisions get taken to quell the flames as quickly as possible. These might include man-made access points into vital areas of your property, water damage effects, or even mold growth after several days of persistent moisture and dampness.

While often the fire damage effects that impact your Portsmouth home can be challenging enough to overcome, professional restoration technicians also have to contend with these additional effects present after widespread damages have occurred. Our SERVPRO team can offer comprehensive restoration solutions beginning with the initial inspection of the full scope of the damage and work to get done and continues through reconstruction and final restoration efforts.

Initially, our professionals work to mitigate loss on your property by removing at-risk items from the damaged areas of the property. These get taken to a safe location nearby for concentrated cleaning efforts, deodorization, and drying by our SERVPRO contents department. This step occurs while debris removal and demolition occurs within your home, overseen by our licensed contractors that ultimately reconstruct these removed portions of your property.

To combat secondary effects like water damage from firefighting efforts, we can work to dry out damaged areas of the property that can get preserved with the use of our air movers and LGR or desiccant dehumidifiers. For access holes cut into the exterior of the home to allow firefighting in ideal locations, our contractor can offer emergency board up services and eventually rebuild these portions before restoration work begins.

After a fire, it can be difficult for homeowners to know how to proceed with restoring their homes to their original conditions. You can count on our SERVPRO of The Seacoast team to respond quickly with the expertise to take care of your property from inspection through reconstruction and restoration. Give us a call anytime at (603) 433-4300.

Read about the city of Portsmouth here.

How Space Heaters Can Spark a Blaze in Your Greenland Home

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Portable heaters, like this one, can cause fire damage to your home. Inspect your heaters before using them!

When a Space Heater Causes a Fire in Your Greenland Home

Keeping your family warm in Greenland over the winter helps ward off colds and the flu, but also costs money. Keeping smaller areas warm becomes very cost-effective. To do this, the use of space heaters often come into play. Older ones do not have the same safety features that manufacturers now add to almost all newer models.  

Using an older space heater significantly increases the risk of your Greenland home sustaining fire damage. Even without tipping over, such heaters can contain minor flaws that make them unnecessarily dangerous. If your home catches fire, SERVPRO is always ready to mitigate fire damage and make everything “Like it never even happened” for you and your family.  

Fires caused by heaters generally affect the floor in the area and any nearby furnishings. When we arrive, we check the area to ensure that any support beams in the floor do not have any extensive charring. We work closely with insurance agents on this type of situation, so you know that everything possible is done to restore the integrity of your home. Deep charring can significantly weaken the wood and cause floors to sag. This curving of the floor can create problem areas on the floor's surface.  

We remove burned materials and items from the area and clean away the soot that continually produces a smoldering scent. Additional deodorization may help eliminate heavier odors and keep the air fresh smelling. Once topical soot no longer covers surfaces, we can tent the area and deodorize it with hydroxyl gas. This produces a permanent effect, as it causes a permanent change in the chemical composition of the particles that produce undesired odors.  

Our employees have earned various IICRC certificates and understand the best methods of restoring a home after a disaster. Different components of a home can suffer damage in different ways, and we continually train to keep our skills honed and up-to-date. We mitigate damage to carpeting, tile, linoleum, and wood floors, walls and ceilings, personal belongings, and also household furnishings. Fire damage affects all of these in specific ways, and each requires different mitigation methods.  

SERVPRO of The Seacoast wants to help your family enjoy winter in your Exeter or Hampton home. If fire damage occurs, call us at (603) 433-4300, so we can help you regain control of your home and your life.

Greenland was almost named Canary.  Click here to read more about Greenland.

Our Professional Guide To Smoke And Fire Damage Restoration In Hampton

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

Fires can be frightening for homeowners.

We Cover Smoke And Fire Damage Restoration In Hampton

Fires can be frightening for homeowners. Plus, they can cause structural damage to your home and may destroy many of your belongings and furniture. Luckily, you can find experienced professionals close by that are here to help. You can trust us to work fast and to have the right tools and equipment to restore your home when possible.

Smoke residues can also be a factor when there is a fire in your home. Our fire damage restoration in Hampton can help prevent further damages to your property and may save many of your personal belongings. It is a good idea to get in touch with us right away. Waiting to contact us may result in higher restoration costs and could lead to widespread damage to your home. Our IICRC certified technicians can first inspect the structure for problems and then make minor repairs. If necessary, you may need to call a contractor for large-scale damages.

After the inspection, our crew may employ several methods to remove soot, dirt and smoke residues from the affected areas. The techniques our techs utilize may include dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and agitation. To clean walls, floors, and ceilings, our team may use industrial cleansers to remove soot and smoke residues. Also, air scrubbers, fans, and thermal foggers may be put in place to reduce strong smoke odors from the structure. Plus, the crew may use ozone machines to clean the atmosphere inside the home. These devices help neutralize and reduce lingering smoke odors by pushing odors from the structure and pulling in clean air.

The degree of damages varies and may require a variety of techniques to complete the job. Our technicians are well experienced and can restore your property when possible. You can trust our techs to respond quickly and to make it look like “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of The Seacoast fire damage restoration services can return your property to its preloss condition when possible. We are available 24/7 so give us a call at (603) 433-4300 at any time.

Click here for more about Hampton.

Controlling the Odors Fire Damage Leaves Behind in Greenland Residences

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Greenland Area Homes Get Fire & Smoke Cleanup and Restoration Swiftly When SERVPRO Arrives

Greenland Fire & Smoke Odor Removal Are Cornerstone's of a SERVPRO Service

Odor-causing particles from the fire's smoke quickly end up in locations far from the fire's location. Because these areas do not contain fire damage, we do not need to remove anything from your Greenland area home. However, hidden particles continue producing the smoky scent of the fire. SERVPRO has the technicians and the equipment to rid your home of this odor permanently.
 
If your Greenland area home sustains fire damage, we can help you with all of your fire and smoke restoration needs, including odor elimination. Sprays and air fresheners only mask the smell without eliminating its cause. No matter where smoke particles hide, they disintegrate and break down, ending up in the air again. When you breathe them in, you smell them as smoke and burnt materials. Smoke is full of partially burned minuscule pieces of the things from within your home, and some of these may have carcinogenic properties. Smelling a smoky odor can become more than a minor inconvenience.
 
SERVPRO employees become certified by the IICRC in several different areas of restoration technology. Using this knowledge, our technicians use odor-neutralizing methods to remove these particles' ability to enter back into your home's air currents. Keeping them out of the air your family breathes keeps them from noticing these malodorous particles.
 
To remove hidden odor-producing smoke particles, we can implement thermal fogging. This method causes the physical bonding between chemical agents and unwanted particles from the fire. The powerful jets of steam penetrate into the same locations the hot smoke went during the blaze. Bonding occurs quickly, providing our customers with the permanent elimination of problematic odors. This technique must be used cautiously to prevent the deterioration of vinyl, plastics, and rubber materials.
 
If used immediately after a fire, air scrubbers can make the air healthier for your family by significantly reducing the amount of soot in the air before it ends up deposited on surfaces or inhaled. While this does not eliminate all of the soot, it can make things safer for more sensitive individuals, especially if they need to retrieve belongings. HEPA filters work well in conjunction with odor-eating activated charcoal filters. We work hard to improve the IAQ indoor air quality for our customers.
 
SERVPRO of The Seacoast can help you control odors caused by fire damage and other disasters. We serve Exeter and Hampton, ensuring that the families in our communities live in homes that pose no risk to the health of the occupants. Contact us at (603) 433-4300, our emergency service line for this and any other kind of disaster.

Regarding burnt permits, click here

After Fire Damage Scathes Your Greenland Home's Garage, Restoring It Protects Your Property

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

We have the training, experience, and equipment to restore the fire damage done to your home and garage.

SERVPRO is The Answer When it Comes to Greenland Fire Damage Restoration 

Many things can catch fire or start one around your home in Greenland. The same situation exists in your garage. The addition of cans of oil, motor fluids, and other flammable liquids adds to the severity often experienced in a fire.

Blazes affecting residences in Greenland often cause extensive fire damage. The structural damage can include lapses in security. Door locks made of plastic components can easily melt during the fire. Glass windows often break. Because the doors and windows are keeping intruders out, as well as providing protection from heat, cold, rain, and pests, no longer function like they should, your property's security disappears.

Restoring your property can take time. SERVPRO's team covers fire damaged homes, garages, and sheds with heavy-duty tarps to keep the rain out, but this does little to protect against other invasive entities. We can install temporary fencing to keep intruders at bay, as well as discuss installing new locks on your doors. Because drying out your property from the firefighters' hoses must also happen, boarding up your windows might become counterproductive. We can discuss options with you, such as storing your more valuable items at our secure, off-site facilities.

Placing your belongings in a secure area can keep them protected, plus provide us the space needed during restorative work. Materials and equipment both take up space, so freeing up space lets us work more efficiently. In short, this can mean we finish faster and with better results. Once we complete the work and do the final walk-through with you, we can then return your property to you so you can place it back in your garage.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources


SERVPRO of The Seacoast serves Exeter, Portsmouth, and Hampton, also, when disasters involving fire damage affects those in our community. Call us at our local number, (603) 433-4300, for professional restoration experts. We can help make things "Like it never even happened" once again, especially where it matters most.

For more on Greenland, click here

When Heating Your Home Creates Smoke And Fire Damage In Hampton

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Heating a home is essential to keeping its interior warm, but doing so can also create hazards.

Smoke And Fire Damage In Your Home

During the winter in Hampton, homeowners heavily rely on their furnace to keep their home warm. Many older homes still have working fireplaces, which many residents use to keep specific rooms warmer and more inviting for themselves and guests.

Either kind of heating source can create smoke and fire damage in your Hampton home. Furnaces experience puff back when they begin to fail, due to misfiring and incorrect timing of their internal mechanisms, while fireplaces can emit smoke and ashes when materials fail to burn hot enough. Creosote can accumulate in chimneys, forming another dangerous fire hazard in the home.

Heating a home is essential to keeping its interior warm, but doing so can also create hazards. Furnaces that misfire can start fires inside their heating ducts, just like chimneys can catch on fire when buildup along their interior walls ignites.

SERVPRO assists many families to live in safer homes, free of smoke residue caused by fire damage from poorly functioning furnaces and partially blocked fireplaces. We already remove smoke and soot buildup as a crucial part of our fire damage restoration services. However, removing soot and smoke residue caused by incomplete burning of materials in the fireplace is a more difficult task than removing soot caused by wood-based fires.

Many families place precious photos and other memorabilia on or near their fireplace mantles. These items can soon become covered with a dense layer of fine ash and soot. We can efficiently clean away this grimy layer, protecting your belongings' finishes from further deterioration and increased etching. We can give other surfaces in the area a clean, fresh look, as well, with a thorough cleaning that removes any buildup.

After you have replaced the furnace, we can make your home fresh again by removing the deposits left behind on walls and ceilings. The area around the furnace and heat vents on walls receive the majority of residue from such problematic furnaces.

As buildup from fireplaces and malfunctioning furnaces accumulates on surfaces in your home, the particles in the residue begin to deteriorate. As this natural process proceeds, these loosened particles can affect occupants' sense of smell and possibly aggravate pre-existing respiratory ailments.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast wants to work with you in making your home free of smoke and fire damage. We use the right tools with hard-working cleaning agents that make such work quick and efficient. Our 24-hour service is always available to our customers by calling (603) 433-4300 any day of the year.

Visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton,_New_Hampshire for more about Hampton.

Fire Restoration - Fire & Smoke Damage

12/1/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in the basement of a local Church. The Church is a historical building built approximately 120 yrs ago & is home to 2,500 parishioners.

Fire and smoke damage to your home or business can be a huge and unexpected bump in the road.  SERVPRO has over 40 years of experience in the fire and smoke restoration business.  At SERVPRO, our disaster restoration experts will be there to help you clean up and restore your home or business to its pre-loss condition.  Our certified team offers customers professional restoration expertise while providing the highest level of integrity, quality and service, including but not limited to the following:

  • Work directly with your insurance company and assist you in the claims process
  • Deal directly with professional dry cleaners to get your clothing back to you quickly
  • Smoke and odor removal, sanitation and air purification
  • Structural cleaning with environmentally friendly methods
  • Cleaning and storage of personal belongings
  • Climate controlled storage
  • Complete Demolition
  • Thermal Fogging and Ozoning on site or in our cleaning facility

Fire spreads a variety of chemicals and soot, depending on the source of the fire.  This creates challenges in cleaning and decontamination, which can be hindered if not done properly.  In addition, smoke can be caustic in nature resulting in the necessity for prompt removal to minimize damage to fabrics, ferrous metals, electronic devices, chrome and painted surfaces.  Our Disaster Restoration Experts are ready to respond 24 hours a day to start the cleaning and restoration process to help minimize the damage.

Our project managers will support you throughout the entire restoration process, informing you every step of the way.  Property damage by fire, smoke and especially water must be treated promptly and efficiently to ensure the best results and prevent further damage.  We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including holidays for any emergency. At SERVPRO, our IICRC certified team will make sure your loss situation is handled correctly and professionally to minimize discomfort, inconvenience and unnecessary additional costs. We specialize in insurance claims and we'll even bill the insurance company directly so you have one less thing to worry about.

We know a home or business disaster such as a fire is a traumatic event.  No one expects a fire to happen to them, and therefore they frequently are unprepared for what they must do to help return their lives back to normal.  Our goal is to help you regain control to make your damage "Like it never even happened."