Protecting Your Home From Fire and Water Damage While You're Away: SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley to the Rescue!

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

Clean up after a local residential fire.

Protecting Your Home from Fire and Water Damage While You're Away: SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley to the Rescue!

Leaving town for a vacation or work trip is always an exciting time, but it's essential to consider the potential risks your home may face in your absence. Fire and water damage emergencies can occur at any time, and when left unaddressed, they can cause significant destruction. To ensure the safety and well-being of your property, it's crucial to take preventive measures and be prepared for any unforeseen incidents. In this blog post, we will discuss common causes of fire and water damage while you're out of town and highlight the expertise of SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley in handling restoration for these emergencies.

Fire and Water Damage Risks When You're Away:

When you're out of town, your home is vulnerable to fire and water damage incidents that may go unnoticed for an extended period. Here are two common risks to be aware of:

Fire hazards:

- Electrical malfunctions: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or malfunctioning appliances can lead to electrical fires.

- Heating systems: Furnaces, fireplaces, or space heaters left unattended or in need of maintenance can cause fires.

- Cooking accidents: Unattended stoves or ovens can pose a fire hazard.

Water damage:

- Plumbing leaks: Pipe bursts, faulty connections, or aging plumbing systems can result in water leaks and extensive damage.

- Appliance malfunctions: Issues with washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, or water heaters can cause leaks or floods.

- Weather-related incidents: Heavy rain, storms, or flooding can lead to water intrusion if windows, doors, or roofs are compromised.

Prevention and Preparation:

To minimize the risk of fire and water damage while you're away, consider the following preventive measures:

Fire prevention:

- Unplug appliances: Disconnect non-essential electrical devices to reduce the risk of electrical malfunctions.

- Check smoke detectors: Ensure smoke detectors are functioning correctly and replace batteries if needed.

- Service heating systems: Have your heating systems inspected and serviced regularly by professionals.

- Secure cooking appliances: Double-check that all cooking appliances are turned off and remove any flammable items from the stovetop area.

- Install a lightning protection system: Consider installing a lightning rod or surge protection system to safeguard against lightning-related fires.

 Water damage prevention:

- Inspect plumbing: Prior to your trip, have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system for any leaks or weaknesses.

- Shut off water supply: Turn off the main water supply or individual water sources to appliances to minimize the risk of leaks or bursts.

- Clear gutters and drains: Ensure gutters and drains are free from debris to prevent water backups during heavy rain.

- Install leak detection systems: Consider investing in smart water leak detection devices that can alert you to potential leaks in real time.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley: The Restoration Authority in our area!

In the unfortunate event of fire or water damage while you're away, SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is the trusted authority to rely on for professional restoration services.

Here's why they are the go-to choice:

Rapid emergency response: SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley understands the urgency of fire and water damage situations, our 24/7 emergency service ensures that their highly trained technicians respond quickly to mitigate further damage.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley has the knowledge, experience, and advanced equipment to handle all aspects of fire and water damage restoration. They conduct thorough assessments, implement effective mitigation strategies, and restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

The Greatest Challenges of Santa Clarita Fire Damage

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Santa Clarita relies on SERVPRO for fire damage cleanup and restoration. "Like it never even happened."

Many Threats Exist After Structure Fire Damage

Fires are unpredictable and ruinous. Even with many of these situations covered by standard home insurance, the shock and trauma can leave residents displaced and unsure of how to proceed. Professional restoration begins from the moment you contact our SERVPRO team to help, as we have effective and efficient solutions for all of the related fire effects like:

• Structural Compromise
• Content Damage
• Water Damage
• Soot and Smoke Residues
• Harsh Malodors

Understanding the destructive powers of Santa Clarita fire damage leads to an appreciation for professional recovery services. An insurance provider requires licensed technicians to perform restoration work in most cases. We stay prepared for these emergencies with stocked trailers and production vehicles to mobilize fast in a crisis.

Inspecting the Structure for Needed Action

Inspecting the property is one of the earliest measures to understand the depth of the damage and the necessary restoration approaches to help. Structural damage can be widespread after a fire, leading to the collapse of installed elements and a need for controlled demolition in several house areas. Our licensed contractors can perform this work to seamlessly transition into the other mitigative and restorative acts to follow.

Protecting What Matters Most After Fire Damage

Personal belongings and house contents are often directly in the damaged path during a fire and even after extinguishing this blaze. Our SERVPRO team can take steps to help protect these belongings, furniture, and other possessions from irreparable harm. Some of these include:

• Relocation - This is the fastest and most convenient solution for managing contents but only works if no surface damage has yet occurred. We move possessions to a safe space in the house for storage until restoration completes.
• On-Site Cleaning - Staging areas and other clean spaces can serve as makeshift work areas to allow our technicians to clean lightly damaged surfaces on-site.
• Off-Site Pack-Out - The most intricate and thorough cleaning we provide occurs off-site at our SERVPRO warehouse. Our pack-out process removes damaged goods from the house and transports them to our facility for this work.

Overcoming Water Damage from Extinguishment

Water damage is secondary damage in structural fires. High volumes of water are often needed to put out a blaze spanning several rooms. What is left behind is pooling water in several spots around the house that we must extract, dry, and clean.

How Challenging is Soot to Remove?

One of the more formidable fire damage restoration and recovery tasks is removing soot and smoke residues. Partial combustion can create many smoke solids that begin circulating in the environment and landing on horizontal surfaces like counters, shelves, and flooring. We have several levels of cleaning after soot exposure depending on the severity of the situation, including:

• Surface Cleaning - Involves solvents and detergents intended to lift soils away from the surface or dissolve them to protect the underlying material.
• Abrasive Mechanical Action - When products alone cannot help, mechanical action agitates these powerful cleaners for deeper penetration and faster chemical reactions.
• Media Power Blasting - Abrasive measures are often needed to entirely remove soot solids, such as media like walnuts, corn cobs, and sodium bicarbonate with pressurized air or water.
• Controlled Demolition - When aggressive methods are ineffective, we can remove the affected material entirely for later reinstallation.

Will Smoke Odors Dissipate Naturally?

Smoke damage exists in many forms, and one of the final hurdles is a lingering malodor. Fire damage odors do not go away on their own and can return with changes in atmospheric conditions. We use powerful deodorizers and products to neutralize post-fire smells.

Santa Clarita fire damage events require swift action by experienced professionals. Our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team is standing by at (661) 296-4600.

Call SERVPRO for Fire Restoration Services in Santa Clarita

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage will certainly keep you from being able to use your home. Contact SERVPRO for an effective solution.

Fire Damage Can Severely Affect Santa Clarita Homeowners

Daily life is full of interruptions and distractions, making it easy for the average person to cause a home fire accidentally. A meal left on the stove too long, a candle left burning next to flammable materials, and even a space heater left unattended can initiate a spark that causes flames and smoke to spread quickly. Whether the flames are put out by a home fire extinguisher or the local fire company has to lend a hand, the ensuing mess can seem overwhelming and hard to tame.

To find fire restoration services in Santa Clarita, you only need to call the 24/7 hotline for SERVPRO and let us take charge. Our experience and preparation help us take decisive action by creating barriers between affected and unaffected areas, preventing cross-contamination, and making safety a priority. Once we conduct a thorough assessment of the damage, we make a plan tailored to your needs and focus on removing debris, extracting water, and cleaning the fire's aftermath. To arrive at the best course of action, we consider critical factors such as the following:

The fire's origin- Did it start in the kitchen? Was it an electric malfunction? Was it protein based?

How did the smoke and fire travel? Is there residue in the ventilation system? Did it weaken the home's structure? Where did it burn the hottest?

What was in the fire's path? Was it mostly wood cabinets? Did manufactured materials burn in the process?

At SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley, we are ready to help as soon as you call us at (661) 296-4600. With our expertise and professionalism, you will be in good hands. Most importantly, your home will look "Like it never even happened."

Leave Apartment Fire Damage Restoration to Pros in Santa Clarita

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says to keep a type ABC fire extinguisher under the kitchen sink to prevent significant fire damage at your Santa Clarita home.

Reach SERVPRO 24/7 in Santa Clarita to Help with Fire Restoration

Apartment building fires are both dangerous and frightening to encounter. Nobody in your Santa Clarita apartment complex is expecting a fire to break out, so all the actions that come when alerted to the event are crucial. When you own an apartment complex, you need a team that can handle the cleanup efficiently so that your tenants are not displaced for a long time. SERVPRO is there to address apartment and condo fires to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Handling apartment fire restoration in Santa Clarita is something best left to professionals. Here at SERVPRO, we are ready and equipped to scale our resources accordingly to get you the best results as quickly as possible.

Visible and invisible damage

Visible fire damage like soot deposits and charring will be apparent after any fire event, but unseen issues are also present after a fire, including:

• Extreme temperatures during a fire caused damage to walls and flooring beyond where the flames burned, and soot settled.
• Firefighters also use copious amounts of water or chemicals to put out the flames.

The combination of extreme heat and water elements often impacts other building units. With apartment complex fires or any building with multiple units in close proximity, a thorough inspection must get done to assess structural integrity, smoke infiltration, and moisture.

SERVPRO’s trusted methods to the rescue

When you want to get your tenants comfortable and back in their homes as fast as possible, SERVPRO’s prompt action and proven methods are here for you 24 hours a day. We get started with assessment as soon as first responders give us the green light to enter the building. We begin cleaning and restoration as soon as possible with the help of:

• Pumps to pull up standing water
• Drying equipment to restore relative humidity
• Air scrubbers to address air quality
• Controlled demolition to replace all charred and unsalvageable materials

You can count on SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley regarding fire restoration at your apartment complex. Reach us anytime by calling (661) 296-4600.

Removing Smoke Odors After Santa Clarita Fire Restoration

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley (661) 296-4600 to help with fire restoration to your property.

Preferred Deodorization Following Fire Restoration

One of the more formidable lingering obstacles for fire damage recovery is a strong malodor. Because of the importance of overcoming these smells, we have multiple deodorizing measures and products to help. 

Filtration Lessens Severity

One of the first steps to address smoke odors during fire restoration of Santa Clarita homes is the reduction of odor severity. Cleaning the environment is a good initial step in reducing an odor's strength. HEPA filtration and electric filters can dramatically reduce circulating smoke solids.

Absorption and Adsorption

Drawing odor molecules into a product is the premise for this type of deodorization or counteracting. Placing absorbent materials in airflow pathways can cause some of this offensive smell to be absorbed by fragrant solids. Some examples include:

• Activated charcoal
• Membranes
• Absorbent granules and beads

Pairing Agents and Products

Pairing is a process that combines a concentrated solution with odor molecules circulating in the environment. The most common application of these used by our SERVPRO professionals is a humectant which bonds with the odor and causes it to become heavy precipitation and land on surfaces. Wipe cleaning can remove the neutralized smell at this stage. 

Oxidation is Effective

This process introduces an unstable element into the area impacted by the smoke odor. Ozone generators, for example, create a compound with an extra oxygen molecule that can seek out and bond with odor molecules. When ozone bonds chemically with the odor compound, it becomes neutralized. The drawback is that this process cannot get performed with occupants in the house. 

There are many solutions for addressing harsh malodors after combustion. In many restoration projects, technicians can use several types of counteractant approaches and deodorizing measures to achieve the final result. Our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team can use powerful products to make smoke odors "Like it never even happened." Give us a call at (661) 296-4600.

Estimating and Inspecting for Santa Clarita Fire Restoration

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration techs have all the training and experience needed for your home.

We Help Fire Restoration Damage Claims Progress

After a damaging fire, homeowners must often endure a gauntlet of red tape and paperwork to get their home insurance providers to approve - and most importantly, fund - a damage claim. Our SERVPRO professionals can help with pre-restoration practices to expedite the approval you need.

What Does a Pre-Job Inspection Do?

An inspection is one of the needed actions preceding fire restoration in Santa Clarita homes. Experienced members of our roster are dispatched to walk through a residence, evaluate the condition of structural elements, catalog damage to the structure and contents, and determine what mitigative steps are needed to protect the property. The inspection findings can be the baseline for the estimation insurance providers need for damage claim approval.

Providing a Detailed Estimation

A critical step in the earliest portion of fire damage restoration and recovery is comprising a detailed estimation. Insurance providers need a complete picture of the work that must be completed and the objectives of repair and recovery. Our production manager sets timelines and restoration goals, which can include individual services like:

• Structure Cleaning
• Water Removal
• Controlled Demolition
• Deodorization
• Content Cleanup
• Inventory Services
• Build-Back

A Trusted Name to Help

Throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, we have become a trusted name for our fast response and a growing roster of experienced FSRT-Certified technicians. Our industry knowledge and cutting-edge equipment allow us to rapidly manage post-fire loss effects and protect properties from unnecessary harm. SERVPRO is here to help.

The fire damage restoration process is intricate and involves many steps and stages. To fully clean and restore after a structure fire, experienced professionals must respond quickly and reach the damaged home as soon as possible after first responders leave. We can mobilize fast with mitigation and restoration equipment and products. Give our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team a call at (661) 296-4600. 

Restoring Santa Clarita Homes Affected by Fire Damage

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire mishap, you want help from the experts. We are Here To Help!

SERVPRO Mitigates Fire Damage and Repairs Santa Clarita Properties

Property loss incurred by fire damage in 2020 totaled up to $21.9 billion, according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) data. Worse still, home fires can leave Santa Clarita homeowners at a loss about how to deal with the sudden escalation in damages. 

Santa Clarita SERVPRO fire damage mitigation technicians can mitigate fire suppression residues and fire soils 24/7. On top of that, this team's documentation process assists homeowners with their claims filing needs while rendering cleanup services that prioritize restoration over replacement when possible. 

Professional Rebuilding Services After Fire Cleanup

Mitigating smoke and soot stains, debris, and odors are necessary for restoring homes. SERVPRO rebuilding services can go the extra mile of returning the affected areas to a pre-damage state regardless of the scale of the damage.

• SERVPRO technicians can reinstall drywall and baseboards, as well as repaint them
• Technicians can also apply temporary repairs like temporary fencing, board-ups, and roof tarping to secure a home during the restoration process. These steps are especially crucial after fires that impact the structural integrity of doors, windows, and roofing.
• Cleanup services for contents include specialized processes for electronics, documents, fine art, and furniture. These services can also be referred to licensed specialists depending on homeowners' needs.
• Crew members can repair tile, linoleum, and marble flooring.
• SERVPRO inspects HVAC after a fire occurs, regardless of the scale of the fire, to protect the property from the potential spread of odors and particles that affect indoor air quality

SERVPRO rebuilding services are performed per the property owners' insurance policy and with coordination between homeowners and insurance adjusters throughout the process. 

Call (661) 296-4600 for mitigation services from SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster to minimize the impact and maximize savings for residents.

Fire Damage Restoration Can Remove Santa Clarita Ceiling Soot

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Team SERVPRO specializes in soot removal after a fire. Call our technicians to assess and for fire damage restoration services. We are here 24/7.

Santa Clarita SERVPRO Fire Cleanup Includes Smoke Damage Ceiling Cleaning

Ceilings are among the most impacted surfaces in fire damage due to the nature of smoke. Soot particles quickly rise and stick to surfaces before falling and settling on furnishings and belongings. Ceiling stains can be challenging for Santa Clarita homeowners to remove without professional intervention.

Santa Clarita SERVPRO fire damage restoration professionals perform cleanup with industrial-grade tools. These sophisticated technologies, combined with SERVPRO’s firm dedication to training technicians, provide more thorough restoration for homeowners.

Cleaning Soot-Damaged Ceilings After a Fire

Restoration technicians begin by cleaning fire soils from lightest to heaviest and ceiling to floor. Before cleaning the ceiling, technicians can use drop cloths and furniture covers made of plastic to protect contents and minimize disruptions to the home. Techs may temporarily move lampshades or other furniture pieces on the property to prevent accidental secondary damages from soils. After each room is cleaned, contents are replaced in their original positions.

• Dry cleaning sponges are the first line of defense against light fire soils. These dry, superficial accumulations respond poorly to wet cleanup, but dry cleaning can successfully remove them without leaving behind stains
• Before using manual cleaners, SERVPRO techs vacuum loose soils, soot chains, and other easily removable debris with HEPA-filter vacuums
• Dry cleaning sponges are used in short, 3 to four-inch strokes, moving from dirty surfaces to clean ones. SERVPRO techs replace dirty sponges as needed until the desired pre-disaster result is achieved. Dry cleaning sponges are gentle on such surfaces as popcorn ceilings

After cleanup, technicians carefully wipe and vacuum excess soot droppings and dry cleaning sponge residue, even in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies like baseboards or between pieces of furniture.

Homeowners can contact SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley for 24/7 “Like it never even happened” services at (661) 296-4600.

Do Newhall Homes' Contents Benefit from Fire Damage Restoration?

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

Our SEWRVPRO FSRT techs can relocate fire-damaged content from your Newhall home for precise cleaning at our facility as we restore your house

SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Remediation Includes Newhall Household and Personal Goods

Fire damage restoration for Newhall homes cannot stop at mitigation and remediation of structural components and fixtures alone. The flames, heat, and smoke also affect a dwelling's contents. Your house will not feel like a home until your furnishings, clothing, window and floor coverings, and a host of other fire-damaged articles receive a professional cleaning, drying, disinfection, deodorization, and restoration.

Why Would SERVPRO Suggest a Pack-Out During Water and Fire Damage Restoration in Newhall?

After an assessment, SERVPRO might recommend a pack-out, permitting the phases of fire damage mitigation and remediation to flow more seamlessly:

• Removal of wet contents decreases the humidity load during firefighting water cleanup, facilitating faster applied structural drying.
• Clearing the space allows SERVPRO's IICRC-certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) to complete soot residue cleaning unimpeded in affected rooms with no need for continuous covering and shifting of contents.
• Water and fire-damaged contents need careful evaluation, innovative treatments, and documentation for claims processing by insurance carriers, more easily completed away from the intense mitigation, remediation, and restoration activity within your smoke and fire-damaged residence.

How Does SERVPRO Track Contents Packed-Out During Fire Damage Restoration?

Newhall residents need not experience even more stress during the aftermath of fire damage, so  the structure and security offered by SERVPRO's Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) helps at a trying time. Rely on our trained workers to handle your possessions' packing, listing, bar-coding, and digital image memorialization, ensuring the safe and methodical processing of your property at our production facility. After the restoration of contents is complete, our climate-controlled storage areas hold your goods until your home is cleaned, dried, disinfected, and deodorized, ready again to provide a place for your family's treasures.          

Specially trained technicians working for SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley restore structure and contents after fire damage. Call (661) 296-4600 to explore how we can make it "Like it never even happened,” for both real and personal property.

Unique Fire Damage Issues Your Santa Clarita Home Might Exhibit

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says smoke detectors can alert occupants of a Santa Clarita house fire--get out and then call us for fire and smoke damage cleanup

SERVPRO Identifies and Resolves Any Unusual Fire Damage Problems

For most people, fire damage outcomes are standard and involve soot, ash, and charred materials. However, other issues can develop at your property, puzzling you or interfering with your restoration plans.

The fire damage at your Santa Clarita property develops as materials interact with heat, smoke, and moisture, especially when significant water is used to quell the flames. Trained fire restoration professionals from SERVPRO can help you understand any unusual outcomes from a fire and find convenient ways to resolve the damages.

Some unusual signs you might notice after a fire include:

• Cracked or shattered materials
• Soot in rooms unreached by a fire
• Corrosion and staining of metallic materials

The action from flames and heat consumes materials producing soot, ash, and other residues. In scorching fires such as flash fire, the intense heat produced radiates to the surrounding areas, where it can cause materials like glass to crack, shatter or even melt.

For a small fire such as a stove flare-up or electrical appliance malfunction, only one area is heavily damaged if the fire is contained in time. Therefore, it might puzzle you to find damages in the rest of the house. For example, you might find soot in any corner of your house. One thing to note is that closed doors or windows do not entirely stop smoke movements. Also, smoke moves through convection currents from the hot areas towards the cold ones.

Our SERVPRO technicians can help evaluate your entire house to identify all the areas with fire residues. Timely cleaning of such areas is beneficial since smoke residues have corrosive properties. When left in place for a long time, they cause deep staining or eat away at materials. Fixing problems developing after delays may require replacing or resurfacing of materials. Therefore, timely action eliminates unnecessary costs.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is a reliable service to help you resolve any fire damage situation. You can reach us at (661) 296-4600. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Type of Fire Restoration Services Does SERVPRO Offer in Valencia?

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can gently wash soot-damaged beer mugs or expensive porcelain dolls. We restore your fire damaged Valencia home.

SERVPRO Provides One-Stop Fire Damage Mitigation in Valencia – No Need for Hiring Different Contractors

If you live in Valencia and need fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO has trained technicians to handle cleaning, repair, and restoration.

Can My Home be Restored?

Fires leave devastation in their path. If it happens to you, you need a fire restoration company in Valencia that has a crew that can handle as much of the damage as possible. We have trained technicians that work to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.” Often people believe the contents of the home are totally lost; some are priceless possessions that are not replaceable. We understand the value our customers place on heirlooms and keepsakes. In fact, many items can be restored when a professional restoration company gets involved.

Services We Provide

Everyone’s situation is different, but here are a few main categories that SERVPRO work typically entails. These include:

• Mitigation Services – Immediate fire mitigation secures the structure and prevents secondary damage from occurring. This process includes things such as water extraction, winterizing, or providing a temporary source of electricity. It can also include deodorizing if the fire odor is overwhelming.
• Structural Cleaning – This focuses on removing smoke residue from structural components and deodorizing. Assessments determine what gets cleaned and what needs replacing.
• Contents Cleaning – The contents require cleaning from smoke residue. This part can occur on-site, or a pack-out happens if the building is not secure enough or too damaged.
• Specialty Restoration - The fire restoration crew may subcontract specialty restoration of electronics, furniture refinishing, dry cleaning, and artwork cleaning.

A fire can strike any time of the day or night. SERVPRO is there for you whenever a catastrophe happens. Our Green Team has years of experience, giving people back their homes and their lives. We work around the clock, including holidays. We hope you never require our fire restoration services, but if you do - We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Contact SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600 for more information on the services we offer.

We Can Restore Your Fire Damaged Bedroom in Santa Clarita

12/11/2021 (Permalink)

From Bedrooms to Living rooms--You can count on SERVPRO for superior fire damage cleanup and restoration to your Santa Clarita property

SERVPRO Tackles Fire Damage in Your Santa Clarita Home

Fire damage can happen anywhere in the home for a multitude of reasons. While fires in the bedroom are less common than kitchen fires, they still happen due to lightning strikes, electronic device malfunctions, and unwatched candles. We use a multitude of treatments and approaches to handle the unique challenges posed by the furniture and belongings that may sustain fire damage in the bedroom of your home.

Mattresses

Restoring mattresses after fire damage in a Santa Clarita home may be harder than you would think. Due to the presence of both fabrics and metals in most mattresses, many of our standard cleaning techniques cannot be applied. Some mattresses may be composed of sensitive foam materials or contain electronic components. SERVPRO technicians are FSRT certified by the IICRC and approach each situation according to the demands of the material to avoid causing further damage.

We usually clean standard mattresses with some thorough wet scrubbing with one of our more high-powered cleaning agents. These cleaning techniques restore the function of the mattress and eliminate smoke odors, but we may not be able to restore its original appearance. More delicate materials, including memory foam, must often receive care via dry cleaning techniques that use waterless foam cleaning agents.

Dressers and Cabinets

Restoring wood furniture in the bedroom can be a process of varying difficulty, depending on the type of wood and any finishes applied to it. Typically, we first remove any drawers and dividers to clean them separately before hand-washing the interior and exterior of the dresser through water-based or waterless cleaning techniques as needed. Finally, we make sure that all components of the furniture are separated and exposed when we apply deodorizing treatments, ensuring that no smoke odors remain inside.

Upholstery

Our approach to restoring upholstery depends on the severity of the damage. Most situations allow us to vacuum up fire residues and absorb any remaining material with waterless solvents. More severe damages, such as when wet smoke coats your furniture, may require the use of high-power cleaning solutions to restore.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is a local expert provider of fire damage mitigation and restoration services. Contact us at (661) 296-4600 as soon after a fire to help us prevent as much damage as possible.

The Importance of Expert Fire Restoration in Santa Clarita

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO techs have the training and experience for every phase of fire damage restoration for your home. Call now!

Professional Fire Restoration in Santa Clarita from a Company Like SERVPRO Ensures Better Outcomes

Fires are unexpected events that can lead to significant damage to your home and personal belongings. The damage may cost several thousand dollars. Performing fire remediation within the first few hours after a fire is crucial to reducing the damage to your property. SERVPRO can assist you in repairing your home and bringing things back to normal.

We offer useful fire restoration services in Santa Clarita. We can dispatch our team within a few hours of your call. Our SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT) offer fast and comprehensive inspections of ruined building materials. We communicate clearly so you can comprehend what to expect from the fire restoration process, which can include:

• Boarding up your home if the fire caused any holes.
• Water removal
• Smoke residue cleanup
• Deodorization

Boarding Up Your Home

Board-ups secure a building by sealing the openings resulting from fire damage. We can board up openings using durable and sturdy materials to protect your home against instruction by outsiders or weather. The covering materials that our SERVPRO team uses include roofing tarpaulins, exterior grade plywood, roll insulation, and rolls of polyethylene sheeting.

Water Removal

Apart from a fire’s destruction, there can be water damage in your home resulting from firefighting efforts. In that case, we can provide water restoration services. We can use pumps or wet/dry vacuums to remove water and air moving and dehumidifying equipment to dry the affected building materials and personal possessions.

Smoke and Soot Removal

Smoke and soot can reach anywhere, including within ductwork and inside walls that appear unharmed. Soot can cause staining in porous materials if you do not remove it quickly using specialized cleaning techniques and solutions. We can vacuum dry smoke residues from surfaces before we use wet cleaning products.

Deodorization

Our SERVPRO restorers can use specialized equipment like thermal foggers and products like odor-counteracting gels to remove the fire odors.

For proper fire restoration, call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

The Products and Equipment Ideal for Smoke Odor Removal in Santa Clarita Homes

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Don't Let Smelly House Fires in Santa Clarita Disrupt Your Family and Property--Call SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened."

We have a vast inventory of tools and products to overcome fire loss effects in Santa Clarita properties.

While a considerable amount of time and effort gets expressed on the pressing concerns of fire losses like structural damage, soot deposits, and airborne contaminants, having suitable solutions for threats like smoke odors is also important. There are multiple phases to the deodorization process in smoke-damaged homes.

Lessening the Impact of Smoke Malodors

The first step that our experienced professionals take towards clearing odors from fire damage in Santa Clarita homes is to reduce the severity of these effects. Specific actions taken throughout the restoration process can ultimately aid in reducing the harshness and concentrations of post-fire odor damage. Some of these approaches include:

• Debris Removal
• Air Filtration
• Thermal/ULV Fogging

Counteractant Products Strategically Placed

We have multiple products that aim to grab odor compounds from the environment and reduce the severity of post-fire smells. Counteracting beads and granules are among these products, and groups of these items get placed at airflow pathways to trap migrating odors before they overwhelm new areas of the house. Granules can be placed in the HVAC system or at strategic structural openings.

Deodorization Tools in Our Inventory

In addition to the wealth of products available for our experienced fire restoration team, we also have trusted deodorization and environmental cleaning equipment. Ozone machines might provide the most direct deodorization, but this is often overshadowed by the multi-purpose and versatile hydroxyl generator that can also work to filter out airborne particles and contaminants while chemically altering malodorous compounds.

Finishing Products

When wall surfaces are to be repainted, it is customary first to apply odor-sealing primers to the surface to prevent the resurgence of trapped smoke smells later. Products like these trap smoke molecules behind an impenetrable barrier before the top coat of paint restore the attractive aesthetic you expect.

Smoke odors are a challenging situation, but our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team can help. Give us a call today at (661) 296-4600.

Recent Wildfires in California

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

As of recent, there have been a great deal of wildfires throughout the state of California. The exact cause is under question but no doubt recent heatwaves, global warming, and poor care for national forests is likely to blame. A large developing fire has been the Bobcat Fire in Southern California. Nearly 13 of the 18 national forests in California have been closed down.

The fire began on September 6, 2020. It has approximately engulfed 115,000 acres. It is currently unknown what he exact cause of the inferno was. There is some good news, however. The fire is about 75% contained as of writing this article. Despite this, there are still many fires raging across the state. God bless the first responders and firefighters who are bravely responding to the call to action. The greatest concern here is not inherently the damage to structures or communities but rather the harm posed to people involved. Here are some helpful tools to keep informed.

1. Road Closures: click here
2. Fire startups and active map: click here
3. Preparation for evacuation guide: click here

If you or anyone you know has been affected by the recent fires in California give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita a call today at (661) 296-4600.

How to Evacuate Safely in Wildfires

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Having a solid plan is one of the best preparations for evacuation.

During the rapid spread and growth of random wildfires throughout the state of California, it is essential to have an evacuation plan in place. It is already a stressful enough situation and having a game plan can help you maintain a peace of mind and focus on the task at hand. Here are some tips to help you in the unfortunate scenario there is a wildfire. 

1. Ensure You Are Prepared

While not every scenario allows for adequate preparation, it is essential that you have some form of physical preparations. This would include bottled water, calorie dense non-perishable foods, flashlights, and some form of simple shelter from the elements. These preparations should be enough for you and your family for at minimum three days. They should be simple and lightweight. You should be able to throw them into a backpack or two and then a small tent or some other temporary shelter if you are displaced for an extended period of time. Keep your gas tank full on your vehicle as well and only use verified evacuation routes. Trying to use side roads or less traveled roads can be dangerous and could leave you stranded.

2. Communicate with Your Family

This may seem like a simple enough task or something which your mother used to tell you. However, it is paramount that your family and household know what the steps are to safely evacuate and how you can all work together to make this happen. Each person will have a different role. If everyone is aware of the plan you can help to keep everyone calm and you can essentially go into an autopilot mode.

3. Make a Checklist

A simple system to help ensure an effective evacuation plan is a checklist. When you have a list make sure it is short and simple. The goal is to ensure that you are able to evacuate safely and prepared. Ultimately the goal is to protect yourself and your loved ones. In the case that you do not feel fully prepared, but a fire is near you are better off leaving unprepared and unscathed.

4. Turn Off all External Pipes or Power Sources

This would include your water, gas, and electric lines. Generally, this can help prevent further damage to the home or safety hazards for fire fighters. If not done properly a wildfire fire could ignite a gas leak or rupture a line and cause a catastrophic explosion. Exposed electrical wires can also cause further damage to the building.

5. Stay Updated and Informed

The most important tool at your disposal during times like these is information. With the correct information you can avoid peril and hardship by days. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you take the warnings of your local authorities and news agencies to heart for your safety and those around you.

Staying Healthy Despite the Smog

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Wildfires cause a great deal of property damage but also are a large contributor to the excessive smog levels.

As of late the smog has been getting quite excessive in Southern California. Many news outlets have highlighted the fact that the air quality is very unhealthy. Later this weekend we will be hitting air qualities in the range of 200-460. AQICN has information and active graphs on this data and considers these levels to be hazardous to health. Anything over 150 can be quite unhealthy for sensitive groups with respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis. Therefore, one should take some precautions during this time to ensure your health and safety until things can settle down. 

Lowering Your Carbon Footprint

One of the main contributing factors for the smog as of late is the raging wildfires across the state. These fires have destroyed well over 1.4 million acres in active fires this past few months. Thankfully most of the fires are under containment. However, you can also contribute to lower smog levels by not burning plastics, oil, or other noxious materials. Additionally, you can ensure that your cars are all smog checked and are not running inefficiently. This will also ensure you are getting the best MPG on your vehicle. Furthermore, when possible try to walk, bike, carpool, or use public transit to lower carbon footprint and help overall reduce smog. Additionally, when possible using electric tools compared to combustible variants can reduce air pollution and also save you money.

Buy an Air Filter

One simple way to help you breathe easier and ensure that your home is safe and healthy is to buy an air filter. Many home improvements stores and even grocery stores will sell cheap and functional HEPA air filters. HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate absorption. Some of these products can be marketed towards those with pets or animals but should be perfectly fine for cleaning and purifying the air in your home. One thing to keep in mind is the rated coverage of an air purifier. If a person has a large home and puts 1 single air purifier in their living room it will not be sufficient to purify the entire home’s air. 

Wear a Mask

While everyone is sick of wearing a mask, you should definitely use one during elevated times of poor air quality. Not just any mask will suffice though. You will likely want to get an N95 or higher mask as this will give you more than enough protection by not allowing anything larger than 0.3 microns through. If one has an air purifier in their home, it is not necessary to wear an N95 mask. The whole point of these tips is to help you breathe better after all. Only wear a mask outdoors when the air quality calls for it or when social distancing cannot be maintained.

 What Happens if you are having difficulty breathing?

If the air quality is truly getting to you assess whether it is truly an emergency. Generally, if there is any swelling in your throat or feel as though you cannot get enough air you should immediately call 911. However, if there is no immediate danger, consider visiting a medical professional and seeking advice on medication or other solutions for the difficulty in breathing. Another simple solution could be to take a vacation or short break to somewhere with better air quality. Consider visiting a family friend, family member, or just going for a fun vacation until the air quality returns to a safe level.

If you have been affected by the recent fire in Southern California give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

Handling the Heat Waves

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Adequately hydrating during heatwaves is key to avoiding any issues or health complications.

These past few weeks have been quite interesting and challenging for Southern California. Not only has there been several fires spread throughout the region but also resulting smoke and air pollution, along with prolonged heat waves reaching temperatures of up to 116*. This is clearly a public health concern and one should know how to protect themselves and their property.

The main priority here is to ensure that you are taking care of your personal health. Overall, the highest risk here is for dehydration, heat stroke, or respiratory issues. One should ensure they are not in direct sunlight for too long during the day. If you must be in the sun due to jobs or lack of adequate shade you should drink plenty of fluids and use 30 SPF sunscreen or higher to prevent too severe of burns. Those who are not from the area or more sensitive to heat should attempt to stay out of the sun until temperatures are closer to 90*. One should also keep in contact with family, friends, and avoid going anywhere they could become stranded during a heatwave.

 Besides personal health, these heatwaves can cause some property damage from the widespread fires and smoke damage. When there is excess smoke in the air you should try to not have any open windows or doors as this can allow smoke and ash to enter the home and cause a permeating smell. Keep an eye out on fire warnings as well. Cal Fire has a website and interactive map that you can visit here and use to keep an eye out for new or recurring flare ups.  

 If you happen to experience any fire damage or smoke damage do not hesitate to give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita a call at (661) 296-4600.

Smoke Detectors: Your First Line of Defense | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors can often give homeowners the first alert of a fire within the home. When they are properly installed and functioning, they can help to protect your property, belongings, and most importantly your loved ones. While every fire cannot be prevented smoke detectors can help you to minimize the damage and protect yourself and those around you. Therefore, it is important to know how to install, monitor, and replace smoke detectors as need be.

Know Where to Install

One of the most important parts of installation of smoke detectors is to place them in the correct parts of the house. The National Fire Protection Association recommends placing smoke alarms on every floor of your home including the basement, inside and outside every sleeping area, and in high risk areas such as the kitchen, laundry room, and boiler area. 

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Choose a smoke detector that is certified by a recognized testing laboratory and not just the cheapest one online. You should also install the smoke detector at least 10 feet away from the stove and large cooking appliances to save you the pain and deafening beeping of a false alarm. Ensure that your smoke alarms all work together as well so that should an alert go off in the basement everyone in the house is aware. Most smoke detectors have wireless connection methods nowadays, otherwise you could contact an electrician or look up how to hardwire them online. Furthermore, there are two different types of smoke detectors: Ionization and photoelectric. Ionization excels in detecting high heat and flaring fires whereas photoelectric are better suited for low heat and smoldering fires. Both of these should be utilized throughout the home for the best coverage and protection.

 Know When to Replace

The vast majority of smoke detectors are designed with an internal non replaceable battery that lasts around 10 years. If your smoke detector is chirping this is a sign of a low battery and should be replaced as soon as possible. You should test all the smoke alarms in your home once every month using the test button on the detector. Furthermore, follow the instructions and manual that came with your smoke detector to clean it and ensure it does not get clogged up with dust or other contaminants which may hamper its ability to detect and alert to fires.

Experienced Fire Damage?

The reality is that even with fully functioning and interconnected smoke detectors, fires can and do unexpectedly happen. The most important thing is that you and your loved ones are safe. SERVPRO has the experience, expertise, and tools needed to properly mitigate and restore fire damage and make it “Like it never even happened.”  If you have experienced recent fire damage to your home or commercial property give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

How to Grill Safely | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Grilling is a wonderful pastime and a tradition for many households across the United States during holidays, sporting events, and the occasional weekend barbeque. Nevertheless, many fires are started due to faulty grills, user error, or a freak accident. There are several things to keep in mind so you can safely enjoy grilling and the delicious food afterwards.

 Grill outside

The most important thing to ensure is that you are grilling outside and not in a garage or somewhere that could potentially burn down easily. Grilling indoors also exposes one to carbon monoxide which is deadly and is odorless and cannot be seen. When grilling outside, the grill should be at least 10 feet away from the base of the structure which you are grilling near. This should give you enough room to deal with a flare up or piece of charcoal that flies away.

 Clean Your Grill Frequently

Not only will this help you to have a better grilling experience overall, it will also prevent dangerous flare ups from accumulated grease and fat. This is one of the most important things to do as it is so easy for flames to build up and quickly overwhelm an old greasy grill and spread to things such as a deck, nearby chair, or the exterior of the home.

 Know Your Grill

There are both gas and charcoal grills. Make sure you know how your grill operates and ensure that you do occasional maintenance and examine that it is functioning properly. A big concern with gas grills is whether they have any leaks which could build up pressure and cause an explosive fireball. The easiest way to test for leaks is to make a one-part soap one-part water mixture then drip it on the hose and connections and then turn on the gas. If you notice large bubbles forming, you have a gas leak and should turn off the gas and replace the hose or connection points. Additionally, you should never use the gas feature when the grill top is closed as this could cause an unnecessary rise in pressure and an unintentional fireball.

 Be Prepared

Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby your grill so that if the need arises you can quickly and effectively stop a fire. If for some reason the fire cannot be contained call 911 and remove yourself and any other people from the premise.

 Grill fires are quite common across the US. If you happen to experience one of these and are in need of restoration give the experts over at SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

Top 5 Tips for Preventing Fires in The Home | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

1. Never leave a flame unattended

This is by far the most important of all these tips. The two largest sources of residential fires in the U.S. are from candles and cooking accidents. Always be aware of open flames. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to spread rapidly from an unattended flame.

• Keep a candle at minimum 12 inches away from flammable objects
• Blow out unattended candles and turn off an unattended stovetop
• Ensure a candle is sturdy or in a candle holder which will not fall down

2. Watch your electronics!

As consumers we place a lot of trust and faith into the functionality and safety of our electronics. The reality is that there can be defects and inherent safety risks with our electronics. Therefore, keep this in mind:

• Never plug in devices with damaged or frayed cords
• Consider having a certified electrician perform an annual evaluation of your home’s wiring
• Use your senses. If an outlet or device looks burnt or damaged or there is an odor of burning plastic or unsavory smell coming from an appliance, remove the device immediately and consult the manufacturer.

3. Keep furniture and flammable materials away from heaters

Seemingly harmless heating tools such as a curling iron, hair dryer, or a space heater can still cause fires when left on for too long in close proximity to flammable sources. Some helpful tips to prevent fires from heating appliances are:

• Turn off your space heater when not in use
• At a minimum keep heating elements three feet away from flammable objects
• Never use an oven to warm your house

4. Test your smoke detectors

One of the most practical tips to protect you and your family from fires is to ensure that your smoke detectors are functional. Be sure to test your devices monthly and also replace the batteries as soon as the low battery alert begins or once a year. Furthermore, place smoke detectors on every floor, including the basement. Finally, replace your smoke detectors every 10 years or earlier.

5. Keep fire extinguishers readily available

Fires can happen rather suddenly, and one must be prepared to deal with it before it gets out of control. There are several things to keep in mind with fire extinguishers.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in each area of the house which may pose a fire risk
• Ensure that the members of the family know how to use a fire extinguisher
• If a fire cannot be contained via fire extinguisher call 911 and grab your loved ones and leave your residence as soon as possible

Staying Safe From Fire Risks in the Kitchen | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

The kitchen is often the hub of the home where family and friends will gather and spend quality time and where meals are prepared. But the kitchen is also an area where many home fires occur.

Cooking fires top the charts as the No. 1 cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of these kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

State Farm reports that in 2017 alone they paid out over $130 million in homeowners insurance claims related to kitchen fires caused by grease or cooking. According to the insurance company, these are the worst states for kitchen fires:

• North Carolina
• Texas
• Pennsylvania
• California
• Ohio
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New York
• Alabama
• Georgia

Residential Fire Prevention Tips | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Residential fires are extremely widespread, but most homeowners are unaware of how much damage they can cause. Flames can spread in an instant, causing widespread damage to your property and dangers to your family.

There is no way to guarantee you will never experience a residential fire, but there are ways to reduce the chances one will occur.

When Disaster Strikes, You Can Count on Our “Restore First” Mentality | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

6/29/2019 (Permalink)

We are well known for being at your aid quickly when disaster strikes, but there is another reason why we should be one of your first calls if the worst should occur.

When a fire occurs, the last thing you need or want is to be without a home for a length of time, with interruptions to your life. That’s why we practice a “restore first” mentality, which guides every step of our process.

Canyon Country Fire and Water Damage Restoration - "Like it never happened."

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Paradise in Canyon Country Until a Fire Breaks Out

Weather and nature's fury can unleash itself at any time. California is large enough and such diverse terrain that many of nature's worst damage can be done. Canyon Country is known for its hills and valleys and is a scenic area full of newer homes. Although this is a desirable place to live, it has the Santa Ana winds in September which make wildfires risk go up dramatically. Whether it be damage done from wildfires or damage to your home from water damage, SERVPRO is the cleanup and restoration experts. When something like this happens, it would be unwise to consult with anyone other than a professional to safely and thoroughly clean up and repair the damages done by water and fire.

Fire and Water Damage Restoration

A fire can be absolutely devastating to a home, but SERVPRO professionals can help to clean up and restore the home to be "Like it never happened." With any fire comes smoke. In a home that has fire damage, there is also soot and smoke damage to clean up after. Once a SERVPRO professional has come out to assess the damage done by both fire and smoke, the specialist can then make immediate plans for fire damage restoration services.

Risk of Fire Damage is Everywhere

Fire and also smoke damage can occur from wicked wildfires catching onto a home. They can also start from kitchen fires, neglected backyard fire pits, as well as numerous other fire-related sources. Everyone in California worries about wildfires threatening homes, but just as common are fires from faulty electrical wiring, heaters, and grease fires. Some of these fires have been put out by fire extinguishers, but the damage still remains. Hiring professional fire damage restoration experts is the way to go when you are salvaging your home.

Fire Department Saved Your Canyon Country Home But Water is Everywhere

One catastrophic event can lead to another. Although the fire in the attic is out, now there is water damage in the attic and it is seeping down through to the floor levels below. The fire department put out the fire, but now you have water, water everywhere! This is a case of both fire and water damage. It does happen, and there is help available from SERVPRO fire and water damage professionals. It can be overwhelming to think about, "where to begin to clean up such a mess?" After a traumatic event such as fire damage immediately followed by water damage in a home, it can be difficult to know where to go and who to turn to. Canyon Country residents need not worry, and should contact SERVPRO as soon as possible to make your home seem like these events never happened.

Water Damage Restoration

When it rains, it pours! Water damage can occur due to a number of reasons. It might be an accident in the home such as a popped waterbed mattress or the flooding of a cracked aquarium. Where there is a water leak or spill, mold can form. Mold as we all know is hazardous to our health, so to prevent mold, all water messes need to be cleanup up as soon as possible. Water damages can be independent from fire damage, but, nonetheless still need to be cleaned up.

Prevent Mold and Restore Everything Like New

In the event that water spills, leaks, or messes have already happened, it is time to take action in cleaning up the water and then restoring the structure "Like it never happened." Water is first removed with special vacuums. Fans and dehumidifiers help in drying up the remaining damp areas. Moisture detectors and infrared cameras can be used to locate moisture saturation points so that they can be further dried. If the damage is extensive, some structural changes such as replacement of drywall will need to be done. In the restoration process, SERVPRO cleans up the water damage so that it is "Like it never happened."

We Restore Fire Also!

1/5/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lancaster is a company that does more than water remediation. In some situations, homes and commercial buildings would need some fire remediation, which we at SERVPRO can also do. Should such an event occur, we are able to clean your home of all the fire damage including smoke damage on carpets, curtains, or upholstered furniture. At SERVPRO, we want to make sure we do all the necessary work to restore your beloved home to its best condition. We value your home as much as you value it, and we always want to make sure we do our job to the best of our abilities.

 In case of any kind of fire damages in your home, SERVPRO of Santa Clarita is always here. Give us a call at 661-296-4600.

Santa Clarita Fire and Water Damage - We Are Here If You Need Us

12/28/2016 (Permalink)

If you have suffered the loss of being in a fire or a flood, you know how much that event impacts your life and that of those you love. Both fire and water damage to a building whether commercial or residential takes a huge toll on the family or group that is there. Hopefully you will never have to make that call for help, of come to your building to find it charred or flooded, but if you do, call who you need to call then call the professionals to help clean it up. Fire and water damage is not just about cleaning up, it is about assessing what type of damage has been done and to see if the structure can be saved. 

Should you find yourself in this position, here is what you need to know about fire and smoke damage as well as water damage restoration services by Santa Clarita cleaning and restoration professionals who are specialists in this field. 

Fire damage is a two-punch combo of both flame damage and smoke charring and smell. The fire can burn and the smoke can char. Flames will burn all that they can in the time before they are extinguished; from woodwork, windows, furniture to clothes, valuables, and food it will consume it all if it can. Sometimes fires can be small but the smell of smoke just permiates throughout the building. Then there can be the impact left by water used to extinguish the fire. All cases are unique and different, and yet Santa Clarita Fire and Water Damage Restoration Professionals can take care of it all.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley knows about the effects flames have on a home or building. Fire damage repair and restoration includes cleanup of smoke from the flames. Smoke damage is a sneaky "bad guy" to follow for it can leave its tracks in hidden damaged places especially leaving an odor where it once was. In the restoration process it is good to have professionals who know about these things take care of the thorough cleanup job. 

Another type of disaster that hopefully you never have to deal with is water. Too much water at the wrong place at the wrong time is a bad thing. We call this flooding. Water damage can also be seen at some fire damage sites where water was used to extinguish a fire; water damage does not only imply a flood. No matter which way you look at it, water damage has loss to it as well, loss of valuables, structural supports, and more.

When there is too much water, the first step is water removal. SERVPRO in Santa Clarita knows how to manage this like professionals. Whether it be water damage from a leak or a flood, these exerts know how to reduce further damage and know how to help restore and preserve what is left of the building. 

Step one in the water damage process is to stop more water from entering the scene. Once that has been established--if not already happening simultaneously depending on the situation--water removal can begin. Trucks are on standby and gas-powered pumps pump water out of there at an efficient and impressive rate. 

Next in the process is to treat the infected areas. With water lingering can come mildew, fungi, and or bacteria growth. In order to put a halt to this it is best to treat the areas so that no more harmful damage can be done. The last main part of the water damage process is to dry! Dry what was wet and get it dry as quick as possible. High-speed fans and dehumidifiers help this process right-along. Santa Clarita water damage cleanup professionals know how to get these jobs done. 

Hopefully these scenarios do not become a reality for anyone, but in this imperfect world we live in accidents are bound to happen. Fire and water damage can strike at any time to all kinds of buildings both commercial and residential and all others in-between. For those persons in the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas remember SERVPRO and their commitment to quickly get your life back on track as if the incident never even happened. 

Santa Clarita Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (661)296-4600