The Vital Importance of Effective Fire Damage Mitigation

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

Fire is a powerful force that isn’t to be messed with. It can go from something that provides comfort like a fire in a fireplace to something that gets out of control, causing destruction to everything around it. When a fire affects a home or business, its impact can be devastating and costly depending on the extent of the damage. A property that had experienced a fire damage event will be affected by smoke, soot, and potential water damage from the efforts of extinguishing the fire. This is where a fire damage restoration company comes into the picture.

The Effects of Fire on a Property

We often focus on the immediate destruction a fire can cause. However, the effects of a fire loss can go far beyond what is visible Smoke and Soot particles can be a large problem to deal with, leaving behind a residue that can damage surfaces, destroy belongings, and affect the air quality inside the structure. Not only that, the water used to extinguish the flames can cause damage and potentially cause mold to form.

Fire damage mitigation is required when a building has been affected by a fire loss. Sift action can prevent the situation from being more costly and greatly decrease the chances of a quick recovery time. SERVPRO mitigation experts will swing into action, having a rapid response is instrumental in preventing further deterioration of the property and mitigating the long-term impact of the disaster.

Water being a vital tool when it comes to fighting fires, can exacerbate the damage if it isn’t dealt with quickly. Our team will handle the extraction of standing water that may be on-site and dry the affected materials with air movers and control the moisture within the air using industrial-grade dehumidifiers.

Our team will focus on what materials can be salvaged and cleaned. We understand how a fire can reach into the emotional realm of our customers such as treasured belongings, sentimental items, and valuable possessions that can be affected by the damage. Mitigation experts will then utilize advanced techniques to deodorize the affected items.

A fire can leave behind persistent odors and unwanted residue on structural materials and contents. The cleaning and deodorization process is important when it comes to restoring the property to its preloss conditions. We will use deodorizers and ozone machines to eliminate the odor that is left behind by a fire damage event. With a well-experienced team comes great communication and collaboration, this helps move the mitigation process along in a timely manner. The team in the office and out on-site will make sure that communication is open and transparent with our clients and the insurance companies that are assigned to the loss. This will streamline the process and ensures proper documentation.

The importance of properly mitigating fire damages cannot be overstated. It is the bridge between destruction and recovery. Effective fire damage not only restores properties but also helps rebuild them. Through the hard work and expertise of our experts, the recovery process becomes more manageable, instilling confidence and resilience in those who have faced the devastating impact of fire.

Rising From the Ashes

8/3/2023 (Permalink)

In the blink of an eye, a devastating fire can turn a peaceful home into a smoldering ruin. Residential fire damages are not just physical catastrophes; they are emotionally devastating events that disrupt lives. However, amidst the ashes and debris, SERVPRO restoration experts can take on the monumental task of mitigating the property and restoring it to its preloss condition.

A Hefty Toll

For homeowners that have experienced a residential fire, the situation can be quite overwhelming. When the fire has been extinguished and the property has been determined safe by the authorities, the first step in the restoration process is to conduct a thorough assessment. Our professional restoration team has received specialized training in fire damage mitigation and the experience to carefully inspect the property to identify compromised areas of the structure along with determining what contents are salvageable. We will take immediate action to secure the structure, ensuring the safety of those involved in the restoration process.

Mitigation Planning

A project manager will develop a comprehensive mitigation plan to address the fire damage and commence the rebuilding process. This plan will include structural repairs, debris removal, and smoke and soot cleanup. Smoke and soot particles can infiltrate every nook and cranny of a home, requiring meticulous cleaning and deodorizing.

While the restoration team focuses on the physical structure, skilled content restoration specialists will work diligently to salvage any items that can be restored, from family heirlooms to future along with other items. Using the advanced techniques that have been developed over time combined with ozone treatment and ultrasonic cleaning.

A-Pillar of Support

During the restoration process, open and transparent communication is vital. Our office and on-site staff will go over any and all questions that you may have about the restoration process. We will maintain clear lines of communication with our clients. Providing updates, addressing concerns, and offering additional support if needed.

We understand that a fire loss can be a harrowing experience, but with the right mitigation efforts and support, affected families can rise from the ashes and rebuild their lives. Our skilled restoration experts will work tirelessly to transform the devastation into a new beginning. Bridging the gap between loss and recovery with unwavering dedication and expertise.

Has Your Paramus Home Been Effected by Fire Damage?

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be stressful but SERVPRO of Paramus has your back.

We understand how stressful dealing with fire damage can be, even small fires can cause soot and smoke damage to other parts of the house. The team at SERVPRO of Paramus is certified and trained. We will get your home cleaned up and restored to your satisfaction quickly. This are a few tips that can help while you wait for technicians to arrive.

What can be done after a Fire?

• Limit movement in the home. Just by doing this one thing it can help prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpets and upholstery.
• It’s also helpful to keep your hands clean by not touching any of the effected surfaces, so the soot doesn’t soil any unaffected upholstery, walls, and woodwork
• If you do need to move around the affected area you can place towels or some type of covering over the rugs, carpets, and upholstery in order to prevent transferring soot to unaffected parts of the home.
• If the electricity went off and has been off for some time, you should empty any food that can spoil from the freezer and refrigerator. After it has been cleaned out find something to prop the doors open.
• If you have an HVAC system the filter would most likely need to be changed before it’s turned back on.

Things That Shouldn’t be done after a Fire

• You shouldn’t attempt to clean/wash any of the walls or painted surfaces, also do not attempt to use chemicals/soaps to wash any carpeting and/or upholstery without contacting/notifying us.
• Do not attempt to clean electrical appliances that may have been effected by the fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don’t use any canned/packaged food or drinks that were stored near the fire and effected areas.
• Don’t attempt to turn on ceiling fixtures if the area is wet or severely damaged, since the wiring may be effected.
• Don’t send any garments to an ordinary dry cleaner, since standard cleaning techniques may set smoke odor.

Give us a Call Today

If your Paramus home or business has experienced a fire damage event, SERVPRO of Paramus is here to help. We have the equipment along with the experienced personnel to get the job done quickly and correctly. When we are all finished restoring your home or business it will be “like it never even happened.”

The Fire Damage Restoration Professionals

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

The struggle of fire damage.

Has your Paramus Property been affected by Fire Damage?

After the fire has been extinguished in your property, people usually want to get the ball rolling and begin the restoration process quickly. When rushing to get the process started mistakes can be made, a property owner can risk their own health and safety when the issue is addressed without plan. Without full working knowledge of what to keep an eye out for and how to properly mitigate issues as they get discovered. These risks should not be taken and a restoration specialist should be called it this situation.

Fire Damage Assessment

A professional fire damage assessment of the damage can save time and money in most cases instead of attempting to do it yourself. An experienced and certified SERVPRO team of specialists will effectively evaluate the damage quickly in order to determine the proper restoration solution. There can be many lingering issues/consequences that can’t be found on the surfaces. A specialist will know what to look for and how to find any of the hidden problems because of the experience and training they have received over the years. Our workers have been accredited by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in fire restoration and odor control.

Another benefit that comes with choosing SERVPRO of Paramus to assess your fire loss is that it can prove to be cost-effective, since our organization has strong relationships with local as well as large insurance agencies. We know what they need when it comes to evidence and the documentation needed for filing a damage claim. When you choose us to handle your fire loss we will get the job done to your satisfaction.

Give us a call at (201) 445-5588

Deodorizing a Property after a Fire

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Soot being cleaned off a wall in a Paramus home after a fire in the kitchen.

Here at SERVPRO of Paramus we are experts when it comes to restoring properties after they have experienced fire damage. Whether it be your business or a home we will get the job done to your satisfaction. The first thing people think of after experiencing a fire is cleaning the debris, soot, and char damage, but that’s not the only thing to focus on. The longest affect a fire can have on your property is the smell, which is a big part the restoration process that requires our deodorization equipment.

We have specialized Ozone generators that can be set up on site and left for a few days in an effort to eliminate any smells that have been brought on by the fire. Our team will also collect and box up salvageable contents so they can be thoroughly cleaned and stored until the restoration process is completed.  Ozone has the ability to destroy odor particles in materials through a process that is called oxidation. This process works on all kinds of odors ranging from organic to any odor that has been brought on by fire damage. This process can take some time, but in most cases gets the job done.

SERVPRO of Paramus can handle all your restoration needs. We don’t just focus on fire restoration alone, our other services include water and mold damage restoration. If you have experienced water, fire, and/or mold damage don’t hesitate to give us a call at (201) 445-5588.

Fire Damage in Paramus New Jersey

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

A structure fire in a single family home in Paramus, NJ.

Preparation Tips for your Paramus Home

Have you inspected your smoke alarm system recently? You can prepare your household for the possibility of a fire and by doing so can help save lives. It may be difficult to even imagine a fire breaking out in your home, but that’s why taking the proper precautions can greatly affect the outcome of a house fire.

Helpful Tips

Here at SERVPRO of Paramus we offer these helpful tips provided by the American Red Cross to help families prepare for a fire emergency.

• Install the right number of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.  
• Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 
• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.

• Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another
• Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“to alert everyone that they must get out.
• Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1
• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire

Putting the Pieces Back Together

If you have experienced a fire in your Paramus home, we understand that it’s a traumatic and difficult situation to deal with. It can be hard to figure out where should things go from there, but that’s why we offer our fire restoration services, so we can help pick the pieces up and do everything within our power to put them back together. Our team has the expertise and advanced training that allows us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly.

If you are in need of our services give us a call at (201) 445-5588

Fire Damage Restoration You Can Trust in Paramus

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Don't worry if you have fire damage in your Paramus home. Call SERVPRO for their specialized service.

SERVPRO is Here for Fire Damage Cleanup for Paramus Residents

There are instances after a fire gets put out in a home where little thought goes into the impact of smoke and soot on your interior. This is a common problem when anyone attempts a DIY fire restoration rather than calling in the expertise of skilled fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) after having a fire in their Paramus home or business. SERVPRO understands best practices for house fire cleanup and smoke remediation so that we can help you restore your home to pre-fire condition. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and come armed with the right equipment and methods to get the restoration project completed promptly.

There is the fallout from charred debris and other fire damage in Paramus, but you also need to think of the impact of smoke and soot throughout your home. These residues are byproducts that can cause corrosion or discoloration of various materials. This is why it becomes essential to enlist the help of a trusted restoration team to address fire damaged homes to get at all of the soot and smoke that traveled into crevices and various materials. 

We Understand the Damage Brought on By Soot and Smoke Residue

There are several factors at play with any fire restoration project. Not only do we handle the removal and careful disposal of all charred contents and debris, but we follow best practices for smoke remediation. The different types of issues to remember when it comes to smoke residue and soot include:

• Wet Smoke – This gets generated with a smoldering fire that burns at a lower temperature. Unlike the dry, powdery soot you will have in a fast-burning fire, as wet smoke settles, it becomes sticky and clammy. It will also be challenging to clean due to smearing, so we bring specialized cleaning agents to each project.
• Odors – Some smoke damage will be easy to see and smell depending on the nature and materials impacted. Fabrics like upholstery and clothing make it easy to detect smoky smells. Because the particles can become embedded in certain materials, they can linger for a long time if not appropriately addressed. Our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) know how to root out and manage all areas where odorous particles are settled, using ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers and various products to eliminate them rather than masking the smell.
• Staining – Once flames get extinguished, there will be some signs of visible smoke damage, while other surfaces might not show it until days later. Walls, granite or marble countertops, and any exposed wood may experience permanent discoloration if not treated as soon as possible. Due to smoke damage, tarnishing may also develop on iron, steel, brass, and aluminum.

We Are Here to Ensure You Get Prompt Restoration to Ease Your Mind

Homeowners that go through a fire often feel several stages of loss and grief. SERVPRO’s technicians understand the impact and devastation fire brings, so we take the time to carefully navigate your project, keeping you apprised of our progress at each step. It is normal to feel shocked, angry, and even hopeless seeing the charred remnants of a fire. We are here to:

• Restore your belongings versus replace them whenever possible
• Working as a liaison with your insurance company for your fire damage claim
• Board up and tarping services to protect your interior from further damage during restoration
• Controlled demolition services to make your home “Like it never even happened.” – General Contractor License #13VH001305854800

Request help online or call SERVPRO of Paramus at (201) 445-5588 for rapid response to address fire damage – residential or commercial!

After the Fire: How to Remove Smoke and Soot Residues From Your Paramus Home

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage creates residue that is difficult to clean. Let SERVPRO handle the mess for you!

Strategies for Residue Removal After Fire Damage to Your Paramus Home 

After a fire breaks out in your Paramus dwelling, both structural components and contents can burn. Depending on the kind of materials and oxygen availability, flames can burn hot, smolder, or heat up and evaporate the fuels. Each kind of fire leaves a signature type of ash, soot, or residue. The substances that remain vary in the intensity and unpleasantness of their smells. 

The first tasks our employees complete after fire damage to your Paramus usually include water removal and soot and residue cleanup. The water is a result of the firefighters’ efforts, and it must be resolved quickly for safety because water is inherently destructive to the structure and contents of your house. Once water evacuates and structural drying completes, we begin cleaning the soiling. 

SERVPRO’s Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) evaluate the characteristics of the residues on surfaces. Our training and experience help us match products, tools, and cleaning methods. Hot, paper, and wood-fueled ashy soot vacuums and dry sponges away successfully. Lingering smells are minimal, especially with good airflow. 

At lower temperatures, oxygen-poor fires smolder, coating walls, ceilings, floors, and furnishings with thick and sticky soot that is more pungent and persistent in odor. SERVPRO technicians choose cleaners with surfactants and wetting agents for this kind of residue. We also use controlled agitation to loosen the acrid-smelling coating. 

Cooking fires produce a residue consisting of proteins reduced to a thin, clingy film. The adhesion of protein-based residues is intense, often requiring solvents and abrasive tools or products to dislodge. Of all the fire residues, protein-based is the most unpleasant smelling, with a rancid odor that makes it hard to forget the fire event even after a thorough cleaning. 

If a deep cleaning does not eradicate the smells, SERVPRO has innovative equipment that neutralizes the odor-carrying capability of the particles at the molecular level. Thermal fogging combusts deodorants under conditions similar to the fire, the tiny bits seeking to pair with and neutralize odor-bearing particles. Hydroxyl generators use free radicals to change the chemical composition of soot, rendering it smell-free. Ozone machines harness oxidation to rid spaces of smoky smells. 

SERVPRO of Paramus uses the cleaning and restoration industry’s best practices to clear away fire residues and neutralize odors. Call us round the clock at (201) 445-5588 to schedule a thorough assessment and to begin mitigation and remediation steps.

How to Remove Soot and Smoke Damage From Your Paramus Home

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Removing smoke and soot damage from walls can be difficult. You can trust the experts at SERVPRO of Paramus to clean your home.

Dry Cleaning is not Just for Clothing - We Use it to Cleanup Smoke-Damaged Homes in Paramus. 

Restoring our customers' homes in Paramus means that every aspect of their house's damage needs attention. We provide this in a diverse number of ways, using different methods. We have the necessary materials to ensure that not only do we do this effectively but that we also do so efficiently. 

If the surfaces inside your home in Paramus become soot-covered, permanent staining and corrosion can happen. We know how to remove this from both washable items and non-washable ones. Dry cleaning methods work to remove soot and smoke residue from non-washable surfaces. Wetting these items could lead to irreversible damage. SERVPRO's dry cleaning methods prevent this from happening and save you from needing to replace such belongings and other materials. 

Two of the most relied upon methods are the dry sponge and the vacuum. Both remove and trap soot particles. The sponge relies on its pores, and the vacuums we use come with HEPA filters. Our vacuums trap lighter particles of soot. SERVPRO technicians often use a brush with the vacuum to remove more of the larger-sized particles. We can get surfaces cleaned more fully with the sponge after removing a significant portion of the soot. 

A sponge can clean large areas of walls and ceilings before it begins to show overload by leaving streak marks behind. Once this happens, we continue with another sponge. While these are reusable after we rinse and air dries them, we do not need to do this on the job site, as they come in packs of a dozen.

Another method that removes soot is compressed air, which can blow soot off surfaces without introducing any moisture into the material we are cleaning. 

The stress on a displaced family can create additional problems, and we want to eliminate the mess that keeps our customers from residing in their residences. We use these same techniques to prepare washable surfaces for wet cleaning, as the removal of any soot beforehand makes the process more efficient. 

SERVPRO of Paramus can help your family with these and other methods after smoke and fire damage create a dirty mess in your Hillsdale, Washington Township, or Woodcliff Lake residence. Call us at (201) 445-5588, any time, 365 days a year, to speak to us about how we can help.

How to Deal With Fire Damage in Westwood

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Contacting SERVPRO after a fire in your home is the best recourse for effective results. Our technicians are standing by 24/7 for your emergency call.

SERVPRO Can Assist You to Handle Fire Damage in Your Westwood Residence

After a fire breaks out in your residence, leaving the building immediately and having the local fire department extinguish the flames is essential. After the fire is out, using improper cleaning methods and products to clean your home can smear smoke residues and cause them to penetrate deeper into the affected materials. Call a restoration specialist like SERVPRO to stabilize your property and begin the restoration and rebuilding process.

We have the expertise, products, and equipment required to handle fire damage in your Westwood residence and return it to its pre-fire condition. The fire damage repair process varies slightly between cases and may involve the following activities:

• Removing debris
• Removing water and chemicals used to extinguish the fire.
• Soot removal
• Odor removal

During a fire, smoke and soot particles settle on and adhere to surfaces. Restoration involves removing the soot residues. Soot residues differ, and some types are easier to clean than others. The types of residues that our SERVPRO technicians usually clean include:

• Wet smoke residues
• Dry smoke residues
• Dry and damp smoke residues
• Fuel oil smoke residues

We use different cleaning methods to eliminate various kinds of residues. It is necessary to capture residues before removing them. Our SERVPRO technicians use fluids and air to release and carry soils away. Fluids and air carry suspended particles with them on contact. Dissolving and vacuuming are two methods we use to contact soils and carry them away. Vacuuming is effective in removing dry particles which are loosely attached to surfaces.

Our SERVPRO restorers can use thermal fogging equipment to remove odors. Thermal foggers work by vaporizing petroleum-based or solvent-based deodorizers. They generate a fog or smoke that consists of small particles, ranging in size from one half a micron to 25 microns. They are approximately the size of odor-generating molecules. The particles make a fog similar to the smoke a fire produces, enabling the deodorizer to interact effectively with odor-causing residues.

For professional fire damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of Paramus at (201) 445-5588. We’re available around the clock.

Need Help with Fire Damage Restoration in Paramus – Call SERVPRO

12/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fires and resulting fire damage can happen very quickly. React right away by contacting SERVPRO. Our team is standing by 24/7 for your call.

Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration Services in Paramus

A fire in your Paramus home can be devastating. The damage caused by the flames, the smoke residues, and the efforts of the firemen to quell the fire can be extensive. Water and fire retardants are used to quell the fire and damage areas of the home not touched by the flames. Smoke residues are distributed throughout the house by the HVAC system and the air currents generated by the heat of the fire. While overwhelming, the damage can be repaired and your home restored to its original condition.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration services to homeowners in Paramus and surrounding towns. With all the damage caused by the fire, homeowners find it difficult to imagine their homes returned to their original condition. Many feel that everything must be replaced. They are surprised at how much can be cleaned and restored at a much lower cost. Our restoration teams have significant experience cleaning, repairing, and restoring homes damaged by fires.

We can help keep your insurance claims to a manageable level, recover family heirlooms and return your home to you quickly. For example:

• Repaint structural surfaces
• Clean non-porous items
• Recover upholstered contents
• Refinish wood contents
• Smoke residues can be removed and washed from fabrics and clothing

Restoration of your home is usually much less costly than replacing contents and structure.

SERVPRO offers the following services to consumers fire damaged homes :

• Fire and smoke damage restoration
• House fire cleanup
• Fire damage repair

SERVPRO can make all of the necessary repairs to your home under general contractor license #: 13VH001305854800 and restore your living areas to their original state, “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Paramus in Paramus and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (201) 445-5588.

What Should Paramus Homeowners Expect During Kitchen Fire Restoration Services?

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration team has the experience and manpower for any size disaster.

SERVPRO Technicians Have Decades of Fire Damage Cleanup Experience for Paramus Area Properties

A Paramus kitchen with fire damage needs special attention for the best outcome. A large number of actions need to occur to ensure the kitchen is safe and clean for food preparation and meals again.

SERVPRO technicians know that fire restoration services in a Paramus kitchen mean that a certain amount of controlled demolition may be necessary. Common actions the techs frequently perform are: 

• Removal of ruined food items in cabinets, freezers, and refrigerators
• Controlled demolition of charred cabinets and walls
• Cleaning smoke damage from surfaces

Kitchens can harbor a unique type of smoke residue caused by a kind of fire known as a protein fire. This type of damage typically happens when a protein-based food catches on fire in a pan or oven. The result is not the regular covering of dark soot, but a nearly invisible, but highly pungent greasy residue.

This residue needs a solvent-based cleaner to release the grip it has on surfaces. SERVPRO techs have cleaning agents that will not mar surfaces but can clean away all types of smoke damage, including protein residues. Once the damage from the smoke gets cleaned, the odors in the kitchen typically diminish.

Odor control is usually the final step of the housefire cleanup job. The technicians make sure that no lingering smoke odors remain in the kitchen. Once the fire damage services are complete, this SERVPRO location has a general contractor license #13VH00130585480. The technicians can repair walls, ceilings and reinstall cabinets as needed. Installation of flooring is no problem no matter if it is tile, hardwood, or another type. Whatever actions need to occur to return the kitchen to a like-new status get done.

SERVPRO of Paramus at (201) 445-5588 brings fire restoration services to Paramus properties when needed and is available 24/7.

Sorting Through Fire Damage in a Paramus Home is Overwhelming

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your home can be overwhelming. SERVPRO has you covered from start to end of your restoration service.

SERVPRO’s Fire Restoration Team Serves Paramus Area Homeowners

Keeping your home in Paramus in good shape requires vigilance and fixing problems before they escalate. It is even more important when fire damage is involved, as the soot and debris left behind can cause bigger issues if left unattended. When an emergency requires a professional team that understands the impact of fire damage, making the call as quickly as possible is essential.

The call to make in Paramus for fire damage restoration is to our SERVPRO offices. Available around the clock, we dispatch our staff as soon as possible and begin an assessment of fire damage, along with plans for fire and smoke damage restoration. From the get-go, we coordinate with relevant parties to protect the safety of all involved and avoid cross-contamination throughout the home.

Our SERVPRO clients often worry about replacing furniture, carpets, and personal items at a sizable cost. Our staff helps guide you through the process and focuses on mitigating your loss. Even though some things may be a total loss, we may be able to restore others by applying the latest techniques available to the fire damage restoration industry.  

Homeowners frequently toss items because they smell smoke. Before taking that step, let our staff use deodorizing tools such as-

• Air scrubbers
• Ozone generators
• Charcoal-activated HEPA filters

Along with traditional odor counteractant pellets and deodorizing solutions, the above help neutralize and eliminate the stench left behind by the flames.

SERVPRO of Paramus is just a phone call away. Reach us at (201) 445-5588 and let our staff work diligently to leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Is Fire Damage Restoration Available in the Paramus Area?

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready 24/7 365 days a year for any size disaster. Fire damage restoration is a job for SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of Paramus Has Dedicated Fire Damage Restoration Technicians to Help Restore your Home.

The high temperatures and pressure created by the fire can lead to microscopic dust particles and debris bonding with surfaces or polluting your indoor air quality. These particles can often be invisible to the naked eye but produce a noticeable odor and, in some cases, can cause health effects with ingestion or inhalation. SERVPRO offer round-the-clock support for:

• Fire damaged homes
• Fire damage restoration
• House fire cleanup

Restoring indoor air quality as part of fire damage restoration in your Paramus home is one of our priorities. House fires are traumatic enough without homeowners worrying about odors, unsanitary conditions, or airborne dust particles. One possible solution that we can provide is to seal off rooms with ducts and use industrial direct expansion units or air filtration devices to return indoor air quality to its preloss condition. Other options may include the application of negative air pressure or physical plastic sheetings.

• Air filtration units use high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA), which match the highest standards for cleaning indoor air quality. 
• Chemical pairing agents can be distributed into the home to find and neutralize microscopic odor particles. 
• We can ensure safe working conditions for all staff and contractors on-site by providing medical-grade N-95 respiratory equipment. 

To recover property after a house fire, contact SERVPRO of Paramus for fire damage restoration at (201) 445-5588.

Don't Tackle Fire Damage Remediation Alone in Your Paramus Home

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Don't Let a House Fire in Your Paramus Home Get You Down--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

How Learning Fire Behavior Helps Restorers When Fixing Fire Damage in Paramus

To the average person, the best way to define the aftermath of a fire is chaotic. The damages left by the blaze affect contents and structure haphazardly. Therefore, it is challenging to know the best place to begin the restoration process. On the other hand, our IICRC professionals recognize patterns, including how smoke residues spread out throughout the property, thus helping in preparing a response plan.

Temperature levels differ in different fire incidents, and this affects the restoration of fire damage in Paramus. Temperatures in a fire incident affect the restoration process by determining where smoke movements deposit residues and how hard such deposits adhere to materials. Smoke from hot fires concentrates near the ceiling, where it replaces cooler air through convection currents.  Finding heat lines in such cases is common. From experience, our SERVPRO technicians understand how difficult it is to clean residues above the heat line, so we remove the affected materials instead of trying to clean them.

As the fire burns, some surrounding surfaces might remain cooler, attracting smoke, which moves towards colder areas (hot to cold). In a room with well-insulated walls, the temperature differential is usually around the windows. As the smoke wafts to the window, it leaves massive deposits of tar and other residues on the back of draperies. Our SERVPRO technicians make a point of checking such areas even when there are no visible smoke deposits on the front. Also, closets and other concealed areas collect large amounts of residues, so we check them too.

Smoke particles can also go through ionization, especially when a fire burns plastics. The electrically charged smoke particles are attracted to surfaces with an opposite charge, which can manifest in smoke webs forming, which are similar to cobwebs. When our SERVPRO team finds signs of ionization, we know that the fire burned plastics even if all physical evidence is gone. We, therefore, prepare for advanced cleaning procedures to remove wet smoke residue and pungent smells associated with such fires

In case of a fire incident in your Westwood, Hillsdale, or Paramus property, call SERVPRO of Paramus to help. You can reach us at (201) 445-5588 any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Does SERVPRO Clean Fire and Smoke Damage in Westwood Homes?

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experienced technicians with the equipment and expertise your home needs after a fire mishap. Give us a call right away.

Our Team Has Multiple Products and Tools for Fire Damage Restoration in Westwood.

Fire and smoke damage can spread quickly in a home, making it vital to get professionals moving swiftly to help. Our SERVPRO roster has fire and smoke restorers and odor control technicians to reach your property fast. We can help with:

• Fire damage restoration
• Fire damaged homes
• Smoke remediation
• Fire and smoke damage

How Does Fire Debris Removal Help Fire Damaged Homes? 

One of the first actions for fire damage restoration in Westwood homes is fire debris removal. Addressing the immediate fire and smoke damage in the property can significantly reduce the concentrations of soot particles and smoke damage. Because smoke remediation is a critical phase of fire damage restoration, these emergency services make later cleaning and recovery efforts more efficient and cost-effective. Other emergency services that can also help to reduce structural damage or content damage in your home include: 

• Controlled demolition
• HEPA air filtration
• Water extraction

How Can Our Professionals Clean Smoke Damage in Westwood?

Air filtration and environmental cleaning are essential to allow a safe workspace for responding technicians on our team. Airborne hazards and contaminants can pose threats to those without the appropriate personal protective equipment. However, these coverings can also impede the speed and efficiency of fire damage restoration practices to follow. We have air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, and other cleaning processes to overcome pressing smoke damage concerns.

House Fire Clean Up of Soot and Soils 

Soot can be one of the most hazardous presences in a home after a fire. Fire damage restoration of these specific threats can involve many steps and stages, specifically removing residues and soils from surfaces. Because of soot particles' carcinogenic and acidic composition, they can permanently damage and stain underlying surfaces and structural materials after prolonged exposure. Our SERVPRO team works with leading removal techniques to protect these building materials and prevent unnecessary controlled demolition when possible. Surface cleaning can be achieved with detergents and solvents that can emulsify or dissolve stubborn soils. 

Removing Harsh Odors During Westwood Smoke Remediation

Among the objectives of responding fire damage restoration technicians is removing and neutralizing odors present in the environment. Post-fire damage can overwhelm rooms and areas of your property that preliminary smoke remediation cannot completely address. We have multiple cleaning products that can reduce the concentrations of strong and noxious smells following fire damage, but also rely on effective deodorization instruments in our inventory such as: 

• HEPA filtration products 
• Air scrubbers 
• Hydroxyl generators 
• ULV / thermal foggers 
• Ozone machines 

Because fire damage restoration can take so many forms and stages after an emergency, you need a team of professionals capable of helping you nearly every step of the way. Our SERVPRO of Paramus team has the experience and extensive training to make fire disasters "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (201) 445-5588.

Unattended Candles Can Cause Extensive Fire Damage

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Suffered through a fire at your home? Call our certified technicians at (201) 445-5588 to investigate the fire damage situation.

Water and Fire Damage Can Cause Extensive Damage in Westwood Homes

Fires start in homes and buildings for many reasons. A burning cigarette casually discarded, electrical short circuits, or even a candle left burning can initiate a fire that causes extensive damage to a home and the contents.

While fire damage in Westwood homes can be catastrophic, so can the damage caused by the fire department in quelling the fire. The fire department uses lots of water, or in some cases, foam fire retardants to remove oxygen from the fire. SERVPRO removes all of the water and chemicals, and damaged material before restoration can begin.

SERVPRO has extensive experience managing the aftermath of this kind of damage. Our team provides all of the services required after a fire, including:

• Board up of windows and doors, tarps covering the roof
• Removal of water and chemicals, moisture removal, and drying
• Soot and smoke removal from all surfaces
• Sanitize and cleaning of all recoverable contents
• Restoration of your home or business to its preloss condition

Contact SERVPRO of Paramus for fire damage services to Westwood residential and commercial buildings and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (201) 445-5588.

Help Your Kids Learn More About Giving in Paramus This Holiday Season

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

We look forward to seeing you at the Westfield Garden State Plaza Holiday Events!

Enjoy a holiday shopping experience for the smallest members of your family! 

At the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus on December 4th and 5th, 2020, children can experience a unique shopping experience tailored specifically to them. Not only will they get a bit of training in managing a budget while shopping for specific members of their family, but there are also many entertainment elements to make the experience memorable. 

The recommended age for this event is 5-12. There are two puppet shows. Also included are a Kids Market photo wall, a scavenger hunt, a section of giftable items to purchase featuring things like candles, jewelry, and ornaments to encourage your child to pick out Christmas gifts all on their own (with the oversight of event personnel.) Tickets are available by time slot through Eventbrite or by calling (201) 843-2121. 

Overloaded circuits during the holidays can cause a fire disaster. When fire mitigation for your Paramus home is necessary, trust our SERVPRO of Paramus team to help quickly when every minute counts. Call us today at (201) 445-5588.

Paramus, NJ – The Racefaster Thanksgiving Day Run

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to the annual Thanksgiving Day Run!

Residents of Paramus, NJ, Gear Up for the Annual Racefaster Thanksgiving Day Run!

Besides the Thanksgiving turkey and giving thanks for everything you have, there is nothing quite like burning off calories before the big meal with a Racefaster Thanksgiving Day 5k run! This event takes place rain or shine, and there will be plenty of protocols put in place for social distancing. Due to local guidelines and all participants' safety, the race will feature an 'open start and finish' to allow for funneling through the start and finish two-by-two or by family. Each runner will have their start time begin when they cross the start line and then ends once they cross the finish line.

• Date: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2020
• Location: Garden State Plaza Mall, Paramus, NJ
• Time: 9:00 am until 11:00 am 
• Cost: Registration is $30, and the cut-off is November 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm

We care immensely about the health and well-being of our community here at SERVPRO of Paramus. If you have a fire emergency that calls for skilled technicians' help for fire and smoke cleanup, we can be reached at (201) 445-5588. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster, and we will have a crew on-site and ready to work within hours of your initial call.

Can Upholstery be Restored After a Fire?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can often salvage upholstery and textiles after house fires in Paramus with high-tech cleaning

Professional Fire Restoration Technicians in Paramus Can Help You Assess the Damage and Decide Whether to Restore or Discard Your Upholstered Items

Whether a massive fire roars in your Paramus home, or a relatively small kitchen fire burns for a few minutes, homeowners face critical decisions after the flames die down. Even a fire seemingly contained in one area of your home can cause smoke, soot, and an acrid smell to travel and settle all around it. Instead of fighting the ensuing damage by yourself, a professional fire restoration team can assist by providing an expert point of view and plan of action.

Homeowners in Paramus facing fire damage to their homes can find expert advice upon calling SERVPRO. Our team is available 24/7 and quick to respond to your emergency, which helps mitigate your loss. Any delay in taking action allows soot to settle deep within your home, including fabric fibers of your furniture, curtains, and other textiles. Rather than wasting time on do-it-yourself solutions, let industry experts do the work for you.

How can a professional service remove the smell of smoke?

Very often, our SERVPRO technicians find that the foul smell the fire leaves behind is the top priority for our clients. When it feels like linens, clothes, and your very walls are exuding a strong odor, they are at a loss. Our team of experts inspects the property and follows the smoke path through your home and the ventilation system and takes action to purify the air in your home. 

Among the equipment available to our staff to counteract smell molecules are the following-

• Air scrubbers
• Thermal fogging
• Ozone generators

Along with odor counteracting pellets and promoting air circulation, our crew takes a knowledgeable approach to neutralize and eliminate odor molecules in your home.

With advanced equipment and cleaning products we can often salvage fire damaged upholstery by first testing for compatibility and the working the item.

SERVPRO of Paramus has the team you need when disaster strikes. Call us at (201) 445-5588 and let us leave your home smelling, “Like it never even happened.”

How Can Embedded Smoke Odors Get Eliminated in Your Paramus Home?

7/25/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Paramus team can help with a fast and reliable response in your time of need.

Trapped scents can be a considerable challenge to remove in Paramus, but we have advanced tools and practical strategies to help.

Multiple obstacles exist after a fire loss incident in your Paramus home. Our restoration professionals can help address the varying layers of damage, much of which must occur shortly after arrival. Between emergency services, mitigation, and restoration cleaning, we have multiple skilled professionals capable of helping your home through each phase of recovery to make fire losses “Like it never even happened.”

Odors can often be one of the most considerable challenges for fire restoration in Paramus properties, especially when these conditions spread farther than the ignition point. With pathways in your house like the HVAC system, otherwise unaffected areas of your home can become compromised by harsh smoke odors after extinguishment. These effects can be even more challenging to address when these odors become embedded in porous materials.

How Do Odors Become Trapped?

Naturally, porous surfaces have a higher permeance level, allowing gaseous odors to penetrate the surface and embed within the composition of the material itself. In other situations, the fire's heat can expand pores, allowing smoke to enter the material without much incident. After extinguishment, the surface cools again, and these pores shrink and trap odor molecules within the construction elements and contents. Much of the time, these odor concerns do not get addressed until the final stages of restoration and recovery, specifically because controlled demolition and other actions taken throughout mitigation can agitate these odors. Some of the most sensitive materials for absorbing smoke after a fire include:

    •    Drywall
    •    Fabrics
    •    Textiles
    •    Furniture
    •    Flooring

Can Certain Practices Alleviate Harsh Odors?

Specific emergency services and other efforts started quickly when our professionals first arrive at a fire-damaged address can help to reduce the severity of odor concerns. These same actions can reduce the concentrations of soot and smoke residue particles as well. Debris removal from the flooring is one of the most effective approaches for reducing the severity and intensity of odors and other health hazardous concerns. We cannot stress enough the importance of removing from the fire-damaged premises non-salvageable fixtures, building members, and content to mitigate the smoke odor. Often, the moisture is also reduced within the structure from the fire-extinguishing efforts, another source of foul odors.

Do These Concerns Dissipate Naturally?

There is a common misconception that smoke and fire odors naturally dissipate on their own. In most situations, allowing odors to move unabated and unaddressed can lead to more significant damage areas and more of the contents in your home, requiring focused cleaning and recovery. There are multiple approaches to addressing odors where they are discovered. The choice between these depends on the severity of the situation, the material affected, and the likelihood of restoration. If it is more cost-effective to remove material and later replace it rather than attempting to clean and deodorize the affected area, these are considerations made during the job scoping phase. Some of the approaches designed to address trapped odors include:

    •    Fogging - Superheating deodorization products into a vapor or a mist provides small enough particles to penetrate porous surfaces and neutralize trapped odors within these materials. This deodorization process often does not occur until even reconstruction has finished in the house after mitigation.
    •    Surface Cleaning - The removal of soot and smoke residues can reduce the concentration and severity of smoke odors. Often, removing these residues involves emulsification or media blasting to prevent damage to the underlying hosting material.
    •    Controlled Demolition - There are many situations where the only suitable solution for protecting your home from odor threats involves removing compromised construction materials and contents. By only removing the portions of this material that are the most damaged, we can make the reconstruction and rebuilding phases more efficient and less costly.

What Tools Address Trapped Odors Exclusively?

The removal of smoke and burning odors can be a considerable challenge for even our SERVPRO professionals. Addressing these concerns utilizes multiple tools in our recovery inventory. Each of these units has its own set of advantages that make it ideal for specific conditions. The choice among the available equipment often comes down to several factors simultaneously, including the affected materials, how widespread the damage has become, and whether the occupants of the house are still on-site. The options for deodorization equipment in these situations often becomes a choice between:

    •    Thermal Foggers
    •    Hydroxyl Generators
    •    Ozone Machines

Fire restoration is not a universal approach from one address to the next. Each home requires its unique blend of cleaning, deodorization, and even reconstruction. Our SERVPRO of Paramus team can help with a fast and reliable response in your time of need. Give us a call today at (201) 445-5588.

Who Can Help When I Cannot Get Rid of the Smoky Odors After a House Fire?

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Don't have no worries if you had a fire in your Westwood home. Call SERVPRO for their specialized service.

Westwood Residents Rely on SERVPRO to Offer Cutting-Edge Fire Damage Odor Resolution

The job of cleaning up fire damage residues is far from easy, but it eventually completes with or without the assistance of an expert disaster response company. Surfaces are clean, appliances work safely, personal possessions are cleared of corrosion and set back in place, clothing is laundered, and furniture is ready for your family to gather. As you settle back into a semblance of normalcy in your Westwood home, one fire loss related problem endures. Malodors are present despite all the cleaning and repairs. The quiet enjoyment of your home is impossible to sustain.

Is the Only Answer to Persistent Fire Damage Odor an Air Freshener?

The internet marketplaces and shelves at your local hardware or grocery store line up perfuming or masking agents as an answer to tough odors following fire damage in Westwood. Sprays, deodorant blocks, essential oils, wax melts, fabric wicks, absorbent clays, and more claim to solve your odor problem. Although we may choose briefly to employ professional masking agents as one tool, our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians also have other strategies that are longer lasting or permanent solutions. Masking distracts from the foul smell, but it does not eliminate it, and its temporary nature means reapplication of the products may be necessary.

How Are Odors Linked to Fire Damage Mitigation and Remediation in General?

Odors are created during combustion. As materials burn, many chemical changes occur in reaction to the heat, oxygen level, and air pressure. Combustion unleashes toxic residues, vapors, and liquids, all of which can carry distinctly unpleasant smells. Soot particles are tiny bits of potentially hazardous and unpleasantly scented and incompletely combusted plastic, textiles, wood, food, grease, paper, and more. They float on air currents and settle on all surfaces and contents inside your home. Sometimes they get sucked into HVAC systems. Basic deodorization protocols learned and used by SERVPRO technicians during IICRC coursework recognize the link between debris and residues and odors, recommending the following multi-step protocol to work toward odor elimination:

First, remove the odor source.

If the charred debris and waste are gone, they carry the odor out of your home. Checking under and behind fixtures and furniture can reveal debris missed. When an area of a room or hall is particularly smelly, removing a portion of drywall might show burned framing, insulation, or other materials that must be removed to eliminate odors.

Second, thoroughly clean surfaces coated in the odor-bearing soots (check the entire house--these residues drift).

If the soot left behind is cleaned with appropriate products, tools, and methods, the bulk of the odors is removed as well. Be sure the interiors and tops of cabinets receive a cleaning, as well as hidden surfaces such as the top of fan blades, woodwork. Replace HVAC filters.

Third, if smells persist despite disposal and cleaning, recreate the environment present during the fire and odor penetration and apply deodorizers in the sam way.

The heat and smoke of a fire can be recreated by thermal fogging, where a heated chamber breaks down the deodorant into smaller particles that seek out, pair with, and neutralize soots, both airborne and settled.

Fourth, consider sealing surfaces that absorbed malodors.

Sealing can help in extraordinary situations like HVAC systems and attics, vaulted, or otherwise inaccessible spaces where surface cleaning is impossible. Broadcast sprayers propel sealants onto these hard to reach surfaces where they keep the malodorous vapors from leaching into the air.

Are Any Other Options Available to Eliminate Odors?

We continuously train our employees and research unique and innovative improvements in odor-elimination technology. When we find effective options that we can use safely, we add them to our arsenal of odor elimination tools.

Ozone MachinesUsed with care, usually in small, contained areas or even off-site, ozone machines can remove odors from furniture and other items. Ozone cannot be used around pets or people, limiting its application as a whole-house remedy. 

Hydroxyl Generators

These machines produce molecules that seek out the odor-bearing particles. A chemical reaction occurs that alters the soot at a molecular level, neutralizing the smell. The operation of a hydroxyl generator does not put humans or pets at risk.

Enzymatic Treatments

Some products are available that break down organic-based malodors using enzymes. Often used for fabrics, they can solve odor problems with protein-based residues.

Who is better positioned to eliminate persistent fire damage odors SERVPRO of Paramus for members of our community? If smoky smells linger, give us a call at (201) 445-5588.

Contractor Licenses:

General: 13VH001305854800

We Put The Flames Of Worry Out In Paramus After A Fire

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

We used our ozone machine to counteract the smoke produced from a fire in this home. Call us right away to prevent further damage.

I live in Paramus, How do I Tackle Cleaning Up After a Grease Fire?

SERVPRO Technicians Use Specialized Cleaning Techniques for Fire Damage Cleanup

After a fire, homeowners are faced with many challenges before their lives can return to normal. One of these challenges is the extensive cleanup required after a grease fire in the kitchen. Although it may be a small fire, smoke residue and odor tends to permeate throughout the home.

What techniques do SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians use for Fire-Damaged Paramus Homes?

1) Finding and Identifying: We locate the smoke residues in the impacted areas to determine the type of residue and the best way to clean it and then remove it.

2) Vacuum: Some residue has loose, dry carbon particles, requiring vacuum removal rather than wet removal that grinds the residue further into the surface.

3) Dissolve: For residues that are not dry, technicians use professional cleaning products to dissolve the residue. This loosens the bond to the surface and can then be rinsed away or extracted using a portable extraction device.

For cleanup assistance after fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Paramus at (201) 445-5588.

See more about Paramus.

Proven Tips to Remediate Fire Damage in Westwood

2/9/2020 (Permalink)

Take care when using a space heater in your home. Never leave anything on top. Contact SERVOPRO should that cause a fire in your living space.

Space Heater Causes Fire Damage in Westwood

Fall, winter, and early spring in New Jersey often have unbearably cold temperatures, and your heat may not reach your bedroom very well, primarily if you use a wood stove. Using a space heater can keep you warm, but often has some safety concerns. It is essential to turn off and unplug them at night. You should always plug it in by itself so that it does not share an electrical outlet while placing it on a level surface. However, even the best of us might fall asleep while using a space heater. Imagine that is what you did, and a small fire erupted. Before you quickly put it out, there are burnt curtains, bedding, and sooty walls.  

Fire damage like this in Westwood is relatively common yet requires specialized cleanup to ensure your home does not have lingering smoke odors, and your walls are correctly cleaned. Cleaning in the fire damage restoration refers to removing smoke residues and then deodorizing smoke odors. 

In this case, SERVPRO technicians remove burnt items such as curtains and bedding. It is imperative to remove these things quickly as they are sources of smoke malodor, and keeping them within the room hinders clean-up effort. Technicians remove other fabric and upholstered items to be dry cleaned or cleaned off-site.

Technicians capture other remaining residues in dry particulate form or in a solution using air and fluids to carry suspended particles. Dry particles are now loosely attached to surfaces and may be removed most effectively by vacuuming them away. Using wet cleaning products on dry particles creates a bigger mess and may force absorption into the item being cleaned.  

Technicians dissolve the non-particulate residues and soil, such as soot, before they can remove them. It is ideal for dissolving the residues to loosen their bond, allowing them to suspend in a wet product before being flushed away while the cleaning product is rinsed or extracted from the surface being cleaned. The type of soil and surface contribute to dissolving ability. Soils can be water-soluble, while others may need a solvent-based cleaning product. 

This type of small fire is relatively easy to clean up by taking the proper steps and using the right tools and products; otherwise, you may have to deal with the smell of smoke for weeks, or even months.

For 24/7 assistance after a fire, contact SERVPRO of Paramus (General Contractor # 13VH001305854800) at (201) 445-5588. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more information about Westwood.

Paramus Cleanup and Restoration Needed after a Fire? SERVPRO Can Make Your Home Whole Again!

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

When a Paramus House Fire Does this to Your Home--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup, Restoration, and Odor Removal

How to Handle Fire Damage in Your Paramus Kitchen

Kitchen fires are frequent throughout New Jersey and the rest of the country because there are the most electronic appliances found within the home. Over half of all house fires ignite in the kitchen. Often a blaze begins with the oven or by having combustible items near the stove.

If you experience fire damage in your Paramus kitchen, then SERVPRO is available to assist you for all of your cleanup and restoration needs.  Cleanup after a kitchen fire requires special care. Trained SERVPRO fire restoration professionals understand that the process is unique to each fire, and should happen quickly to ensure the least amount of damage as possible. Mitigation can significantly decrease out-of-pocket costs and days of inconvenience.

Some contents often found after a kitchen fire are dishware, crystal, and china. It is crucial to clean these right away so that the residue produced in the fire does not become more challenging to remove. These items are fragile and often need to be cleaned by hand. Dishware absorbs much heat during the actual fire and can suffer cracks if the home is cooled down rapidly after extinguishing the fire. Kitchen grease fires often produce an oily residue that becomes more difficult to remove from dishware the longer it stays on the dishes.

Before cleaning, SERVPRO technicians presoak the dishes in a mild alkaline detergent like the specially formulated Wall and All Surface Cleaner. If the oil and grease residue is excessive, dishes may require presoaking in a heavy-duty cleaner such as our Industrial Cleaner. Technicians take extra care with crystal and china, washing it by hand and using less aggressive cleaning methods as not to remove metallic paints or accent trims. For fragile crystal or intricately designed items, an immersion in an ultrasonic bath can be a viable option. These types of dishes need cleaning quickly because acidic smoke residues may cause etching on their surfaces.

SERVPRO focuses on each item within the impacted area of your home to ensure that they are correctly cleaned and restored whenever possible. For structural damage, our qualified team (General Contractor License: 13VH001305854800) can rebuild where necessary and make it "Like it never even happened."

For 24/7 assistance after a fire, contact SERVPRO of Paramus at (201) 445-5588.

Paramus House Fires Call On SERVPRO for Cleanup, Restoration, and No Odors

12/22/2019 (Permalink)

Fire and Odor Damage Typically Require Professional Help for Cleanup and Restoration--We at SERVPRO Can Help

Contact SERVPRO to Cleanup the Fire and Odor Damage Inside Your Paramus Home

Many people know that fire damage can lead to billowing smoke inside of your home, but not many consider the foul odor that it can leave behind as well. The malodor can make it impossible for you to move on from the damage that happened inside of your home. It can even bring thoughts of the damage to mind months after restoration.

However, if done correctly, no unpleasant aspects of the fire and odor damage inside of your Paramus home should remain after remediation. For this reason, you must get help as soon as possible after a blaze happens on your property. The quicker the damage is dealt with, the easier it is to remediate.

Here at SERVPRO, we always respond to your call as soon as possible. We base our entire service around fast, effective, and expert remediation services. We always try to arrive at your location within hours of your initial call and, once we get there, we are with you every step of the way.

Our expert fire and smoke damage remediation technicians could get to work immediately upon arrival. For example, let's say the fire happened in your kitchen and was caused by an unclean toaster. Before you put out the fire, it had managed to spread to several Tupperware containers and a few cooking utensils. The blaze left the smell of burning plastic, metal, and wood behind in your kitchen as well as scorch marks on your wall, countertop, and ceiling.

Our SERVPRO techs could start by setting up an air scrubber in your kitchen, equipped with a carbon filter to capture the particles in the air that are causing the odor. From there, SERVPRO can use a special cleaning agent to help lift the grime and soot from the various surfaces of your kitchen. It may take several re-applications and much scrubbing, but steadily your kitchen can begin to look like it did in its preloss state.

If any odor lingers after all physical signs of the damage have been remediated, our technicians can try deodorizing beads to absorb lingering odors and, if necessary, finish with a thermal fogger, capturing any remaining airborne particles and neutralizing them. Our goal is always to leave your home with you feeling, "Like it never even happened."

If your home experiences a fire, never wait to get help. Get in contact with SERVPRO of Paramus by phoning (201) 445-5588. Night or day, we're ready to come to your aid.

We Help You Safely Handle Fire Debris In Your Paramus Home

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

One of our technicians is using a chemical sponge to wipe away soot from the walls. We have the right tools and are available 24/7.

How To Conduct Fire Debris Removal In Paramus: Tips For The Homeowner

If a spark ever ignites inside your Paramus home, the blaze can go from minor to enormous in a short amount of time. Once ignited, flames can use many of your contents and building materials as fuel, which can force you to have to conduct fire debris removal on your property. After something burns at your residence, the best idea is to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO.

However, there are some ways you can conduct fire debris removal inside your Paramus home on your own. If the area burnt was large, it is possible that many things got ruined as a result of the blaze. Charred materials such as drywall or wooden cabinets often have to be removed and replaced after the burn.

When items are severely burnt, our SERVPRO technicians recommend that you remove them as soon as possible. If things like your charred contents remain on your carpet or next to a wall stay put, they can affect previously unaffected areas of your home. Your torched contents can also become a source of pungent aromas if left inside your living area for too long.

The first step our SERVPRO experts recommend to take when handling fire debris removal is to inspect the area for any potential safety hazards. It is always wise to shut off your electricity, gas, and water running to your house after a fire takes place. Next, look for any other potential hazards, including falling light fixtures or drywall and remove them so that they no longer pose a threat. Clear any debris from walkways so that there is a safe path running through your home.

Once you have mitigated any potential safety hazards in the affected areas, it is time to start removing burnt material. Begin by discarding any severely charred, loose contents by putting them directly into a sealed trash bag before moving to prevent the spread of soot. Next, if you notice any severely burnt building materials such as carpet or drywall, it is wise to cut off the burnt sections and put the charred pieces in a sealed trash bag.

Structural burns can be a massive burden on you if you don't call in the experts. For all of your professional restoration needs, call SERVPRO of Paramus at (201) 445-5588. We can return your home to its preloss state, "Like it never even happened."

See more about Paramus.

What Type of Fireplace is Best?

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that 1 in every 3 homeowner uses a fireplace to provide heat in their home? It is also one of the top 10 sources of a fire in a home. There are several different types of fireplaces out there to use, some safer than others. This blog will help you distinguish which one may be best for you.

Some key factors to think of when choosing the right fireplace for you are the following:

• Efficiency
• Cost
• Maintenance
• Safety

1. Traditional fireplaces -wood-burning

A traditional fireplace is nostalgic for many people and can often been seen by some as the one and only fireplace out there.

It involves an open combustion system which can produce some heat but the heat generated actually just gets sucked back up the chimney like a vacuum. Older fireplaces are around 10-15% efficient in producing heat into a home. 

It requires a chimney which in itself has its own maintenance needed. If they aren’t inspected and cleaned regularly, they can create a build-up of soot and other substances that can be flammable. 

It also requires more effort to burn the logs correctly as well as the post fire clean up. However, many will say it is worth it because of the authenticity of having a real fire shooting sparks and crackling as it burns. It is easy on the eyes, creating a warm comfort feeling. 

2. Gas

This method is most popular for a number of reasons. It takes minimal installation effort and can be installed almost anywhere since venting gets set up through a PVC pipe in the wall instead of a chimney. Everything is enclosed behind a piece of glass so it very safe to use with little to no monitoring. It can easily be turned on with a switch and heats up a home very well. 

It also comes in a vent-less option however these emit the exhaust they produce into your home.

They produce an actual flame that is visible without the need of wood or pellets. It is very efficient in producing heat into a home.

3. Electric

This is probably the most mobile type of fireplace as it can be moved from room to room wherever it can reach an outlet. Downside is because there are no live burning flames it doesn’t produce much heat.

It does prove to be ideal for commercial settings like hotels because of the beautiful appearance of a fireplace without the liability of burning someone who tries to touch it. Cost to buy one is more affordable but in the long-term electric bills will spike.

4. Bio-ethanol

This is the most expensive and referred to as the high-end option. They don’t run on gas, wood or electric but bio-ethanol which is a burning fuel made from an alcohol produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates. They have no cleaning required and are very good looking on the eyes. Downfall is they do not provide as much heat as gas fireplaces and minimal protection from heat.

When deciding on which option is best for you we hope this helped point you in the right direction. 

How to Prepare For and Prevent a Fire.

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that the actual heat from a fire is more dangerous than the flames?

Room temperature during a fire can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level.

You can scorch your lungs just trying to take a breath. The high temperature will even melt your clothes onto your skin.

PREVENTION

• Install the right number of smoke alarms for your home and test them at least once a month. Batteries should be changed once a year.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended
• Turn off portable heater when unattended.
• Never smoke in bed, when drowsy, or medicated. Douse cigarette buds in water before disposal.
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used. Oxygen can be explosive and will make a fire burn hotter and faster.
• Never use a portable generator indoors. It should also only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.
• Keep items 3 feet in distance from any fire source.

PREPARE

• Teach children what to do when they hear the sound of the smoke alarm.
• In the dark close your eyes and practice feeling your way out of your house.
• Establish two ways to exit each room.
• Create a meeting point for all the members in your family outside of your home.
• Make sure everyone knows how to call 911.
• Make sure windows are easily accessible and screens can be removed quickly.
• Make digital copies of all important documents and records such as a birth certificate.

In the event of a fire; before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If it is hot and/or has smoke coming out of the cracks do not open it. Use your second mode of escape from that room. If clothes catch fire teach everyone to stop, drop and roll. If someone cant drop down you can also take a blanket to smother the flames.

Better Act Quick!

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Soot cob webs found in the kitchen of this home.

A fire is a devastating thing to have happen to anyone. No homeowner wants to experience a fire and its damages left behind.

Why is it important to start clean up and restoration after a fire?

Health Risks

First and foremost, left over smoke & soot particles is a bio-hazard. Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory problems or worsen conditions like asthma and heart disease. If possible always try to limit exposure by staying with a relative or in a hotel during restoration. Many times when filing a claim your insurance company may offer you a stay in a hotel until it is no longer a hazard. 

Was Water Used?

There may be occurrences where water was used to cease the fire. If that is the case you may be experiencing not only fire and smoke damage to your home but also water damage. It is imperative to start proper drying of water in your home to prevent mold growth from occurring. 

Permanent Damage

Acidic soot can cause damage to porous materials leading to permanent discoloration that even a professional at that point wouldn't be able to remove.  However, if action is taken quickly permanent damage can be prevented.

It is expected that wherever the fire occurred there can also be electrical damage to outlets, wires, appliances. Make sure these are deemed safe before return to use. 

Soot can also cause damage to finishes on appliances or kitchen surfaces. These can become discolored turning a yellow hue. Over time smoke and soot can cause etching to glass and tarnishing of metal. 

Hopefully this situation will not occur in your home but if you find yourself needing to act quickly contact SERVPRO of Paramus.

What Is Soot?

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Soot shown on a chemical sponge.

Did you know that the highest cause of house fires is from cooking? Usually when a homeowner leaves a pot or pan unattended and then only remembers it when smoke invades their home. It may not develop into fire damage to your property but rather smoke and soot damage that usually is worse than you would think. Although your kitchen cabinetry isn’t on fire and ruined there is still some specialized clean-up needing to be done from the smoke & soot. 

Soot is a powdery, flaky substance composed of mostly carbon that is a result of incomplete combustion of materials like coal, oil and wood. Not only is it harmful but it can also be a pain to remove due to its stickiness which can cause staining if not treated properly. 

A chemical sponge is used to clean soot from walls. Commonly a chemical sponge may also reveal soot you did not notice was there. 

When treating textiles, a heavy duty vacuum must be used  before trying to clean them. Do not try to wash these in regular dry-cleaning or wash. Professional cleaners will need to use counteractants to break up smoke molecules and eliminate odors. 

It is highly recommended to hire a professional to properly handle clean-up and restoration to eliminate chances of staining and odor. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (201) 445-5588

Smoke, Soot and Odor Removal

4/1/2018 (Permalink)

Dry Sponges or Chem Sponges used to remove soot from hard surfaces

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 Paramus 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 – 201-445-5588

You Need a Professional to Fix Your Smoke Damage

2/22/2017 (Permalink)

Severe Smoke Damage in a home

Why You Need a Professional to Fix Your Smoke Damage

There is no question damage from flames and smoke can destroy a home. If your home has sustained fire damage, you might have one question when it comes to smoke damage:  Why should you use a professional for cleanup?  For three simple reasons, you should leave your fire and smoke damage to the pros.

Time Matters

When it comes to mitigating the damage of smoke, time is important. The longer smoke residue stays in your home, the more likely it is to cause permanent damage. If you hire a professional restoration service, it will be able to enter your home quickly, saving items before smoke has a chance to completely destroy them. Further, if you work with a professional restoration company, you can ready your home for other contractors to make repairs.

Equipment Counts

With industrial-grade filtration equipment and chemicals, professional fire restoration companies have the tools to deal with both fire damage and smoke damage. You probably do not. You might have one question about smoke damage:  Why should you use a professional for cleanup?  When it comes to the best equipment for the job, you want to rely on a professional service who has the tools to do the job right.

Smoke Is Hazardous

If you plan to try to fix your burn damage by yourself, you should think again. Smoke generated from household fires is a known carcinogen. Without the training, experience, and safety equipment to protect yourself from the health hazards of smoke, you could get quite sick. By working with a professional restoration company, you can protect your health while restoring your home.

There is a simple answer when it comes to the following question about smoke damage:  Why should use a professional for cleanup?  Since you probably don’t have the time, equipment, or skill to properly restore your home, you should leave fixing your smoke and fire damage to the professionals.

Fire Restoration Can Make Your Home Livable Again

2/9/2017 (Permalink)

Room After a Fire

How Fire Restoration Can Fix Your Home

There is no question fire damage can be catastrophic for any home. Even if the flames are never too bad in your house, smoke damage can make it unlivable. Either way, by working with a qualified fire restoration specialist, you can return your home to a good condition again. Here are two ways fire restoration can make your home livable again.

Flame Solutions

If a fire breaks out, your home can sustain fire damage ranging from cosmetic to structural. A good fire restoration company can complete a full structural analysis of your house. If any part of your home is unsafe, the company will rope it off and discuss structural risks with you. Then, the company will remove any damaged materials to ready your home for repairs. Because they have knowledge and skill related directly to flame mitigation your restoration company will be in a better position to advise you on home repairs following your fire than a general contractor. If you are wondering if fire restoration can make your home livable again, this should give you peace of mind.

Smoke Remediation

Whether flames in your home were severe or relatively minor, smoke damage can be catastrophic. Even if the fire did not directly damage parts of your home, it’s smoke probably permeated every inch of your house. Because of this, you need to work with a skilled fire restoration specialist. You will receive a full analysis of what furniture, belongings, and building materials you need to remove from your house. The company will then use chemicals and filtration to purify the air in your home. Eventually, you might not even notice the effects of smoke damage.

If your house has sustained fire damage, fire restoration can make your home livable again. By working with an exceptional fire restoration specialist, you can return comfort, usefulness, and beauty to your house.

Found Treasure

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

The homeowner was in Arizona when she got the call that there was a fire in her townhouse in River Vale, New Jersey. SERVPRO of PARAMUS/NORTHEAST BERGEN COUNTY was called in to do the emergency board-up and later to clean some of the structure, any salvageable contents and to perform the demolition in other areas. We had been in the townhouse numerous days but could not get into the utility room due to the structure of the kitchen floor above being compromised. Eventually after the area was secured we began cleaning the utility room. During cleaning one of our technicians (Gus Calliste) found 5 cardboard boxes, small but heavy. He opened the first one and discovered a solid silver bar, it weighed 100 Ounces and was marked 99.999 pure silver. Gus opened the remaining four boxes and found the same solid silver bars in each one.

Gus took a picture and sent it to our owner, Tony Palumbo. The picture only showed four silver bars. Tony called the homeowner and told her we found four solid silver bars. She wasn’t even aware they were there but she was very grateful. She also misunderstood Tony and thought they were one ounce silver bars. Gus came back to the office and turned in the 5 silver bars. We cleaned the soot from the silver bars and made arrangements to return it to the insured/homeowner.

The day we arrived at the scheduled appointment she wasn’t home. Our technician Mike Johnson called her cell phone and she said she was stuck at the Verizon store in Hillsdale. Mike told her not to worry and he drove the big green truck out to meet her. She was absolutely shocked to discover they were 100 ounces each and that there was 5 not 4. Mike handed over the 5 bars, 100 ounces each to a delighted homeowner. 500 ounces at about $17.43 an ounce was a nice ($8715) and very unexpected surprise. She couldn’t stop thanking Gus and the crews that had been working in her house for their honesty. This was definitely one of our more interesting finds at a jobsite. Lastly for the record, she was grateful for the job we did in her home to get her on the road back to getting her home and life restored. SERVPRO of Paramus/Northeast Bergen County was happy to assist.