Is Your Home Ready for Winter?

10/28/2024 (Permalink)

Keep your home safe and cozy all winter long: 

The colder winter months are upon us and that means relying more on our heating systems to keep our homes cozy and warm. This increased use of heating equipment also increases the risk of accidental fires. Taking extra steps now can help prevent these fires and help keep your home and family safe all season long: 

Inspect Heating Systems 

• Furnaces: Call a professional to inspect and clean your furnace to ensure it is in shape and all potentially flammable debris is removed and cleaned.  

• Fireplaces: Creosote buildup is the leading cause of chimney fires. Be sure to have your chimney cleaned and inspected so you can safely use your fireplace all winter long.  

• Space Heaters: Never leave space heaters unattended and keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable materials. Be sure that the heater you are using has been safety tested and approved. 

Check Your Water Heater 

• Monitoring the health of your water heater is essential. As water heaters age, the heating element and thermostat can wear out, increasing the risk of potential flash fires. 

Test Smoke and Carbon monoxide Detectors 

Clean Dryer Ducts 

Check Fire Extinguishers 

• Ensure that fire extinguishers are up to date and in proper working condition. 

Only Burn Dry Firewood 

• Do not use painted or treated wood in your fireplace as this can release dangerous chemicals and fumes into your home. Wet firewood will create steam, smoke, and sparks. Be sure your wood is completely dry before adding it to your fireplace. 

Holiday Decorations 

• As the holiday season commences, be sure your decorations spark cheer, not flames. Keep trees a safe distance from fireplaces and heaters and be sure to unplug them when not in use. Do not leave candles unattended and keep them a safe distance from flammable materials. 

SERVPRO of Monroe/West Monroe Fire Restoration Services 

While we hope you never need to call us if your home or business suffers from fire or smoke damage, our team is here for you with 24/7 emergency services. As a leading fire damage restoration company, we specialize in removing water after firefighting efforts. Our trained team will assess the damage caused by the fire and handle the fire cleanup and fire damage restoration. Our professionals will also deep-clean your property including soot removal from walls, carpets, and upholstery. They will also perform the smoke damage cleanup and the removal of the smoke odors. 

How to Properly Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

Maintaining a properly functioning smoke detector will not only keep peace and quiet in your home, but will make it much safer.

We have all had that frustrating experience with a faulty smoke detector that just will not stop beeping. Maintaining a properly functioning smoke detector will not only keep peace and quiet in your home, but will make it much safer. 

Tips for properly installing smoke detectors: 

• The number of smoke detectors necessary for your home will be determined by the size and layout of your home. However, as a general rule you should have at least one on every level of your home (including the basement) and one in every bedroom.
• Install smoke detectors in central locations. Ceiling detectors should be placed on a flat area and wall detectors must be less than 12 inches from the ceiling.
• Always follow your device’s instructions carefully while installing (especially detectors that require hardwired power). If you do not feel comfortable installing on your own, there are many professional services that will install them for you.
• Test your alarm after installing them by using the test button 

Tips for maintaining smoke detectors:

• Never use the same smoke detector for longer than 10 years. If you have had the same ones for longer than this, replace them as soon as possible. 
• Test the alarms monthly. 
• Replace non-hardwired detector’s batteries annually. 
• Clean your detectors every year. Dust and other pollutants can impede the performance of your smoke detectors.

If you experience a fire loss in your home, SERVPRO® of Monroe / West Monroe is here to help 24/7. Our team of fire restoration professionals will restore your home to preloss conditions, so it is "Like it never even happened." Call us at (318) 345-5121.

Things You Might Save in Your Monroe Home after Fire Damage

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration includes debris and odor removal from your Monroe home. Call SERVPRO to get the process started.

SERVPRO Evaluates Monroe Homes Recommending the Best Fire Restoration Approaches

A fire has varied impacts on a home. Significant damage to your valuables can demoralize you because you may not know what you can save. Even if insurance can cater for the cost of replacing items lost to a fire in your Monroe home, you might still prefer to keep things that have sentimental value. The materials that makeup items are the main determinants of whether you can save them. Glass and metal items are more likely to be salvageable than wood and fabrics, which deteriorate quickly from heat exposure. 

How a Monroe fire damage incident unfolds also determines what can be salvaged or not. When firefighting is timely, damage from flames and heat is contained before spreading over vast areas. Therefore, the main issues are smoke deposits and moisture accumulation. Smoke residues are dark and acidic, so they cause significant soiling and staining. Our SERVPRO technicians help reverse this type of deterioration thorough cleaning and drying. 

Salvageable items include:

• Kitchenware
• Smoke damaged electronics
• Lightly charred furniture
• Glass and metal structural materials

Kitchenware primarily includes glass and ceramic utensils. Exposure to extreme heat conditions can cause cracking. However, the most common effect is deep soiling and staining from the soot accumulating on their surfaces. Even items locked away in cabinets are heavily soiled since smoke driven by convection currents concentrates in colder areas of a property during a fire. Our SERVPRO technicians simplify the restoration of such items using advanced immersion cleaning such as ultrasonic cleaners, eliminating any lingering soot staining, "Like it never even happened." The ultrasonic cleaner has a tank where the soiled items are dipped. The system then produces millions of bubbles and implodes them instantaneously, creating an effective yet non-invasive agitation force that strips away stubborn soils and stains from the surface of items.

Light or Moderate Fire Damage

You can salvage many items with light or moderate damage from heat exposure or residue accumulation. Identifying such damage early and kick-starting restoration procedures in time improves the chances of salvaging them. An example of light damage is an accumulation of smoke residues in electronic items or appliances. Slight charring of furniture items can be light or moderate damage. 

Electronics can be saved if not directly affected by the flames. They require a unique restoration approach since their internal components are delicate and can be easily damaged if cleaned with water or if you power the item when the circuit board is caked with soot residues. 

Salvaging Electronics Requires

• Dry cleaning to remove surface residues
• Damp wiping to clean wet soils or stains
• Maintaining room temperatures above the dew point

Since soot is essentially carbon, it readily conducts electricity. When its circuit boards are layered with soot residues, powering an item can lead to short circuits and thus permanent damage. Our SERVPRO technicians clean the exteriors and prepare appliances for inspection and cleaning by a third party specializing in this process. Since the air in a home is humid after fire damage, corrosion of internal components is another risk that might leave your electronics unsalvageable. Our SERVPRO technicians set up dehumidifiers to regulate humidity levels or supply heating to prevent cooling to the dew point whereby condensation would occur, leading to rust.

SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe offers access to specialist skills and advanced technologies, thus improving the chances of salvaging items affected by fire damage. Call us at (318) 345-5121.

SERVPRO Can Restore Your Monroe House After Fire Damage

1/2/2023 (Permalink)

Hydroxyl generators eliminate smoky odors during fire damage restoration in Monroe area homes. Ask SERVPRO to restore your home!

Get Technical Help for Fire Restoration in Monroe

Even though not all fires burn houses to the ground, the smallest of fires can cause a lot of damage in your household due to soot, smoke, heat, and the water that might originate from the fire suppression system or the firefighters. This mess leaves you with the task of restoring your house to its preloss state. Failing to act quickly after a fire could cause more damage, like rainwater entering your home or mold growth, which can inevitably raise repair costs.

It would help if you avoided falling into that unfortunate situation since SERVPRO is ready to perform fire restoration in your Monroe residence. Even if you contained your fire and got it extinguished quickly, the damages caused by smoke, soot and water can be pervasive. These elements increase the likelihood that every item in the affected rooms needs cleaning in the least. This might include ceilings, walls, flooring, personal items, and furniture. Our main process consists of these steps:

• A thorough inspection
• Removal of soot
• Water removal
• Using hydroxyl generators or thermal foggers to remove odors.

Soot is oily, which means it stains substances readily. To remove it to prevent it from spreading the stains to other items, our SERVPRO team can use a heavy-duty vacuum to suck it up.

Removal of smoke odors is another crucial step in SERVPRO’s restoration process. Since the smoke odor may have permeated every textile item in the room, we use hydroxyl generators for deodorization. These produce oxidizing agents that react with the molecules causing the smells and, in effect, do away with it.

Also, your house’s structural elements might soak up the smoke odor due to the heat causing pores to open in wallboards. The smoke can remain trapped in the pores when the house cools down. To handle this, SERVPRO applies the thermal fogging process, which enables us to open the pores and neutralize the odor particles.

Hesitation can condemn your house to destruction. Contact SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe at (318) 345-5121 for efficient fire restoration services. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

We Help You Breathe Easier After A Fire In West Monroe

8/7/2022 (Permalink)

When your home is facing a fire damage urgency, team SERVPRO can help. Contact us right away for effective services. We are standing by 24/7.

Are Thermal Foggers the Choice for Fire Odors in West Monroe?

While most homeowners would not consider odors after a fire loss incident in their West Monroe home to be the most challenging effects, once many of the areas have gotten cleaned and restored, a lingering odor can make comfortable living impossible. While there are many options for deodorization after a fire loss incident, our thermal fogging machines are a popular choice for many reasons. As typical of a choice as these options might be, they are not the only option available to our SERVPRO team.

With the multiple layers of fire damage present in West Monroe homes following a loss incident, aspects like harsh odors often get pushed to the side to address more pressing concerns like structural damages, soot residues, and other air quality concerns. Permeation is one of the hardest aspects of odor removal to address because smoke can get trapped in cooling structural elements and construction materials during extinguishment.

One of the advantages of choosing thermal fogging is that these units are portable, allowing our SERVPRO team to provide the appropriate levels of concentrated deodorizing agents to the areas that need them without a taxing set up and moving procedure. We can start with the highest concentration of deodorizing fog in the origin points of the fire and in areas where the combustion was the most extreme, and work out using less and less of the odor removing solution after fire damage.

Because of its gaseous delivery system, permeation can occur again without needing to replicate the temperatures that widened the pores of the damaged materials and contents of the home. This fog can penetrate damaged elements and neutralize even trapped smoke odors on contact, becoming a permanent solution to the threat.

While odors are rarely the most hazardous effect of a fire loss incident, they are an essential hurdle to overcome in returning a property to preloss condition. We have many options for deodorization, and our SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe can use thermal fogging to help you breathe easier after a fire. Give us a call today at (318) 345-5121.

Addressing The Different Types of Soot Particles During Fire Damage Restoration in Monroe

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot cleanup needed following a fire in a Monroe home? Don't DIY, get the experts from SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened."

Monroe Fire Damage Cleanup

When a fire damage incident takes place on your property, different types of smoke residues result. Some kinds of smoke particles are difficult to clean when compared to other types. The most common types of soot residues that we encounter when attending such events in Monroe are wet soot residues, dry soot particles, protein soot residues, and fuel oil soot particles.

Our SERVPRO technicians have a good understanding of the various stages of combustion and the kind of fire damage they cause on your Monroe property. Most fires generate both dry and wet smoke - with the production of the two being in different proportions. Since we end up with different kinds of residues, we have to use several cleaning techniques during the restoration process. From experience, it is easier to clean dry smoke than wet smoke. The amount of oxygen present during combustion, the items the fire burns as well as the combustion rate determines whether soot particles are dry or wet.

The rate of combustion is faster when there is sufficient oxygen and such incidents produce dry smoke. On the other hand, the production of wet smoke occurs in slow-burning incidents where the quantities of oxygen are low. In most cases, natural items such as paper, natural fibers, wood, and cork produce dry smoke while synthetic materials such as foam rubber, and plastics produce wet smoke.

Dry soot particles do not heavily stain surfaces and carry few deposits. It means our SERVPRO team uses less aggressive cleaning methods during the restoration process. There are a lot of aerosols and deposits in wet smoke, which means it moves slowly and has sufficient time to penetrate into enclosed areas such as crevices – something which is unlikely to happen during a faster burning fire. It is difficult to restore items after exposure to this type of smoke.

SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe has the expertise and training to handle your residential and commercial restoration needs. Call us at (318) 345-5121 and benefit from our industry-proven cleaning and restoration services.

Fire Damage Experts In Monroe Talk About Cleaning Hardwood Furniture

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

To Preserve and Salvage Fire Damaged Furniture in the Monroe Vicinity--Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO Provides Professional Services for Cleaning Fire & Smoke Damaged Furniture

If a fire starts inside your Monroe home, many items can get burned and have to be removed and replaced. Other things can get severely smoke damaged to the point where they must get discarded as well. However, in many cases, cleaning soot residues and odors left behind from smoke can save items.

Most blazes torch building materials that are near the source, but the smoke created during the burn can cause problems in areas of the house far away from the initial flare-up. In most fire damage cases in Monroe, soot cleaning and deodorization are vital parts of the restoration project. Ceilings, walls, and cabinets are all susceptible to attracting soot and soils that smoke leaves behind in its trail.

Items inside your home, like furniture, also can suffer damage from smoke and soot. Contents that are made of porous materials, such as couches, can be professionally cleaned with specialized detergents. Then, if burnt aromas still exist after cleaning, deodorizing can take place using a small spray bottle for localized problems, an ultra-low volume fogger, or a hydroxyl generator.

Hardwood furniture can also be damaged during a fire in your house by both heat and smoke. If near the source, wood furniture can blister, requiring the items to be refinished. Smoke can stain some wooden furniture pieces that can force them to get refinished or repainted. Water may also damage the furniture, and the drying process must be regulated to avert splitting the legs and supports.

In many scenarios, soot residues can be cleaned off of hardwood furniture using various methods. Dry cleaning with sponges, cloths, or vacuums works well with most types of soot and soils. However, if the soot residue is oily, then wet cleaning works best.

Low alkali surface cleaners and mild detergents explicitly made for hardwood furniture can be used to clean moderate soot damage. Our SERVPRO technicians always clean all hardwood items with grains to prevent scratching. After the cleaners remove the soot residues, an oil-based furniture polish gets applied to restore the wood's natural oils.

Cleaning hardwood furniture items with the correct methods can save pieces from being counted as a loss. If you ever need professional help with cleaning furniture, call SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe at (318) 345-5121 seven days a week.

How Can Property Owners Restore a West Monroe Property Affected by Fire Damage?

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage often accompanies fire damage. SERVPRO has the tools and training to handle all your water and fire damage restoration needs.

Homeowners Can Hire an Experienced and Certified Firm Like SERVPRO to Perform Fire Restoration in their West Monroe Homes

After a devastating fire, most property owners are left confused about where to begin. However, one has to take action fast since the secondary damages of fire begin immediately. After the unfortunate incident happens, contact SERVPRO technicians in West Monroe to help you get your property back to its pre-damage state safely and speedily.

What Credentials Should Homeowners Look For When Hiring a Restorer?

When hiring a restoration firm, ask it to provide you with credentials to determine if it can handle the fire damage in your West Monroe residence. A reliable restorer should have certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which indicates that the restorer has the expertise to conduct fire restoration.

Our team of restorers is licensed and accredited. We have gone through thorough training in restoration, and we have decades of experience. We use approved and advanced techniques during restoration to achieve the best outcome.

Do You Work With The Property Owner's Insurance Company?

At SERVPRO, we aim to make the restoration process hassle-free for our customers. We offer a content claim inventory service (CCIS) that provides a precise and detailed list of the items in a home. Our technicians can take an inventory of the contents in your home, and this includes taking photos and barcoding in some cases. With such a list, making insurance claims is easier.

What Do You Look for While You Inspect For Damage?

The success of the restoration process depends on the intensity of the damage and the techniques we use. During the inspection, we lookout for several things, including:

• Pre Existing damage
• Heat damage
• Water damage
• Smoke residues 

How Do You Handle Ruined Artwork?

Artwork ranges from extremely valuable fine art to inexpensive framed pictures. Valuable art requires a trained conservator. We can subcontract a reliable conservator to restore your fine art.

Do You Have to Remove Glue From the Carpet?

That depends on the intensity of the damage on the carpet. If the firefighters use lots of water to combat the flames, we will clean and dry your carpet using portable extractors with a vacuum, heater, and pump. Since water mixes with smoke residues causing discoloration, our restorers can use natural fabric brightener mixed with shampoo super concentrate when cleaning the carpet.

Fire damage can affect your property and lifestyle significantly. SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe at (318) 345-5121 for help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Monroe Attic Fire Restoration Can Preserve Home Contents

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your one-stop-shop for fire damage restoration.

SERVPRO Fire Restoration Services Remove Char and Smoke Damage in Monroe

Attics are one of the most frequent places for electrical fires after ceilings and bedrooms, according to data furnished by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Regardless of the cause, these fires can heavily impact home insulation, ceiling joists for lower floors, HVAC, and whatever contents are stored there. A proactive fire restoration team can prove essential for saving structural materials and keepsakes and other Monroe homeowners' belongings.

Fire restoration services from Monroe SERVPRO technicians provide 24/7 availability and comprehensive cleanup after a home fire. Certified SERVPRO technicians receive thorough training in Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) best practices.

Cleaning Attic Structures and Contents with SERVPRO Solutions

Restoration strategies vary based on oxygen content, temperature, and materials burned during a fire, among other factors. On top of that, attics often feature copious amounts of unfinished wood that can absorb smoke damage, making it a challenge to clean. SERVPRO fire cleanup entails a variety of restoration tasks, such as:

• Walls and ceilings that require wet cleaning can be treated by starting with the walls before moving onto ceilings. Conversely, dry cleaning for lighter fire soils works from top to bottom in an affected space.
• Abrasion cleaning with such materials as soda ash or corn cobs can remove char from ceiling joists or wall studs
• Books kept in storage can be carefully cleansed of dry soot with compressed air, dry cleaning sponges, brushing or vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum
• Any art that requires restoration, especially fine art, can be subcontracted to a licensed conservator
• Insulation is often more cost-effective to replace with new material since absorbing smoke damage can compromise its effectiveness

SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe can provide "Like it never even happened," quality cleanup for homeowners who call (318) 345-5121.

Where Can I Get Expert Fire Restoration Services in Monroe?

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Our professionals have state of the art equipment to clean up and restore your home so you can return safely after a fire.

SERVPRO Has Been Providing Expert Fire Restoration Services in Monroe Since 1996! 

If a fire happens on your property, you want restoration technicians who know what they are doing. Cleaning up after a fire is far more than just removing debris, ash, and soot. It requires addressing all aspects of the aftermath, including scent. Luckily, there is qualified and expert help nearby! 

SERVPRO has been providing expert Monroe fire restoration services since 1996. SERVPRO techs are fire damage experts and have access to advanced technology suitable for any fire-based job we handle. From your first call, we prioritize getting to your home as quickly as possible so you can have your house back swiftly. 

As an example, imagine a situation where a fire broke out in the living room of your home. Candles are statistically a significant source of fire damage in many homes. Depending on the wax, the wick, and surrounding surfaces, candles can burn a lot hotter than you may imagine and have significantly tall flames. Setting a candle down on your bookshelf might not seem like a problem at first, but it could cause a fire. 

SERVPRO would start by cleaning up firefighting efforts, such as the debris from an extinguisher, in a situation like this. Secondly, we would remove any permanently damaged books. Should your shelving be beyond repair, we can remove that too. Our goal is to save as many of your belongings as feasibly possible. 

From there, we can use carbon-filtered air scrubbers to help neutralize malodors while we clean up soot and debris with specialized cleaning agents. We desire to leave you with a house that does not remind you of the fire that occurred. Once completed, we can let you get back to your everyday life. 

If your home needs fire restoration services, call us now! Speak with SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe by calling (318) 345-5121. We can help you today!

What Makes Smoke Residues a Threat in Monroe Homes After Fire Damage?

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

We have the training, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your home to pre-damage condition after a fire. Call us right away.

With Many Surfaces and Contents Affected by Migrating Smoke Residue and Soiling, Our SERVPRO Professionals Can Help With Cleaning and Restoring These Areas. 

Smoke can become one of the most problematic obstacles for our responding technicians to overcome in Monroe homes after a fire loss. Understanding the sciences behind the creation and dispersal smoke damage throughout the property can help you appreciate your need for professional restoration as soon as extinguishment is completed. Because We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, many residents have looked to our experience and quick arrival to limit the spread and severity of fire loss effects.

As challenging as fire damage in Monroe homes and businesses can become, each of these situations must be approached carefully to recover damaged contents, structural elements, and other valuables. Smoke damage can leave residues on surfaces and contents, which can vary in consistency and thickness to impact how easily our technicians can remove these coatings. After a careful inspection in the initial phases of job scoping by our project manager, we can best determine the ideal approaches to remove smoke residues on multiple services. 

When Is Smoke Damage Created? 

The decomposition of burning materials creates smoke. Specific structural elements and items can cause a higher volume or spread of this smoke production. These different materials also determine the composition of the smoke itself. For example, burning organic compounds can release carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which can be damaging to occupants of the house or even our responding technicians without the appropriate personal protective equipment. Smoke typically consists of a collection of:

• Solid Particles 
• Aerosols
• Gases
• Suspended Particulates

What Characteristics Exist in Smoke Damages? 

There are reasons that there are multiple ways of removing smoke damage from a house after a fire. There are varying characteristics from the production of smoke that must get addressed individually to ensure that the full threat has gotten resolved. Understanding the variances in composition or smoke damage can be beneficial for the necessary tasks to eradicate this threat. To help you appreciate which methods work the best for removing smoke damage and residues, it is important to 1st understand the significantly challenging characteristics of smoke. These include: 

Gases: Gas is the invisible element of smoke damage, but also can be one of the most physically compromising to those exposed. Gaseous byproducts generated during combustion can immediately threaten those attempting to vacate the house before extinguishment takes place.

Smoke particles: Particles of smoke are microscopic and usually consist of carbon. The presence of these particles makes smoke damage visible to the occupants of the house and our responding technicians. Each of these particles can vary in size between .1 to 4 microns in size. Its substantially small size can make it threatening to the human respiratory system if inhaled.

Aerosols: Aerosols are another threat that exists in spreading smoke conditions after a fire. Much like solid particles circulating in the smoke, aerosols get generated from the presence of liquid and extremely fine solid matter suspended in the gas.

What Are Different Types of Smoke Residues? 

Many homeowners do not realize that residues from smoke can vary from one house and fire to another. Depending on numerous factors, including the heat of the blaze and the materials affected, various residues can provide challenges for our SERVPRO technicians. Understanding the types of smoke residues can ensure that our technicians choose the right method of removal and restoration for the affected materials and surfaces of your property. The primary examples of smoke residues include: 

• Dry Smoke
• Wet Smoke 
• Protein Smoke 
• Fuel Oil Smoke 

What Methods Are Best for Removing Smoke Effects? 

Depending on the type of smoke damage that exists, there are multiple tactics to remove residues and particles from surfaces and contents in the house. In most situations, wipe cleaning, in multiplication, and soda blasting are among the top choices for surface recovery when the underlying material has not become too compromised to protect. Our technicians must be careful to prevent any staining or smearing of wet spoke residues and other coatings to avoid unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction whenever possible. 

Fire losses can be a widespread threat that impacts more than the immediate area around the combustion site. With experienced technicians and adequate equipment, our SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe team can help whenever you call (318) 345-5121.

Overcoming Smoke and Soot Damages in Your Monroe Home

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO removes the soot, smoke and odors that come with fire damage, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Understands That Recovering From a Fire in Your Home Includes Removing the Lingering Odors

Fires often present multiple damaging effects to homes in Monroe. While there are very few that a homeowner can handle on their own, the majority of these lingering symptoms from a recent disaster like this require professional restoration services to return your house to normal. Regardless of the severity of the fire, cleaning up the damages and bringing your home back to preloss conditions takes expertise and the right equipment. 

Smoke and soot, along with a harsh odor, are fire damage effects typical of Monroe house fires, regardless of their size or destructive force. Fighting these effects is something that our SERVPRO technicians prepare for and get explicitly trained to restore. While many homeowners might believe that counteracting the odor in their homes with a more pungent scent can overcome their issue, deodorization is the only sure way to remove a noxious scent. 

Deodorization After Fire Damage

Deodorization is a process that utilizes several pieces of equipment to accomplish, but primarily, the job falls to our thermal foggers. The chemical compound that they release can get used to treat both the air in the affected areas of your home and affected furniture, textiles, materials, and fabrics. The solution breaks apart smoke molecules in the environment and neutralizes them to leave a scentless area behind to doctor as you see fit. 

Soot Damage Removal

Cleaning up soot damage is another common effect that our SERVPRO technicians get asked to remedy, and there are a few approaches that we use to do it. Soot can often get cleaned from hard surfaces using specialized vacuums or by cleaning the area with a wet or dry sponge. Set in soot might require more aggressive measures. While the goal is to restore these walls to their original condition, sometimes the severity of damage can only allow for restoration to prepare for repainting or resurfacing.

While every home fire might be different between its location and severity, some symptoms are universal to nearly every occurrence. When you are looking for a trusted team to help you overcome the effects of a recent fire in your home, you can rely on SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe. Give us a call anytime you need us at (318) 345-5121.

Fire Damage Restoration Involves Specialized Skills

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and Fire damage restoration in this stairway in a Monroe home is what SERVPRO does best. Call us for cleanup.

SERVPRO Technicians Quickly Assess the Damage Left by a Fire and Determine the Most Efficient Remediation Approach

When a fire ignites in your Monroe home, getting your family to safety and calling firefighters to knock out the flames are critical first responses. Fast action ensures no one is harmed and property damage is minimized. Once the scene is stable, it might be tempting to try to manage the cleanup yourself. The characteristics of fire damage done to your home make this decision questionable.

House Fire Clean Up

The charring, residues, and odors lingering after fire damage in Monroe do not respond as one expects to regular cleaning routines, nor is the damage always found where you might expect. The flames are out, but the materials combusted remain in your home as ash, burned surfaces, and soot. The smoke produced by a fire contains gases, liquids, and solids, the particles of each tiny and capable of penetrating deeply into structural components, fixtures, and all manner of personal possessions in your dwelling. Our technicians train extensively to learn how smoke acts during and after fire damage and thus can follow its destructive pathways throughout your home.

Smoke Damage Restoration

Heated air rises, so smoke damage one or more levels up from the fire site is not unexpected. Different materials create smoky residues called soots that vary in adhesion to surfaces. Hot burning wood debris can be ashy and easy to vacuum or brush away while slowly combusting fabrics or plastics release sticky coatings that require specialized cleaners, agitation, abrasive tools or ingredients, or solvents. SERVPRO technicians match the residue to the most efficient removal strategy relying on training and experience.

Unlike regular dirt, fire residues are fast-acting and corrosive agents that can cause harmful reactions to individuals during the cleaning process. SERVPRO technicians follow procedures developed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) when completing fire damage restoration projects. The standards are accepted internationally and represent the fire damage recovery business’s best practices, keeping our technicians and residents safe.

Fire damage restoration must be speedy and comprehensive. If hidden areas are left untouched, the acidic nature of the residues progressively damages structures. SERVPRO’s team of well-qualified fire damage restoration technicians can transform a home from devastation to “Like it never even happened.” Homeowners on their own cannot clean fast enough to prevent ongoing destruction.

If you face fire damage cleanup and restoration, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe for fast, professional help. Within hours of your call to (318) 345-5121, an experienced manager inspects your home and creates a plan our crew is ready to implement immediately.

Need House Fire Cleanup Assistance in Monroe – Call SERVPRO

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is stressful. SERVPRO has the equipment to restore your home.

Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration and Cleanup in Monroe

The effort involved in cleaning up after a house fire in Monroe can appear to be overwhelming for many residents. Damage from the fire, smoke damage residues, and the fire department's water or chemicals used to quell the fire can involve the entire home, especially smoke odors.

SERVPRO provides house fire cleanup services to Monroe residential and commercial customers. Our services cover every aspect. We bring your residence back to its original condition, "Like it never even happened."

Our services include:

• Removal of fire-damaged contents and structure
• House fire cleanup of all contents and surfaces
• Removal of smoke residues and deodorization in all areas affected by smoke odors
• Emergency repairs to protect your home from the elements
• Reconstruction and fire restoration 

We work closely with our clients and insurance adjusters. We also respond to your call in four hours or less to control and mitigate the damage. Water and moisture can quickly damage absorbent materials, leading to mold and mildew infestations in less than 24 hours.

Call SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe for house fire cleanup services in Monroe and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (318) 345-5121.

Need Help with Your Fire Damaged Home in West Monroe – Call SERVPRO

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Often, not everything is a total loss after a fire. SERVPRO has the tools and cleaners to restore your home.

Water & Fire Damage Restoration in West Monroe Residences

West Monroe and the city of Monroe are sister cities separated by the Ouachita River. They are also referred to as the twin cities of northeast Louisiana. West Monroe has a population of approximately 13,000, while Monroe’s population is 48,000. The municipality of West Monroe was officially recognized in 1859. Today, West Monroe and the general area west of the Ouachita River overall is identified as a vibrant, clean, growing, friendly area, a small-town atmosphere, and many of the amenities and features of a larger city.

The attractions and activities West Monroe residents and visitors enjoy include:

• Kiroli Park
• Landry Vineyards
• Restoration Park
• Antique Alley
• Ouachita Brewing Company
• Excalibur Family Fun Center

Across the river in Monroe, residents also enjoy

• Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
• Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
• Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
• Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo
• Masur Museum of Art

Kiroli Park

Kiroli Park in West Monroe covers150 acres and offers several playgrounds, a conservatory, tennis courts, a dog park, picnic areas, gardens, hiking trails, and fishing ponds. There is a suspension bridge, an observation tower, a covered bridge, and several elevated walkways.

The park also has a lodge that is used for indoor functions. It comes with two fireplaces, central air, and heat, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. Visitors can rent one of several picnic shelters for birthday parties and other celebrations.

There is also a dog park, one for large dogs and one for smaller dogs, 25 pounds and less. There is a pavilion and also a pond with a waterfall for the dogs to enjoy. There is a daily admission as well as an annual membership available.

Landry Vineyards

Landry Vineyards was established in 1999. They offer tastings and tours, a shopping area to purchase Landry wines, and they organize family-friendly concerts with fun for all ages. During the current health situation, interested clients should check for opening hours and scheduled events.

Restoration Park

Restoration Park trail runs for 2.4 kilometers in a loop around a small lake. There is moderate traffic on this trail. It is considered suitable for all skill levels. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash.

Antique Alley

Antique Alley is located on the Ouachita Riverbank in the old Cotton Port Historic District near downtown West Monroe. There are antique malls, boutiques, restaurants, B&Bs, specialty shops, and places to meet and hold organized events.

Fire Damage Restoration or Replacement?

After a fire in their home, many clients assume that everything needs replacing because of fire and smoke damage. They are concerned about the cost and whether their insurance company will cover everything.

SERVPRO’s experience with fire damage in homes in West Monroe and surrounding areas is that it is less costly to apply fire damage restoration techniques to as many items as possible, including repainting structural surfaces, reupholster furniture and refinish wood products.

SERVPRO works with our clients and their insurance adjuster to complete all:

• Smoke damage
• Fire damage restoration
• House fire clean up

Call SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe for fire damage cleanup services in Monroe and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (318) 345-5121.

Supporting Youth Baseball in West Monroe

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

West Monroe can depend on SERVPRO for fire damage restoration--We Don't Strike Out!

West Monroe Locals are Invited to the Deep South Baseball Tournament

Perfect Game is hosting its tenth annual MLK Championship Deep South Baseball Tournament at the Sterlington Sports Complex from January 15 through January 18, 2021. Monroe parents, teachers, and students alike are encouraged to support their local teams during this annual youth baseball event.

Tournament rules for teams include:

• Entrants must be part of the graduating class of 2022 or younger or born after May 3, 2003
• Teams must book housing only through a provided link on the Perfect Game website
• Registration fees are $1,250.00
• No coolers are allowed
• Players can only use wood bats

A $25.00 tournament pass allows individuals entry to every game in the tournament. $10.00 daily passes are also available. Seniors and military members can obtain day passes for $5.00 each. Children 14 and younger receive free entry.

SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe provides fire restoration for West Monroe homeowners any time of the day or night when they call (318) 345-5121.

Professional Cleanup and Restoration of Fire Damaged Properties in Monroe

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Do you need fire restoration needs? Call SERVPRO for the restoration needed for your property.

SERVPRO Avails Enough Resources to Help Restore Monroe Residences Damaged by Fire

Monroe, which is tucked away at the northern edge of Louisiana, is readily accessible through the I-20 highway or the Union Pacific railroad. The Monroe Regional Airport is about 15 minutes from the downtown area, completing the transport infrastructure for people visiting or leaving the area. The situation was different when French pioneers established a trading post in 1791 since boat travel through the river was the most convenient means of transport. The area was generally known as the Prairie of Canoes. Monroe was chosen after a steamboat, The James Monroe, reached the area in 1819, underpinning the importance of river travel at the time.

Over the years, Monroe has gained popularity for various reasons, including the abundance of natural gas in the early 1900s. A discovery well was drilled in 1916, although at the time, there was little use for the resource apart from lighting flambeaux to illuminate the paths of night travelers. The shadow-casting lighting method led to the wastage of the precious commodity that would have served the state for over sixty years. A gas pool was developed stretching over 500 square miles. It was estimated to contain approximately 6.5 trillion cubic feet of gas, earning the city the title of the World's natural gas capital. However, in Texas, the Panhandle Pool discovered in 1918 dwarfed the Monroe pool since it covered over 1.35 million acres. 

The city also played an essential role in the development of other popular things such as:

• The bottling and franchised distribution of soda. Although Coca-Cola was created in Atlanta by Dr. John S. Permberton in 1886, it was only available as a fountain drink. Joseph Biedenharn, who was already bottling soda water, thought of doing the same with Coca-Cola, obtained a franchise, and later bought a bottling plant in Monroe to ramp up production.
• The Biedenharn family is also associated with the development of largescale crop-dusting. In 1925 they bought an existing business and added 18 planes to the fleet, making it the largest in the private sector. That business evolved to Delta Air Lines.

Places of Interest in Monroe

For a city with a couple of historic contributions to various aspects of development, one can expect to find an infrastructural footprint. Some of the exciting locations that fit this bill and welcome visitors include:

• The Masur Museum of Art, a Tudor style family house designed by Clarence Edward Slagle. It was completed in 1914, and The Masur's acquired the house during The Great Depression and donated it to the city in 1963 under the agreement that it becomes a museum of fine art.
• The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum honors all veterans and soldiers from WWI to Iraqi freedom and tells the story of how a crop-dusting business evolved to become an established commercial airline. The museum is set up in the only remaining class of the Selman Field Navigation School, which was the most prominent navigation school in the United States during World War Two. There are over 11,000 artifacts at the facility, including restored aircraft. 
• The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens keeps the story of Joe Biedenharn, the Coca-Cola bottler, alive. It is located next to the Ouachita River and features Coca-Cola memorabilia in the museum section. There is also a bible museum section that features biblical literature and a collection of bibles. The ELsong botanical garden has various settings, including the Musical Grotto, Four Seasons Garden, and Oriental Garden.

Visitors might also enjoy spending time at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, an 80-acre zoological park with over 500 animals. Some of the top activity areas at the park include boat rides down the river, a petting zoo, and a splash pad for kids. 

The Great Fire of 1871

Even with its steady development, Monroe has also had some significant setbacks. On December 31st, 1871, a major fire incident happened and was not extinguished until New Year's Day 1872. The fire affected the town's wealthiest section, burning over 60 buildings resulting in over $650,000 worth of property damage. The fire, which was discovered at 11 PM, started in the upper story at the S.W. Sanders Saloon and spread quickly to other buildings in the area because of strong winds that were blowing that night. Incidentally, the more infamous Chicago fire also happened in 1871, affecting many areas, including a street named Monroe. 

Another fire that started in a backroom store at the corner of Hart and Desiard streets ravaged the city in March 1882. During those days, the fire engine was horse-drawn, and an unruly horse delayed arrival at the loss site by several minutes even though the alarm had been raised in time. However, the fire was contained in time, resulting in damages estimated at $32,000. The fires prompted the establishment of a robust fire department, starting with a volunteer group of neighbors, which later developed into the modern firefighting department.

How Does SERVPRO Help with Fire Damage Restoration in Monroe Properties?

As firefighting methods have improved over the years, the same has happened with fire restoration techniques. SERVPRO is one of the premier restoration companies that keeps up with the changing trends to guarantee Monroe property owners the best chances of restoring properties to their preloss state.

Restoration of fire-damaged properties mostly involves cleaning affected materials since it is the most cost-effective solution, unlike replacement or resurfacing. SERVPRO technicians undergo regular training and IICRC certification to ensure they are acquainted with the correct cleaning approaches for maximum effectiveness and safety of the occupants. Our technicians pay attention to various aspects like:

• Tracing the spread patterns of soot and other residues to ensure the cleaning effort reaches all affected areas
• The use of readily biodegradable cleaning products, ensuring the home is safe for the occupants after the cleaning process is over.
• Correct moisture management during cleaning to avoid over saturation of materials or retention of moisture with the building 

SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe helps with fire damage restoration for all types of losses in Monroe. Call us at (318) 345-5121 when the need arises.   

After My Monroe House fire, Can I Salvage my HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) System?

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO cover all the bases when it comes to your Monroe fire damage.

SERVPRO Restoration Technicians Clean and Restore Ducting and HVAC Systems

Charred furniture, strong odors, and thick smoke residue dusted throughout your Monroe home are alarming after-shocks from the fire. It is crucial to begin repairs right away; however, it is also essential to assess hidden damage and detect soot and smoke odor hiding in out-of-the-way-places such as your HVAC system.

If There Is No Visible Damage, Do Technicians Still Need to Clean the Ducting?

Yes, Technicians Clear Debris from Ducting and Seal in Odors to Mitigate Further Damage 

Part of the fire-damage found in your Monroe home may be hiding in your ducting. Imagine finishing a restoration project, only to smell smoke or see soot in the air, bringing you back to square one. As a standard component of repairs after a fire, it is essential to inspect and clean the HVAC system immediately to determine the air quality within your home.

How Do SERVPRO Technicians Address Smoke Residue Inside Ducts?

• First, technicians make sure the system is off and not circulating contaminants throughout your home.
• Technicians clean the HVAC system by blowing and vacuuming debris and smoke residue.
• After adequate cleaning, technicians may seal the ducting to create a protective coating on the surface, effectively stifling any remaining odor.

What Equipment and Products Are Beneficial in Sealing and Cleaning the HVAC System?

• Duct cleaning systems like the Nikro PDC 4000 include a rotary brush for cleaning and a discharge hose to remove waste easily.
• After cleaning, technicians may use a ULV (ultra-low-volume) fogger to mist Duct Sealer inside the ducts to create a flexible film that seals the surface to contain odors.

For prompt 24/7 assistance after a fire, contact SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe at (318) 345-5121. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

What are the Most Common Reasons a Home Needs Fire Damage Cleanup?

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO brings professional equipment to Bawcomville homes for the best outcome from any type of fire loss 

The most common cause of house fires happens in the kitchen. With the most typical scenario being someone cooking with oil gets distracted, and the pan overheats and catches on fire. This problem can get elevated if water gets thrown on the hot grease. The hot oil causes water to turn immediately into steam, and as it expands, it quickly feeds and spreads the flames. Other frequently seen causes of home fires in Bawcomville include:

• Furnace malfunctions
• Smoking in bedrooms
• Faulty electrical systems
• Unattended candles 
• Children playing with matches or lighters

What is the Best Cleaner to Use for Fire Damage Cleanup?

Unfortunately, when it comes to fire damage cleanup in Bawcomville properties, there is not a one-cleaner-fits-all solution. The residues left behind by a fire can get placed in two main categories: dry or wet. While dry is one of the easier types of smoke damage types to get off surfaces, it cannot get mixed with liquid cleaning agents initially, or it can get driven deeper into surfaces and, in some cases, render formerly cleanable items unrestorable. Wet smoke smears easily and can be difficult to remove without the use of cleaning solutions with solvents in them. Because different materials react in diverse ways to various solutions, SERVPRO technicians test every surfaces before cleaning to ensure the right method gets chosen for both the type of corrective action needed and the surface getting wiped.

How Restorable are the Walls and Ceilings Post-Fire? 

Seeing the walls and ceilings in your home after a fire can be disheartening. The blackened smoke damage can appear to coat surfaces and may look difficult to remove. SERVPRO technicians have two choices when it comes to these surfaces. First, whenever possible, they use their professional cleaning agents to lift away the smoke residues and leave the surface clean. However, in some situations, the soot gets driven into the surface due to the hot air expanding during the fire. When that scenario occurs, the use of a sealant to seal off the odorous soot preps the walls and ceilings for priming and painting.  

Soot-Covered Furnishings May Have Restoration Potential

Many factors determine whether or not hardwood furnishings can get cleaned for reuse. First and foremost, if they are actually wood. Pressed wood and other composites generally react badly to the extreme temperatures of a fire and even worse when they come into contact with the water used to extinguish it. Other considerations are:

• If there is charring or unrepairable damage to the furniture
• The length of time exposed to water
• How quickly the restoration efforts began

SERVPRO has specially formulated cleaners for all types of wood and can remove even greasy wet smoke residues from hardwood furnishings. In some cases, the item may require refinishing afterward, but the surface will be clean and prepped for it. 

Can Carpet Get Restored After a Fire Loss?

Much like furnishings, the carpet may have cleaning potential. SERVPRO technicians inspect it to see evidence of fiber melting, water damage, and other problems. If the carpet has the potential for restoration and reuse, the techs can use their deep cleaning methods, such as their steam cleaning units that pull away dirt and soot and without leaving cleaning residues behind.  

Window Treatments and Other Fabric Items 

When clothing or window treatments get affected by smoke damage, and they do not require dry cleaning, the techs have access to robust Esporta washing systems that can return the items to the food-grade level of cleanliness after just one wash. Things that have the potential to shrink or bleed when they come into contact with water will need alternative methods of cleaning.

Odor Control Methods are a Must After Fire Loss

Before any type of repairs or rebuilding can happen within the loss areas, odor control applications need to happen. The technicians may use multiple methods to ensure that any remaining fire odors within the home get eradicated. They have light modes such as time-release gel pellets for on-going odor control or stouter practices such as thermal fogging or hydroxyl generators that actually change the soot particles at the molecular level and eliminate their ability to produce odors. Thermal fogging is particularly useful when applied to objects with deeply embedded odors as the heated fog penetrates porous objects in the same manner as the hot air did during the fire. This enables the solvent to reach and neutralize odors within things. 

When you need fast and efficient fire damage cleanup for your home and contents, call SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe at (318) 345-5121. The certified technicians arrive quickly and make the loss to your home, "Like it never even happened."

Can My Furniture and Personal Belongings Be Cleaned After a House Fire in Monroe?

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

There are many things to consider when dealing with the aftermath of a fire. Contact SERVPRO for excellent help during this hard time.

SERVPRO Fire Restoration Crews Hold Multiple Certifications in Key Cleaning Disciplines to Meet the Needs of Our Monroe Neighbors

The emotional toll of a Monroe fire is often at its most poignant when heirlooms and beloved, one of a kind items seem past hope of cleaning. Not only are homeowners and their families saddened by the damage done to treasured articles, but also the disruption and expense of replacing smoke and soot compromised property are considerable burdens on your finances and time. 

How Do I Find a Company that Can Restore Both My Home and Its Contents?

Fire damage in Monroe homes knows few boundaries, with building materials and a vast array of contents at risk for ruin. Our mission is to make it “Like it never even happened,” across all aspects of loss for our customers. Fulfilling the mission means committing to cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the physical space you and your family rely upon for shelter and comfort. It also includes showing concern for and working hard to restore the broad range of furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions that also suffered harm from the heat, smoke, and soot during and after the fire. We handle the restoration of both types of property loss. They are interrelated, and we strive to reduce the stress and frustration you feel under these unusual and challenging circumstances.

Should I Allow a Pack-Out of My Personal Property?

One of the ways SERVPRO delivers on the promise to assess and restore the contents of your home might include the recommendation of a move-out of furniture, window coverings, rugs, linens, clothing, books, pictures, documents, electronics, toys, and other damaged personal property. At a time of great upheaval and experience of feelings of significant loss, it can be unsettling to agree to have the bulk of your possessions packed up and taken away. We have compelling reasons, or we would not be suggesting this option. At all times in the process, we are open to discussing your questions and concerns. Our employees also help with the physical labor and transport, taking those concerns off your plate. 

What Are the Benefits of Restoration Efforts Off-Site?

Our production facility has available many cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing resources. Specially trained technicians who focus on bringing tarnished, soiled, and malodorous articles back to their original appearance and function await your property to demonstrate their skills. We can assess each item away from the hustle and bustle of the water removal, residue cleaning, and deodorization occurring inside your house. Clearing out the contents usually allows the mitigation and remediation procedures in your home to progress in a more streamlined manner. Some of the direct advantages we offer for contents restoration include:

• Industrial grade laundry facilities for textiles and soft items
• Access to dry cleaning experts familiar with fire damage challenges in Monroe
• Immersion cleaning facilities 
• Ultrasonic cleaning equipment, operated by certified technicians
• Space to create smaller cleaning, drying, and deodorizing chambers for furniture and other items 
• Resources like freeze-drying technology to dry out books, pictures, and documents soaked by firefighting fluids
• Connections to experts who can evaluate and recommend restoration strategies for soiled and wet computers, televisions, mobile devices, and other electronics

Will My Property Be Safe and Secure?

We use a detailed paper and computerized system that keeps track of every article packed out. The Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) uses a combination of conventional lists, barcoding, and digital photography to provide a record of your packed-out property. As each item moves through assessment towards restoration, we provide documentation of its condition and the results of our interventions. Once we complete the processing of an item, we store it in anticipation of being returned to your home after the structure is ready. Our warehouse is climate controlled, and your items are kept apart from other customers. If you need specific items before your house is ready, we can locate and return them to you. 

Will My Insurance Pay for Contents Cleaning?

Although we cannot make specific promises, we have significant experience in working with insurance carriers during many different restoration projects. Your insurance company might have recommended that you consider reaching out to SERVPRO as your fire damage restoration partner in Monroe. Using the CCIS permits us to keep both our customers and their insurance companies in the loop as we assess the damage of contents and make plans for remediation. The amounts your insurance accepts and pays depends on contractual language and applicable law. Our documentation can provide support for your claim submissions. 

The team of managers and technicians at SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe prepare to support you after a fire loss with both your structural and contents concerns. Call us at (318) 345-5121 to consult with our experts who pledge to help you with skill and compassion.

How to Remove Fire and Soot Damage in Monroe

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

We have the technology, equipment, and expertise to restore your fire damaged home.

SERVPRO Helps with Heavy Fire and Soot Cleanup in Monroe    

A fire in Monroe damaged a single-family home heavily. The fire started around midday, and by the time fire officials arrived at the scene, thick smoke was blowing from the back of the residence. They punched a hole through one of the walls to access the seat of the fire and controlled it before it could consume the entire house.

Fire and soot cleanup at the Monroe home took up a considerable chunk of the restoration process because of the heavy smoke produced during the fire. Although the densest concentration of residues was close to the seat of the fire, residues had spread all over the house through convectional air currents necessitating cleaning. We prepare our SERVPRO technicians to clean any cleaning challenge that arises when a fire damages property, so we had no problem dealing with the widespread residues.

Smoke can leave different types of residues at the same loss site. At the affected home, we expected a similar outcome since the flames had consumed organic materials such as wood and synthetic ones, including fabrics and plastics. Our SERVPRO technicians tested different surfaces to establish factors such as the depth of the residue layers. We also checked whether the loss was a wet smoke or dry smoke loss situation. Because the fire had smoldered in the early stages, there was a higher presence of wet smoke residues, so we opted for wet cleaning procedures.

Although each loss site is unique, there are hotspots where most residues collect. Some like the ceiling and walls are obvious. Others, such as the interiors of cabinets, which attract smoke due to lower temperatures and ventilation ducts, can be missed. Apart from concealment, such areas may also require special cleaning techniques. For example, the unfinished materials in cabinet interiors make it harder to clean off residues while HVAC systems require disassembly and the use of specialized cleaning equipment. The advanced training our SERVPRO technicians receive helped in identifying and dealing with all problem areas at the affected home.

Soot and other smoke residues readily spread when there is a fire requiring considerable cleaning efforts. Call SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe at (318) 345-5121 to help with the restoration. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

More about Monroe.

Monroe Home Smells Bad after a House Fire? SERVPRO Can It "Like it never even happened."

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Monroe Property Owners Are Always Relieved to Know that SERVPRO Has Arrived for Fire and Odor Damage Restoration

Versatile Approaches to Fire Damage and Odor Control for Monroe Residents

Fire and Odor Damage Monroe
One of the lasting impacts of a fire in your property is the odor. Evacuating your property in the dead of night is stressful enough; however, taking a comprehensive approach to odor control can be even more challenging. Odor causing particles can suspend in the air, enter surfaces as well as fabrics, and your heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Numerous areas can cause the offending odor while locating and neutralizing each one can be unnecessarily time-consuming.

Our technicians specialize in fire damage and odor control here in Monroe. Since odors come from numerous sources, our approach is to use various methods to neutralize them. We may never fully understand which way is effective at controlling odor. However, by following SERVPRO best practices and industry-leading training, we can ensure that the scent no longer remains a problem for you.

Odor control tends to be the last aspect of restoration service. There is little point in applying methods or chemicals to an area that contains odor-causing materials. Charring on contents or structure produces unpleasant smells. Similarly, moisture that we use during the restoration process can make smells more noticeable to the human nose. By prioritizing cleaning, removing debris, and drying the structure, SERVPRO takes the first step toward bringing unpleasant odors back under control.

Our approach to lingering smells is to try and replicate the dispersal of the odor. In a fire, smells typically come from smoke, which billows out from the source of combustion at high pressure and enters small cracks or crevices, like light fittings, in the home. To combat this, SERVPRO can use water-based misting equipment, which produces a smoke-like vapor. These vapors behave in a similar way to smoke, reaching, and neutralizing areas where smoke resides.

Sometimes fabrics or furnishings can absorb soots as well as smoke. To replicate this effect, we can lightly spray furnishing using a hand-held pressure pump. These ensure an equal dispersal of deodorant solvents which absorb into fabrics and other porous materials. By testing on a small area first, we can ensure that these chemicals do not harm the color or fabric of your furnishings.

Odor control needs to be versatile to be effective. We offer many other options for odor control. Contact SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe at (318) 345-5121.

How to Make The Best Out of Fire Damage Remediation in Your Richwood Residence 

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

The key to successful fire damage remediation is finding the right company. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Fire Damage Restoration And Cleaning For Richwood Neighborhoods

As an incorporated community, Richwood may only be 45 years old, but it has always had an important part in the history of our Parish. Preserving the homes that makeup part of that history is very important to not just the homeowners, but to everyone in our town. 

Stopping and restoring fire damage in Richwood homes means taking quick action. That is why SERVPRO maintains a 24/7 call center to ensure as rapid a response as possible. Management has a certified training program that turns out fully qualified Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians, or FSRTs who can begin cleaning the home immediately. 

Since most home fires do not destroy most of the structure, much of our efforts center around cleaning. Wherever possible, and allowed by the insurance company, we work carefully to keep every bit of interior structure, roof, and other parts of area homes intact. It may be easier to pull down a living room wall and replace it, but to maintain a home, our technicians can also remove only beams and crosspieces too compromised to remain in place and then clean everything else.

Each SERVPRO response team can access a local, extensive inventory of cleaners to remove the smoke residues left behind after a fire. Quick removal is important since surfaces like paint, wood, ceiling tiles, and even carpets can rapidly absorb them. Quickly eliminating them removes not just the physical damage like pitting in countertops, but also the odors which the residues generate as well. 

Usually, removing the residues eliminates the odors. Hotter burning fires, however, can generate a cloud of particles small enough to penetrate deeply into the wood, plastic, and drywall panels. In these cases, response team members use a fogger device and a deodorizing agent to generate a cloud that can penetrate as deeply the smoke to bind with and eliminate the odors. 

At SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe, this is how we take care of our neighbors and our local history. If you need us after a fire in your home here, or in other communities like Bawcomville, Calhoun, and Sterlington, contact us at (318) 345-5121 as quickly as possible so we can help you take care of your home as well. 

Click here to learn more about Richwood. 

How Professionals Restore Fire Damaged Homes in West Monroe

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot may look easy to remove, but it takes professionals to correctly remediate the damage.

Why West Monroe Residents should choose Professional Fire Damage Restoration

When materials burn, they release carbon gases alongside monoxides and chemicals that are present in the material. These gases often cause more extensive damage than the flames themselves but are less likely to result in permanent issues. When these gases come into contact with surfaces, they deposit chemicals and carbon, which we refer to as smoke residues. Since different materials burn in different ways, the resulting residues can be oily or dry and can reside on the surface or permeate beneath it. Removal of soiling without further damaging the surface is a precise part of fire restoration and goes a long way in bringing the property back to its preloss condition.

Homeowners with fire damage in West Monroe can benefit from reaching out to a professional restoration service with the correct cleaning agents. Attempting to remove residues may result in spreading them around or cause damage to the surface itself. Even experienced SERVPRO Fire Restoration Technicians (FRT) must conduct a thorough pre-test of materials and smoke types to ensure they use correct chemical cleaning agents.

Synthetic materials, like plastics, are common in a home environment. When these materials combust, they do so slowly, resulting in a cloud of thick smoke and oily deposits on surrounding surfaces. Water-based cleaning agents are ineffective at removing these deposits and can sometimes cause more extensive damage by spreading soot around the surface.  Water-based cleaners can remove the finish or drive residues further into the material. Using an oil-based solvent helps to dissolve the soiling in the solution where it can then be removed alongside the cleaning agent by a SERVPRO technician.

Dislodging stubborn soiling may require mechanical action. Mechanical action utilizes equipment like soda blasters, which we apply to a dry surface. Once the soiling has been sufficiently loosened, wiping with wet-cleaning agents can help to restore the surface to its preloss condition. Since soda blasting is an abrasive cleaning method, your SERVPRO technician may need to refinish the surface after use. In many cases, removing soils results in the reduction of malodors.  We can also use sprays, pellets, and foggers at the end of service to neutralize any odors left behind from smoke or chemical agents.

No two fires are the same, contact SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe at (318) 345-5121 for tailored property restoration.

More about West Monroe.

We Have The Experience Necessary To Handle Your Monroe Fire Damage Restoration

5/29/2019 (Permalink)

We restored this home after firefighters opened up a hole in the wall to assure that there were no burning embers hidden within the wall.

Cleanup of Fire Damage in Your Monroe Home

Many of the common causes for fire in your Monroe living room can be easily prevented if you pay attention to some basic safety rules. There are some things you can do to help assure that your home remains a safe living environment for you and your family.

No matter how big or small fire damage is in your Monroe Home, it is a scary event to occur. Plus, you now have to deal with cleaning up the fire damage. Instead of trying to figure things out for yourself, leave the job to the professionals at SERVPRO. As an experienced remediation company, we have the training and tools that are needed to restore your home. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Plus, we treat each case with care, as the individuals you are.

You should first check any sockets, electrical outlets, or extension cords to ensure they are not overloaded. Do not run extension cords under carpeting and make sure they aren’t looped over nails or other sharp objects which could make them fray. Lamps should have the proper wattage bulbs in them and keep enough space around stereo equipment and TVs so that air can flow and cool these devices down.

If the fire in your home was reasonably small, SERVPRO technicians could be dealing with minor fire damage. With this level of damage, the smoke residues might have only affected certain areas or rooms. The amount of smoke residues is light to moderate, and to restore your home, we may use dry cleaning and wet cleaning of the walls, ceilings, floors, and contents. A few areas might need to be repainted, and only minimal things need replacement.

Another thing you can do is to check any upholstered furniture that you have in the living room. Modern furniture manufactured after 1988 is required to be resistant to ignition from matches and burning cigarettes. Of course, keep any lighters and matches away from children and educate them on the dangers of these items and how they must be carefully used. Also, do not leave burning cigarettes unattended and put any smoking materials out before you go to sleep.

Keep candles away from furniture, curtains, or anything else that is flammable. Set candles away from open windows and use the proper candleholders. Do not ever leave a lit candle unattended.

SERVPRO of Monroe/West Monroe wants to help you and your family get back to normal life after fire damage in your home in Richwood, Sterlington, or Calhoun. Give us a call right away at (318) 345-5121 once the flames are out, so no time is wasted in restoring your residence.

Click here to find out how you can obtain a fishing license.

Proof That SERVPRO’s Fire Damage Remediation Services in Monroe Are Exactly What You Are Looking For

4/21/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage can include debris and odor removal, plus much more. Call SERVPRO to get the process of fire damage remediation started.

How We Help Families Avoid the Expense of a Hotel Stay after Fire Damage to Their Home in Monroe

Not all disasters require the occupants to leave the place where the incident took place. Sometimes, a family in Monroe can continue to live in their home. Safe conditions remain a necessity, and SERVPRO can help ensure that any changes happen quickly. Doing so helps reduce costs and stress.

After your home in Monroe sustains damage from a fire, SERVPRO can send professionals out to examine the severity of the damage. Many small fires result in loss to isolated areas that a family can avoid using or entering during the restoration process. This can allow them to stay in their home instead of seeking alternative, albeit temporary, shelter.

When your family faces a choice between the temporary loss of their home or the relatively minor inconvenience of avoiding areas affected by fire damage, having some control over your options can give you a sense of direction and hope. Our specialists want to provide as many options as possible, helping to reduce stress and feelings of uncertainty.

After making sure that your home contains adequate undamaged space for your family, including crucial areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, SERVPRO specialists start the work needed to make things safe and comfortable for you and your family. Staying out of areas that did receive substantial amounts of smoke and fire damage keeps you safe while eliminating the chances that soot gets transferred to non-contaminated areas.

We often board up areas with broken windows using tension between interior beams and exterior particle boards, among other precautionary measures. In the areas that your family intends to live in during the restoration process, we clean soot residues from walls, ceilings, fixtures, doors, and belongings. We also ensure that the electrical, air, and plumbing systems work correctly for you.

If odors seem noticeable inside the area you intend to occupy until we complete the restoration work, we have several options that we know work well at eliminating odors from fire damage. Much of the smell that starts after a fire come from soot, and removing the residue during our cleaning services reduces this, but we also know that soot hides. Fogging takes a short period, as do other odor control methods. We can also use injectable scents that freshen up carpeting or gel-packs that we safely tuck into inaccessible locations.

After fire damage threatens to displace your family, call us, SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe, at (318) 345-5121. We can quickly assess the damage and discuss staying in your Claiborn, Sterlington, or Richmond residence, saving you from unnecessary hardship.

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Struggling to Revive Your Bawcomville Home After Fire Damage?

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Believe it or not your home can come back from this. Call SERVPRO today for fire damage restoration help.

Salvaging your Possessions after Fire Damage in your Bawcomville Home

Property fires are frequent but rarely catastrophic. Despite beginning in one area of the home, smoke from burning materials can quickly spread throughout. Smoke travels into clean air moving upwards. As it does so, residues in the smoke are deposited onto clean surfaces resulting in soiling. These residues can also cool and drop onto possessions in the form of soot. In the majority of cases, possessions suffer light soiling and can be restored effectively using professional cleaning methods.

Expensive possessions to replace after fire damage in Bawcomville properties could be your blinds and mattresses. SERVPRO works with a restore over replace method to ensure your replacement expenses are kept as low as possible. We achieve this by training our technicians in a wide variety of cleaning techniques that can restore items you may think are non-salvageable.

Different cleaning methods are a requirement when it comes to restoring possessions and using the wrong ones can exacerbate damages. A common concern for homeowners is upholstery, fabrics or mattresses which are porous. Porous materials can shrink using wet cleaning, absorb soot deeper into the fabric or cause color bleeding. SERVPRO use a foam cleaning solution to ensure this does not happen thereby increasing the chances of restoring furnishings to preloss conditions.

For materials that can sustain full immersion in cleaning SERVPRO can use advanced ultrasonic cleaning equipment. This method can be exceptionally useful in restoring blinds or other solid items. Ultrasonic immersion cleaners use soundwaves to agitate solvents. These soundwaves create bubbles which then actively remove soot from surfaces by creating high-pressure and temperature conditions around the item.

It is not always possible to salvage everything after a fire. However, by using the latest equipment and techniques, SERVPRO is confident we can provide an impressive restoration service that mitigates losses and prevents expensive replacements. Items that cannot be salvaged can be packed up and disposed of by your technician in line with federal and state laws.

To restore your possessions to preloss conditions, contact SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe at (318) 345-5121 today.

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Some of the Biggest Problems With Fire Damage Surface Cleanup in Your West Monroe Home

12/15/2018 (Permalink)

When fire affects a small or large portion of the home, results can be devastating. Contact SERVPRO immediately for effective remediation services.

Important Steps Professionals Help You Take after Fire Damage in West Monroe

Fire incidents can happen any time ruining the structure and its contents in different ways. While a significant percentage of the damages happen during the fire, it is possible to ruin the structure further during restoration. A certified FSRT, Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician, understands how such unnecessary damages can happen and can, therefore, advise or take steps to protect your property. Our professional restoration services have helped many Monroe West property owners recover after fire incidents.
 
In the aftermath of fire damage in West Monroe, you might try to do cleanup in a bid to restore your property to its preloss state. Attempting to wash walls, carpets, upholstered furniture, and other soot-covered surfaces might seem like a good idea, but you might only worsen the situation because such action might cause the residues to set. Instead, our SERVPRO technicians advise property owners to cover surfaces such as carpets and upholstery with old linens or colorfast towels for protection should they feel the need to take action before professional help arrives.
 
There is a need to protect appliances in the affected areas. Turning on electronic appliances before cleaning and examining them can cause damages because the residues that filter into them can be conductive thus leading to short-circuits. If there is a freezer or fridge with food items, you should remove them because if left in place with the electricity switched off they are likely to cause bad odor.
 
Fire damaged fabrics require unique cleaning efforts not just the regular dry cleaning because the wrong approach can turn residues into stains. Our SERVPRO technicians can help with such cleanup or recommend the right cleaners. We also help you to prevent corrosion of surfaces by fire residues. Materials commonly affected include fiberglass, plastics, finished surfaces on furniture and surfaces with iron or chrome trim. We can do this by pre-cleaning these areas and coating them lubricant, which helps protect them until full restoration is done.
 
A lot needs to be done after fire damage, so having a professional by your side helps. Call SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe to provide the necessary assistance. You can reach us at (318) 345-5121 any time.
 
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Revealed: Understanding the High Tech Equipment That Team SERVPRO Uses to Remediate Damage After a Monroe Fire

10/14/2018 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO after the firefighters leave so we can begin the remediation process right away. Our response time is critical to the great results.

Using Advanced Equipment to Remove Smoke and Soot after Fire Damage in Monroe Properties

When an area of your house catches fire, the initial blaze can often be contained. So long as flammable materials the spread of flames has a minimal impact. Unfortunately, when materials combust, they release carbon, toxins, and residues into the surrounding air in the form of smoke. Smoke is tricky to contain and can spread rapidly into other areas of the house depositing residues on furnishings, walls, ceilings, and surfaces.

Restoration jobs for properties with fire damage in Monroe are focused on the removal of soot and smoke residues rather than a structural replacement. Only in severe house-fires would is extensive remodeling required. Moderate fires, which are more common, require remediation, cleaning, deodorizing and re-painting. Services that SERVPRO has been delivering for decades.

Removing soils and residues is not merely a case of scrubbing away. There are four aspects which influence how effective a cleaning solution can be. Temperature, agitation (scrubbing), chemical (sanitizers) and time (foams, soaking). There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and a SERVPRO technician conducts a pre-test of soiled materials to learn which methods are most effective in each case.

If it is clear that a material is not going to respond well to basic cleaning methods, we can bring in advanced equipment to help finish the job. Soda blasting can be applied to crevices where thick layers of soot have built up and would otherwise be impossible to remove. For soiled valuables, we can use ultrasonic cleaning equipment to restore them faultlessly.

Ultrasonic tanks use high-frequency sound to create millions of bubbles inside a cleaning tank. Items are fully submerged inside the tank which causes the bubbles to burst on contact produce extremely high temperatures and pressure. Ultrasonic cleaning is incredibly effective at restoring precious metals and other high-density items. SERVPRO has access to a range of equipment to help restore your items rather than replace them.

Cleaning soot and smoke residues by yourself can spread smoke around causing further damage. Contact SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe for a professional restoration.

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Tips to Prevent Your Dryer from Causing Fire Damages to Your Calhoun Home

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Dryers can be very helpful when running a household but they can also be the point of origin for a fire. Contact SERVPRO for remediation.

Team SERVPRO Remediates Fire Damage as Well as Offers Helpful Suggestions to Prevent a Recurrence

Dryers can be a welcomed appliance to your Calhoun residence. These machines help you to quickly and efficiently dry out the clothes that you have washed and take a lot of the work out of the process. However, they are not without their share of hazards. Without using them properly and safely, your dryer can be a potential fire hazard for your home.

Many homeowners do not think about the possibility of an appliance being a fire hazard at all, let alone one as seemingly basic as a dryer. Improper usage or a failure to follow safety precautions standard to every dryer can lead to such an unfortunate occurrence. To avoid fire damages in your Calhoun house originating from your drying appliance, you just need to educate yourself on this appliance a little further. Our SERVPRO professionals can help you to overcome these damages, but they can often get avoided altogether.

The first thing that you should consider is the soiling of the clothes that you are placing into the dryer in the first place. A common misconception about washing machines is their ability to remove contaminants and chemicals from fabrics entirely, and this can lead to traumatic occurrences. A good example of this would be flammable liquids like gasoline or diesel fuel spilled on a pair of pants. With the likelihood of static electricity and sparks from denim tumbling through the dryer, the soiled material can ignite.

Another condition that ultimately requires SERVPRO fire damage restoration is overloaded electrical wiring. Most appliances of this size require a 220-volt connection, often with a special outlet to suit your dryer specifically. Improper wiring or inadequate power to the appliance can overload its motor, causing combustions. Ensure that your appliance has adequate power and is grounded through the breaker box in your residence.

While the dryer in your home might seem like a simple piece of machinery, there are some things that you need to know to use it safely. If you can follow these guidelines, you can often avoid a fire originating from this appliance. If you have already experienced fire damages in your home, contact our SERVPRO of Monroe / West Monroe restoration technicians today at (318) 345-5121.

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