Handy Services Durham Professionals Can Offer After Fire Damage

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

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

Full-Scale SERVPRO Services Ease Durham Fire Mitigation

Fire damage is easily identifiable because of the blackened or charred surfaces left in the affected areas. Some materials also deteriorate entirely, leaving only fine ash as residue. Cleaning and replacing materials resolves most of the issues. However, some of the problems in your Durham home go beyond the scope of simple cleanup and replacement. To address these cases, you need assistance from a resourceful service provider.

An incident that leaves your Durham home with fire damage can involve various dynamics, including personal injuries as people escape the burning house or fatalities in extreme cases. Unexpected spreading of residues precipitated by house utilities such as the HVAC is also a likely problem and severe microbial growth when moisture from firefighting accumulates in hidden sections of the structure.

Extra services for fire restoration may require:

• Bioremediation
• Duct cleaning
• Mold remediation
• Reconstruction

Since SERVPRO fire restoration technicians have access to various personal protective equipment (PPE), we can readily respond to any task involving hazardous materials before resolving regular fire damage.

Some processes may be necessary to finalize fire restoration to preloss conditions. Cleaning air ducts is one of the required finishing actions. If left unaddressed, they can redistribute residues back into the house later, causing physical soiling or affecting the indoor air quality. Another issue that might affect indoor air quality is mold if the moisture used in quelling the fire is not adequately dried off. These two problems do not always occur, so our SERVPRO technicians first inspect your property thoroughly before deciding whether to resolve those issues.

Easing the Challenges of Fire Restoration

Cleaning up the air ducts or other sections of the HVAC system is a challenging task. It is necessary to section off and place the return and supply lines in a negative air pressure system. Our SERVPRO technicians use a vacuum to extract the residues. We also use rotary brushes to help dislodge any stubborn soils. Some duct sections may be challenging to reach for a thorough cleanup, and the best solution for such areas is to seal the surfaces using an appropriate compound. Our technicians use a ULV fogger to mist the sealing agent ensuring a uniform coat.

Regular structural materials can also pose challenges, especially when the exposure to heat and flames is significant. For example, charring that compromises the integrity of structural support material or surface panels necessitates replacements. Tearing down entire sections or rooms to remove the deteriorated materials can push the costs beyond acceptable levels. Our SERVPRO technicians can facilitate controlled demolition so that you can replace only the deteriorated materials. We can also help find and supervise local tradesmen to facilitate necessary reconstruction.

Stubborn odors can stretch your home’s recovery from fire longer than you expect. Contrary to what you might believe, odors are not just in the air or on the surface of materials. They can emanate from volatile molecules deeply embedded in materials. The odor molecules constantly escape into the air, thus replenishing the bad smells you experience. Therefore, you need a deodorization approach to neutralize all odor molecules and penetrate deep into materials to reach all sources.

Potent deodorization methods:

• Dry fogging
• Photocatalytic oxidation
• Ozone exposure

SERVPRO of North Durham responds fast and with the right resources to address fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

Reasons Durham Homes Require Professional Mold Damage Remediation

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Found or smell mold? Our SERVPRO team in Durham can root out the cause and remediate the mold damage on your property.

SERVPRO Conveniently Resolves Durham Mold Damage Issues

On discovering mold contamination, it may seem like a benign problem. The signs that alert you of trouble in your Durham home can be a mild musty smell or slight discoloration and bubbling of surface finishes. Therefore, a DIY approach to resolving the mold damage may seem appropriate since it does not seem like much work. You might also want to save costs by doing things yourself, especially when you think the problem might recur. However, several reasons necessitate a professional intervention.

From a casual look at your Durham home, severe mold damage might seem trivial because the bulk of the contamination is hidden out of sight in wall cavities, ceiling spaces, or behind fixtures such as sinks and bathtubs. The true extent of the burden you face is only revealed after opening up the concealment. A professional like SERVPRO has excellent inspection resources, so it is easier to confirm whether the problem is superficial without opening up concealed areas.

Tools for non-invasive mold inspection:

• Thermal cameras
• Borescopes
• Inspection cameras

Even when the extent of mold contamination is not hidden, decision-making can still be a challenge. However, if you consider the superior actions a professional team can take, you can change your outlook. For example, you may not know how to clear heavy mold residues from unfinished structural supports such as trusses or surfaces in an area like the attic. A professional team like SERVPRO can readily tackle such a challenging task through blast cleaning. Superior resources help throughout every stage of the remediation.

Mold restoration stages:

• Establishing containment
• Removing contamination
• Cleaning settled materials
• Drying and deodorization

Various types of containment are necessary for a mold damaged property. You probably know about installing plastic sheeting to cover large openings such as doors and hallways. Professionals like SERVPRO do a comprehensive containment by sealing HVAC vents and creating separate containment sections such as decontamination areas and clean rooms. Containment also involves setting up equipment to establish negative air pressure.

Removing Unwanted Materials

Microbial growth processes contribute to unwanted materials in many ways. The mass of colonies left on surfaces is one such category, while the deterioration of organic materials in contents and structural areas is another category. Procedural removal is necessary to present spreading soiling or exposure to hazardous materials. Our SERVPRO crews clean surfaces from top to bottom to rid them of settled spores. We also consider airflow direction, especially when setting a negative air pressure system.

Removing heavily contaminated materials deemed unsalvageable may also be necessary. Our crews remove porous materials such as drywall, insulation, and carpeting since mold hyphae penetrate them. We also inspect solid semi-porous materials like structural wood to determine the level of deterioration. Removal is necessary when rotting compromises the structural integrity of such materials.

Mold remediation is not over without doing some finishing touches. Drying and deodorization are the main finishing processes necessary. Unlike other property damage, mold limits your choices during the finishing stage. For instance, misting water-based deodorizers in the property can be counterproductive since moisture promotes mold growth. Regular drying involving air movers to boost evaporation can also spread residues. A professional restoration team has access to superior equipment such as hydroxyl generators for deodorization and desiccant dehumidifiers for drying.

SERVPRO of North Durham offers convenient services to eliminate worries about managing mold damage. Call us at (919) 467-0880 when you need assistance. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Advanced Processes Durham Homes Need for Water Damage Cleanup

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO teams are ready to assist with water damage situations in your Durham home day or night. Give us a call right away.

SERVPRO Has Products to Ease Durham Water Restoration

Deep soiling is one likely outcome of water damage in a home. Such soiling develops because of residues dissolved in the intruding water or from compounds released when materials deteriorate from the moisture exposure. For example, if a pipe bursts in the ceiling, any dust accumulating in the ceiling cavity is swept down, soiling the contents in areas where the water leaks. A sound strategy would help clean up and restore your Durham home to its preloss state.

When handling Durham water damage cases, one of the main determinants of the outcome is the type of cleaning actions applied. A professional team like SERVPRO carefully controls the cleaning process by picking and combining different products to tackle specific cleaning challenges.

Different categories of cleaning products

• Bleaching agents
• Chelating agents
• Buffered cleaning products
• Foam modifiers

Bleaches are among the most used and readily available cleaning agents since they help clear stains. Bleaching action varies, so the choice of an agent must match the source of staining. Otherwise, it can worsen the situation. Bleach can work through oxidation since the addition of oxygen breaks down soils. It can also be a reducing agent that counteracts previous blemishes from oxidation. Therefore understanding which action is necessary to deal with blemishes or stains ensures the right choice of a bleaching product rather than simply going by the brand names.

Enhancing Cleaning Products

Although most commercial products are designed to be highly effective against water soiling, sometimes they might not meet your needs. If the need is limited, such as removing a single patch of stubborn staining, buying different cleaning products is not cost-effective. The input from SERVPRO technicians can help ease the situation since we know how to improve the effectiveness of standard bleaching products sold in the market. For example, heating the water used for cleaning solutions increases temperature, thus boosting the potency of reducing bleaches. Another handy step is increasing the acidity. Enhancement covers many other aspects because you can also modify the soils and water apart from modifying the cleaning products. You can only execute some of these enhancement procedures by mixing the cleaning solution with specialized products.

Specialized Water Restoration Processes

• Maintaining pH at a standard level
• Breaking down salts in hard water
• Increasing or decreasing foaming characteristics
• Separating and suspending soils

Soils from water exposure can be stubborn to address since cleaning also involves using water. For example, if a fabric bleeds, spreading dyes across other surfaces, cleaning can further distribute them. In such a case, finding a way to separate and suspend the dye remnants would be the best approach. Rather than looking for physical methods to achieve that, our SERVPRO technicians look for cleaning products that facilitate dispersion or deflocculation.

The water intruding the property causes problems like spreading soil. However, the water used for cleaning might also introduce some issues. If it contains a significant percentage of dissolved soils, it prevents soaps and detergents from lathering correctly, thus diminishing cleaning effectiveness. Our SERVPRO technicians use chelating to deal with the salts by making them water-soluble and thus conveniently cleaning your draperies, upholstery, or other fabric-based items.

SERVPRO of North Durham is willing to go the extra mile to ensure every aspect of water damage, including soiling, is adequately addressed "Like it never even happened." Call us at (919) 467-0880.

How Experienced Experts Make a Different During Mold Removal in Durham

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO techs have the skills and experience to do thorough mold damage inspections on your Durham property.

Why SERVPRO Encourages Immediate Mold Cleanup Services in Durham

If you have been asking yourself why SERVPRO's mold removal services count during a time of need, you are about to learn something new. First, you need to know that mold spores are always present on almost all surfaces; they need conducive conditions to start growing. So, if you recently noticed a musty odor and some black or green specks, there is a high chance that your property has mold.

Our SERVPRO technicians have the skills and experience to do thorough mold damage inspections on your Durham property. For instance, if you do not have the necessary skills, it might be hard to discover when your home heating and air conditioning system becomes infested by mold. Since the humidifier releases water vapor in an attempt to improve indoor air quality, it is common for such incidents.

If you overuse your humidifier without subjecting it to regular maintenance, the damp conditions may favor mold growth. Our IICRC trained SERVPRO technicians have the expertise to check whether your humidifier is infested and do the necessary cleaning. Failing to address such situations may cause health effects.

Using appropriate protective gear when offering mold cleanup services guarantees the safety of our team. It is common to see our experts in face masks, goggles, and rubber gloves. The reasoning is to avoid inhaling, touching, and ingesting the spores.

If the growth is on your wooden cabinets or furniture, we can suck up the loose spores through HEPA vacuuming. When the mold is deep, we can sand it and use EPA-approved solutions to clean the surfaces. We dispose of the contaminants according to the IICRC and local regulations.

Call SERVPRO of North Durham at (919) 467-0880 for effective mold remediation services. Our IICRC-certified technicians are Faster to Any Size Disaster and can be relied upon for immediate water, fire, and mold removal services.

Commercial Water Damage Repair in Durham Demands Qualified Contractors

2/26/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in a business needs to be dealt with quickly. Contact SERVPRO for certified technicians who can get the job done.

Hire SERVPRO for Commercial Water Damage Repair in Durham

Anyone who owns or manages a commercial property needs no evidence that water damage can lead to devastating effects on the safety of employees, tenants, and their customers. Additionally, daily operations can halt after commercial water damage, which can significantly affect daily operations.

Therefore, any wise business owner or manager should contact SERVPRO's technical team for planning and execution of commercial water damage repair in Durham. Our experience in the restoration sector has given us first-hand knowledge of water damage's impact on your business, which means that the steps we put in place assure you of quick repairs to prevent revenue loss. 

In the course of our work, SERVPRO has identified the following as the main causes of water damage in commercial properties:

• Damaged or broken pipes
• A damaged roof
• A leaking sprinkler system
• Damaged windows
• A damaged HVAC system

We always advise our customers to act quickly when they notice signs of water damage so that restorers can tackle the mess before it spreads further. At SERVPRO, we use different equipment to dry the affected areas. For instance, we can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove moisture from areas with wood or drywall. It is effective because it eliminates well-soaked moisture.

Reduction of excess moisture in the building is critical since it limits mold growth and the destruction of perishable commercial goods like foodstuffs. Our SERVPRO technicians can use air movers to enhance evaporation at the surface level. We can also use refrigerant dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the air after it has evaporated. We can position the dehumidifiers strategically in the building so that humid, moist air moves to the units while warm, dry air discharged from the units circulates back into the damp areas. Dry air works like a sponge to absorb moisture from damp materials. 

Your commercial property should not fall under the weight of water damage. Contact SERVPRO of North Durham at (919) 467-0880 for prompt restoration. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

A Cooking Accident in Durham Needs Fire Restoration Experts

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in your kitchen can seem daunting. One call to SERVPRO can set you on the right track. We are standing by 24/7.

Get Your Kitchen Back with Fire Restoration

Cooking for family and friends over the holidays can bring everyone closer and create a sense of warmth and happiness. Many people come back to Durham at this time, making it even more meaningful. When an accident happens while cooking and a fire spreads, it's time to invite SERVPRO's fire restoration team to your home.

We can restore your kitchen to its former functional state within a short time in Durham with expert fire restoration services. We reduce the mess to manageable phases, making the entire process fast and stress-free for you and your family.

Here is how our teams work together to make the restoration process much more manageable:

• Cleaning up of cooking gear,
• Washing down of walls and other surfaces,
• Addressing debris and destroyed items, and
• Deodorization of your kitchen and adjoining areas.

Many items used for cooking and preparing meals also require regular washing. We can wash these items in our ultrasonic water bath system for a quick and thorough cleaning. Other objects, like towels, might do well with special agents included during regular laundering.

Smoke and soot from burning food cling to surfaces like walls and ceilings. We use powerful agents that cut through this layer of deposited soot and leave a fresh scent behind. We can apply this to other surfaces, such as appliances and countertops.

Fire also burns other things, and where this occurs, we need to gather and dispose of such items. Doing so prevents soot from spreading and contaminating future delicious meals you prepare.

Fire can produce both pleasant and unpleasant odors. Smelling your favorite meal cooking will never be the same as long as the heavier aromas of burning food linger. The sharpness of burning food can ruin anyone's appetite. Scent is a large part of taste, and bad odors mingling can destroy an otherwise delicious dinner. We can perform different methods to safely eliminate a fiery meal's stench.

Call SERVPRO of North Durham at (919) 467-0880. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Durham Water Damage Repair Requires Professional Expertise

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can spread far from the leak. We always have a team standing by to begin the remediation process.

The Steps of Water Damage Repair

After burst pipes and other plumbing emergencies, many repairs and build-back services are necessary. We work to establish essential reconstruction needs through focused evaluation, starting with where demolition and discarding damaged elements might be a necessity.

Controlled Demolition Solutions

Before much other water damage repair in Durham homes can begin after water emergencies, our professionals must see where controlled demolition is needed. This process eliminates sagging materials and destroyed elements before they can impact other parts of the house. Some of the more common materials to be removed include:

• Flooring
• Carpeting
• Drywall
• Insulation

Repairing Broken Plumbing 

Leaks and pipe bursts can cause incredible damage to a house by spreading water and moisture far beyond this problem area. It is a priority of our SERVPRO team to repair this damage to get this vital utility repressurized and in use for your house again. Copper tubing can be cut away at the damaged portions and replaced with similar materials or a part of a rigid plastic line. 

Rebuilding the Walls 

With the plumbing repaired and any immediate threats resolved inside a wall system, it is time to restore these components. Insulation can be reinstalled around the pipes, and any framing studs removed can be replaced. These studs are important in securing the wall assembly's drywall panels. 

Finishing Surfaces After Reinstallation

Once components of the wall system have been replaced and the drywall panels reinstalled, it is necessary to refinish these surfaces. Panel seams need to be taped and coated, as well as screw holes. Outermost layers can be primed with antimicrobial products and painted like the rest of the room.  

Regarding water damage repair, there are several considerations for Durham homes. Experienced professionals of our restoration team can help your property through needed build-back services. SERVPRO of North Durham has professionals ready to respond when disasters strike. Call us at (919) 467-0880. 

Clogged Sewer Lines can Cause Dirty Water Damage to Durham Homes

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for every size of storm damage restoration project. We are ready 24/7, 365 days a year.

Water Damage is Possible if Rain Overflows the Sewer 

The sewer system helps protect the homes and businesses in Durham from flooding and carries wastewater away for treatment. When clogs form, toilets, sinks, and tub drains can become conduits for wastewater entering residences and commercial buildings. Overflows like this can create serious problems with water damage in a matter of seconds.

SERVPRO knows that every minute that ticks by means, an affected property in Durham suffers unnecessary water damage. We use industrial-grade restoration equipment to make all the work we do at each job as efficient as possible.

Our water damage mitigation and restoration equipment include both high-tech and low-tech items. We often use:

• Wand-style sprayers,
• Shovel, bucket, and squeegee combos, 
• Negative pressure machines and air movers, 
• Trash pump, and 
• Fogging machines.

Using wand-style sprayer places rinsing water or disinfectant agents right where we need them and in the amount desired. We spray at least twice to reduce pathogens to an acceptable level and avoid unwanted health effects.

We often need these to remove accumulated debris that other equipment cannot handle adequately. Garbage bags and mops are also often part of our water damage cleanup gear after a bad storm.

Negative pressure machines help control the contamination in the air of affected rooms. We also use air movers to force damp air out of bathrooms and other areas. We build temporary containment walls of plastic sheeting, protecting other areas of your home or business.

When we find a home with standing water, we use a truck-mounted oversized sump pump-like set-up. We use a centrifugal trash pump with sewage and floodwater with heavy debris. These do not clog up from such contamination and get it removed from your property’s floor fast.

Sewage smells bad because it is bad. It can stink up your home. SERVPRO gets started with odor-solving methods almost immediately. We won’t quit until you are satisfied with how your residence smells. 

When your property sustains catastrophic water damage, call SERVPRO of North Durham at (919) 467-0880 to stop the damage from worsening. Protect your investment from further harm.

Protection from Further Damage Before Fire Restoration Begins in Durham

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration services are second to none. Call now for the help you need.

Why are board-up services part of fire restoration service by SERVPRO in Durham?

It is common for windows, doors, and roofs to be compromised during a fire. The fire department may have to break down doors to gain access and punch holes in the roof to reach the attic to quell a fire. The heat from the fire may break your windows as well.

Part of the fire restoration service offered by SERVPRO in Durham includes board-up and roof-tarp installation to protect your home from rodents, the environment, and physical protection. We can provide emergency protection of your home to prevent additional damage while your insurance adjuster is assessing the damage to your home or business.

Also, SERVPRO offers the following services:

• Safety, inspection, and fire damage review
• Removal of water, chemicals, and drying
• Removal of unsalvageable odor-causing materials
• we clean all surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and countertops of soot and smoke
• We clean, disinfect, and sanitize all salvageable contents and structures.
• Our team also completes minor repairs, e.g., carpet and drywall replacement and painting.

Contact SERVPRO of North Durham for fire restoration service to Durham and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (919) 467-0880.

Bathroom Mold removal in Durham

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your house contact SERVPRO immediately. Our certified technicians will come with professional equipment to get the job done.

Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal in Durham Homes

Durham was established in 1849 with a railway depot built on land donated by Bartlett S Durham, incorporated in 1869. Durham is considered part of the Raleigh-Durham-Cary statistical area with a population of over 2 million people. NC Central University and Duke University are located within the city.

Notable sites within the city in addition to the two universities, including 

• Sarah P. Duke Gardens
• Museum of Life and Science, 
• Durham Bulls Athletic Park
• Cameron Indoor Stadium
• Durham Performing Arts Center, 
• Duke Lemur Center
• Eno River State Park
• American Tobacco Historic District
• Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory, 
• Carolina Theater and 
• Bennett Place.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Visited by more than 400,00 visitors every year, the gardens cover 55 acres, offering specialized gardens free of charge, 365 days a year. There have been some restrictions during current health concerns. Visitors should check ahead of time before visiting the gardens for opening hours. 

Duke Gardens got its start in 1935 with a gift of $20,000 from Sarah P Duke. More than 100 flower beds were planted. Today there are four distinct areas:

• Historic Gardens
• Roney Fountain
• H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants
• W.L Culberson Asiatic Arboretum
• Doris Duke Center Gardens and 
• Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden

There are over 5 miles of pathways and walks throughout the gardens. Many visitors enjoy visiting the park throughout the year, enjoying the changing vistas as the seasons change.

Eno River State Park

Located just 15 minutes from Durham, the state park offers almost 30 miles of trails along the Eno River. There is backcountry camping available for individuals and groups. All supplies and equipment must be carried in and out. Kayaking and canoeing are permitted when there is sufficient water flow to support these activities. Visitors enjoy picnicking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking the trails.

American Tobacco Historic District

The American Tobacco District comprises 14 buildings that trace back to North Carolina’s tobacco industry dating from the 1870s to the 1950s. The American Tobacco Company Manufacturing Plant is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The entire area was redeveloped beginning in 2001 and now is a much-visited tourist, cultural, and entertainment area. 

The American Tobacco Historic District is located close to hotels and restaurants, with five venues nearby. 

There are also several attractions nearby. For example, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the Durham Performing Arts Center, and several others are also within walking distance. There are many places to grab a drink and something to eat for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Attic Mold Removal Caused by Bad Bathroom Exhaust Fan in Durham

Bathrooms naturally generate a great deal of humidity from hot showers and long baths. Exhaust fans are installed to remove some of the moisture and exhaust it to the outdoors. A faulty exhaust fan can cause mold growth in the bathroom, and broken exhaust pipes routed through the attic also can cause mold to grow in the attic.

SERVPRO provides mold inspection, remediation, and mold removal services to Durham area residents. We can inspect the bathroom area and check the attic for signs of mold infestations. Also, our services include:

• Clean all surfaces to remove mold spores
• Remove damaged materials that have absorbed moisture
• Dry all surfaces and structure
• Minor repairs, including broken exhaust pipe repair

Call SERVPRO of North Durham for mold removal in Durham and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (919) 467-0880.