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The Conditions Impacting Fire Damage Recovery in Newark Homes

1/22/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a washing machine, cabinets, with ashes and clothes on the laundry room floor of a home. If your Newark home has fire damage, call SERVPRO. We'll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Factors Affecting Fire Damage

Fires are the most dangerous natural disasters because they can cause long-lasting health problems and damage homes and businesses. The extent of the harm depends on factors like the amount of combustible material burned, the duration of the fire, how quickly it was extinguished, and any resulting water damage.

Our SERVPRO® team works to provide the most efficient recovery path for fire damage to Newark homes. Our rapid response for mitigation and containment can protect more of the structure from irreparable harm and shorten the total restoration time necessary.

The Type of Fire Damage Impacts Restoration Time 

It's important to know that fire damage can be classified into three distinct types:

Fires cause different types of damage. Flame damage melts and warps glass and plastic windows. Smoke damage occurs when a fire is smothered, allowing smoke to permeate between window panes and leaving residual deposits on surfaces. Both types of damage typically stay in the specific zones the fire reaches. Firefighting methods cause substance damage and can lead to moisture buildup, warping, discoloration, and mold growth if not dried quickly. Immediate action is crucial after a fire incident to prevent further damage.

Restoration by SERVPRO

The length of a fire restoration process depends on the extent of damage. It may take a week if the impact is not severe but longer if more of your home suffers damage. The project involves cleaning, restoring structural damage, and sometimes rebuilding. The process's time depends on the project's scope and other factors, even with the right restoration company.

Factors impacting restoration include:

  • How much damage did the fire cause in the affected area?
  • How were the supports and foundations affected?
  • How much water damage resulted from extinguishment?
  • How widespread is the smoke damage?

When you need fire damage recovery assistance, you can rely on the swift arrival and knowledgeable action of our SERVPRO of Newark team. Give us a call when disaster strikes at (302) 733-7933.

Ensuring Prompt Flood Water Damage Restoration in Brookside

11/30/2023 (Permalink)

Flooded street with parked cars that are partially submerged in the flooded water If your Brookside home experiences storm damage, call SERVPRO. We're Faster to any size disaster™.

Brookside Flood Water Damage Cleanup with SERVPRO®

When a disaster, such as a storm, strikes, a building accumulates excessive amounts of water. This moisture can quickly seep into a structure, soaking wood flooring, ceilings, walls, house contents, and insulation. Moist walls and ceilings promote mold growth, creating unpleasant living conditions and deteriorating the structural components of your Brookside property.

It is important to expedite flood water damage restoration in Brookside to stop moisture from causing irreversible damage. SERVPRO offers prompt services using extraction tools, such as submersible pumps, to remove the water. We also set up equipment to enhance drying. Depending on the severity of the water ingress, the process may take some time. While your home is undergoing restoration, you can engage in various activities to maximize your time.

Suggestions for fun activities and places

  • Vince's Sports Center offers plenty of activity options under one roof, including multiple mini-golf courses, batting cages, an executive-style 9-hole course, playgrounds, and a video arcade. You can enjoy many tasty food options, including burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and funnel cakes.
  • Parks like Cool Run, Greenbridge, and Hann serve as recreational spaces for residents to enjoy outdoor activities, meet people, and appreciate nature.
  • Delaware Saengerbund & Library is a gathering place for people interested in German traditions, community activities, and music. It also operates a library with a vast collection of books.

You can also enjoy some dining experiences during your home restoration.

Amazing eateries to whet your taste buds

  • Dairy Queen Grill & Chill - provides a sit-down dining area where you can enjoy your food and a selection of ice creams.
  • Wawa is a chain of convenience stores recognized for its extensive food and drink choices, encompassing customizable sandwiches, snacks, and coffee.
  • D & H Jamaican Cuisine – located at Chestnut Hill Rd, the restaurant offers a menu inspired by Jamaican culinary traditions such as chicken, curry goat, oxtail stew, ackee, and salt-fish.

SERVPRO of Newark provides lasting flood damage restoration. Call us at (302) 733-7933. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Overcoming Water Damage in Newark Properties

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

Flooded home with standing water in on carpet When you discover standing water in your Newark home call SERVPRO. We are Faster to any size disaster™.

We Help with Water Mitigation to Reconstruction

Being only a short distance from Wilmington, Newark has become a growing bedroom community of some prominence in New Castle County. With a population nearing 31,500 today, the earliest settlers were far less plentiful when the village formed in 1694. Things appear dramatically different now, though many historic properties and landmarks point to the storied history of Newark and the surrounding regions of Delaware. Locals and visitors alike frequent the Newark History Museum for a reminder of the obstacles of early settlement life and reaching the modern era.

With a growing population, water damage in Newark is challenging to avoid. This disaster type continues to be our top call out for service, including Large Loss recovery throughout Delaware Valley. One of the most prominent properties of New Castle County is the University of Delaware and its facilities. As a result of the thousands of attendees, the area surrounding the school experienced gentrification, with many restaurants, boutiques, and specialty stores finding their way onto Main Street and other high-traffic areas accessible from I-95.

Water Damage Restoration Objectives

  • Removing Standing Water – Use extraction tools like pumps and vacuums to clean up surface water. 
  • Drying the Structure – Pairing air movers and dehumidifiers to manage moisture concerns.
  • Repairing the Damage – Completing emergency repairs and all build-back services necessary. 
  • Preventing Mold – Using antimicrobial products and sporicidal agents keeps mold from forming in damp areas.

From presidents to rock legends like George Thorogood and future hall of fame football players like Joe Flacco, Newark has been a home to those from all walks of life. So when your home or business suffers water damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Newark to make it right. Call us at (302) 733-7933.

Effective Mold Remediation in Newark Homes 

5/20/2023 (Permalink)

mold around bathtub, on the grout Are grout lines in Newark infested with mold? Contact SERVPRO for gentle soda blasting to remove the stains without demolition.

How SERVPRO Helps with Mold Removal

Newark residents can contend with mold more quickly than they think. Water damage and storm events leave moisture and dampness to facilitate colonization. This portion of Delaware has seen many severe weather threats from hurricanes and snowstorms, resulting in flooding and structural damage. In a city of nearly 32,000, Newark deals with concerns like mold growth frequently enough to keep our experienced remediation team ready 24/7. We have answers to help with all of New Castle County when mold removal is necessary.

One of the most significant commercial institutions in the area is the University of Delaware. With thousands of students enrolled throughout the year, a simple mold event spreading in a dormitory or student building could impact hundreds simultaneously. With the convenient placement of Newark along the I-95, SERVPRO professionals can reach all structures quickly. We have even Large Loss response teams to manage significant size properties like Christina Hospital, the Newark History Museum, and the Bob Carpenter Arena.

Effective Mold Removal Practices

Removing mold and mildew threats from residences begins with assessing the damage. We have effective remediation practices that are efficient enough to get you back home quickly, but delicate enough to protect sensitive materials in places like the University of Delaware museums. Some of the remediation practices we used to resolve mold growth in homes and businesses include:

With experience and knowledge, our professionals understand how to help with mold growth from start to finish. We can manage needs like a controlled demolition and media blasting through repairs and deodorization.

If mold threatens your home or business, you can trust the professionals to quickly reach your New Castle County property. We have leading tools and products to remove mold growth “Like it never even happened.” So call SERVPRO of Newark today at (302) 733-7933.

Get Reliable Flood Damage Restoration Services around Newark

5/10/2023 (Permalink)

barefoot man scooping water from flooded floor Let SERVPRO scoop the water out of your flooded Newark home. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Residents of Newark Rely on SERVPRO for Storm Damage Cleanup

Flood damage incidents can cause a lot of inconveniences and spoil the fun that you would like to have indoors and outdoors. Enjoy the Greene Turtle Sports Bar and Grille while we restore your damaged home. Our mitigation experts undergo professional training and use the latest technology for efficient and effective restoration.

SERVPRO is licensed to restore storm-damaged properties in Newark and the surrounding areas. We have successfully handled several flood damage incidents. No calamity is too big or too small for our restoration team. We thoroughly inspect all the affected properties and develop appropriate restoration procedures that abide by the local regulatory standards.

Whether you live in Newark or are just visiting, many events and scenes can thrill you in the city. For instance, lovers of science, history, and art can find something to appreciate at The Newark Museum of Art. You can surely love the following while at the monumental facility:

  • Family Events: Family-friendly activities are offered at the museum that favors kids and adults. Scavenger hunts, art-making workshops, and inspiring story times are some examples.
  • Guided and self-guided tours: The purpose of these tours is to enable visitors to develop an understanding of the museum's culture, history, and collections.
  • Special exhibitions: Visitors can view unique works of art that feature historical artifacts and contemporary artists. These exhibitions are hosted all around the year.
  • American Art: Wonderful works of art done by renowned American artists such as John Sargent, Edward Hopper, and Thomas Cole can be accessed at the museum. Glass, ceramics, and furniture are the other collections you can access at the facility.

SERVPRO of Newark offers reliable storm damage remediation services around the clock. Contact (302) 733-7933 if you want to make it "Like it never even happened."

Get Guidance in Handling Fire Damage in Newark

4/24/2023 (Permalink)

building on fire When things go up in smoke and you have fire damage, call SERVPRO of Newark.

Fire Damage Repair in Newark Is Efficient with SERVPRO

Some home structure and contents, like furniture and flooring, are made with synthetic materials. After a fire, these items can go from salvageable to unsalvageable fast, increasing your overall loss. Professional restorers offer an immediate response to combat such losses. 

Handling fire damage in your Newark home can be highly stressful. SERVPRO is here to guide you through the crisis. Fire damage restoration is a multi-step process that may include the following services: 

  • Inspection
  • Safety and prevention
  • Debris and soot removal 
  • Water removal and cleaning 
  • Reconstruct your home's physical structure. 

When beginning the restoration process, our SERVPRO team can account for the severity of the damage and determine the repairs we must do. We conduct testing to locate smoke residues. In most fire damage situations, we start testing the heavier residue deposits and work towards lighter deposits.  

After the fire, your home may be covered in soot and have a strong smoke odor. Soot is an oily substance that easily stains any items it lands on. Our technicians can use a heavy-duty vacuum to remove the soot. We can also scrub the ceilings and walls of soot using dry cleaning sponges. 

Smoke residues usually give off foul odors. The smoke smell can linger if you fail to remove all the sources. Our SERVPRO crew can remove all charred structural materials and clean all restorable surfaces before using deodorization products and equipment. We can use thermal fogging equipment to make a fog similar to the smoke produced in a fire. This enables the deodorizer to interact more effectively with smell-causing residues. In more difficult odor situations, we can seal the surfaces exposed to malodors. Sealants work by encapsulating the remaining odor residues. 

It is also necessary to reconstruct your home's physical structure. The tasks we can accomplish include removing and replacing ruined drywall, replacing doors and windows, fixing damaged plumbing, and replacing or repairing damaged roofing materials. Our SERVPRO technicians can create a complete list of the structures requiring repairs. 

SERVPRO of Newark is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration. Contact us at (302) 733-7933 to make the unfortunate incident seem "Like it never even happened." 

Can Fire Damage Affect a Newark Home’s HVAC?

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician removing a fire damaged ceiling When a fire strikes in your home. Call SERVPRO for fast and immediate fire damage restoration service for your Newark home.

SERVPRO Fire Remediation Includes Duct Cleaning, Repair, and Restoration in Newark

After a home structure fire, Newark residents may be more focused on the immediately visible damages to walls, floors, and contents than on their ventilation systems. However, smoke residues travel through vents and settle inside ducts, where they can spread malodors and affect indoor air quality. This issue is compounded by fire suppression with water, which can eventually create conditions for mold growth and turn soot acidic, which can corrode metals.

SERVPRO fire damage technicians in Newark are equipped to mitigate smoke residues and soil moisture from fire suppression. Remediation services are performed to return the property to a clean, pre-fire condition and include necessary structural repairs.

How Smoke and Soot Damage Impact Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

Even small-scale home fires can leave smoke residues and other burnt particles in ventilation systems. These contaminants can affect ventilation in the following ways:

  • Smoke particles stick to ductwork, which can accumulate dust and other contaminants that impact air quality and odors
  • Soot odors and particles can get recirculated throughout the home, spreading odors and residues. This accumulation can also damage air ducts and impact their ability to circulate air effectively
  • Soot also collects in air filters and clogs them up quickly, which impacts HVAC performance
  • If water extinguished the fire, this moisture could make soot acidic. This acid can corrode metals or etch into ceramics and glass and can also impact indoor air quality

HVAC is especially likely to need thorough cleaning if it was operating when the fire happened. The return air vents, in particular, are likely to have the most contamination. Even passive air movement after a fire can help spread soot and smoke odors throughout the property. In cases of more severe contamination, portions of the ductwork may require sealing during cleanup.

SERVPRO’s Ductwork Cleaning Process Post-Fire Damage

Fire restoration techs at SERVPRO can inspect and clean HVAC systems. Duct cleaning is not typically necessary with lighter damages. In moderate to heavy fire damage situations, ventilation is also often affected. This step is essential to prevent smoke and soot from recirculating in a restored property after completing other cleanup tasks.

HVAC inspection includes the examination of such parts as:

  • Filters 
  • The cooling coil
  • Mixing boxes
  • Dampers
  • Turning vanes

The materials the ducts are made of also matters. Flex duct, for example, is typically more cost-effective to replace than repair due to the number of pleats in the material that can entrap soot. Sheet metal and duct board, meanwhile, are often salvageable. If there is insulation around the vents, this may also necessitate removal as it can carry odors. Its efficacy also diminishes after fire exposure.

SERVPRO professionals can clean vent registers and intakes, and reusable filters. HEPA-filter vacuums remove loose soot and debris from vents. Techs can wash duct surfaces with an EPA-registered detergent solution for more in-depth cleaning. HVAC cleanup includes the restoration of soot-covered mechanical components where needed.

After cleaning, technicians place cheesecloth over ventilation outlets before fogging the ducts. An ultra-low volume (ULV) fogger can deploy duct sealers and deodorizers with the help of the plenum and central blower. After deodorizing, technicians run the central blower until the interior is dry before replacing vent covers and deploying odor counteractant beads to decrease malodors further.

When homeowners need service that makes a disaster seem “Like it never even happened,” they can call SERVPRO of Newark at (302) 733-7933.

What Steps Should Newark Homeowners Take After Water Damage?

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician power washing a SERVPRO truck Our SERVPRO team keeps our equipment and trucks ready to help you with water damage in your Newark home.

Newark Residents Can Contact Insurers and SERVPRO for Water Damage Claims and Restoration

Home water damage, regardless of the source, can prove distressing. Plumbing incidents and appliance leaks are among the most common culprits of such incidents. Newark property owners can contact their insurer to send a claims adjuster, document damage with photos and videos, shut off water and electricity if needed, and get in touch with a professional cleanup crew to perform repairs.

Newark SERVPRO water cleanup technicians use sophisticated tools and comprehensive water damage education to perform repair and replacement services for homeowners. SERVPRO also documents moisture effects on structures and contents and takes inventory of affected items per room to assist homeowners and insurance adjusters during claims filing.

How Homeowners Can Respond to Water Damage

While typical water damage scenarios are not large-scale disasters that fill a property with ample moisture, fast action is prudent. Even small leaks can compromise such structural components as:

  • Wall cavities and insulation
  • Electrical components and baseboards
  • Carpet, floorboards, and subflooring
  • Ceilings and ceiling joists
  • Cabinets and counters

Contacting the insurer after discovering water damage is a must for receiving appropriate compensation per a homeowner's policy. Occupants do not typically wait for an adjuster to arrive before contacting moisture remediation professionals. 

After discovering ongoing moisture exposure that might affect electrical components, homeowners are encouraged to contact utility providers for guidance on shutting off water and electricity temporarily. This measure can prevent further damage and minimize safety concerns from wet electrical wiring or outlets. However, it may be safer to have a utility provider send a professional to perform this service in some cases.

Mold and microbes can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water damage begins. The risk of mold or mildew proliferating in a way that can impact structures is significantly reduced when homeowners contact technicians within 24 hours after discovering moisture. Depending on its extent, drying in many water damage situations may take only a few days.

Homeowners are encouraged to document the cleanup process before, during, and after restoration for their proof of loss claim. SERVPRO's inventory documentation, photographs, and video footage can also help with claims filing.

Removing Moisture from Carpet with Hot Water Extraction

For residential moisture damage, there is rarely standing water. However, this moisture still needs to be removed to make drying with air movement and dehumidification more effective. Extractors use a heated cleaning solution to sanitize with EPA-registered antimicrobials. Portable units carry up to 12 gallons of solution and pull up roughly the same amount of wastewater. Truck-mounted extractors can store 60 to over 100 gallons of water from a property.

For light to moderate moisture cleanup, SERVPRO techs can do the following with carpeting:

  • Pre-treat the carpet with agitation from a carpet rake to dislodge soils
  • Vacuum up solids and residues that can disrupt extraction
  • Spray a pre-treatment on heavier carpet stains before performing additional agitating with a carpet rake
  • Use edge brushes to agitate fibers on carpeted stairs and up to six inches away from baseboards

After pre-cleaning, techs can use carpet wands on portable or truck-mounted extractors to pull up water damage in v-shaped strokes. Heavier soils are treated with choppy strokes to agitate while applying the heated cleaning solution. After extraction, techs wipe the excess solution off baseboards and other surfaces with clean towels.

Once technicians extract moisture from the carpet, structures, and furnishings, SERVPRO can focus on positioning air movers and dehumidifiers to return humidity on the property to pre-damage levels.

After a disaster, SERVPRO of Newark can make a home look "Like it never even happened." Call (302) 733-7933 to have a crew deployed within hours of contact.

How Long Does Mold Damage Cleanup Take in Newark?

3/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO working in a containment area on mold damage Need help controlling your Newark mold issues? Call SERVPRO we are ready to get to work.

Newark Mold Remediation by SERVPRO Can Take as Little as Several Hours to a Few Days

Mold damage to your home in Newark can be distressing to find and potentially risky to clean up without professional assistance. However, certified restoration technicians can perform remediation in as little as several hours to a few days, with only the most extensive, flood-related disasters taking more than five to seven days. Microbial cleanup also entails the remediation of the conditions that allow them to spread continually.

SERVPRO mold damage cleanup technicians in Newark can reduce spores to pre-contamination levels and create a safe, clean space for homeowners with rebuilding services where needed. Mold removal services cannot guarantee complete microbial elimination due to microbes existing in all indoor areas on some level. However, professional cleaning ensures that the reduction of microbes is reinforced with measures that prevent continual growth after cleaning.

Factors That Can Affect Mold Cleanup Time

Professional remediation of microbes per Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) protocols addresses multiple factors contributing to home mold damage. 

Typical home microbial cleanup takes less than a week, usually between one and five days, depending on the level of contamination. It may take only several hours at most for small amounts of surface-level mold. Heavily contaminated buildings, such as those with extensive flood damage that can increase microbial growth, may take more time to repair and replace unsalvageable components.

SERVPRO professionals consult with homeowners about the mold cleanup process to formulate a comprehensive restoration plan, which can include:

  • Containment procedures that prevent mold from spreading are implemented with polyethylene sheeting over doorways and vent registers. Technicians can also perform temporary duct sealing services to prevent HVAC from spreading spores during remediation
  • Technicians can also clean contaminated sheet metal vents with OSHA-approved sanitizers and replace flex ducts impacted by mold.
  • SERVPRO personal protective equipment (PPE) allows technicians to clean and remediate spores safely. PPE is decontaminated in a designated space to prevent mold damage from spreading unintentionally during cleanup
  • SERVPRO crew members prevent spores from floating in the air with HEPA-filter air scrubbers that can lower local air pressure in a sealed room, which causes microbes to sink to the floor for thorough cleanup with vacuums that can catch microbes as minuscule as 0.3 microns
  • Controlled demolition on unsalvageable sheetrock, insulation, and other components allows techs to prepare affected areas for structural repairs, reinstallation and repainting as needed

SERVPRO Equipment and Processes for Mold Remediation

SERVPRO’s cleanup protocols are quickly accomplished with industrial-grade restoration equipment designed to tackle small- and large-scale disasters.

  • Sanitation with EPA-registered biocides
  • Moisture extraction with portable or truck-mounted units that feature heater, pump, and vacuum systems
  • Drying with axial or centrifugal air movers and low-grain refrigerant or desiccant dehumidifiers
  • Odor control with sanitizers, granules, injectors, foggers, and debris removal
  • Rebuilding services, such as drywall and carpet reinstallation, can return a property to a functional, clean, pre-contamination condition

Light mold contamination may only require surface-level cleaning with biocides. Still, small-scale microbial accumulations can lead to much more costly problems for Newark homeowners without fast action. SERVPRO’s observation of restoration industry best practices protects homeowners from risk while eliminating odors and other mold damage concerns.

SERVPRO of Newark is proud to say that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Property owners can call (302) 733-7933 for 24-hour restoration services, including weekends and holidays.

Consult Professionals for Storm Water Damage Repair in Newark

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Equipment Call your local professionals at SERVPRO of Newark to ensure your home is dry and sanitary.

Storm Water Damage Repair in Newark is Better with SERVPRO

The main priority in handling stormwater damage in your house is to extract the water and dry all affected structures and contents as quickly as possible. When not properly handled, water spreads fast and can induce long-term issues on the integrity of the house.

The right way to repair stormwater damage in your Newark home would be to contact a team of experienced technicians, as SERVPRO provides. We are a team that is dedicated to the production of efficient and fast results. We are available 24/7 since we are aware that no disaster abides by business hours.

Several factors influence the restoration decisions that we put into practice at SERVPRO, which include:

  • The type of water involved, whether black water or grey water.
  • The length of time the water has been standing on your property determines whether or not we should remove wall coverings and flooring.
  • Whether the damage has affected air quality, in which case we put more air scrubbers and containment measures in place.

All of the information used in this process is graded by the standards the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification has put in place. To familiarize ourselves with the steps, SERVPRO repair and water damage technicians undergo an intensive 3-day course that we must pass to receive certification and be ready to handle any restoration project.

After we have removed all the water from visible surfaces, SERVPRO turns to the hidden areas that are hard to access. To handle these, we use less-intrusive methods, such as air movers, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers, to develop a more efficient stormwater damage restoration process.

After we have cleaned, removed, and dried all that needs to be cleaned, removed, and dried respectively, your approval is required for your house to be returned to its initial appearance. Our professional cleaners can fix any damage, no matter how serious.

Storm Water Damage Repair in Newark is Better with SERVPRO

The main priority in handling stormwater damage in your house is to extract the water and dry all affected structures and contents as quickly as possible. When not properly handled, water spreads fast and can induce long-term issues on the integrity of the house.

The right way to repair stormwater damage in your Newark home would be to contact a team of experienced technicians, as SERVPRO provides. We are a team that is dedicated to the production of efficient and fast results. We are available 24/7 since we are aware that no disaster abides by business hours.

Several factors influence the restoration decisions that we put into practice at SERVPRO, which include:

  • The type of water involved, whether black water or grey water.
  • The length of time the water has been standing on your property determines whether or not we should remove wall coverings and flooring.
  • Whether the damage has affected air quality, in which case we put more air 
  • scrubbers and containment measures in place.

All of the information used in this process is graded by the standards the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification has put in place. To familiarize ourselves with the steps, SERVPRO repair and water damage technicians undergo an intensive 3-day course that we must pass to receive certification and be ready to handle any restoration project.

After we have removed all the water from visible surfaces, SERVPRO turns to the hidden areas that are hard to access. To handle these, we use less-intrusive methods, such as air movers, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers, to develop a more efficient stormwater damage restoration process.

After we have cleaned, removed, and dried all that needs to be cleaned, removed, and dried respectively, your approval is required for your house to be returned to its initial appearance. Our professional cleaners can fix any damage, no matter how serious.


Prevent stormwater from bringing your house down by contacting SERVPRO of Newark at (302) 733-7933. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.