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Fire & Smoke Restoration
Fire in the Home
Seeing your home and precious possessions consumed by fire can be one of the most severe losses that a homeowner can experience. After such a devastating loss, reassurance comes from having clear guidance and support in salvaging as much as possible from fire and smoke damage. At ServiceMaster of White Plains, our technicians are more than talented professionals; they're caring people ready to get you back in your home as quickly as possible while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Fire damage goes beyond burning items
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Ash and smoke can continue to cause damage and corrosion to materials if they are left behind
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Odors from smoke will stay in a room or a home long after the fire and continue to cause problems if they are not removed
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In a few minutes, walls and other surfaces can be discolored.
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In a few hours, finishes on kitchen appliances turn yellow
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Smoke causes etching in glass after just a short time, and smoke will tarnish metal quickly
Not all fire damage is the same. Our fire restoration process is thorough and proven. It includes:
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Identifying the source to determine the type of fire that occurred
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Evaluating the areas that are wet as a result of firefighting that may need treatment
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Remediating water damage (if any)
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Evaluating sensitive materials that may be damaged as a result of smoke and soot particles
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Removing contents from the home, including:
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Collecting immediate items you may need for the next seven days such as clothing, prescriptions, toys, school books, business needs, etc.
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Packing out the remaining contents for cleaning and storage
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Performing structural restoration, including:
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Removing any charred contents that may seal in smoke such as insulation and burned wood
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Evaluating carpets and floor coverings that may need to be removed
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Inspecting the framing of the house and subfloors for safety
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Treating affected surfaces for smoke odors and sealing to keep any leftover odors from leaking back into the house
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Cleaning, eliminating odors and deodorizing surfaces to pre-loss condition
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Returning items to the original location and helping to restore your normal life
Don't try to do it yourself!
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The residue left behind after a fire is a biohazard and can cause health problems if it is not taken care of correctly and thoroughly. You do not want to attempt to clean up your home on your own after a fire or you may cause more damage. Only experts with the right training and tools can assure the job is done properly.
Did you know that smoke continues to destroy your home and its contents even after the fire is out?
Smoke that has coated or penetrated surfaces continues to affect the chemical composition of fabrics, metals, walls, ceilings and even tiles. Count on us to handle every aspect of the smoke and soot removal as well as restore areas damaged by fire.
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Is professional carpet cleaning expensive?Professional carpet cleaning is just pennies compared to the cost of replacing it. Call today to get an estimate from one of our professionals.
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How long will it take to have my carpets cleaned at my home?The amount of time will be contingent on the size of the area needing to be cleaned and processes used – low moisture, portable extraction, or truck-mount extraction in terms of efficiencies and time. A highly trained ServiceMaster technician can help you pick a program best meets your needs and schedule.
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Will carpet cleaning be disruptive to my family?The team at ServiceMaster will work with you to schedule a time convenient for you. Our technician will let you know of expected dry times that you will need to be aware of.
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How often do I need to get my carpets professionally cleaned?To keep your carpets in your home looking their best, we recommend having your carpets professionally cleaned every 6-12 months depending on traffic. Many carpet manufacturers require professional cleaning to maintain your warranty, so save your cleaning receipts.
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When will I be able to walk on my floors after a carpet cleaning?Allow drying time of six to eight hours before you walk on your carpet. It is best to wait two days before placing heavy furniture back onto carpet if not using blocks.
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Will there be an odor?Depending on the type of carpet we’re cleaning, you may notice a faint scent. This is especially prevalent when cleaning wool carpets. The amount of time it takes for the odor to dissipate is usually within an hour but varies based on air circulation, heat and humidity. A big difference in the way ServiceMaster of White Plains cleans carpet compared to many of our competitors is that we do not put soap in our rinse water. We pre-spray the carpets, remove the spots, then clean water extract, ensuring we do not leave any soapy residue behind allowing for fresh, clean carpets.
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Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service?Yes. Remove breakables from the tops of furniture in the room we will be cleaning. Pick up items from the floor, such as rugs, plants, toys, pet beds, etc. Pre-vacuum all areas to be cleaned.
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Do I have to move furniture?To get the best results with professional carpet cleaning, we recommend removing furniture from the rooms we will be cleaning. However, we can place blocks under lighter items such as end tables, coffee tables, dining room chairs, loveseats, chairs and small sofas. Items we clean around instead of moving include beds, armoires, pieces containing china and electronics, exercise equipment and large or heavy sofas.