Recent Posts

Types of Fire and Smoke Damage In Delaware County and Surrounding Areas

3/6/2024 (Permalink)

Well there are 3 main types of smoke and residues that can be left behind by fire damage in your home:

Synthetic: These synthetic residues appear when oil based materials are burned such as plastics and fabrics. This could include everything from window coverings, furniture, carpets, and electronics. When synthetic materials burn they will produce a thick black smoke, leaving behind a smeary residue that can create quite the mess if not cleaned up properly. In these situations avoid touching any of the residue to prevent smearing.

Protein: Fires caused by the burning of proteins such as meats and beans for example will leave behind a yellowish brown residue. The texture of which is greasy feeling and can stick to any surface, making it a pain to clean up. 

Natural: These type of fires are caused by the burning of natural products such as wood and paper. They produce dry powdery residue that is greyish-black in color. These residues are easier to clean up than the synthetic or protein residues. 

If you have any smoke damage that you need cleaned, call SERVPRO of Delaware, OH at 740-369-5020.

Spring is Coming, and So Is Rain! Be Prepared With These Tips!

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Ready or not, spring is upon us! Although we're all looking forward to green grass and warmer temperatures, spring also brings many natural disasters such as powerful winds, flooding, and tornadoes that can cause severe property damage. Don't be an unprepared property owner! There's not a lot you can do to battle Mother Nature, but there are a few precautions you can take to help prevent damage to your home or business during the spring. Consider the following steps to ensure you and your property are safe:

You can help prevent water damage from a spring flood by:

  • Watching the weather for flood watches and warnings.
  • Keeping storm drains near your property clear of debris.
  • Unplugging electrical appliances.
  • Ensuring your sump pump, drains, and pipes are in working order.
  • Checking your landscaping to ensure water is being guided away from your foundation.
  • Cleaning your gutters and downspouts.

Other things you can do to prevent property damage include:

  • Checking your yard for dead or diseased trees.
  • Having your roof regularly inspected by a professional.
  • Sealing your doors and windows.
  • Secure or store away all outdoor furniture.
  • Identify the safest rooms in your property (ideally a room with no windows such as a bathroom).
  • Creating a disaster preparedness. kit including flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and a supply of food and water.

Our restoration professionals here at SERVPRO of Delaware, OH are available 24/7 for all of your emergency needs. We offer full-service solutions for a variety of property losses, whether it's damage or destruction from floods, fires, smoke, storms, winds, or even molds! Learn more about how we can help you by calling us at 740-369-5020. 

Are You Worried About Pipes Freezing?

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

Water pipes burst because the water inside them expands as is it gets close to freezing and this causes an increase in pressure inside the pipe. When the pressure gets too high for the pipe to contain it ruptures.

A burst pipe can mean anything from a sink valve blowout to a water main fracture and anything in between. The most critical aspect of dealing with a burst pipe is turning off the water supply and stopping the flow of water. If the pipe is in a crawl space or a basement the water is fairly well contained. But if the pipe that burst is in a household setting, such as a toilet feed or an under-sink supply line, drying out the area becomes a bit more complex depending upon how much water has inundated the house.

As with any water damage, time is of the essence. Mold can start to develop in as little as 24 hours after an incident. The more time that passes without treatment, the more likely those materials will continue to deteriorate and may not be salvageable, especially with carpet.

If a water leak has affected multiple rooms, traveled from an upper level to a lower level of the home, or has been left unnoticed for more than 8 hours, professional water mitigation and specialized drying equipment is necessary. If you see that water has seeped into the sub flooring or the drywall, the safest step would be to contact a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Delaware, OH. We can help remove or restore items that would otherwise develop mold. Another thing to keep in mind is the amount of time in which porous materials in your home have been exposed to water saturation.

When in doubt, give SERVPRO of Delaware, OH a call at 740-369-5020.

Storm Tips for Delaware and Marysville, OH

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

Start with a high-quality, reputable storm damage restoration company such as SERVPRO of Delaware, Ohio. We will fully inspect your property to find exactly what damage has occurred. We will often find storm damage that your adjuster would not have noticed, or perhaps even hoped you didn’t. By giving the adjuster a full property storm damage inspection report up front, you avoid missing out

You should also read over your policy before calling the insurance company so you know exactly what they should cover. All too often, homeowners hold back on claims out of fear they will be singled out for a rate increase after a storm damage claim, but this is not always the case.

If you have suffered storm damage in the Delaware, Ohio area, give us a call at SERVPRO of Delaware, OH. We represent your best interest, yet can work directly with the insurance company for claims to make the process easier for you. We can provide you with an inspection and then complete the restoration for you. We can restore your home to your complete satisfaction.

Water Damage Information For Delaware and Union Counties

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

Whether it's from a busted water pipe, sewage backup or flooding, water damage can wreak havoc on your property if not addressed immediately. While you likely already know the importance of proper water mitigation following a water loss, there's still a lot that may surprise you about water damage situations. Here are some essentials you should know about water damage restoration:

The more polluted the water, the worse your situation. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classifies water into three categories in its S500 Standard:

  • Category 1: Generally sanitary water
  • Category 2: Significantly contaminated water
  • Category 3: Grossly contaminated water

The category of water on any loss will dictate how it's restored and how much can be salvaged.

Mold can be debilitating to your home's structure and to your health. And, it doesn't take long to begin to grow. Mold needs only five perfect conditions to grow in 48-72 hours:

  • Moisture
  • Food source
  • Prime temperature
  • No/minimal air movement
  • No/minimal light

Fast action is crucial. In order to begin processing an insurance claim, your agent needs to know about a water damage situation immediately, what happened, how it happened, the source of the water, etc. The longer you wait, the worse the situation gets -- not to mention, your chances of having a "sudden damage" claim approved begin to dwindle.

Spring is Coming!! Be Ready For Rain!

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Spring is just around the corner and that means so is the rain. Like they say, Spring showers bring May flowers. But Spring storms often bring flooding and storm damage as well. Here are some tips to help prevent Spring storm damage in Delaware, OH:

  • Clean out your gutters and downspouts- this prevents clogging that will add weight to your roof causing roof damage and possible roof collapse
  • Seal windows, doors, and roof- these areas are prone to heavy storm waters leaking through
  • Search for cracks in your foundation- even small cracks in you foundation can cause major damage as water sits in the ground and seeps into your home
  •  Install a backflow valve in your basement to prevent sewage backup- when there are heavy rains, the city sewage system becomes overwhelmed often leaving you with the problem of backflow.

Hopefully, you don't have any issues due to Spring storms but if you do call SERVPRO of Delaware, OH at 740-369-5020. We are open 24/7 and always here to help our community!

Dealing With Smoke Damage in Commercial Buildings in Delaware and Union Counties

12/22/2022 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs, SERVPRO of Delaware, OH works to assist business owners and proprietors to move forward and put their lives and businesses back together. It can be overwhelming. The restoration process after a commercial fire is laborious if not time-consuming. It includes:

  • damage assessment
  • debris removal
  • odor, soot, and residual water mitigation

Fire and smoke damage restoration professionals are there to advise and direct business owners to sift through the damage and greatly aid in rebuilding their businesses and commercial properties.

Once undertaken, the goal of commercial fire damage restoration is to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of a business or commercial property after a fire. In a fire’s aftermath, much of the damage restoration focuses on eliminating the persistent smoke odors and the accompanying soot and residual water. Every trace of the contaminants responsible for odors must be scrubbed clean and deodorized. High-powered equipment such as air scrubbers can help clear the air of particulates and odors. Industrial air movers and dehumidifiers mitigate residual water and moisture from putting out the fire.

It all hinges on taking action quickly. In doing so it’s possible for smoke and fire restoration professionals to minimize damage and loss. Here are several steps to anticipate how your restoration professional deals with smoke damage after a fire occurs on your commercial property.

Smoke Odors

As with most fires, commercial fires leave a pungent odor that permeates the building, furnishings, fixtures, and air throughout the property. Those odors are in large part a result of the fire source itself—the debris from the fire, the soot and residual water and chemicals that were used to extinguish the fire. The debris must be dealt with first.

Once the fire and insurance company have determined an origin and cause of the fire, restoration crews move to quickly remove the debris and soot from the premises. Materials such as charred furnishings, rugs, and ceiling tiles are carried out until the property is emptied of any burned remnants of the fire. Debris removal also mitigates odors by removing microscopic dust particles, airborne and settled, that derives from soot deposits and burned debris. Debris removal reduces the intensity of odors, but will not completely eliminate them. Soot and residual water also combine to contribute to smoke odors, and they must be dealt with.

Soot Removal

Thick layers of soot mixed with moisture cover a good portion of commercial fire sites. Soot is the black, powdered carbon and chemical byproduct of the burned material after a fire. Depending on the material burned in commercial fires, the chemical or acidic composition of soot can cause further damage on its own to just about any surface it is in contact with. Soot can stain porous and textured surfaces, permanently discolor granite, plastics, grout and the un-burned fixtures made of wood or textiles.

Removal of soot can reduce the likelihood of permanent soot staining discoloration and may reduce the costs of replacement. As an important step in fire damage restoration, industrial vacuums are very helpful in removing the layers and bulk of powdery soot after fires.

Residual Water

Not only is mold a problem after flooding but after fires as well. Residual water from extinguishing the fire can lead to mold spreading throughout the property if it is not properly mitigated. The increased moisture in the air interacts with mold spores. In a confined space this allows mold to grow rapidly, covering and staining porous surfaces. The smoky odor after a fire rapidly combines with mold to further contaminate the air and interact with surfaces. The longer such odors interact with surfaces the more difficult it will be to completely eliminate the odor.

Commercial fire damage restoration entails industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to remove water and moisture that can lead to airborne mold spores. All interior walls must be checked for water damage. All surfaces must be cleaned thoroughly and wiped down with anti-bacterial agents throughout the process.

If you have a commercial building with fire damage, give us a call to help get you back and running. Our number is 740-369-5020.

Be Prepared For Winter In Delaware and Union Counties!

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Hi Friends, 

We received these great tips from the CDC on how to stay safe this winter and wanted to share them with you.

Prepare Your Home

Staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

  • Winterize your home.
    • Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
    • Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
    • Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
  • Check your heating systems.
    • Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
    • Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
    • Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
  • If you do not have a working smoke detector, install one. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning emergencies.
    • Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
    • Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Get your vehicle ready for cold weather use before winter arrives.

  • Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level.
  • Check your tires’ tread or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires.
  • Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
  • Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
  • Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. The kit should include:
    • Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries;
    • Items to stay warm, such as extra hats, coats, mittens, blankets, or sleeping bags;
    • Food and water;
    • Booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction);
    • Compass and maps;
    • Flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries;
    • First-aid kit; and
    • Plastic bags (for sanitation).

Take Precautions Outdoors

Outdoor activities can expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them:

  • Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.
  • Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
  • Learn safety precautions to follow when outdoors.
    • Work slowly when doing outside chores.
    • Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation.
    • Carry a cell phone.

We hope these tips have helped you and we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! If you ever have any more questions or needs, please call us at 740-369-5020. 

Delaware and Union County Tips for Mold

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

  • Stay out of affected areas.
  • Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
  • Contact SERVPRO of Delaware, OH for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Delaware, OH specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 740-369-5020

Community Involvement in Delaware, OH

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

We have been in the community a lot. We don't just help with fire, water, mold, and reconstruction, but we also volunteer in the community. Our Marketing Manager, Christi is always helping out daily. You may have seen her at First Friday, all of the local chamber events, Touch-a-Truck, volunteering to pass out food to those who need it most, and much more. Since it is the season of giving, we wanted to share with you when you may see us in the community coming up:

-Donating ornaments to give out during Christmas parades

-Christmas Parties for all of the local realty groups and chambers

-Christmas Breakfast's 

-Donating food and passing out food

-Handing out hot cocoa and crafts for the kids

We can't wait to see all of you and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas season and a Happy New Year!

Love, Your SERVPRO family!