Recent Fire Damage Posts

Furnace Puffback Cleanup Services 

12/28/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot from furnace puffback When you're dealing with the smoke, soot, and odor from a furnace puffback, we're Here to Help.

When your furnace malfunctions and sends soot and smoke throughout your home, the damages can be severe.

Smoke and soot damage can cover walls, floors, furniture and more. While you might want to start cleaning yourself right away, this isn’t recommended without the proper cleaning techniques and solutions. Instead, soot and smoke damage should be professionally cleaned to ensure it is properly handled an all smoke odors are completely removed.

Call Us 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 203-987-4112

Professional Furnace Puffback Cleanup Services

With over 17 years of experience in fire & smoke damage restoration services in Connecticut, you can trust SERVPRO of Bristol to expertly handle your furnace puffback cleanup. Our team has all the training, resources, and experience needed to fully clean your property of smoke and soot damage and ensure no odors are left behind.

Our goal is to rapidly restore your home or business back to pre-damage conditions after a furnace puffback affects your property. We’ll work tirelessly to make the loss “Like it never even happened.” 

What To Do After A Furnace Puffback

You may not realize there are steps you should and shouldn’t take to ensure your damages don’t get worse after a puffback:

  • Do not use your heating system until it has been fixed by an HVAC company, or you may continue to spread smoke and soot throughout your property.
  • If you have a forced air heating system, you need duct cleaning before using it to ensure lingering smoke and soot is not sent through your property.
  • Do not try to clean smoke and soot yourself - This can embed smoke particles further into building materials and make it harder to clean.
  • Do not use household cleaning solutions on affected areas, as it can make the smoke damage worse.

Puffback Cleanup Process

We will clean your property from top to bottom after a furnace puffback, and can even clean your affected contents. A Project Manager will create a unique plan of action for your home, but the general process is as follows:

  1. Isolate the affected areas to prevent the further spread of soot particles.
  2. Install of air scrubbers to remove all soot and smoke particles from the air and aid in deodorization.
  3. Soot cleaning of walls, ceilings, and floors using dry chemical sponges and SERVPRO’s specialized cleaning solutions.
  4. Odor removal.
  5. Duct cleaning to remove all smoke and soot residues from the heating system.
  6. Content cleaning and restoration services.
  7. Painting & restoration by our construction division (As needed).

Call Today For Puffback Cleanup Services - 203-987-4112

Restoring Fire Damage with a Multi-tiered Approach in Bristol

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire damage restoration for your Bristol home. We are Here to Help.

SERVPRO Has Experienced Fire Cleanup Technicians Just a Phone Call Away

Fires can cause extensive property damage. Often, these situations occur due to malfunctioning electronics, naked sources of flame such as candles and stoves, or issues with an indoor furnace. At SERVPRO, we believe in responding quickly to property emergencies and guarantee to arrive on-site within four hours of notification of loss.

When confronting fire damage in your Bristol home, it is vital to take a multilateral approach. Disasters like this can affect your home in many different ways causing physical damage in the form of charred or burnt materials, cosmetic issues in the form of smoke deposits on surfaces, and odor issues. We ensure our technicians have completed certification in various restoration areas to combat this. Our current areas of expertise include odor control technicians (OCT), water restoration technicians (WRT), and fire & smoke damage restoration technicians (FSRT). Since combusting materials can release toxins into the home environment, our roster also includes health & safety technicians (HST) and lead renovations (RRRP) specialists for older properties. 

Using a multilateral approach is often achieved through stages. First, experienced technicians assess the property and pre-test materials to make informed decisions about salvageable belongings. Next, our team disposes of debris, including the organization of dumpsters or transportation of these materials to a separate waste facility. Once the space is clear of both non-salvageable and salvageable materials, we can begin performing the restoration. Drying any residual moisture from firefighting efforts is essential to combating smells and mitigating against further losses that the interaction of soot with moisture could cause. Cleaning is often performed in two stages. The first stage involves dry cleaning using light vacuum wands and dry sponges, followed by more nuanced cleaning products, including water-based detergents or chemical solvents. We can determine which cleaning products to use based on the type of smoke residue, either wet or dry.

Packing Out Belongings VS. Keeping Possessions On-site

  • The pack-out procedure is usually reserved for severe disasters and involves documenting belongings before transporting them to a separate storage facility.
  • All belongings stored in our climate-controlled warehouses are vetted thoroughly for potential vermin or pests and allocated to a specific area where they remain throughout restoration.
  • Technicians may decide it is more efficient to clean and restore items on site by creating a designated clean room and bringing in portable cleaning equipment.

Cleaning and disposing of items subjected to smoke and soot is the most effective method of odor neutralization in most cases. But sometimes, odors can persist after these stages are complete. SERVPRO has various ways to tackle stubborn, persistent burnt odors in your home. Again, we rely on a multilateral approach that includes masking agents to spray directly onto surfaces, fumigation with ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers, or concentrated odor counteractant pellets. Odor particles are volatile, making finding a singular source of odor challenging and time inefficient. By adopting a multi-tiered approach, we can be confident of resolving an odor issue quickly and ensuring that your home is rid of any unpleasant reminders of the recent event.

Helping to Rid Your Home of Smoke or Burnt Odors

  • Since odors are volatile opening windows and doors to allow air circulation can help to reduce their impact. Additionally, industrial venting fans can further encourage circulation.
  • Smoke odors generally disperse within two to four weeks without any equipment or chemical products making masking agents a useful tool in the interim.
  • Odor perception is enhanced when moisture is present. Dehumidification and drying can help reduce the impact of odors in your home. 

We can help you return your home to a preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO of Bristol for fire damage restoration at (860) 582-3330.

Burlington Homeowners Often Call SERVPRO for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says--Do Not Despair After Fire and Smoke Damage to Your Bristol Home! We Can Help.

Even a Small-Scale Fire Can Bring on Significant Odor Damage in Burlington

Any fire that doesn't leave much visible fire damage can seem like it is easy for the homeowner to address. However, it is essential to look past the task of water cleanup to tackle the soot and smoke that permeates all porous materials leaving behind both residue and odor.

SERVPRO technicians can table any odors that fire damage in Burlington leaves behind. We can come out to your home to assess the building materials to determine if residual moisture is present. Proper drying helps while also using specialized techniques, and our certified technicians work to determine the span of the odor. We can then implement measures that help to contain particles and smell to keep them from spreading out and contaminating other areas.

Our specialists are odor control technicians (OCT) at SERVPRO, helping eliminate any offensive odors. We have various resources for taking on stubborn smells that fire leaves behind. A complete wipe-down of any affected areas can be done using high-grade cleaners with dry and wet sponges, depending on the residue present. We also have air scrubbers using HEPA filter technology along with activated charcoal filters that encapsulate even the most minuscule odor-causing particles.

Should there still be stubborn smells left behind, SERVPRO technicians can implement thermal fogging technology to help eliminate any unpleasant scents in the home. A thermal fogger works by releasing a heated, solvent-based deodorizer. This dry fog process works just like the smoke from a fire, permeating and also neutralizing any lingering odors present in building materials and porous items. Special preparation is needed before this odor-defeating action takes place.

Never let foul odors linger from fire damage throughout your home. Call us today at SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330 to speak with one of our knowledgeable office staffers. We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visit your home for unpleasant odor elimination to make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Remove Fire Odors From Your Plainville Home

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Soot and ash deposits also leave an odor that penetrates surfaces. SERVPRO of Bristol has the technology to remove the smoky odor.

Why Odor Removal is a Big Part of Our Professional Fire Damage Restorations in Plainville

There are many aspects of fire damage mitigation and restoration work that require specialized training and equipment to handle, but one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of our work is odor removal. Our treatments include intense odor removal work to leave your home looking and smelling "Like it never even happened." Removing the smells of smoke and fire from your home requires the use of highly specialized fogging machines and specially-designed odor-neutralizing chemicals that our technicians train for weeks to use correctly. Conventional household air fresheners and odor masking agents fail to cover the smells of smoke - but why?

Part of the problem lies in just how much smoke, and ash fire damage in Plainville creates. The small cans of air fresheners and odor-eliminating chemicals you can purchase off store shelves would have to be spread impossibly thin to cover all of the odor-causing particles present in a fire-damaged home. SERVPRO technicians use thermal fogging machines that create a thick cloud of odor neutralizing agents to ensure that no part of your home retains any foul odors. These machines can even reach into cracks, pores, and other microscopic refuges for odors in your home.

However, even if we stocked our fogging machines with as many store-brand cleaning agents as possible, we would not be able to provide very effective odor elimination services. SERVPRO stocks only the most efficient odor reduction agents on the market, some of them designed and used exclusively for our technicians. We even change up the exact mixtures we use depending on the volume and chemical properties of smoke and ash in your home to ensure that we apply the right treatments every time.

SERVPRO of Bristol provides thorough and experienced fire damage mitigation and restoration services for homes in the area. Call us 24/7 after a fire at (860) 582-3330.

After A Fire In Your Burlington Home, Our Professionals Can Save Your Damaged Possessions!

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330 now.

Salvaging Contents By Enlisting Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services In Burlington

Households are full of memories and valuables that have been built up over several years or decades. It is why a house fire can be so emotionally taxing for a homeowner who risks losing not only money but sentimental items. Our fire restoration technicians work with a restore over replace mentality that saves expense and possessions that may be irreplaceable. Our professionals communicate with you every step of the way. They can even help you with insurance paperwork by creating an inventory of items and conditions in the home.

A homeowner with fire damage in Burlington may be tempted to restore items themselves using household cleaning products. Unfortunately, on some smoke residues, household products spread staining around or push soots deeper into the material. SERVPRO uses a sublimation method that involves dissolving the soots in a solvent before wiping away both solvent and residue. We pre-test materials to determine whether soiling is oil or water-based and match our chemical agents to suit each type and ensure the best results.

The vast majority of smoke residues left behind by fire are present on walls and ceilings. During cleaning, paintwork may be worn away, especially if the smoke residues require chemical agents to remove. Removing soiling is essential to remove the odor. Still, once the property is clean and dry, a SERVPRO technician can repaint or refinish surfaces to get your home back to its pre-incident condition.

In slow-burning fires, usually the result of a synthetic material combusting, hot smoke can pressure surfaces for an extended period resulting in the wearing away of varnish or other wood finishes. SERVPRO can deploy sand or soda blasting techniques to remove thick soots before refinishing the wood later. At the end of service, our inventory of goods and services can be passed over to your insurance adjuster, reducing paperwork and letting you get back to your everyday life “Like it never even happened.”

A homeowner dealing with soots or smoke residues should prioritize professional restoration services to gain the best chance of restoring contents and structure to a pre-damaged condition. Contact SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330 now.

Fire Restoration in Bristol with SERVPRO is Quick and Efficient

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let fire damage overwhelm you, for fast and efficient service call the professionals at SERVPRO of Bristol.

Can SERVPRO Eliminate Odors During Fire Restoration in Bristol Homes?

Removing odors from fire-damaged buildings is one of the toughest challenges for any restorer. Combating odor during fire restoration of your Bristol property requires a thorough understanding of the properties of the odor particles. 

With years of experience under their belt, SERVPRO techs have mitigated many kinds of odors during fire restoration of Bristol properties. We use a combination of strategies to deodorize fire-damaged properties based on the deodorant's interaction with odor-causing particles.  

How do Deodorizers Neutralize Odor During House Fire Cleanup in Bristol? 

The three most important ways in which a deodorizer can remove odor from your fire-damaged Bristol home include:

  • Masking the odor: Some deodorants cover the malodors with more pleasant scents rather than eliminating them. SERVPRO techs use this strategy to combat imaginary odors. 
  • Chemically transforming the odor particles: Some deodorants can combine with the odor-causing particles and alter their chemistry, rendering them odorless. Pairing agents, Ozone gas, and enzyme digesters work by this principle. 
  • Adsorbing the odor-causing molecules from the air: Air scrubbers fitted with charcoal filters work by adsorbing the airborne odor particles. Once the filters trap the odor-causing particle, the perceived intensity of the odor declines.  

Is it necessary to use multiple deodorization strategies? 

One of the ways to ensure that the deodorization process is efficient is to use multiple strategies rather than relying on any single one. SERVPRO techs often use a combination of pairing agents and air scrubbers to deal with odor in house fires that involve protein residues. 


To know more about how we can help you restore your property, call SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330.

What Hazardous Conditions Are Likely During Burlington Fire Damage Restoration?

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Explore your options with SERVPRO of Bristol.

SERVPRO Safely Performs Fire Restoration in Burlington Homes

The fire restoration process in a Burlington property comes with many hazards. SERVPRO technicians have extensive training in handling the post-fire cleaning process safely. 

SERVPRO technicians need to inspect many types of issues within a Burlington property before the fire damage cleanup can begin. Numerous areas need scoping, such as: 

  • Electrical 
  • The structural integrity of the home
  • Slip and fall dangers

Electrical Hazards

Often, electricity is not available after a house fire. SERVPRO technicians inspect the home to determine if the power is off entirely or only for a portion of the residential structure. The techs have the training to work around electrical wiring during the restoration service. Finding any areas where the current is live is crucial because water conducts electricity, and the wiring within the property may have gotten saturated during the fire extinguishing efforts. SERVPRO opts for the safest worksite possible and, if necessary, can turn off power to the home entirely and power their equipment with their generators. 

Typical Structural Hazards

A house after a fire can have numerous issues that pose a threat to safety. The technicians wear protective clothing and have the training for the problems to be aware of within a home, such as falling debris, exposed nails, and keeping unauthorized individuals out of the residence. 

Slip and Fall Physical Dangers

While this type of injury is usual, the issue can be avoided through simple preventative actions. The technicians look for slick surfaces from water or a covering in soot and put up the appropriate tape or barriers to keep people from walking through the area. A common problem is someone walking on a wet carpet and falling when their wet shoes contact a tile floor. 


SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330 cleans up and restores Bristol properties with fire damage. The certified, trained technicians are available 24/7.

How Essential Is Estimation of Fire Damage in Burlington Homes?

11/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire damage restoration. We are here to help.

SERVPRO Estimates the Level of Damage and the Likely Costs of Restoration

Once the fire at your Burlington home is put out, your main focus shifts to salvaging items and restoring the damaged areas; collecting various estimates are essential before embarking on the restoration process. 

Since estimation takes some time, you may be tempted to avoid it when restoring fire damage at your Burlington home. However, when you understand the importance of estimates, any time spent doing them is worthy. Since SERVPRO tackles several fire restoration tasks simultaneously, it is possible to do the estimates without delaying other processes significantly.

A properly done estimate should help reveal:

  • The variety of resources needed to complete the restoration
  • Cost of cleaning, repairing or replacing items
  • The different types and extent of damages

The resources needed for restoration vary greatly, so it is easy to underestimate or overestimate what is required at your loss site, with dire consequences. In some loss situations, you might need to move out items, while in others, a supplementary power source is necessary for heating the building. A thorough evaluation of the loss helps reveal such needs and the costs involved.

You may think of the decision whether to repair or dispose of damaged items as based solely on the level of damage. However, factoring in the cost is also necessary. Our SERVPRO technicians help establish the costs it takes to restore various materials through cleaning or resurfacing. We let you know whether such cost differs significantly from replacement cost so that you can make an informed decision. For instance, replacing insulation is relatively low cost, so our technicians remove and replace the top layers of insulation from walls rather than wasting time cleaning them.

SERVPRO of Bristol can help you understand fire damage clearly by making it clear whether you are primarily dealing with residue deposits, material degradation from heat and flames, or a severe odor problem. Call us at (860) 582-3330. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

When to Use Fire Damage Restoration Services for an Attic in Burlington?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and fire damage in your attic is no DIY project. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire repairs.

SERVPRO Recommend Initiating Fire Damage Restoration as Quickly as Possible Using a Local Burlington Provider

Fires, and the smoke they produce, naturally travel upwards, seeking out cooler air pockets as they move through a property. In severe fires, this process can often cause excessive damage to attic spaces and roofing. In some situations, there may be physical signs of damage to the roof's framework and its trusses. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are qualified to assist with:

  • Fire damage restoration 
  • Fire and smoke damage
  • Fire damaged homes

Appropriate fire damage restoration services in Burlington can help to restore your home to its preloss condition. While attic spaces can be particularly tricky to fix, due to space restrictions limiting conventional restoration equipment, it is possible with a professional service. We can often adapt existing equipment to allow its usage in smaller spaces, for example, ducting the attic and applying an air filtration device. Technicians can remove charred wood from trusses and roof frameworks using powerful sand-blasting equipment. We can also:

  • Remove and replace insulation that has been adversely affected by exposure to smoke, temperature, and odor. 
  • Apply deodorant solutions directly onto lumber wood frames to reduce the likelihood of odor particles dissipating into the home environment. 
  • Carry out repairs of fire damages to the roofing structure under the guidance of an experienced crew chief. 

Restore your home properly. Contact SERVPRO of Bristol for fire damage restoration at (860) 582-3330. 

How Our Crew Restores Your Burlington Home To Pre-Fire Damage Condition

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands how important it is to get your home back in order after a fire. Call us at (860) 582-3330, right away.

Advanced Mitigation Methods For Properties With Fire Damage

Property is not just bricks or mortar but a collection of memories and possessions; often, put together over several years or even decades. That is why fire damage can be so upsetting for homeowners. Not only is there the stress of making sure everyone is safe but also the prospect of discarding the things that made it a home, not just a house. We are a leading restoration provider that works with a restore-over-replace mentality that can get your home back to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Our duty in helping homeowners overcome fire damage in Burlington is to bridge the gap between firefighting services and getting your home back to its best. As restoration technicians, we enter the property, check for safety hazards, remove charred materials or debris, deodorize, and clean. In significant fires, we can prepare a job site for third-party contractors to enter safely while also carrying out crucial mitigation tasks.

Water & Fire Damage Restorations

A conventional method of firefighting procedure is to douse flames with water. Unfortunately, porous surfaces can absorb that moisture and set residual smokes or soots into the fabric. SERVPRO responds quickly to these issues by drying the affected area properly and applying foam cleaning methods to prevent soiling to upholstery or furniture from becoming permanent.

Mitigation against water or soiling is time-sensitive, so it is essential to use professional services to restore your property from smoke or soot damages. Possessions are often salvageable with the proper care. SERVPRO can use immersion cleaning for dense materials. Immersion cleaning methods help restore valuable metals by using ultrasonic technology. Equally, Esporta washing machines can remove up to 90% of soft contents.

SERVPRO can take personal items, including artworks, photos, ornaments, or fabrics, to an external cleaning facility. Your technician can create an inventory of items and damages sustained to be passed on to your insurance adjuster or third party to guarantee you only deal with one company throughout service. Get your home back after property damages; contact SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330 today.

Professional Fire Damage Restoration Needs the Right Equipment

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

You can count on SERVPRO's skilled technicians to restore your property after fire damage. Just call (860) 582-3330.

Our SERVPRO Team in Bristol Handles Smoke and Fire Damaged Properties

Eliminating smoke and fire residues can be a highly technical process that requires years of experience, purpose-made tools, and careful monitoring of environmental conditions. This article looks at some of SERVPRO’s best equipment for the job.

Perhaps the most important equipment we use when handling fire and smoke damage in Bristol is our personal protective equipment (PPE). Hand and eye protection are a must throughout most stages of the restoration process, with some steps even requiring industrial respirators. SERVPRO technicians know how to stay safe on the job, so always take their advice.

Removing smoke particles can be difficult work. One tool that we use to eliminate them is the air scrubber. This machine draws in copious volumes of air, captures smoke particles in a HEPA filter, and uses adsorption techniques to remove tiny particles that can get through the filter. These devices may be used alongside Vaportek systems, which use advanced membranes and oils to eliminate and neutralize odor molecules in the air. SERVPRO technicians may use these devices for:

  • House Fire Clean Up
  • Smoke Damage from Tobacco
  • Smoke remediation in the attic

SERVPRO of Bristol provides fast and affordable fire and smoke damage remediation services. Call us at (860) 582-3330.

SERVPRO Brings Decades of Experience to Bristol Fire Damage Restoration Jobs

4/25/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and fire residues can remain long after the fire is put out. Contact SERVPRO to assess the situation and remediate the damage.

Local Bristol Property Owners Trust SERVPRO for House Fire Clean Up

While Bristol is best known at present as the home base of the ESPN network, it has a host of unique venues for both residents and visitors to enjoy. When theme parks come to mind, places like Disney World or Universal might spring to mind. However, the oldest continuously running theme park in the United States, Lake Compounce, is in Bristol. This amusement and water park is one of the top attractions in the state. In operation for over 170 seasons, it has several fun options. The wooden rail rollercoaster, Boulder Dash, is just one of the rides. Other attractions at the park include: 

  • Phobia Phear Coaster
  • Zoomerang
  • Rev-O-Lution coaster that gives riders that feeling of zero gravity

Fans of Clocks and Watches Have a Place in Bristol

Horology is the study of time, which is also an important part of the property and structure restoration process, and one of the best places in the United States to take in the wide array of timekeepers. This museum opened in 1952 as The Bristol Clock Museum. As the collection within the museum grew, it became the American Clock & Watch Museum. There are very few horology museums, and this one has a ranking as one of the best in the world. Visitors can see watches, clocks, and see an exhibit dedicated to Connecticut's own Eli Terry, who received a patent for the shelf clock mechanism.

New England Carousel Museum in Bristol

Carousels were the main attraction at most fairs and parks at the turn of the last century. This museum was founded in 1990 as a nonprofit educational organization about the art and history of carousels. The venue features many exhibitions, such as hands-on displays, shows, and programs throughout the 33,000 square-foot building. Attendees can choose from two levels of tours, one for adults and one designed to delight children. Another attraction is the display of over 100 antique wooden horses from defunct carousels. Visitors can learn how the various pieces got restored and even take a ride on the detailed indoor carousel.

Fire Damage Restoration by SERVPRO Saves Bristol Furnishings

After a house fire, looking around, and seeing walls, upholstered items, and wood furniture with a coating of soot, homeowners may begin calculating the cost of replacing all of those items.

SERVPRO technicians have a wide selection of cleaners specifically formulated for use during Bristol fire damage restoration. In particular, hardwood flooring and furnishings can benefit from the house fire clean up techniques that the technicians use as taught using methods endorsed by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).

The techs inspect each furniture piece to determine if there is heat damage that can inhibit the restoration, such as damage to the joints. If smoke damage is the issue, the techs can remove it carefully using:

  • Wood soaps
  • Hand cleaning methods
  • Dry cleaning sponges

When Bristol properties need fire damage restoration, homeowners contact SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330. The techs are available 24/7 to make the house fire, "Like it never even happened."

Can Homeowners Get Fast-Responding Fire Restoration?

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchens are a hot spot for fires to start in a home. SERVPRO techs are ready for any size fire restoration job there is.

SERVPRO Emergency Response Teams Offer Fire Restoration

Home fire damage affects an estimated 353,100 homes per year, based on fire department data collected by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These incidents resulted in over $7 billion worth of property damage each year.

Licensed technicians at SERVPRO offer fire restoration for Burlington homeowners that starts within hours of their call.

Preparing Fire-Damaged Structures for Rebuilding and Repairs

Structural materials, even those not directly exposed to flames, can be heavily impacted by soot and other residues from a home fire.

Affected materials include:

  • Wall studs
  • Ceiling joists
  • Insulation
  • Subfloors
  • Drywall

Technicians implement a broad swathe of techniques to restore these structures, such as:

  • Demolishing unsalvageable drywall and insulation to make way for fresh installations
  • Vigorously cleaning and sealing studs and joists to minimize stains and charring from fire damage
  • Cleaning surface-level stains off of structures with EPA-registered antimicrobials
  • Addressing heavier surface staining and residues with abrasion cleaning and alkaline solutions

SERVPRO of Bristol performs rapid-response fire restoration for homeowners who call (860) 582-3330.

Fun for All the Family in Bristol With an At-Home Scavenger Hunt

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that Bristol's Library offers a family scavenger hunt?

Enjoy Family Fun from Your Bristol Home

Anyone with kids at home this festive season knows how easy it is for little ones to get bored. Keep them entertained this winter with an at-home scavenger hunt courtesy of Bristol Public Library. 

  • Join the fun for free.
  • Scavenger hunts take place on Zoom so that you can join at home.
  • Enjoy some fun competing against other families – the family with the most points wins! 

Race around your home to find items that match the descriptions. The scavenger hunt is fun for all ages! 

The winter scavenger hunt takes place on December 28 from 6:45 – 7:30 PM. Please contact Bristol Public Library to book your slot. You will be sent an email with a link to the Zoom room and instructions on how to join. 

One thing you do not want to find in your home is a fire hazard. If you need help with making your home fire safe or dealing with fire damage, call SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330.

Will Restoration After a Fire Be Costly?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Don't Be Shocked by the Cost of Fire Damage Restoration in Burlington!! Call SERVPRO for Cleanup to Build Back Services

SERVPRO Offers Efficient, Affordable Fire Restoration – If Your Burlington Property Needs Attention, Call Our Skilled Technicians!

The effects of any size fire in your home can bring unimaginable devastation. However, it is essential to know that restoration after a fire may not be as costly as fully rebuilding using all brand-new materials. Some of the existing building materials in your Burlington home can be restored simply by removing traces of the fire. SERVPRO is available to assist with your restoration needs to bring your entire back to pre-fire condition.

Can All Building Materials Be Restored?

Our highly-skilled fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) can quickly and efficiently address your need for fire restoration in Burlington. In many cases, we can restore surfaces without having to remove materials such as:

  • Brick
  • Concrete
  • Composites
  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Aggregate cement
  • Stucco
  • Plastics
  • Wood, and more

During the restoration process, our crew has access to a vast assortment of tools and technology to help facilitate the fire damage cleanup. Not only do we use methods such as sandblasting, wet or dry blasting, and soda blasting, but we also have a collection of state-of-the-art processes available depending on need. We understand that each fire incident we get called into for cleanup is unique, so we adjust our methods to create a tailored plan for each property.

Whenever restoration efforts are not enough, we have an affiliate reconstruction team, Nutmeg Restoration, to handle the build-back. Whether your marble floor needs repair or you need new drywall or electrical work after the fire, we ensure that no stone is left unturned. Once everything gets wrapped up, your interior will be beautiful and like-new once again, “Like it never even happened.”

Time is always of the essence when you need help handling fire restoration after a house fire. Call SERVPRO of Bristol 24/7 at (860) 582-3330, and we will send out a crew to start in on an assessment.

Could Your Pet Cause Fire Damage To Your Bristol Home?

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

For help with fire damage in Bristol, call SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330.

SERVPRO Advises Bristol Pet Owners To Be Aware Of Fire Damage Risks

Bristol pet owners love their four-legged friends and want to keep them safe. Having a pet is a great way to relieve stress, and it is always lovely to come home from work or errands to an enthusiastic greeting. No one thinks of their pet as a health hazard, but there are some risks surrounding pet ownership.

Of course, a pet cannot purposefully cause fire damage in a Bristol home. The responsibility for fire safety lies firmly with the adult humans in the house! But that said, some unexpected fire damage risks come with pet ownership. It is good to be aware of the dangers now so you can take action to mitigate them.

What are some fire damage risks associated with pets?

SERVPRO wants local homeowners to be aware of the following potential risks:

    •    Pets can chew on power cords, and once they are damaged they can spark or short and start a fire
    •    Any animal that roams free around your room can knock over a candle and start a fire
    •    Dogs and cats have been known to drag their bedding around – unfortunately, this sometimes includes pulling it towards a space heater or candle
    •    It sounds unlikely, but it is not unheard of for pets to turn on the stove by jumping up and catching a knob
    •    If you let a pet lie on an electric blanket, it could chew it and damage the wires, or have an accident and cause an electrocution risk

What can I do to prevent a pet-related fire?

For every potential pet-related fire risk, there is an easy solution. Most fixes boil down to looking at possible fire hazards through a curious pet's eyes and making sure there is nothing in their path that can be chewed on, knocked over, moved, or switched on by mistake.

SERVPRO of Bristol suggests taking the following precautions:

    •    Always roll up and hide excess power cord, so there is less to chew – try to hide as much of the power cord as possible
    •    Use flameless LED candles or string lights instead of real ones – they create the same warm ambiance but with much less risk
    •    Place dog and cat beds in rooms that do not contain fire hazards such as space heaters or open fires – you can also install toddler gates to stop your pets roaming to places they should not
    •    Stove knob protectors were designed with small children in mind, but they also work well to prevent pets accidentally turning the dials
    •    Never let your pets lie on an electric blanket

Are pet bowls a fire risk?

Believe it or not, pet bowls can be a fire risk. If you have glass pet bowls and place them outside on wooden decking, there is a risk of sunlight filtering through the glass and setting fire to the wood. You can easily avoid this by the use of stainless steel or ceramic pet bowls.

How should I look after my pet in the event of a fire?

In the event of a fire, your pet is relying on you to get them to safety whatever the cause. SERVPRO recommends always keeping a few weeks of food and medicine, plus a few bottles of water, some bedding, and vaccination and vet records on hand, in case you and your pet need to make a hasty escape.

You can also get stickers to put on your front door, alerting firefighters to the type and number of pets in residence. This helps emergency services respond quickly and gives your pets a better chance of being found.

What can SERVPRO do to help?

Once you and your pets are safe and the fire service has extinguished the blaze, it is time to call us. We train our technicians to handle every aspect of fire mitigation, so you can trust us to restore your home, “Like it never even happened.”

We begin by assessing the situation and taking any immediate steps to secure the premises, such as boarding up the door or putting a tarp on the roof. We also check for potential health hazards.

Once we have assessed your home, we will discuss our proposed course of action with you to be sure you are happy with our plans.

The first step is to remove any water leftover from firefighting efforts, which we do with a combination of pumps, extractors, and extraction wands. If your soft furnishings are particularly water-logged, we dry them.

We clean your home and belongings thoroughly, using a mix of mechanical cleaning techniques (such as scrubbing) and chemical methods (such as spot-cleaning upholstery). Soot is challenging to tackle, but our technicians know how to handle it. Before we leave, we deodorize your home to make sure it smells as good as new.

For help with fire damage in Bristol, call SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330.

Why Is Fire Damage in Your Burlington Kitchen So Tough to Restore?

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Bristol day or night for professional assistance with fire damage restoration.

The Highly-Qualified Team at SERVPRO Understands the Demands of Protein-Based Fire Damage Restoration for Our Burlington Customers

Every “fuel” a household fire burns through is associated with a particular type of residue. The food and oils that suffered super-heating during a blaze in your Burlington kitchen create a fire damage coating like no other. The “soot” is not the incompletely combusted remains of building materials and contents like dry and wet soot. Instead, it is the dehydrated leavings of the meats, vegetables, fats, and oils. Its protein base means the residue is transparent but tightly adhered like varnish. The residue also has a strong stench, not surprisingly, because the remnants are heated past the smoke point, undergoing a chemical change that renders them rancid.

What Is the Answer to Removing Protein-Based Soot on the Way to Fire Damage Restoration?

SERVPRO crew members complete a rigorous training course from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to prepare for fire damage restoration in your Burlington home. We learn about the principles and elements of cleaning, using them as a guide:

Principles of Fire Damage Cleaning
    •    Locate residues
    •    Identify characteristics of residues
    •    Evaluate the type and durability of affected surfaces
    •    Capture and remove residues
    •    Lawfully dispose of residues and the cleaning solutions used

Element of Cleaning
    •    Temperature -- manipulate to impact the speed of chemical action and prevent shrinkage and color bleed
    •    Agitation -- deliberate use of friction impels a break in the bond between the affected surfaces and the residues
    •    Chemical Action -- soaps, detergents, and solvents dissolve or emulsify the residues to remove them
    •    Time -- also termed “dwell time,” it is the period a cleaning solution is permitted to work on loosening the debris

What Is the Balance We Create to Restore Residue-Free Surfaces?

Protein-based residues loosen most efficiently through the use of solvents, extended dwell times, and abrasive products or tools. Odor removal is particularly tricky and might require the addition of enzymatic products or thermal fogging or hydroxyl generation interventions.

Contact SERVPRO of Bristol day or night for professional assistance with fire damage restoration. Manage all aspects of the fire damage disaster, starting with one call to (860) 582-3330.

What Should I Do To Save Furniture after Fire Damage in My Bristol Home?

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Seeking help after fire damage can help you save your items.

SERVPRO Can Help You Respond Quickly and Correctly Boosting Chances of Saving Your Items in Bristol

When a fire breaks out, you have much to worry about, including whether your precious furniture items are likely to survive the incident. Apart from the cost of buying new ones, you might have family heirlooms or rare items that you cannot replace. SERVPRO assists Bristol homeowners in responding the right way to fires, helping save valuable items.

Does fire damage furniture items uniformly in Bristol properties?

Many factors influence the outcome of fire incidents in Bristol. Items can be damaged by exposure to smoke, heat, and flames from the fire, depending on the materials they are made from. Typical materials used in furniture include:
    •    Wood or MDF
    •    Glass or Acrylic
    •    Plastic
    •    Leather

Fires affect these materials differently. For instance, flames consume fabrics fast but may take longer to damage glass or solid wood. On the other hand, it is easier to resurface fabrics sections in items compared to wood.

The level of damage also depends on the period of exposure. Quickly putting out a fire limits the damage from heat, flames, and smoke. However, there is still a risk of damage from exposure to moisture and residues, such as soot if restoration is delayed.

Which restoration steps help save furniture?

    •    Cleaning
    •    Drying
    •    Resurfacing or refinishing

Damages such as the accumulation of residues on any type of furniture are easier to manage through cleaning. Our SERVPRO technicians used a wide array of cleaning methods to achieve the objective since different materials interact with soils and cleaning products differently. Actions such as vacuuming and spray wiping help remove light residues while pressure washing or other deep-cleaning techniques help with deep soiling.

For the porous and semi-porous materials such as upholstery and wood, managing the moisture absorbed during cleaning or firefighting is crucial to forestalling severe problems. We take actions such as tenting cushions and boosting the drying process through dehumidification and evaporation.

Seeking help after fire damage can help you save your items. Call SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

What Kind of Hardwood Fire Damage in Bristol Can Be Restored?

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Depending upon the amount of damage, some hardwood furnishings can be restored.

Give SERVPRO the Chance to Bring Your Built-In Wood Furnishings Back to Life in Bristol 

Beautiful cabinets, buffets, and woodwork are desirable elements, creating comfortable surroundings. After a fire, structures like walls and ceilings can be restored or replaced without changing your home's ambiance. Losing the unique styling of built-in cabinetry or original trim causes distress professional fire restoration professionals can avoid. 

Can Damaged Wooden Cabinets Be Saved After a Fire? 

The skills mastered by our highly-trained managers and technicians offer successful strategies to resolve significant hardwood fire damage suffered by Bristol properties. We consider the level of staining caused by smoke residues as well as blistering and other distortion from the heat of the blaze when determining our approach. 

How Do Professionals Clean Fire-Damaged Hardwood? 

SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) have three options to clean up smoke and soot damaged hardwood furnishings and fixtures.  

Does Fire Damage respond to Dry Cleaning? 

We clean loose, ashy residues, and the pre-cleaning of almost all types of fire damage using dry cleaning methods. The tools employed include: 

  • Vacuums
  • Feather dusters
  • Dusting cloths 
  • Dry cleaning (chemical) sponges
  • Soft and stiff brushes
  • Art gum erasers 

Special Notes:  

Unfinished and unsealed wood must be dry cleaned as other methods might force residues and odors into the pores of the wood. 

What Types of Fire Damage Responds to Wet Cleaning? 

Moderate levels of fire residues adhering to surfaces need wet cleaning to loosen, dissolve, and suspend the coatings. Suggested products include: 

  • Low alkali surface cleaners
  • Mild detergents specialized for hardwoods like wood oil soap 

Special Notes:  

Cleaning strokes must follow the grain of the wood. 

What Fire Damage Needs Partial Refinishing? 

Dense concentrations of fire residues require the cleaning techniques and products to adapt. To break the bond between the soot and the hardwood surface, we add the following aids:

  • Solvent-based cream cleaners
  • Extra-fine grade steel wool applicators

Special Notes:  

Skilled technicians adjust pressure and amounts of cleaning products to minimize harm.

Post firefighting watermarks can disappear using semi-refinishing. 

Let SERVPRO of Bristol use industry-leading protocols to restore hardwood fire damage in your home. Call us at (860) 582-3330 to schedule an evaluation. 

More about Bristol.

Cleaning Fire Damage In Your Bristol Home

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330 now.

Using Agitative Cleaning to Enhance Fire Damage Recovery in Your Bristol Home

Soiling or smoke residues that are left on walls, ceilings, and surfaces after a fire are made up of thousands of individual particles. Temperature changes generate pressure that can force these particles onto, or into, surfaces. While a sturdy finish like varnish or paint may be able to repel some of these particles, the constant barrage can also wear away the finish allowing soots to bond with the surface. Sometimes, merely washing a surface can set soots which react to moisture and can make the surface tougher to clean. The trick to restoring a home properly is to find ways of loosening soots from surfaces before washing them off using wet products.

The first instinct when performing home fire damage restoration in Bristol is to apply water and soap mixtures to the surface. At SERVPRO, we advise against using water in the cleaning process until the removal of loose soots is complete. Water-based cleaning products can have the opposite of the intended effect by spreading soots around, setting them into surfaces, or causing colorfast bleeding and dripping. Rather than focus on wet-cleaning, our fire, and smoke damage restoration technicians (FRST) use agitation.

Agitation is an effective method for loosening soils before removing them. Dry soots may not yet be bonded with a surface, and providing light vacuuming over soiling can be extremely useful in tackling minor damages. Agitation is possible directly onto a dry surface or for use in combination with a cleaning solution. The goal is to move the surface as much as possible and with it any smoke residues. These loose residues are then far more likely to respond well to more direct washing or cleaning.

In some situations, a homeowner can achieve excellent results by using brushes, scourers, or dry sponges directly onto the affected area. Where there are significant amounts of soiling, SERVPRO can deploy mechanical agitation equipment. Rotating brushes can clear a heavily soiled surface much quicker than manual cleaning. Equally, air pressure hoses for indoor soils or water pressure for outdoor can be capable. Some charred elements of structure may benefit from sandblasting, which removes both soot and surface to provide a clean, smooth finish.

Dry cleaning can be the number one factor in restoring a home to its preloss condition and avoiding further damages. Contact SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330 now.

For more about Bristol click here.

Ultimate Solution When Dealing With a Fire Damage Situation in Burlington

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

When facing fire damage in your home, it’s important to contact a company who will also deal with residual odors.

How SERVPRO Stops Burlington Homes From Smelling Like Fire Damage

One of the worst things about fire damage, is the residual odors that often linger long after the charred materials and clean up for the property have occurred. The fact is, the residents do not have to learn to "just live with it" as smoke odors are a sign of incomplete fire mitigation in the home.

The removal of fire damage in Burlington homes is a multi-layered process. The ambient air quality after the fire loss cleanup and recovery efforts is a significant concern for SERVPRO technicians. They work hard during each phase of fire loss restoration to ensure foul odors do not remain within the home. 

Water Extraction Reduces Odors

When water is part of the fire fighting efforts, if any moisture gets left behind, foul odors and even mold with its own musty calling card have the potential to complicate the fire loss restoration process. SERVPRO technicians carefully scope the property and extract the water before moving on to the drying and odor treatment applications. 

Drying and Ventilation

SERVPRO technicians utilize both containment and negative air chambers as needed to keep soot from traveling via ductwork or foot traffic to other areas of the home and helps lower odors. They also run air scrubbers fitted with HEPA filtration to improve air quality further. Technicians then wipe down all surfaces in the fire loss area to remove all traces of smoke residues.

Direct Smoke Odor Treatment Methods

There are times when residual odors remain after drying and hand cleaning surfaces. SERVPRO has a diverse array of odor control equipment to assist in the eradication of pungent smoke odors in the home. For porous items that may retain smokey odors, applications such as thermal fogging work to eliminate odors in things such as carpet and upholstered furnishings. For capturing airborne particulate, hydroxyl generators safely bind with odorous soot and neutralize it. 

SERVPRO of Bristol at (860) 582-3330 stands ready 24/7 to help local property owners bounce back from fire damage through the use of state of the art technology and extensive training to make the fire loss in the home "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more about the town of Burlington.

Indications You Might Have Bigger Concerns After A Fire In Your Burlington Home

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

Our technicians are trained, certified, and available 24/7 at (860) 582-3330.

Signs You Might Have Bigger Issues Than Fire Damage in Your Burlington Home

When a home has fire damage, it leaves behind many issues beyond charring and smoke; numerous hazards have the potential to crop up due to inadequate cleaning.

Sometimes when SERVPRO assists Burlington homeowners with fire damage cleanup and restoration, it is not uncommon for technicians to find signs of previous cleaning efforts. This presents significant challenges for restoring the home because incorrect cleaning methods cause more harm to surfaces and finishes.

DIY Fire Cleanup May Cost You
To save money or time, homeowners frequently attempt the cleanup of smoke residues on their own. This is often a mistake; for example, using liquid cleaners on dry smoke residues drives it deeper into surfaces. Scrubbing thick, oily residues leaves damage on the surface and pushes the soot into cracks, rendering it more challenging to remove. Signs of improper cleanup are smears and staining on surfaces and a smoke odor.

Signs of Inadequate Water Cleanup
Extinguishing a fire leaves behind copious amounts of water that requires removal. It migrates quickly under floors, behind baseboards and walls requiring drying. Leaving this moisture behind sets the home up for mold growth and foul odors. SERVPRO technicians use a diverse array of moisture detection equipment to ensure water is not overlooked.

Signs of Mold
Mold is always a danger after a fire loss in a home. Water wicked into sheetrock leaves it in a weakened state and creates a perfect environment for mold spore germination. It can start as fast as 24-hours and once established, mold colonies spread quickly. Technicians lower ambient humidity to unsustainable levels for mold existence, abate any colonies and follow up with the application of antimicrobial products.

Signs of Cross-Contamination
If the HVAC is running or traffic continues through the fire loss area in a home, odor-causing soot spreads throughout the house and requires cleaning. The tip-off is the smell of smoke in areas of the home without fire damage. SERVPRO technicians use containment and in some cases negative air chambers to stop cross-contamination during fire damage cleanup and restoration.

SERVPRO of Bristol is always ready to clean up and restore fire damage for local property owners. Our technicians are trained, certified, and available 24/7 at (860) 582-3330.

For more about Burlington click here.

Types of Smoke Damage

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

A fire is a devastating event for any business or homeowner. We at SERVPRO of Bristol are experts at understanding the types of smoke and the damages they leave behind. This knowledge ensures that our customers receive the best possible care and expertise throughout the cleanup process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bristol will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –860-582.3330

Smoke and Soot

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bristol will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 860-582-3330

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Bristol Home.

5/24/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Bristol will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 860-582-3330