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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts

Restore Rather Than Replace

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

It's important to know that when you hire a restoration company like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties you are doing so to ensure your damaged property is returned to pre-damaged condition whenever possible. While we work for you, we also have an obligation to your insurance company. Our goal is to work lock-step with them to ensure whatever is not restorable you get reimbursed for. 

When dealing with damaged contents, a detailed list with pictures is complied of salvageable and unsalvageable items. This list is then forwarded to the insurance company for them to review and reimburse.

What is salvageable the restoration company with the use of our skilled technicians and specialized cleaning products will save. This is especially helpful since many sentimental items can be returned rather than destroyed.

SERVPRO can help you navigate through a sometimes difficult time of recovering from any smoke, fire or water disaster. You don't have to do it alone.

Restoration Tools

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Employing the use of a moisture meter Moisture meters are used to detect wet areas of the structure. Tools like these are why people rely on us for all their restoration needs.

Insurance companies and professional facility professionals rely on restoration companies to remediate and restore damaged property because they are the experts. It is important that homes and businesses are restored properly to ensure safety, limit business interruption and any secondary damage.

SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is lead by crew chiefs who are IICRC certified in smoke, fire and water cleanup. They lead a crew of technicians who employ the use of modern technology so the job is done correctly. We also employ certified mold where we can test and remediate and biohazard cleanups.

Pictured is one of our technicians using a moisture meter to detect moisture behind the sheet rock. This helps identify all the wet areas within the structure so that complete drying can occur. Tools like these are why insurance companies and facility professionals rely on us.

An Industry Leader in Specialty Cleaning

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Biohazard cleanups are especially tricky and dangerous. Without proper cleanup techniques the affected area could become even more hazardous. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is recognized as an industry expert on specialty cleaning. Whether it be a sewer backup, a crime scene cleanup or dealing with infectious pathogens, SERVPRO can safety restore the property.

Our certified technicians are trained in the handling and disposal of the biohazard materials. They are properly protected wearing the appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE) and take special pre-caution to avoid cross contamination. We have the specialized equipment and disinfecting agents to ensure both cleanliness and odor removal.

Should you find the unfortunate need for an outside cleanup and disinfecting company, call an industry leader for piece of mind; SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties. 

https://youtu.be/KEu-NV68d6E

Here to Help

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Responding during difficult times is what we do, it’s who we are and what we know. Right now, during this most unprecedented moment we share with you, we continue to answer the calls of our neighbors who need us most.

Our business remains open to you as our employees and services are essential during this coronavirus pandemic. If your home or business is in need of cleaning and sanitizing, or any of our core water and fire services, give us a call at 570-235-1646. We are here and ready to serve on a 24/7/365 basis. 

When the need arises, call an industry leader for  your families, employees and customers piece of mind. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties. Make it SERVPRO CERTIFIED CLEAN.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEUQ70o3yGw

Locally Owned Franchise

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Building Located at 372 N. Main St Taylor, PA 18517

The national Shop Local/Support Small Business day is vastly approaching. While it was intended more for retail buying, it does however apply to our franchise. We are locally owned and operated and take pride in being an active member of the Wayne and Lackawanna Counties communities.

One big advantage of hiring SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is that while technically we are a small business we are supported by a national giant. This provides us with the necessary resources to be able to help others on any size disaster. It also forces us to the customers benefit, to meet certain hiring, training and employment standards. Our corporate offices maintain this standard to protect and to grow the brand-SERVPRO.

So if your home or business experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster, call the brand you can trust and know we will do our very best to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Specialty Cleaning

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

PPE We have the personal protective equipment needed to handle any type of job.

While SERVPRO is know as an industry leader in the cleanup and restoration of smoke, fire and water; did you know that we have the specialized training and equipment to safely cleanup many bio-hazard situations?

Bio-hazard cleanups can potentially have negative health ramifications and should be addressed by a qualified company like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties. We have the specialized training and equipment; and required certificates (in some instances) to safely clean and dispose of bio-hazard situations.

We have cleaned crime scenes, including meth houses and suicides; pigeon dung and bat guano; cat, dog and human feces, hoarding homes as well as numerous sewer backups. They are messy and dangerous jobs but someone has too, so call a company you can trust like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties. We are always trained and ready to help.

In Need of Mold Remediation?

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

 mold Microbial growth found in a basement.

Mold infestation is always caused by some moisture issue. Whether it be a broken or burst pipe, excessive humidity or an intrusion from groundwater, excessive moisture needs to be present. Most mold calls we receive are either in basements or crawl spaces since these areas are more apt to have a dark, damp environment which mold spores thrive in. The spores are a living entity which need food and air to live. Once these factors are removed the spores will no longer live and spread. Professional remediation is recommended.

Mold is present everywhere and some strains are helpful to the human race. Most are innocuous unless there is an allergy or other factors which could cause some health issues. Nonetheless, is you see visible signs of mold growth it is always best to have them remediated to avoid having the value of your property diminished or cause issues regarding your employees.

SERVPRO is an experienced mold remediation company. We follow all IICRC standards when remediating mold and are available throughout Lackawanna and Wayne counties. We also have a certified mold inspector on staff should an air quality test be required.

Being Pro-Active in Uncertain Times

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

cleaning SERVPRO cleaning at a local school.

In these uncertain times, Nothing is 100% safe. However, it is wise to take as many precautions and clean and disinfect as often as we can. The SERVPRO certified technicians are employing the use of a hepa-vacuum and anti-bacterial cleaning agents in the locker room of this local school district. As the old adage states "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

This project will address any bacterial viruses by cleaning and disinfecting the interior surfaces. This is important now more than ever.

SERVPRO thrives on being able to help our local communities stay as safe as possible. If your are in need of a thorough disinfecting clean, call the professionals at 570-235-1646. We use the proper PPE and products to clean and disinfect surfaces.

Using The Proper Equipment For The Job

11/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO building from outside Call the professionals at SERVPRO.

Thermal imaging technology allows restoration companies like SERVPRO the ability to determine exactly what is wet and what is dry. In the most basic of terms, thermal imaging allows you too see an object’s heat radiating off itself. Thermal cameras more or less record the temperature of various objects in the frame, and then assign each temperature a shade of a color, which lets you see how much heat its radiating compared to objects around it.

Colder temperatures are often given a shade of blue, purple, or green, while warmer temperatures can be assigned a shade of red, orange, or yellow. 

This technology allow SERVPRO certified water restoration technicians the ability to concentrate on the wet areas saving time and money by knowing exactly what to address. It also ensues that we do not miss any areas and will also confirm when things are dry ensuring proper and professional mitigation services.

Technology like thermal imaging is just one reason that insurance companies choose SERVPRO as their chosen restoration company. We are emergency services company available 24/7.

Have a Plan In Place

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

water damage Be prepared when a disaster strikes such as the one pictured.

The effects of a water emergency on a business can be devastating. It is wise to have a plan in place.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage:

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Call SERVPRO at (570) 235-1646 to schedule your no cost ERP. 

A Safe Thanksgiving

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vans parked outside Call 570-235-1646 for all your fire restoration needs.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Kitchen Fires are among the most common types of fires. Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Professionals have specialized fire and water restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They can also remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep clean soot from upholstery and carpet.

If there is a fire: Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets. Place clean linens on carpet traffic areas.

SERVPRO Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately, 24/7/365, when you need help with a fire or water damage event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

As one of the nation's leading providers of restoration services, SERVPRO has developed the most extensive performance guidelines in the industry.  As a national leader in cleanup and restoration, it’s only natural for SERVPRO to receive regular recognition for excellence in a variety of fields.

Testing the Air Quality

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Vehicle Call us at 570-235-1646.

The only definitive way to ascertain whether a mold issue is occurring is by conducting testing. SERVPRO employs a mold tester to better service our customers.

There are several different types of test which a professional remediation company can conduct. As a company we employ the use of the following two.

Air Quality testing: By testing the air quality and comparing the spore counts between the area in question and a controlled sample from outside, we are able to determine if an issue is occurring as well as the type of mold present and spores counts of each strain. Once we have a beginning spore count we are then able to begin the remediation process. A post test will determine whether the air is now clean.

Tape Samples: Tape sampling is used when obvious discoloration is seen. This method will allow the remediation professional to ascertain the type of spores present. This method is helpful in determining the difference between mold and mildew.

SERVPRO is the leading mold remediation company. By offering both testing and remediation we are a one stop call. We are proud to serve our local Lackawanna and Wayne County communities.

Eliminating Odors

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

hydroxyl generator in basement Utilizing a hydroxyl generator to treat an odor issue in the basement of this property.

Detecting the source of the smell is the first remedy in eliminating any troubling odor situation. While you are able to certainly smell it, finding it is sometimes a more difficult task.

SERVPRO the county's premier specialty cleaning company will find the source of your odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate the odor from your home. Whether it be a dead animal in the wall, troubling animal excrement or a skunk in your basement we have the experience and specialized equipment to eliminate and/or neutralize the odor.

Experience matters. Our certified technicians can find and eliminate the source and then treat the lingering aftereffects of the odor. By employing the use of a fogging agent to pair with the odor molecules or a hydroxyl generator to literally zap the odor molecules we can return your living or working environment back to a safe and healthy space.

If your or property is experiencing a bothersome odor issue, call the professionals at SERVPRO.

Hydroxyl Generator

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Hydroxyl A Hydroxyl Generator helps kill odor molecules from any odor.

A hydroxyl generating systems is a new green technology, and the industry's most advanced solution for eliminating odors, purifying the air, and decontaminating surfaces and contents. The Odorox® systems are scientifically confirmed, field proven, and disruptive to all conventional deodorization and cleaning technologies.


Hydroxyls (OH) are safe, naturally occurring molecules that are created in our atmosphere when the sun’s ultraviolet rays react with water vapor. They play a critical role in cleaning the earth's atmosphere and are often referred to as the "detergent" of the atmosphere. They can be used to kill bacteria, viruses and mold, and to break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical fumes, gases, vapors and unpleasant odors. Through the use of patented UV technology, Odorox® replicates the natural production of hydroxyls to eliminate biological and chemical contaminants.


Odorox® technology has successfully been implemented in a wide array of applications including residential and office complexes, hotels, disaster restoration, sewage treatment plants, locker rooms, fat rendering plants, meat processing plants, and commercial beverage production facilities.

What Makes SERVPRO Special

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

air scrubber An air scrubber cleaning the air of any harmful spores as part of a cleaning project.

As part of a project for a school district, SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties was tasked with cleaning and dis-infecting an entire school due to elevated levels of "micro-particles" in the air.
The scope of the job included hepa-vacuuming all the ceilings, walls and carpeting as well as a horizontal cleaning of all the contents. So literally everything had to be touched. What makes SERVPRO the premier specialty cleaning company in Lackawanna County is our trained staff and specialized equipment including air scrubbers and hydroxyls. Both these pieces of equipment clean the air of any harmful spores that can pose a risk.
We were able to clean the entire school in a weekends time and get a clean air quality test back, ensuring the safety of both students and teachers.
When safety is a concern and a specialized team is needed, call SERVPRO at (570) 235-1646. We are available 24/7/365 with the trained employees and specialized equipment to complete the job anywhere in the Scranton area.

Extensive Fire Restoration

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

fire damage Soot damage from a single apartment fire. Secondary damage is commonplace and is one reason fire mitigation is a costly process.

Fires are tragic. However when they occur around the holidays they become even more so. They disrupt the lives of homeowners, tenants and businesses and can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
One reason that mitigating fire damage is so timely and costly is that usually there is smoke, soot and water damage resulting from the fire. Here you can see the amount of soot which gathered in the lobby of this apartment high rise after it suffered an apartment fire. Ironically, the actual fire was contained to a single unit but secondary damage to the building was extensive. If this is the damage in the lobby you can imagine what the adjacent hallways looked like.
Smoke and soot will permeate every nook and cranny of the affected area and without professional mitigation, completely removing the odor might be difficult. Restoration companies like SERVPRO have certified fire technicians who understand the properties of smoke, soot and odor and are able to come up with the proper remedy. We have the specialized equipment and manpower to handle a fire disaster that affects a large area. The cleanup process is extensive because every floor, wall, ceiling and item within the affected area needs to be "touched".
Having the specialized equipment and trained personnel is just one reason SERVPRO is the leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration.

Reconstruction Services

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

water damage After SERVPRO remediates this water damage, we can return the structure to preloss condition. One call gets the entire job done.

Did you know that SERVPRO can re-construct your home or business following any smoke, fire or water disaster? We are a full-service restoration company meaning we not only can mitigate the damage, but also repair it. Whether it be a basement flood, a kitchen fire or a complete loss, our re-construction division can make it "Like it never even happened."

We are currently working on a house that suffered a fire. The fire department had to use 1500 gallons to put out the fire. That caused major damage. The house has to be completely gutted and reconstructed. Utilizing a single contractor makes the claim process more efficient for both you and your insurance company. Our extensive experience in dealing with insurance claims gives us a unique advantage when dealing with adjusters. Employing skilled tradesmen and utilizing our buying power saves both time and money. SERVPRO is available 24/7, call us at 570-235-1646. 

Sewer Back-ups

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

sewage Full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) should always be utilized when dealing with hazardous situations like sewage.

The sewer system fails which causes backups into homes and businesses. This unfortunately is a reality and occurs often. SERVPRO has the training and equipment required to safely mitigate, clean and repair sewage damaged basements.

Sewage water is classified as category 3 water which means there are potential health effects to it and should always be cleaned by a professional cleaning company. If not done properly the secondary effects could be dangerous mold and health effects for the occupants.

Odor is another big issue with sewer backups and without the problem equipment could cause a serious disruption to your home or business. Cleanup is the first step but address the air quality is also a function of a proper remediation.

SERVPRO is a full service specialty cleaning company with the capability to remediate any size sewage backup.

Hoarding Clean Up

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

hoarding This hoarding house became a biohazard cleanup as well due to both animal and human waste.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, "People with hoarding disorder excessively save items that others may view as worthless. They have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions, leading to clutter that disrupts their ability to use their living or work spaces." We are not just a mitigation and remediation company. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties has the training and specialized equipment to address any size hoarding situations. A hoarding home can be compounded and become dangerous when a biohazard element is present. Many times animal feces or human waste are a component. In these incidences it is imperative that a professional cleaning company like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties be called. We can clean the home and restore it to a safe and healthy living environment. SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is proud to serve our local Wayne and Lackawanna County communities.

Building and Reconstruction Services

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Front of our building Our office is conveniently located at 372 N Main St in Taylor.

When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.

After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

We can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

We are the area leader in smoke, fire and water clean up and restoration. We can handle any size disaster. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at (570) 235-1646

Local Company with National Resources

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

A picture of the front of our Taylor headquarters SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties, a name/brand you know and can trust.

The national Shop Local/Support Small Business day recently passed but the overall campaign remains. While this was intended more for retail buying, it does however apply to our franchise. We are locally owned and operated and take pride in being an active member of the Wayne and Lackawanna Counties communities.

One big advantage of hiring SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is that while technically we are a small business we are supported by a national giant. This provides us with the necessary resources to be able to help others on any size disaster. It also forces us to the customers benefit, to meet certain hiring, training and employment standards. Our corporate offices maintain this standard to protect and to grow the brand-SERVPRO.

So if your home or business experiences a smoke, fire or water disaster, call the brand you can trust and know we will do our very best to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Certified Fire Restoration Technicians

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

A picture of a stove and microwave damaged by a grease fire. They are soot covered. This Scranton home experienced this soot damage from a grease fire. The soot covered appliances and walls need specialized tools to clean.

Did you know that not every fire burns the same? A protein fire (burnt food) burns differently than a grease fire. A structural fire (wood), burns differently than a plastic fire. An oil based puff back from a furnace malfunction is treated differently than gas based puff back. At SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties our certified fire restoration technicians do know this.

Having the proper training allows our team to better assess, identify and clean the smoke and soot damage. If the proper mitigating techniques are not employed and/or the soot not completely removed, a persisting odor will linger. The home will not be returned to the condition prior to the damage, which is always the goal.

So why SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties?- Because we have the specialized training and equipment to clean your home following the smoke and soot damage and ensuring that moving forward no odor will persist. Another job well done.

Industry Leader

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

A picture of the front of the SERVPRO office Our office located in Taylor serving all of Wayne County and the Scranton, Dunmore and Moscow areas.

SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties as part of the SERVPRO Industries families comes as an industry leader in the cleanup and restoration of smoke, fire and water disasters. When you hire us, you are getting a brand you know and trust.

The Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is held to certain high standards such as being an IICRC certified company, having our employees trained and screened, on-going company training to be a qualified franchise. This is in addition to the standards our insurance partners hold us too so that we remain a preferred vendor.

So when you hire SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties you can rest assured that we are sending qualified employees into your home or office and that we will treat it as our own. When you are in need of a specialty cleaning company call the brand you can trust at (570) 969-9470.

We are a Full Service Restoration Company

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO truck pulling our construction trailer to start a re-construction project Our re-construction division pulling up to a new project in Honesdale, Pa.

SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties is a full service restoration company. What that means is that we are able to take a job from beginning to end. Once the structure is dried or the smoke and soot cleaned, in most instances some re-construction is required.

Using our network of skilled tradesmen we can restore your property back to its pre-damaged condition. One call, one contractor makes for a more efficient process. 

Another advantage of using SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties as your contractor of choice is that we already have the established relationship with the insurance company having done the mitigation portion. We created the scope of work, did the demolition and know what needs to be repaired.

Have your claim process proceed seamlessly by have SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties take the job from beginning to end.

Specialty Cleaning is Our Specialty

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO employee in full personal protective equipment inside a home that was deemed a health issue Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when cleaning up any bio-hazard situation like this home in Hamlin, Pa.

While SERVPRO is know as an industry leader in the cleanup and restoration of smoke, fire and water; did you know that we have the specialized training and equipment to safely cleanup many bio-hazard situations?

Bio-haz cleanups can potentially have negative health ramifications and should be addressed by a qualified company like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties. We have the specialized training and equipment; and required certificates (in some instances) to safely clean and dispose of bio-hazard situations.

We have cleaned crime scenes, including meth houses and suicides; pigeon dung and bat guano; cat, dog and human feces, hoarding homes as well as numerous sewer backups. They are messy and dangerous jobs but someone has too, so call a company you can trust like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties. We are always trained and ready to help.

Always here to help!

9/28/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO trucks parked next to a tall commercial building where we were working 24/7 SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties respond to limit any interruption to your home or business. No job is too big.

SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties was acquired by Kevin Wentling in September 2019. This is his third SERVPRO franchise and he brings his experienced restoration and mitigation teams to Wayne County. When you call us, you can rest assured you are hiring experienced and trained technicians to restore your property following any smoke, fire or water disaster.

We are a full-service restoration company able to take the job from beginning to end. One call handles it all. We have a working relationship with most of the major insurance companies and can help you navigate any property claim from beginning to end. 

We pride ourselves on being "Faster to any disaster", servicing the Wayne County area on a 24/7/365 basis because disasters don't just happen during the day. Call us for all of your disaster restoration needs.