Why Fire Damage in a Canton Department Store Might Start with the Electrics

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

In larger department stores, it is common for relatively powerful lights to remain on throughout the night. The problem with this is that fluorescent lighting produces lots of heat. If electrical components are not regularly checked for faults, placing this kind of stress on the system can lead to disaster.

We are talking about blown fuses and accidental fires. Luckily, SERVPRO knows just how to deal with commercial fire damage in Canton stores. We want to stress that you should always carry out routine maintenance on electrical systems to avoid fires. However, if the worst does occur, you can call our team for help with repairs.

The Immediate Response

Most department stores have sprinkler systems, so it is rare for fire damage to be extensive. Normally, if a spark has developed, it is behind a wall or in the ceiling, because this is where the electrical wires get housed. So, it is common to see localized patches of damage and individual sections of blackened or soot-stained walls.

The Drying Process

If the sprinklers were active at any point, SERVPRO needs to deal with the excess water first. It must be done very quickly because adding water to sooty deposits can increase their acidity. It might make it tougher for the technicians to remove dirt and grime from carpets and other soft fabrics. We advise the disposal of any items of stock which came into contact with water and soot (particularly clothing).

The Targeted Approach

Assuming that the damage is localized and only a part of the wall requires repairs, SERVPRO carefully cuts away the stained or burned plasterboard. It is necessary for gaining access to the wall cavity, and the material gets replaced later.

Axial fans are an excellent way to direct clean, fresh air into the cavity and flush out smoky and ashy residues. In some cases, a HEPA vacuum may be an effective method of cleaning soot out of smaller spaces, but this depends on the level of access.

Smaller, compact ozone generators or dry foggers are the best options when it comes to chasing bad odors out of the wall cavity. Dry foggers disperse an odor neutralizing chemical, but they do it without adding extra moisture to the environment. It is important when working with electrical components.

The Aesthetic Repairs

Once the wall cavity is clean and deodorized, the technicians can bring in a contractor to add fresh plasterboard. It is painted to match the existing department décor and, possibly, treated with a sealant to prevent lingering soot residues from eating through the top surface.

To find out more about the repair services provided by SERVPRO of Cherokee County, get in touch with our team. We serve businesses in the Canton area and can promise a speedy response. Call us 24/7 at (770) 924-3848 for advice and assistance.