Contents cleaning services for valuable vintage electronics

12/22/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO® of Carrollton recommends waiting to discard water-damaged electronics until professionals have determined whether the items can be salvaged.

SERVPRO of Carrollton specializes in fire damage, smoke damage, and water damage mold cleanup and restoration. This unique training is essential for damaged vintage electronics resulting from a property damage disaster.

When dealing with water damage, mold cleanup is often involved. Mold can become a problem in as little as one to two days if the water and moisture are not immediately mitigated. Water damage can result from many causes, such as:

• A burst water pipe in the crawl space or hidden behind a wall or ceiling
• A ruptured supply line to a washer, ice maker, or a dishwasher
• A break in the water main that causing localized flooding
• A water intrusion from storm damage to the roof
• A flash flood from a stalled thunderstorm or the remnants of a hurricane
• A slow but steady leak from a clogged HVAC condensate pan drain
• An undetected leak around windows and doors
• A leak from clogged or defective gutters

Water damage from these sources can affect carpeting, flooring, flooring substrate, sheetrock, drywall, baseboards, upholstery, furniture, documents, books, artwork, and electronics. Water damage restoration involves much more than simply removing standing water with powerful wet/dry vacuums and removing moisture with high-performance dehumidifiers. The restoration process also encompasses the delicate cleanup and restoration of antique furniture, rare books and documents, priceless artwork, and valuable vintage electronics.

The value of vintage electronics

In the chaos and confusion of a water damage disaster, there is a strong impulse to start the water removal process even before securing the services of a water damage cleanup and restoration professional. SERVPRO of Carrollton is on the scene in about an hour with powerful water removal equipment and highly efficient industrial-strength dehumidifiers that are many times faster and more thorough than a shop vac, a mop, or a residential room dehumidifier. Homeowners are losing valuable time when they attempt to tackle the project as a DIY. In a rush to recovery, homeowners will discard water-damaged items thinking the items are beyond repair. Another misconception is that the insurance company will automatically reimburse for the full replacement of damaged items just because the homeowner thinks the items are unsalvageable. Insurance companies typically decide what is salvageable and what must be replaced. Mistakes can be very, very costly, especially when vintage electronics have suffered water and moisture damage. An article from Business Insider revealed some of the most surprising examples of valuable vintage electronics that might be found in a basement, attic, or closet.

#1. Texas Instruments Speak & Spell

Produced and sold in the 1970s, most people would recognize this device as "Mr. Spell" in Pixar's Toy Story franchise. This educational speaking toy helped children learn to spell. Fifty years later, this toy in operating condition might be valued at between $50 and $100.

#2. The first Walkman: Sony TPS-L2 1979: $300 to $700

Streaming, MP3s, and CDs stand on the shoulders of the cassette tape and the Sony Walkman. When storm damage to the roof floods the attic, think twice about throwing out that water-damaged vintage Walkman.

#3. Exertainment exercise bike and Nintendo games: $1,899 to $2,683

This product featured an exercise bicycle partnered with two Nintendo video games, "Mountain Bike Rally" and "Speed Racer." The rare combination has sold for several thousand dollars to avid Nintendo collectors.

#4. An original iPhone: $15,000

A mint-condition 2007 iPhone in its original factory-sealed box can be of an avid vintage tech collector’s interest, but the cost will probably exceed $10,000.

#5. Xerox Alto: $30,000

The Xerox Alto, released in 1973, is an early computer that utilized a mouse-driven user interface system. A non-functional Xerox Alto sold for $30,000 in 2010. The Xerox Alto was sold primarily to universities.

#6. Apple I: $43,000

This desktop computer was introduced In 1976, years before the Macintosh computer transformed personal computing. Only 200 were produced, selling for under $700. This computing dinosaur can be valued somewhere around $40,000 today.

When a water damage disaster strikes, avoid throwing out anything, especially a vintage electronic device, before it is inspected and assessed by a professional.

Why choose SERVPRO of Carrollton when vintage electronics need restoration

When antique furniture, rare books and documents, priceless artwork, and valuable vintage electronics have suffered water damage and mold damage, the water damage mold cleanup and restoration process must take place immediately if the items are to be salvaged. Mold, rust, and degradation of any wood components can mar the external appearance of the item. For new and vintage electronics, delays in removing water and moisture from the device can be disastrous. If left unchecked, moisture can infiltrate the device, penetrating tiny cracks, crevices, and connections. The electronic device could be rendered functionally useless. The financial loss in the value of the item is potentially staggering.

When valuable items such as antiques, old clothing, rare books, artwork, and vintage electronics have suffered water damage, SERVPRO of Carrollton is an excellent choice for cleanup and restoration.

• 24/7 availability, 365 days a year, including holidays
• A rapid response, with crews arriving on the scene in about an hour
• A quick cleanup and restoration process that reduces advanced secondary damage and accelerates recovery time
• The right tools, technology, cleaning techniques, and products for the job
• Competent technicians and a vast network of knowledge
• A proven track record and over fifty years of experience in the damage restoration industry

For more information about water damage restoration services in and around Valley Ranch, Irving, TX 75063, email SERVPRO of Carrollton at office@SERVPRO10952.com or call (972) 446-0383.