Essential Tips for Preparing for Water Damage

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

Potential water damage

Essential Tips for Preparing for Water Damage

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home and belongings, but with proper preparation, you can mitigate its impact significantly. Here are some crucial steps to safeguard your property:

1. Review Your Insurance Coverage Understanding your insurance policy is paramount. Many standard renters' or homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flooding or sewer backups. Review your policy to know exactly what is and isn't covered to avoid surprises during a crisis.

2. Document Your Belongings Create a detailed inventory of your belongings. Take photos or videos of each room and keep copies of receipts or appraisals for valuable items. Store this documentation online or in a secure off-site location. This record will prove invaluable if you need to make an insurance claim after water damage occurs.

3. Proactively Manage Risks Regularly inspect your home for potential water damage risks. Check pipes for leaks or signs of corrosion. Be alert to signs such as water stains on ceilings, peeling paint, or unusual increases in your water bill. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent larger problems later on.

4. Safeguard Your Home's Exterior Protect your home from external water sources by ensuring your roof is in good condition and free from leaks. Inspect your foundation for cracks that could allow water to seep in during heavy rains. Ensure that your landscaping is graded to direct water away from your home's foundation, not toward it.

5. Identify Reliable Experts In the event of water damage, having a trusted water restoration expert on hand is crucial. Research and establish a relationship with a reputable restoration company before an emergency strikes. This proactive approach ensures you'll know whom to call and can expedite the recovery process.

By following these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk and impact of water damage on your home and belongings. Preparation is key to protecting your property and minimizing potential losses in the event of a water-related emergency.

For expert assistance and immediate response to water damage issues, contact SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom at 916-525-1241. We're here to help you through any water damage crisis, 24/7.

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services in Fair Oaks / Folsom

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Team available 24/7

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services in Fair Oaks / Folsom

Water emergencies don’t operate on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither does SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom. We understand that water damage can strike at any time, day or night, which is why we offer around-the-clock emergency cleaning and restoration services, including holidays.

Immediate Response, Minimized Damage

Water damage is notoriously invasive, swiftly seeping into every corner of your home—floors, walls, furniture, and more. At SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom, we pride ourselves on our rapid response times. Our team arrives promptly and begins the water extraction process immediately. This swift action is crucial in mitigating damage, reducing cleaning and restoration costs, and ultimately, preserving your property.

Understanding the Water Damage Timeline

Understanding how quickly water damage can escalate underscores the urgency of our response:

Within Minutes:

• Water spreads rapidly, saturating everything it touches.
• Absorption into walls, floors, and belongings begins.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, potentially staining carpets.
• Paper goods like photographs and books start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and deteriorate.
• Metal surfaces may tarnish.
• Furniture can swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from fabrics and paper spread, causing stains.
• Musty odors may become noticeable.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew growth becomes possible.
• Doors, windows, and structural studs swell and warp.
• Metal surfaces begin to rust and corrode.
• Furniture continues to warp and mold.
• Paint may blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps, potentially requiring replacement.
• Biohazard contamination risks increase.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and costs escalate significantly.
• Structural safety concerns arise.
• Mold growth and biohazard risks pose serious health hazards.
• Extensive material replacement and structural rebuilding may be necessary.

About SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom

SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom specializes in the restoration and cleanup of residential and commercial properties following fire, smoke, or water damage incidents. Our team is extensively trained in property damage restoration, equipped with the latest techniques and certifications from the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).

From our rigorous initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate facility to continuous industry education, our experts are prepared to handle any restoration challenge with precision and care. When disaster strikes, count on SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom to restore your property swiftly and effectively.

For immediate assistance with water damage restoration, contact us 24/7 at SERVPRO Fair Oaks / Folsom: 916-987-0400. Let us help you get your property back to pre-damage condition as quickly as possible.

Expert Tips for Remodeling After Fire and Smoke Damage

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Damage on a house

Experiencing fire or smoke damage in your home is undoubtedly stressful. If you've relied on SERVPRO of Fair Oaks/Folsom for emergency restoration services, you've taken a crucial step toward recovery. Once the initial cleanup is complete, you may find yourself facing the task of remodeling and restoring your home. While it can be challenging, the remodeling process also presents an opportunity to improve and rejuvenate your living space.

Understanding the Costs

The average cost of repairing and restoring fire and smoke damage can be anywhere from $1,000-$50,000. However, this cost can vary significantly based on the extent and location of the damage. For instance, repairing fire damage in a kitchen, with its expensive appliances and cabinetry, may be more costly than repairing damage in a smaller area like a closet. Homeowners often find relief through their insurance coverage, which can help offset these expenses.

Types of Repairs Needed

Fire damage extends beyond what meets the eye. Water used to extinguish the flames can saturate walls and floors, potentially leading to mold growth and wood rot if not properly dried. Soot residue can deeply penetrate and stain upholstery, fabrics, and even structural elements of the home. Smoke can pervade every corner, leaving behind discoloration and persistent odors that affect furnishings, carpets, rugs, and even HVAC systems.

Professional restoration services are essential to salvage belongings and ensure the structural integrity of your home. This includes thorough cleaning of air ducts to eliminate smoke-related odors before the HVAC system is used again.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Fair Oaks/Folsom

SERVPRO of Fair Oaks/Folsom specializes in the cleanup and restoration of properties affected by fire, smoke, and water damage. Our team is highly trained and equipped to handle all aspects of restoration, from initial assessment to final repairs. We understand the importance of swift action and thorough restoration to minimize disruption and help you return to normalcy as soon as possible.

Contact Us Today

Don’t wait in case of a water or fire emergency. Call SERVPRO of Fair Oaks/Folsom at 916-525-1241 for immediate assistance. Our team is available 24/7, ready to help you navigate through any disaster and restore your home to its pre-damage condition. Let us handle the restoration, so you can focus on rebuilding and enjoying your home once again.

Making Storm Preparation

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

How to prepare for your next storm: 

• Be aware of low-elevation spots that could flood.
• Store emergency items such as first aid kits, flashlights and portable radios in a safe, high place.
• Store drinking water in closed, clean containers in case water service is interrupted. Allow one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
• Consider installing a back-flow prevention device if any of your inside drains or fixtures are lower than the side sewer vent on the sidewalk.
• Prepare written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

Need help after a major storm? Call SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom at 916-987-0400. We are here to help 24/7!

Maintenance With HVAC

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Regular HVAC Maintenance: Water, steam and air flow metering and monitoring can measure HVAC system efficiency and identify “leaky” valves or other potential system inefficiencies.
2. Damper and Actuator Maintenance: When working properly, dampers and actuators enable free cooling controls/programs to do their job. Maintenance performed every 3-6 months can cause a 5 ton compressor to operate only 20 hours less, energy savings can equate to $0.10 per kWh.
3. Heat Exchange Coil Cleanliness: Dirty condenser and evaporator coils reduce cooling capacity and make compressors work harder. Supply and return air temperature measurements with outdoor air resets is one of the most cost-effective maintenance steps that can be done on HVAC systems.
4. Demand-controlled Ventilation: Too little outside air is a health concern … too much is an energy waster. Using a CO2 sensor and controller helps you get it just right.

Source: https://www.industrialcontrolsonline.com/informationcenter/10-energy-efficiency-tips-commercial-buildings/

Is That Mold Testing?

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Did you find something that looks like mold in your home or business?  Let SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom ease your mind and take care of the problem. Call us at 916-987-0400 for 24/7 emergency service.

Learn a little more about mold testing or sampling from the EPA: 

Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Are there federal regulations or standards regarding mold testing? Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. For more information on mold visit: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-testing-or-sampling

For more details about SERVPRO's services visit: http://www.SERVPROfairoaksfolsom.com/ 

Are you faced with mold damage at your home or business?  Call SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom at 916-525-1241. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you need help with your emergency visit: http://www.SERVPROfairoaksfolsom.com/. If you have a water or fire emergency be sure to call SERVPRO of Fair Oaks/Folsom at 916-525-1241 so we can help you today!

You can follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROfairoaksfolsom

What's SERVPRO Tech?

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Detecting a temperature difference behind a wall can save big bucks and time by avoiding the need for demolition and an idea where the source of water problem may lie. Temperature differences do not always indicate moisture or water. It could be cool air from outside, so it requires some skill to determine if it’s one thing or another.

Thermal cameras serve to guide the user to the cold spots usually associated with moisture. Moisture spots, where evaporation is happening, tend to be cooler, just like humans sweating. Most commonly, thermal imaging is used to find the source of a roof leak, condensation issues, leaking pipes, or air flow issues.

In areas where moisture problems are abundant, like Seattle, the reasons for moisture can be very, very different, but the end consequence is moisture in the space, which can deteriorate the structure, and trigger mold growth. Often, moisture problems are not in the most visibly noticeable locations, as infrared discovered here in this wood-paneled wall and dark, low-pile, loop carpeting.

At first, the darker blue area on the camera was thought to be a normal pattern seen in many wood-frame buildings, which is quite common on corners. However, the larger light-green area showing was a clue that something more was happening, however.  In fact, this was a result of a water leak in an adjoining upstairs room.

These two infrared images show where water from an unattended bathtub overflow in an upstairs room had entered the space between the floors and pooled on the drywall of the downstairs ceiling. Knowing the location and extent of moisture infiltration is critical in determining the best course of remediation

This infrared image clearly shows the heat from hot water leaking out of a supply pipe down the inside of the plumbing wall cavity behind the shower panel. Pinpointing the approximate location of this leak saved considerable time, effort and money in resolving the issue.

SERVPRO of Fair Oaks / Folsom technicians use FLIR Infared Cameras on job sites to assist in finding where/what the source may be if the customer is unsure.

What's Considered Cat 2 Loss?

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage and a flooded home is one of the most challenging emergencies that home owners are forced to address. When flood damage has occurred, it is advisable to involve professionals in the water cleanup and restoration process because there is usually a risk of injury associated with the mitigation process. Other risks include compromising the strength of the building if the drying process is not handled properly and losses that will be incurred a few months down the line trying to deal with emergent issues such as mold growth after there has been water in home. When the flood damage is caused by a pipe break of a supply line break, mitigation is typically simple, however, when it is cause by sewer lines, the risk increases further. Here are a few things you should understand about Category 2 water damage and the mitigation process.

Category 2 water loss is also known as gray water in homes. It is water which contains a certain level of the chemical, physical or biological containment. This water in home can cause problems such as physical discomfort on the skin and sickness when one is exposed to it, or when consumed. The common sources of this type of water include toilet bowls containing urine, water from dishwashers, and flood damage from the failure of sump pumps. Water cleanup professionals always recommended that everyone inside a flooded home with Category 2 water loss to leave immediately and a company to be called in to resolve the matter.

Procedures that are followed in water damage restoration

As mentioned, you need to contact professionals as soon as you notice there is flood damage of any kind in the building that you occupy. The first thing to do when they arrive is getting the proper work contracts and authorizations to handle the process. The restoration company will get to work on the flooded home as soon as you give the green light. The experts first survey the building and identify any safety hazards present. These include things like electrical wires that could be hanging in the water, dry walls that have become loose and related issues. The flooded home restoration company will then try to locate the source of the water loss and start the water cleanup process. Common sources are a pipe break or a supply line break.

When the pipe break, supply line break or other source of water in home or water in business has been located, the restoration company does their best to protect your furniture by blocking. If there are small items, they will be moved out of the affected region. If the water got to surfaces which are carpeted, the restoration company uses a sub-surface extraction tool for water cleanup. Other tools that the water damage restoration companies use for the suction work include vacuums and special suction and water extraction pumps.

The drying part of the flooded home follows. To achieve the desired drying effect, all the dehumidifiers are turned on and left on until a new dew point temperature is reached. Experts are cautious about the drying process because when done improperly, issues such as mold will result later. After the drying, a biocide will be applied to all the affected surfaces to eliminate or retard the growth of all types of microbial life. If there are any structures which are non-dryable and they got wet during the damage, the water damage restoration company will remove and replace them.

Other measures that are taken by mitigation companies include installation of air movers and use of deodorizers to deal with the smell that is left behind by dirty water in business. The restoration process will be the last, where the water damage restoration company repaints any surface ruined in the restoration process, the replace the old carpets with new ones and replace dry walls. Issues such as a pipe break or a supply line break will also be repaired or replaced. As long as you have professionals working with you to remove contaminated water in business, the mitigation will be easy and hazard free.

48 Hours To Handle Water Damage

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you have ever experienced flooding in your home because of a storm, then you likely know it doesn’t take long before things go wrong. This is why it is essential to take care of problems as quickly as possible. Remember, water is an unrelenting and destructive force that can cause serious damage in a very short period of time.

One of the first things you should do is to call a professional for help with water and flood restoration services. If you try to handle this on your own, you will find it takes up to five times as long, and you will likely be less than satisfied with the results you achieve. A professional can help clean up the mess that is present and restore the building to maintain health and safety while reducing the likelihood of permanent damage.

Structural Compromise and Water Saturation Issues

If your commercial building or home is suffering from standing water because of a flood after a storm, the water is already working on the hidden wood studs, subfloor and drywall. If wood is saturated in water, it will bulk up and expand beyond its capabilities. This results in cracking, stretching, and eventually, deformities. Usually, this occurs at the bottom part of the wood where stability is essential. The sooner you have all the excess water removed; the less damage will occur.

Sanitation and Health Issues

If your home or commercial building is flooded on the lowest floor of the basement, make sure you don’t contact the water – at all. If you are wondering what may be in the water within the initial 48 hours, consider the list below:

• Paint and related substances
• Cleaning agents and chemicals
• Backed up sewage from the mainline
• Food
• Grime and dirt from the outside and that’s in the carpet and flooring
• Dirty laundry water
• Electrical or wiring components

Dealing with Insurance Issues

The initial 48 hours are the most important when dealing with your insurance agent. Before contacting your insurance agency, though, it is a good idea to contact a property restoration contractor.

A restoration and cleaning professional can help document where the water damage originated and can provide this information to you so you can present it to the insurance carrier.  Once the carrier has all of the information, coverage can be determined based on your contract/policy.  Your insurance adjuster is the only one who can determine coverage based on your contract/policy.

A restoration professional won’t play sides. What the Project Manager can do is to clarify that flooding, rather than pre-existing conditions, resulted in the damage. They can help you by providing professional consultations through the eyes of an experienced contractor.

Mold Grows If Left Alone

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Left untreated, the moisture and bacteria from a sewage loss may cause microbial growth.  SERVPRO has experience with remediating a loss in which sewage was left untreated, causing mold to form on the drywall and floor. In such an instance, all flooring, drywall, doors and trim must be removed. Dehumidifiers are placed and remaining stud beams, subfloor, and stationary objects are cleaned and sanitized. A special antimicrobial solution can be painted to the affected areas to prevent mold from reforming on the treated surfaces. This is usually the most important step in the mold remediation process.

In an effort to prevent the timely remediation of mold, a sewage loss must be mitigated immediately. Our team of SERVPRO professionals are trained to extract and clean the discharge from the area before placing drying equipment to remove any remaining moisture. Faster to any disaster, SERVPRO is always ready to take on even the largest sewage losses.