Water Damage To Mold Growth

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

If your home in Friendly Hills,CA has experienced any water damage from a burst pipe, storm, or other cause, you might be wondering how long you have until you need to worry about mold starting to grow. You might be surprised at just how quickly mold growth can occur in the right conditions, which is why it so important to call for help from a water restoration company as soon as excess water is discovered. Here is some information on what causes mold to grow and how long it takes for it to begin growing.

Common Causes of Mold Growth

The main thing mold needs to grow is a continued source of moisture. Whether due to high humidity levels or standing water in your building, wet areas can eventually lead to mold growth. Common ways moisture enters buildings and causes mold to grow includes:

• Roof leaks and improper ventilation
• Excess humidity or moisture in bathrooms
• Water damage from faucet leaks or pipe bursts
• Flooding from rain or outdoor water sources
• Sitting puddles and spills
• Improper cleaning of wood and laminate flooring

How Long for Mold to Grow

Given enough moisture to live on, mold can grow as quickly as 24 to 48 hours. This means that if a pipe does burst in your building or a storm causes flooding, you need to start thinking about mold prevention right away. If possible, turn off the source of the water and do what you can to dry the area. Don’t wait to call in the restoration company to help address all water damage that has occurred to your building, including areas that are hard to see such as inside drywall or underneath carpets and flooring.
While dealing with excess water in your commercial building is stressful enough, dealing with mold growth makes the situation even worse. Always act quickly to prevent more damage from occurring.

Water Damage And Flooring?

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

It is Possible to Save Flooring in Your Home That Has Been Affected by Big Water Leaks?

Whenever a pipe in your home ruptures, your floors are often suddenly covered in inches or even feet of water, and water can quickly inundate your carpeting, wooden floors, tilework, and subfloors. Experts estimate that this catastrophic issue could result in more than 160 gallons of water per hour leaking into your residence. In a matter of hours, this could rapidly produce thousands of gallons of standing water in your home. Luckily, trained professionals can quickly remediate clean water damage if you call them soon enough. Water cleanup services like SERVPRO can help and save most kinds of floors.             

How Does Water Damage My Carpets, Wooden and Hard Floors, and Subfloors?

SERVPRO has encountered various types of water damage affecting flooring. Our experience with water damage has ranged from relatively minor in effect to quite severe. Of course, each flooring material handles water exposure differently, and some react to it better than others. Some of the forms of water-related damage that affect carpeting are:

• Bubbling from water washing away the adhesive that binds it to the subfloor
• Delamination, or when the primary and secondary backing layers of carpeting separate
• Latex deterioration that leads to the loss of carpet fibers and reduces carpeting’s overall integrity

Although these effects can force you to replace this floor covering, you can usually avoid experiencing them if you address your standing water issue quickly.

Water’s impact on wooden flooring often depends on the construction, but the damage is usually more severe and costly. Moreover, it does not take long for these effects to result. A few examples of wood floor impairments due to water exposure are:

• Water stains or discoloration
• Swelling and warping, or deformation, of the wood
• Buckling that tents, or forces upward, floor sections at joints where they meet and at the walls
• Delamination of particleboard or oriented strand board (OSB) layers
• Dry rot resulting from fungal growths

If water ever covers your wood flooring, remember that the faster cleaning occurs, the less damage it usually does. The longer the liquid remains on floors, the more their wooden surfaces absorb. The water causes the wood segments of your flooring to change shape and eventually buckle against each other—also, ground coverings comprising weaker wood products like particleboard and OSB. Glued-together layers, which are more likely to delaminate, the more prolonged exposure to water occurs, compose these boards.

Hard flooring, like concrete, asphalt or vinyl tiles, and ceramic tiles, is much more resilient to water damage than carpet or wood floors. Often, it is also much simpler and less expensive to remediate. With that said, however, these ground coverings are harmed by water in the following ways:

• Blistering or flaking of painted concrete surfaces
• Mineral deposits from evaporated water in concrete
• Mold growth fostered by dirty, wet surfaces
• Separation of vinyl and ceramic tiles from the floor
• Warping and expansion of subflooring

Concrete and asphalt tile floors are least at risk of substantial water damage. Concrete floors mostly suffer minor surface cosmetic issues like paint flaking and calcium deposits. Often, water can only remove the finish from asphalt tiles. Since the adhesive of vinyl tiles dissolves relatively quickly, the tiles themselves are prone to separating from flooring if submerged for a sufficient period. Water can penetrate the grouting between ceramic tiles, causing the subflooring to swell and warp and break away from the floor.

What Can SERVPRO Do to Save Your Flooring? 

When dealing with water-damaged flooring, SERVPRO employs various advanced tools and methods. Once our technicians extract all standing water with truck-mounted/portable extractors or wet vacs, they get to work on remediating your floors. Some of the tools and techniques they use to do the latter are:

• Wands using hot water extraction and shampoo to clean and extract excess water from glued-down carpets
• Heavier extraction devices to squeeze excess water out of thicker carpeting and padding
• Moisture meters that identify and measure moisture levels in affected flooring and subflooring
• Injectidry panel drying systems that dry out subflooring
• Sanders to sand out cupping and other forms of warping in wood surfaces
• Brushes and HEPA vacuuming to clean concrete surfaces

What’s Quicker Than The Slow Drip?

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 916-525-1241

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Lagunaspecializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO Experienced Water Crew

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

Although experiencing water damage in your home or business can be a stressful event, getting professional help is effective in limiting your anxiety and restoring your property. There are a wide range of procedures that water damage specialists do in order to restore your property to its former condition.  

Water Damage Experts Work In Teams

Following exposure to water damage, it is critical that you prevent secondary water damage from affecting your home or business. After assessing a course of action, rapid water removal will help to stymie progressive water damage. Some results of secondary water damage include continuing damage to furnishings, mildew and mold.  Water removal specialists prevent these dangerous fungi from spreading by working in teams. By having multiple technicians working on different areas of your house, a water remediation company can expedite the cleanup process to ensure that your home returns to its former sanitary, safe state. 

Water Removal Experts Use Specialized Equipment

One of the reasons that the crews from SERVPRO of Elk Grove/Laguna are so effective in water removal is the use of heavy duty, specialized equipment. Water extractors remove large volumes of water rapidly, therefore, decreasing the time needed for dehumidification equipment to continue the water removal process. These water remediation specialists also use air-moving machines to increase the evaporation rate of interior moisture. Because the only effective way to stop secondary water damage is by thoroughly drying the affected area, these machines are very important during the restoration process. 

Flood Protection

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding Your Flood Risk is Vital in Preparation. 

Do you understand your true flood risk? Are you and your family prepared? On FloodSmart.gov you can find information to prepare you including the cost of flooding.  It only takes a few inches of water to cause major damage to your home and its contents. Use the online tool to show you what a flood does to your home and what it could cost, inch by inch.

Preparing for a flood is vital. Guard your home and businesses. 

For more information on the true cost of a flood visit: https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/the_cost_of_flooding.jsp

Interested in knowing how SERVPRO can help you during your flood visit: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/storm-flooding-restoration

Are you faced with water damage?  Call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit our crew page.

For more information on our company click here.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Read what our customers are saying: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/testimonials

Plan Before The Flood

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to help your during your water damage disaster.  Call us at 916-525-1241 for 24 hour 7 days a week emergency service.

Preparing for a flood even at work is important. OSHA's website has a plethora of information.  Being prepared for a flood and knowing how to respond is vital. Many think about their homes but not their businesses. Review OSHA's guidelines: 

Planning

Having an evacuation plan in place before a flood occurs can help avoid confusion and prevent injuries and property damage. A thorough evacuation plan should include:

• Conditions that will activate the plan
• Chain of command
• Emergency functions and who will perform them
• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits
• Procedures for accounting for personnel, customers and visitors
• Equipment for personnel
• Review the plan with workers

For more details visit: https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/flood/preparedness.html 

When water damage strikes, call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241.

How to Manage The Process of Water Damage

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage at home or in your place of business does not need to be a traumatic experience. Consider these 5 tips to better prepare.

1. Look up your insurance coverage. Most renter’s or homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding, or even a sewer backup. Find out what coverage you have.
2. Keep a record of all of your belongings. Take photos and keep copies of a receipt or other documents for the more valuable items. Store a copy of these records online or at another location. If you do experience water damage, it can be easy to forget about certain items.
3. Take steps to limit the risk of water damage within your home by checking pipes frequently and paying attention to any indicators of water damage, such as dripping sounds in the walls, dark spots on the ceiling, or significant change in your water bill.
4. Set up your home so that it is less at risk of damage from heavy rains or flooding by ensuring that your roof is sound. Make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. Check that the landscaping around your home is sloped to direct water away from your foundation, rather than toward it.
5. Find an expert you can count on. Water damage can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to be desperately searching for a water restoration expert at 3 AM when the pipes break.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

24 Hour Emergency Hot Line

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 916-525-1241

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Mold Growth From Water Damage

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

If your home in Friendly Hills,CA has experienced any water damage from a burst pipe, storm, or other cause, you might be wondering how long you have until you need to worry about mold starting to grow. You might be surprised at just how quickly mold growth can occur in the right conditions, which is why it so important to call for help from a water restoration company as soon as excess water is discovered. Here is some information on what causes mold to grow and how long it takes for it to begin growing.

Common Causes of Mold Growth

The main thing mold needs to grow is a continued source of moisture. Whether due to high humidity levels or standing water in your building, wet areas can eventually lead to mold growth. Common ways moisture enters buildings and causes mold to grow includes:

• Roof leaks and improper ventilation
• Excess humidity or moisture in bathrooms
• Water damage from faucet leaks or pipe bursts
• Flooding from rain or outdoor water sources
• Sitting puddles and spills
• Improper cleaning of wood and laminate flooring

How Long for Mold to Grow

Given enough moisture to live on, mold can grow as quickly as 24 to 48 hours. This means that if a pipe does burst in your building or a storm causes flooding, you need to start thinking about mold prevention right away. If possible, turn off the source of the water and do what you can to dry the area. Don’t wait to call in the restoration company to help address all water damage that has occurred to your building, including areas that are hard to see such as inside drywall or underneath carpets and flooring.
While dealing with excess water in your commercial building is stressful enough, dealing with mold growth makes the situation even worse. Always act quickly to prevent more damage from occurring.

Steps To Take For Ceiling Light From Water Leaking

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

4 Steps To Take If Water Is Leaking From a Ceiling Light

While it is not uncommon for homeowners to deal with water leaks in their home from plumbing, appliances, or roofs, discovering water in light fixtures on the ceiling is an especially hazardous situation. If you find water dripping from a ceiling light in your home in Elk Grove, CA you will need to act quickly and cautiously to prevent damage to your home and keep everyone inside safe from harm. If ever faced with this stressful situation, follow these four steps:

1. Turn Off Electricity

One of the main dangers of water leaking from a ceiling light is the possibility of electrocution or an electrical fire starting. Never touch the light fixture or a light switch, and keep everyone as far away as possible from the leak. Next, find the main breaker box for your home and shut off the electricity. To ensure the power is really off, you can perform a test using a non-contact voltage tester on a dry electrical source.

2. Shut Off Water

Heavy leaking from water in light fixtures can cause extensive water damage to your home. You want to prevent even more water from entering your home by turning off your home’s main water supply.

3. Address the Leak

You can place a bucket or towels under the drip to help soak up some of the water and prevent more damage from occurring. The leak can be caused by a ceiling pipe or even a leaking toilet or bathtub. If the water is coming from a source upstairs, address the leak if possible and clean any standing water.

4. Call the Experts

You will need the help of a water damage restoration company to address any ceiling damage or other water damage that occurred to your home. Contact a specialist right away to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Discovering water in light fixtures requires immediate and careful action. Remember to make everyone’s safety a priority, and don’t hesitate to get to help.

Common Tips For Water Damage In Your Business or Residence

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage at home or in your place of business does not need to be a traumatic experience. Consider these 5 tips to better prepare.

1. Look up your insurance coverage. Most renter’s or homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding, or even a sewer backup. Find out what coverage you have.
2. Keep a record of all of your belongings. Take photos and keep copies of a receipt or other documents for the more valuable items. Store a copy of these records online or at another location. If you do experience water damage, it can be easy to forget about certain items.
3. Take steps to limit the risk of water damage within your home by checking pipes frequently and paying attention to any indicators of water damage, such as dripping sounds in the walls, dark spots on the ceiling, or significant change in your water bill.
4. Set up your home so that it is less at risk of damage from heavy rains or flooding by ensuring that your roof is sound. Make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. Check that the landscaping around your home is sloped to direct water away from your foundation, rather than toward it.
5. Find an expert you can count on. Water damage can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to be desperately searching for a water restoration expert at 3 AM when the pipes break.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

The Water Damage Process

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Although experiencing water damage in your home or business can be a stressful event, getting professional help is effective in limiting your anxiety and restoring your property. There are a wide range of procedures that water damage specialists do in order to restore your property to its former condition.  

Water Damage Experts Work In Teams

Following exposure to water damage, it is critical that you prevent secondary water damage from affecting your home or business. After assessing a course of action, rapid water removal will help to stymie progressive water damage. Some results of secondary water damage include continuing damage to furnishings, mildew and mold.  Water removal specialists prevent these dangerous fungi from spreading by working in teams. By having multiple technicians working on different areas of your house, a water remediation company can expedite the cleanup process to ensure that your home returns to its former sanitary, safe state. 

Water Removal Experts Use Specialized Equipment

One of the reasons that the crews from SERVPRO of Elk Grove/Laguna are so effective in water removal is the use of heavy duty, specialized equipment. Water extractors remove large volumes of water rapidly, therefore, decreasing the time needed for dehumidification equipment to continue the water removal process. These water remediation specialists also use air-moving machines to increase the evaporation rate of interior moisture. Because the only effective way to stop secondary water damage is by thoroughly drying the affected area, these machines are very important during the restoration process. 

Pipes & Drains

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Small leaks around pipes or drains are often ignored. Many homeowners and tenants feel that the water has the ability to evaporate faster than it can accumulate because there seems to be no or very little puddling under the leak.

If you own a home in Elk Grove, you should protect your property from this kind of water damage. While it may seem that evaporation is going on at a rate that would not allow such harm to result, this is only because the water is being absorbed by the materials closest to where the water drops are landing. If the water is also running down a vertical surface such as a pipe or a wall, then this can only add to the damage sustained.

Water that seeps behind walls and under floors eventually makes its presence known in other ways. Mold growth, the development of water stains, and dry rot of weight-bearing support structures can all harm your home and create expensive repair problems. Repairing the leak, even a tiny one, is almost always beneficial in more than one way. After the leak is repaired, the damage can be stopped from advancing, and the area can then be successfully repaired.

When water damage has not shown any signs, our technicians can use moisture meters to detect where elevated levels of moisture exist. Trained according to IICRC standards, SERVPRO professionals know where to look for water damage even when it is invisible. A wall may seem sound because of the way it looks while it is really damaged and in need of repair or replacement.

Remember, the absence of a wet surface in the presence of a small leak only means that the water is being hidden under the surface but still present. SERVPRO of Elk Grove can help you and your family by locating these types of leaks, and restoring the area, so no trace of water damage remains. Call us at your earliest convenience, even in the middle of the night or during a holiday, at (916) 525-1241.

Water Restoration Process

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Although experiencing water damage in your home or business can be a stressful event, getting professional help is effective in limiting your anxiety and restoring your property. There are a wide range of procedures that water damage specialists do in order to restore your property to its former condition.  

Water Damage Experts Work In Teams

Following exposure to water damage, it is critical that you prevent secondary water damage from affecting your home or business. After assessing a course of action, rapid water removal will help to stymie progressive water damage. Some results of secondary water damage include continuing damage to furnishings, mildew and mold.  Water removal specialists prevent these dangerous fungi from spreading by working in teams. By having multiple technicians working on different areas of your house, a water remediation company can expedite the cleanup process to ensure that your home returns to its former sanitary, safe state. 

Water Removal Experts Use Specialized Equipment

One of the reasons that the crews from SERVPRO of Elk Grove/Laguna are so effective in water removal is the use of heavy duty, specialized equipment. Water extractors remove large volumes of water rapidly, therefore, decreasing the time needed for dehumidification equipment to continue the water removal process. These water remediation specialists also use air-moving machines to increase the evaporation rate of interior moisture. Because the only effective way to stop secondary water damage is by thoroughly drying the affected area, these machines are very important during the restoration process. 

About That Water Damage

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Most of the water-damaged homes we see and clean up are from water within the home. In either case, it's usually a good idea to let the professionals extract the water, clean up, and restore your flood-damaged home. 

How Does the Water Get in?

There are many ways water can get into your home or business and damage it. Toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines can slowly leak behind walls, under floors, and inside cabinets. Sewers can back up into basements and through the drains on lower levels of homes. Rainwater from a massive storm can blow into cracks and crevices around your windows and doors, causing water damage that may not be discovered quickly, allowing mold to develop and cause further damage. During the winter months, pipes exposed to cold temperatures can freeze and burst.

Call us at the First Sign of Damage

A slow, subtle water leak behind a wall or under a floor can often be much worse and cause more damage than a sudden flood of water from say, an ice maker line breaking. A sudden quick surge of clean water onto the floor can quickly be removed and dried while the slower and undetectable leak may go on for days or weeks before noticed. In this case, the clean water from a slow leak then becomes unsanitary containing harmful contaminants. Sometimes these leaks are noticed by the smell of bacteria and mold growth or soft spots in the flooring.  

Knowledgeable and Experienced

If your home or business does happen to suffer from water damage, you can trust the experts at SERVPRO of West Concord will respond immediately to your call. We have the knowledge and experience to handle all types of water damage emergencies.

Clogs Offenders Of Water Damage

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most common culprits of water damage in your home comes from overflowing toilets.  Each flush of a toilet uses approximately 1.6 gallons of water, so if the water comes up and out of the bowl instead of going down the drain like it should, that’s equivalent to pouring a large container of milk all over your bathroom floor!  One way to avoid overflowing toilets is to be extra careful about what you put down the drain, which is all a toilet really is. 

 Here are few things to be sure you DO NOT flush down your toilet:

*GUM – Gum is insoluble, which means it will never disintegrate.  Plus, it is sticky, which is a bad combination in a toilet or sink.

*HAIR – Hair acts like a spider web and traps other items in the drain and causes clogs.

*YOUR PET FISH – We have all seen many movies with the family gathered around the toilet as they send their pet fish back to the ocean after it has taken his last gulp.  The fact of the matter is that your pet fish may get caught in your pipes and cause a backup.  Consider an alternative burial spot rather than the toilet bowl.

*WIPES – Even if they are labeled as flushable, wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and should never be placed in the toilet.

*DENTAL FLOSS – Just like hair, dental floss can trap other items in the drain and cause clogs.

*MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS/DIAPERS – These products are meant to absorb moisture, not dissolve in it.  Imagine what a disposal diaper looks like when it gets wet – then imagine that in your toilet drain.  Not a good combination.

*FACIAL TISSUES/PAPER TOWELS – Although made of paper and sometimes used instead of toilet paper, they do not disintegrate like toilet paper.  Throw these in the garbage can instead.

*COTTON BALLS – Although also paper based, these do not break down in your drains so don’t put them down the toilet.

*COOKING GREASE – Although liquid when it is hot, grease quickly thickens when it cools off, which can cause clogs in your drains.  Keep it out of yours.

For bathtubs and showers, install a simple drain strainer to catch excessive hair and be sure to clean it out regularly.  Make sure you deposit the debris in the garbage can and do not put it back down the sink or toilet.

Since we’re talking about clogged sinks, it’s important to mention one of the bigger sinks in the house…the kitchen sink.  Obviously, the same rules apply as the bathroom sinks – if you wouldn’t put something down the bathroom sink, you shouldn’t put it down the garbage disposal either, even though it seems bigger and more capable of handling larger items.  Here are a few other things you should never put down the kitchen sink or garbage disposal:

*Eggshells – If the inside of an egg can go in the garbage disposal, it only makes sense that the outside can too, right?  Wrong!  Egg shells get ground up into small pieces that actually get stuck to the sides of the pipes and can cause a backup.  Be sure to throw eggshells into the waste can.

*Stickers from Produce – The adhesive on produce stickers can also get stuck inside your pipes and cause clogs.  Be sure to remove the stickers before you place peelings from fruit and vegetables down the drain.

*Coffee Grounds – Although it might make your kitchen smell like a good cup of brew, coffee grounds cause more clogs in your kitchen sink than another other item.  Be sure to keep them out of your sink drain. 

If you do experience a toilet or sink backup and you end up with water where it shouldn’t be, call the experts at SERVPRO

SERVPRO Water Team

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Although experiencing water damage in your home or business can be a stressful event, getting professional help is effective in limiting your anxiety and restoring your property. There are a wide range of procedures that water damage specialists do in order to restore your property to its former condition.  

Water Damage Experts Work In Teams

Following exposure to water damage, it is critical that you prevent secondary water damage from affecting your home or business. After assessing a course of action, rapid water removal will help to stymie progressive water damage. Some results of secondary water damage include continuing damage to furnishings, mildew and mold.  Water removal specialists prevent these dangerous fungi from spreading by working in teams. By having multiple technicians working on different areas of your house, a water remediation company can expedite the cleanup process to ensure that your home returns to its former sanitary, safe state. 

Water Removal Experts Use Specialized Equipment

One of the reasons that the crews from SERVPRO of Elk Grove/Laguna are so effective in water removal is the use of heavy duty, specialized equipment. Water extractors remove large volumes of water rapidly, therefore, decreasing the time needed for dehumidification equipment to continue the water removal process. These water remediation specialists also use air-moving machines to increase the evaporation rate of interior moisture. Because the only effective way to stop secondary water damage is by thoroughly drying the affected area, these machines are very important during the restoration process. 

Stop Water Damage Before It Gets To Mold

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

If your home in Friendly Hills,CA has experienced any water damage from a burst pipe, storm, or other cause, you might be wondering how long you have until you need to worry about mold starting to grow. You might be surprised at just how quickly mold growth can occur in the right conditions, which is why it so important to call for help from a water restoration company as soon as excess water is discovered. Here is some information on what causes mold to grow and how long it takes for it to begin growing.

Common Causes of Mold Growth

The main thing mold needs to grow is a continued source of moisture. Whether due to high humidity levels or standing water in your building, wet areas can eventually lead to mold growth. Common ways moisture enters buildings and causes mold to grow includes:

• Roof leaks and improper ventilation
• Excess humidity or moisture in bathrooms
• Water damage from faucet leaks or pipe bursts
• Flooding from rain or outdoor water sources
• Sitting puddles and spills
• Improper cleaning of wood and laminate flooring

How Long for Mold to Grow

Given enough moisture to live on, mold can grow as quickly as 24 to 48 hours. This means that if a pipe does burst in your building or a storm causes flooding, you need to start thinking about mold prevention right away. If possible, turn off the source of the water and do what you can to dry the area. Don’t wait to call in the restoration company to help address all water damage that has occurred to your building, including areas that are hard to see such as inside drywall or underneath carpets and flooring.
While dealing with excess water in your commercial building is stressful enough, dealing with mold growth makes the situation even worse. Always act quickly to prevent more damage from occurring.

Faster than a slow drip

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 916-525-1241

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Lagunaspecializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Protecting Your Commercial Building From Water Leaks

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Undetected water leaks can cause a great amount of damage, especially if they continue for an extended period of time.  Here are a few of the most common types of leaks in commercial properties and how to fix them.

• Faucet Leaks – With frequent use, faucet parts can wear out over time and when the seal or other components begin to leak, it can lead to water loss. This can substantially increase your water bill as well as cause major damage to your building.  In order to avoid loss, prepare any dripping sinks as soon as you see them start to leak.
• Toilet Leaks – Like faucets, toilets have a number of parts that can deteriorate and lead to issues. One faulty or leaking part leads to other damage, so be sure to replace toilet components as soon as you see them begin to deteriorate. 
• Underground Leaks – These types of leaks can often go undetected, but there are tell-tail signs of their existence, such as areas of wet soil, areas where grass or plants are growing faster than surrounding areas (due to increased water supply from your leak), and a significant rise in your water bill.
• Hidden Leaks – These types of leaks are the most difficult to detect, but can cause the most damage because they remain undetected for long periods of time. If you notice water marks or swelling of walls, ceilings and floors, you likely have a hidden leak. 

If any of these types of leaks are detected in your commercial building, call the professionals at SERVPRO. 916-525-1241

The Correct Response to a Flooded Furnace

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Broken pipes can lead to extensive losses, putting your business out of action for a while and causing costly damage to your property. One of the most serious types of damage resulting from a broken pipe is a furnace flood.

What Steps Should You Take If You've Got A Flooded Furnace?

1. Ensure employee safety. Water-damaged electronics pose significant hazards. If your furnace is powered by electricity or gas, don't attempt to turn it on. Remove yourself and employees until a professional determines that the area is safe.

2. Seek professional cleanup. After the floodwater has been removed and the area is completely dry, your furnace must be cleaned and professionally maintained. This is especially true when the furnace flood-affected an electric or gas appliance. Cleaning a furnace is a complicated process that is best left to professionals.

3. Assess the need for replacement. Some furnaces may have to be replaced due to irreversible repairs and an unsafe situation. If a professional has assessed your furnace and recommended replacement, take steps to complete this action as quickly as possible.

4. Schedule an air duct cleaning. The CDC recommends that all contaminated insulation and filters be removed from the HVAC system. It is also necessary to disinfect all component surfaces and to follow the disinfecting process with a clean water rinse. It may be necessary to upgrade components of the filtration system to ensure the health of your clients and employees.

Identify the Source of Damage

Addressing the cause of the broken pipe is an important step toward ensuring the disaster doesn't happen again. Work closely with technicians and recovery experts to determine why the break happened and how you can protect your business from future flooding.

The disaster that led to a furnace flood can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Working with a professional can reduce some of that strain and concern. These experts can lead you through the recovery process and get your business back into action.

What to Do If You Experience Water Damage

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Everyone has questions about what to do if you experience water damage in your home.  The first step would be to call the experts at SERVPRO as soon as you notice any damage.  Our restoration specialists have the experience, expertise and equipment to restore your property correctly. In the meantime, here are a few tips to keep in mind which may help minimize the damage to your home.

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• During the summer, turn air conditioning on for maximum drying effect.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Hang leather goods and furs.

DON’T

• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use your television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
• Don't leave wet fabrics in place.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.

Don't Cause a Clog - Don't Flush Nemo!

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most common culprits of water damage in your home comes from overflowing toilets.  Each flush of a toilet uses approximately 1.6 gallons of water, so if the water comes up and out of the bowl instead of going down the drain like it should, that’s equivalent to pouring a large container of milk all over your bathroom floor!  One way to avoid overflowing toilets is to be extra careful about what you put down the drain, which is all a toilet really is. 

 Here are few things to be sure you DO NOT flush down your toilet:

*GUM – Gum is insoluble, which means it will never disintegrate.  Plus, it is sticky, which is a bad combination in a toilet or sink.

*HAIR – Hair acts like a spider web and traps other items in the drain and causes clogs.

*YOUR PET FISH – We have all seen many movies with the family gathered around the toilet as they send their pet fish back to the ocean after it has taken his last gulp.  The fact of the matter is that your pet fish may get caught in your pipes and cause a backup.  Consider an alternative burial spot rather than the toilet bowl.

*WIPES – Even if they are labeled as flushable, wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and should never be placed in the toilet.

*DENTAL FLOSS – Just like hair, dental floss can trap other items in the drain and cause clogs.

*MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS/DIAPERS – These products are meant to absorb moisture, not dissolve in it.  Imagine what a disposal diaper looks like when it gets wet – then imagine that in your toilet drain.  Not a good combination.

*FACIAL TISSUES/PAPER TOWELS – Although made of paper and sometimes used instead of toilet paper, they do not disintegrate like toilet paper.  Throw these in the garbage can instead.

*COTTON BALLS – Although also paper based, these do not break down in your drains so don’t put them down the toilet.

*COOKING GREASE – Although liquid when it is hot, grease quickly thickens when it cools off, which can cause clogs in your drains.  Keep it out of yours.

For bathtubs and showers, install a simple drain strainer to catch excessive hair and be sure to clean it out regularly.  Make sure you deposit the debris in the garbage can and do not put it back down the sink or toilet.

Since we’re talking about clogged sinks, it’s important to mention one of the bigger sinks in the house…the kitchen sink.  Obviously, the same rules apply as the bathroom sinks – if you wouldn’t put something down the bathroom sink, you shouldn’t put it down the garbage disposal either, even though it seems bigger and more capable of handling larger items.  Here are a few other things you should never put down the kitchen sink or garbage disposal:

*Eggshells – If the inside of an egg can go in the garbage disposal, it only makes sense that the outside can too, right?  Wrong!  Egg shells get ground up into small pieces that actually get stuck to the sides of the pipes and can cause a backup.  Be sure to throw eggshells into the waste can.

*Stickers from Produce – The adhesive on produce stickers can also get stuck inside your pipes and cause clogs.  Be sure to remove the stickers before you place peelings from fruit and vegetables down the drain.

*Coffee Grounds – Although it might make your kitchen smell like a good cup of brew, coffee grounds cause more clogs in your kitchen sink than another other item.  Be sure to keep them out of your sink drain. 

If you do experience a toilet or sink backup and you end up with water where it shouldn’t be, call the experts at SERVPRO

Can You Save Your Floors After a Large Leak?

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

It is Possible to Save Flooring in Your Home That Has Been Affected by Big Water Leaks?

Whenever a pipe in your home ruptures, your floors are often suddenly covered in inches or even feet of water, and water can quickly inundate your carpeting, wooden floors, tilework, and subfloors. Experts estimate that this catastrophic issue could result in more than 160 gallons of water per hour leaking into your residence. In a matter of hours, this could rapidly produce thousands of gallons of standing water in your home. Luckily, trained professionals can quickly remediate clean water damage if you call them soon enough. Water cleanup services like SERVPRO can help and save most kinds of floors.             

How Does Water Damage My Carpets, Wooden and Hard Floors, and Subfloors?

SERVPRO has encountered various types of water damage affecting flooring. Our experience with water damage has ranged from relatively minor in effect to quite severe. Of course, each flooring material handles water exposure differently, and some react to it better than others. Some of the forms of water-related damage that affect carpeting are:

• Bubbling from water washing away the adhesive that binds it to the subfloor
• Delamination, or when the primary and secondary backing layers of carpeting separate
• Latex deterioration that leads to the loss of carpet fibers and reduces carpeting’s overall integrity

Although these effects can force you to replace this floor covering, you can usually avoid experiencing them if you address your standing water issue quickly.

Water’s impact on wooden flooring often depends on the construction, but the damage is usually more severe and costly. Moreover, it does not take long for these effects to result. A few examples of wood floor impairments due to water exposure are:

• Water stains or discoloration
• Swelling and warping, or deformation, of the wood
• Buckling that tents, or forces upward, floor sections at joints where they meet and at the walls
• Delamination of particleboard or oriented strand board (OSB) layers
• Dry rot resulting from fungal growths

If water ever covers your wood flooring, remember that the faster cleaning occurs, the less damage it usually does. The longer the liquid remains on floors, the more their wooden surfaces absorb. The water causes the wood segments of your flooring to change shape and eventually buckle against each other—also, ground coverings comprising weaker wood products like particleboard and OSB. Glued-together layers, which are more likely to delaminate, the more prolonged exposure to water occurs, compose these boards.

Hard flooring, like concrete, asphalt or vinyl tiles, and ceramic tiles, is much more resilient to water damage than carpet or wood floors. Often, it is also much simpler and less expensive to remediate. With that said, however, these ground coverings are harmed by water in the following ways:

• Blistering or flaking of painted concrete surfaces
• Mineral deposits from evaporated water in concrete
• Mold growth fostered by dirty, wet surfaces
• Separation of vinyl and ceramic tiles from the floor
• Warping and expansion of subflooring

Concrete and asphalt tile floors are least at risk of substantial water damage. Concrete floors mostly suffer minor surface cosmetic issues like paint flaking and calcium deposits. Often, water can only remove the finish from asphalt tiles. Since the adhesive of vinyl tiles dissolves relatively quickly, the tiles themselves are prone to separating from flooring if submerged for a sufficient period. Water can penetrate the grouting between ceramic tiles, causing the subflooring to swell and warp and break away from the floor.

What Can SERVPRO Do to Save Your Flooring? 

When dealing with water-damaged flooring, SERVPRO employs various advanced tools and methods. Once our technicians extract all standing water with truck-mounted/portable extractors or wet vacs, they get to work on remediating your floors. Some of the tools and techniques they use to do the latter are:

• Wands using hot water extraction and shampoo to clean and extract excess water from glued-down carpets
• Heavier extraction devices to squeeze excess water out of thicker carpeting and padding
• Moisture meters that identify and measure moisture levels in affected flooring and subflooring
• Injectidry panel drying systems that dry out subflooring
• Sanders to sand out cupping and other forms of warping in wood surfaces
• Brushes and HEPA vacuuming to clean concrete surfaces

Why Do Sump Pumps Fail?

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Sump pumps are drainage systems that are commonly found in the basements of commercial buildings. They work to pump water out of the basement and away from the building, preventing flooding and water damage. A sump pump failure can lead to a flooded basement and cause water damage to furniture, essential materials, and other important objects, which could prove costly. Understanding why sump pumps fail is the first step in preventing a sump pump failure in your commercial building.

Causes
Power outages are one of the most common causes of sump pump failures, especially during the stormy summer months and hurricane season. Storms can dump large amounts of rain water for the sump pump to drain, but a power failure that prevents the sump pump from doing its job can leave your building defenseless and at risk for flooding. To prevent disaster, consider having your sump pump hooked up to a backup generator.
Sump pumps require regular cleaning in order to function properly, so infrequent maintenance can have serious consequences. To keep your sump pump from failing, clean its vents and run a vinegar solution through the unit.
Lastly, your sump pump might fail simply because it’s old. Over time, sump pumps will start to feel the effects of usage and therefore, failure is inevitable after 7-10 years. It’s recommended that your sump pump be replaced after 10 years in order to protect your building from a sump pump failure.

Sump Pump Failure? Call SERVPRO
If your commercial building’s sump pump has failed, resulting in water damage, remember that SERVPRO has you covered. We’re trained in flood and water damage and will use our trusted, advanced drying techniques to prevent mold and mildew growth, rapidly restoring any water damaged areas. Don’t hesitate.

Water Damage Process

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Although experiencing water damage in your home or business can be a stressful event, getting professional help is effective in limiting your anxiety and restoring your property. There are a wide range of procedures that water damage specialists do in order to restore your property to its former condition.  

Water Damage Experts Work In Teams

Following exposure to water damage, it is critical that you prevent secondary water damage from affecting your home or business. After assessing a course of action, rapid water removal will help to stymie progressive water damage. Some results of secondary water damage include continuing damage to furnishings, mildew and mold.  Water removal specialists prevent these dangerous fungi from spreading by working in teams. By having multiple technicians working on different areas of your house, a water remediation company can expedite the cleanup process to ensure that your home returns to its former sanitary, safe state. 

Water Removal Experts Use Specialized Equipment

One of the reasons that the crews from SERVPRO of Elk Grove/Laguna are so effective in water removal is the use of heavy duty, specialized equipment. Water extractors remove large volumes of water rapidly, therefore, decreasing the time needed for dehumidification equipment to continue the water removal process. These water remediation specialists also use air-moving machines to increase the evaporation rate of interior moisture. Because the only effective way to stop secondary water damage is by thoroughly drying the affected area, these machines are very important during the restoration process. 

Make a Water Damage Check Part of Your Routine Maintenance

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

There are many ways in which a house can develop issues, but one of the most detrimental things for homeowners is hidden water damage. Not only will there be problems with water spots, mold and more because of it, but it can also lead to structural problems in the home’s walls depending on what parts are effective.

Thankfully, there are many things you can look for to check for water damage in the home as part of your regular home maintenance routines. This can help you catch any issues before they become too serious and has the added benefit of not being as expensive of a claim on your insurance.

How to Check for Water Damage Around Your Home

Inspect your walls and ceilings. Walls tend to hide leaks rather well, but if you look closely at your drywall, you can often find evidence that they are there. Small things like discolored areas, paint that is peeling or soft spots might be indicative of a hidden leak that you should have a professional check out ASAP.

Don’t forget to look down. If water damage is present, it can gradually work its way down and get into the floor of your home, soaking into the subfloor and causing problems. If you notice any soft spots or buckling of your floor, it might be a sign that the subfloor has become saturated with moisture.

Inspect your roof. Your roof is your home’s best defense against water damage, so it is wise to check on it often. You can inspect it easily from the ground with binoculars to look for loose shingles or other signs of wear. You can also go out during the next rain shower to make sure your gutters are properly functioning and keeping water away from your foundation.

Pay close attention to the basement. Basements are not supposed to be the damp and musty places they have been given the reputation of being—in fact, they should not be. Check your basement often for signs of moisture and mold, and if you do notice any issues, be sure to have a professional check it out right away.

Flood and Water Restoration for Home and Business

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

We are available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed or vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. We have the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration - in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

WHAT TO EXPECT

when you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring. Including how many SERVPRO professionals are needed.

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

WE ANSWER THE PHONE READY TO HELP

Water Damage Found After A Short Vacation

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

The Davis family came home from a short three-day getaway to find that the water heater had failed and made a massive mess in their house. They had never had something like this happen before and had no idea what to do. They found water in almost every room, soaked carpet, and the water was even under the new laminate floors.

They began using towels to soak up the water to quickly realize they were way over their heads in trouble here. Mr. Davis called his parents for advice, and his dad told him to call his insurance company. After a brief conversation with his insurance provider, Mr. Davis decided to call our office for help. His agent referred us to him, and he remembered seeing our commercials on tv.

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

We received his call on Sunday afternoon around 1 pm, and we had a crew at their house at 3 pm that same day. We don't wait for regular business hours to work because water and fire emergencies can happen at any time. We're always open even on nights, weekends, and holidays to help our community.

The water had sat for well over two days and began to have a musty smell. We needed to remove all of the carpet and pad then removed the laminate floors in the kitchen and hallway. Once all of the wet materials were removed, we applied an antimicrobial spray to eliminate any mold or mildew growth. Finally, we installed air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the home completely.

How Long Will This Take?

It usually takes two to four days to dry a home after a water damage has occurred. We return each day to take readings of the inside air and the floors and walls to document the drying process. This ensures the structure is drying correctly and lets us know when to remove the drying equipment. In the case of Mr. and Mrs. Davis, we removed the drying equipment after just three days. We scheduled the carpet and flooring installation and did some minor repairs to the walls, and finally did some touch-up painting to complete the job.

We make it, "Like it never even happened."

The Davis's were so happy that we arrived so fast on Sunday and that by Wednesday evening, their home was completely dry and had no mold or mildew smell like it did when they come home. Along the way, we referred them to a plumber that replaced the faulty water heater for them. Mrs. Davis was so happy with us when we returned the last day to remove the equipment that she took a picture of our team and posted it on social media. Thank you for the shout out, Mrs. Davis; we really appreciate that.

 Our team of highly trained and IICRC Certified technicians are equipped with the knowledge and the equipment to handle any size disaster.

Water Damage Cleanup

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Most of the water-damaged homes we see and clean up are from water within the home. In either case, it's usually a good idea to let the professionals extract the water, clean up, and restore your flood-damaged home. 

How Does the Water Get in?

There are many ways water can get into your home or business and damage it. Toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines can slowly leak behind walls, under floors, and inside cabinets. Sewers can back up into basements and through the drains on lower levels of homes. Rainwater from a massive storm can blow into cracks and crevices around your windows and doors, causing water damage that may not be discovered quickly, allowing mold to develop and cause further damage. During the winter months, pipes exposed to cold temperatures can freeze and burst.

Call us at the First Sign of Damage

A slow, subtle water leak behind a wall or under a floor can often be much worse and cause more damage than a sudden flood of water from say, an ice maker line breaking. A sudden quick surge of clean water onto the floor can quickly be removed and dried while the slower and undetectable leak may go on for days or weeks before noticed. In this case, the clean water from a slow leak then becomes unsanitary containing harmful contaminants. Sometimes these leaks are noticed by the smell of bacteria and mold growth or soft spots in the flooring.  

Knowledgeable and Experienced

If your home or business does happen to suffer from water damage, you can trust the experts at SERVPRO of West Concord will respond immediately to your call. We have the knowledge and experience to handle all types of water damage emergencies.

Tips on Water Damage

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage at home or in your place of business does not need to be a traumatic experience. Consider these 5 tips to better prepare.

1. Look up your insurance coverage. Most renter’s or homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding, or even a sewer backup. Find out what coverage you have.
2. Keep a record of all of your belongings. Take photos and keep copies of a receipt or other documents for the more valuable items. Store a copy of these records online or at another location. If you do experience water damage, it can be easy to forget about certain items.
3. Take steps to limit the risk of water damage within your home by checking pipes frequently and paying attention to any indicators of water damage, such as dripping sounds in the walls, dark spots on the ceiling, or significant change in your water bill.
4. Set up your home so that it is less at risk of damage from heavy rains or flooding by ensuring that your roof is sound. Make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. Check that the landscaping around your home is sloped to direct water away from your foundation, rather than toward it.
5. Find an expert you can count on. Water damage can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to be desperately searching for a water restoration expert at 3 AM when the pipes break.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

4 Steps To Take If Water Is Leaking From a Ceiling Light

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

4 Steps To Take If Water Is Leaking From a Ceiling Light

While it is not uncommon for homeowners to deal with water leaks in their home from plumbing, appliances, or roofs, discovering water in light fixtures on the ceiling is an especially hazardous situation. If you find water dripping from a ceiling light in your home in Elk Grove, CA you will need to act quickly and cautiously to prevent damage to your home and keep everyone inside safe from harm. If ever faced with this stressful situation, follow these four steps:

1. Turn Off Electricity

One of the main dangers of water leaking from a ceiling light is the possibility of electrocution or an electrical fire starting. Never touch the light fixture or a light switch, and keep everyone as far away as possible from the leak. Next, find the main breaker box for your home and shut off the electricity. To ensure the power is really off, you can perform a test using a non-contact voltage tester on a dry electrical source.

2. Shut Off Water

Heavy leaking from water in light fixtures can cause extensive water damage to your home. You want to prevent even more water from entering your home by turning off your home’s main water supply.

3. Address the Leak

You can place a bucket or towels under the drip to help soak up some of the water and prevent more damage from occurring. The leak can be caused by a ceiling pipe or even a leaking toilet or bathtub. If the water is coming from a source upstairs, address the leak if possible and clean any standing water.

4. Call the Experts

You will need the help of a water damage restoration company to address any ceiling damage or other water damage that occurred to your home. Contact a specialist right away to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Discovering water in light fixtures requires immediate and careful action. Remember to make everyone’s safety a priority, and don’t hesitate to get to help.

Always Be Looking for Water Damage

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can be very detrimental to your home or business

The problem is the longer you wait after having water damage the more damage you are actually causing to your home or business. When you have water damage the best thing to do is shut off the water source that is causing the damage. If the damage is coming from something you are unable to cut off them you may need to contact a plumber in your area. Once this is completed then you want to call the professional experts here at SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna to come out and assess the problem. It doesn’t matter the size of the damage we will be able to help get it under control. Water damage can be difficult to spot but some signs you can look for in your home and business:

• Water rings on your ceiling or walls
• Soft or sagging on your ceiling or walls
• Wet or soggy carpets
• Warping in your wood flooring

The best thing to do is call an expert right away before the problem gets worse. Our highly trained technicians are waiting for your call. We have our specialized equipment ready to use to get to your emergency mitigated as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse, call our highly trained team at SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241. 

The 411 on Flood Cuts

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Flood season is never a great time in Elk Grove, CA. In the best-case scenario, residents are prepared for this season, and it’s only a mild annoyance when preparations for flooding are tested. However, in the worst-case scenario, water damage can result in intensive repairs to a home. Sometimes these repairs involve getting a flood cut. And since “flood cut” isn’t a well-known term, here is more information about what’s involved.

Flood Cuts 

1. What Is a Flood Cut?

A flood cut is a fairly simple process. The definition is in the name. A flood cut is when a professional cleanup service comes into a home after the flooding has been drained away to tear out the drywall that has been damaged. While this does mean that a large portion of the drywall is removed, it also means that mold growth and other structural issues may be avoided. In this way, a flood cut can be an important step in ensuring the recovery of a home after heavy rain, sewage bursts, or other sources of water damage.

2. When Is It Used?

Considering drywall replacement can be costly and time-consuming, it’s a good thing that flood cuts aren’t always necessary. Often, there are ways to simply dry out the drywall without having to tear out the damaged portion. However, the times when flood cuts are used are generally the most crucial. When the water has high levels of contamination, or has concerning levels of bacteria or other growths, it may be important that this step is used. The drywall that was soaked, even once it looks dry, may contain traces of the bacteria or other substances that were present in the water.

Cutting out drywall after flooding may seem like a time-consuming task, but it is generally worth it. It may remove the chance of a home retaining contaminants after the residence is dried out, and it may lead to something worth its weight in gold: safety and peace of mind. 

Mold After Water Damage

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

If your home in Friendly Hills,CA has experienced any water damage from a burst pipe, storm, or other cause, you might be wondering how long you have until you need to worry about mold starting to grow. You might be surprised at just how quickly mold growth can occur in the right conditions, which is why it so important to call for help from a water restoration company as soon as excess water is discovered. Here is some information on what causes mold to grow and how long it takes for it to begin growing.

Common Causes of Mold Growth

The main thing mold needs to grow is a continued source of moisture. Whether due to high humidity levels or standing water in your building, wet areas can eventually lead to mold growth. Common ways moisture enters buildings and causes mold to grow includes:

• Roof leaks and improper ventilation
• Excess humidity or moisture in bathrooms
• Water damage from faucet leaks or pipe bursts
• Flooding from rain or outdoor water sources
• Sitting puddles and spills
• Improper cleaning of wood and laminate flooring
  
  

How Long for Mold to Grow

Given enough moisture to live on, mold can grow as quickly as 24 to 48 hours. This means that if a pipe does burst in your building or a storm causes flooding, you need to start thinking about mold prevention right away. If possible, turn off the source of the water and do what you can to dry the area. Don’t wait to call in the restoration company to help address all water damage that has occurred to your building, including areas that are hard to see such as inside drywall or underneath carpets and flooring.
While dealing with excess water in your commercial building is stressful enough, dealing with mold growth makes the situation even worse. Always act quickly to prevent more damage from occurring.

Steps Taken in the Cleanup of Water Damage

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Handles the Entire Remediation Process

Water damage can come from many different sources, with varying intensities, danger levels, and reach of damage. Ultimately, many different objects, surfaces, and materials in a home can suffer water damage from the same event, and many homeowners question how a company such as SERVPRO handles a comprehensive water damage cleanup job. In this blog post, you'll learn about some of the ways our technicians control and repair water damage in local residences.
 
Identifying the Source and Water Type
 
Before all, water damage in Elk Grove / Laguna must be correctly defined by water type and source. Did it come from a storm or flood, or was it a pipe burst? There are also different types of water, typically categorized as either clean, gray, or black, each one with different safety and cleanup protocols. If necessary, our crew will work to stop the water flow as quickly as possible, to avert further damage to your home.
 
Surveying Damage and Mold
 
After we understand what type of damage we're dealing with, our technicians search the home visually and with moisture detection equipment to find out what objects have been affected, and what else needs to be done. Additionally, we look for signs of mold growth, which often takes priority in a cleanup operation.
 
Furniture and Water Removal
 
The next step is to remove all furniture from affected areas, and then pump out water if necessary. We use industrial-grade machinery to pump water from the interior to the exterior of the home, with either a portable or a truck-mounted pump.
 
Drying and Odor Treatments
 
At this point, we bring out more heavy machinery to begin drying and deodorizing the affected area, to make sure no more damage or mold growth occurs and any bad smells are removed.
 
Carpet Removal and Final Cleaning
 
In many cases, some or all of the carpeting in a room will need replacing. We make sure to evaluate carpeting carefully for moisture so as not to incur extra expenses. Sometimes, a cleaning may only be necessary, particularly when water damage is contained early on. After that is done, final cleanup and sanitation are done on walls and objects, and furniture is brought back into the home or rooms affected.
 
SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna employs certified and well-trained technicians who are experienced with all kinds of water damage restoration and cleanup jobs. If you need our services for any type or volume of water damage to your home, call us at (916) 525-1241 for 24/7 emergency service.

Where to Look For Water Damage

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Here are some common causes of water damage and how you can spot the warning signs.

Weather is a common cause of water damage. Rains (snow and ice during the winter) cause flooding that can get into your home. Ice is an especially insidious cause of water damage because it expands as it freezes, causing cracks that allow more water to enter your home.

Even if it isn’t raining or snowing there is still moisture in the air. Damp air can lead to condensation and water damage to your walls. This is especially true of basements, bathrooms, and other damp areas of your home that don’t get much airflow.

Appliances like your washing machine, garbage disposal, water heater, toilet, and air conditioner can all contribute to water damage if they leak or stop draining properly.

Water from our pipes and plumbing systems can also cause water damage. Leaks and drips can go on for months, or even years, raising your water bill and doing unseen damage to your home.

So if these are all the ways water can sneak into your home, what are the signs of water damage?

Here are a few warning signs that you have a water damage problem in your home.

Standing water – This may sound pretty obvious, but if you notice water pooling in your house you have a water problem that needs to be taken care of immediately.

Bad smells – While water doesn’t normally have much of a smell, the mold and bacteria that grow in damp environments can give off a distinct musty, wet odor. If you smell mold or mildew you might have a water issue.

Stains and spots – Stains on the ceilings or walls can be a sign of water damage. You might have a leaky pipe or roof. Call a professional to determine the cause of the problem and to clean up the damage before it becomes a serious mold problem.

Peeling paint – Paint damaged by water will start to peel, bubble, or flake off.

Uneven surfaces – Water damage can cause floors, ceilings, walls, and other surfaces to warp and feel uneven.

Cracks – Water is always seeking the path of least resistance out of your home. Water can enter through cracks and once water finds it’s way in, the crack will expand allowing even more to get into your home. Make sure you seal all visible cracks on your property.

If you notice your home has water damage call the experts at SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241. 

How To Spot Water Damage in Your Ceiling

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

It is easy to tell that your floor has water damage when you are standing in an inch of water in your living room, but how often do you check your walls or ceilings for signs of water damage? Pipes within walls and in between floors can leak or burst which can have major consequences if the problem isn’t addressed. Use the tips below to check your walls and ceilings for water damage.

• Discoloration

One of the most obvious signs of water damage is discoloration. A yellow or brown spot on your walls or ceiling could mean that there has been a leak has occurred and need to be fixed. You may also see bubbling, cracking, or peeling paint as an indication that water could be causing some issues in your building.

• Odor

While the water itself does not have an odor- it can cause something that does: mold. Mold can grow in any humid, warm place, so if a leak or spill is left unchecked, mold can definitely begin to grow on your walls and ceilings. Mold and mildew have a distinct musty odor, so if something doesn’t smell quite right, you should double check that you have no water damage or mold in your home or office.

• Sound

Water damage may not always be visible right away, but sometimes you may be able to hear a leak or a gushing pipe when it first begins. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the way your pipes sound when they are working properly; know what it sounds like when water is running due to the washing machine, dishwasher, toilets, sprinkler system, or any other appliance that is connected to your plumbing system. If you hear something different one day, you will want to make sure that there are no issues with your pipes.

• Home is Difficult to Heat

If you keep cranking up the heat in your house, but it just doesn’t seem to warm up, you may have a water damage problem.  Water and moisture can draw heat out of the walls and ceilings in order to evaporate. This means that instead of heating up your rooms, you are just heating up the water that has leaked behind your walls.

If you suspect water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Protecting Your Home from Damage in Heavy Rain

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes when it rains, it pours.

While rain water in and of itself doesn’t pose a huge threat, rainstorms that are heavy and occur over several days can expose your home to long-term damage. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce water damage risks:

Have A Healthy Roof

The best protection for your home in stormy weather conditions is your roof – think of it as your first line of defense. Make sure your roof is in good condition by looking for things like loose shingles, surface divots, soft spots, and cracks. Roofs that exhibit any of these can cause leaks, leading to potentially serious internal damage on your walls on ceiling. If you don’t see any problems with your roof but are still wondering if it’s up to standards, it never hurts to call a professional to come out and give it an inspection.  

Inspect Your Gutters

Having well running gutters in place can be critical when experiencing heavy rainfall. Gutters help keep water off your home’s walls, so it’s important to keep them clean and clear of debris.

Direct Water Away from Your Home

This may seem like an obvious one, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Directing rainwater runoff away from the foundation of your home prevents the formation of puddles around it. As water seeps into the ground, it can crack your foundation, creating an opening for more water to get in and attract mold and mildew. Downspouts that direct water five to ten feet away from your house play a big role in preventing that kind of damage.  

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Following these steps will help you keep your home safe and protected from water damage during the rainy season. As always, if you do experience any type of water or storm damage, Contact Us here at SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna and our response team will be there to fix it in no time.

How Much Damage Can a Toilet Overflow Cause?

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

A flooded toilet can cause damage on one or more floors of a home in Elk Grove, CA.  You should immediately contact a plumber upon noticing signs of a blocked drain line and take measures to limit sewer damage. Here are some of the types of damage a toilet overflow can cause.

Contaminated Water

Water from a toilet overflow is almost always contaminated. Restoration professionals categorize water damage into three categories:

• Category One clean water, originating from supply lines
• Category Two contaminated water, from showers or appliances
• Category Three contaminated water containing solid waste
  
  

Water from a flooded toilet is likely either Category Two gray water or Category Three black water. Either category of sewer damage calls for disinfection in addition to cleaning and drying. 

Damaged Building Materials

Contaminated water can permeate porous materials such as carpet or drywall. These materials cannot be completely disinfected, and may pose a continued risk of microbial growth. For this reason, mitigation experts recommend tearing out these materials prior to disinfecting and drying the area. Carpet, drywall, or damaged ceilings on a lower floor can be replaced during the restoration process.

Secondary Damage Risks

If damage is not cleaned up quickly or disinfected, there may be an increased risk of several types of secondary damage. Here are a few of the most common forms of additional damage:

• Bacteria
• Staining
• Mold
  
  

Immediate mitigation and timely cleanup can limit the extent of primary and secondary damage. Try to keep water from spreading until a plumber arrives to clear the drain line blockage.

Why DIY Mold Test Kits Are a Bad Idea

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

The most important part of a mold inspection is the inspection, not the mold samples.
Mold samples can be misleading, are sometimes incorrect with both false positive and false negative results occurring, and can only be accurately interpreted in conjunction with a well thought out sampling plan and visual inspection. The visual inspection requires an understanding of building construction, water sources, and other factors that may not be apparent to many people, such as condensation occurring in a poorly ventilated attic, poor drainage on the exterior of a building, or cracks in the foundation.

Consumer Reports rates home mold test kits "Not Recommended"

In 2006, Consumer Reports evaluated four different types of home mold testing kits and rated all of them "Not Recommended," including typical comments like this one for the Pro-Lab MO109 mold test kit: "In some samples, the vials with media leaked over entire kit. In one, an unopened kit was moldy. No expiration dates on the kit; old media could affect the accuracy and reliability of the results. Label claims that kit can identify toxic mold, but the report the lab sends can't tell you this. One unused plate came back positive for mold growth, indicating contamination at some point; not very reassuring for post remediation use."

Mold test kits do not provide meaningful answers.

The primary issue with these kits is they essentially only test for the presence of mold in the home. The mold testing kits that we are aware of are simply "gravity" or "settling" plates which consists of putting an open Petri dish in the home for some period of time. This is about as useful as setting out a plate of fruit and finding out whether mold will grow on them. Given enough time, of course it will! If you leave moist food on the kitchen counter for a few weeks, no one is surprised when mold forms on that food, and finding mold on that food does not mean that the home has a mold problem.

It's important to understand that mold is ubiquitous – it's everywhere. ALL homes have mold in them. Mold is present in homes, buildings, and the outside air. Mold spores are in the air, on surfaces, on the furniture... all over the place. If you open a Petri dish and take a sample, it is likely that you will get mold growing on the Petri dish. That's not helpful information!

The Bottom Line: These mold test kits generate money for the companies selling them and generally, just cause fear in the person taking the sample with no real added value. Further, the most important part of a mold inspection is not the mold sample, but rather the inspection of the building for sources of moisture and evidence of mold. Often, mold testing is not even necessary.

Source: http://www.moldreport.com/home_mold_testing_kits.html

The 5 Roof Leak Prevention Tips You Need

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Roof leaks might take time to develop, but they’re often discovered when it’s too late. A leaky roof is damaging to a home, and it can cost a lot to repair. Rather than wait until the roof leaks, take some time to focus on prevention. Preventing roof leaks isn’t hard, and it gets easier the more you’re on top of it.

Tip One: Caulk the Chimney

A lot of homeowners assume the ceiling is a leaky safe space. While most ceilings are built with leak prevention in mind, a lot suffer wet spots due to lacking caulk. Get your chimney caulked, and make sure the technicians know about any problem areas inside. Check for cracks often, and keep the shutters functional.

Tip Two: Clear the Gutters

Your gutters are important tools for water misdirection, wall protection, and roof relief when a storm rolls through. Clean them often, removing leaves, dirt, old water, and mold. Otherwise, you might experience less drainage. Clogged gutters can overflow, dumping water into your home’s walls.

Tip Three: Trim the Trees

Overgrown tree branches can dump water across your roof. Trim them often, and keep any loose branches away from the gutters. If you know a storm is coming, get them trimmed again. High winds can misplace lose branches, damaging a roof’s gutters and shingles.

Tip Four: Look Out for Damaged Shingles

Speaking of shingles, you should examine your roof for loose, or missing, shingles often. If any shingles are peeled back, have them replaced. Damaged shingles open the floodgates, during a storm. While roofs are built to take a beating, shingles are easily damaged.

Tip Five: Check Out the Layers

The wood directly beneath a roof’s outer layer deserves attention. If it’s soft, you’re facing eminent water damage. Soft roof wood is indicative of pipe bursts. While this situation doesn’t necessarily mean your home will be leaking soon, it’s a big red flag. If you have soggy layers, get the pipes checked.

Source: https://idesigncorporation.com/Blog/entryid/72/the-5-roof-leak-prevention-tips-you-need

5 Easy Tips to Prepare for Water Damage

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home or in your place of business does not need to be a traumatic experience.

Consider these 5 easy tips to better prepare.

1. Check your insurance coverage. Most renter’s or homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding, or even a sewer backup. Find out what coverage you do have.
2. Keep a record of all of your belongings. Take photos and keep copies of receipts and other documents for more valuable items. Keep a copy of these records online, in a waterproof safe or at another location. If you do experience water damage, it can be easy to forget about certain belongings.
3. Take precautions to limit the risk of water damage on your property by frequently checking pipes for leaks or weakness. Pay attention to any indicators that there might be water damage. These can be the sounds of dripping water in the walls, dark spots on the ceiling, or a significant change in your water bill.
4. Set your home or business up so that it is at less risk of damage from heavy rains or flooding by ensuring that your roof is sound. Make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. Check that the landscaping around your property is sloped to direct water away from your foundation, rather than toward it.
5. Find a professional you can trust. Water damage can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to be desperately searching for a water restoration expert at 3 AM when the pipes break.

Tips to Prevent Home Flooding

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

1. Fix roof leaks.

Regularly inspect the roof for noticeable signs of water damage. Stains along ceilings and walls, mold in the attic and black marks are indicative of a leaky roof. While fixing the actual roof leak requires little effort, pinpointing the exact location of the leak is the most challenging part.

Find the roof leak by partnering with a friend. One partner hoses water along the roof, while the other looks for penetrations from inside the attic. Once the leak is discovered, take steps to seal the leak with caulk or re-shingle the defective areas of the roof.

2. Repair plumbing leaks.

Leaky pipes are not only a nuisance but can lead to extensive water damage if left unaddressed. Homeowners know they have a leaky pipe in their midst when water pools in the basement. Other telling signs include buckling, visible condensation and rusted pipes.

Small leaks can be temporarily handled by homeowners until a licensed plumber offers a long-lasting solution. Adhere waterproof tape over the leak on the dry pipe. While the tape stops the leak for the short-term, another leak may spring up elsewhere. Call a plumber immediately for a permanent fix.

3. Maintain the gutter.

If your building’s gutters aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, you risk water leaking into the building through its roof or foundation.

A clean gutter performs its task efficiently. Homeowners should remove leaves and debris from their gutter system at least twice annually, once in spring and once in autumn. Installing leaf guards prevents the accumulation of debris. Ensure the gutter downspout extends 10 feet away from the home.

Though a gutter is out of sight and out of mind, the importance of maintenance is clear. A clogged gutter sends a waterfall down the home’s siding, leading to a pool of water around the home’s perimeter. The foundation may begin to leak, leading to potential flooding in the basement.

4. Seal foundation cracks.

Excess moisture is responsible for cracks in the foundation. Every foundation displays trivial cracks. If either hairline or large cracks are noticeable along the foundation, take immediate steps to seal the flaws. Prompt attention only costs a few dollars and thwarts a pricey repair.

Minor cracks may be sealed with hydraulic cement or a vinyl concrete patching compound. Extensive cracks should be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulk. Use a caulking gun to push the sealants into the cracks, letting the material dry, then reapplying a second layer.

5. Regrade the lawn.

This DIY project is due if the yard slopes toward the home. With a downward slope, the force of gravity allows water to pool around the home whenever wet conditions exist. Consequently, the basement stands at a high risk for flooding.

Add topsoil around the home and plant grasses to create a slope and ensure moisture is directed away from the home—not toward it. The best time to engage in regrading the yard is late summer or early autumn. When the winter season hits, the lawn should be adequately settled.

6. Replant the greenery.

Vegetation, like trees with aggressive roots, can weaken the strongest foundation and make it susceptible to damage and flooding. Plant pesky greenery, like maples and aspens, at least 20 feet away from the home. Consider removing troublesome shrubs and trees if they are located too close to the property.

7. Maintain the sump pump.

Proper sump pump maintenance keeps flooding at bay. Regularly test the sump pump. Take extra precautions and install a backup sump pump in the event the electricity is cut or the pump is overloaded during heavy rains. If using a battery powered unit, keep the battery fully charged.

8. Install back flow valves.

When a sewer line is overflowed by flooding, the raw sewage water can back up the drain. The foul invasion can be prevented by installing back flow valves, which operate by blocking the pipes temporarily. As a result, sewer water has no path to re-enter the home.

SERVPRO Suggestions to Spot Water Damage in Your Home

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

There are obvious signs such as a pool of water on a floor or drips running down an internal wall. Visible signs of leaks are your cue to call us straight away – We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. However, there are some hidden signs of water damage to look for, too. Watch out for these, and you could save yourself a lot of time and expense.

Water stains – if there is a rusted looking stain on your ceiling, there might be a leak. Check out your ceilings regularly for stains or water marks. 
 
Peeling wallpaper or raised paint – a leak behind a wall often causes wallpaper to peel away from the surface, and it might also create raised lines or spots in the paint. 
 
Swollen wood – water causes wood to swell. SERVPRO finds that for some of our customers, the first sign of a leak is a swollen wooden door or cabinet. 
 
Wet patches without a spill – if you notice damp patches in your carpet or on your wood or tile floors, pay attention. Sometimes a wet patch simply means a spill that no one told you about, but sometimes it means a leak. 
 
Dark grout on tile floors – water damage causes the grout to get wet and even grow mold, which results in darker coloration. Keep an eye on tiled floors, especially around the toilet, tub, dishwasher, or in the laundry room. 
 
When you notice one of these signs of hidden water damage, SERVPRO is on hand to help remedy the situation. We carry out a thorough assessment of your home, including the use of moisture meters and probes to test for moisture inside walls, behind cabinetry, and under floors. Our IICRC-certified technicians are equipped with extraction wands, pumps, dehumidifiers and air movers to handle the moisture and restore your home quickly. 

If you're dealing with water damage call us today at (916) 525-1241. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can work on everything from small projects to commercial sized projects. 

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

There are 3 Basic Categories of Water

Category 1 originates from a sanitary source and poses no substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. However, it may not always remain clean after it comes into contact with other surfaces or materials.

Category 2 contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. It may contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological).

Category 3 is grossly contaminated and may contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Such water sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances.

Time and temperature can also affect the quality of water, thereby changing its category. *Refer to the IICRC S500 for complete definitions.

What to do When Water Damage Occurs

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Signs You Should Replace Your Water Heater

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

1. How old is your water heater?

It's crucial to know the age of your water heater. Find the age by looking for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker on the upper portion of the water heater

The serial number contains the date that the water heater was manufactured. But it won’t look the way a date is normally written. Instead, the serial number will have a date code such as "F051052638".

F is for the month and F is the sixth letter in the alphabet, so it represents the sixth month, June. Next, the first two digits of the serial number are 05, which represents the year, 2005. So this water heater was made in June 2005. Each manufacturer has a similar date code, and they can vary; check the manufacturer’s website to learn more.

Generally, most water heaters that are more than 10 years old should be considered for replacement. If your water heater is in a location that will not cause damage if there is a leak, you can wait until it develops a leak before replacing it, but that really is not recommended.

If your water heater is in a location that will cause damage to your home, you should strongly consider replacing it after 10 years (or before, if any of the following symptoms occur).

2. Rusty water

If you discover rusty water coming from your water heater and it only comes from the hot side piping in your home, this can be a sign that your water heater is rusting away on the inside and it may begin to leak soon.

But if you have galvanized piping, you may have rusty pipes. A good test to avoid replacing a functioning water heater is to drain a few five-gallon buckets of hot water out of the water heater. By the third bucket, if the water from your heater is still coming out rusty, then most likely the water heater (not the piping) is at fault.

3. Rumbling and noise

As a water heater ages, sediment will build up on the bottom of the tank. As the sediment is heated and reheated, it eventually will harden.

When this happens, you can often hear rumbling or banging sounds coming from the water heater as it is heating up. This is a sign that the water heater is at the end of its useful life.

The layer of hardened sediment means:

Less efficiency — the heater will have to use more gas or electricity to heat the water.

More damage — the extra time spent heating the water will cause more wear on the metal tank and lead to more brittle metal that can crack and develop tiny holes. If you start to hear rumbling from your water heater, keep an eye out for any small leaks. If you find one, then it may be time to replace your water heater.

4. Water around the water heater

If you notice moisture around your water, you may have a small leak or a fracture in the tank. As the metal heats, it expands and if there are slight fractures, water may leak from the tank. Once the metal has cooled the inner tank will stop leaking.

However, before replacing your water heater, make sure there are no other leaks coming from either the fittings or connections to the tank. Also, make sure the temperature/pressure overflow pipe is not leaking. If all of the connections and fittings are dry, it may be time to replace the water heater.

If you are concerned about water heater failure or if you discover any of the signs above, contact a plumber or a company that services water heaters. 

Source: https://www.angieslist.com/articles/4-signs-your-water-heater-about-fail.htm

What Happens the First 24 Hours After a Water Loss

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don't wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna provides cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (Including all holidays).

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a cleaning or restoration need, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Elk Grove, CA community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Flood Preparedness and Response

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Floods are among the most common weather hazards in the United States. They can happen anywhere at any time of year.

Densely populated areas have a higher risk for flash floods than rural areas. Flash floods can occur within minutes or hours of a heavy rainfall, and waters can rise as high as 30 feet or more. Even small streams and creeks can flood rapidly and cause damage. Flash floods are usually caused by slow-moving thunderstorms.

According to the National Weather Service, "Flash floods are short-term events occurring within six hours of the causative event (heavy rain, dam break, levee failure, rapid snowmelt and ice jams) and often within two hours of the start of high-intensity rainfall."

Flash floods can move homes and cars, uproot trees and destroy bridges. Because floods happen with little to no warning, residents in low-lying areas are particularly at risk. According to the American Red Cross, flash floods are the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S.

Almost half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related, according to the National Weather Service. If you're driving and approach a water-covered road, turn around. Just 6 inches of water can stall a vehicle, and 2 feet can float most cars, trucks and SUVs.

Before Mother Nature brings on the rain we so desperately need, be sure you’re prepared. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Know your proximity to rivers, streams and dams
• During heavy rain, avoid underpasses, underground parking garages and basements
• Avoid hiking or camping if thunderstorms are predicted
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family
• Don't walk in water above your ankles; you can be swept off your feet in as little as 6 inches of rushing water
• Turn off the electricity and other utilities
• Report storm-related hazards to the City or your utility provider. Contact the City about flooding, high creek levels, fallen trees or limbs, clogged storm drains or culverts, traffic signals or street lights out, street signs down, or downed power lines.

Source: https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/flood

State of the Art Equipment for Water Damages

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna understands that to continue to be the leader in restoration we need to use cutting edge technology. That's why we've made it a point to add new equipment to our inventory regularly. We want to provide excellent work to our customers and to do that we need the right equipment. 

Here are a few pieces of equipment we use regularly for resolving water damage

Detection Equipment

Scoping damage involves our trained team members locating the areas affected by water and determining the extent to which the structure and contents have absorbed moisture. Our trained team member’s use:

• Moisture Sensors – These are us to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters – These are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate moisture readings that enable our SERVPRO® of Sumner County team member to monitor the drying process.
• Thermo-hygrometers – These measure both temperature and relative humidity. In capturing these two readings our trained team members calculate specific humidity, dew point and vapor pressure.

Extraction Equipment

The most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction. This is why it is crucial to respond quickly to a water damage and to provide emergency mitigation services. When the water is extracted quickly, the environment can usually be dried much faster.

• Extractors – These are used in cleaning carpets and upholstery and in removing water from floors following a water damage. Extractors can either be truck-mounted or portable, allowing for greater access inside structures.

Air Moving Equipment

Air movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level, thereby reducing drying time. As airflow at the surface level increases, the moisture in the air increases. This moisture is then eliminated via the use of dehumidification equipment.

Dehumidification Equipment

By extracting water vapor from the air, dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity, which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. In a water damaged, structure, dehumidifiers pull in the moist, humid air and then discharge dry, warm air. The dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from wet materials. SERVPRO® of Sumner County uses two types of dehumidifiers:

• Refrigerant Dehumidifiers – These work similarly to an air conditioner.
• Desiccant Dehumidifiers – The use chemicals, called desiccants, which readily absorb moisture from the air.

Need immediate help? Please call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna 916-525-1241. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can handle your emergency.

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna

Water Damage Do's and Don'ts

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

There are three categories of water; clean water, gray water, and black water. Clean water is pretty self explanatory. Gray water can be contaminated and dangerous to handle without safety gear. Black water is the worst of the three being that it is incredibly unsanitary. This list of do's and don't are only for clean water. 

It's important to hire a professional to help you dry out your home after water damage. With the right tools and pieces of equipment we can properly and safely dry out your home and the products within it. 

Do's

• Shut off the source of the water. 
• Turn off electricity
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and soaking up with towels. 
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture.
• Put aluminum foil in between furniture legs and carpet. 
• Relocate all artwork and pictures to a safe, dry place.
• Open all closet doors, furniture drawers, and luggage to help dry them out.

Don'ts

• Enter a room with standing water. There could be a risk of electrical shock. Disconnect all power first.
• Leave rugs and furniture upholstery wet against and sitting on carpets.  The fabrics could bleed between each other. 
• Turn on your television or any other electronic.
• Do not use your household vacuum to try and suck up any water.  They are not made for this.
• Do not try to clean up any sewage water yourself.
• Do not lift up any carpeting that is tacked down.

Don’t Let Water Cause Long-Term Sheetrock Damage To Your Elk Grove Home

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Small leaks around pipes or drains are often ignored. Many homeowners and tenants feel that the water has the ability to evaporate faster than it can accumulate because there seems to be no or very little puddling under the leak.

If you own a home in Elk Grove, you should protect your property from this kind of water damage. While it may seem that evaporation is going on at a rate that would not allow such harm to result, this is only because the water is being absorbed by the materials closest to where the water drops are landing. If the water is also running down a vertical surface such as a pipe or a wall, then this can only add to the damage sustained.

Water that seeps behind walls and under floors eventually makes its presence known in other ways. Mold growth, the development of water stains, and dry rot of weight-bearing support structures can all harm your home and create expensive repair problems. Repairing the leak, even a tiny one, is almost always beneficial in more than one way. After the leak is repaired, the damage can be stopped from advancing, and the area can then be successfully repaired.

When water damage has not shown any signs, our technicians can use moisture meters to detect where elevated levels of moisture exist. Trained according to IICRC standards, SERVPRO professionals know where to look for water damage even when it is invisible. A wall may seem sound because of the way it looks while it is really damaged and in need of repair or replacement.

Remember, the absence of a wet surface in the presence of a small leak only means that the water is being hidden under the surface but still present. SERVPRO of Elk Grove can help you and your family by locating these types of leaks, and restoring the area, so no trace of water damage remains. Call us at your earliest convenience, even in the middle of the night or during a holiday, at (916) 525-1241.

A Few Mold Facts

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 916-525-1241

5 Quick Tips to Prepare for Water Damage

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen in many different ways. It's good to be prepared.

Water damage at home or in your place of business does not need to be a traumatic experience. Consider these 5 tips to better prepare.

1. Look up your insurance coverage. Most renter’s or homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding, or even a sewer backup. Find out what coverage you have.
2. Keep a record of all of your belongings. Take photos and keep copies of a receipt or other documents for the more valuable items. Store a copy of these records online or at another location. If you do experience water damage, it can be easy to forget about certain items.
3. Take steps to limit the risk of water damage within your home by checking pipes frequently and paying attention to any indicators of water damage, such as dripping sounds in the walls, dark spots on the ceiling, or significant change in your water bill.
4. Set up your home so that it is less at risk of damage from heavy rains or flooding by ensuring that your roof is sound. Make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. Check that the landscaping around your home is sloped to direct water away from your foundation, rather than toward it.
5. Find an expert you can count on. Water damage can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to be desperately searching for a water restoration expert at 3 AM when the pipes break.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us online at

https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROElkGroveLaguna/

and visit our website for more information: http://www.SERVPROElkGroveLaguna.com

Understanding the Timeline of Water Damage

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage is very invasive.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. 

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 SERVPRO Fair Oaks/ Folsom 916-525-1241 

Here is a Typical Timeline for Water Damage: 

Within Minutes: 

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path. 

• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings. 

• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets. 

• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp. 

Hours 1 - 24: 

• Drywall begins to swell and break down. 

• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish. 

• Furniture begins to swell and crack. 

• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain. 

• A musty odor appears. 

48 Hours to 1 Week: 

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread. 

• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp. 

• Metal begins to rust and corrode. 

• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold. 

• Paint begins to blister. 

• Wood flooring swells and warps. 

• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

 More Than 1 Week: 

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive. 

• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna 

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. 

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/  and online http://www.SERVPROElkGroveLaguna.com.

Are you currently dealing with water damage? Please give us a call 24 hours a day at 916-525-1241. 

What is the True Cost of Flood? Water Damage is Costly.

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Understanding Your Flood Risk is Vital in Preparation. 

Do you understand your true flood risk? Are you and your family prepared? On FloodSmart.gov you can find information to prepare you including the cost of flooding.  It only takes a few inches of water to cause major damage to your home and its contents. Use the online tool to show you what a flood does to your home and what it could cost, inch by inch.

Preparing for a flood is vital. Guard your home and businesses. 

For more information on the true cost of a flood visit: https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/the_cost_of_flooding.jsp

Interested in knowing how SERVPRO can help you during your flood visit: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/storm-flooding-restoration

Are you faced with water damage?  Call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit our crew page.

For more information on our company click here.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Read what our customers are saying: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/testimonials

Are you prepared for flood at work?

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

flood, flood at work, flood clean up, water flood cleanup

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to help your during your water damage disaster.  Call us at 916-525-1241 for 24 hour 7 days a week emergency service.

Preparing for a flood even at work is important. OSHA's website has a plethora of information.  Being prepared for a flood and knowing how to respond is vital. Many think about their homes but not their businesses. Review OSHA's guidelines: 

Planning

Having an evacuation plan in place before a flood occurs can help avoid confusion and prevent injuries and property damage. A thorough evacuation plan should include:

• Conditions that will activate the plan
• Chain of command
• Emergency functions and who will perform them
• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits
• Procedures for accounting for personnel, customers and visitors
• Equipment for personnel
• Review the plan with workers

For more details visit: https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/flood/preparedness.html 

When water damage strikes, call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Read what our customers are saying: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/testimonials

Elk Grove / Laguna Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Elk Grove or Laguna basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – 916-525-1241

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Visit our crew page.

For more information on our company click here.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Read what our customers are saying: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/testimonials

SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 916-525-1241

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Visit our crew page.

For more information on our company click here.

Understanding the Timeline of Water Damage

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rains and flooding can be invasive.

Understanding the Timeline of Water Damage

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna  916-525-1241

Here is a Typical Timeline for Water Damage: 

Within Minutes:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

 More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Follow us on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

5 Quick Tips to Prepare for Water Damage

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen at any time. It is always good to be prepared.

Water damage at home or in your place of business does not need to be a traumatic experience. Consider these 5 tips to better prepare.

1. Look up your insurance coverage. Most renter’s or homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding, or even a sewer backup. Find out what coverage you have.
2. Keep a record of all of your belongings. Take photos and keep copies of a receipt or other documents for the more valuable items. Store a copy of these records online or at another location. If you do experience water damage, it can be easy to forget about certain items.
3. Take steps to limit the risk of water damage within your home by checking pipes frequently and paying attention to any indicators of water damage, such as dripping sounds in the walls, dark spots on the ceiling, or significant change in your water bill.
4. Set up your home so that it is less at risk of damage from heavy rains or flooding by ensuring that your roof is sound. Make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. Check that the landscaping around your home is sloped to direct water away from your foundation, rather than toward it.
5. Find an expert you can count on. Water damage can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to be desperately searching for a water restoration expert at 3 AM when the pipes break.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

What is the True Cost of Flood? Water Damage is Costly.

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Understanding Your Flood Risk is Vital in Preparation. 

Do you understand your true flood risk? Are you and your family prepared? On FloodSmart.gov you can find information to prepare you including the cost of flooding.  It only takes a few inches of water to cause major damage to your home and its contents. Use the online tool to show you what a flood does to your home and what it could cost, inch by inch.

Preparing for a flood is vital. Guard your home and businesses. 

For more information on the true cost of a flood visit: https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/the_cost_of_flooding.jsp

Interested in knowing how SERVPRO can help you during your flood visit: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/storm-flooding-restoration

Are you faced with water damage?  Call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit our crew page.

For more information on our company click here.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Read what our customers are saying: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/testimonials

Are you prepared for flood at work?

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to help your during your water damage disaster.  Call us at 916-525-1241 for 24 hour 7 days a week emergency service.

Preparing for a flood even at work is important. OSHA's website has a plethora of information.  Being prepared for a flood and knowing how to respond is vital. Many think about their homes but not their businesses. Review OSHA's guidelines: 

Planning

Having an evacuation plan in place before a flood occurs can help avoid confusion and prevent injuries and property damage. A thorough evacuation plan should include:

• Conditions that will activate the plan
• Chain of command
• Emergency functions and who will perform them
• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits
• Procedures for accounting for personnel, customers and visitors
• Equipment for personnel
• Review the plan with workers

For more details visit: https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/flood/preparedness.html 

When water damage strikes, call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Read what our customers are saying: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/testimonials

SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 916-525-1241

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Visit our crew page.

For more information on our company click here.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Read what our customers are saying: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/testimonials

Elk Grove / Laguna Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Elk Grove or Laguna basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – 916-525-1241

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Visit our crew page.

For more information on our company click here.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Read what our customers are saying: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/testimonials

Understanding the Timeline of Water Damage

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Understanding the Timeline of Water Damage

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna  916-525-1241

Here is a Typical Timeline for Water Damage: 

Within Minutes:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

 More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Prepare for Water Damage – 5 Quick Tips

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage at home or in your place of business does not need to be a traumatic experience. Consider these 5 tips to better prepare.

1. Look up your insurance coverage. Most renter’s or homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding, or even a sewer backup. Find out what coverage you have.
2. Keep a record of all of your belongings. Take photos and keep copies of a receipt or other documents for the more valuable items. Store a copy of these records online or at another location. If you do experience water damage, it can be easy to forget about certain items.
3. Take steps to limit the risk of water damage within your home by checking pipes frequently and paying attention to any indicators of water damage, such as dripping sounds in the walls, dark spots on the ceiling, or significant change in your water bill.
4. Set up your home so that it is less at risk of damage from heavy rains or flooding by ensuring that your roof is sound. Make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. Check that the landscaping around your home is sloped to direct water away from your foundation, rather than toward it.
5. Find an expert you can count on. Water damage can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to be desperately searching for a water restoration expert at 3 AM when the pipes break.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/ and online http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com.

Water Damage - What is the True Cost of a Flood?

10/12/2016 (Permalink)

Understanding Your Flood Risk is Vital in Preparation

Do you understand your true flood risk? Are you and your family prepared? On FloodSmart.gov you can find information to prepare you including the cost of flooding.  It only takes a few inches of water to cause major damage to your home and its contents. Use the online tool to show you what a flood does to your home and what it could cost, inch by inch.

Preparing for a flood is vital. Guard your home and businesses. 

For more information on the true cost of a flood visit: https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/the_cost_of_flooding.jsp

Interested in knowing how SERVPRO can help you during your flood visit: http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/storm-flooding-restoration

Are you faced with water damage?  Call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Preparing for a flood - even at work.

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is here to help your during your water damage disaster.  Call us at 916-525-1241 for 24 hour 7 days a week emergency service.

Preparing for a flood even at work is important. OSHA's website has a plethora of information.  Being prepared for a flood and knowing how to respond is vital. Many think about their homes but not their businesses. Review OSHA's guidelines: 

Planning

Having an evacuation plan in place before a flood occurs can help avoid confusion and prevent injuries and property damage. A thorough evacuation plan should include:

• Conditions that will activate the plan
• Chain of command
• Emergency functions and who will perform them
• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits
• Procedures for accounting for personnel, customers and visitors
• Equipment for personnel
• Review the plan with workers

For more details visit: https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/flood/preparedness.html 

When water damage strikes, call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241.

SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

8/27/2016 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Elk Grove or Laguna basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – 916-525-1241

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the tust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Visit our crew page.

For more information on our company click here.

SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 916-525-1241

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Visit our crew page.

For more information on our company click here.

SERVPRO Elk Grove/Laguna will be faster to your water damage.

4/16/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna 916-525-1241

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

·                       Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.

·                       Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.

·                       Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.

·                       Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

·                       Drywall begins to swell and break down.

·                       Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.

·                       Furniture begins to swell and crack.

·                       Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.

·                       A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

·                       Mold and mildew may grow and spread.

·                       Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.

·                       Metal begins to rust and corrode.

·                       Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.

·                       Paint begins to blister.

·                       Wood flooring swells and warps.

·                       Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

·                       Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.

·                       Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Lagunaspecializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Tips to Prepare for Water Damage

4/16/2016 (Permalink)

Tips to Prepare for Water Damage

1. Look up your insurance coverage. Most renter’s or homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding, or even a sewer backup. Find out what coverage you have.
2. Keep a record of all of your belongings. Take photos and keep copies of a receipt or other documents for the more valuable items. Store a copy of these records online or at another location. If you do experience water damage, it can be easy to forget about certain items.
3. Take steps to limit the risk of water damage within your home by checking pipes frequently and paying attention to any indicators of water damage, such as dripping sounds in the walls, dark spots on the ceiling, or significant change in your water bill.
4. Set up your home so that it is less at risk of damage from heavy rains or flooding by ensuring that your roof is sound. Make sure there are no cracks in the foundation. Check that the landscaping around your home is sloped to direct water away from your foundation, rather than toward it.
5. Find an expert you can count on. Water damage can be overwhelming, and you don’t want to be desperately searching for a water restoration expert at 3 AM when the pipes break. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Lauguna is here to take care of you – call 916-525-1241.