The most common types of mold include aspergillus, cladosporium and stachybotrys atra (also known as black mold).
Aspergillus is a fairly allergenic mold that is commonly found on foods and in home air conditioning systems. Cladosporium is typically a black or green "pepper like" substance that grows on the back of toilets, painted surfaces and fiberglass air ducts. While this mold is nontoxic to humans, it can trigger common allergy symptoms, such as red and watery eyes, rashes and a sore throat.
Mold that appears to be orange or red in color is typically found outdoors, given its nature to thrive on decaying plants or moist wood. This type of mold, which can appear slimy, is harmless and should only be removed for aesthetic purposes.
White mold is not technically a type of mold, but the good news is that this typically indicates the mold is only in the early stages of growth and can easily be treated.
When it comes to water damage there is important things to remember about the different hazards that can contaminate the water that is in your home. Sewage is one of the most dangerous substances to enter homes or buildings. It contains fungi, bacteria and viruses, many of which are disease-causing. Unfortunately, many people fail to understand the hazards that sewage presents.
Here are the key principles homeowners should know about sewage back-ups and how to handle the situation with caution:
Sewage contains a variety of pathogenic – disease causing – fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Anyone who works on sewage losses must have updated vaccinations, including one for Hepatitis B.
Sewage exposure is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including anyone under two or over 60, those who are pregnant, ill, recovering from surgery, on prescription drugs or chemotherapy, or are AIDS victims.
It is not safe to stay in a building that’s flooded with sewage unless the contaminated area can be completely sealed off and placed under controlled air flow so that there will be no cross contamination of unaffected areas.
Highly absorbent sewage-saturated materials, such as carpet, pad, upholstery, bedding, wicker, paper or even fabrics that can’t be washed in hot water (130°F/54°C) for at least 10 minutes, must be contained and disposed of properly. This goes for sewage-saturated drywall, insulation and several other structural materials too. There’s simply too great a health risk involved if any of these materials are dried in place and cleaned only.
Only the most highly trained professionals should attempt sewage remediation work. Then, a “third party” indoor environmental professional can provide post-remediation verification or “clearance testing” to ensure that the home or building is safe to re-occupy.
SERVPRO of North Oceanside is always available 24 hours a day when a loss becomes overwhelming from a Water Loss or Sewage Backup in the workplace or in your home. These simple tips will help you with prevention and awareness where its most important so seconds don’t turn into disaster.
Stains on your floors can be an indication of water damage.
When it's contained properly, water doesn't pose too big of a threat to your home. However when water floods and soaks into your walls, floors, or ceiling, it can quickly develop into a serious health and safety hazard. This is because water that is not dried up or that sits causes a cozy environment for mold and mildew to begin growing. Mold is a fast-spreading, hard-to-remove fungus that can cause health problems and also weaken your property's structural integrity. Here are several methods for detecting water damagewithin your house. You’re going to want to walk around and look carefully at both the interior and exterior of your home.
First walk around and Inspect Outside
Carefully look over the entire exterior of your house. Look for pools of water. These can indicate poor drainage in the yard, gutter spouts that maybe aren’t moving water far enough from the house or leaky rain gutters. Any of those issues can threaten your homes foundation since water that’s standing may get into your home.
Make sure to check your roof. The most common signs of water damage to your roof often include pools of water; cracked, curled up or missing shingles.
Inside Check your Floors
No matter what kind of flooring you have throughout your home, if water damage is present the signs will show. For tile and wood floors, look for cracked, buckling or warping. On carpeted floors, be wary of damp spots, stains, gradual rises and soft spots.
Smell your way around
If you see any active mold growth it means that moisture is contacting microscopic mold spores, often in the nooks and crannies of your home. However since mold often hides, you can’t rely only on your site. Use your nose too! If there’s a smell of mold and dampness that too is a sign then that water damage is present. One can often get used to the smell of mold or dampness so make certain to walk in from outside first during your walk around so that the smell will be more obvious. Water when it’s stagnate, causes mold and bacteria can grow, which is what produces the musty, unpleasant smell. If you smell it it is best to remove yourself from the home until the level, type and location of the mold are determined.
Look for Stains Everywhere
Look for stains on your floors, walls and ceiling. If you find water stains on your floors or around your bathtub, toilet or sink than those are signs of water damage. If you find stains on your ceilings and walls than those too are some of the most obvious signs of water damage. Some of these stains can be concealing mold behind them beneath the flooring or in your walls since water damage that’s left unattended can often lead to mold. Unusual stains may indicate that there is a leaky pipe inside the wall. Perhaps there’s a leaky drain. Cracks in your drywall often mean there’s trouble. If any areas of your walls appear swollen and are soft to touch that too may signify trouble. If pain is peeing that is another sign of water loose within walls. When drywall gets saturated, paint will usually lose adhesion.
Look for Rust and Mold
Frequent Inspections of your water heater can be very beneficial. Checking for rust that’s developing on the tank or if you see rust already present on the tank, than that typically indicates a slow leak. Rust around pipe connections can also be caused by water seepage.
Roof leaks from damaged roofs, ice dams or blocked gutters
Rain from storms through window frames, exterior walls, or doors
Leaking pipes, sewer back-ups or overflows
Damp basements due to high water table or badly managed water drainage
Condensation on cold surfaces
Mold needs these 3 main things to thrive and stay alive.
High humidity
Warm or temperate Temperature
Poor ventilation
Mold is easier to prevent than it is to clean so keeping a watch on common sources of mold and maintaining a dry, ventilated home and drying homes from water damage within 24 hours of the incidence is the best way to prevent mold from happening in the first place. If you have a mold problem and you would like information about how to get it professionally cleaned, please call us and we will direct you on the companies that we use to test for mold.
SERVPRO of North Oceanside specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
When facing a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensure proper cleanup. There are three types of water.
Clean Water (Cat 1) is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean.
Gray Water (Cat 2) is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean Water becomes Gray Water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.
Black Water (Cat 3) is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black Water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black Water should always be handled by trained professionals.
Are you not sure what type of water damage you are dealing with? Let the professionals here at SERVPRO of North Oceanside help!
SERVPRO of North Oceanside 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
Most Oceanside residents already have a fire plan for home, but does your employer have one? Do you know your part in keeping the workplace safe?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to over 3,000 fire on office properties per year.
Like at home, it’s your responsibility to take the necessary steps to keep your office environment safe. While there are specific measures employers should take to protect their staff – every employee should do their part to prevent fires.
Some employers are required by law to have an emergency action plan in place; however, it’s smart for all companies to create and share a strategy with staff in the event of a fire.
Employers should:
Teach employees about fire hazards in the workplace – provide proper training in fire prevention and protection
Inform employees of office housekeeping procedures for storage and cleanup
Go over rules for controlling ignition sources such as smoking
Provide for proper cleaning and maintenance of heat-producing equipment
Require fire safety plan review with all new employees
Alert the entire staff when changes are made to the fire safety plan
Inspect office equipment on a regular basis
Keep fire equipment in plain sight
Prohibit smoking at and around work areas
Have an alarm system that consists of visual and audible signals
Post reporting instructions and local Fire Department codes around the office
Conduct regular fire drills
Include disabled employees in the fire emergency planning process
Appoint a fire safety leader
Employees should:
Keep work areas clean and free from clutter including waste paper and trash
Replace damaged electrical cords
Help maintain machinery to prevent overheating
Never overload circuits
Make sure papers and books are not piled on top of computer monitors
Always report malfunctioning electrical equipment
Make sure heat-producing equipment is far away from anything that could burn including copiers, fax machines, coffee makers and computers
Remember to get rid of trash regularly so it does not accumulate
Keep dock areas neat and clean
Know the location of fire alarm pull stations and extinguishers
Smoke in designated areas only
Become familiar with the proper exits and emergency procedures
Follow building security measures to prevent arson fires – lock up and report suspicious individuals
Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits
Keep emergency telephone numbers and the office address readily available
Never run extension cords across doorways or where they can easily be stepped on or run over by chairs and other furniture
Avoid plugging more than one extension cord into an outlet
Wireless Emergency Alerts - Stay Informed Of Weather Alerts in Oceanside
How can Oceanside residents stay informed about emergencies in their communities? WEAs!
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to you mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by authorized government-alerting authorities. The alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety or missing persons alerts in your area (e.g. AMBER Alerts).
Government partners include local and state public safety agents, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. A WEA can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without downloading an app or subscribing to a service. WEAs may be used to share extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts, and Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.
This is America’s wireless industry helping to build a Weather-Ready Nation through a nationwide text emergency alert system, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), which will warn you when weather threatens.
The great piece of this is that there is no signup required, and Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency. With WEA, alerts may be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way.
A WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters. WEA message will include a special tone and vibration, with both repeated twice.
The National Weather Service will send the following types of messages:
Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings
Hurricane, Typhoon, Dust Storm and Extreme Wind Warnings
Of course, Oceanside does not receive some of these extreme weather conditions, but SERVPRO of North Oceanside recommends staying ALERT for WEAs!
SERVPRO of North Oceanside can assess your situation and help to remediate your mold problem!
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, SERVPRO of North Oceanside can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
Mold Safety Tips - What do you do if you suspect mold growth?
If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.
What Not to Do:
Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
What to Do:
Stay out of affected areas.
Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
Contact SERVPRO of North Oceanside for mold remediation services.
About Our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of North Oceanside specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (760) 721-8929
No business, wants to deal with the destruction caused by fire. One of the best ways to minimize potential damage and associated expenses is to maintain a commercial fire sprinkler system. A sprinkler system is a highly effective fire suppression strategy that can prevent many significant losses.
1. They're Activated by Heat, Not Smoke
A sprinkler system is not activated by smoke Instead, the heat generated by a fire rises to the ceiling, where the sprinkler heads are located. Sensors recognize the change in temperature and trigger the release of water. Only sprinklers in the area of the fire will be activated. It is possible that only a single sprinkler head will deploy.
2. They Use High-Pressure Water
The pipes that feed the fire sprinkler system are filled with pressurized water at all times. There will be no delay between the activation of the system and the release of water. The volume of water from even a single sprinkler can help contain a fire, which reduces fire and water damage to the rest of the structure. By the time the fire department arrives, the fire will likely not have spread further. It may even be extinguished by the sprinkler system.
3. They Can Minimize Cleanup After a Fire
Minimal fire sprinkler cleanup is another key advantage of a sprinkler system. While there will still be fire and water damage, it is likely to be much less extensive than what you'd find in a building without a sprinkler system. The fire damage should be limited to the area where sprinklers activated. The water damage from sprinklers is far less intrusive than water damage caused by fire hoses.
Any fire will cause structural and water damage. The primary benefit of a fire sprinkler system is that inevitable damage will be kept to a minimum, resulting in saved dollars and saved lives.
SERVPRO of North Oceanside is seeking an experienced technician. Company vehicles are used as well as uniforms are provided. Pay is competitive with benefits following a probation period. Experience is needed with an IICRC WTR certification is a plus. Call us at (760) 721-8929.
SERVPRO North Oceanside was assisting a homeowner today where the toilet supply line detached from the tank. It flooded 5 rooms in just a few minutes. Its a good reminder to replace your supply lines periodically to prevent thousands of dollar of damage to your property.
SERVPRO North Oceanside is working on a building in Fallbrook where the water was left on by accident damaging 8 rooms in a matter of minutes. One way you can prevent this is your mobile phone. With so many distractions these days a quick timer could help prevent this from happening.
Red Flag warnings continue this week in Southern California. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring. A combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior as we have already seen in Ventura, Ojai this morning.
It's been an amazing month in Oceanside for sunsets. We are really blessed to have this kind of weather and sunsets to enjoy at the end of each day. SERVPRO of North Oceanside always takes a moment to appreciate them.
If you own a business or commercial property, you know that a fire can break out a anytime. It can be a result of an electrical fire, utility room fire or some other misfortune. After the fire truck and firefighters leave, there will be a number of problems you still have to deal with. Your business is your livelihood, so any type of fire can leave you at a standstill. There is water damage, smoke damage and soot damage caused by fire suppression that has to be dealt with. The first thing you should do is call professional fire damage experts restore your business back to its original state.
Before the team arrives, firefighters will attempt to secure the scene to make it as safe as possible. The will remove fire hoses, wires and anything else that can be a safety issue for the business owner and fire restoration team. They will make sure that the fire sprinkler system and any other fire suppression system has been disengaged. If it is a utility room fire, they will ensure the fire is completely out.
A professional fire damage restoration team will assess the damage begin a fire-recovery plan. The team will make every effort to salvage as much as they can. Electrical fires can do a great deal of damage. Not to mention the water damage done by a fire hose and the business's fire sprinkler system. A commercial fire damage team will spend as long as they have to eliminating the soot damage in your business.
Regardless of whether commercial fire damage starts with an electrical fire or utility room fire, we will make sure those areas are secured by firefighters before any work starts. All walls, ceilings, equipment, carpet and upholstery will be scrubbed and cleaned. Any lingering water from fire hoses and the fire truck will be extracted with professional machines. Machines will also remove the last residue of soot damage and smoke damage.
The sanitation process also ensures that every inch of the property is fresh, clean and free of odors. When fire restoration is done correctly, there will be no evidence that any type of fire damage took place. The last step is the restoration process. The business may need some minor repairs like replacing drywall and painting. Unfortunately, firefighters can cause a great deal of damage with fire hoses. Anything that can be restored will be.
There are, however, a number of safety tips that should be utilized before the fire restoration crew arrives. Fires can be very serious and there are multiple hazards that can and should be avoided. When fire trucks arrive, they will use fire hoses. You can potentially slip, fall and even be electrocuted.
If you see potential hazards, get your family outside immediately. Do not attempt to clean soot damage or smoke damage after an electrical fire. Only a professional fire restoration company can do this correctly. Anything related to fire suppression should be taken care of by the fire department. Do not attempt to dismantle the fire sprinkler system.
If your business has been damaged by a fire, the time to take action is now. Contact a professional fire restoration service as quickly as possible. After the fire trucks leave, the real work with commercial fire damage restoration begins. Fires can start in any part of your business. But utility room fires are most in businesses. The wires can get hot and quickly spark a flame. After that, it spreads quickly. If you have a fire sprinkler system in your business, it may help with fire suppression before the fire trucks arrive. Although the fire damage may be severe, fire restoration professionals can bring your business back to life very quickly. Visit www.SERVPROnorthoceanside for more information on commercial fire damage.
Pinhole leaks are becoming more and more prevalent in southern California. Take a look at this article http://www.ocregister.com/articles/water-517496-leaks-waters.html. They go virtually unnoticed until all of the sudden water starts to appear. It may be a spot on the carpet that keeps reoccurring. Or the seams of the wood floors starting to discolor or cup. It’s the damage you don't see that can be a problem. Almost undetectably, drywall, Insulation, cabinetry, baseboards and flooring can begin soaking up this water. If not caught early mold can begin to set in causing more and more damage. The professionals at SERVPRO can help you diagnose these problems and find the extent of the damage. If you suspect your home may be suffering from a pinhole leak don't hesitate to call. Remember, the faster the response the less damage can occur.
One of the most current questions that we get from Homeowners and Businesses alike is this: Can my AC cause mold or mildew in my area?
In the San Diego area we are accustomed to having the AC unit on one day and the heather on the next; especially when it is in transitional whether seasons. When purchasing an AC unit, typically this is a buy that you want to come straight from the store/factory where there has not been any previous owners besides you. Always as if there is a warranty from the manufacturer; 10 years is the most typical warranty age, although, there are terms from 5-15 years.
A properly designed, installed, and maintained air conditioning system shouldn't cause mold or mildew, there are always rare exceptions to the rule but these are the most reported reasons for faulty AC units. However, while an oversize or improperly designed unit can cool your home slightly, it also runs the risk of not removing enough moisture out of the rooms air. Too much moisture in your home can increase the potential for mold growth. Mold spores grow on nearly every surface, we live with mold in the same way we live with bacteria. Just like bacteria though, there are perfect breeding environments that can and do yield a productive crop of molds that spread throughout the home or office setting. At times, these growths are not noticeable until the smell is strong or the appearance has reached an intolerable amount. Improper installation, lack of maintenance, and water drainage issues can also lead to biological growth. If you are someone who runs their AC unit every single day, it is a good rule of thumb to check your unit once every couple months to make sure that all lines are in safe condition, and there are not leaking water marks near the wall or on the adjacent ground.
Reasons You Should Invest in Preventative Maintenance Repair for Your Furnace
The furnace is your ultimate companion during winter. This is because it keeps the entire house warm and can protect you from the freezing cold. On the other hand, the furnace is like any other machine it can break down when you need it the most. Such malfunctions can be kept at bay by investing in preventive maintenance.
Could this possibly be the last south swell of the year?
SERVPRO North Oceanside catches San Clemente Pier at its best.
Here is an amazing picture of last year during the summer surf season. You cannot ask for a better day with the sun shining over the pacific and the moon showing its face with amazing overhead surf pounding the San Clemente Pier during last summer. We hope we have a great surf and beach season again. SERVPRO North Oceanside will hope to enjoy great summer days with family and friends.
Hydroxyl Machine in use on a fire project in use to help remove smoke odors.
This state-of-the-art machine sends UV rays (365nm) (emitted from a TiO2 photo-catalytic lamp) through an anatase-coated glass sleeve to trap huge amounts of titanium dioxide. Next, electron hole pairs form and react with water and oxygen, producing free electrons and hydroxyl radicals that, when dispersed by a fan, literally convert organic and inorganic gases and air pollutants into carbon dioxide and water.
Translation: Stinky air is safely neutralized and you do not have to leave the building!
SERVPRO North Oceanside noticed a new farmers Market in San Clemente
The best way to reduce business interruption following a disaster is to plan for in NOW. As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business in Oceanside, you help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do, who to call and what to expect in advance is helpful in receiving timely mitigation and can help minimize the affect of water and fire damage can have on your business
ARE YOU READY? if not CALL SERVPRO North Oceanside at 888.442.8688 for more information.
As we approach the winter season in Oceanside, the simple pleasures of gathering around the fireplace become more and more common. To ensure the safety of yourself and family members, be sure to follow these crucial steps before deciding to light a fire.
Have your fireplace professionally cleaned – According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should have your chimney swept at least once a year by a professional cleaning service. This type of service entails cleaning inside and outside the chimney.
Always cap your chimney – Placing a cap on your chimney prevents outside debris, rain, and even vermin from entering your fireplace.
Burn seasoned wood – Not all wood is safe for your fireplace. If you have any questions about what wood to choose, visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America website.
Place a small amount of wood in the fire – A small amount of wood generates less smoke. Less smoke is not only beneficial to your own health, but it also means less damage to your chimney.
Place the wood on a metal grate – This allows the air to circulate around the logs.
Use a guard – Placing a guard on both sides of your fireplace can prevent any sparks from flying out and potentially harming yourself or any appliances that are nearby.
Put out the fire safely – After the fire dies down, be sure to bury the logs at the bottom of the fireplace and pour sand on it to ensure that it is out.
Types of Chimney Fires
Free Burning: Extremely loud blaze with visible flames and smoke coming out of the chimney top.
Slow Burning: Much quieter than a free burning fire. This type of chimney fire often goes unnoticed since they burn slower and at high temperatures. Slow burning fires are still extremely dangerous.
At SERVPRO of North Oceanside, safety is our #1 concern and we hope that you and your family are able to enjoy the splendors of a fireplace fire this winter season.
SERVPRO North Oceanside's Surf Report: Look out over the coming days for the areas first winter swell. We here at SERVPRO enjoy the ocean, get out there and enjoy the health benefits of the outdoors.
SERVPRO North Oceanside: San Diego, El Niño 75% Likely to Become La Niña By Fall or Winter, NOAA Says
The current rapidly weakening El Niño is expected to vanish altogether by summer and has a 75 percent chance of being replaced by its opposite, La Niña, during fall and winter, according to an updated NOAA outlook.
El Niño/La Niña, the periodic warming/cooling of the equatorial eastern and central Pacific Ocean, can shift weather patterns over a period of months, bringing the possibility of more sustained warm, cold, wet, or dry weather in parts of the world.
After tying the record for the strongest El Niño, as defined by a three-month running mean sea-surface temperature anomaly in the so-called Niño 3.4 region of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, sea-surface temperatures have accelerated their cooling pace since early February.
SERVPRO North Oceanside
SERVPRO North Oceanside: In Carlsdbad a water heater failed
Its important that a water leak is reported quickly to your insurance carrier. Most insurance carriers require that you report water damage quickly to prevent further damage. This photo shows a water heater that had been leaking for a long time. Remember to inspect all of your appliances and that could cause property damage. Call SERVPRO of North Oceanside for a free inspection of your home or business.
SERVPRO North Oceanside helps out another Oceanside resident early this morning. We had this 3 car garage secured in a little over an hour. Call any time of the day for Fire Damage services in Oceanside.
SERVPRO North Oceanside: Does your family know what the 30/30 rule is?
We've had our first thunderstorms this season in quite a while in North San Diego County. Weather.com is one of the best for predicting then next storm.
SERVPRO of North Oceanside receives requests for fallen trees and property damage during these storms.
Does your family know what to do before, during, and after a lightning storm? Learn the facts and practice your plan. The 30/30 rule is if there is less than 30 seconds between a flash of lightning and the sound of thunder, seek shelter. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter.
Contact us today to make sure you are preared in the event of disaster!
SERVPRO of North Oceanside is a General Contractor
Drying out the water damage to your property is just the first step. Did you know that SERVPRO of North Oceanside is a general contractor? We provide a "one stop shop" for all reconstruction services following a water damage situation. We will work with your insurance company to come up with an agreed cost. From insulation, drywall and paint to new cabinets and countertops, we do it all! Call (760) 721-8929 for a FREE ESTIMATE.
One of the most devastating events that can affect your home in Oceanside is fire damage. In addition to generating thousands of dollars worth of damage, fires can destroy your valuable possessions and cause unwanted water damage. In many cases, homeowners become anxious and feel a sense of hopelessness when they witness the depth and scope of their fire-damaged property. However, hiring a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO of North Oceanside can limit your losses and restore your equilibrium. To help you with the restoration process, these fire damage experts perform a detailed assessment of your property. Learn more about the assessment process by reviewing the following blog.
Fire Damage Assessment Basics
In many cases, homeowners are tempted to start the cleanup process for themselves after a fire has impacted their property. Don't make this mistake. Instead, you should first contact your insurance agent to determine the extent of your coverage for the damages. The insurance company will also need to perform an inspection to your property to attain a clear estimate for repairing damages. You will also need to get in contact with a professional fire damage restoration company. Both SERVPRO of North Oceanside and the insurance adjuster will complete the fire damage assessment. The assessment is effective in determining the extent of the damages, whether it is safe for you to reenter the property, and which equipment and materials will be necessary to complete the restoration process. Here are some of the primary components of the assessment process:
Assessing Superficial Damage
Following a fire in your home in Oceanside, a restoration expert will check your property for superficial damage. During this process, the remediation professional will start with the exterior and look for things like missing shingles, damaged chimneys, melted objects, and fire-damaged items. Additionally, the specialist will check your roof, yard, and other exterior regions of the property. Throughout the assessment, it's a good idea for you to use a video recorder or camera to take pictures of these items, only if it can be done safely. This visual evidence will help you in the event that you have challenges with achieving appropriate insurance restitution.
Assessing Internal Damage
After analyzing the property for superficial damage, the fire damage restoration professional will inspect the interior of your house for damage. This inspection of adjoining rooms for smoke, soot, and water damage will aid in determining an action plan for restoration.
The Cleanup Process
Once the SERVPRO of North Oceanside specialist has completed the fire damage assessment, the cleanup process can start with water removal (if needed.) This process diminishes the growth of mold on your property. The primary purpose of this cleanup process is to prevent further damage from adversely impacting your home
If your home in Oceanside has been partially destroyed because of fire, it's important that you allow a fire damagerestoration company like SERVPRO to restore your house to its pre-fire condition. We offer round-the-clock assistance by our highly trained technicians using the most cutting-edge equipment available.
SERVPRO Can Implement Mold Remediation in Your Oceanside home
Mold is a type of fungus that is different from bacteria, plants, and animals. It’s made up of micro-organisms that help decompose dead organic material such as plants, leaves, and wood. These colonies resemble hair-like bodies and are too small to be seen individually with the naked eye. If they are thriving in your Lompoc home, mold remediation is a must. As seen on the surface of an object, mold will appear to be black, blue or green.
Where Is Mold Found?
Mold occurs naturally in both outdoor and indoor environments. Outdoors, it’s one of nature’s way of helping to break down dead organic matter. However, mold growth indoors, in your Lompoc home, can cause health effects so mold remediation is needed. SERVPRO North Oceanside recommends that you call us at the first hint of a possible mold infestation.
Where Does Mold Grow Indoors?
Indoors, mold can be found growing on ceilings, walls, floors, windows, clothes, insulation, air ducts, building voids, and especially, in damp areas of basements. A professional mold remediation service is the safe and most effective approach. The professionals from SERVPRO North Oceanside understands industry protocols and have the necessary equipment to do an effective job. Moisture meters, hydrometers, "air scrubbers," HEPA vacuums, and antimicrobial products are utilized.
SERVPRO North Oceanside technicians know where to search for harmful, hidden molds and complete the mold remediation protocols. We can also advise you how to protect your Oceanside home.
Locally Owned, with National Resources
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Oceanside is close by and ready to respond to your mold damage emergency. Call us at (760) 721-8929
Why You Should Call in SERVPRO North Oceanside for Water Damage Service
There is nothing worse than coming home to find residential water damage on your property. Whether your water damage is from a storm or an overflowing toilet, the on-going damage is real and must be dealt with correctly and swiftly.
If you find standing water all over the floor, the natural instinct is to pull out the bath or beach towels to dry up as much water as possible. While this is better than doing nothing if it is not contaminated water, you may quickly run out of towels and still have a lot of water all over the floor. You may need to call the experts at SERVPRO of North Oceanside to get industrial strength help. Shop vacuums are resourceful to help remove standing water, but they will fill up quickly. And they are not efficient at removing moisture from carpeting and padding. Regardless of the efforts made, the water travels quickly, and may have already found its way into ventilation systems or ducts. Secondary water damage in Oceanside might be the result even if you've made a good faith effort to dry everything quickly. Sometimes the signs of water damage may take a few days to show up on the surface, such as warped floorboards, peeling paint, bulging walls, or lifting tiles.
It's never a bad time to protect your family and property from wildfires. Look at the City of Oceanside's Wildland Vegetation and Weed Abatement Standards. SERVPRO of North Oceanside suggest looking at your property as soon as possible to protect from potential danger.
Take a look at this section of copper pipe that was uncovered during a Mold Remediation job that SERVPRO of North Oceanside was working on in Oceanside. This was not the source of the water damage, we see this quite often and should be addressed to prevent from further damage in the future.
SERVPRO of North Oceanside has restoration experts available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics and document drying. We are also your business's best resource for mold mitigation and removal. Our Large Loss Division has the expertise to manage the cost of operations of large commercial disaster recovery projects.
Stay tuned this summer, SERVPRO North Oceanside will be serving free lunch!! Date and time will be realeased soon as well as how to receive an invitation.
The SERVPRO North Oceanside ready plan is a tool for property managers, both residential and commercial. It allows for the creation of a Emergency READY profile. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your home or business,, you minimize the business interruption by having an immdediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance i the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect you home or business. Call (760) 721-8929 for a free Emergency Ready Profile.
Summer is upon us, and that means the kids are out of school and that means more kids will be on the carpet. So keep SERVPRO North Oceanside's number handy (760) 721-8929 for a free quote.
Hopefully you never have to come home to A broken window. ROCKS through your back sliding door! If it does SERVPRO of North Oceanside will board it up for you any time of day.
If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of North Oceanside can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:
A quicker remodeling process
Protecting items from potential damage
Protecting contents from further on-site damage
When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.
Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.
A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of North Oceanside's Professionals have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
The following building and repair services may be necessary to restore your home to pre-water damage condition.
Drywall Removal and Installation
Hardwood Floor Repair
Tile Floor Repair
Painting
Carpet Repair and Installation
Building Services and Reconstruction
SERVPRO of North Oceanside Franchise can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keep cost low. It can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.
After the water removal step, your floors and walls may look dry at first glance, but they are still wet to the touch. Most building materials, like drywall and wood, are porous and will retain significant water. The retained water will cause these materials to warp, swell, or break down and can also cause mold damage.
Drying / Dehumidification
SERVPRO of North Oceanside Professionals will manipulate temperature and relative humidity to remove the remaining moisture. They use specialized equipment, including industrial air movers and dehumidifiers, to remove water retained by building materials and other hard-to-access moisture. They’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.
When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of North Oceanside Professionals respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.
When restoration is necessary for water damage, it’s usually needed right away. Moisture has the nasty tendency to attract all kinds of microbes, and it can destroy nearly anything if given enough time. And it doesn’t take much time for it to destroy anything containing cellulose or other organic materials. In fact, it only needs hours to leave a house in bad shape. Certified technicians know that time is of the essence when responding and come prepared for nearly any situation. This knowledge will speed the process along and help the technicians salvage as much as possible.
Floods, sewage backflows, and other sources of contaminated fluid usually cause the worst damage. Dirty water is filled with all kinds of deadly substances, ranging from chemical residues to animal feces to parasites. Bacteria, viruses and fungi grow explosively in contaminated fluid, and severe health risks, like salmonella and hepatitis, are common in flood waters.
Its important to check with your insurace agent regarding your coverage in case of a large rain event. We have found that many customers find out after they have experienced a roof leak due to a rain storm that their policy does not cover damage resulting from a roof leak! It is a very inexpensive addition to protect your investment.
CDPH Statement on Building Dampness, Mold, and Health
CDPH has concluded that the presence of water damage, dampness, visible mold, or mold odor in schools, workplaces, residences, and other indoor environments is unhealthy.
We recommend against measuring indoor microorganisms or using the presence of specific microorganisms to determine the level of health hazard or the need for urgent remediation. Rather, we strongly recommend addressing water damage, dampness, visible mold, and mold odor by
a) identification and correction of the source of water that may allow microbial growth or contribute to other problems,
b) the rapid drying or removal of damp materials, and
c) the cleaning or removal of mold and moldy materials, as rapidly and safely as possible, to protect the health and well-being of building occupants, especially children."
CDPH's position is based on the current consensus among scientists and medical experts (cited in the Statement) that
Visible water damage, damp materials, visible mold, and mold odor indicate an increased risk of respiratory disease.
The traditional methods used to measure mold exposure do not reliably predict health risks.
The differentiation of some molds as "toxic molds" that are especially hazardous to healthy individuals is not justified by available evidence.
The most important steps in dealing with indoor dampness or mold are to identify the source of moisture and take the necessary steps to make repairs to stop them, dry or remove damp materials, and clean or remove moldy materials.
Having cold filtered water and ice on demand is wildly convenient, but a leaky water line to your refrigerator can cause some serious damage. Usually there is a copper water line that supplies your refrigerator with a steady stream of water put if this line develops a hole or becomes unattached, gallons upon gallons of water could slowly be leaking into your floor.
To prevent major damage to your home it’s important that you actively look for and try to prevent these leaks by:
Buying a water alarm. It is normally a bit of a challenge and a hassle to continuously peer behind your refrigerator looking for water leaks; a water alarm can cut out this step. These small battery powered devices have electrodes on the base and will alert you if these electrodes come into contact with water. Set one of these behind your fridge near the water line — just remember that you will need to change the batteries every so often.
Looking for crimps in your water line. Often these are the biggest causes of pinhole leaks. If you find a crimp replace the line. One way to help avoid crimps is by protecting your hose with a hard pvc pipe
Using stopping blocks. These are wooden blocks cut to a specific size, slightly longer than where your water line is installed. These blocks will keep you from pushing your fridge back too far and crimping or breaking your waterline.
Restoration technicians have a lot of technology at their disposal. These include powerful vacuums and pumping systems, high volume air movers, dehumidifiers, heat injectors, moisture meters, and a number of detergents formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. While the technicians work on the building, disposing of compromised materials, and drying the rest, they will also destroy all mold and microbial colonies. This is the only way to ensure a home is safe to live, and a business safe to work in; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble.
If water has entered the home through a contaminated source, don’t try to handle it on your own. Floods and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. SERVPRO of North Oceanside not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, they have the protective equipment to remain free from harm.
Water damage restoration service is the kind of professional that no one wants to call, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Homeowners know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space, and taking advantage of every little crack and structural problem. No matter how moisture gets into the building, the response should be the same. Bring in SERVPRO of North Oceanside as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health threats once the moisture is gone.
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.
Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.
At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor.
Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:
Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate the “typical” process:
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call our National Call Center. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. They use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.
Step 3: Mold Containment
They use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. They may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.
Step 4: Air Filtration
Their specialized filtration equipment allows their Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. They utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.
Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. SERVPRO of North Oceanside uses antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, may be necessary to remediate heavy mold growth.
Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
SERVPRO of North Oceanside will clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings. They’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic, 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 toxins harmful to humans and pets.
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 that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of North Oceanside
If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of North Ocenside's Professionals can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, they have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.
Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.
Water from a clean source like a broken water line
If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3
Category 2: "Gray Water"
Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
May contain bacteria and viruses
Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated
Category 3: "Black Water"
Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
24 Hour Emergency Service
Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of North Ocenside is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are water damage restoration specialists with specialized training, equipment and protective gear to safely restore your home or business.
Sandbags can help protect your property from major damage, but sandbags will not seal out water, which is why it is important to make sure your property is financially covered.
Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. It is important to have protection from the floods associated with heavy rains here in San Diego County. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available to property owners to financially protect themselves.
Understanding Your Flood Risk
FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center is the official public source for flood hazard information. There, you can find official flood maps and other resources to get a better understanding of your flood risk.
Residents in recent wildfire burn areas should be aware of the increased potential for mud slides, debris flow, and severe flooding. The San Diego County Adverse Weather Map displays the 100-year Floodplain, recent fire burn areas, and weather alerts.
How Much Would a Flood Cost?
It only takes a few inches of water to cause major damage to your home or business and its contents. Consult your insurance agent for more information.
This week, working with the City of Oceanside we continually provide cleanup services to vandalized buildings to enhace the local commuity. We provided board up services, yard cleanup, painting services to a residential home.
24/7 Emergency Service
