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How to Stop Damage from a Window Leak in Oceanside

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Can Escalate Fast - Oceanside Can Count SERVPRO

If you have identified a leak in one of your windows, it can lead to water damage in Oceanside. Take steps to fix it quickly. If left to deteriorate, the problem will turn into something much more difficult to repair. It is very easy for invading water to cause additional damage and wood rot, so waste no time and call in an expert water damage team, if necessary.

Identify the Source
The first step is always to try and uncover the spot where the water is making its way inside. While this might sound simple, it can be very tricky. Just because you find water pooling in a particular spot on the sill or around the drywall, this does not mean that this area is the point of intrusion. Water will run with gravity, often quite far from its source. Take a close look at the whole window, focusing mainly on the frame, sash, and the edges of the glass. Carefully examine the caulking around the perimeter, because degradation of this material is a common cause of leaks.

A lot of windows only show signs of leakage if the rain outside is bad or there is a storm, so you may have trouble finding the source in dry conditions. You can, however, ask a helper to step outside and spray the window with water (from a bucket, hose, etc.), so that you have a better chance of discovering the water damage problem area. SERVPRO can check with a moisture meter for hidden wet areas within the window area or adjoining walls and ceiling. Dehumidifiers and air movers can be placed to pull out moisture and increase evaporation. 

Fix the Leak for Good
The only way to tell if you can repair the leak alone is to identify its source and assess how serious it is. If the water is entering in the flashing, above the window, it will need to be removed and upgraded. Or, you may need to replace the caulking around the window. If you are not confident about the outcome, call in a professional to do the repairs.

Water damage can appear in many forms. If water wicks into porous material like drywall or ceiling tiles, it usually has to be discarded. We recommend hiring a leak detector or plumber to find and stop the leak from the source. For any amount of standing water and/or moisture, it may be wise to call in SERVPRO for an assessment of the problem and suggestions for remediation. Don't allow a small quantity of water to cascade into a major, expensive water damaging event. We can restore water damage "Like it never even happened."

Smoke Damage Restoration in Oceanside

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Brief Overview 

After a fire strikes your residential property, there are a plethora of tasks that you must complete to expedite the remediation process.  Often, homeowners believe that completing a do-it-yourself project is advisable because it will save them time and money. However, this is almost never the case. In fact, hiring a professional smoke damage restoration company is the best route to take because these individuals possess the experience and equipment necessary to optimize the remediation process. Learn more about smoke damage restoration and the importance of hiring a professional company by reviewing the following data: 

Performing The Fire Damage Assessment
One of the most significant components of the Winter Park smoke damage remediation process is completing a fire damage assessment on your property. This work will help determine the extent of the damage done by smoke and fire. The best way to get the process started is to contact your insurance company and a smoke damage restoration company. These individuals will be able to inspect your property and provide you with a cost estimate for the cleanup and repair processes. If you can obtain a referral to a restoration company by your insurance company, the two companies will likely be able to work together to create a fair settlement. If this happens, you will probably pay less money out of pocket for remediation services.

Cleaning Your Home
After completing a detailed assessment, professional restoration companies will start cleaning up the fire damage in your residential property. Dehumidifiers will help absorb excess water. Smoke damage restoration experts will also utilize cleaners and deodorizers to remove soot and smoke from your property. 

Contact SERVPRO Today
Oceanside smoke damage restoration is a complex, complicated process that should be left to the professionals. When you start looking for a team of trained experts to assist you, trust the talented technicians of SERVPRO. We offer round the clock emergency services and work with speed and skill to resolve all smoke issues as quickly as possible. Call us immediately at (760) 721-8929 to attain the excellent, expedient smoke damage restoration services you deserve. 

Oceanside Commercial Fire Damage Advice

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Offers Fire Damage Preventative Tips For A Oceanside Business

Fire damage to a commercial enterprise can be catastrophic on the property damage issue and of closing the doors to clients and customers. A commercial property owner, having to deal with this unexpected extreme event, needs all the help he can get. The fact that the fire can force a business owner to stop temporarily operating or even shut down permanently can result in deep financial consequences. However, learning more about business fire prevention and what steps to handle them can limit business owners from experiencing substantial financial loss, stress, and the complete destruction of their property. Discover more about these important issues by referring to the quick reference guide provided for you below compliments of SERVPRO.

What Causes Business Fires? A wide range of factors can cause business fires.
- fire from an adjoining commercial property or suite
- an electrical fire, or commercial kitchen flare-up
- lightning strike, very prevalent in the Oceanside area
- natural disasters like earthquakes, more likely a sinkhole

Business Interruption Insurance
Typically, companies who are not able to survive following a fire fail to do so because they did not have business interruption insurance. While companies who do purchase this insurance may find it challenging to recover fully, it is still easier for them to get back to business. Thus, although the insurance typically costs 10% more than a business owner's standard premium, the investment is considered to be a prudent and practical one. And SERVPRO is usually at the top of the list of preferred vendors for many insurance and property management companies. We can coordinate a restoration plan with your insurance adjuster and help manage the insurance claim, reducing your stress.

Fire Prevention Strategies
In addition to investing in business interruption insurance, business owners should implement the following fire prevention strategies:
- Do not store flammable items in an open spot. Keep an organized stockroom and inventory storage area to prevent damage from fire.
- Check quarterly that your smoke alarms are functioning properly, and if installed, working fire-suppressant sprinkler system.
- Develop and implement a thorough, effective fire evacuation plan, have lighted exit signs, and no blockage of emergency exit doors.
- Make sure that your appliances, electronics, and machinery are shut off when closed, if possible.
- Ensure that all fire extinguishers and emergency directions are in viewable and accessible locations, emergency phone numbers visible
- Make sure that your backup drives and critical paperwork are kept in a fireproof safe or cloud storage.

Call SERVPRO Today
Unfortunately, even extensive planning cannot prevent your commercial property from possible fire damage in Oceanside.  A lot can happen in this thriving environment. However, if disaster strikes, the professionals of SERVPRO can provide you with the fire damage restoration services that get your property and business back into operation. Our IICRC-certified technicians offer a fast response. And we can mitigate the water, smoke and fire damage and handle the restoration project, saving you money. From start to completion, our goal is to get your doors reopened in minimal time and cost. "Like it never even happened."

Storm Damage Experts in Winter Park

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Quick Response and High Standards Will Leave you Satisfied after Remediation

When heavy rains and high winds hit hard, property destruction and loss can be devastating to you as a homeowner. Structural damage to the exterior of your home is followed by interior devastation from water and winds. Storm damage is rarely isolated to just a few buildings in an area adding the challenge of finding a restoration company that can respond swiftly to your needs to an already anxiety-provoking situation. SERVPRO delivers the help you need swiftly even when a local disaster is widespread as we are able to call upon a network of over 1,650 franchises nationwide to respond if the need is great.  Storm damage in Oceanside can feel overwhelming, but your fear and panic will disappear when our team of professionals responds to your water, wind, and flooding repair and restoration needs. Your particular situation is of paramount importance to us, and you need not worry that your repairs and restoration will take a back seat even when many in your area are struggling to recover from the same issues you face. Choosing our company puts in motion a vast support system, but our local ownership means you will receive a personalized approach to your particular situation, efficiently returning your home back to its pre-storm condition just “Like it never even happened.” 
 
Placing your trust in SERVPRO for your storm damage needs will reap you benefits that less qualified companies simply cannot deliver. We use state of the art equipment to clean, repair, and restore your home and in the process, we also restore your and your family’s peace of mind. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified, current in the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) for any procedure needed to bring your home back to the comfortable and comforting refuge you deserve. We also work closely with your insurance company, ensuring that all the work necessary is approved and compensated according to the terms of your policy. Our high standards and relentless drive to do the job on time while meeting local specifications means you and your family will quickly return to the quiet enjoyment of your house and neighborhood. We are not satisfied until you are happily back in your restored dwelling. 
 
Once you make sure that your family is safe after a major storm, your first call should be to SERVPRO of North Oceanside. Dial (760) 721-8929 24/7 and begin the road to recovery by scheduling an inspection with our storm damage experts.

Why Insurance Adjusters Should Use and Recommend SERVPRO

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

When homes are damaged in natural and other disasters, it is always in an insurance company's best interest to make sure that any damage is fixed properly the first time. When flood or water damage does not receive proper remediation, it can lead to much more severe and long-term damage. When insurance adjusters recommend companies that address damage properly and appropriately, they not only help protect the homeowner's property and save their company from having to pay even more expensive claims down the road but they also help strengthen and build stronger relationships with their clients. Here are three reasons why insurance adjusters should use and recommend SERVPRO to all of their insurance clients. 

1. Locally Owned and Operated, Nationally Known

SERVPRO is a chain of locally owned and operated franchises that make up a network of over 1,700 operators across the US and Canada. That means we all benefit from understanding the unique needs of the communities and geographical areas we serve as well as having access to a wealth of information and experience from other franchise owners across the country. With that many franchise owners all working together, you can rest assured that the needs of your clients will be handled quickly and professionally. 

2. Workers Ready and Waiting

Unlike other types of structural damage, water damage must be addressed immediately to have the best outcomes. When hurricane season hits or other natural disasters strike, other companies can be overrun with requests and it can take several days or even weeks to get teams out to help mitigate the damage. This leaves anxious homeowners susceptible to being taken advantage of by a number of scam artists that quickly move into the area in the wake of any natural disaster. SERVPRO, on the other hand, can call upon any number of regional franchises to get additional help in place whenever and wherever it is needed, so your clients get the high level of expertise they deserve.

3. Start to Finish Service

We understand that it's not enough to just simply do a great job restoring the homes of your customers. It is also important to keep costs low, provide a clear paper trail of all work performed and even save you the headache of dealing with multiple vendors. We offer a National Call Center that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you promptly handle all claims. We also pre-screen all vendors to ensure they are fully qualified, insured and licensed when necessary. Our Claims Information Center maintains a complete electronic job file, which we can provide to you at any time and within hours of any claim. The file includes a detailed estimate, digital loss photos as well as a "First Notice of Loss" and scanned forms and paperwork which can be delivered either by email or hard copy. We don't just provide a superior level of service to your clients, we also offer that same superior level of service to claims adjusters as well. 

We understand that to be the best in the business, we can't just offer superior restoration service. We also have to offer superior service to insurance companies to help you gain a competitive advantage. All franchisees are trained to IICRC standards in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration as well as offering continuing education classes to both Franchise Professionals and Insurance Clients at our state of the art IICRC Approved Training Facility. Our performance standards are both measured and well-documented, which can help provide increased value to you, your shareholders, managers, and customers.

Best Ways To Prepare Your Company for a Fire

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Ways You Can Protect Your Property And Keep It Safe From Damage

Experiencing a business fire can be a devastating blow to your company, but there are numerous ways you can protect your property and keep it safe from damage.

1. Fire Safety Plan
If you own a business, it is vital to have a fire safety plan in place. The first step to doing this is to have mechanical inspections on a regular basis. This will ensure that your fire alarm systems and sprinklers are functioning properly if a fire does occur.
It is also key to educate and train your employees on fire preparation. Having regular fire drills in the office is a good idea to guarantee all employees know what to do if the building ever catches fire. They should know how to properly use a fire extinguisher and be well aware of where all exit doors are located.

2. Check Fire Extinguishers
Not only are most buildings required to have fire extinguishers but having enough of them can also save you from complete destruction and damage if a business fire does occur. Keep in mind that travel distance should not go over 75 feet when placing extinguishers around your building. Also, be sure to have them properly placed in areas like kitchens that are extremely hazardous.

3. Keep Hallways Clear
One way to keep your employees safe if a fire occurs in Oceanside by keeping all hallways and storage spaces free from rubbish. If there is clutter in the building, this could not only cause more fire damage, but it could also slow down the evacuation process and lead to employee injuries. Be sure to follow the fire code regarding this.
Implementing these fire safety steps in your business is beneficial for you and your building, and is key to keeping your employees safe as well. If a business fire occurs, you will know you did everything you could. If damage does occur, call in a professional fire restoration company to help get your business back to normal again.

What SERVPRO Can Do For Your Clients

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

A major storm that covers the bulk of a geographic area can leave a lot of devastation in its path. Your commercial clients in North Oceanside, may need storm restoration, and they'll need it in a hurry. When you work with SERVPRO, you get fast service with corporate support.

Quick Assessment

As soon as you refer your clients to the call center, a local team is notified that they need help. Storm damage restoration experts arrive at the building to document the damage:

  • Broken windows
  • Flood damage
  • Torn up roof
  • Compromised structure

Once the information is gathered, it is reported in the Claims Information Center. The CIC serves as your go-to resource for how the restoration process is going every step of the way.

Team Assistance
When a particular area is hit, business owners in the area may need more help than the local franchises can provide by themselves. That's when SERVPRO's storm response team springs into action. Additional technicians arrive with extra supplies or equipment to address the issues facing your client's area. The strong central communication of the company enables it to mobilize nearby technicians to provide the extra assistance needed to provide fast service to your clients.

Accurate Records
As the storm restoration process in your client's building proceeds, further damage may be discovered that needs to be addressed. Technicians update the record in the CIC any time this happens to verify the claim that your client files. You can rest assured that any updates to the service that are needed will be reported in an accurate and timely manner.
There are several reasons SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many insurance providers. Its speed and quality of service outshine the competition, and corporate support makes the storm restoration process as smooth as possible, even in an area with a lot of damage. Choose SERVPRO the next time your client needs help that's Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Supply Line Maintenance in Your Bathroom

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

A supply line refers to the pipes that carry water into your home. There are main lines that normally measure 3/4 an inch in diameter and go to an appliance such as the water heater, and branch lines that measure 1/2 inch in diameter and go to individual sinks, bathtubs, and fixtures. It is important that the supply lines are in good shape and that they are made of the proper materials such as PVC, copper, stainless steel, or PEX piping. Supply line damage results for many different reasons: pipes are too old, they freeze and burst, they are damaged by an obstruction or they have bad connections.

Simple Maintenance

When a supply line leak happens in your bathroom you have two main options: fix it yourself or call a licensed plumbing contractor. With a simple bathroom leak, where the problem is accessible, you can fix the problem in an afternoon with the following steps:

  • Locate the problem
  • Shut off the water
  • Remove the piping with a wrench
  • Buy the correct amount of new pipe
  • Connect the new pipe to the fixture and turn the water back on

Supply line damage comes in many forms, though, and not every problem will be simple. Leaks are sometimes located behind walls or in other inaccessible places. Complicated issues should be left to the professionals.

Complex Water Damage
It's possible that you won't immediately discover supply line damage. The leak could be hidden or in an area that you don't frequent every day. A large or longstanding leak will likely require the services of a local water mitigation team. Qualified mitigation specialists will assess the situation and take appropriate action. This often involves water removal with the help of wet vacuums and a program of drying and ventilation. Where damage to flooring and drywall has occurred, it may be necessary to restore and replace materials. The job is finished when your home is restored to its original condition.

Should You Inspect Your Sprinkler System Before Turning It On?

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

As summer hits it’s an exciting and welcome time. Of course, it also means lawn care is right around the corner – as is irrigation maintenance to keep the sprinkler system working right. It’s an almost irresistible temptation to test the sprinkler system by just turning it on, but that’s a really bad idea. A few simple steps before you do that can save your business a bunch of money in repairs as well as avoid water damage from sprinkler flooding.

How Can Just Turning on the Sprinklers Cause Damage?

There are three basic ways that turning on the water can damage your system:

  1. Burst pipes from land movement.
  2. Burst pipes from the water hammer.
  3. Sprinkler head pop-off from water surge.

During your spring irrigation maintenance, you should first make sure the ground is frost-free at the depth of the sprinkler line. Simply dig a small hole down to about 12 inches, you should be fine.
Before you turn the system on, first do a walkabout around the irrigation lines, looking for anything unusual. Then, when you turn on the water, do it very slowly. There should be a lot of air in the line, which will mix with high-pressure water to create a powerful aerated jet. Many, many sprinkler heads have been popped off from this, creating a beautiful but unwelcome geyser in the lawn.

4 Things That Mold Spores Hate

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

4 Things That Mold Spores Hate

If your building has seen some recent water damage, it's a good idea to be on the lookout for blotches of mold growing on walls and ceilings. If you do discover areas of this ugly fungi, there is no need to panic. Though mold can be a tricky adversary, it does have its weaknesses. Here are four actions that stop mold in its tracks and return your commercial building in Oceanside, back to pristine condition.

1. Quick Action. A professional mold remediation franchise can dispatch certified technicians to your place of business in just a few hours. An experienced company will have all of the tools to deal with just about any situation. Mold growth moves fast, so technicians need to take quick action to contain the problem. A delayed response can lead to the formation of additional mold colonies.
2. Mold Containment. One key to mold prevention is reducing the possibility of the spores spreading throughout the building. If left untreated, the fungus will colonize new areas that are suitable, such as moist areas of the building. The mold spores can also spread through the HVAC system, so it is best to turn off or limit the use of heating and cooling for a time. Physical barriers and isolation techniques will be employed along with negative air pressure equipment to reduce the spread.
3. Water Removal. Effective mold prevention hinges on the reduction of moisture in a building. Any areas of water damage should be dried and ventilated. All rooms should be taken below 45% humidity. Above this level, mold growth is likely to return even after a thorough cleaning
4. Cleaning and Sanitizing. Effective cleaning agents can kill mold and prevent its return. All affected surfaces should be cleaned, as well as any contents that have been infested.
Mold is not all-powerful. With the treatment of water damage and science-based techniques for mold removal, your mold problem will soon be in the past.