Water Damage Repairs to Flooring After Flooding in Covina Homes

5/7/2023 (Permalink)

Different flooring types require special protocols for cleanup and drying. Call SERVPRO for trained technicians and effective equipment for the job.

What Flooring Requires Water Damage Repair? 

There is no mistaking the damage flooding can do to your Covina home after storms. Several building materials and structural assemblies can require repair or removal to address the direct contamination threat without stopping its progress through the property. Before we can get to work on the flooring needs in this emergency, specific mitigation strategies must first occur:

• Clearing surface water
• Removing affected contents
• Assessing the presence of trapped moisture
• Inspecting for physical flooring damage

Carpeting

Carpeting is standard flooring in homes and one of the most heavily damaged materials when a flood occurs. This fibrous flooring quickly absorbs water intruding into the room, overwhelming the surface rug layer and spreading to the padding and subflooring beneath it. We remove flood-damaged carpeting and padding to assess the salvageability of subflooring. If contamination is a concern, there is no preserving exposed carpets.

Hardwood and Vinyl Plank

You might have plank flooring installed to create tight seams between the individual units, but even water-resistant materials of this type can be damaged by pooling floodwater. Not only do the potential contaminants serve as a catalyst to remove exposed flooring entirely, but any moisture penetrating the seams and connections of the individual planks can lead to further exposure of subflooring and related systems.

Non-Porous Flooring

Flooding is not likely to penetrate non-porous materials like ceramic tile and concrete. Therefore, disinfection cleaning is often sufficient instead of removing and replacing these installations. This rule can include using concrete as subflooring and exposing it to potentially contaminated floodwater.

The laws of gravity make flooring one of your home's heaviest impacted surfaces and materials after storm damage and flooding. Water making its way into the house can collect on these materials, so it is vital to understand the steps SERVPRO of Azusa / Covina takes to help. Call us at (626) 387-4111.

Remediating Mold Damage in Azusa Homes

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

Mold can spread in 24 to 48 hours. Call SERVPRO for mold damage remediation services at your property in Azusa.

SERVPRO Tackles Mold Remediation Throughout Your Home

It is not always easy to spot fungus in your house. Sometimes you see a colony of mold that appears as a dark patch of fungus. Other times, your first clue is a distinctive moldy smell. 

SERVPRO is available to remediate the mold damage in your Azusa home. Even a tiny patch of fungus can release spores that become airborne and find other places to grow in your home. That is why it is better not to wait: Call us as soon as you suspect a problem so we can get to work.

How Do We Prepare for Mold Remediation?

The initial inspection and scoping of the service are crucial so that our IICRC technicians follow the proper guidelines for mold remediation. 

Assessing the Damage

Upon understanding the issues with mold cleanup, we may erect containment barriers constructed of poly sheeting, tape, and tension poles to isolate mold spores, dust, and debris. This step is essential if a controlled demolition is required to remove non-salvageable building materials, contents, or assemblies. Our SERVPRO technicians can sometimes clean wood if it has not rotted and drywall if the colony has not eaten too deeply into it. We strive to preserve and restore mold and water damaged materials rather than remove and replace them.

Removing Mold from Surfaces

Thankfully, there is better news regarding nonporous surfaces such as metal, glass, varnished wood, and ceramic. We can use a range of cleaning techniques to scrape off the surface mold.

• Damp wiping with EPA-approved products
• HEPA vacuuming
• Soda blasting

HEPA vacuuming uses genuine HEPA filters, which trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. Our technicians adhere to IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards, which recommend cleaning in the same direction as the airflow towards the negative air machine for maximum efficiency.

Soda blasting is effective against mold on wood and brick, including exposed timbers, doors, exposed brickwork walls, and storage spaces. Soda blasting uses sodium bicarbonate to remove visible fungal growth. Our technicians direct a lightly pressurized stream of particles to the area to be treated. Soda blasting is gentler than other blasting methods such as sand or grit and offers a non-toxic and environmentally friendly cleaning option. It also helps to deodorize the area. This technique does not introduce more water or moisture into a treatment surface.

Moisture Fuels Mold Proliferation

The initial visit and inspection can reveal water leaks or poor circulation, leading to excess moisture buildup. Water is essential for mold growth; thereby, repairing leaks or enhancing circulation prevents mold development during remediation.

Drying and Discouraging Further Growth

Several species of fungus can grow inside your home simultaneously, but they all have one thing in common: They need moisture to proliferate. We dry out your home to discourage further fungal growth. 

We position air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers to dry out damp areas and monitor moisture levels as we go so you can rest assured your home is thoroughly dried before we leave. Water vapor can also damage electronic devices, fabrics, furnishings, and paper products like books, so reducing the RH relative humidity in the home can mitigate water damage.

We also spray an antimicrobial agent on affected areas to discourage further spore growth. 

If you are worried about mold damage, SERVPRO of Azusa / Covina is here to help. We aim to leave your home “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (626) 387-4111.

The Importance of Drying Wet Items after Azusa Water Damage

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the tools to remove water and dry your property in Azusa.

SERVPRO Dries Contents and Structure During Azusa Water Restoration

If you have ever suffered water damage in your home, you know how quickly liquid spreads and soaks into materials. Even a simple kitchen spill or a leaking faucet can swiftly lead to wet carpets, damaged appliances, or sodden wallpaper. Drying wet items as soon as possible is key to water damage restoration. 

SERVPRO technicians are waiting to assist after water damage in Azusa. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can dry your home. Call us as soon as you can. We are here 24/7.

What Steps Do We Take to Deal with Water Damage?

The first thing we must do is remove excess liquid. 

A mop might do the trick in the case of a small spill or leak. However, we need to use more powerful equipment when standing water is present.

We use free-standing or truck-mounted pumps to draw water out of your house. These pumps are equipped with a heater, pump, and vacuum system and are also used for cleaning carpets and upholstery. During water evacuation, we only use the vacuum action.

Free-standing pumps let us access multiple levels of your home. Truck-mounted pumps are less flexible but can handle larger volumes of liquid. Truck-mounted machines also have their own power supply, so we can use them even if there is no power in your house.

Why Drying Matters During Restoration

 Effective extraction is the first step in remediation. However, we are still left with a damp structure and contents once we finish extraction. We need to dry wet items to prevent further damage, mold, and smells, leaving your home “Like it never even happened.”

Our technicians decide on the best setup for drying your home, including:

• Setting up fans and air movers to create evaporation
• Using dehumidifiers to draw moisture out of the air
• Bringing in axial fans if needed

Equipment positioning is critical. We can use air movers to direct airflow across the floor, into the air, or up towards the ceiling. Air movers encourage water to evaporate from wet surfaces. We can even position them to create a vortex of airflow that gets behind baseboards and takes care of damp inside wall cavities. 

The best place for dehumidifiers is in the center of the water-damaged area. As the air movers increase moisture evaporation, the dehumidifiers draw moisture from the air. The air movers must not blow air across the dehumidifier coils because this prevents the dehumidifier from working efficiently. 

We have both refrigerant and desiccant humidifiers at our disposal. Refrigerant units can remove more significant amounts of moisture per day, which is helpful for larger incidents. Desiccant units work better at lower temperatures: Even Azusa can get quite cool at some points of the year.  

What About Deodorization?

There can be multiple odor sources in a water damage situation, and without treatment, the damp smell can linger for days. Odor sources include:

• Wet rugs or drapes
• Damp patches behind furniture
• Moisture damaged drywall.

Air scrubbers remove odors from the air and pump out fresh air in their place. Ozone machines generate ozone molecules that react with odor-causing particles and reduce the smell. These machines require vacated premises since ozone is a hazardous gas that is typically used following house fire extinguishing. ULV foggers generate a fine mist of odor-fighting products that we can direct into nooks and crannies or use on upholstery and furniture. 

Swift action is best in cases of water damage. Do not delay. Call SERVPRO of Azusa / Covina at (626) 387-4111 for assistance.

SERVPRO Removes Soot from Surfaces after Azusa Fire Damage

4/13/2023 (Permalink)

Fires are a devastating and destructive force. You can trust SERVPRO to restore your home in Azusa to its preloss condition.

Azusa Homeowners can Rely on Us for Thorough Fire Cleaning

Unfortunately, a house blaze can leave your home looking worse for wear. Smoke has a way of coating surfaces, so you are left with blackened walls, ceilings, and floors. Thankfully, SERVPRO is here to help.

Azusa fire damage restoration is a complex process. We must consider everything from the initial security and safety of the structure to cleaning and deodorization. We train our technicians to Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. You can rest assured our teams have a thorough understanding of cleaning products and processes.

What Does Fire Damage Restoration Include?

Fire damage restoration is a carefully-planned process to return your home to its preloss conditions. 

Our teams arrive promptly and start with assessing the situation. We look at:

•  How far the smoke damage has spread
• What kind of residues does the fire leave behind
• Whether there are any safety issues

Soot migrates from hot areas to cold, which means soot damage to your home can be extensive. Your home might also suffer structural damage during the fire, so we must secure the site before beginning restoration. We can tarp up the roof, board up windows or doors, and clear dangerous debris. We equip our teams with personal protective equipment to ensure safety throughout the fire restoration process. 

After assessing the situation, we decide on the best methods to restore your home. We keep our customers informed throughout the restoration, so you know what to expect and in what timeframe. 

After we clean and restore fire-damaged structures and contents, we deodorize your home to get rid of the smoky smell.

How Does SERVPRO Clean Soot Damaged Surfaces?

The key to successfully cleaning soot-damaged surfaces is understanding which cleaning products and methods best suit the situation. 

Simple abrasion (scrubbing) combined with the use of powerful HEPA vacuums can loosen and shift dry soot odors. We also use industry-standard cleaning products: 

• General surface cleaners
• Heavy-duty cleaners
• Wood Crème cleaners
• Strong acid cleaners

General cleaners, such as Wall and All Surface Cleaner, are suitable for most painted and washable surfaces. We can use them to clean walls, ceilings, and appliances. Heavy-duty cleaners can help shift greasy soot residues but are unsuitable for highly polished surfaces. Strong acid cleaners are suitable for cleaning fire damaged wood and brick, such as an open brickwork fireplace or a basement with exposed brick walls.

Not every surface is suitable for wet cleaning. We can also use dry cleaning methods, such as dry cleaning sponges. These are not your average household cleaning sponges. They are rubber sponges designed to clean via a combination of friction and absorption. Dry sponges are suitable for cleaning up fire damage, although it takes some elbow grease to erase soot from surfaces this way. 

Sometimes, the best way to clean smaller items such as kitchen equipment or toys is to immerse the item in a solution. Our ultrasonic cleaning machines use sound waves to create millions of tiny bubbles, which dislodge residues as they burst. Ultrasonic cleaning penetrates deeper than simply soaking in water.

If you are worried about the effects of fire damage, do not delay. Call SERVPRO of Azusa / Covina at (626) 387-4111. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster and can arrive at your home within hours of your call.

Surface Mold Remediation for Covina Homes

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

Regardless of the color of the mold, team SERVPRO can help with effective remediation services. Call our team 24/7 - 365 days a year - to learn more.

Cleaning Can Be Effective Mold Remediation

Mold is an underappreciated threat to homes and businesses in the area. As rapidly as these conditions can form and threaten buildings, remediation is often an afterthought until structural compromise results. We utilize a range of mold removal and remediation solutions based on the condition of your property, the location of the colonies, and the salvageability of materials. Surface cleaning is typically the first consideration.

Surface Cleaning Strategies

Surface cleaning is always a preferred method of mold remediation in Covina homes. Using antimicrobial agents and sporicidal products, we can spray solutions onto surfaces and begin to eradicate the spores in contact with the cleaner. Chlorine-based products are especially effective as sporicidal solutions. Applying these agents to surfaces threatened by mold also acts as an inhibiting product and barrier against further infestation and mold development.

The Need for Agitation

Applying sporicidal agents is not often enough alone to remove mold entirely. SERVPRO IICRC -certified professionals use agitation to increase the effectiveness of these applied products. Much like the friction of scrubbing increases the penetration and performance of cleaning agents on materials, agitation approaches improve the results of antimicrobial products. Some of these actions can include:

• Mechanical Action
• Sanding
• Media Abrasives 

More Aggressive Remediation Solutions

Surface cleaning is only sometimes the best choice, however. Sometimes more aggressive measures are required, including abrasive tactics like media blasting with dry ice and sodium bicarbonate. When these are ineffective, we can lean on controlled demolition to remove any infested materials that are too severely damaged to preserve.

Removing mold from your home or business can be a challenging undertaking without the right approaches. We have surface cleaning strategies to help protect hosting materials and prevent unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction. Call our SERVPRO of Azusa / Covina team at (626) 387-4111.

Quick Water Damage Restoration in Azusa Beats Hidden Fungi

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with water damage issues can be stressful. Partner with SERVPRO for certified technicians and effective equipment for the task.

SERVPRO Combats Hidden Dangers with Fast Water Damage Restoration

The first step in the Azusa water damage restoration process is to assess the damage. Our SERVPRO team of certified professionals will inspect the affected areas, determine the source of the water, and evaluate the severity of the damage. The worst danger from an unexpected water event isn't what you can see. It's what you can't see that poses the biggest threat. If there is a crack or seam anywhere in the area, you can bet water will find its way in. A customized action plan is necessary to remove the water and dry the affected areas properly and thoroughly.

Next, SERVPRO technicians use specialized equipment to extract the water. We have various tools and machines designed to remove water quickly and effectively, including powerful submersible pumps, truck-mounted water extraction units, and portable water extraction units.

Once the water has been removed, our team will focus on drying the affected areas. We use state-of-the-art drying equipment, including air movers, dehumidifiers, and industrial-grade fans, to ensure that every inch of the affected area is completely dry. This helps prevent mold growth, which is often hidden inside walls and other structures in the affected area, which can lead to long-term health and structural issues.

Finally, we'll work to restore the affected areas to their pre-damage state. This may involve repairing or replacing flooring, drywall, and other building materials and cleaning and disinfecting the affected areas. Our team of skilled technicians has the experience and expertise necessary to complete these tasks quickly and effectively.

At SERVPRO of Azusa / Covina, we understand the importance of providing fast, effective water damage restoration services. That's why we're always ready to respond to your call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So, if you're dealing with water damage in Azusa, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our certified professional team is here to get your life back on track. Call (626) 387-4111

Professional Water Restoration Technicians Tackle Commercial Water Damage in Covina

2/5/2023 (Permalink)

Regardless of how your commercial space came to be affected by water damage, team SERVPRO can help. Call us 24/7 for services.

Safety and Loss Mitigation Dictate Water Removal and Restoration in Covina Businesses

Residents of Covina know that water incidents can damage their homes. A burst pipe, a faulty appliance, or a leaky sink can cause extensive damage in a home, leaving a slew of problems behind. But the stakes can be very high when water damage happens in a commercial setting. Damaged inventory, disrupted operations, and a compromised location can significantly negatively impact your business and the lives of your employees. To be as efficient as possible in controlling the water intrusion, reach out to a professional team.

In Covina, water damage repairs in commercial establishments are possible thanks to the expertise of our team at SERVPRO. Our field experience and thorough training prepare us to handle even the toughest jobs, regardless of their size. If you aren’t sure how deep the water damage goes, call our 24/7 hotline and let us assess the problem and identify potential complications. Before you explore a do-it-yourself solution, consider the following advantages of calling SERVPRO:

• We have at our disposal advanced imaging tools to detect water residue beyond what is visible to the naked eye. Failure to remove standing water can leave your business vulnerable to mold spread and its consequences. It can also weaken your drywall and compromise flooring materials.
• Our SERVPRO team can perform some repairs, including controlled demolition and drywall replacement, which helps minimize downtime for your business operations.
• Very often, removing and discarding damaged goods is essential to restoring your business. Our team can identify which items are not salvageable and discard them following environmental regulations.

SERVPRO of Azusa/Covina is more than a service provider. When you call us at (626) 387-4111, you have our whole team as a partner in making your business a success.

Covina Families Rely on Experienced Fire Damage Restoration Teams

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration services are the best in the business. Call us for fast and immediate service.

Making Houses Livable with Fire Damage Restoration 

A fire can start in almost any area of your home. Covina residents often decorate for the winter months, and some of these newly placed items can play a role in a house fire. Additionally, the winter brings other challenges to a home that can require fire damage restoration services.

Electrically-powered decorations are only one seasonal fire risk facing homeowners in Covina. Our fire damage restoration crew works fast to make it all "Like it never even happened." Our ability to match your home's needs perfectly helps decrease the time involved and saves you money.

Fire can affect your home in different ways. SERVPRO's restoration services can handle all of them for you. Here are some aspects of a house fire that can make your home temporarily unlivable:

• The odors now within your home,
• Soiling from soot and other contaminants, and
• Remnants of destroyed belongings.

Often, the lights do not function right after a fire, making the experience of checking on your property less visual and more of a scent-based experience. Air that is dense with soot can cause health effects, especially in more sensitive individuals. This type of odor clings to anything absorbent because it comes from the by-products of the fire. Part of our fire damage restoration work includes odor control.

Soot comes in two types – loose and powdery and oily and sticky. Both kinds end up everywhere, including on things brought into the home during cleanup. Distribution like that occurs because the powdery soot is fine enough to end up in the air, and the oily type sticks to everything that touches it. We use proven methods to get these removed from surfaces and the air and out of your house.

Fire spares very little, and a family's personal belongings often become casualties. Our crew members work in teams to sort through what is salvageable and what's not, all while making lists to keep you informed.

When your family experiences a house fire, call SERVPRO of Azusa / Covina at (626) 507-9438.

There's No Reason to Let Flood Damage Ruin Your Azusa Home

12/2/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage remediation is no easy task. SERVPRO provides fast and immediate service for your home.

SERVPRO can Eliminate the Effects of Flood Damage

Ever-changing weather events make it difficult to recognize where floodplains currently exist. What the authorities considered low-risk last year might now have a higher chance of becoming flooded by a heavy storm. We want Azusa residents to know we can help with the task of cleaning up flood damage.

Heavy rain alone can cause flooding, and a street drain with a lot of debris preventing water from entering, and leaving the street, can cause a neighborhood to flood. If this happens in Azusa, SERVPRO's flood damage mitigation team is on standby, waiting for your call.

When we need to help someone with flood damage in their house, we show up with the required equipment to get the job done right away:

• Pump trucks,
• Buckets and shovels, bags and mops, 
• Air movers and desiccant machines, and
• Antimicrobial agents.

Our pumps remove the water and get your floors to a passable state where we can move around more freely. Trash pumps also remove solids.

Other debris that won't fit in our trash pumps ends up in either a bucket or a double-layered bag placed by a shovel. Mops clear off smooth floors to make them easier to clean and safer to walk on in the meantime.

Getting the interior dry might seem impossible with so much water, but SERVPRO can do this for you. We use state-of-the-art air movers that we can angle in precise directions, increasing their effectiveness. Desiccant machines remove water from the air, keeping it from getting reabsorbed by anything in your home.

Once cleaned and dried out, we (again) apply antimicrobials to surfaces. A fresh application ensures a clean environment for your family.

SERVPRO of Azusa has a great deal of experience helping families restore their homes. Our contractor license is CSLB: 976913. We understand the stress this can cause your family, and our hard work can help get you and your loved ones back inside their home.

Call us, SERVPRO of Azusa / Covina, at (626) 602-8275, for flood damage mitigation and restoration.

Why is SERVPRO a Trusted Name in Mold Damage Repairs in Azusa?

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

Our team is IICRC trained to handle all of your mold remediation needs.

SERVPRO Uses Advanced Technology to Restore Mold Damage in Azusa Homes

Mold damage in your Azusa home can ruin its aesthetics and create structural issues. Unmitigated mold can proliferate in conducive environments, and it is essential to act quickly to prevent the situation from becoming a disaster. 

SERVPRO techs ensure that the containment of the mold damage in your Azusa home is as close to the source as possible. When mold spores aerosolize, they become increasingly difficult to capture and eliminate. Hence, it is crucial to prevent the aerosolization of the spores by establishing containment between the affected and unaffected areas of the structure. 

Containment during Mold Remediation

SERVPRO mold specialists begin the restoration process by thoroughly inspecting your property for visible signs of mold. We also identify problem areas with high moisture content that have the potential for contamination.

If visible mold is present, our IICRC-certified techs use the following three types of containment zones depending on the extent of the contamination.

• Source containment: SERVPRO techs use source containment if visible mold is present in a relatively small area and hidden mold is not present. Taping polyethylene sheeting or using self-plastic on a moldy surface is a type of source containment. 
• Local containment: Is used when a moderate level of mold is present. It involves creating an enclosure with 6-mil polyethylene sheets, PVC pipes, and wooden frames to separate contaminated and uncontaminated regions of your home. 
• Full-scale containment: An entire room or portion of the building serves as a containment area, and SERVPRO techs establish critical barriers to separate affected and unaffected areas. 
  

For assistance with mold Inspections, remediations and removal, call SERVPRO of Azusa / Covina at (626) 387-4111.