SERVPRO EXPERTS

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a professional restoration and cleanup company that offers a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties that have been damaged by water, fire, mold, or other disasters. There are several reasons why SERVPRO may be a good choice for restoration and cleanup services:

1. Fast response time: SERVPRO has a 24/7 emergency response team that can quickly respond to disasters and start the cleanup and restoration process as soon as possible.

2. Professional expertise: SERVPRO technicians are trained and certified to handle a wide range of restoration and cleanup services. They use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure that the job is done right.

3. Comprehensive services: SERVPRO offers a wide range of services, including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and more. This means that they can handle all aspects of the restoration and cleanup process, from start to finish.

4. Insurance coordination: SERVPRO works closely with insurance companies to ensure that the restoration and cleanup process is covered by insurance. They can also help with filing insurance claims and providing documentation for insurance purposes.

5. Customer satisfaction: SERVPRO is committed to customer satisfaction and offers a satisfaction guarantee for their services. They also provide ongoing communication throughout the restoration and cleanup process to ensure that customers are informed and satisfied with the work being done.

Don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz team of experts at 323-667-3100

How to Prepare For a Rain Storm

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

Preparing for a rain storm can help protect your home and property and ensure that you and your family stay safe. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a rain storm:

• Check your gutters and downspouts: Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and in good working order. This will help ensure that rainwater can be properly channeled away from your home.

• Secure outdoor items: Bring in any outdoor furniture, toys, or other items that could be blown around by high winds or flooding. This will help prevent damage to your property and neighboring properties.

• Check your roof: Inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles or other issues that could cause leaks during a heavy rainstorm.

•  Trim trees and shrubs: Trim any trees or shrubs that are close to your home and could potentially cause damage in high winds.

• Stock up on supplies: Be sure to stock up on supplies, such as food, water, batteries, and flashlights, in case of power outages or other emergency situations.

•  Create an emergency plan: Make sure that you have an emergency plan in place in case of severe weather. This should include a plan for where to go if you need to evacuate and a plan for how to communicate with family members if you are separated.

  By taking these steps, you can help ensure that you are prepared for a rain storm and minimize the risk of damage to your home and property.

How to remove Soot from Concrete

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

Brick Soot

Fires can happen anywhere. While the cause of fires vary, every year thousands of homes, commercial properties, and industrial facilities deal with the cleanup after a blaze. In the aftermath of a fire, structural engineers and insurance companies will work together to determine if a property can be salvaged. In many cases, a fire restoration specialist will work with the owner to resurrect the property from the ashes. 

The approach a fire restoration specialist takes to remove soot from brick can be different depending on the cause of the fire, how long it burned, what the fire consumed, type of fire damage and where the soot accumulated. These factors, plus the amount of square footage damaged will determine the recommended cleaning methods. Fires that involve diesel fuel, plastics, rubber, or other petroleum based products typically create an oily soot while fires that involve wood and other construction materials can leave fine powder residue.

Brick is particularly susceptible to water absorption and subsequent damage. Caution should be used when pressure washing brick with liquid cleaning products, as they can penetrate porous masonry products (including mortar and brick) which can lead to material breakdown and deterioration.

Micro-abrasive cleaning is a dry option that cleans the surface soot without the need to deal with liquid runoff. Sponge Blasting is one of the faster methods of soot removal.

How To Safely Remove Mold from your Home

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

Bathroom Mold and Mildew

Mold is a type of fungi that grows in damp, humid environments. Mold spores are everywhere – in the air, on surfaces, and in the dust. When these spores come into contact with moisture, they can start to grow and multiply. Mold grows best in warm, damp, and dark places. It can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or any other area of the home that doesn’t have good ventilation.

One of the best ways to remove mold is to use a mixture of water and bleach. This solution will kill most types of mold and spores. However, it’s important to use caution when using bleach as it can be harmful to your skin and eyes. If you’re not comfortable using bleach, you can also use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will kill most types of mold.

If you have mold in your home, it’s important to take action immediately to remove it. As a matter of fact, mold can be dangerous to your health, so it’s important to remove it as soon as you see it. Although there are many do-it-yourself mold removal products on the market, we recommend that you leave this job to the professionals. Our team of experts has the experience and training necessary to safely and effectively remove mold from your home. 

Restoring Commercial Spaces: A Comprehensive Guide to Mold Remediation

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth can be a significant problem in commercial spaces, posing health risks to occupants and potentially damaging the structure itself. When faced with mold infestation, timely and effective restoration is essential to ensure a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, and visitors.

• The first step in commercial mold restoration is identifying the presence of mold. This can be done through visual inspections, moisture mapping, and air quality testing. Trained professionals can assess the extent of the mold problem and determine the type of mold present, allowing for a targeted restoration plan.
• Once mold has been detected, a comprehensive restoration strategy should be developed. This plan should outline the necessary steps to eliminate the mold, prevent further growth, and restore the affected areas. Factors such as the size of the affected area, the type of mold, and the underlying cause of moisture must be considered during this planning phase.
• Mold remediation involves the removal, cleaning, and sanitization of affected materials. Depending on the severity of the mold infestation, this process may include removing damaged materials, such as drywall or carpeting, or cleaning and treating salvageable items. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to ensure the safety of restoration professionals and prevent the spread of mold spores.
• To prevent future mold growth, it is imperative to identify and address the underlying moisture sources that led to the infestation. Leaks, inadequate ventilation, or high humidity levels must be corrected to create an environment inhospitable to mold. This may involve repairing plumbing issues, improving ventilation systems, or implementing moisture control measures
• After the mold has been successfully removed and moisture sources have been addressed, the affected areas can be restored. This may include replacing damaged materials, repainting surfaces, and ensuring proper ventilation and insulation. It is important to work with experienced contractors who specialize in commercial mold restoration to ensure a thorough and efficient restoration process.
• Even after the restoration process, it is crucial to monitor the commercial space for any signs of recurring mold growth. Implementing regular inspections, maintaining proper ventilation, and promptly addressing any moisture-related issues can help prevent future mold infestations and ensure a healthy environment for occupants.

Six Dangers of Standing Water

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Standing water in your home after a flood is a water damage disaster waiting to happen. In fact, one of the absolute worst things you can do is wait around before taking steps to ensure the quick removal of the standing floodwater. There are many reasons why this is the case and the damage can pile up quickly as standing is left in your home. 

Bacteria

Floodwater is often originally contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants. When there is sewage in the water, specific types of bacteria that are common are E. coli and Salmonella. Even in floodwater that was clean to begin with, however, bacteria will begin to grow in the floodwater given enough time. You should be very cautious about coming into contact with floodwater that contains bacteria so you don’t get yourself sick.

Mold 

One of the problems that become most apparent as standing water remains after a flood is mold. In just a short amount of time, mold can go from beginning to grow to becoming a pervasive problem spreading throughout your home. The health problems stemming from mold are usually minor symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, sneezing, irritated skin, red/itchy eyes. In more serious cases mold has been linked to asthma and (somewhat controversially) lung disease. However, contrary to what some people think, mold does NOT cause cancer.

Viruses

Stagnant water will allow viruses to breed including the Norwalk virus and rotaviruses. Insects and mosquitoes may also carry other viruses. In essence, viruses are a serious concern from stagnant floodwater that should not be taken lightly.

Parasites

The most common parasites in standing water are Entamoeba, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. These may grow in clean water but are much more common in gray water and sewage.

Structural Damage

Standing water poses a serious hazard to the structure of your home. The exposure to the water can ruin drywall, cause wood to swell, and possibly even ruin certain portions of your home so they need to be replaced completely.

Pests And Rodents

Stagnant water can also attract insects and rodents. Mosquitoes may carry malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika fever. Rats, mice, and other small rodents can carry a variety of bacteria and diseases. Not to mention, these pests and rodents are just plain gross and the last thing anyone wants to deal with in their home on top of water damage.

Biohazard Cleanup

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Traumatic events can be mentally straining, but following an occurrence, a third-party company should come in to remediate the incident. Similar to surface cleaning, each of these involves a similar process to disinfect and sanitize the area from all hazards.

Biohazard Remediation

Cleanup and disinfection of any biohazard situation. These situations include commercial, industrial and residential accidents, chemical spills, contamination, and hoarding events. 

Biological Waste

Materials that have been contaminated by or contain hazardous material.

Blood Removal

The process of removing blood marks and stains from the surrounding area. The use of chemicals and reactive agents are applied to destroy any harmful pathogens and fully clear the area from any markings. It is a part of the trauma remediation process.

Crime Scene Cleanup

Crime scene cleanup is the process of cleaning up a key location where a crime of some nature has unfolded. 

Decontamination

The removal of hazardous substances from an area, object, or person to prevent any potential health effects.

Disinfectant

A disinfectant is a chemical mixture used to destroy bacteria. These strong chemicals are regulated by OSHA and CDC standards and approved by the EPA for use in various situations.

Hazardous Materials Response (HAZMAT)

A group of trained professionals with the skills to handle and control hazardous substances

Hoarder Scene Cleanup

When a professional team goes onsite to thoroughly clean and sanitize the hazardous hoarder mess. These professionals will assist in cleaning and disposing of potentially harmful items or extreme clutter.

Homicide Cleanup

A homicide cleanup is the process of cleaning up a crime scene where a homicide was involved. This process is done AFTER police have conducted their investigation and all evidence has been gathered. 

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Though a water heater’s typical expected life is 10-12 years, they can experience problems early on if not properly maintained. Water heater maintenance can extend the longevity of the device while helping prevent the likelihood of catastrophic failure that causes damage. 

Tip #1: Frequently Flush The Unit

Even while a water heater is not in use, it stores water. If a water heater is not flushed annually mineral deposits may begin building up in the unit. This can cause a plethora of issues as the deposits can build and grow until the unit runs into problems.  As the deposits buildup, they begin stifling the heating elements of the unit, causing it to be less effective in retaining heat. 

To flush your water heater, you need to turn off its source of power first, whether it is gas-powered or electric. Connect a garden hose to the spigot of the unit and place the end outside or in a safe area to flush the water out. Before opening the spigot, start a faucet nearby to help create better flow in the system. 

Tip #2: Lower Temperature

A simple water heater maintenance tip is to lower the temperature level of the unit. Lowering the temperature can help:

• Reduce the chance of being scolded 
• Decrease utility bills 
• Prolong the life of the unit

Higher temperatures can cause quicker wear and tear on the unit. The Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help reduce energy usage. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also recommends having the temperature set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent accidental scalding.

Tip #3: Frequently Check The Pressure Relief Valve

Another quick and easy water heater maintenance tip is checking the pressure relief valve. If a water heater’s pressure builds, it can cause a catastrophic failure that may lead to the unit itself exploding. 

You can accomplish this by turning off the power source of the unit and the cold water supply valve. Place a bucket under the pressure release valve and drain the pressure using the valve tab. Once the pressure buildup is gone, the water will stop draining. 

Sewage Backup Questions

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

A sewage backup is a very serious event that can render a home or business uninhabitable. This form of water damage is classified as the most severe as it is toxic and can cause severe health risks. The Centers for Disease Control states that raw sewage can introduce a person to many severe bacteria, such as Giardia, Legionella (Legionnaires Disease), and many others that can cause severe health risks. 

If you are experiencing a sewage backup in your home or business, you should call SERVPRO Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz. This form of water damage should only be handled by professionals as the health risks are too severe to handle. 

A sewage backup is considered category 3 water damage, making it the most dangerous and harmful form of water damage. 

Though some do not know this, there are actually three different categories of water damage, with category 3 being the worst.

One of the first signs of backup typically does not come from a visual standpoint. The usual first sign of sewage backup comes from the smell. If you are smelling foul scents in a building, it is a telltale sign of backup. 

A backup is much more likely to take place in a room such as a bathroom, kitchen, or basement. These rooms have sewer lines that they run to and are susceptible as they have only one means of getting rid of waste, the sewer line that is either damaged or blocked. 

Our sewage backup cleanup services can help return your home or business back to its normal, preloss condition. You can reach us at 323-667-3100. We are a 24-hours service and can place you in direct contact with a project manager in as little as a few minutes, we can have a team at your property ready to assist in as little as an hour!

Promoting Fire Prevention Tactics in the Home

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Fire prevention tactics are important and the most uncommon safety precaution taken amongst homeowners. What most people don’t know is that you have approximately two minutes to escape a house fire before it gets out of control.

During a fire, early warnings from a smoke detector and fire escape plan can save you and your family’s lives. If a fire safety plan is followed annually and executed you can surpass the grace period and save your family a lot of money and anxiety.

Tip #1: Install/Test Fire Alarms 

Smoke alarms are the saving grace in regards to fire safety. It’s important to install fire alarms in all sleeping areas throughout your home, that includes your outside sleeping areas if you have them. If you know there’s an area in your home without a sounding smoke alarm be sure to make the call and add one. That means changing the batteries too!

Unfortunately, batteries don’t last forever and malfunctions in systems do happen. You must do a test to see if your alarm does make a sound in the case of smoke or fire throughout your home. If they’re not working be sure to replace the batteries or get someone out to take a look at the system to maintain fire prevention in your home.

Tip #2: Keep a Fire Extinguisher 

Fire extinguishers should be household essentials and are mandatory in some places of residence. To maintain fire prevention it’s important to get one if you don’t have one and get it tested annually just in case you have to use it in a mini kitchen or grill fires.

Tip #3: Create a Fire Escape Plan

Fires are unexpected and no one truly knows when they might become a victim to one. That is why it’s important to talk over with your family an effective plan in what to do in case of a fire. Talk over fire security and escape plan routes throughout your home and practice them at least twice a year.

Tip #4: Get out, Stay out and Call for Help 

If your house catches fire it’s important that you Get out, Stay out and Call First Responders as soon as possible. Fires are dangerous killers and if not trained properly can do their damage.