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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

Contents Restoration in San Diego

10/29/2024 (Permalink)

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We'll pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. SERVPRO utilizes several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO 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, we 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.

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

We Answer the Phone Ready 24/7 to Help

Call Today - 619-275-2802

San Diego Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

10/23/2024 (Permalink)

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

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

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 619-275-2802

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

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

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready 24/7 To Help 619-275-2802

Flood Damage from Bathtub Overflow

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

When you forget to turn off the water in your tub to take a phone call, a child starts the water and leaves it without telling anyone, or your overflow drain was not working correctly, you have accidental water damage. This can cause severe damage to your home that you need to address quickly.

Flood damage can affect your carpeting, subfloor, drywall, the ceiling and walls underneath the tub, and more. Depending on how quickly you call a remediation company like SERVPRO to repair the water damage, many of these can be saved. When you let the issue sit for several days, you may deal with a strong odor and microbial growth behind the drywall. Plus, since the water had time to soak into the subfloor, the floor's moisture content is very high, creating the need to remove the subfloor to ensure that it dries thoroughly.

When water goes down through the ceiling, you have damage to ceiling tiles or sections of your ceiling. We need to take these down to properly dry the area above them and replace sections of the ceiling. A setup of ducting can be inserted into the ceiling area affected so we can pump warm, dry, dehumidified air into the cavity to speed up drying and guard against the growth of mold.

With SERVPRO, the moisture content is checked daily with moisture meters, hygrometers, and hydro sensors. Snake cameras may also be employed to give visual confirmation that confined areas such as under cabinets or in the wall cavities are thoroughly dry.

Other areas that were hit by the water below the bathroom are dried using containment, air movers, and dehumidifiers. The containment minimizes the volume of air to be dried. It speeds up the drying of the ceiling because of water moving from an area of high water concentration to an area of low concentration.

If you experience a water loss due to an overflowed bathtub, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Point Loma to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Water Mitigation or Restoration?

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Restoration and mitigation are the two most important process to be carried out as soon as possible. There are some who would argue that water damage restoration and water mitigation are the same, however, this is not always true.

Water mitigation refers to any and all services involved in reducing and/or preventing additional damages resulted from leaking pipes or flooding. This can include moisture mitigation between walls after a storm event.

Water damage restoration is the process of restoring your property to its preloss condition, even after being damaged by leaks, sewage, floods, and storms. Water damage can affect your property from floor to ceiling and everything in between. Request assistance from the water damage experts at SERVPRO® of Point Loma to help prevent further property damage from developing.

SERVPRO® of Point Loma tackles the tough issues from start to finish. We have experienced franchise professionals and the infrastructure to handle any sized loss 24/7/365. We are fully insured and bonded, so you can rest assured that your property is in good hands. Call us today for more information on how we can help with all your water damage needs

Why are Dehumidifiers Important?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Drying out flood damaged homes takes more than just clever tools and equipment. You need an expert restoration team, with high-level skills and knowledge of the most efficient techniques. This is what SERVPRO of Point Loma can offer you if flooding has recently hit your property. We have access to state of the art drying machines, but we also know how to maximize their power.

Dehumidifiers are one of the most important drying tools when it comes to repairing flood damage in San Diego. It extracts the moisture from of the air and returns it to dry air. This is an essential part of the restoration process because flooding does not just leave its mark in standing water. For successful repairs, all moisture has to be eliminated, whether it is in the air, on the ground, or caught in soft furnishings.

Keep reading to learn more about how SERVPRO sets up dehumidifiers and gets the drying process started quickly.

Type Of Materials
The first thing that our SERVPRO technicians do is carry out an inspection. They enter the flood-damaged area and determine the extent of the damage. Before dehumidifiers can be set up, they first need to know what kind of materials need drying. Porous items (curtains, sofas, carpets, wood, etc.) are the hardest to restore. If a lot of porous items are wet, a longer drying period is required.

On the other hand, if wet materials are non-porous (metal, plastic), the drying period will be quicker and fewer dehumidifiers may be used. Most homes contain a mixture of the two, which means that technicians have to find a careful balance. Too many dehumidifiers can cause the air to become overly dry. This may damage softer materials like wood. Often, air movers are combined with dehumidifiers to prevent this from happening.

Putting Together A Plan
For all of these reasons, it is necessary for flood repair teams to think very carefully about how they set up drying equipment. To homeowners, it may appear arbitrary, but many precise calculations are involved. For instance, to determine how many dehumidifiers are needed and of what size, the following information must be gathered:
- Size of the flooded area (in feet)
- Type of flood damage (based on porosity)
- Type of dehumidifying technology available
- Average amount of water to be removed per day (in pints)

Choosing The Right Experts For The Job
So, you can start to see why flood damage restoration is such a complex task, even if the damage is modest. You should seek the help of a professional company like SERVPRO of Point Loma. We are a locally based service, so our technicians are perfectly placed to respond to emergencies. Call us 24/7 at (619) 275-2802.

Sources of Outside Water Damage

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

 

There are many ways that water can infiltrate your home, often when you least expect it. It will destroy everything in its path and take over your entire world. In addition to increased stress levels, unexpected water damage can cause displacement for you and your family. Only a certified and insured restoration company should be trusted to mitigate the damage to your home. SERVPRO of Point Loma is your local resource to get your home back in working order.

Water damage can occur from both interior and exterior sources. Below are some ways you can help prevent water damage inside your home that comes from outside sources.

Roof

  • Ensure that shingles, flashings or tiles on your roof aren’t missing, broken, cracked, curled or damaged in other ways.
  • Cut tree limbs that hang above your roof so they don’t cling to shingles and trap moisture.
  • Make sure the vents, flues, chimneys, air conditioners, and evaporative coolers are properly installed and in good shape.
  • Check for leaks around rooftop air-conditioning units, vents for exhaust or plumbing, or other specialized equipment.

Gutters and Downspouts

  • Clear gutters and downspouts from leaves, twigs, and other debris. Also, check that they are in good condition so that water can flow freely. You can do this by installing metal screens to help prevent clogging.
  • Ensure downspouts direct water at least five feet away from your home’s foundation. This helps direct water away from the foundation. Downspout extensions can be added if needed.

Doors and Windows

  • Install window well covers to help prevent water and debris from getting trapped and causing water to eventually seep into your basement.
  • Check for leaks near the corners of your doors and windows. Signs of leaks include peeling paint, paint discoloration or swollen frames.
  • Installing overhangs or awnings above exterior doors and windows protects them from the sun, rain, and snow.
  • Check for a tight fit on closed doors and windows. Any cracks between the sash and frame Close your doors and windows to check for a tight fit. Repair or replace damaged flashing or weather-stripping.

Walls

  • Check for and repair cracked or broken siding boards, bricks, stone or another masonry, and structural sheathing.
  • Remove any shrubs and other landscaping features from along the walls, and avoid directing water towards the house when irrigating the garden and plants to prevent excessive water near the foundation.
  • Seal any openings from wiring, plumbing, phone, cable, and heating and air conditioning lines with foam or caulk. Repair any damaged or unpainted wood surrounding these openings.
  • Termites can eat wood, plaster, and even metal siding causing holes and compromising structural integrity. Check for signs of termite activity on the walls and the wooden structures around your foundation.
  • Ensure that the exhaust vent doors properly open and close.

Following these steps can help protect your home from exterior water damage. If water does happen to sneak into your home, make sure to have SERVPRO of Point Loma on speed dial. We’ll be there to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Traveling Water Issues in San Diego, CA

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Traveling Water Damage

When your property faces water damage, it can be an eye-opening experience. The effects of water damage can be extremely daunting as the building's materials and your personal contents are being soaked from the water. In this blog, you will discover that three are steps that you can take in order to minimize the amount of water damage that will occur.

Follow these water damage cleanup steps:

Eradicate the source of the water.

  • Although this is seemingly obvious, many people will panic when they see flooding water on their property. Before you move on to any of the next steps, you need to complete this one first, without a doubt. Sometimes the source of the water isn't obvious and you will have to search around your property for a burst pipe, a broken water heater, or even a blocked gutter.

Remove as much water as possible.

  • Make sure that the water is not contaminated before trying to extract the water! If the water is dirty (sewage, flood water, or has been sitting for a long period of time) you should always wait for a water restoration professional to avoid illness. If there are only a few inches on the floor, you can use whatever tools you have available to clean it up. 

Separate all personal items from the affected areas.

  • To prevent your personal belongings from suffering water damage, remove all materials that not are not attached to the floors or the walls. Make certain that you are grabbing any porous materials like wood, fabrics, and paper because they pose the highest risk for permanent damage.

Get those fans movin'!

  • One of the most important parts of the drying process is to remove as much moisture from the air as possible. You can use any dehumidifiers or large fans in addition to opening windows as long as the outside conditions will allow for proper drying. By keeping the air circulating, you will prevent bacterial growth and promote drying.

If you are unable to perform any of these functions yourself, give us a call! We're professionally trained and always ready for anything!

A Quick Response is key to water removal

12/19/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to your home will always be a major event and something most people are not prepared for. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of water damage in an affected area. Your first move is to contact a water remediation company in San Diego that you can trust.

SERVPRO of Point Loma is here to help as your restoration company to remediate water damage for homes or businesses. We provide cleaning and restoration for residential and commercial locations. as well as content restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and carpet cleaning. According to industry standards, water damage can be categorized into three distinct levels.

Category 1 Water – That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water may become progressively contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, subflooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Examples: burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances, vertically falling rainwater.

Category 2 Water – That which begins with some degree of contamination and could cause health effects if consumed by humans. As with Category 1 water, time and temperature can cause Category 2 water to become progressively more contaminated.

Category 3 Water – That which is highly contaminated and could cause serious health effects if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. There are two ways in which water enters a building as a result of wind storm damage.

Water damage is one of the most common and costly disasters affecting U.S. homeowners yearly, accounting for billions of dollars in losses. Make sure that you've located the water damage company in San Diego that you intend to reach out to if an event like this occurs in your home.

You can protect yourself and your home by preparing for the worst. Homeowners insurance and flood policies cover a vast range of potential heavy rain, water extraction, fire and smoke damage, mold removal, and emergency services. Water that comes from the top down, such as rainfall, is covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy, while water that comes from the bottom up, such as an overflowing river, is covered by a separate flood insurance policy. SERVPRO of Point Loma also specializes in flood damage repair for San Diego.

By the same token, properly maintaining a home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage. A homeowner can prevent water seepage by painting water-sealant around the basement, and avert a sewer backup by installing and maintaining a backwater valve which allows sewage to go out, but not come back in.

Reach out to us here at SERVPRO of Point Loma for your water damage restoration in San Diego, CA.

Eliminating Moisture After Water Damage

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture and standing water are substantial threats for San Diego homes after water damages

Burst pipes or invading water from roof leaks and damaged fixtures can leave inaccessible areas of the house struggling with water damage. With porous materials like drywall and carpeting quickly absorbing standing and migrating water, costly damage to these structural and cosmetic elements can result.

The Advantages of Controlled Demolition

Trapped water damage in San Diego homes must get removed with careful strategies. Several unique approaches exist depending on the impacted material, ranging from weighted extractors for carpeted floors to more complex drying mats and injecti-dry and tenting systems. Pulling caught moisture from porous materials prevents this flooring or construction material from becoming disfigured or unusable.

How Does Moisture Spread Through Area Homes?

Much of the movement of moisture and water damage in homes after ceiling leaks or flooding can be attributed to natural processes where properties seek to find a balance, wet goes to dry. Reaching an equilibrium of temperature and moisture causes the migration of water through porous materials and open areas of the residence. High porosity materials are conduits to impact multiple spaces in the house simultaneously before thorough drying can resolve the situation. Some of these affected materials include:

  • Drywall
  • Wood framing
  • Ceiling systems
  • Carpeting
  • Structural openings

Because of how quickly water damages can get out of control in area homes, fast action is preferable when drying and restoration are possible. Many area residents have trusted the reliable response of our SERVPRO of Point Loma team to help. We are available 24/7 at (619) 275-2802.

Differences Between Flood Damage and Other Water Damage

7/31/2021 (Permalink)

3 Differences Between Flood Damage and Other Water Damage

If there is a serious storm in San Diego, CA then you can expect that your commercial building will be affected on some level. Water can come from a variety of sources, and not all of these will cause the same level of trouble. Damage from a flood, for example, differs in the following ways.

1. Contamination Levels
There are three categories of water that you could find yourself dealing with when water damage occurs. Each of these has a different level of contamination. Category 1 is clean; category 2, or gray water, is moderately contaminated; and category 3, or black water, is highly contaminated. Because it picks up debris, sewage and other contaminants from the ground, flood waterfalls under the third category.

2. Cleanup and Repairs
Because of the high level of contamination, it contains, category 3 water needs to be treated differently than the rest. Blackwater should be removed by a professional restoration service that has the necessary equipment and training to handle this type of emergency. Everything that has been affected will need to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Absorbent materials that cannot be cleaned should be replaced.

3. Insurance Coverage
Another important difference between this and other kinds of water damage is insurance coverage. In many cases, your basic insurance does not cover floods. You will need to purchase an additional policy to ensure your business is prepared for this particular situation. If you are in an area where disasters of this nature occur often, you may be required to have additional coverage.
Although it is important to have any kind of water damage addressed as quickly as possible, there are some additional difficulties that can come with a storm. If your business is located in an area where this is likely, you should take precautions to ensure you are prepared for damage involving category 3 water. To keep your building safe, always have restoration of this kind done by a professional.

How to Dry Documents After a Flood

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

A lot can go wrong if there's a flood in your office. Safety should be your No. 1 concern. Once you account for everyone's well-being, you'll take inventory of the damage. It's common to find wet documents in the aftermath of water issues. Many of these items may be highly sensitive and critical. Luckily, there are methods both you and the professionals can use to preserve these materials.

What You Can Do

For some flooding issues at work, you should let professional crews in the San Diego area handle the cleanup. However, there are things you can do to protect your documents and ensure that they dry faster without ruining them.

Carefully remove any books, files, photographs, maps or other documents from water.
Set out these items in a dry place.
For damp documents, flatten them out between two absorbent pieces of paper or cloth.

Calling In the Pros

Flood restoration crews have experience with document drying, in addition to removing water surfaces. It's a good idea to get help from skilled technicians when your documents have been submerged in water. Widespread damage is also a good reason to enlist the services of professional teams.

The Method

To spare your wet documents, technicians will use freeze-drying methods. To do this, a technician will freeze the materials. The next step is to evaporate the frozen water without allowing it to return to its liquid state. With freeze-drying, you can keep dried-out paper from wrinkling and crinkling.

Sanitizing

When lying in water, your documents could come into contact with dirt, debris, and other harmful material. The technicians will disinfect the paper to ensure that it is clean and doesn't pose any danger to you and other users of the documents.
Regardless of the type of wet documents you need to dry and restore, there are ways to save these important items. Follow these guidelines so you don't have to worry about losing your papers.

What To Do If You See Water Under Your Appliances

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever come home to water pooling on your floor under your sink or by your refrigerator? You may have panicked. Immediate steps to take after a water leak aren’t really common knowledge, so it’s important to educate yourself beforehand so you know what to do if an appliance leaks on you! 

1. After you’ve discovered a water leak, shut off the water to that appliance.

Depending on when you’ve caught the leak, you may be able to avoid the most costly damage. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. After identifying a leak, shut off water flow to that appliance so that you can find its source.

2. Unplug nearby electronics.

Any electronics near the leak should also be unplugged and shut off. If the water from the leak appears excessive, turn off the circuit breaker to your home. Give your local electrician a call as well as the restoration professionals to assess the damage and how to proceed. Your safety is paramount.

3. Note where the water appears to be coming from.

Appliance water leaks often can be categorized into three common problems: a drain line leak, a supply line leak, or a burst pipe. A drain line leak stems from a leaky drain that isn’t properly working. This may be fast or slow and can result in bacteria in the line. On the other hand, a supply line leak stems from leaks in your water supply piping that brings water to your appliance.

4. Take pictures for insurance claims. 

Especially if extensive damage has occurred, take pictures of the leak and the subsequent water damage to file an insurance claim with. It’s important that you do this before cleaning up any of the mess so that you have accurate documentation of the leak.

5. Call the professionals. 

While there are ways you can attempt to identify the leak type and resolve it yourself, it’s always a smart investment to call the local plumbing professionals to assess the leak and fix it. If there is damage that needs to be cleaned up, you’ll probably need to contact your local restoration company, too.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of an appliance water leak in your home, give SERVPRO of Point Loma a call at (619) 275-2802. We’re available 24/7 and have seasoned technicians trained and equipped to handle water damage, fire damage, storm damage, mold, and other disasters.

What To Do With a Broken Pipe

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

A broken pipe can cause extensive damage within a matter of minutes. Bursting pipes can swiftly flood a commercial property in San Diego. This damage may be significant even if someone is on site when a pipe breaks. Severe flooding can take place if a pipe break occurs while a building is unoccupied. A property owner, manager or any occupant who discovers a broken pipe can take three steps to minimize damage.

  1. Contact a Plumber

Plumbers have the tools and expertise necessary to fix broken pipe. It may take some time for a plumber to arrive. In the meantime, there are several measures that can limit the extent of damage caused by a pipe break.

  1. Shut Off the Water Supply

Bursting pipes tend to be supply lines. It is possible to slow and eventually stop the flow of water by turning off the main water valve. This valve is typically located on the water pipe where piping enters the structure. A valve is often located near the water meter. Building owners and managers are likely to be aware of this location. It is a good idea to inform occupants who may be in the building at other times about the location of this valve. Relieve remaining pressure in pipes by turning on a faucet.

  1. Try To Limit Damage

Collecting water in containers can limit the extent of damage to building materials. Try to use garbage bins or other containers with wheels that will be easier to move than heavy containers which require lifting. It is also a good idea to start removing water with any equipment available on site, such as towels, mops or a wet vac.

After bursting pipes have been fixed, a property owner or manager should immediately arrange for mitigation and restoration. Contact SERVPRO of Point Loma at (619) 275-2802.

What To Do While You Wait For SERVPRO

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

A pipe burst overnight. Or maybe a pipe has been leaking for a long time and you just now discovered it. What do you do now? First, you want to call a plumber depending on the severity of the leak. Next, call SERVPRO of Point Loma.

OK, SERVPRO of Point Loma is on the way; everything is going to be fine. But what do you do until we arrive? Here is a list of tips for what to do until help arrives during a water damage:

  • Get rid of any excess water with a mop or towel.
  • Dry wood furniture to preserve the finish.
  • Put aluminum foil between any wet carpet and furniture that you cannot move.
  • Last but certainly not least, remove any lose items from rooms with wet flooring.

Is Your Water Damage Clean Water?

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

water damage in house with SERVPRO logo Water damage, but is that water clean?

Water damage is always inconvenient, no matter the type of water causing it; however, understand which type of water you're dealing with can be crucial to minimize destruction until our professionals arrive.

Clean water can be from a broken pipe/water source, or even rainwater. 

Clean water becomes gray water after it has been left untreated. Untreated water allows for bacteria and fungi to grow and the water then becomes contaminated. This water can become hazardous. 

Black water is typically caused by sewage damage or natural disaster flooding. Black water should ALWAYS be handled by professionals. 

How do you minimize the damage from these water types?

For clean water:

If you can, shut off the water source.

Turn off any circuit breakers to affected areas. This protects from any potential electrical shock. Do not enter any rooms with standing water because unknown shock risks could be hiding. 

Mop, blot, or wipe down any excess water.

To start drying any damage or soaked upholstery, remove and prop them up to start the drying process.

Move valuables to a safe place

Remove colored items that might bleed or run, causing stains.

Never use a vacuum to remove water. Shock risk is high!

If your ceiling is wet, don't turn on any ceiling fixtures. Don't enter the room is the ceiling is sagging from retained water.

For contaminated water:

Avoid all contact with sewage. Wash yourself thoroughly if you come into contact with contaminated items.

Do not walk through affected areas.

Do not turn on your HVAC system as it could spread contaminated air.

Do not use fans. Air flow could spread contaminants.

If food or personal hygiene products are exposed to contaminated area, discard them.

Water damage can be traumatic, but the cleanup and restoration process doesn't need to be.

The Science Behind Drying

6/13/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know?

There is actually a science behind the process of drying. Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County and SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County technicians are trained in the science of drying and follow IICRC industry approved standards. This helps lower the chances of any secondary damages like mold growth

Here are the steps we will take to ensure your water damage restoration is handled correctly and efficiently.

  • Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
  • Measure how much moisture is in wet materials is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
  • Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up mother nature"?

A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air-is drier.  The only issue is that nature often takes too long and secondary damage such as mold may occur. SERVPRO has special equipment and tools to help dry hard wood floors, and hard to reach spaces inside walls. We use modern moisture monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process called DryBook to help speed the drying of your home or business. DryBook is a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process. It helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process.

SERVPRO of Point Loma has the training, equipment and technology to help make your water damage disaster "Like it never even happened."

Time for Spring Cleaning

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

As we enter April, we’re seeing the first signs of spring. With spring comes more pleasant weather, influencing us to open up our homes’ windows and doors to let in warm, fresh air. Doing so brings humidity and moisture into the home, thus increasing the risk for mold growth.

Mold can grow anywhere that moisture is present on a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, carpet, and insulation. Mold needs to be remediated quickly in order to limit the spread and reduce the potential effects on the health on people living within the home. Mold is capable of growing at any time of year, but the increased threat of mold growth during the spring raises the question: How can mold growth be prevented during the spring?

One of the most important methods of preventing mold growth during the spring is to keep air circulating so that warm air and moisture will not become trapped in certain areas of the home. This can be achieved through the use of fans and dehumidifiers. Indoor humidity levels should not exceed 45%. Look for areas in the home where mold could thrive if moisture becomes present, including cold and dark areas. In order to decrease the risk of mold growth in these areas, it may be beneficial to bring in natural or artificial light, as well as warmth.

It is also helpful to keep an eye on windows after it rains. Rain is common in the springtime and moisture from rain water can spur mold growth around windows and windowsills. If moisture is present on windows, dry the surface as soon as possible. During the spring, temperatures differ indoors and outdoors, so condensation can build on surfaces such as windows and doors. In order to prevent mold growth on areas with condensation, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the surfaces as soon as possible.

In the event that mold grows on a surface in your home, make sure to scrub the surface diligently with detergent and water. After the area has been cleaned sufficiently, it is important that the surface be thoroughly dried in order to lessen the risk of further mold growth. On occasion, mold growth can get out of hand and require large-scale mold removal. If you have a major mold infestation in your home, call SERVPRO of Point Loma to inspect, assess, and quickly remediate your mold infestation.

Point Loma 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (619) 275-2802

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

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Point Loma

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

Faster to your Point Loma Water Damage Event

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

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

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –(619) 275-2802

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

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

Hours 1 - 24:

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

48 Hours to 1 Week:

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

More Than 1 Week:

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

About SERVPRO of Point Loma

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