Essential Tips to Safeguard Your Home Against Water Damage

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

Drying equipment in a home

Essential Tips to Safeguard Your Home Against Water Damage

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home and belongings, but with proactive preparation, you can significantly reduce its impact. Here are key steps to protect your property:

1. Review Your Insurance Coverage Understanding your insurance policy is crucial. Many renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding or sewer backups. Take the time to review your policy details and consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.

2. Document Your Belongings Create a comprehensive inventory of your possessions. Take photographs or videos of each room and keep copies of receipts or appraisals for valuable items. Store these records digitally or in a secure off-site location. This documentation will simplify the insurance claims process in case of water damage.

3. Preventive Maintenance Regularly inspect your home for potential water damage risks. Check pipes for leaks, corrosion, or signs of wear. Be vigilant for indicators such as dripping sounds within walls, water stains on ceilings, or unexplained increases in your water bill. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent costly damage later on.

4. Fortify Your Home’s Defenses Protect your home from potential flooding by ensuring your roof is in good condition and free from leaks. Inspect your foundation for cracks that could allow water infiltration. Maintain proper landscaping by ensuring that the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation, directing water flow away from the structure.

5. Secure Reliable Expert Support Prepare in advance by identifying a trusted water restoration expert. In the event of water damage, having a reliable professional to call can expedite recovery and minimize damage. SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna offers 24/7 emergency services—reach out to us at 916-525-1241 for immediate assistance.

By implementing these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage to your home. Preparation and vigilance are key to protecting your property and ensuring peace of mind against unforeseen water-related emergencies.

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services by SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

Green SERVPRO van

24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services by SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

Water emergencies don’t adhere to regular business hours, and neither does SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna. We understand the urgency of flooding and water damage, which is why we offer around-the-clock emergency cleaning and restoration services, including holidays.

Swift Response, Comprehensive Solutions

Flooding and water damage can quickly permeate your home, saturating floors, walls, furniture, and more. At SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna, we prioritize rapid response times. Our team arrives promptly and initiates the water extraction process immediately. This swift action is crucial in minimizing damage, as well as reducing cleaning and restoration costs for our customers.

Emergency Contact Information

In case of a water emergency, you can reach us 24/7 at SERVPRO Elk Grove / Laguna: 916-525-1241.

Understanding the Water Damage Timeline

It’s essential to grasp the progression of water damage:

Within Minutes:

• Water spreads rapidly, saturating everything in its path.
• Absorption into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings begins.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, potentially causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Paper goods like photographs and books start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and deteriorate.
• Metal surfaces may tarnish.
• Furniture can swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from fabrics and paper spread, causing stains.
• A musty odor may become noticeable.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew growth becomes possible.
• Doors, windows, and structural components may swell and warp.
• Metal surfaces begin to rust and corrode.
• Furniture continues to warp and may show signs of mold growth.
• Paint on walls and ceilings may blister.
• Wood flooring may swell and warp, requiring potential replacement.
• Biohazard contamination risks increase.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and costs escalate significantly.
• Structural safety concerns arise.
• Mold growth and biohazard contaminants pose serious health risks.
• Extensive material replacement and structural rebuilding may be necessary.

About SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties following fire, smoke, or water damage events. Our team undergoes rigorous training in property damage restoration, including ongoing education at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility and certifications from the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). We are committed to restoring your property swiftly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to your life.

Contact Us Today

Don’t hesitate during a water emergency. Call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241 for immediate assistance. Our dedicated team is ready to help you navigate through any water damage crisis and restore your home or business to its pre-damage condition. Trust SERVPRO to handle the restoration, so you can focus on recovery.

Understanding Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration: What You Need to Know

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO van

Understanding Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration: What You Need to Know

Experiencing fire or smoke damage in your home can be overwhelming. If you're facing this challenge, contacting SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241 for 24/7 emergency service is your first step toward recovery.

Dealing with water or fire damage is undoubtedly stressful. While working with a restoration company like SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna can help navigate these difficult times, the aftermath often involves the need for remodeling and restoration. Despite the initial hardship, the remodeling process can also be a chance to rejuvenate your living space.

Understanding the Costs

Repairing and restoring fire and smoke damage involves various considerations. However, the total expenses depend significantly on the location and extent of the damage. For instance, repairing fire damage in a kitchen, with its costly cabinets and appliances, may incur higher costs compared to damage in a smaller area like a closet. Homeowners often find relief through their insurance coverage, which may offset out-of-pocket expenses.

Types of Repairs Needed

Fire damage extends beyond what meets the eye. Water used to extinguish fires can saturate walls and floors, leading to mold growth and wood rot if not properly dried. Soot residue can deeply penetrate and stain upholstered furniture, linens, draperies, and carpets. Smoke can permeate and discolor almost everything in the home, including furnishings, carpets, rugs, linens, and clothing. Professional restoration is crucial to salvage these items and eliminate persistent odors, especially from smoke-damaged air ducts, which can affect indoor air quality.

To learn more about the costs and types of repairs associated with fire and smoke damage, visit ImproveNet's comprehensive guide here.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties following fire, smoke, or water damage incidents. Our highly trained team is equipped with the knowledge and resources to handle all aspects of restoration, from initial assessment to final repairs. We understand the urgency of restoring your home to its pre-damage condition efficiently and effectively.

Contact Us Today

Don’t face fire damage alone. Call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241 for immediate assistance and expert restoration services. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate through this challenging time and restoring your home with care and precision. Trust SERVPRO to handle the restoration, so you can focus on rebuilding and moving forward.

The Average Cost of Fire Damage

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

If you are faced with fire damage, call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241 for 24/7 emergency service.

Dealing with water or fire damage can stressful. Hopefully, you have had a chance to work with SERVPRO of Fair Oaks/Folsom to get you through that trying time. However, when it is all said and done, you may have some remodeling to do. Though it is certainly rough to deal with the damage, remodeling can be enjoyable and even fun. 

According to ImproveNet.com there are quite of few things to consider when repairing after fire and smoke damage:

Average Cost of Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Repair 

The average cost of repair and restoration services after fire and smoke damage is $2,950. The total cost that a homeowner pays for such repairs will depend on the location and extent of the damage. For example, fire damage to a kitchen may cost more to repair than damage to a closet due to the expense of replacing costly cabinets and appliances. The out of pocket amount that a homeowner pays to have fire and smoke damage repairs might be reduced by homeowner's insurance coverage. 

Types of Repairs for Fire and Smoke Damage 

Water used to extinguish a fire can saturate the walls and floors of the home. The water can quickly cause mold growth and wood rot if the water isn't removed and the home thoroughly dried. Soot from the fire can saturate and stain anything upholstered. Professional restoration is needed in order to salvage the furnishings as well as linens, draperies and carpet. Smoke discoloration and odors can pervade almost everything in a home, including furnishings, carpets and rugs, linens and clothing. Professional restoration is essential in order to save those items. The smoke can also damage the home's air ducts, resulting in foul odors each time the furnace or air conditioner turns on. Restoration and repair services are needed to clean the ducts before the HVAC system is used again.

Visit: http://www.improvenet.com/r/costs-and-prices/fire-damage-restoration for more details.

Visit http://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration to find out how SERVPRO can help you during a fire emergency. 

If you have fire or water emergency be sure to call SERVPRO of Elk Grove/Laguna 916-525-1241 - we can help you today. 

Is That Wood Rot? Did Water Damage Do That

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Could your home be threatened by dry rot? If you are homeowner, you may want to be aware of this hidden problem. According to BobVila.com in nature, wood rot is a vital decomposition process, turning fallen logs into nutritious soil. But few things send homeowners into a panic as quickly as discovering it their homes, because wood rot can lead to a number of structural problems, including deteriorated support posts and beams, rotted floor and ceiling joists, and destroyed roof decking. The cost to repair the damage—or, in other words, replace the rotted wood—can run in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Because wood is the most prevalent building material, it’s essential to understand what causes wood rot, how to prevent it, and what to do if you discover it—discover being the operative word, as wood rot is often hidden from view beneath flooring, wallboard, and siding. For more information on wood rot, visit: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/wood-rot/

Do you think water damage has caused wood rot in your home? Not sure where to begin when it comes to water damage? Give SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna a call at 916-525-1241. Why choose SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna? We are highly trained professionals skilled in handling your home disaster. Also, our fantastic employees and testimonials speak volumes. Visit our website to discover what people are saying: https://www.SERVPROelkgrovelaguna.com/testimonials

Need immediate help? Please call 916-525-1241 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can handle your emergency. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROelkgrovelaguna/

Preparation For The Storm

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

How to prepare for your next storm: 

• Be aware of low-elevation spots that could flood.
• Store emergency items such as first aid kits, flashlights and portable radios in a safe, high place.
• Store drinking water in closed, clean containers in case water service is interrupted. Allow one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
• Consider installing a back-flow prevention device if any of your inside drains or fixtures are lower than the side sewer vent on the sidewalk.
• Prepare written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

Need help after a major storm? Call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at 916-525-1241. We are here to help 24/7!

Choosing The Right Restoration Company

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

According to the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) there are a couple of reasons to choose a professional over doing it yourself. Below are a few reasons:

• The process of fire and water restoration is very involved when it is performed properly.
• With quick reaction time and the appropriate skill set, a technician can help to prevent further damage and repair that which has already been done
• The process and equipment used during fire and water restoration will vary from case to case, since different materials require their own unique care. 
• For fire damage, general cleaning is done to remove ash and soot from ceiling to floor. 
• The quick remediation of the problem is important for more than repairs, it is also a health consideration
• Choose a company for fire and water restoration with the appropriate licenses and proof that they have the proper insurance.
• Whether the work to be done is in a commercial or residential location, technicians with experience and certification should perform the damage recovery.

Call us at SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna (916) 525-1241 so we can help you with your water, fire or mold damage

Before The Flood Here’s What To Do!

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Things to know and do before the flood

• Reduce the risk of damage from flooding by elevating critical utilities, such as electrical panels, switches, sockets, wiring, appliances and heating systems.
• In areas with repetitive flooding, consider elevating the entire structure.
• Make sure basements are waterproofed and your sump pump is working. Then, install a battery-operated backup in case of power failure.
• Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Move furniture, valuables and important documents to a safe place.
• Store copies of irreplaceable documents (such as birth certificates, passports, etc.) in a safe, dry place. Keep originals in a safe deposit box.
• Build an emergency supply kit. Food, bottled water, first aid supplies, medicines and a battery-operated radio should be ready to go when you are. Visit govfor a complete disaster supply checklist.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route. Ask someone out of state to be your “family contact” in an emergency, and make sure everyone knows the contact’s address and phone number.
• Make a pet plan. Many shelters do not allow pets. Make plans now on what to do with your pets if you are required to evacuate your residence.

SERVPRO Experienced Water Crew

11/23/2022 (Permalink)

Although experiencing water damage in your home or business can be a stressful event, getting professional help is effective in limiting your anxiety and restoring your property. There are a wide range of procedures that water damage specialists do in order to restore your property to its former condition.  

Water Damage Experts Work In Teams

Following exposure to water damage, it is critical that you prevent secondary water damage from affecting your home or business. After assessing a course of action, rapid water removal will help to stymie progressive water damage. Some results of secondary water damage include continuing damage to furnishings, mildew and mold.  Water removal specialists prevent these dangerous fungi from spreading by working in teams. By having multiple technicians working on different areas of your house, a water remediation company can expedite the cleanup process to ensure that your home returns to its former sanitary, safe state. 

Water Removal Experts Use Specialized Equipment

One of the reasons that the crews from SERVPRO of Elk Grove/Laguna are so effective in water removal is the use of heavy duty, specialized equipment. Water extractors remove large volumes of water rapidly, therefore, decreasing the time needed for dehumidification equipment to continue the water removal process. These water remediation specialists also use air-moving machines to increase the evaporation rate of interior moisture. Because the only effective way to stop secondary water damage is by thoroughly drying the affected area, these machines are very important during the restoration process. 

SERVPRO Is Always There To Help

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water Heater Overflow Cleanup

One of the most prevalent causes of indoor flooding is water heater overflows. These water heaters are usually located in basements, attics, garages, or a utility room closet; places people don't go very often. So, if a burst or leak happens, the homeowner or tenant likely would not find the problem until after a significant water intrusion has already occurred. If this were to happen to you, you'll want to stay calm, shut off the heater and water, and contact the SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna professionals for help.

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna has the professionals who are equipped to handle a water heater overflow. They have the knowledge, tools, and experience to deal with the situation safely and effectively whether it's your home or workplace that is in jeopardy.

How Do Water Heater Overflows Happen?

Water heater related floods usually occur due to a worn out seal or gasket, or from a leak in an older tank that rusted through. Sometimes a tank can actually explode or burst in a violent and dangerous manner. This could cause serious harm to anyone who is in the immediate vicinity of the water heater at the time of the explosion. Leaks are more common than bursts and have the potential to flood large portions of a home or basement if the leaking is undetected for days on end.

A malfunctioning thermostat is usually the cause of a water heater burst. These thermostats are used to measure the temperature inside the tank to turn the heating elements off and on so that a preset desired temperature range can be maintained. In the event of a broken thermostat, the heating system inside the tank could stay on indefinitely and cause the water to boil. This boiling water turns into steam and builds up internal pressure inside the tank. This internal pressure will build up and eventually reach a point where the tank cannot hold it, which will result in a burst or even explosion.

When such a burst occurs, steam and boiling water rush out of the tank, while cold water from the intake line flows into the tank. Normally, the line will shut itself off, preventing water entry when the tank if full. However, in this situation, the burst tank is never full because of the continual leaking, and the water from the main line flows through indefinitely. Water is entering the tank only to leak back out and flood the area around and below the water heater. The only upside to this scenario is that someone will likely hear the loud burst  and investigate and discover the problem before too much damage has occurred and remediation can be started.

A leak, on the other hand, operates quietly and floods your home, basement, or workplace a little at a time. Usually, it will happen when one of your heating tank's fittings becomes damaged or corroded. This can provide a gap that allows water to escape. This flooding is not violent like a burst or explosion, but it can still be extremely destructive to property and sometimes dangerous to humans or pets. Regular maintenance and inspections of your water heater will increase awareness of possible problems. A professional can replace the anode, flush the corrosion from your tank, as well as check all valves and gaskets for problems or warning signs.

What are the Hazards of Water Heater Overflows?

With the added elements of high temperature and late detection, the number of threats with water heater flooding exceeds that of normal flooding. Here are some things to look out for in the event of a water heater overflow:

• Hot water burns– The initial burst of water from a heater is scalding hot, so be sure not to rush in, especially if you see steam. Use protective clothing before attempting anything. Ideally, call SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna to do the work for you. 
• Electrocution by water– A flooded basement carries the risk of having the water making contact with power outlets and exposed wiring. When this happens, the floodwater carries a strong electric current that’s enough to kill anyone. When you see your basement flooded, resist the impulse to dive into the water in an attempt to shut the leaking heater down. Contact SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna for help. Our professionals will be able to determine whether there’s an electrical threat or not. They’ll know the safest procedure for shutting down the water source and containing and extracting the water from your property.
• Potential fire starter– Flooding doesn’t just create an electrical hazard, it can also short-circuit your electrical system and create sparks. Faulty electrical wiring is one of the most common causes of fire.
• Water damage– When the water spills beyond the immediate surroundings of the heater and gets into your living and work spaces, the threat of water damage arises. Water can ruin carpets, damage wood, corrode metals and toast expensive appliances and machinery.
• Mold growth– Mold spores can activate in places where there’s sufficient moisture and organic matter to sustain them. If your property was flooded by an overflowing heater, there’s a good chance that mold growth can follow suit. While seemingly harmless at first glance, mold can irritate our noses and skin when its spores are inhaled. Under certain conditions, mold colonies can turn black and toxic. The poison they produce has been linked to neurological disorders and even cancer.

Contact SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna at (916) 525-1241. 

A water heater overflow is an emergency that should be addressed rapidly and decisively. The longer you wait the worse it can get and attempting to repair the water heater and clean up the water yourself could be dangerous and risky. Contact an experienced professional through SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna today for a quick and easy resolution to your problem. "We're Always Here to Help" 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long.