Call SERVPRO for Fire Restoration Services in Santa Clarita

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage will certainly keep you from being able to use your home. Contact SERVPRO for an effective solution.

Fire Damage Can Severely Affect Santa Clarita Homeowners

Daily life is full of interruptions and distractions, making it easy for the average person to cause a home fire accidentally. A meal left on the stove too long, a candle left burning next to flammable materials, and even a space heater left unattended can initiate a spark that causes flames and smoke to spread quickly. Whether the flames are put out by a home fire extinguisher or the local fire company has to lend a hand, the ensuing mess can seem overwhelming and hard to tame.

To find fire restoration services in Santa Clarita, you only need to call the 24/7 hotline for SERVPRO and let us take charge. Our experience and preparation help us take decisive action by creating barriers between affected and unaffected areas, preventing cross-contamination, and making safety a priority. Once we conduct a thorough assessment of the damage, we make a plan tailored to your needs and focus on removing debris, extracting water, and cleaning the fire's aftermath. To arrive at the best course of action, we consider critical factors such as the following:

The fire's origin- Did it start in the kitchen? Was it an electric malfunction? Was it protein based?

How did the smoke and fire travel? Is there residue in the ventilation system? Did it weaken the home's structure? Where did it burn the hottest?

What was in the fire's path? Was it mostly wood cabinets? Did manufactured materials burn in the process?

At SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley, we are ready to help as soon as you call us at (661) 296-4600. With our expertise and professionalism, you will be in good hands. Most importantly, your home will look "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Repair Specialists in Santa Clarita

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now!

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Repair in Santa Clarita

Anytime moisture finds its way into your structure, your contents and building materials are at risk for damage. Whenever water enters a building, it follows gravity to your flooring, which could make things wet on the way down. Once moisture builds up on your floors, it can cause issues like delaminating carpet or buckling hardwood floors.

If you ever suffer from a water leak, our SERVPRO technicians can help you repair water damage in Santa Clarita. Before we begin any mitigation efforts, we first thoroughly inspect your entire property. We start with looking for any safety hazards like water running next to an electrical outlet or falling ceiling sections. Once we mitigate any potential issues and make the workplace safe, we can determine the damage's extent. 

We can start with the source of the leak and use moisture meters to see how wet materials nearby got. We can also inspect building materials like your drywall or carpet to see if we can save them with drying or if they must get removed and replaced. Next, we can use moisture sensors and meters going away from the source to see how far the moisture spreads into your house. 

Once we find all the areas with affected contents and building materials, we can devise a plan to mitigate the problems. First, we can use a submersible pump to remove standing water or an extractor to remove moisture that has soaked into your carpet. Next, we can set up a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers to speed up the natural drying process. We can constantly monitor the moisture levels in your home until they return to normal.

We can also provide the following to restore your home after a water leak:

• Carpet and pad removal
• Dry out subfloors
• Remove a foot or two of drywall from the floor
• Dry out walls with an injection drying system

If you ever notice a puddle on your floor or a pipe leak, call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600.

Water Mitigation for a Storm-Damaged Roof in Santa Clarita

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO storm damage restoration team is top-notch. We are ready at a moment's notice to help you. Call now!

Santa Clarita Residents Need SERVPRO for Water Mitigation Services

Did you know that a leaking rooftop is one of the most common reasons homes suffer from water damage? While various causes can bring on this problem, storm damage is a top culprit for a roof leak. Once such a breach occurs, water can find its way into your home and bring a wealth of interior damage. SERVPRO features water mitigation experts to address your storm damage to save time and money overall on your restoration. All property owners have to do is call us 24/7!

Water mitigation and storm damage help

If you have damage from a recent storm, you need someone to help with water mitigation in Santa Clarita. If you have a home without an attic, the leak may already be seeping into your interior and onto your furnishings and belongings. With a plaster ceiling, it could start to bubble up and expand. For a painted ceiling, you will notice it turning to a darker color. SERVPRO wants you to know that these signs of water damage call for professional intervention to keep the leak from spreading to your walls or getting into areas where it can cause further degradation.

By calling SERVPRO for water mitigation, you can salvage as much as possible. The faster we act, we can keep water from:

• Soaking into your wood flooring
• Saturating your carpets to the padding or subfloor below
• Breaking down your drywall or warping paneling
• Damaging your furniture and other possessions

Remember that it only takes 48 hours for mildew and mold to develop after water saturation. Without proper mitigation efforts and cleanup, issues can spread into other areas of your home. SERVPRO assesses the damage, pinpoints the cause, and begins water removal services and drying in tandem to achieve our goals. You can trust our skilled technicians to scout for hidden moisture pockets and ensure you have a dry, clean interior once we are finished with the project. 

Call our IICRC-certified team at SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600. We are available for 24/7 emergency service and dependable water mitigation help.

Santa Clarita Professional Mold Inspection Services

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

Mold colonies are often hidden. Inspect your hone often for signs of mold and moisture.

The Benefit of Mold Inspection for Santa Clarita

Choosing professional mold inspections is necessary for many homeowners because you might not always be able to tell when these threats exist in your house. While there are sometimes clear signs of an infestation, mold damage can also be hidden in wall systems or in low-traffic areas you might not know are contending with moisture concerns. Often, professional inspections are the way to understand the extent of active mold colonization and remediate it appropriately.

A mold inspection for Santa Clarita homes involves several phases. First, production management must work with the customer to determine what conditions made them call for our expertise. Using moisture detection equipment and sampling procedures, our IICRC trained team can begin to evaluate the environmental conditions of the property and any surfaces hosting active colonies. The thorough visual and instrumental inspection of the property confirms mold when it is on building materials or contents. 

Removing Mold When It Is Discovered

Finding mold in your property can require immediate action to resolve. You want these threats to only persist for a short time because the likelihood of spreading to new areas of the house is high. In addition, the degradation of hosting materials can lead to excessive controlled demolition requirements the longer mold goes unaddressed. Several remediation strategies can help, including surface cleaning, abrasive blasting, and sanding.

Options for Long-Term Mold Prevention

When you have mold threats in your home once, you want to ensure that the situation is resolved to prevent recurrences. This plan comes from understanding how moisture impacted your residence and where it penetrated from so that the appropriate measures can be taken to resolve these conditions should they return.

• Encapsulation
• Better Ventilation
• Dehumidification Equipment Installed
• Structural Repairs

Clearing mold damage from your home starts with understanding the property's condition with a thorough inspection. Call our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team when you suspect mold threats in your house at (661) 296-4600.

Fast Action by SERVPRO Manages Water Mitigation in Santa Clarita

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have the training and experience for all phases of water damage restoration. Call now!

Water Mitigation by SERVPRO Reduces Water Damage in Santa Clarita

Water seeping into our homes through the roof or plumbing leaks can cause extensive damage to Santa Clarita homes. Water is absorbed by porous materials and spreads behind walls, under floors, across floors in carpets, and under padding. Leaks under the sink in your bathroom or kitchen can penetrate porous materials such as cupboards made from wood products causing swelling, loss of integrity, and strength.

SERVPRO provides water mitigation services in Santa Clarita. Our experience has shown that rapid response and action can limit the amount of damage and avoid significant secondary damage. We respond in less than four hours from your call and deploy equipment to mitigate the effects of moisture on your home. Avoid delays in calling us for assistance. Reducing the time porous materials are exposed to water reduces the absorption and secondary damage.

Rapid response water mitigation can save your hardwood floors, limit the damage to the porous kitchen and bathroom cupboards and reduce the damage to carpeting, under padding, and subfloors.

Hardwood floors absorb moisture causing buckling and cupping. SERVPRO utilizes vacuum pads to remove water between the hardwood planks' joints. Air movers and dehumidifiers do the rest to mitigate the potential damage to hardwood floor materials.

Weighted water vacuums remove excess moisture from carpets and underpads, protecting the subfloor from permanent damage. Extended exposure to high moisture levels can cause carpets to delaminate, under pads to disintegrate, and subfloors to lose their structural integrity. Early detection and immediate water mitigation efforts can significantly reduce the potential for permanent damage.

SERVPRO offers the following water mitigation services:

• Water clean up
• Water removal services
• Water damage remediation

Call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley for water mitigation services. We provide service to Santa Clarita and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (661) 296-4600.

Leave Apartment Fire Damage Restoration to Pros in Santa Clarita

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says to keep a type ABC fire extinguisher under the kitchen sink to prevent significant fire damage at your Santa Clarita home.

Reach SERVPRO 24/7 in Santa Clarita to Help with Fire Restoration

Apartment building fires are both dangerous and frightening to encounter. Nobody in your Santa Clarita apartment complex is expecting a fire to break out, so all the actions that come when alerted to the event are crucial. When you own an apartment complex, you need a team that can handle the cleanup efficiently so that your tenants are not displaced for a long time. SERVPRO is there to address apartment and condo fires to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Handling apartment fire restoration in Santa Clarita is something best left to professionals. Here at SERVPRO, we are ready and equipped to scale our resources accordingly to get you the best results as quickly as possible.

Visible and invisible damage

Visible fire damage like soot deposits and charring will be apparent after any fire event, but unseen issues are also present after a fire, including:

• Extreme temperatures during a fire caused damage to walls and flooring beyond where the flames burned, and soot settled.
• Firefighters also use copious amounts of water or chemicals to put out the flames.

The combination of extreme heat and water elements often impacts other building units. With apartment complex fires or any building with multiple units in close proximity, a thorough inspection must get done to assess structural integrity, smoke infiltration, and moisture.

SERVPRO’s trusted methods to the rescue

When you want to get your tenants comfortable and back in their homes as fast as possible, SERVPRO’s prompt action and proven methods are here for you 24 hours a day. We get started with assessment as soon as first responders give us the green light to enter the building. We begin cleaning and restoration as soon as possible with the help of:

• Pumps to pull up standing water
• Drying equipment to restore relative humidity
• Air scrubbers to address air quality
• Controlled demolition to replace all charred and unsalvageable materials

You can count on SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley regarding fire restoration at your apartment complex. Reach us anytime by calling (661) 296-4600.

Why Flood Damage Must Get Handled Fast in Valencia

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Don't Delay! Call SERVPRO Today? We save Valencia homes' from ongoing flood damage.

SERVPRO’s Flood Damage Help to the Rescue for Valencia Residents

As a Valencia resident, you must know the kind of damage that your home can encounter when floodwater infiltrates. Knowing the hazards, you have a better idea of how to prevent them or address them once it happens. While some people attempt DIY cleanup, there are many reasons why calling in expert water restoration technicians (WRT) is best. SERVPRO has the manpower, fast response times, and proven methods to get you back on your feet faster than any DIY measures can.

Why can’t I handle flood damage in Valencia on my own?

There are many hazards involved once contaminated floodwater in Valencia starts coming into any building. SERVPRO knows all the safety precautions to take, and we work fast while using industrial-grade equipment to begin removing standing water and addressing all structural damage. These are several things we want you to keep in mind should your home take on any floodwater:

• It can damage your appliances and furniture.
• It can make your house and occupants susceptible to mildew and mold growth.
• It can cause issues with your septic system and well water.
• It can create damage to your wiring and electrical cables.
• It can compromise the foundation of your home.

Water damage can be a significant problem, but when you add in the pressure of floodwater and all the possible contaminants, this makes it a situation best handled by trained technicians. Because flooding can happen anytime, having SERVPRO’s number handy will give you the peace of mind that you can have IICRC-certified technicians at your door in four hours or less to get started on the cleanup.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is available 24/7 and ready to get started with prompt disaster response should you have flood damage to your property. Once you contact our customer care team by calling (661) 296-4600, we can have our Green Fleet mobilized and ready to go. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Don’t Trust DIY Mold Removal Methods in Santa Clarita

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Let the pros from SERVPRO cleanup and restore your Santa Clarita property after mold damage.

Why Santa Clarita Residents Call SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

Not only does mold look bad, but many hazards are involved once you find it festering within your Santa Clarita property. One issue is secondary damage, which can lead to costly repairs. This is why addressing mold colonies as soon as possible is imperative. The best way to ensure your property gets the professional clean you need is to contact skilled technicians to handle swift, effective mold cleanup. SERVPRO is available 24/7 to ensure your home gets returned to pre-mold condition “Like it never even happened.”

Why not DIY mold removal in Santa Clarita?

There is no such thing as total mold removal. Many products and companies claim they offer removal, but mold is all around us. Microscopic spores are on our clothing, outside in the air we breathe, and on virtually every surface. However, skilled mold remediation technicians (AMRT) like we have at SERVPRO know how to address colonies safely to bring levels back to normal without further impact on your interior.

Our proven containment and cleanup methods

SERVPRO develops an action plan to clean all surfaces with suspected mold. We contain the area by pinpointing the source, putting up poly sheeting (flexible plastic walls), and implementing negative pressure. Other measures include:

• Our technicians work safely while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• All porous materials with heavy mold damage get removed and disposed of according to local guidelines.
• Anything that can get cleaned is thoroughly dried and treated with antimicrobials.
• After the mold is addressed, with the help of trusted area contractors and vendors, we repair all areas where materials have to get removed.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is paramount in any mold cleanup project. We use air scrubber technology with onboard HEPA filtration to further pull particles from the air.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is here should you suspect you need mold remediation. Get in touch by calling (661) 296-4600, and we will schedule a team to get started on the cleanup!

Removing Smoke Odors After Santa Clarita Fire Restoration

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley (661) 296-4600 to help with fire restoration to your property.

Preferred Deodorization Following Fire Restoration

One of the more formidable lingering obstacles for fire damage recovery is a strong malodor. Because of the importance of overcoming these smells, we have multiple deodorizing measures and products to help. 

Filtration Lessens Severity

One of the first steps to address smoke odors during fire restoration of Santa Clarita homes is the reduction of odor severity. Cleaning the environment is a good initial step in reducing an odor's strength. HEPA filtration and electric filters can dramatically reduce circulating smoke solids.

Absorption and Adsorption

Drawing odor molecules into a product is the premise for this type of deodorization or counteracting. Placing absorbent materials in airflow pathways can cause some of this offensive smell to be absorbed by fragrant solids. Some examples include:

• Activated charcoal
• Membranes
• Absorbent granules and beads

Pairing Agents and Products

Pairing is a process that combines a concentrated solution with odor molecules circulating in the environment. The most common application of these used by our SERVPRO professionals is a humectant which bonds with the odor and causes it to become heavy precipitation and land on surfaces. Wipe cleaning can remove the neutralized smell at this stage. 

Oxidation is Effective

This process introduces an unstable element into the area impacted by the smoke odor. Ozone generators, for example, create a compound with an extra oxygen molecule that can seek out and bond with odor molecules. When ozone bonds chemically with the odor compound, it becomes neutralized. The drawback is that this process cannot get performed with occupants in the house. 

There are many solutions for addressing harsh malodors after combustion. In many restoration projects, technicians can use several types of counteractant approaches and deodorizing measures to achieve the final result. Our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team can use powerful products to make smoke odors "Like it never even happened." Give us a call at (661) 296-4600.

Obstacles of Restoring Flood Damage in Valencia Crawlspaces

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today if you need help with professional storm damage restoration.

Flood Damage Is Challenging to Remove in This Area

Flooding can be a rapidly developing disaster for area homes, and for those in Santa Clarita Valley with crawlspaces, it can be challenging to clean and restore. We provide fast and experienced mitigative and restorative responses to emergencies, even with the obstacles of crawlspace flood recovery.

Confined Space Challenges

The greatest obstacle to flood damage in Valencia crawlspaces is the confined area. Some entrances to this area beneath the house are not broad enough to bring in equipment. Other physical barriers may lack sufficient spacing between the flooring and the main floor joists to place taller units like dehumidifiers. Careful planning is necessary when approaching crawlspace flooding.

Drying More Than the Dirt

Many of the available drying options we utilize can take longer to address the most pressing issues if the flooring of the crawlspace is dirt/mud. In some situations, installing polyethylene sheeting over the dirt is beneficial to create a vapor barrier against this moist surface and allow equipment to target the structure. Steps include:

• Blocking off vents to the crawlspace in many cases
• Creating a system to enable equipment to fit in the space
• Once space exists, place air movers and dehumidifiers

The Advantage of Encapsulation

Encapsulating is another measure that can be taken after a crawlspace is dried and restored. This process prevents further moisture penetration and flood damage by installing plastic sheeting to coat all exposed surfaces along with mold inhibiting products. Permanent dehumidification devices might also be suggested. 

Crawlspaces are not an installation every home in the area has, but when flooding infiltrates those that do, it can be challenging to clean and restore. Our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley professionals have unique and focused approaches to get flood damage dried quickly to protect your property. Call now at (661) 296-4600. 

Water Mitigation is For the Customer and Their Santa Clarita Home

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

Our Water Mitigation Process Has Several Phases

Water mitigation and emergency services are critical in protecting a property contending with the earliest stages of a water disaster. As rapidly as moisture and water can move in a residence, we have efficient solutions to protect the structure and its contents from irreparable harm where possible. 

Water Mitigation in Action

Much of the water mitigation in Santa Clarita is the physical actions taken to recover the house after exposure to standing water and leaks. Still, part of this process is also easing the tensions of the customer. Disasters can be traumatic for homeowners, especially with the uncertainties of what might be damaged permanently. 

• Notifying Customers of Risks - Customers need to be alerted to developing situations in their homes that might require them to move while restoration gets underway. Healthy communication helps keep the crisis as calm as possible. 

• Evaluating Safety Hazards - From shock hazards to contaminants, SERVPRO professionals must evaluate safety concerns for the occupants of the house and our responding restorers.

• Structural Inspections - Sagging materials can be a common sight after prolonged moisture exposure following situations like leaks or large plumbing failures. We evaluate the strength of installed materials and determine what is salvageable. 

• Begin Water Removal - Extraction is one of the critical elements of water mitigation, as pooling standing water can be destructive in many ways. 

How Drying Tools Get Determined

The mitigation process also serves as an opportunity to carefully evaluate the condition of the work areas and decide the best restoration and drying tools from our inventory to help. Air movers, dehumidifiers, portable heaters, drying mats, and other equipment can benefit from this restoration phase. 

When water damage impacts area homes, the quick response of SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley technicians gets helpful mitigation started. Call our professionals now at (661) 296-4600.

What Are the Common Tools of Santa Clarita Water Mitigation?

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is a job for SERVPRO. We us we the latest technology and equipment for every service.

Water Mitigation Involves Specific Equipment

Because of the time-sensitive nature of water damage incidents as they impact homes throughout the valley, having a team ready to mobilize for mitigation right away is valuable. After burst pipes and leaks, several mitigative focuses are necessary, including:

• Water Removal Services
• Content Relocation
• Controlled Demolition
• Mold Prevention
• Containment 

Emergency Services Precede Restoration

Water mitigation for Santa Clarita homes and businesses hinges on the emergency services that SERVPRO professionals can provide. We mobilize fast in a crisis, isolating the damaged areas and working quickly to prevent the situation from getting worse.

What Is Expected for Mitigation?

Knowing the needed equipment for mitigation allows homeowners to anticipate specific actions and tools to be more at ease through needed recovery efforts. Our mitigation solutions often require:

• Extractors: Water removal services are the focal point of the earliest mitigation, so several extractors will be utilized to achieve these goals. 
• Demolition Equipment: From removing damaged plumbing to pulling off panels of drywall damaged by water exposure, demolition is often needed in water restoration.
• Antimicrobial Products: Mold prevention is vital in moist environments, as prolonged dampness in work areas can facilitate microbial colonies. We have inhibiting products that restorers can spray on susceptible surfaces. 
• Packing Materials: Content relocation is a large part of the recovery process, so our technicians carefully prepare these items for transport to our SERVPRO warehouse when necessary. 
• Specialty Drying Tools: Getting certain drying practices started early can benefit the structure and prevent unnecessary tear-out. Carpet wands and drying mats help eliminate trapped water in flooring and reduce demolition. 

Mitigation is one of the most significant phases of water restoration our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team provides. It requires precise action and multiple tools from our inventory of cutting-edge equipment. We are standing by now to mobilize and help when disasters strike at (661) 296-4600.  

Needed Actions to Dry Valencia Attics after Flood Damage

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage restoration is no easy task. SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for every size disaster.

Several Steps Restore Attic Flood Damage

With heavy storms that can impact the valley, aging roofs can show signs of wear and deterioration. Under extreme duress, the roof can allow water penetration that must be immediately addressed.

Assessing the Scope of the Damage

When addressing flood damage in Valencia attics, we must carefully evaluate the condition of the structure and the needed mitigation actions that can help. An inspection can determine the loss of the property, where demolition is required, and identify necessary temporary construction solutions for roof damage like tarping.

Removing Damaged Elements

We can conduct early mitigative actions like controlled demolition with a general contractor license. Heavy floodwater exposure often leads to removing several surface materials directly damaged, as well as supports and frameworks like:

• Insulation
• Joists 
• Trusses
• Roof underlayment
• Wood flooring 

Air Movers and Dehumidifiers

Thorough drying is one of the more complex processes needed after flooding. Even without contamination and microbial growth threats, larger attic spaces can require multiple air movers and dehumidifiers running simultaneously to provide the coverage necessary for efficient and complete moisture removal.

Replacing Insulation and Materials

Internally, several build-back steps must start once the drying process is complete. With the controlled demolition already conducted, materials can be reinstalled where they belong to reinforce and reconstruct the gutted attic space. This includes the removed insulation, which we meticulously replace to provide full coverage under the roofing materials.

Repairing the Damage

One of the final steps of the restoration process after attic flooding is repairing the damage to the roof itself where the water came in. This will mean removing the temporary construction elements and replacing vulnerabilities that could allow further water penetration.

The attic can be a common place to experience flood damage in Valencia homes, making it a situation that SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley restorers are prepared to face. Through water removal and reconstruction efforts, we can return this area of your home to its original condition. “Like it never even happened.” Give our experts a call at (661) 296-4600.

Estimating and Inspecting for Santa Clarita Fire Restoration

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration techs have all the training and experience needed for your home.

We Help Fire Restoration Damage Claims Progress

After a damaging fire, homeowners must often endure a gauntlet of red tape and paperwork to get their home insurance providers to approve - and most importantly, fund - a damage claim. Our SERVPRO professionals can help with pre-restoration practices to expedite the approval you need.

What Does a Pre-Job Inspection Do?

An inspection is one of the needed actions preceding fire restoration in Santa Clarita homes. Experienced members of our roster are dispatched to walk through a residence, evaluate the condition of structural elements, catalog damage to the structure and contents, and determine what mitigative steps are needed to protect the property. The inspection findings can be the baseline for the estimation insurance providers need for damage claim approval.

Providing a Detailed Estimation

A critical step in the earliest portion of fire damage restoration and recovery is comprising a detailed estimation. Insurance providers need a complete picture of the work that must be completed and the objectives of repair and recovery. Our production manager sets timelines and restoration goals, which can include individual services like:

• Structure Cleaning
• Water Removal
• Controlled Demolition
• Deodorization
• Content Cleanup
• Inventory Services
• Build-Back

A Trusted Name to Help

Throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, we have become a trusted name for our fast response and a growing roster of experienced FSRT-Certified technicians. Our industry knowledge and cutting-edge equipment allow us to rapidly manage post-fire loss effects and protect properties from unnecessary harm. SERVPRO is here to help.

The fire damage restoration process is intricate and involves many steps and stages. To fully clean and restore after a structure fire, experienced professionals must respond quickly and reach the damaged home as soon as possible after first responders leave. We can mobilize fast with mitigation and restoration equipment and products. Give our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team a call at (661) 296-4600. 

Steps of Fire Damage Cleaning in Santa Clarita Offices

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley fix it, Don’t stress it.

SERVPRO Carefully Removes Fire Damage

Cleaning up after a fire incident means taking the necessary steps to return the structure to its original condition and ensure the safety of those exposed to the effects. Our effective mitigation strategies are uniquely designed and tailored to each specific situation, seeking to address a wealth of post-fire loss effects such as:

• Soot
• Smoke Solids
• Odors
• Water

Identifying the Damage

With soot being the worst of the fire damage in Santa Clarita offices, it is essential to determine what kind of damage has impacted building materials and contents. Smoke damage alone can result from multiple chemical processes, which ultimately affect the thickness, spread, and composition of residues and soil deposits.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Approach

Cleaning after a fire is not one-size-fits-all. Many cleaning processes are required on the same job, making identifying appropriate approaches critical to saving time and money. Depending on the composition of the smoke damage, clean-up could involve surface cleaning, abrasive products, mechanical actions, media blasting, and demolition.

Testing Surfaces

Before we entirely choose one approach over others, testing is an important part of the damage recovery process. Specific abrasive solutions like solvents can be more destructive to sensitive surfaces than the soot they seek to dissolve, so testing on a small, inconspicuous portion of the impacted material shows the effectiveness of cleaning options.

Salvageability of Affected Materials

Materials must also be evaluated to determine if they are worth preserving. Substantial damage to building materials might still be restorable. Still, if it is a tremendous cost to the business, replacement might be a more suitable and faster solution.

Fires can be a challenging situation to overcome in area office buildings. As a leading large loss provider for the area, we can help when disasters strike. Contact SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley when fires threaten your property at (661) 296-4600. 

Do Various Organisms Affect Valencia Mold Removal Differently?

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

Mold Removal Is Similar Regardless of Mold Type

Removing mold is often the product of several actions taken simultaneously. Choosing the proper remediation solutions relies on the house's condition and several factors. Often, many believe the type of mold could change the removal approach, though this is rarely the case.

Where is the Mold Damage?

It is important to note where the mold damage is located so mold removal in Valencia homes can get underway as soon as possible. Hundreds of materials in your home can be hosts for active mold colonies when there are environmental conditions to facilitate this growth. Typically, we can expect to find mold damage in areas such as:

• Attic
• Basement
• Crawlspace
• Kitchen
• Bathroom

What Caused the Mold?

Understanding the underlying cause of mold development can contribute to the appropriate remediation option. A careful inspection determines how much of the building materials in a particular area have been exposed to the needed environmental conditions to grow mold. Intruding water from storm damage, leaking pipes, damaged appliances, and poor ventilation can be factors.

How Should Remediation Proceed?

Mold remediation and removal services are selected based on the several environmental and hosting material conditions SERVPRO professionals find when arriving at a residence. The right choice allows mold cleanup and removal to be complete quickly and ultimately costs the customer less. Options for remediation strategies include:

• Surface cleaning
• Sanding
• Sponge pressure cleaning
• Media blasting
• Controlled demolition

With a combination of remediation certification and a general contractor license, our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team is ready to help your home or business however it needs after these damaging disasters. The development of mold and microbial threats can be destructive to your property. Still, we have a team of technicians ready to help when you need it. Call us today at (661) 296-4600.

Moisture Impacts Water Damage Restoration of Santa Clarita Shops

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

We aim to restore your property as quickly as possible, “Like it never even happened.”

Humidity Drying is Vital in Santa Clarita Boutiques

Several factors dramatically influence the pace and thoroughness of drying and post-water damage restoration and recovery. When your shop becomes impacted by a damage event like a burst pipe or flooding, it is critical to provide the necessary approaches to restore the business and its wares as efficiently as possible. Mitigation of these disasters typically has specific objectives and focuses, such as:

• Drying
• Content Recovery
• Structural Repair
• Cleaning

Determining the Humidity Ratio

Humidity can play a substantial role in the water damage restoration of Santa Clarita shops. To understand the efforts that must begin and the steps necessary to overcome moisture content, SERVPRO professionals must determine the humidity ratio. This number measures the current moisture content against the available dryness in the environment. The weight of this moisture is measured in grains. 

Relative Humidity

Determining the relative humidity is also important, as this is the capacity for moisture in an environment. Often this is figured as a percentage, namely how much of the atmospheric composition can be moisture grains before the air is too saturated to support more. With portable heaters, this capacity can change with factors like increasing the temperature in a drying zone. 

Processes to Lower Humidity 

Lowering the humidity of your shop can increase the efficiency of the drying process and ultimately leave less of the structure and its contents exposed. The most direct method to achieve this is the application and placement of dehumidification equipment. Low-grain refrigerant and desiccant units work to manage thick moisture content. We can simultaneously offer effective drying and humidity when dehumidifiers are placed per air movers.

From powerful drying solutions designed to remove moisture from the affected environment to the needed steps for identifying water and relative humidity concerns, our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team can help when you need it. We have skilled professionals ready 24/7 at (661) 296-4600. 

Restoring Santa Clarita Homes Affected by Fire Damage

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire mishap, you want help from the experts. We are Here To Help!

SERVPRO Mitigates Fire Damage and Repairs Santa Clarita Properties

Property loss incurred by fire damage in 2020 totaled up to $21.9 billion, according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) data. Worse still, home fires can leave Santa Clarita homeowners at a loss about how to deal with the sudden escalation in damages. 

Santa Clarita SERVPRO fire damage mitigation technicians can mitigate fire suppression residues and fire soils 24/7. On top of that, this team's documentation process assists homeowners with their claims filing needs while rendering cleanup services that prioritize restoration over replacement when possible. 

Professional Rebuilding Services After Fire Cleanup

Mitigating smoke and soot stains, debris, and odors are necessary for restoring homes. SERVPRO rebuilding services can go the extra mile of returning the affected areas to a pre-damage state regardless of the scale of the damage.

• SERVPRO technicians can reinstall drywall and baseboards, as well as repaint them
• Technicians can also apply temporary repairs like temporary fencing, board-ups, and roof tarping to secure a home during the restoration process. These steps are especially crucial after fires that impact the structural integrity of doors, windows, and roofing.
• Cleanup services for contents include specialized processes for electronics, documents, fine art, and furniture. These services can also be referred to licensed specialists depending on homeowners' needs.
• Crew members can repair tile, linoleum, and marble flooring.
• SERVPRO inspects HVAC after a fire occurs, regardless of the scale of the fire, to protect the property from the potential spread of odors and particles that affect indoor air quality

SERVPRO rebuilding services are performed per the property owners' insurance policy and with coordination between homeowners and insurance adjusters throughout the process. 

Call (661) 296-4600 for mitigation services from SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster to minimize the impact and maximize savings for residents.

SERVPRO Water Damage Extraction Saves Valencia Homes

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has state of the art equipment your home needs after a water incident.

Water Restoration Technicians in Valencia Mitigate Moisture and Contaminants

Removing water damage from a Valencia home can be an overwhelming prospect for homeowners attempting DIY solutions. Drying with only fans and consumer-grade dehumidification units can take much longer than professional solutions, preventing or mitigating potential mold growth more quickly. 

Valencia SERVPRO water damage restoration crews have the tools necessary to restore structures and contents to a pre-disaster state in a fraction of the time that DIY solutions can. This highly-trained team's access to commercial-grade equipment and science-backed mitigation strategies helps homeowners save time and money 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What Makes Moisture Extraction Effective?

Homeowners may have seen or even used some version of extraction equipment previously, but what does it do exactly?

• Extractors use three systems--vacuum, heating, and pumping--which can be activated separately to tailor water removal to the affected surface
• SERVPRO portable extractors feature 5 to 12-gallon tanks, one for wastewater and one for EPA-registered biocide solutions
• These portable units are especially effective on carpet, upholstery, drapes, and other porous surfaces
•  Portable extractors can also remove water from hard-to-reach nooks and crannies with the vacuum component

Extraction greatly accelerates the drying process, especially when used alongside SERVPRO's inspection and drying process. Removing excess moisture before deploying drying equipment can render the entire process hundreds of times faster and more effective for reducing mold risk and odors caused by water damage, particularly on surfaces like wood, drywall, and carpet. 

SERVPRO sanitation processes include spraying, fogging, and manual cleaning with OSHA-approved antimicrobial solutions. These measures also reduce microbial proliferation and other water-related concerns. 

Property owners can call (661) 296-4600 for "Like it never even happened," levels of cleanup provided by SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley's 24-hour remediation services.

Remediating Santa Clarita Business Flood Damage

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial flood damage is no match for SERVPRO’s skilled technicians. Call us at (661) 296-4600. We are always available to assist you.

SERVPRO Flood Remediation Preserves Santa Clarita Facilities After Disaster 

Santa Clarita businesses need fast-acting flood damage cleanup to reduce potential asset loss and structural damage that can be performed around the clock. Without timely mitigation, important assets, documents, and equipment are more likely to succumb to water exposure, stains, odors, and potential mold growth, rendering otherwise salvageable items irreparable. 

Flood damage mitigation from Santa Clarita SERVPRO technicians is performed to code with restoration industry best practices to help local businesses reopen as quickly and safely as possible. The team's comprehensive flood cleanup process includes inspection and necessary demolition to pack-outs for restorable property and rebuilding services.

How Does SERVPRO Dry Commercial Flooding Quickly?

Structural drying serves a multitude of purposes aside from removing excess moisture from a flooded property, including the following:

• Remediating conditions that allow mold growth to begin or continue. Mold requires moisture levels above 50%, adequate temperatures, and organic material for continuing growth. Drying and sanitizing spaces can stop further development and allow technicians to collect and remove spores safely.
• Air movers and dehumidifiers coordinate to pull moisture out of walls, floors, and structural components like subflooring and wall joists. Technicians carefully calculate the number of units necessary, as well as their positioning, to help affected spaces reach equilibrium moisture content (EMC), where components are neither gaining nor losing moisture compared to the rest of the property.
• Commercial water extraction, when performed in tandem with drying, speeds up the process considerably and reduces potential downtime for businesses impacted by flooding.

We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we are available to help local businesses around the clock. Call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600 for emergency-response restoration. Our business will keep you in business.

Drying Water Damaged Carpets in Santa Clarita

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

When the carpets at your business location need water restoration, it’s time to call in professionals. SERVPRO arrives with equipment to help you.

SERVPRO Water Restoration Pros Restore Santa Clarita Commercial Carpet and Pad

Carpeting and other flooring surfaces are among the most heavily impacted structural materials in many water damage situations. Worse still for Santa Clarita businesses is how quickly moisture can seep through flooring and affect subfloors, potentially impairing a commercial facility's structural integrity.

SERVPRO water restoration technicians in Santa Clarita respond to commercial facility cleanup needs in as little as several hours after the initial contact. This firm's inspection, cleanup, and rebuilding processes minimize water's impact on surfaces and assets.

Remediating Water Damage to Commercial Carpeting and Pad

SERVPRO technicians can perform extraction from wet carpet with a combination of the following:

• Portable or truck-mounted extractors that address various scales and locations of water migration with specialized carpet wand attachments
• OSHA-approved biocide solutions sanitize and remove wastewater from the carpet to prepare it for drying
• Technicians can temporarily lift and tent carpeting and pad to prepare it for drying from above and below
• Additional carpet water removal tools include rover vacuums, which apply weight-based pressure to wet surfaces during extraction, and wet/dry vacuums. Hard floors can benefit from commercial squeegees and mops used in tandem with EPA-registered antimicrobials

SERVPRO techs can also inspect subfloors impacted by water and prepare them for drying, along with carpet, during air movement and dehumidification. When paired with low-grain refrigerant coil dehumidifier units, well-positioned air movers can pull excess water out of fibers and structural materials like wood and drywall. This drying strategy minimizes the risk of flooring requiring costly repairs or replacement after water damage occurs. SERVPRO can then reinstall dried carpet and pad for a seamless repair.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley can restore commercial facilities for property owners who call (661) 296-4600.

Fire Damage Restoration Can Remove Santa Clarita Ceiling Soot

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Team SERVPRO specializes in soot removal after a fire. Call our technicians to assess and for fire damage restoration services. We are here 24/7.

Santa Clarita SERVPRO Fire Cleanup Includes Smoke Damage Ceiling Cleaning

Ceilings are among the most impacted surfaces in fire damage due to the nature of smoke. Soot particles quickly rise and stick to surfaces before falling and settling on furnishings and belongings. Ceiling stains can be challenging for Santa Clarita homeowners to remove without professional intervention.

Santa Clarita SERVPRO fire damage restoration professionals perform cleanup with industrial-grade tools. These sophisticated technologies, combined with SERVPRO’s firm dedication to training technicians, provide more thorough restoration for homeowners.

Cleaning Soot-Damaged Ceilings After a Fire

Restoration technicians begin by cleaning fire soils from lightest to heaviest and ceiling to floor. Before cleaning the ceiling, technicians can use drop cloths and furniture covers made of plastic to protect contents and minimize disruptions to the home. Techs may temporarily move lampshades or other furniture pieces on the property to prevent accidental secondary damages from soils. After each room is cleaned, contents are replaced in their original positions.

• Dry cleaning sponges are the first line of defense against light fire soils. These dry, superficial accumulations respond poorly to wet cleanup, but dry cleaning can successfully remove them without leaving behind stains
• Before using manual cleaners, SERVPRO techs vacuum loose soils, soot chains, and other easily removable debris with HEPA-filter vacuums
• Dry cleaning sponges are used in short, 3 to four-inch strokes, moving from dirty surfaces to clean ones. SERVPRO techs replace dirty sponges as needed until the desired pre-disaster result is achieved. Dry cleaning sponges are gentle on such surfaces as popcorn ceilings

After cleanup, technicians carefully wipe and vacuum excess soot droppings and dry cleaning sponge residue, even in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies like baseboards or between pieces of furniture.

Homeowners can contact SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley for 24/7 “Like it never even happened” services at (661) 296-4600.

How to Keep Valencia Homeowners Safe from Mold Damage

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

Finding mold on your property can certainly cause some anxiety. Contact SERVPRO to figure out the cause and remediate the mold damage.

SERVPRO Mold Remediation Specialists in Valencia Use High-Tech Cleanup Technologies

Residential mold damage typically points to an ongoing water problem that has proliferated for at least 24 to 48 hours. However, by the time many homeowners in Valencia locate the moisture, the presence of microbes may be considered a biohazard situation that is unsafe to remediate without specialist intervention. Mold can cause health effects.

SERVPRO mold damage cleanup specialists in Valencia can return spore populations to pre-disaster levels with EPA-registered biocides and fast-acting service. Highly trained technicians are familiar with the nature of mold and what works against it best to restore structures and contents in an affected property.

SERVPRO Tools for Effective Mold Cleanup and Repairs

Local SERVPRO mold restoration technicians can deploy a suite of technologies that address mold populations and the conditions that allow them to spread continually.

SERVPRO’s microbe-fighting repertoire includes the following:

• Inspection tools, such as high-tech thermal imaging cameras, can pinpoint potential hidden water damage and mold behind walls, floors, and ceilings
• EPA-registered biocide solutions designed to address microbes at the particle level
• HEPA-filter air scrubbers and vacuums that catch microbes and debris particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is a fraction of the diameter of a human hair
• HVAC cleaning tools, including brushes, augers, and ultra-low volume “wet” foggers, remove spores from ductwork
• Structural drying equipment, including air movers and dehumidifiers, pass moist air that contributes to mold growth over refrigerant coils or silica gel to isolate water and replace it with dry air

SERVPRO can also perform controlled demolition of unsalvageable structures and contents per the wishes of homeowners and insurers. They also provide recommendations regarding which materials may be more cost-effective to replace than repair before implementing rebuilding services.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley’s cleanup exemplifies the phrase “Like it never even happened.” Call (661) 296-4600 to get started.

The Threats of Roof Damage to Valencia Homes During a Storm

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

There is no job too big or small for your local SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley.

Structural Damage Can Cause Many Concerns for Valencia Homes During a Storm.

Severe weather is not uncommon in Santa Clarita Valley, and the impact on residences and commercial properties can be immense. Strong winds, torrential rains, and robust storm systems can expose the vulnerabilities of roofing systems and the building's exterior. The rapid response of our SERVPRO team after a storm can help mitigate loss however your property needs.

Temporary Construction Services

One way that we can help after storm damage in Valencia homes is with temporary construction and repair solutions. Structural openings and penetration points can continually allow runoff and floodwater to infiltrate the house until preventative measures are implemented. Some of the steps our SERVPRO team can take include:

• Roof board-up
• Tarping
• Temporary structure
• Plumbing repairs

Water Removal Services

With vulnerabilities created by storm damages, flooding can be a common result. It is critical to get the cleanup started as soon as possible with these threats, so we arrive with dozens of extraction and water removal tools. A combination of pumps and vacuums can effectively remove standing water and pooling throughout the property where storm damage allowed water penetration.

Cleaning Up Exposed Surfaces

The exposure of certain materials to intruding floodwater can leave these surfaces needing cleaning and restoration. We have potent disinfection products and approaches, preventing unnecessary tear-out and reconstruction when possible. Antimicrobial and antibacterial solutions in our inventory avoid the spread of contaminants and microbes that could develop into more pressing concerns like mold damage.

Storms can be a devastating force against area homes and businesses. A building's envelope can become compromised with the destructive capacities of wind, rain, and other natural disasters. Our general contractor license and experienced restorers quickly recover damaged homes after storm losses. Give our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team a call now at (661) 296-4600.

Mitigating Water Damage for Santa Clarita Homes

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

For any type of water damage in your property you can count on SERVPRO to help. Just call (661) 296-4600

More Ways to Mitigate Losses in Santa Clarita Properties Than Water Removal Services. 

From the arrival of our experienced and WRT-certified professionals to your residence, every effort started is deliberate. We focus on the methods and measures possible to limit the damage to contents and structural elements while preventing secondary effects like mold growth when possible.

Eliminating Surface Water Concerns

While there are more methods for reducing the impact of water damage than removal services, water mitigation in Santa Clarita properties often hinges on extraction. Removing surface water concerns prevents porous materials from becoming oversaturated. The more building materials that absorb moisture, the greater the likelihood of deterioration and structural failures.

Relocating Contents and Inventory Services

Another one of the initial actions that our professionals can take when arriving at water-damaged homes and businesses is protecting the exposed contents and personal belongings. Especially in situations like flooding or burst pipes, an excess amount of water can severely threaten stored items and keepsakes in your property. Relocating these belongings follows a few simple guidelines, such as finding a location that is:

• Dry  
• Nearby
• Out of Harm's Way
• Accessible

Structural and Plumbing Repairs 

An advantage to selecting our professionals to handle the mitigation process is our ability to aid with reconstruction and temporary construction needs for the house. Board-up and tarping services are often required when water damage leaves structural vulnerabilities. We can also help repair damaged portions of plumbing where breaks or leaks occurred.

Regarding water damage restoration and recovery, mitigation is one of the most critical elements of this process. Our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team's first actions to recover water-damaged properties set the pace for the entire restoration and cleanup process. We are prepared and available to help 24/7 when you call (661) 296-4600.

Cleaning Non-Porous Floors in Santa Clarita Homes After Flooding

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley fix it, Don’t stress it.

With Many Flooring Types Impacted by Intruding Floodwater, We Have Many Cleaning Strategies for Santa Clarita Homes. 

When flood damage penetrates residences in the area, many building materials can become severely damaged from the saturation, contamination concerns, and standing water. With many modern homes in the region having low-porosity flooring in the living areas like tile and concrete, tear-out is less of a concern as the need for extraction and thorough cleaning.

Clearing Standing Water and Debris

Flood damage to Santa Clarita homes can often come from several inches of standing water or more. Addressing these considerable concerns means implementing various extraction and water removal tools from our inventory. Some of these needed units include:

• Extractors
• Vacuums
• Pumps
• Specialty Removal Equipment

Squeegee Wand Water Removal

Attachments like the squeegee wand can be used with wet vacuums and even engine-driven units like our truck-mounted extractors. The wand corrals the thin layer of water on hard, non-porous surfaces in the house toward a vacuum in the middle of the device. After running the squeegee in the damaged areas, only spot drying is needed with mops, towels, and other evaporative drying equipment.  

Surface Cleaning Strategies for Decontamination

One of the final stages of restoration and recovery after flood damage is removing residues and contaminants from the flooring materials. Because low porosity materials often do not require removal and replacement, it is critical to provide a thorough sanitization of the floors to eliminate pathogenic threats, biohazards, and health concerns brought in with the flooding.

Flooding continues to be a substantial threat to the valley and its homes, making it vital for teams like our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley professionals to respond quickly. We have multiple solutions for cleaning and restoring impacted flooring and building materials, even premium construction elements like marble, finished concrete, and tile. Give our flood restorers a call today at (661) 296-4600.

Overwhelmed by the Aftermath of Valencia Storm Water Damage?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

The "flood cuts," carpet removal, and advanced drying equipment strategically placed is why Valencia property owners select SERVPRO

Training and Collaboration Are Why SERVPRO Flood Restoration Succeeds in Valencia

The key to mitigation and remediation of Valencia stormwater damage is a combination of mastery of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) coursework and on-the-job implementation of IICRC international standards. Our consistency in following IICRC protocols concerning effective water removal, cleaning, disinfection, deodorization, and especially drying interventions delivers outstanding results, why SERVPRO ranks highly among storm and water damage providers in our community.

Why Does SERVPRO Stress Psychrometry -- the Science of Drying?

Thorough drying of all structural components and contents must occur to prevent progressive deterioration of building materials and mold damage. Winding up a water damage repair project without determining and achieving appropriate drying goals defies industry best practices, practically guaranteeing long-term issues even after the apparent restoration of a leaking roof from storm activity or intensive basement flooding cleanup.

What Does Applied Structural Drying Include?

Detection of water migration and measuring absorption levels in structural components must be ongoing during storm flood restoration. Returning building materials to their normal moisture percentages requires:

• Setting an individualized baseline by measuring moisture levels in unaffected spaces in the residence
• Extracting as much liquid water as possible using truck-mounted and portable equipment before drying commences
• Designing scientifically-based drying perimeters of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to facilitate the evaporation of absorbed stormwater

Critical Note -- a collaboration with property owners to minimize the disruption of drying while supporting followthrough is why SERVPRO technicians always leave written instructions with homeowners. We also monitor the drying and equipment regularly until moisture levels meet prescribed marks, open at all times to residents’ questions.

Fidelity to industry standards and best practices is why SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley delivers desired results after severe storms. Call (661) 296-4600 for a prompt assessment and provision of emergency services, water damage remediation, and comprehensive drying.

Trying to Choose Among Valencia Water Restoration Companies?

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has skilled IICRC certified technicians to mitigate water damage in Valencia homes and other structures

SERVPRO Stands Out for Local, Highly Qualified Valencia Water Damage Remediation

The chaos facing homeowners suffering from the damage of burst pipes, basement flooding or leaking roofs from storms, or sewer backup and cleanup dissipates when you hire one of the most reliable and reputable water restoration companies in Valencia. Engage a contractor that invests in both its workers and equipment, plus features a local presence upon which you can rely during the water damage emergency and for future questions.

Why Is SERVPRO an Excellent Water Damage Restoration Fit for Valencia Homeowners?

SERVPRO is committed to the Valencia community, standing stalwart as a resource for water cleanup and water damage repairs for nearly 20 years in the Santa Clarita Valley region.

• We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster -- even during storms or other events that affect more than one property.
• We train our managers and technicians to the international standards established by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
• We maintain an extensive inventory of state-of-the-art water damage remediation equipment, tools, and EPA-registered products.
• We have access to a nationwide network of affiliated disaster recovery companies if circumstances in Valencia warrant additional IICRC-trained technicians and other supports.

What Is Unique About SERVPRO’s Service Model?

SERVPRO offers steady, consistent guidance throughout the duration of a water damage restoration event but does not disappear afterward. We prepare for natural disasters along with others living in Valencia, so we are ready to respond in real-time. Our team also has decades of experience with water damage from internal malfunctions such as ceiling leaks, ruptures in appliances and plumbing, spills, and excessive humidity.

Partner with SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley above all other water restoration companies for the outcomes you deserve. Call (661) 296-4600 24/7 to schedule an assessment for water damage emergency services.

Why Outsource Valencia Commercial Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup?

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Be proactive with SERVPRO's Emergency READY Profile Plan--ERP--to protect your Valencia business from fire damage

Training and Equipment Speed SERVPRO’s Fire Restoration of Your Valencia Business

You naturally rely on your in-house or contracted cleaning crew for day-to-day maintenance of your commercial building in Valencia, but fire and smoke damage needs a more specialized approach. Tasking your housekeeping staff with fire damage restoration exposes them to potential toxins and the frustration of cleaning soot residues requiring advanced techniques, products, and tools they might not possess. Relieve them of unnecessary stress by engaging a firm that focuses on disaster restoration.

Why Are SERVPRO Technicians Better Suited to Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup in Valencia?

SERVPRO workers receive rigorous training at the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), emphasizing learning how to:

• Identify different types of soot throughout your commercial property -- dry, wet, and protein-based
• Match the soots with appropriate cleaning products, tools, and methods to break the bond between fire residue and surface quickly
• Accomplish the above while observing best practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety controls such as containment of workspaces with polyethylene barriers and negative pressure air scrubbing equipment

How Can Valencia Businesses Most Effectively Partner with SERVPRO for Fire Scenario Remediation?

Remember that SERVPRO not only manages fire damage mitigation and remediation with ease but also possesses expertise in water removal, a common first task at a fire damage scene. We travel with fully-stocked service vehicles, avoiding any delay as all water and fire restoration equipment arrives with our crew. We respond not only with emergency services but also consult with property owners to prevent future disasters, including our innovative Emergency READY Profile (ERP), available proactively to commercial customers.

Count on SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley to deliver rapid-fire and smoke remediation to get you back in business. We are available for your call at (661) 296-4600 round the clock.

Do Newhall Homes' Contents Benefit from Fire Damage Restoration?

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

Our SEWRVPRO FSRT techs can relocate fire-damaged content from your Newhall home for precise cleaning at our facility as we restore your house

SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Remediation Includes Newhall Household and Personal Goods

Fire damage restoration for Newhall homes cannot stop at mitigation and remediation of structural components and fixtures alone. The flames, heat, and smoke also affect a dwelling's contents. Your house will not feel like a home until your furnishings, clothing, window and floor coverings, and a host of other fire-damaged articles receive a professional cleaning, drying, disinfection, deodorization, and restoration.

Why Would SERVPRO Suggest a Pack-Out During Water and Fire Damage Restoration in Newhall?

After an assessment, SERVPRO might recommend a pack-out, permitting the phases of fire damage mitigation and remediation to flow more seamlessly:

• Removal of wet contents decreases the humidity load during firefighting water cleanup, facilitating faster applied structural drying.
• Clearing the space allows SERVPRO's IICRC-certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) to complete soot residue cleaning unimpeded in affected rooms with no need for continuous covering and shifting of contents.
• Water and fire-damaged contents need careful evaluation, innovative treatments, and documentation for claims processing by insurance carriers, more easily completed away from the intense mitigation, remediation, and restoration activity within your smoke and fire-damaged residence.

How Does SERVPRO Track Contents Packed-Out During Fire Damage Restoration?

Newhall residents need not experience even more stress during the aftermath of fire damage, so  the structure and security offered by SERVPRO's Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) helps at a trying time. Rely on our trained workers to handle your possessions' packing, listing, bar-coding, and digital image memorialization, ensuring the safe and methodical processing of your property at our production facility. After the restoration of contents is complete, our climate-controlled storage areas hold your goods until your home is cleaned, dried, disinfected, and deodorized, ready again to provide a place for your family's treasures.          

Specially trained technicians working for SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley restore structure and contents after fire damage. Call (661) 296-4600 to explore how we can make it "Like it never even happened,” for both real and personal property.

Water Removal From Your Santa Clarita Facility Depends on the Entry Method

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO quickly dries out Santa Clarita municipal buildings by deploying advanced drying equipment--with minimal disruptions

SERVPRO Combines Regular and Advanced Water Removal Resources to Handle Different Source

Water intrusion is a serious concern at any commercial establishment since it damages materials and causes various hazards, including slippery floors. Removing the intruding water is one of the crucial steps in restoring preloss conditions at your Santa Clarita premises.

The approach you use for water removal from your Santa Clarita property can vary depending on the water volumes involved. Another crucial reason is the entry method since the water damaging your property can originate from different sources. SERVPRO has a variety of resources to manage removal under different circumstances.

Water intrusion can originate from:

• Wall leaks, especially around openings like doors and windows.
• Roof leaks from penetrations or because of flashing errors
• Plumbing leaks from faulty joints or burst pipes

Of the three typical sources, plumbing issues can be highly destructive if they remain undiscovered over time or when a significant amount of water leaks into the property. A plumbing leak can be easily stopped by turning off the main valves, unlike the other sources, which require elaborate efforts such as building a containment.

When the source is a wall or roof leak, the main issue is wet materials. Therefore, drying resources such as air movers and dehumidifiers are essential. Plumbing leaks, on the other hand, can leave water pooling around the property. Sufficient extraction power is necessary before thinking of drying the property.

Some aspects of water removal are standard in most cases like:

• Supplying heating for sustained drying
• Controlled demolition to remove deteriorated materials
• Dehumidification to finish the process

SERVPRO teams have sufficient air movers and dehumidifiers to ensure these processes run without hitches. Appropriate placement of the equipment also helps deliver better outcomes.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is well equipped to handle water removal under any circumstance, making it "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (661) 296-4600.

Different Ways Flood Damage Can Develop at Your Santa Clarita Home

1/8/2022 (Permalink)

Whether your Santa Clarita home is in a flood zone or not, when disaster strikes--Call SERVPRO--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

Professional Flood Restoration from SERVPRO Addresses Any Water Intrusion Issues

Storms involve many extreme forces, including strong winds, driving rain, and fast-moving groundwater. The flooding inconvenience at your Santa Clarita property can be tied back to a single aspect or a combination of all these issues.

Significant flood damage at your Santa Clarita property is easy to understand when there is significant water spread out over entire neighborhoods, especially if located in a flood zone. However, even if you are outside such zones or inundation is minimal, your property can still incur significant damage because of the other aspects, especially lightning and strong winds, which damage roofs. Professional help from SERVPRO can help you respond appropriately to the damages:

Lighting and strong winds create conditions ripe for flood damage through:

• Lightning shockwaves cracking concrete, brick, and stone chimneys
• Strong winds lifting off shingles
• Shattering windows

When such openings develop, rainwater readily filters inside the house inundating structural elements and contents. Replacing such items can be very costly. SERVPRO helps mitigate the damage in many ways, including setting up protection to stop more water from breaching the property. We set up roof tarps and board up other structural openings. Alternatively, we can cover your contents with protective plastic sheets.

Since your property interiors are already inundated by the time we arrive, we also take steps to manage moisture effects limiting the overall damage to your property. Such steps can minimize the number of items or structural materials you need to replace.

Intervention measures to limit water damage include:

• Fast-tracked water extraction
• Packing out vulnerable contents from affected areas
• Controlled demolition to remove damaged materials and stop moisture migration
• Cleaning, deodorization, and drying of wet areas

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley responds to regular and unique flooding incidents providing tailored solutions to address any damages. You can reach us at (661) 296-4600.

Seeking Effective Santa Clarita Mold Damage Abatement Services?

1/8/2022 (Permalink)

Rely on the Experts from SERVPRO for mold remediation in Your Santa Clarita Home, we make it "Like it never even happened."

Dependable Mold Remediation is Why SERVPRO Ranks Highly with Santa Clarita Residents

Obtaining mold damage abatement in Santa Clarita is essential to restore the function and comfort of your home. Discovering staining or musty odors signaling attic mold or the need for basement or bathroom mold removal presents homeowners with a puzzle: take on black mold damage repairs as a DIY project or hire local mold specialists? A salient factor encouraging obtaining licensed mold remediation is that mold can cause health effects in some circumstances, including homeowners who try to remove mold unassisted.

Why Is SERVPRO a Leader in Santa Clarita Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal?

Choosing SERVPRO ensures assistance from mold remediation crews that mastered a comprehensive range of applicable training and received certification for various phases of mold management from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

• First, our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) determine the source of excess moisture or unresolved water damage, the presence of which feeds mold spores now multiplying throughout your home. They trace water migration and help arrange for water mitigation, remediation, and structural drying.
• Second, our Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) follow the remediation protocols of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
• Mold location, including testing if colonies extend into building cavities
• Work area containment using 1.6 polyethylene barriers and a negative pressure air scrubbing system to prevent drift of spores and moldy debris
• Mold removal from surfaces using scrapers, brushes, and controlled blasting techniques employing dry ice, soda, and corn cobs
• Black mold debris cleanup through wipedowns and HEPA-filtered vacuuming, double-bagging the residues and arranging for lawful disposal
• EPA-registered antimicrobial application to inhibit future mold damage

Adherence to a research-based protocol is why SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley achieves successful mold remediation. Call (661)296-4600 to schedule an evaluation and discuss your options.

What Safety Hazards Complicate Valencia Flood Damage Restoration?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Controlled demolition of flood-damaged Valencia properties by our SERVPRO crew can save time and money for our customers

SERVPRO Assesses Risk and Designs Controls to Safeguard Valencia Flood Recovery

Stormy conditions can expose you and your family to consequences extending beyond the mere mess and disruption of flood damage in Valencia. A safety evaluation must precede water cleanup and structural drying. Although some concerns are common to every flooding situation, the specifics of every water mitigation and remediation job vary, requiring an individualized inspection for each property.

What Does SERVPRO Review When Developing a Valencia Flood Restoration Safety Plan?

Electrical Hazards

Avoid turning on lights or equipment and consider shutting off the power temporarily in the presence of the following:

• Water-filled fixtures, outlets, and boxes
• Damaged plugs and wet live wiring

Slip, Trip, and Fall Concerns

Using signage to prevent walking on wet surfaces and:

• Tangled cords underfoot
• Underwater debris and puncture hazards such as carpet tack strips, broken glass, nails, splinters

Confined Spaces/Contaminated Flood Water

Mapping out crawl spaces, attics, and tight recesses, ensuring technicians working to remove contaminated water wear personal protective equipment, determine an escape route, and pair up in case of a problem

Structural Hazards

High winds and trapped rainwater or other precipitation can damage structural components. SERVPRO assesses for:

• Ceiling or wall collapse potential when water entered from above, taking steps to release the fluids in a controlled manner (weep holes or flood cuts)
• Weakened flooring unable to support water restoration equipment or even the weight of water damage restoration technicians

Hazardous Material Management

Floodwaters, full of mud, sewage, chemicals, are Category 3 -- dangerously contaminated. Flooding can expose occupants and restorers to substances such as asbestos or lead-based paint during water cleanup. SERVPRO crews have training and certification to contain and lawfully dispose of these types of hazardous waste.

Have confidence that SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley will evaluate and plan for safe interventions after storm flooding in your home. Call our team at (661) 296-4600 24/7 for prompt assessment and effective water damage emergency services.

Problems Water Damage Mitigation Helps Address at Your Santa Clarita Home

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Without rapid water damage mitigation, a Santa Clarita home may required significant demolition--call SERVPRO fast

SERVPRO Provides Highly Trained Technicians to Deliver Water Restoration Services

The term water damage is broad since it describes a myriad of losses triggered by water intrusion into unwanted areas of a property. Mitigating such damages in your Santa Clarita home requires the right resources, whether it is technical skills, equipment, or chemical products.

When done properly, water damage mitigation helps Santa Clarita homeowners keep costs manageable and reduce the inconveniences caused by water intrusions. It is easier to meet your mitigation goals with the assistance of SERVPRO professionals since we have significant experience handling all the problems arising after water intrusions.

Mitigation stops the problems triggered by moisture attacks on materials, including:

• Mold or bacteria proliferation
• Rotting
• Rusting
• Swelling or delamination of materials

When left to develop, the problems interfere with the physical state or structural integrity of materials which leads to the weakness or deterioration in the physical appeal that you identify as damage. Mitigation helps limit or stop these problems depending on how and when it is done.

Various skills help facilitate water mitigation, including:

• Structural drying
• Microbial remediation
• Odor management

Addressing water damage in structural materials is particularly challenging, especially when the moisture is trapped in cavities or the affected materials have vapor barriers. Additional steps such as controlled demolition or removal of vapor barriers may be necessary in such cases. Our SERVPRO technicians make flood cuts to access wall interiors or use perforation rollers to manage vapor barriers such as wallpaper and gloss paints, thus improving moisture removal.

Microbial growth ruins finishes, emits a bad odor, and accelerates the deterioration of materials. The mitigation procedures required to stop the processes include drying and applying antimicrobial products. Our SERVPRO technicians use drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to accelerate drying, thus limiting microbial growth, which takes at least 24-48 hours to start showing signs.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is used to handling water mitigation and therefore has the best solutions for the problems that develop. Call us at (661) 296-4600. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Unique Fire Damage Issues Your Santa Clarita Home Might Exhibit

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says smoke detectors can alert occupants of a Santa Clarita house fire--get out and then call us for fire and smoke damage cleanup

SERVPRO Identifies and Resolves Any Unusual Fire Damage Problems

For most people, fire damage outcomes are standard and involve soot, ash, and charred materials. However, other issues can develop at your property, puzzling you or interfering with your restoration plans.

The fire damage at your Santa Clarita property develops as materials interact with heat, smoke, and moisture, especially when significant water is used to quell the flames. Trained fire restoration professionals from SERVPRO can help you understand any unusual outcomes from a fire and find convenient ways to resolve the damages.

Some unusual signs you might notice after a fire include:

• Cracked or shattered materials
• Soot in rooms unreached by a fire
• Corrosion and staining of metallic materials

The action from flames and heat consumes materials producing soot, ash, and other residues. In scorching fires such as flash fire, the intense heat produced radiates to the surrounding areas, where it can cause materials like glass to crack, shatter or even melt.

For a small fire such as a stove flare-up or electrical appliance malfunction, only one area is heavily damaged if the fire is contained in time. Therefore, it might puzzle you to find damages in the rest of the house. For example, you might find soot in any corner of your house. One thing to note is that closed doors or windows do not entirely stop smoke movements. Also, smoke moves through convection currents from the hot areas towards the cold ones.

Our SERVPRO technicians can help evaluate your entire house to identify all the areas with fire residues. Timely cleaning of such areas is beneficial since smoke residues have corrosive properties. When left in place for a long time, they cause deep staining or eat away at materials. Fixing problems developing after delays may require replacing or resurfacing of materials. Therefore, timely action eliminates unnecessary costs.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is a reliable service to help you resolve any fire damage situation. You can reach us at (661) 296-4600. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Does SERVPRO Eliminate Odors After Mold Growth in Santa Clarita Homes?

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

Why is SERVPRO is the right choice for mold remediation in Santa Clarita? Our skilled AMRT techs arrive with advanced equipment for odor control

Our professionals have multiple deodorization practices to help after mold damage in Santa Clarita.

One of the most considerable obstacles preventing comfortable living after microbial threats is a lingering harsh odor. Our SERVPRO professionals have several suitable solutions for these conditions based on their location and severity. In many cases, reducing the impact of musty smells after mold damage can be an effective place to begin.

Odor Counteractant Measures

Removing odors after a mold incident is often easier when counteractant measures are taken during mold remediation in Santa Clarita homes. Specific cleaning processes can lessen the severity of musty smells in the house. We also can place granules and odor-absorbing beads in designated areas of the property to reduce the impact of unpleasant odors. Specific paint priming products can also trap odors caught in porous materials like drywall that do not require removal.

Deodorization Equipment and Practices

With multiple tools and devices in our recovery inventory for eliminating harsh smells after mold damage, the process then becomes choosing the right equipment for the job. Direct measures like controlled demolition make these needs insignificant, as odors can depart with the discarded materials. Circulating smells or trapped odors in installed building materials can benefit from several devices like:

• Thermal foggers
• Hydroxyl generators
• Ozone machines
• HEPA air scrubbers with charcoal filtration

With mold damage being such a widespread and threatening situation, our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team responds fast with practical cleaning and deodorization measures. Give us a call anytime at (661) 296-4600.

Ways SERVPRO Addresses Smoke Damage to Drywall in Santa Clarita Homes

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

A kitchen fire in Santa Clarita has you down? Let SERVPRO pick you up with great cleanup and restoration. "Like it never even happened."

Some materials are more sensitive to smoke damage after a fire in Santa Clarita properties.

Smoke damage can be a challenging obstacle for restoration technicians, but our SERVPRO team has effective strategies to protect exposed building materials. Drywall is particularly sensitive to smoke and soot damage, so we have several priorities when these structural elements become affected.

Clearing Soot Damage from the Surface

Fire damage restoration in Santa Clarita often hinges on the ability of our SERVPRO team to manage soot and smoke residues throughout the house. Combustion creates thick soil deposits, coating surfaces and requiring several cleaning practices to resolve. Drywall can be heavily damaged by high heat fires, requiring chemical sponges to clear lingering residues.

Addressing Possible Odor Issues

Drywall is a porous material, meaning that effects like odors can be very harmful to these components of wall systems. While surface cleaning through the soot removal process can help to reduce the severity of trapped smells, additional measures are sometimes necessary. When cleaning for paint, we can apply an odor-sealing primer before refinishing the drywall. Otherwise, we rely on several deodorization tools in our inventory like:

• Thermal foggers
• Hydroxyl generators
• Ozone machines

Controlled Demolition Where Needed

Controlled demolition is sometimes required when sheetrock becomes overly damaged by soot, smoke particle deposits, odors, or other forms of fire damage. Removing damaged components from the house is a service we offer, as this also increases the effectiveness of restoration processes and makes the recovery of the household more efficient overall.

Certain building materials in the house can be more sensitive to smoke damage than others. When structural components like the drywall become damaged, our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team can help restore the house in many ways. We work quickly to produce effective mitigation and restoration results for damaged local homes when you call (661) 296-4600.

Why Should Homeowners Hire Professional Restorers to Handle Water Removal in Valencia Homes?

12/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We us we the latest technology and equipment for every disaster.

Experts Like SERVPRO Technicians Can Perform Efficient Water Removal in Your Valencia Property.

Water removal in a property is a specialist service that entails removing water from the affected area and drying it to restore it to its original, healthy state. Acting quickly and enlisting the services of trained restoration professionals like SERVPRO can help reduce damage and return your property to its former beauty.

SERVPRO restorers provide prompt and expert service. Our restoration crews are well-trained to handle water removal in your Valencia home. To ensure that your home is clean, dry, and safe for your family and customers, our restorers adhere to the standards of the restoration industry. To mitigate the damage and restore your property quickly, we use the latest equipment, tools, approved products, and innovative procedures. They include:

• Moisture detection – We can use non-penetrating moisture meters to check for moisture in materials.
• Water extraction – We can use electric submersible pumps to remove the water from affected surfaces.
• Cleaning – Our SERVPRO technicians also make certain that the impacted area is thoroughly cleaned. We use various cleaning methods, including dry cleaning and cleaning with a spray and a wipe. Our restorers can also apply sterilant, a sanitizer that kills bacteria, fungal spores, and other pathogens.
• Drying - Our team can use centrifugal air movers to accelerate evaporation by introducing airflow at the surface level. We also use dehumidifiers to eliminate moisture from affected structures and contents.

Our SERVPRO technicians can also conduct any necessary repairs. This may include patching damaged drywall, painting, and replacing baseboards. Before we leave, we always double-check that our customer's property is in a better condition than it was before we arrived.

A water leak in your home might destroy your home’s items and jeopardize the structural integrity of affected building materials. Call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley for prompt, skilled restoration at (661) 296-4600. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Santa Clarita Wall and Ceiling Leaks Bring the Need for Water Damage Repair

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

Don't wait until the water damage caused by a leak is like this Photo--Call SERVPRO to rescue your Santa Clarita home

SERVPRO tackles restoration and water damage repair – Call us to your Santa Clarita property!

A leak within your plumbing or your roof might go on for quite some time before the signs of damage become apparent. When you need help with ceiling repairs from water damages, SERVPRO has the manpower and methods to get it done faster than any DIY project ever could accomplish.

When you have a water leak, it brings the need for professional water damage repair in Santa Clarita. These are some of the many reasons to enlist our help at SERVPRO for ceiling leaks, burst pipes, and emergency services water damage assistance:

• Water leaks in the home introduce moisture, which can bring on mold, mildew, and costly secondary damage
• Water leaks, even a slow drip, mean that your plaster or drywall can become saturated
• Water leaks bring contaminants that will permeate porous building materials

We have all the moisture detection tools needed to find hidden leaks and repair the damage before getting any worse. Controlled demolition may be performed to restore your interior to pre-water leak condition fully. Everything gets deodorized and sanitized to inhibit the onset of foul, musty odors.

Ceiling leaks and water damage repair when you need it – call us at SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley when you need an emergency response at (661) 296-4600. “Like it never even happened.”

How Can SERVPRO Help Valencia Residents in Flood Damage Restoration of Their Homes?

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO boasts an extensive inventory of advanced equipment to mitigate flood damaging events in Valencia area homes

SERVPRO Keeps Valencia Homeowners Safe After Flood Damage

Clean up after flood damage in your Valencia home can be a challenging task, and you should not attempt to undertake it on your own. There are many hidden dangers of a flood incidence that professionals are trained to tackle. SERVPRO's team of experts can help you mitigate the damage and restore your home to a preloss condition whenever possible.

Flood damage in your Valencia home can have some unexpected complications, including-

• Risk of fire due to water damage to electric appliances causing a short circuit
• Possibility of secondary structural and mold damage due to contaminated water

SERVPRO professionals understand these hazards and plan the water damage restoration process accordingly. The flood restoration process is complex and involves many steps, including-

• Water extraction
• Controlled demolition to accelerate drying and remove damaged material (if needed)
• Removal of residual moisture
• Cleaning the structure and contents
• Decontamination
• Deodorization

How do SERVPRO Techs Control the Humidity During Flood Restoration of Your Valencia Home?

SERVPRO techs establish a controlled environment at your Valencia home to speed up the drying process and prevent secondary damage. Our technicians use two types of dehumidifiers in the process-

• Refrigerant Dehumidifiers- Work like an air conditioner. Moist air is cooled below the dew point, and the condensed water is collected and removed. Such dehumidifiers can be used over a limited temperature range during the water cleanup process.
• Desiccant Dehumidifiers- Use chemicals called desiccants that absorb moisture from moist air readily. Desiccant dehumidifiers can decrease the humidity ratio much lower than refrigerants during water damage remediation.

Call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600 for 24/7 assistance.

Removing Water and Debris from Flooded Santa Clarita Homes

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians extract floodwaters, discard ruined materials, and build back and disinfect your Santa Clarita home "Like it never even happened."

Flash floods can threaten Santa Clarita properties fast and be challenging to clean up.

While there are many months of mostly drier conditions for what is one of the larger cities in the world, millions of residents have also seen the ugly side of nature when rising water or flash flooding sweep into neighborhoods. As a leading flood restoration and storm response unit, our SERVPRO professionals can help get life back to normal after a disaster.

Removing Water After Flooding

Extraction tools are often much needed for flood damage to Santa Clarita properties. Some of these water removal devices can be dually impactful, eliminating the surface water and debris or muck encountered. These are called trash pumps. Wet vacuums are among the most versatile flood restoration tools in our inventory.

Muck-Out Cleaning in Santa Clarita Homes

Entering a home after natural flooding can be overwhelming for property owners, as they see portions of the house suffering several inches of debris and mud. Wet vacuums are often the critical piece of cleaning equipment here, along with shoveling or hand-picking out debris and ruined contents to bag and discard. Many of the threats after a flood includes:

• Silt
• Mud
• Organic matter
• Contaminants
• Sewage
• Chemicals

SERVPRO’s trained technicians don PPE personal protective equipment which may include respirators, masks, rubber boots, gloves, and Tyvek bodysuits. We protect ourselves and aim to prevent pathogens from affecting our customers.

Flooding is an unexpected and devastating situation for many homes, condos, and apartments around the city. Our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team is ready to mobilize quickly when you need it at (661) 296-4600. 

What Type of Fire Restoration Services Does SERVPRO Offer in Valencia?

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can gently wash soot-damaged beer mugs or expensive porcelain dolls. We restore your fire damaged Valencia home.

SERVPRO Provides One-Stop Fire Damage Mitigation in Valencia – No Need for Hiring Different Contractors

If you live in Valencia and need fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO has trained technicians to handle cleaning, repair, and restoration.

Can My Home be Restored?

Fires leave devastation in their path. If it happens to you, you need a fire restoration company in Valencia that has a crew that can handle as much of the damage as possible. We have trained technicians that work to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.” Often people believe the contents of the home are totally lost; some are priceless possessions that are not replaceable. We understand the value our customers place on heirlooms and keepsakes. In fact, many items can be restored when a professional restoration company gets involved.

Services We Provide

Everyone’s situation is different, but here are a few main categories that SERVPRO work typically entails. These include:

• Mitigation Services – Immediate fire mitigation secures the structure and prevents secondary damage from occurring. This process includes things such as water extraction, winterizing, or providing a temporary source of electricity. It can also include deodorizing if the fire odor is overwhelming.
• Structural Cleaning – This focuses on removing smoke residue from structural components and deodorizing. Assessments determine what gets cleaned and what needs replacing.
• Contents Cleaning – The contents require cleaning from smoke residue. This part can occur on-site, or a pack-out happens if the building is not secure enough or too damaged.
• Specialty Restoration - The fire restoration crew may subcontract specialty restoration of electronics, furniture refinishing, dry cleaning, and artwork cleaning.

A fire can strike any time of the day or night. SERVPRO is there for you whenever a catastrophe happens. Our Green Team has years of experience, giving people back their homes and their lives. We work around the clock, including holidays. We hope you never require our fire restoration services, but if you do - We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Contact SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600 for more information on the services we offer.

We Can Restore Your Fire Damaged Bedroom in Santa Clarita

12/11/2021 (Permalink)

From Bedrooms to Living rooms--You can count on SERVPRO for superior fire damage cleanup and restoration to your Santa Clarita property

SERVPRO Tackles Fire Damage in Your Santa Clarita Home

Fire damage can happen anywhere in the home for a multitude of reasons. While fires in the bedroom are less common than kitchen fires, they still happen due to lightning strikes, electronic device malfunctions, and unwatched candles. We use a multitude of treatments and approaches to handle the unique challenges posed by the furniture and belongings that may sustain fire damage in the bedroom of your home.

Mattresses

Restoring mattresses after fire damage in a Santa Clarita home may be harder than you would think. Due to the presence of both fabrics and metals in most mattresses, many of our standard cleaning techniques cannot be applied. Some mattresses may be composed of sensitive foam materials or contain electronic components. SERVPRO technicians are FSRT certified by the IICRC and approach each situation according to the demands of the material to avoid causing further damage.

We usually clean standard mattresses with some thorough wet scrubbing with one of our more high-powered cleaning agents. These cleaning techniques restore the function of the mattress and eliminate smoke odors, but we may not be able to restore its original appearance. More delicate materials, including memory foam, must often receive care via dry cleaning techniques that use waterless foam cleaning agents.

Dressers and Cabinets

Restoring wood furniture in the bedroom can be a process of varying difficulty, depending on the type of wood and any finishes applied to it. Typically, we first remove any drawers and dividers to clean them separately before hand-washing the interior and exterior of the dresser through water-based or waterless cleaning techniques as needed. Finally, we make sure that all components of the furniture are separated and exposed when we apply deodorizing treatments, ensuring that no smoke odors remain inside.

Upholstery

Our approach to restoring upholstery depends on the severity of the damage. Most situations allow us to vacuum up fire residues and absorb any remaining material with waterless solvents. More severe damages, such as when wet smoke coats your furniture, may require the use of high-power cleaning solutions to restore.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is a local expert provider of fire damage mitigation and restoration services. Contact us at (661) 296-4600 as soon after a fire to help us prevent as much damage as possible.

What Can I Do if My Ceiling Leaks in My Office in Santa Clarita?

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO mitigates water damage in homes and commercial properties in Santa Clarita with temporary tarps and rapid water extraction

SERVPRO Can Conduct Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages in your Santa Clarita Office

Any time something happens at your place of business, it can be devastating. For example, when disasters occur in your office, it can become a difficult situation if your staff cannot conduct business as normal. In some cases, a company could lose revenue if its office cannot function due to property damage.

Therefore, whenever our SERVPRO technicians work on commercial flood damage restoration in Santa Clarita, we conduct our work processes in a way that keeps your business functioning. One way we can do this is to complete the restoration and remediation work outside of your business hours. In some situations, it is cheaper for your insurance company to pay for after-hour work than to compensate your company for lost revenue. In other cases, we can conduct the work on your office in section so that your office staff can keep working without being interrupted.

For instance, if a storm comes into the area overnight, there is a chance that the wind brought by the storm could create a hole in your roof. Shingles could get blown off, or an object could smash into your building and make a hole. If you go to work in the morning and find that your office's ceiling is leaking, our SERVPRO crew can help you with the following services:

• Repair a Leaking Roof from Storms
• Flood Restoration
• Emergency Services for Water Damages
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Water Removal Services
• Water Clean Up
• Attic Mold Remediation

If water is leaking from your ceiling, the first thing we can do is temporarily seal the leak. We have the capacity to place blue tarps over exposed roof damage to prevent the intrusion of rainwater and vermin. Once moisture stops leaking into your office, we can then take steps to return your building to its preloss state.

If you ever arrive at your office and notice a ceiling leak, call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600.

After Fire Damage in Your Santa Clarita Business, Call Our Expert SERVPRO Crew for Help!

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Plan ahead with SERVPRO's ERP Emergency READY Profile to protect your Santa Clarita commercial investment

Prepare for Potential Fire Damage in Santa Clarita

No investor or owner wants to contemplate the devastation a fire can cause in a business. However, taking a few hours to consider how an accidental blaze could destroy your life’s work is time well spent. We encourage you to let us guide the development of your preparedness plan.

Fire damage to your Santa Clarita property is not the end of your dreams. Unfortunately, nearly 50 percent of businesses forced to close while recovering from a disaster find themselves permanently shuttered. In a competitive economy, failing to meet the needs of current or potential customers for even a brief period can cause them to seek another source of services or products. A fast turnaround after fire damage can prevent customer decline.

Emergency Ready Plan and Profile

SERVPRO offers our Emergency READY Plan and Profile (ERP) as an alternative to hoping the worst never happens. An experienced Project Manager assesses the layout, equipment, storage and discusses your day-to-day operations. We distill what we learn into a digital document, accessible from any mobile device. You further personalize your ERP when you complete your Profile, giving us information about the vendors and contractors you used to build your business. Designate trusted employees or family members to act on your behalf if fire damage occurs when you are unavailable. We work with your fire insurance carrier to maintain the budget and timeline to completion.

As we help fine-tune your fire damage readiness plan, expect our seasoned SERVPRO managers to make practical suggestions that might prevent fire or other disasters and minimize permanent damage to your brand if a fire does break out. Revisiting decisions about maintaining inventory, storing records, and positioning equipment can limit your exposure if fire damage occurs. A discussion about the first steps you and your employees can take if a fire damages your property allows us to partner more effectively with you and your team.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley commits to being a proactive part of our robust communities of businesses. Contact us at (661) 296-4600 to arrange for the development of an Emergency READY Plan, a wise investment in the future of your business.

Trust Local Mold Remediation Experts in Valencia!

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can remove nonsalvageable building materials, hang new drywall, spray an antimicrobial agent and our Valencia customer has a smile

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley Can Remediate the Mold Damage in Your Valencia Home!

Discovering mold inside of your home can be a nightmarish situation for any homeowner. Imagine a scenario where a water leak happened in your upstairs bathroom. You thought you had managed to clean up all the water, only to learn the excess moisture between your walls caused microbial growth. That kind of happenstance would cause a headache for any person.

Finding local Valencia mold remediation services for your home could not be easier. Here at SERVPRO, we're dedicated to helping you restore the damage inside of your residence as soon as possible. From the moment we receive your call, our expert technicians focus on swiftly arriving at your home and promptly beginning the restoration process. We do this by:

• Skilled AMRT certified technicians
• Using vehicles with pre-packed advanced technology
• Being prepared to respond at any time of day or night

Here at SERVPRO, we use advanced technology to deal with microbial growth. Depending on where the damage is in your residence, we can use a variety of equipment for remediation. Biocides, air scrubbers, and protective plastic barriers can all be used to contain, remove, and reduce the likelihood of regrowth when it comes to these unwanted fungi. We want to prevent the spread of active mold spores, and to remove colonies from your home; sometimes, this means making flood cuts or removing other sections of damage and then disposing of them. We want to help return your home to normal, so you can get back to your life as it is. This means removing all traces of mold, though some always remain.

If you discover mold damage on your property, do not wait! Speak with SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley by dialing (661) 296-4600. We're available any time!

The Importance of Expert Fire Restoration in Santa Clarita

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO techs have the training and experience for every phase of fire damage restoration for your home. Call now!

Professional Fire Restoration in Santa Clarita from a Company Like SERVPRO Ensures Better Outcomes

Fires are unexpected events that can lead to significant damage to your home and personal belongings. The damage may cost several thousand dollars. Performing fire remediation within the first few hours after a fire is crucial to reducing the damage to your property. SERVPRO can assist you in repairing your home and bringing things back to normal.

We offer useful fire restoration services in Santa Clarita. We can dispatch our team within a few hours of your call. Our SERVPRO Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT) offer fast and comprehensive inspections of ruined building materials. We communicate clearly so you can comprehend what to expect from the fire restoration process, which can include:

• Boarding up your home if the fire caused any holes.
• Water removal
• Smoke residue cleanup
• Deodorization

Boarding Up Your Home

Board-ups secure a building by sealing the openings resulting from fire damage. We can board up openings using durable and sturdy materials to protect your home against instruction by outsiders or weather. The covering materials that our SERVPRO team uses include roofing tarpaulins, exterior grade plywood, roll insulation, and rolls of polyethylene sheeting.

Water Removal

Apart from a fire’s destruction, there can be water damage in your home resulting from firefighting efforts. In that case, we can provide water restoration services. We can use pumps or wet/dry vacuums to remove water and air moving and dehumidifying equipment to dry the affected building materials and personal possessions.

Smoke and Soot Removal

Smoke and soot can reach anywhere, including within ductwork and inside walls that appear unharmed. Soot can cause staining in porous materials if you do not remove it quickly using specialized cleaning techniques and solutions. We can vacuum dry smoke residues from surfaces before we use wet cleaning products.

Deodorization

Our SERVPRO restorers can use specialized equipment like thermal foggers and products like odor-counteracting gels to remove the fire odors.

For proper fire restoration, call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Damage Santa Clarita – Minimizing Damage by Calling SERVPRO

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's expert WRT water damage technicians can deploy advanced systems for drying homes in Santa Clarita without replacing assemblies

Mitigate water damage with an immediate call to SERVPRO for removal and drying

Long exposure of furniture and flooring to water and moisture increases the potential for damage. Not only does it take longer to dry everything, but some of your contents and structural elements such as hardwood flooring and drywall could also be permanently damaged. Homeowners should immediately take steps to minimize the damage by mopping up as much water as possible and calling us for help.

SERVPRO provides water damage services in Santa Clarita and surrounding areas. Our team has been offering remediation and drying services in our service area for many years. We have seen firsthand how time matters and why it is so important to remove water and moisture as soon as possible after the initial leak. We are available to help 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We also are on-site usually in less than 4 hours, because we know how important it is to remove the water before it causes long-term damage.

Homeowners Can Minimize the Damage

One of the first actions to take is to turn off the source of the water. If necessary, turn off the main water intake valve to your home to stop water leaking from plumbing inside walls. Call SERVPRO for help. We can arrive quickly and begin work to control and minimize damage from the water leak. Make sure it is safe from slips and falls as well as electrical hazards. Begin mopping up as much water as you can. If water is leaking in the bathroom, build a water dam using towels to prevent the water from spreading over to adjacent rooms.

Water on tile floors can usually be cleaned up very quickly. If the water leak is inside a wall, we may have to open the wall to expose the leak and dry the area. We can rig injecti-dry systems to clean under base cabinets to eliminate demolition and removal.

Sometimes water has already spread to adjacent rooms, into carpeting, or onto hardwood floors. We use weighted extractors to remove water from carpeting and underpadding. Drying mats are used to remove water from the hardwood floor, especially if it has penetrated between the boards. Failure to dry hardwood floors properly can cause cracking, cupping, or crowning of the wood. We can avoid most of these issues by arriving at your home quickly to help remove water and dry your home. We work hard to mitigate water damage.

Call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Gleneagle, Palmer Lake, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What’s the Proper Way to Handle Commercial Flood Damage in Santa Clarita?

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the size of flood damage to your commercial building, SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for every situation.

Hiring SERVPRO Restorers is a Great Way to Deal With Commercial Flood Damage in Santa Clarita

When flooding takes place, it is not uncommon for businesses in the path of the floods to be affected. Business owners can feel the ripple effects from interruption of operations after incurring flood damage for a long time. The loss incurred depends on the kind of business involved. For instance, a car dealership hit by flooding can see a huge percentage of its cars ruined, leaving them in an unsellable condition or having to be scrapped as salvage titles.

The more common effects of commercial flood damage in a Santa Clarita car dealership include the loss of valuable documents and stored data in water-damaged computers. After such an incident, you may have to shut doors as the repairs occur, meaning several days of lost revenue. At SERVPRO, we are ready to help you soon after receiving your call. Our technicians can reduce interruptions to your business. We can help you to perform a wide range of commercial flood damage repairs and other relevant services such as:

• Floodwater removal
• Removal and disposal of unsalvageable items
• Dry out
• Disinfection and deodorization
• Reconstruction

Floodwater causes more destruction the longer it remains in affected areas. Our SERVPRO water restoration technicians (WRT) can use portable pumps to remove the floodwaters quickly. Most of the pumps used in the restoration industry are centrifugal pumps. These pumps convert rational energy from motors into energy to move fluids. Examples include high-pressure pumps, self-priming trash pumps, and electric submersible pumps.

We also remove and discard items that are too damaged to restore. This may include furniture, drywall, and inventory. Our SERVPRO team also uses EPA-registered broad-spectrum disinfectants to control microbial growth. We apply them to all contaminated surfaces and materials.

Our SERVPRO team also takes time to dry affected surfaces using air moving and dehumidifying equipment. We monitor the drying process to ensure that we meet drying goals.

Call SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600 for help if a flood has affected your business premises. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Are Efficient Soot Removal Practices for Santa Clarita Hotels?

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO works hard to restore a fire damaged motel in Santa Clarita. We want to keep your rooms filled with customers

Soot and smoke residues present a hazardous situation for Santa Clarita businesses.

When your hotel suffers fire damage, prompt action is necessary. Soot and smoke residues and particles present an overwhelming threat to occupants, making these conditions a priority for our SERVPRO responders.

Clearing Contaminants and Particles from the Air

Air filtration and improving indoor air quality are severe concerns for responding technicians beginning fire damage restoration for Santa Clarita hotels. Guests or staff exposed to harsh conditions after a fire can be threatened by circulating soot and smoke particles. Placing HEPA air filtration equipment can trap microscopic particles to make the environment safer for fire restoration work beginning.

Removing or Lessening Soot Concentrations on Surfaces

Soot is an egregious presence in area homes and businesses, so it could impact multiple units simultaneously when it exists in large accommodation structures. Our SERVPRO team has several soot removal strategies ranging from chem sponges and surface cleaning to controlled demolition.

Controlled Demolition When Necessary

While our responding technicians' objective is to restore the above replacement, having the option within our roster is beneficial to property owners looking for efficient solutions after a fire. Many structure fire incidents require some degree of construction to return to their original condition, including:

• Repairs
• Reconstruction
• Build-Back
• Content Relocation
• Debris Removal

Despite the severity of fire damage incidents for area hotels and accommodations, we are a fast-responding restoration team to get mitigation started. Our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley professionals can help when you call (661) 296-4600.

The Products and Equipment Ideal for Smoke Odor Removal in Santa Clarita Homes

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Don't Let Smelly House Fires in Santa Clarita Disrupt Your Family and Property--Call SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened."

We have a vast inventory of tools and products to overcome fire loss effects in Santa Clarita properties.

While a considerable amount of time and effort gets expressed on the pressing concerns of fire losses like structural damage, soot deposits, and airborne contaminants, having suitable solutions for threats like smoke odors is also important. There are multiple phases to the deodorization process in smoke-damaged homes.

Lessening the Impact of Smoke Malodors

The first step that our experienced professionals take towards clearing odors from fire damage in Santa Clarita homes is to reduce the severity of these effects. Specific actions taken throughout the restoration process can ultimately aid in reducing the harshness and concentrations of post-fire odor damage. Some of these approaches include:

• Debris Removal
• Air Filtration
• Thermal/ULV Fogging

Counteractant Products Strategically Placed

We have multiple products that aim to grab odor compounds from the environment and reduce the severity of post-fire smells. Counteracting beads and granules are among these products, and groups of these items get placed at airflow pathways to trap migrating odors before they overwhelm new areas of the house. Granules can be placed in the HVAC system or at strategic structural openings.

Deodorization Tools in Our Inventory

In addition to the wealth of products available for our experienced fire restoration team, we also have trusted deodorization and environmental cleaning equipment. Ozone machines might provide the most direct deodorization, but this is often overshadowed by the multi-purpose and versatile hydroxyl generator that can also work to filter out airborne particles and contaminants while chemically altering malodorous compounds.

Finishing Products

When wall surfaces are to be repainted, it is customary first to apply odor-sealing primers to the surface to prevent the resurgence of trapped smoke smells later. Products like these trap smoke molecules behind an impenetrable barrier before the top coat of paint restore the attractive aesthetic you expect.

Smoke odors are a challenging situation, but our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team can help. Give us a call today at (661) 296-4600.

What Areas Are Most Prone to Mold Damage in Santa Clarita Properties?

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

"No Mold" is the remediation goal of SERVPRO for Santa Clarita homes and businesses

Knowing where to expect mold damage can help Santa Clarita homeowners prepare for this possibility

Mold is an underestimated threat for area homes. Many property owners do not expect to be a target, nor do they understand where these microorganisms are most readily found in properties.

The Threat of Mold in Moist Environments

Mold damage in Santa Clarita homes can be a considerable threat to the structure. With how widespread these conditions can become; many living space areas could be impacted within a brief period. There are multiple compromising characteristics of mold growth, including:

• Rapidly spreading
• Negative Health Effects
• Strong odor-producing
• Destructive

Attic Mold Damage

While mold can occur in many areas of a home or business, strong weather systems and aging roofs make for attic moisture concerns. Persistent dampness in an attic space facilitates mold growth that can spread fast to the main living spaces below.

Battling Mold in Crawlspaces

With homes experiencing recurring threats like flooding and groundwater threats, areas of houses like the crawlspace are often a centerpiece for mold activity. We work fast to overcome moist conditions and standing water. Another option for protection moving forward is crawlspace encapsulation to redirect water away from the structure and inhibit direct moisture and mold damages.

Mold Development in the Bathroom

Humid conditions can often persist in areas like the bathroom when poor ventilation is a concern. When mold exists in these areas, drywall, pressed wood, and other organic structural elements can become host to active colonies. We quickly assess the severity of the situation to remove organisms.

No matter where mold develops in your home or business, it must be dealt with as soon as possible. Organisms can be destructive to hosting materials, making it critical for effective remediation to get started fast. The IICRC certified AMRT applied microbial remediation technicians on our crews are the answer. Our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team has experience and training with quick mold removal actions. Give us a call today at (661) 296-4600.

The Importance of Humidity Control After Water Damage in Santa Clarita Homes

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO restores comfortable humidity levels in Santa Clarita homes during water damage cleanup and restoration services

Certain conditions greatly impact the efficiency and efficacy of structural drying in Santa Clarita Properties

Water damage varies considerably from one home to another. As leading restoration experts throughout the Santa Clarita Valley and its hundreds of thousands of residents, we know the value of completing these restoration jobs as fast as possible. Efficient recovery means balancing principles like temperature and humidity in the house.

The Impact of Humidity on the House

The restoration of water damage in Santa Clarita homes can either be aided or harmed by the present humidity. Environmental conditions like these can slow the progress of evaporative drying tools like air movers with a dense and formidable moist atmosphere. Excessive moisture in a drying scenario can be responsible for:

• Moisture migration
• Secondary damage
• Microbial amplification

Monitoring Atmospheric Conditions

Knowing these environmental factors plays a role in the complete restoration and drying services our SERVPRO team can provide. We have discovery tools and detection equipment to take initial humidity readings of the house and continually check to monitor the progress of desiccant and low grain refrigerant dehumidifiers. Some of the monitoring tools include:

• Surface Moisture Meters
• Moisture Content Devices
• Hygrometers

Eliminating and Regulating the Humidity Ratio

The objective of our team before air movers for drying can be placed is to provide humidity control by maintaining negative pressure. An air filtration device can help in this process, set up to exhaust out of a window or other available opening provided the exterior conditions are relatively dry and warm. Dehumidifiers also play a key role in balancing the humidity ratio. We understand RH relative humidity and how its control can stabilize the ambient environment.

Water extraction followed by drying and restoration of standard moisture content in building elements, assemblies, and contents is key to water damage mitigation.

Whether it is demolishing unsalvageable materials or regulating drying principles like humidity and temperature, our SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley team understands the changing needs of your home after a water damage incident. We work quickly to protect your property and its contents when you call (661) 296-4600.

How to Inspect Your Home After a Storm

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Lightning behind a house.

When a storm hits your house, many bad things can happen. Nature is unpredictable and often out of our control. Because it has such destructive capabilities, once it passes, the first thing you need to do is check for any damage. Here is an extensive list that will provide information on how to inspect your home after a storm. Do not postpone the process, or you might end up regretting it later.

Do an exterior visual inspection

One of the indicators that there might be some storm damage on your house is finding debris on the roof. Even if you only see a couple of smaller branches, it is crucial to note it. There might be a larger branch that you cannot see.

Furthermore, check if there are any missing shingles from the roof. If you notice that the sun rays bounce off the roof in an unusual way, that means some shingles might be broken. The same applies to your chimney, soffits, fascias, and gutters.

Another vital part of the exterior inspection is to check for large watermarks on the exterior walls. Heavy rain can cause cracks in walls, and damp spots are an indicator of that. With that in mind, also look for holes or dents in exterior walls. Even the slightest damage can quickly escalate if you don't focus your attention on it.

If you find traces of the storm on the outside of your home, it is crucial to call the Santa Clarita Storm Damage Restoration team.

Check the interior and inside walls for water damage

If the exterior water isolation did not do its job, you will see damp spots on the interior walls. Water damage restoration is necessary. You don't want to risk a minor issue becoming a flood that will completely destroy the interior of your home.

Continue to check your walls, both inside and outside of your home. Do a quick inspection for the next couple of days, and see if the damp spots are disappearing or not.

Do not forget to check any cracks or crawl spaces for signs of water damage. Whether in the basement, attic, or rooms, everything needs to be thoroughly inspected.

Inspect windows and doors

Even if you don't see any windows broken, you need to look for subtle issues. Small cracks or loose panes are a sign that your windows need to be repaired. If you have double-glass windows, check for the water inside the glass. That could indicate a small crack that you did not see during the first inspection.

If the storm was intense, doors could also have loose hinges. Check for squeaking or potential problems when opening and closing doors. Also, look for signs of water damage. Wood can quickly deteriorate and rot when wet.

What to do if the interior is damaged

When a heavy storm hits, it often breaks the windows and causes interior damage. Depending on the size of the damage and the number of destroyed belongings, you might need to renovate the entire place.

If that happens, you might want to consider hiring movers to move any furniture not affected by the storm. Look for Santa Clarita experts from the neighborhood and ask them what the best option is. Movers often have storage units at their disposal. Consider renting a unit to store anything still in one piece. You can return it once the repairs are completed.

Inspect the backyard and front yard

Strong winds often cause problems with electric cables around your house. Check the pylons for tilting, and make sure there are no damaged cables. If there is a tree close to the wires, make sure nothing is stuck in the branches. If you find issues with the wires, call a professional to solve the problem.

Another reason to check the trees is to make sure there are no branches close to falling off. Make sure you are not standing directly below the tree when performing this inspection.

Also, check the fence around the house. If there are any broken boards, put that on the list of necessary fixes. In case you have an iron fence, chances are, everything will be in place.

How to prepare your home for an incoming storm

If you have a bad experience with storms, it is crucial to learn how to prepare for them.

• When it comes to the exterior, trim the trees and remove any branches that could cause problems.
• Lock the fence, so the door does not open. Also, check if there are any boards in the fence that need to be screwed in tighter.
• Take a wide tape and place an X on all large windows. It might be a bit more challenging to clean it after. However, in case any of the windows break, the tape will hold the glass in place.
• Bring any of the outdoor furniture inside, and place it in the middle of the room. You can do the same with the inside furnishings; just move them away from the windows. Anything that can be easily affected and moved by the wind should be placed inside.
• Another valuable piece of advice is to clean gutters regularly. In case of a downpour, anything stuck inside the gutters can cause a problem.
• Close all windows and doors, and lock the doors if necessary. If you know that some of the doors inside are not latching properly, make sure they don't open due to wind in case a window breaks.
• Place any valuable items in a box and move them to the most secure place inside the house. Whether the basement or a closet, it is best to keep the valuables there until the storm passes.

Inspect your home after a storm and solve the problems as soon as possible

Hopefully, this guide will help you create a checklist necessary to inspect your home after a storm. Take the entire procedure seriously, and take your time. Check all the corners of your home to make sure there is no damage you didn't notice. Finally, the best piece of advice is to immediately call experts to deal with storm damage.

Meta description: Here is how to inspect your home after a storm. Follow the procedure and don't skip any of the steps. If you do, it can quickly backfire!

Identifying the Impact of Wind Damage on Your Home | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

The damage to this home came from a recent wind storm.

Many concerns come with severe storms. One of these concerns is the threat of damaging winds, which can come with no advanced warning and can cause long-term structural impacts.

An Intro to Damaging Winds

When thinking of damaging winds (winds with speeds exceeding 50–60 mph), we think of tornadoes and hurricanes, but those are not the only times when they may come into play.

You will commonly hear damaging winds referred to as “straight-line” winds, which can accompany severe thunderstorms, and cause different damage than tornado wind damage.

The damage from these winds can be especially destructive, as they too can cause objects to become projectiles. Windows and the roof often take the brunt of this damage, and if it’s extensive, it can cause water damage to the inside of the home as the outside elements come indoors.

Anyone who lives in a thunderstorm-prone area may be at risk from damaging winds. Some structures such as mobile homes, even anchored, could be seriously damaged with wind gusts over 80 mph.

Ways to Protect Your Home From Damaging Winds

There are several ways you can protect your property from damaging winds but keep the “Two R’s” in mind: reinforce and remove. Here are some suggestions:

• Have a professional reinforce your garage door.

• Remove and/or anchor loose objects on your property that could be moved or tossed by the wind.

• Have a professional remove large or dying trees and branches that could fall on your home.

As stated earlier, not all high wind circumstances come with advanced warning, but some of these action items can prepare you for the off chance your home becomes a victim of damaging winds.

Also, if you are building or renovating a home, be sure the windows, walls, and doors meet the building code requirements for your area.

If your home is ever hit by damaging winds and resulting water damage, the highly-trained specialists at SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley are here to help with the cleanup and restoration of your home.

Commercial Cleaning Capabilities

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Businesses and communities across the nation enjoy consistency but can be disrupted by disasters. This is where SERVPRO is Here to Help®.

One of the great benefits of choosing SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley over our competitors is our decades of experience and technical skills we have honed since 1967. Additionally, because of our massive franchise system we have over 1700 locations nationwide. This gives us a huge ability to deal with commercial losses in a scalable fashion.

In years past and currently, SERVPRO’s across the nation team up together to assist communities and businesses when they need it most. Recent examples of this include the recent storm recovery initiatives we have begun to help with Hurricane Sally, Laura, and Delta as of late. We also specialize in cleaning schools and large-scale businesses when smoke or fire damage impacts a company’s ability to operate. Our ability to scale is almost limitless due to the teamwork mentality and corporate desire to help those in need. Even when a franchise is unable to fully assist with a cleaning or restoration job, employees have the ability to sign up for programs and fly out to assist during disaster recovery situations.

If you have any commercial cleaning needs do not hesitate and give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

Recent Wildfires in California

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

As of recent, there have been a great deal of wildfires throughout the state of California. The exact cause is under question but no doubt recent heatwaves, global warming, and poor care for national forests is likely to blame. A large developing fire has been the Bobcat Fire in Southern California. Nearly 13 of the 18 national forests in California have been closed down.

The fire began on September 6, 2020. It has approximately engulfed 115,000 acres. It is currently unknown what he exact cause of the inferno was. There is some good news, however. The fire is about 75% contained as of writing this article. Despite this, there are still many fires raging across the state. God bless the first responders and firefighters who are bravely responding to the call to action. The greatest concern here is not inherently the damage to structures or communities but rather the harm posed to people involved. Here are some helpful tools to keep informed.

1. Road Closures: click here
2. Fire startups and active map: click here
3. Preparation for evacuation guide: click here

If you or anyone you know has been affected by the recent fires in California give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita a call today at (661) 296-4600.

SERVPRO and the Ability to Adapt

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Each restoration situation is unique and SERVPRO understands this better than anyone.

One of the most important elements to a successful business is the ability to adapt and change based on the situation or needs of a customer. Without this trait a business is destined to struggle and ultimately fail. Nevertheless, structure and an organized workflow are essential. At face value these two elements may seem like they are contradictory but in reality, they are complimentary. When a business can be both adaptable and take advantage of organization and streamlined teamwork, they are unstoppable.

How SERVPRO is Both Adaptable and Organized

Every job at SERVPRO is like a snowflake. They are each unique in their challenges and special requirements. However, our team is prepared for these scenarios through our excellent training and IICRC certified training. Additionally, the expertise of our crews in the knowledge of how to deal with certain restoration requirements. Through the use of both our skills and experience SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita is prepared to help you work through whatever scenario you are in. We have decades of experience in the fields of fire, water, mold, biological, commercial, and residential restoration needs.

Give us a call today at (661) 296-4600.

Commercial Cleaning Services for Businesses

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Offices have a great risk for contamination and the spread of illness due to their condensed and high traffic nature. Stay at home if you are sick.

Businesses across the nation are beginning to open and are truly seeing the impact that the past few months have had on their employees mentally, physically, and spiritually. Management across the board is struggling to motivate and keep their employees calm during times of unrest and uneasiness. A key thing that businesses can do to ensure a level of trust and comfort within the workplace is to schedule regular cleaning and sanitization visits to their office space. This gives employees and those at higher risk a sense of comfort and shows that upper management doesn’t just care about numbers and hard statistics but rather the safety and care of their employees.

SERVPRO®of Santa Clarita Valley provides routine cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection services to businesses around the region. We have the technical skills as well as the proper cleaning procedures, tools, and compounds needed to ensure your safety and the cleanliness of the office.

If you have any cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting needs give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

How SERVPRO Can Help Mitigate Storm Damage

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Recent Hurricanes have caused Billions of dollars in damage.

SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley is prepared to help you deal with the unfortunate and seemingly random destruction violent storms can present. A recent example of this is the cumulative teamwork of SERVPRO with several recent hurricanes. Our teams were able to pull from the various talent across the United States and work together to bring the most effective and efficient relief to those in need. 

Our teams were able to work together and provide immediate care to those in need during the recent hurricanes Sally and Laura. Even during times such as these SERVPRO is committed to helping those when all else seems bleak. Our passion and greatest joy is to make it “Like it never even happened,” for our clients.

If you or anyone you know has experienced damage due to severe storms give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600 today.

How to Evacuate Safely in Wildfires

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Having a solid plan is one of the best preparations for evacuation.

During the rapid spread and growth of random wildfires throughout the state of California, it is essential to have an evacuation plan in place. It is already a stressful enough situation and having a game plan can help you maintain a peace of mind and focus on the task at hand. Here are some tips to help you in the unfortunate scenario there is a wildfire. 

1. Ensure You Are Prepared

While not every scenario allows for adequate preparation, it is essential that you have some form of physical preparations. This would include bottled water, calorie dense non-perishable foods, flashlights, and some form of simple shelter from the elements. These preparations should be enough for you and your family for at minimum three days. They should be simple and lightweight. You should be able to throw them into a backpack or two and then a small tent or some other temporary shelter if you are displaced for an extended period of time. Keep your gas tank full on your vehicle as well and only use verified evacuation routes. Trying to use side roads or less traveled roads can be dangerous and could leave you stranded.

2. Communicate with Your Family

This may seem like a simple enough task or something which your mother used to tell you. However, it is paramount that your family and household know what the steps are to safely evacuate and how you can all work together to make this happen. Each person will have a different role. If everyone is aware of the plan you can help to keep everyone calm and you can essentially go into an autopilot mode.

3. Make a Checklist

A simple system to help ensure an effective evacuation plan is a checklist. When you have a list make sure it is short and simple. The goal is to ensure that you are able to evacuate safely and prepared. Ultimately the goal is to protect yourself and your loved ones. In the case that you do not feel fully prepared, but a fire is near you are better off leaving unprepared and unscathed.

4. Turn Off all External Pipes or Power Sources

This would include your water, gas, and electric lines. Generally, this can help prevent further damage to the home or safety hazards for fire fighters. If not done properly a wildfire fire could ignite a gas leak or rupture a line and cause a catastrophic explosion. Exposed electrical wires can also cause further damage to the building.

5. Stay Updated and Informed

The most important tool at your disposal during times like these is information. With the correct information you can avoid peril and hardship by days. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you take the warnings of your local authorities and news agencies to heart for your safety and those around you.

How To Handle an Overflowing Toilet

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

An overflowing toilet is not only frustrating and uncomfortable but can also pose a danger for your health and potential water damage.

No one is more uncomfortable or annoyed than when their toilet overflows. It’s just a shock inducing event. While sometimes a toilet can just have a simple clog there can be other signs of a worse issue which could lead to health issues or property damage. 

Don’t Flush Until the Problem is Identified

The first thing to do is to not flush your toilet until you know the problem. Excessive flushing without a proper diagnosis will only lead to further flooding or spread of contaminated water. If the toilet is continually flooding without any flushing turn off the water supply line. Most toilets have an exposed water line with a valve that must be turned to shut off the water supply. Just don’t forget to turn the water back on once the problem is identified and properly dealt with.

Try a Plunger

The simplest solution might be just using a plunger to dislodge the clog. Gently put the plunger into the toilet and firmly press it onto the drain portion and press back and forth. If it is a simple clog this will force water and air into the location and clear up any complications in the toilet. If the plunger solution does not work, there may be a more significant problem.

Use an Auger

If using a plunger does not work, you may want to try and use some form of auger or snaking mechanism. This works by reaching into the clogged material and pulling out anything which refuses to move. If a toy, metallic object or otherwise falls into the drain you may need to use an auger.

Call a Plumber

Worst case scenario if none of the above works you may need to call a plumber or sewage company. If you have a private septic tank you may have an overflow and need to have it drained. Otherwise you will want to call a plumber to see if there is something mechanically wrong with the toilet.

If you have any water damage or biohazard situation due to an overflowing toilet give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita a call at (661) 296-4600.

How to Prevent a Fire in the Home

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Knowledge of how to prevent or limit the damage of a fire and protect yourself and loved ones is paramount.

With all of the recent wildfires and widespread damage throughout much of California it is important to know how to prevent damage from spreading to your home or a spontaneous fire occurring.

 Clear the Home of Combustibles

One of the most straightforward things to do is to keep your home clear of unnecessarily combustible items. For example, one should not stack wood next to the home. This could catch fire or cause further damage if someone is grilling and a burning ember catches it ablaze. Furthermore, your home’s bushes, foliage, and trees should be kept trimmed and not allowed to directly touch the home.

Incorporate Flame-Retardant Building Materials

When building a home or moving into one ensure that there are enough fire-retardant safety catches built into the home. An inspector can help you to determine this if that is not your area of expertise. Flame retardant building materials can help slow the spread of a fire and prevent further fire damage until the fire can be contained and extinguished.

 Keep an Eye Out for Nearby Fires

Generally, a fire can be contained however if there is a nearby wildfire it is in the best interest of the homeowner to get out of dodge until the fire has been quelled. You can keep an eye on the local news but here is a great tool which gives you a better understanding and knowledge of the state fires. This is the most practical way to prevent fires at the home but also keep you and your loved ones safe.

 If you or any loved ones have been affected by wildfires give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley at (661) 296-4600.

Staying Healthy Despite the Smog

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Wildfires cause a great deal of property damage but also are a large contributor to the excessive smog levels.

As of late the smog has been getting quite excessive in Southern California. Many news outlets have highlighted the fact that the air quality is very unhealthy. Later this weekend we will be hitting air qualities in the range of 200-460. AQICN has information and active graphs on this data and considers these levels to be hazardous to health. Anything over 150 can be quite unhealthy for sensitive groups with respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis. Therefore, one should take some precautions during this time to ensure your health and safety until things can settle down. 

Lowering Your Carbon Footprint

One of the main contributing factors for the smog as of late is the raging wildfires across the state. These fires have destroyed well over 1.4 million acres in active fires this past few months. Thankfully most of the fires are under containment. However, you can also contribute to lower smog levels by not burning plastics, oil, or other noxious materials. Additionally, you can ensure that your cars are all smog checked and are not running inefficiently. This will also ensure you are getting the best MPG on your vehicle. Furthermore, when possible try to walk, bike, carpool, or use public transit to lower carbon footprint and help overall reduce smog. Additionally, when possible using electric tools compared to combustible variants can reduce air pollution and also save you money.

Buy an Air Filter

One simple way to help you breathe easier and ensure that your home is safe and healthy is to buy an air filter. Many home improvements stores and even grocery stores will sell cheap and functional HEPA air filters. HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate absorption. Some of these products can be marketed towards those with pets or animals but should be perfectly fine for cleaning and purifying the air in your home. One thing to keep in mind is the rated coverage of an air purifier. If a person has a large home and puts 1 single air purifier in their living room it will not be sufficient to purify the entire home’s air. 

Wear a Mask

While everyone is sick of wearing a mask, you should definitely use one during elevated times of poor air quality. Not just any mask will suffice though. You will likely want to get an N95 or higher mask as this will give you more than enough protection by not allowing anything larger than 0.3 microns through. If one has an air purifier in their home, it is not necessary to wear an N95 mask. The whole point of these tips is to help you breathe better after all. Only wear a mask outdoors when the air quality calls for it or when social distancing cannot be maintained.

 What Happens if you are having difficulty breathing?

If the air quality is truly getting to you assess whether it is truly an emergency. Generally, if there is any swelling in your throat or feel as though you cannot get enough air you should immediately call 911. However, if there is no immediate danger, consider visiting a medical professional and seeking advice on medication or other solutions for the difficulty in breathing. Another simple solution could be to take a vacation or short break to somewhere with better air quality. Consider visiting a family friend, family member, or just going for a fun vacation until the air quality returns to a safe level.

If you have been affected by the recent fire in Southern California give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

Handling the Heat Waves

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Adequately hydrating during heatwaves is key to avoiding any issues or health complications.

These past few weeks have been quite interesting and challenging for Southern California. Not only has there been several fires spread throughout the region but also resulting smoke and air pollution, along with prolonged heat waves reaching temperatures of up to 116*. This is clearly a public health concern and one should know how to protect themselves and their property.

The main priority here is to ensure that you are taking care of your personal health. Overall, the highest risk here is for dehydration, heat stroke, or respiratory issues. One should ensure they are not in direct sunlight for too long during the day. If you must be in the sun due to jobs or lack of adequate shade you should drink plenty of fluids and use 30 SPF sunscreen or higher to prevent too severe of burns. Those who are not from the area or more sensitive to heat should attempt to stay out of the sun until temperatures are closer to 90*. One should also keep in contact with family, friends, and avoid going anywhere they could become stranded during a heatwave.

 Besides personal health, these heatwaves can cause some property damage from the widespread fires and smoke damage. When there is excess smoke in the air you should try to not have any open windows or doors as this can allow smoke and ash to enter the home and cause a permeating smell. Keep an eye out on fire warnings as well. Cal Fire has a website and interactive map that you can visit here and use to keep an eye out for new or recurring flare ups.  

 If you happen to experience any fire damage or smoke damage do not hesitate to give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita a call at (661) 296-4600.

Commercial Property Damage Mitigation| SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen in the blink of an eye and do immeasurable damage to a business.

SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley has the resourcefulness, specialty tools, and skill required to help mitigate your commercial loss today.

During the past few months many businesses have had to close their doors or have experienced limited operating hours. Due to this there has been several cases of unmonitored flooding, fire, or other damage to the property. If this happens do not panic. SERVPRO is here to help. We have handled immeasurable cases where there have been large water losses in warehouses, office spaces, or business properties. The most important thing to keep in mind is that time is of the essence in scenarios such as these. Without the proper tools or skill, the situation can become exacerbated. Growth of mold, structural damage, or deterioration of surrounding materials.

If you or your business have suffered from commercial property damage give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

Making Advanced Preparations for Severe Storm Safety | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Person using a tablet for weather alerts. These are a great way to stay informed on the local and national forecast.

Thunderstorms and other severe weather events have been known to cause unprecedented damages in impacted areas. While some severe storms will pass by without incident, others will lead to wind, hail and lightning damage that can devastate an area.

For this reason, it is important to prepare ahead of time so you are never caught off guard due to a severe thunderstorm. Being aware of weather alert definitions, stocking and storing your emergency kit, and obtaining a reliable weather alert system for the home will give you peace of mind and make sure you are as safe as possible during a severe weather event.

Be Aware of Weather Alert Definitions

When local officials issue weather alerts, it is important to be aware of what they mean so you can know how to respond appropriately and stay safe. If a severe weather watch is issued for an area, that means that storms are possible but not currently happening, so standing by and staying tuned is advised. For severe weather warnings, however, a storm is currently happening or about to begin—this means to take cover and prepare to be impacted by the storm.

Stock and Store Your Emergency Kit

Having all the essentials in case of severe weather will help keep you and your family comfortable and safe while severe weather passes through. Having reliable light sources and backup batteries, shelf-stable food and fresh water is helpful for comfort, and a first-aid kit will come in handy in case an injury occurs. You should store this emergency kit in a temperature-controlled area where your family can hunker down and wait for the storm to pass, such as a basement bathroom or a hallway.

Obtain a Reliable Weather Alert System

While we typically rely on the internet and our cell phones for any pertinent updates regarding the weather, in the event of severe weather, this is not advised. Cell phones can become unreliable due to dead batteries and poor reception when electricity and cell signals are impacted by storms, so obtaining a backup method for weather alerts such as a non-electric weather radio will allow you to be certain you will stay informed.

If your home has been impacted by storm damage, we are here for you. You can contact us ²⁴⁄₇ to get a quick response to your home’s damages.

The Types of Water Damage Common Following Rainfall | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

In states like California, rain can be a little infrequent depending on the location. However, when it rains it usually pours.

There is never anything fun about dealing with water damage to your home, especially if it has snuck up on you. While floods bring their own sets of issues, we often see damage calls increase after heavy rain, as it can give rise to problems that people do not realize are a possibility.

Simply being aware can help you combat these common types of water damage, as you will know what to look for and can stop it before you start.

Where Water Damage Might Be Common After Heavy Rain

Backup of clogged gutters. Doing twice-annual gutter cleanings are a surprising way you can be proactive against preventing water damage. When debris is in the gutter, water may not be able to drain freely and can instead route its way into the vulnerable wood of your home.

Leaks around windows and doors. As a home ages, its defenses against weather can diminish—including the seals around windows and doors. When miniature cracks develop, rain can expertly work its way in and begin to soften the surrounding wood.

Poor drainage around the foundation. If a yard does not have adequate drainage, consider installing extra pipes or landscaping to route water away from the home. Puddles that sit against the foundation can eventually work their way in and do damage to the base of the home.

Leaks in and around the roof. Roof leaks can often be sneaky, often causing damage to an interior ceiling before they are noticed. Though this can be hard to catch, checking often for signs of wear and tear to the roof and shingles can help you determine if you may be at risk.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system. A sump pump is a wise thing to purchase for your home, as they can significantly reduce your chances of water damage. However, taking care of them is a necessity, as poor maintenance can lead to backups and bigger problems.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights. Do not forget to inspect the seals around these types of features when you take a look at your home’s roof. With time, they can begin to break down and create gaps where water can slip in after heavy rainfall.

If you’ve experienced water damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us ²⁴⁄₇ to have our trained technicians respond quickly and begin your restoration.

The Difference Between Sanitization and Disinfection

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Pathogens can cause sickness when people are exposed to them. The best way to prevent this is to either sanitize or disinfect.

In our current time many people are frantically searching for any way to stay safe and healthy. In some ways this is a good thing. However, stockpiling hand sanitizer is not necessarily the best thing to do, nor economical with inflation hitting many products such as N-95 masks, bulk sanitizer, and even toilet paper.

While the terms sanitization and disinfection are often used interchangeably there are some key differences to note. Sanitizing in general is going to be a less harsh or invasive cleaning which will target common areas such as countertops, doorknobs, and appliances. The goal with sanitization is merely to lower the germ count. However, in the case of disinfection there is a more comprehensive and overall cleaning which targets to kill almost 100% of the germs within a residence.

Based on this information one should know the difference between the two and decide on which is right for them. Both have their benefits. Sanitization is going to be cheaper and quicker whereas complete disinfection can be more costly and take more time. Depending on the situation and one’s personal preferences sanitization or disinfection can both be viable options. An additional thing to consider is that a sanitization or even disinfection will only kill pathogens at the time of cleaning. As soon as another person enters the building, there is a chance for recontamination. Therefore, this is one other aspect to consider. In order to prevent this property owners should take extra precautions with spot cleaning and screening procedures at the entrance to limit this risk.

If you find yourself in a scenario where you would like sanitization or disinfection for your home, commercial space, or school give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

The Approach We Take to Water Restoration in 6 Steps | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

There is no perfect time to discover you have damage from water, but starting restoration immediately is always recommended when you do.

We are proponents of this, which is why we are here 24 hours a day to start our six-step approach to water restoration. Here’s what it entails:

5 Entertaining & Creative Things to Do During Lockdown

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

During times like these with state "stay at home" orders it can be easy to feel bored, stressed, or just kind of burnt out.

During this challenging time even the most productive of people are going to watch their fair share of Netflix, Disney +, and Hulu. Additionally, many people will play video games just to pass the time. While these are fun activities, they can also get quite boring after a while and leave you feeling drained. Here are 5 good alternatives which can be quite fun and also rewarding.

1. Read a Book

While this may sound like something your librarian from middle school would tell you, it is actually quite amazing. Playing a video game or watching a movie are all linear experiences in a sense. Reading a book allows you to use your own creativity and imagination to in a sense vicariously live a much more adventurous life. Furthermore, it challenges your vocabulary, mind, and idea of what is reality. If one does not like reading or has difficulty doing so there are many services such as Audible which have pre-read audio files of books.

2. Practice an Instrument

Playing music can be incredibly therapeutic and helps people express themselves in something more powerful than words. There is so much free time available now you could even teach yourself to play an instrument. YouTube is going to be one of your greatest tools—and also distractions—during this time. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and become the next Billy Joel or Justin Bieber.  

3. Get Whatever You Need to Off Your Chest

One of the worst things you could do would be to bottle up all your feelings and just reside in them. If you have conflict with some family, friends, or loved ones give them a call. Be honest and let them know how you feel. At the same time, remind them of how much they mean to you and how you want restitution. This could also be a good testing ground if you are interested in a person. If you just send them a text asking how they are doing or things about their lives. If they are remotely interested, they will reciprocate this. However, if they don’t respond or just seem dry you can forget about them and move on with your life. This is the time for action not angst.

4. Keep Up with Friends and Family

Don’t neglect to talk with your family and friends. While physical interactions and conversations are not advised nor necessarily wise, there are several alternatives. You can use Facetime if you have an iPhone for an easy and intuitive video conference. Additionally, there are apps such as Houseparty and Skype for any web enabled device. The importance of keeping in touch with your friends and family cannot be overstated. It will help you deal with any frustrations, bond with them, and develop a deeper relationship.

5. Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts are like the modern-day radio show. There is an infinite variety of them. The beauty however is in the fact that one can listen to them whenever you want and there is no need to tune into a channel at a specific time. Podcasts are incredibly engaging and can help you to take your mind off all the worry of everyday life—even if only for an hour.

Hopefully, these ideas can help you enjoy this extra amount of free time and take your mind of all the stress of this situation in the meanwhile. 

Steps to Recover Quickly From a Flood With Safety in Mind | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

If you’re experiencing any water damage from flooding, SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is available 24/7 to assist you with any repairs.

Flooding is now a more common occurrence than it ever has been, which has spurred many people to think through exactly what their recovery strategy would be.

While recovering from a flood quickly is everyone’s top focus, it is important to understand that staying safe also plays a vital role in the recovery efforts. We have detailed the steps below to help you know exactly how to recover from a flood while remaining safe in the process.

How to Stay Informed in a World of Uncertainty

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

In this time, there is a great deal of fear and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation. News agencies, governments, and global authorities are throwing out all kinds of data, speculations, and potential scenarios. This kind of information overload makes thinking rationally and being optimistic incredibly difficult. The main lesson here then is to know which resources to consult, have a limit on media exposure, and ultimately maintain an optimistic outlook.

What Resources to Consult

The most important thing to during this time is to know what resources to consult and give credence to. While it can be tempting to wish to have some inside knowledge or wisdom that is not public knowledge, it is not worth putting one’s trustworthiness at risk and spreading unnecessary fear or panic.  Among one of the most important resources to consult would be the Centers for Disease Control or the CDC. Here is their website and resources on COVID-19. This website will give you the most up to date procedures, statistics, and guidelines during this time. Additionally, one should understand their state regulations and consult their individual state government’s website. California’s state website has some good information and resources on their website. California’s government website on COVID-19. Another important source to consult would be a reputable national news agency. The ultimate goal here is to avoid spreading harmful or false gossip that one saw on Instagram, heard from a friend of a friend, or saw on a sketchy new site.

Limit Your Media Exposure

While this may seem like a misnomer, there is a lot of validity and application here. Constant exposure to the news can lead to a sense of fear and overwhelming responsibilities. The news is going to be constantly pushing whatever is most popular. At this moment that would be all of the terrible things going on in the world and the spread of a disease. Furthermore, every news agency is not fact checked or under intense scrutiny. Therefore, whatever is published does not have to be inherently true but rather engaging and interesting. Thus, one should be careful to limit their consumption of news and media to only that which is truly helpful and credible.

Maintain Positivity

One of the most important things to do in this time is to remain optimistic. This is the kind of energy which will fuel change, progress, and eventual triumph during this time. This is a core attribute of those who work so hard to curb the spread and flatten the curve during this time. Those in the medical field are not sitting around but rather facing this head-on and taking active steps to help those around them. Right now, is not the time to be selfish or think of how we can better prepare ourselves. Instead now is the time which will define us in how we serve others around us. While Netflix, YouTube, and gaming are probably dominating our lives right now one great media source that has just popped up is “Some Good News” hosted by John Krasinski also known as “Jim” from The Office. Here is the link for some positive news. The first episode already has over 13 million views and over a million subscribers on the newly formed show.

One Final Point

Overall, it is of the utmost importance during this time that we know what resources to consult, limit any unnecessary media exposure, and maintain a positive attitude. Even so, we should ask how we can help our community during this time. This could be the simplest of things such as buying groceries for a shut-in in the community, mowing the lawn for a neighbor, or helping the brave men and women in our local medical facilities by supplying face masks or other much needed supplies. In the words of John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

How to Prepare for Unpredictable Times | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

During recent years, there have been many natural disasters which have affected people and nations across the world. This has caused a great deal of concern and fear. However, with the right attitude and a little bit of preparation you can actually sit quite comfortably during times of uncertainty.

What Does it Mean to Prepare?  

Modern media would like to paint anyone who is preparing for the worst as some kind of extremist “prepper” or a lunatic waiting for the sky to fall. In reality, everyone is a prepper. This is the reason we have bank accounts, retirement funds, and even something as simple as fridges or non-perishable foods. No one knows what tomorrow will hold. Therefore, we should be at least somewhat cognizant of the potential for peril. This should not be an overwhelming fear or something which debilitates us but rather encourages us to appreciate everything in life and be prepared for when things do not go as planned.

 What Should You Have?

The most important thing to have is going to be food and water. However, this does not mean one should go out and get potato chips and some soda. You should buy calorie dense, nutritious, and non-perishable food such as rice, pasta, and canned goods. Furthermore, dried products such as potato flakes, dried fruit and beans, and oatmeal all have a shelf life of 20+ years. One should also have a good deal of water but be prepared that this could run out. The human body can go several weeks without food but only three days without water. Therefore, one should look into water purification tablets, filters, and even potentially gadgets such as water filters. Personal hygiene products and basic medical supplies should be a priority as well. One may also want to have basic camping supplies such as matches, a lightweight and easy to setup shelter, and sleeping bags in the event that extreme weather or unforeseen circumstances would force one to leave their residence.

What’s the Point?

The main goal in preparing for the worst is not to freak out or constantly overthink everything in life. Rather it is just the attempt to be ready for whatever this unpredictable world throws at you. Everyone should at least have some kind of plan for themselves and their loved ones should anything happen.

How to Keep Your Home Clean and Sanitary | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

In this current time there is a big focus on stocking up on sanitization products and even the hoarding of toilet paper. Furthermore, many people are purchasing inordinate amounts of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and more harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach. It is important to understand the use of such things and also how to keep your home clean and sanitized.

 Know Your Cleaning Chemicals

The first and most important tip to keep in mind is to never mix any chemicals. Most people are not chemists and have no idea what happens on a scientific level when they mix two generic household cleaning products. Therefore, you should never mix cleaning chemicals unless advised to do so from the cleaning company themselves. Additionally, always practice caution and do not clean with harsh chemicals without proper ventilation in the area. Even if you have to crack a window open or prop a fan up with an open door this is a good safety net. If you experience a headache, feel lightheaded, or have difficulty breathing leave the area immediately. Never breath too close to the cleaning chemicals as well as this can damage your throat and nasal passages. The main point here is to exercise a safe amount of caution and to never mix cleaning chemicals understanding whether or not the two will react.

 Know the Places to Clean

While certain sicknesses have different forms of transmission, the most common contraction is through the touching of one’s face, eyes, nose, and mouth. Therefore, one should take extra caution to clean that which one interacts with their hands.  This would include basic things such as door handles, knobs, countertops, tables, windows, and appliances. However, most people forget to clean things such as their car, keyboards, controllers, chairs, pillows, garbage bins, and especially your bathroom.

 Know How to Properly Clean

As much as we would like to start pouring rubbing alcohol on every surface of our home in this time, it is not smart nor safe to do so. The big concern with many cleaning chemicals is their flammability and also the respiratory problems that can occur if used improperly. The CDC recommends using a product with at least 70% alcohol content if one is using a rubbing alcohol based cleaner. Here is the article for further reference and tips. This is a highly flammable product and one should not put it in a spray bottle as this will aerosolize the liquid making it even more likely to ignite from static electricity or a spark from an electronic device. The best thing to do with this is grab a towel and apply a light splash to the rag and wipe down any surfaces as one would with a wet wipe. As the rag gets dry add more isopropyl and continue along. Even so, ensure that you have good ventilation and maybe turn on a fan so that the rubbing alcohol does not give you a headache. Be careful what you use cleaners on too as they can strip paint, change colors of furniture, and potentially damage articles of clothing.

Need Professional Services?

If you have a sanitizing or disinfecting job which is too large for you or needs extra attention, give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600. We have the training, tools, and technical skills needed to properly sanitize and disinfect your home or commercial property.

How Storms can Damage Your Home | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Storms and natural disasters are some of the most destructive and expensive forms of damage to homes across the United States. Natural Disasters cost the U.S. over $91 billion alone in 2018. Article from CNBC on this topic. This can vary from flooding, hail, snow, fire, lightning, or hurricane damage. A great portion of the damage to homeowner’s property is not just from the initial impact.  The real concern is in secondary damage which may follow due to structural damage to the property or other concerns such as bacterial growth.

 Take Action!

The most important thing to do when your property experiences storm damage is to deal with the aftermath. This may take some time for you to collect yourself and come to terms with what you are going through. This is perfectly fine and a smart thing to do. However, it is imperative to ensure that your property will not experience any further damage after the fact. This depends on the scenario but in general you should have an inspection of the property by a trained professional. This will help you understand the extent of the damage and what your options for restoration and repair are. Furthermore, in the case of flooding you should act quickly. Remove as much of the standing water as possible and then set up some dehumidifiers until you can get professionals onsite to complete a full extraction of the moisture and water.

 Know When to Ask for Help

While working on your own home can feel rewarding and give you a sense of accomplishment it can also be quite laborious and at times dangerous without the proper equipment and training. If this is the case for you don’t hesitate to take action.

 How SERVPRO can Help

Here at SERVPRO we have the equipment and expertise needed to effectively mitigate whatever storm damage your home or commercial property has experienced. We have 24/7 availability which allows us to service you in the light or in the night.

Whatever your needs may be do not hesitate and give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

Smoke Detectors: Your First Line of Defense | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors can often give homeowners the first alert of a fire within the home. When they are properly installed and functioning, they can help to protect your property, belongings, and most importantly your loved ones. While every fire cannot be prevented smoke detectors can help you to minimize the damage and protect yourself and those around you. Therefore, it is important to know how to install, monitor, and replace smoke detectors as need be.

Know Where to Install

One of the most important parts of installation of smoke detectors is to place them in the correct parts of the house. The National Fire Protection Association recommends placing smoke alarms on every floor of your home including the basement, inside and outside every sleeping area, and in high risk areas such as the kitchen, laundry room, and boiler area. 

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Choose a smoke detector that is certified by a recognized testing laboratory and not just the cheapest one online. You should also install the smoke detector at least 10 feet away from the stove and large cooking appliances to save you the pain and deafening beeping of a false alarm. Ensure that your smoke alarms all work together as well so that should an alert go off in the basement everyone in the house is aware. Most smoke detectors have wireless connection methods nowadays, otherwise you could contact an electrician or look up how to hardwire them online. Furthermore, there are two different types of smoke detectors: Ionization and photoelectric. Ionization excels in detecting high heat and flaring fires whereas photoelectric are better suited for low heat and smoldering fires. Both of these should be utilized throughout the home for the best coverage and protection.

 Know When to Replace

The vast majority of smoke detectors are designed with an internal non replaceable battery that lasts around 10 years. If your smoke detector is chirping this is a sign of a low battery and should be replaced as soon as possible. You should test all the smoke alarms in your home once every month using the test button on the detector. Furthermore, follow the instructions and manual that came with your smoke detector to clean it and ensure it does not get clogged up with dust or other contaminants which may hamper its ability to detect and alert to fires.

Experienced Fire Damage?

The reality is that even with fully functioning and interconnected smoke detectors, fires can and do unexpectedly happen. The most important thing is that you and your loved ones are safe. SERVPRO has the experience, expertise, and tools needed to properly mitigate and restore fire damage and make it “Like it never even happened.”  If you have experienced recent fire damage to your home or commercial property give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

How to Grill Safely | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Grilling is a wonderful pastime and a tradition for many households across the United States during holidays, sporting events, and the occasional weekend barbeque. Nevertheless, many fires are started due to faulty grills, user error, or a freak accident. There are several things to keep in mind so you can safely enjoy grilling and the delicious food afterwards.

 Grill outside

The most important thing to ensure is that you are grilling outside and not in a garage or somewhere that could potentially burn down easily. Grilling indoors also exposes one to carbon monoxide which is deadly and is odorless and cannot be seen. When grilling outside, the grill should be at least 10 feet away from the base of the structure which you are grilling near. This should give you enough room to deal with a flare up or piece of charcoal that flies away.

 Clean Your Grill Frequently

Not only will this help you to have a better grilling experience overall, it will also prevent dangerous flare ups from accumulated grease and fat. This is one of the most important things to do as it is so easy for flames to build up and quickly overwhelm an old greasy grill and spread to things such as a deck, nearby chair, or the exterior of the home.

 Know Your Grill

There are both gas and charcoal grills. Make sure you know how your grill operates and ensure that you do occasional maintenance and examine that it is functioning properly. A big concern with gas grills is whether they have any leaks which could build up pressure and cause an explosive fireball. The easiest way to test for leaks is to make a one-part soap one-part water mixture then drip it on the hose and connections and then turn on the gas. If you notice large bubbles forming, you have a gas leak and should turn off the gas and replace the hose or connection points. Additionally, you should never use the gas feature when the grill top is closed as this could cause an unnecessary rise in pressure and an unintentional fireball.

 Be Prepared

Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby your grill so that if the need arises you can quickly and effectively stop a fire. If for some reason the fire cannot be contained call 911 and remove yourself and any other people from the premise.

 Grill fires are quite common across the US. If you happen to experience one of these and are in need of restoration give the experts over at SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

Looking Ahead | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

As this challenging situation in our nation continues to evolve, each state is making their own decisions regarding state shutdowns, curfews, and restrictions on large gatherings. Unfortunately, this is greatly affecting a large portion of businesses both large and small. Many businesses are being forced to restrict how many employees can work in a day or completely alter the way their operation runs in accordance with social distancing. Furthermore, some businesses that are considered non-essential are having to shut down temporarily. Thankfully, states are recognizing what they have deemed as “essential” businesses needed for the safety, well-being, and smooth operation of our local communities. An example of these “essential services” would be grocery stores, power plants, plumbers, exterminators, electricians, and of course emergency services such as SERVPRO. SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley is trained in the mitigation of water, fire, biohazard, storm, and commercial restoration. Furthermore, we have the proper personal protection equipment (PPE), training, and protocol to effectively sanitize and disinfect your commercial workspace or building. Our 24/7 availability allows us to respond quickly if you think your workspace may have had exposure or has been exposed to viral pathogens or sicknesses. The trained professionals here at SERVPRO have the knowledge and expertise needed to get your business back on its feetquickly.

If you have any sanitizing or disinfecting needs for your business or commercial property give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600 today.

5 Tips to Ensure You and Your Employees Stay Healthy and Happy | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

As we have seen in the news and media the current situation regarding COVID-19 has drastically changed how our world operates. Not only are many states calling for stay at home orders, but many workers and students are having to head home due to the nature of this situation. These regulations are being instituted in our best interests. Despite this, it can be quite easy to feel frustrated or annoyed with the situation overall so here are 5 tips to stay healthy and happy during this time.

1. Maintain Social Distancing

Despite the annoying nature of having to distance oneself from friends and those we interact with, it is essential to prevent the spread of sickness. Most health organizations are recommending at minimum a 6ft gap between individuals. John Hopkins Medicine also suggests working from home, switching to online schooling, talking to family and friends digitally, and cancelling large group events. Hopkins Article

2. Exercise!

This is another key attribute to staying healthy and happy during this time. Exercise has been shown as an effective way to improve one’s immune system and overall cardiovascular health. Furthermore, the act of exercise helps to eliminate stress and can almost be a form of therapy. This could be in any variety of forms. Unfortunately, many gyms are shutting down and most people do not have a full gym set in their home. Nevertheless, so long as one maintains social distancing, going for a run is one of the best opportunities to get some exercise and eliminate the feeling of being under house arrest. Many states make an exemption for this very purpose.

3. Get Productive

It can be quite easy during times like these to just feel lazy and become unproductive. Take this time as a challenge to be better in everything: eating, school, exercise, meditation, reading, etc. Set up a routine for your day. This is the best way to actively take control of the situation and not feel weighed down. You set the course of your day. Still take in consideration the limitations and legal premises but actively take ownership of your day.

4. Take Time to Organize

It is too easy to get disorganized and lazy in times such as these. Rather, be productive and organize your home and workspace—if it has not closed down. This will help you not only be less stressed but will also help with your transition back into normalcy when everything settles down.

5. Be Understanding

These are completely unprecedented times and people aren’t always going to deal with things properly. The key thing here is to be gracious with not only our friends and family, but also with the local businesses and governing bodies in our respective communities. Everyone is in the same boat and is overwhelmed and filled with questions regarding the future.

Altogether, these five tips will help not only you but also your employees stay happy and healthy in these challenging times. It is only through the adherence to the set guidelines that we can ensure ourselves, families, and communities stay healthy during this season. If you have any cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting needs for your commercial property or business give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.

How to Prepare for Unpredictable Spring Weather | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning is a common source of damage and destruction for homeowners or their property.

The spring season is here, meaning we can enjoy delightful weather, but we must also buckle up for whatever Mother Nature may choose to send our way.

Severe Weather in the Spring

With spring comes longer days and more sunshine, but unfortunately, the season also brings with it the threat of severe weather throughout the country. It’s an uncertain time of year, which means the weather may change at moment’s notice.

Unstable temperatures are the cause for changing weather, going from warm to cold in even the same day. That temperature change can result in extreme weather changes as well.

Thunderstorms become more common throughout the spring and are the main cause of severe weather. They can occur whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, which is most common in the spring and summer.

When looking at natural catastrophe losses in the U.S. for 2017, severe thunderstorms caused the most losses and produced some of the costliest results. Out of 50 events, there were 85 fatalities and an estimated total of $25.4 billion in overall losses.

Whenever there is a severe thunderstorm present, they can bring about a threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes if the conditions are right. It has been found that in modern history, 10% of all violent tornadoes have occurred in March, with April, May and June taking the top spots at 30%, 24% and 15% respectively.

Prepping for Mother Nature’s Choice

We are not able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, but fortunately, there are tools available to forecasters to at least give us warning that severe weather could be coming. Advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.

Here are some things you can do to your home to prepare for the chance of severe weather:

1. Clear out your home’s gutters, drains and downspouts.
2. Trim trees of precarious limbs or branches that could break off in a storm.
3. Secure or store outdoor belongings if severe weather is in the forecast.

Having an emergency kit on hand is always advised. These kits should include the following:

• Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
• Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
• Important personal info, like telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, insurance and property info, numbers for the utility companies, and medical info
• A first-aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
• 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bag

Despite its unpredictability, there is one thing that always remains true of the spring weather season: It always happens. If your home or business is damaged in a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.

Top 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick This Spring | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

The first thing people usually think of to prevent sickness is hand sanitizer. Although this is helpful there are many more things one can do.

While Spring is known for a changing of tides in weather and foliage, it can also be quite easy to get sick. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when trying to avoid the common cold or flu.

1. Wash Your Hands!

This is one of the simplest and yet most overlooked aspects of avoiding the common cold. We use our hands for everything. This makes them one of the most common places for bacteria or sickness to enter the body. Be sure to wash your hands frequently throughout the day using soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.

2. Avoid Touching Your Face

Many people habitually touch their face whether they are stressed, happy, bored, or angry. It’s just part of our human nature and psychology. Even so, one should exercise caution in doing this as it can be easy to contract any form of sicknesses. This tip coincides with washing one’s hands. Even so, one should try to not touch their face excessively.

3. Stay Hydrated

One of the most common ways to have a weakened immune system is dehydration. The body alone is constituted by around 60% water. A well hydrated body is key to allowing your internal organs to function properly, expel toxins, and fight off sickness. Without this key factor, it can be easy to become sick.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Everyone has different sleep requirements and may feel better rested than others on less sleep. However, it is incredibly important to get around 7-9 hours of sleep. Sleep is the body’s way of healing and recovering. Don’t try to power through or insist you can function on 3 hours of sleep. It is not healthy for an individual to operate in this fashion for a long time and can make one susceptible to sickness.

5. Look at Your Diet

Are you eating your fruits and vegetables? While this may seem like something your mother would have asked you as a child, it is actually quite an accurate and valid question. Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants all which help to fight sickness. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a cheat meal or having a steak. However, one should try to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their diet consistently.

6. Avoid Sick People

While this may be easier to implement for some than others, it is important to maintain a good distance if others are sick. This may seem rude to the person who is ill. If this is the case, just be honest with whoever you are avoiding by saying you are trying to not get sick.  They should understand and recognize this as a legitimate concern.

7. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!

The best way to prepare for sickness is to hit the gym. Exercising frequently and strengthening the body is one of the most effective ways to prevent sickness. There have been many studies conducted which show that frequent exercise improves the immune system. One doesn’t even need to be a gym junkie to reap the benefits. Moderate exercise which raises the heart rate slightly and improves cardiovascular health is the best way to strengthen the immune system.

8. Ensure Immunizations Are up to Date

Look at your recent immunizations and make sure that you are all up to date with your local health practitioner. This can help you to prevent any number of sicknesses from occurring. Additionally, many local supermarkets offer a great deal of services in immunizations.

9. Be Happy!

One of the simplest and yet most difficult things to master is having a positive outlook on the world. The biological chemistry of anger and sadness causes a whole host of issues but can really hurt one’s immune system. The best way to deal with this is to acknowledge stress in one’s life and deal with the root of the issue. Additionally, meditate, drink tea, go for a run; do whatever makes you happy—your immune system will thank you later. 

10. Be Conscious of Others

If you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of being sick, try to avoid going to large social gatherings or public places where you could cause the spread of sickness. Additionally, it is better to just lay low and get some rest when you are sick. Take care of yourself and make that your number one priority. Don’t be afraid to say no to invitations or a gathering if you are sick.

Overall, these ten tips are the best way to ensure that you stay healthy and are just good tips in general to lead a happy and healthy life.

How to Recognize Leaking Pipes | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

This is an example of a fairly severe leak in a pipe. While this does happen the majority of leaking pipes are closer to a drip from poor seals.

One of the most common sources of water damage is a leaking or damaged water line. This could be the result of a catastrophic failure in which a line is spewing water rapidly or a slight trickle. The upside of having a burst pipe is that you will likely notice it unless you are off the property. This clearly will require the removal of a great deal of water but is easily noticeable. On the other hand, a small leak from a pipe is much harder to recognize and can be more problematic in the sense that bacterial growth is more likely to happen here. Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize a leaking pipe and how to deal with it.

 Know the Problem Areas

One of the most basic things is to recognize is where your pipes are. The most common areas for a leaking pipe are in the bathroom and kitchen. The general region one should keep an eye on is under the sink as this is out of view. The area is not often looked at and a small leak could go unnoticed for days, weeks, even months. Ensure that your pipes have no dramatic problems here or corrosion along the area. Other areas which can commonly have leaking pipes are in your basement or in crawl spaces.

 Know the Warning Signs

There are several telltale signs of a leaking pipe. The most apparent is if there is standing water that keeps appearing for apparently no reason. Another sign could be damp floors or swelling and cracked flooring pieces. Yellowing or stains on nearby walls or bubbling of paint could also point to a leaking pipe. An obvious sign would be swollen or drooping drywall. If you are seeing similar things around your home, you may have a leak in your pipes.

 Test the Area

If you suspect a leak in your pipes place a small container directly under the pipe and check on it later in the day and the day after. If there is any water accumulation you now know there is a leak. If the leak is severe you can shut off your water valve which is usually found in the basement or outside near your utility box.

 Call a Plumber

If the source of the leak is unknown or cannot be dealt with on your own give your local plumber a call. They have the expertise and knowledge to deal with the issue safely and should be able to inspect the rest of your home or commercial property for any further issues or leaking pipes.

If You Have Water Damage

In the unfortunate scenario you have suffered from water damage in your home or commercial property give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600. We have the experience, expertise, and tools necessary to mitigate whatever water damage you may have on your property.

What to Know About Weatherproofing Your Home | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

When severe weather is on the way, there is no way to predict how much damage it will lead to—however, homeowners that have taken the time to install weatherproofing around their house can have much less worry when the forecast is messy. Weather damage causes 50% of insurance claims for homeowners, so doing everything you can to prevent damage is advised.

Protecting your home from the weather is not a difficult or cost-prohibitive task, and generally involves keeping an eye on things before they fall into disrepair. Keep reading to discover our top tips for weatherproofing your home before the next storm.

Top Ways to Prevent Mold in Your Home

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

The most important thing to remember with mold is that it thrives in damp and humid regions. The best way to prevent mold is to clean up stagnant water and keep airflow going throughout one’s home.

Therefore, the first thing one should do is understand the common areas mold can grow. Some of the most common areas of a home where mold can grow is the basement, behind the fridge, under or near sinks, in the laundry room, bathroom, and general areas where water pipes are running. 

Another important thing to do to prevent the growth of mold is to check the waterproofing of one’s home. The windowsills, door frames, and exterior of a home should all be properly sealed. Cracks or exposed regions should be sealed with caulk or the appropriate waterproofing material. This is not just limited to the interior of one’s home. A damaged roof or gutters can invite water and moisture into areas that are not well ventilated and fairly humid. This is the perfect breeding ground for mold. Therefore, one should ensure that their roof is inspected for any leaks and that their gutters are cleaned and work to direct water away from the home.  

A simple and yet completely understated tip is to keep areas dry. If you spill a soda or water is pooling somewhere, dry it as soon as possible. While the time varies depending upon a variety of factors, mold can grow 24-48 hours after exposure to water. One can also purchase a humidity gauge from their local home improvement store to measure the level of humidity in the ambient air. The ideal range for humidity is between 40-50%.  

If you have mold in your home give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600. We have the experience and tools needed to mitigate any and all kinds of mold damage.

What Customers Think About Us |SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

We know there are many options when it comes to choosing a restoration company. SERVPRO believes in providing outstanding service, as well as treating every customer like family. But don’t take our word for it, check out these quotes from our amazing customers!

“SERVPRO was extremely thorough, quick, and professional! Excellent crew, from the office staff to the working crew, to the owner! Would definitely recommend!”

“I can’t say enough wonderful things about SERVPRO. We had an emergency biohazard mess that needed immediate attention. I called SERVPRO and they were able to put together a team to come out the same day. The team worked diligently for 4 hours to clean up the mess. The(y) were nice, efficient, and their attention to detail was beyond excellent. I’m a very happy customer and will recommend SERVPRO to anyone who needs this type of cleaning. Thanks guys from the bottom of my heart.”

“We had some construction work done in our office and no matter how many times we cleaned and dusted we just couldn't keep the layer of dust from reappearing. We were all coughing and sniffling and knew we needed professional help. SERVPRO saved the day!  They responded quickly, were wonderful to work with, and their attention to detail is outstanding!  Our office is sparking clean, they cleaned everything from the walls to the furniture to the stapler to AIR, and we are back up and running. I would recommend this crew a million times over. Thank you SERVPRO!”

“Great company and crew chief Jose. Always on time and polite. Cleaned up after every visit and let me know what would be expected. Amanda in the office was very communicative and helpful. Highly recommended!”

“Our insurance company sent SERVPRO out to our house after we had a water leak.  They arrived very quickly and got to work right away cleaning up our kitchen and setting up the various machines that were needed to dry out the damage.  Matt explained everything to us in detail and let us know what he would be doing at each visit.  He checked in on us everyday and always answered any questions we had.  Matt and his crew were prompt, professional, clean and courteous during the entire process, which lasted about a week.  I wouldn't hesitate to call this company again if we ever need them.  Thanks for a great job Matt and SERVPRO!” 

“Wow, SERVPRO of Santa Clarita rocks! When we had an unforeseen side effect of office construction, SERVPRO came in immediately and scrubbed down everything! This was especially important because our clientele often have compromised immune systems and cannot tolerate dust and debris. Kudos to these fabulous pros for cleaning us up!”

Here at SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley we strive for excellence and customer satisfaction. Serving our customers and providing superior service through our experienced teams is one of our greatest passions. If your home or commercial business has any damage or restoration needs don’t waste a minute and give us a call! We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reach out to us at (661) 296-4600.

Why Choose SERVPRO? | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley has been serving the area for over 15 years. Throughout the years we have served our customers through our 24/7 available crews, dedication to excellence, and focus on customer satisfaction. We have been recognized in our ability to serve our community with excellence through 10 Outstanding Sales Performance Awards.

Our dedication to customer service extends far beyond just completing the job. Our motto at SERVPRO is to make it “Like it never even happened.” This means when you have water or fire damage, mold, or a biohazard issue we are going to get on site and begin mitigation and or restoration as soon as possible.

If you have an emergency and need our help fast call us immediately!

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in the Santa Clarita Valley. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? 

Call Us 24/7 – (661) 296-4600

We Are Here to Help 24/7 |SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

Besides our excellence in service, dedication to customer satisfaction, and experienced staff, our 24/7 availability is what distinguishes us from our competitors. Whatever the issue may be or the time of the problem, SERVPRO can help!

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley understands the stress and other burdens that arise with unexpected property damage. Whatever the specific mitigation needs, being able to respond quickly is essential. Within minutes, water will spread throughout one’s property and be absorbed by walls, floors, upholstery, and personal belongings. Within the first day drywall will begin to deteriorate, metal surfaces tarnish, furniture will swell and crack, and a musty odor will develop. During the week mold and mildew can grow and spread with metal rusting, paint blistering, wood flooring warping, and serious biohazard contamination being possible. Following the first week, the cost of restoration and time to complete will increase dramatically with potential structural integrity, mold growth, and biohazard contamination being potential concerns. Furthermore, we recognize the need to get everything back to normal as soon as possible. This is the essence of our motto to make sure it is “Like it never even happened.” We take pride in our ability to respond quickly and offer around the clock support when you need it most.  

At SERVPRO of Santa Clarita our 24/7 availability, experienced staff, and commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is what makes us the best choice for any and all of your restoration needs. If you have any restoration needs for your home or commercial property do not hesitate! Call us now at (661) 296-4600.

Top 5 Tips for Preventing Fires in The Home | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

1. Never leave a flame unattended

This is by far the most important of all these tips. The two largest sources of residential fires in the U.S. are from candles and cooking accidents. Always be aware of open flames. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to spread rapidly from an unattended flame.

• Keep a candle at minimum 12 inches away from flammable objects
• Blow out unattended candles and turn off an unattended stovetop
• Ensure a candle is sturdy or in a candle holder which will not fall down

2. Watch your electronics!

As consumers we place a lot of trust and faith into the functionality and safety of our electronics. The reality is that there can be defects and inherent safety risks with our electronics. Therefore, keep this in mind:

• Never plug in devices with damaged or frayed cords
• Consider having a certified electrician perform an annual evaluation of your home’s wiring
• Use your senses. If an outlet or device looks burnt or damaged or there is an odor of burning plastic or unsavory smell coming from an appliance, remove the device immediately and consult the manufacturer.

3. Keep furniture and flammable materials away from heaters

Seemingly harmless heating tools such as a curling iron, hair dryer, or a space heater can still cause fires when left on for too long in close proximity to flammable sources. Some helpful tips to prevent fires from heating appliances are:

• Turn off your space heater when not in use
• At a minimum keep heating elements three feet away from flammable objects
• Never use an oven to warm your house

4. Test your smoke detectors

One of the most practical tips to protect you and your family from fires is to ensure that your smoke detectors are functional. Be sure to test your devices monthly and also replace the batteries as soon as the low battery alert begins or once a year. Furthermore, place smoke detectors on every floor, including the basement. Finally, replace your smoke detectors every 10 years or earlier.

5. Keep fire extinguishers readily available

Fires can happen rather suddenly, and one must be prepared to deal with it before it gets out of control. There are several things to keep in mind with fire extinguishers.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in each area of the house which may pose a fire risk
• Ensure that the members of the family know how to use a fire extinguisher
• If a fire cannot be contained via fire extinguisher call 911 and grab your loved ones and leave your residence as soon as possible

Staying Safe From Fire Risks in the Kitchen | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

The kitchen is often the hub of the home where family and friends will gather and spend quality time and where meals are prepared. But the kitchen is also an area where many home fires occur.

Cooking fires top the charts as the No. 1 cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of these kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

State Farm reports that in 2017 alone they paid out over $130 million in homeowners insurance claims related to kitchen fires caused by grease or cooking. According to the insurance company, these are the worst states for kitchen fires:

• North Carolina
• Texas
• Pennsylvania
• California
• Ohio
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New York
• Alabama
• Georgia

How to Prepare Your Business to Face Emergencies | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

As a business owner, there are a multitude of things that you must take into consideration, but one of the most important is emergency preparedness.

While having a plan in place does not ensure that a disaster will not occur, it does give you and your business a head start where safety is concerned. And it will, at the least, make sure that your employees know what to do if a disaster or emergency situation should occur.

Fire Safety Tips for Your Commercial Property | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

9/2/2019 (Permalink)

Have you ever stopped to think of the safety responsibilities you, as a business owner, have regarding risks to your business, staff and visitors? One of those risks you need to spend a little extra time planning for and working toward preventing is a fire.

Common Causes of Commercial Fires

Research conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) indicates that the leading causes of structure fires in office properties from 2007–2011 listed, in order, were:

1. Cooking equipment, 29% of fires
2. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, 12% of fires
3. Heating equipment, 11% of fires
4. Intentional, 10% of fires
5. Smoking materials, 9% of fires
6. Exposure, 4% of fires
7. Electronic, office or entertainment equipment, 3% of fires

Of those causes, intentional, exposure, and electrical distribution and lighting equipment accounted for the most property damage with 20%, 18% and 15% respectively.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in 2007, fires and explosions accounted for 3% of all workplace fatalities.

Looking at more recent numbers, the NFPA estimates that from 2007–2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 3,340 fires in office properties per year. Those fires were responsible for an average of four deaths, 44 injuries and $112 million in direct property damage, annually.

Watching Out for Fire Hazards

By focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education, you will be taking some of the steps to protect your business from the risk of fires. Let’s take a look at those three steps.

First, assess any fire hazard risks. In some areas, the local government may even offer a visit from a fire marshal to help identify these risks and provide guidance on your fire prevention plan.

You’ll want to make sure that the right fire protection equipment is in place, which should include an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers for each floor.

Finally, by creating a fire plan and regularly reviewing it with your staff, you’ll be making sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep that fire safety protocol fresh, and take time to review evacuation plans and routes and the location of the first-aid kits.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."

A Breakdown of the 3 Types of Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

It is easy to think that all water involved with water damage is the same, but actually, there are three classifications of water that occur in water damage: clean, gray and black. By understanding the different types of water involved, you will be able to understand how to better deal with water damage.

It doesn’t matter what type of water has caused damage, there will always be a cleanup and restoration process that follows. First and foremost, the most important part of cleanup is to remove all the moisture and wet items quickly to prevent mold from flourishing in this mold-ideal environment.

Picking a Restoration Company the Right Way | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Property damage can be devastating to anyone, but business owners face extremely high stakes when their commercial property is affected by a natural disaster. As reported by FEMA, up to 60% of businesses do not resume operations following a natural disaster.

Planning for a disaster is the best way for business owners to be sure they can recover from one, and picking your commercial restoration company is an important component of that. However, it is important to research the right things to ensure the company you choose is reputable. Here are some important things to look for:

Creating a Severe Weather Plan for Your Family | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

While there is often advanced warning for some types of severe weather, there are also times when Mother Nature can manage to catch us off-guard.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take and safety tips to follow to prepare your family for various severe weather occurrences.

A Natural Disaster Plan Can Help Keep Your Business Prepared | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Have you ever stopped to think about how Mother Nature can prove to be quite a formidable foe, throwing everything from floods, hurricanes and tornadoes to wildfires and earthquakes at us? The key to being able to handle it is preparing in advance.

Being prepared for those scenarios involves creating a natural disaster plan for your business. Some aspects to consider when designing that plan are laid out in this blog.

Residential Fire Prevention Tips | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Residential fires are extremely widespread, but most homeowners are unaware of how much damage they can cause. Flames can spread in an instant, causing widespread damage to your property and dangers to your family.

There is no way to guarantee you will never experience a residential fire, but there are ways to reduce the chances one will occur.

Breaking Down Mold Remediation | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

We have chosen to devote this blog to the subject of mold remediation because when water damage occurs in a home or commercial property, mold growth will likely follow.

In fact, mold can begin growing within just 48 hours of moisture exposure. That means that if you are faced with a mold issue, it is imperative to know what your next steps should be.

The Importance of Mold Remediation

There are ads out there for mold remediation and mold removal and you’ve probably seen some, but the mold removal is a fallacy. To remove all mold from a home or business is simply not possible. The main focus of a qualified restoration company is mold remediation and bringing mold levels back to a normal and natural range.

Mold spores are naturally occurring almost everywhere, both inside structures and outdoors. Issues arise when a minor problem is left untreated, leaving it to become a major mold infestation.

During mold remediation, technicians will isolate all contaminated areas either by closing all doors and windows or effectively sealing off all doorways and openings with a polyethylene sheeting depending on the level of the remediation. Dust in the contaminated areas is then suppressed through misting process.

All of the wet and mold-damaged materials will be removed and discarded through the use of plastic bags. After that, all areas that have been exposed to and affected by the mold are then thoroughly cleaned and dried. A HEPA vacuum is sometimes used during some cases to aid in the removal of contamination and debris.

The mold area will then be treated using a biocide and left to cure overnight and destroy the mold spores. The next day, the mold remediation crew will return to encapsulate all of the affected and surrounding areas.

Do This If You Suspect a Mold Issue

If there is a chance that your home or business may have a mold problem, it is important that you act quickly. If, when you evaluate the size of the problem, you find that the affected area is more than 10 square feet, it’s time to call in the professionals.

These professionals you bring in need to be highly trained and certified in the following areas, to name a few:

• Applied microbial remediation
• Water damage restoration
• Applied structural drying

There have been times where some minor mold issues have been successfully resolved by homeowners and business owners on their own, but the best way is to use a professional remediation company to ensure the quickest and safest resolution to the problem.

At SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process.

Common Water Damage Culprits in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

Water trickling down into a drain.

In thinking about water damage, severe weather is usually one of the first things that will come to mind for many. Storms and flooding can cause catastrophic water damage, but they are often not the main causes.

Instead, there are various items in and around your home that may be responsible for many situations that result in water damage.

Watching for Gradual Water Damage

With water damage being the third most common reason for a homeowners insurance claim between 2011 and 2015, it is something that many homeowners will face, with an average payout per claim of $8,861.

There are differences between water damage and gradual water damage, which will impact homeowner’s insurance claims. Examples of gradual damage are something that has been happening over time, such as plumbing issues within the walls causing damage to walls, ceilings or floors, or water damage caused by cracks in the foundation of the home. Unfortunately, many claims for gradual water damage are not covered by homeowners insurance, while storm-related water damage usually is.

Plumbing Issues and Water Damage

The leading causes of water damage, according to the Insurance Institute For Business & Home Safety (IBHS), are as follows:

• Plumbing supply system failures. Per IBHS, plumbing supply system failures are the leading cause of residential water damage losses and cost an average of $5,092 per incident after the deductible. This could involve frozen pipes that may burst because of a buildup in water pressure caused by freezing water or when the plumbing supply system materials fail and result in leaking or bursting pipes. It was also found that homes with ages of 16 to 40 years made up a larger group of these types of homeowners insurance claims.

• Plumbing drain system failures. IBHS found that 52% of drain system failures were caused by sewer backups and 37% were related to material performance issues. This can occur when a sewer drain backs up and overflows into a home or from material performance issues. IBHS also found that the average drain system failure was more expensive in the southern region states than in the northern region states.

• Toilet failures. Toilets are the second highest source of residential water loss after plumbing supply system failures, and can happen due to faulty fill valves or clogged drain lines. According to IBHS, toilet failures that happen on the first floor of a home resulted in more extensive insurance claims than those that occurred in basements or on upper floors.

• Water heater failures. IBHS found that 69% of all water heater failures resulted from slow leaks or sudden bursting and, on average, cost $4,444 per incident following the deductible. This can happen after your water heater has reached its life expectancy, allowing for the possibility for the tanks to rust and corrode, which will weaken the water lines.

• Washing machine failures. Washing machine failures typically happen due to water supply hose failures, machine overflows and drain line failures. Washing machines are one of the top 10 sources of residential water losses. Per IBHS, supply hose failures were responsible for over half of all washing machine-related losses.

If your home has experienced any water damage, the team at SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley is available to help with cleanup and restoration and make it “Like it never even happened.”

You Can Count On Us to Be There Fast | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

Time becomes a precious commodity when disaster strikes your home or business. Waiting for help is stressful when it is your home or livelihood on the line—you need it right away.

Nobody understands a fast response like we do, which is why responding faster to any size disaster is more than just a slogan to us.

You Can Protect Your Home From Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage caused by burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances or even storm damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters a home may experience.

While water damage can be an especially common issue for homeowners to deal with, there are plenty of ways to safeguard your home and your possessions.

<h4to-protect-your-home">How to Protect Your Home

Not only will water damage and the ensuing cleanup be a hassle to deal with, but there can be long-term impacts on your home. Within 24–48 hours after moisture exposure, mold begins to grow and flourish and is one of the most common side effects of water damage.

When you are looking for ways to protect your home, it can be helpful to break it down by areas of impact, such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and ceilings.

In the basement, you can help prevent water damage by preventing water seepage. You can accomplish this by resealing vulnerable areas of the basement, making sure water drains away from your home and installing a backwater valve.

The kitchen and bathroom will most likely experience water damage as a result of plumbing issues and appliance failures.

Be sure that you:

• Regularly inspect your appliances, making sure to check for issues with hoses and faucets
• Check the seal and caulking around your showers and tubs to make sure they are not leaking
• Know the location of the main water shut-off valve is in your home
• Don’t leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running

Protecting the possessions in your home from water damage is not always possible, but there are things you can do to at least decrease the amount of loss by using waterproof bins to store items and keeping items stored on shelves off of the floor.

<h4to-recover-from-water-damage">Steps to Recover From Water Damage

If you find yourself and your home in a water damage situation, there is a good chance that you can salvage any items that can be dried out within 48 hours.

You’ll want to be sure and contact your insurance immediately and evaluate the extent of the water damage in your home as well as check and identify the type of water that is involved.

The three types of water are:

1. Clean water—from rain, condensation, leaky pipes, etc.

2. Gray water—slightly dirty water from dishwashers, washing machines, clean toilets, etc.

3. Black water—water from sewage or serious flooding from nearby rivers, etc. which can cause serious health problems

Remove all wet objects following a water damage disaster, work to quickly get your home dried out and dehumidified, and then disinfect remaining materials.

Pro tip: You can freeze wet books, photos and papers in a frost-free freezer to buy some extra time. This prevents mold and mildew from developing and causing more deterioration. Once able, you can remove them from the freezer and air-dry or fan-dry the pages.

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can call on the highly trained experts at SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley, who are here to make it "Like it never even happened."

Different Damage That Can Be Done by Thunderstorms | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Hail like this can be extremely destructive and vary tremendously in size.

The warmer spring and summer months are prime time for thunderstorms to develop, which means there is an added worry of storm damage.

Do you know what some of the most prevalent types of storm damage are?

The Lowdown on Storms

Across the globe, we see an average of 16 million thunderstorms yearly. Here in the U.S., we normally have some 100,000 thunderstorm occurrences each year, and out of those, around 10% can be classified as severe.

In order for a thunderstorm to develop, certain conditions must be met, such as moisture and rising unstable air that is accompanied by a “lifting” mechanism caused by either hills or mountains that force air to rise, or where warm/cold or wet/dry air bump together, causing a rising motion.

There are three stages to thunderstorms:

• the developing stage
• the mature stage
• the dissipating stage

You will find things like heavy rain, hail, lightning, high winds and even tornadoes come around during the mature state.

Thunderstorm Damage

While there are many different aspects that can turn dangerous during a thunderstorm, a top safety risk is the opportunity for high winds to send debris flying.

Wind speeds/gusts in a severe thunderstorm can exceed 57.5 mph, and this is plenty of speed to create damage.

Even the items in your yard that would seem the most harmless can turn into projectiles. Tree branches, gravel, mailboxes, fencing, lawn furniture, potted plants and garbage cans are all possible projectiles during a high wind situation. You should take care to make sure items in your yard are secured prior to any thunderstorms rolling through.

There are many other types of damage thunderstorms can create besides wind damage:

Lightning. If lightning strikes your home, expect to need some new electrical systems. The lightning can pass through your home’s wiring and not only become a fire risk, but also damage anything that is plugged in.

Tornado. Anything that can reach upward of 200 mph wind speeds is a force to be reckoned with. Tornadoes can cause a large amount of damage over a large area in little time at all.

Hail. Did you know that per to NOAA, the cost of hail damage can top out at $1 billion a year? This includes damage to crops, vehicles and structures.

Flood. Storms often bring on heavy rains, and those heavy rains can result in flooding. Flash floods can do much damage and be strong enough to wash things away.

If a thunderstorm has resulted in damage to your home or business, know that the team at SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley is available ²⁴⁄₇ to help with cleanup and restoration.

When Disaster Strikes, You Can Count on Our “Restore First” Mentality | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

6/29/2019 (Permalink)

We are well known for being at your aid quickly when disaster strikes, but there is another reason why we should be one of your first calls if the worst should occur.

When a fire occurs, the last thing you need or want is to be without a home for a length of time, with interruptions to your life. That’s why we practice a “restore first” mentality, which guides every step of our process.

Homeowners Can Lessen Flood Damage | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Though we do not want to think that a flood could possibly affect our home, the reality is different.

Some form of flooding is involved in 90% of natural disasters—this is flooding that can come on suddenly and affect even areas that are not low-lying. That is why homeowners should always remain educated about how they can prevent flooding from getting out of hand.

How to Lessen Damage From a Flood

Learning a flood is imminent can be a frightening time. Though it cannot be prevented, homeowners can take steps to lessen household damages associated with floods:

Know your risk. By making use of the FEMA Flood Map Tool, you can better understand your area and how disasters might affect it. Also make use of the local branch of your emergency management office, a helpful resource for understanding what action to take in your local community should a flood occur.

Have a conversation about emergency procedures. Make time to chat with your household members about what to do in the event of a disaster, especially when flooding is concerned. Help them understand how to turn off electricity and where to find emergency supplies should they be alone in the house.

Turn off electricity. Even if you feel it’s unlikely that the waters would reach electrical appliances or outlets, having live electricity near floodwaters can still be dangerous. Shut off the electrical breaker to any rooms that are at-risk for a flood.

Digitize valuables. Keep documents you would need in a flood insurance claim in an area that is safe from rising waters—consider renting a safety deposit box to keep these and other valuables stored safely.

Keeping your family and household prepared is a responsible step that homeowners can take toward lessening their risk for flood damages. By planning ahead and taking advanced precautions, you can make sure everyone (and everything) stays safe.

If you’ve experienced flood damage or water damage from other causes, SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley is here to help. Our technicians are fully trained in water remediation, and our ²⁴⁄₇ Emergency Line means we’ll be there for you when you call.

Mold Testing in Santa Clarita – Do Not Wait

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Most Mold is Hidden Behind Walls or In Ducts

If you are starting to see something develop near your windows, on the ceiling in your bathroom, or in those tough to get to spots in your home, consider the possibilities of how bad that growth is in other areas of your home. No mold is good mold - unless you like to eat some fancy cheese varieties! If you do find mold or are suspicious of what exactly you are looking at, get it checked out by a professional mold tester. THEN, contact SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley to get it removed. Check out our work on a recent mold removal job in Santa Clarita.

Call the Santa Clarita Mold Cleanup Experts NOW, as well as your homeowner's insurance

Get rid of the mold in your home at its source. Do not just mask over the substance; it will still linger, or spread since it’s not being contained.  

There aren’t a lot of mold experts because of the annoyance of dealing with such substances, and the expense of it all can scare away customers and providers alike. However, dealing with the mess now will ensure much LESS of a mess down the road. Your insurance company may also be able to help if mold (under certain circumstances) is covered in your policy.

If you see mold, call the Santa Clarita mold cleanup pros at SERVPRO of Santa Clarita right away at (661) 296-4600.

Canyon Country Mold Removal - Use Professionals

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Mold removal in Canyon Country-why pay twice?

Use professional mold removal the first (and only!) time

Mold does not discriminate. Mold can infiltrate old and new homes. Mold in Canyon Country is found just as often as in any other area. All it takes is a small leak that goes unnoticed. Use a professional, such as SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley, to deal with the mess. We as mold removal professionals also remove the damage safely as you don’t want to release the mold spores into the air, which can spread more damage to various parts of your home. If you delay the cleanup process, you may pay more towards the removal. If you use a company or contract individuals who don’t know how to properly remove mold, you may end up paying more for incomplete services.

What does mold do?

Mold spores, either dead or alive, cause damage to the structure and surfaces of homes or buildings. Exposure to and spread of mold can happen through ingestion, inhalation, or by skin contact. In homes, mold spores can begin from just a simple, small water leak. A puddle of water on the floor left unattended is a reason to be suspect for mold growth. Also, a water leak from long ago left unattended can lead to mold growth. To the untrained eye, mold can live unseen and unnoticed. Before you know it, the substance can eat through your walls and foundation, further destroying the structure of your home.

Once mold is found in the home, it needs to be professionally removed. Depending on the damage done, surfaces either need to be replaced or restored depending on the significance of the damage. Water damage also may need to be addressed as soon as possible, as to not aid in the growth of mold. SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley can perform inspections and mold removal restoration services, just give us a call at 661-296-4600 to speak with a technician and set up an appointment.

Learn more about mold; everything, from mold damage tips to our restoration techniques, can be found here.

Valencia CA Water Damage

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Water Water Everywhere

Water is great! It is one of Earth's greatest natural resources. Life thrives off of water; we love it! Well, water is great until it gets into places that it is not welcome. Places such as on wood, into cracks, walls, floors, into foundations and other sneaky places. When waters go there, it is not so pleasant. It can really cause some major problems when it gets into places like this around your home.

Water damage happens. We as a society have taken a lot of precautions to ensure that it does not happen, but the facts of life tell us that is has happened and will happen again. Ever had a sink overflow? A bathtub? Have you or someone in your home ever spilled any type of liquid? Flooding? As you can well imagine, water damage happens. That is why there are products like flood insurance that people can buy. Where you live might even be especially prone to flooding. Areas that get a lot of rain, and then the way the house is situated on the land can make it more vulnerable to flooding. And we all know that flood equals water damage.

It could happen to you in your lifetime. It may happen to a friend of yours. You never really know when you might be a victim of water damage. There is some good news here though. There are professional clean up companies that make it like it never happened. That may sound highly unlikely, but with some fixes, repairs, and replacement work, homes with water damage can, in fact, be returned to a state as if it (the water damage) never happened.

This is not the first rodeo, so the professionals know what they are doing. From industrial sized fans to large-scale water vacuums, the experts in this clean-up business know how to take care of business when it comes to water damage. You might be thinking why water damage is such a big deal anyway. A little water never hurt anyone you may be thinking. Well, water left unattended in the wrong spot can lead to mold and fungus growth. Bacteria can move in and now you can have a lovely little rotting, mold problem lurking in your residence. See how that happened? Do what you can to prevent water spills and flooding. When it does happen due to circumstances out of your control, contact a professional water damage clean up company to take care of the mess.

Canyon Country Fire and Water Damage Restoration - "Like it never happened."

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Paradise in Canyon Country Until a Fire Breaks Out

Weather and nature's fury can unleash itself at any time. California is large enough and such diverse terrain that many of nature's worst damage can be done. Canyon Country is known for its hills and valleys and is a scenic area full of newer homes. Although this is a desirable place to live, it has the Santa Ana winds in September which make wildfires risk go up dramatically. Whether it be damage done from wildfires or damage to your home from water damage, SERVPRO is the cleanup and restoration experts. When something like this happens, it would be unwise to consult with anyone other than a professional to safely and thoroughly clean up and repair the damages done by water and fire.

Fire and Water Damage Restoration

A fire can be absolutely devastating to a home, but SERVPRO professionals can help to clean up and restore the home to be "Like it never happened." With any fire comes smoke. In a home that has fire damage, there is also soot and smoke damage to clean up after. Once a SERVPRO professional has come out to assess the damage done by both fire and smoke, the specialist can then make immediate plans for fire damage restoration services.

Risk of Fire Damage is Everywhere

Fire and also smoke damage can occur from wicked wildfires catching onto a home. They can also start from kitchen fires, neglected backyard fire pits, as well as numerous other fire-related sources. Everyone in California worries about wildfires threatening homes, but just as common are fires from faulty electrical wiring, heaters, and grease fires. Some of these fires have been put out by fire extinguishers, but the damage still remains. Hiring professional fire damage restoration experts is the way to go when you are salvaging your home.

Fire Department Saved Your Canyon Country Home But Water is Everywhere

One catastrophic event can lead to another. Although the fire in the attic is out, now there is water damage in the attic and it is seeping down through to the floor levels below. The fire department put out the fire, but now you have water, water everywhere! This is a case of both fire and water damage. It does happen, and there is help available from SERVPRO fire and water damage professionals. It can be overwhelming to think about, "where to begin to clean up such a mess?" After a traumatic event such as fire damage immediately followed by water damage in a home, it can be difficult to know where to go and who to turn to. Canyon Country residents need not worry, and should contact SERVPRO as soon as possible to make your home seem like these events never happened.

Water Damage Restoration

When it rains, it pours! Water damage can occur due to a number of reasons. It might be an accident in the home such as a popped waterbed mattress or the flooding of a cracked aquarium. Where there is a water leak or spill, mold can form. Mold as we all know is hazardous to our health, so to prevent mold, all water messes need to be cleanup up as soon as possible. Water damages can be independent from fire damage, but, nonetheless still need to be cleaned up.

Prevent Mold and Restore Everything Like New

In the event that water spills, leaks, or messes have already happened, it is time to take action in cleaning up the water and then restoring the structure "Like it never happened." Water is first removed with special vacuums. Fans and dehumidifiers help in drying up the remaining damp areas. Moisture detectors and infrared cameras can be used to locate moisture saturation points so that they can be further dried. If the damage is extensive, some structural changes such as replacement of drywall will need to be done. In the restoration process, SERVPRO cleans up the water damage so that it is "Like it never happened."

What To Do With Mold

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

What To Do:

• Stay out of affected areas
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans
• Contact SERVPRO of Santa Clarita for mold remediation services

What NOT To Do:

• Do not touch or disturb the mold
• Do not blow air across any surfaces with visible suspected mold growth
• Do not attempt to try the area yourself
• Do not spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

These are some things to make sure you do and not do when you have mold in your home. SERVPRO of Santa Clarita specializes in mold clean up and remediation. Our technicians are highly trained professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly restore your home quickly and safely. We specialize in mold and you can be assured that we will deal with your home properly and professionally.

If you see signs of mold, call us today at (661)296-4600

Preparing For a Flood

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

In the next few days, Southern California will be experiencing a significant amount of rainfall. To avoid disasters in your local home, here are some pointers to keep in mind before a flood:

• Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage
• Check gutters and make sure they are not clogged

Here are some important terms you need to be familiar with to help identify a flood hazard when your local news warns you:

• Flood Watch – flooding is possible
• Flash Flood Watch – flash flooding is possible; be prepared to move to higher ground
• Flood Warning – flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately
• Flash Flood Warning – a flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately

Stay safe!

Post Flood Action

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Southern California is not known for its storms and floods but when storms come, and floods your local neighborhood, be sure to follow these following guidelines:

• Tune in to your local news to learn whether the water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; it may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or sewage water.
• Avoid moving water.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Avoid downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Stay away from damaged sewage systems – they are a serious health hazard

These are just some pointers for you to follow in the aftermath of a flood. If there is anything that your local SERVPRO can do for you, whether it is water remediation or temporary roofing, do not hesitate to call us at (661)296-4600.

What We Do to Mold

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

When you call your local SERVPRO for any of your mold problems, we will be at your residence as quickly as possible to work on the mold in your home and remediate it as soon as possible. SERVPRO values your home and your time so we try to be there as quickly as we can to begin services.

We take mold seriously and we remove every bit of mold that what was originally found in your home. Our well trained and certified technicians and crew members will come in and use SERVPRO certified products to properly take care of the mold. When dry walls and the like have mold, we try to save as much of the original material as we can rather than demolishing it completely.

If you have any mold problems, give us a call at (661)296-4600.

Should Storms Worry Me?

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

Living in Southern California might have you wondering why we too should be ready for when storms come. Southern California does not see much rain throughout the year but storms should still be something we prepare ourselves for.

Specifically, this rainy season, we must be extra careful after the Sand Fire that hit us recently. Without the trees and bushes in our mountains, we are more vulnerable to landslides and flash floods from the rain we have been getting.

When your home is hit by a flood or storm, remember that your local SERVPRO is here to restore your home to its pre-storm condition. We specialize in restoring homes and buildings in a quick and timely manner, so that you and your family could go back in to your normal routine.

Call us at (661)296-4600

We Restore Fire Also!

1/5/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lancaster is a company that does more than water remediation. In some situations, homes and commercial buildings would need some fire remediation, which we at SERVPRO can also do. Should such an event occur, we are able to clean your home of all the fire damage including smoke damage on carpets, curtains, or upholstered furniture. At SERVPRO, we want to make sure we do all the necessary work to restore your beloved home to its best condition. We value your home as much as you value it, and we always want to make sure we do our job to the best of our abilities.

 In case of any kind of fire damages in your home, SERVPRO of Santa Clarita is always here. Give us a call at 661-296-4600.

Santa Clarita Fire and Water Damage - We Are Here If You Need Us

12/28/2016 (Permalink)

If you have suffered the loss of being in a fire or a flood, you know how much that event impacts your life and that of those you love. Both fire and water damage to a building whether commercial or residential takes a huge toll on the family or group that is there. Hopefully you will never have to make that call for help, of come to your building to find it charred or flooded, but if you do, call who you need to call then call the professionals to help clean it up. Fire and water damage is not just about cleaning up, it is about assessing what type of damage has been done and to see if the structure can be saved. 

Should you find yourself in this position, here is what you need to know about fire and smoke damage as well as water damage restoration services by Santa Clarita cleaning and restoration professionals who are specialists in this field. 

Fire damage is a two-punch combo of both flame damage and smoke charring and smell. The fire can burn and the smoke can char. Flames will burn all that they can in the time before they are extinguished; from woodwork, windows, furniture to clothes, valuables, and food it will consume it all if it can. Sometimes fires can be small but the smell of smoke just permiates throughout the building. Then there can be the impact left by water used to extinguish the fire. All cases are unique and different, and yet Santa Clarita Fire and Water Damage Restoration Professionals can take care of it all.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley knows about the effects flames have on a home or building. Fire damage repair and restoration includes cleanup of smoke from the flames. Smoke damage is a sneaky "bad guy" to follow for it can leave its tracks in hidden damaged places especially leaving an odor where it once was. In the restoration process it is good to have professionals who know about these things take care of the thorough cleanup job. 

Another type of disaster that hopefully you never have to deal with is water. Too much water at the wrong place at the wrong time is a bad thing. We call this flooding. Water damage can also be seen at some fire damage sites where water was used to extinguish a fire; water damage does not only imply a flood. No matter which way you look at it, water damage has loss to it as well, loss of valuables, structural supports, and more.

When there is too much water, the first step is water removal. SERVPRO in Santa Clarita knows how to manage this like professionals. Whether it be water damage from a leak or a flood, these exerts know how to reduce further damage and know how to help restore and preserve what is left of the building. 

Step one in the water damage process is to stop more water from entering the scene. Once that has been established--if not already happening simultaneously depending on the situation--water removal can begin. Trucks are on standby and gas-powered pumps pump water out of there at an efficient and impressive rate. 

Next in the process is to treat the infected areas. With water lingering can come mildew, fungi, and or bacteria growth. In order to put a halt to this it is best to treat the areas so that no more harmful damage can be done. The last main part of the water damage process is to dry! Dry what was wet and get it dry as quick as possible. High-speed fans and dehumidifiers help this process right-along. Santa Clarita water damage cleanup professionals know how to get these jobs done. 

Hopefully these scenarios do not become a reality for anyone, but in this imperfect world we live in accidents are bound to happen. Fire and water damage can strike at any time to all kinds of buildings both commercial and residential and all others in-between. For those persons in the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas remember SERVPRO and their commitment to quickly get your life back on track as if the incident never even happened. 

Mold in Your Santa Clarita Home

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

There are numerous ways hazardous molds can develop in your house. These molds can trigger illness, and sometimes, even death. Molds have the tendency to grow where water has actually been sitting for an extended time frame, and they thrive in damp and secluded areas. If you have just recently experienced a flood, or perhaps had a dishwasher or water heater give out, you could have mold expanding in your house without you knowing about it. If you discover mold, it is in your genuine interest to explore mold removal, and the quicker, the better in all cases.

You can help avoid mold from accumulating in your house by taking some preventative measures. If you have had standing water in your house, have a mold removal expert come by, even if you haven't discovered any mold. Use dehumidifiers to keep the air from getting too moist, and keep an eye out for slow water leakages in your house. A tiny drip from a pipe onto floorboards behind your washroom wall can result in nasty mold growth.

Some mold removal can be done without the aid of an expert, however this is only recommended for small amounts of mold. Due to the fact that breathing in mold spores can be so unsafe, you should think very carefully before trying to remove it yourself. If you go this course, learn precisely the ways to remove it safely, and wear safety products like a breathing mask and gloves when trying mold removal.

If you discover mold that is covering more than a square foot location, you should seek out expert mold removal. Often times, the mold you can see is just the tip of the iceberg. Mold can expand in places like your heating duct system which is difficult to inspect on your own. It can likewise grow behind your walls, and you might never ever truly know the amount of exists without using a flexible wall camera. This is why a professional is the best alternative for mold removal and remediation. Not are they extremely knowledgeable about eliminating it, they are also familiar with all the concealing areas where mold can hide. 

You should definitely have someone evaluate a home for mold prior to your purchasing it. A home purchase mold inspection can discover any existing mold, and advise you on ways to proceed. If mold is found, they will know if mold removal is an option, or if it is just not worth the investment. If hazardous mold spreads with a residence uncontrolled for a number of years, even the very best mold removal experts will not be able to save your house, and make it habitable once more.

So if you suspect you have a mold issue or want an inspection of a home you are considering purchasing, give the professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley a call today at 661-296-4600.

Water Damage Restoration Explained

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

All too often homeowners do not have any idea that there is water damage and mold in their home until the problem becomes too substantial to overlook. Other times, it is extremely obvious, like after a flood. Similar to smoke damage, this type of issue can be costly to repair, and most of the time it cannot be fixed without replacing what has sustained the damage. Homeowners may be covered for this, but not unless of course they have that specifically added to their house insurance or have flood insurance coverage. Some think they may be covered and they sadly find out the hard way that they are not covered through insurance.

Water damage from flooding is not always obvious. Though a large flood is obvious to people and therefore the damage is apparent, there are times when matters go unnoticed. Some basements will leak water during times of heavy rain, and that water will sit on the basement floor. Next thing you know there can very well be foundation problems for you. Some folks go into their basements often and they will see the water damage immediately. Then there are the people who have no need to go into the basement except for specific, rare needs like at Christmas to grab some decoration boxes.

Sitting water can erode away things like heaters and water heaters. In California we typically do not have basements but many hillside homes have partial storage areas or other areas below the first floor where equipment is stored. Residents of Santa Clarita should contact SERVPRO immediately so that minimal damage is done--this applies to both residential and commercial properties. Buildings can be restored through process of drying, deodorizing, and disinfecting the damaged areas.

Most water damage in the home begins with a leak. A single leak that although regular but slow can cause so much mayhem later on. When water leaks out of a pipe behind the walls the wood will warp. This needs to be replaced for structural reasons and reasons pertaining to mold and health matters for the residents. If drywall is soaked by hidden water damage, it will have to be replaced--the sooner the better. If mold is found, a professional should be called in to deal with it as soon as possible. The family may even be advised to stay somewhere else until the living situation can be improved and approved for safe habitation.

So if you come across a leak in your home, the first course of action should be to clean up what has dripped already, and then to place a bucket or other container to catch what falls next. This allows you time to make the important phone calls that you need to make so that you can get to the bottom of this. First things first: call the insurance company and let them know what is going on. This would be a good time to review your policy and see what you are covered for.

If you are in Santa Clarita and find yourself in this vulnerable position, make a call to SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley and let the professionals take over. After you have done all that you as a homeowner are capable of doing to lessen the damage, let the experts use both their knowledge, experience, and resources such as vacuums and fans to dry out the water and the damage that has already taken its toll.

Next in the damage restoration process is to deodorize the building where it needs to treated. Depending on the assessed level of damage and the kind of water that did the dirty work--disinfecting may also be a necessary step to take. The goal is to get the residence or building structurally back to the standards it was at before the water accident. In some cases, further action may need to be taken such as structural repairs.

Unfortunately, homeowners may learn that they are not covered like they thought--or hoped--that they were. When that happens, the cost of repairing water damage might default to the homeowner. If you are not sure if you are covered for flooding and other water damage, call your insurance company to find out what is what. If you choose to, add coverage and discuss your location, possible natural disasters in your region, and other related matters. Insurance is there to ease your worries for a price. Put those worries to rest and get the coverage you think you need so that you can continue to live your life with as few financial surprises as possible.

So what happens when you need water damage restoration services for your Santa Clarita residence? SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley Professionals concentrate on safely drying, deodorizing and disinfecting any areas flooded or damaged by water. Water damage in Santa Clarita residences or businesses is not desirable, but there is hope and help to get you out of the mess you are in.

Sewage Clean Up Santa Clarita

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

Sewage. Just the mere mentioning of the word makes you want to get as far away from it as you can. Anytime you see a spot that was once covered in sewage you want to see it absolutely clean and sanitized. Let's be totally honest here, yes sewage is gross. It does have a place in our society and city networks and that place is away from people and in pipes that take it away. If there is ever a sewage mess or backup in the Santa Clarita area then you will be sure to get the professionals called in as soon as possible to clean up the mess.

There are two general areas that sewage messes can happen. One is in a commercial setting and another is in a residential property. Neither are desirable. Preventative care can be taken but sometimes life just throws you those unexpected curve balls.

When a sewage leak, overflow, backup, or flood strikes upon a commercial property, it can mean devastating reactions. One of the most immediate actions that should be taken is to contact by phone or email (in case of an emergency a phone call would be most appropriate) a Santa Clarita sewage cleaning and restoration service. SERVPRO is able to meet the job demands no matter how large or how small.

In the event of a commercial sewage spill, cleanup would begin by first seeing that everyone is away from the sewage and they are safe. Medical treatment may be advised per the severity of the event. Some incidents in large buildings are small, and some are large; as it is fitting both need to be handled immediately and appropriately. The sewage needs to literally be gone and out of there as soon as possible. The sewage cleanup and restoration by Santa Clarita SERVPRO professionals is unmatched for this kind of job. The cleanup will entail moving the sewage out and to then be disposed of properly. Next is cleaning and assessment of what is salvageable and what is not. Some items can be cleaned and saved, others cannot. Large cleanup jobs work just the same as the small ones--just on a much larger scale using larger tools and resources.

As a refresher on sewage, this stuff is undesirable waste. It is harmful to humans and other living things as well as non-living things such as floors, foundations, walls, and more. Sewage is a serious threat to your health as it has Salmonella and E.Coli. The SERVPRO professionals who know who to tame this kind of mess are prepared to safely and effectively take on this clean up task. Do not attempt to clean up sewage if you are not a trained professional. This is why it is so important to contact a cleanup and restoration specialist immediately. Simply breathing in old sewage fumes can cause or irritate existing respiratory problems.

The second type of location that a sewage disaster may strike is at a residence. It may be from an old, worn down pipe that it happens or perhaps a backed-up septic tank in your yard due to heavy rains. Whatever the reason--whatever the source--call SERVPRO in Santa Clarita to cclean up and handle your sewage spill.

For a residential cleanup, the first steps are to clean and care for the people who were in or near the sewage spill. They may need to be cleaned or medically seen especially should they be having respiratory problems. Next, for the professionals to deal with, getting the sewage out of there is a top priority. Once the cleanup has been completed then the restoration and actual cleaning or sanitizing can commence. Some materials may have to be removed and, or marked unsalvageable. So when in need of Santa Clarita sewage cleanup professionals, call the experts at SERVPRO of Santa Clarita immediately at (661) 296-4600.

Santa Clarita Biohazard Cleanup - Serious Work

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

Biohazard Cleanup Services from SERVPRO Santa Clarita Valley 

If you thought cleaning was difficult, imagine cleaning up biohazard waste. This really does take cleaning up a notch. It is not just dust bunnies and smudges on mirrors, biohazard cleanup entails sewage, crime scene, or even harmful residue cleanup. In order to safely and effectively cleanup these kinds of messes, it requires some serious work. If you are in or near the Santa Clarita area, contact SERVPRO to do the dirty work.

Sewage Cleanup Services 

Sewage backups happen. When they happen, they can leave quite an unpleasant mess--a biohazard mess that needs to be cleaned up by professionals like SERVPRO cleaning services. Sewage not only smells rank but the microorganisms themselves are harmful to the inappropriate locations they have been deposited at. Cleaning and restoration experts know how to remove the sewage and contain it. Furthermore, they know the proper methods to cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the facility. As soon as the sewage backup and mess are noticed it is best to contact a cleaning specialist right away so that the environment does not remain unhealthy for much longer.

Crime Scene Cleaning Services 

Another type of serious cleanup that reaches the biohazard status is a crime or the scene of a traumatic accident. When bodily fluids and/or tissues are exposed or present at a scene, it can be very uncomfortable. It is not healthy for the blood borne pathogens to be present in this state. The potentially pathogenic substances at the scene need to be cleaned up in a professional manner. There is more to it than just scrubbing--safety precautions need to be made so that the facility can be deemed sanitary once again. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals know how to clean, disinfect, and deodorize the facility.

Illegal Drug Manufacturing Cleanup 

Another common biohazard site to clean up are locations where illegal drugs are produced. This has biohazard written all over it. For those in the Santa Clarita Valley, there are professionals who know how to clean up these biohazard sites by following federal and state guidelines to effectively and thoroughly clean the surfaces where such activities had taken place. Methamphetamines are an example of an illegal drug that people create in a room or a home or garage. In order for that structure to not be condemned afterward, an expert cleanup company needs to come in and make it not a toxic place once again.

Don't Chance It, Use SERVPRO Santa Clarita Valley Professional Cleaners

You might be thinking to yourself, "Well okay that sounds like serious work but anyone could do that." And the correct response is, "No, not just anyone can clean up biohazard waste and deemed biohazard sites." For legal and liability matters alone, it is best to have a professional team come in and clean up a mess at this magnitude. Many times in these cases, the law is involved. Federal and California state standards, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA), need to be met when cleaning up biohazard sites.

Santa Clarita Flood Water Damage - Does It Flood Here?

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

Short answer: yes, it floods here. There is much more to that question and the right answer though. In Santa Clarita it can flood and water damage can be done. Water can do a lot of harm if it is somewhere it is not supposed to be. SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is able to clean up the mess and restore the building as efficiently as possible. Water damage caused by a non-natural flood is one type of damage that insurance companies see and water damage caused by natural floods is the other type.

Water Damage

Water damage inflicted on a home or commercial building would be along the lines of an accidental large water spill or neglect of leaving a faucet on causing flooding--water damage--to the building. Examples of water damage typically covered under a commercial or homeowners property policy would be heavy rain leaking into your attic causing damage, exploding appliances such as a water heater in the home, or even broken pipes bursting in the home due to temperature swings due to negligence or vacation.

Flood Damage

On the other hand, flood damage can be caused by a nearby river overflowing then washing up into your home or building. Heavy rain can cause flooding by the soil not absorbing the rain quickly enough; this is also referred to as a flash flood. A sewer or water main break can cause flood damage as well. 

Federal Flood Insurance - NFIP

Santa Clarita does participate in the NFIP, the National Flood Insurance Program, and their goal is to lessen the devastating effects caused by flooding nationwide. There are links with FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to the local Santa Clarita community in case a natural disaster strikes. Participating in the NFIP allows for flood insurance to be purchased by residents then making their homes federally backed should they need financial relief in this time of need.

What To Do

Hopefully you never have to encounter water damage or flood damage in your home or place of work. It is all-around undesirable. What is someone to do if they find themselves in this predicament? Water and flood damage is too serious of a matter to handle alone and without the knowledge. Call SERVPRO the professionals who know how to clean up and restore a flooded building or home. These water removal and water damage restoration experts can be reached 24-hours a day, 7 days a week at (661) 296-4600 serving the Santa Clarita Valley in California.

In the moment of a flood or as soon as you realize that your space has suffered from water damage, clear the immediate area. Move out possessions and furniture that are in the affected areas. Begin drying the area as best you can. This may mean using towels to absorb moisture or inches of water. Do not use a vacuum cleaner that is not wet-dry approved for use. Open windows, turn on fans, and do what you can to encourage evaporation and dehumidifying. As soon as you can, at the moment of realization of water damage, contact trained water removal professionals at SERVPRO. 

By having the specialists come in and deal with the cleanup, you are ensuring that the job is getting done right and efficiently. Whether it damage done by a flood or by an accidental water incident, no job is too small not to take seriously. The smaller water damage accidents can still produce health hazards and undesirable living and work spaces. On the other side, no job can be too large where you think you cannot get the sufficient help you need. Although the aftermath of flood and water damage can be stressful, there is help out there from trained professionals who know about water removal and water damage restoration. Flood water damage is frustrating, but if you are in the Santa Clarita area then call SERVPRO and you can trust you are in good hands.

Santa Clarita Drapery & Curtain Cleaning

12/20/2016 (Permalink)

When it comes to interior cleaning, for either home or place of business, nothing should be excluded from the cleaning list. Do not leave drapes and curtains off of that list! Just like the other fabrics and linens in your home or office, they need to be cleaned.

Why You Need to Clean Your Drapes

Why clean your curtains? There are plenty of reasons. First of all, they may be dirty. Yes, they may have stains from little hands, or they may have collected gunk on them from being up for so many years. You may not know it, but just from hanging there and looking pretty, drapes and curtains both gather oil and other airborne particles and hold onto them for long periods of time. Another reason why curtains and drapes need to be cleaned, is so that whatever was on them can be taken away. Just like any linen, drapes hold smells such as smoke. To freshen up your home or business, it is a good idea to have your curtains professionally dry cleaned for health and sanitation reasons, as well as the overall presentation of a clean room.

Benefits Of our Santa Clarita Drapery Cleaning Service

When you get your curtains professionally dry cleaned by SERVPRO of Santa clarita, you are sure to reap in the benefits. Cleaning your curtains means a more clean and sanitary working and living environment. Those dust bunnies that were one there are now gone. That funny smell has left the building. Even the colors of the curtains have brightened and livened up the place. Yet another reason to have your curtains dry cleaned is so that they will last longer. Yes, if you want to keep them, you need to clean them. Oily build-up can slowly but surely deteriorate the drapes, and having them professionally cleaned will remove that oily grime.

Types of Drapery Cleaning

Now that we all know that our drapes and curtains need to be cleaned, you need to know that there are right ways to have them cleaned, and wrong ways. Very few curtain fabrics can be laundered successfully. If cleaning is gone about the wrong way, shrinking or discoloration will likely occur. Consult with a SERVPRO of Santa Clarita professional to inspect your drapes and have them professionally dry cleaned as it suits your fabric. Also, the majority of dry cleaning clothes facilities are not equipped with what it takes to dry clean draperies. No matter the fabric either sheer or heavy-duty, SERVPRO of Santa Clarita specialists can efficiently clean drapes and curtains.

When To have Your Curtains Cleaned

It is good to have your curtains and drapes cleaned about every two years. If they are located in a high traffic area or are especially oily and dirty, then it may be best to get them professionally dry-cleaned more often. For the most part, every two years is appropriate. This will keep them in good shape, oil-free, clean looking (and feeling) and also clean smelling. Having them cleaned by SERVPRO will ensure that the longevity of the curtains will be lengthened, and thus reduce spending on replacement ones. 

Large Loss for Commercial Buildings

9/20/2016 (Permalink)

It is not common for a commercial building to experience major losses such as water or fire, but when they do, it normally is big enough to halt the entire building and the businesses that are in it.

One thing we always want to emphasize here at SERVPR is that we want to be as quick as possible when it comes to responding and making sure the loss is taken care of immediately "Like it never happened". Part of achieving that requires a handful of workers and equipment that can make that process quicker. SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley is part of a Large Loss Division unit. With that, there is not a loss big enough for us to handle. Multiple other franchises around us are always able to help when a loss is normally bigger than what our crew can handle.

SERVPRO, despite having multiple franchises in different locations still work together as a team to make sure we service our community the best way we possibly can.

If there is anything too large for your own maintenance crew to handle in your commercial building, do not hesitate to give SERVPRO a call at (661)296-4600

Emergency Ready Programs for Commercial Properties

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

As a free service to local Santa Clarita Valley Commercial Properties, we can have a program called the Emergency Ready Program (ERP). This program simply collects vital information about your commercial property building such as the water shut off, where to park in case of an emergency, and who to inform. In the rare case that we are called for an emergency, we will assure the property owner that we will not do anything more than mitigating the damage until we receive confirmation from whoever is in charge.

For SERVPRO, there is no damage too large for us to handle. We are part of a large loss division that will be able to come in and assist the local SERVPRO of Santa Clarita should there be a damage too large for us to handle. 

If you are a building owner and has questions about our Emergency Ready Program, give us a call at (661)296-4600

Commercial Building Disasters in Santa Clarita

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

When a natural disaster hits your commercial property in Santa Clarita Valley, you can always count on SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley to fix your problem "Like it never happened." 

Here at SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley, we value the importance of cleaning up any water, fire, or mold damage as quick as we possibly can to ensure that your local Santa Clarita Valley business gets back on its own feet. We understand the loss any commercial property experiences when it closes for a certain period of time.

Whether its a water damage, fire or smoke damage, or mold remediation, our certified crew members will work on the job tirelessly to make sure your business is back up and running with as little hindrances as possible.

If you have any questions about water, fire, or mold - call your local SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley at (661)296-4600

Santa Clarita Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (661)296-4600

Santa Clarita 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of [[Franchise Name]] 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 - (661)296-4600

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 [[Franchise Name]] 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 Santa Clarita Valley

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley 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.

Does Your Santa Clarita Home Have A Mold Problem?

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (661)296-4600

When Storms or Floods hit Santa Clarita, SERVPRO is ready!

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Large Floods and Storms

When storms hit Santa Clarita Valley, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Do Not Hesitate to Call Us Today (661)296-4600

Restoring Your Santa Clarita Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Santa Clarita commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

SERVPRO of Santa Clarita Valley Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration

8/23/2016 (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 Santa Clarita 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 - (661) 296-4600

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 Santa Clarita and let 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 To Help (661)296-4600