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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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