Commercial Business Fire Damage

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

The premiums for a bar, garage or a conventional office building may vary widely based on the difference in fire risk levels. Businesses that use hazardous or flammable equipment may have higher insurance premiums. These operations may involve

• Alcohol
• Chemicals
• Cooking equipment
• Smoking
• Vehicles 

Structural Components - A building made of combustible materials such as wood may pose a greater fire risk than a structure that is built out of fire-resistant materials. Owners should consider the risk of fire in the primary structure in addition to any additions or modifications. The degree to which building materials may succumb to fire and the distance of a business from the nearest fire station may drive up the cost of a commercial insurance policy. Fire Safety Equipment - It is also crucial that a business be equipped with fire safety equipment. This may include

• Alarms and detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Sprinklers

Some regional building codes require hardwired fire alarms. These systems should also have a battery backup in case of power failure. Battery-powered smoke detectors should also be regularly tested and the batteries should be changed. Have fire suppression systems and equipment such as extinguishers periodically inspected to ensure that critical components will function in the event of a fire. All of these factors may impact the costs of commercial insurance coverage for a business located in Santa Maria business owner may want to compare commercial policies to find the right level of coverage for fire damage.

Should You Restore or Replace During a Loss?

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

When your commercial or residential property has been damaged by fire or water, SERVPRO of Santa Maria's mission always has been to provide the best customer service possible, to support your business or home during the mitigation process, and to make it "Like it never even happened". Our team works to provide this service as quickly as possible and at the lowest possible cost to you. We understand that time is money and our team makes it their job to help you get life back to normal. Part of recovering the belongings in your home or business includes identifying which items and structures can be preserved. Our team strives to restore the items in your life that may have more meaning. Sometimes it is actually more of cost savings to restore something than it is to completely replace it. This also allows our team to maintain those items which have sentimental value. Did you know that according to research conducted by the insurance and repair industries, restoring property after fire and water damage is less expensive than replacing it? Restoring is also less disruptive to your home or business, allowing you to stay in their homes or continue conducting your business throughout the process and rapidly return to normal.  Our team is trained to identify when restoring can be performed with the high-quality outcomes that our clients deserve as a preferred mitigation and restoration partner for most major insurance companies. This "repair" rather than "replace" mindset can help you save money while keeping family treasures, keepsakes, and other impossible or prohibitively expensive items to replace. If your home or business has been impacted by water or fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Maria.

Fire Tips for your Santa Maria, CA Home

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Our team knows what it feels like to lose a home.

It can leave someone with so many emotions and just the thought can be scary. Our team wants you to understand that there is a lot you can do to prevent fires from starting. Accidents can happen, but you can learn how to avoid a fire from starting and spreading through your home. Before the Fire

• Install smoke alarms that combine flashing lights on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries every six months.
• Keep grills, cookers, and fryers at least 3 feet away from your house and shrubs or bushes.
• Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Service your chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves, and central furnace once a year.
• Store a fire extinguisher on every level of your home.
• If an electric appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again.
• Never smoke in bed
• Always stay near cooking to monitor it closely. Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles, and wear clothes with short, rolled-up, or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
• Use only child-resistant lighters and store all matches and lighters up high, where kids can't see or reach them, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Look for frayed wires and damaged cords. If you see any exposed wires, unplug the electronics, and replace them immediately.

Make sure you talk with your family, talk through situations and what you can to prevent these tips we have listed. Always remember it is the best practice to create an escape plan and practice them with your family. Do it together!

How Should I Handle Hail Damage?

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

What Exactly is Hail?

The NOAA defines hail as a form of precipitation consisting of solid ice that forms inside thunderstorm updrafts. Hail can damage aircraft, homes, and cars, and can be deadly to livestock and people. Creating what is called "Hailstones". Hailstones are formed when raindrops are carried upward by thunderstorm updrafts into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere and freeze. Hailstones then grow by colliding with liquid water drops that freeze onto the hailstone’s surface. If the water freezes instantaneously when colliding with the hailstone, cloudy ice will form as air bubbles will be trapped in the newly formed ice. However, if the water freezes slowly, the air bubbles can escape and the new ice will be clear. The hail falls when the thunderstorm's updraft can no longer support the weight of the hailstone, which can occur if the stone becomes large enough or the updraft weakens.

How Does Hail Damage Your Roof?

Hail can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of your home, no matter how sturdy your roof may seem. One of the most common types of hail damage is denting of aluminum and metal roofing. A dented, misshapen roof is a malfunctioning roof. If you notice such damages to your metal roof after a hailstorm, it’s important to contact the experts at SERVPRO of Santa Maria as soon as possible. Asphalt shingle roofs can also be damaged by hail, but in the form of punctures, tears, fractures, and granular displacement. Repairing your asphalt shingle roof after hail damage is vital. Holes in the protective layers of your shingles could mean instantaneous or gradual leaks, which eventually lead to water damage. Additionally, the granules on your asphalt shingles provide a protective layer from the sun, so when there is a loss of granules, the shingles are more susceptible to UV light degradation, eventually causing cracks, blisters, leaks, and more. A swift response to hail damage is crucial to the safety of your home and health.

Repair Hail Damage with SERVPRO of Santa Maria

As a locally operated business here in Santa Maria our team is able to respond quickly to your hail storm damage emergencies. When you call SERVPRO of Santa Maria, our disaster recovery team will immediately tend to your needs, as a fast response is important to prevent further damage. The faster the response, the better. If you think you might have roof damage, it is safest to avoid going up on your roof to check for damages, because it might not be sturdy. Our professionals have the experience and tools necessary to safely inspect your roof after damage occurs. No matter the size of the project, the professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Maria will arrive quickly, prepared to repair your roof damages.

Water Heaters Tips for the Home

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that in a home, the water heater accounts for about 18% of the energy used?

As a result, a water heater is one of your home's most critical and costly appliances. Proper water heater maintenance is necessary to guarantee that it continues to function properly and does not cost you too much. Checking on your water heater in the spring is an excellent idea. Water damage can occur quickly, so it's crucial to ensure sure it's in good operating order. Our team has put together a few tips to keep your water heater running at peak performance.

• To determine if your anode rod needs to be replaced, inspect it every two years or if the warranty has ended every year.
• Attach a garden hose to the valve at the base of the water heater tank every six months to remove sediment. Please turn off the electricity and run the hot water until it cools down for safety.
• A plumbing specialist should perform a yearly check of the shut-off valve and all piping. Broken valves, loose or moist joints, and rust are signs that more severe harm is on the way.
• Turn the temperature down to one. There is no reason to keep your water heater above it. At that temperature, you can do everything you need. But, of course, keeping your water heater hotter can cause it to break down much faster.

If you experience water damage, SERVPRO of Santa Maria has a team of highly trained professionals to help you 24 hours a day!

Where Should Home Fire Alarms Go?

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

While many homes in Santa Maria come already installed with all the smoke alarms you need to make sure you are keeping your family safe. As more research has been conducted over the years on fires and how they spread, requirements have changed. Many older homes do not meet these standards which can be dangerous in the case a fire does occur. Keep your family safe by ensuring a fire alarm is located in the following four locations! Bedrooms - The National Fire Protection Association suggests the placement of a fire alarm in every bedroom of the house. This ensures that if a fire occurs while your family is asleep, the alarms will wake quickly wake up everyone. Outside Every Sleeping Area - Not only should alarms be inside every bedroom, but there should also be a smoke alarm right outside the room or any other sleeping areas as well. This is so you can react and start to escape before any fire or smoke even enters your room. 10 Feet From Your Kitchen - Kitchen fires result in approximately 50 percent of all home fires, many of which result in serious fire damage to your home. Make sure a fire alarm is located 10 feet from your kitchen rather than inside it since smoke or steam from cooking can easily trigger it. Every Level of Your Home - Ensure that there is as least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Don’t forget your basement! Serious fire and smoke damage can occur from an undetected fire that starts in the basement. It doesn’t take long for a house fire to quickly get out of hand! That’s why it is so important to have all the required fire alarms installed so you can quickly get everyone out of your house and get in contact with the fire department and a fire restoration company to minimize the fire damage to your home.

Various Storm Damage

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Storm season brings a wide range of storm types.

Anyone of these storm types could easily cause damage to your home or business. It is important to know the different damages that a storm can cause and also be prepared for wind, flooding and lighting that can cause to your home. 

Wind Damage  

Storm damage sometimes includes severe wind damage. Roof damage in this situation may range from a missing roof due to strong winds that may loosen flashing. This can cause your roof shingles to be removed from your home or business causing leaks. Even a subtle roof leak can produce damp, moldy conditions. One of our restoration experts can help property owners address storm damage and roof damage more effectively. 

Flooding Damage 

Flooding may disrupt municipal water systems which call for experts to assess groundwater and evaluate the condition of pipes following flood damage. Our team can assist in your cleanup process after flood damage has occurred. 

Lighting Damage 

When a storm occurs, many times it brings the loud sounds of thunder which mean lighting is striking. Your home or business may have objects attached to the building that can attract a lightning strike that can cause a fire. A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of roughly 30,000 kelvins (53,540 degrees Fahrenheit). Lightning strikes, or discharges of massive charges of static electricity, cause about 2% of all fires.

Uninvited Guest

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Imagine going on a trip of a lifetime for a week only to come home to find your furniture
floating in water. When you left, everything was in its proper place and all areas were clean.
Three days into your trip, an unwanted guest shows up…a broken toilet supply line. The next
two days he feels the freedom to eat your snacks, drink your tea, sit on all the furniture, and
sleep on your beds. This is no way to end a vacation. SERVPRO of Santa Maria has water mitigation experts
standing by 24/7/365, ready to evict this type of guest. We have the appropriate equipment to
extract all of that water and dry all your things so you can restore your home to the peaceful
place it was before you left. Our team is certified in water mitigation. The standards we use
are adopted industry-wide by all the major insurance companies. We know what's expected
and what is needed to get the job done. So, when an uninvited guest shows up at your
house, call SERVPRO of Santa Maria, the eviction team that's “Faster To Any Sized Disaster”.

Choose SERVPRO After A Home or Business Fire

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has over 50 years of restoration service work and understands the value of your home or business, and it's something we strive to get you back into as quickly as possible. Getting your life back to normal is what we strive for after a fire takes place. 

With the newest in equipment and the best in technology, SERVPRO of Santa Maria is able to make it, “Like it never even happened.” With fire restoration trained staff and industry experience we excel at getting it cleaned and repairs quickly.

In addition to our fire remediation crew, we also carry a Reconstruction Division that is able to put the finishing touches to make the home move-in ready. Plus a full service laundry division that specializes in removing tough smoke and soot odors.

There's only one company able to handle an entire fire damage claim, from cleaning/restoring, to building it back and laundry services and that's SERVPRO of Santa Maria at 805-922-5457

What to Avoid After a Flood

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping Yourself Safe During a Flood

In the midst of a storm, water can invade your home and cause considerable damage to your property in the form of flooding. However, your main priority should always be to keep yourself, your family members, and your pets to safety. Let the storm pass and when conditions are safe, you can return to assess the damage, and then begin the cleanup process. Below are some things you should not do when returning to the site of a flood:

Do Not Make Contact With the Water-

Floodwater can contain many different types of contaminants including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and debris. Help protect your skin from harmful water by wearing rubber boots and gloves and keeping your hands and face from making contact with the water. If contact occurs despite your best efforts, wash immediately with soap and clean water.

Do Not Enter Standing Water-

After a flood, homes, yards, streets, and other areas can be covered in standing water. Powerful winds often accompany heavy storms, so it is not uncommon to find downed powerlines after a storm. Since water from a flood is usually murky, you cannot always tell what lies beneath the surface. If the water has been electrically charged, you could experience an electric shock if you enter a flooded home. Rubber boots will help protect against the risk of electrocution.

Do Not Let the Water Sit

The longer water sits, the more time bacteria have to multiply. When items are left to sit in water for long periods of time, the structural integrity of those items can begin to break down. The water should be safely extracted as soon as possible. By cleaning the water faster, you can help to lessen any water damage to your home. Since mold can begin forming in as little as 24 to 48 hours, it is important to begin the drying process as soon as the water has been extracted.

By following a few precautions, you can help keep yourself safe from the dangers of floodwater.

If you ever experience a flood or some type of water damage in Santa Maria, a professional restoration company like SERVPRO can help get your home back to its original condition- or better. Call us 24/7 at 805-922-5457 for a free assessment and quick help!

Why Standing Water Should Be Avoided

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Flood Water, Be Careful!

After flooding occurs, the surface water left behind can affect your Santa Maria home and or office. Standing water can absorb into the materials and ultimately allows for the deterioration of exposed structural elements.  SERVPRO of Santa Maria offers the quickest possible extraction, as well as drying solutions for your Santa Maria property after flooding. We also have ways to reduce the standing water concerns by offering extremely efficient flood removal for Santa Maria homes. To accomplish this, we call upon a wide array of extraction and moisture removal tools in our well stocked inventory. 

So, What Tools Are Best for Drying Up Flood Damage? 

Every flooding situation is different from the last, there are different tools and machines that can remove water or dry the area better than others. Identifying the most efficient solution is always the priority, once the sooner standing water gets addressed, the less damaging the flood becomes. Some of the standard water removal and drying tools include:

• Air Movers
• Floor Mat Systems
• Dehumidifiers
• Positive Pressure Systems
• And much more!

After a flood, you want your home to look like it did before the disaster as soon as possible. Our SERVPRO of Santa Maria team can help anytime you need us. Let us take the hassle of dealing with a disaster off your shoulders, call us today at (805)922-5457

The Tools We Use at SERVPRO

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Santa Maria we make sure each and every job is done to perfection. Its no surprise we use cutting edge industrial strength equipment to make sure that each job is handled correctly. 

Here are some of the unique tools we have to restore your property:

• An infrared camera is used to identify hidden water locations for the thorough removal of moister that is hidden from the  eye.
• Sensitive moisture meters/detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water from events like floods. 
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
• High-speed air movers to evaporate moisture at an efficient rate.
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.
• Trailer mounted generators and desiccants (Large Commercial Air Dryer) to provide power and large scale drying capabilities.
• Air scrubbers to filter the air.
• The use of Thermal foggers and deodorization agents
• Specialty drying equipment that can penetrate hardwood floors

You can count on SERVPRO of Santa Maria to serve you at the highest level so you can put your home or commercial business back to new condition.

Remove Water Quickly

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Removing Water from Porous Materials in Santa Maria Home 

The permeance of materials can be a crucial consideration for responding SERVPRO technicians looking to dry and restore damaged Santa Maria properties. Understanding what areas are most likely to resist water penetration can help to focus drying machines and other equipment at the most absorption-prone surfaces exposed to the migrating water. Our team has multiple tools and equipment that can help with water removal ambitions when our technicians start mitigation, including:

• Electric submersible pumps
• Gas-powered trash pumps
• Truck-mounted, engine-driven extractors
• Wet vacuums
• Self-propelled and stationary weighted extractors

During the scoping of the job to get accomplished, our professionals can catalog what porous materials are most in need of water removal. While these materials are among the fastest to become damaged by migrating water, in turn, they are also among the most readily extracted and dried. Much like a towel is more likely to absorb standing water than a wood plank, the towel can also be dried more quickly and efficiently than the plank can. This result makes porous materials a focus of both preventative care for your damaged residence, and a solid starting point for effective drying and restoration.

Carpets and Pads

Carpeting has a high permeance rating, as does the padding underneath it. Removing either the material or the moisture from these areas can protect costlier subflooring damage.

Wood Trim 

Baseboards are often not constructed of the highest caliber wood, making it even more prone to saturation than carpeting and drywall. Restoration is not always possible for these materials, and they sometimes require replacement.

Drywall

Much like wood trim, there are many times that saturated drywall can be too severely damaged to protect. Removing water and moisture from gypsum can sometimes be costlier to dry than to remove and replace. Surface moisture meters can indicate the salvageability of wall materials.

These are some of the most commonly damaged materials after a water loss incident and the choices that must get made with them. Our SERVPRO of Santa Maria team can help you to make these emergencies “Like it never even happened,” by calling (805) 922-5457.

How to Prevent Fires within your Home

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

According to the American Red Cross, house fires cause over $7 billion in property damage each year. Being prepared and conducting regular safety checks can help keep you from adding to that number.

Here are a few tips in trying to prevent a fire in your home:

Test your smoke alarms.

Test the batteries once a month. If they’re not working, replace them immediately.

Inspect heating sources.

An annual inspection will reduce your risk of fire.

• Change filters regularly to avoid build-up of dust and lint that can easily catch fire.

Keep the stove and oven clear.

Don’t leave anything flammable near the stove or oven. Make sure curtains don’t hang over the stove, and never rest towels or a cookbook on the stove.

Stay in the kitchen.

Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you have to leave the room, take the pot off the stove or turn off the griddle first.

Check the dryer.

• Have it inspected once a year to make sure all connections are secure.
• Always clean out the lint trap after a load is finished.
• Regularly check behind and around the dryer for pockets of lint or items of laundry that have fallen under or behind.

Maintain cords.

Regularly check the condition of cords and watch out for frayed wires: repair or replace cords with frayed wires immediately.

Be careful with candles.

Never leave candles unattended and always keep them away from flammable items like blankets and curtains. 

Keep fire extinguishers handy.

Keep fire  extinguishers on hand and easily accessible. At the very least, keep one in the kitchen and others near high-risk areas like a fireplace. 

• Remember R.A.C.E

Fire damage is devastating, stressful, and scary. Let SERVPRO of Santa Maria assist with your fire damage needs by calling (805)922-5457

Cleaning Services Highlight: Vandalism & Graffiti

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a respected name in the restoration industry, but it can be easy to forget that we also provide a long list of different cleaning services. In today’s blog, we’re highlighting one of those cleaning services: Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup. Obviously, it is our hope that your property never has to endure this kind of damage, but in the event that your home or business falls victim to acts of vandalism or graffiti, take comfort in the fact that SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall is standing by, ready to help. If vandalism and graffiti damage are not removed and restored in a timely manner, your property may be at risk of water and mold damage. Continue reading for more information about our Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup Services.

Restoring Your Property Following Acts of Vandalism

Designed to serve commercial and residential properties alike, SERVPRO’s Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup services are applicable to many different damage scenarios. While we usually think of the stereotypical external wall spray-paint graffiti when we think of vandalism situations, our crews are trained to clean various surface types, such as asphalt sidewalks and driveways, wood, glass, plastic, stone masonry, and metal. Whether brick, concrete, stone, or another material, trust SERVPRO to efficiently clean your affected surfaces. In addition to our Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup, SERVPRO also provides restoration and supplemental cleaning services that can be helpful depending on the scope of your property’s vandalism or graffiti damage. Turn to us for contents cleaning serviceslike Debris Removal and Odor Removal and Deodorization, as well as larger restoration work, such as Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, and Mold Damage Restoration.  

Experience Vandalism? Call SERVPRO Right Away

No two vandalism or graffiti situations are exactly alike and as a result, SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall will focus on your property’s specific needs. Pick up your phone and call SERVPRO of Santa Maria  at (805)922-5457 at the first notice of vandalism or graffiti. We offer 24-Hour Emergency Service to ensure that one of our crews arrives onsite as soon as possible in order to avoid unnecessary additional damage. Trust SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened” and check out our website to view our expansive list of Cleaning Services.

Water Works Fast: The Water Damage Timeline

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO, we work in the restoration industry, which means that emergency action is our specialty. Many types of damage, especially water damage, rapidly create emergency situations due to their invasive nature. When we receive a phone call from a customer, we are committed to hitting the road and arriving on site as soon as possible in order to minimize property damage. This blog explores the increasing severity of damage that can result from water that is left sitting idly in a home or commercial business over time. We will share our Water Damage Timeline, which highlights the various consequences that homes and businesses can experience from just minutes to a week after water contaminates the property without restoration efforts.

In Minutes

Water is already starting to become absorbed into a wide array of surfaces, including ceilings, walls, and floors, as well as furniture and upholstery, just minutes after it enters your home or business. When water makes contact with dyes in fabrics, it can begin to bleed and stain surfaces. Beware that paper objects, books, and photographs are often quickly impacted by water, as they can swell and warp in a short amount of exposure time. 

1 Hour - 1 Day:

Following the initial 60-minute block of water exposure, your property may undergo large-scale damage. For instance, drywall may swell and break down, while furniture can crack and metal surfaces might tarnish. If, in the first 60 minutes of exposure, staining occurs in carpets or upholstery, such stains may deepen and spread, thereby increasing the difficulty of restoring them to their pre-water loss condition. A musty odor may also accompany the damage sustained in this time frame. 

2 Days - 1 Week:

Biohazard contamination becomes a significant concern after 2 days of water exposure. Mold and mildew growth is common during this 2-7 day period, especially on wet surfaces and objects, like carpeting and furniture, leaving considerable damage. The wood flooring of your property may swell and warp, shifting restoration efforts from repair work to replacement, which is more costly. 

After 1 Week

You will likely see major increases in the scope and estimated price of the restoration services necessary to salvage your property after 1 week of exposure to water. It may not be possible to completely restore affected areas to their preloss condition. Instead, surfaces and objects may require replacement.

From your initial call to the final touch, SERVPRO of Santa Maria (805) 922-5457 will have your back until your property is back to normal.

Water Restoration Professionals

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Despite the magazines, television shows, and internet articles that may have you thinking otherwise, water damage restoration is a job that should only be performed by certified professionals. SERVPRO of Santa Maria technicians not only have the know-how to get the job done right, but they also have the specialized tools needed to thoroughly dry your home, preventing further damage.

Additional benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company:

1. Health Hazards: Depending on the source of the water damage, safety can become a concern. There are three varying degrees of water damage, ranging from clean water to black water, each more hazardous than the next. Blackwater, the most dangerous of the three, is water that has come into contact with fecal matter, a haven for harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens.
2. Hidden Damage: Water damage is not always obvious. Sometimes it is found inside walls and under flooring. If you attempt a DIY restoration and fail to diagnose hidden damage, the resulting issues could be extreme…and expensive.
3. Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional restoration company gives you peace of mind knowing you have done everything in your power to rectify the situation.

When Should I Call a Mold Removal Specialist?

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

We look up – specifically to the roof – to keep us and our facility protected. 

In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that a business's first line of defense against relentless weather conditions is its roof. 

Not only does a strong roof help your business establishment exist for generations to come, but it also tells your customers that you are diligent, professional, and mean business.

Ultimately, your customers’ perception of your business and revenues are affected by the condition and strength of your roof, and your business's ability to ride through storms – figurative and legit.

To keep your roof in top shape, you need frequent inspections. Exactly how often should you get the roof inspected? 

Here’s all you need to know.

How Often Should You Inspect Your Roof

The magic number is two. 

It would be best if you got your roof inspected twice each year. Once, before the onset of rainfall or snowfall season. 

National Roofing Association approves the sound advice of inspecting twice each year.

New Roof versus An Old Roof

The general rule of thumb is to inspect your business' roof twice.

But if your roof is old, you must perform an inspection at least every three months. 

Although frequent inspections sound a lot of work, they are imperative as they can be the step that protects both your business and the belongings inside the business.

When Should You Inspect Your Roof?

While two annual inspections are enough, some special conditions require extraordinary measures. 

For instance, after an episode of strong winds, downpours, or hailstorm, your business' roofs can become susceptible to wear and tear. Since a leaky roof can lead to basement flooding too, due diligence during difficult conditions is important.

Moreover, harsh weather conditions, including strong heat, create fault lines that cause concern.

Therefore, having enjoyed your time in the rain or snow, be sure to give your roof a health check.

How To Inspect Your Roof

Frequent inspections require an eye that can detect details. 

So, for a quick check-up, you can simply look for any peeled-off paint, MOLD, WATER DAMAGE, or fault lines. These are vital checkpoints to determine if your roof needs additional professional care.

DIY or Hiring A Professional?

Hundreds of blogs and thousands of business owners cannot decide whether to give their business's roof a quick inspection or hire a professional.

Inspecting the roof by yourself is a good exercise.

But to be one hundred percent sure about your business’s roof, it is advisable that you contact a professional roofing inspection company that is experienced and understands your business and its roof. After all, how can you take a chance on something that literally hangs over your head?

Parting Thoughts

Now that you know when to inspect your business’s roof and contact a professional, the next step is to get a professional roof repairing and restoration company like SERVPRO to do the difficult work for you.

Contact SERVPRO at 805-922-5457 to get all your roof restoration and remediation needs covered now! 

Flooding at Your Place of Business

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for a flood is one of the smartest things that a business owner can do, even if they are not in an area typically prone to flooding. Statistically, 90% of natural disasters involve flooding and commonly impact areas that are not usual flooding targets.

Increasing your emergency preparedness by planning for a flood is a great idea not only for the safety of yourself and your staff but also for the continuity of your business. By planning in advance and preserving documentation, you can be more prepared to reopen after the flooding passes.

How to Prepare

It is not uncommon for business owners to not know where to start on flood preparations, but thankfully there are many resources out there. Some things to do include:

• Use the FEMA Flood Map and locate your building in order to determine any geographical risks you might face.
• Place copies of important documents in a secure location you will be able to access following a flood.
• Educate employees on your official flooding action procedures, which will ensure everyone knows what their role is in a flood scenario.
• Identify evacuation routes from various locations around the building and host regular drills.
• Consider the idea of adding flood insurance to your business policy.
• Store non-perishable food and water in case you face wait times for emergency personnel to arrive.
• Raise up any valuable electronics out of the water’s path.

How to Decide What Documents to Copy

When it comes to copying documents, it is better to have anything you think you might need instead of failing to remember something. Some important things to include are:

• An outline of your business continuity tasks
• Means of contact for any staff members and third-party services you may need to contact
• Your insurance agent’s contact information
• Detailed steps for recovering computer files that have been backed up
• Financial documents such as bank account information

If your business has experienced a flood, we are always here to help. Call us at 805-922-5457 to get our team of professionals to your business quickly so you can get back on track.

SERVPRO Is the One-Stop Cleaning and Recovery Service | SERVPRO of Santa Maria

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is a one-stop service for a great many things. You may know us as the company that helped your neighbor with a sewage backup or the team that cleans your office. Or maybe you only know us as a set of big green vans you see around town occasionally.

But whatever you know SERVPRO for, there’s a good chance there’s much more about us that you don’t know. So today we want to spell out some more of our available services for you—because when you need help in any of these areas, we want you to know you can trust SERVPRO to take care of you.

Water damage recovery. Water damage is a major pain for millions of homeowners each year, and SERVPRO has custom solutions for all of them. No matter the nature or size of the damage, we can get your home back in the dry again.

Fire damage recovery. Fires in homes across the U.S. happen twice a minute or more, meaning a lot of homes are damaged every day. We’ve got the tools and training to take care of homeowners dealing with fire-related loss.

Mold removal. Mold is often an unfortunate side effect of water damage, and sometimes it’s a result of atmospheric conditions. Regardless, it can eat away at your home—and it’s not safe to remove major mold damage by yourself.

Storm recovery. We see everything from big thunderstorms to tornadoes in Lawrenceville, and they can leave major damage behind. When storms take a bite out of area homes, we help homeowners recover, restoring as much as we can along the way.

Commercial needs. Businesses need cleanup and recovery, too, and we offer all our services for commercial enterprise for that very reason. From full-size business parks to mom-and-pop shops, we take care of local businesses who need us.

General cleaning. We know what you’re thinking—do you have to wait until a storm floods your basement to get your carpet cleaned? No way! We can help you anytime, with any cleaning task you may need.

Specialty cleaning. There are a lot of different places that get dirty a lot of different ways, and we take care of all of them. If there’s an unusual cleaning need, rest assured we can handle it.

Construction. When the damage is more than surface-level, we can manage that too, even if it means remodeling, reconstruction and full-scale rebuilding.

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

We are the best at fire

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

We know many of us have had issues with small appliance in their homes in the past. We get calls about fry daddy’s, toaster ovens, toasters, microwaves, and pressure cookers. Recently, we received a call about soot damage which isn’t unusual. We get calls about soot damages fairly frequent. The soot damage was caused by the microwave. It seems the homeowner was heating up dinner in the microwave and it malfunctioned causing smoke and soot to fill the home. The smoke and soot left behind so much residue. That’s when the homeowner knew she needed to call someone and why not call the best.

The customer called us and we were able to come out and clean the residue from the walls to the ceilings to the floors and cabinets. If you ever find yourself in a predicament that you need fire clean up, call the best in the business and that is us.

Basic Home Maintenance Can Prevent Your Home from Flooding

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Of the many issues that can cause flooding in your home or attic, an often-overlooked item is a clogged gutter system. This critical network of water diversion works to send runoff from your roof to areas away from your house's vulnerable foundation but can often get filled with leaves and other debris. When this system fails or does not work as it should, the results could be serious. Learn how to keep your gutters clean and what to do if you experience flooding.

Keeping gutters clean

The gutters surrounding the eaves of your home exist to help prevent instances of flood damage from occurring. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not even know about a problem with this network of channeling until it is full and causing a water backflow or overflow situation to arise. Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year – in the spring and in the fall when you’re most likely to experience leaves or needs dropping and clogging up drains. If you have pine trees near your home, needles will need to be removed every three months to reduce the potential for clogging the gutters and downspouts. There are actually a few simple steps to prevent this from happening so you don’t experience a flood in your home. Simply getting up on the roof near your gutters and manually cleaning out the blockage is a good start. Many homeowners will you a power spray or hose with a narrow nozzle to get the blockage you’re unable to get by hand. There are also services that will come out and keep your gutters clean if you prefer not to do it.

Keeping your roof in good condition

The Arizona sun can really do a number on your roof. It’s important to keep an eye on it and address any areas of weakness where water may come through. Whether you go up on the roof yourself to inspect or hire a professional to do it, it’s a smart idea to give your roof the once-over at least once a year to prevent water damage from a leaky roof. Depending on what your roof is made of a simple repair could do the trick, or you may need more substantial work.

Keeping good drainage around your home

Some monsoon seasons are more damaging than others. Before you experience a heavy rainstorm, walk around your home to make sure you have good drainage all around your home. If you find water puddling next to your foundation, or see water moving toward your home instead of away, it’s important to fix this so that water doesn’t seep in and cause damage to your home.

What do if you experience water damage

When you find this water making its way into your house, it is time to call in professionals who can handle this situation as efficiently as possible. From the moment that our SERVPRO team arrives at your home, we work to assess what needs to happen to prevent water from continuing to enter your home and allow for extraction and drying to occur successfully. Depending on the severity of the flooding inside of your house, our SERVPRO professionals might only need to use portable pumps to remove the water. Larger quantities of water may require the use of a pump truck. Once the water is removed, we’ll dry the premises and work with any water-damaged items to restore or remove the materials.

A clogged or damaged gutter system cannot divert the water away from your home, and it eventually allows it to pool by the foundation and force its way inside. If clogged gutters, a leaky roof or poor drainage cause flooding to your home, reach out to our experienced SERVPRO of Phoenix team of restoration specialists. We can help you remove the water and bring your home back to the way that it should be. Give us a call anytime, 24/7, at (805)922-5457.

Santa Maria Water Damage Company Reports How High Winds Contribute to Water Damage

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Wind doesn’t need rain to contribute to water damage. High winds can cause damage to a roof and other parts of a building that make is possible for rain that comes along at a later time to intrude and the water damage experts from SERVPRO of Santa Maria have some important tips to help property owners minimize or prevent damage.

One of the first things to do is inspect the roof, around windows and doors, and check for loose siding after a wind storm. A high wind, even a dry one, can loosen shingles and further weaken old and slightly damaged areas of a building. Once this happens it’s much easier for the next rain to get into the roof and walls.

· Older buildings, and older roofs are particularly susceptible to being damaged by wind.

· If damage is discovered, inspect for signs of water damage or mold. Water may have gotten into the building long before the most recent wind.

· Mold is a sign that water has already been present.

· If no water damage or mold is present, make the necessary repairs as soon as possible and definitely before the next rain. · If water damage or mold is found, call a specialist such as SERVPRO of Santa Maria for water damage repair.

SERVPRO certified water damage restoration technicians use advanced water inspection, extraction and drying equipment and techniques to remove any trace of water or mold. The advanced equipment helps locate hidden moisture that might otherwise go undetected and continue to cause damage. Once all the moisture is located, the entire affected area is dried with powerful dehumidifiers then cleaned with professional grade cleaning and sanitizing agents. Any part of walls, ceiling, roof or floor that has been damaged beyond repair is removed so the needed replacements and repairs can happen.

The SERVPRO of Santa Maria technicians have the expertise, experience and equipment to properly restore damaged property. The franchise is an IICRC Certified firm and the team members are highly trained, holding certifications for:

· AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

· ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician

· CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician

· CMT - Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician

· FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician

· RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation

· WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Locally owned SERVPRO of Santa Maria specializes in cleanup and restoration services for damage caused by water, fire, storms and mold and mildew. SERVPRO also works with insurance companies to help manage the paperwork and the claim process. One less thing a stressed property owner needs to worry about while the property is repaired and returned to the condition, “Like it never even happened.” Available to help anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when damage strikes. SERVPRO of Santa Maria is the trusted water damage restoration company. SERVPRO of Santa Maria

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 922-5457

SERVPRO of Santa Maria, serving Orcutt, announces ‘Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned’ for COVID-19 sanitizing

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Maria, serving Orcutt, recently announced that the local franchise is offering Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, an advanced viral pathogen cleaning program for businesses. The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield in your front window shows the community that your business has committed to a higher and safer standard of clean.

More than 50 years of experience in cleaning, sanitizing and restoring businesses and residence from water damage, fire damage, mold, natural disasters and more has provided SERVPRO with the expertise to meet all of the regulatory requirements for businesses to operate safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program includes:

· Cleaning processes and procedures that adhere to the standards set by the CDC and local authorities.

· EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade Disinfectants that are National Sanitation Foundation certified for direct food contact surface use.

· Cleaning of all touchpoints and surrounding surfaces.

· Disinfecting of non-porous surfaces.

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield means that the SERVPRO of Santa Maria professionally trained team has cleaned and sanitized your business, following proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry standards.

The first step is to create a plan that is tailored to the unique needs of your business. SERVPRO of Santa Maria follows the SERVPRO “3Cs” approach to make sure your needs are thoroughly assessed and the plan meets your deep cleaning needs:

· Consult: Not all businesses are the same. The SERVPRO of Santa Maria team works with you to develop a tailored cleaning program.

· Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.

· Certify: The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield tells the public your business has met the stringent CDC standards for COVID-19 sanitation in Santa Maria.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is locally owned and operated and proud to serve the community of Santa Maria and surrounding communities. The trained and experienced team has IICRC Certified Firm certifications, along with WRT Water Damage Restoration Technician training and certifications for cleaning up and restoring properties from water, fire, storm and mold and mildew damage.

Available 24/7, SERVPRO works with your insurance to help manage the insurance paperwork and provide a stress free claims process. Call today for answers to your questions, a free quote and to schedule your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned appointment. SERVPRO of Santa Maria

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 922-5457

‘What Is Water Damage?’

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

When we hear “water damage” we think of storms or floods destroying things in their paths to the slow dripping leak from a cracked water pipe, but few stop to think about how water damages things. Mark Powers, owner of SERVPRO of Orcutt, CA recently released a report that answers the question “What is water damage?”

Water causes damage by:

· Creating a situation for mold to grow: Mold needs moisture and organic material to thrive. Moisture enlivens dormant mold spores, that digest organic material, weakening and breaking down wood, fabric and other materials. Mold can also contribute to health effects.

· Weakening and rotting organic materials: Organic materials absorb and hold water and over time the fibers break down and fall apart. Water also dissolves the adhesives used to create laminated and engineered wood such as particle board and oriented strand board (OSB).

· Creating a situation for insect invasion: Some insects like living in moist areas, and some others, like termites, invade weakened wood causing more damage.

· Rust happens when iron and oxygen react with water, or damp air. Iron and iron alloys such as steel, are subject to rust. Over time, if neglected, rust eats through layers of metal and can eventually weaken metal.

· Weakening and dissolving masonry and grout: Brick, cement, tiles, grout and other masonry products are popular for their durability, but masonry contracts and expands as moisture enters and evaporates. When exposed to water and moisture for prolong periods, masonry will begin to weaken and crumble.

· Causing stains on fabric, walls, floors, ceilings and elsewhere: When water mixes with dust, wood finishes, paint, a variety of other materials such as sewage, household chemicals, fabric dye and even some food and beverages, stains result. In some cases, cleaning can removed the stain and hard surfaces can be refinished or repainted. Some stains to certain kinds of fabric might be resistant to cleaning.

The sooner leaks, broken pipes, overflowing appliances, leaky roofs and other sources of excess water and moisture are addressed, the less damage there will be. Regular inspections are an important part of identifying and fixing issues before they cause damage. Other strategies for preventing water damage include:

· Taking protective precautions before a storm, such as using sand bags to divert water away from buildings

· Periodically inspect the roof for leaks, especially after a heavy storm

· Inspect the attic, basement and crawl spaces for built up moisture

· Make sure all appliance hoses and connections are tight and not leaking

· Check under sinks and around showers, bathtubs and toilets to make sure there are no leaks

· Repair any weak or rotting windows, doors, decking and building exteriors

Locally owned SERVPRO of Orcutt is ready 24/7 to respond to water damage. Whether your property has been flooded, a pipe has broken, or you have water damage from some other source the expert team of highly trained water damage technicians can help. SERVPRO of Orcutt is a trusted leader in the water restoration industry, using the most advanced inspection techniques and extraction and drying equipment.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 922-5457

This press release is by Santa Maria SEO and online marketing company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-9890

‘Questions To Ask Your Insurance Company’

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

“Better late that never” is not a good philosophy when addressing water damage in your home or business. The old saying, “A stitch in time saves nine” is much more appropriate and finding out exactly what kinds of water damage your insurance covers is one stitch closer to being prepared.

Mark Powers, franchise owner of SERVPRO of Orcutt said, “Water damage can be very expensive to repair, especially if it goes undetected or if there is a catastrophic event.” A leader in repairing water damage, mold and fire damage, SERVPRO works with hundreds of insurance companies to help property owners get their claims processed fairly and quickly. “But, we can only help process claims that your insurance covers,” said Powers.

The time to learn what your insurance company covers and doesn’t cover is before you buy the policy. Insurance does not prevent leaking or broken pipes or the toilet or bathtub overflowing, but you can certainly have peace of mind knowing what kinds of water damage incidents your insurance will cover.

Questions to ask your insurance agent include, “Am I covered for water damage caused by:”

· Storms, including heavy snow if your property is in snow country

· Water damage that is the result of putting out a fire

· Toilet, bathtub, washing machine or other appliance overflowing

· A leaking roof

· Water damage to walls, floors and cabinets

· Burst, leaking or faulty plumbing

· Mold damage that is the result of water damage

· Vandalism

· Any other type of water damage

As mentioned, insurance is not going to prevent accidents, but knowing you are covered when something does happen certainly helps reduce some of the stress.

Individual insurance companies may cover more or fewer circumstances and the scenarios may vary. For example, if the roof leaks the insurance may only cover the replacement and repair of possessions inside the house, but not replacement costs for the roof. This is just one example of why it is important to know what your insurance covers.

Typically, insurance does not cover water damage that is caused by neglect. This is why it is important to inspect for leaks and repair any potential problem as soon as possible.

Flood insurance that helps restore your property and possessions after a flood is typically a separate policy. If you live on a flood plain or in an area otherwise subject to flooding, your insurance agent can help you get flood insurance.

Locally owned SERVPRO of Orcutt is ready 24/7 to help. The expert team of highly trained water damage technicians are trusted leaders in the water restoration industry, using the most advanced inspection techniques and extraction and drying equipment.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 922-5457

This press release is by Santa Maria SEO and online marketing company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-9890.

Strongest Traits of a Water Damage Restoration Company

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Hope is one of the most important things for people to feel after their home or business is flooded or damaged by water in any other way. It’s important to find the right assistance to stimulate that hope after the water is under control and Mark Powers, owner of SERVPRO of Santa Maria, water damage specialist, has prepared a report to help people know the best traits of a water damage restoration company.

These important traits include:

· Fast response: A serious leak or burst pipe strikes anytime of the day or night. Choose a company with a reputation for being fast to the scene and quick to start the cleanup and restoration processes.

· Specialist in water, mold and fire damage: Whenever there’s a fire, water damage is part of the scenario. Hundreds to thousands of gallons of water, and sometimes other fire retardant material, is used to put out the fire. Water spreads quickly, mixes with soot, chemical substances that may have been in the building and with fire retardant chemicals and seeps into everything. Water also stimulates mold spores to grow. The technicians need to be trained and certified in a wide range of technologies, including: Fire and Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning and Water Damage Restoration. Make sure the company has all of the industrial-level equipment needed for removing water, soot, ash, and the odors. The water damage company serving Santa Maria has detailed information about east step of the restoration process on the website.

· The ability and commitment to restore instead of replace: Not everything that is touched by water needs to be lost. With the appropriate training, equipment, and technologies a surprising number of items can be saved. The best water damage companies have restoration methods at their disposal that include everything from items that simply need to be thoroughly dried down to dry cleaning and deep cleaning needed to remove every trace of stain, mold and odors. There are specialized drying techniques for delicate items such as books, photographs and art. Restoration services include advice regarding items, such as appliances, electronics or other equipment that may have been damaged but need to be cleaned and restored by qualified electronics technicians.

· Support from start to finish: So many emotions surface in the aftermath of any kind of damage to a home or business. Feeling overwhelmed, not knowing what to do first, the sadness upon discovering treasured items, dread about dealing with the insurance company all pile on top of the original shock. It’s important to work with a water damage company that provides support from the first phone call until the job is done. Support includes walking through the premises with the client as soon as it is safe and assessing both structural damage and personal property damage, creating a detailed inventory of damaged property, assistance with determining value of items, providing a detailed and accurate report and helping file the claim with the insurance company and monitoring the claim process. When any emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. The water damage company, SERVPRO of Santa Maria, understands how stressful and chaotic water damage can be. The company is locally owned and operated and has met the needs of the Central Coast community for repairing and restoring damage from fire, water and mold since the company was established. The company’s highly trained staff is available to respond quickly and professionally. SERVPRO works with their clients from the moment they receive the call until the job is done and the customer is satisfied. SERVPRO of Santa Maria

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 922-5457

4 Hidden Causes of a Cigarette Fire

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Hidden Causes of a Cigarette Fire

Although everyone knows a cigarette fire can cause considerable damage to a home, exactly how this type of fire happens may be less obvious. Cigarette fires start for many reasons. Here are four lesser-known — but no less dangerous — causes.

1. Ashtray Fires
When smokers extinguish their cigarettes in ashtrays, they expect those cigarettes to go out. This isn't always the case. A pile of spent ashes from another smoker can start a fire if those earlier ashes haven't been put out completely. A smoker in a hurry may think he or she has fully extinguished a cigarette when, in reality, that butt is still burning. Ashtrays in public spaces can also be filled with trash and other materials that are essentially tinder for an ashtray fire.

2. Careless Outside Smoking
People smoke outside their homes for many reasons, including the belief that smoking outdoors will eliminate any chance of a fire occurring inside the home. This is false.
Although smoking outside is listed on many fire prevention checklists, smoking in the driveway or other outdoor areas can still cause a cigarette fire. Leaving a lit cigarette on a porch or a deck can cause a fire, for example. Tossing a cigarette into the grass can also create the need for fire cleanup.

3. Trashcan Ash
When placed into the trash with other garbage, the tiniest of embers can start a fire. Cigarette ashes must be completely extinguished before disposal to prevent the chance of a fire.

4. E-Cigarettes
Many assume that e-cigarettes cannot cause a fire because they are flameless. This is false. Although rare, the battery in an e-cig can overheat, causing a potentially fiery explosion.
Even with preventative measures, a cigarette fire can still happen in Santa María, CA. In the event that it does, contact your local fire damage restoration company to return your home to its original condition.

3 Things You Should Know About Flood Water

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Three Things To Remember About Flood Water

If your Santa Maria CA, home has experienced water damage from a storm or flooding you may be wondering how to go about cleanup and repairs. However, there are a few things you should understand about the water in your home to help ensure that the restoration process is done correctly. Here are three things to remember about flood water.

1. It’s Categorized as Black Water

It’s important to note that any storm caused flooding is categorized as black water. It’s is due to the fact that it’s impossible to know where exactly this water has been, and there’s a risk it could have come in contact with sewage material. This means that there are a number of safety standards that should be met during the restoration process to ensure that your home isn’t contaminated by bacteria.

2. A Professional Should Be Called

When dealing with damage from storm flooding it’s important to follow safety procedures to avoid contamination. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to contact a local water damage restoration service to help with clean up and repairs. These professionals can not only remove the water and restore you home but can offer a variety of cleaning services as well to help ensure that any possible bacteria carried by the flood water are removed.

3. The Affected Area Will Need To Be Cleaned

Because Flood water is potentially contaminated, the affected area will need to be properly cleaned and sanitized. This is another thing a restoration service can help you with. It’s important to remember that any items in the flooded rooms will need to be cleaned as well.

It’s important to remember that storm flooding is classified as black water. This means that and water damage should be cleaned up by a professional restoration service to help ensure that the affected area is properly cleaned and sanitized. If you have any questions these professionals should be able to help.

How Long Does it Take to Pump Flood Water Out?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Uses Advanced Equipment and Methods to Extract Flood Waters from your Santa Maria Home.

Standing water in the home, which is commonly associated with flood events, can cause significant harm. An exceptional amount of stress and pressure is exerted upon a building's structure by water weight. Furthermore, the migration of water into cavities or beneath floorboards can complicate the drying process. 

The primary approach to flood water extraction for your Santa Maria home is to assess the type of water content and contamination levels. SERVPRO technicians rely on many kinds of extraction tools dependent on the unique conditions of the flooded property. Sometimes larger, truck-mounted extractors are the most efficient. At other times, a restricted access space may necessitate portable extractors. 

• Portable extractors typically have a five to twelve-gallon storage tank with 140 inches of water lift capacity.
• Truck Mounted Extractors can have storage tanks over one hundred gallons with a lift capacity of at least 185.71 inches.
• Both extractors can be fitted with extraction tools such as extraction wands or additional weighting.

Storm Preparedness for Property Managers

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Preparedness

As a property manager, you have a lot of responsibilities to tend to in the event of an approaching storm. While keeping your property and other personal possessions is important, your first priority is keeping your residents and employees safe. Storm preparedness is key to keeping your Santa Maria, property and residents safe during severe weather.

Plan Ahead of Time
You need to create an emergency weather plan before disaster strikes. Part of your plan needs to incorporate an emergency contact list that contains that following essential information:

• Full names for all property residents
• Number of residents in each apartment, including small children, special needs residents and the elderly
• Contact information for each resident, including home, work and cell phone numbers
• Number of pets residing in each apartment
  
  

Work with the remainder of your property management team to distribute the emergency storm preparedness plan to all of your residents. Practice this protocol regularly with your employees to help reduce unnecessary panic once disaster does strike. Make sure everyone knows where the designated weather shelters are located, if necessary. Resident safety is your top priority, so make sure to do plenty of head counts to ensure everyone is present and accounted for.

Rebuild After the Storm
After the storm passes, you need to fully inspect your property for signs of storm damage. Record full reports of any damage you find, including photographs, when necessary. Pass this report on to the property owner so they can properly file a storm insurance claim. Lastly, communicate any updates regarding storm damage to your residents. They need to be aware of any potential safety hazards caused by strong rains and winds.
Proper storm preparedness can make a huge difference when it comes to protecting both your physical property and your residents. Make sure to contact storm remediation experts for assistance following a tropical storm or hurricane.

4 Tips for Drying Out a Commercial Building

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Tips

When your Santa Maria, commercial building suffers water incursion, whether it's from a pipe burst or act of nature, the same basic steps will have to be taken. These steps will help protect any occupants in the affected area and the building and its contents. Professionals will probably have to be called in to remedy the situation thoroughly. Still, you can follow water damage tips to begin drying out the building before help arrives. After all, the quicker drying begins, the less damage will occur.

1. Turn Off Electricity
If you can safely make your way to the breaker box, the power to the area should be turned off immediately. Never walk through standing water in which electrical items are sitting. The electricity can travel throughout the water, electrocuting you. If you can't navigate to the breaker safely, or if you're unsure, you must wait for a professional to cut the power supply.

2. Extract Standing Water
Next, all the standing water will need to be extracted. A wet/dry vacuum is excellent for doing this safely and efficiently. It will also remove smaller debris.

3. Remove Soaked Materials
After you've extracted as much water as possible, one of the most critical damage tips to follow is to remove as many wet materials as possible. This can even include drywall and flooring. Soaked carpet and padding typically aren't salvageable; it can't be dried entirely before mold growth occurs (within 24 to 48 hours). Water damage remediation experts are highly recommended, as they can bring in industrial-grade equipment.

4. Dry Remaining Contents
You can try to dry the remaining contents by opening windows and doors if the outside is less humid than inside, using dehumidifiers, running fans and turning up the heat via the HVAC system or space heaters.
If your building floods, it and its contents need to be thoroughly dried as soon as possible. These are a few damage tips and cleaning tips you can begin before professionals arrive on the scene.

How Can SERVPRO of Santa Maria Help Your Business?

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO® of Santa Maria we understand that it is important for your business to be operational. We pride ourselves in offering the best methods to ensure that your business can be back up and running in the event of a loss occurring.

Plan Ahead

We offer a FREE facility inspection and ERP (Emergency Response Plan) that is accessible through an app that you can download and pass along to the individuals in your company that would be most likely to be on the front lines after a damage. This plan includes shut off locations, information for your local police and fire departments, contact information for the individuals in your company that need to be kept up to date on situations that could occur. ERP’s are printable as well, and can be kept with your business contingency plan.

Take Action

Here at SERVPRO® of Santa Maria we take pride in the level of service that we offer to our customers. We know it is important to mitigate the damage and get your doors open as soon as possible. We are available 24/7 and have the resources necessary to mitigate your damage quickly and effectively.

If you would like to schedule for a FREE ERP to be completed on your business call our office and we would be happy to schedule an inspection. If you have damage and need assistance with mitigation, call our office and we will send someone to assess the damage and create a plan of action (805) 922-5457.

Power Outages During A Storm

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Have you suffered a power outage? 

Outages in your home can be caused by a storm, floods, or even fires. The storms are headed this way as summer turns to fall. Keep your family safe during these changing seasons. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keep your family safe by following these tips from our friends at the American Red Cross:

Staying Safe Indoors

• Use flash lights in the dark, not candles.
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.
• If you are using a generator be sure you understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use generators safely.
• If you know a storm is coming have shoes close by so you are not stepping on anything that could harm you (i.e. glass, debris, other items that could have caused storm damage in your home)
• Battery operated devices: to keep you up to date on outages and storm warnings.

Keep these tips on the top of your mind so you and your family are safe during the next power outage. 

Commercial Losses

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

We are available 24 hours a day to get your Santa Maria business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

Mold and Your Business

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO of Santa Maria can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Learn more about SERVPRO of Santa Maria training and certifications.

• Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician

Steps in a Fire Loss

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

• Step 1- Structural Cleaning 

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. A technician from SERVPRO of Santa Maria will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different surfaces found in your structure. Depending on the amount of soot, SERVPRO may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing. In other cases, SERVPRO will clean to "prepare for painting." This process deodorizes and ensures the new paint will adhere properly to the surface. 

• Step 2- Contents Cleaning

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. SERVPRO begins by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. SERVPRO can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, bric-a-brac and much more. Finally, SERVPRO can provide an inventory list of all "to be claimed" items if requested. 

• Step 3- Deodorization 

SERVPRO of Santa Maria can provide specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them. Ask your SERVPRO to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

When it comes to your home or business, getting you back to normal quickly is our first priority. Trust the most recognized restoration vendor in the world, trust the SERVPRO professionals! 

From Fire to "Like it never even happened."

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is committed to getting your home or business back to what it was before any disaster strikes. We are ready for whatever may hit us, no job too small or too large. SERVPRO is equipped with many experienced and knowledgeable people that are ready to help you. With all the right people and equipment to get the job done, we can make it "Like it never even happened." 

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. SERVPRO of Santa Maria has all the right tools and products to get your home back to normal. Call SERVPRO today at (805) 922-5457 for your fire damage!

Storm Damage Left at Your Home

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO of Santa Maria have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

The damage left behind from a storm can be devastating and put a big damper on your life. Knowing what to do before the storm comes and what to do after it is over is important for you and your home or business. It can lessen the amount of stress and worries you might come across resulting from the storm. 

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is here and ready to help you and your home or business after a disaster. We are equipped with knowledgeable, experienced crews with the right equipment to get your life back to normal. We are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage and Restoration

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

If your home in Santa Maria has suffered a broken pipe or water leak, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Santa Maria.  We will respond to address the water damage cleanup and drying that is needed to keep your property protected and your family safe from the secondary effects, such as mold, that can occur from the loss.  Our team is the most highly trained group of professionals, and the closet in this region that will work to protect your property as quickly and as efficiently as possible.  When you call SERVPRO of Santa Maria, you can be certain that the owner of the company will be involved to ensure in the end that your water damage loss will seem "Like it never even happened."

Our Products

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Maria has all the products you could ever imagine to get whatever the job be done. With over 100 products in total, SERVPRO has the right one for the right job. From ceiling & wall cleaners, carpet & upholstery, cleaners & degreasers, decontamination & mold remediation, deodorization, hard floor care, environmentally friendly, sealers, spot & stain removers, specialty products to wood and leather care. We have it all! 

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is equipped with all the right cleaning products and readily in stock with all the right ones. From soot and smoke damage to smoke odors in your home. We have what it takes to get rid of the mess and even the smell. Call today at (805) 922-5457 to have your home or business cleaned. 

Re-open your Business Faster with Professional Restoration

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Helps Santa Maria  Businesses with Commercial Fire Damage Restoration All Year Round

A commercial fire can impact your bottom line. Restoring a business involves cleaning soot or soiling, tackling odor problems, and replacing damaged materials beyond repair. 

SERVPRO offers expert advice and assistance to businesses with commercial fire damage in Santa Maria. We tailor our approach to your business premises' unique requirements and design by communicating effectively and pre-testing materials. Pre-testing incorporates cleaning tests, acidity testing soils, and applying cleaning products to discrete areas of potentially sensitive materials. By conducting a thorough pre-test before engaging in restoration activities, our services can ensure commercial restoration efficiency. 

• Identifying wet and dry smoke stains in the property safeguards contents and structure against cleaning agents and chemicals' potentially damaging impact. 
• Using pH paper to test acidity levels of soiling guides technicians on cleaning agents' right composition for the beast results. 
• No two fires are the same. A multi-tiered, informed approach to restoring business premises' contents or structure is essential to a successful restoration. 

Bring your business to its preloss condition with the help of professional technicians. Contact SERVPRO of Santa Maria for commercial fire restoration at (805) 922-5457.

We Can Save Your Seattle Property

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up Traumas in Santa Maria Properties

Traumas can take an emotional toll on the occupants of a Santa Maria property, and a physical one on the structure itself. Our team of highly trained specialists can work around the clock to put a tragedy or trauma behind you in the physical sense for your property so that that emotional healing can begin. Because of our experience with biohazard cleaning, we have the right equipment, tools, products, and personnel to make a difference quickly for your property. 

Because of the sensitive nature of many biohazard cleanup needs in Santa Maria, our team of SERVPRO professionals stays ready to mobilize 24/7, much like the other divisions of our restoration troop. Our biohazard recovery professionals are among the most highly accredited and educated in our brand, as they require multiple layers of certifications through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Substance cleaning often falls to the potent line of disinfection and antibacterial cleaning agents available in our line of OSHA-approved products. We can pre-test the effects of these strong chlorine-based or quaternary compounds before applying them everywhere in the affected rooms of the property. For those more sensitive to the often harsh smells of industrial-grade cleaning products that we use, we also have a line of botanical-based options that have a kinder smell without compromising much of the potency and strength.

Traumas can be a challenge to clean and restore for many reasons, and many times our SERVPRO team must work around active investigations from the local law enforcement to begin cleaning the damage. We can use controlled demolition techniques on damaged construction materials when necessary and prepare the area for the full-scale restoration efforts to come once the investigation has concluded.

We know that traumas that occur in your property can be devastating for those involved, and that is why you can expect empathy and compassion from our experienced SERVPRO of Santa Maria professionals. We have powerful equipment and products that can make the physical symptoms of a tragedy “Like it never even happened.” Give our crew a call whenever you need us at (805) 922-5457.

The Top 3 Commercial Plumbing Maintenance Tips

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Plumbing Maintenance Measures

Owners of commercial properties should maintain plumbing to reduce the likelihood of pipe breaks and major damage that requires making a business claim. While specific types of upkeep vary based on the use of a building located in Santa Maria, practically any commercial structure can benefit from the following plumbing maintenance measures.

1. Keep Sewer Lines Clear
Blocked sewer lines are the sources of some of the worst commercial water damage. Keeping these lines clear requires regular maintenance and good daily practices. Building owners or managers may want to post signage about only flushing toilet paper and disposing of all other waste products inconveniently located in trash bins. Commercial kitchens should also maintain grease traps and limit the number of fats and oils that go down the drain.

2. Get an Annual Inspection
An annual sewer line inspection can be helpful to monitor lines for the formation of blockages. It may be necessary to arrange to have sewer lines cleaned every 18 to 22 months to keep backups at bay. Most commercial insurance policies exclude sewer damage cleanup. Property owners should keep records of inspections and cleanings in the event of making a business claim.

3. Quickly Resolve Minor Issues
Commercial property owners and managers should take issues involving water pressure or leaking pipes seriously. A timely response to plumbing problems as they arise may help to prevent a leak from causing major water damage and increasing the likelihood that mold will flourish in a structure or prevent a pipe break.
Building owners that do regular plumbing maintenance tend to be less likely to have to make a business claim. Keeping detailed maintenance records can be helpful in the event of an emergency at commercial property in Santa Maria. The more documentation policyholders can provide to a commercial property insurer, the more likely a claim is to be covered.

Mold FAQs

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth is an extremely common issue that the vast majority of homeowners do have to deal with at some point. Ensuring that you take care of the problem quickly and effectively is the best way to prevent a tiny mold problem from spiraling out of control. Read on to have some of your common questions answered, especially if you suspect that your Santa Maria, home is suffering from a mold issue.

1. Where is Mold Commonly Found?
Mold thrives in damp, dark places. This means that rooms, such as your kitchen, bathroom, garage and basement are all especially susceptible to unwanted mold. Any areas in your home that have recently suffered some type of water damage are also at risk.

2. How Can You Tell Whether You Have a Mold Problem?
You can usually spot mold with the naked eye. Black mold, one of the most common residential varieties, looks like a dark black or green stain that spreads across the surface of an object. A musty or dank smell is also a good indication of a mold presence.

3. How Can You Prevent Mold Growth?
Keeping your home as clean and dry as possible is the best way to prevent a mold issue. This involves cleaning spills and leaks as soon as they occur, ensuring your home doesn't suffer from high humidity levels and properly ventilating your home to prevent condensation from building up. Performing regular mold inspections can also help you catch the issues while they're still small.

4. Does Mold Go Away By Itself?
Mold is a living organism, so it's natural to assume that you'd be able to get rid of it simply by depriving it of its vital nutrients. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Cutting off the mold's access to water and organic matter could potentially halt its spread, but it won't kill the existing mold.
It's important that you address a mold issue swiftly and effectively in order to prevent the situation from becoming worse. If you discover unwanted mold growth in your home, make sure to contact mold remediation experts immediately.

How to Spot Water Damage in your Home

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

One thing most homeowners hate is water damage. If left untreated, water damage can impact your home's structure and even create other complications, such as mold that can cause health effects, to you and your young children.

4 Ways to Detect Water Damage

Here is a list of how to detect water damage in your home:

1. Check your floors. For tile and wood flooring check for cracked or warped flooring. For carpet be on the lookout for damp and soft spots, gradual rises, and the smell of mold.
2. Inspect the Outside. When checking the exterior of your home look for pools of standing water which indicate poor yard drainage. Leaky rain gutters or gutters that don't transport water far enough away from the house. Roof water damage usually consists of cracked, curled, or missing shingles and pools of water.
3. Mold. You can't solely depend on actually seeing mold to know you have it. Oftentimes, you can smell it as well. When water stagnates, mold and bacteria can grow, which produces an unpleasant, musty smell.
4. Look for Stains. Water stains on the ceiling, walls, or in your bathroom around the bathtub and sink are the most common signs of water damage. When paint starts peeling off the walls it could be a sign of loose water within your wall spaces. Also, areas in the wall and ceiling that seem swollen and soft to the touch are another sign of water trouble.

If you read this and realize you have any of the signs for water damage, SERVPRO of Santa Maria can help. It's better to get the problem taken care of sooner than later, before damage potentially becomes worse.

4 Things That Cause Leaking Toilets

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet can cause a lot of damage if you don't correct the issue early on. Just one leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons each year, increasing your water bill and causing a lot of damage to your home. Before you end up investing in expensive water restoration and cleanup work, take steps to determine the cause of the problem:

4 Steps to Determine The Cause of a Leaking Toilet

1. Faulty Flapper and/or Valve

If your toilet runs continuously after you flush it, the most likely problem is a flapper that isn't lifting or closing properly. When you flush, a chain connected to the toilet handle lifts up the flapper and then releases the flapper to close, prompting the refill cycle. If the flapper doesn't close securely, the toilet may continue to run until you fix it.

2. Toilet Fill Valve Problems

There are several things that can cause problems with the toilet fill valve. For example, debris may get into the valve, valves could get broken, and cheap valves often wear out quickly. A damaged or malfunctioning valve could cause the toilet to run or stop the toilet from flushing. It's important to understand that even if you don't hear the water running, you could still have a bathroom leak.

3. Worn or Damaged Wax Seal

At the base of the toilet, there's a wax seal that keeps water inside the plumbing system. When the ring ages, you may notice a small pool of water around the leaking toilet. Although you need to remove the toilet to complete this repair, it's a pretty straightforward process, and many homeowners tackle this repair on their own.

4. Expert Only Problems

There are some issues that you should leave to the professionals. Some examples of these problems include a broken tank flange or an improperly installed toilet. You certainly don't want to leave a repair only partially completed or improperly completed, especially when new leaks won't be visible because they're inside the toilet.

Reach out to plumbers and other professionals in Santa Maria for more information about the most common toilet issues and the repairs that you can complete on your own. You'll be glad to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

The Importance Of Keeping Doors Closed.

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know nearly 60% of people sleep with their door open at night? That simple decision could mean life or death in the occurrence of a house fire. A closed door can slow the spread of flames, decrease toxic smoke, enhance oxygen levels, and reduce temperatures. The average time to escape a house fire as gone from 17 minutes to 3 minutes, due to the increased use of synthetics in furniture and home construction, flammable materials and contemporary open floor plans.  

In addition to keeping your doors closed at night, it is important to keep your bedroom doors closed during the day while you’re away as well. If a fire starts in your home, the closed doors offer better protection to the personal items inside your bedroom. Also, it is important to get your children in the habit of closing their bedroom doors as well. Teach fire safety to your family and the importance of keeping doors closed.

How to Prevent a Fire from Space Heaters

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

A sure sign of possible fire hazards is when temperatures drop and the days get shorter. While we’re all tempted to use electric blankets and space heaters to stay toasty and warm – however it’s important to remember to use caution when you use these - specifically don’t plug them into extension cords, even multiple extension cords. Space heaters generate a lot of energy and their heating elements can reach up to 600 degrees, which is why they should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. When hooked up to an extension cord the outlet can overheat and potentially catch fire.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires are associated with the use of space heaters, causing 300 deaths every year

When buying and installing a small space heater, follow these guidelines:

• Purchase newer model space heaters which will have all of the current safety features. Make sure the heater carries the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) label.
• Choose a heater that is controlled by a thermostat because they avoid the energy waste of overheating a room.
• Pick a proper size heater for the size of the room you are trying to heat. Most space heaters come with a general sizing table.
• Put the space heater on a level surface away from heavy foot traffic, and be especially careful to keep children and pets away from the heater at all times.
• And finally, plug directly into the wall outlet

As always during this time of need, make SERVPRO of Santa Maria your first call if you need help and call your  local insurance agent to assess any damages. We will work for you to restore your property and your life to make it "Like it never even happened."

Steps to Repair Water Damaged Electronics For Your Business

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

After investing heavily in the equipment and technology that keep your business in action, flooded electronics and the ensuing water damage can feel overwhelming. Is it possible to repair the damage on your own? 

Corrosion Damage

One of the most serious causes of damage is the corrosion caused by hidden moisture. The combination of metal, water, and oxygen creates an iron oxide or rust. This gradually breaks down the metals within your equipment. The damage may be apparent within a few hours, but it could also take days before you notice it. The damage to flooded electronics isn't limited to your equipment. Your outlets, circuit interrupters, light switches, timers, and other wired conveniences often experience electronic damage. 

Removing Corrosion

As you begin cleaning up after water damage, carefully consider the risks. It is possible and often very likely that you'll cause further damage to the equipment, and you could put yourself at risk of injury. Some solutions sold for rust removal aren't appropriate for all kinds of technology. 

• Unplug the device and remove batteries. Be aware of exposed connectors that may be fragile or affected by corrosion.
• Watch out for white or green buildup on charging ports or battery, SIM card, and metal connectors. These are areas of corrosion.
• Use cotton swabs or a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to wash off the corrosion. The cleaning solution may be a mix of baking soda and water, vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol. If the corrosion doesn't come off with gently wiping, you may need to let the solution sit on the area and wipe it off later.
• Allow the electronics to dry completely before plugging it in or replacing batteries. Do not use a heated hair dryer on equipment. 

The best step for cleaning your electronics is to contact a professional,. You risk doing further damage to the equipment, suffering from injuries, and voiding insurance coverage or equipment warranties when you DIY this task. Keep these risks in mind before trying to clean corrosion from flooded electronics on your own.

The Necessity of Professional Water Damage Services

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

The Necessity of Professional Water Damage Services

Dealing with water at home or water in business can be disconcerting and understandably so. The thought of luxury furnishings soaking water in a flooded home or destruction of costly office machines is more than any property owner can bear. Couple that with the stress of claiming damages from an insurance company and the need for professional restoration services is apparent. Recovering from water damage is tedious, expensive, and dangerous if the right procedures are not followed. Water cleanup exercises demand a particular dedication and specialty, which a regular property owner may not possess. SERVPRO is here to help every step of the way.

Skilled Flood Damage Restoration

Mitigation of water damage has its share of complexities which increase with the severity of the situation. If a pipe break or a supply line break led to flooding, the water cleanup crew has to factor in the malfunctioning plumbing system during the repairs. In the case of rain or storm damage, a building may have to contend with clogged gutters and overflowing downspouts. These aspects determine the necessary mitigation efforts. SERVPRO of Santa Maria train their workers on how to deal with such problems. Their experience and expertise allow them to apply the correct measures for drying a flooded home as efficiently as possible without posing any more inconveniences than necessary.

Fast Restoration Exercise

SERVPRO of Santa Maria understands the need for urgency when dealing with a flooded home. It is why these teams work at a speedy pace to ensure that the destruction doesn’t result in any more losses. We conduct mitigation using established techniques and advanced equipment when clearing water in homes and water in business. Flood damage can derail operations in an enterprise and make a home inhabitable. However, timely drying and clean up can reduce the waiting period considerably.

Expert Advice

Helpful tips from a SERVPRO  professional go a long way in instances of water in the home or water in business. Some cases of flood damage spin out of control because people don’t know how to detect when something is wrong. If there is a pipe break, for example, how should one respond? After the mitigation, a property owner should know how to transition safely to recovery. SERVPRO Professionals will also offer their take on how far the damage has spread. After a supply line break, a homeowner can learn if there is a need for repair or complete replacement of certain components.

Prevent Mildew and Mold Growth

Besides extracting water and drying surfaces, SERVPRO  will check every inch of a residential or commercial building for mold and mildew growth. When water damage is left unattended, it creates the perfect environment for microorganisms like fungi to breed. SERVPRO professionals use machines to remove moisture completely, which eliminates the threat of mold and mildew. If the mold has already set in, the water cleanup team will conduct professional mold remediation to remove and treat the affected regions.

Decrease Losses

The longer a home or place of work goes without clean up after a pipe break or supply line break, the higher the losses get. A wall that may have required a few repairs if the restoration was immediate may have to be brought down due to extensive water damage. Loss of valuables especially sentimental items like photo albums and family heirlooms is another concern for a household dealing with a flooded home. When the cleanup crew responds right away after reported flooding, it is possible to salvage some items and restore them. The damage caused to hardwood floors and carpets can also be contained through fast water extraction and drying. Decreasing the water exposure to a building preserves its structural integrity.

Why SERVPRO of Santa Maria

SERVPRO of Santa Maria offers a range of services for customers suffering from water at the home and water in the business. Whether the flooding was due to a supply line break, leaking roof, or pipe break, our team will fix the source and restore the property. If you are in need of water remediation services, call SERVPRO of Santa Maria and we will restore your home back to new, “Like it never even happened." 

We Have the Solutions!

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

We remain open

SERVPRO of Santa Maria has the unique ability to help property owners in a variety of ways. Disasters come in many shapes and sizes. With over three decades of experience we have seen most everything. We cannot say everything because even in the decades of helping our neighbors in the Orcutt Area, we still see new things. But here are a few disasters we commonly take care of.

Water Damage – We see water damages from all kinds of sources. Busted pipes, malfunctioning appliances, human accidents or neglect, and ground flooding to name a few common sources. No matter the cause, or the epic story that explains it, we have a solution to return you to normal “Like it never even happened.”

Fire and Smoke Restoration – A fire can be very a huge inconvenience but it is not the end of the world. Many times, you would be surprised at how much of your personal property can be restored. We specialize in cleaning and deodorizing anything from family heirlooms, documents, to the very walls in your home or business.

Mold Remediation – With naturally high levels of humidity in the area of the country we live in mold can be an issue if a water intrusion is not properly taken care of. Not only do we offer remediation services but we also do mold testing and offer preventative measures such as crawl space moisture barrier installation.

Bio Hazard Clean Up – This area of our work is not enjoyable to talk about but many times it is necessary. We have the training and experience to properly clean up any area they may have the threat of blood born pathogens being present. These cases include trauma and crime scene clean up.

These are by no means the only services we offer. Frankly, whatever mankind or mother nature can throw at a structure, we can more than likely assist in the restoration.

The SERVPRO Vision

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

A first impression is important throughout your everyday life.  It is a more pleasant experience having a positive first impression as opposed to the challenge established by a negative first impression. For instance, a clean business “setting” is vital if your objective is developing a successful, long lasting relationship with your customers. 

SERVPRO can help you. In fact, we want to service your restoration needs and become your solution provider. Our vision is to be the premier cleaning and restoration company in the world while developing a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect.  

We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry providing 24/365 residential and commercial services. As a locally owned and operated business, we are dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We have an extensive background in training, equipment, as well as expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 

Not only can SERVPRO of Santa Maria clean up the aftermath of the larger disasters, but we can manage and clean the small valuable items impacted by the disaster.  This includes carpets, upholstery, drapes, and blinds. We can bring your older tile back to life and make your floors sparkle again. Furthermore, we can counteract lingering odors and perform deodorization of your property.

SERVPRO is always here to help for your restoration and cleaning needs. We can help maintain your place of residency or business and keep it shining while you continue to make countless first impressions.

Water damage cleanup during the COVID-19 pandemic

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

With the COVID-19 pandemic, our society has started practicing social distancing as a way to stop the spread of the virus to each other and especially those in the high risk category.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria has 25 plus years dealing with jobs that involve the inherent risk of potential harmful viruses and contaminants.  We have always provided PPE (personal protection equipment) to our employees during these jobs for their protection.

Now with the practice of social distancing we use the same PPE to not only ensure the safety of our workers but also the safety of you and those that occupy your home.  Our crew members wear N-95 dust masks or respirators and gloves from the moment they arrive at your residence.

All of our job site equipment is decontaminated after it leaves a residence and is stored at the warehouse.  We also wipe down that same equipment before placing it at newly flooded homes.

With these protocols we are doing everything possible to make sure you and your family are safe during your water damage cleanup.

Evaporation is part of the process in water damage restoration

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

Evaporation: The process of a liquid turning into vapor.

Did you know that evaporation is a key component of the water damage mitigation process? When Pismo Beach/ Arroyo Gande homes or businesses’ suffer a water damage it is important to begin the drying process.

The sooner the building is dried out the greater the chances are of salvaging materials and not having to demo.

Air movers are an important tool in the process of drying homes, commercial buildings and contents.

Air movers speed up the process of evaporation by moving air across a wet surface. Air movement across a wet surface picks up moisture from the material and turns it to a vapor, thus making the air humid and the building material dry. 

Having Trouble Understanding Mold Damage in Your Santa Maria Home?

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians will NOT ONLY Remediate Mold Damage on Your Property, They Will Guide and Show You Many Effective Preventative Measures

People often confuse mold and mildew. While both are used to describe fungal growth, mildew presents as a light-colored powder, with molds containing more colors and a fuzzy texture. Regardless, these are all visible groups of fungi that form and spread over various types of organic matter, including many building materials found in your home.

You may not notice mold in your home right away; it can be a very subtle or even hidden growth that begins in your property.  SERVPRO provides you with expertly trained mold remediation specialists who understand how mold acts, responds, and develops.   

SERVPRO understands that controlling mold is as easy as controlling moisture levels in your home. We use a variety of equipment to remove moisture including air movers, dehumidifiers, and advanced moisture detection to get even the smallest areas under control. We can even make recommendations that help prevent future growth.

Don't Store These Items In Your Garage

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

With the start of the new year, most of us try to accomplish new goals, a new fresh start.  Getting healthy, organizing our homes, and bettering our lives always seem to be at the top of the list.  One space to start cleaning out & organizing- the garage! That extra storage area that easily becomes a catchall for our items.  We have compiled a list of items that should not be stored in your garage. Get them out and reclaim your space.

1. Paint- Because the garage is prone to extreme temperature changes, paint should not be stored in the garage.  Recycle paint according to your county guidelines or donate it.

2. Electronics- If you are putting electronics out in the garage, you must not be using them.  Donate these items because they can not withstand the temperature fluctuations and will easily break.

3. Propane and Hazardous Chemicals- Proper ventilation is key for storage of propane and hazardous chemicals.  For safety reasons, these items need to be stored outside.  

4. Food- Keeping food in the garage is an open invitation to rodents and insects.  Although shopping in bulk can save money, storing extra food in the garage will cause problems. The moisture and humidity will spoil the food. Find room in the house for food storage.

5. Cardboard boxes- Insects, mice and other rodents love cardboard.  Invest in waterproof plastic bins to store your items.

How to Restore Your Santa Maria Home After a Fire

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Useful Tips for Restoration of Fire Damage in Santa Maria

In homes, an out of control fire is always only a few seconds away. It might sound like a grim outlook, but considering the wide variety of likely ignition sources present in the home, it is a reality that people have to accept. Some likely sources include cooking equipment, faulty electrical wiring, candles, barbecues and even habits such as smoking in the bedroom. Most fires can be traced back to negligence so exercising proper care can keep them at bay. However, when they do occur, you can restore your Tampa property to preloss conditions if you follow the right procedures.  

Speed is an integral part of recovery efforts after fire damage in Santa Maria. The materials that burn in the blaze form different types of residues that settle all over the property. Some of these might corrode or fuse into the surfaces where they settle causing additional damages. Surfaces made of aluminum, porcelain, marble or brass are easily damaged this way. Fabrics such as draperies or upholstery can also form permanent stains if residue that settles on them is left unattended for long. Our SERVPRO technicians can evaluate the loss environment to determine which areas should be addressed first to avert further damages.  

The damages caused by fires fall into different categories based on whether heat, smoke or flames cause them. Looking through what is left, you might be tempted to clear everything out and send it to the landfill. However, some of the contents appearing damaged entirely might be salvageable through cleaning or other restorative procedures. Our SERVPRO team helps you save such items thus reducing the overall recovery costs. We separate items into groups of salvageable, unsalvageable and questionable items immediately after starting the restoration process.  

Apart from dealing with the contents, the affected area also requires deep cleaning to get rid of soot and other smoke debris. The heat from the blaze might also cause discoloration of surfaces such as walls. Cleaning helps restore the visual appeal of the affected area, and also remove any lingering bad odors. By applying professional cleaning agents, and mechanically agitating the affected areas, our SERVPRO technicians deal with effects of the fire “Like it never even happened.”  

A storm damaged my house. Now what?!

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

The damage a storm causes to a home can leave your life suddenly upended. In the first days after a storm, you might be overwhelmed with the damage, with everything you have to do and with concerns about getting your life back together. But careful planning can help you return to normalcy as quickly as possible.

Take these steps to make life a little easier to get back to normal as soon as possible.

1. Safety First: Avoid power lines, mold, and open areas of murky water. You may need to leave your house until professionals can check it. 

2. Document Damage: Take pictures before an impending storm of your home, protect important documents, and when it is safe to enter your home take pics of the damage.

3. Have a plan: If you know a large storm is coming to your area have a plan in place on where you will go, expense plan, and a plan to get back on track.

General Cleaning

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

This is a photo taken from a general house cleaning that we recently did for a homeowner who planned to list her house for sale.  The homeowner didn't think her house was very dirty but she wanted to "spruce it up" before she listed it.

This photo shows how dirty a typical kitchen wall can get.  We cleaned the area on the right above the kitchen cabinets and the area to the left is the area that we hadn't yet cleaned.  Our SERVPRO cleaning crew does a fantastic job on general cleanings. 

If you'd like your house to get "spruced up" like this one did, call SERVPRO of Lompoc today!

SERVPRO of Santa Maria says “don’t cry over spilled water”

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Slow-to-appear hidden drips, burst pipes, and torrential storms are common sources of water damage in Missoula. Sudden bursts of water may not last long, but the damage can be eternal. That’s why SERVPRO^® of Santa Maria usually arrives at the site of an emergency within 60 minutes – faster than the industry standard – so it can prevent expensive water damage.

Call SERVPRO of Santa Maria whenever there is a water emergency. We have 24-hour service, 365 days/year. Our number is (805) 922-5457. 

Restoration of water damage starts with the phone call. Your information helps us know how many technicians to send, which specialties are necessary, and what kinds of equipment are likely to be needed.

When SERVPRO of Santa Maria does water extraction and drying, it does not rely only on the visible water. Humidity that is higher than usual allows mold to grow and to invade structures. Moisture may be hidden behind walls or in the foundation, where it can destabilize the building.

Once SERVPRO of Santa Maria has removed excess moisture, the restoration technicians start cleaning, disinfecting, and restoring buildings and belongings.

One of the ways SERVPRO of Santa Maria makes recovery easier is by working directly with most insurance companies. 

When fire and water take control of your life,

we help you take it back.

Water damage does not have to ruin lives.

If you have questions, please call us at (805) 922-5457 You can also check our website, and email through the link provided.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is independently owned and operated.

Was Your Computer Equipment Exposed to Smoke Damage in Santa Maria?

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

First Comes Smoke, Then Comes Computer Damage

According to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), electronic equipment exposed to non-thermal damage, like smoke from a fire, can be repaired and returned to service rather than be replaced, saving businesses money in electrical equipment replacement costs when dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire. 

Commercial Contents Restoration Services

Damage from smoke and soot can cling to computer and electrical equipment. Unfortunately, when it comes to electronic equipment, fire-damaged electronics can be very dangerous as smoke residues can contain acids that may corrode metal surfaces. We will coordinate the cleaning and restoration of your electronics with a qualified electronics technician to prevent further damage to:

• Computers
• DVD players
• Television sets
• And more

We also provide document and photograph cleaning, furniture cleaning and restoration, and offsite storage of your belongings should the repairs be more extensive and require a move out in the damaged area. We will also provide sanitization and deodorization services to remove the unpleasant smell of the smoke.

Call Us Today

From the moment you contact us we can be onsite within four hours to begin the cleanup and restoration process. SERVPRO^® of Santa Maria will clean and restore your homes and commercial businesses in Santa Maria “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 805-922-5457.

SERVPRO^® of Santa Maria is Independently Owned and Operated

Is There a Best Way to Get Rid of Fire Odor in your Santa Maria home?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

The terror and disruption of a kitchen fire are overwhelming. Getting your family to a safe place is the highest priority. Once all are accounted for, then it is time to reach out to our professional fire restoration team to work together on recovery.

Why Should You Avoid Fire and Odor Cleanup Without Expert Help?
The fire and odor damage experienced by Santa Maria homeowners, like yourself, is unlike typical dirt, grime, and smells. Clearing away charred debris and cleaning soot from surfaces usually is not recommended as a DIY project because:

    •    Structural components like ceilings, walls, and floors need professional assessment as they might be unstable
    •    Significant quantities of water and extinguishing chemicals nearly always need removal first, needing expert extraction
    •    Debris and residues can be highly toxic, requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) to manage
    •    Effective soot cleanup methods and products vary depending on the materials burned and surfaces affected, with training supporting appropriate matching of cleanup strategies
    •    Deodorization methods frequently need specialized products and unique equipment

What Makes a Kitchen Fire Smell So Bad?
When a fire starts in the kitchen, SERVPRO finds that foodstuffs, oils, and greases are the ignition fuel. High levels of fats and protein create an oily mist that covers everything. The heat produced causes the oils and grease to melt and dehydrate. They become rancid, creating a rotten stench clinging to appliances, cabinets, walls, and ceilings, air currents carrying the odor far from the kitchen as well.

How Do Technicians Remove the Smelly Protein-Based Residue?
SERVPRO technicians learn that “like dissolves like” when choosing products to break down fire residues. Because residues of a  kitchen fire are oily, we turn to solvents to break the bonds between the soot and the surface.

What If Cleaning Alone Is Not Enough to Get Rid of the Smell?
The challenges of eliminating protein-based soot odors are many. In cases where deep cleaning still leaves a noticeable nasty smell, SERVPRO considers using the following options:

Thermal fogging
Deodorizers are combusted into a fine mist, paring with soot particles to neutralize the odor

Hydroxyl generators
Hydroxyl radicals destroy the molecular structure of odors

Sealants
Airtight products applied to surfaces, preventing the odor molecules from vaporizing

Rely on the crew at SERVPRO of Santa Maria to deliver fire residue cleanup and odor removal. Call (805)922-5457 to schedule an assessment.

Steps to Restoring Your Santa Maria Property After Flood Damage

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

We will walk you through every step for your Santa Maria flood damage.

Flooding creates a frustrating situation for property owners. Fortunately, by taking the right steps, it is not hard to restore your Santa Maria property after flood damage. If it is safe to enter your home, you can start the flood cleanup process by doing the following things: 

• Wear protective attire like watertight boots, rubber gloves, and safety glasses or goggles.
• Discard porous materials such as foam rubber and padded furniture.
• Throw out exposed food, medicine, and drinks.
• Document the damage by taking photos or videos.
• Wipe down wooden items.
• Clean hard surfaces with a solution of hot water and soap.

Cleaning up and drying a flood-damaged property is challenging. You may need special tools like air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the affected surfaces. Some parts of your home may also need to be rebuilt, or soaked materials like carpeting and drywall may need to be removed, discarded and replaced. The other items you may need to replace include drapery, clothing, and ductwork. Therefore, it is advisable to hire a flood damage restoration company like SERVPRO to assist you with the remediation process.

When we get to your residence, we can conduct a detailed inspection using devices like moisture meters, infrared cameras, and moisture sensors. These devices enable us to track moisture within a building. After assessing the destruction, we can come up with the appropriate restoration plan. Floodwater can bring all kinds of solids in your property. We can use a self-priming trash pump to extract the water mixed with solids. We can also use power washers to remove muck or mud on the exterior parts of your home.

After extracting the water, your walls and floors may look dry, but they are still wet. Porous building materials can hold moisture that can make them swell or warp. Our SERVPRO technicians can manipulate temperature and humidity using dehumidifiers and air movers so that drying occurs much faster.

Cleaning floors, walls, and other affected surfaces is also essential. During a flood, sewer lines can leak wastes that may end up in your property, threatening your health. Our team can clean your home using disinfectants that destroy 99 percent of microorganisms.

When you need flood cleanup services in Santa Maria call for help. Our 24-hour emergency helpline is (805) 922-5457. We can make the loss appear “Like it never even happened.”

When Is a Flood Cut Needed?

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

When your home in Santa Maria has water damage, the cleanup process is typically fairly easy. If the damage was caused by flooding, it unfortunately brings a few extra woes. As opposed to a pipe leak with clean water, flood waters can easily pick up extra bacteria and contaminants along its path.

Purpose of a Flood Cut

Since water wicks its way up, the visible damage seen at a few inches could actually have traveled a few feet up a wall. A flood cut allows for the assessment of damage further up the wall. Typically 12 to 18 inches above the visible damage, this cut can help determine how far the water has moved up as well as any other damage.

Are Flood Cuts Always Necessary?

Most professional mediation experts try to tear out as little drywall as possible. For clean water leaks, only the visibly damaged area may need to be removed to prevent further moisture damage. Unfortunately, flood waters require extra care, which will likely mean a flood cut for three main reasons:

After flooding, there is a good chance of contamination. Sewage, chemicals and other bacteria can easily picked up in the flowing waters.
The excess water that has likely worked its way up the walls can create a welcoming environment for mold growth. Even though it may not be visible, the moisture and organic materials in drywall and other materials create the nourishment the fungus needs to flourish.
Behind the drywall in many homes is insulation, which can’t be properly dried. If left as is, it will no longer provide its designated insulated properties.

If your home is damaged by flooding, the best bet is to use a flood cut. This will help you determine how much of the material needs to be removed, as well as will help the area dry out better. Luckily, helps is available that is Faster to any size disaster to resolve the residual flood issues.

What To Expect from a Storm Restoration

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Things You Can Expect To See During a Restoration

When your home experiences Santa Maria flooding, you may come to realize that the cleanup job will be different from normal repair work. Fortunately, a local storm damage restoration service can be there to help. From damage location to various repair needs, these professionals can soon have your home looking “Like it never even happened.” Here are a few things you can expect to see during a restoration.

1. Multiple Damage Types

A heavy storm can leave you dealing with multiple damage types in your home. Water damage can come from leaks or flood issues, and mold damage can appear if water isn’t cleaned up quick enough. Storm winds can cause problems and sharp drops in temperature can cause pipes to freeze. In some cases, there may even be damage caused by hail.

2. Damage in Multiple Locations

A storm has the ability to cause damage in multiple locations simultaneously. Flooding may occur in basement areas while the roof has loose shingles from the wind. This is why if you believe your home has sustained storm damage it’s important to inspect the entire property.

3. Various Repair Needs

A storm can leave various repair needs around your home from fixing loose shingles on the roof to cleaning up flood damage. This can quickly become a much larger scale repair job than you may be used to. Many restoration services have the ability to handle various types of repair work, and with a full crew, many jobs can be completed at the same time.

A restoration service can clean up any flooding and the related damages after a storm hits your home. They will also be able to handle the variety of repair needs that storm damage can bring above and beyond a normal repair job. From damage types to damage location and repair type, These professionals should be able to take care of any issues and have your home looking “Like it never even happened.”

How To Handle Water Leaks Near Light Fixtures in 3 Steps

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

3 Easy Steps You Can Take To Control This Scenario

Water leaks are always concerning, as they can greatly damage your Santa Maria, home and property. The presence of water in light fixtures is especially dangerous since water and electricity together can harm you. You will need to handle these situations carefully. Continue reading to learn more about three easy steps you can take to control this scenario.

1. Shut Down Electricity
Before conducting repair efforts, it is important to disable the danger of electricity immediately. If it is safe to do so, head straight to your house's service panel and shut down the main source of power. Even if the damage is limited to one specific area, it is better to turn off all power until the area is secure. Test the lack of electricity by using a non-contact voltage tester on a dry appliance.

2. Turn Off the Water Valve
Another important step in mitigating the situation is cutting off the main supply if the water in the light fixtures comes from a leaking pipe. Water, alongside any chemicals in the water, can conduct electricity and endanger anyone in the area. Look above to detect any water drops, ceiling damage, mold or other signs of a plumbing failure. You will need to locate your house's main water valve and shut it down immediately.

3. Call the Appropriate Professionals
Now that the affected appliances and location are free of danger, it is time to call the professionals who can resolve the problem. If there are broken pipes, a plumber can repair the system and stop further damage. Call an electrician to fix the light fixture or device in question and to ensure it is the right time to bring back power. After that, an emergency remediation specialist can help restore your home to its former state.
Water damage can harm you and your loved ones and further destroy your home, especially when it comes to water in light fixtures and other electronic devices. Take the proper steps to minimize the hazards and keep your household safe.

Types of Bad Advice Santa Maria Homeowners Get About Flood Damage

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO’s Experienced and Knowledgeable Technicians With Your Home’s Flood Damage and Advice

When bad things happen in a home such as flood damage, one of the first things many people do is lookup online for instructions on how to fix the situation themselves. This action has the potential to cause even more loss and personal injury in some cases.

Safety for all is a priority for SERVPRO technicians during cleanup and restoration in Santa Maria homes with flood damage. When groundwater enters a property, it carries a rating as a category three bio-hazard. The reason for this is that anything it encounters along the way comes along for the ride and winds up in the house, which often includes bacteria and sewage. Homeowners and pets should avoid contact.

This Water Requires Testing

SERVPRO has different types of antibacterial and antimicrobial solutions. Once they test the groundwater to determine bacteria or contaminants present, they can treat the water to lessen the hazards of coming into contact with it during cleanup. Frequently given lousy advice is to pour bleach wherever there is standing water. This action can damage flooring, leave bleach spots in carpet, and ruin building materials. Although the techs don full-body protective clothing, including respiration, they apply the highest level of care when handling water loss of this type.

Bad Drying Advice

After flood loss in a home, a big mistake property owners make: running household fans on wet carpet. This does nothing to dry the padding or address the possibility of seepage into the sub floor. SERVPRO techs use an array of moisture detection equipment to locate water anywhere it migrates to ensure it all gets extracted with their professional equipment and dried entirely through the use of their high-velocity air movers and industrial dehumidifiers.

Disinfection is Crucial

Due to the unsafe elements typically found in groundwater, the cleaning of surfaces exposed to it is a big part of the restoration services. The use of specific antimicrobial and antibacterial cleaning agents assists not only in sanitizing but also inhibiting mold growth. Before use, the techs carefully assess the object or surface to ensure the correct cleaning method gets implemented.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria has the training and advanced equipment to restore homes from flood damage. Call their emergency response team at (805)922-5457, and the certified techs make the water loss, "Like it never even happened."

When Storms or Floods hit Santa Maria, SERVPRO of Santa Maria is ready!

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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 Floods and Storms

When storms hit Santa Maria, 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.

Flood Damage Can Be Devastating!

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage especially from flooding can be devastating. After the flood waters recede, the task of cleaning up begins. It can be challenging because most everyone wants to return to quickly to begin rebuilding.

It is critical that if the flood was serious enough to require evacuation, stay safe upon your return.

Follow these three quick tips before you re-enter the structure:

• Contact your utility companies to make sure that electric and gas a turned off and sewer lines are intact.
• Check for any visible structural damage like loosened or cracked foundation, other cracks or holes in the home in the exterior or interior.
• Check for warping of ceilings or drywall

SERVPRO of Santa Maria can help you with this seemingly monumental task. It may not always be as quick as cleaning your belongings and removing the water. Depending on the amount of damage, water can impact wood and drywall that has been either been submerged for a long time or a short period. Left professionally untreated continuing problems like the deterioration of wood and walls as well as the concern for the development of mold.

As one of the largest restoration companies in the valley, we have the extensive inventory of recovery equipment and large skilled and qualified team of professionals that will respond to emergencies and disasters of any size or severity.

We have 24/7 response service, our team offers effective mitigation. Our fast response to water loss emergencies can prevent structural concerns and the formation of hazardous mold colonies.

No matter the emergency or when it occurs, our team can make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is Here For Your Fire Restoration Needs

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction, but without professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building may never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own.  The trained professionals at SERVPRO of Santa Maria should be called on-site immediately.  We can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but we must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause. 

The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration. The experts at SERVPRO of Santa Maria will identify what can and cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces. Over time, ash builds up in layers, and may eventually form into a lacquer-like consistency. Once this is done, the restorers will locate the source of the odor, and treat it with specialized detergents that are formulated for neutralizing this kind of odor. Once materials are treated, they may be sealed off to prevent any further odor from permeating the air in the future.

Don't let a space heater cause a fire in your home.

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

According to energy.gov there are about 25,000 residential fires a year in the United States from the use of space heaters in the home. Space heaters should be setup at least a three feet away from any thing that can catch fire such as furniture, boxes, paper or other combustible items. Check your space heater equipment often and clean it regularly. If you have any doubt replace it. New space heaters have more safety features then old ones.  It is a good idea to unplugged the space heater  whenever not in use or when you leave your home.  Cleaning your space heater can be done by blowing compressed air throughout the inside and vents to get rid of dust and debris that may accumulate and wiping down where you can.  You may need to remove the front cover to do so.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at 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 Maria 

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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.

Follow these Mold Safety Tips if You Suspect Mold

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.  

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Bay County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services:

SERVPRO of Santa Maria specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (805) 922-5457

Property disaster? "We are always here to help."

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster. This is not just another catchy tag line for SERVPRO. It is a commitment from each SERVPRO Franchise professional to be there when you need them most. 

Whether you are a small business or home owner facing minor fire or water damage, or property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, the SERVPRO system has the resources to respond quickly and efficiently. The sooner help arrives, the sooner restoration begins and the sooner you can resume life and business as usual. SERVPRO of Santa Maria is just the tip of the iceberg.

If a fire, water or mold damage strikes, no matter the time, call SERVPRO of Santa Maria. We will help make your property disaster "Like it never even happened." Call on a restoration system serving insurance companies and those they insure, as well as thousands of commercial property owners in North America. You can trust the SERVPRO brand, too! 

We are Cleaning Experts

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today—SERVPRO of Santa Maria, 805-922-5457

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Coronavirus

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to respond to the novel Coronavirus outbreak. SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. The CDC encourages cleaning of counters, tabletops, doorknobs, and other high-touch surfaces with a hospital-grade disinfectant.

For more information call 805-922-5457 talk to a SERVPRO franchise professional.

Emergencies and Insurance – How can SERVPRO help you?

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

There is never a good time for a disaster to happen and when it does happen chances are you already have so much on your plate. There’s a good chance you may be overwhelmed with stress from damages and trying to figure out how to get the repairs going.

On top of it all, now you need to contact your insurance and see if these damages will be covered or not. 

How can SERVPRO of Santa Maria help you?

When you experience a disaster please call SERVPRO of Santa Maria, the longer you wait to call professionals for disaster relief clean up the more secondary damages can begin to form. Let us restore while you rest. 

• Insured parties have the right to choose any contractor or mitigation specialist, not just the one the insurance company suggests. Many people think that the only choice they have is the one company the insurance provider refers to. However, that is not true. The Insured ALWAYS HAS THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE. 

• We will be in direct contact with the adjuster for approvals and updates, so you don’t have to. 

• We also can schedule any necessary testing, abatement, storage pod, and dumpster deliveries. 

• Not all people realize how important it is to stay in contact with their adjuster throughout the mitigation process. Your adjuster should be able to give you the information about how the claim process works if you have a deductible and how the payment process works. 

The office works well as a liaison between you and your insurance company. SERVPRO is the preferred vendor for nearly all the large insurance companies. We also go above and beyond insurance protocol. When a disaster happens you need the best, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Santa Maria, 24/7-365. 805-922-5457

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Calling all Insurance Agents!

Did you know SERVPRO of Santa Maria offers a variety of Continuing Education Classes FREE for professionals in the industry?

What is a Continuing Education Class you ask?

Insurance agents are required to take several courses that offer credits to keep their licensing up to date. In California, each hour counts as one credit, and 24 hours are required every two-year term. 

Here at SERVPRO of Santa Maria, we offer approved courses to our local agents at no cost! We offer a variety of courses such as Ethics, Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry, Biohazard Cleanup, and more!

We have also found these courses to be beneficial to property managers, as well as realtors and maintenance crews. 

We feel it is important for individuals in the industry to get the correct information. Who better to teach than the professionals themselves? 

To make it even more convenient for attendees, we can come to you!

Give us a call to set up a Continuing Education Class in your office today!

805-922-5457

Document Drying

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

When you walk into a flooded room, your first concern may not be damp paper, but once you’ve cleared the room, you may find that to be one of the tricker problems you face. After all, a towel can dry your filing cabinet, but what do you do with all the files inside?

First Steps

The most important step to take is to freeze your documents immediately. Freezing halts the destruction of the paper—it won’t undo damage, but it prevents any further deterioration by the physical effects of water or the growth of bacteria and mold. This will work whether you have cabinets full of client files or just family photos that you’re trying to preserve.

At this stage, it is important to pack the documents as carefully as possible. If you throw them in the freezer while folded or rolled, they will remain in that shape even after drying and cleaning. Make sure that they’re flat enough to put in a file folder once you get them back.

When you call SERVPRO of Santa Maria and ask for help, we’ll transport the paper in its frozen state to our document restoration center. 

Safely Drying Documents

SERVPRO uses sublimation to dry water damaged documents. This is the physical process that happens when the water in an object goes from solid straight to gas without becoming liquid in between. This prevents paper from being re-damaged once it thaws.

This is the only method for document drying that is approved by both the National Archives and Records Administration and the General Services Administration

SERVPRO Document Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Santa Maria can provide you with document restoration services beyond just drying. We can decontaminate papers that are exposed to hazardous conditions, such as a sewage spill. We can digitize documents if your office decides that you want a backup in case anything happens again. If you decide that you don’t need the documents back, we can securely destroy them and provide you with a certificate of destruction.

Most importantly, we and all members of the document restoration team are HIPPA Master Certified, which means that patient records and private information are in a secure chain of custody while they are being restored.

At SERVPRO of Santa Maria, we want to make it “Like it never even happened,” after an emergency. From the floors to files, we’re here to help.

Water, Water, Everywhere!

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

An Unwelcome Surprise

Imagine coming home from vacation, opening your front door, and seeing water on the floors and drywall scattered across your furniture and electronics as the ceiling is crumbling down. As you walk through your home, going up squishy stairs, you realize your whole home is flooded.

Your home is where you take refuge from the world. Home is where you're surrounded by memories. When your home is threatened by water damage, it can be a traumatic event. What do you do next? 

When we asked SERVPRO customers to describe our team, the one word that kept coming up was “hero.” We are here to help, with compassion, expertise and urgency.

About SERVPRO of Santa Maria

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is a full-service restoration company.  We provide emergency 24/7 mitigation services and complete reconstruction services. We make it “Like it never even happened.”  So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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. No matter what size disaster, from single story and a complete high-rise, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and resources to restore your property.

The Do’s and Don’ts with Fire and Smoke Damage.

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be scary , until help arrives here are some tips to help minimize damage.

Do’s:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on the house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don’ts

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Santa Maria.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, Radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Top Burn Safety Tips

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Top Burn First Aid Tips

When residents of Santa Maria, CA, think of fire damage, images of charred possessions and destroyed infrastructure requiring extensive cleanup and restoration may come to mind. Fire and extreme heat can, however, also burn skin. Knowing how to assess and care for burns is a valuable skill that may come in handy during an emergency or even in your daily life.

1. Evaluate Severity of Burn

The first step in burn first aid is to evaluate the severity of the injury. A minor burn may affect an area less than three inches in diameter and can present with blisters or superficial redness. Major burns covering a larger portion of the body, may penetrate deep into the skin and surrounding tissue and can cause the skin to appear dry or charred.

2. Seek Medical Attention

If your skin sustains fire damage and a major burn, you should seek immediate medical care. To help alleviate pain while you wait for emergency personnel, you can cover the burn with a cool, moist cloth.

3. Cool Minor Burns

You can often treat minor burns with basic first aid. You should initiate care by applying a cool, moist compress or holding the burned skin under cool water. Because swelling may occur, you should also remove rings or other tight items near the affected area.

4. Apply Soothing Lotion

Next, you can apply lotion to help further alleviate pain and prevent the skin from excessive drying. Special lotions containing aloe vera offer anti-inflammatory and cooling capabilities, making them an ideal choice.

5. Bandage Injured Area

As a final step, you can loosely wrap a sterile gauze bandage around the wound. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure to the damaged skin.

6. Manage Visible Blisters

Blisters may help protect damaged skin from infection. While addressing the burn, be careful not to pop any existing blisters. If a sore opens, clean it and apply antibiotic ointment.

Burns can happen almost anywhere. While skin sustaining significant fire damage requires prompt medical intervention, you can often address minor burns using simple burn first aid techniques.

What to do about Smoke Damage Commercial Property

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Ways to Remove Smoke Odor from Your Place of Business

If your Santa Maria, CA, business is ever affected by fire, you will certainly be worried about the visible damage, such as charring, water damage and soot. However, after all that is cleared away, you may still be left with smoke damage. The odor can linger long after the fire is extinguished if not treated properly. That's where smoke cleaning comes in. There are several ways to remove smoke odor from your place of business so that you and your customers can breathe easy.

1. Ozone Machines

Ozone machines work by releasing O3, ozone molecules, into the air. The O3 then binds to the other molecules in the area through a process known as oxidation. This creates new oxygen molecules that do not emit a smoke odor.

2. Air Filtration Devices

Commercial air filtration devices used for smoke cleaning and removal work the same way as smaller residential air purifiers. They suck in the dirty air in the area, trap the smoke particles and other pollutants and irritants in a filter (or multiple filters), and return the cleaned air to the room.

3. Thermal Fogging

Thermal fogging recreates one crucial element of fire — heat — to thoroughly deodorize all affected areas. Heat causes most materials to expand. Because of this, smoke may get into areas during a fire that are not easily accessible after the area has cooled. Thermal fogging works by releasing a heated deodorizing fog into the area. The heat causes the surrounding material to expand, allowing the deodorizing agent to get into all of the places the smoke penetrated during the fire.

Which smoke cleanup method to use depends both on the type of smoke and the object or materials being cleaned. A professional restoration company can select the best method of smoke cleaning for your Santa Maria, CA, business and make sure the job is done thoroughly, safely and quickly, so you can get back to business.

Restoring Your Santa Maria Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Santa Maria 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 Maria

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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.

Going on Vacation? Make Sure to Do These Things to Minimize Chance of Water Damage.

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage occurring while a family is away from their home for long periods of time can be a devastating occurrence that can be quite costly. With this knowledge, SERVPRO of Santa Maria have released a report on things you can do to minimize water damage when you are away from your home.

SERVPRO has been helping clients in Santa Maria for years when it comes to disaster restoration and cleaning. If you ever experience water damage in Santa Maria, whether commercial or residential, SERVPRO should be your first call as they have been doing it for half a century, along with offering many other forms of cleaning and restoration. Check out their website for more information of call them at 805-922-5457 if you have any questions.

How to Prevent/Minimize Water Damage in Your Home While on Vacation

Water damage is one of the most common and horrific things that can happen to your house. There are many possible causes and catalysts for water damage, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for them. However, when you and your family are on a well-deserved vacation, it’s impossible to keep an eye out for them. With that in mind, here are some great ways to lessen the chance of your home suffering water damage while you are away.

The first and most obvious thing to do is check the house for leaks. Even a tiny leak can turn into something much worse over the few days you are gone, get them tightened up. Also, use this time to inspect any appliances to make sure all hoses are tight and nothing looks off. Make sure the sump pump is working too, or you could be in for a huge clean-up when you return.

Now that everything is in working order and there are no obvious signs of damage, the next thing you should do is find someone who wouldn’t mind checking on your house for you while you’re gone. This is important as they would be able to turn your water off to minimize the damage if a pipe bursts or a leak starts. If no one can check on your home for you, it is a good idea to turn the water off before you leave to ensure nothing horrific can take place.

Remember, SERVPRO should be your first call if you discover water damage in your Santa Maria home. They can help you in a professional and timely manner to get your house back to 100%.

Call SERVPRO when you see this at your commercial building.

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Santa Maria we get a lot of commercial projects. We understand how the property’s appearance can affect your current and future clients, which is why SERVPRO is always ready to help restore any size commercial building. There is no job too small or too big for SERVPRO.

Here are some scenarios of when you would need professional services like SERVPRO’s. Our professionals will help make it “Like it never even happened”

• Water Damages- even the smallest water damages can have secondary effects like bacterial growth.
• Fire Damages – the air we breathe can have major effects in our health, it is important to thoroughly clean and wipe any fire residue.
• Mold Remediation- mold can cause major health issues to anyone who comes in contact with the property.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is Always Up to Standards

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of [Santa Maria is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Santa Maria

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Restoring Your Santa Maria Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Local Santa Maria commercial property had an unexpected water damage. SERVPRO of Santa Maria was ready to help!

Flooding and water damage events at Santa Maria 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 Maria

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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.

Why Clean Carpets Are Healthy

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Clean carpets make any room comfortable and appealing.

Dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens trapped in carpets, draperies and upholstered furniture are one of the leading causes of respiratory distress, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). SERVPRO of Nipomo, smoke damage specialist, has released a list of cleaning tips to help keep allergens, dust and pet odors under control.

Even when pets are housebroken and stay off the furniture, they are like every other member of the family that tracks in dirt, dust, and pollen. Daily coming and going brings allergens on paws and shoes, fur and clothing. Doors and windows opened to the cool breeze, even with screens, let in airborne particles.

Regular cleaning, especially professional deep cleaning, not only removes collected allergens, it preserves the quality and life span of carpets and upholstery and freshens the air. Homes and offices that have been closed up over cold and rainy months can get a little stagnant from lack of fresh air, from dust particles circulated by heating systems, and maybe even a little dampness from tracked-in water and mud.

Emergency cleaning, in the event of smoke being in the house from a fire, or a plumbing problem is even more critical. Smoke damage can happen even if there has been a fire on a neighboring property. Water damage from plumbing issues needs immediate attention to remove mold and other contaminants.

Regular vacuuming helps keep dust and allergens under control. Even spot shampooing and home treatments to remove pet odors and dirt is helpful. But, to maintain the life of expensive carpeting and furnishings, periodic professional deep cleaning is the way to go.

Tips for keeping carpets, drapes and upholstery clean include:

• Vacuuming at least twice a week. The AAFA recommends vacuuming more often for those who have severe allergies or respiratory conditions.
• Treat spills, stains and tracked-in dirt right away. Spills can soak through the carpet into the pad, or even all the way to the flooring, and cause hard to remove stains, even mold if there is enough long-term moisture. It is especially important to dry the area thoroughly and apply an odor-removing enzyme treatment for pet accidents.
• Install stain resistant carpet if possible and use stain resistant fabric.
• Use area rugs over carpeted high traffic areas such as entryways and hallways. Area rugs also protect carpets from wear.

Remember to be easy with yourself because life happens. Kids and pets have accidents and homes get dirty and dusty. A good annual professional cleaning goes a long way towards keeping your home fresh and preserving your investment in carpets and furnishings.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 922-5457

Nipomo Water Damage Specialists Releases Tips for Cleaning Up Older Houses

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Pet pee on carpet to be cleaned by Nipomo water damage specialists.

The sadness of losing parents and elderly relatives, or even moving them to retirement communities is often doubled by the task of having to go through the old family home, reliving memories, sorting through rooms, cabinets, closets, the garage and any other buildings on the property. SERVPRO Nipomo, the water damage and restoration specialists has prepared a list of tips to help families organize and get through the clean up with as little stress as possible.

Years of living in one place means an accumulation of personal items, much of which may not have been stored in the safest manner. And who knows what else might be lurking behind, in or between stacks of old cardboard boxes, especially in old sheds and barns. When someone has been living on a property for decades, the family can expect to find personal possessions, furniture, tools, boxes full of paperwork, old magazines and books, and an assortment of other things, including hazardous materials. The condition of parts of the house, the garage and other structures might seem overwhelming. “But,” said Mark Powers, franchise owner of SERVPRO, “There is a step-by-step method that can help make things a little easier.”

Considerations include:

1. Making sure that the buildings are structurally safe to enter. Old buildings can be expected to have deteriorating floors, walls and roofs. A structural evaluation before entering and starting to move, sort and pack items is a safety feature.
2. Evaluate the non-structural condition of the property. How many buildings are there? What appears to be in each building? What has been stored outside? What can be salvaged? What kind of weed control needs to be done?
3. Family heirlooms and memorabilia have both sentimental and monetary value. These items should be inventoried and moved to a safe and secure place as soon as possible. Items specified in a will or trust can either be given directly to the beneficiary, or stored in a secure place until they can be retrieved.
4. Determine which personal and household items that can be sold in a yard sale, donated or given to a family member. These could include kitchen items, furniture, clothing, linens, home decor items, books, costume jewelry, and more. Ask family members for a list of items they would like to have.
5. Identify items that can be thrown away. Sometimes it is safer to resist the urge to open every cardboard box, exposing yourself to allergens or contaminated dust. Most broken items can be added to the dumpster.
6. Make a plan that includes a room-by-room sorting and clearing process, renting a dumpster, perhaps renting a storage unit, and organizing help for transporting items to storage or to a donation destination.
7. Consult with SERVPRO for an initial walk-through and evaluation of the condition of the property. Professional restoration teams have the training and experience to assist with initial evaluation of the property, help create a clean up plan and coordinate the necessary repair and restoration processes that are needed to get everything cleared away, cleaned and repaired.

SERVPRO can help make sure buildings are structurally sound and:

• Remove water damage and mold
• Safely remove and dispose of any toxic or hazardous materials, even old household cleaners
• Safely remove stored items from sheds, garages, even closets and dispose of unwanted items, clean items that can be saved (even that classic old wingback with a tear in the upholstery)
• Help get the house and other buildings in enough order and cleanliness that the family can sort through belongings and needed repairs can be started.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 922-5457

National Preparedness Month Offers Home and Business Owners an Opportunity to Resolve to be Ready for an Emergency

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month.

National Preparedness Month Offers Home and Business Owners an Opportunity to Resolve to be Ready for an Emergency Local SERVPRO disaster restoration specialist highlights no-cost tools to help property owners prepare and maintain a comprehensive emergency readiness plan.

Everyone needs a comprehensive emergency plan. Business owners also need to plan for business interruption and continuation. But equally importantly, families and businesses alike need immediate access to data like emergency and insurance contacts, shut-off valves, electrical panel locations, and the line of command to authorize work so emergency responders can react quickly and appropriately during the emergency. This months focus on preparedness is a great incentive for both families and businesses to put a plan in place and review it regularly.

No matter what type of threats exist where you live or work wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural or manmade disasters tools are available from FEMA (https://www.ready.gov) with guidelines for preparing emergency food, water, and medical supplies; planning for special needs; and creating communication and evacuation plans. These tools and others, like the SERVPRO READY app, also help you store essential contact and property information electronically where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if disaster strikes.

Local business owners can take an additional preparedness step by designating SERVPRO of Santa Maria as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider. SERVPRO professionals will conduct a no-cost assessment of the facility and assist the owner in completing a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) to be stored in the READY app.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it "Like it never even happened." for both commercial and residential customers.

For more information on SERVPRO of Santa Maria, please contact Mark Powers at (805) 922-5457.

The Proper Ways To Put Out a Grease Fire

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Prevent a grease fire in your home

Things to Do When you Encounter a Grease Fire

A grease fire is one of the most dangerous fires you will encounter, and not for the reasons you might think. Grease fires are extremely difficult to put out, as they thrive off of oxygen (as all other types of fire do) and they become worse with water. You read that right, grease fires become worse with water. If you should encounter a fire caused by grease and an open flame, here's what you need to know:

• Turn off the source of the heat.
• Do NOT put water on the fire.
• Cover the flame with a pot, pan or other non-flammable device to stop the flow of oxygen.
• If you can't cover it, dump baking soda or salt on it.
  

If all of the above fail to get the fire under control, find a fire extinguisher and spray the fire until it is out.

What To Do If You Cannot Get the Grease Fire Under Control

If you fail to get the fire under control on your own, get out of the house ASAP. Do not continue to attempt to battle the inferno on your own, as you may only make matters worse and put yourself in grave danger. Instead, contact your Santa Maria, CA, fire department to help battle the flames. Once the fire crew has done its job, a fire cleanup crew can help with the restoration process.
It's important to note that once you leave your home, close the door and make sure all windows are closed. Again, grease fires thrive off of oxygen, so you want to make sure there is as little airflow as possible in your home. Do not reenter your home until the fire damage team has officially put out the flames.

Preventing Grease Fires

There are steps you can take to prevent grease fires, the most obvious of which is to keep anything flammable away from the stovetop. You should also always be in the kitchen when you're cooking and make sure children stay away from the heated stovetop. When heating oil, do so slowly, and never raise its temperature above that recommended by the manufacturer.
If you can't prevent a grease fire, try the above tips. A fire damage cleanup crew can then help with the restoration.

Using and Maintaining a Sump Pump in Your Home

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Overtime, your sump pump may require some low-key maintenance

Sump Pump Maintenance

As a homeowner, you know how much work it is to remove storm water from your home after heavy rain or snowfall. If interior flooding from ground water or storm runoff is a common problem in your Santa Maria, CA home, you may want to consider using a sump pump. This helpful tool not only redirects water away from your house, it can also prevent the costly water damage you deal with and pay for season after season. Learn more about pump maintenance to determine if this device is right for your home.

Plug-In the System

Once you get your new pump, you want to start by plugging it in. If the pump is not attached to a reliable power source it won't do any good when water reaches your house. Because power outages are often associated with large storms, some homeowners attach a backup power source such as a battery or generator to operate the pump if power fails.

Clear Blockages

Overtime, your sump pump may require some low-key maintenance. Small particles and debris may begin to create blockages within the pump that need to be cleaned out. Neglecting regular inspection for obstructions may result in the following:

• The pump works harder than necessary
  
• Debris may cause permanent damage
  
• Blockages may result in water overflow
  
  

Test the System

Regular testing of your pump will help you rest assured that your home is not unprotected. To test your pump, pour a bucket of water into the floor opening. Listen for the pump to switch-on and watch for it to quickly and efficiently pull the water out and reduce the water level back to zero. Slow water extraction may be a sign of pump blockages or debris.

Swap Out the Backup Battery

Finally, keep an eye on your backup power source. If you use a battery as your alternative energy connection, charge or replace it every two to three years to make sure it is reliable. With these simple tips for sump pump operation and maintenance, you may be able to save the time and money on dealing with home storm damage.

Water Is Out To Get Your Business

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Toilet leak

Here Are a Few Water Problems That Can Ruin Your Workday

When water behaves, it is a thing of beauty. We drink it. It helps keep things clean. It flushes away waste. It makes life comfortable. It’s important to remember this the next time you have a broken pipe at your business in Santa Maria, CA.
In a commercial setting, water is exceptionally good at misbehaving. Its behavior can range from simply annoying to catastrophic. Here are a few water problems that can ruin your workday.

Bathroom Sink and Kitchen Area Leaks

Consider yourself lucky if these are your biggest water issues. The list includes leaky faucets, shutoffs, pipes and drains. Your maintenance crew can handle them. The impact to your operation should be minimal.

Toilet Leaks

This problem is a bit more serious if the leak occurs during the flush. This contaminated water from the toilet bowl may damage the subflooring and the floor below. The impact is usually minimal.

Broken Pipe on the Water Supply

The good news is that the water is clean. The bad news is that there is probably a lot of it. If shutting off the water main is the only way to handle this problem, the impact on your business may be severe. The water repair must happen quickly.

Fire Sprinkler

If one of your sprinkler heads put out a fire, you are happy. If it flooded your business for no good reason, that’s a different story. The area beneath the sprinkler probably experienced severe flooding. No work will take place there for the foreseeable future.

Toilet Overflows and Sewage Backups

These two problems have one thing in common. They both involve significant amounts of contaminated water. The sewage backup is worse because it may also contain large quantities of raw sewage. Decontamination will be a large part of the cleanup process. The health risks associated with the sewage could require your business to partially or completely shut down.
If your business experiences a broken pipe or other water problem, help is nearby. There are moisture and contamination removal experts ready to come in and clean up. They are Here to Help.

Residential Water_126_How To Restore Water Damaged Building Materials

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Swelling wood floor in a Santa Maria,CA home

How To Restore Water Damaged Building Materials

When your home in Santa Maria, CA, sustains flood damage, one of your top priorities will be preserving the building materials that form your home's foundation. Swelling wood is often one of the biggest issues that arise after a catastrophic water incident, and you may be wondering if it's worth the effort to repair your wood materials as opposed to simply replacing them. By keeping some basic guidelines in mind, you can minimize the damage to your home if the worst happens.

1. Determine which materials are worth salvaging.

Sentimental or valuable items such as heirloom furniture may be worth the time and expense of restoration. Building materials that substantially add to the value of your home, such as finished hardwood floors, may be cheaper to restore rather than fully replace.

2. Allow adequate time to restore materials.

Swelling wood can easily crack, warp, and shrink if it's dried out too quickly after a water event, so plan on allowing two to three weeks for wooden furniture, cabinets, and flooring to dry properly. More porous materials such as drywall can be aired out much faster, usually around three days on average.

3. Take preventative measures to avoid damaged materials.

A simple water pipe repair to a leaking plumbing system can prevent a major flood, so take time to maintain your home's pipework. You should also familiarize yourself with the location of your water supply line in case an immediate shut off is needed. And it's a good idea to keep the contact information for a reputable water damage remediation specialist on hand who can help you assess building material restoration cost in the event of a flood.

While water damage in your home is stressful enough, trying to restore your home's valuable building materials, furniture, and heirlooms can add an extra challenge. By implementing the proper procedures for preserving swelling wood and other materials that have been affected by water, you can keep your home looking beautiful after a flood event.

Three Signs That Mold May Be Present in the Household

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Mildew is visible

Three Signs That There May be Mold in a Residence

Recognizing the signs of mold contamination in a residence in Santa Maria, CA is very important. If mildew is indeed found at a home, it is important for a homeowner to contact professionals who conduct mold remediation. Here are three signs that may suggest that there may be mold in a residence.

1. The Mildew Is Visible

One of the most obvious indications of mold and mildew is that it is clearly visible. Therefore, it’s a good idea to constantly keep an eye out for any signs of mold and mildew around the house. While mold spores may grow on many surfaces and in numerous areas of a household, the bathroom is often a place where mold and mildew are regularly found. This is because mold thrives in damp, wet environments, and the bathroom is typically a prime area for this sort of setting. Be sure to check to see if the shower or the sink area (including under the sink) have any signs of mold contamination and consider calling professionals to aid in removing the mold if it is found. (Don’t forget to check in other areas where water or sinks are in the home, such as the kitchen, for example!).

2. There Is a Stuffy Smell

Mold may have an odor associated with it that can smell musty or stuffy. While there may be other reasons for odors in the household that are not related to mildew, it may be a good idea to have a professional rule out any mold that could be the cause of the smell.

3. The Environment in the House Feels Very Humid

As mentioned above, mold and mildew grow in damp and humid areas. If areas inside a residence feel very damp, it is a possibility that mold may be growing there. It may be a good idea to rule out any mold contamination in a residence that feels particularly humid. A thorough search for mold by experts may help identify and locate any issues with mold in the home.

Flood Damage Preparation Tips for Business Owners

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Have sandbags on hand to place on the door of your building

Despite your best efforts, you can’t always prevent disasters from happening. In the workplace, you’re concerned about the safety and well-being of your employees, not to mention the functionality of equipment and the integrity of the structure. To minimize flooding damage and to save time, money and a lot of headaches, practices some effective strategies in your Santa Maria, CA, office building.

Typical Causes of Floods

Flood damage has many sinister faces. Water can creep into your office from a number of sources. The better you can identify these, the more prepared you can feel when an emergency hits.

• Broken pipes or other plumbing problems
  
• Insufficient draining from rain gutters and downspouts
  
• Sewage backups in the main line
  
• Massive storms such as hurricanes
  
  

Protect the Windows and Doors

If water begins to come into your office, windows and doors are common entry points. Have sandbags on hand to place in these areas to block the flow of water and to send it elsewhere. Storm damage can often allow water to rush inside and ruin the structure of the building as well as your belongings.

Move Items to Higher Ground

In many situations, top floors will be a safer place to be during flooding. If you notice water leaking in the lower floors, it’s smart to relocate electronics, documents and furniture to the higher level.

Have a Plan

Surely, your company has a method to respond to fires. You need a similar response for a flood. Know how and where to leave the building if major floods occur. Also, inspect your roof, plumbing and foundation regularly to guard against water problems. In addition, find a quality water cleanup company to call in case of an emergency. The best professionals have the knowledge, experience and tools to respond to even the most devastating floods.

When you put these guidelines into practice, you can salvage your most important assets during flooding. Don’t fall prey to the terrible damages that can occur.

3 Things Not To Do When Extinguishing a Fire

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial and residential fire damage services

Three Things to Avoid Doing When Attempting to Extinguish a Fire

A fire extinguisher is not difficult to use. Fire safety experts generally recommend the P.A.S.S. technique. Pull the pin and break the tamper seal before aiming the dispenser at the base of a fire. Squeeze the handle and sweep the spray from side to side. There are also three things to avoid doing when attempting to extinguish a fire.

1. Allow the Fire To Block Your Exit

You must be able to get away from a fire if an extinguishing effort is not successful. Monitor the movement of the flames and do not allow them to spread between you and the nearest exterior door. If this occurs, you should pursue a secondary escape route.

2. Spray Suppressant Directly at a Grease Fire

Fire extinguishers contain pressurized suppressants. If you aim an extinguisher hose, horn or nozzle directly at flaming grease, the fat or oil may spatter and carry flames. Using a fire extinguisher may actually spread a grease fire. You may have better results by dousing a kitchen fire with baking soda and salt before smothering the flames with a metal baking sheet, lid or another pan.

3. Neglect a Recently Extinguished Fire

A fire may seem to be out and then suddenly reignite or a hidden fire may be present. It is important to monitor the area of a fire, even if you step outside for a moment. It may be a good idea to contact the fire department to make sure that the fire is out.

You may be able to extinguish a small to moderately-sized fire by using proper fire extinguisher technique. If a fire is too large, try to close doors and seal off the affected area before evacuating the premises and calling the fire department. Any structural damage can be handled by a company that specializes in fire damage mitigation and restoration in Santa Maria, CA.

Preparing for Flood Damage

4/28/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can be devastating to a commercial building, leaving damage that takes a significant amount of time and expense to undo.

How To Prepare for Flood Damage

Flooding can happen throughout the year and can be devastating to a commercial building, leaving damage that takes a significant amount of time and expense to undo. There are several steps you can take to prepare your Santa Maria, California building to survive and recover from storm damage. Preventative measures can reduce the amount of flood damage and make it easier to restore your building to operational use as soon as possible. 

1. Clean the Gutters

Flooding doesn’t always mean there are several feet of water in a building. Even a few inches of water inside a commercial building can cause substantial damage. Floodwaters can build slowly over several days or may rise extremely quickly in the event of a flash flood. 

No matter how much rain is falling, well-maintained gutter systems have a much better chance of diverting that water to proper drainage areas. If the gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, the water can overflow the sides and saturate the ground around the foundation, increasing the risk for damage. Make sure to check and clean the gutters on a regular schedule to ensure they work properly during a flood.

2. Maintain the Storm Drains

Like gutters, storm drains are designed to move water away from streets and buildings. While the local government or county is usually responsible for storm drain maintenance, you may be required to report issues with the drains on or near your property. If you see something amiss with a storm drain, report it to the authorities immediately.

3. Have a Response Plan

Make sure you’re ready to react quickly in the event of flooding. During a flood watch or warning, follow basic safety guidelines:

Listen to the TV or radio for weather updates
Gather an emergency preparedness kit
Move to higher ground
Avoid walking or driving through flood waters

Keep the number for restoration professionals handy so you can call them if your building sustains storm damage. You will want to do this as soon as possible to begin cleanup and repairs. Responding quickly to flood damage can help get your building back to normal operations. Visit http://www.SERVPROsantamaria.com for more information on flood damage.

When a Storm Hits, SERVPRO is Ready!

4/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO responds immediately with highly trained technicians and specialized equipment to restore your home or business after any size disaster.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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 Floods and Storms

When storms hit Santa Maria, 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 https://www.SERVPRO.com/disaster-recovery that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 805-922-5457

What To Do After Flooding If You Don’t Have Flood Insurance

4/27/2019 (Permalink)

If you obtain flood insurance, you should seek an estimate from storm and water damage restoration experts and make a claim.

No Flood Insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies typically exclude damage caused by flooding. Residents of flood-prone areas should obtain a separate flood insurance policy, otherwise they will have to pay for damage restoration out of pocket or obtain relief through a federal program. Here are four types of assistance that may be available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

1. Transitional Sheltering and Temporary Housing

After the president declares a federal disaster area, Transitional Sheltering Assistance can lower the cost of staying in a hotel during the days or weeks immediately following a disaster. Homeowners can also seek Temporary Housing Assistance for a period of one month up to 18 months.

2. Grants for Cleanup and Restoration

A homeowner may want to apply for a grant to fund the restoration of a residence located on a flood plane. Grants can be used for repairing structural damage or replacing other losses.

3. Repair and Replacement Assistance

If the location of your home is declared a federal disaster area, you may be eligible for a one-time payment for Repair and Replacement Assistance. This option will not cover the costs of flood damage, and is intended to supplement a flood insurance policy.

4. Low-Interest Loans

It may be possible to obtain loans that have low-interest rates to finance residential flood damage repairs. These loans are usually capped at $200,000 for a primary residence and $40,000 for property including renters' losses. Annual interest rates may be as low as 1.75 percent for a 30-year period.

After a federal declaration of emergency, homeowners may benefit from these and other services administered by FEMA. If you obtain flood insurance, you should seek an estimate from storm and water damage restoration experts and make a claim. Professional cleanup and rebuilding services can reduce the likelihood that secondary damage will result from primary flood damage at a residence in Santa Maria, CA.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Santa Maria for Storm Restoration Services?

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Maria is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Our response time will help to minimize any damage and help save money costs.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria water damage, fire damage and disaster restoration specialists are the best choice when dealing with any type or size of disaster.

From small leaks to major damage, their franchise professionals have the edge over the competition because of their quick response time, professionalism, and extensive knowledge of the trade. They possess the proper equipment to get the job done quickly and thoroughly. Their goal is to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

• Speed

 SERVPRO is faster when dealing with disaster than other restoration services. Especially when dealing with water damage and flooding, timing is critical. Within minutes water can spread throughout the property, and quickly absorb into walls, carpet, floors and your belongings.

Within 24 hours, surfaces will begin to tarnish and furniture can begin to bend, swell and crack, and mold spores begin to settle. After a week, mold and property damage will worsen, even to the point of total contamination. SERVPRO is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Their quick response time will help to minimize any damage and help save money on restoration costs.

• Professionalism

SERVPRO is a franchised company, which means their franchise professionals go though an extensive, company-wide training process that guarantees that they are at the top of their field. All of the SERVPRO of Santa Maria professionals are versed in the standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC. They have extensive water damage restoration training, and will monitor the entire restoration process to completion.

• Advanced equipment and techniques

SERVPRO of Santa Maria water damage professionals have the expertise and the top of the line equipment to deal with your restoration needs. Because each restoration project requires different solutions, SERVPRO of Santa Maria carries a wide variety of professional equipment. They will take you through the process of: initial contact, damage assessment, water removal/extraction, dehumidification, sanitizing/cleaning and into restoration.

Water Damage Prevention Tips

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

The team at SERVPRO of Santa Maria has recently released a report on how to prevent water damage in your home, which you can read a few paragraphs down. Water damage can cause significant grief and expensive repairs in your home and should not be taken lightly. In order to help you prevent it from happening, be sure to read below for the tips about how to prevent water damage from destroying your home. Preventing water damage isn’t too hard, as long as you know the right things to do.

SERVPRO are specialists in all things restoration and damage repair. Whether you are located in a commercial or residential location, know that SERVPRO should be your first call for fixing water damage in Santa Maria. In addition to fixing water damage, SERVPRO of Santa Maria can also help with fire damage, issues with mold, storm damage and other cleaning and restoration services. Be sure to visit their website or call them at 805-922-5457 if you have any questions.

How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage can absolutely decimate the foundation and structure of your home, and lead to very costly repairs if not handled correctly. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prevent water damage in your home. While these won’t work 100% of the time, they can give you a good shot at avoiding water damage

The first thing you can do is to always make sure that your gutters are cleaned out. It can be annoying to get onto a ladder and clean them out, but if you don’t, then you risk water getting clogged in the gutters and leaking into the foundation of your home and possibly causing some damages.

Another thing you can do is to seek out and fix any leaks in your house. Even a tiny and minor leak in a pipe can have dire consequences over time or if it gets even bigger. Fixing a small leak takes a few second, and could save you from weeks of hardships from water damage.

In addition to these two simple tips, there are so many other things you can do to prevent water damage, like:

• Never pour grease down your sink
• Never use unclogging chemicals (use a drain snake instead)
• Check appliances for damages regularly.
• Watch for basement flooding after large rainfalls

Remember, if you need help with water damage in Santa Maria, be sure to reach out to the team at SERVPRO of Santa Maria by calling 805-922-5457 or visiting their website.

Press release by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

Fire Damage Prevention Tips

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

As far as disasters go, fires have to be among the worst. They can devastate homes and natural areas very quickly and can be tough to contain. They are especially horrific in areas that are often very hot, like it is in Nipomo, California and surrounding towns. To try help you ensure your home is safe from fires, SERVPRO of Santa Maria have released a report on how to prevent fire damage in Nipomo or wherever you are located.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria has been helping with damage restoration and cleaning in the Santa Maria area for decades, and should be your first call if you experience fire damage in Nipomo. On top of fire damage, they can help with water damage, smoke damage, storm damage, mold and much more. Head to their website if you want to learn more and be sure to call them at 805-922-5457 if you have any questions.

How to Prevent Fire Damage in Your Home

Fires can run rampant and cause some major damages to homes. They can move fast and can be tough to deal with and can leave your house damaged, or worse, completely burned to the ground. With that in mind, here are some good things to do to make your chances of every experiencing a house fire extremely low.

The first line of defense for preventing any house fire getting out of control is a smoke detector. You should be making sure your smoke detector is working and in the correct location.

Once you have the smoke detector installed and ensure it is working, the next thing you should do is make sure you are careful when you using household appliances. Leaving the oven or stove on, or letting them get too full of grease, is a common way of starting a house fire. Also, be careful not to overheat cords for electronics, as they can get quite hot and could potentially start a fire.

Of course, you should also make sure open flames in your house are contained. If people are smoking, a fireplace is going or a candle is lit, make sure you don’t let them come in direct contact with anything that could catch on fire.

Basically, if you are vigilant about what you and others in your home are doing around heat, fire, grease and smoke, your chances of starting a house fire should be quite low.

If you ever have the misfortune of experiencing fire damage in Nipomo or other areas near Santa Maria, be sure to give SERVPRO a call at 805-922-5457 and they will be sure to help.

Press release by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

Taking Care of Smoke Damage in Your California Home

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

One of the common side effects of a house fire or even a fire near your house, is the presence of smoke. Smoke damage in Nipomo and other warm climates can occur more frequently due to the weather. The damage from smoke to your house can be large and can linger for well after the fire is done. With that in mind, SERVPRO of Santa Maria have released a report on why it is so important to take care of smoke damage in your home.

SERVPRO has been helping clients with residential and commercial cleaning and restoration for years. Smoke damage in Nipomo and surrounding areas can be a huge issue and should be dealt with, thankfully, SERVPRO is there to help. Be sure to visit their website or give them a call at 805-922-5457 if you have any questions.

Reasons Why Taking Care of Smoke Damage is So Important

Even long after a fire has occurred in or around your house, it is likely still suffering from the effects of smoke damage. Just because the smoke damage may not be as visible as fire or water damage, doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Here are some reasons why taking care of smoke damage is very important.

First of all, smoke damage simply makes your home look gross. The walls and ceiling of your home will be blackened by soot, which is the residue left by smoke. If you don’t get this looked at soon after the smoke damage creeps into your home, you may never be able to clean it off and may have to completely replace the walls.

In addition to looking gross, the air in your home will suffer greatly from the smoke residue in the walls, ceiling, floor and air. The air will smell gross and could also lead to health issues if the smoke damage isn’t taken care of.

Also, the structure of your home can actually be damaged too. So if you don’t call someone like SERVPRO to fix the issue, you could be putting you and your family at risk as the house could slowly deteriorate, which can easily lead to accidents.

If your house of place of business is suffering from smoke damage, the team over at SERVPRO should be at the top of your list of companies to call. They have been in the business for 50 years and can help get your home back to the way it was before the disaster.

Press release by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

Commercial Water Restoration in Santa Maria, CA

4/21/2019 (Permalink)

Local disaster recovery specialist offers insight into the complexities of dealing with disaster and water damage in Santa Maria.

When disaster strikes, property owners need to make a lot of decisions quickly and under pressure. Effective disaster remediation involves a lot of moving parts: remediation specialists, insurance companies, local codes, state codes, documentation and more—and all of this has to happen in an atmosphere charged with emotion and stress.

Mark Powers of SERVPRO of Santa Maria says, “Efficiency is key when you are dealing with disaster remediation; it saves our customers money and it makes our work more effective. SERVPRO is an industry leader in work efficiency technology—continually innovating to help both our customers and our business control costs.”

SERVPRO’s proprietary DryBook™ tool is one example of the company’s focus on efficiency and cost control. Remediation projects must be managed to both industry and insurance company standards, and Joseph says that tools like DryBook™ help SERVPRO Franchise technicians track and document progress on restoration, cleanup and repair services. “The DryBook™ tool helps us deliver on every detail of every water damage job, every time,” says Powers.

To help avoid regulatory headaches and paperwork pitfalls, Powers suggests property owners consider the following criteria when choosing a remediation company to deal with the aftermath of a disaster.

Industry standards: Does your remediation company deliver a product that meets the standards set by

• The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)?
• Most major insurance companies, including cycle times and deadline requirements?

Recordkeeping: Does your remediation company have a system in place to ensure accurate, complete and convenient benchmarking of each step of the remediation process, including

• Capturing and updating data, including job diary notes, electronically and real-time on the jobsite, with simultaneous updates saved at the central office?
• Using e-signatures to help eliminate lost paperwork and the need to scan documents?
• Providing a complete record of the damage and remediation efforts in images, with descriptions, start-to-finish?

Equipment selection: Does your contractor have the ability, on-the-spot, to

• Identify the right equipment for the job, based on the damage description?
• Validate the use of each piece of equipment, automatically, as part of the remediation records?

About SERVPRO®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of nearly 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar losses. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

FAQs About Category 1 Water Damage

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Fix plumbing leaks quickly before it becomes worse

Dealing with the effects of any type of water damage in your business in Santa Maria, CA, can be difficult. The problem can often be useful for business owners to learn about the different types of water problems, including clean water flooding, which is also known as category one water damage.

What Are Common Causes?

Unfortunately, category one water damage is a common occurrence in many businesses. There are various issues that can result in this type of floodwater, including:

• A leaky or broken pipe
• A damaged water supply line
• Broken or leaking appliances
• Toilet overflow that does not contain waste

How Is the Water Removed?

There are various steps that water damage restoration professionals can take to restore a commercial property. However, the water must first be removed from the building before restoration can begin. The following techniques and tools are often used in order to remove clean water from an area:

• Powerful vacuums
• High-powered pumps
• Ventilating the area by opening windows
• Decreasing humidity levels with industrial dehumidifiers

How to Prevent This Type of Damage?

It isn’t always possible to prevent water problems in every circumstance but there are several ways you can protect your business from category one water damage. Routine inspections of your business can help spot otherwise unnoticeable issues. Additionally, requesting preventative maintenance can also be useful, as professionals can take measurements to ensure all pipes, appliances and other systems are working as efficiently as possible. If you do notice an issue such as a leaky appliance, it’s often best to fix the problem before it worsens.

Clean water can devastate a business, though the process of removing this type of water is often simpler than removing contaminated water. Understanding the causes of category one water issues, how it is removed, and the preventative steps you can take can help you protect your properties from sustaining this type of water damage.

What Gives Mold a Musty Smell?

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

If the mold growing in a structure is producing mycotoxins, containment measures may be necessary.

Mold is a type of fungus that requires moisture and food. The metabolisms of these living organisms release off-gases during the growth cycle. These odorous gases are chemical compounds known as microbial volatile organic compounds. Learn more about what MVOCs are and how these compounds differ from mycotoxin and spores.

MVOCs

MVOCs are gases released when mold is actively growing. There are more than 200 known MVOCs, including the following types of compounds:

• Aldehydes
  
• Esters
  
• Ethers
  
• Ketones
  
• Terpenes

An indoor environmental professional can perform a mold test to determine whether a musty odor indicates that mold is currently growing in a building. Test results may identify the species of mold and the types of compounds that are present.

MVOCs vs. Mycotoxin

All fungus in an active growth cycle releases MVOCs, but not every species of mold produces mycotoxins. Some species that do produce toxins generate more than one toxin. Here are a few of the most common mycotoxins:

• Aflatoxin
  
• Fumonisins
  
• Ochratoxin A
  
• Patulin
  
• Zearalenone

If the mold growing in a structure is producing mycotoxins, containment measures may be necessary. Building owners or managers should arrange for remediation as soon as possible.

MVOCs vs. Spores

Mold reproduces by making spores. Spores do not produce a musty odor, but do cause mold to spread. A spore that lands on a damp surface with an available food source may start to grow within a matter of hours. Spores are particles that range from three microns up to 100 microns in size.

Active mold growth will emit MVOCs and spores. Certain species of toxigenic mold also release mycotoxin. If a musty smell is detectable at a building in Santa Maria, CA, it is possible that some form of fungus is growing. An indoor environmental professional can perform accurate mold testing and a mold remediation service can eliminate any colonies of fungi found on the premises.

3 Actions To Take Following Water Destruction

3/24/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Santa Maria for your water damage

Water Destruction

There might not be a major storm in the forecast, but water damage to your home in Santa Maria, CA, can happen in a variety of ways. Appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, can malfunction and wreak havoc on your home. If this type of damage takes you by surprise, remembering a few tips can help you mitigate the destruction.

1. Safety Is Your First Concern

Water and electricity do not mix. If you believe water spilled on any wires or electrical devices, it’s imperative to have an inspector visit your home. You also have to be mindful of wet floors, which could cause a family member to slip and fall.

2. Stop the Water Before It Causes Additional Damage

It’s important to stop the source causing the water damage. If an appliance is the culprit, it must be disconnected. If the source is broken pipes, the water to the home will need to be turned off, and you may need to call a plumber. Be aware of the type of water that caused the damage. Contaminated water requires professional assistance.

3. Removing Water Is the Next Step

As you begin to remove water, different materials will require a variety of treatments. If the carpet and floor were saturated, they may need to be pulled up to protect the subfloor. Remove items from tables, dressers, and shelves. Carefully dry them and place them in a non-impacted part of the home. When the objects are moved, begin wiping excess water away from the furniture. Art and other decorations should be taken off walls and stored in a dry space.

Quick action following water damage gives you the best chance of saving your possessions. If you find the water cleanup to be overbearing, you could consider hiring a professional service. Before the damage even happens, it’s a good idea to have contact information for a company specializing in emergency restoration services. Being proactive is the best way of keeping damage from a water catastrophe to a minimum.

SERVPRO Restoration Technicians Respond Faster

3/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Maria works to make the processing of each insurance claim easier

SERVPRO has more than 1,700 franchises located throughout the country. As a leader in restoration and cleanup work, the company has taken many steps to ensure that technicians are able to arrive faster to any size disaster. As a step toward ensuring this claim, Santa Maria, CA, technicians are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Timely Completion of Restoration Claims

In addition to providing top quality services for customers, SERVPRO works to make the processing of each insurance claim easier.

• Emergency services every day at all hours
• Training in and compliance with industry standards
• Access to an electronic claims inventory
• Local ownership of more than 1,700 franchises
• Preferred vendor status for many insurance companies

Whether insurance agents represent residential or commercial customers, SERVPRO is ready to respond with water damage restoration teams, fire damage, mold remediation, storm damage, and cleaning services. Responding faster to any disaster is an important step in keeping the cost of claims in check.

Local Franchises Mean Fast Response Times

Franchises are owned locally, so technicians are available to reach properties quickly. This fast response is vital for the protection of property, furnishings, and inventory. In water damage cases, the first 24 hours are vital in protecting porous materials, such as drywall, carpets, flooring, documents, and metals. When damages result from a fire, the property could again be affected by water damage, as well. Smoke and soot settle in as time goes by, and properties left unattended can be harmed by trespassers.

A Quick Response Keeps Claims Costs Down

SERVPRO professionals are committed to responding immediately when Santa Maria, CA, clients need cleanup and restoration services for fire or water damage emergencies. The quick response from these teams reduces the severity of damages and keeps costs down. With specialization and training in fire and water damage restoration, technicians are ready to return properties to pre-fire conditions. Showing up faster to any size disaster keeps the cost of an insurance claim lower and prevents further damages.

3 Main Differences Between Mold and Mildew

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can cause large issues in your home

The Differences Between Mold and Mildew

People often wrongly assume that mold and mildew are the same thing. Although both are types of fungus that you might encounter in your home in Santa Maria, CA, mold damage should be treated differently than mildew. Both mildew and mold are pesky to deal with and are attracted to moisture, but there are several key differences that are important to know when identifying what kind of issue you have on your hands.

1. Mold Is Harder To Get Rid of

If you are able to identify the fungi in your home as mildew growth, you’re in luck! While mold often requires the help of a mold remediation company to completely clean it from your home, mildew simply lies on the surface of moist areas and can easily be cleaned using products you buy from the store. Unfortunately, mold damage can go as far as compromising the structural integrity of your home.

2. Mildew Has a Distinct Appearance

While mold growth takes on various forms, you can often tell when you’re dealing with mildew because it takes on a gray, white, or brown color and is a powdery consistency. Mildew also has a distinct smell. Mold on the other hand can be red, black, green, and several other colors. It will likely have a very foul odor and might have a fuzzy appearance.

3. Mold Penetrates Surfaces

Mildew is most often found on the flat, moist surfaces or on plant materials. On the other hand, mold damage can make its way deep into materials causing a much larger issue. This is why mold can be found within walls and deep in the structure of your home when left untreated.

While both mold and mildew are frightening to find in your home, mold growth is overall a much larger issue than mildew. Learn how to tell the difference so you can know whether you need to call in the professionals or if you simply need to grab some cleaning supplies and get scrubbing.

Reasons To Choose an IICRC-Certified Vendor

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is certified with the IICRC for water, fire, and mold damage. 

Reasons To Choose An IICRC-Certified Vendor

Leading damage mitigation and restoration companies help maintain the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC is a third-party agency led by industry professionals that develop standards used nationwide and around the world. Here are three reasons to choose a vendor with this certification to mitigate and restore damage at a residence in Santa Maria, CA.

1. Higher Standards

Insurers appreciate the high standards of this agency. In addition to developing regulations for the American National Standards Institute, this certifying body also maintains BSR standards. The leadership of this organization consists of professionals from leading cleaning and restoration firms, and certified professionals take continuing education courses to stay up to date on best practices.

2. Advanced Methods

The IICRC combines industry experience and innovative research. Experts that specialize in treating different types of damage are on the cutting edge of their fields. Training for a mitigation certificate, or any other credential, involves learning about state-of-the-art developments in areas such as fire, mold or water damage restoration.

3. Preferred Vendors

Insurers recognize the rigorous nature of these certifications. A company or franchise must employ at least one trained technician in order to be considered certified. These credentials make it more likely that an insurer will cover claims based on estimates made by a certified franchise. SERVPRO is a top rated and approved training school, and franchises must satisfy the requirements of the participation agreement to receive insurance client referrals.

These are some of the most important reasons to choose a mitigation and restoration company that employs professionals with credentials from the IICRC. If you hire a company with this certification, you can trust that work will be done properly, and that primary and secondary damage can be limited as much as possible. Check to make sure this certification is currently held by the company you contact to restore residential damage in Santa Maria, CA.

How To Minimize Flood Damage to Your Business

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

If you have flooding, remember not to panic.

Prepare Your Business From A Flood Damage

There is never a good time to deal with flood damage in Santa Maria, CA. Different types of flooding include burst pipes, flash floods, and sewage backup. They can be hard to prepare for and even harder to predict. Here are a few tips to ensure that you are doing the most you can to protect your property from disaster.

Act Now

Sometimes you won't have time to prepare your business before a storm hits. If your property experiences flooding, remember not to panic. You can avoid most of the damage with these steps.

• Stop the flow of water and turn off circuit breakers to reduce risk of injury.
• Call your storm damage restoration company immediately.
• Remove small furniture items, books, papers, and breakables to a higher floor or a dry room.
• Put cinder wood blocks under the legs of furniture to raise them above water level.
• Lift all cushions, rugs, drapes and other fabric items away from water, and set them outside to dry if needed.
• Place sandbags around doors and windows to divert running water and soak up standing water.

Prepare for the Worst

While the forecast can be erratic, one of the best ways to avoid heavy damage is to be prepared before a storm descends. Perform routine maintenance on the building to prevent water from pooling in areas. Make sure to clean out storm drains and patch holes in parking lots. Regularly inspect doors, windows and drains, and bring them up to code.

Keep an Updated Flood Action Plan

Having a flood action plan can help you get your business running right after a disaster. Keep yourself and your employees updated on weather forecasts and storm warnings. Have the numbers of insurance providers and emergency services in one place. Make an evacuation plan and perform drills regularly. Know how to locate all utility taps and circuit breakers and how to safely shut them off in case of a flood.

When you have a well-constructed plan, you will feel much better about handling a disaster such as flooding. Just because the weather can be unpredictable doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared.

3 Things You Should Know About Fire Extinguishers

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher in your home in Santa Maria, CA can keep you and your home safe

3 Things You Should Know About Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher in your home in Santa Maria, CA, can be an effective way to keep you and your home safe. However, there are a variety of things that are helpful to know about extinguishers to ensure they can be used quickly and effectively.

1. The Type of Extinguishers in Your Home

Different types of extinguishers exist, and it’s helpful to do some research before placing one in a location within your home. For example, Type B extinguisher would help in the event of a kitchen fire caused by grease, whereas a Class A extinguisher can stifle fires that use wood as fuel. Often, you can purchase combination extinguisher that will effectively put out different types of fires.

2. The Location of the Extinguishers

Just having a fire extinguisher in your home isn’t enough to prevent a fire if the location of the extinguisher is not convenient. It’s often important to place extinguishers in areas such as kitchens and laundry rooms since these areas are common places for fires to occur. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the extinguishers are within reach so you can access them quickly if needed.

3. How To Use the Extinguisher

In the event of a fire, it’s often helpful to know how to use an extinguisher quickly and correctly. Though extinguishers are labeled clearly with directions, it can save you time if you already know the appropriate steps to take. The term P.A.S.S. (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) is a common acronym that is used to give people an easy way to remember the key steps to take when using an extinguisher.

Making sure you have the right types of fire extinguisher in your home, putting extinguishers in convenient locations and knowing how to use an extinguisher can incredibly help if a fire occurs. If your home has been impacted by a fire, you may want to consider working with fire damage restoration experts.

Understanding Residential Fungus: The Key Differences Between Mold and Mildew

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Santa Maria for professional assistance

Differences Between Mold and Mildew

Mildew and mold damage are two very different sides of the same fungus coin. One is repaired easily without the need for professional intervention while the other is likely more invasive and requires removal experts. Understanding the differences between mold and mildew will help you determine the necessary course of action.

1. Different Colors

Mildew growth is not as vibrant as mold and is likely varying shades of gray and white. Mold is more colorful, typically appearing as either green or black. While there is a tendency to assume mold is black mold because of its color, that is not often the case; there are special tests that need to be performed to determine mold type.

2. Varying Textures

Mold damage is typically identified by its fuzzy texture and its nature to seep into porous materials. Mildew is generally flat and may even resemble a stain or slight discoloration of the material it is found on.

3. Diverse Infestation Methods

Mold growth will typically start near a cool, damp source and branch out, and it can begin colonizing with 12 days of the initial growth. Mildew is not as aggressive, but it can also spread fairly quickly. Mildew, however, will typically stay localized while mold will spread out in every direction, even jumping areas through ventilation and ductwork.

4. Various Cleaning Methods and Remedies

While mildew is a surface fungus that does not penetrate deep within materials, mold is more aggressive. Mold begins deep within, and when it appears on the surface, it likely means a bigger problem. Mold will probably require a mold remediation specialist in the Santa Maria, CA, area, but mildew can be remedied with many store-bought cleaners.

Mildew and mold damage are similar yet starkly different. Mildew is remedied quickly with inexpensive cleaners, but mold is persistent, and it lingers in crevices and cavities which is why mold often requires professional assistance.

Simple Steps To Making a Water Damage Claim

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes cause water problems in your home

If bursting pipes, severe weather, or other factors cause flooding in your Santa Maria, CA, home, you may rely on your insurance policy to cover the cleanup bills. It’s important that you fie a claim promptly and correctly to make this as smooth a process as possible. Understand your coverage and what steps you must follow.

Things To Initially Consider

Your insurance plan won’t cover all water damage and related issues. In the following cases, you’ll either need supplemental coverage, or you’ll need to take care of the repair costs yourself:

• The damage occurred due to normal wear and tear.
• The damage occurred due to your own neglect of maintenance and upkeep.
• The damage occurred because you intentionally tampered with or broke pipes.

Assess the Damage

Before you start trying to fix a broken pipe or do any other maintenance, determine exactly what areas of your home suffered damage and where the water problems originated. No matter how large or small the incident was, it’s crucial to provide this information to your insurance agent.

Record the Damage

Write down different items of your home that bursting pipes affected and ruined. Also, take photos of the water damage and areas that will require cleanup and restoration. Save these pictures and records for your insurance representative.

Contact Your Agent Promptly

Obviously, you’ll want to get in touch with an experienced disaster cleanup specialist to remove water from your home and to make the area safe once again. But you’ll also want to speak to your insurance company without delay to start the claims process. It’ll be much easier to file a claim and get payment if you communicate with the insurance representative on the day of the incident.

You hate thinking about bursting pipes or other issues causes water problems in your home. It’s nice to know you can count on a competent insurance provider to ease your burden.

Steps for Air Duct Mold Removal

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in ductwork in a Santa Maria, CA business

Steps for Air Duct Mold Removal

For a business in Santa Maria, CA, finding mold in the ductwork can be alarming, especially if it could be black mold. It’s important to get rid of this fungus as quickly as possible to help prevent its spread, and to keep your building and staff safe. Here are some steps you may need to take.

1. Identify Mold in the Ventilation System

When determining if there is mold in the air ducts, there are a couple of signs to look for. The appearance of black dust around vent openings is one. This dust may be patchy in appearance and difficult to clean. Another easy-to-recognize indication is the presence of a musty, unpleasant odor issuing from the ductwork. This may grow stronger when the AC unit is turned on.

2. Thoroughly Examine the Area

Because black mold can spread to other areas, it’s important to thoroughly examine the ventilation system. This includes any surrounding insulation or connected systems.

3. Clean and Sanitize the System

Once the mold is located, a mold remediation professional can be contacted if you have not already done so. He or she can thoroughly clean the ductwork and any other affected areas, perform the required sanitation, and help implement any further preventive measures that may be needed.

4. Prevent Future Growth

In order to maintain clean ducts, it’s important to do what you can to prevent future mold growth. Some maintenance steps to consider include regularly changing filters, having the ducts professionally cleaned bi-annually, fixing any water damage issues as soon as possible, and closely monitoring the building's humidity levels.

The removal of black mold from your company building is important both for the building and anyone who may work there. It’s essential for full mold removal to examine the area surrounding the ductwork as well as the ducts themselves. Fully clean and sanitize the system, and be sure to deal with any moisture or water damage you may find. A mold specialist can help with every step of this process.

3 Ways To Protect a Business From Fire

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Every commercial business in Santa Maria,CA should have smoke detectors

3 Ways To Protect a Business From Fire

Fires can swiftly destroy property and pose a threat to occupants in a commercial building. Here are three fire preparation measures that building owners and occupants can take to protect any business from fire.

1. Arrange For a Fire Hazard Analysis

A disaster preparation expert can perform an analysis of fire hazards in a structure. Risks may include combustible building materials, improper handling of flammable contents, or a lack of functional alarm and suppression systems. A hazard analysis can help building and business owners develop more practical fire safety and evacuation plans.

2. Test Alarm and Fire Suppression Systems

Every commercial structure should be equipped with operational fire detection and suppression equipment. For fire preparation purposes, smoke or fire detectors should be tested monthly and sprinkler system inspections should occur at least once a year or as needed.

Make sure that detection devices have a reliable primary and backup power source and are designed to function in the most useful ways for the purpose of the structure. Sprinklers should be functional and arranged to correspond to the current usage of a facility.

3. Perform Drills and Post Emergency Information

Occupants will need to practice evacuating from a structure at least twice a year. Be sure to inform new employees about fire safety policies, and post emergency information throughout the structure for the benefit of guests. Ensure that every occupant is aware of primary and secondary evacuation routes and knows not to use elevators in the event of a fire.

These measures can help to protect a commercial property and the occupants of a structure from fire. Fire preparation should be a consistent effort to ensure that building occupants will know what to do when a fire breaks out. A building owner or manager should maintain access to contact information for insurers and a fire damage mitigation company in Santa Maria, CA.

5 Tips for Water Damage Prevention

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

Contact a water damage company in Santa Maria, CA

5 Tips for Water Damage Prevention

In Santa Maria, CA, damage from water in home environments can be problematic. Both to fix the damage and to find the source of the leak. If you’re worried about water damage occurring at your residence there are a few tricks you can try.

1. Fix Leaks ASAP

If you find a leak it’s important to take care of it quickly. Prompt pipe cleanup can lessen your chances of water damage, and allow you to take the steps you need to prevent potential issues before problems arise.

2. Inspect Your AC System

Regularly looking over your AC system can help you ensure that your home is receiving proper ventilation which can help it stay dry. It will also allow you to ensure that all your hoses and connections to the cooling unit are in working order.

3. Regularly Look Over Your Appliances

Damage from water in home appliances can occur as well. Common culprits are washers, dishwashers and refrigeration units. It’s important to look over connections and hoses so you can have them repaired or replaced before a leak causes damage.

4. Use the Right Tools When Fixing Issues

When fixing a broken pipe, tightening a connection or performing other maintenance, it’s important to always use the recommended tools for the job. Using the wrong tool can cause additional damage.

5. Know When To Call a Professional

Last but not least it’s important to know when to call a water damage professional. They can assess the situations and come up with a plan of action to help solve the problem and make repairs. If you don’t know where the water is coming from, what steps to take, or want the repairs fixed faster than you can do yourself, these are the people to call.

Whether you’ve found damage from water in home areas, or want to protect your residence, regularly looking over potential trouble spots may help. It’s also important to properly maintain plumbing and appliances, as well as fix any broken pipes as soon as you can. If you have any trouble a professional may be able to help.

3 Common Commercial Building Water Concerns

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

Over time, sewer and water lines may deteriorate, making your commercial facility vulnerable to leaking pipes. Sometimes external conditions may also pose a threat. Understanding common water issues that can plague any Santa Maria, CA, business may help you evaluate your risks and address areas of concern before significant damage occurs.

1. Broken Pipes

Your building’s aging water infrastructure may be susceptible to cracks and leaks. Although a pipe break may sometimes be unavoidable, you can help reduce the risk by planting trees and shrubs away from exterior water lines.

Pipes are also susceptible to bursts during the winter. To help prevent freezing and alleviate this concern, you should insulate exposed supply lines, especially ones located against external walls or in colder areas of your building.

Since many plumbing structures are hidden behind walls and under flooring, leaking pipes may be difficult to detect. Because of this, it’s essential to recognize potential symptoms of water seepage, such as damp, bubbled or stained walls and ceilings, and promptly investigate any suspicious areas.

2. Condensation Buildup

Condensation buildup can also be a problematic moisture concern that may cause mold growth. To rectify this issue, you can employ dehumidifiers and use fans to enhance air circulation. You can also keep excessive condensation at bay by warming colder zones of your building, ensuring there is adequate insulation and addressing drafty windows and doors.

3. Leaking Toilets

An overflowing or leaking toilet can cause both unsanitary contamination and water damage. Routine inspections can help you evaluate internal components and detect drainage issues before a toilet backup occurs. You can also help reduce the risks of clogs and leaks by reminding staff and customers to refrain from flushing pads, tampons, diapers and paper towels.

Overflowing toilets, leaking pipes and significant condensation can wreak havoc on any business. Taking the time to address specific issues inside your building can help preserve the facility’s structural integrity and spare you from a messy water cleanup.

How the Experts Use Ozone To Get Rid Of Cigarette Odors

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

An ozone machine can get the smell of cigarette out of your Santa Maria,CA home

When people use cigarettes in your home in Santa Maria, CA, the smell gets everywhere. All the surfaces take on the telltale cigarette odor. Even if the surfaces are disinfected thoroughly, you will likely still smell smoke when you walk in the room because it seeps into crevices. Fortunately, in a few steps, smoke remediation experts have home deodorization methods such as ozone machines that extract the molecules out of even the tiniest of cracks to rid your home of the stench for good.

1. Close Off the Area

Before the ozone machine can be effective, it is important to establish the area where it will be used. To isolate the room, technicians close off vents and may use plastic sheets to block air flow. This allows the ozone to be concentrated in the space that needs it most.

2. Place Machine in Area

For home deodorization to occur, the ozone machine must be placed in the area and turned on. The machine produces ozone and releases it into the room. As the ozone spreads, it attacks the cigarette smoke and neutralizes the odor. Ozone can enter any area that smoke can, so this method allows technicians to completely permeate all the spaces the smoke goes. After the ozone has done its job, it reverts back to oxygen.

3. Leave Machine On

The amount of time it takes to get rid of the odor depends on how densely concentrated the smoke damage is. It can take a couple of hours, or it can take two or three days. Once all the smell is gone, the machine can be turned off and taken out of the area. Because ozone destroys the molecules that cause the odor, it won’t return.

It may seem like you will never get the smell of cigarette smoke out of your home, but an ozone machine can fix the problem. Experts in home deodorization trust ozone treatments as a safe, effective smoke neutralization technique.

Furnace Maintenance Tips

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Keep your furnace clean

Like many homeowners, you may wonder what you can do to keep your furnace well-maintained and when you should perform such maintenance. After all, a functioning furnace reduces the chance of a fire and related fire cleaning in your Santa Maria, CA, home.

Here are three tips for keeping your furnace in top shape throughout the year

1. Keep It Clean

Dirt is a troublesome yet common nuisance that can lead to furnace-related fires. The blower, motor and system itself all need regular cleaning to remove troublesome dirt and debris. Research how to clean your particular unit, or get help from a Santa Maria, CA, professional. Leaving dirt to sit can cause your unit to malfunction and cause a fire-related issue.

2. Replace Filters

Your furnace filters should be replaced regularly. A good rule of thumb is to change them once before cold weather hits, and then once a month during the times that the furnace is in heavy use. Dirty filters can lead to situations that require fire cleaning, much like with other furnace components, and will also not function properly when you are relying on them to keep you and your family warm.

3. Perform Maintenance Early

One of the most important things to remember is that any repairs or other maintenance tasks need to be completed before the cold comes. Otherwise, you will risk using the furnace while it is not in top shape, possibly causing a fire and leading to smoke cleaning. You also will likely have an under-performing furnace that does not quite do its job.

Furnace maintenance is not exactly fun, but neither is a fire. You owe it to yourself and your wallet to take precautions against having a furnace malfunction at home. You will not only avoid fire cleaning in the future - you will also have better peace-of-mind knowing your furnace is ready to keep you heated.

3 Easy Ways To Mitigate Wind Damage

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Roof leak in garage due to storm in Santa Maria,CA

Some of the most extensive storm damage can come from wind. Many insurance policies covering commercial businesses require you, the business owner, to mitigate damage to your property from a storm. That means you are on the hook for stopping further damage to your business in the wake of storm winds. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this, from tarping your building against a roof leak to securing loose debris. Here are few quick and easy ways you can mitigate wind damage in Santa Maria,CA before it’s a problem.

1. Reinforce Vulnerable Areas

Your roof can be especially vulnerable to wind damage, with fierce gusts blowing shingles loose. Those missing shingles can damage your roof’s integrity, resulting in a roof leak down the road. Investing in a tarp to cover your roof when a hurricane or other catastrophic storm approaches can mitigate some of this risk.

2. Replace Landscaping

Gravel tossed around by hurricane-force winds can wreak havoc on your building, shredding siding and even damaging windows. Prevent such damage by replacing gravel or rock landscaping walkways with softer materials. Mulch, pine straw or dirt is a great choice to provide an attractive appearance while minimizing storm-damage risks.

3. Trim Trees

Tree limbs can easily break off and fall onto buildings during a storm. The result can be a damaged roof and a high repair bill. Take steps to prevent such damage by trimming trees and shrubs away from your building. Talk to your local utility company to have limbs near utility lines trimmed as well, protecting your roof from falling lines or poles.

Severe storms with high winds can strike in any region at any time of year, bringing a roof leak or worse. Take some of these steps to mitigate damage or talk with a storm damage remediation specialist to learn more about how you can keep your business secure.

Why Is Water Leaking From the Light Fixture?

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Water leaking from a light fixture in a Santa Maria,CA home

If you find yourself asking this question, you face a serious problem. Water in a light fixture means that a pool of water has formed above your ceiling and found its way to the fixture. This problem has three likely causes.

• Your home is damaged and is allowing rainwater to enter.
• Plumbing in the ceiling above the light fixture has failed.
• A flood in an upstairs bathroom has found its way to the ceiling of the floor below.

Is There a Risk of Electrocution?

The combination of water and electricity can be a recipe for disaster. If you plan on working with any electrical devices on that ceiling, make sure that you shut the power off at the electric panel first.

Is There a Risk of Fire?
When you find water in a light fixture, it’s easy to imagine that everything above the ceiling is wet and incapable of catching fire. This is not necessarily true. If the water has been above the ceiling for a while, it is possible for the electrical contacts to become corroded, making them more susceptible to sparking. Because of this, the best approach would be to turn off the power at the electric panel and leave it off until the ceiling damage is repaired, and the electrical fixtures and wiring are inspected.

How Does the Damage Get Repaired?
Seeing water in a fixture does not indicate the severity of the problem. The only way to know is to tear out the ceiling starting at the fixture. Continue until all wet material is removed and all wet support beams are exposed. Damaged electrical components like wire, fixtures, junction boxes and switches will also need to be removed.

How Do I Find Someone Qualified to Do the Job?
In Santa Maria, CA, you can find a team of water damage remediation experts who can come in and deal with this problem. Once the job is complete, your memory of seeing water in a light fixture will quickly fade.

Tips for Preventing and Repairing Frozen Pipes

9/28/2018 (Permalink)

Broken pipe in Santa Maria, CA

Sweaters, snowfall and skating in Santa Maria, CA, are some of the best parts of the winter season. Running a business in a cold weather climate, however, has its unique challenges. As a commercial property owner, one of your biggest worries specific to cold weather is the possibility of water damage from frozen pipes.

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

When water freezes, it expands and increases pressure in pipes. This pressure is what often leads to broken pipes in the colder months. Reduce the risk of water damage by implementing preventative measures:

• Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses and supply lines. Close all inside valves leading to outside lines, but leave outside valves open to release pressure due to expansion.
• Insulate all areas of your commercial property that have pipes running through the space. This includes basements, garages and attics.
• Insulate exposed plumbing, especially water supply lines, in areas that tend to receive less heat or air circulation.
• If you shut your business down during the cold weather, leave the heat on a low temperature (minimum 50 degrees) and turn off the water main.

How To Repair Broken Pipes

Sometimes a pipe freezes and thaws without serious implications. Other times a pipe breaks and water cleanup is unavoidable. In these cases, take the following actions to lessen the potential damage from water:

• To thaw a frozen pipe, leave the faucet on to encourage the flow of water. Apply gentle heat to the frozen area of the pipe if accessible.
• After a pipe breaks, turn off the water main to the building. Call your insurance agent to see if the damage is covered under your policy. Contact a water restoration specialist to dry, clean and restore your property.

When possible, prevent and thaw frozen pipes at your commercial property in Santa Maria, CA. If broken pipes ensue, act fast to reduce water damage to the structure and contents of your business.

Flood Damage Claims: A Step-By-Step Guide

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

If you have experienced a storm damage in Santa Maria, CA contact an adjuster

Did you recently experience a storm in Santa Maria, CA, that left your home with flood damage? If so, and you have insurance coverage for such an occurrence, you need to make a flood claim as soon as possible. How can you go about doing so? Follow these three steps to make sure that your insurance claim is properly reported.

1. Contact an Adjuster

The very first thing that you need to do is contact the adjuster for your flood policy to report the destruction. If you do not have flood coverage, this would be the time to contact any applicable government agencies for information on available assistance, as your homeowners’ policy will not likely cover anything related to flooding. If you are in a designated disaster area, there may be federal aid available.

2. Clean and Recover

You will want to begin cleaning and salvaging your house and items before the insurance representative arrives. This could be a good time to contact a restoration company to help you with any water damage or drying that is needed as a result of the flood. Just make sure to take pictures of damaged items and areas of your property to show as proof of loss. Cleaning the building and recording everything makes the adjuster’s job easier when assessing the situation.

3. Prepare for the Adjuster’s Arrival

In case the representative assessing damage related to your flood claim arrives when you are not at home, be sure to leave your contact information for him or her. Understand that you will likely sign a proof of loss statement before your claim is approved. If more damage is found later on, that will be added to the insurance company’s record.

Preparing for a flood claim when you are dealing with the emotional aftermath of a natural disaster is anything but easy. Having a plan in place and being educated about what your insurance company needs from you will help things go more smoothly at the time of the assessment.

How To Stop Black Mold in Its Tracks

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in Santa Maria, CA

When mold strikes, the last thing you want to do is spread it throughout your Santa Maria, CA, home. Even though mold loves moisture and typically festers in wet, warm areas, spores from spreading mold can easily travel from one room to another via air movement. There are certain places and things in your home that should be frequently checked and thoroughly cleaned to keep mold at bay. These include the following:

• Moldings around windows and doors
• Musty basements
• Humidifiers
• Bathroom tiles
• Surfaces surrounding air conditioners
• Refrigerator door seals
• Shower stalls and curtains

Taking care of moisture issues is one of the best ways to prevent mold from starting and growing. If you’re past the prevention stage, it is vital that you stop spreading mold at the first sign of a problem with professional mold remediation.

Leave Black Mold to the Professionals

While DIY may be the way to go with some home projects, getting rid of a mold infestation isn’t one of them. Trying to take care of such a tricky substance by yourself often does more harm than good since the spores that move through the air are virtually undetectable by the naked eye. Mold remediation companies are thoroughly trained to prevent the spreading of black mold. They have both the tools and the skills to get your home back to normal from start to finish. Some of these steps include the following:

• Performing initial inspections
• Filtering the air in your home
• Containing the mold
• Removing damaged and diseased materials
• Repairing and restoring your home to its original condition

Because mold spores move quickly through the air and multiply on almost any surface they land on, it’s important that you squash the spreading mold in your Santa Maria, CA, home quickly and meticulously. Don’t let the thought of mold stop you in your tracks. With mold remediation, you can have your home and peace of mind back in no time.

Nipomo Fire Damage Restoration Company Explains Each Step For Cleaning Up Fire Damage

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Entering a home or business and seeing the fire damage for the first time adds dismay to the shock of the fire. SERVPRO, the fire damage company serving Nipomo answers the question, “How is this mess every getting cleaned up?” by explaining how the company restores homes and commercial buildings after a fire.

“Fire damage is more than just burned walls and possessions,” said Mark Powers, owner of the SERVPRO franchise that serves Nipomo. “There is soot, ashes, water and smoke damage in the aftermath of any fire. Even a small kitchen fire that was put out before it spread can leave smoke residue that spread to other parts of the house. We work closely with people to help them through the process of restoring their homes and businesses after a fire.”

It can be very disheartening and discouraging the first time someone sees their home and possessions reduced to piles of burned rubble, but many times a surprising number of possessions can be saved. For some peace of mine, it’s good idea to enter your home or business for the first time in the company of a Nipomo fire damage professional who comes prepared with advice, recommendations and a plan based on experience.

The professionals from SERVPRO inspect and test the damage to determine the extent of fire, smoke, soot, and water damage then help you customize a plan of action. The plan includes things such as taking a inventory of everything that was damaged, sorting through possessions to save what can be saved, suggestions for renting storage, where to take clothing and linens for cleaning, demolition of components of a building that are too damaged to save, such as water soaked drywall and insulation, or vinyl flooring. SERVPRO works hand-in-hand with you and your insurance company at every step.

Other remediation actions SERVPRO performs include:

• Covering and protecting windows, walls, and roofs to maintain security and prevent further damage from the weather.
• Removing water, smoke and soot. SERVPRO uses dehumidifiers and air movers to remove water and dry out wet areas. The company has specialized equipment and techniques for removing smoke and soot from ceilings, walls and other surfaces.
• Cleaning everything that can be restored and all structures that were damaged by the fire using state-of-the-art techniques to restore belongings to pre-fire condition and removing odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
• The final step is restoring your home or business to its condition before the fire. This step can range from minor repairs such as replacing kitchen tile, drywall, painting and cleaning carpets to major repairs and reconstruction.

Smoke and fire damage situations are all different and each requires unique solutions for the specific conditions. No family or individual should have to take on the added burden of worrying about how to rebuild from a fire. Just getting the daily routine back to as normal as possible is enough strain. SERVPRO as a company specializes in taking a large part of the recovery off the shoulders of families, and the local Nipomo fire restoration franchise brings the added benefit of local experience.

For as much peace of mind under the circumstances, contact SERVPRO of Santa Maria for restoring fire damage in Nipomo or elsewhere on California’s Central Coast.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria

1279 W. Stowell Road, Suite C

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805) 922-5457

This press release is by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-9890.

Nipomo Water Damage Company SERVPRO Releases The Report ‘Small Things That Prevent Water Damage’

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage

SERVPRO Nipomo, the company specializing in remediating water damage in Nipomo has released a report about the small things the can prevent water damage. Paying attention to things like leaky faucets, checking for roof leaks and even checking runoff from landscape watering can help prevent water damage.

Small things that prevent water damage

There are many small and seemingly harmless things that can lead to water damage if left unattended. Slow drips, undetected leaks, standing water around foundations, cracked and chipped grout and caulking can be small leaks that lead to long-term water damage.

Leaking faucets

Repair or preplace leaking faucets right away. Not only can a long-term leak raise a water bill, water can build up along the edges of the sink, onto the counter top and drip under the sink. Small leaks over time can cause mold and mildew, which are both health problems and expensive to remove. Sometimes entire areas of the effected structure need to be removed, such as the flooring and cabinetry under a sink.

Leaking toilets

Leaking toilets can contribute to black water contamination, one of the most serious kinds of problems. An old seal or a plumbing problem that causes a toilet to overflow, even a crack in a toilet, needs immediate attention. SERVPRO has the training and equipment to address black water damage in Nipomo and elsewhere on the Central Coast.

Dampness under sinks

Check under sinks regularly for damp spots. Cracked pipes, loose fittings, rusted fittings and leaks can cause moisture to build up and spread. When the leak is slow and small, standing water may never be present so what would otherwise be an obvious sign of a problem isn’t present.

Grout and caulking around sinks, tubs and showers

Water can seep through cracks in grout and caulking. Missing chunks of grout and caulking, no matter how small, create places for water to pool and seep through into the walls or floor. Repair damaged grout and caulking at once.

Crawl spaces

Water, dampness and mold that are detected in attics, basements and crawl spaces between the ceiling and roof and under a building need immediate attention. Check these areas regularly, especially after rain and storms.

Standing water

Water that puddles and remains unchanged for more than a day when it is not raining needs to be checked. Certain types of soil drain slower than other types, but even then, standing pools of water should change and get smaller within 24 hours. If the puddle is not changing or is getting bigger, check for a broken pipe. Damp ground that is in contact with any structure long enough causes mold and other water damage.

Landscape watering

Small changes to landscaping and how it is watered can help prevent water damage. Avoid planting anything requiring frequent watering close to the house. We all think flowers look wonderful planted right against the house, but if those flowers require a lot of watering to keep them alive, consider moving them to another part of the yard or using containers. Use drought tolerant plants closest to structures. Make sure that landscape water doesn’t hit the exterior walls or run under the house. Plant slopes with drought plants. Leaving a slope bare or planting it with something with heavy water needs causes water runoff that can contribute to damp ground around or under a structure. If you use automatic irrigation, plan it so that drip-watered plants are not too close to the house and consider using well-placed misting heads instead of drip heads.

Anyone experiencing or suspecting water damage can contact SERVPRO of Nipomo for an evaluation of the damage. SERVPRO is rusted leader in the restoration of water damage in Nipomo and California’s Central Coast. The staff has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle all restoration and cleaning needs and provides 24-hour emergency service.

Press release by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-9890.

The Cost Difference Between Mitigation and Restoration During a Flood

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Company flooded and needing Remediation

Floods continue to be the most prevalent and expensive natural disaster in America. While preventative measures provide quicker and less expensive alternatives to the cost of hiring a flood cleanup company, many property owners do not mitigate against flood damage. This results in high costs and a lengthy restoration process.

Flood Prevention

One of the best preventative recommendations for flood damage is flood insurance, which property owners may purchase through the National Flood Insurance Program, managed by the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA), for an average of $700 per year.

Some other preventative methods include the following:

• Sealing basement walls with compounds that are waterproof
• Installing reflux valves to prevent drains from backing up
• Moving heat and electrical sources to higher levels
• Backing up data to the cloud
• Making a flood plan, including work-from-home opportunities

Once in place, these measures offer protection, year after year. Even better, property owners can usually have the cost partially or fully covered by FIMA.

Flood Cleanup

In contrast, property owners who did not take preventative measures must hire a flood cleanup company out of pocket. Every day the business is closed is a day of income lost, while the company may have salaried staff to pay.

Drying out the business may take the restoration company a few days, and this can only begin after the flood waters recede. Restoration to pre-flood conditions may only require an additional few days, but in worst case scenarios, it may take a business a while to completely rebuild. Not surprisingly, FEMA estimates that 40 percent of small businesses, many of which do not invest in preventative measures, fail to recover from natural disasters.

When it comes to flood damage, prevention is always better than a cure. Sure, a reputable flood cleanup company may restore your place of business in a matter of days, but investing in proactive measures is the best approach to natural disasters in Santa Maria, CA.

Understanding Secondary Damage

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in a Santa Maria building.

When you have a flood in your commercial building in Santa Maria, CA, it's hard to know what the extent of the damage will be until you get a remediation team in there for an inspection. This crew can help you do the following:

• Assess the damage.
• Create a repair plan.
• Initiate cleanup.

As the professionals are assessing your damage, you may hear them talk about primary and secondary damage. Here's what you need to know about damage that's caused indirectly by the waters.

What It Doesn't Include

This secondary form of destruction can include a wide range of damage, but it doesn't include everything done to your building. The primary damage is anything done when the pipe burst or the roof leaked. For example, black mold growth wasn't caused directly by the flooding, but damaged walls and ceilings may have been.

How It's Formed

Because this type of damage only includes the harm done after the flooding has ceased, how is the damage done? Often slow reaction time, improper cleanup and hidden problems cause what the professionals consider to be nonprimary damage. For example, black mold growth does not happen the instant a flood starts. Instead, it takes 24 to 48 hours to begin. High humidity may also be a secondary type of damage because it takes place when the water is allowed to sit for too long or is not completely removed from the building.

What It Does Include

Because it's caused by slow reactions, this damage can include mold growth, unsalvageable furnishings, water contamination and the spread of the flood. If a pipe bursts on the second floor, the water may start to travel to lower levels if it is not caught soon enough. The path of the water may be considered secondary or primary damage depending on what caused the travel.

Mold growth, including black mold, is often considered a type of secondary damage. However, your commercial space could by affected by other types of secondary destruction if you don't properly address water issues right away.

How Mold Remediation Works

12/16/2017 (Permalink)

How Mold Remediation Works

The discovery of black mold can be terrifying for any homeowner, as it carries significant consequences such as decreased property value. If you think you’ve developed a colony of spore growth in an area of your home in Santa Maria, California it’s crucial to get help from a professional mold remediation service before it spreads throughout the building. Here’s what you can expect to happen during a typical mold cleanup project.

Inspection

The first step in the process is to have an experienced professional inspect the area and determine the type of growth. There are many different types of spores, and it takes a trained eye to figure out if it’s black mold or something else.

Containment

Once the technician makes a determination, the next step is to contain the growth so it doesn’t spread to other parts of the house. This can be accomplished in a few different ways:

Negative air chambers
Physical barriers
Air filtration units

Removal of Untreatable Surfaces

While some surfaces can be cleaned, there are porous materials that will still harbor spores despite your best efforts. As part of the remediation process, technicians will likely remove the following:

Carpeting
Drywall
Insulation
Mattresses

Cleaning and Restoration

With permeable surfaces removed, efforts can transition to cleanup and restoration in the affected area. Depending on the type of mold, technicians will use a variety of different techniques to eradicate the infestation and remove unpleasant odors. Once cleaning is complete, your contractor will finish drying the area and replace the surfaces removed over the course of the project.

Prevention Is Key

Now that the project is complete, it’s important to take steps to prevent black mold from returning to your home. Even something as simple as the installation of a dehumidifier could be enough to keep you from having to endure the mold cleanup process again. While upgrades such as basement waterproofing and French drains might seem excessive, they’re much better than regular appointments for mold remediation. Visit http://www.SERVPROsantamaria.com for more information on mold.

Items You Should Throw Away After a Home Fire

12/16/2017 (Permalink)

Items You Should Throw Away After a Home Fire

A home fire in Santa Maria, California is a frightening event that can change your life. Standing in your home among your damaged belongings, you probably ask yourself which items you need to throw away. The fact is that high heat and fire damage render some of your personal belongings useless and can even cause them to be dangerous if used.

Food

Food that got damaged by heat, smoke, water, toxic fumes or chemicals is not safe to use. Exercise caution and discard if in doubt.

It’s recommended to throw away these items:

Fresh food, such as produce, meat, poultry, cheese, eggs and milk
Food in cardboard boxes or foil wrap
Food in canisters, such as spices, flour, and seasonings
Canned food
Open packages

Check your refrigerator to see if it was able to keep your food cold and if soot was able to penetrate it. If your fridge was turned off for more than four hours or if you can detect soot, discard all food. Frozen food can be safe to use if it still has crystals on it; however, the safe bet is to toss it.

Medicine and Cosmetics

Inspect medicines and cosmetics that were near high heat for soot, dust, chemicals and signs of damage. If anything is warped due to the exposure to heat, don’t even think about keeping it. You’re on the safe side if you simply get rid of all medicine and cosmetic items.

Clothes and Textiles

Some of your clothes and textiles might be able to be cleaned and disinfected by an experienced fire restoration company that has the proper tools and knowledge. Anything that is burnt needs to be thrown away, though. Baby and children clothing need some extra care and attention as you don’t want to risk your little one’s health.

Exercise caution with the aforementioned items. It might be smart to just throw away food, medicine and cosmetics for the sake of your health. Always bear in mind that high heat and fire damage are dangerous, and even if any of these items seem to be in good condition, your eyes might be tricking you.
Visit http://www.SERVPROsantamaria.com for more information on fire damage.

How To Prepare for Flood Damage

12/16/2017 (Permalink)

How To Prepare for Flood Damage

Flooding can happen throughout the year and can be devastating to a commercial building, leaving damage that takes a significant amount of time and expense to undo. There are several steps you can take to prepare your Santa Maria, California building to survive and recover from storm damage. Preventative measures can reduce the amount of flood damage and make it easier to restore your building to operational use as soon as possible.

1. Clean the Gutters

Flooding doesn’t always mean there are several feet of water in a building. Even a few inches of water inside a commercial building can cause substantial damage. Floodwaters can build slowly over several days or may rise extremely quickly in the event of a flash flood.

No matter how much rain is falling, well-maintained gutter systems have a much better chance of diverting that water to proper drainage areas. If the gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, the water can overflow the sides and saturate the ground around the foundation, increasing the risk for damage. Make sure to check and clean the gutters on a regular schedule to ensure they work properly during a flood.

2. Maintain the Storm Drains

Like gutters, storm drains are designed to move water away from streets and buildings. While the local government or county is usually responsible for storm drain maintenance, you may be required to report issues with the drains on or near your property. If you see something amiss with a storm drain, report it to the authorities immediately.

3. Have a Response Plan

Make sure you’re ready to react quickly in the event of flooding. During a flood watch or warning, follow basic safety guidelines:

Listen to the TV or radio for weather updates
Gather an emergency preparedness kit
Move to higher ground
Avoid walking or driving through flood waters

Keep the number for restoration professionals handy so you can call them if your building sustains storm damage. You will want to do this as soon as possible to begin cleanup and repairs. Responding quickly to flood damage can help get your building back to normal operations. Visit http://www.SERVPROsantamaria.com for more information on flood damage.

Santa Maria Smoke and Soot Cleanup

7/24/2017 (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 Maria 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 at 805-922-5457

Restoring Your Santa Maria Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Santa Maria 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 Maria

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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 Releases Safety Report for Homeowners Experiencing Nipomo Water Damage

7/21/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage Nipomo

Professional fire and water damage experts, SERVPRO, this week outline five measures homeowners can take to prevent injury or further damage once a water damage incident has occurred.

Nipomo, CA —The cleanup and restoration specialists at SERVPRO have released a recent report detailing five ways to salvage flooring, appliances, and fixtures once Nipomo water damage has occurred. Homeowners can prevent excessive damage to their flooring and appliances by following these five simple tips.

To view the report, click here (link), or see below:

5 Things Homeowners Should Avoid if Flooding Occurs

Water damage can have a lasting effect on one’s home, though there are ways to avoid further damage and injury.

Don’t leave wet clothing or fabrics on the ground

Make sure to pick up anything which has been soaked with water and hang items to dry as soon as possible. If soaking wet clothing is left on flooring it can encourage mold the growth of mold and excess water can damage hardwood floors.

Don’t leave printed materials on wet carpet or flooring

Anything which contains ink will bleed onto other surfaces and can permanently stain flooring and carpets. This includes magazines, books, newspapers and colored fabrics. Discard any materials which have been completely damaged.

Don’t use a household vacuum cleaner to remove water

A household vacuum is meant to remove dry debris, not water or wet items. Water can damage a vacuum cleaner rendering it unusable for future use. Additionally, using a household vacuum cleaner to remove water is dangerous as electrocution may occur. It is best to let a professional, like SERVPRO, handle water damage cleanup.

Don’t use household appliances

If the water damage is so extensive that it has reached the cables and outlets of appliances, avoid using these appliances. Electrocution is possible if water damage is present in any situation. Appliances include televisions, computers, and portable electric heaters. It’s best to wait for a professional to give the go-ahead before continuing use of appliances in the area.

Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if water damage has affected the ceiling

If the ceiling has been damaged by water, avoid turning on any appliances which are attached to it. Ceiling fixtures include lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. If water has come into contact with wiring or the fixture itself there is a possibility of further damage to the home and possible electrocution.

Following these suggestions can mean the difference between safety and danger, as well as complete loss of the water damaged area. The professionals at SERVPRO regularly repair and restore Nipomo water damage and are available 24/7 to lend a helping hand.

For emergency services, contact a local SERVPRO franchise at (805) 541-1271.

SERVPRO in Nipomo

260 N Mallagh St, Nipomo, CA 93444

(805) 922-5457

SERVPRO Releases Report for Homeowners Experiencing Nipomo Fire Damage

7/21/2017 (Permalink)

Nipomo Fire Damage

Professional fire damage experts, SERVPRO, this week outline the five things homeowners should avoid doing after a fire has damaged their home.

Nipomo, CA —The cleanup and restoration specialists at SERVPRO have released a recent report detailing five things one should not do if their home has seen Nipomo fire damage. Homeowners can avoid excessive fire damage by following tips listed in the report.

To view the report, click here (link), or see below:

5 Things Homeowners Should Avoid if Fire Damage Occurs

After fire damage has occurred in the home, everything can quickly become hectic. Here’s five things to avoid amidst the chaos to prevent further damage to one’s property:

Don’t clean up

It is best to wait until a repair and restoration specialist, such as SERVPRO, has assessed the damage. Avoid cleaning walls, carpets or upholstery before a professional arrives.

Don’t use electrical appliances

Fire and smoke can damage electrical appliances and make them dangerous to use if affected by the fire. Consult a repair service to asses any damage before putting the affected appliances back into regular use.

Don’t eat food that has been near the fire

Avoid eating any food that has seen fire damage or was located near the fire, excessive heat or water. This includes canned or packaged foods and beverages. Foods may have risen to an unsafe temperature during the fire and become spoiled.

Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures

Ceiling fixtures include lighting and ceiling fans. If water has come into contact with any of these fixtures the wiring may be damaged and pose an electrical hazard if turned on.

Don’t send damaged clothing to an inexperienced dry cleaner

Smoke damage to clothing can greatly damage a garment. Ask the dry cleaner if they specialize in cleaning clothing which has come in contact with heavy smoke. If incorrectly laundered, smoke odor may permanently set into the material.

Following these suggestions can save time, money and stress after fire damage has occurred in the home. The professionals at SERVPRO have responded to Nipomo fire damage in the past and are available 24/7 to lend a helping hand.

SERVPRO in Nipomo

260 N Mallagh St., Nipomo, CA 93444

(805) 922-5457

Santa Maria water damage repair company releases report on tips to prevent Orcutt water damage

7/21/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Often times, basic water damage is covered by homeowners’ insurance policies, but ideally it’s best to not face water damage in the first place. Today, Santa Maria water damage Company SERVPRO, who has previously provided Orcutt water damage services, has issued a report on how to prevent water damage.

Below are 5 tips on how to prevent water damage:

1. Plant plants carefully.

Some plants or trees such as weeping willows possess exceptionally invasive roots. If one is not careful of where one chooses to plant, the roots of these trees or plants may grow right into any sprinkler systems, drainage fields, pipes, or septic tanks. Make sure to know where these things are and plant plants accordingly to keep roots away.

2. Clean out rooftop gutters

One should often do weekly inspections on their gutters. If there are a bunch of leaves, sticks, birds’ nests, and all of that up there it’s likely the gutters aren’t functioning properly. On a rainy day, the buildup from a clogged gutter can send water spilling into one’s property, likely resulting in serious water damage through the roof, to the foundation, or basement. While they may not seem too serious, make sure to keep rooftop gutters clean.

3. Monitor the water bill

There are many water pipes hidden behind walls and under floors and such. A leak may go completely unnoticed until the damage is already done. This is why it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on the monthly water bill, so if it slowly begins to creep up, one might consider contacting a professional to inspect for leaks.

4. Use a drain snake rather than unclogging chemicals

No matter what, clogs are inevitable. Rather than using convenient unclogging chemicals, it’s best to use a drain snake to unclog those drains, as most people don’t realize that these chemicals slowly eat away at their pipes. Drain snakes are relatively cheap, and it’s always handy to have one lying around.

5. Never pour grease down the sink

It’s generally well-known that grease is not good for drains and pipes, as it can cause serious buildup and damage. Sometimes people may try using detergent to break the grease up, but there’s no real guarantee that it’ll prevent the grease from clinging to pipes, so it’s generally best just to pour grease into an empty tin can and toss it in the trash.

Water Damage Orcutt

SERVPRO is available for all fire, water, and mold restoration needs. They provide 24-hour emergency service all across the country, so they are always readily available to deal with any restoration needs. Give them a call at (805) 922-5457

SERVPRO of Santa Maria provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Santa Barbara County

7/21/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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 at 805-922-5457

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 Santa Maria 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 Maria

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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 at 805-922-5457

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 Santa Maria 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 Maria

SERVPRO of Santa Maria 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.

In Santa Maria, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

7/21/2017 (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 at 805-922-5457

Fire and Smoke Damage Santa Maria-based company releases report on Smoke Damage Tips

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, Ca. – When a fire hits, there’s not much that can be done to prevent damage. However, today, fire and smoke damage Santa Maria-based Company, SERVPRO, have released a report detailing tips to prevent fires.

Fire and smoke can cause severe damage to a home or business. Even a small fire can produce large volumes of smoke and cause unwanted and often unseen damage. Here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with smoke damage.

1. After a fire, one may be anxious to begin cleaning one’s house and attempting to restore it. The very first thing to be done is contact an insurance agency to check for coverage, and then contact a restoration company, like SERVPRO, to begin restoration
2. Make sure to gain permission from the Fire Marshall before reentering the property. It’s critical to make sure that the property in question is safe to enter before setting foot inside. If entering, be sure to wear a protective device over the mouth and nose to prevent inhaling toxins left from the fire. If a professional restoration company has yet to be contacted, who knows what kinds of toxins may be in the air?
3. Do not attempt to clean any household carpets, textiles, draperies, or upholstered furniture. Smoke is oily and must be cleaned in a very specific way, so attempting to clean may cause additional and possibly irreparable damage.
4. Remember to change the furnace filter at least once a day. If the property has an operating filter, replace daily until no soot is visible.
5. Smoke odors can remain in clothing, furniture, draperies, and carpets after any retail sprays evaporate. To eliminate the odor entirely, it is crucial to deodorize it with a highly-effective ozone treatment. Without one, the odor may never be diminished.
6. Smoke will enter and remain in and between walls of the living space. If not properly removed, during damp periods the odor will return.
7. Cover clean items with plastic. While repairs are being carried out in the property, cover unaffected items to prevent additional tarnishing.
8. Carpets should be dealt with by professional cleaners. It may take a few cleaning, or may need to be replaced entirely.
9. Do not attempt to wipe down walls. Professionals use chemical sponges to effectively clean smoke and soot from varied surfaces, attempting to wipe walls down may only result in further damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage Santa Maria

SERVPRO offers 24/7 restoration services to customers experiencing difficulties with water, fire, smoke, or mold damage! They’re always readily available to take care of any emergency restoration needs in a timely and professional manner possible to restore any property to pre-damage conditions and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.” Give them a call at (805)922-5457.

SERVPRO of Santa Maria

260 N. Blosser Road

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805)922-5457

Press release by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 226-9890.

Water Damage Orcutt-based Company releases report on tips to prevent water damage

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage

ORCUTT, Ca. – Often times, basic water damage is covered by homeowners’ insurance policies, but ideally it’s best to not face water damage in the first place. Today, Water Damage Orcutt-based Company SERVPRO has issued a report on how to prevent water damage.

It’s generally best to not have to deal with the hassles of filing insurance claims, especially at times when the damage done isn’t covered by basic homeowners’ insurance, so here are 5 tips on how to prevent water damage.

1. Plant plants carefully.

Some plants or trees such as weeping willows possess exceptionally invasive roots. If one is not careful of where one chooses to plant, the roots of these trees or plants may grow right into any sprinkler systems, drainage fields, pipes, or septic tanks. Make sure to know where these things are and plant plants accordingly to keep roots away.

2. Clean out Rooftop gutters

One should often do weekly inspections on their gutters. If there are a bunch of leaves, sticks, birds’ nests, and all of that up there it’s likely the gutters aren’t functioning properly. On a rainy day, the buildup from a clogged gutter can send water spilling into one’s property, likely resulting in serious water damage through the roof, to foundation, or basement. While they may not seem too serious, make sure to keep rooftop gutters clean.

3. Monitor the water bill

There are many water pipes hidden behind walls and under floors and such. A leak may go completely unnoticed until the damage is already done. This is why it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on the monthly water bill, so if it slowly begins to creep up, one might consider contacting a professional to inspect for leaks.

4. Use a drain snake rather than unclogging chemicals

No matter what, clogs are inevitable. Rather than using convenient unclogging chemicals, it’s best to use a drain snake to unclog those drains, as most people don’t realize that these chemicals slowly eat away at their pipes. Drain snakes are relatively cheap, and it’s always handy to have one lying around.

5. Never pour grease down the sink

It’s generally well-known that grease is not good for drains and pipes, as it can cause serious buildup and damage. Sometimes people may try using detergent to break the grease up, but there’s no real guarantee that it’ll prevent the grease from clinging to pipes, so it’s generally best just to pour r grease into an empty tin can and toss it in the trash.

Water Damage Orcutt

SERVPRO is available for all fire, water, and mold restoration needs. They provide 24-hour emergency service all across the country, so they are always readily available to deal with any restoration needs. Give them a call at (805) 922-5457

SERVPRO of Santa Maria

260 N. Blosser Road

Santa Maria, CA 93458

(805)922-5457

Press release by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 226-9890.

Going on Vacation? Make Sure to Do These Things to Minimize Chance of Water Damage

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Water damage occurring while a family is away from their home for long periods of time can be a devastating occurrence that can be quite costly. With this knowledge, SERVPRO of Santa Maria have released a report on things you can do to minimize water damage when you are away from your home.

SERVPRO has been helping clients in Santa Maria for years when it comes to disaster restoration and cleaning. If you ever experience water damage in Santa Maria, whether commercial or residential, SERVPRO should be your first call as they have been doing it for half a century, along with offering many other forms of cleaning and restoration. Check out their website for more information of call them at 805-922-5457 if you have any questions.

How to Prevent/Minimize Water Damage in Your Home While on Vacation

Water damage is one of the most common and horrific things that can happen to your house. There are many possible causes and catalysts for water damage, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for them. However, when you and your family are on a well-deserved vacation, it’s impossible to keep an eye out for them. With that in mind, here are some great ways to lessen the chance of your home suffering water damage while you are away.

The first and most obvious thing to do is check the house for leaks. Even a tiny leak can turn into something much worse over the few days you are gone, get them tightened up. Also, use this time to inspect any appliances to make sure all hoses are tight and nothing looks off. Make sure the sump pump is working too, or you could be in for a huge clean-up when you return.

Now that everything is in working order and there are no obvious signs of damage, the next thing you should do is find someone who wouldn’t mind checking on your house for you while you’re gone. This is important as they would be able to turn your water off to minimize the damage if a pipe bursts or a leak starts. If no one can check on your home for you, it is a good idea to turn the water off before you leave to ensure nothing horrific can take place.

Remember, SERVPRO should be your first call if you discover water damage in your Santa Maria home. They can help you in a professional and timely manner to get your house back to 100%.

Press release by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

Holiday Fire Risk Increases After Christmas Day

7/15/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage from a Christmas Tree catching fire.

Homeowners Take Note! Holiday Fire Risk Increases After Christmas Day

Local SERVPRO® restoration specialist cautions Santa Maria homeowners to take common sense precautions throughout the holiday season Santa Maria, CA (Grassroots Newswire). Most homeowners are aware holiday decorations should be used with care. Each year, statistics tell the story of the fire danger resulting from frayed wires, proximity to heat sources, and lights left on unattended. But Mark Powers of SERVPRO of Santa Maria wants local homeowners to know that the danger of fire caused by holiday decorating, and by Christmas trees specifically, actually increases after the holiday. Citing research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)*, Powers says while four out of five Christmas tree fires happen in December and January, the 10 days with the highest average number of fires were all after Christmas Day.

“For many families, preparing for the holiday season is a very busy time,” said Powers. “Come December 26, it’s tempting to relax and stop watering the Christmas tree, replacing bulbs in outdoor lights and tucking indoor garlands back into place. Dry greens, open sockets and decorations that slip dangerously close to light sockets or fireplaces can all increase the risk of fire in the days after the Christmas holiday.”

The American Christmas Tree Association** quotes Nielsen research that says Americans purchased 21.6 million live Christmas trees in 2011. That number is significant because, according to the NFPA, Christmas trees remain the number one culprit in holiday fires. Forty-three percent of Christmas tree fires happen in December, but January is close behind, claiming 39 percent—numbers that demonstrate the danger of allowing Christmas trees to dry out during and after the holiday season. Tragically, Christmas tree fires are particularly deadly, claiming on average one life in every 40 fires compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires.

Powers encourages Santa Maria homeowners who choose to decorate with live Christmas trees to be diligent about watering their trees both before and after the holidays. “When a Christmas tree dries out, it takes only a single spark from the fireplace, a draft that blows a candle flame too near, or a carelessly held cigarette to turn your holiday celebration into a tragedy,” says Powers. “Beyond the damage from the fire itself, a Christmas tree fire, like any fire, can result in extensive smoke and water damage throughout your home, and can even be deadly.”

As the holiday season moves into full swing, Powers reminds homeowners to take common sense precautions based on a clear understanding of the potential danger to help prevent holiday traditions from turning into a holiday nightmare. For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit http://www.SERVPROsantamaria.com/

Christmas Tree Fact Sheet
Christmas Tree Tips

About SERVPRO®
Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network ofnearly 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi million dollar losses. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

SERVPRO® Celebrates 6th Consecutive Year on Entrepreneur's Top 10 Franchise List

7/15/2016 (Permalink)

Success!

Cleanup and restoration franchisor stands strong in the #7 position in the 2015 Franchise 500 rankings.

Water Damage Santa Maria

SERVPRO®, a cleanup and restoration franchise company, maintains its hold on the No. 7 spot overall, out of a group of 927 franchises that qualified for inclusion in the list in the recently announced 2015 Franchise 500 rankings, from Entrepreneur magazine. This recognition marks the sixth consecutive year Entrepreneur has included the company in its Top 10 list and the 12th consecutive year SERVPRO has earned the top spot on the magazine's list in its own industry, Restoration Services.

Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 selection process uses objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation, to help would-be entrepreneurs identify franchise investment opportunities. Some of the most important factors considered by Entrepreneur in developing the list each year are financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system.

It's very satisfying to represent the ongoing brand leadership of SERVPRO® for disaster cleanup and restoration services in the Santa Maria area, said Mark Powers, owner of SERVPRO® of Santa Maria. As a SERVPRO franchisee, we have the tools and knowledge, and the responsibility, to provide the best possible service to every customer.

According to Powers, SERVPRO continues to innovate with systems, processes and training designed to deliver faster, more consistent results to their customers. In the past year, SERVPRO customers benefited from the introduction of the following advanced features:

* The company's DryBook proprietary software, which provides franchisees with tools to capture and track the steps of a restoration project according to industry best practices and standards.
* The Here to Help® Connection, which provides homeowners with 24/7 access to real-time data, allowing them to track progress toward project completion.
* The Drying Chamber, which uses vacuum freeze-drying technology to vaporize water in water-damaged documents, a technique recommended by the Library of Congress. The process can recover and restore even the most delicate items and preserve the integrity of a variety of media including irreplaceable files, medical files, books, x-rays, photographs and more.

* http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500/index.html
** http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/franchise500/about.html

About SERVPRO®
Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of nearly 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar losses. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

SERVPRO® Pledges Ongoing Support to the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program Red Cross recognizes SERVPRO for their contribution to disaster

7/15/2016 (Permalink)

The American Red Cross recently recognized SERVPRO®, a cleanup and restoration company, for participation in its Disaster Responder Program1. As a Disaster Responder Program member, SERVPRO pledges a donation to the Red Cross in advance of disasters, allowing the organization to respond quickly and effectively to nearly 66,000 disasters annually, most of which are home fires. SERVPRO is entering their third year of partnership with the Red Cross; their donations to the organization to date exceed one million dollars.

According to statistics cited by the Red Cross, seven people die in a home fire each day in the U.S. Aiming to reduce deaths and injuries caused by home fires by 25 percent by the end of 2019, the Red Cross launched a Home Fire Campaign in October of 2014. The support of SERVPRO and other Disaster Responder Program members allows the Red Cross to pursue their home fire prevention goals while they continue to provide critical services to disaster victims.

One of the reasons home fires account for the majority of the disasters the Red Cross responds to annually is that the risk for home fires exists all year long, said Mark Powers, owner of SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo. Statistics compiled by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)2 show the majority of home fires are related to unattended cooking accidents and cooking is something most people do every day.

Although SERVPROs business is helping business and home owners recover from fire, flood and other disasters, the company and its franchisees actively support disaster preparedness education, including fire prevention efforts. When disaster does strike, their relationships with major insurance companies combined with industry-leading job-management technology help smooth the path to rebuilding and restoration for home and business owners affected by the unexpected. 

SERVPROs commitment to the Red Cross Disaster Responder Program means that, when disaster strikes, homeowners can count on the Red Cross to address their immediate needs and supply essential services, said Powers. Once the immediate emergency is under control, homeowners can count on the expertise of restoration specialists at SERVPRO of San Luis Obispo to help them restore their property and move forward with their lives.

http://www.redcross.org/news/article/local/tennessee/SERVPRO-Recognized-for-Contribution-to-the-American-Red-Cross 2 http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fires-by-property-type/residential/home-structure-fires.

About SERVPRO® Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.