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.

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.

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! 

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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.