What Are Common Types of Water Damage in Santa Ana Properties?

1/7/2023 (Permalink)

Need help with water damage restoration in Santa Ana? SERVPRO is the place to go, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Brings Knowledge, Compassion, and Professionalism to Every Santa Ana Water Restoration Service

Non-weather water damage claims are the most common cause for homeowner insurance claims, followed closely by weather-related issues. South Santa Ana property owners should know the early warning signs of different types of water damage and what to do about it.

The cost of water damage in a Santa Ana property can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on a few factors, such as

• The type of water in the home
• How much of the structure and contents received the effects
• The time elapsed between the water damage event and the cleanup efforts

SERVPRO has put together an overview of the various types of incidents that should get professional water remediation for the best outcome.

Common Reasons for Water Damage

There are numerous possibilities for an incident requiring water mitigation to occur, such as appliance malfunctions, toilet backups, pipe bursts, broken hoses in washing machines and dishwashers, and supply line breaks. External water intrusion can come from foundation cracks or hydrostatic pressure, heavy rains, and leaky roofs. A mere trickle of water from a broken pipe can lead to costly repairs due to structural damages to walls, floors, and ceilings.

Categories of Water Have an Effect on the Outcome

The type of water in the home can determine the water damage restoration services needed. SERVPRO uses the same categorization recommended by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). The three main types are as follows:

• Category 1 is clean water and poses no threat to humans or pets, and usually is found with supply line breaks and sink overflows.
• Category 2 water is also designated as gray water. This type of water is likely contaminated with microorganisms. SERVPRO sees this type of water with seepage and discharges from washing machines and dishwashers.
• Category 3 is also called black water and is the most serious type of water damage The water is unsanitary and has the potential to contain bacteria, pathogens, and other harmful elements. SERVPRO safely mitigates this type of water during restoration services due to sewage backups, stream overflows and standing water over 48 hours old.

SERVPRO Techs Classify Water Damage During the Restoration Service 

Water damage can also be classified according to drying time and physical damage. When assessing the damage and repair options, the class can make a difference. Much like Category 1 water, a Class 1 rating is also the least harmful. Class 2 usually means a large number of repairs may be needed to restore the home. Class 3 usually implies that the structure is saturated and will require extensive extraction, drying, and possibly controlled demolition. Class 4 is the most serious designation and usually means walls, floors, and other elements are greatly affected.

SERVPRO of Santa Ana South | SERVPRO of Santa Ana North at (714) 558-7772 brings years of experience and professional equipment to South Santa Ana water damage restoration services.

Santa Ana Properties Fire Damage Solutions by SERVPRO

1/7/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can secure fire damaged properties in Santa Ana with board-up services and interior cleanup and restoration of the structure and contents

SERVPRO Technicians Perform Fire and Smoke Damage Mitigation in Santa Ana Residences

There are different causes of house fires within South Santa Ana properties, and each one needs handling as a unique situation. A grease fire in a kitchen, with its high heat and rapid spreading, has the potential to do as much damage to a home as a fire started from an overheated outlet or unattended candle that was too close to the curtains.

SERVPRO technicians have extensive training in handling fire damage restoration in Santa Ana properties and know how to test the smoke damage left behind to determine the best cleaning methods. Even a fire contained in a single room in a home may affect the rest of the house with residues and odors.  For this reason, bringing in a professional team to perform the cleanup is a wise idea.

What Can Homeowners Do Before SERVPRO Arrives?

The waiting for the fire cleanup process can be a time to do some small preparations if the all-clear to enter the property has been given by the fire department. Actions homeowners can take include:

• Limit movement within the property to avoid the spread of soot
• Keep hands clean to avoid soiling walls or furnishings
• Place clean towels or old sheets over rugs, upholstery, and areas where foot traffic occurs
• If the electricity is off in the home, empty the freezer and fridge
• Remove houseplants and gently wipe both sides of the leaves

Fire Damage Restoration Services Provided by SERVPRO

The technicians from SERVPRO immediately scope the property on arrival to determine the scale and scope of the fire damage within the home. The techs go through the house methodically to locate and separate items accordingly:

• Items and building materials that have heat or soot damage are too severe for restoration through cleaning methods
• Articles from the house that get taken to outside cleaning stations
• Pieces that have restoration potential but need cleaning in-facility

Never a One-Size-Fits-All Solution for Fire Restoration

There are many different types of applications SERVPRO technicians rely upon to remove visible signs of fire damage and smoke odors. Upholstery and fabrics can often benefit from the use of foam-based cleaning agents. The IICRC certified FSRT team lift away dry smoke damage using special tools, and wet smoke with its smeary, greasy texture often requires solvent-based solutions to release its grip upon surfaces. Items were taken from inside the home for cleaning in outside cleaning stations typically undergo abrasive or immersion soot removal as needed.

Fire Odor Removal

The crucial final step during fire damage restoration is removing all traces of smoke odors from home. SERVPRO techs have different applications to neutralize odor-producing soot particulates depending on the level of scent and size of the treatment area.

SERVPRO of Santa Ana South | SERVPRO of Santa Ana North at (714) 558-7772 has technicians with years of comprehensive training and experience handling all types and sizes of fire and smoke damage in Santa Ana properties.

Does Your Santa Ana Home Need Mold Remediation?

1/7/2023 (Permalink)

From mold inspection to mold remediation and final walkthrough, Santa Ana property owners rely on SERVPRO

SERVPRO Mitigates Mold Damage in Santa Ana Properties

Unlike water or fire damage in a South Santa Ana property, mold damage does not happen suddenly in most cases. The infestation usually sets up slowly and silently and then suddenly gets discovered. One of the few ways it happens quickly is when temperatures are high enough to sustain colony growth. The house has highly elevated interior humidity levels, such as after a flooding incident where cleanup did not begin quickly. Moisture is a great conducive agent for mold proliferation.

Safety and saving as much of the structure and contents as possible during mold damage remediation in Santa Ana homes is a commitment SERVPRO brings to every mitigation. The first action of the technicians is to confirm the presence of mold growth and set up containment to halt the potential for any further spread of airborne spores throughout the property.

Common Areas in the Home Mold Damage Occurs

Anywhere there can be moisture or elevated humidity within a property, the potential for mold damage exists. Some of the most common reasons for mold infestations that SERVPRO technicians deal with regularly include:

• Poor ventilation creates an ideal environment for airborne spore germination, particularly in crawlspaces, attics, and exhaust fan ducts
• Plumbing issues such as slow leaks
• Leaks in roofing or around windows and doors

These scenarios can sustain mold growth within a structure, and the problem will continue to grow and spread until it is stopped. SERVPRO technicians remove all traces of the mold colonies and perform proactive applications to inhibit the return.

Signs of Mold Damage Within a Home

There are several tell-tale signs that homeowners cannot dismiss for long that hint at a need for mold remediation. A damp, musty odor that never goes away is how mold frequently gets found when no visible signs are seen. Another is staining appearing on sheetrock. In areas in the home where elevated humidity is common, mold colonies can spread rapidly on anything consumable such as: 

• Sheetrock
• Wood
• Paper products

Locating Mold Within the Home

SERVPRO technicians use various types of equipment to identify the potential scale of the mold infestation without the need to open walls or lift flooring. They use both probes and infrared cameras regularly to pinpoint areas where high moisture conditions exist, and these areas are likely to harbor mold growth as well. 

Treatment and Abatement Techniques

The technicians bring down the interior humidity levels to unsustainable levels for continued colony existence and then remove the dried matter from surfaces. The SERVPRO AMRT technicians use hand removal methods, or for stubborn stuck-on residues or large-scale cleanup, they rely on different abatement methods such as soda blasting or ice blasting. All of these methods work to remove stubborn dried mold without marring surfaces. In some cases, we can tear out mold-infested assemblies and building materials, apply antimicrobial products, and build back these affected areas.

SERVPRO of Santa Ana South | SERVPRO of Santa Ana North at (714) 558-7772 brings years of experience and professionalism to every South Santa Ana mold remediation service.

SERVPRO Provides Water Restoration and Cleanup in Santa Ana

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

Water and mold damage often go hand-in-hand. Call SERVPRO to restore your Santa Ana home.

Water Restoration, Cleanup, and Mold Remediation in Santa Ana – Call SERVPRO

Water leaks from old plumbing in Santa Ana are a common occurrence for many homeowners. The plumbing joints age and begin leaking inside walls or ceilings and go unnoticed until the homeowner notices a soggy carpet, or perhaps they smell a strong, musty odor indicating a mold infestation. Occasionally a water-logged ceiling will collapse into the room below, creating a huge mess.

SERVPRO provides water damage restoration services to homeowners in the Santa Ana area. Our teams can help with cleanup, water removal, and restoration, including mold removal in your home. We are available 24/7 and respond within four hours of your call.

Water-logged ceilings pose a dangerous situation for residents. The ceiling gradually absorbs water, increasing in weight until the structure can no longer support the combined weight of the water and ceiling materials. Water, debris, and ceiling materials come crashing down, making a huge mess and soaking your contents. The floor joists and ceiling materials may be covered in mold if the water leak has been ongoing for a few days or longer.

Our SERVPRO team removes all debris and water and completes the controlled demolition of damaged materials and structures as needed. We create negative pressure areas to contain mold spores and remove all contaminated materials after bagging everything in place to avoid the distribution of the mold to other areas of the home.

Once the area is completely dried using high-capacity air movers and dehumidifiers, our SERVPRO building services team can assist with reconstructing and restoring your home as needed.

Our services offered by our SERVPRO team include:

• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Basement water cleanup
• Mold inspections, remediation, and removal

Call SERVPRO of Santa Ana South | SERVPRO of Santa Ana North for water restoration services. We provide service to Santa Ana and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (714) 558-7772.

The Many Factors of Mold Remediation in Santa Ana Homes

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Santa Ana mold remediation is underway by a SERVPRO tech, not a spaceman.

Conditions that Influence Chosen Mold Remediation

Choosing the right remediation strategy and method to overcome growth in your home is important to protect hosting materials and reduce the threat to the rest of the house. AMRT-Certified professionals of our team can help with mold management in several ways, such as:

• Surface cleaning
• Sanding
• Abrasive blasting
• Controlled demolition

How Bad Has the Mold Damage Gotten?

Mold remediation for Santa Ana homes begins with a thorough inspection of the property to determine several factors about the new threat. The first of these considerations is how severe mold development has become. Through controlled demolition to access moist structural cavities and other exploratory measures, we get a comprehensive look at the microbial growth of the residence, and we can begin determining the best solution to help.

What Material is Affected?

Knowing what material supports the colony is also crucial in choosing the best removal tactics. When materials like drywall begin supporting mold organisms, they can rapidly move beyond a point where surface cleaning is possible. Semi-porous materials, on the other hand, have a slower path to fully infiltrating a building element. Inspections can determine the perceived stages of mold infestation.

Is It Worth the Trouble to Preserve?

You might find several areas of your constructed home that are not complicated or especially time-consuming to replace. When threatened with mold development and infestation, it might be easier to entirely remove areas like drywall paneling serving as a host material than attempt lengthy and non-guaranteed remediation processes like surface cleaning to help. We evaluate the replace-to-remediation cost ratio of affected building materials to prioritize what matters most to our customers.

Mold can happen in any home or business under the right conditions, so it is important to stay diligent in spotting potential warning signs of a developing infestation. Call SERVPRO of Santa Ana South / SERVPRO of Santa Ana North remediation teams to help at (714) 558-7772.

Water Damage Restoration of Commercial Properties in Santa Ana

11/13/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of how the water damage in your commercial setting occurred, team SERVPRO offer drying and water removal services. Call our team today.

Making a Rapid Recovery after a Water Damage Event

A tiny opening in your Santa Ana business’s roof or a leaky sprinkler can have everyone walking in a few inches of water. You need a rapid response from a professional restoration service to protect your building from water damage.

SERVPRO’s specialists make it all “Like it never even happened.” We know that water damage in Santa Ana destroys a building’s structure, but it can also disrupt normal routines, shrinking  profits, and create slip-and-fall issues. Studies have shown that a fast response can significantly increase a business’ successful recovery.

Many businesses permanently close after a disaster. SERVPRO knows how to guide companies through the entire restoration process. SERVPRO’s role in helping businesses faced with water damage includes the following:

• Extraction of standing water, followed by controlled drying,
• Protection of equipment and inventory, 
• Preliminary odor control,
• Refurbishing of furniture and other textiles, and
• Rebuilding the interior.

Removing the water and re-establishing dry conditions must happen in a way that prevents over-drying, as well. A lack of humidity can create fine cracks in wood paneling, increased static electricity, and other issues.

Preventing additional damage to your business’ equipment and its inventory keeps losses from accumulating. If necessary, our IICRC-certified technicians can provide temporary warehousing services, including packing and creating a list of everything. Doing so helps locate anything you need before we return these items to your business.

Controlling the odors left behind by water-soaked floors and walls can require several applications and methods. We always discuss the most practical situations, as every situation is different.

Cleaning the upholstery covering your waiting room chairs or removing stains in carpeting from dampened furniture legs reduces total restoration costs significantly, as these items require a considerable investment.

Removing water-soaked drywall and other wet materials assists us in drying and makes it easier to reinstall new materials. Whenever possible, we opt to restore materials instead of replacing them.

Calling SERVPRO of Santa Ana South | SERVPRO of Santa Ana North at (714) 558-7772 is the first step in preventing long-term problems when water damage makes a mess of your business.

SERVPRO Can Help You Breathe Again After Fire Damage

9/11/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage in your home can certainly cause stress. Contact SERVPRO for equipment and technicians to handle the situation.

Restoring the Air in Your Home After a Fire in Santa Ana

Homeowners in Santa Ana can face a challenge in deciding what to do after a fire affects their home. Aside from the immediate safety concerns, it can be hard to tell just how extensive the damage is and what the proper restoration steps are. Smoke and soot residue is evident, but the risks associated with poor indoor air quality are less tangible. Until you reach out to a reputable professional service to remediate it, you may be putting your health at risk by breathing polluted air.

When fire damage to your home in Santa Ana affects the structure and integrity of your belongings, call us at SERVPRO to enlist the help of our professional team. Our technicians hold an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and can adequately assess the damage associated with the fire event. As we move forward, we establish an action plan to clean every surface of your home as well as improve the air quality. By recognizing the chemical composition and characteristics of each material that has burned, we can address any lingering impurities in your home.

Our SERVPRO team has at its disposal a wide variety of equipment used in the industry to remove odors and improve the air in your home. For example, we may bring in a hydroxyl generator to chemically alter air particles. We may also bring a commercial grade ozone generator to help purify your house and remove any foul smells. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters all work to reduce particles and debris in the air, leaving it cleaner and reducing lingering odors. Regardless of the method we employ, our technicians take safety precautions to protect all parties involved during the use of any of our air purifiers.

We are well aware of the daunting task ahead for any homeowner that suffers from fire damage. At SERVPRO of Santa Ana South, we are ready to help. Call us at (714) 558-7772 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Facilitates the Assessment of Flood Damage in Santa Ana

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let flood damage take over your property, Call SERVPRO of Santa Ana South / SERVPRO of Santa Ana North at (714) 558-7772.

Factors Influencing Santa Ana Flood Mitigation Methods

When flooding occurs, homeowners must overcome various obstacles to return to the usual safe and normal living space. You may have to deal with unsanitary conditions, costly property repairs, and a lengthy cleanup process. Whether dealing with a minor or significant flood event, you should ensure it is safe to return to your Santa Ana home as floods can occur repeatedly.

When planning a flood damage cleanup in Santa Ana homes, it is crucial to consider the water source and potential hazards. Water harms building components, and some materials may contain hazardous substances such as asbestos or lead-based paint. SERVPRO evaluates the affected area before disturbing or removing the damaged materials.

Floodwaters pose hazards such as:

• Structural hazards
• Electrical hazards
• Slip, trip, and fall hazards

Some cleanup procedures and damages may create trip, slip, and fall hazards. Also, hoses and power cables may tangle during the cleaning and drying. We post warning signs to alert other workers and occupants and tape down or gather cords with a Velcro belt or a zip tie. Materials such as drywall may weaken after moisture absorption, creating a hazard for everyone.

Factors influencing flood damage:

• Flow velocity
• The duration
• Sediment concentration
• Quality of external response

To properly restore structure and contents after a flood incident in your home, you ought to know how moisture affects different materials. Exposure time and permeability are the two significant factors that determine the level of damage in materials. SERVPRO understands that time is an essential consideration for restoration.

Moisture On Flooring

Floors usually take a beating during a flood. Wooden floors, when exposed to excess moisture, expand. Expanded boards tend to push against each other, buckling at the joint depending on the type of wood and the amount of water absorbed. The panels may also warp. The warping and buckling could be long-term once the wood dries, thus needing replacement.

SERVPRO of Santa Ana South / SERVPRO of Santa Ana North provides thorough and complete flood damage cleanup, giving you peace of mind when you return home. Call us at (714) 558-7772. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Extraction In Your Santa Ana Home

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

We are available 24/7, and We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Water Extraction In Santa Ana Often Involves Using Various Tools

If a pipe breaks inside a unit above yours inside your Santa Ana apartment complex, there is a chance that your dwelling will get flooded out. If a large amount of liquid H2O pours into your unit from your ceiling, you may get puddles on your floor and be forced to conduct water extraction. The process can sometimes be simple and require just the effort from you, the homeowner using a wet and dry vac.

However, in significant situations, it is wise to call in a professional restoration contractor such as SERVPRO. We can conduct water extraction in your Santa Ana apartment utilizing a wide array of industrially advanced tools and equipment. The first step of the mitigation process is always to remove the H2O while it is still in its liquid form. We can accomplish this by using either a portable extractor or a heavy-duty truck-mounted unit.

The portable machines work well when getting into tight spots of your building. Still, they are not as powerful and require an electricity source. Truck-mounted extractors have much more power and are operated using the vehicle’s power. When extracting moisture, our SERVPRO technicians can connect specialized tools to the extractor machines to help pull up as much liquid as possible.

For example, for initial extracting, we can attach a light wand that works well to remove moisture from glue-down carpet or from padding that is getting removed. For more saturated carpets, we can implement deep extraction tools to help pull moisture from thick carpets and upholstered items. Some of these tools are stationary and use the weight of the operator to compress the fabrics. Other self-propelled tools the operator rides on, and the machine uses the extra weight to compress the carpets while it drives around the affected floors.

If there is standing water present, we could use a variety of different types of submersible pumps. These pumps get dropped into the H2O and then pump it out of your structure and into one of your sewage drains.

If you ever notice water coming down from the ceiling in your apartment, call SERVPRO of Santa Ana South at (714) 558-7772 any time of the day. We are available 24/7, and We’re Faster for Any Size Disaster.

Finding Mold You Cannot See

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Technicians can use an infrared camera to detect moisture behind walls

Mold Smells

You are probably familiar with the telltale mold smell. As you walk into your building in Santa Ana, CA, a musty aroma assaults your senses. When you go to the area where the smell seems the strongest, though, you don't see any patches on the walls, ceilings, or baseboards.

How do you get rid of a problem you can't find? Mold remediation experts in Santa Ana have the technology and training needed to help you out.

Moisture

One of the main factors that can lead to a fungus smell in your building is excess moisture. There are several ways moisture can build up indoors:

• Leaks from broken, damaged, or loose pipes
• Flooding
• High humidity
• Low airflow
• Unmitigated water damage

Many of these issues are hard or impossible to see. That makes them difficult to measure without the proper equipment. Technicians can use an infrared camera to detect moisture behind walls or under floors. Identifying the problem areas is the first step to removing that mold smell.

Heat

Another factor that can lead to mold growth or a mildew smell is heat. As the temperature in your building rises, the space becomes more inviting to mold spores. This is why specialists often use a camera with a temperature gauge so that they can determine whether or not the heat in your building is contributing to the problem. After taking a reading, they can compare it to other buildings in the area where the humidity levels are similar and then suggest the next steps for remediation.

If you have a mold smell in your building, don't ignore it. You can look for patches of mold, but there may still be a problem even if you can't see one. Experts in mold mitigation can use infrared technology to locate the source of the smell and recommend the next steps that need to be taken to get rid of it.

SERVPRO of Santa Ana South | SERVPRO of Santa Ana North is locally owned and operated. We provide professional mold damage restoration and house mold clean-up. Reach out today at (714) 558-7772.