Salvaging your documents

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Laguna Hills got its name because of its proximity to the famed Laguna Beach. Just a stone’s throw away from the shore line, Laguna Hills is popular among tourists and California residents alike. Its close proximity, however, also means that it gets more than its fair share of rainfall every now and then. When this happens, one of the things that most homeowners around this area will need to deal with is damage brought about by strong rainfall.

There are many ways by which water damage restoration can be done, be it air drying, dehumidifying, or vacuum-freeze drying. Choosing which water damage restoration technique to use will often depend on what kind of material was damaged in the first place.

Documents, Paper and Books

If the document has been damaged by brackish water, the first thing that you need to do is rinse it with cold, clean water. If you are dealing with onion skin, vellum, or other kinds of fragile paper, it is recommended that you lay them out on a flat surface and spray the documents with clean water until the dirt has been washed off. Make sure that you do not expose them to direct sunlight as this could cause wrinkling in the paper.

Once you have laid out all the paper, use an oscillating fan in order to speed up the drying process. Make sure you do not direct the airflow towards the document itself. Instead, allow the fan to dry the room which, in turn, will dry the documents. 

If you are dealing with water-logged books, you should do inter-leaving or putting absorbent paper in between leaves. If the book has already developed a moldy smell, you might need to use an ozone gas chamber to deodorize safely the document. This is the same processed used in restoring documents that have been through fire damage.

Water Damaged Photos

Water-damaged photos should be attended to as soon as possible. Keep in mind that waiting for more than 48 hours before working on the photographs can result in growth of mold and mildew, which could damage your pictures.

If the photos are still contained inside a picture frame, do not try to separate the picture from the glass. What you can do instead is place it under running water until the picture can be retrieved.. The same is  done if you have two pictures stuck together. Take great care not to touch the printed side of a photograph, as this could result in smudges.

Call SERVPRO of Laguna Hills/Laguna Niguel at (949) 472-8090

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3 Steps After a Pipe Break

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

A pipe break can happen during any time of the year but is more likely to occur during the winter if the pipes are in an uninsulated area of your property. Be advised that bursting pipes can cause extensive water damage which is why it’s important to call a restoration company such as SERVPRO of Laguna Hills/Laguna Niguel as soon as possible. Here are the three steps to take after a pipe break.

1. Stop the Water Flow

Turn off the water immediately. After you shut off the main water supply, you need to drain the pipes. To do this, turn on the cold water on every faucet on your property and flush every toilet at least once. Then turn off the hot water heater and run the hot water on every faucet. Taking these crucial steps ensures the leak will stop. But you’re not done yet.

2. Reduce and Fix the Damage

At this point, it’s best to reach out to the professionals so they can fix the broken pipe. However, you might be able to locate the broken pipe yourself. Don’t walk in water as this increases the risk of getting electrocuted. It’s recommended that you turn off the electrical power no matter if the water is one foot or only one inch high. Furthermore, unplug appliances and turn off the furnace. If safe, you can move valuable items, electronics and fabrics to higher ground. 

3. Call a Water Restoration Company

Opening the windows and running fans run won’t prevent mold growth from bursting pipes. No matter how extensive you think the damage is, contact a water restoration company as there might be damage you are not able to spot. Mold and mildew begins to grow only 24 to 48 hours after such an event. You don’t want to risk your health and more damage to your property. 

When your plumbing breaks, there’s little time to spare. Take these three steps immediately to reduce the water damage in Laguna Hills/Laguna Niguel due to bursting pipes.

Call SERVPRO of Laguna Hills/Laguna Niguel at (949) 472-8090

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Effects of Water Damage

6/11/2022 (Permalink)

An unexpected flood, a burst or leaked pipe are just some of the scenarios that can cause water damage to your property. A sudden inundation of water can cause problems to your property.

Effects of Water to Your Property

Water affects various kinds of materials in different ways. Paper, for example, gets soggy or at worst disintegrate when soaked for too long. Wood, upon exposure, can become dry and mossy. Varnished furniture can also end up being discolored. Metal gets rusty, and even certain plastic materials are prone to the disintegration upon prolonged exposure to water..

Wood, in particular, not only becomes mossy but it can also potentially become a breeding ground for mold and other types of fungi. The humidity indoors brought about by the water damage also makes the environment more susceptible to dust mites and other allergens that can trigger respiratory illnesses.

The longer you wait it out to get professional help, such as SERVPRO, for water damage restoration in Laguna Hills the bigger the difficulties will be in preserving or saving your personal effects.

Restoration isn’t as simple as drying out the water damaged items. It requires utmost care in handling and treatment in order to ensure that it’s not going to be ruined for good.

These processes normally require high tech equipment for the cleanup process and also to ensure that your home or office is safe.

Call SERVPRO of Laguna Hills/Laguna Niguel at (949) 472-8090

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The SERVPRO Difference - Air Mover

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

What are Air Movers?: 

Air Movers are industrial fans that come in different sizes for different uses. One thing they all have in common is that they move or blow air around a job sight. The result of that moving air allows the wet areas to dry.

Why Are They Important?: 

Air Movers are crucial to the drying process of a job. More fans doesn't necessarily mean faster drying. These fans are placed strategically for optimal drying time. After 3-5 days of constant use, the wet area will be dry.

Though they don't work alone. Dehumidifiers carry a heavy responsibility on the job sight by removing any moisture in a room. A separate post will be available below regarding dehumidifiers and their functions.   

Hiring a professional like SERVPRO of Laguna Hills/Laguna Niguel right after a water leak can save you time and money.

Call SERVPRO of Laguna Hills/Laguna Niguel at (949) 472-8090

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The SERVPRO Difference - A Dehumidifier

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

A dehumidifier is essentially a refrigerator that forgot to get fully dressed. Really. The basic mechanical function of a dehumidifier is the same as a refrigerator. Compression and expansion of a gas is used to lower the temperature of metal coils to freezing temperatures.

However, instead of the cooling action being directed into a closed box, a dehumidifier is designed to blow warm moist room air over these cold coils. The moisture in the room condenses on the coils to become liquid water. The water then drips into a drip collection pan, or to a drain. The room air is now freed of much of its moisture and the room returns back slightly warmer than it was.

Dehumidifiers are controlled by a device known as a humidistat. This is an adjustable rotary switch which detects moisture in the room's air. It automatically turns the dehumidifier on or off as it is needed, based on the setting you choose. If you wish, you can set the dehumidifier to the maximum setting for continuous operation.

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Let SERVPRO Help You With Water Damage

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Drywall in need of repair after water damage

A burst pipe in your home can cause significant water damage especially to your drywalls. When that happens, you can’t just wait it out and then slather on a fresh coat of paint because the damage might be bigger than it looks. What you need to do is to call Laguna Hills water damage restoration experts, particularly if your drywalls are severely damaged.

Assess the Damage

The first thing you should do is assess the extent of the damage on your drywall. You may misjudge how much water has leaked and that could lead to bigger problems. Look for signs of depressions on the wall. These look like small dimples around nails or screws. If you see them, immediately move all your valuables away from the wall as they might be a sign of imminent collapse. Even if the situation appears less serious than this, you should still call a professional for proper damage assessment.

Look for Mold Damage

Another problem you should watch out for in times of water damage is the formation of mold or mildew. Mold and mildew thrive in wet and damp environments, especially water damaged spots in your home. The first thing you’ll notice if you have mold problems is the dank smell. Use the distinct odor of the mold to find the source. If you see black spots on water damaged drywalls, immediately call Laguna Hills mold damage restoration professionals, like those at SERVPRO of Laguna Hills. They will help you contain the growth and prevent them from coming back through proper cleaning and disposal of contaminated areas.

Patch Up the Drywall

Significant damage to a drywall should be fixed properly to avoid any more problems. If some portions are still sturdy enough, you may not need to replace everything. A water damage professional can tell you whether a paint job will be sufficient. If repainting is not a safe option, you’ll need to have the water damaged parts removed and replaced with fresh sheets. The new drywall has to be properly sealed and painted, not only to make it look as good as new, but also to give it better protection from moisture.

Call SERVPRO of Laguna Hills/Laguna Niguel at (949) 472-8090

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How SERVPRO Can Help with Water and Mold Damage

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

It can be a trying experience to say the least when a home has received water damage. In addition to this, people can be shocked when they discover they have mold in a bathroom or laundry room. Fortunately, there are a few things that can enable homeowners to deal with mold and water damage effectively.

When there has been water damage, there can be a temptation to wait for a period in order for an insurance inspector to visit as well as to determine how much damage has been done. Water damage needs to be dealt with quickly. Fortunately, water damage restoration companies in Laguna Hills can help citizens with the process. A professional from a certified company like SERVPRO can stop by and investigate the damage.

Perhaps there is an electrical hazard that a homeowner overlooked. Perhaps the damage is far worse than expected. Whatever the situation may be, a professional has the tools that are needed to remove water from a home. Furthermore, they are experienced in getting a home back to the way it was before the water damage occurred.

Mold damage is another factor that can be the result of water damage. Furthermore, a home that has mold may have a difficult time being sold. A professional technician in Laguna Hills understands how to remove living or dead mold in a safe manner. Keep in mind that household methods of removing mold are not completely thorough or adequate. Bleach and other types of household cleaners do not remove all mold from a building. Also, it is important to note that mold spores can spread through the air and make the mold damage restoration needs more challenging.

Although water and mold damage occurs at various times, homeowners can contact professionals who can address the situation quickly, safely and professionally. Technicians are able to provide helpful information about how they will remove the problem and ensure that it is not a factor in the future. After professionals have completed their work, homeowners can have peace of mind that their home is restored.

Call SERVPRO of Laguna Hills/Laguna Niguel at (949) 472-8090

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Laguna Hills Water Damage Restoration Essentials: for Bathroom Leaks

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Main water line burst and flooded the bathroom

Bathroom plumbing leaks often do not become evident until the damage has been done to the walls or ceiling. Subtle signs of water leaks in your bathroom often indicate the need to seek professional water damage restoration in Laguna Hills, where humidity levels can remain high despite low precipitation levels, before your home suffers further damage.

Subtle Signs: Keeping your Sight and Smell Alert

Though pooling water and other telltale signs of faulty plumbing may be absent, you only need to use two of your senses to detect potential water damage: sight and smell. First, check for any changes in wall paint or wallpaper adhesion in and around the bathroom, which could signify the presence of moisture in the walls. You might also notice an earthy smell emanating from the bathroom, however hard you might have cleaned it.

Another potential sign a damaged wall. Unless you’re aware of how your walls came to be stained or warped, you can suspect that the walls had already been subjected to water leaks from your bathroom. Worse, plumbing problems could also affect the ceiling, which then cause it to sag and leak with water that has accumulated around it.

The biggest sign of a water leak in the bathroom is the presence of mold and mildew. Ever wondered why, despite all your efforts to clean your bathroom, mold and mildew simply won’t go away? While you might think it normal for mold to accumulate inside your bathroom, especially around the corners, be alarmed the moment you see mold on wall surfaces located outside the shower area.

What to Do?

Before existing plumbing problems wreak any more havoc on your home, be sure to deal with them as soon as possible. You can start by shutting off the water supply to identify where the leak might be coming from then have a plumber take care of the problem. At the same time, be sure to consider the kind of Laguna Hills mold damage restoration services offered by a company like SERVPRO.

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OPERATION : Water Damage

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. You can click on any of the steps below to learn more about that process.

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

The how to on Water Damage

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

It’s one thing to deal with water damage if a pipe broke or a water source overflowed. However, if it’s an unexpected event like severe flooding, it doesn’t give a property owner like you enough time to salvage your important valuables. In its wake will lie a path of irreversible damage and destruction.

There’s still hope, though, because there are ways for you to have a successful water damage restoration in Laguna Hills.

1. Post-Damage Evaluation

The first thing you have to do is examine what are the damages incurred by your property and how severe they are. It’s advisable that you do not barge in the house without ensuring that it’s clear for you to go in. Inundations like flooding can weaken the structure, which can cause it to fall down. Fires may also start if electrical sources get wet or if a live wire breaks and touches the damp house material.

Once you’re inside, document everything inside. Take notes of sections of the house that were damaged the most, the items that were affected, and the extent of their damage. Take photos if you can. This should help you point out to professionals what are the areas you would want to prioritize. More importantly, this documentation will serve as proof for your insurance company when you make your claims.

2. Recover What You Can

There’s no telling just how bad the situation is until you see it for yourself. If you want to have a head start on the clean-up while damage restoration service providers such as SERVPRO aren’t around yet, pick out and separate items according to their material. Separate the books and other documents in a box so that you can lay them out to dry somewhere safe. Handle with care so that you don’t risk any more damage to them.

Electronics also need proper handling following water damage. Before touching any electronics—or before going inside, actually--make sure that the main source is already turned off to avoid electrocution or unwanted fires.

3. Leave it to the Pros

As much as you would want to oversee the recovery and restoration process yourself, you’ll have to concede that some jobs are simply meant to be undertaken by professionals who have the skills, knowledge, and tools. You’d need someone who isn’t just a pro in water damage, but also a service provider for mold damage restoration in Laguna Hills, because this is the next problem that usually comes up following water damage.