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Defend Your Property From Water Damage in the New Year | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
1/11/2023 (Permalink)
Have water damage in your home? Contact SERVPRO of Van Nuys South for quick and professional restoration.
There is no better time to make a change than the start of a new year. Whether you are hoping to make some changes to your daily routine or you want to take on a new project, there is so much room for growth and improvement.
If you’re wanting to tackle home improvement in the new year, waterproofing your home is a great place to start! Preparing for water damage could save you from extensive and costly repairs while also providing you with peace of mind that your home is safe and dry.
Here’s how you can make substantial improvements to keep your property safe in the new year:
What Causes Water Damage?Knowing the main areas where water can enter your home should be your first step in the waterproofing process. Leaks can show up both inside and outside.
Household appliances and bathroom fixtures are frequent causes of water damage within your residence, while clogged gutters and rainwater runoff are outside threats that find their way inside.
Your home may potentially experience moisture problems due to tattered pipes or caulking that has corroded away from windows and doors. Leaks that go unnoticed might result in mold development and ruined walls or flooring.
When water starts leaking into your appliances, they can also start to corrode or stop running altogether. Finding your problem at its source is the best method to mitigate property damage.
How to Prevent DamageWater damage can turn into a chaotic mess quickly, so regular maintenance and inspection are the keys to preventing damage. Catching a leak early on will always be the most effective way to keep a water damage emergency from getting any worse.
Get in the habit of routinely inspecting your bathrooms and kitchen for puddled water or indicators of mold to keep water at bay. When it’s raining, check your windows to make sure water isn’t leaking inside by checking for dampness.
You should also upkeep your roof often (and following any severe wind events) for damage like loose or missing shingles. And while you’re up there, clear your gutters and downspouts of debris to prevent a clog.
Inspecting your roof on a regular basis will also be advantageous when water damage-causing weather conditions approach our area. Floods are common in Van Nuys, and they can take several forms, including coastal or river flooding and nearby tsunamis.
Flood preparation may appear to be a big chore, but knowing your local flood risk, monitoring the weather and continuing your routine water damage maintenance can be greatly beneficial when preventing water damage.
You can spare yourself from expensive and lengthy repairs by incorporating a few simple changes to your daily maintenance routines. And you’ll have one more thing to mark off that resolution list!
Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.
SERVPRO Can Return You to an Odor-free Environment | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
1/9/2023 (Permalink)
If you experience an odor or any other damage inside your home, call SERVPRO of Van Nuys South day or night.
With multiple locations placed all across the country, SERVPRO provides rapid restoration and cleaning services to homes and businesses faced with damage from calamities of all sizes. After a disaster, a lingering odor is one of several challenges that can emerge, even after the damage has been addressed.
Dealing with a disaster-damaged property can be daunting and complicated. With so much to concentrate on during the recovery process, a lingering stench may be the last thing on your mind.
While you may be able to ignore the unpleasant odor for a while, the longer you wait to have it treated, the worse it will become. Even if you work hard to keep your home clean, nasty odors can stay hidden until they reveal themselves and become unavoidable.
The good news is: If you’re fighting a nasty odor that just won’t leave, we have the solution! Let’s go over the effective process we undergo to eliminate odors once and for all.
<h3removal-techniques">Odor Removal Techniques
Odors are created by chemicals, gases or small particles found in the air. As soon as their source is removed, our specialists combine advanced technologies with certified agents and practices to professionally eliminate odors.
Some of these include:
Masking agents. While this isn’t our main disposal approach, these agents help to hide the smell to freshen up the environment while our team begins preparing their next course of action.
*Filtration agents.*Like a cleaning sponge, absorption agents soak up odors from furnishing and building supplies. Once the adsorption solution crosses through the filtration agent, the odor is taken from the air and locked in place.
Disinfectants and sanitizers. These compounds are utilized throughout the affected locations to destroy and eradicate any bacteria and fungi that may be generating the stench.
While there are other methods that our specialists can employ to eliminate smells from your home, these three are crucial tools in the process of thoroughly deodorizing your house.
<h3signature-4-step-process">The Signature 4-Step Process
Four essential steps make up our certified method for eliminating odors:
1. Remove the source. Debris tainted with odor-creating residue will keep spreading the bad odor until the issue’s source has been found and eliminated. If possible, we manage the source before taking any other steps.
2. Clean residue from surfaces. All areas need to be deep-cleaned and deodorized after the odor origin has been eliminated. Small particles and residue will continue to produce offensive smells if they are not thoroughly cleansed.
3. Recreate the odor-causing conditions. In a similar manner to how odor-emitting compounds first infiltrated the surface, our professionals will apply a deodorizer. For instance, if smoke was the root of the problem, we would utilize “deodorizing smoke” during this step.
4. Seal exposed surfaces. If the odor problem is severe, sealants may be needed to prevent the odor-producing compounds from making their way back inside. This phase is implemented when odor treatment becomes prohibitively expensive or impossible to execute.
A rapid response is crucial when dealing with stubborn smells. If you’re at war with a lingering odor inside your home, our team has the tools and expertise to scare off nasty smells for good. When disaster strikes, turn to SERVPRO of Van Nuys South and we can be at your side in a flash!
If you experience an odor or other damage inside your home or business, call us at any time, 24⁄7. We have the training and equipment to quickly get your property back in operation.
Different Ways That Water Seeps Inside Your Home | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
12/7/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience any water damage inside your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Van Nuys South.
Water seepage is sneaky and may go unnoticed, but there are indicators you should be looking for. Worsening air quality indoors and a musty smell are two major red flags, but peeling paint and warped flooring are other signs of moisture getting inside.
The moisture can also rust metal appliances, but there are many signs of moisture-related issues that you need to be aware of.
Water damage is a serious problem that can cause major damage if left unaddressed. Read on to see how moisture gets inside and some potential solutions for you to take.
Water Fixture LeaksYour home’s water fixtures are not without fault, and holes in your water supply lines often allow moisture to seep out unexpectedly. Look near the shower, bathtub, sink or toilet for this issue.
Inspect these spots during your cleaning routine, and take action against leaks immediately to prevent thousands of gallons of water from entering your home each year.
Water From AppliancesYour refrigerator is another sneaky source of leaks due to its water supply and ice maker. Dishwashers are a frequent cause, and these leaks often occur over long periods, resulting in serious damage that escalates as time goes on.
Check your appliances for leaks by unplugging them and pulling them out carefully. Look at the surrounding building materials for signs of mold or moisture, and contact our team if you notice something wrong.
External SourcesWater can also come from outside the home, with many leaks resulting from gaps in your window frames or doors. It’s also possible for a storm to cause minor damage that can allow water indoors.
It’s no surprise that we, as Californians, see a minor 17 inches of rainfall annually, leaving many wondering if they should prepare for external sources of water damage at all. Just because our risks in Van Nuys are lower, though, doesn’t mean we should ever ignore the possibility of a natural water disaster coming through our region.
While leaks can come from everywhere, there are steps you can take to manage them. Setting your home up properly and maintaining it can help you fight off moisture before it gets indoors.
Monitor the gutters and downspouts around your house, as clogging will stop the water flow and allow it to pool on your roof. Beyond this, check your roof after each weather event to spot minor damage that could allow water to seep inside from the top down.
Check the seals on your windows and doors, and replace any degraded ones to prevent water from getting indoors in this manner. Lastly, your property’s landscaping affects how water might get inside your living space. Enact techniques that can direct water away from your home to prevent it from flowing around and inside.
If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us, 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast.
Winter Poses Risks to Your Home Wherever You Are | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
11/21/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience damage due to a winter storm, call SERVPRO of Van Nuys South. We have the experience and equipment for any issue.
The first day of winter is officially Dec. 21 this year, but what winter looks like changes drastically based on where you live. Here in California, we transition into winter almost unnoticeable from fall, as the temperature only drops a few degrees. We still experience days of 70 degrees or more in the peak “cold season.”
No matter where you live, though, winter has its own challenges that threaten your property. Fortunately, understanding the potential risks allows you to understand what actions you can take to keep your home safe.
Winter Around the NationIn the United States, our winters can be generally described as wet, shivery, mild and snowy, and whether the word applies depends on the region.
The Midwest and East Coast can see extremely low temperatures with heavy winter snow, but West Coast locations mostly experience a mild winter with more rainfall coming down.
Of course, these predictions can vary depending on the specific location, but it’s always good to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Winter Around Van NuysIn California, we see a very inviting winter, where the wind doesn’t attempt to rip our jackets and hats from our bodies, and the level of precipitation is never too much to bear.
In fact, most of our winter precipitation comes in the form of rainfall, and very rarely do we see ice covering the city streets.
In Van Nuys, the winter is a comfortable experience, with the average temperature staying between 46 and 69 degrees all season long. This allows us to get out and experience the beauty more, but we also have to stay prepared for anything.
Get PreparedA great first step in preparing for winter is to learn about the different winter storms.
Afterward, pack an emergency kit with everything you may need for these disasters, and check your existing kits to see if new items should be added. Consider adding additional supplies into your vehicle as well to avoid being stranded with nothing to help you.
It doesn’t matter how cold winter gets, weatherproofing windows and doors can help prevent moisture from seeping inside and may lower your electricity bill. In addition, repair any minor roof damage and keep trees around your home trimmed to help improve your overall safety this winter.
Winter is supposed to be an enjoyable time where you chill by the fire with a hot chocolate and your loved ones. Keep SERVPRO of Van Nuys South in your contacts so you can reach us quickly if a winter disaster does strike.
If you experience damage in a winter storm, call us. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.
Decorating Tips to Keep Your Home Safe From Fires | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
11/9/2022 (Permalink)
Should a fire issue pop-up during this holiday season, SERVPRO of Van Nuys South will be on call ready to assist.
Close your eyes and imagine this: holiday lights shining brightly while Christmas music plays, with the smell of baked goods that have just left the oven. It’s a wonderful time of year, but this season can also bring fire hazards that often go overlooked.
California is not the location you think of when the term “winter wonderland” pops up, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have events to celebrate the season. There are a number of fun activities this winter, like the Wicked Weekend Creepman Market happening in late November.
Before going out and enjoying the festivities, take preventive measures to protect your home and your loved ones. These actions will allow you to cherish the memories while not worrying about whether flames may rise in your home.
Top Seasonal HazardsEach year, fire departments in the United States respond to 790 structural fires that are caused by decorations. These lovely items become dangerous hazards when placed too close to heating sources like fireplaces and space heaters.
Christmas trees and candles can also be dangerous, but having your artificial tree certified as fire-resistant is a start. Real trees need constant water and cleaning to ensure no needles pile up beneath.
Take Preventive Measures“The stocking were hung by the chimney with care” is more than just a well-written line. Think about this when putting your decorations up, and never place anything near an open flame.
Approximately 20 house fires per day are started by candles, so check that yours are placed properly and blown out before walking away. Additionally, have your fireplace checked if your home has one, as a buildup of soot can cause your risk to rise.
Ensure that your outdoor decorations are rated for this usage, and hang them the right way to stop lights from drooping down and igniting the bushes.
Inspect your smoke detectors frequently and ensure you have full coverage by installing one in each bedroom and level of the home. Use spare time to practice a fire safety plan with your family, and contact SERVPRO of Van Nuys South immediately when you need assistance after a house fire.
Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.
How Your Business Can Be Limited By Commercial Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
10/21/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Van Nuys South is your local commercial restoration company. We will always be here to help and get you back in business.
Water damage that affects your commercial property can severely impact your day-to-day operations. Usually, flooding comes from an internal source like burst pipes or a leaking roof, but other causes like backed-up sewage and broken sprinklers also occur.
However, water damage can also come from a natural cause. While this may not be extremely common here in California, it’s important to prepare regardless. Our infrastructure is less prepared to handle natural flooding, so being unprepared when one arrives near Van Nuys could exacerbate the damage.
Knowing what moves to make before a disaster can help you prevent extra damage and recover faster. Utilize these tips to guide you in your restoration journey.
Know Your Building’s LayoutIt’s important for you to find and remember the various water cutoff spots around your property, such as the main valve and sprinkler cutoff. Multiple people should have this knowledge, so there’s always someone who can handle the situation nearby.
Know the Types of Water InvolvedThe severity of water damage is almost always determined by the amount of water and the type of water involved. Understanding the threat you face can help you make the best choices for your business and its employees.
White water: This type of water most commonly results from plumbing problems. It’s not considered contaminated and is safe to handle yourself in small amounts.
Gray water: Sink drains and toilet tank overflows produce this type of flooding. The water is contaminated but not considered dangerous.
Black water: Sewage backups and storm flooding are common sources of highly contaminated black water. Always call in a professional to deal with this type of toxic water damage.
Take Action QuicklyWork fast to try to shut down the water source so you can limit the impact. Then begin circulating air by opening windows and doors. It’s also important for you to alert everyone of the affected areas so that they can be avoided.
Afterward, take time to document any visible damage so that you can expedite the insurance claims process and have plenty of evidence to assist your restoration provider.
Remember to Be PatientAny damage you can see is just one part of the whole dilemma. Hidden water damage comes in many forms, some being soaked studs and compromised support frames.
Call SERVPRO of Van Nuys South when you face water damage in your business. Our experts are highly trained and have experience dealing with every kind of commercial damage. We are on call 24⁄7 and will work continuously to get you back in business.
When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 24⁄7 to get started!
Why SERVPRO? Because We’re Your Neighbors | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
10/10/2022 (Permalink)
No job is too big or small. Call SERVPRO of Van Nuys South today to schedule your estimate.
There are many good reasons to choose SERVPRO as your restoration partner. We offer substantial expertise in different types of restoration services, including cleanup and repair after the fire, water damage and storm damage.
When you spot mold in your home or business, we offer certified mold remediation services to help mitigate the issue and protect the structure. And when you have specialized needs, like biohazards that require removal or graffiti that needs to be cleaned up, we can cover that, too.
But one of our SERVPRO qualities stands out from all the rest—we’re local!
Why does that matter, and how does it set us apart from other restoration providers? Let’s take a deeper dive into the topic.
3 Reasons Being Locally Owned Is a Difference-MakerWhen you’re choosing a restoration provider, you should look for many qualities, including trustworthiness and a solid reputation. But you also need a provider that’s nearby. Here’s why that’s important:
1. We Can Respond FastWhen disaster strikes, there’s no time to wait! Delaying restoration can cause damage to worsen and even spiral out of control, leaving you with high costs and a lengthy repair process.
When you partner with SERVPRO of Van Nuys South, you never have to worry about that. We’ll respond 24⁄7 to your restoration needs and get to work. And because we’re located right down the road, we won’t leave you waiting!
2. We’re Prepared for Local Weather ConditionsWe’re your neighbors, which means we are watching the same weather forecasts you are. When inclement weather is expected, we begin preparing resources so we can act fast when the storm has passed.
We know about the droughts in years past and the recent surge of rainfall in our region. We also know our infrastructure isn’t set up to handle heavy rainfall and flooding.
But because we’re familiar with the types of storms and weather trends that typically occur in our area, we have plenty of experience handling the damage they can leave behind.
3. We Know Van Nuys Front and BackSome restoration companies will travel in from a neighboring city or even another state when you call them for a repair project. They may be completely unfamiliar with what makes our community unique—and they may not even know their way around.
SERVPRO is different! We have firsthand knowledge about our city, region and state, including the things that make our area unique. Like the local Ulysses S. Grant High School and the beautiful scenery at the Sepulveda Wildlife Reserve.
Beyond simply knowing about how our community works, we also know about local government regulations and how to navigate them. That helps us complete your restoration project faster, getting your home or business back to preloss condition.
An Extra BenefitWhen a disaster strikes in our area, you can rest assured that we’re ready to handle it. While we typically handle all restoration needs with local technicians and resources, there are times when a large-scale disaster affects many homes in the same neighborhood or even across our city.
That’s when you benefit from the SERVPRO difference in two ways: We are both locally owned and operated and backed by a national brand with years of experience. When a storm rolls through and does a lot of damage in our region, we can give a shout to other SERVPRO locations, seeking their help when needed.
When disaster strikes your home or your business, we’re the team you can trust—located right here, close to home. Get in touch today to get started!
How to Prevent Destructive Lightning Fires on Your Property | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
9/26/2022 (Permalink)
If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Van Nuys South to learn about a restoration solution for your issue.
It’s possible to prevent many causes of home fires with the right planning and proper safety equipment. However, not all fires have manmade causes, and natural causes can threaten your home more than you might think.
There were over 70,000 claims related to lightning strike damage in 2020, so it’s much more common than most people believe. Lightning strikes about 6,000 times every minute, and just one strike within range of your home can split trees down the middle, fry your home’s electrical system and even start a dangerous fire.
No one is completely protected from this kind of disaster, so it’s equally important for everyone to take steps toward preparation.
What Is Lightning?When a naturally occurring electrical charge connects the ground to the clouds above, we see lightning. Typically, this happens during thunderstorms, but it can also occur during snowstorms, forest fires and even without any moisture in the air at all.
“Dry lightning” occurs without rain and is known to cause wildfires more frequently than any other kind of lightning strike. This threat changes as seasons do, but we must be prepared for it due to the severity and frequency of this disaster.
Protecting Your Home From Lightning FiresLightning that directly impacts your home can cause immediate damage and even begin fires from either the heat of the strike or electrical surges inside. When a fire begins from the strike, it’s often hard to notice immediately as it will likely begin in the attic or within your walls.
After the fire is out, call an electrician to test your home’s system for malfunctions, and consider installing a lightning rod, one of the best ways to prevent lightning fires. This rod will take the energy from a strike and direct it away from your home so that you can avoid its destructive effects.
You can also add a whole-house surge protector to your electrical panel. This device can assist in preventing surges or other issues that ignite fires after a lightning strike.
When Lightning Strikes NearbyLightning is also a major source of wildfires, with over 9,000 outdoor fires beginning from strikes each year. Even though some areas see higher risks than others, it’s important for everyone to be prepared because of how dangerous this disaster is. These fires can quickly spread to impact properties and houses.
Implementing defensible zones around your property is important, since that will prevent a fire from spreading to your structure. You should also install smoke detectors in every bedroom, floor and kitchen to have full coverage if a fire sparks.
If you suffer a fire in or around your home, call SERVPRO of Van Nuys South immediately. Recovering and restoring your home after a fire can be overwhelming, but our experts are well-trained and always ready for action!
Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get the restoration finished fast.
Protect Your Property & Stop Floodwater in Its Tracks | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
9/8/2022 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Van Nuys South to get the restoration process started right away.
Everyone needs to take steps toward flood protection because even low-risk areas can suffer serious consequences with just an inch of floodwater. You can protect both the interior and exterior of your home, but it all begins with understanding our region’s risks.
Here in California, we aren’t nearly as vulnerable to flooding as some other places in the country, but we still face serious risks. Wildfires create layers of ash on the ground that prevents it from absorbing rainfall, which means we can experience deadly flooding even from a minor downpour.
Additionally, our emergency services are not as adapted to flooding as other regions of the country, so it may take longer to receive help during a disaster.
Once you know the kinds of disasters we may face here, you can begin to prepare for them the right way.
Protecting Your Home From the OutsideEveryone should understand the variability of weather, especially in our region. This means you could experience a heavy downpour that could flood your property in under 30 minutes. However, you can mitigate the effects by taking time to prepare your house for flooding.
Clean your gutters out regularly, and consider using landscaping techniques that direct water away from the structure of your home. You can also create one or more rain gardens around your property that will absorb excess water, keeping it away from your house.
Utilize this information before our next flood to keep your home and your household safe from the dangers.
Flood Protection From the InsideOnce the outside of your home is safe, it’s important to protect the inside of the home as well. This begins by inspecting your foundation and sealing any cracks that may exist, no matter how small.
Flooding can also happen because of hazards inside your home like faulty plumbing, but performing standard home maintenance can keep your pipes in working order. You should check for leaks throughout your home and install leak detectors in areas with frequent moisture.
A flood is a dangerous event regardless of how it starts, so it’s crucial for you to prepare ahead of time to keep your home above water. To be most prepared, practice an emergency plan with your family and remember to follow it during the next storm so everyone can stay safe from the potential flood.
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.
The Main Ways a Storm Can Damage Your Home | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South
8/23/2022 (Permalink)
When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Van Nuys South your first call.
Extreme weather events are a horrible prospect for any homeowner. These severe storms bring high winds, heavy rains and other hazards that can seriously damage any home they touch.
The type of storm and events that are taking place will help determine the level of damage you may see. Other factors like your home’s build quality and the surrounding land will also come into play.
Everyone needs to be aware of storm damage, but we have to worry about a different set of problems here in California. Although we see severe storms, we face a much larger risk of flooding due to our dry soil being unable to absorb water properly. Check out these resources from the national weather service that include weather reports, tips and live forecasts.
Keep following along as we explore the main kinds of storm damage and how you can prepare for it:
Wind
Damage caused by strong winds is typically connected with tornadoes or hurricanes. However, even minor storms like the ones we see can produce speeds of over 100 mph. This wind can throw debris around your property and cause serious damage or harm.
It’s best to stay away from your glass doors or windows during a storm and avoid sleeping near external walls to stay safer. You can also take steps like removing large rocks or tying down furniture to reduce the amount of debris available.
Water
Heavy rainfalls can bring thousands of gallons of water into a region in under an hour, accumulating around your house and cause extensive damage.
Consider implementing landscaping techniques around your property to help direct any water away from your home’s structure to limit the destructive flow. Alternatively, you can create a rain garden, which is eco-friendly and protects your land from flooding during a storm.
You should also maintain your gutters so that they can assist with removing water from the roof. When water can collect up there, the results can be catastrophic, potentially even a roof collapse.
Impact
Damage caused by debris hitting your home with substantial force is called “impact damage.” This type of damage occurs when trees fall during a storm or objects are thrown into the side of your home. The best way to prevent this is by limiting the amount of debris available and by removing any trees that are at risk of collapsing.
These disastrous weather events resulted in more than $145 billion last year in the United States. Follow these tips and prepare your property for storms in advance to reduce the risk of suffering catastrophe at your home.
When storm damage affects your home, always call SERVPRO of Van Nuys South immediately for a quick response. Our restoration professionals will help you get started on the right path so that you can get back in your house fast and back in action even faster.
When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.
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