Say Goodbye to Mold: A Guide to Cleaning Up Small Amounts of Mold in Your Home

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you suspect mold in your home, give the professionals at SERVPRO a call.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on organic material, such as wood and food. It's usually found in damp places like basements or bathrooms, but it can also grow on drywall if you have a leaky pipe in your home.

Where is Mold Found?

Mold can grow in many places, including bathrooms, kitchens, basements and crawl spaces. The humidity from a shower or bath can provide the perfect conditions for mold to flourish. If you have an open window and don't use your kitchen fan, the air will get stagnant and allow mold to grow on surfaces like countertops and cupboards (especially if they're made of wood). Basements or crawl spaces with poor ventilation, which allows moisture to build up and create an ideal environment for mold growth.

How to Clean Up Small Amounts of Mold

The first step to cleaning up mold is figuring out how much of it you have. If you have a large amount, or if the area has been closed off for some time, then it's best to call in professionals who have experience dealing with mold.
If you do decide to clean up small amounts of mold yourself, follow these steps:

Wear protective gear, a respirator mask and gloves are recommended. Remove all items from the area that can be cleaned without damaging them (this includes carpeting). If possible, remove drywall as well, otherwise vacuum thoroughly after removing any visible growths. If there are any large pieces remaining on the surface after vacuuming them off (like wallpaper), scrape these away using a putty knife or similar tool so that they don't come back later when new growth occurs beneath them Wash down all surfaces with water mixed with bleach at least twice, once after removing visible growths and again after vacuuming up dust particles left behind by your cleaning methods. Let everything dry completely before replacing furniture or other objects back into place.

How to Prevent Mold Growth

Humidity control. If you have a humidifier, make sure it's working properly and not leaking water into your home. Also be sure to keep the bathroom fan on when showering or bathing to prevent excess moisture from building up in the air. Ventilation,  Open windows when possible, especially during warmer months when humidity levels tend to be higher than usual.
Maintenance, Check for leaks around pipe fittings and faucets, repair any leaks immediately if found (a common source of mold growth).

What to Do If You Suspect a Larger Mold Problem
If you suspect a larger mold problem, it's best to hire a professional. A trained inspector can test for mold and determine whether there is an issue that requires remediation. If so, they will also be able to tell you how much cleaning up needs to be done and how much it will cost.

If you suspect mold in your home or office, give the professionals at SERVPRO a call to immediately assess and begin the mold remediation process for quick cleanup.

Restoring Homes and Lives: Understanding the Fire Damage Restoration Process

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is a complex process. Give the professionals a call for your fire damage restoration.

Fire damage restoration refers to the process of repairing and restoring a property that has been damaged by fire. It is a comprehensive process that involves a variety of different steps, including assessment, cleaning, restoration, and reconstruction. Fire damage restoration is typically carried out by professionals who have the necessary equipment, expertise, and experience to safely and effectively restore a property to its pre-fire condition.

The first step in fire damage restoration is usually an assessment of the damage. This involves inspecting the property to determine the extent of the damage and identify any safety hazards that need to be addressed. The assessment will also help determine the best course of action for restoring the property, as well as provide an estimate of the costs involved.

Once the assessment is complete, the next step in fire damage restoration is to clean the property. This involves removing any debris and charred materials from the property, as well as using specialized equipment to remove smoke and soot from surfaces. This process is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also to prevent further damage from occurring due to residual smoke and soot.

After the property has been cleaned, the restoration process can begin. This may involve repairing or replacing damaged structural elements, such as walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as replacing damaged electrical systems and appliances. In some cases, it may also involve repainting and refinishing surfaces to restore the property's appearance.

Throughout the restoration process, it is important to take steps to prevent further damage from occurring. This may involve installing temporary measures, such as tarps and plywood, to protect the property from the elements. It may also involve using dehumidifiers and other equipment to remove excess moisture from the property and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Once the restoration process is complete, the final step in fire damage restoration is often reconstruction. This may involve rebuilding damaged structures or installing new fixtures and appliances to replace those that were destroyed in the fire. Reconstruction can be a complex process, and it is important to work with professionals who have experience in this area to ensure that the work is done safely and effectively.

In summary, fire damage restoration is a complex process that involves a variety of different steps. It requires the expertise and equipment of trained professionals to effectively restore a property that has been damaged by fire. By taking the necessary steps to assess the damage, clean the property, and restore and reconstruct damaged elements, fire damage restoration can help to return a property to its pre-fire condition and ensure the safety and well-being of those who live or work there.

How much time do I have to File a Water Claim?

3/10/2023 (Permalink)

Filing an insurance claim for your residential water damage can help return your home back to pre loss conditions.

Water damage can be devastating. It's a stressful time for everyone involved, including you and your insurance company. With the right information and support, however, you can get through this quickly and easily. Here are some tips to help recover water damage and claim to get the most from your insurance claim.

1. Call in the experts

At the first sign of damage give the experts at SERVPRO a call. Our qualified technicians respond to the call immediately to begin assessing your damages. They will begin by taking photos of affected areas so that they can be used as evidence later on when filing a claim with insurance companies. Next they will begin removing standing water from flooring and hard surfaces using portable extraction units that produce powerful suction forces capable of pulling up even heavy amounts of moisture within minutes.

2. Document the damages

Document the damages Once you have a good idea of what was damaged, it's time to document and photograph the damage. You'll want to take multiple pictures from different angles so that you can show how much of your stuff was affected by water. Keep track of what was damaged, including receipts for any cleaning or repairs (if possible). You may also want to write down where each item came from and its value in case there are any disputes down the line about coverage limits or replacement costs. Lastly, keep a list of all contact information for anyone who has been helping out with the process.

3. Cause of your water loss

Once you have determined the cause of loss, its time to file a claim with your insurance company. There are many ways that water can get into your home, pipes may burst from age or pressure and plumbing fixtures (such as sinks) may leak due to poor installation or damage. Rainwater can seep through cracks in roofs or walls after heavy rain fall.

To determine whether or not filing an insurance claim is right for you, take some time first by asking yourself these questions: How much time do I have before things start getting worse? What type of coverage do I have?

Call the Professionals

If you have water damage at your home or business, call SERVPRO 24/7. When you call us after a flooding event, we will send over a professional technician who will assess how much work needs to be done onsite before beginning any cleanup process. Our team has advanced equipment and techniques to extract all standing water from your property. 

What is covered with Business Insurance?

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

Do you have insurance in case of fire?

A business insurance policy can help you pay for the damages your company sustains and also helps replace any lost income due to a disruption. Some of these are obvious, while others might surprise you.

What is your potential loss?

The potential loss is the monetary value of property damage, lost revenue and profits, increased expenses and increased risk. For example, if you have a fire in your building that causes $100 million in damages, this is your potential loss. Your insurance company will then pay you up to this amount. To determine what your insurance policy limits should be for each type of coverage (such as property damage), consult with an independent commercial property & casualty insurance broker who specializes in business insurance policies for businesses like yours.

Property protection

The property protection section of your business insurance policy helps protect you against damage to the physical properties that are used to operate your business. Property can be damaged by fire, vandalism or natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. Additionally, coverage may include loss of use due to repair or replacement expenses. It also covers temporary relocation expenses if you're forced to shut down for an extended period because of damage from a covered peril. Keep in mind that coverage is only available while the property is being used as part of your business activity and not while it's vacant or under construction.

Business interruption insurance

The main objective of business interruption insurance coverage is to keep your business afloat in case of a covered disruption. If a fire or flood destroys the building where you operate, this type of insurance would reimburse you for lost revenue during this period.

In addition to reimbursements for lost revenue and any physical damages sustained, some types of business interruption insurance also cover the costs associated with hiring replacement workers while yours are out of commission. It’s important to inventory all the physical assets lost so that they can be replaced. You may also want to consider getting excess property coverage that covers additional property that isn't included under basic property insurance policies (e.g., tools or machinery).

These are the expenses that could be covered by the policy.

Business insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, as well as restoring the site to its original condition. The policy may also include a provision that allows you to hire a contractor to repair or replace damaged equipment.

Depending on your business and location, additional coverage could be required under state law. In addition, some businesses are required by law to have workers' compensation insurance or pay into unemployment funds in certain states or provinces—this is beyond what is included in most business policies.

If you are still unsure about whether or not your business needs coverage, contact an insurance professional who can help determine the right amount of insurance for your business.

Top 3 Locations for Mold Growth in Your Home

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

To prevent mold damage, it's important to regularly inspect these three spots.

Mold is a fungus that can grow in the house if you don't take preventive measures. It's common to find mold in basements and attics, as they tend to be humid, but it's also possible that mold could have started growing out of sight. To prevent further damage, it's important to regularly inspect these three spots. 

The Attic

The attic may be a good place to start looking for mold. The attic is a dark, damp, and warm place that is ideal for mold growth. Mold spores that are in the air can easily land on surfaces such as wood or insulation in your attic. If you have any leaks or moisture in this area, it will only increase the chances of mold growth.

It’s important that you check your attic regularly so that you can catch any potential issues before they become serious concerns!

The basement

The basement is the most common place for mold growth, and it's not hard to see why. The moisture in your basement often comes from a leaking roof or plumbing leaks, which can ruin your home's structure if left unchecked. Mold growth can also come from the water that gets in through your foundation. If you have a leaky basement, it's important to fix the issue immediately so that mold doesn't start growing inside your home!

Mold caused by condensation on windows or walls can also be found in your basement. Condensation occurs when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces like windows and walls; this makes the water vapor in the surrounding air condense on those surfaces as it cools down.

The crawlspace

Mold grows in dark, damp areas. Crawlspaces are often dark and damp. Mold can grow on the insulation, wood, and other materials in your crawlspace. Mold may damage your home by rotting wood beams or making it more difficult to sell if you ever decide to move out of it later on down the road.

Regular mold inspection is a preventive measure

It is important to understand that mold can grow anywhere in your house, even in the most unexpected places. It can be difficult to spot and remove because of its microscopic size and hardy nature.

Additional spaces to inspect include:

• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Air-conditioning system

There are many different places in your house where mold can grow. The most common areas include the bathroom and kitchen. If you’re not checking these areas regularly for mold, then it could be damaging to your property. If you discover a potential mold infestation in your home or business in Redlands, CA, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

5 Steps to Take After Finding Water Damage in Your Home

12/23/2022 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your Yucaipa, CA home call your local SERVPRO.

5 Steps to Take After Finding Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is an unfortunate reality in many homes. It can happen through a number of sources, such as a broken pipe in the wall or roof or even from flooding or heavy rains. If you've found water damage in your home, it's important that you act quickly to prevent further damage and minimize the long-term cost of restoring your house to its former condition.

1. Stop the Water

As soon as you notice water damage, you should immediately shut off the water supply to your home. This will prevent further damage and make it easier to clean up after the flood has been contained.

If you aren't sure how to shut off the water supply in your house, contact SERVPRO of South Redlands/Yucaipa to help you with this step. 

If you can't find where the leak is coming from (and this is especially true if it's happening in an area that isn't visible), call a professional! They'll have equipment that can detect even tiny leaks from pipes that weren't visible before they got wet.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as you notice water damage in your home. You may need to file a claim and submit the necessary paperwork, which will be handled by your insurance company. If you do not file a claim, you could be liable for the damages if it turns out that there was a leaky pipe or faucet in your home.

Your insurance company will guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim and help mitigate any costs incurred from repairing or replacing damaged property items such as carpeting, walls, countertops, and appliances.

3. Protect Yourself and Your Family

Water damage can be devastating to your home and family. Here are some tips on how to protect your family after a water damage event:

First, turn off the power. If you have any appliances that use electricity, such as your dishwasher or washing machine, be sure to turn them off at the wall. Next, wear protective gear. Water damage can cause harmful mold to grow on your walls and floors if it's left untreated. To prevent this, wear a mask and gloves when cleaning up the mess. Protect your valuables by moving them out of the affected area and into a clean spot in your home. Don’t disturb visible mold until you know what kind of mold it is! If you’re not sure whether or not it’s harmful, check with an expert before touching it or removing it from your home.

4. Assess the Damage

Assessing the damage is the next step in determining how to proceed with repairs. The following are some general guidelines for assessing damages:

• Determine if there is standing water or a full-scale flood
• Check for mold growth and mildew
• Check for structural damage such as cracked drywall or floors buckling upwards

5. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company

After you have found the source of water damage in your home, it is time to call a professional water damage restoration company. The main reason that you should call a professional to handle this kind of job is because they have the equipment and training necessary to do the job right. They can also get your home dried out much faster than you could do it yourself, and this will help prevent mold from forming.

A professional company will be able to help with insurance claims as well.

If you’ve found water damage in your Yucaipa, CA home, don’t panic! With these five steps, you can take care of the problem and prevent further damage. Following them will make the process easier for everyone involved. Our SERVPRO team is always on standby and ready to assist you with your water mitigation and restoration needs!

How Do You Tell if Your Shower is Leaking?

11/10/2022 (Permalink)

If you have any concerns about your shower at all, or even just want some peace of mind, give Our SERVPRO of South Redlands/Yucaipa team a call!

How Do You Tell if Your Shower is Leaking?

If you're a homeowner, you've might have spent a good amount of time inspecting the home's plumbing. But it's important to know that your shower is also at risk for water damage and leaks. As with any kind of plumbing work, there are warning signs that indicate you need to act immediately. In this post, we'll go over how to tell if your shower is leaking and what steps to take if it is!

Things to look for in a leaking shower

To determine if your shower is leaking, you'll need to look for some telltale signs. First, look for water damage around the base of the walls and ceiling of your bathroom. If there's a substantial amount of mold or mildew, that could be an indication that there's a leak somewhere nearby. Next, check for damp spots on the ceiling—this can mean that water is coming through from above.

If you notice cracks in your wall or flooring, this may indicate that something has shifted internally due to excess moisture in your home. Mold isn't just unsightly; it can also cause a ton of structural damage.

How to inspect a shower pan

To check whether your shower is leaking, you’ll want to inspect it from above and below.

If you can see any evidence of water damage around the drain or elsewhere on the floor, then there’s a good chance that your shower is leaking. This type of damage often looks like discoloration in tiles or grout. Check for mold or mildew, as well and stains on walls that may indicate that there was some leakage. Inspect caulking around your drain trap (the U-shaped piece that connects your drainpipe to your waste pipe) and make sure it hasn't started to wear away. If you see anything like this in your bathroom, contact a plumber immediately before more serious damage occurs!

Also, make sure that all pipes leading into and out of the bathtub are intact and connected properly. If any are loose or disconnected, then there may be a leak somewhere along those lines as well!

Inspecting a shower base from below

To do this, remove the pan and inspect it thoroughly. Look for any cracks or discolorations in the concrete floor and make sure there's no mold growing anywhere. Check around where water drains out of your tub as well to see if anything looks abnormal.

Now that you know how to spot a leak and the warning signs of water damage, what can you do to avoid it? The best way is to keep an eye on your shower. If something looks off or unusual, there’s probably a problem with it—and knowing this early could save you from thousands of dollars in damages later down the road. If you have any concerns about your shower at all, or even just want some peace of mind, give Our SERVPRO of South Redlands/Yucaipa team a call!

How Do I Protect My Business From a Fire Disaster?

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

Install more fire and smoke detectors throughout your Redlands, CA building

How Do I Protect My Business From a Fire Disaster?

A fire is a business owner’s worst nightmare. Fire disasters can leave your business in ruins and cost you significant time and money. A fire disaster is never planned, so it’s important that you are prepared to protect your business should the situation arise. Here are some tips on how to protect your business from a fire disaster.

Be prepared.

A fire disaster is never planned, so it’s important that you are prepared to protect your business from it should the situation arise. Here are some tips on how to protect your business from a fire disaster.

• Keep a record of all your assets and their value: Take photos of all assets in case they get damaged or destroyed by a fire; keep receipts for valuable items like computers and other electronics; create an inventory list with prices if possible, as well as serial numbers if applicable. This will help speed up the process when filing insurance claims after the fact.
• Get general liability insurance: General liability insurance covers property damage and bodily injury caused by someone else’s actions at your location (or another location). It also protects against any legal fees if you have to defend yourself against lawsuits related to an accident at your place of business or event venue!

Install a fire suppression system.

If you're looking for an effective way to protect your business from fire damage, a fire suppression system is the best choice. Here's why:

Fire suppression systems can reduce the damage caused by fires in your business and increase the safety of employees and visitors. Fire suppression systems are easy to install and maintain. You'll only need one person with some basic knowledge of electrical wiring to do this job well, so it's affordable as well!

In order to protect your business from a fire disaster, you need to install detectors and alarms that alert authorities immediately in case of a fire breakout.

Install more fire and smoke detectors throughout your building.

• Install smoke detectors in hallways and stairwells.
• Install fire alarms in kitchens, bathrooms, storage areas, boiler rooms, and near exit doors.
• Install fire alarms near electrical equipment.
• Install fire alarms near heating equipment.

Implement regular training sessions for employees.

You can help your employees respond quickly and effectively in the event of a fire by implementing regular training sessions. Training sessions are an excellent way to remind your workers what they should do if a fire breaks out, as well as why it's important that they evacuate immediately. You might want to include some hands-on activities like role-playing or simulations so that your staff members truly understand what’s at stake when it comes to dealing with fires in their workplace.

It's also important that you make sure all essential equipment is available and working properly before any kind of emergency occurs, including:

• Fire blankets - Make sure everyone knows where the fire blankets are located.
• Portable fire extinguishers - Make sure everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Emergency exit routes - Make sure everyone knows the location of the nearest fire exit, where to go, and what to do.

Back up important files and documents regularly.

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your business from a fire disaster is to back up all of your important files and documents regularly.

You should have at least two backup devices ready to go, with one stored in a different location than the other. You should also make sure that each device has extra space available so that you don't run out of room during an emergency situation. And finally, make sure that all devices are working properly every time they're used!

Inspect, inspect, and then inspect some more.

As a business owner in Redlands, CA, you should take all possible steps to protect your assets from fire damage. This includes inspecting your building for fire hazards, inspecting your equipment for fire hazards, inspecting your employees for fire hazards, and inspecting the insurance policy that covers those assets. You’ll also want to inspect any evacuation plans in the case of a disaster.

If you don't have an evacuation plan or are unsure how to develop one, contact local authorities who can help with this task.

Every business should take steps to protect itself from a fire disaster

A fire disaster can be devastating to your business. It can leave your business in ruins and cost you significant time and money. As a business owner, it’s important that you take steps to protect yourself from fire disasters. But, you don't have to let this happen to your company! With these tips, you’ll be able to prepare for any situation and remain safe during a fire breakout or other disaster at your place of work.

4 Common Places To Find Mold Growth in Your Home

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth inside cabinets.

Four Places You Might Find Mold

Mold damage is pretty common with homes, especially ones with humidity or moisture issues. Fungal spores thrive on dampness and organic matter such as paper, carpet, and wood; therefore, they are likely to grow where these factors are present. To catch issues early, homeowners in Big Bear, CA, should keep a vigilant eye on the following four places.

1. The Bathroom

Mold and mildew growth are often noticed within the bathrooms, especially within the shower. Moisture is often in excess here and resides on the tile. While the ceramic or porcelain may be harder to penetrate, the grout itself is vulnerable to droplets. Residents are likely to see growth within the lines.

Fight it off by using a squeegee after you shower. Also, run the fans for at least 20 minutes after, pulling out as much wetness as possible. Recaulk often to avoid weaknesses in the grout lines.

2. The Closets and Cabinets

Mold damage may happen in the corners of closets or inside cabinets. These locations may have water exposure from pipes and remain dark often: a perfect habitat for the organism. If discoloration is noticed, call a mold remediation company to evaluate the trouble. The area should be inspected, and the impacted drywall torn out and replaced.
Combat trouble by keeping closets cool, running fans in the bathrooms, and using moisture-absorbent products in cabinets.

3. The Kitchen

When the oven is going, heat builds. This environment assists in building humidity and mold growth. Keep the oven fans going and run the air handler. Be aware of how much you're running appliances and check the plumbing for rust, leaks, and corrosion.

4. The Air Handler

The air conditioner is a protective device against mold, assisting in maintaining a cool, dry space. It also moves the air from room to room and takes on dampness. Mold can multiply within the pipes, spreading to other locations. Have the system cleaned and checked regularly.

Mold damage likes hiding in places you don't often look. Those tiny spores cling easily, reproducing where water and organic structure meet. Be proactive, and keep a lookout for early stages.

How To Deodorize a Smoky Home

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

The odor of smoke is a persistent issue that must be addressed by a professional.

How To Deodorize A Smoky Residence

Home deodorization can be tricky, especially if you are dealing with smoke odor. Certain short-term solutions can trick you into thinking you have removed the odor, but the odor returns a few hours or days later. Additionally, not all permanent solutions work for every situation. The following outlines the differences among various odor removal techniques to help you choose the one most appropriate for your Riverside City, CA, home.

Temporary Solutions

When dealing with lingering odors, it is important to remove the particulates that are causing the smell rather than simply covering them up with other fragrances. The following are some common items that may cover up an odor for a little bit:

• Air fresheners
• Candles
• Incense

Eventually, the pleasant aroma from such items will fade and the smoke odor will return. In other cases, the fragrance from the air freshener may combine with the smoke smell and create an even more unpleasant odor.

Permanent Solutions

Smoke odor, whether from a fire or cigarette smoke, is a very long-lasting problem. The particulates tend to get trapped in porous surfaces and put off an unpleasant smell until they are properly removed. Fortunately, there are several methods of home deodorization that can effectively handle smoke odor, including the following:

• Air scrubbing
• Ozone treatment
• Thermal fogging

Air scrubbing filters the smoke particles out of the air.

Ozone treatments emit ozone into the area, and the ozone combines with the smoke particles to form a new particle that does not produce a smoky odor. Thermal fogging is better for areas affected by fires where the high temperatures caused surfaces to expand and trap the smoke odor. A certified restoration service can help you choose the best odor removal method for your home.

Home deodorization is often frustrating, especially if the offending smells linger for long periods or reappear. The best deodorization methods are those that permanently remove or alter the smoke particles so that they no longer emit unpleasant odors.