Recent Posts

Understanding Mold

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there's a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. 

Mold Prevention Tips

  • Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building envelope as soon as possible.
  • Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.
  • Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air. To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
  • Keep heating, ventilation, and air condition drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
  • Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as washing machines or showers to the outside where possible.
  • Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (RH), ideally 30-50%, if possible, by providing adequate ventilation.
  • Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
  • Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
  • Don’t let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.
  • Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning in food service areas.
  • Inspect the building for signs of mold, moisture, leaks or spills:
    • Check for moldy odors.
    • Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling, walls, floors and windowsills.
    • Look around and under sinks for standing water, water stains or mold.
    • Inspect bathrooms for standing water, water stains or mold.
    • Do not let water stand in air conditioning or refrigerator drip pans.
  • Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely.
  • Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
  • Check the mechanical room and roof for unsanitary conditions, leaks or spills. v Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

Smoke Damage Cleanup in San Diego

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and Soot Facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services:

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family and your property with empathy and respect and care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today! - 760-789-1086

Tips on Keeping Your Washing Machine Clean

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Step 1: Clean the Seal

Your first step in decontamination your washer is checking the seal around the door.

The seal catches lint, coins, paperclips and all manner of your pocket fodder. If you don't clean it out, that junk can mold or, even worse, it can make its way down to the trap. Just swipe your hand around the seal and remove any junk. Then, wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Step 2: Clean the Trap

When items don't get caught in the washer door seal, they go to a place inside the washer ominously called "the trap." (Also known as the filter.) These items languish and mildew until you either remove them or the washer stops draining water.

My washer had to stop draining water before I learned that the trap was a thing. After taking the washer apart I found it full of about $10 in change.

Here's how you can clean your own trap:

  1. Unplug the washer
  2. On the front or back of the washer there should be a little door
  3. Place a small bowl by the little door to catch drips
  4. Pry open the door using a flathead screwdriver
  5. There will be a black tube inside the door. gently pull the top end of the hose out and pull off the plastic cap
  6. Drain the hose in the bowl
  7. Place a towel in front of the door
  8. Beside the black hose will be the trap cap, also called the filter cap. Twist it to the left and pull it forward
  9. Clean out the trap and replace the trap and hose
  10. Close the little door and you're done.

These directions may vary depending on the odel and year of your washer. Be sure to check your owner's manual before attempting to clean your washer's trap.

Source: www.cnet.com

Prevent Home Fires

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.

Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy.

Cooking

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
  • Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.
  • Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Smoking

  • Smoke outside and completely put out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand.
  • Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.
  • Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turned off. Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.
  • Be alert - don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, put your cigarette out first.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

  • Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
  • If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
  • Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Portable Space Heaters

  • Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
  • Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
  • Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

  • Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
  • Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
  • Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Children

  • Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
  • Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
  • Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

More Prevention Tips

  • Never use stove range or oven to heat your home.
  • Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
  • Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.

For more information on fire information and prevention, please visit - https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

SERVPRO of East Poway/Ramona offers professional cleaning services

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO understands that now more than ever, it is important for your facility to be safe and clean for you and your patrons. With the pandemic we are facing, store cleanliness is a top concern. SERVPRO of East Poway/Ramona offers a higher standard of cleaning and you can rest assured that you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned when we come into your facility. 

When you call us for a cleaning job we will consult with you to understand your needs to ensure we have a customized plan that is geared towards your facility, we will professionally clean and certify the work. 

SERVPRO stands on over 50 years of experience! We are trained and experienced in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces. SERVPRO adheres to the cleaning standards for your facility set by the CDC.  We use EPA-approved products, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food surface use.

We also provide signage for your use to let your staff and customers know that your business has been cleaned by a professional company. It is important to us that you, your staff and guests feel safe. Upon you calling us, we will assign you a cleaning protocol specialist who understands your business. 

Call SERVPRO of East Poway/Ramona for any cleaning job, 760-789-1086.

Effects of Water Damage

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is a problem that most property owners dread. When it rains heavily or snow melts quickly, the risk of this type of damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, electronics, household appliances, and plumbing equipment. Water damage also increases the risk of mold growth, which is a very expensive problem to remediate. Hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup process easier to handle, as these companies employ experienced workers who know the best ways to repair or replace damaged items and help with water damage cleanup.

Causes of Water Damage

There are several possible causes of water damage. Leaky dishwashers, clogged toilets, broken pipes, broken dishwasher hoses, overflowing washing machines, leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, and foundation cracks are just some of the possible causes of water damage in homes and businesses. Floods, heavy snow, and heavy rain are other possible causes of this type of damage and can lead to having water in basements. Too much water can lead to minor problems such as water in basement areas, or it can lead to the destruction of homes and businesses. Once a home or business sustains water damage, it is important to start the water damage cleanup immediately. Starting water damage cleanup as soon as possible increases the likelihood of saving water-soaked furniture, carpets, rugs, clothing, and other items.

Categories of Water Damage

Assessing the severity of the damage is important for determining what is needed to start water damage repair and water removal. There are several different categories assigned to water damage. Category 1 refers to clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows. Category 2 water is also called gray water. This means that the water is contaminated and may cause sickness of ingested. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage may cause category 2 water damage. Category 3 water is known as black water. This type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water.

There are also several classes of water damage. The class of damage is important when assessing water damage repair options. Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Materials absorb very little of the water from this type of damage. Water damage repair is the easiest in this type of situation. Class 2 has a fast rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more difficult when it involves class 2 damage. Class 3 has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture. Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete.

Restoration Process

The water restoration process is an important one. Using the right procedures and materials can help people save cherished belongings and even prevent their homes from being condemned. Water restoration companies specialize in mitigating the effects of water, but the success for water damage restoration depends on the severity of the damage and the amount of water that caused the damage. Water restoration companies may hire outside experts to assess a property and determine a water restoration and water removal plan. These water restoration companies typically use high-tech equipment and well-documented procedures to control water damage. Water in basement areas may only require a short cleanup process, but water in other areas of a property will require extensive remediation.

Health Hazards

It is important to hire one of these water damage restoration companies as soon as possible after water damage occurs. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and other organisms, increasing the risk for serious health problems. Mold exposure may aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems. Exposure may also increase the risk for respiratory diseases and other medical problems. Cleaning up immediately can help mitigate the health effects of water damage on everyone in a home or commercial space.

If you need assistance with any water damage that you have, please call our team of experts at SERVPRO East Poway/Ramona at any time of the day! We are here to help. Call now: 760-789-1086.

source: www.thewaterpage.com

Be sure to Practice Fire Safety Tips for preventing kitchen fires this Holiday Season!

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

With the holidays here, your favorite recipes to make for family and friends come as well. While spending time with loved ones is important, it is also important to practice proper fire safety tips to prevent a kitchen fire.

* Did you know that when grease is too hot, it can catch fire? If you find yourself in this situation, place a lid over the pan immediate to cut off the oxygen levels. Always call 911 if you are in need of emergency help.

* Be alert and set kitchen timers. It is very easy to get distracted during the holidays with cooking multiple items and interacting with family. Set timers to make sure you don't forget that something is cooking and stay near the heat source.

* Save getting in your planned outfit for later and wear clothing that is suitable for cooking in. Avoid wearing long, baggy clothing that can easily catch fire.

* Plan to have the children looked after. It's easy to get distracted with small children. Keep the children away from the heating sources to avoid accidents.

* Clean as you go to avoid items catching fire such as napkins, towels, plastic and wooden spoons.

If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation, always call 911.

SERVPRO of East Poway/Ramona can help with clean up and restoration of any fire. 760-789-1086

What Are the Most Common Ways House Fires Start?

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can start in the smallest of ways and turn into the biggest of problems. It's important to check your home regularly and be aware of the most common ways a fire can start to protect you and your family.

So, what are the most common ways that a fire can start in your home?

* Lighting: Most people do not think that lighting can be the cause of a home fire. Make sure that lamps cannot be knocked over, and that lamp shades are not too hot.

* Cooking: Be sure to no leave foods that are being cooked on the stove unattended to. If you need to leave the kitchen, ask someone to keep an eye on the food. It is very easy to get distracted by a phone call or tending to a child and forget you have food on the stove.

* Flammable Liquids: Do you keep flammable liquids in your garage? If you answered yes, you are not alone as most people do keep flammable liquids in their garage. Be sure to keep them away from heat sources and check the label before selecting an area for storage.

* Smoking in Bedrooms: It's best to not smoke in bedrooms as the cigarette bud can still be lit for hours after the cigarette bud has been put out.


* Bad Wiring in Your Home: If you notice the lights go down when you use a certain appliance, this could be an indication that the wiring in your home is bad. To be safe, have an electrician come out to check.

* Children & Curiosity: Make sure to keep matches, and lighters away from children. Teach your children how to stop, drop and roll just in case!

* Portable heaters: Be sure to keep portable heaters away from fabrics as they can get really hot and cause a fire.

* Candles:  Candles are a great way to add ambiance to your home and fill the room with your favorite scents! Be sure you don't leave candles unattended to, they're kept away from fabrics and also kept on sturdy surfaces and away from children. Practice these tips so you can continue to enjoy your favorite scents of every season!

Call SERVPRO East Poway/Ramona for any fire safety tips or if you have an emergency. 760-789-1086

Ways to Keep Mold Out of the House

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Mold. The very word is enough to make a person cringe.

Yes, mold can be good — it's essential in making brie and penicillin, for example, and necessary for the decomposition of organic matter in nature — but it can also be very, very bad, especially when it grows undetected in your home.

Mold spores spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated.

Mold can grow anywhere: on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you can't see, such as the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, and above ceiling tiles.

So, what can you do if you're concerned about mold growing in your home?

The best approach is preventing mold before it becomes a problem. The key to mold prevention is simple: moisture control.

Here are ways to curb moisture indoors, and the mold that thrives on it.

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them. You can't mold-proof your home, but you can make it mold-resistant. Do an audit of your home: where are the problem areas? Does the basement flood? Do you notice frequent condensation on an upstairs window? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters. Or it may be a matter of major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the case, address the problem now. It might cost some money up front, but it will surely be more costly down the road if mold continues to grow unchecked.

2. Dry wet areas immediately. Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. Seepage into the basement after a heavy rainfall, accumulation from a leaky pipe, even a spill on the carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you've experienced a flood, remove water-damaged carpets, bedding, and furniture if they can't be completely dried. Even everyday occurrences need attention: don't leave wet items lying around the house, and make sure to dry the floor and walls after a shower. Don't leave wet clothes in the washing machine, where mold can spread quickly. Hang them to dry — preferably outside or in areas with good air circulation.

3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. It may be that your routine domestic activities are encouraging the growth of mold in your home. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. Vent appliances that produce moisture — clothes dryers, stoves — to the outside (not the attic). Use AC units and dehumidifiers (especially in humid climates), but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer. Your energy-efficient home may be holding moisture inside, so open a window when cooking or washing dishes or showering or run an exhaust fan.

4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products. Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. Traditional drywall is composed of a gypsum plaster core pressed between plies of paper. Mold-resistant drywall is paperless — the gypsum core is covered in fiberglass, making the surface highly water-resistant. Moisture-resistant drywall is especially valuable in areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. Not only is traditional drywall more susceptible to mold than the paperless kind, but it is also difficult to rid of mold, and removal and replacement can be expensive. Mold-resistant gypsum board is also available; the core of the drywall is developed in such a way to prevent moisture absorption, and thus prevent mold growth.

5. Monitor humidity indoors. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. You'll also be able to detect high humidity by simply paying attention to potential problem areas in your home. Telltale signs of excessive humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls. If you notice condensation, dry the surface immediately and address the source of moisture (for example, turn off a humidifier if water appears on the inside of nearby windows).

6. Direct water away from your home. If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.

7. Clean or repair roof gutters. A mold problem might be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking because of full or damaged gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage, repair them as necessary and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.

8. Improve air flow in your home. According to the EPA, as temperatures drop, the air is able to hold less moisture. Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.

9. Keep mold off household plants. They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house. Instead of getting rid of your plants, try adding a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you give to your houseplants. The oil of this tree, which withstands fungi even in rain forests, helps hinder mold growth in plant soil and can be found at natural food stores.

Finally, educate yourself on your region's climate — be it the cold and wet Northeast, the hot and wet South, the hot and dry Southwest, or the cold and dry West — and how it responds to moisture. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mold prevention. Knowing what works for your climate and your home is an important first step.

Call our team of highly trained professionals at SERVPRO East Poway/Ramona for your mold remediation needs. 760-789-1086 

source: www.mnn.com 

Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your East Poway/Ramona basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (760)789-1086

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of East Poway/Ramona and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (760)789-1086