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Avoid Costly Water Damage with Expert Help in Canoga Park

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage ceiling near a recessed light Water damage can occur on the ceiling or any part of your home; call SERVPRO in Canoga Park to remediate.

Canoga Park Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration

Whenever water infiltrates your Canoga Park home, the last thing you should do is wait to see if DIY methods alone will do the job. There is a timeline for water damage, where it not only migrates into dry spaces, but you also have to worry about materials degradation and black mold development. SERVPRO is there to ensure you have the rapid water cleanup you need to bring your interior back to pre-water loss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Whether you have water damage in Canoga Park from a clean water source or experiencing black water from storm flooding, we have crews on standby to begin the assessment and cleanup. Give our customer care center a call, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and we can mobilize our Green Fleet to your door within hours to get started.

What Type of Water is Present for Removal/Drying?

Three categories of water could impact your property. The type of water event that occurs determines the protocols and equipment our water restoration technicians (WRT) use to execute the job.

  • Category 1 – these are clean water events from spills and emergencies inside the home. Water may come from burst pipes, a slow piping leak, or a faulty appliance such as your water heater or a dishwasher supply line.
  • Category 2 – these are gray water events coming from water with light contamination, including your dishwasher, bathtub overflows, washing machines, etc.
  • Category 3 – these are black water events that include highly contaminated water. Fluids for cleanup in a black water situation may consist of flooding, sewage backup, and water that comes into contact with chemicals and other contaminants during the event.

With any category 3 water removal situation, we initiate safety protocols to keep our team and residents safe. Not only do we eliminate any safety hazards from the worksite, but we also gather the necessary personal protective equipment to wear. This includes rubber gloves, boots, full-body suits, eye protection, and respirators.

  • Should water damage be from black water, our IICRC-certified technicians will remove any saturated carpet and the padding below to dispose of it.
  • We may dispose of the carpet padding in a gray water situation and determine if the carpeting can get salvaged using specialized cleaning and drying techniques.

Drying is an Integral Part of Any Water Cleanup Project

As water extraction begins, we formulate a plan for our drying goal. We do this by measuring the humidity in the air, taking readings to determine moisture content, and factoring in the number of dehumidifiers and air movers we need to reach our goals. Airflow is critical for any restoration project, and effectively drying your structure means understanding the best techniques for airflow for the drying process.

Throughout the water restoration job, our team adjusts the equipment placement, adding or subtracting as we go to get the correct humidity levels for optimum drying. We may also remove baseboards to handle any water trapped behind walls in certain situations.

Let Our Contents Cleaning Team Get to Work

Whenever your belongings have been impacted by water intrusion, you need everything dried and cleaned accordingly. Not only do we offer pack-out services to move items off-site for safekeeping during the restoration, but we also take the time to clean and dry anything that the water touched. When we get done, everything gets moved back into place.

SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills can be reached by dialing (818) 998-1500. We are here around the clock for rapid water damage assistance.

Fire Damage Is No Match for Skilled Restoration in Canoga Park

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

Red fire extinguisher putting out a controlled fire in a black box Regardless of the level of fire damage your home in Canoga Park experienced, contact SERVPRO for remediation services.

Call SERVPRO to Your Canoga Park Home for Fire Damage Cleanup

Fire damaged homes call for prompt attention so that you can get your life back in order as soon as possible. SERVPRO realizes that Canoga Park residents that recently experienced a house fire will have many emotions and a lot to think about. You may wonder if it is safe to enter your home, how you can go about the insurance claims process, and if everything is lost. We're Faster to Any Size Disaster, offering the prompt attention your property deserves!

When your Canoga Park home encounters fire damage, you need to remember several things, including:

  • Never try cleaning electrical components or appliances that may have been close to heat, flames, or water.
  • Never try shampooing upholstery and carpeting or washing painted surfaces and walls.
  • Never turn on any lighting or ceiling fans because the wiring might be compromised.
  • Never consume any beverages or food items that may have been near heat, flames, or water.

Water Restoration and Fire Cleanup Go Hand-in-Hand

Water removal services and moisture control are necessary for most fire-related emergencies to bring your property back to pre-fire condition. As first responders extinguish the flames, high-pressure water and possibly chemicals are used to speed up fire-fighting efforts. SERVPRO inspects all areas to locate moisture, and our water restoration technicians (WRT) work to pull up standing water and charred debris with powerful pumps and extraction tools.

SERVPRO always brings the right equipment for all fire cleanup projects to ensure the best results. We know that using professional equipment makes the difference in the results and cuts back on your claim's dollar amount. Time matters, so our industrial-grade equipment allows us to achieve our goals promptly.

Before cleaning surfaces and belongings, pre-testing gets done. We can determine the correct cleaning method and products to salvage whatever is possible by pre-testing materials and surface areas. Our fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) are well-versed when it comes to handling soiling from wet or dry smoke, protein-based smoke, fuel-oil soot, and other stubborn residues.

Rebuilding After Fire Damage to Your Home

With significant restoration projects, you need skilled contractors to take care of all reconstruction work. Due to the charred building materials and possible issues with structural elements after a fire, the project may call for controlled demolition. Our SERVPRO team works with trusted contractors in the local area so that your property can get back to pre-fire condition "Like it never even happened."

We will also handle any temporary construction needs such as board-up and tarping to prevent further damage from the elements or vandals. Some of the various repair and reconstruction work that may be necessary with fire damage include:

  • Drywall removal and replacement
  • Carpet repair and installation
  • Flooring repair (tile, marble, wood, linoleum)
  • Roofing repair and replacement
  • Painting and sealing

Before your project wraps up, our IICRC-certified team follows protocols to handle sanitizing and deodorizing of all surfaces. Not only does this step leave your interior clean and safe for your family and pets, but it also eliminates any foul smoke odors getting left behind as a reminder of the fire event that took place. Our Green Fleet comes stocked with a range of deodorants like odor-counteractant beads and EPA-registered cleaning agents. We also have equipment handy to eliminate stubborn soot odors, including thermal foggers, ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers, air scrubbers, and hydroxyl generators.

SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills is here to address your house fire cleanup and fire damage restoration needs. Call us 24/7 at (818) 998-1500.

Address Mold Damage with Precision in Canoga Park

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

Microscopic view of mold spores A musty odor in your Canoga Park home can be a sign of mold damage. If you think you are dealing with mold damage, call SERVPRO to remediate.

Trust SERVPRO’s Mold Damage Restoration Techniques in Canoga Park

Once you spot visible mold in your Canoga Park property, you know it needs to get removed fast. However, it would help to remember that not all mold development is obvious, and it can be challenging to detect in some areas that are harder to reach. Some property owners may not notice black mold until they detect musty smells or a new renovation project uncovers mold infestation. These are some of the many reasons it is best to hire a skilled team like SERVPRO to handle your mold remediation project.

Why is it time to think about hiring SERVPRO for suspected mold damage in Canoga Park? Mishandling the damaged area can dislodge the spores and cause infestation elsewhere. Hiring a skilled crew to address any alleged mold within your building will get you the results you need – Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned!

How to Proceed if You Suspect Mold Growth Within Your Home or Business

Did you know that we get exposed to various types of mold spores daily – both indoors and outside? However, you still need trained mold remediation technicians to handle a mold issue so that you can get everything done as efficiently and safely as possible. Contact SERVPRO if you notice the following:

  • You smell musty, mold-like odors but cannot visibly see mold or a moisture problem.
  • You spot mold colonization within your workplace or home. Large or small, any area should have a mold inspection followed by a detailed plan for cleanup and sanitizing.
  • You noticed a moisture problem or water leak that seems it may have been going on for a while.

Mold spreads rapidly in the right environment and with enough moisture. It can turn into various colonies throughout your property before you know it. Once mold spreads, it can damage your home’s foundation, structural elements, building materials, and belongings. To make it even worse, mold can spread fast into multiple zones of your home and still go undetected without professional intervention.

Why SERVPRO Versus DIY Removals?

There is no such thing as total mold removal, as there are always spores everywhere we go. A DIY project is not a good idea because you can unsettle the spores and subject yourself to inhalation and other forms of exposure. SERVPRO arrives on your property with personal protective equipment and all the best mold remediation techniques to help you return your building to pre-mold infestation condition.

While all mold damage calls are unique given the cause and design of your building, SERVPRO still follows protocols for mold remediation, which includes:

  • Emergency contact to mobilize our team to your property
  • Detailed inspection and assessment of mold damage (testing by professionals may be required)
  • Mold containment using barriers and negative air pressure
  • Air filtration with powerful HEPA filters
  • Removal of all mold-infested materials
  • Cleaning all belongings and contents
  • Complete cleanup, sanitizing, and deodorizing using EPA-registered antimicrobials and other products

It is important to note that before mold cleanup can begin, we must address the source of moisture or water – otherwise, the mold problem may come right back. We will also take the time to ensure no mold is festering within your ductwork that could end up circulating throughout your property once the HVAC system comes on.

When it comes to any mold damage suspected in your home or business, SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills is the team to call. You can reach us at any time by dialing (818) 998-1500.

Mitigating Mold Damage Issues in Canoga Park

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

mold spelled out on wall Mold damage in Canoga Park Homes is not always apparent. Call SERVPRO for remediation--"Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Offers Mold Damage Restoration Services in Canoga Park

When a homeowner suffers from a small water spill or leak, they do what they can to clean up the mess and leave it at that. But, issues can arise whenever any amount of moisture gets inside your dwelling in places other than where it is supposed to be. Mold only needs an organic material for food, moisture, time, and the correct temperature to form and survive. If you have a water spill or a small, slow leak, fungi can form in a place you may not see.

Our SERVPRO technicians often notice while working to restore mold damage in Canoga Park that a fungus forms in dark, tight areas that people rarely enter, like attics, utility closets, and crawl spaces. These rooms have little light, and humidity is usually high, making them prime locations for fungal formations. But, if these issues are not treated right away by a professional restoration company, the mold could spread to other places inside your home.

Once mold forms, it grows structures called hyphae in all three directions. These hyphae then release seed-like spores that travel in the air inside your home until they find another place with an organic food source and moisture to grow. Since mold can cause health effects, it is always wise to mitigate mold when it forms inside your building before it spreads to other areas of your structure.

Why should you call SERVPRO for Mold Restoration?

  • We can provide fast, 24/7 service
  • Our highly trained team is certified by the IICRC
  • We use the industry's most advanced technology
  • We work with all of our clients closely from start to finish

If you ever notice a small leak in a utility closet or see black mold form inside your crawl space or attic, call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500.

Fire Damage Cleanup in Canoga Park Is Better with SERVPRO’s Help

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

soot on a dresser top Soot, odors, and fire damage are all vanquished by SERVPRO. We make your Canoga Park home appear "Like it never even happened."

How to Handle Fire Damage in Canoga Park Homes

During a fire, smoke, odor, soot, and other particles that only trained professionals can see penetrate the floors, walls, attic, and ductwork. Thus, it is vital to have competent professionals repair the fire damage and restore your residence to a clean, healthy environment.

SERVPRO’s certified fire restoration team can arrive at your home shortly after you contact us. We can use the latest techniques and technologies to handle the fire damage in your Canoga Park residence. We can perform fire damage mitigation, cleanup, and home reconstruction.  The primary responsibilities that our restorers undertake include the following:

  • Board up and tarping
  • Smoke and soot cleanup
  • Water damage mitigation
  • Odor removal

Board up and tarping

A fire can damage the doors, roof, windows, and other structures. Gaping holes that remain after the fire can be an invitation to issues like thieves and wildlife. Our SERVPRO technicians can board up the openings and place tarps on the rooftop to safeguard your home from further damage.

Soot removal

Soot is a deposit of impure carbon particles that can penetrate porous surfaces like clothing, carpeting, draperies, and furniture. Oily or dry soot can form based on the type of materials that burned. Our SERVPRO technicians can use dry cleaning sponges and low alkaline detergents to remove dry soot from the affected surfaces. We can use high-alkaline detergents to remove oily soot and thoroughly rinse the affected areas.

Water damage mitigation

A home can get flooded during a fire if the flames damage pipes or water storage tanks or if the firefighters use lots of water to extinguish it. Our SERVPRO team can use water pumps to remove the standing water. We can dry the house with air-moving and dehumidifying equipment.

Odor removal

Removing odor from a fire-swept property is critical because unpleasant odors cause frustration and discomfort. We can use innovative technology like thermal fogging to eliminate the smells.

Don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500 to restore your property, making the fire damage seem “Like it never even happened.”

Why is Water Mitigation So Important for Canoga Park Restoration Projects?

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Unchecked water can cause hardwood flooring to buckle and warp.

SERVPRO Wants Canoga Park Residents to Know Water Removal is Just One Step in the Mitigation and Restoration Process

Having a water spillage event in your Canoga Park home means you need skilled water restoration technicians (WRT). SERVPRO takes pride in rapid response and proven methods so that we can help area residents and business owners with mitigation, removal, and restoration for any water-related incident.

Once you call us for water mitigation in Canoga Park, water removal is the first vital step following the assessment. We must extract water from your home while considering the migration path to stop traveling moisture in its tracks. We use powerful extractors and pumps to execute water removal services, including careful attention paid to hard flooring, carpeting, and rugs.

However, we want you to know that water removal is just one aspect of water damage restoration. To successfully mitigate the damage, we must also dry and clean your home to restore relative humidity, eliminate the possibility of secondary damage, and keep mold and mildew from developing. Consider the following:

  • Our technicians must check beneath and inside wooden flooring to ensure no water has been allowed to pool. Failing to do so could lead to warping, cupping, or buckling the materials.
  • Our technicians must check inside walls to ensure no internal water damage, including saturation of drywall and moisture pooling behind baseboards.
  • Our technicians must check other areas like drapes, furnishings, and carpeting for any damp spots. These can all be prime locations for mold development should moisture be allowed to linger.

During our water mitigation and restoration process, SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified technicians take regular readings and adjust our drying and dehumidification equipment accordingly so that we can achieve our goals. Once everything is dry and restored, all surfaces get cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized to ensure your interior gets left “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills can be reached by calling (818) 998-1500 around the clock. We are your answer when you seek the best water mitigation and restoration result.

Back to Business in Closter with Pro Water Damage Restoration

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows that each commercial setting is unique and can adapt our methods to restore any water damage incurred.

Canoga Park Commercial Properties Trust SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration

Water leaks that develop in any commercial setting can lead to damage and throw your entire process off balance. Whether you run a retail space, production facility, or commercial kitchen, you want to stay open for your Canoga Park customers even if a water emergency occurs. SERVPRO provides detailed water removal services and reconstruction, so your business sees little to no downtime. Hiring us to handle your water damage ensures you never miss a beat – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Failing to begin water damage restoration in your Canoga Park commercial space as soon as possible sets you up for potential mold growth and costly secondary damage. SERVPRO is here to quickly restore all areas of your business impacted by water so that you can keep customers happy and your staff from missing out on a paycheck they count on.

Containment and mitigation in commercial buildings

We know that each commercial setting is unique, so our technicians adapt accordingly to ensure we achieve our goals using measures like:

  • Cordoning off the work zone away from clients, inventory, machinery, etc.
  • Containment helps us limit the tracking of potential contaminants and debris into unaffected areas of your business.
  • Specialized extractions and drying to ensure no stone gets left unturned.
  • Thorough disinfection of all surfaces to ensure the safety of your staff and all patrons who visit your establishment.

What about foul, musty odors?

There are bound to be odors left behind with a water emergency. However, SERVPRO has odor control technicians (OCT) that address indoor air quality (IAQ) and eliminate all odors rather than masking them with industrial-grade products and equipment like air scrubbers and ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers.

Be confident in SERVPRO when you need help with water damage restoration. Call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500, and we can be at your commercial property ready to work within hours.

Repairing Flood Damage in Bell Canyon

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO begins restoration by testing the moisture content and bringing down the humidity of the room.

SERVPRO's Process for Restoring Hardwood Floors after Flood Damage

Flooding around Bell Canyon can occur, just like in many other cities in our area. The water left afterward has been relatively clean, but some homes have had to deal with mud and other contaminants that make cleaning and restoration more difficult. Most damage still comes from the time water soaks into the property.

Restoring hardwood floors in Bell Canyon after flood damage takes the right equipment, training, and experience. SERVPRO has created a checklist based on our twenty-plus years in the restoration business to get the best possible results.

Cupping, warping, and buckling begin in floorboards after flooding. If we can quickly remove the water and dry the floorboards, the damage remains minor, and we can repair or eliminate it. Before we can begin any work, the moisture content of the wood must be twelve percent or less. We test this with specially designed moisture meters. If the content is higher, we have to lower it, or our efforts further damage the floorboards.

Our first step is to reduce the room's humidity to less than forty-five percent. SERVPRO technicians set dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air and then set up air movers to carefully force warm, dry air underneath and over the floorboards.

Next, we bring the humidity to under twenty percent. At this point, further damage stops, and the chance for mold growth significantly drops. Once we test the humidity at fifteen percent, we bring in space heaters to raise the inside temperature to increase evaporation. If the varnish on the floor slows evaporation, we use a pin roller to pierce it in areas with little foot traffic and corners.

Now, we can repair and restore the floorboards. We can sand down minor damage for cupping and warping and then apply new varnish to even out the appearance. If the damage is significant, we replace the affected piece. Buckling is more severe than cupping or warping; it twists the wood and can even push other floorboards out of place. In most cases, we must replace the piece with a new one sanded down to match.

Restoring your wood floors after flooding is time-consuming, but it is much more cost-efficient than replacing them. For more information on what SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills can do for your home, call us at (818) 998-1500.

Water Damage in Your Winnetka Apartment Building Can Harm Your Personal Belongings

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO helps those in our community protect their property from all kinds of water damage.

Water Damage in Your Apartment Building

Apartment homes come with both benefits and drawbacks. What tenants do inside their own abodes can sometimes affect other Winnetka residents. Because water spreads so quickly, if another tenant's tub overflows, it can also pose problems for you.

It won't be possible for you to prevent your belongings in your apartment from becoming affected by water damage in Winnetka when the water comes from another apartment. Invading water can sneak in slowly, under walls, and up through carpeting. Furniture legs or frames pressing down on the carpet can absorb considerable water. If made of particle board, this can quickly swell and warp the finish.

While water damage to furniture can become costly, damage to the belongings inside can pose even more significant hardships. We at SERVPRO can help by helping you pack up these items and then move them to a safe and dry location, either in another room, unaffected by the water, or at our warehouse. We can protect any damaged items similarly.

However, sometimes water on surfaces that invades your living area can come in so much that the air also becomes saturated. This can damage items you may not have considered at risk when you became aware of the problem. Secondary water damage can include mildew spotting of fabric wall hangings, curtains, and bedspreads. Canopied beds can also develop this same problem. But no worries! We can launder these more substantial items, including rugs and fabric shower curtains.

If elevated water levels seem likely in your dwelling's future, we can install an energy-efficient and low-maintenance dehumidifier to help prevent future damage from affecting your belongings. We can discuss this and other options while you live in an apartment setting.

SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills helps those in our community protect their property from all kinds of water damage. Events such as these can create problems for months to come if not mitigated promptly and correctly. Call us at (818) 998-1500 to find out how we can help you save your belongings from the damaging effects of water.

Removing Flood Damage from Canoga Park Residences

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

If your house is flooded, don’t panic. SERVPRO has certified technicians and professional equipment to handle any situation. Contact us 24/7.

Flood Damage Requires Widespread Cleanup

Cleaning up after flooding involves the removal of debris and building materials impacted by the disaster. Restoring your home after this water intrusion requires several phases of cleaning and recovery beginning as soon as our technicians first arrive at the address.

Clearing Standing Water

Removing standing water is one of the largest mitigation obstacles for flood damage in Canoga Park. Powerful units are needed to manage several inches, or even feet, of pooling in house rooms. The faster water can be pulled from the building, the more likely non-porous building materials can be saved and cleaned, though porous elements like drywall will likely need to be replaced. Debris in the water presents additional challenges, making it impossible to use the full measure of our extractor inventory to help.

Discarding Bulk Materials

Despite additional factors like contamination, saturated materials pose a concern for restoration professionals. Flood damage removal and cleanup in some cases means controlled demolition. Sagging materials and deterioration building elements threaten those in the immediate area for collapse or weakening, so SERVPRO professionals must remove them and discard them. Some affected materials might include:

  • Drywall
  • Carpeting
  • Insulation
  • Acoustic Ceiling

Resolving Residues and Soil Deposits

Flood cleanup and removal also means eliminating surface residues, staining, and potential contaminants. Surface restoration is one of the most important elements of post-flood cleaning. We have multiple disinfectants, sanitizing products, chlorine-based cleaners, and quaternary compounds to help eliminate flood soils without harming the surface underneath them. 

Flood damage cleanup can refer to many of the services and actions our SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills professionals take when reaching a home. Regardless of how the flooding occurred, we are a preferred choice to help with our fast response and experience in water recovery. Give our team a call now at (818) 998-1500.