Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

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.

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.

In Canoga Park, Six Places Where Mold Remediation Could Be Needed

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

If you’ve spotted mold in your home it needs to be dealt with fast and efficiently. Call SERVPRO for professional remediation and mitigation services.

Why SERVPRO for Mold Damage Remediation in Your Home

Mold remediation in Canoga Park is the outcome when too much water or moisture contacts a food source offering mold spores opportunities to colonize into a problem.

Though mold growth is less of an issue in this part of southern California, it is still an economically impactful occurrence. SERVPRO points out that mold proliferation in Canoga Park can lead to material damage to the structure and possible health effects to the residents if left untreated. Diligently inspecting the hot spots for mold growth can mitigate the chances of having to call SERVPRO for mold removal and sanitization of your property.

  • Bathroom. It is easy for mold to thrive in your bathroom because this is a region of the property where a high amount of moisture is produced. Mold can grow in several bathroom settings, including the ceilings, walls, shower curtains, wet towels, toilet, and sink.
  • Tiny leaks behind the fridge in the ice-maker water line, near the dishwasher with temperature variations, and under the sink can create the moist environment necessary for mold growth.
  • Poor seals allow moisture and condensation on window panes if relative humidity (RH) is too high inside the structure. Molds can thrive near the edges of wood or metal-framed windows. The condensation will typically accumulate on the frames and sills of your windows. When left unchecked, mold can start to grow.
  • Substandard insulation allows higher temperatures that will raise the RH. Attics with roof leaks, poor ventilation, or drain tile issues are susceptible to undetected mold growth.
  • Exposure to moisture from leaks, overflowing water from plants, floor cracks, or floods. Quick suction action may prevent discarding of the carpet and padding.
  • Laundry Room. Washing machine leaks from supply lines or the drainage line are common. Periodically replace these. A clothes dryer with clogged filters from lint will not dissipate the heat properly, causing insufficient drying time, wasted electricity, and higher ambient RH.

Why Choose SERVPRO for mold remediation services?

A significant mold infestation must be dealt with safely by wearing protective clothing and gear. Containment is crucial to prevent spores from circulating throughout the structure. We utilize specialized industrial-grade equipment such as negative air pressure machines, dehumidifiers, air movers, air scrubbers, and fogging machines. The result is no musty odor and a sanitized, safe home. The SERVPRO professional technicians are corporate trained and acquire IICRC certification in many aspects of cleaning and mold removal techniques. Call us for a complimentary mold inspection.

SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills uses advanced mold remediation techniques and equipment. Our advanced equipment helps to detect and stop the source of water feeding the mold in Canoga Park. We then isolate the affected area using a negative air pressure chamber. We are proud to serve the communities of Canoga Park and West Hills with 24/7 service. Call us. (818) 998-1500

What To Do and Avoid When Dealing With Mold Damage In Winnetka Homes

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

When mold develops in Winnetka, remediate with SERVPRO, not bleach

Professional Mold Remediation is the Answer to Secure Your Property

There are many things to check, repair, and keep in shape when you are a homeowner. Caring for your Winnetka home is very satisfying, and naturally, you want to deal with any problems as soon as they arise to keep your home safe and pleasant for you and your family. One problem that most householders face at some point is fungal growth. Mold damage is usually easy to spot, thanks to the tell-tale black and green patches and musty smell. What is not always easy is knowing what to do when you find it. Thankfully, SERVPRO is here to help. 

We understand that you do not want mold damage in your Winnetka home, and so, of course, if you spot the fungus, you want to get rid of it straight away. That is why we have put together this handy short list of what to do and avoid when you see signs of fungus in your house. 

Do not use a fan in mold-infested areas. We have heard rumors of people using fans to try and disperse mold, and it is enough to give any remediation expert nightmares! Fans blow the microscopic mold spores into the air, making it easier for them to travel and start new colonies. 

Do not use bleach or other chemicals. Sometimes using bleach or other chemicals makes the problem worse – it is far better to talk to a remediation expert. The water in the bleach can feed the colonies with fresh moisture. The hyphae (roots) of mold are typically not affected by the disinfecting qualities of bleach.

Do not focus on killing the mold. It is challenging to exterminate fungus; in most cases, it merely goes dormant and can “wake up” again when conditions are right. 

So what should you do? The best thing is to call SERVPRO. Professional mold remediation is more efficient than DIY efforts. We equip our IICRC-certified experts with protective clothing and respirators so they can handle fungal growth safely. We have the equipment needed to set up containment and vent contaminated air, which is much more efficient than merely wiping. 

For help with mold problems in Winnetka, Bell Canyon, West Hills and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500 today.

Fast Action Is Required When Mold Is Located In Your Canoga Park Property

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure to maintain your HVAC system to stop the possible spread of mold. Team SERVPRO will investigate the situation and remediate the mold damage.

What Can Happen Without Early Action For Mold Damage In Canoga Park

We urge everyone in Canoga Park with mold damage in their home to call SERVPRO sooner rather than later. Otherwise, mold can grow and spread around the house and become an even greater problem. In some cases, homeowners may see visible growth die and fade and think that their worries are over, only to later discover a much more serious colony growing elsewhere. Getting us on the scene ensures that any hidden patches of growth can be found and that none of these severe complications result.

Mold In HVAC Systems

One of the most common places our experts find mold damage in Canoga Park homes is the HVAC system. Because all the air in the house circulates through a few enclosed, dark spaces, airborne mold spores can accumulate on filters, corners, and debris in the system. The only way you are likely to find out about growth here is through your nose, as the odors from any infestations in the HVAC system are likely to spread around the house quickly. Our technicians are experts at finding and removing mold colonies here and are fully HVAC certified.

Behind Walls And Below Floors

Spores are microscopic and can easily penetrate even the tiniest cracks and openings in your walls and floors. Once below the surface, they may find a dark, warm, and food-rich environment to grow. In many cases, these infestations grow to an incredible size before any visible mold appears in the home. As part of our standard inspections, we use moisture detection technology to identify potential colonies hidden behind the surfaces of your home.

Quarantines

In some cases, the mold damage may be so extensive as to require a quarantine. Usually, only a room or section of the house gets cut off, but that depends on how severe the infestation is. Quarantines are done to contain the damage and prevent it from spreading any further, but are also a safety precaution, as mold damage can cause health effects. Calling SERVPRO at the first sign of mold damage is the best way to avoid quarantines entirely.

SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills is ready on a 24/7 basis to help your home deal with mold damage crises large and small. Just call us at (818) 998-1500.

How To Clean Soft Furnishings After Mold Damage in Canoga Park

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Mold Removal from Clothing and Soft Fabrics

SERVPRO Provides Solutions for Mold Remediation to Clothing and Homes

Mold damage is insidious and often happens unnoticed, at least at first. The fungus can grow anywhere there is moisture and a food source such as drywall or cotton. Outbreaks usually occur in damp areas such as the kitchen, basement, or laundry room. However, mold grows anywhere with the right conditions, which means it can appear anywhere in Canoga Park homes.

SERVPRO understands that one of the biggest concerns about mold damage in Canoga Park is the risk to soft furnishings. Spores can settle on items such as drapes, rugs, and bedding. Immediate cleaning is necessary, or things might not be salvageable. 

It is tempting to put articles in the washer when mold damage occurs or try scrubbing with cleaning fluids. However, washing and scrubbing are not always effective against mold, especially on soft or porous materials. 

SERVPRO customers sometimes ask if they should send mold-damaged items to their local dry cleaner. Or IICRC trained techs recommend people be very cautious about where they send their items for cleaning. That is why it is good to wait until you have spoken to one of our trained representatives. We help ascertain what is salvageable and what is not and advise you on the best steps to take. 

In many cases, the most efficient course of action is to send soft furnishings to our off-site cleaning facility, where we undertake cleaning using the patented Esporta wash system. The Esporta system is based on powerful hydraulic technology, which is comparable to the force of waves crashing on a beach. The hydraulic motion forces compounds such as fungi out of material, leaving it clean once more. Esporta states that their systems typically restore 90% of soft furnishings that have suffered mold damage. 

If sending items to our cleaning facility is not the right option for you, we may advise you on which local dry cleaner to choose for the best results. 

While our facility staff is cleaning your items, we set to work wiping, scrubbing, and dehumidifying affected areas in your home to remove visible mold and reduce the risk of regrowth.

For help with fungal growth in Canoga Park, West Hills, and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500.

What is the Best Way to Clean Sheetrock with Mold Damage in Canoga Park Properties?

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Facing a recent mold infestation? Team SERVPRO has tools to investigate the cause and then remediate the mold damage. We are standing by 24/7.

SERVPRO Performs Professional Mold Damage Remediation for Canoga Park Homes and Businesses

The main requirement for a surface to get cleaned during Canoga Park mold remediation is to withstand the cleaning method used. Unfortunately, most porous objects, including sheetrock, are poor candidates for the deep cleaning applications necessary to eradicate visible dried colonies.

SERVPRO brings professional mold damage mitigation to Canoga Park properties. The technicians can inspect the sheetrock and see if it needs removal due to mold growth on the building materials. The goal during the remediation is to remove materials and contents ruined by a mold infestation and bring the interior humidity levels down under 50%, which is unsustainable for mold colonies to survive.

SERVPRO technicians know through their training and years of experience that mold growth is always a sign of a larger issue supporting the infestation. Common reasons for mold growth include unresolved water damage from leaks and poor ventilation retaining humid air.

Once the techs have diagnosed the reason for the mold growth and the areas affected within the home, they work to determine the scale of the infestation and set up containment. Placing plastic barriers over vents and doorways limits the spread of airborne mold spores that could germinate in other areas of the property.

We strive to restore damaged building materials and not replace

If our inspection and visual search indicate that the hyphae (root-like) structures of the mold colonies have not penetrated deeply past the cardboard backing of the drywall, we can use various methods to mechanically remove them. Once the interior humidity levels get brought down through the use of SERVPRO's professional drying equipment, the technicians remove the dried matter left behind using various methods, including: 

  • Hand scraping and removing with hand vacs with HEPA filtration
  • The use of soda and ice blasting
  • Sponge blasting on surfaces that cannot tolerate soda or ice blasting

Canoga Park residents rely on SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500 for professional mold damage mitigation in both homes and businesses.

Canoga Park, Flooding, SERVPRO, a Great Cleanup!!

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Facing flooding in your home? Team SERVPRO can help with knowledgeable technicians and water removal equipment to tackle the job.

Mitigating Groundwater Flood Damage in a Canoga Park Home

With the coming of spring, California's rainy season is drawing to a close until fall, but unexpected storms and rising water levels from Bell Creek or the Los Angeles River can give homeowners quite the headache when they find their floors flooded with groundwater.

If you come home from work to find groundwater flood damage in your Canoga Park home, certified SERVPRO technicians are ready to respond to your emergency, extricate the water, and restore your home to its pre-flood condition to prevent structural damage and mold proliferation. "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Restoration

While floodwater does not often need extraction by the time your SERVPRO team arrives, that does not mean the water has left your home entirely. Instead, porous surfaces such as carpet, wood, and drywall have absorbed groundwater. Groundwater flooding is referred to as black water, as the chances of contamination from materials such as sewage are high. With a homeowner's permission, our professionals can move right to moving and blocking intact furniture as well as removing ruined furniture to prevent further damage to your possessions.

Moisture sensors are used to evaluate the moisture-wicking by sheetrock or drywall. Because the absorption properties of these materials work against gravity, our team makes flood cuts six inches above the highest reaches of moisture accumulation to facilitate drying and mold prevention. Industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers are positioned and utilized in tandem to pull moisture out of walls and flooring, while dry air soaks up this moisture like a sponge. Antimicrobial cleaners are also used to cleanse surfaces after drying to ensure extra protection against mold, fungus, and other contaminants from Black Water.

Flooding with contaminated water can also fill your home with unpleasant odors, and our technicians can use ULV wet foggers to release a dense mist with agents that bind to odor-causing particles to make them cleanable after falling onto surfaces.

SERVPRO of Canoga Park/West Hills is ready to serve the area 24/7. If you have a disaster that needs professional cleanup and mitigation, give us a call today at (818) 998-1500.

It's Tough Finding Mold Damage In West Hills

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

When you see or smell mold in your home, time is of the essence. Contact Team SERVPRO to investigate and remediate the mold damage.

Finding Mold Damage In Your West Hills Home

Detecting and locating mold damage in a West Hills home is often one of the most challenging and complicated parts of the remediation process. To adequately eliminate threats and signs of mold, we must first precisely locate where the fungus is growing. However, this is no easy task, even when advanced tools and detection techniques assist us. The mold must first be located before verifying how large of an issue there is. Once you call SERVPRO, we can use our tools and expertise to nail down the exact location of the infestation.

What Should You Do When You Find Mold?

If you encounter any signs of mold damage in your West Hills home, such as a foul or musty odor or discoloration along a wall, investigate that sign and try to locate the infestation. If the discoloration grows more concentrated or the foul odors become more concentrated as you move to another part of the room or even another room entirely, you may be close to the inception point of this infestation. Try to figure out how many rooms contain growth, where it is in each room, and how strong each spot is relevant to other areas. Additionally, if you find obvious signs of moisture such as a water drip or flow, try to locate the source. You may find additional growth in those spots.

What Can SERVPRO Do?

When SERVPRO technicians arrive shortly after your call, the first step they take is to analyze the situation and get a clearer understanding of where the mold is and what has caused it to become a problem. In addition to your discoveries, we can use advanced moisture detection tools to identify exact spots of growth and concentrate our efforts on every patch of fungus, even those hidden from view.

SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills provides fast and reliable mold damage remediation services to the local community. Call us 24/7 at (818) 998-1500.

There is Fire Damage in My Canoga Park Home, Where Do I Get Help?

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

After the fire fighters leave and you see the fire damage, the situation can seem overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 to assess and remediate.

Call SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to Restore Your Canoga Park Home After Fire Damage

A fire can start from any flame source and may get out of control, causing havoc in your Canoga Park home. Apart from the flames, the smoke emitted during a fire can continue creating problems. Another issue is the resulting water damage caused by the water used to extinguish the flames.

How does SERVPRO restore fire-damaged homes?

Fire damage in your Canoga Park home can be a significant problem because it can affect its structure, cause air quality problems, and lead to other issues like smoke damage. Our technicians can examine the damage and address issues like air quality and structural damage. We can remove the soot damaged items and debris. If there is water from firefighting efforts, we can use pumps to extract it. We also deep clean and deodorize affected homes.

Do I have to move out?

We consider the fire and smoke damage severity to determine if you should spend some nights at a hotel or other location. After a fire, the air quality may be reduced and may not allow you to remain in your house safely while our team is providing restoration services. If you have to leave your home, our team can perform a set of emergency procedures, including:

  • Securing your home by performing a board up. Boarding up a house closes up openings caused by fire damage.
  • Addressing electrical safety issues and restoring power to the house.
  • Checking for any loss of integrity to structural components like roof trusses and floor joists.
  • Restoring heat to the home if it is during the winter months.

Staying at a different location can give you a chance to remain safe during the restoration process. Make sure you retain all receipts because your insurance company can cover such costs. Your family's well-being is our priority, and our team can do its best to get you back in your residence as soon as it is safe.

How do you remove the smoke smell from a house?

SERVPRO has access to sophisticated deodorization equipment and products. We can use equipment such as thermal foggers to remove the smell. We also use products such as odor counteracting beads to deal with smoke odors. Odor counteractants give off pleasant aromas to freshen up the areas we are restoring.

A fire can have a destructive effect on your home. Call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500 to clean up and restore your home quickly as possible.

Canoga Park Storm Damage Mitigation

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Has your home been affected by a recent storm? Contact Team SERVPRO for efficient storm damage remediation services. We are standing by for your call.

Need Storm Mitigation Restoration Service in Canoga Park – Call SERVPRO

Storms in Canoga Park can cause a lot of damage from broken windows, holes in roofs, and even flooding of our homes and businesses. There is direct damage caused by the storm, including high winds, rain, and flooding. Secondary damage also occurs when water and moisture are allowed to remain in place for too long. Wood and drywall products absorb moisture, swell and become permanently damaged, and mold colonies may invade the premises.

SERVPRO provides storm mitigation services to Canoga Park residents. We urge consumers and residents to take action as soon as storm damage occurs. SERVPRO can be onsite in less than four hours, twenty-four hours a day, to begin water removal and protect your home or business. Protecting your structures with board-up service on windows and doors and also covering roofs with tarps helps to prevent additional damage from the elements.

We deploy water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove water and moisture to minimize the damage caused by water and humidity. Our fast response can also help prevent mold infestations from occurring in high moisture areas of your home or business.

SERVPRO offers the following services:

  • Water Damage Remediation
  • Emergency Services Water Damage Restoration
  • Board Up and Tarpaulin Service for Leaking Roof From Storms

Call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills for storm mitigation in Canoga Park and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (818) 998-1500.

What Should Homeowners Do When a Water Intrusion Incident Occurs

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills today at (818) 998-1500 if you need help with professional water damage restoration.

Property Owners Can Call SERVPRO to Perform Water Removal Cleanup in Their West Hills Homes

It only takes a few inches of water to cause a severe water damage threat to your home. You can reduce the harmful effects of water damage by seeking restoration services from a reliable firm like SERVPRO.

Our restorers are available around the clock, 365 days a year, and we can assist you to bring things back to normal quickly. To perform efficient water removal cleanup in your West Hills home, our water removal experts can provide an on-site evaluation and work with your insurance firm to make the water cleanup process hassle-free.

How SERVPRO can help

We have well-trained specialists who can address all the possible consequences of water intrusion. Apart from knowing how to fix the destruction, our experts also know where to look. Some of the steps our team can take to restore your home include:

  •     Using portable pumps to pump out water from floors
  •     Using infrared cameras to inspect and monitor the moisture in building materials
  •     Using air movers and dehumidifiers to dry all indoor surfaces
  •     Pulling up carpet and pad if necessary
  •     Controlling the spread of contaminants

Throughout the restoration process, we handle our customers’ possessions with the utmost care.

When dealing with the aftermath of a plumbing leak, appliance malfunction, or another issue, call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills for water removal cleanup services in your West Hills residence. Our helpline is (818) 998-1500.

Canoga Park Business Professionals – Weekly Beach Café Lunch Meetup

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO suggests to storm-damaged Canoga Park clients, check out the AIMCP virtual visit for a better networking experience.

The IAMCP Invites You to a Weekly Meetup in Canoga Park During Lunch Hours

Meeting up with other local business professionals in Canoga Park, CA, is the perfect way to network. These connections are even better when lunch is involved, even virtually. Due to local social distancing guidelines, weekly virtual meetups in the area have become the ultimate way to eat your lunch while enjoying the chance to talk with other International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) chapter members. This is a weekly event taking place online on Tuesdays, so you have multiple chances to join in!

  • Date: Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 (and every Tuesday following)
  • Time: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
  • Where: Virtually
  • Cost: Free

If you cannot meet on December 1st, this is a recurring event that you can take advantage of on a Tuesday lunch break when your schedule allows.

Networking and communicating with business owners and homeowners alike in the area is vital to our crew at SERVPRO of Canoga Park/West Hills. If you need reliable water restoration at your home, you can reach our skilled IICRC-certified technicians by calling (818) 998-1500. We arrive quickly to get to work so that your interior will be “Like it never even happened.”

Why Call for Skilled Assistance after Storms Rage Through the Canoga Park Region?

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

When stormy weather threatens to close down your local Canoga Park H.S.--call SERVPRO!

SERVPRO Meticulously Executes Stormwater Removal, Leaving No Stone Unturned, to Restore Your Canoga Park Property to Pre-Loss Condition

Originally a town by the name of Owensmouth, Canoga Park got its start amidst San Fernando Valley barley fields. This settlement was founded back in 1912 and later became Canoga Park in 1931. Little did everyone know that this was the first step into turning this small portion of farmland into rapidly growing suburbia.

For many decades, the location of Owensmouth/Canoga Park is what kept it from becoming developed. Additionally, many of the landholders wanted to ensure that the land was preserved for mainly agricultural use throughout the area. Even while suburban settlements like Burbank and Calabasas took hold, ranches along with fields of orchards and wheat prevailed.

When the first decade of the 20th Century came to a close, the climate changed, and along with it came the popularity of automobiles and electric railways. This was when everything started moving fast, thus putting Canoga Park on the map with population and business growth.

Canoga Park, CA, Today

Nestled amidst the stunning western region of the San Fernando Valley, Canoga Park is a unique and diverse neighborhood. Taking a look at the landscape, you will find a broad range of ranch-style, modest homes with a few developments, condos, and living communities. The town boasts a variety of affordable restaurants catering to many tastes, including everything from Vietnamese or Italian cuisine to Mexican, Thai, burgers, bakeries, and more.

Some of the top restaurants located within Canoga Park include:

  • Dog Haus: Situated on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, this is a locally owned and operated eatery offering the best burgers and hot dogs in the area. Locals and travelers alike will enjoy this restaurant for the fast-paced ordering, outdoor seating, and takeout.
  • Broad Street Oyster Company: If you are looking for delectable seafood, this restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway is a stellar choice. You cannot only hire this team for catering, but you will also have a menu loaded with just about any seafood concoction you can imagine.
  • New York Chicken & Gyro: When you are craving halal or Mediterranean cuisine, then New York Chicken & Gyro on Topanga Canyon Boulevard is a must. This establishment is family owned and operated, including options for takeout, delivery, and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the local climate.
  • Oi Asian Fusion: This Filipino Asian fusion restaurant destination can be found on Canoga Ave. The menu overflows with everything from their famous Dynamite Fries to the must-try Oi Burger.

Must-See Shopping and Attractions Around Canoga Park, CA

Each city is unique when it comes to hidden gems and sightseeing options, with Canoga Park being no exception. Not only is the landscape stunning throughout the region, but it is also ripe with great places to browse and shop when you are in the area. Some of the top sites to see when exploring the town include:

  • Westfield Topanga & The Village: This is an upscale shopping destination known for its inviting, clean ambiance. Whether you are looking to catch a movie, check out exciting shops, or have a bite to eat, there is something here for everyone.
  • Sherman Way: Known as the "main street" in Canoga Park, this historic downtown area remains the community's hub. Here, you will find social and cultural offerings, vibrant businesses, antique shops, restaurants, live entertainment, and more. This street is also where you will find the Walk of Hearts, which includes beautiful bronze hearts that have been melded into the sidewalk as a way to offer recognition to local teachers.
  • Canoga Park Chamber of Commerce: Established back in 1912, this is one of the oldest chambers within Los Angeles. This local Chamber of Commerce has worked through the years to ensure the ideals and quality of life for the residents and businesses alike are well tended-to.

Canoga Park, CA, Weather and Climate History

As with many areas throughout the beautiful state of California, many people like to visit or move to Canoga Park for the incredible climate. This is a region that sees an average of 200 to 375 hours of sunshine each month throughout the calendar year. The temperatures range from mild to moderate, with some hotter months in the year. Taking a look at precipitation, there is an average of less than eight rainy days each month. However, there is a history of severe storms in the area that bring on flooding and substantial storm damage. Whenever a storm brings significant rain and wind, it is vital for all local businesses and homeowners alike to have ample means for cleanup and stormwater removal. This is where skilled restoration technicians can help with rapid action, fast extraction, and detailed cleaning and sanitizing.

Why Look to SERVPRO of Canoga Park/West Hills for Removal of Water After a Storm?

Not Only Can Canoga Park, CA, Residents Count on Rapid Stormwater Removal, but SERVPRO Also Implements Industry-Proven Drying Methods for Best Results

Nobody expects that a storm will leave their interior with immense flooding and the potential for costly damage. However, being prepared will reduce the blow, which means having skilled cleanup technicians to handle the job. SERVPRO can come to your Canoga Park property to assess the water, taking the time to test for contamination. This allows us the best path to proceed with careful cleanup and drying methods to ensure everything is, "Like it never even happened."

When called for rapid stormwater removal in Canoga Park, we utilize commercial-grade extractors and pumps to pull out as much standing water as possible. From there, we use different techniques to ensure relative humidity gets restored to normal levels and no hidden moisture pockets get left behind.

  • We calibrate our meters and sensors to the materials, such as drywall and wood, to measure for moisture.
  • Extraction may take multiple passes, but our crews work to minimize the impact of secondary damage, taking the time to adjust as we go.
  • All tools get selected based on several factors, such as the moisture present and the space affected within your home.

For prompt, reliable results when you require stormwater removal, count on the skilled technicians at SERVPRO of Canoga Park/West Hills. With one call to (818) 998-1500, we send out a team to begin extraction and drying so that your interior gets back to preloss condition faster.

Where Can Owners Get Mold Safely Removed from Their Canoga Park Homes?

10/31/2020 (Permalink)

Removing mold from your home needs to be done quickly and safely. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for professional remediation and mitigation services.

For Safe, Professional Removal, Canoga Park Residents Call SERVPRO

Why Do Homeowners Need SERVPRO to Eliminate Mold?

Why SERVPRO for Canoga Park? It’s not just that We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, it is also the level of expertise and the extensive inventory of cleaning agents and equipment our technicians bring to every home. Our technicians follow the guidelines set out by the industry’s Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and carefully adhere to the state safety requirements.

What Methods Do Technicians Use?

To start mold removal in Canoga Park, our technicians use several methods:

  • Vacuuming and Wiping – Dry and settled spores often mix with dust. Technicians remove most of these spores with a vacuum and a HEPA filter designed to catch loose spores for disposal. For small or difficult to reach areas, they use a dry sponge. If the mold layer is thick, they may apply water or a mild, anti-bacterial cleaner. 
  • Agitation – For thick, sticky layers of mold, technicians need to break up the mold for removal. They can use brushes with or without a cleaning agent, scrapers, and even powered agitation devices, making certain not to harm the surface being cleaned 
  • Demolition – In some cases, mold hyphae penetrate property, like wall and ceiling panels, too deeply and have compromised the structural integrity. Technicians carefully break down this material and bag it for safe removal from the home without accidentally spreading mold throughout the residence. 

Is There Anything Else Homeowners Need to Worry About When It Comes to Mold?

Active mold can cause health problems for some people. Since we cannot remove all mold from any home, SERVPRO concentrates its efforts on the effects that active spores have on the residential and structural property. 

For more information about SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills, IICRC guidelines, or anything else about restoring your home here or in Winnetka, call us today at (818) 998-1500. We are here to make a mold infestation “Like it never even happened.”  

Click here for more information about Canoga Park.

How Does Flooding Impact Local Cell Phone Service in Canoga Park?

9/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians follow standards set by the IICRC and OSHA. Contact us when facing flooding, regardless of the source.

SERVPRO Technicians Remove Flood Damage from Canoga Park Homes to Return Them to Pre-Loss States

According to recent data from the Brooklyn nonprofit First Street, as many as 14.6 million homes in the United States today are at risk of flooding. While FEMA maps offer a great deal of insight into where flooding is most likely to affect residents, these maps provide somewhat broad data on floodplains in 87% of the country. Canoga Park residents may be surprised to find that a whopping one in five homeowners in Florida and Louisiana alone are at risk of flooding affecting their property.

If your Canoga Park home experiences flood damage, you can call SERVPRO at any time of the day or night to begin the mitigation process. SERVPRO’s commitment to staff education and the use of both tried-and-true techniques in tandem with sophisticated technologies strives to minimize property and structural loss while maximizing savings on repair and replacement expenses.

How Does SERVPRO Training Prepare Professionals for Flood Damage Cleanup?

SERVPRO technicians, staff, and franchise owners alike undergo extensive training and certification to ensure that services rendered are up to date with restoration industry cleanup techniques and standards. Staff must also meet SERVPRO training standards to ensure a consistently high standard of mitigation and restoration.

SERVPRO’s training and education resources include the following:

  • Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Training and Certification for staff.
  • Employee Certification Training in such subjects as fire and water damage restoration.
  • Initial Franchise Training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility, targeted at new franchise owners.
  • Continued Education Classes that provide both credit and noncredit learning opportunities for SERVPRO staff as well as insurance and real estate professionals.
  • E-Learning opportunities that continually test and improve staff knowledge while encouraging self-paced coaching and study of restoration industry subjects.

What are Some Tips for Using Cell Phones During a Flood Damage Situation?

While SERVPRO can take care of the flood damage on your Canoga Park property, it is crucial to know how to stay in touch with the communities and emergency services as needed during a flood or related natural disaster.

  • Text whenever possible instead of making calls. Not only do text messages require less battery power and data to transmit, but they can still be sent even when your cell phone signal is weak, and Internet access is limited.
  • Expect cell network congestion. In a flood or other emergency, many customers are going to be making a much higher number of phone calls than usual, which can create difficulties in making phone calls or accessing your phone network.

    If you need to make a call and notice you have a slow dial tone on a landline or you see rapid busy signals on your cell phone, hang up and try again after several seconds minimum. Avoid non-emergency phone calls during this time to minimize network congestion.
  • Limit social media usage. While social media is an excellent tool for keeping family and friends informed during an emergency, some users may be compelled to use it to attempt to get in touch with emergency services, as was the case during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. However, first responders cannot monitor social media to such an extensive degree. If you need emergency services, give them a call.

    Some social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, can also take up a considerable amount of battery power quickly on phones, tablets, and laptops. Use these apps and sites sparingly to let your loved ones know you are safe and focus on conserving battery life if you are unsure when your Canoga Park property’s power can be restored.

What Types of Services is SERVPRO Licensed to Render?

Your local SERVPRO sports a variety of accreditations to maximize the number of services available for structural and contents restoration. Technician certifications include the following:

  • Applied Microbial Remediation
  • Applied Structural Drying
  • Water Damage Restoration

These services are the backbone of addressing flood damage concerns, including mold growth, structural damage to subfloors and drywall, and safely removing moisture with industrial-grade air movement and dehumidification equipment. SERVPRO technicians also provide odor control services to remove flood debris and water damage related odors from your Canoga Park home.

On top of these technician certifications, SERVPRO is an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified firm with additional certification in General and/or Construction Industry Training as provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills keeps disaster-affected homes looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call (818) 998-1500 for professional cleanup services.

Which Questions Should You Ask Mold Removal Companies?

8/15/2020 (Permalink)

Hey Canoga Park Homeowners--Don't Wait Until the Mold Ruins Your House--Call SERVPRO for Remediation

What Should You Look for in Canoga Park Area Mold Removal Companies?

Canoga Park residents lead busy lives, which means that when they need to hire someone to help with a household problem, they do not have a lot of time to waste finding the right person for the job.

Mold is an issue that can quickly arise in a home – so long as there are moisture and material such as drywall or wallpaper for food, spores can grow. Mold can cause health effects, so it is much better to call in a Canoga Park mold removal company than to try and handle remediation by yourself.

Naturally, you want to be sure you are choosing a remediation company that is professional and reliable. Here are some questions to ask to help you make a decision.

Do they promise complete mold removal?

SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills knows that the promise of mold removal is enticing. A home with no mold sounds like a great thing. However, it is essential to realize that complete mold removal is not possible. This is because spores occur naturally throughout the environment, and can quickly move from place to place on:

  • Clothes and footwear
  • Air currents
  • Pets and even shopping bags or purses

As you can see, it is not possible to completely eradicate mold. However, mold removal companies can remediate mold – this means getting rid of visible patches and stains, and then drying out your home to discourage further spore growth.

How fast can I expect a response

The longer you leave mold, the more chance it has to grow and spread. Thankfully, SERVPRO works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so that we can be Faster To Any Size Disaster. No job is too big or too small, and you can trust us to arrive quickly and get to work straight away.

What kind of testing and monitoring equipment do they use?

Inspection, not actual testing and monitoring are an essential part of mold remediation. SERVPRO technicians inspect your home for visible and invisible moisture patches before they begin cleaning and restoration. A thorough understanding of how much moisture is present helps us decide on a cleaning and drying plan.

We test the moisture in your home using thermal hygrometers, moisture meters, moisture sensors, and thermal imaging. We continue to use these tools to monitor progress until we are satisfied with the result.

Do they employ containment as part of their remediation process?

Containment is essential, and all reputable mold removal companies use it to prevent the spread of spores throughout your home. SERVPRO teams set up containment before cleaning begins. In some cases, containment means switching off heating and cooling systems and making sure no unauthorized personnel walks through the area. In more advanced mold remediation situations, containment might include setting up physical barriers or even using negative air machines to trap spores and vent them outside the building. We can erect spring-loaded supports with 6-mil thick polypropylene sheets to create temporary barriers which also limit the treatment area for greater efficiency.

Do they train their staff in a range of remediation techniques?

Each mold removal project is different, so we train our staff in a range of remediation techniques.

Our technicians use a variety of cleaning methods, including:

  • Spot cleaning for delicate fabrics
  • Scrubbing for robust materials such as stainless steel
  • Dry cleaning methods for articles that cannot withstand wet cleaning

We assess your home and belongings and decide on the best cleaning methods for each item. We discuss our remediation plan with you before carrying out a single step, so you can rest assured nothing will happen to your items without your explicit permission.

What about the moldy smell – can they help me with that?

SERVPRO understands that the smell of mold can be very unpleasant and makes your home less enjoyable. That is why we finish every mold removal project with deodorization. We use foggers, deodorizing products such as pellets, and air scrubbers, to remove airborne contaminants and restore air quality.

What about home restoration?

In some cases, mold damage can leave your home in need of minor repairs. For example, we might need to remove and replace drywall, re-paint or put down new carpets. Sometimes, a house needs more extensive structural repairs. Ensure your mold removal company can help you with restoration, so you do not have to pay for a separate contractor.

Will they follow up with me after the restoration project is complete?

Our team takes pride in satisfying our customers by meeting all their expectations. After all, we work to restore homes and businesses and leave them usable once more. Our team will always follow up with you after we complete mold remediation, to make sure you are happy with the service we gave you, and to answer any last questions you have.

For a professional mold remediation service, call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Canoga Park, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills today at (818) 998-1500 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Canoga Park Neighbors Disinfect to Help Prevent the Spread of the Virus

4/5/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning and sanitizing are both keys to helping stop the spread of viruses.

SERVPRO Stands With the Canoga Park Community

The spread of the virus in Canoga Park and throughout California has everyone concerned. The state of California led the nation by establishing proactive preventative actions.

    •    Social distancing
    •    Business closure
    •    Event closures
    •    Shelter-at-home restrictions
    •    Work at home

SERVPRO of Canoga Park can be an integral part of your action plan to protect your home and your family from infection. We are specialists in the cleanup of environmental contamination. We correctly apply EPA approved industrial-strength cleaners to fight bacteria and viruses in Canoga Park homes and commercial settings. If you would like help in protecting your family or business associates, you need a company that understands the CDC guidelines for first-line preventative cleaning.

Wiping doorknobs, handrails, and other often-touched surfaces are recommended. However, there are also other, more advanced measures available. The SERVPRO team has the latest technical equipment and EPA commercial grade cleaning agents resources available to deliver an effective and powerful result.

For serious help, call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills. We’re here to help at (818) 998-1500.

Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

For more about Canoga Park click here.

Why SERVPRO Is The Leader In Canoga Park Water Damage Restoration

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Our dehumidifiers and air movers worked hard to remove the last vestiges of water vapor from the already partially demolished floor in this home.

Water Damage Canoga Park – Trusted by Clients

Whether you are a residential or business owner, clients are looking for someone that can be trusted to get the job done. Our customers look for a fast response to their needs, professional team members, and experts trained in remediating damage caused by water leaks in their buildings. Clients also want their possessions cleaned, restored, and returned in their original condition.

SERVPRO provides water damage services in Canoga Park and surrounding areas. Our owner has been in the business for over 20 years. He brings a wealth of experience and training in every job. Our teams are available 24 hours, seven days a week, and respond to your site in less than 4 hours from your call. Our philosophy is to restore whenever possible rather than replace it. This process saves time, cost, and, most importantly, returns cherished possessions to the owner.

Hard Work Pays Dividends for Our clients

Our ongoing commitment to improving our equipment based on industry standards means we have the most advanced equipment available. We can also apply advanced techniques using this equipment and the training our team continually undertakes to handle every challenge.

SERVPRO also utilizes a program, DryBook, exclusively to manage the progress of all of our restoration projects. We measure your water damage incident against industry standards for recovery and restoration.

Occasionally there are significant incidents that require additional resources than are available locally. One of the significant benefits of the SERVPRO franchise is that we can call on our franchise partners for assistance. Whether it is additional equipment, team members, specific expertise, rest assured our SERVPRO partners can be available to meet the challenge.

We are a locally owned franchise with over 20 years of experience and backed up by over 1500 franchises across the country.

Call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Bell Canyon, Winnetka, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Canoga Park.

Flood Damage Loss In Your Canoga Park Home

1/19/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Proper Documentation of Flood Damage Loss in Canoga Park

Flooding leaves many types of damages when it affects a property. In the haste to restore things to normal, it is possible to miss or overlook some issues. Properly documenting a loss in your Canoga Park home is the only way to ensure that there are no oversights. As a professional restorer, SERVPRO takes a comprehensive approach when documenting the loss.

Documenting Loss to Help with Insurance Claims
Having an active insurance cover is the greatest reassurance to homeowners struck by flood damage loss in Canoga Park. However, insurers require proof of loss to cover the costs of restoring the damages. Our SERVPRO technicians document the loss in different ways, including taking photos inside and outside the structure before starting the restoration. We also use electronic CCIS, Content Claim Inventory Service, to record items after separating them into lists of salvageable, unsalvageable, and questionable items.

Documentation to Help Restoration to preloss State
A satisfactory mitigation process after flood damage restores the property to its preloss state. Although several steps are necessary to achieve such an outcome, proper documentation of the loss site is crucial. Our SERVPRO technicians keep records of everything, including the placement of items in a room and the colors or finishes or different surfaces. We also retain a small piece of carpet or pad removed from the damaged area so that we can get a similar type for replacement.

Documenting Helps Preserve Sentimental Value
Some of the items affected by the flooding might have value beyond the monetary cost of replacement. Our SERVPRO technicians can help save such items through specialized cleaning and drying procedures. When our team arrives at your property, the crew chief takes time to discuss the loss situation with you and takes note of any family heirlooms so that the team can take the right steps to save them.

Flooding incidents in West Hills, Winnetka, and Bell Canyon can be easier to manage when adequately documented. Call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Canoga Park click here.

SERVPRO Explains the Dangers in a Canoga Park Home after a Water Loss

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Slipping Hazards and Electrical Dangers Are Real Threats When Removing Water from Canoga Park Area Properties

Identifying Hazards After Canoga Park Water Damage

As important as it is for our SERVPRO professionals to quickly gain control of a water loss incident in Canoga Park homes, safety is a priority. Not only does a cautious step or two prevent injury and damaging conditions for our technicians, but it can also reduce the risks to our customers as well. Many hazards can exist in a home during flooding or substantial water loss scenarios, and we have trained our team members to identify these risks and address them directly.
 
Knowing what could be a threat to the health and wellbeing of our technicians and customers is a vital element to successful contending with water damage in Canoga Park homes. That mindset of doing things the safest possible way is a point of pride that sets us apart from competitors in the area. We have earned accolades as a top San Fernando Valley franchise because of our focus on more than just the immediate effects of a water loss incident. Identifying the hazards present in a home begins with a thorough inspection of the property.
 
Depending on the severity of the water loss incident, many structural concerns could exist that could unexpectedly threaten the safety of our restoration technicians. Overhead threats like ceiling tiles and materials weighted down by water saturation could collapse. Similarly, wood flooring and subflooring material can deteriorate and weaken to even the weight of foot traffic, leading to falling hazards.
 
Lighting is always a concern for our employees, as it is difficult to gauge our restoration of a home if we cannot see the work getting done. We can supply work lights and power to a damaged property when necessary, notably when flooding conditions from broken pipes exist in the house. These instances can also provide a secondary threat for our team in shock hazards, so we may have no choice but to temporarily disconnect power to the house to extract, dry, and clean up the damages.

 We approach disasters with a safety-conscious attitude, and that can help to keep our technicians and customers protected as we efficiently address the effects of the loss. However, we can help by giving our SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills team a call at (818) 998-1500.

Smoke and Odors Create Poor Air Quality in the Canoga Park Area Post Wildfires--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup

10/26/2019 (Permalink)

When Wild Fires Strike Closeby to Your Canoga Park Property--SERVPRO Is Also Closeby, and Ready to Help

Canoga Park Homes Affected by Wildfires Need Stout Odor Control

Most Southern Californians agree that one of the worst parts about wildfire damage is the residual odors left behind. The pungent smoke odors have the potential to embed deeply and often prove difficult to remove. The Tick Wildfire does not have to directly impact your property. The air polluted by these types of wildfires can cause extensive damage.

The root of the need for odor control from wildfires in Canoga Park residences ranges from light to heavy depending on the amount of fire loss within the property or the zone within the heat and smoke and how rapidly cleanup efforts commenced.

Why SERVPRO?
The odor from wildfires generally requires stronger applications than methods that simply cover the smell. Smoke odors emanate from soot particles and residues that need cleaning. SERVPRO technicians use both professional cleaning methods, solvents, and cleaners as well as equipment to remove all types of smoke residues and lessen odors.

Dry and Wet Smoke
A single area of a home may contain both types of smoke residue, and each type requires the correct cleaning processes, or the result may be more damage. Dry cleaning sponges are very efficient for picking up dry smoke, while greasy smeary wet smoke residues often require a solvent to loosen their grip to surfaces for total cleaning.

Removal of Fire Loss Debris
The charred building materials and contents in the home require elimination and in some cases, are cut away through controlled demolition techniques. This action diminishes pungent scents, and the set up of ventilation and air scrubbers also assists in odor removal. There is the added problem of air quality--both within the structure and the surrounding area.

Odor Control Methods for Stubborn Odors
There are a few ways to remove deeply embedded odors in the structure. A standard method SERVPRO technicians use is thermal fogging. This application heats a solvent to the point it is fog, and it behaves like smoke and deeply penetrates anywhere soot may be and neutralizes it.

Hydroxyl generators are a safe way to remove odor-causing airborne particles from the premises. This piece of equipment emits UV rays that create radical ionized molecules that are not harmful to humans or pets and eradicates odors by pairing with them.

When you have stubborn odors from wildfires, contact SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills at (818) 998-1500. The technicians have a diverse array of equipment, tools, and applications to make the odor issue in the home disappear, "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Restoration in Canoga Park: Why Credentials Matter

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

Our technicians are trained and certified to use each piece of equipment to restore your home.

Certifications for Our Water Recovery Specialists in Canoga Park 

Water loss incidents can tap into the adventurous, or perhaps frugal, nature of many Canoga Park residents. To save money or time, individual property owners look to address the effects of these losses on their own. Still, many find themselves overwhelmed with the needs of the property and the limitations of their equipment and expertise. Our professionals have accreditations through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in many facets related to restoring water loss emergencies. 

We work hard for the certifications that our team has acquired, and that gives us the knowledge to address all of your needs from deodorization to water removal in Canoga Park. Because of our certification, we have a credible voice in the restoration communities and can provide our customers with a fast and confident response that begins mitigation work as soon as our professionals arrive. Water removal is an essential element to overcome substantial water loss incidents. 

We have multiple pieces of equipment that can help with quickly extracting standing water from floors to get the drying process started. In homes, harder flooring can get found in many places like the kitchen, bathroom, and other communal areas. Removing the standing water in these areas, without contending with saturation concerns that can develop over prolonged periods, involves the deployment of numerous tools and pieces of equipment ranging from our truck-mount extractor to our light wands attached to portable wet-vacs. 

Our preparedness for substantial water loss ensures that we always have trained professionals ready to respond to the needs of your home. In the water restoration niche alone, our SERVPRO team has accreditations that include: 

  • WRT – Water Restoration Technician
  • ASD – Applied Structural Drying
  • AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • OCT – Odor Control Technician
  • CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician 

We continue our education in these fields to produce technicians that are among the most knowledgeable and experienced in the industry. Our SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills team can help you through even significant loss situations with our broad inventory of recovery tools and rapid response in a crisis. Give us a call today at (818) 998-1500. 

More about Canoga Park.

Flooded or Burnt Out of Your Canoga Park Home? Mold or Water Damage Have You Down? Call SERVPRO for a Picker-Upper!

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

When the Canoga Park DIY'er Has Had Enough -- SERVPRO Is Just Getting Started

Why Canoga Park Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Disaster Mitigation and Remediation

It stands to reason professionals train to give their all to customers, but when they live in communities served, there is an extra impetus to provide top-notch services. Canoga Park residents rely on our crews to treat every water, fire, mold, and storm damage project as though the disaster is in our neighborhood. We live, play, volunteer, and work in this and other nearby areas of Los Angeles. Your crisis hits home with our team.

Water Damage
Whether a pipe broke, a sink overflowed, a sprinkler system worked overtime, an appliance pump wore out, or another crisis struck, Canoga Park water cleanup is a job for our professionals. Our team of experts completes rigorous training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Reconstruction Certification (IICRC). That research-based foundation combined with the many years of water mitigation and remediation experience among our managers and technicians assures your home soon may be returned to preloss condition.

A fast response is needed for the most successful outcome, and our SERVPRO team can be at your home fast because we work in and are residents of the same area. Our service vehicles contain a full complement of equipment needed to remove water and perform comprehensive structural drying, brooking no delay. Expect our project manager or crew chief to assess the scenario and devise a plan quickly. Then our technicians get immediately to work upon a signed agreement.

Pumps and extractors remove visible water. We employ thermal imaging and moisture meters to locate hidden pockets of water and set baselines for the drying phase to come. If trapped water presents challenges, we use controlled demolition strategies to release or gain access to it. Air movers, heater, and dehumidifiers take on the lingering moisture in structural components. Cleaning and disinfecting with EPA-registered products round out the tasks completed to return your home to normal status.

Fire Damage
Responding fast to fire, soot, and smoke damage in Canoga Park is one of our core services. We pledge to guide our customers through this very stressful event with compassion as our highly-qualified workers evaluate, plan and implement the fire damage restoration industry’s best practices. We are ready to commence mitigation and remediation as soon as we arrive, soon after the fire department releases your home back to you for mitigation and remediation purposes.  

Why SERVPRO is positioned well to provide help for you during your time of troubles is simple. We commit to being there for our community, preparing for the challenge by investing in our employees and our hardware. Our crews feature IICRC-certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) ready to clean up smoke and soot residues using professionally developed techniques and effective products. The equipment employed by our employees is state-of-the-art and accompanies our crews to the worksite on our signature green service vehicles.

We limit the disruption to you and your family, containing the work areas if possible with air scrubbers and heavy-duty plastic sheeting to permit normal activities in unaffected spaces inside your home. Once the soot and debris clear away, we work with you on odor elimination. Our company has many resources available for odor control, including technological advances like thermal foggers and hydroxyl generators that neutralize odor-bearing particles at the molecular level.

Mold Remediation
Mold damage in your Canoga Park home can be very distressing, making you feel inadequate and fearful of judgment. We are privileged to have the trained technicians and specialized equipment to help you compassionately with this frustrating problem. During our mold remediation, we also take the time to explain to you how and why the growth occurred and what you can do to minimize the probability of mold damage in the future.

Mold spores are always nearby, floating in the air and settled on surfaces inside and outside of our homes. Availability of a bit of water and only 24 to 48 hours can result in full-blown mold colonization. A precise protocol developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mastered by our employees, why SERVPRO is your go-to for mold issues as well as other disasters. We can mobilize a remediation crew fast to help you manage a challenging problem.

We contain the moldy area with plastic barriers and perhaps the use of a negative pressure air scrubbing set up. The mold removes mechanically as our technicians use brushes, scrapers, and gentle abradants like soda blasting. Vacuuming and bagging up the debris precedes the application of an EPA-registered disinfectant. Priming with special antimicrobial-infused coatings also inhibits future mold growth.  

Count on us to help with the planning of a moisture management system that avoids most fungal growth in the future. Prevention is the key to a complete mold remediation agenda.

Storm Damage
Canoga Park can experience storm damage directly and as a result of being downstream on various waterways flowing from the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains. The confluence of Bell Creek and Calabasas Creek are the headwaters of the Los Angeles River right in the center of the neighborhood. When extreme weather forms off the coast and sweeps toward our community, homeowners can deal with rain and wind damage as well as overland flooding.

Previous wildfire activity in the elevations around our community increases the possibility that flash flooding in the creeks and washes could bring significant mud, silt, and other contamination into your home. Rising to the challenge of managing floodwaters complicated by mudslides shows why SERVPRO can meet any of your storm disaster needs. We arrive at your home ready for a wide range of scenarios, with the equipment and know-how.

Flood water is, by definition, contaminated, and we are familiar with the requirement that the fluid and debris be contained and disposed of following local regulations. Because the water may contain debris or fecal-borne pathogens, we wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and often set up air scrubbers during the project to filter and exhaust airborne hazards stirred up during the work. Our technicians clean and disinfect surfaces in the flooded area with EPA-registered products, vigilant at all times to inspect for mold or other secondary damage.
 
The team at SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills awaits your call if water, fire, mold, or storms damage your home. Reach us at (818) 998-1500 and see how we take care of members of our community.

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Water Damage in Canoga Park Can Be Mitigated

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO for Reducing the Effects of Unwanted Water Intrusion

Water intrusion can come from broken plumbing, storms, or flood waters. Regardless of the source, indoor flooding in Canoga Park can mean prohibitive replacement costs unless you bring in a professional restoration company promptly. 
 
Water damage is a common occurrence for many Canoga Park homes. SERVPRO has many years of hands on experience in dealing with homes underwater, condos with a bad roof, and apartments with carpets that make a squishing sound when you walk on them. To address every contingency, we keep a response team on 24-hour call and ready to support our communities. 
 
Our technicians are trained to quickly determine what services are needed and begin work within minutes after arriving at a home. Our first task is to stop further water intrusion. We can turn off water mains in a few moments and have most homes receiving restoration services immediately.

Next, we remove all excess water. For standing water over an inch, we deploy truck mounted water pumps to draw it all out. If the water is under an inch in height, we use water extraction wands. In case the power is out, we can bring in commercial grade generators and even a generator truck for the larger homes and amounts of water. 
 
Once the standing water is gone, our next task is to dry out floors, carpets, and possibly even the walls. We use air movers to force warm, dry air across floors and walls, drawing out moisture. This drier air replaces the colder, damp air we pull out of the house or apartment with box fans. 
 
To bolster these actions, crew members also station large dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the surrounding air. Depending on the humidity levels, these devices can draw over 20 gallons of moisture from the air each day. It provides drier air for the air movers which allows them to function more efficiently. There is a definite synergistic effect working in tandem. Our IICRC certified applied structural drying technicians maximize drying time while minimizing harm to the structure and its contents.
 
We also offer preventive services since the best way to deal with wet carpets, and crumbling drywall is to stop the water from getting into the house. Our inspectors also take note of easy fixes like poorly maintained gutters and drain pipes that are damaged and draining onto the foundation, rather than away from the structure. Ask about our ERP Plan to help prevent and reduce fire and water damage to homes and businesses.
 
If it is not possible to stop water from getting onto a property, we offer the option of digging around a home’s foundation and coating the outside with a specially designed, rubber sealant that blocks water from working its way through the bricks and concrete. This coating is particularly useful in homes with a basement or a large crawlspace. 
 
Rain is often far out in the forecast, but plumbing leaks are not. If you need to deal with a current problem or want to try and stop water intrusion in the future, call SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills today at (818) 998-1500. We are here to help.

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The Advantages of SERVPRO's Fire Damage Remediation Services in Canoga Park

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

Candles should be monitored when they are lit because of the possibility of fire. Contact SERVPRO right away if your home has fire damage.

Why SERVPRO Should Be Your First Choice for Fire Damage Restoration in Your Canoga Park Home

Candles have long been used for lighting homes, and even though electric light bulbs have overtaken candles as the primary light source for homes, many people in Canoga Park still use decorative candles. There is something about the scent and flickering glow of candles that is charming and keeps people buy more.
 
Lit candles are, unfortunately, the cause of many preventable fires and fire damage. If your home has fallen victim to fire damage in Canoga Park, you need help restoring your home. SERVPRO has fast, 24-hour service which means we can get to you whenever you need us. Add that to our professionally trained staff and industrial tools, and it is easy to see why SERVPRO is the choice to make for fire damage restoration.
 
If you love burning candles at home, knowing some safety tips is essential. Firstly, burning candles should not ever be left unattended, and you need to keep them away from anything flammable. If your candle is in a holder, it needs to be sturdy enough so that it cannot be easily knocked over, especially if you have pets or young children in the home. When accidents happen, SERVPRO technicians can help you clean up the mess, even from a small fire.
 
Along the same line, any candles you are burning should not be in reach of pets or children. Curious hands can quickly and easily get burned and cause an accident in your home. It is also recommended that the wicks on all your candles are trimmed to a quarter inch before you start burning them each time. Wicks which are longer can create uneven burning and dripping.
 
Make sure and read the instructions from the manufacturer as well. Most candles should not be burned for more than a couple of hours at a time. When you are ready to extinguish the candles, use a candle snuffer instead of blowing on them since hot wax can splatter.
 
For additional safety, you can purchase flameless candles as a safe alternative. They produce a similar glowing, soft effect that real candles have. During a power outage, lit candles are not recommended. Instead, use battery-powered lanterns, flashlights, or flameless candles.
 
SERVPRO of Canoga Park/West Hills is always available to help you restore your home in Bell Canyon, Winnetka, or West Hills after a fire. You can reach us by dialing (818) 998-1500 whenever you need, and we can make the fire and smoke damage only a memory.

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Do You Have a Drying Process For Your Water Damaged Canoga Park Home?

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the training and state-of-art equipment to remove the water from your home.

Canoga Park Residents Receive Full-Service Water Drying Services

As a water restoration company in the Canoga Park area, we are always on the lookout for ways to improve our recovery times. It is one of our restoration companies primary goals, to reduce costs and increase distribution while maintaining quality services that our customers deserve, that are also safe for the environment.

Implementing a sustainable drying process to combat water damage throughout the Canoga Park area gives us the opportunity to adjust services to fit a variety of specific situations. With that said, we work hard to get your property back to normal faster, with fewer interruptions, inconveniences, and losses than ever before. Water damage incidents may remain devastating. However, we help make the process less disorienting and get you up and running faster than ever before.

SERVPRO provides you with an advanced water drying process, safely monitoring structural components, along with walls, floors, ceilings, carpeting, and more. Often reducing the time and amount of demolition required to provide you with the services needed to return your property to a quality condition after water intrusions occur. We effectively address indoor air quality and give new life to your home’s living environment.

SERVPRO is; Faster To Any Size Disaster. Providing you with solutions to water drying situations that commonly occur on your property. Our technicians use hygrometers, dehumidifiers, air movers, portable fans and heaters, as well as infrared moisture detectors to eliminate water pockets found throughout the affected area.

SERVPRO works with you to ensure you receive the results you desire, making every effort to communicate issues with your insurance adjuster to make your claim process as simple as possible. We want you to know that we provide professional restoration services to members of our local community because we care. Hopefully, you see it in everything we do to restore your property to a quality condition after an event occurs.

SERPVRO of Canoga Park / West Hills provides you with professional water damage and drying services throughout the area. You can reach our highly-trained staff 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, online or by phone, stop by today. (818) 998-1500

Canoga Park was once called Owensmouth. Read more about it here.

Revealed: Making a Quick, Educated Choice About Water Damage Remediation in Canoga Park is Crucial

11/25/2018 (Permalink)

Regardless of whether the water damage in your home is a large gush of water or accumulates slowly behind walls, contact team SERVPRO for services.

Fast Response for Water Damage in Your Canoga Park Home

There are many threats to your Canoga Park home that you can handle on your own with conventional cleaning approaches or some education for simple repairs. When it comes to water damages that threaten your property, these situations often require the expertise and education of skilled restoration technicians with the tools to do the job correctly. Failure to clean up water damage incidents in your home appropriately can lead to worsening conditions like mold and microbial growth.

Choosing the right team of restorers to overcome this water damage in your Canoga Park residence does not have to be a challenging task. You need specialists that can arrive quickly when disaster strikes, have the knowledge and skill set to help, and the equipment necessary to restore your home quickly. Our SERVPRO rapid response team fits into these requirements to provide our customers with comprehensive restoration packages for their home right when disaster strikes.

Our SERVPRO franchise prides itself on providing 24-hour assistance to the customers within our service area because disasters do not always wait until normal business hours. You have a team of highly trained technicians at your disposal whenever you need us, and a simple phone call can get boots on the ground with the equipment necessary to preserve your property and the contents within it.

The equipment available to our technicians showcases the advanced technology available to the restoration industry by providing efficient solutions to extraction and drying necessary to restore your water-damaged home. From our fast extraction equipment like truck-mounted pumps and extraction wands to our high-powered air movers and industrial-strength dehumidifiers for fast drying, we can protect your home from further damage.

You might not have given much thought to restoration companies before, but when you get posed with substantial water damage to your property, you need a team you can trust to help. Our SERVPRO of Canoga Park / West Hills are available 24/7 to help you clean up the mess and protect your property from the harmful effects of water damages. Give us a call today at (818) 998-1500.

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