STUDIO CITY RESTORATION COMPANY
In a hurry? Call us:
(818) 369-3462Water Damage Clean Up
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Damage Restoration
More Services
Water, Fire & Mold Damage Don't Stand a Chance Against Us!8
All Services
Your Team of Certified Technicians
Complete your fire, mold, or water restoration in three easy steps:
STEP
1Expert Help Is One Call Away
STEP
2We'll Assess Damages and Advise
STEP
3Restore Your Life Back to Normal
A Restoration Company That Gets Things Back to Normal
(818) 369-3462Local Blog
- Learn More
Water Damage Restoration Process
No matter the source, experiencing flooding in your home can be overwhelming. Besides dealing with the cleanup process, you also have to ensure your family’s safety. Fortunately, having a restoration company guide you through the water damage restoration process can make this time of disruption a little easier. Additionally, choosing the right team of professionals to work on your property can further alleviate your stress and ease your worries. Every water damage event is unique, but you can expect your restoration company to follow these general steps when restoring damaged buildings: Inspection and Assessment The water damage restoration process typically starts with surveying the affected area and assessing the extent of the damage. Once the restoration professionals arrive, they first evaluate the situation to understand its severity, identify the water damage category, and recognize hazards that may be present. They may also assist with addressing the water source and turning off the electricity to eliminate safety risks. An experienced company will know how to quickly assess a water damage event to develop an effective water extraction and damage repair strategy. Water Extraction Once a mitigation and restoration plan is in place, professionals will start removing the water. It’s crucial to do this as quickly as possible because standing water will only continue to wreak havoc on a building and its contents. Professionals use specialized equipment such as submersible pumps, extraction units, and wet/dry vacuums to get the job done as efficiently as possible. Removing the standing water also allows them to inspect the home’s structure and other contents further. This helps to determine if any components were seriously damaged and can no longer be saved. Damaged Material Removal If any items, furniture, or structures that cannot be dried and restored, are removed as soon as possible to prevent potential microbial growth. Water-damaged materials like drywall, insulation, and carpeting are also often removed to expose wall cavities and subflooring. Removing damaged material from the building not only prevents excess moisture from lingering, but also helps speed up the drying process. Drying and Dehumidification Porous materials such as wood tend to absorb water, and if not dried properly, they can warp, swell, break, and even promote the growth of mold. In the worst cases, these conditions can compromise your building’s structural integrity and even create health hazards. This is why restoration teams also perform drying and dehumidification when restoring water-affected homes. They use commercial air movers to quickly dry walls, carpets, and other building materials. Following this, they monitor moisture levels and ensure the house is dry using tools like specialized cameras and hygrometers. Cleanup, Sanitization, and Deodorization Spaces affected by water are likely breeding grounds for mold and other microorganisms. It’s also worth noting that water from a leaking dishwasher, an overflowing toilet, or a flood can contain sewage and harmful microbes that can leave an unpleasant odor. Proper cleaning and sanitizing ensure that your building is healthy and free from mold and that the surfaces are safe to touch. On the other hand, deodorization helps make your home comfortable to live in again. Repair and Reconstruction Once the affected area has been dried and cleaned, restoration professionals typically proceed with the repairs. This may include: Building back electrical and plumbing components that were removed. Flooring installation.
- Learn More
Storm Flooding Has Hit San Fernando, What Can You Do To Reduce Water Damage?
California only occasionally experiences the remnants of the hurricanes and tropical storms that hit the Eastern Pacific Ocean. However, with Tropical Storm Hilary sending brief yet heavy downpours and record rainfall throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada this past August, the affected areas experienced major floods and significant property damage. Severe weather may not strike San Fernando Valley as hard and as frequently as it does the East and Gulf coasts, but there’s no harm in anticipating the worst. Preparing for a flooded basement or a leaky roof after a storm can make all the difference in avoiding extensive and expensive repairs. Besides knowing the right experts to call for water restoration services, here are some practical tips worth following to minimize the impact of water damage on your property. 1. Check and Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts Your gutters and downspouts are crucial in moving volumes of rainwater from your roof to the ground and away from your property. As such, it’s critical that you have them inspected and cleaned regularly, especially if trees surround your home. Dried leaves, stems, and other debris can quickly accumulate in these troughs and develop clogs. When they do, your blocked gutters can cause water to pool on your roof and eventually seep into your home. This can introduce extensive water damage to your property. 2. Regularly Test and Clean Your Sump Pump Your sump pump is instrumental in removing water accumulating in your basement or any other room below ground level. When severe weather is expected, you want it to work as it should to keep water from lingering and wreaking havoc on your home. To ensure it offers efficient water extraction in the most crucial moments, schedule a cleaning service or perform the following: Disconnect the sump pump from its power source before you begin. Spray down dirt and gunk from the pump using a hose. Remove excess water from your sump pump pit using a wet/dry vac, and wipe away any remaining wet residue with a rag. Once everything is clean, assemble all the parts and turn the power back on for testing. Pour water slowly into the pit to test your pump. The pump should activate if the water level gets near the top of the pit. 3. Inspect and Seal Your Basement Windows While basement windows and window wells allow natural light in and promote ventilation in the basement, they can become entry points for water during storm flooding. If you have these structures at home, ensure they are properly sealed and caulked to avoid the hassle and expenses of restoring a flooded basement. If you notice loose liners, consider replacing your old windows with new ones. With the right installation professionals, your new windows will have a better seal to keep water out and promote energy efficiency. Another solution is to install window well covers. High-quality covers can keep water and debris out of your window well. They can also withstand bad weather conditions, offering lasting protection for your window and basement. 4. Use Flood Skirts, Barriers, and Sandbags Installing flood skirts and barriers is an effective way to keep flood water from entering your home through the gaps in your doorways. Another practical idea is to keep sandbags ready. These sacks filled with sand or soil can be placed strategically around your property to divert flood water away from your home. However, they must be stacked correctly to create a strong wall that can withstand the force of rushing floodwater and prevent extensive flood damage. 5. Improve Your Home’s Grading and Drainage Ideally, you want your lawn or yard to slope down from your home’s foundation, so water flows away. Fortunately, achieving this isn’t difficult. Here are some landscaping tricks that help keep water from leaching through your foundation and causing a flooded basement. Use dirt and sod to improve your yard’s grading and emphasize its high and low points. Mulch can soak up rainwater while keeping soil in place, so consider adding them to your garden. Add drainage to your paved driveway to let water flow freely from it. Most Importantly, Don’t Delay Hiring Professional Water Restoration Services Factors like climate change are increasing the risks of severe storms and floods everywhere, so it’s crucial that you anticipate the worst. Floods can be dangerous and destructive, and failing to prepare for them can leave you more vulnerable to extensive damage. With that said, always remember that there are experts in water extraction and restoration you can work with to protect your property from further damage. Enlisting their help soon after your water damage event can help you not only address the mess it created but also save as many of your possessions as possible. If you’re searching for reliable water removal in the San Fernando Valley, our local Restoration 1 company is here to help. As a full-service team offering comprehensive water restoration services, we tackle various water events, from damaged water pipes and wall water to natural disasters. Schedule your water extraction and restoration service today. Call 818-369-3462 to discuss your needs with our local team. RESOURCES Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name** I consent to receive text messages from this business. Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ
- Learn More
Assessing Smoke and Soot Damage: Cleaning and Restoration Tips
One step in restoring your property after a devastating fire is salvaging your possessions. In some cases, your belongings didn’t sustain damage, and all they need is minor cleaning or repairs before they can be reused. However, if an item is beyond repair or has sustained damage and your insurance covers its replacement, you could opt to have your belongings replaced. Your restoration company can help you with this step during fire damage restoration. Once your professional technician has given you the signal to enter the premises, here are some steps you can take to help with the salvaging and smoke damage restoration process. What Happens During Smoke Damage Restoration in San Fernando Valley? The smoke and fire damage restoration process can vary between providers. However, there should ideally be a systematic approach to handling fire damage. Before you can enter to salvage your belongings, technicians conduct the following steps: Visual Assessment: Technicians scope the fire and smoke damage on the property. This doesn’t include the potential damage within your property structure and only consists of a visual inspection of the immediate damage that could pose risks during restoration. Air Quality Testing: Using specialized equipment, technicians will check for smoke particles, combustion by-products, and other substances that could be in the air. On top of keeping technicians safe from inhalation, it’s used to detect areas affected by smoke. Damage Documentation: Your technicians can document the damage to your property for both insurance claims and restoration plans. Documentation for both fire and smoke damage can depend on which service you’ve opted for. For example, service for smoke damage restoration in San Fernando Valley means documenting only smoke-related damage. Customized Restoration Plans: After assessing the damage, your technicians will create a custom plan for restoring your property. What You Can Do Before Fire Damage Restoration Begins Once your property has been assessed and deemed safe to enter by a professional, you can start going through your belongings. Depending on who you hire for smoke damage restoration in San Fernando Valley, you can have a technician help you evaluate which belongings can be restored and which ones are more practical to replace. Here are some tips to help you with salvaging: Contact Your Insurance Provider: Start the claims process by contacting your insurance provider immediately after a fire. They can advise you on the next steps to take. Additionally, having your insurance policy file can help you review the maximum claim you can receive. This can give you an idea of how much you can replace. Seek Professional Evaluation: A professional restoration technician assisting you with salvaging your belongings can make the process more efficient. They can evaluate which belongings can be salvaged and which ones are better disposed of and replaced. They can also assist you with your insurance claims. Document Your Process: Taking photos and videos of the process can help with your insurance claim. If your insurance coverage also covers replacing the belongings in your property, documenting the damage can help you maximize your claim. Minimize Your Time Indoors Before Cleanup: Smoke and soot can contain combustion by-products. These pose a risk to your health, especially if you have existing respiratory conditions. Minimize your time inside the property before your restoration company begins cleanup and the restoration process. Avoid DIY Smoke and Soot Cleanup: Some property owners will attempt DIY solutions for removing visible smoke and soot, such as scrubbing walls with commercial products. However, this won’t get rid of the particles in the air. Moisture can also cause the soot to set into the paint, making it harder to restore the property. Leave it to the professionals to remove all traces of the fire from your property. Trust Restoration 1 for Efficient Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration in San Fernando Valley Without any experience in property restoration, it can be difficult to determine the extent of damage a fire has caused. Instead of cleaning up the damage and exposing yourself to health and safety risks, it’s best to leave it to the professionals who can ensure your safety and restore your property to its original state. For reliable technicians who can assist you with salvaging your property and belongings, Restoration 1 of San Fernando Valley is your trusted restoration company. Give us a call to start the restoration process as soon as possible. RESOURCES Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name** I consent to receive text messages from this business. Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ
- Learn More
Protect Wood Floors: Prevent Water Damage from Appliances
Whether hardwood or regular wood planks, wood flooring is vulnerable to moisture. Standing water can do so much damage, from minor discoloration to warping and buckling. Worse, mold can take root underneath the wood planks, spreading and contaminating the indoor environment undetected until it’s too late. A water restoration company in San Fernando Valley can get your wooden floors back in perfect shape, but why go through the trouble if you can prevent the problem? Here are excellent tips to follow to protect your wood flooring from water damage: Use A Water Resistant Wood Finish You’ll find many varieties of wood finishes that offer protection against moisture. A varnish is a popular option. Many also use hard wax oil, especially for wood floors in areas that often get wet, like entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens. If you hire a contractor to retouch your floors, they will likely recommend polyurethane products. They offer the best water resistance among all finishes for hardwood floors. Polyurethane (also known as lacquer) can be oil-based or water-based. Oil-based polyurethane was way better in the 1990s and 2000s, but developments in waterborne technology had greatly improved formulations for water-based polyurethane. In fact, some water-based lacquers today are now better than oil-based lacquers. Put Doormats, Rugs, and Carpets in Common Areas Doormats are the easiest way to minimize the moisture in people’s shoes as they walk inside. It is common courtesy to take one’s wet shoes and muddy boots off before entering a house, and having a doormat in your entryway reminds people of that. Rugs and carpets protect wooden floors in large rooms like living rooms, dining areas, and libraries. They are physical barriers that absorb moisture from shoes or spilled drinks. While no one likes to see wine stains on a carpet, it’s easier to wash them than deal with warped wooden planks or mold on your wooden floor. Clean Your Floors Regularly Regular cleaning and maintenance help protect your hardwood floors from water damage. If you allow your floor to get so dirty and grimy, you may have little choice but to wash and scrub. It would be best to avoid reaching that point by cleaning your floors regularly. Cleaning also prevents your floors from getting scratched or stained by mud, spilled food, drink, or other stuff with deep pigments like turmeric powder, strawberry slices, and makeup. Train Your Pet to Pee Outside or in Their Litter Box Untrained puppies and kittens can pee just anywhere, and if they do it in corners or crawl spaces under large appliances or furniture, you might not know it at all. Their urine will soak your floor, leaving yellowish stains and a foul stench. If they do it to a specific spot too often, germs, bacteria, and mold can spread and further damage your floors. Put A Planter Saucer or Catch Basin Under Every Potted Indoor Plant It may be hard to believe, but a simple item like a catch basin can save your wooden floors and save you a phone call to a water restoration company in San Fernando Valley. Potted plants hold a lot of moisture, even if you don’t overwater them. Therefore, planter saucers or catch basins are a must. Moisture will seep through the drain holes thanks to gravity. Just in case you accidentally poured more water than you intended, the basin will catch the excess so your floors will stay dry. Have Your Indoor Plumbing Checked Indoor plumbing systems weave through walls and floors. There are water pipes, gas pipes, and drain pipes that lead to the sewers. If any of them get damaged or clogged, they could leak and form massive puddles on your floor. So if you have leaky pipes that get progressively worse, or if it’s been a while since a professional checked your indoor plumbing, book an appointment as soon as possible. Schedule an inspection, and do it regularly afterward. Faulty and damaged plumbing is one of the leading causes of water damage. If things come to that, you can call a water restoration company in San Fernando Valley. However, preventing any damage to your home is always best. Preventing Leaky Appliances Any appliance that uses water can damage wooden floors if it starts to leak. It’s a bigger problem if the leaks are from large appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, coolers, washing machines, and dryers. They are either semi-permanently installed in one spot in the kitchen or too heavy to move around. So once they leak, the water could pool underneath and remain undetected for quite some time. Here are more tips to protect your wooden floors from appliances: Have your appliance checked by a certified technician if it malfunctions. Watch out for signs that an appliance has trouble connecting to the water mains or drain, like if the used water doesn’t drain properly or your water bill suddenly increases. Check the bottom of an appliance and check for moisture regularly. Professional Water Restoration in Burbank Water damage can be prevented by simple tasks done regularly and without fail. However, if certain events happen beyond your control – like a natural calamity or external factors you cannot stop – you have people to fall back on for help. Restoration 1 of San Fernando Valley offers its experts in water restoration in Burbank. We address all minor and major property damage, including water-damaged wooden flooring. We also provide mold remediation and cleanup after floods and other calamities. Follow our tips to protect your hardwood floors, and if you need our services, contact us online or call (818) 239-7408 . RESOURCES Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name** I consent to receive text messages from this business. Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ
- Learn More
Understanding the Restoration Process After a Fire
The aftermath of a fire can be overwhelming and stressful. Structural fires can happen quickly: one moment, you’re sleeping soundly in bed, and five minutes later, you’re standing outside in your bathrobe, waiting for the firetruck to arrive. Confusion, panic, and worry are natural responses to structural fire but remember: your and your family’s safety must always come first. Afterward, you can focus on saving your property and restoring the original look and structure. This blog discusses the process of fire damage restoration in San Fernando Valley – what happens immediately after a fire and what you can expect from your property restoration company. What To Expect After a Fire Here’s a common scenario after firefighters declare a fire-out: Your home will be drenched, and your belongings damaged by fire, smoke, or water. There will be soot and traces of smoke everywhere, including the areas the fire didn’t reach. If you have a basement or room with a sunken floor, it will be flooded. The electrical and HVAC systems will need a complete overhaul. If it had been a big fire, your plumbing system might also have significant damage. Other issues can emerge depending on how big the fire got and how long it took firefighters to put it out. Although you can help with the cleanup if you wish to reduce the cost of restoring your home, DIY methods won’t cut it for fire damage. Therefore, calling experts in fire damage restoration in San Fernando Valley is a must if a fire strikes your property. Fire Damage Restoration: What Does It Mean? Fire damage restoration is the process of repairing the structural and cosmetic damage in a property destroyed by fire. It includes the following steps: Damage assessment – Construction and restoration experts assess the damage and develop a plan to restore the property to its original condition. Securing the property – Restoration can take weeks, months, or even years. As such, it is necessary to fence off the entire perimeter to keep out trespassers and prevent passersby from accidental injuries during reconstruction. Water extraction and cleanup – Indoor flooding is always to be expected after a fire, hence the need for professional water extraction and cleanup. You can participate in this step because you must sort your belongings and pick which ones you want to save. Demolition and debris removal – The restoration team will demolish parts that must be replaced or rebuilt according to the restoration plan. Soot and smoke damage remediation – If parts of the house are still structurally sound but cosmetically damaged by smoke, the restoration team will remove the traces and smell of soot. Repairs, restoration, and renovation – This step makes up the bulk of fire damage restoration in San Fernando Valley. A team of carpenters, masons, artisans, electricians, plumbers, and other construction professionals work together or sequentially to restore the damaged building and its immediate surroundings. Restoration aims to bring back the former look and integrity of a property. However, owners may deviate from the original design and renovate their home. The fire will surely leave lessons in prevention and possibly bring to light flaws in your house’s original design. This stage is an opportunity to correct those flaws and add upgrades like an improved fire detection and sprinkler system. What To Expect During a Home Restoration It takes a village to restore a home. Depending on how big your house is, restoration can take long enough that you’ll need to rent another residence or live with kind and generous relatives until the work is done. You might also have to rent storage space for your belongings and other household items you saved from the rubble. What will it be like working with a restoration company? You can expect a lot of back-and-forth with the contractor or the project manager in charge of your home restoration. You’ll also need to meet with your architect, structural engineer, roofing contractor, electricians, and plumbers, to begin with. Towards the end of the construction, you might consider consulting an interior designer, too. Expect to be in touch with your insurance company, too. Although restoration companies communicate directly with insurers, you might have to be assertive in claiming benefits from your policy. Apart from your insurer, it would help if you also build relationships with your mortgage lender and other preferred banks. Mortgage lenders typically become a co-payable party if the owner of the house was still paying the mortgage when the fire happened. This means that if the insurance company releases funds for repairs, the mortgage lender can take the amount of the remaining mortgage balance and leave the homeowner without ready cash for the reconstruction. Their mortgage will be paid off, but they must apply for another loan to rebuild their home. Entrust Your Home To Fire Restoration Experts Restoring a fire-damaged home is a long process with many players involved. You’ll need to oversee many things, especially regarding money. You can reduce the stress by entrusting the actual restoration and reconstruction to trustworthy, skilled, and experienced professionals. Choosing a reputable and well-connected fire restoration company like Restoration 1 will alleviate your stress and worry. While you focus on personal and financial matters, we’ll ensure the work done on your property is of the highest quality. Whether you decide to live there again or sell, we’ll do our best to satisfy, if not exceed, your expectations. Contact Restoration 1 of San Fernando Valley for expert advice on fire damage restoration. Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name**
- Learn More
Commercial Restoration Service Offerings Available in San Fernando Valley
A commercial building damaged by water, mold, or fire does not only mean additional expenses for your company. No matter the cause, this can also mean an indefinite disruption of your operations and a loss of business. Every day your doors are closed, you’re losing money. Fortunately, there are different commercial restoration services in San Fernando Valley that you can hire for different situations. Understanding what these solutions include can help you get the assistance you need to resume your operations as soon as possible. While no one expects emergencies and disasters to strike, there’s no harm in preparing. We go through the basics of the various commercial property restoration services available in the area. Water Damage Restoration Like residential properties, commercial buildings are susceptible to water damage from burst pipes, sewage backups, appliance leaks, or flooding. Issues like structural damage and mold can cause further disruption to your business if the affected area is not dried and cleaned immediately. Generally, restoration companies begin by assessing the situation and noting two essential things: The Water Contamination Type: More steps are naturally required to address water damage from sewage backups and flooding than from leaky pipes. The Water Intrusion Class: If the water affects an extensive part of your building, more time and special equipment might be required to dry it out completely. Understanding these two factors guides your water damage restoration team on the next steps. Mold Removal Discovering mold in the same space where you work with your employees and meet clients is never pleasant. The contamination doesn’t simply make your business look unprofessional. You may also be forced to pause your day-to-day operations because of the health hazards it creates. Mold removal experts in San Fernando Valley generally take the following steps to resolve commercial mold problems. A careful inspection is done to locate the source and extent of the microbial growth. Mold Containment Mold spores can be easily disturbed and released into the air, so professionals control the contamination as close to the source as possible. Mold Cleanup or Removal Affected non-porous and semi-porous materials that can still be saved are cleaned using special solutions. However, porous materials like drywall and paper products are typically unsalvageable and must be removed from the building safely. All remaining surfaces and materials are cleaned and sanitized. Mold Prevention A reliable mold remediation company will also address your building’s moisture issues to prevent mold from returning. Fire Damage Restoration Fires are notorious for wrecking properties within seconds. For business owners like you, this may mean having your building’s structural integrity compromised and your crucial data and equipment damaged. While every commercial property fire is unique, professionals usually do the following to restore buildings affected by fire damage: Assess the extent of the damage and board up windows, doors, and areas of the roof to secure the property. Remove standing water from the firefighting efforts to avoid mold. Remove debris and irreparable components. Evaluate subflooring, support beams, and other parts of the structure. Remove soot and clean smoke damage on walls, floors, and ceilings. Clean, sanitize, and deodorize the building. With a fire and smoke damage restoration team that offers complete solutions, your building can become safe, stable, and healthy again. Storm Cleanup Commercial properties also suffer significant damage when a storm or severe weather hits. If a recent natural disaster has affected your business, know that there are local companies that can help you get back on your feet. For a smooth and swift recovery, it’s best to get assistance from commercial restoration services providers that offer the following storm cleanup solutions : Damage assessment and boarding up of the building Debris removal Roof repairs and replacement of doors and windows Utility line repairs Contents pack-out, restoration, and storage Furniture restoration
- Learn More
Water Damage Restoration Process
No matter the source, experiencing flooding in your home can be overwhelming. Besides dealing with the cleanup process, you also have to ensure your family’s safety. Fortunately, having a restoration company guide you through the water damage restoration process can make this time of disruption a little easier. Additionally, choosing the right team of professionals to work on your property can further alleviate your stress and ease your worries. Every water damage event is unique, but you can expect your restoration company to follow these general steps when restoring damaged buildings: Inspection and Assessment The water damage restoration process typically starts with surveying the affected area and assessing the extent of the damage. Once the restoration professionals arrive, they first evaluate the situation to understand its severity, identify the water damage category, and recognize hazards that may be present. They may also assist with addressing the water source and turning off the electricity to eliminate safety risks. An experienced company will know how to quickly assess a water damage event to develop an effective water extraction and damage repair strategy. Water Extraction Once a mitigation and restoration plan is in place, professionals will start removing the water. It’s crucial to do this as quickly as possible because standing water will only continue to wreak havoc on a building and its contents. Professionals use specialized equipment such as submersible pumps, extraction units, and wet/dry vacuums to get the job done as efficiently as possible. Removing the standing water also allows them to inspect the home’s structure and other contents further. This helps to determine if any components were seriously damaged and can no longer be saved. Damaged Material Removal If any items, furniture, or structures that cannot be dried and restored, are removed as soon as possible to prevent potential microbial growth. Water-damaged materials like drywall, insulation, and carpeting are also often removed to expose wall cavities and subflooring. Removing damaged material from the building not only prevents excess moisture from lingering, but also helps speed up the drying process. Drying and Dehumidification Porous materials such as wood tend to absorb water, and if not dried properly, they can warp, swell, break, and even promote the growth of mold. In the worst cases, these conditions can compromise your building’s structural integrity and even create health hazards. This is why restoration teams also perform drying and dehumidification when restoring water-affected homes. They use commercial air movers to quickly dry walls, carpets, and other building materials. Following this, they monitor moisture levels and ensure the house is dry using tools like specialized cameras and hygrometers. Cleanup, Sanitization, and Deodorization Spaces affected by water are likely breeding grounds for mold and other microorganisms. It’s also worth noting that water from a leaking dishwasher, an overflowing toilet, or a flood can contain sewage and harmful microbes that can leave an unpleasant odor. Proper cleaning and sanitizing ensure that your building is healthy and free from mold and that the surfaces are safe to touch. On the other hand, deodorization helps make your home comfortable to live in again. Repair and Reconstruction Once the affected area has been dried and cleaned, restoration professionals typically proceed with the repairs. This may include: Building back electrical and plumbing components that were removed. Flooring installation.
- Learn More
Storm Flooding Has Hit San Fernando, What Can You Do To Reduce Water Damage?
California only occasionally experiences the remnants of the hurricanes and tropical storms that hit the Eastern Pacific Ocean. However, with Tropical Storm Hilary sending brief yet heavy downpours and record rainfall throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada this past August, the affected areas experienced major floods and significant property damage. Severe weather may not strike San Fernando Valley as hard and as frequently as it does the East and Gulf coasts, but there’s no harm in anticipating the worst. Preparing for a flooded basement or a leaky roof after a storm can make all the difference in avoiding extensive and expensive repairs. Besides knowing the right experts to call for water restoration services, here are some practical tips worth following to minimize the impact of water damage on your property. 1. Check and Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts Your gutters and downspouts are crucial in moving volumes of rainwater from your roof to the ground and away from your property. As such, it’s critical that you have them inspected and cleaned regularly, especially if trees surround your home. Dried leaves, stems, and other debris can quickly accumulate in these troughs and develop clogs. When they do, your blocked gutters can cause water to pool on your roof and eventually seep into your home. This can introduce extensive water damage to your property. 2. Regularly Test and Clean Your Sump Pump Your sump pump is instrumental in removing water accumulating in your basement or any other room below ground level. When severe weather is expected, you want it to work as it should to keep water from lingering and wreaking havoc on your home. To ensure it offers efficient water extraction in the most crucial moments, schedule a cleaning service or perform the following: Disconnect the sump pump from its power source before you begin. Spray down dirt and gunk from the pump using a hose. Remove excess water from your sump pump pit using a wet/dry vac, and wipe away any remaining wet residue with a rag. Once everything is clean, assemble all the parts and turn the power back on for testing. Pour water slowly into the pit to test your pump. The pump should activate if the water level gets near the top of the pit. 3. Inspect and Seal Your Basement Windows While basement windows and window wells allow natural light in and promote ventilation in the basement, they can become entry points for water during storm flooding. If you have these structures at home, ensure they are properly sealed and caulked to avoid the hassle and expenses of restoring a flooded basement. If you notice loose liners, consider replacing your old windows with new ones. With the right installation professionals, your new windows will have a better seal to keep water out and promote energy efficiency. Another solution is to install window well covers. High-quality covers can keep water and debris out of your window well. They can also withstand bad weather conditions, offering lasting protection for your window and basement. 4. Use Flood Skirts, Barriers, and Sandbags Installing flood skirts and barriers is an effective way to keep flood water from entering your home through the gaps in your doorways. Another practical idea is to keep sandbags ready. These sacks filled with sand or soil can be placed strategically around your property to divert flood water away from your home. However, they must be stacked correctly to create a strong wall that can withstand the force of rushing floodwater and prevent extensive flood damage. 5. Improve Your Home’s Grading and Drainage Ideally, you want your lawn or yard to slope down from your home’s foundation, so water flows away. Fortunately, achieving this isn’t difficult. Here are some landscaping tricks that help keep water from leaching through your foundation and causing a flooded basement. Use dirt and sod to improve your yard’s grading and emphasize its high and low points. Mulch can soak up rainwater while keeping soil in place, so consider adding them to your garden. Add drainage to your paved driveway to let water flow freely from it. Most Importantly, Don’t Delay Hiring Professional Water Restoration Services Factors like climate change are increasing the risks of severe storms and floods everywhere, so it’s crucial that you anticipate the worst. Floods can be dangerous and destructive, and failing to prepare for them can leave you more vulnerable to extensive damage. With that said, always remember that there are experts in water extraction and restoration you can work with to protect your property from further damage. Enlisting their help soon after your water damage event can help you not only address the mess it created but also save as many of your possessions as possible. If you’re searching for reliable water removal in the San Fernando Valley, our local Restoration 1 company is here to help. As a full-service team offering comprehensive water restoration services, we tackle various water events, from damaged water pipes and wall water to natural disasters. Schedule your water extraction and restoration service today. Call 818-369-3462 to discuss your needs with our local team. RESOURCES Don't Get Stuck With Damaged Property Fill in your details, we'll contact you right back. First Name** I consent to receive text messages from this business. Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ