Los Angeles Businesses Trusts SERVPRO for Water Restoration

5/26/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows how to handle any disaster that you may be facing. Contact us immediately for certified technicians and services.

SERVPRO® Offers Efficient Commercial Water Restoration in Los Angeles

Businesses facing water damage crises need swift and effective responses to minimize downtime and financial losses. Restorers like SERVPRO use advanced technology to restore commercial water in Los Angeles efficiently. 

SERVPRO has developed a robust protocol for efficiently handling commercial water restoration in Los Angeles. Our technicians follow the IICRC guidelines and use industry-leading protocols to minimize secondary damage and get your business up and running quickly.  

Initial Assessment and Rapid Response 

The first step in SERVPRO's approach involves thoroughly assessing the damage. Our team of technicians, who are available 24/7, promptly arrive on-site to evaluate the extent of the water intrusion. Using state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment, they identify the source of the water and map out the affected areas. This initial assessment is paramount as it determines the scope of the cleanup process and helps strategize the subsequent steps.

Once the evaluation is complete, the SERVPRO team quickly extracts water using powerful pumps and vacuum units. This stage is critical because the longer the water stays, the more secondary damage it can cause to structural elements, interior furnishings, and important documents. In commercial settings like offices, retail stores, or warehouses, mitigating water quickly is essential to preventing disruptions in business operations.

Drying, Dehumidification, and Restoration 

After water removal, the focus shifts to drying and dehumidification. SERVPRO's technicians employ industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to eliminate any remaining moisture from building materials and furnishings. Proper dehumidification helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which are common concerns after water damage incidents.

The restoration process is tailored to the severity of the water damage. Throughout the restoration phase, SERVPRO ensures that the operations cause minimal interference with your business activities.

Call SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park at (213) 522-7448; we will help you restore water damage “Like it never even happened.”

Flood Damage Cleanup and Repair in Los Angeles

3/24/2024 (Permalink)

Flood damage is not something that is easily dealt with. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for certified technicians and professional equipment.

SERVPRO® Provides Restoration After Storms Bring Flood Damage to Los Angeles

Atmospheric rivers, high winds, heavy rain, and flooding are causing extensive damage to many homes in the Los Angeles area. Falling trees penetrate roofs, walls, and windows, allowing water to soak contents, flooring, and structures. Cleaning up quickly and providing emergency board-up services help mitigate the damage to your home. SERVPRO can be onsite within four hours of your call 24/7 to help our customers.

Once your Los Angeles home is protected from further flood damage, SERVPRO delivers restoration services based on the initial assessment by our expert technicians. Roofs can be repaired, windows can be replaced, and stucco and other siding materials can be repaired. We remove water and moisture from the interior and use drying mats for hardwood floors. Everything is dried, cleaned, and disinfected.

Many clients are extremely concerned about their homes after damage from a storm and will enter their homes to recover heirlooms and mementos. We urge our clients to be careful and follow these guidelines: 

• Stay safe, avoid energized electrical appliances, and be careful of slippery floors. 
• Wet materials can be heavy, keep your family and pets from entering the home. 
• Do not use your vacuum cleaner to remove water or to attempt to dry materials. 
• Do not use any electrical devices exposed to water and moisture. 
• Do remove all books, magazines, and any colored items from flooring and upholstery to avoid staining 
• Call the IICRC-certified experts at SERVPRO to help with the cleanup and mitigate further damage from mold and water absorption by porous materials. 

We ask our clients to let us know if they have any concerns about the cleanup and restoration process. We are Here to Help® restore your home “Like it never even happened.” 

Call for help with flood damage restoration at SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park and nearby areas. Call (213) 522-7448.

Convenience during Fire Damage Restoration in Los Angeles Properties

2/25/2024 (Permalink)

If a fire occurs in your home, contact SERVPRO immediately. Our technicians are available 24/7 for remediation and mitigation services.

SERVPRO® Uses Proactive Fire Restoration Approaches

Los Angeles is known for its unlimited attractions and fun activities for residents and visitors. You can explore space and science exhibits at the Griffith Observatory or explore world-renowned museums such as the Getty Center, which features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Since Los Angeles is synonymous with the film industry, a walk through the Hollywood Walk of Fame is great if you would like to explore stars honoring different celebrities. Annual events like The LA County Fair, LA Film Festival, and Rose Parade provide a unique chance to interact. 

There is nothing convenient about property fires. However, with proper planning, fire damage restoration at your Los Angeles property can run conveniently. SERVPRO helps plan and execute fire restoration exercises conveniently by deploying a range of advanced resources to execute different tasks.

Proactive restoration involves

• Proper residue control
• Safeguarding structural areas
• Sustained moisture control

Residues are plentiful in a fire-damaged property because of the soot and ash produced by materials as heat breaks them down. Residues soil structural areas and contents, so removing them is essential. However, if the removal efforts spread the residues from the original areas, you may end up worsening the soiling or interfering with electronics and utilities in the house. SERVPRO takes steps like vacuuming surfaces to remove fine residues, setting up air-tight containment, and establishing negative air pressure.

Fire compromises structures in different ways like creating openings by shattering windows and triggering roof cave-ins. Flames may compromise frames and studs through deep charring. Safeguards such as board-ups and roof tarps help protect the structure from further deterioration. Roof tarps ensure there is no water damage in case it rains after the fire incident, while boarding up secures the interior from a wide array of risks, including vandals.

Most times, fire incidents also involve water damage since firefighting mostly requires dousing flames with water. Such damage may also occur during cleanup. Therefore, sustained moisture control helps improve outcomes. Our SERVPRO teams have different dehumidifier types, including LGR and desiccants for humidity control.

SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park tackles all the challenges you would normally encounter during fire damage restoration, delivering exemplary results. Call (213) 522-7448.

Los Angeles Water Mitigation and Cleanup

12/3/2023 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs in your home, you want it dealt with quickly. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for certified technicians who can get the job done.

Water Mitigation Reduces Total Damage in Los Angeles Homes

Water in your Los Angeles home is never a good experience. Water soaks into carpets and throw rugs, hardwood flooring, and porous materials, causing swelling, buckling, and even mold colonies to materialize if not quickly dealt with. There are several activities that homeowners can consider to reduce the total damage caused by water in their homes.

Our quick response SERVPRO® team can also help with water mitigation in Los Angeles homes. We are onsite within four hours of your call. Calling our team immediately after you observe water leaks or water in your home can help mitigate the total damage substantially. We respond with high-capacity pumps, water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to return humidity levels to normal and avoid mold growth.

Homeowners who want to take action while waiting for our team to arrive may consider the following tips to mitigate the damage and avoid further damage:

• Be careful of electrical short circuits, slip and fall hazards, and heavy water-logged contents
• Mop up as much excess water as possible
• Wipe down furniture
• Place wet cushions, throw rugs, and upholstery in a dry area
• In the summertime, turn on the AC to help with drying
• Remove loose items from wet floors
• Remove color items to avoid the color leaching onto wet surfaces
• Turn off electricity to the affected area and disconnect electrical items such as TVs, etc.
• Avoid rooms with wet ceilings, which may be full of water or beginning to sag.

Once the space and contents are dry, our IICRC-certified SERVPRO team will also clean all surfaces and sanitize all surfaces and contents, taking into consideration the porosity of each item and any special requirements. We deodorize your home if needed and complete any repairs or restoration activities that are necessary.

Call the water mitigation specialists at SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park and nearby areas for assistance. We are Here to Help® 24/7. Call (213) 522-7448.

Kitchen Sink Mold Removal and Cleanup in Los Angeles

9/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO mold remediators erect containment barriers during mold removal in Los Angeles properties.

Plumbing Leaks Under the Sink Leads to Mold Issues in Los Angeles Homes

Homeowners seldom look in the cupboard under the kitchen sink in their Los Angeles homes. Homeowners often store cleaning supplies, a small garbage container, and other seldom-used items in this small space. Odors from the garbage mask the strong, musty smell of mold colonies growing in warm, moist conditions inside these spaces.

SERVPRO® can assist with mold removal and cleanup in Los Angeles homes caused by small plumbing leaks and moisture buildup. In addition to the mold, moisture may have penetrated the cabinet's structure, the subfloor, and the ceiling below, causing swelling and discoloration of the cabinets and ceiling tiles of rooms below the kitchen.

We can help homeowners manage these issues. Take action immediately to avoid severe damage to the cupboards and flooring materials. Our SERVPRO team assesses the situation, prepares recommendations regarding the best approach, and applies the following corrective steps as needed:

• Locate the source of the moisture – loose plumbing connections, clogged drains, etc., causing water to penetrate the area under the kitchen sink. We repair any loose connections and ensure no blockages in the drains.
• Remove excess water – water extraction devices remove water from small crevices, and all exposed surfaces are wiped and disinfected.
• Drying – specialized air movers blow dry air into the cupboard, crevices, and the ceiling below the kitchen if needed.
• Repairs – controlled demolition of damaged materials may be required prior to repairing or restoring cupboards and flooring materials in severely damaged situations. Our technicians often erect containment barriers to prevent the circulation of mold spores and debris during demolition. Finished basement ceilings are opened to expose leaky plumbing and access plumbing traps. These access points are repaired.

SERVPRO can assist with all your mold removal and cleanup needs in your home and business. Call SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park for mold cleanup services. We provide service to Los Angeles and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (213) 628-2000.

Interesting Facts About Mold Removal in Los Angeles Buildings

5/29/2023 (Permalink)

Mold can spread extremely quickly. Contact SERVPRO to assess the situation and remediate the mold damage situation in your home.

Finding Mold Colonies in Your Home or Commercial Building in Los Angeles

Mold spores can be found in most buildings in Los Angeles and the environment outside your home or office. The spores require moisture and an organic food source to build mold colonies. Organic food sources are available almost everywhere. Mold can grow in many different places, including:

• On wallpaper
• In insulation or drywall
• Old paint cans and paint
• Upholstery and fabrics, including carpets

The above locations are just a few of the places where mold can grow, given the right conditions

SERVPRO can help with mold removal of common molds found inside Los Angeles buildings, including Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. We professionally train our technicians regarding the proper procedures to remove mold-contaminated materials and avoid distributing mold particles and spores throughout the building.

Mold spores can enter your home or office building through open windows and doors and on your clothes or pets. The spores will germinate wherever they find moisture from water leaks, flooding, and condensation. Homeowners and commercial building owners should ensure all leaks and areas with moisture are cleaned and dried and repairs completed as needed to avoid opportunities for mold infestations.

Clients may first notice a strong, musty smell whenever they enter an area where mold grows. The mold colony may be initially obscure, especially if mold is inside a wall or under a cabinet.

Our technicians can help identify the source of the musty smell and expose the contaminated area. Cleaning protocols follow industry standards based on the size and location of the mold contamination:

• Non-porous materials are wiped down and disinfected
• Porous materials usually must be removed for disposal, including carpets, drywall, and fabrics
• Large colonies may require negative pressure rooms to avoid spore distribution to other uncontaminated spaces

Call SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park for mold removal consultation and services. We provide service to Los Angeles and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (213) 628-2000.

Water Damage Restoration in Los Angeles is Fast with SERVPRO

4/24/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was called to dry out this crawlspace and remove the wet material from this Silver Lake Condo.

SERVPRO Techs Use Modern Tools During Water Damage Restoration in Los Angeles Homes

Water damage due to burst pipes, ceiling leaks, or other plumbing issues can be challenging to contain. Professionals like SERVPRO use state-of-the-art technology and equipment during water damage restoration of your Los Angeles home to ensure the situation does not become a catastrophe. 

When performing water damage restoration in Los Angeles homes, SERVPRO techs focus on removing the water as soon as possible. Once the techs pump out the standing water, the next step is to remove the trapped moisture by creating drying conditions that encourage evaporation. 

Dehumidification and its Role in Water Cleanup

SERVPRO techs manipulate the humidity of the drying air to encourage the hidden moisture to evaporate and speed up the drying rate. One of the best techniques to control the humidity of the drying air is through dehumidifiers.

SERVPRO restorers use three types of dehumidifiers during water damage repairs-

• Refrigerant dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air by cooling it to the dew point and then reheating it. They effectively maintain optimal humidity levels in large spaces but consume much energy and may not work well in colder temperatures.
• Low-grain dehumidifiers can remove moisture from the air even at low temperatures and humidity levels. SERVPRO techs commonly use them in industrial and commercial settings.
• Desiccant dehumidifiers utilize a desiccant material such as silica gel or activated alumina to absorb moisture from the air. They are energy-efficient and work well in low-temperature environments, making them ideal for domestic and commercial use.

Airflow Also Plays an Important Role

Airflow is crucial in circulating the dry air from the dehumidifiers to the wet surfaces. Without proper air circulation, even the best dehumidifiers can’t accelerate drying. SERVPRO techs use strategically placed air movers to improve airflow and speed up drying. 

Call SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park at (213) 628-2000 for reliable service.

What Does Silver Lake Mold Damage Mitigation Entail?

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Discovering mold at your Silver Lake property can certainly raise an alarm. Call our SERVPRO team for mold removal services right away. We are here.

SERVPRO Mold Inspection and Remediation Can Lower Silver Lake Home Repair and Replacement Costs

Mold growth can prove more damaging to Silver Lake homes than termites or structure fires, partially because microbes can feed on wood and other organic materials essential for maintaining structural integrity. Mold can even proliferate on nonporous surfaces in the proper environment, provided there is at least some sustenance available for these microbes. Surface-level mold damage on drywall and surfaces can indicate a more severe contamination issue inside wall cavities or even HVAC systems.

Silver Lake SERVPRO mold remediation technicians are available around the clock to render restoration services. This team does not provide total mold removal, which is not possible. Instead, it focuses on drastically reducing populations to average levels for clean, dry residential spaces.

How Mold Damage Can Spread Throughout Silver Lake Homes

While all indoor and outdoor spaces contain some amount of mold traveling through the air, microbial growth relies on many factors to spread. Microbes can proliferate in as little as 24 to 72 hours after settling in a suitable space. The ideal conditions for mold growth are room-temperature areas with elevated humidity and limited air circulation.

On top of that, mold spores can form colonies less than two weeks after initial growth. The more spores there are, the more quickly these microbes can deteriorate drywall, wood, and other porous materials. Home disasters like water damage can exacerbate microbial growth, which can continue even after water cleanup has been successfully performed. Mold inspection and remediation from certified technicians can determine microbes' location for more comprehensive mitigation.

SERVPRO Mold Damage Mitigation Includes Thorough Sanitation of Structures and Contents

SERVPRO's mold remediation crew tackles mold with a focus on making the environment inhospitable for microbial growth. This process entails demolition and removing unsalvageable debris and mold spore clusters, sanitation with EPA-registered biocides, and drying procedures that reduce air and surface moisture. Combined with commercial-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) and stringent containment procedures, these tactics prevent mold damage from spreading and maximize the number of spores removed from the property.

Sanitation and odor control tactics that aid in mold damage mitigation include:

• Manual cleaning of mold-prone areas
• Injection systems for spot removal of stains and odors in carpet and pad
• Pump and trigger sprays on walls or flooring with OSHA-approved biocide solutions
• Disposal of solid spore clusters and mold damage debris in heavy-duty sealed plastic bags
• Collection of spores and debris during cleaning with HEPA-filter vacuums

SERVPRO technicians can implement rebuilding services to restore the affected property should surfaces like drywall require demolition after suffering mold damage. These services can include installing new drywall, repairing and re-seaming carpet, and HVAC cleaning.

SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park is ready to restore properties throughout the day or night. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster and only a phone call away at (213) 628-2000.

How Long Does Water Damage Take to Dry in Silver Lake?

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's expert team can quickly dry out your Silver Lake property to prevent further damage and mold growth.

SERVPRO Technicians Mitigate Silver Lake Home Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most ubiquitous home disasters in the United States, regardless of climate or geography. In locales like Silver Lake, homeowners may face potentially costly water damage repair and remediation costs that average as much as $300 for a small-scale ceiling leak. While DIY options are available for property owners, certified professional water mitigation can lower the risk of future damages to structures and contents.

Highly-trained SERVPRO water removal crews respond to Silver Lake disaster calls 24 hours a day because water damage does not abide by a schedule. Mold can grow in as little as one to three days after water damage starts. However, commercial-grade equipment handled by certified restoration technicians can prevent mold from further impacting a home’s contents or comfort levels.

Factors That Impact Structural Drying

SERVPRO technicians assess many variables while formulating a water cleanup plan that successfully restores Silver Lake homes. Considerations specific to structural drying include:

• Relative humidity. The amount of water present in the air impacts the equipment necessary for drying. Air moisture levels also vary as drying equipment pulls water out of surfaces and into the air.
• Disaster scale. The size of the area impacted by water damage and its location is a crucial consideration during planning. A small pipe leak in a living room ceiling requires different accommodations compared to a similar-sized leak behind a wall-mounted bathroom cabinet.
• Containment measures. It is possible to reduce structural drying time by using polyethylene sheeting to seal off impacted rooms or areas, thus reducing the workload and equipment.

The Water Damage Restoration and Drying Process for Silver Lake Homes

SERVPRO’s structural drying techniques rely primarily on air movers and dehumidifiers working together to gradually isolate water from surfaces and the air for disposal in a treated sewer.

Centrifugal and axial air movers are designed to target different surfaces. The former is ideal for carpet, while the latter is primarily intended for walls and other structural components. These fans typically cover approximately 150 square feet, or 10 to 16 linear feet, of affected space in a home. Water mitigation technicians can also implement air movement underneath flooring or inside wall and ceiling cavities.

Dehumidifiers also vary based on their mechanisms and intended purposes. Low-grain refrigerant (LGR) units are commonly used to dry water damage on porous materials like carpets and sheetrock. Meanwhile, desiccant dehumidifiers can restore hard or nonporous structural surfaces like wall studs or concrete floors.

These drying systems work best after SERVPRO water removal technicians perform thorough cleanup with moisture extraction units, saving surfaces from acute moisture exposure while reducing drying times. After drying, crew members can address lingering microbial growth and water damage malodors with EPA-registered biocides and odor control solutions.

Homeowners can contact the SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park team at (213) 628-2000. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster for community members in need 24/7.

How Can Silver Lake Homeowners Remove Heavy Fire and Smoke Damage?

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

After fire damage at your Silver Lake property, you will need a team of experts by your side for the restoration. Call SERVPRO for assistance.

Fire Restoration Techs from SERVPRO in Silver Lake Revitalize Damaged Fixtures and Structures

Each year, homeowners in locales like Silver Lake run the risk of encountering fire damage from electrical components, appliances, or kitchen mishaps. Even small-scale disasters can quickly turn into potentially costly renovation projects without fast-acting service from knowledgeable professionals.

SERVPRO technicians provide fire and smoke damage cleanup for Silver Lake homeowners needing emergency-response restoration services. This crew performs cleanup, fire odor removal, and rebuilding tasks that return affected structures to pre-disaster states per Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.

The Benefits of Abrasion Blasting for Fire Damage

Soot removal can prove challenging with conventional cleanup methods. Many tough-to-remove stains and residues require more rigorous cleanup to restore the surface. Even fire and smoke damage cleanup proves successful, removing odors remains challenging. Abrasion cleaning can effectively address stains and residues while implementing fire odor removal.

Blast media used during heavy-duty abrasion cleaning includes:

• Dry ice, which is among the most potent cleanup options available for fire damage cleanup and odor control
• Corn cobs, which are gentle, effective, and biodegradable
• Soda ash, which offers additional odor control benefits during abrasion cleaning

Abrasion cleaning is not necessary for every endeavor, however. Other options, such as alkaline solutions and dry cleaning sponges, are typically sufficient for cleaning fire-damaged structures and contents. Abrasion cleaning is ideal in preserving charred wall framing and cabinetry.

SERVPRO Can Implement Heavy-Duty Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup with Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice, which consists of carbon dioxide pellets, is among the most effective abrasion media available for heavy fire damage residues and odors. This material provides a range of benefits for Silver Lake SERVPRO technicians.

• Dry ice's non-toxic, environmentally friendly nature makes it safe for use on a wide array of surfaces affected by fire damage. Its use is approved by the FDA, USDA, and EPA.
• The lack of moisture present guarantees potential secondary damages from water damage or mold growth.
• Because dry ice blasting only uses recaptured CO2, no additional solvents or chemicals are present that require cleanup or preparation after use.
• Dry ice blasting equipment requires minimal preparation before and after use compared to many other fire damage cleanup tasks, and its use can expedite restoration.
• These carbon dioxide pellets do more than mask fire damage odors. This type of cleanup mitigates fire-related smells by rendering the environment inhospitable for malodor-causing bacteria and residues.

Dry ice is gentle enough to restore masonry without scratching it. It is also a powerful solution for potential microbial growth in a Silver Lake home, which may be present from water exposure after fire suppression. SERVPRO can implement these solutions anytime, including weekends, late nights, or holidays.

SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park provides comprehensive services from trained technicians that leave homes looking and feeling "Like it never even happened." Homeowners can call (213) 628-2000 to begin the cleanup process.