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.

How Storm Water Mitigation Services Benefit Your Los Angeles Property

4/2/2023 (Permalink)

Storm cleanup is the best solution after a water intrusion into your home. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and drying services. We are available.

SERVPRO Offers Immediate Storm Cleanup Services in Los Angeles

Storm water mitigation services provide solutions to damage that your property may suffer in the event of serious winds or severe storms. Water from on-ground flooding or a storm-damaged roof can affect your property, so you need professional help. These professionals are well-trained and have appropriate restoration equipment to do the job right.

Before performing storm water cleanup procedures on your Los Angeles property, the SERVPRO team ensures the building is safe. For instance, we check for any missing roofing shingles and have them fixed by experienced professionals. The team might provide temporary solutions to stop the water until a permanent fix is implemented.

The following after some of the precautions that we observe when restoring your water-damaged property:

• Switch off electrical power - Turning off electricity prevents the possibility of electrocution since standing water may still be in the building.
• Protecting your items - We can lift your furniture and insert tin foil to protect your carpets and other rugs from developing stains.
• Using protective gear - SERVPRO technicians wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, rubber boots, and helmets to stay protected from possible injuries.

After using specialized equipment such as water extractors, squeegees, pumps, and wet or dry vacuums to remove standing water, we use dehumidifiers and air movers to dry your property. We also investigate whether there's hidden moisture behind wallboards, cabinets, and other hard-to-access areas. Failure to address the hidden moisture problem may lead to mold growth.

If building materials such as carpets, drywall, and carpet padding come into contact with on-ground flooding water, removing and disposing them may be necessary. Documentation is required before throwing out any materials.

Call SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park at (213) 628-2000 for efficient storm water damage restoration services. Work with certified technicians with several years of experience restoring commercial and residential properties. Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

ilver Lake Mold Damage Mitigation by SERVPRO

2/21/2023 (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 24

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.

Pressure Washing is Key to Successful Fire Damage Restoration in Los Angeles

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can pressure spray smoke and soot damaged properties in Los Angeles as part of a fire damage restoration service.

SERVPRO Professionally Cleans Fire-Damaged Properties in Los Angeles

Cleaning surfaces is crucial during fire damage restoration since it helps prevent additional damage, removes toxic substances, and helps return your property to its preloss condition. Smoke deposits typically settle on ceilings, walls, pavements, and other surfaces. It is recommended to work with professional restoration experts to ensure the restoration process is a success,

For a successful fire damage cleanup process in Los Angeles, our SERVPRO technicians use several methods. Since we have been in the industry for a long time, we understand the cleaning complications that arise from such incidents, and as a result, we know the right equipment and procedures to do the job right. The goal is to let the property owner understand that the property is being restored efficiently and safely.

Sometimes our team may use pressure washing to remove heavy smoke and soot particles from concrete and brick surfaces. In the processes, we use water under high pressure and appropriate cleaning solutions to remove the contaminants. We follow the following steps for a successful cleaning process:

• · Our SERVPRO experts cover surrounding surfaces to protect them from possible water damage
• · We then prepare the surface through the removal of loose residues
• · We ensure the pressure is set to a level appropriate to our cleaning surface.
• · We start cleaning the surface from the highest point downwards in a back-and-forth motion.
• · We repeat the procedure severally until the surface is free of smoke particles.
• · We then rinse the area to remove any remaining residues.

After successful cleaning, we use dehumidifiers, fans, and other equipment to dry the fire-damaged areas. We also perform smoke odor removal procedures to neutralize unpleasant smells. We may repaint or do the necessary refinishing work when discoloration happens after exposure to the soot and smoke particles.

Call SERVPRO of Silver Lake / Echo Park today at (213) 628-2000 when you experience any fire, mold, or water damage crisis. Our technicians follow our tagline--We're Faster to Any Size Disaster and will offer you the professional help you need to restore your property.

Specialized Commercial Water Mitigation Services in Los Angeles

1/29/2023 (Permalink)

When water damage affects your business, time is of the essence. Contact SERVPRO for both experienced personnel and the equipment needed for the job.

SERVPRO Can Provide Water Mitigation Services in Los Angeles During Non-Business Hours

In Los Angeles commercial businesses, water leaks and spills seldom occur during regular working hours. But when they do, business operations are brought to a standstill. Clients and employees may need to leave the premises with the commercial business closing. Completing repairs, cleaning contents, drying, and restoring damaged structures must be completed before everyone can return.

Fast response by SERVPRO technicians utilizing water mitigation techniques in Los Angeles commercial buildings can limit the damage and reduce the time your business is offline. 

We are available 24/7 and can be onsite within four hours of your call, including weeknights and weekends.

Every water event presents unique challenges for commercial businesses, employees, and customers. A hotel's entire floor may need to be closed until water cleanup and repairs are completed. Closing showrooms or office areas, while water recovery and drying are underway is often required. Employees in business offices may need to work from home while we remove carpets and renovate offices after a water event.

SERVPRO technicians utilize the appropriate equipment to extract excess water, air movers, and dehumidifiers to dry the commercial space before additional damage is caused. Mitigating water damage involves fast response and immediate action to protect the contents and structure from the effects of water on porous materials.

Water mitigation efforts and fast-applied action by SERVPRO can limit the total damage caused by a water leak. For example:

• Water Damage Demolition of drywall and flooring structures
• Reduction in the damage to paint and wallpaper
• Damage to showroom contents, furniture, or office items

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