What is Category 3 Water Damage?

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage and flooding are considered Category 3.

Water damage can be devastating to your Cambrian Park, CA home, but it's important to remember that there are different types of water damage. There are 3 different categories of water damage. Category 3 water damage is the worst kind, but fortunately for you, you've found this article! Here's what category 3 water damage is and how to deal with it.

What is Category 3 Water Damage?

Category 3 water is water that is highly unsanitary and contains pathogenic agents. This includes bacteria, viruses, and other types of pathogens that can cause sickness. Category 3 water is common to see after a sewage loss.

Can I clean it on my own?

No. You should never attempt to clean up category 3 water damage on your own, without the help of a professional. Doing so can result in further damage to your home and belongings, and can be harmful without the proper protective gear. As with any type of water loss, attempting to clean water damage on your own can also spread mold spores throughout your home or business.

Call a professional right away

You should call a professional contractor right away to help you clean up the mess, determine the extent of the damage and decide what to do next.

If you don't act quickly and properly, mold can grow in as little as 48 hours after water damage has occurred. Waiting to act can also pose a risk to the people on your property. You don't want to be dealing with this problem on your own--it's important that you hire a certified company that specializes in water extraction and mold remediation services.

Will my insurance cover my losses?

If you have insurance and believe the damage was caused by a flood, you should file a claim with your insurer. However, even if you don't have insurance coverage for flooding or water damage, it's still possible to receive financial assistance from FEMA.

For more information about filing a claim with your insurer, contact them directly. If possible, make sure to gather documentation for all of your losses before filing the claim such as photos and receipts for damaged property. Companies such as SERVPRO can take care of the entire claims process for you.

Conclusion

Category 3 water damage is a serious matter and can be extremely costly. The best way to avoid this disaster is by knowing what to look for and acting quickly. If you do find yourself in this situation, contact SERVPRO of Los Gatos/ Monte Sereno immediately so that they can help with the cleaning process as soon as possible! Our team has the expertise and experience necessary to handle a water loss of any size.

Does My Carpet Have To Be Replaced?

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your carpet has been damaged by water you should remove it as soon as possible.

Do You Need to Replace Carpets After Water Damage?

If you've ever left your water running in the kitchen and then come back to find it's been leaking for hours, you know how bad a small water leak can get. When this happens, you may think about replacing the damaged area of the carpet or repairing it yourself. You may also consider simply ripping it out and starting over with new flooring altogether. However, there are more than a few things that go into deciding whether or not to replace your carpet after water damage occurs. 

How much damage has been done?

The first step is figuring out how much damage has been done. What caused the water damage? How much water was involved? How long were your carpets wet and how long have they been dry? The longer it takes for them to dry, the more likely there will be permanent damage to the carpet fibers.

The amount of time that has passed since water damage occurred also plays a role in whether or not you need to replace your carpeting. If you can't remember when this happened, there are other ways you can determine whether or not it's too late:

What caused the water damage?

• Flooding: Storm drains getting backed up due to heavy rains and snowmelt outside, or excessive rain can result in your home flooding. These types of incidents shouldn’t be taken lightly; they can lead to serious mold growth and structural damage if not addressed quickly.

• Burst pipes: Sometimes water damage is just an accident—it's the result of a burst pipe or other plumbing issue in your home. If you notice your home has developed a leak, turn off the main valve immediately so that no more water flows through the pipe until it can be repaired by professionals. 
• Water damage due to roof leak: Another common cause for unexpected damage? Roofs leaking after heavy rainstorms or snowmelt events can result in a ton of structural damage and standing water inside your home.

Dry it out within 24-48 hours.

The good news is that most carpets can be saved if they are dried out within 48 hours. The bad news is that if you don't take steps to dry it quickly, your carpet will begin to smell and mold can begin to form underneath the carpet. And once that happens, the only way to get rid of the odor is by replacing your carpet entirely.

So what can you do? Start with this: If there was water damage from flooding or leaking pipes or even a burst pipe in your home or business, it's important not to let the wet area sit too long before starting the drying process—especially if you live in an area where mildew and mold are prevalent. Calling your local water cleanup expert as quickly as possible after a water loss is crucial if you want to save your carpets.

Replace or remove?

You will need to consider whether the carpet can be cleaned, or if it is damaged beyond repair.

If it is wet and moldy, remove the carpet as soon as possible. Wet or moldy carpets are not salvageable and should be removed from your home as soon as possible. The same goes for any instance where physical damage has occurred—whether from flooding or simply being walked on in an unclean state. The longer you leave these carpets in place, the more likely they are to become infested with bacteria and other harmful substances that can cause problems.

Mold is often difficult to completely remove from carpeting because it grows deep within the fibers of the material which makes it harder to reach with cleaners designed specifically for cleaning carpets. If your carpet is already damaged by mold or mildew then replacing your carpet might be necessary.

Call a professional right away.

If your home in Los Gatos, CA, has experienced water damage, it is possible to salvage the carpet. Call a professional right away. Professional water cleanup experts will remove the water, dirt, and bacteria that are responsible for odors and unsightly stains. The professionals will also help prevent mold and mildew from forming on your carpet while they're working on it. They'll also make sure that any permanent damage is prevented by following industry-standard procedures when they clean your carpets so you can save money in the long run by avoiding replacement costs!

How Do I Create an Office Fire Escape Plan?

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

A fire escape plan is essential for commercial buildings and offices.

What Should a Fire Escape Plan for an Office Look Like?

Creating a fire escape plan for your Los Gatos office is crucial. In fact, it's one of the most important things you can do as an employer. But how does one go about doing that? Well, there are a few things you should keep in mind when creating an office fire escape plan:

Having a fire escape plan for your office is crucial!

If you have a commercial building, having a fire escape plan is absolutely crucial. As a matter of fact, it's the law! When it comes to commercial buildings and business owners, there are many different factors that influence your decision about what type of plan you need.

As with any aspect of business, it's important to be aware of local laws and ordinances regarding your chosen industry. This will ensure that if something happens (like an accident or an emergency), you're in compliance with local and state regulations. In general, though, when creating plans for any kind of commercial building:

• Have multiple exits from every room and floor
• Make sure that all employees know where these exits are located
• Plan accordingly if there's only one way out (such as through windows)

When it comes to creating an office fire escape plan, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

When it comes to creating an office fire escape plan, there are a few things you should keep in mind. An easy-to-follow and clearly visible plan is essential to ensure that all employees know how to safely get out of the building. The plan should be practiced regularly so everyone knows where the exits are located and how to use them, as well as which exit is appropriate for their situation if they have questions about what action to take at any given moment.

Your plan should include two ways out of every room so people can still get out even if one way becomes blocked or unsafe during an emergency situation. It's also important that all employees are included in this process—even those who work remotely or don't spend much time in the office—and not just office staff; everyone needs clear instructions on when and where they should go following a fire alarm or other emergency situation.

A good fire escape plan is essential for commercial buildings.

Imagine this scenario: You're at work, sitting behind your desk. Suddenly, there's a fire in the building and everyone starts to panic.

You've never even thought about what you would do in such an emergency situation! Do you know where the exits are? Do you know where they're located? Can you find them quickly enough if necessary?

If not, then chances are that if there were ever an emergency of any kind at your place of business (and it could happen), then this lack of knowledge might make things even worse for everyone involved. Your inability to escape will cause more confusion and chaos for those around you--and ultimately put people's lives at risk as well as damage property or equipment. This is why creating an office fire escape plan is so important for commercial buildings—it helps ensure that everyone knows exactly what their role will be during emergencies like these, so no one gets hurt or injured unnecessarily.

A fire escape plan is essential for commercial buildings and offices. It should be regularly reviewed so you can make changes, when necessary, but it's also important to have a copy of the plan on hand at all times in case of emergencies.

A Brief Guide to Various Types of Household Mold

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Cambrian Park, CA.

Mold growth comes in many forms. No matter what kind you have, it needs to be removed by mold renovation specialists. Here's a look at some different types of molds you might encounter in Cambrian Park, CA.

Mold Classifications

Harmful molds fall into three categories:

1. Allergenic
2. Pathogenic
3. Toxigenic

Each of these classes is characterized by a unique set of negative effects. In every case, you must act with haste to prevent mold's spread.

Mold Types
Scientists recognize a dozen types of mold. An awareness of them should make dealing with your specific situation easier. Some common ones are below.
Acremonium is a toxigenic type of mold growth with an appearance that evolves over time. It begins as a small, moist fungus and slowly transforms into a powdery mess. It typically appears in areas with condensation.
Chaetomium is a form of mold often found in homes where there has been water damage. It features a cottony texture and is accompanied by a distinct odor. Over time, its color changes from white to grey, then to brown, and finally black.
Cladosporium appears in areas with both high humidity and cold conditions. This fungus often feeds on carpets and upholstery. You may find it under floorboards or in cupboards.
Aspergillus is extremely common. Another allergenic, aspergillus comes in many colors. Its spores connect into long chains that build thick layers.
Fusarium is both toxigenic and allergenic. Sometimes found growing on food, it's able to thrive in frigid temperatures. Colors range from white to pink and a variety of reds. This type of mold can spread particularly fast.
Mucor blossoms in thick patches. It can often be found near air conditioning systems where condensation is present. It is able to be easily identified by its distinctive greyish or white color.
No type of mold growth can be eliminated without the right attention. Knowing the exact type of mold you have is bound to prove helpful.

Are Flood Waters Dangerous?

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno right away if you need help with flood damage restoration.

Flood Damage Often Brings Contamination into your Home. SERVPRO Provides Licensed Restoration for Los Gatos Residents

Floodwaters typically contact soils, chemicals, and pathogens before reaching your home. These contaminants can be hazardous. Our roster of licensed technicians can restore your home to a safe, sanitary condition.

Cross-contamination is a common byproduct of Flood Damage for Los Gatos residents that requires professional assessment and cleaning. Typical contaminants may include human pathogens, viruses, bacteria, herbicides, or pesticides. These contaminants must be removed from the property to ensure it remains inhabitable. Specific regulations and laws govern contaminated items or wastewater. SERVPRO is a licensed flood restoration service that can expertly assess and restore your home after a flood. We have experience working in severe storms and flood recovery operations and working under hygienists and indoor environmental specialists' guidance. Together, we can return your home to a pre-accident condition.

• We can cut out contaminated drywall from a flooded property and replace it with clean drywall and, where necessary, insulation. 
• Our flood pumps can pass the solid waste to ensure that your property is drained quickly after a flood or storm event.
• Using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, our technicians can restore your home to a sanitary state.

How To Fix a Leaky Faucet

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

A leaky faucet can lead to a number of unwanted consequences.

While a leaky faucet might seem like a small nuisance, leaving it unfixed can lead to a number of unwanted consequences. Some of the more serious reasons you should take care of this issue are because a leaking faucet can

• Waste hundreds of gallons of water each year
• Increase the cost of your water bill
• Cause structural damage as severe wood damage or mold.
  
  

The DIY Guide to Fixing Your Leaking Faucet

Are you ready to take on the task yourself? Fixing a dripping faucet isn’t usually too complicated of a job. Follow our easy instructions and you should get your tap dry in no time.

1. Prepare Your Sink for Fixing

Before you fiddle with your faucet, look under your sink for a handle along the pipes leading up to the tap. Turn it clockwise to stop the water. Then plug your drain before you take apart your faucet, so you don’t lose any small screws or washers.

2. Determine Your Faucet Type

There are four different commonly found faucet types. A tap with separate temperature handles is called a compression faucet, while a tap with one handle can either be a ceramic-disk faucet (contains a ceramic cylinder), a ball faucet (contains a ball bearing) or a cartridge faucet (contains a cartridge).

3. Find Your Replacement Parts

Take your tap apart to check for broken parts (such the rubber washers on compression faucets) and give it a deep cleaning by soaking it in white vinegar. Take the stem and inner parts to a hardware store to find an exact replacement. Reassemble your new faucet and you should be good to go.

Assessing the Damage

If you’ve had a leaking faucet for a while, it’s good to get your sink area assessed for further damage. Find a restoration specialist in San Jose, CA to check that your house is mold-free and not at risk for any structural damage. They can also make sure that your fixed leak isn’t going to come back anytime soon — a comfort to any homeowner.

4 Advantages of Having a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

An easy way to plan ahead is to create a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile.

Benefits of Having a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

A commercial water disaster can strike at any minute. No matter if there is a plumbing issue that floods a building, a leaky roof that spills water through the ceiling or a major storm that produces flooding, it's important to be prepared for anything that may bring losses to your Lexington Hills, CA, business. An easy way to plan ahead is to create a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile. Here are four benefits it provides. 

1. Minimal Business Interruptions
Getting your emergency profile set up ahead of time provides an action plan for professional water cleanup and building restoration. This preparation is crucial for limiting business interruptions and setting you up for success quickly after experiencing water damage.  

2. Easy Access to the ERP App
Disaster help is at your fingertips with a mobile app that not only allows you to input information about your property but allows you to submit a claim, prompting an immediate response. If you own multiple properties, the app lets you create profiles and track claims for each of them.

3. It Determines a Local Team to Work With
Completing SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile will establish a local team of water damage mitigation professionals that will assist you in any disaster. Save the time comparing nearby companies and get the peace of mind that industry leaders will support your building's needs. 

4. It Provides Important Building and Contact Information
An emergency profile will detail where useful items are in the building, such as water shutoff valves, to help you mitigate any issues before help arrives. It also lists your priority contacts to get the right people on the job quickly. 
Preparation is key, and establishing an emergency profile can put your business in the best position to survive a water damage disaster. Doing so can help minimize business interruption, put help at your fingertips with a mobile app, designate a local team to support your needs plus provide priority contacts and facility information. 

How To Restore a Basement or Crawlspace After Flooding

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage to a home in Cambrian Park, CA.

The Aftermath of Flooding

In the aftermath of flooding in Cambrian Park, CA, the basements or crawlspaces of homes may be filled with standing water. Allowing this water to stand will increase the risk of mold growth and may result in structural damage. Homeowners can rent home flood relief equipment or rely on the expertise and equipment of a restoration company.

Extract Water

It is important to eliminate any water remaining under a home after a flood or other storm damage. Several types of equipment work well for this purpose:

• Pumps
  
• Wet vacs
  
• Push brooms
  
  

It may be difficult to reach some portions of a crawlspace. A push broom with an extended handle can be used to move water to places where it can be vacuumed. A portable, submersible sump pump is useful for removing standing water from crawlspaces.

Dry the Area

A home flood can cause extensive primary damage, but excessive moisture in any portion of a residence may lead to mold growth. It is important to completely dry out a basement or crawlspace. Specialized equipment is also useful during this stage of restoration:

• Air movers
  
• Fans
  
• Dehumidifiers
  
  

It may take several days for an area exposed to flood water to dry completely. It is important not to rush restoration, as replacing building materials or performing repairs in a damp environment may elevate the risk of structural damage or mold

Prevent Future Floods

If flooding is common in an area, a homeowner should have a working sump pump in the basement or crawlspace of his or her home. Other plumbing equipment such as a backflow valve, floor drain plug, standpipe or overhead sewer may also be helpful for avoiding a sewage backup.

These measures may reduce the risk of damage resulting from a home flood. If flooding occurs frequently in Cambrian Park, CA, homeowners should take preventative measures to keep water from accumulating under houses.

The Qualifications Top Building Restoration Experts Need

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

We will respond quickly and restore your property to pre-damage condition. We are highly skilled, and IICRC certified.

Top Standards for Trained Mitigation Professionals

In the event that your property is damaged by fire, water, or another untimely disaster, only cleaning and restoration professionals can step in to repair the damage. You want to trust those with the most knowledge and experience in their field, so which qualifications should they have? Here is a look at the top standards for trained mitigation professionals. 

1. Completion of IICRC Training
When you choose a team of restoration pros to fix your Monte Sereno, CA, space, you want to ensure they have completed training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This third-party agency offers comprehensive course training in all facets of the industry and crews that received a mitigation certificate from them are highly qualified.
No matter what issue lies within your building, the IICRC has certifications available for any major problem. Specialty certifications include Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician, Odor Control Technician, Health and Safety Technician, Commercial Drying Specialist and Water Damage Restoration Technician. 

2. Thorough Corporate Training
While the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification is a great source of training, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals also undergo extensive corporate training. These crews not only receive extensive training on the local franchise level but on the national corporate level as well. This involves coursework followed by an exam to ensure that crews called in to help with any disaster always know the proper protocol. 

3. Continued Education Opportunities
Going above and beyond their third-party training and corporate training, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the opportunity to advance their expertise even further. Credit and non-credit courses are available for restoration crews, as well as the insurance and real estate professionals they collaborate with. 
When you need a building restoration team to tackle your damaged property, seek out the most qualified. Look for a company whose workers have IICRC certification, have completed corporate training protocols, and have taken additional courses related to the field.

What Are the Most Common Water Business Losses?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

By insulating your pipes you can prevent ruptures

The Most Common Water Damage Incidents

Your Los Gatos, CA, business can be vulnerable to water damage caused by various incidents. From damaged pipes to natural disasters, the excess humidity can distort and destroy everything inside your building. Some of these scenarios are more frequent and more preventable than others. Protect your establishment by learning about the most common water damage incidents so you can avert or resolve them effectively. 

Severe Weather Conditions
Some water-related incidents are difficult or outright impossible to avoid. Severe weather events such as heavy rain and snowstorms can compromise the building and allow water to enter. A tornado could also tear apart the area and impact the plumbing system or the water used to extinguish a fire can leave behind excessive amounts of water. You can reduce damage by maintaining the drainage system and keeping a list of useful contacts such as emergency lines, your insurance agency and water remediation specialists at hand. 

Burst or Leaking Pipes
Another problem that continues to plague multiple business owners is damaged pipes. There are various factors that can affect your piping such as: 

• Metal corrosion 
  
• Aged and worn out materials
  
• Improper assemblage
  
• Physical impact
  
• Freezing temperatures 
  
  

Each potential problem has a solution. For instance, proper insulation can stop cold temperatures from raising the pressure inside the pipes and a timely replacement of old pipework can prevent ruptures. Look for signs of leaks such as discoloration, mold and puddles, especially before the situation escalates into flooding. 

Malfunctioning Appliances
Your business will likely use water appliances such as dehumidifiers, washing machines, water heaters and refrigerators. When issues such as faulty hoses and connections occur, water can spill and damage your floors, ceilings or other belongings. Follow their respective instruction manuals to ensure they operate properly. Conduct necessary inspections to detect any signs of malfunction or old age.  
There are several risk factors that can lead to massive water damage. Identifying problems such as damaged pipes or leaky dryers quickly can significantly reduce any potential business loss.