SERVPRO® saves your house

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Our specialized fans can dry out hard to reach corners

At SERVPRO® we specialize in water and fire damage restoration. If you have water damage in your house, here are the general steps they might take to treat and restore the affected areas:

1. **Emergency Contact:**
- Contact SERVPRO® as soon as possible to report the water damage. We have a 24/7 emergency response service.

2. **Inspection and Assessment:**
- Upon arrival, SERVPRO® professionals will inspect the property to assess the extent of the water damage and determine the best course of action.

3. **Water Removal:**
- The first step is to remove standing water from the affected areas. This may involve using powerful pumps and vacuums to extract water from floors, carpets, and other affected surfaces.

4. **Drying and Dehumidification:**
- After removing the visible water, SERVPRO® will use specialized equipment like industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the remaining moisture. This helps prevent mold growth and secondary damage.

5. **Cleaning and Sanitizing:**
- Once the area is dry, SERVPRO® will clean and sanitize the affected surfaces to eliminate any potential health hazards. This may involve using antimicrobial agents to prevent mold and other contaminants.

6. **Restoration and Repairs:**
- After the water damage is mitigated, SERVPRO® will work on restoring and repairing the affected areas. This may involve replacing damaged drywall, flooring, or other structural elements.

7. **Monitoring:**
- Throughout the process, SERVPRO® professionals will monitor the moisture levels to ensure that the affected areas are properly dried and there are no lingering issues.

8. **Documentation:**
- SERVPRO® will document the entire restoration process, including before-and-after photos and detailed notes. This documentation can be useful for insurance claims.

It's important to note that the specific steps taken may vary depending on the severity and nature of the water damage. Additionally, if the water damage is due to a larger disaster, such as a flood or storm, additional steps may be required.

If you're dealing with water damage, it's crucial to act quickly to minimize the potential for further damage and to increase the likelihood of a successful restoration. Always consult with professionals like SERVPRO® who have experience in water damage restoration.

How SERVPRO® Can Help With A Water Leak

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses state of the art equipment to remove and dry water from flooring.

SERVPRO® is the national leader in water damage restoration and cleanup services. We are known for their expertise in handling various types of water damage situations, from minor leaks to major floods. Here's how SERVPRO can help with water damage:

1. Emergency Response: SERVPRO offers 24/7 emergency services, meaning we can respond to your water damage situation quickly. Water damage can worsen rapidly, so a fast response is crucial to minimize the damage and prevent mold growth.

2. Assessment and Inspection: Upon arrival, SERVPRO technicians will assess the extent of the water damage. We use specialized equipment to determine the moisture levels in affected areas and identify hidden sources of water.

3. Water Extraction: The first step in the restoration process is removing excess water from the affected area. SERVPRO uses powerful pumps and extraction equipment to efficiently remove water from carpets, flooring, walls, and other surfaces.

4. Drying and Dehumidification: After water extraction, SERVPRO employs industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the affected area thoroughly. Proper drying is essential to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

5. Cleaning and Sanitizing: SERVPRO technicians clean and sanitize affected surfaces and belongings to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and odors. We use antimicrobial treatments and specialized cleaning products as needed.

6. Mold Remediation: If mold is present or suspected, SERVPRO can perform mold remediation services to safely remove and prevent its return. We follow industry guidelines and use appropriate techniques and products to ensure a mold-free environment.

7. Restoration and Repairs: Once the affected area is dry and clean, SERVPRO can begin the process of restoring your property. This may include repairing or replacing damaged materials such as drywall, flooring, and insulation.

8. Content Restoration: SERVPRO offers content restoration services, including the cleaning and restoration of furniture, documents, electronics, and personal belongings damaged by water.

9. Insurance Assistance: SERVPRO can work directly with your insurance company to facilitate the claims process, providing documentation and estimates to ensure a smooth and efficient reimbursement process.

10. Monitoring and Documentation: Throughout the restoration process, SERVPRO monitors moisture levels to ensure that the affected area is properly dried and documented. This helps provide evidence of the restoration process for insurance purposes.

11. Preventative Measures: SERVPRO can offer recommendations and solutions to prevent future water damage, such as sump pump installation, waterproofing, and maintenance tips.

SERVPRO is a valuable resource when it comes to dealing with water damage. Our trained and certified technicians use specialized equipment and industry best practices to efficiently restore your property to its pre-damage condition. Whether it's a small leak or a major flood, SERVPRO has the expertise and resources to handle the situation and mitigate further damage.

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 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.

Take These 3 Steps To Determine Whether Your Homeowners Insurance Covers Your Broken Pipes

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

More water damage is caused by broken pipes.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Broken Pipes

If a flood has occurred in your San Jose, CA, home, you may be wondering how you'll find the money to cover that damage. The good news is your homeowner's insurance may pay for the repairs.
Before you do anything else, however, you need to get the water out of your home and the damage repaired right away. Contact specialists in water damage restoration to make everything as good as new. Then look at the following factors to determine if your policy will cover the damage costs.

1. Read Your Policy To Determine Your Insurance Coverage
The first place to start is by looking at your insurance policy to determine what kind of damage is covered. Most policies will pay for harm that incurs from a sudden flood as well as the costs to fix broken pipes and other repairs. If you're uncertain, consult with your insurance agent.

2. Look at the Type of Damage
If the damage is the result of a slow leak, that's generally not covered by your policy. You are the homeowner and are responsible for all maintenance and repairs, and if you don't repair leaks when you discover them, you can't expect insurance to cover damage caused by your negligence.
Damage from a burst or broken pipe, on the other hand, causing a sudden flood is covered by most insurance policies.

3. Document Everything
It's important to document everything and keep all receipts, not only of the repairs after a pipe burst but also all maintenance you've done on your home over the years. That way, you can prove that you were diligent in caring for your home.
A pipe bursting in your home can be a pain, but with the right help and by documenting everything both before and after the damage occurs, you'll restore your home in no time.

Are You Likely To Experience a Rate Hike When You Seek Insurance Assistance?

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Monte Sereno, CA.

Are You Likely To Experience a Rate Hike When You Seek Insurance Assistance?

Homeowners in Monte Sereno, CA, pay monthly premiums to insurers to have assistance in times of trouble. Filing an insurance claim is a lifesaver for many, avoiding significant costs at one time; however, does this action mean residents will pay more in future premiums? The answer to that question isn't simple or easily discerned. It depends on multiple factors. Here are three factors that influence an agency's rate adjustment.

What Caused the Water Damage?

While requesting compensation, the agent is likely to ask about when the harm began, how it happened and if immediate action was taken to mitigate the destruction. If owners caused the issue or allowed it to fester, insurers get concerned. Paying for them might happen, but it could mean that you'll pay for your actions in the premiums.
If the fault doesn't fall on the owner but on nature or someone else, the insurer may not place blame, forgiving the event and leaving the monthly cost alone. Without a doubt, prioritize cleanup to show good faith. Agents are likely to appreciate a swift response from a water restoration company.

Where Do You Live?

Some locations are likely to see more people filing insurance claims. Residents living along the coast may have hurricanes blow through more often, causing harm to roofs. The same is true of homeowners living in flood zones, tornado alleys and heavy snowfalls. Agencies are likely to evaluate how much they could payout over time, using this probability to calculate monthly fees.

How Often Are You Making Requests?

Insurance companies are a business. While they offer monetary assistance, they must weigh the risk of putting out too much. The business considers how frequently owners ask for coverage. Filing for a home flood is one thing. If the owners also ask for roof and foundation repair, that could be too much for the establishment to sustain within a short window of time.
File an insurance claim when the money is needed. Be aware that the insurer has the right to evaluate the risk of the payment in the future, adjusting bills to assist in future demands.

What To Know About Secondary Damage

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold growth.

Secondary Damage: What You Should Know

There are a number of damages associated with flooding in Cambrian Park, CA. While many of them are caused by direct contact with the flood water, that isn’t always the case. In fact, secondary damage can still occur after the water has been extracted.

Knowing the Signs

Before you dive into what secondary water damage is, it can help to know what signs to look for. After a flood, these are a few of the most common signs that your residence is being damaged by indirect exposure:

• Bowed wood floors
  
• Rotten wood
  
• Black mold
  
• Fungal growth
  
  

Any of these signs could indicate that your property is being damaged indirectly rather than directly.

Understanding Indirect Exposure

The simplest way to explain secondary damage is by referring to it as indirect exposure. This is damage that is done after the initial flood and without contact with the original flood waters. The way that this happens is that moisture can evaporate and contamination from the original intrusion of water can remain in the residence. The high humidity that this causes can lead to a spread of black mold growth that can be damaging to your property.

Preventing Damage

The best way to prevent indirect exposure is to act quickly when there is a flood. If you take a prolonged amount of time to clean up the water, it may lead to more contaminants and more places for those contaminants to hide. When dealing with a flood, utilize the help of a professional remediation service, which will be able to help you prevent further problems.

Secondary damage, or indirect exposure to contaminants and water, can lead to problems such as black mold, warped floors and even rot. This is why it’s so important to take care of a flood as soon as it happens. The problems that come later can be expensive and inconvenient.

3 Things You Need To Do After Water Damage To Avoid Bigger Problems

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Cambrian Park, CA.

3 Things You Need To Do After Water Damage

A broken pipe can leave your Cambrian Park, CA, home full of water. With this unexpected deluge, you may not know how your home is ever going to go back to normal. If you want to bounce back from the water damage quickly, you need to make sure to take the right steps as quickly as possible.

1. Start the Cleanup Right Away

Waiting around to get quotes from various cleanup specialists can leave you with a bigger problem than when you started. Water in the home can get contaminated, which means you have to worry about disinfecting your water-logged items as well as drying them out. If you start the cleanup as soon as possible, you give the water less time to start causing secondary damage.

2. Let Professionals Do the Work

As a savvy homeowner, you may want to take on the cleanup process on your own. After all, how hard can it be to remove water and make a few repairs? The fact is if you don't do everything correctly, the flooding may end up leading to mold growth and other long-term problems. You should turn to a residential water remediation group rather than try to do the restoration on your own.

3. Get Your House Totally Dry Before Starting Repairs

You want to get back into your house as quickly as possible. No one can really blame you for that. However, you need to take the proper time after a broken pipe to make sure everything is in its place. If you start moving furniture back into your home before it is completely dried out, you may exacerbate humidity problems and take your repair back a couple of steps. Let everything get totally dried out before you start bringing in furnishings or making repairs.

Knowing what to do after water damage affects your home can help you get everything back to normal much quicker. If a broken pipe leaves part of your house soaked, you need to avoid secondary problems by making smart choices right away.

Why Basements Flood

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Basement flood in Campbell, CA.

Storms and flooding in Campbell, CA, can lead to water buildup in the basement. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand what to do in these situations, how water gets down there in the first place, and ways to help prevent lasting damage.

How Water Gets Into the Basement

The first reaction for many when looking at a basement flood is to wonder how the water got there in the first place. There are several factors that may come into play.

• An improperly functioning sump pump
  
• Poor drainage around basement walls
  
• Cracks or holes in the walls water can leak through
  
• Issues with basement plumbing, such as a water heater
  
• Heavy storm rains
  
  

Water buildup in the basement can cause further problems for your home. As water tends to flow in the least resistant path, it will find holes and cracks to flow through and continue to puddle at the lowest point unless otherwise prevented.

How To Take Care of Water in the Basement

If you find flooding in your basement, it’s best to contact a professional as soon as possible. He can assist with pipe repair, if needed, take care of the water removal, and assess your basement for the source of the problem. Many services also offer help with the drying and sanitation of the affected areas, as well as repair and mold remediation.

How To Prevent Floods

In some cases, there may be ways you can help prevent damage from a basement flood. These can include installing a sump pump if you do not currently have one, regularly checking to make sure plumbing is intact, and sloping your yard and landscaping away from your home. A professional may have further ideas on ways to help prevent water damage.

Understanding the how and why of basement flooding can help you contact the team you need for repairs and restoration. Knowing these things can also help you take the steps necessary to help protect your home.

How To Address a Broken Pipe

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning up your office space after bursting pipes can be a daunting project.

The issue of bursting pipes can cause significant water damage inside any San Jose, CA, business. Knowing how to efficiently address the situation is key to preventing additional destruction.

1. Turn Off the Water

Your first step is to shut off the water supply to the affected pipe. To accomplish this, you may need to access the building’s water main and turn off the water to the entire building. You may also need to shut down the water heater as well as electrical flow to the affected area to prevent electrical shock.

2. Drain Water From the Pipe

Before you fix the broken pipe, you may need to drain any remaining water. To help empty pipes, flush nearby toilets and allow faucets to run until dry.

3. Assess and Repair the Damaged Pipe

Once the pipe is drained, maintenance personnel or a licensed plumber can properly assess the damaged pipe, commence repairs, and restore water flow.

4. Clean and Dry the Saturated Area

Bursting pipes can release significant amounts of water. If you do not quickly dry the saturated area, your business may suffer mold damage. For this reason, you should work diligently to dry the water-damaged space while the maintenance team is working to fix the broken pipe.

The cleanup process involves several important steps:

• Drain standing water with a sump pump
• Remove all wet items including furniture, office equipment, and carpets
• Make a flood cut to discard saturated drywall and insulation
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to expedite the drying process

5. Replace and Restore

Before you can return to normal business operations, you must complete repairs and determine the salvageability of computers and other office equipment. It’s important to ensure that the affected area is completely dry before you replace drywall and flooring. Completing repairs while the space is still damp makes you susceptible to mold contamination.

Professional Assistance

Cleaning up your office space after bursting pipes can be a daunting project. A professional cleanup and restoration team can assist you throughout the process and ensure that your building is successfully restored as soon as possible.

SERVPRO Offers Water Removal Services to Los Gatos Homeowners

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

You might not be able to avoid water incidents, but SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno is there to help if they occur.

Does SERVPRO Provide Emergency Services Water Clean Up and Repair to Los Gatos Homeowners?

Water leaking from a burst pipe or an overflowing sink must be removed quickly to avoid permanent damage to porous materials. These materials absorb water easily. The good news is that these same materials release moisture quickly and avoid permanent damage if action is taken immediately to remove the moisture.

SERVPRO offers 24/7 service and responds to Los Gatos water damage incidents in less than four hours from your call. We can deploy water extractors to remove water from carpets and other highly porous materials. 

Air movers push dry air across damp materials and absorb moisture. Our high-capacity dehumidifiers then dehumidify moist air.

We help our clients avoid permanent damage to contents and flooring materials – carpet, underpad, and hardwood flooring by reacting quickly. We also assist clients in preventing mold and mildew infestations which can begin less than 48 hours after the initial water leak.

SERVPRO provides:

• Water Clean Up 
• Water Damage Restoration
• Water Removal Services
• Water Damage Repairs

Call SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno for water damage restoration services in Los Gatos and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (408) 600-2020

Water Damage Remediation to Cinder Block in Los Gatos Homes

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

You can rely upon the professionals of SERVPRO completely during a flooding disaster cleanup.

Los Gatos residents can depend on SERVPRO for professional water removal services

When in-home flooding occurs, especially in the basement, cinder block and exterior walls can be impacted. One of the most significant factors in drying a block building or basement that has experienced basement flooding is the content of the open cells. Cinder blocks can hold a certain amount of moisture if they have equalized with the surrounding environment. Water damage repair is necessary at this point.

Water Clean Up for Cinder Blocks 

When your Los Gatos home suffers water damage, you need water damage remediation fast. When dealing with cinder block, one of the first things we check is to see if paint has been applied. Paint acts as a vapor barrier and can limit the amount of moisture absorbed. If necessary, we:

• Drill holes near the bottom of the wall in a mortar joint to allow water to drain
• Drill larger holes in the blocks to permit air circulation
• Use non penetrating moisture meters to determine when drying is complete
• Follow all state and local guidelines for working on structural elements

SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno has expert technicians that understand the drying techniques needed when dealing with unique situations such as wet cinder block. Contact us at (408) 600-2020 for water removal services.

The Beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains is Part of Life in Los Gatos

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the skilled technicians your property needs for thorough and effective water damage remediation. Call the experts today at (408) 600-2020.

Los Gatos Welcomes you with its Natural Beauty and Access to Bay Area Attractions.

Some may be surprised to know that Los Gatos is considered one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. Once you consider that it is in the San Francisco Bay Area near the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Jose, the distinction becomes clear. Its part in Silicon Valley and its technology firms make it relevant and crucial for Santa Clara County.

Among the most recognizable headquarters in Los Gatos, you will find Netflix, the popular content and film platform that gained increased popularity in 2020. Although the company has offices throughout the world, its headquarters employ those focusing on the data and analytics part of the business and product design. Other tech companies in Los Gatos include Infogain, Buongiorno, and Cryptic Studios. Once you include tech firms based in nearby San Jose, it is clear that Los Gatos is closely tied to the culture of Silicon Valley, its needs, and progress.

Los Gatos is Spanish for “the cats,” and the area’s name comes from La Rinconada de Los Gatos, but not because of house cats. Instead, it’s in recognition of the bobcats and cougars that inhabit the foothills in Los Gatos. It was founded in the mid-1850s following the creation of Forbes Mill by James Alexander Forbes. The mill's construction goes hand-in-hand with the California Gold Rush and the influx of people who traveled searching for riches. There were no flour mills in California, and Los Gatos Creek provided sufficient water power to make the production cost-effective. It is said to have kicked-off its operations in late 1855.

In 1887 Los Gatos was incorporated, and logging was one of the leading industries. Some years later, still in the early part of the 20th century, its agricultural offerings became emblematic of the town. Grapes, prunes, and apricots were grown in the area to the delight of its residents. Over time, it attracted a bohemian lifestyle, and important names made their life in Los Gatos, including Olivia de Havilland and John Steinbeck.

Milestones in the history of Los Gatos

• The Railroad- Even though rail transportation from Los Gatos is not part of daily life today, it played a pivotal role in its history. In the early and mid-1900s, the rail station in Los Gatos was visited by travelers from Alameda to Santa Cruz on the South Pacific Coast Railroad. Similarly, commuter trains into nearby San Francisco were a way of life until the 1960s.

• Oil- For about thirty years in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, Los Gatos witnessed growth in the Santa Cruz Mountains oil-drilling industry. Despite a thorough search for oil, it proved to be less than anticipated, and eventually, all efforts to kick-off commercial oil production were abandoned.

• 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake- California is notorious for its earthquakes, particularly along the San Andreas Fault. The Loma Prieta Earthquake owes its name to the Loma Prieta Peak, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, not far from Los Gatos. Even though the area recovered quickly, it still affected many businesses and residents.

• The Tech Industry- Like the rest of the region, the tech industry has become entrenched in the economy of the Bay Area, including Los Gatos. The growth of companies like Netflix has changed the employment landscape locally and the changes caused by tech companies in nearby cities.

Recreation in Los Gatos

The San Francisco Bay Area celebrates California’s beauty and majestic hikes, and outdoor activities are available to all residents, including those who live in Los Gatos. Whether you love to mountain bike, hike, cycle, or kayak, you are bound to find a place to enjoy your favorite activity virtually year-round. Los Gatos Creek and Vasona Lake County Park have several access points for people to hop onto a trail or wander to an outdoor concert or other activity.

For train lovers, you may want to take an afternoon to visit The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and support its carousel and steam engine. As it takes you through Oak Meadow and Vasona Parks, you can experience what it was like more than 100 years ago, and the price of admission is dedicated to preserving the equipment. Seasonally, you may enjoy the Pumpkin Train or the Holiday Train, which brings added excitement to the field trip.

Most people may not realize that vineyards abound around Los Gatos and that you don’t need to drive to Napa for award-winning local wines. Among the most famous wineries, you’ll find Testarossa Winery & Tasting Room, the fourth oldest continuously operating winery in California. Testarossa wines have been recognized, and it is available for tours and tastings. 

Byington Vineyard & Winery and David Bruce Winery are also great options to explore the flavors of the area.

Home Water and Fire Restoration in Los Gatos

Time and time again, Mother Nature has proven to be a strong force threatening California households. Wind, fire, and storms can all cause grave damage to structures regardless of their age. To come back from the devastation, certified water and fire damage restoration companies are your best resource.

SERVPRO is ready to act as soon as you call our 24/7 hotline, and it is safe to enter your home. However, water cleanup for Los Gatos homeowners may come as the result of less dramatic events. If a bathroom leaks or an appliance breaks, you may need help controlling humidity levels and restoring structural elements. When leaks happen, SERVPRO applies the industry's best practices to extract water, disinfect, and sanitize your home. Our expert staff is trained to address each material's specific needs in your home – wood, laminate, carpet, and tile require differentiated cleaning methods, and we have access to all of them.

SERVPRO of Los Gatos/Monte Sereno is at your service to protect your home. Call us at (408) 600-2020 as soon as you detect the problem and let us do what we do best. When we leave your home, it will feel, “Like it never even happened.”

Holiday Carriage Rides in Los Gatos

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to participating in local holiday celebrations.

Los Gatos Residences Enjoy a Romantic Way to Celebrate the Holidays 

The holidays are here, and even though activities are limited, some things still make the days special. An annual Los Gatos tradition is the Holiday Carriage Rides. It is a romantic event and like stepping back into time. An elegant horse-drawn carriage carries you through the town. Enjoy the sight of some of the most beautiful homes decorated for Christmas as you sit back and relax. 

Rides are available:

• December 4 – 6, 2020 from 5:00 – 9:00 PM
• December 10 – 13 from 5:00 – 9:00 PM
• December 17 – 23 from 5:00 – 9:00 PM 

Your carriage ride starts in the Town Plaza. You can purchase your ride ahead of time and include hot chocolate and a cookie.  

Masks are required. The carriage holds up to six people from the same household and the cost is:

• Adults (9 & up) - $30
• Children (3-8) $10
• Toddlers (2 & under) free 

SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno is proud to offer water damage restoration services. Contact us at (408) 600-2020 for more information. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Can Homeowners Prevent a Leaky Skylight?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Skylights in Monte Sereno Roofs Often Leak. What to Do? Call SERVPRO for Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration. "Like it never even happened."

Monte Sereno Residents Can Prevent Skylight Leaks with a Few Simple Precautions

Monte Sereno is a unique city with just over 3,000 residents. It has no commercial zoning and is primarily single-family dwellings. Like many Californians, the residents are sun lovers. Skylights allow sunshine into homes but can also have a problem with leaking.

How Difficult is it to Repair a Skylight Leak?

Skylights are a beautiful part of many homes. They can increase the value of the home while letting light shine throughout the house. But if they are not sealed properly, they can become a homeowner’s nightmare. Skylights can sometimes be challenging to repair when there is moisture seepage. The older the skylight, the more likely it is to have problems. Newer built products are less likely to leak, but it can still occur. This can lead to the need for professional water mitigation services in Monte Sereno. Signs you may have water damage can include:

• Dripping from the skylight
• Discoloration of the drywall around it
• Water stains on the ceiling or walls
• Nearby ceiling tiles crumbling
• Musty smell or physical signs of mold in the area

Finding the source of water is vital. There can be many reasons for a leaking skylight.

Check the Roof

It is possible that the skylight might not be the problem; it could be your roof. The moisture caused by the weather could be infiltrating damaged roof tiles. Having your roof inspected annually for loose or damaged shingles can help prevent this problem.

Improper Sealing May Be the Issue

This is one of the typical reasons for skylight leaks. Anytime a skylight is not sealed correctly, you are going to end up with problems. Re-caulking can prevent water intrusion. Flashing prevents water from seeping in, and leaks can result when it needs replacing.

Cracks in the Skylight

Anything wears with age, and a skylight is no different. Age can cause cracking, which leads to water damage. Falling debris can also impact the glass. When this happens, the window needs to be replaced.

Indoor Condensation

Many times, skylights get placed in bathrooms. Showers can cause warm, damp air to rise and come in contact with the cool skylight. The result is moisture droplets form and drips back down into the room. You can prevent this problem by:

• Turning on a bathroom fan when showering
• Cracking a window if no fan is available
• Use a dehumidifier in the home
• Check for improper installation
• Improve the insulation around the skylight

Understanding Water Damage

If your skylight allows moisture to come into your home, it can cost quite a bit to mitigate the damage. Household items could be ruined, and you may end up needing professional water restoration. Your ceiling and walls can be affected by the leak. If the moisture gets behind the walls, hidden water damage such as mold can occur.

Can SERVPRO Restore My Ceiling & Walls?

Our technicians handle ceiling and wall water damage regularly. They assess each situation and apply the needed techniques to repair and restore the impacted areas.  If your ceiling has tiles, it is often more cost-effective to replace the tiles than to restore them. Moisture can cause them to bow and have stains even if dried. The tiles may need to be removed even if not affected so that air can circulate and help with drying.

If the walls contain several layers of sheetrock, it may need extended drying times. If the sheetrock is saturated, it can take 5 – 7 days to dry. Several layers can take longer. But if the damage is minimal controlled demolition can replace the areas where the water has done the most damage.  While working, SERVPRO techs use penetrating moisture probes to ensure all layers are dry, not just the surface.

Can You Clean My Carpets While Here?

SERVRPRO offers routine carpet cleaning and maintenance. We have several options for carpet cleaning. They include:

Bonnet Cleaning – The least aggressive cleaning method and is used for light soiling. It’s a quick-drying method that works well on a low cut pile or low-level loop carpets.

Shampoo Method – Shampooing is a very good maintenance cleaning technique. It works well on light to moderate soiling and low cut pile carpets.

Hot Water Extraction – This is a deep cleaning process typically involved in restorative cleaning. The cleaning solution is heated and pumped through a portable extractor or a truck-mounted one.

Deluxe Preconditioner and Rinse – This cleans more thoroughly than hot water extraction alone. For moderate to heavy soiling when restoring carpets.

Showcase Cleaning – This is the most effective carpet cleaning process used by professionals. It can clean the heaviest soiling. It involves using a cleaning process on the carpet twice.

If you find yourself needing professional water mitigation due to a leaky skylight or some other problem, we have the experience, expertise, and equipment to restore your home to preloss condition.

Contact SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno at (408) 600-2020 quality water mitigation service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Should I Schedule The Cleanup Of Items Affected By Water Exposure?

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno at (408) 600-2020 to help schedule and run the cleanup process appropriately for the best outcome.

SERVPRO Has Sufficient Experience Handling Water Cleanup Exercises in Los Gatos Homes Making It Easier to Identify Priority Items

Water intrusion into your Los Gatos home can affect contents in different ways, including staining, soiling, or exposure to undesirable substances, thus necessitating cleaning. Since household items made from a wide range of materials and finishes, the outcomes from moisture exposure and soiling vary. The response you choose after discovering the situation is the only variable determinant of the outcome. Confusion on what items to clean first is common in such situations.

Which procedures are necessary for content cleanup?
Water cleanup involving contents in Los Gatos homes can require a wide range of techniques depending on the level of soiling, the materials composition of items, and the urgency involved. SERVPRO is well versed in general as well as advanced cleaning techniques.  We use various approaches to deal with any soiling, staining or contamination, “Like it never even happened,” including:

    •    Hot water extraction
    •    Shampooing
    •    Damp wiping
    •    Spray and wipe
    •    Immersion techniques

Cleanup also involves moisture management since extended exposure to water can cause various forms of deterioration. We use techniques such as air-drying or dehumidification to remove wetness from materials faster compared to letting them dry on their own.

What aspects play a big role in setting up a cleanup schedule?
    •    Rush items
    •    Vulnerability to moisture
    •    The expected level of deterioration
    •    Specialty items

Rush items is a general category encompassing items that you need to use urgently. They can be personal items such as clothes or utility items such as furniture. When you notify our SERVPRO crew chief of your desire to access specific items, we evaluate them to ascertain the best mitigation procedure, whether it is washing, rinsing, or expediting drying so that they can be ready for use in the desired time.

Although various materials are vulnerable to extended moisture exposure, the speed or levels of resulting damages vary. For instance, mold can develop on the surfaces of wooden items, but it can take days for significant damage from such growth to take root. On the other hand, dyes on fabrics such as upholstery covers can run and cause severe damage within minutes or hours. When our technicians evaluate your items, we prioritize the cleanup of items likely to develop severe damage if left unaddressed over more extended periods.

Which items require specialty cleaning?
    •    Artworks such as canvas paintings
    •    Musical instruments such as pianos
    •    Electronics or other appliances

Although cleaning helps reverse or reduce damages, it can have the opposite effect on some items. Such items require specialized cleaning procedures more than a speedy response to guarantee a positive outcome. Setting such items aside until the necessary resources are available is the best approach.

If you own some musical instruments, then you are aware that they are made up of a wide range of small parts, including strings, valves, and keys, so it is easy for something to go wrong in the process of cleaning the item. Paintings, on the other hand, can flake or develop other imperfections. Our technicians can take protective actions, including storing some items in freezing conditions or temperatures above the dew point, thus providing an opportunity to delay the cleaning until an expert is available or allowing safe transfer of the items.

What determines whether contents require onsite or off-site cleaning?
    •    The level of water damage at the property
    •    The size of the items
    •    Storage area available at the loss site

If the intruding water covers a vast portion of your property, it might be difficult to clean or store items within the same property. Our SERVPRO crews can evacuate the contents to an off-site facility for storage as we remove the water in your property. We can also perform cleaning and other restoration procedures at the off-site facility.

Item size can pose some obstacles to the cleaning processes. It is easy to misplace small items during cleaning or movement. On the other hand, bulky items such as furniture or musical items such as pianos require significant moving logistics for convenience and prevention of damages. Our technicians evaluate the item sizes and level of damage before deciding whether to move or clean them at the loss site.

Cleaning your Monte Sereno, Cambrian Park, or Lexington Hills home after water damage incidents is a delicate process since some of your actions can worsen the damage. Call SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno at (408) 600-2020 to help schedule and run the cleanup process appropriately for the best outcome. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.   

How Long Does It Take To Clear Out My Los Gatos Home After A Water Spill?

7/18/2020 (Permalink)

We are here for you!

For A Thorough and Professional Response, Have SERVPRO Restore Your Los Gatos Home

What Can I Expect From A SERVPRO Response?

To ameliorate the effects of water damage in a Los Gatos home, each SERVPRO Response Team uses a four-part restoration process:
    •    Initiation – This part is the first contact with each customer. It is where we collect the information on the disaster and schedule a service visit. It also includes our arrival on-site, the walk-through, and initial consultation with the customer. If an agreement is reached, then the team begins initial services such as lowering the interior humidity and moving property out of the way for other tasks.
    •    Plan – Now, we collect data to determine exactly what it takes to fully restore each home. Technicians use moisture meters and other detection equipment to check all property touched by the water. The information allows us to figure out what has to be thrown out or can be restored.

Those First Two Parts Seem Like a Lot of Planning and Not Much Else, What’s Next?

The Initiation and Planning can be accomplished in a day or less, and the first tasks support everything else we accomplish:
    •    Execution – This is where we complete the water removal and humidity reduction in your Los Gatos home. Technicians also perform any disposal operations and use drying equipment to draw water out of personal and structural property like recliners and drywall.
    •    Close-Out – This final stage is where the team leader ensures each task is completed and then performs a walk-through with the homeowner to ensure their satisfaction.

Is That Everything?

Yes, unless our SERVPRO team leader and the customer find something on the walk-through. If that happens, our team repeats step three and four until everything is finished.

To learn more about what SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno can do for your home, call us at (408) 600-2020 today. We are here for you.

My Kitchen Was Flooded When a Pipe Burst – What Happens Next?

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

After your home suffers any type of flood damage, you need a team of professionals to assist you. Call SERVPRO right away! We are always available.

SERVPRO's Los Gatos Team of Experts Provide Emergency Mitigation for Water Removal with the Right Equipment to Get the Job Done Quickly and Professionally 

In any flooding crisis, immediate water extraction is the main focus. First, our water damage technicians assess the situation and determine a course of action. Then they will bring in the proper equipment needed to deal with the water loss in your Los Gatos home. 

 What type of water extraction equipment gets used?

Fast mitigation to avoid things such as foul odors, deterioration of building materials or mold growth is crucial. The type of equipment used to handle water removal in your Los Gatos kitchen will depend on the extensiveness of the flooding. Some of the things we will look for are:

• Floor Damage – Is your floor hardwood, carpet, or linoleum? Is the substrate damaged? 
• Hidden Water – water can hide in interstitial spaces, crawl spaces, stairwells, and HVAC systems
• Ceiling Damage – Does your kitchen have a level below it that could cause damage to the ceiling?
• Walls or Drywall – Was the water loss severe enough to affect those areas?

Getting the Job Done with The Right Equipment

SERVPRO has the water extraction tools required for your specific situation. Depending on the extensiveness and the location of the water damage, the following may be used:

• Portable Pumps – A portable extraction system often works best in single room flooding.
• Truck Mounted Pumps – Rooms holding high amounts of water can require heavy duty pump systems.
• Portable Submersible Pumps – Often used when water is over 2" and the water is clean. 
• Rover – A highly maneuverable water extraction system that uses the technician's body weight to "push" the water out.
• Squeegee – Used on hard flooring with either a truck-mounted or portable pump.
• Carpet Wand – Used on carpeting with either a truck-mounted or portable pump.

The job doesn't end with just the right water extraction tools. We also use air movers, dehumidifiers, and monitoring tools to make sure your kitchen cleanup is "Like it never even happened."

If you have a flooding problem, call SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno at (408) 600 – 2020. We are Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Los Gatos

Water Removal Los Gatos – Avoid Damage to Structures

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

There are solutions to your Los Gatos water damage, call SERVPRO today.

Water damage to your Los Gatos home has more to it than you realize.

Clients occasionally try to avoid removing moisture from their homes. Perhaps the household is too busy to deal with the disruption. Many are not aware of the potential damage that can be caused by water and moisture if the source is not removed and the structure dried. Some are concerned about the cost of having their home checked for moisture and the subsequent work needed to dry the home and make repairs.

SERVPRO provides water removal, moisture mitigation, and restoration services in Los Gatos and the surrounding areas. Our service people live in the community and follow IICRC standards for water removal and restoration. We work closely with your insurance company adjuster and can help with much of the administrative work associated with a claim. Our trucks, equipment, and technicians are available 24 / 7, and in most situations, we are on-site in less than 4 hours from the time of your call.

Long Term Exposure Can Cause Damage

Structural portions of your home exposed to water and moisture for an extended period may become infested with mold, the structure may lose support capabilities, and your family may experience health-related issues from mold even if it is inside walls. Mold begins multiplying after 48 hours. Why take a chance, call SERVPRO for professional help and avoid more expensive solutions later?

Address water leaks inside your home immediately. Repair the leak and begin efforts to remove pooled water. Mops and pails can help to remove much of the water, but clients should consider professional help, once moisture migrates into carpeting, underpadding, and inside walls.

SERVPRO can utilize weighted extractors to remove water from carpets and underpadding. Directed air movers can force air inside walls through small holes. We cut these small holes to force air into the wall or cavity to dry the area. We utilize moisture meters and infrared cameras to detect moisture inside walls and hard to reach crevices. We can dry your floor materials, walls, and structure quickly to avoid long term issues.

Call SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno at (408) 600-2020 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Lexington Hills, San Jose, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

To find out more about Los Gatos, click here.

Los Gatos Water Loss Recovery from Scoping to Completion--Count on SERVPRO

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Cleanup, Drying, and Restoration--from the Basement to the Second-Floor in a Los Gatos Home--SERVPRO Answers the Call

Water Damage Restoration in Los Gatos

Water restoration can either be easy and straightforward or involve rebuilding certain sections or your Los Gatos home. The process of restoring your house into its pre-damaged condition entails water removal, decontamination, and drying. These processes should be handled by trained, skilled, and experienced water damage professionals. In the case of water damage in Los Gatos, it is important to act fast to reduce losses and associated health risks. For instance, moisture and standing water facilitate the growth of bacteria and mold, while prolonged exposure to these conditions can cause health effects.

SERVPRO is a reputable water damage restoration company in Los Gatos. We have been offering cleanup and recovery services to residential and commercial property owners at affordable costs for many years. The process of restoring a water-damaged home to its pre-damaged condition starts with thorough research followed by the replacement of the floor, walls, and ceilings if needed. The extent of damage can determine the cost of restoration and the amount of time needed. Our professionals are highly trained, experienced, fully insured, and have met the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards. As a trustworthy restoration company, we have an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and positive reviews from our previous clients.

The Steps We Follow in the Restoration Process

Step 1: Inspection – knowledgeable SERVPRO personnel, a project manager or a crew leader, inspect your home to determine the class and category of the water damage.

Step 2: Water removal – to remove water, we use high tech pumps and vacuums. The type of equipment we use depends on the water damage extent and size of your home.

Step 3: Drying – drying and dehumidification follows after absorbent surfaces and standing water have been carefully vacuumed. Drying removes any remaining moisture, and it can take from a day to a week or more.

Step 4: Cleaning – We clean and sanitize personal items to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Soft items like draperies, clothing, and carpeting washed using high-grade, formulated products.

Step 5: Restoration – finally, the restoration process involves replacing materials or restoring them to preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Our investment in top-notch equipment and training professionals is why SERVPRO of Los Gatos is a leading restoration company in the area. Contact us at (919) 790-1222 for 24/7 service.

We Are Available 24/7 To Restore Your Los Gatos Home After A Water Damage Disaster

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

Air movers working on drying a damaging water mishap in this home. We act fast to prevent further damage and make your home safe to live in again.

Small Leak, Big Problem

Sometimes a leak seems insignificant and easy to resolve. Something as simple as a bathroom with older plumbing with a small but continuous leak can be enough to invite a more significant issue into your home. The gradual saturation of your walls and floors may seem inconsequential, but in reality, it carries an enormous threat. Repairing the actual pipe may not be enough to protect your home from water damage, which is why reaching out to a professional service specialized in water restoration jobs is the smart thing to do.

If you are unsure of the extent of water damage to your home in Los Gatos, reach out to SERVPRO for our expert opinion. Our specialized team is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency. By calling, you gain access to our certified training and expertise, all devoted to restoring your home as soon as possible. Reach out to us before the damage escalates and causes further loss of time and money.

An important consideration when dealing with water damage is the nature of the water itself. The best scenario occurs when the leak is clean water because it is the least contaminated and the lesser threat to your health. However, even clean water can become a breeding ground for microbes, which is why it is so important to clean it up quickly. When gray water is the culprit (for example, water from bathtubs, toilets, or sinks), fungi may grow exponentially and trigger allergies or other reactions. In most extreme cases, black water can carry debris, human waste, and even chemicals, and this poses the most significant threat to your well-being. The common thread through these types of water is that bacteria are always present and needs elimination. Our SERVPRO crew is an expert in identifying the type of water and applying cleaning methods to resolve the situation.

SERVPRO of Los Gatos/Monte Sereno is an expert in water cleanup and restoration. With our help, water damage becomes a thing of the past. Call us at (408) 600-2020 and invite us into your home. Together, we can leave your house, “Like it never even happened.”

See more about Los Gatos.

Water damage to your Los Gatos home.

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Water can spread to many unexpected areas of your Los Gatos residence. Let SERVPRO help you.

Removing Water from Unexpected Places in your Los Gatos home. 

When a water line breaks, or a pipe bursts, you are often left with removing water from your home. It seems easy enough to get rid of excess water, but moisture has a way of hiding throughout your home in unexpected places. Excess water can hide behind baseboards, in cabinets, and even under flooring. Excess moisture hanging in the air of your home can also lead to secondary damage.

Water removal in your Los Gatos home won't be as complicated if you use a professional service. SERVPRO technicians are experts in removing water and moisture from any home and are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Disasters don't always happen during business hours, and time is of the essence when you are removing water in your home. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

While you wait for the professionals at SERVPRO to arrive, you can try to remove as much water as possible from the spill site. Blotting with old towels or rags can remove some of the water to help reduce the risk of additional damage. If you have air conditioning, turn it on to keep air circulating through the home. You can also move any valuables or electrical cords off the floor to prevent more damage. While doing this, be sure to wear gloves. Even if the water looks clean, it could have contamination with bacteria or dangerous sludge. 

When the SERVPRO technicians arrive, they begin to extract the water by making as many passes over the impacted area as it takes to dry out the flooring in your home. After they remove the maximum amount of water, they use air movers to direct air toward places where water could hide. The air moves at such a high velocity that it enhances quick evaporation. At the same time, the technicians set up industrial-strength dehumidifiers to take away excess moisture. 

With the combined effort of the air movers and dehumidifiers, air circulates throughout the room and decreases the humidity levels. The humidity levels need to be below 50% to ensure there are no issues after the cleanup, such as mold infestations or foul odors. 

If your home needs water removal in Los Gatos, contact SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno for prompt help at (408) 600-2020. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

To find out more about Los Gatos, click here. 

Call Us For Expert Water Removal Services In Los Gatos

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Air movers expedite the drying process and LGR dehumidifiers capture the airborne water vapor to help prevent more damage.

Can Los Gatos Water Removal Services Save Your Carpet After Emergency Water Damage?

The last thing anybody wants to come home to is a water-damaged house. Whether the damage comes from a leaky appliance or a hidden plumbing issue, water can spread quickly throughout your home, damaging the floors and carpets. SERVPRO responds to areas of carpet damage immediately, because without fast action it is less likely to be salvageable.

Carpet With No Pads

Also known as glue-down carpet, carpet with no pads is all surface and no depth. Our water removal services in Los Gatos address carpet damage with the use of specialized equipment. Light wands extract water from the surface, getting rid of pooled or residual moisture. Without a pad, the carpet is not as susceptible to sustaining permanent damage. In most cases, light wands are used with portable extraction units to make sure the water is removed efficiently.

Carpet With Pads

Professional-grade carpets need additional attention. SERVPRO technicians must pull up the carpeting and padding to see how deeply it has been affected by water. Moisture easily seeps down to the lowest levels of the carpet, causing damage over time. Light wands are not enough to extract water from a pad; instead, vacuum systems and deep extraction tools are employed, using motors and pumps to effectively remove what has deeply penetrated the material.

Types of Water

The potential to save your carpet relies heavily on the type of water that damaged it. There are three major categories of water damage: White Water, Gray Water, and Black Water. White Water is clean and uncontaminated, and can be removed from carpets safely. Gray Water is likely to be contaminated with elements such as dirt or urine. This can be effectively removed from carpets, but additional steps might need to be taken to sanitize the area before it is safe to be a part of the home again. Black Water is completely contaminated by fecal matter and hazardous materials. Carpet that has been damaged by Black Water must be removed completely and cannot be salvaged.

Do not let your carpet stay wet for too long. Depending on the type of water, our technicians can employ various techniques to restore your carpet back to its pre-damaged state. Contact SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno at (408) 600-2020 for expert water removal and restoration services.

See more about Los Gatos.

SERVPRO Uses Advanced Equipment to Fight Water Damage in Your Los Gatos Home

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can inundate your entire home if not treated properly. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for remediation assistance.

Residential Water Damage Restoration In Los Gatos

Life along the Lexington Hills and the Sierra Azul is pretty nice for Los Gatos residents. The weather is a little cooler than much of the surrounding area, and the cost of living is still fairly reasonable. Even disasters are fairly rare, compared to the rest of the state, with water intrusions usually happening thanks to a broken pipe or an old appliance finally giving up. 

Thanks to such mundane sources, Los Gatos water damage is ‘clean’ or uncontaminated by dirt or other particles. That means SERVPRO response teams can restore the home to its original condition without concern over a possible health risk to team members and residents. 

Team specialists begin with removing standing water to stop property, absorbing any more moisture, which slows and stops further damage. Removal also exposes surfaces underwater to the air, which starts the normal evaporation process of drying them. Specialists can augment this process by increasing air circulation in the home using a series of fans at entrances and exits.

Evaporation takes too long for carpets, so SERVPRO team members use extraction wands to dry them. If there is a pad underneath, specialists lift the carpet after extraction, roll it out of the way, and dispose of it. Pads disintegrate quickly after getting wet and are far cheaper to replace than to attempt to dry them. If the floors remain damp, specialists dry it with fans and air movers 

Before laying in a new pad and stretching the carpet back in place, specialists examine the baseboards and walls to see if they absorbed water. If it looks probable, they remove the floor trim and drill a small hole into each affected wall panel. If this does not dry the wall and the space behind it quickly enough, team members use other devices in our equipment inventory to speed up the process to avoid demolition, disposal, and replacement of the soaked and crumbling panels. 

SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno. If you need help removing water from and restoring your home here or in Cambrian Park, Lexington Hills, and San Jose, call our office anytime and any day, at (408) 600-2020 to begin the process of restoring your home.

Click here to learn more about Los Gatos. 

Carpets Require Special Care after Water Damage happens in Your Home in Los Gatos

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home can leave your family in devastation. No worries SERVPRO has you covered.

Let SERVPRO save your home from water damage. 

When a pipe bursts in your Los Gatos home while you are away at work, thousands of gallons of water can end up all over the place, affecting flooring of all types. Carpeting poses special issues because of the size and weight involved. Different flooring materials, like tile, quickly break down into smaller pieces when saturated.

When your home's pipe break and flood your Los Gatos house, water damage begins ruining things immediately. Some items, like concrete and denser woods, can sustain more prolonged periods of contact with water than others before showing signs of destruction and other changes. SERVPRO's professionals can discuss these factors with you and help you decide which options seem best-suited for your particular situation.

SERVPRO sends out employees certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to stop the damage from becoming more widespread and affecting other areas of your property. Our employees arrive ready to do this and also to repair and restore affected areas, making your home “Like it never even happened” quickly and efficiently.

Thinner carpets dry faster and often do not require elevating or 'floating' to allow for our specialists to dry the sub-floor. The density, thickness, and composition of the pad can affect the rate at which the floor below can dry out, however, making the floating of some thinner carpets a necessity. Raising the carpet allows our air movers to push air into the area and circulate dry air into the damp cavity formed between the carpet and the floor.

When water remains on a floor for a day or two, this can cause our categorization of otherwise clean water to shift towards gray water. When this happens, we need to remove the padding and install new materials for you. Doing so prevents microbial growth, and in many cases, can provide you with significant savings.

SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno has qualified professionals and specialists ready, 24/7, every day of the year, to serve our communities in Lexington Hills, San Jose, and Campbell. To stop water damage and protect your carpets and other floorings, call us at (408) 600-2020.

Want to know more of Los Gatos? Click here.

Attention Los Gatos Homeowners--SERVPRO Says to Check Your Appliances to Prevent Water Damage

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Uses Advanced Technology to Grapple with Water Losses in Los Gatos

Broken Seals Allow Water Loss Incidents in Los Gatos Homes

Many appliances are water-fed throughout your Los Gatos home. From the water heater to the dishwasher in the kitchen, these convenience elements are essential to comfortable living. Without the proper upkeep and maintenance, however, they can also be the source of substantial water loss incidents. Something as simple as a damaged or compromised seal intended to prevent water leaking can allow water to flow out unabated until the supply to the appliance gets shut off.

As dire as this situation might be, this water damage for your Los Gatos home is something that requires professional restoration technicians. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that by sopping up the water that they can see that the primary problem has gotten resolved, but water damage often spreads too quickly for conventional cleanup methods to be effective. A wise choice is our SERVPRO professionals, as we can arrive quickly with extraction and drying equipment to help protect your structural elements like flooring and wall materials.

While our team cannot repair the damage to the appliance itself, we can help to clean up and dry out the affected surfaces and materials throughout this area of your property. We have effective extraction equipment that can quickly remove standing water on the flooring. Our moisture detection and thermal imagery cameras can determine the spread of moisture throughout this region of your home to determine the best locations to set up our efficient drying tools.

Drying is a critical element to water damage recovery from larger loss incidents like this. We can set up more than one air mover and a dehumidifier if necessary to double the effectiveness of removing lingering moisture from walls, flooring, and the environment. If the flooring has suffered water penetration and saturation as well, we can install our injecti-dry system to begin removing dampness at a controlled pace.

You cannot predict when appliances might suffer damages to seals and degradation, which can lead to substantial water loss incidents. Our SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno rapid response team can arrive quickly with the expertise and equipment to make a difference fast. Give us a call anytime at (408) 600-2020. "Like it never even happened."

Here is the official site of this CA town.

Don't Let Your Cambrian Park Hardwood Floors Get Damaged By Water, Call In The Experts At SERVPRO!

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

When water loss incidents occur, protect your investment in this flooring by calling our SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno experts.

Water Cleanup For Hardwood Floors In Cambrian Park Homes

Renovations and remodeling throughout the Cambrian Park area have seen many homeowners hanging up their insistence on plush carpeting for the sleek and modern look of hardwood flooring. Many DIY enthusiasts have also taken to some of the vinyl and laminate options that look like the graining or texture of hardwood, but are available at a lower cost and with tongue and groove easy installation. Water incidents that occur over this kind of material can begin to affect it quickly, so getting the right professional assistance is vital as promptly as you can.

Of all the troublesome situations that can occur that require water cleanup for your Cambrian Park home, water penetration and absorption into hardwood or laminates can be destructive. Water can find a way to seep into the cracks, crevices, and connection points of plank flooring to reach the subflooring underneath. Even with waterproof flooring options, like what you might install in a bathroom or kitchen, only repel the moisture and dampness for so long before imperfections in the installation allow for penetration and damage to occur.

Our SERVPRO professionals can respond quickly to water loss incidents, as water damage can spread quickly throughout a property. Within hours of exposure, water can breech waterproofed materials and begin to saturate subflooring and soak into the flooring material itself. Without a proper cleanup and drying plan at this point, warping and distortion of the wood can begin within a few days of the initial incident.

Even more pressing than this timeline for water damages that our SERVPRO professionals have to endure, is the tear out and replacement required when our team gets notified of damages too late to salvage the materials.

Hardwood flooring is becoming more and more common in modern construction for its ease of cleaning and sleek appearance. When water loss incidents occur, protect your investment in this flooring by calling our SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno experts. We can respond quickly with the equipment and expertise to clean up the mess and dry out the damage. Call us today at (408) 600-2020.

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Broken Pipes Can Cause Major Damage To Your Cambrian Park Home

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

You can reach out to our crew at any time, and we can restore your home promptly so you can get back to life as usual.

Water Removal Services For Your Cambrian Park Home

Burst or broken pipes can be the worst nightmare for you as a homeowner in Cambrian Park. The drywall, flooring, structure, and insulation can all be at risk of costly repairs, especially when fast action is not taken.

Many times, when a pipe bursts or breaks, it happens inside the wall. It is usually very evident that this has happened. You need immediate water cleanup services for your Cambrian Park home at this point from a professional remediation company. SERVPRO can come to your rescue, no matter how extensive the damage is. With a small leak, it may not be evident that something is wrong for days or even weeks. Damage like this that grows over time can also create a mold infestation or even structural damage.

No matter how it happens, when you first notice an issue, turn the water supply off. It is usually found near an outside meter, in a utility room, or the basement. Taking action immediately lowers the volume of water and potential damage.

If possible, find the source of the problem where the fractured or broken pipe is. Doing so helps the SERVPRO technicians address the damage when they arrive at your home. You also need to take precautions if there are large amounts of water pooling and flowing into your home. Just the slightest bit of contact with an outlet, light switch, or electronic equipment can cause you to be electrocuted or shocked. If you cannot safely turn off the water supply, make sure to move your family, yourself, and your pets to safety.

Get in touch with our specialists right away, any time of day or night. We won’t hesitate to get to your property to help you out and return your home to its previous safe, dry condition. If you can safely do so, move any valuable items in the path of the water to a dry place. Drying and sanitizing damaged items is an essential aspect of our restoration process, so if you can prevent contact with water, it is very beneficial.

SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno can help you dry your home in Campbell, Saratoga, or Los Gatos back out after a water damage emergency. You can reach out to our crew at any time by dialing (408) 600-2020, and we can restore your home promptly so you can get back to life as usual.

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SERVPRO, Water Leaks in Bathrooms, and Happy Homeowners in San Jose

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Ignore Water Leak Clean Up and Restoration and this Is What Can Happen! SERVPRO Says Call Us in San Jose for Help

A Leak in Your San Jose Bathroom Can Cause Water Damage to the Floor and More

It is never a pleasant experience to find water damage inside your home. Water loss can be costly to fix, but the problem only becomes more expensive as you let it progress. When the piping responsible for bringing water into your bathroom begins to leak, it can cause damage to the floor inside of the room. The quicker that you address this problem and fix the leak, the faster you can call for assistance with the water damage inside your bathroom.
 
It is imperative to have the water damage inside your San Jose bathroom remediated as soon as possible so it cannot become the breeding ground of microbial growth. Mold can begin to grow where extra moisture is present in just three day's time. The faster that you get professionals in your home to remediate the damage, the less likely this is for mold to grow and the more likely it is that a smooth remediation can take place.
 
When you get in contact with SERVPRO, we make it a priority to arrive at the job site as quickly as we can. We know your time is valuable and how swiftly damage can escalate. Once we arrive, our Estimator can go over the damage with you and your insurance adjuster, if one is applicable and answer any questions that you have.
 
After the initial investigation, our SERVPRO techs can begin to set up an environment that is ideal for drying out your bathroom with the help of advanced equipment. We can use desiccant dehumidifiers, axial fans, and air movers in combination to draw the moisture out of your floorboards and to create an environment that encourages evaporation. Rapid removal can prevent the seepage of water to other levels and causing secondary damage.
 
Furthermore, SERVPRO can use thermal imaging technology to look for any pockets of moisture in your floorboards where water could have collected, and then remove it. Once the drying process has been finished, our technicians can use moisture meters to ensure that the levels in your bathroom have returned to an acceptable rate.
 
Found water damage inside of your home? Reach out for restoration services immediately. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno by dialing (408) 600-2020.

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How Our Experts Handle Water Damage To Your Los Gatos Home

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Many different household crises can cause water damage in Los Gatos.

Professional Water Cleanup In Los Gatos

Many different household crises can cause water damage in Los Gatos. Most are related to leaks in plumbing or malfunctions of the appliances that every home has to make life easier - dishwashers, water heaters, laundry equipment, and the like. Arranging for professional assistance to help with cleanup and drying out is wise. We can help.

Although the reasons necessitating water cleanup of your home in Los Gatos often relate to ordinary wear and tear, trying to manage the process as of DIY project is not recommended. Water is notoriously difficult to eliminate without specialized equipment and training. Any moisture that remains exposes your home to progressive deterioration of building materials and the risk of secondary damage like mold growth. Our crews and commercial grade water mitigation tools lead to successful outcomes.

When SERVPRO arrives, our crew chief assesses the situation and designs a plan according to your particular circumstances. Swiftly our employees implement the plan, pumps, extractors, and drying equipment always available on our service vehicles. Water is evacuated as completely as possible, including hidden water trapped behind walls or under cabinets. We use advanced technology like infrared scanners to locate the water trapped in the many recesses every house features.

Our team is well-qualified to measure moisture levels in porous materials as well, which helps as our crew lead determines drying targets. Once the majority of the water exits via pumps and extractors SERVPRO turns to air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture remaining in your home to normal levels. We learn how to achieve the proper balance of air movement, temperature, and air moisture through rigorous coursework mastered at IICRC training, the industry standard.

A speedy and comprehensive water cleanup approach is needed as mold can begin growing after only 24 to 48 hours. SERVPRO crews reliably remove the water and dry out the premises fast, a result that is impossible to achieve without the experience, training, and equipment our team brings. We also work with your insurance, lessening that stress and strain on the homeowner.

SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno has the trained crews, hands-on experience, and equipment to clean up water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (408) 600-2020 without delay when you suffer a water loss.

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24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help - Call Today - Los Gatos / Monte Sereno (408) 600-2020

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno

SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Faster to you Los Gatos / Monte Sereno Water Damage Event

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Santa Barbara provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (408) 600-2020

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno

SERVPRO of Los Gatos / Monte Sereno specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Helpful tips if your personal belongings have been damaged by water

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

One of the most common topics after a client suffers water damage, is how and what they can save from water damage.  Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer to this question. Every water damage is unique in some sense, so what can be saved is really on a case by case basis. However, here are some guidelines that you can use to make the best decision possible.

Type of Water Damage

Determining whether the water that damaged your personal belongings is clean or contaminated will be a big factor in whether or not it can be salvaged. If you are dealing with clean water, the chances of you being able to save some of your belongings is higher.  Even though it may be possible to restore something that is damaged by contaminated water, it is more than likely not worth the health risk that it may bring.

Porous vs Non-Porous Materials

Porous materials such as fabrics, wood, and paper are very good at retaining water. This also means it increases the chance of other dangers like mold growth, and damage beyond repair. This is not always the case and if handled quickly and properly, many times these items can be saved as well. On the other hand, porous materials like marble, metal, and porcelain - among others - usually have no problem being restored. Since there is really nothing for bacteria and mold to root itself in, a simple cleaning is usually no problem.

Amount of Time water saturated the items

Another factor that will come into the equation of determining what can and cannot be saved is how long the materials have been wet for. The longer an item sits in water, the deeper it can penetrate. As you can imagine, this makes it increasingly more difficult to bring it back to its normal state. The perfect example of this is wooden furniture. It takes quite a bit of time for it to really absorb and become completely water logged. If you get personal belongings out of the standing water and begin the drying process right away, you have a good chance of being able to save them.

Factor in the Replacement Cost

Water damage restoration of personal belongings is no different than any other type of repair. You will always want to evaluate how much it is going to cost to repair something versus simply replacing it. Is the item you want to save really worth paying a professional to do work on it? Sometimes it is, sometimes it is not.

You should also take into account that paying for restoration does not guarantee your item will be returned to its original state. If that’s the case, you’ll have to replace the item anyways.

If you are unsure about whether or not one of your items could be salvaged, it is best that you get it analyzed by a professional. If you hire a water damage restoration company to handle a dry out of your property, they will be able to assist you in assessing damage to your personal belongings as well. To speak to a professional water restoration representative at SERVPRO, contact us today at (408)600-2020!