Tips and Techniques for Mold

6/11/2022 (Permalink)

The tips and techniques listed below will help you clean and understand your mold problem. Before reading note that it could be possible that you may not be able to restore something with mold on it back to its normal appearance. Also note that it is probably best if you have a professional come out and take a look at the specific mold you're dealing with and check if there is any other hidden mold around the area

• To start off you will want to check and fix any plumbing or other water related problems you might have that is causing the mold growth
• Scrub any surfaces that contain mold with detergent and water, then dry thoroughly.
• Most likely absorbent material such as drywall, ceiling, tile, and carpet will have to be thrown away if they end up having mold. Mold can grow in the porous of these absorbent materials meaning it's almost impossible to remove it completely. 
• If you see mold on the walls ceilings or floors its best to stay away from the affected area and call a professional to take a look
• You don't want to paint over a moldy surface, clean up the mold and dry the area, applying paint over a moldy surface will cause peeling in the future. 

At the end of they day if you are unsure about how to clean an item and you don't want to risk messing up and damaging anything, consulting a specialist would be the best option. Have any questions Call SERVPRO of Northridge and SERVPRO of Granada Hills (818) 993-9339. 

Northridge and Granada Hills Commercial Water Damage Cleanup

5/28/2022 (Permalink)

Having your commercial building endure any kind of water damage can be stressful and put a lot on your mind whether it’s a professional building or small retail store having a professional restoration company restore and cleanup the loss right away can reduce the cost significantly.

At SERVPRO of Northridge & SERVPRO of Granada Hills we use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. There are so many ways an owner of a commercial building can be affected from mentally to financially we want you to get back on track as soon as possible.

Whether it’s a pipe break or strong weather knowing who to call when water damage occurs can make the whole difference for the recovery process

SERVPRO of Northridge & SERVPRO of Granada Hills is here to help and get your building back “Like it never even happened.”

Have questions? Give us a call today (818) 993-9339

Mold In Your Commercial Building Air Ducts? Heres What To Know

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

Mold In the HVAC System

Noticing the Mold 

Usually when it comes to mold in your HVAC system, you'll be able to notice the smell before anything else. If there is an odor that only occurs while using your air conditioning or heating, that could narrow it down to mold in your HVAC system.

People may also experience symptoms every time the AC is running, again leading to mold growth in the air ducts. If there is a good amount of mold around the vents, it can spread in the air causing plenty of symptoms such as itchy eyes, irritated nose and throat, and most commonly headaches. 

How'd It Start?

Mold grows in the vents when these two things are existing in the particular area, warm temperature and moisture. A humid environment is the perfect condition for mold to start forming. Ultimately having weak ventilation and a humid environment can trap moisture in your walls and cause condensation that can lead to the rapid spread of the mold spores.

Having a huge ac unit that doesn't match the space you have, for example larger ac units can cool smaller spaces super quickly and turn off before dehumidifying the air leading to extra unwanted moisture. If you notice mold shortly after a new ac installation it would be wise to make sure you've gotten the proper sized equipment for the space you're in. 

Another cause for mold growth would be setting your ac to a very low temperature. This could sometimes lead to mold growth when the cool air from the ac hits the warm air from the room, the difference of the temperature can form moisture in the air to condense all around the vent. With that being said if that moisture builds up over time and never gets a chance to dry out, mold will start to form. This is something called temperature differential which takes about a difference in 20 degrees when the ac air and room air hit for moisture to form.

What To Do?

When dealing with mold especially in areas like the HVAC system calling a professional to come in and get the job done would be the best option. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but a professional will take care of the mold and will help stop it from coming back in the future, they will also do it more effectively and safely than doing it by yourself.

Along with that trying to scrub off any mold with ordinary cleaning supplies won't get rid of it. It will remove what seems like most of it but in reality there will still be mold spores, they're ready to grow back as soon as they can. Leaving you with the same problem again and again. Professionals have the proper equipment to keep your commercial building from being a victim of mold ever again.

If you ever notice or see mold arising in your commercial building please give SERVPRO of Northridge & SERVPRO of Granada Hills a call right away. We will have our highly trained technicians respond right away and turn your building back to pre mold conditions "Like it never even happened."

Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339

Storm Flooding? Heres What To Do!

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the United States. Although we don't really have trouble over here in California, especially in Los Angeles, you can never be too sure what might happen in the future. Here are the steps to take to protect your family, protect your home, and keep the cost to repair the damages to a minimal.

Turn the Electricity Off 

As soon as you notice flooding in your home its best to quickly turn off all the electricity in the house.

Evacuate 

Having to evacuate out of your own home can be super stressful leaving everything you have behind, but at the same time you and your families lives are far more important. In times like these you won't always need to evacuate in a flooding situation, you can simply head out to the back or front yard but its pretty easy to tell when its time to get out of the area and wait until things settle down.

Call for Help 

If anything serious has happened to anyone its best to call 911. At this time you can't focus on the house, the damage has already been done so it's best to call up the proper people to start the recovery process right away. If you are renting your house you will want to call your landlord and tell them what's going on. If you are homeowner calling your insurance and letting them know would be the best place to start.

Document Everything

After an incident happens the first thing that comes to mind is cleaning it up, but before you do you're going to want to document all the damages for your insurer. Use your cellphone camera to take pictures and film the damages your home has encountered due to the flooding. 

Cleanup Process

For the cleanup process you'll need to remove the water, salvage as many items as you can, dry the area out, and disinfect the entire area the flooded water has affected. With all things said the cleanup process is a long and stressful process for any homeowner. Thankfully for you SERVPRO of Northridge & SERVPRO of Granada Hills is here to help and take on the whole cleanup process for you. Were here to resotre your home back to normal "Like it never even happened."

What to Check After a Storm Hits Your Home

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Debris On the Roof 

No matter how big or small the debris is it's important to make sure to check the roof for any larger problems that could have occurred during the storm.

A damaged roof can cause major problems even if the spot or spots are tiny, water may have leaked in during the storm without you knowing and if left unattended it will only cause more water damage in the future.

If you are able to access the roof safely it's important to clean any debris and inspect any damages.

Inspect Your Gutters

After a heavy storm, your gutters may have come loose. Having a loose or blocked gutter is a sign that your roof might not have dried correctly leaving water pools that weaken the structure of the roof and cause water damage issues. It's necessary to check your gutters immediately after a storm to prevent any more problems in the future.

Assess Water Patches on Walls 

Heavy rain can cause water damage as water goes into the small cracks in the walls leading to the exterior and interior walls being affected.

Make sure to check your walls about every day for a week to ensure that the damp patches aren't still hanging out on your walls after the storm has passed completely.

Check the Windows 

When there is shattered glass and dents from hail and wind damage we can easily identify what happened. On the other hand, the effects of water damage can be easily missed by the untrained eye. Untouched water and leaks can lead to mold and will affect your home's foundation and structure. Although it won't seem as bad as dents and cracks it's just as important to look for moisture buildup and fog in the glass to prevent any problems you might have to face in the future.

Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339

Choosing the Best Restoration Company

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with a disaster in your home or business is frustrating and time-consuming. Whether it's caused by a storm, fire, or a water leak in your home it can make your plate a lot fuller than it already was. After an incident happens it could leave you feeling helpless not knowing what to do and who to call. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Northridge and SERVPRO of Granada Hills specialize in turning your home after a disaster back to normal "Like it never even happened."

Why Choose SERVPRO? Why Not Choose Another Company?

Let's change up the perspective, if you, your family, or even your friends are dealing with a deadly illness and you are required to get surgery to survive, having the best and most experienced surgeon to get the job done will be the first thing to come to your mind. Well, your home or business is one of the greatest investments you will ever make, so it's especially important to have the company with the best knowledge, experience, and equipment to return your property to normal condition. 

Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339

No Job is too big for SERVPRO of Northridge and SERVPRO of Granada Hills

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

We know that it can be overwhelming and frustrating when you have an emergency arise in your home or business. At SERVPRO of Northridge and SERVPRO of Granada Hills, we are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to respond promptly to your emergencies.

No job is too big! Our technicians are trained and certified by the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) with the mindset of performing the best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold, and cleanup.

At SERVPRO of Northridge and SERVPRO of Granada Hills, we have the training, expertise, and resources to handle any size disaster. We are part of the more than 2,000 franchises that SERVPRO has around North America. No job is to big or too far!

Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339

Keeping Your Commercial Building Safe

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can happen anywhere and anytime when you least expect them, so it's important to make sure you are prepared properly for any unwanted disaster. Hears a few things to check off to help protect your building, assets, and occupants in the event a fire does start up in your building.  

Fire Alarms

Fire Alarms are the first line of defense when dealing with a fire. They quickly alert everybody in the building that there is an emergency and allows them to escape safely before it gets too dangerous. It's very important to conduct and go over drills to ensure that everyone understands the evacuation plan when it is necessary.

Emergency Lights/Signs

Emergency lights and exit signs are required to guide occupants out of the building in a difficult situation. Even if you know the inside and outside of the building like it's in the back of your head, it can still be confusing to navigate during an emergency, especially in dark and smokey conditions. It's recommended to have these checked once every month or so to make sure they are running correctly in critical situations. 

Closing Doors

No one's first thought during a fire is closing doors, but actually closing doors can help prevent the spread of the fire within the building, giving others time to evacuate and help preserve some of the building and contents just a tad bit better. Even if the doors aren't fire-rated, the simple act of closing them can help contain the smoke, fire, and heat to certain areas of the building.

Sprinkler System

Most commercial buildings have a sprinkler system to contain and put out any fire that has started within the building. They react to heat, and it's important to maintain and make sure they are in working condition so that they deploy in the right situation. It's also very important to take note that there is nothing in the way of the sprinkler heads obstructing the flow of water.

Fire Extinguisher 

Fire extinguishers provide the ability to put out any small fires preventing it from spreading into something you cant handle on your own. They should be placed around your whole building and the type of fire extinguisher should match the potential hazards around it. It's also probably a good idea that everyone in the building is trained on how to use a fire extinguisher, you never know who might run into it first.

Even though you might have all these boxes checked sometimes a fire just gets too out of hand and your building sustains fire damage. At SERVPRO of Northridge and SERVPRO of Granada Hills, we have the training, expertise, and resources to handle any size disaster and get your building back "Like it never even happened."

Causes and Growth of Indoor Mold

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Growth of Indoor Mold

When moisture is present, mold can be found everywhere and can grow on almost any substance. They reproduce by spores, which are carried by air currents. When spores land on a moist surface suitable for life, they begin to grow. 

Mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to water or moisture exposure and may be caused by incomplete drying of materials.  Plywood, drywall, furring strips, finish carpentry, cabinetry, wood framing, composite wood flooring, carpets, and carpet padding provide food for mold. After water damage to a building, mold grows in walls and then becomes dormant until subsequent high humidity. The most common ways interior mold growth forms are flooding, plumbing problems, burst in a pipe, and leaking roofs.

If you ever encounter mold or even just water damage in your home be sure to call a professional to examine the area and the areas you cannot see because you never know what can be building up behind those walls.

Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339

Fire Safety Tips While Cooking

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

One of the leading causes of fire in the kitchen is unattended cooking, specifically while using the stove. Even though we don't usually think of cooking as a safety risk you can never be too sure what will occur in the future. Learning and understanding the kitchen fire safety risk can make all the difference.

Don't Be Too Far from the Kitchen

If you are boiling, frying, or grilling your food remain in the kitchen at all times in order to prevent any unwanted surprises. In the event that there is an emergency make sure you turn off the stove before leaving the kitchen. On the contrary, if you are baking, simmering, or roasting something you don't need to be in the kitchen watching it but it is necessary to remain inside your home to check on your food here and there. 

Know What to Do When Something Occurs in the Oven

Most well known fire damage safety precautions have to do with the stove but no one really talks about what to do if the fire starts in the oven. If you come back to a fire in the oven its best to turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed until the fire dies out.

Clear Flammable Objects Away from the Cooking Area 

When were cooking we often use things like oven mitts, towels, and sometimes wooden utensils. In the event a fire does start having these items near will higher the risk of the fire spreading, leading to more damage and a larger fire to put out. Keeping these items stored in cabinets or a good distance away when finished using would lesson the risk of a fire spreading larger then it should be.

If a fire does start to spread causing damages and leaving behind soot and odor SERVPRO of Northridge & SERVPRO of Granada Hills is here to help and get your property back like it never happened.

Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339