Archived Blog Posts
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
Safety Tips for Every Homeowner
4/15/2022 (Permalink)
Smoke Alarm
Smoke Alarms are critical for the early detection of a fire in your home and could mean the difference between a life and death situation. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of your home. But no matter where or how, having a smoke alarm is the first key step toward your family's safety. Every home should have or already have these alarms throughout the house so if your property is missing these make sure to install them in.
Fire Extinguisher
Most of the time a fire in a home starts to rise in the kitchen so one fire extinguisher near that area would be the minimum, but having multiple ones throughout the home of different kinds would be the ideal option since extinguishers from various makers all work differently. A simple YouTube video on how to use the extinguisher that you have would be beneficial in the case a fire starts and you need to distinguish it quick.
Fire Escape ladder
A Fire Escape Ladder is essential to have if your home has two floors. Place a ladder where its easy to access, a good spot would be in each bedroom closet so in the event the hallway or exit gets cut off you'll be able to grab it and have a safer route right down your window. You'll need to gather your family and make sure everyone knows how to properly and safely use the ladder.
Sprinkler Systems
These little things are firefighters waiting to help out when you need them the most. When a fire ignites, the air directly above it heats rapidly. This hot air rises and spreads along the ceiling. When the air is hot enough and reaches a sprinkler head, it triggers a chain reaction and releasing water everywhere distinguishing any fire that it can. Along with the smoke alarms these should already be throughout your ceiling when you had purchased the house.
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
How to Determine if Your Water Damage is New or Old
4/12/2022 (Permalink)
Example of a Water Spot
Water damage is a huge pain for any homeowner or business owner. It could be said that water damage is the most common form of property damage because of the many ways it can take place. Whether it's a major problem or minor, it can happen anywhere and anytime no matter how strong your property was built. Water damage can make everything and anything look bad and unpleasant.
SERVPRO experts understand the issues you'll have to face in the future if your water damage is kept untouched, especially when you aren't able to see and identify the problem yourself. Water spots anywhere on your property are clues that can indicate a leaking pipe or moisture getting through the exterior of your property from severe weather. Even though it's almost impossible to know exactly how long your water damage issues have been there, here are a few steps to help tell if your water damage is new or old.
Properties History
1. The first step in determining how old your water spots are is to figure out if your property had recently undergone any damages. You also need to know when the last time your home went through any storms or floods. It's very key to understand what is old and what is new because smaller leaks can take up to a couple of months to appear.
Touch the Water Spot
2. If it's a newly formed water spot it will be wet but when you touch it, you will be able to feel that your drywall or ceiling, wherever it is, will still be strong. If the spot you touched is squishy and mushy it is most likely it soaked up a good amount of water over time meaning it's been there for a while.
Inspecting Your Properties Building Materials
3. It's also very important to know what building materials your house or business is composed of because ticker textures of paints and tiles will trap water that is leaking a lot easier than the thinner ones meaning small water spots can indicate substantial internal damage.
It's crucial to get in contact with experts as soon as possible to lessen the damages and cost. Here at SERVPRO of Northridge and SERVPRO of Granada Hills, we have the training, expertise, and resources to handle any size water damage problem you may have.
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Overflowing Toilet? Here's What to Do
4/7/2022 (Permalink)
Water Damage Caused by Overflowing Toilet
If you had to deal with an unexpected overflowing toilet just by flushing, you may have sewer damage instead of a minor surface-level problem. To lessen the risk of overflowing water damaging your floors, here are a couple of steps to take note of before calling a water damage restoration specialist and sewage company.
Stopping the Overflow
Remove the top lid of the toilet and lift the float. As you do this it would be easier if someone else shuts off the water valve that's sitting right behind the toilet.
Mop the Remaining Water on the Floor
Once you have turned off the water and the toilet has stopped leaking, you can start to mop away the remaining water and sanitize the area affected area thoroughly.
Plunge
Plunging the toilet ensures that all the pipes are cleared out and that there's not any extra blockage causing your toilet to overflow again. In the case, plunging didn't solve the issue, give a call to your local sewage company.
Professional Help
If you can tell the water your dealing with is sewage water, it's crucial to get in contact with an expert. SERVPRO of Northridge and SERVPRO of Granda Hills will examine and sanitize all the affected areas properly making sure your floors, walls, and baseboards are safe from mold and health concerns from the water leakage.
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Should You Replace Your Carpet After Water Damage?
4/7/2022 (Permalink)
If your carpet has been affected by water damage whether or not you have to replace it depends on a couple of things.
How Much Water Got Into the Carpet?
If you're only dealing with a spill of some sort you don't need to replace your carpet, as you can always dry it using towels and fans. But if your carpet, the carpet padding, the floor, and subflooring are completely wet it will be a lot harder to dry, making replacing the carpet the ideal option here.
How Long Has It Been Sitting?
After the water has hit your carpet no matter how big or small the affected area is mold could grow within 24 hours. Meaning if your carpet has been untouched for days it's probably best to start shopping for a new one.
Type of Water Damage
If your carpet is wet due to clean water there is no reason to replace it, but if it was damaged due to contaminated water such as sewage water you should consider replacing it or calling in professionals to access the damages and make sure it's not just the carpet you're dealing with.
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Commercial Water Damage Restoration
4/3/2022 (Permalink)
After a severe incident, whether its caused by a pipe bursting or disastrous weather, as the business owner you may be feeling dismayed by all the damage your property endured. Do not lose hope! SERVPRO of Northridge & Granada Hills is here to help, we have restored and brought businesses back to a working environment "Like it never even happened."
Emergency Plan
When something disastrous comes up it could be overwhelming and we understand you'll have a lot to worry about. We want to relieve that stress as soon as possible. So one of the first steps that should be taken when an emergency strikes is to work with experts to develop an emergency plan to help with the situation right away!
The Damages
Water, although we don't think of it as a destructive force its one of the most destructive substances when it comes to buildings. Floods can rip apart structures and leave behind moisture which will weaken the solidarity of a building. It will also leave hazardous mold and mildew to grow which will make your business a unsafe working environment. We recommend having an expert on site to access all the damages and make sure your building isn't suffering from more then just water damage.
SERVPRO of Northridge & SERVPRO of Granada Hills has the training, expertise, and resources to handle any size disaster.
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Why Should You Board Up Your Property After a Fire?
4/2/2022 (Permalink)
The after effects of a fire is a stressful time for any property or business owner. Many people don't have to experience fire damage in their lifetime, but if a fire does occur or strike your home knowing what to do and who to call is crucial in time like these.
One of the most important first steps, but often overlooked is boarding up your property. Damages to walls, doors, and windows is common whether its from the actual fire or first responders doing everything they can to get rid of the fire. If your property isn't secure it could lead your home or business to become vulnerable to animals, thieves, and even weather. Which only leaves you feeling more stressful then you already are.
After any disaster, it could take insurance companies time to access the damage and figure out what they will and wont cover. Securing your property with boards or even just tarps protect your belongings before and through the inspection and cleanup process.
Disasters happen all the time at any moment, SERVPRO of Northridge & SERVPRO of Granada Hills is here to help 24/7.
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
The Dangers of Roof Damage After a Storm
4/1/2022 (Permalink)
Structural Damage can cause many concerns for homeowners
Although severe weather isn't very common in the Northridge & Granada Hills area you can never be too sure it will stay like that in the future. Having the knowledge of what to do and who to call in any disastrous situation will only benefit you in the long run. The rapid response of our SERVPRO team can help mitigate the water damage however your property needs.
Construction Services
Structural damage and openings can continually allow floodwater and runoff to infiltrate the house and can cause measures to be a lot worse.
We will recommend temporary construction:
- Roof board-up
- Temporary structure
- Plumbing Repairs
- Tarping
Water Removal and Cleanup
With all the problems that are dealt with by severe storms, flooding is a common result and the most crucial to get rid of. It is critical to get the water removal and cleanup process started as soon as possible with all the serious after-effects it can lead to.
Storms can be a disastrous force against any home and business with heavy winds, rain, and other natural disasters. Our team here at SERVPRO of Northridge and Granada Hills has highly experienced restorers and will quickly recover damaged homes after a storm loss.
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
5 Water Damage Restoration Tips You Should Know
10/23/2021 (Permalink)
1. Disconnect Outlets
The first thing to do when you start to see water damage in your home is to unplug all electronics immediately. While you may not see the severe problem of water damage just yet, it’s important to be cautious around appliances. Using this equipment despite the situation could cause electrical shocks or even explosions.
2. Inspect Mold
Certain mold strains are toxic to humans and could pose some serious health risks. Most of the time, mold can spread quickly once it infests an area, so it would be best to inspect for growth to avoid any health hazards. For small issues, you can cut out the affected area, bag it, and dispose of it immediately. However, with serious mold infestations, it's best to call an expert as soon as you can
3. Dry Water Out
Before more damage occurs, you need to eliminate all moisture and dry out the affected areas. You can use a large-capacity dehumidifier or a fan to circulate air and dry out the wood, carpet, and any other surrounding materials. Although this won’t prevent mold growth altogether, properly drying out the area will help lessen the damage.
4. Remove Damaged Materials
If your absorbent materials, for example like carpet or insulation, are soaked with water, you need to dispose of them immediately to avoid mildew.
5. Disinfect Remaining Areas
Depending on the type of water you are dealing with, it can contain a lot of bacteria. The water could also encourage the growth of mold, so it is important to sanitize immediately. Spray and wipe down the surfaces with bleach so the mold spores don’t grow before you continue with the restoration process.
If you’re looking for assistance or believe the damage is beyond what you can handle, it’s always a good idea to leave water damage restoration to the professionals
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
What Is Water Extraction? And Why Is It So Necessary?
9/18/2021 (Permalink)
Water Damage In Home
Water Extraction overall is exactly what is sounds like, it's the process of removing and drying all the water that has affected your property.
The Restoration experts will come in and inspect the problem, remove the water, and dry your property back to new..
The Tools and Equipment they use are highly efficient and will get the job done as quickly as possibly.
The reason its so important to handle water damage on your property swiftly is because it helps prevent structural damage, will minimize mold growth, and of course, speed up the time it takes for it to dry.
The standing water will start to seep into the floors of your property. This water could damage the foundation of your home and put you and your family at risk of health effects. That’s why water extraction is completely necessary to start as soon as possible.
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Leaking Water Heater? Here's What You Need to Know
8/28/2021 (Permalink)
Leaking Water Heater
Determining the location of the leak on the water heater can be the difference from a simple fix or an expensive replacement. For example, if the leak is on the top it would have a higher chance of getting fixed then a bottom leak. All the pipes are at the top so if its leaking its just a simple pipe leak but on the other hand if its on the bottom that would mean the tank itself is damaged and you would need a replacement.
You don't need to try to fix it yourself we could call someone to come and fix the heater as quickly as possible. However, in the case that the leaking caused significant water damage, this could also mean it will be an expensive fix if not dealt with right away. Make sure to call SERVPRO of Northridge & Granada Hills to help with the damages and keep them at a minimum.
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
How Does Mold Spread in Your Home?
8/25/2021 (Permalink)
Mold in Air Ducts & Vents
People assume that mold stays in the spots where it found but that isn't true at all. If you find mold, for example, in your living room in most cases its not always gonna stay there. The mold spores will rise and scatter throughout your property. Since warm air rises its like a bus for the spores to travel around your home and spread to other damp areas on your property. Mold spores could also travel through HVAC Systems and if you have mold spots around your attic or the HVAC system using the air conditioning would cause even more spread of the mold in your home. If you discover mold on your property your going to want to deal with it as quickly as possible. Mold can spread within two weeks so if you came across mold in your home contact an expert today.
Have questions about Mold? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
What to Consider Before Water Damage Restoration?
8/18/2021 (Permalink)
Flooding in Home
The decision of whether to clean up the affected area yourself or call the water damage restoration professionals depends on the situation and these few factors:
The Amount of Water
If you feel like it's only a small amount of water and you can tackle it yourself with the correct tools then go for it. However if, it's a large amount of water you don't think you'll be able to handle definitely contact a professional.
Natural Disaster
If your home was hit by a flood and your property has significant damages. Follow the steps your local disaster authorities left you and leave the damages to the experts.
Source of Damage
Figuring out where the water is coming from and what type of water you're dealing with is necessary on whether to handle it yourself or we can call an expert for you. Here are the three types of water you should look for:
Clean Water - This type of water comes from a sanitary water source such as broken pipes and supply lines, and does not pose a risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure.
Gray Water - This type of water comes from washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets. Gray water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed due to microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter.
Black Water - This is the most harmful water and is grossly contaminated. It can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. For example, water that originates from sewer lines, drain pipes, river water, muddy water, and any other water that has been untreated for seven days.
Have questions about water damage? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Steps for Restoring Fire Damage
8/16/2021 (Permalink)
1. Inspection Process
Our crew will arrive at the scene and take a look at what there dealing with. This will help them come up with a plan to restore your property as soon as possible. They will find out how much your property and furniture was affected by the smoke, fire, and soot.
A good check through will find out whether you will need any structural repairs done, help remove any mold issues if existent, and with the cost and insurance claims. The crew will also isolate the unsafe areas and cover any parts of the property that need to be protected by the weather.
2. Cleanup Process
If necessary removing the left over water is the first thing that needs to be done to start the cleanup process. Standing water can cause even more damage to occur if left alone. We will use equipment specialized to extract the water from all the affected areas.
We will also use specialized equipment to clean out all the soot leftover from the fire. The property will be cleaned and sanitized if water was present to prevent any health effects in the future. The fire stains that occur after a fire usually go deeper then just the surface. Only a deep scrub, sanding, and refinishing will get rid of those stains.
Have questions about anything? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Safety Tips to Restore Flood Damage
8/13/2021 (Permalink)
Turn Off Electricity
This step should always be the first thing you do before anything; you don't want to step into dangerous live water on accident. If you are unsure of what to do make sure to call an electrician if it is necessary.
Structure of Property
After a flood, it is always safe to have a professional come and check your structure for any damages and make sure it hasn't been destabilized.
Need to Disinfect
When all the water is removed, you will need to disinfect the walls and the ground that came in contact with the dirty water. Dirty and muddy sewage and rain water could leave behind a smell so having a professional there would be beneficial.
SERVPRO of Northridge & SERVPRO of Granada Hills will restore any flood damage your property encountered. Our local technicians will closely monitor and document the restoration process to ensure your property is back to normal.
Have questions about anything? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Why Emergency Mitigation Services Are Important
8/3/2021 (Permalink)
Why?
Whether your property has suffered water damage or came in contact with fire, dialing emergency mitigation services immediately is the first step to recovery.
Immediate Action
Emergency Mitigation Services will arrive on the scene quickly for your emergency. They are trained and have a team of experienced technicians ready to assist your needs.
Faster Recovery
If your property was affected having a team on-site shortly after will help speed up the process of recovery and keep the damages to a minimum.
Cost Reduction
With an experienced team on the job, the overall cost can be kept as low as possible. They will move in for cleanup and recovery as soon as a call was taken.
Protection of Important Contents
The experienced team understands how to handle your important belongings and documents. They will keep track by boxing and labeling everything for professional storage.
Hidden Damage
An experienced technician knows that the aftermath of water damage can cause mold growth, saturation, and sogginess. Mold can start growing within 24 hours after water damage and needs to be attended to immediately. Having an emergency service company on-site can help prevent damages you can not see.
24/7
An Emergency Mitigation Service is available to assist 24/7. They will arrive quickly, assess the damage, and find a solution to restore your damages "Like it never even happened."
Have questions about anything? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Why You Should Leave Water and Fire Damage to the Professionals
8/3/2021 (Permalink)
Soot On The Walls
Water and Fire damage restoration are jobs for professionals. Trying to accomplish these issues yourself could be very challenging. It's important to act quickly and expertly to prevent any other damages to your property. They are some things to understand before you even consider to try and handle the restoration process on your own:
Safety
It's never safe to enter a structure after it was on fire, even though it seems fine from the outside you should always call the experts to assess the safety before entering the property.
Soot
Inhaling soot, which is the black dust made from burnt wood or any oil-based substance, soot can cause severe lung problems. Let the professionals evaluate the situation inside your property before anything.
Water
After the firefighters are finished you may have some water damage to deal with, your property will need to be dried entirely or stuff like mold or mildew with start appearing this could happen in only two days.
Knowing these three things will benefit you in certain situations and will also help you understand these reasons listed:
Hidden Health Hazards
When there's a fire the most obvious things are the flames and when those flames are out people think that their problems are over. In fact, after the flames are gone the soot and smoke left behind could cause effects to your health if you are highly exposed, so make sure you keep exposure to a minimum. The professionals can clean up this mess with protective gear and specialized equipment to make the cleanup process safe.
Special Equipment
After a fire, you'll need more than some cleaning products and a mask. Something like soot cannot just be scrubbed away, all surfaces will need to be deep cleaned and sanitized which will remove odors and make your property safe again. Even clothes cannot be put in a washing machine; you will need special dry cleaning to save these items.
Mold Remediation
If there was water damage, there is also a good chance that mold growth will start and affect your property and health. The professionals know where to look for mold growth and have the equipment to start the removal process.
Since fire is dangerous and can cause many issues it can leave homeowners unprepared and overwhelmed. This is why it’s best to leave it to the professionals
Have questions or need assistance about anything? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Causes of Water Damage
8/28/2019 (Permalink)
Standing Water
Knowing what can cause water damage in your home or business can help with prevention of disasters. Take a look at your home for signs of potential problems. A few preventative steps today may just save you from larger water disasters tomorrow. Here are the 5 main causes of water damage.
- Burst or leaking pipes and hoses
- Faulty or malfunctioning appliances (dishwashers, garbage disposals, and water heaters, washing machines)
- HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning unit) issues
- Clogs in toilets, sinks and tubs
- Backed Up Sewer Lines
Torrential downpours and other weather events are also things to check on when they take place. If your pipes start leaking and water damage is threatening the integrity of your home or business, trust SERVPRO of Northridge for a fast response and reliable remediation services.
Addressing water damage as soon as possible is vital to prevent further damage to structure, belongings and assisting in the prevention of mold and mildew growth.
Let our team of highly trained, experienced and professional water mitigation technicians assists you in your time of need. Our services are available 24-hours a day.
Have you spotted signs of water damage in your home or office?
Have questions about water damage? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Flooding water damage
8/28/2019 (Permalink)
warped flooring due to water damage
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Northridge 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 Northridge 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 – (818)993-9339
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 Northridge
SERVPRO of Northridge 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.
Mold Safety Tips
8/28/2019 (Permalink)
Mold
If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.
What to Do:
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
- Contact SERVPRO of Northridge for mold remediation services.
What Not to Do:
- Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
- Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
- Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
- Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
About Our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of Northridge specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
Top 5 Causes of Water Damage
12/27/2017 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO of Northridge clean up your Northridge home.
Knowing what can cause water damage in your home or business can help with prevention of disasters. Take a look at your home for signs of potential problems. A few preventative steps today, may just save you from a larger water disasters tomorrow. Here are 5 main causes of water damage.
- Burst or leaking pipes and hoses
- Faulty or malfunctioning appliances (dishwashers, garbage disposals and water heaters, washing machines)
- HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning unit) issues
- Clogs in toilets, sinks and tubs
- Backed Up Sewer Lines
Torrential downpours, and other weather events are also things to check on when they take place. If your pipes start leaking and water damage is threatening the integrity of your home or business, trust SERVPRO of Northridge for a fast response and reliable remediation services.
Addressing water damage as soon as possible is vital to prevent further damage to structure, belongings and assisting in the prevention of mold and mildew growth.
Let our team of highly trained, experienced and professional water mitigation technicians assist you in your time of need. Our services are available 24-hours a day.
Have you spotted signs of water damage in your home or office?
Have questions about water damage? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Space Heater Safety Tips
12/18/2017 (Permalink)
Varieties of space heaters that all need the proper precautions taken for fire prevention.
As night-time temperatures dip this time of year, the usage of space heaters can go up. Although helpful machines, they can pose a threat to your safety if not properly used.
Space heaters cause 25,000 home fires a year, and 6,000 emergency room visits, according to the Harvard University Environmental Health and Safety group.
Here are a few tips for using space heaters that will reduce the risk of fire in your Northridge home.
-Before purchasing a space heater, check out the specifications and make sure that it's UL approved.
-Check for safety features such as an automatic shut off when the unit is tipped over and heat element guards.
-Read the owner's manual and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on proper usage.
-Keep other objects at least 3ft. away from the heater.
-Never leave space heaters unattended.
-Be sure to turn off your space heater before going to bed.
-Leaving a space heater unattended is never advisable.
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. SERVPRO of Northridge has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339
Northridge Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold
12/11/2017 (Permalink)
Mold growing in lower kitchen cabinet. SERVPRO of Northridge was called to make it right.
If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.
What to Do:
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
- Contact SERVPRO of Northridge for mold remediation services.
What Not to Do:
- Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
- Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
- Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
- Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
About Our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of Northridge specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (818)993-9339
Faster to your Northridge Water Damage Event
12/8/2017 (Permalink)
A leak upstairs cause the ceiling to swell. SERVPRO of Northridge was called in to make it right.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Northridge 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 Northridge 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 – (818)993-9339
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 Northridge
SERVPRO of Northridge 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.