Quick Tips for Dealing with Water Damage in Your Home

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s professionals specialize in water removal and water damage cleanup, then providing water damage restoration to your residence.

Quick Tips for Dealing with Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage can be a real nightmare for homeowners. Whether it's from a burst pipe or a flooded basement, dealing with water damage can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to help you deal with water damage.

Firstly, it's important to stop the water source and turn off the electricity to prevent any electrical hazards. If the water damage is minor, you may be able to handle the cleanup yourself. However, if the damage is extensive, it's best to call in a professional like SERVPRO of West Oakland.

Once the water source is stopped and the electricity is turned off, remove any standing water using a wet/dry vacuum or mop. You should also remove any furniture or belongings that have been affected by the water.

After removing the water, it's important to dry out the affected area as quickly as possible. Open windows and doors to allow for ventilation, and use fans and dehumidifiers to help speed up the drying process.

If you're dealing with water damage to your carpets, it's best to call in a professional carpet cleaner. They will be able to properly clean and disinfect your carpets to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

In conclusion, dealing with water damage can be a stressful and time-consuming task, but with the right approach, you can minimize the damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. Remember to always prioritize safety and call SERVPRO of West Oakland  at (510) 599-9300 if necessary. 

How To Detect Mold Issues

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

When mold starts to invade your home, dealing with mold removal quickly and safely should be a priority.

How To Detect Mold Issues

Mold thrives in moist, dark, and nutrient-rich environments. They may enter your house by any of your vents, doors, HVAC ducts, or windows. Molds may develop and spread in as little as 48 hours, which is much worse. Molds aren't simply dangerous to your house and possessions; they may also put your health at risk. But how can homeowners detect molds?

Musty Smell

In particular, if the musty odor originates from your HVAC system, this can signify the presence of mold. Mold thrives in moist and humid conditions, making your HVAC system an ideal breeding ground for spores.

Presence of colored blotches on Ceilings or walls.

There is a greater likelihood that water will drop from a roof hole or a fracture in your wall. Mold might begin forming on the leak or rupture if it isn't addressed. So this can lead to gray, white, or black blotches on ceilings or walls.

There are visible mold spores.

The most evident indicators of mold development can be seen with the naked eye, such as mold spores in your house's humid regions. Molds may be challenging to get rid of, even with soap and a sponge, since molds are such tenacious creatures.

Cold or flu symptoms 

Mold may cause allergies and other respiratory issues such as persistent cold or flu. So, if you have these symptoms, watch out for mold presence.

If your home or business in Oakland, CA has been flooded, you should immediately contact a water damage restoration company. SERVPRO of West Oakland Water damage restoration company has the expertise to deal with floods and water damage quickly, reducing mold development and its consequences. Call us at (510) 599-9300.

How Water Damage Restoration Companies Can Help You

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Any amount of unwanted water in a home is a disaster!

How Water Damage Restoration Companies Can Help You

Once water damage is in your home, it's important for you to obtain SERVPRO services. Restoration services are multi-faceted, they involve both cleaning excess water from your home and repairing regions of the house that have been subjected to substantive water damage. As water damage specialists know, it is important to start the cleanup and repair process right after the flood or fire to ensure that mold and mildew do not begin to accumulate on the property. Learn more about the helpful services that water damage restoration companies can offer by reading the following short reference guide: 

Water Damage Restoration Companies Remediate Your Property Quickly
One of the benefits that result from employing SERVPRO is that they complete the cleanup and repair processes quickly. Additionally, water damage restoration companies employ several staff members who can work with expedience and excellence. This group effort ensures that they can tackle a variety of problems that have resulted from the accumulation of water damage in your home. The result is the rapid restoration of your home, a reality that can significantly reduce the onset of secondary water damage.

Water Damage Restoration Companies Limit Mold and Mildew 
Another great service provided by restoration companies is the prevention of mold and mildew in your private living space. SERVPRO specialists accomplish this objective by removing excess water quickly. If mold has already started to grow in your home, the restoration specialists can eliminate it through the use of cleaners and industrial-grade disinfectants. These cleaners will not put you and your family at risk. However, it is necessary to note that the presence of mold in your home can cause health effects. For this reason, it's important to let a team of trained professionals handle your water damage issues rather than attempting to solve the problem on your own. In recognizing that water damage restoration companies can restore your home to its original condition, it's important to know that you can ask your insurance agent to give you a referral to the right company.

Let's Get Started Now 
Homes that have been subjected to water damage are in need of high quality remediation services. Once you start looking for a professional water damage company to assist you in restoring your home, you should look no further than SERVPRO. Our company is committed to consistently offering cutting edge, expedient remediation services that get your home back in great condition with lightning speed. For water damage restoration services that work, contact SERVPRO of West Oakland at (510) 599-9300 today and let's get started.

SERVPRO 's Special Weapon

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO 's Special Weapon

At SERVPRO of West Oakland, we have both cold “coil dehumidifiers” and “desiccant dehumidifiers.” Having one or more desiccants are the benchmark of a professional mitigation company.

Desiccant-Based Dehumidification is an interesting topic. Most people are aware of “cold-coil” dehumidification, which removes moisture from the air by condensing the moisture onto a cold surface. Desiccant dehumidification relies on adsorption or absorption power of desiccants, which are substances that attract water-vapor molecules from the air. They rely on adsorptive or absorptive process. Adsorption refers to a desiccant that does not change phase as it collects airborne moisture. Most adsorbents are solids; familiar examples include activated alumina, silica gel, and zeolites (molecular sieves). We see these packed in electronics cartons.

In water damage drying application, desiccant machines are designed to collect moisture on a rotating wheel coated with solid desiccant material. As damp air passes through one section of the wheel the desiccant on that section adsorbs water vapor, making the air drier than when it entered. Wheel rotation then exposes the moisture-laden desiccant to a “regenerating” air stream that strips the captured moisture away from the desiccant (desorption). The wheel rotates to the damp air collection port and it is ready to absorb more moisture from incoming air.

At SERVPRO we have dozens of cold “coil dehumidifiers” and a couple of commercial “desiccant dehumidifiers.” That’s one more reason we are proud to be an experienced and professional mitigation company capable of helping commercial clients. SERVPRO of West Oakland (510) 599-9300

What are Tips for Choosing Among Water Restoration Companies in Oakland?

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Oakland is here for all of your Oakland property water damage needs.

SERVPRO Techs are Trained and Certified to Deliver the Best Outcome After Water Damage in Oakland Properties

A property owner can merely do so much to guard against water damage in an Oakland property. Inevitably, a pipe burst, flash flood, or roof leak can happen and need prompt attention.

SERVPRO stands out among Oakland water restoration companies as their technicians have extensive training and can handle the repairs and rebuilding on the back end of the home cleanup job. 

Professional equipment makes a huge difference in the outcome after even a small water damage incident. The contrast between consumer-grade fans and the devices SERVPRO has access to has no comparison. The drying equipment the techs bring include:

• Drying mats
• Tubing for creating direct air delivery as needed
• Centrifugal air movers
• Industrial dehumidifiers

Another problem homeowners run into when attempting to do their own water cleanup is that they cannot tell for certain if there is water behind walls or under flooring. SERVPRO technicians have probes and infrared cameras that can pinpoint areas where moisture has collected so it can get extracted and dried. The pumps, both portable and truck-mounted, have enormous suction and can lift out even embedded water. That is why the techs spend extra time pulling the extraction wand several times over the same area to remove the maximum amount of moisture. This attention to detail during the cleanup can help lessen the drying time needed. 

The drying time estimations are something that SERVPRO technicians estimate from years of experience plus the input from various pieces of equipment that detail both interior and exterior humidity levels. 

SERVPRO of West Oakland at (510) 599-9300 remains the choice among professional water restoration companies in Oakland. Call anytime 24/7 for fast, efficient service from trained and certified technicians.

How Are Thermal Imaging Cameras Used in Oakland Homes with Water Damage?

8/22/2021 (Permalink)

Thermal cameras can detect excess water remaining in walls and other parts of the home. Team SERVPRO has the trained personnel and equipment to help.

Infrared Cameras Are Just One of the Tools SERVPRO Uses in Water Mitigation in Oakland

Also known as infrared cameras, thermal imaging cameras discover and monitor the moisture in building materials. They are a valuable evaluation tool at the beginning of a project. They help our team discover how the water traveled through the building. At the finish of a project, they help determine how successfully drying went.

Benefits of a Thermal Imaging Camera

Thermal imaging cameras show infrared images, not moisture images, in Oakland homes that need water mitigation. While they help track moisture, it is not because they detect liquid. They detect the temperature differences on surface material. Wet surface areas show up as a different color than dry surfaces. This ability makes it an invaluable tool for finding hidden moisture. It doesn’t see behind or inside materials, but what it does detect on the surface often indicates what is underneath. Benefits of using the infrared camera include:

•   Helps with Inspecting Difficult Areas – Places like high ceilings can be hard to reach with a moisture meter. Infrared cameras can get aimed at the location from the floor.
•   No Building Destruction – Thermal imaging cameras cause no damage to the structure. 
• Saves Time – Moisture inspection can be time-consuming if you have to go over a large building using moisture meters. Using a thermal camera to check large areas is much faster.

Thermal cameras combined with moisture meters are a powerful tool for providing a broad picture of where moisture is located. They allow SERVPRO to provide professional water damage services that remove all moisture and restore your home. Contact SERVPRO of West Oakland at (510) 500-9300 for quality water remediation.

A Severe Toilet Overflow Can Cause Problems for Oakland Homeowners

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

For every level of water damage, SERVPRO's skilled experts are prepared to handle it day or night. Don't wait, give us a call.

Your SERVPRO Water Cleanup Experts Have the Answers for Flooded Bathrooms in Oakland

Like any water intrusion, immediate mitigation is the key to stopping damage. The cause of the in-home flooding determines the course of action our technicians employ. In the case of a toilet overflow, it may be water only or a combination of sewage and water.

Why is Quick Action Needed for a Simple Toilet Overflow?

Not only can a commode overflowing cause water damage, but if sewage is involved, it can be a biohazard. Issues that can occur with a bathroom flood requiring water cleanup in Oakland include:

• Floor and subflooring can become water damaged
• Contamination from a sewage spill
• Ceiling staining and damage 
• Foul odors from wet material or sewage
• Moisture migrating under cabinets, bathtubs, or toilet bases
• Mold growth

How Does SERVPRO Handle Bathroom Flooding?

The first thing they do is determine what type of water they are dealing with. If the problem happened because of a cracked toilet tank or ruptured water line, the water is clean, or Level I. If sewage is involved, it is Level III. The next main action is removing excess water to prevent further damage. Services we offer include:

• Sewage cleanup
• Water damage remediation
• Dealing with burst pipes
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Water removal services

If you need water cleanup in Oakland, give SERVPRO of West Oakland a call at (510) 599-9300. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Sewage Cleanup in an Oakland Home is Easier with Professional Help

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of West Oakland wrap our skills around your water damaged home.

SERVPRO supports Oakland Homes After Water Damage

Water leaks in an Oakland home can be unsettling, whether they come from burst pipes or ceiling leaks. Seeing your home underwater and your belongings rapidly deteriorating thanks to water exposure should be enough to catapult you into action. Emergency services for water-damaged homes are where SERVPRO certified technicians come into play and provide the latest in restoration and cleanup available to the industry.

In Oakland, our focus on water damage restoration has made a difference to all our clients. Situations involving basement flooding and cleaning up after a sewer backup become manageable once our SERVPRO team arrives with its expertise and equipment suitable for water damage restoration efforts. When microbes are present, as is expected in sewage situations, our team takes every precaution to protect your home and family from undesirable consequences. Some of the steps we take when performing water damage repairs include-

• Use of personal protective equipment and establishing physical barriers throughout your home. 
• Removal of damaged furniture and items beyond repair. Porous surfaces that have been in contact with blackwater need to be discarded to avoid continued bacteria growth. Our team handles the process in compliance with environmental regulations.
• Application of antimicrobial solutions with equipment designed to reach all corners of your home.

At SERVPRO of West Oakland, we believe our work speaks for itself. Reach out by calling (510) 599-9300 and let us handle your water cleanup needs.

What Water Mitigation Steps Benefit Oakland Homes?

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Standing water in your home? SERVPRO of West Oakland is here for the water rescue.

Water removal services and cleaning can aid in restoring Oakland properties. 

With how many potential water damage causes exist, many homes and properties throughout the Greater Oakland area are susceptible to these emergencies. We are ready to respond to these threats 24/7 with efficient water mitigation services.

What Are the Most-Used Water Mitigation Tools? 

Water mitigation for Oakland homes and businesses is among the most critical action our SERVPRO team takes, and the process typically centers on efficient water removal services. As overwhelming as surface water concerns might appear, we have numerous tools and instruments to remove pooling on flooring. The most common of the extraction tools used for water mitigation include:

• Submersible pumps
• High-pressure pumps
• Trash pumps
• Truck-mount extractors

Our SERVPRO of West Oakland team's initial actions when reaching homes and businesses after ceiling leaks and burst pipes can be among the most critical. We can help lessen restoration needs and ultimate costs with fast action. Give us a call today at (510) 599-9300.

Handling Carpets during Water Damage Repair

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is no fun, let SERVPRO come handle the damage so you can get back to the fun.

For Convenient Restoration of Your Emeryville Home Call SERVPRO

When there is a water spill in a home, carpets and other floor treatments are heavily affected since water accumulates on the ground. Other activities such as people’s movement or furniture relocation add to the strain on such materials. 

Some of the steps taken during the water damage repair of Emeryville homes can damage carpets unnecessarily. After such physical damage, replacing the entire carpet or certain sections may be the only way to restore the house. Some of the typical problems that arise from poor handling of carpets include:

• Stretching or tearing
• Delaminating 
• Mold development from moisture remnants

When SERVPRO repairs water-damaged houses, we take steps to ensure no unnecessary damages to carpets and other floor treatments.  For instance, where possible, we use specialized water extraction equipment such as ride-on rovers or water claws to avoid removing the carpet and reducing the chances of tearing it. We also use unique techniques such as floating, whereby we blow air underneath the carpet using air movers to ensure thorough and speedy drying thus, eliminating chances of mold development. 

SERVPRO of West Oakland utilizes various approaches during water damage repair to ensure no complications arise. Call (510) 599-9300 for tailored service.

Can Water Exposure Worsen Over Time?

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows how important your property is. Call us today when it comes to damage.

SERVPRO in Oakland Can Mitigate Against Water Exposure and Lessen Exponential Damages in your Home.

Oakland is a port city on the West Coast of the USA and a thriving part of the San Francisco Bay Area. The storied history of the area owes much to the mid-nineteenth century gold rush. Prospectors arriving in California could use Oakland, and its busy port, to export raw materials worldwide. The growing population was supplemented in part by Chinese immigration, which has flourished in Chinatown neighborhoods. The region experienced a second boom in population during the early twentieth century with constructing a general motors factory in 1916. During the second world war, Oakland was a core part of military manufacturing leading to further population growth and ethnic diversity. 

Modern-day Oakland is a typical metropolitan region with several huge skyscrapers and over fifty individual neighborhoods. The thriving Central Business District is supplemented by one of the world's leading universities in Berkeley. The city is currently ranked in the top ten places to live in the United States and among the top twenty for economic opportunity. The cultural diversity alongside gentrification during the twenty-first century has seen Oakland develop into a tourist hotspot. Over 2.5 million people visit Oakland each year, while the city has more artists per capita than anywhere else in the United States.

• The Oakland Athletics is a major league baseball team that plays at the Ring Central Coliseum on Oakland's outskirts. The stadium, located on Coliseum way, has a capacity of 63,132 and full corporate facilities. The construction of a new stadium is well underway, with a grand opening expected in 2023.
• Boat tours covering the San Francisco Bay area with knowledgeable guides and group bookings frequently depart from Oakland Port. Trips typically include passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and intimate knowledge of the local history during the gold rush and the twentieth century. 
• The Oracle Arena is a 19,600 strong seated basketball arena and live entertainment venue. Oracle was home to the Golden State Warriors, who played in the NBA here for Oakland until 2019. The stadium has hosted NBA finals consecutively for the past five years and is situated in Coliseum way.

SERVPRO Can Prevent the Damaging, Long-term Effects of Water Damage in your Home. 

Water exposure worsens over-time. The total impact of a water intrusion event depends on the types of material in the home and the length of time those materials are exposed to water. SERVPRO technicians can identify potential damage-causing issues quickly and put in place solid, mitigative controls to avoid permanent damage. 

• Our technicians receive specific training relating to the treatment of organic materials and fabrics. We can help to reduce or negate the effects of water exposure on expensive furniture, upholstery, or textiles. 
• Hardwood floors can absorb excess water and become warped. Using dehumidification equipment, our team can reduce the moisture content level before sanding out any existing damages.
• We store a range of advanced equipment for restoring materials at a property. These include ultrasonic immersion cleaners and mechanical washing machines. 

Reducing damage from water exposure is an expert job. Contact SERVPRO of West Oakland for water damage mitigation at (510) 599-9300.

Water Damage Restoration In Emeryville Can Involve Various Carpet Cleaning Methods

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

A plumbing failure can get out of hand quickly, call SERVPRO for assistance today.

SERVPRO Team’s Know Which Methods Will Work Best For Your Carpeting

If you ever suffer from any type of plumbing failure, it is possible that many of the contents and building materials inside your home will get wet. Moisture can then follow gravity and build up on your floors, which can force you to have to conduct extensive water damage restoration. Once your carpet gets wet after a pipe or an appliance in your house leaks, the moisture can become a magnet for dirt and soils.

Before they get dry, wet carpets can attract dust and dirt and cause your carpets to stain. One major step our SERVPRO technicians always take during water damage restoration in Emeryville is to clean your affected carpets after they have been dried out and extracted. When cleaning carpets and other upholstery, we can choose one or a combination of the following four different methods.

1. Bonnet Cleaning

This method is the least aggressive cleaning method and can only be used to thinner carpets that have light soiling. During bonnet cleaning, our SERVPRO team sprays your affected carpets with Bonnet Brite, and then we use a roto with an absorbent bonnet pad to create agitation and then absorb the excess detergents.

2. Hot Water Extraction

This method is the second to least aggressive and can work well when cleaning all types of carpets with light to moderate soiling. Hot water extraction occurs using a heavy-duty extractor with a wand that sprays the water-based detergent on the carpets as the extractor vacuums up the solution.

3. Deluxe Pre-Condition And Rinse

This method is effective when attempting to clean carpets that contain moderate to heavy soiling. The deluxe pre-condition and rinse method also uses a portable or truck-mounted extractor, but the difference is that high traffic and heavily soiled sections of the carpet get sprayed with a pre-spray cleaner, and the chemical gets time to soak in before the cleaning 

gets conducted.

4. Rotary Jet Extraction

Rotary jet extraction is pretty much the same as the deluxe and pre-rinse method, but an RX-20 rotary tool is used instead of a carpet wand.

If you ever notice soiling or stained carpets after they get wet due to a water leak, call SERVPRO of West Oakland at (510) 599-9300 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Is Professional Water Cleanup Wise for Oakland Homes?

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Oakland structures benefit from SERVPRO's advanced equipment for drying after a water damaging event

Even with DIY restoration, there are still reasons to seek professional help with water disasters.

Because water disasters are such a common call out for our SERVPRO team, we stay prepared for these emergencies 24/7 in Oakland. Water continually moves and migrates throughout a property when it can, allowing an isolated incident to become a widespread concern for area residences. Despite the capabilities of DIY enthusiasts, there are advantages to choosing professional mitigation and restoration.

Choosing Thorough Drying for Your Oakland Home

When you need water cleanup for your Oakland home, we want to ensure that the problem gets resolved entirely. Our technicians use moisture monitoring equipment to track the progress of drying in a house to ensure that the placement of air movers and dehumidifiers is appropriate. Providing the most efficient drying and recovery solutions can save customers money by:

• Completing drying and restoration efficiently
• Preventing moisture concerns
• Repairing plumbing and structural damage

No matter how small a water disaster might seem, our SERVPRO of West Oakland team can help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (510) 599-9300.