Flooded Property? Act Fast!

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

The sooner you begin the recovery process to stop the flood, the more likely you will be to save damaged items and foundation.

When you experience a flood in your home or business, it is important to act fast and not delay. Water damage quickly builds up and will become more devastating as time goes on. The sooner you react and clear the contents from the flooded area, the more likely they are to be restored to previous conditions. Your items and possessions are important to you, and that’s why SERVPRO® West Coast DRT is here to help!

The sooner you begin the recovery process to stop the flood, the more likely you will be to save damaged items and foundation.

To prevent further damage and the potential for widespread mold build-up, call SERVPRO® West Coast DRT within the first 48 hours that you notice flooding. After giving us a call, take these steps to prevent a greater problem:

1. Turn off the electricity. It can be extremely dangerous if your property is flooded and there are items with electrical current nearby. Do not touch flood waters or any surrounding electronics until you’ve turned off the power first.
2. Contact your insurance company. Each insurance policy may differ, but homeowner’s insurance typically covers damages due to water leaks and plumbing malfunctions.
3. Remove water as fast as possible. By now, SERVPRO® will be on their way to begin the water extraction and restoration process. Until then, and if safe, you can try removing water with a shop-vac, “floor sucker” or bucket.

Once SERVPRO® has arrived, our experienced team will take over and determine the next steps to ensure your home or business is dry and safe. Don’t hesitate, call SERVPRO® West Coast DRT as soon as you notice flooding or additional signs of water damage. Our number is (818) 995-6444, we are 24/7/365.

Catching Water Damage Before It's Too Late

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

To avoid severe damage after weeks or even months of water buildup, the key is to act fast in getting expert help.

Often, water will create problems in a building without being noticed in the slightest. Water damage can accumulate fast, the longer a leak goes on the higher the affected cost will be. To avoid severe damage after weeks or even months of water buildup, the key is to act fast in getting expert help. Water can ruin flooring, furniture and walls, but it can also cause more severe damage to structural components within the property.

There are many causes of water damage:

• Leaky roof: An old or damaged roof may suffer from rainfall leakage, leading to the accumulation of damage over time.
• Broken pipe or gutter: Broken plumbing can cause leaks or gushes of water when not handled properly. You may notice a broken pipe due to backups in the toilet or sink, but bursts are not always apparent.
• Condensation: Over time, air conditioning units can leak if not properly maintained. When this happens, small water droplets penetrate the foundation of buildings, leading to mold.

By responding quickly to water leaks, you increase the chances of preventing further damage. Water damage can become significantly worse in a matter of hours, but taking the proper steps will put you in the right place to stop the problem. Call SERVPRO® West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444, we are 24/7/365.

How We Respond to your Calls

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® can guarantee to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today and let us help you.

Did you suffer a disaster in your home or business and don’t know what to do next? Well, after safely removing yourself from the scene, you can begin taking steps forward. It’s difficult to know how to proceed following fire, water or smoke damage, but our team of experts at SERVPRO® West Coast DRT will help you through the dilemma. Call SERVPRO® as soon as you can and let us assist you!

When You Call

We have a supportive team of representatives ready to answer your call. They will likely ask you a variety of questions which will help SERVPRO® determine the resources and equipment necessary to assist you. By answering our questions, you are allowing our representative to best prepare for response to your disaster.

Some Questions to Expect

• Name and contact information (Phone number, email address)
• Street address of home or business
• What year was the structure built?
• What type of damage has occurred? (Flood, fire, water, etc.)
• What caused the damage? (If known)
• Is there electricity and water available?
• Your insurance company?

SERVPRO® West Coast DRT

SERVPRO® West Coast DRT is here for you. With the best training in fire, water and smoke cleanup and restoration, we guarantee our SERVPRO® staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your home or business. In addition to our restoration services, we also offer mold mitigation and deep cleans of properties. SERVPRO® can guarantee to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today and let us help you. No disaster is too big or small. Call SERVPRO® West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444, we are 24/7/365.

Call SERVPRO® After Your Interior Flood

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® is the best choice for restoration after water damage.

Even the slightest amount of flooding or leaking pipe can cause an unimaginable amount of damage. Water can begin damaging floors and furniture as soon as it hits them, so fast action is required to protect your home or business. At SERVPRO® West Coast DRT, our rapid action and trained staff will achieve the best results in making your hardwood floors like new again. SERVPRO® is the best choice for restoration after water damage.

Potential Damage to Hardwood Floors

• Crowning: The planks arc upward due to excessive moisture
• Cupping: The planks bend downward and curve due to excessive moisture
• Buckling: Planks lift from place in the floor

To avoid this damage, SERVPRO® responds as quickly as possible to begin water cleanup and removal. Our team at SERVPRO® West Coast DRT is given industry leading training to handle the extraction, drying and replacement of flooring that has been damaged thus far. We use controlled methods to remove specific flooring safely. Additionally, our team will contain the water to further control contamination of unaffected areas. Following our restoration and treatment of the damaged area, we sanitize the home to ensure it’s “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444. We are the best water restoration team, ready 24/7/365!

Get Your Business Back Up and Running!

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

In addition to restoring your property, SERVPRO® will help with the complicated insurance process to make for a simple experience.

At SERVPRO®, we understand how disheartening it can be to close your store or restaurant doors due to water or fire damage. That is why our franchise professionals work diligently to return your property to its preloss condition as quickly as possible. Having to shut down business operations due to an unforeseen problem can be seen as a shock to your employees, so it’s important to know that SERVPRO® West Coast DRT is your community specialist in disaster recovery. Seeking professionals when there is damage to your property is best for a complete job. At SERVPRO®, we have the right infrastructure in place necessary to handle the smallest to largest problems. Additionally, our staff is made up of experienced franchise professionals who know just what to do to when water, fire or other damages occur.

Our team works hard to restore as much property as possible. We always limit damage to the best of our abilities, and we will save as much as we can. In addition to restoring your property, SERVPRO® will help with the complicated insurance process to make for a simple experience. We will work with you every step of the way, from the initial disaster to the end of restoration, the team at SERVPRO® West Coast DRT is ready to answer your calls 24/7/365. Give us a call at (818) 995-6444.

SERVPRO: Here to Make Your Life Easier

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we take pride in strong customer service and experts in the industry. Our team has years of experience and constant training.

Did you experience a fire, a flood or a plumbing problem in your home or business? There’s no one better to call for your reparations and restorations than SERVPRO® West Coast DRT. We will make it “Like it never even happened.” Our quick and professional response team will know just what to do when you need assistance.

Highly Trained Professionals

Our restoration technicians are experts at restoring salvageable items from water or fire, and they document their work every step of the way. We guarantee our team will do their best job on your remediation and/or restoration project.

Customer Care

At SERVPRO, we take pride in strong customer service and experts in the industry. Our team has years of experience and constant training to ensure we do the best job in getting your home or business back to normal after we come through it.

Easier Insurance Claims Process

Insurance claims can be confusing and challenging, but we are here to help. Our team assists you in documentation for a quicker, easier insurance claim experience.

Don’t wait, the technicians at SERVPRO® West Coast DRT are waiting to assist you today! Give us a call at (818) 995-6444, we are 24/7/365.

What to do After a Flood

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a flood on your property, let our experienced team of franchise professionals assess the flooding for any potential water damage.

Even while in a drought, Southern California is an area of high flood risk. Floods, when not treated properly, can potentially result in hundreds of thousands in damages. Heavy rain is just one potential cause of flooding. In reality, there are a variety of ways that your property could flood.

Top 3 Common Causes of Floods

1. Poor drainage
2. Broken pipes
3. Damaged foundations

Floodwater often becomes contaminated with sewage and chemicals, and it is unsafe to live in these conditions. It’s important to keep pipes in good condition as water damage is costly to repair.

If you experience flooding in your home perform the below actions to help keep damage down, but only when it is safe to do so:

• Stop the flooding from its source
• Turn off electricity (take extra care to avoid any moisture or collected water)
• Safely evacuate the structure affected by flooding

Once in a dry, safe location:

• Contact your insurance company
• Document the flooding (Take note of what was damaged by the water)

If you experience a flood on your property, let our experienced team of franchise professionals assess the flooding for any potential water damage. We will get your home back to pre-flood condition. Contact SERVPRO® West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444 to begin the flood restoration, we are 24/7/365.

Count on SERVPRO to Fix Your Property

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what time it is or how large the job, the SERVPRO team is always ready to quickly respond to your emergency. Just give us a call today!

SERVPRO West Coast DRT is the restoration service for you! Whether it’s an issue with fire, water, mold or more, the team at SERVPRO is dedicated to responding to your emergency. When there is significant water or fire damage to your property, always seek out professional help. Our professionals have the proper skills, techniques and equipment needed to quickly combat any problems. Quick action to restore damaged property is our number one priority. By trusting the SERVPRO experts, we can ensure as many items will be salvaged as possible, in a safe and healthy way.

In addition to our restoration services, you can contact SERVPRO West Coast DRT for any of your cleaning service needs. From air duct cleaning to removing biohazard contaminants, our team will take care of what you don’t wat to for a safe, clean and comfortable home.

All it takes to getting your disaster taken care of is a visit to our website or a call to our dedicated 24-hour emergency line. They’ll have all the answers to your questions about next steps following damage to your home or property. No matter what time it is or how large the job, the SERVPRO team is always ready to quickly respond to your emergency. If you don’t know where to turn after your home suffers damage, just call SERVPRO® of West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444, we are 24/7/365.

Steps to Take After Smoke Damage from a Wildfire

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Even if it's not visible, smoke damage still remains following wildfires.

Wildfires are all too common in Southern California, and smoke and ash damage cause devastating damage to a home if not addressed properly. Contact SERVPRO of Encino / Sherman Oaks, as well as your insurance company, and provide information about the damage that has occurred. Most of our work starts off by first contacting your insurance with you or on your behalf and scheduling an inspection of the property. We will go through the difficult process of returning your business or home to its preloss condition. Since smoke damage can be invisible to the naked eye, it is important for qualified experts like SERVPRO of Encino / Sherman Oaks to conduct the inspection.

While the inspection takes place it will benefit you to do the following:

• Take note of any damage you observe. Make sure to photograph any noticeable damage due to smoke and ash. The more you can document from the damage, the more it will assist you for insurance claims purposes.
• Move children, pets and anybody else away from the home and to a smoke-free area. Stay away from the residence until restoration is complete.

Smoke released in the air contains an array of toxins, and these toxins may persist if not treated correctly.  Let us work with your insurance company to help with your home’s wildfire recovery. Call SERVPRO® of Encino / Sherman Oaks at (818) 995-6444, we are 24/7/365.

Water Mitigation or Restoration?

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is the process of restoring your property to its preloss condition, even after being damaged by leaks, sewage, floods, storm

Restoration and mitigation are the two most important process to be carried out as soon as possible. There are some who would argue that water damage restoration and water mitigation are the same, however, this is not always true.

Water mitigation refers to any and all services involved in reducing and/or preventing additional damages resulted from leaking pipes or flooding. This can include moisture mitigation between walls after a storm event.

Water damage restoration is the process of restoring your property to its preloss condition, even after being damaged by leaks, sewage, floods, and storms. Water damage can affect your property from floor to ceiling and everything in between. Request assistance from the water damage experts at SERVPRO® West Coast DRT to help prevent further property damage from developing.

SERVPRO® West Coast DRT tackles the tough issues from start to finish. We have experienced franchise professionals and the infrastructure to handle any sized loss 24/7/365. We are fully insured and bonded, so you can rest assured that your property is in good hands. Call us today – (818) 995-6444 – for more information on how we can help with all your water damage needs.

What is My First Step After a Business Fire?

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Special techniques developed in the field can salvage nearly any item from paper records to electronics.

Call The Insurance Company

Your insurance company will need to know the full details of what occurred. Prepare yourself for the first call by collecting as much information as possible. Give the adjuster the extent of the water and fire damages. The following are important point to cover.

• Insurer’s damage documentation requirements
• Scheduling inspection of property with adjuster
• Proof of loss statement deadlines
• Request possibility of extensions and approvals

Don’t Throw Away Your Things

Items can be saved, and you will want to review the list of items damaged to determine what can be salvaged. Leave everything in its place so when the adjuster / inspector arrives onsite they can see the full extent of the damages incurred.

Our experienced franchise professionals frequently save business items after a fire. Special techniques developed in the field can salvage nearly any item from paper records to electronics. When speaking with your designated claims manager and project manager, the entire process is discussed and documented from start to finish.

Call a Remediation and Restoration Professional

We regularly work directly with your insurance and keep you in the know on the details. Call SERVPRO® West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444, we are 24/7/365.

Mold, the Water Damage Unseen

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding the early signs of mold or water damage will help to minimize the extent damage can occur.

Mold thrives in unseen places, and less rather than more property owners are successful in identifying mold. In order to be vigilant, understand the importance of carrying out proper inspections and maintenance. Inspections should be performed at least twice a year, especially for those who live in areas where temperatures and moisture levels rise and fall frequently.

Inspecting for Mold

Check for water damage at the same time you inspect for mold growth. Water damage typically provides the prime spot for mold growth to occur. See below for the more common signs of water damage.

Bubbling walls: 

A telltale sign of mold is bubbling forming on painted walls. These are the areas contain the most moisture and are more likely to bubble up.

Musty odor:

When pipes begin to leak and mildew forms, it will create a very unpleasant scent. This is one of the first signs to check for water damage and mold. The closer you are to the affected area the more extreme the odor.

Rusting in open and/or enclosed spaces: 

Rust is the result of corrosion after the iron particles in an object have been exposed to oxygen and moisture. This can be a sign of excessive moisture in your commercial building. Humidity can also create the optimum conditions for mold growth.

Understanding the early signs of mold or water damage will help to minimize the extent damage can occur. If an inspection happens and a mold infestation discovered, reach out to SERVPRO® West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444 to return your business or home to its preloss condition.

Facts and Falsehoods about Fire Suppression Systems

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Acting fast when a fire breaks out in your business will be the difference in mitigating your losses.

Fire suppression systems are typically the first response to any fire in a commercial building. Acting fast when a fire breaks out in your business will be the difference in mitigating your losses. It is important to know what is true or false when it comes to your fire sprinkler system.

False: Water Damage from Fire Sprinklers is More Costly Than Fire Damage

Fact: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advise sprinkler systems as more cost effective than damaging comparatively to other fire fighting efforts. Since they can keep the fire contained within a single room rather than allowing the fire and smoke to spread throughout the building.

False: Every Fire Sprinkler Will Trigger

Fact: First, confirm with the manufacturer and/or installer what the activation and release methods are for your buildings commercial fire suppression system. Typically, when one sprinkler in your commercial sprinkler system goes off, the others do not. Fire sprinklers act individually and should only release when high levels of heat are detected.

False: Fire Sprinklers are Overly Sensitive

Fact: Fire sprinklers only activate when high heat is sensed. Meaning, employees burning their lunch in the break room will not set off the fire alarm. Protection and safety are most important when keeping operations running.

When the unexpected happens, you are not alone. SERVPRO® West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444 is 24/7/365 and committed to helping you every step of the way. Use our fire, smoke, and water damage clean up services to return your business to its preloss condition.

3 Facts About Water Damage

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Additional inspections are performed after the water extraction process to confirm the extent damage has occurred.

Dealing with water damage is a nightmare. Uneasy questions about what to do, what insurance will cover, and what to save first will begin to pile up. When a pipe bursts or fire suppression system fails, life is put on hold until everything is dried and secured. That is not always the easiest of tasks.

Here are a few facts about the water restoration process to help educate you, and help in securing your property should a water damage disaster occur.

3. Water Type

Generally, water damage invades a property in (3) types: sewage, rainwater, and freshwater. Depending on the water type invading your property, it may need the expertise of a professional remediation company like SERVPRO®. It is critical when dealing with water damage to understand the source of the issue so as to safely remediate current damage and limit any potential future damage. If sewage water damage is suspected, a professional and experienced water damage restoration company will have the appropriate tools to return your property to it’s preloss condition safely and effectively.

2. Water Damage Continues After Extraction

It may be tempting to breathe a sigh of relief once water has been extracted from your property, however, be wary and know that moisture likes to hide. Additional inspections are performed after the water extraction process to confirm the extent damage has occurred. This helps to remove the potential for mold growth. Mold can cause damage to the structural components of a home, leading to serious consequences. Make sure a mold prevention expert inspects your property post clearance to ensure no mold growth has transpired.

3. Attic Spaces Are Cause for Concern

Most common water damage sources include roof leakage and gutters malfunctioning, meaning your attic is at a higher risk for water damage. Have your attic space inspected regularly by water damage professionals to make sure any small leak doesn’t turn into a serious problem.

If your home is flooded, or suspect of water damage, call SERVPRO® West Coast DRT (818) 995-6444. All forms of water damage require immediate attention to minimize further losses. We will help you stay safe and protect your assets.

What to Do When Your Toilet Overflows at Work

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO®, a water damage restoration company specializing in commercial sewage backup cleanup services.

Toilet overflow at a business is a Category 3 water loss, with damage sometimes reaching beyond the scope of the bathroom. This water is known as black water damage and is filled with contaminants from urine and fecal matter. It is vital to block off the area until it is cleaned professionally. Review the below steps to help reduce the time and money it will take to return your property to its pre loss condition. More damage will occur the longer that water is left sitting.

1. Stop flushing, use a plunger.

If pipes are clogged, flushing again will increase issues and not alleviate them. Be aware of your surroundings and perform this in the safest manner possible.

2. Turn off the water.

If water is overflowing already, spreading all over the floor, turn off the water to the toilet. The shut off valve is usually located on the wall near the base of the toilet, below the tank.

3. Inspect the water damaged area.

Water travels, and depending on the extent of the leak, damage may not be isolated to the bathroom. Water travels farther than you think. You will need to call in a professional to ascertain the extent of damages.

4. Close the Bathroom with Safety Signs.

Being safe is the most important. Safety signs hung up around the affected areas are a good way to notify others the bathroom is off limits. Provide signs to guide people to an alternate restroom until the issue at hand is resolved.

5. Call your insurance company.

Reach out to your insurance agent about what options are available to you. Sometimes damage will go beyond the bathroom. Your insurance will assist greatly with the appropriate next steps.

6. Call a water damage restoration company specializing in sewage backup cleanup services.

Hire a professional, certified remediation company to safely return your home to its preloss condition. Black water contains numerous pathogens which can carry bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Most of what is touched by this water remains unsalvageable. Cleanup doesn’t stop at waste and water; a professional restoration company will sanitize the area before conducting repairs. SERVPRO® West Coast DRT is here 24/7 - (818) 995-6444.

You Can Control Mold

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Increase the circulation and raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses.

There are many ways to control the internal moisture of your business or home to help with mold prevention. Review below for a comprehensive list of actions that can be taken to help prevent mold growth.

• Fix any leaks and / or seepage. If water is entering your business from outside, remediation efforts can range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. Water collecting in your basement could be a result from a lack of gutters or water flowing toward the house. Water leaks from pipes or around tubs and sinks are a perfect breeding ground for microbial growth.
• Use plastic coverings over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming up from the ground. Make sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.

• Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens help to relocate moisture to the outside.
• Increase the circulation and raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. To increase air circulation, keep doors open between rooms, use fans to increase circulatory air, and place furniture away from corners. This promotes better air and heat circulation and carries heat to cold surfaces.

Moisture problems and their solutions vary from place to place. While the Southwest is hot and dry, the Northeast is cold and wet, the South is hot and wet, and the Western states are cold and dry. All these regions have different and complex moisture problems. The area you live will directly affect the remediation process.

4 Tips for Business Owners After Fire

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Any delay in seeking professional help could result in damages extending past where they could have been mitigated.

When fire damage does occur, reach out to SERVPRO® West Coast DRT to assess your fire damage restoration needs. Any delay in seeking professional help could result in damages extending past where they could have been mitigated. Smoke, a byproduct of fire, is acidic. It’s corrosive elements are capable of corroding away nearly any surface. Smoke and soot damage should be addressed immediately by experienced fire restoration professionals.

1. Call SERVPRO® West Coast DRT – you need professional services, so before moving to the next step, call the experts.
2. Move children and pets to a smoke-free area. Move them to a relative's or friend's home until the fire cleanup or restoration is complete.
3. Open all the windows to get air circulating to help alleviate the smoke smell.
4. Inventory your belongings. Create a list of your business’s or home’s contents, this will assist when filing a claim with your insurance. Taking pictures of the affected items or damage is also a good idea. You will need these for insurance claims purposes, and for your own records.

What is Soot?

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage on rooftop of business park.

Soot, aka that black residue left behind by fire and smoke, is made up of infinitesimally small carbon particulates resulting from incomplete combustion from substances like wood, oil, or coal. 

Soot contains harmful properties from whatever was burned. This can include chemicals, metals, soils, and dust which cause a lingering black substance and horrible smell that is difficult be rid of. Due to its acidic nature, it can even break down your electronics and render them useless. It is a substance which can be extremely damaging to your home and air quality if not cleaned and removed quickly. These harmful characteristics are another reason why it is important to have the professionals at SERVPRO West Coast DRT clean it from your fire damaged business or property.

Finding Smoke and Fire Damage Professionals in Encino / Sherman Oaks

Post fire, the removal process for soot from your home can become an arduous and time-consuming process and potentially dangerous depending on the substances burned. With SERVPRO’s proven system, our franchise professionals come in with the right equipment and knowledge to tackle any sized loss. The cleanup / removal process requires protective equipment, professional tools, and extensive expertise and knowledge. It’s best to leave the disaster restoration to the professionals. 

You want to re-enter your home knowing that it is safe for you and your family. The highly skilled technicians at Professional Fire Restoration will make sure to thoroughly clean and remove any soot particles left behind from a fire to ensure you and your family are entering a home that is safe. If you have experienced smoke or fire damage in your home, contact us today. 

What is Gray Water?

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling pipe burst at commercial residency.

What is Gray Water?

Water Damage is extremely difficult to deal with. Responding in a timely manner is important but take it a step further and prepare yourself in case something should happen to your property. Knowing how to respond is as equally important to responding quickly, prevent further problems from developing by creating an emergency plan. See below for more about where Category 2 and 3 water damage comes from and what you can do to keep your property and family safe with the following information.

How We Determine Next Steps

One of the most critical steps to recovering from water damage is determining what kind of contamination you're dealing with. There are three different types of contaminated water according to The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which are based on:

• The source of the water damage
• The length of exposure to the structure
• The likelihood of harmful chemicals or contaminants that may be present

What is Category 2 Water?

Also known as gray water or sullage, Category 2 water damage can harbor some amount of contamination that would be harmful to humans and animals. The sources most common to Category 2 water damage are toilet bowls containing urine, dishwasher or washing machine water, and sump pump failure resulting in flood damage.

What is Category 3 Water?

Category 3 is the most extreme and should be handled by the professionals. Also referred as blackwater, this category includes sewage, rising flood waters, seawater, as well as river and ground water. When category 3 water damage occurs, often many items and materials will need to be removed from your property, then after drying has occurred your home will need to undergo significant disinfecting.

Call the Professionals

Our franchise professionals at SERVPRO® here in the Encino / Sherman Oaks area are familiar with the risks associated with water damage to your home. As a leader in the water damage disaster industry, we use proven systems to address water damage when calls come in. There may not be a single source of water damage, so using specific procedures to minimize loss is essential.

Prepare Your Business for Fire Season

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire suppression systems require a minimum of (4) annual inspections performed by a 3rd-party fire protection expert.

As summer and fire season approach, it is important to have your property inspected to ensure your business’s readiness should a fire break out. Keep workspaces clear of combustibles, and have any damaged electrical cords replaced. Work with your team to develop an evacuation plan and have your staff trained on the safety procedures unique to your commercial property. Once determined, the fire escape routes will need to be posted in multiple areas around the office. This way, everyone has an equal opportunity to see them. It takes minutes for a fire to become an inferno and knowing the proper routes for evacuation may be the difference in getting out safely. Fire drills should be performed with your team on a semi-regular basis to help ensure their knowledge of escape routes is up to date. Many commercial properties have fire suppression systems in place that require a minimum of (4) annual inspections performed by a 3^rd-party fire protection expert.

Call the Professionals

Our franchise professionals at SERVPRO® of Encino / Sherman Oaks are familiar with the risks associated with fire damage to your home. As a leader in the fire damage disaster industry, we use proven systems to address fire damage when the call comes in. If a fire affects your property, contact us 24/7 - (833) WTR-FIRE (987-3473).

Team Safety and Training

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

We never know when or where we can be of service.

As SERVPRO® Franchise of the Year 2020 and consistently in the top five of all SERVPRO® franchises we have a mission and responsibility to our team that helped get us here. As Americans we value life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

SERVPRO® West Coast DRT insists on its team’s participation in CPR training as we never know when or where we can be of service.

The premiere training company we use, HOMESAFE, Inc. a Division of ACADISAFE, is only made possible with their Training Director and Principal Instructor Gio Fanelli. We’ve included a brief bio on his background and the trainings HOMESAFE, Inc. offer and how to make contact. CPR is only ONE of the many trainings that they offer.

Gio Fanelli, Training Director and Principal Instructor:

Gio is authorized by Federal OSHA as a Construction Safety Outreach Trainer (10 hr & 30 hr), By EPA as a Principal Course RRP Instructor (Lead), State of California CDPH (Lead) and DOSH (Asbestos) Approved Instructor and Director of Training at HomeSafe / AcadiSafe.

He has performed Radon testing evaluations, Clandestine Methamphetamine "Meth" Drug Lab Cleanup, Crime & Trauma Cleanup also called "Biohazard or Biorecovery"?, Healthcare & Life Science, Infection Control, Disaster Response, Critical Cleaning in Sensitive Environments, Project Design & Monitoring, Phase I, III ESA, Initial Site Surveys to Clearance Sampling, H.E.P.A Challenge Testing by "DOP" on Portable Exhaust Equipment Vacuums and Negative Air Machines as well as Respirator Fit Testing Services, Rotameter / Flowmeter NIST Traceable Primary Source Calibration.

HOMESAFE, Inc. a Division of ACADISAFE - State and Federal Accredited Asbestos, Bio, Lead, Mold, HazWoper, Infection Control, Occupational Safety & Health Training Company.

Office | Website | Email
800.789.SAFE (7233) | acadisafe.com / homesafe.org | gio@homesafe.org / gfanelli@acadisafe.com

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giofanelli

Office Address: 18012 Cowan Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614

Training Location: 16601 Ventura Blvd 3rd floor, Encino, CA 91436

Preparing a Commercial First Aid Kit

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Search for OSHA's First Aid Kit Checklist to get started!

Your Commercial property is important and needs protection, and the people inside it even more so. Know that if the unforeseen happens to your commercial property, the experts at SERVPRO® West Coast DRT are here to help. We are faster to any disaster and will strive to make it “Like it never even happened.”

There are steps you can take to ensure your workplace is compliant and safe, starting with a First Aid Kit.

Continue reading for tips on putting together a commercial property first aid kit:

Use OSHA’s First Aid Kit Checklist

Go online and search for OSHA commercial first aid kit checklist to start. There you will find the necessary items as required by Occupational Health and Safety Administration; they are the industry experts on these matters. Most items are found at local drug stores or local retailers.

Continued Education

No emergency response is straightforward, and there is no such thing as too much training when it comes to ensuring the safety of the people on your property. Once you finish your kit make sure everyone knows where to access it and that the regular people onsite are trained in it’s use.

OSHA Resources

To find more information on putting together first aid kits or how to use them when needed, consult OSHA’s website. And remember, once you can ensure the health of all the people on-site, you can call SERVPRO® West Coast DRT 24/7 to respond to any restoration emergency at (833) WTR-FIRE (987-3473).

How Long Does Residual Smoke Damage Last?

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Aftermath of fire in utility room.

Ridding a property of smoke damage is a difficult task unto itself. One of the worst things a home or business can experience is a fire as it not only destroys household items but can also affect structural materials as well. The damage can sometimes extend after the fire has been extinguished in the form of water damage due to the fire-fighting efforts.

Residual smoke odor can linger within your business or home until affectively treated after the flames have been put out. If a fire affects your home or are, such as is the case with when a wildfire occurs, take the necessary steps to rid yourself of the smoke smell effectively and fast.

It can be quite difficult to remove the odor of smoke from your property. When the smoke first infiltrates your home, the small imperceptible particulates can stick to all household surfaces and even become embedded in porous materials – carpeting, furniture, fabrics, books, and even paint. Removing them requires a lot of effort and, often, specialized cleaning equipment. SERVPRO West Coast DRT

have the expertise and industry leading equipment (air scrubbers, nano filters, ozone generators, hydroxl technology, etc.) that is required to effectively deodorize after a fire loss. We use safe and efficient odor removal techniques to make it "Like it never even happened."

Difficulties When Choosing Commercial Remediation

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Water from ceiling leak pouring into bag held by SERVPRO production team member.

It is important to have a plan before disaster strikes. Plan before the worst happens so you know who to call when disaster strikes. As a business owner you know that every day your business is closed or partially operational, you are losing profit. Consider the below when researching and deciding on the right remediation company for you:

Location

As far as the location of the remediation service provider goes, you will want to choose a local company. SERVPRO West Coast DRT works daily in the community remediating and restoring business and homes to their preloss condition.

Response Time

Choose a restoration company that shares your sense of urgency. SERVPRO accepts calls 24/7/365. You need an immediate response, and our team of best-in-class project managers and technicians gets the work done correctly and quickly.

Size & Experience

SERVPRO West Coast DRT has the infrastructure to handle any sized loss. Our team of restoration and construction experts can handle even the largest projects with ease. A company that does both the cleanup and the reconstruction work will greatly simplify the entire process for you.

You can count on SERVPRO to:

• Respond immediately
• Identify the cause of loss
• Find the right solution
• Perform work accurately and fast

5 Common Types of Smoke Damage

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire damage.

Depending on the substance that a fire consumes determines the type of smoke damage which occurs. Prior to inspection, in the initial call, we may ask what burned or request photos to get a better grasp on the extent which fire and smoke damage occurred. Below are some common types of smoke damage SERVPRO West Coast DRT may inquire about.

1. Tenant Smoking

This is the most common type and is caused by residents that smoke. In multifamily buildings, property managers / owners deal with these odors on a regular basis. This smoke can cause a great deal of damage to the structure, from unpleasant odors to surface damage. Smoking damage typically requires intense cleaning. 

2. Protein Smoke Damage

Second to tenant smoke kitchen fires are the most common. They typically produce protein smoke. Protein smoke damage occurs when food burns and clings to wood or painted surfaces and has the potential to discolor the surfaces it affects permanently.

3. Wet Smoke Damage

This smoke damage occurs when a fire is slow burning with a low temperature. It is one of the more difficult forms of smoke damage to address and is sometimes the hardest form of smoke damage to clean. It tends to be sticky and thick, and latches to almost all surfaces.

4. Dry Smoke Damage

Usually, this is one of the easier forms of smoke damage to take care of. It is nearly the opposite of wet smoke damage and occurs from high-temperature fires. This damage produces finer particulates, however, if it lands on porous surfaces this will make it more difficult to clean up.

5. Petroleum Smoke Damage

When an oil-based substance is burned, petroleum smoke damage occurs. This smoke is darker and lingers on nearly all material it comes in contact with, and often stains surfaces.

How Can Water Damage Structures?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cut drywall.

Water damage is never an experience a property owner or tenant wishes to experience. Water is meant to stay in drainpipes, supply pipes, basins, and sinks. It should never run unabated within the dwelling or structure. Simple repairs and maintenance can help you to avoid minor to major water damage.

We do not always experience water damage from hurricanes and floods. More commonly, business and homes experience water damage from:

• small, pinhole-sized leaks in pipes
• poor grading techniques on soil
• gutter blockage
• sump pumps that may be malfunctioning

Many cases of water damage result from non-professionals attempting to remediate the problem(s) themselves without the proper equipment or experience. If left unchecked water damage can increase exponentially and will even rot out drywall and cause mold to grow. Talk with a professional like SERVPRO West Coast DRT when you experience water damage to get best practices and next steps in addressing your loss.

Mold Can Grow Anywhere

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Thermal imaging of water loss.

Mold can grow on any surface. It is most seen in places of high moisture or lower lighting such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, cabinets, and near pipes or ducting. Behind drywall is one of the most regular placements to find mold as wood and drywall are excellent potential sources for growth. Ceilings with a lack of ventilation will accumulate moisture over time and can become an additional location for mold to grow. If the temperature is correct, and there are adequate amounts of moisture and oxygen, mold can grow.

Below are some typical ways mold can infiltrate your home or business.

1. Constant Humidity – ensure to ventilate your home properly, especially during warmer months.
2. Leaking Pipes in the Home – Mold behind drywall can also signify a faulty or broken pipe.
3. Poorly Ventilated Homes – A dehumidifier will help humidity stay below a certain range.
4. Leaking AC Unit – leaks anywhere on an AC unit can cause moisture to form and prevent the AC working correctly.

Conclusion

Make sure you have proper ventilation and low moisture content to limit the potential that mold will develop. Mold is a common issue, and many businesses and homeowners have to deal with it. It is important to get the source inspected by professionals and a professional remediation company to perform the remediation work. Call SERVPRO West Coast DRT once you need remediation work performed.

Dealing with Commercial Sewage Backup

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Water extraction after flooding occurs.

Sewage backup in your office is not a basic cleaning task. The cleanup process should only be handled by professionals. If signs of sewage backup occur, call SERVPRO West Coast DRT to return your business to its preloss condition.

Common Causes of Sewer Backup Issues

Sewage issues are difficult to recover from, however, knowing how they occur is the first step to preventing the worst from happening. Some common reasons why commercial properties experience sewage backups are:

• Stress on your plumbing and sewer system from soil settling in and around your building.
• Misaligned connections or cracked pipes within your plumbing system.
• Tree roots infiltrating plumbing / pipes.
• Irregular maintenance and cleaning. Commercial settings usually experience high-volume and require regular maintenance to make sure facilities stay functioning.

Preventative Measures for Sewage Backup

Here are some preventative maintenance measures that can be taken to lessen the impact of what may occur. See below for suggested guidelines:

• Semi-annual / Annual plumbing and sewer inspections.
• Make sure you use a water pressure reducing valve to limit stress on your building's system.
• Add pop-up sewer release valves if your plumbing system does not have them.

It is difficult and potentially unsafe to deal with sewage backup yourself and is a job that should be left to the professionals. With SERVPROs expert processes, training, and customer experience, we are here to help!

Choosing the Right Water Restoration

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Project Manager performing inspection.

A professional water damage company offers many benefits to both business owners and homeowners. Licensed work is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a water damage restoration company as they are licensed under local government. This means that their methods of restoration have been reviewed and are legally accounted for. Post work being performed, should you find some problem with the electrical restoration or other physical repair work, then you can easily locate the agency and request additional repair work. Government Agency registration is one of the most important aspects of a professional company and is of immense benefit to clients.

1. Reputation is important! Review the online reputation of the selected water damage restoration company you go with. Do not choose a company under the radar, but one with an established presence on the web and in the community.
2. Tried and true, effective and fast protocols. Immediate action during emergencies proves the reliability of any emergency remediation service.
3. Well established and fully geared. SERVPRO West Coast DRT has the infrastructure to handle any sized loss, commercial or residential.
4. Best Working Tools and Resources. One advantage of a licensed water damage company is that they are likely to have access to the best tools of the trade. This is because a licensed agency will be able to apply for authorial permission to get some of the best water damage control equipment that is available in the market. All in all, opting for a well renowned water damage company is a sure way to restore your home effortlessly.
   

Whether it is a natural flooding incident or some other flooding damage, water damage poses some major risks to your home. By hiring a professional water damage company, you will not only minimize risks but also ensure you the restoration services are handled correctly.

Holiday Emergency Services

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment setup

With holidays coming and going throughout these winter months SERVPRO West Coast DRT knows that these times are the worst possible moments to deal with the headache of a fire or water loss. Everyone should be with their loved ones this holiday season. We would much rather everyone be with their loved ones celebrating the joyous season. However, disaster waits for no one and never occurs at convenient times.

We are here to help! Even on holidays our teams are available and working around the clock. No job is too big, too small, too far, and too much of a hassle for us to handle. We have the infrastructure to handle any sized loss. If you suffer from a holiday water and/or fire loss this holiday season, be sure to call the professionals at SERVPRO first.

What To Do When Your Property Floods

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Hydrometer Reading by SERVPRO Technician

Property damage adds up fast. Whether you are dealing with a burst pipe or a flash flood, water fills up your house within minutes and spreads through each room, causing significant structural damage. Know what to do when your property floods.

Stop the Water Supply

Try to identify the source and prevent additional flooding from happening. It is important to remember to stay safe. If the cause of loss is in unsafe area call a professional to assist you.

If the leak is coming from a flash flood or natural disaster, there could be little you can do to stop the flow of water. However, you may be able to slow the water down. A best practice method for minimizing impact is to start from the bottom and work your way up. If you can, try to place sandbags around the base of your external doorways. This is a good method to reduce flood impact.

Reach Out to a Professional

Remember you are not alone. We are here to help. When the unexpected does happen count on SERVPRO West Coast DRT to guide and support you through the recovery process and help get your home or business back up and running again as quickly as possible.

Recovery After a Storm

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO van towing generator

Storm damage wreaks destruction on buildings as well as surrounding area. Wind damage can loosen the shingles or tiles on a roof which can allow moisture such as rain or snow to infiltrate the roof itself. This can allow said moisture to enter the protective surface of the roof, which will result in swelling wood with later disintegration, and sometimes becoming mold ridden. This outcome leads to a sagging ceiling and further problems. The elements such as wind, rain, lightning, or hail can result in catastrophic losses, turning lives upside down.

This is what you can expect from SERVPRO West Coast DRT storm restoration service professionals.

• Regardless of whether it is a business or residence, our company will come to your property with trained experts and perform a thorough inspection of your loss. This helps us to understand and discover the full extent of damage.
• Once the scope of work is confirmed and agreed upon, the work begins. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment SERVPRO West Coast DRT will use.
• Generators may be brought in to operate the dehumidifiers and air movers to combat potential mold and mildew to not have a change to make matters worse.

It is important to reach out immediately to reduce the extent that damage may occur. Once contacted and scheduled we will work tirelessly to rescue your building from greater structural issues.

Steps To Minimize Water Damage

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage

1. Call a professional immediately. They can coordinate your next steps best and get you scheduled for assistance. A professional will give you advice that you can trust. In addition, remember to turn off your water and power to the affected areas. 
2. Take safety precautions. Even if you are aware of the source of water it still may contaminated. Water can be clear and still contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
3. Protect your belongings. If you have things that have objective or sentimental value to you or your family, scoop these things up and store them away in a safe place so that they won’t be exposed to water. It can be helpful to put a dry layer (some plywood, plastic, etc.) between legs of furniture and wet ground to prevent water seeping into the legs and deforming it. 
4. Begin water removal. Follow any specific instructions that were given when you were on the phone when you called for help. Don’t do anything potentially dangerous.

SERVPRO West Coast DRT has 24-hour emergency services, so don’t hesitate to contact us. Almost everyone experiences a flood in their home at some point make sure you have a plan to address.

Commercial Fire Cleanup Steps

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

pressure washing foundation

These are typical steps in the commercial fire damage restoration process:

1. Inspection

Call your local SERVPRO to come and inspect the damage to your property. Our highly trained Project Managers and Technicians thoroughly inspect your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. Hiring a professional restoration company will allow for a complete comprehensive review of the property damage. They will also record and document all damage for your insurer if needed.

2. Safety Work

Property damage can continue even after the fire has been extinguished. The priority should be to prevent further damage to your property. A restoration company will look at what needs to be protected and take the proper steps to do so. With a lot of your windows, walls, and roof potentially damaged, the restoration company will look at what needs boarding up or if your roof needs tarping. This helps to protect your property from further damage.

3. Water Removal

Water removal post firefighting efforts is top of the list. Hiring a professional team to investigate the possibility of leaks or places where mold can develop is very important.

4. Smoke and Soot Removal

Odors and staining left behind from smoke or soot damage go beyond surface level. With SERVPRO’s specialized techniques, the next step for SERVPRO West Coast DRT is to remove the smoke and soot left behind on the ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

5. Cleanup

There are a variety of cleaning techniques that can be used to clean up these damaged items and structures, along with equipment such as industrial air scrubbers and foggers that will help remove smoke odors.

Commercial Restoration Challenges

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

Every property loss is different. Being a local business ourselves, we understand the importance of getting your business reopened as soon as possible. Our job is to return your property to its preloss condition and the doors opened.

It’s hard to be prepared when disaster strikes. You can take steps to both prevent disaster from ever happening and make an emergency plan if they do.

Plumbing Maintenance

Make sure your plumbing is well-maintained and in good condition. Plumbing problems cause the biggest share of water damage, so regularly get your plumbing inspected. Regular inspections will end up saving you money over time. Another part of preparing for a disaster is drafting an emergency plan.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider some of the following suggestions:

• Create an emergency contact list
• Make clear emergency procedures
• Train Employees in common emergency scenarios
• Back up data storage offsite

These are suggestions and not a full list. When it comes to water, fire, and smoke damage, keep SERVPRO West Coast DRT in mind and call us right away.

Choosing the Right Restoration Company

11/21/2021 (Permalink)

Crew cleanup.

Companies which are local to your area are usually the most accessible in emergencies. Local restoration companies understand your area better, allowing them to trace the common causes of damages in your area quickly. Local professional restoration companies often find the cause of loss faster than other companies.

Vet your chosen restoration company and make sure they are licensed and insured. If they are uninsured and not licensed, they are not professional. Before hiring anyone ask for their credentials. A reputable/transparent company will have their credentials readily available and be happy to share. Being licensed means the company has met the regulations for their profession and are currently not in any legal disputes.

Confirm the Company’s availability. The more time that transpires the more damage will occur. Over time water can cause more wood rot and structural damage can occur. When having remediation work performed make sure to receive an appropriate timeline of when the work will transpire/finish.

Hiring a damage restoration company for your home or business is a stressful decision, especially when speed is of the essence. Choose a company that holds its proper certifications, is local, available, and meets insurance requirements.

Five Steps Towards Water Damage Recovery

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage resulting in mold.

First, get in touch with your insurance.

Insurance claims take time and paperwork. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company what they cover in terms of water damage to be prepared.

Second, Get an Inspection

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is a water damage restoration expert in Encino and Sherman Oaks that offers inspections, and our best-in-class technicians work tirelessly to return your home to its preloss condition.

Thirdly, Take Care of Your Home

Commercial buildings tend to have water resistant materials, some parts can still receive damage, especially from corrosion or mold growth.

Fourth, Check Your Electrical

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. Make sure the contractor you go with is properly licensed and has the experience to handle the job at hand.

Fifth, Cleaning and Remediation

Mold growth is the most common outcome from water damage. Restoration contractors should be able to detect the source and take proper remediation measures during the restoration process. Untreated mold can easily grow and spread, especially through your home or business’s ventilation system.

5 Common Causes for Bathroom Flooding

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in bathroom

1. PLUMBING BREAKS

Pipes age over time and can rupture. Excess water pressure is the main cause and can result in a quickly flood a bathroom.

2. OVERFLOWED TOILET

Toilet overflows are common occurrences and can often be the result of blocked toilet traps or backed-up sewer laterals.

3. BLOCKED PIPES

Wet wipes down toilets and hair down sinks are a few examples of the items that we routinely find as the primary cause of loss when performing water mitigation in a bathroom.

4. DRAINING ISSUES

When your overflow drain fails, simply running your bathtub fills the tub to overflowing and can send water cascading behind the shower wall and across the bathroom floor.

5. SEWER BACKUPS

Flooding from storms will often be one of the causes of loss and can cause sewer main backups that fill the bathroom with sewage, but tree roots also can crack, clog and back up sewer lines.

Round the Clock Emergency Services

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team on jobsite.

SERVPRO is known for being “faster to any size disaster,” commercial or residential. When compared to other restoration companies SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is not only on site the fastest. We also maximize our efficiency while on the job to make sure we are fastest at getting you back into your home or place of business as well. Why SERVPRO? Because we understand what it means to be the leader in restoration not just in our city but across the nation, being a company that is available 24/7 we are truly around the clock. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has a professional always on call to make sure we are ready to jump into action no matter what time it is or what the job call may be! You will never have to worry about what time your emergency may happen knowing that we will be there for you immediately.

Hidden Water Leak Signs

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team members working in and near crawl space.

Leaks can lay hidden within walls and ceilings and go unnoticed for a long time. Knowing the common signs of water damage can save you time and money. Some common warning signs of a hidden leak are:

• Peeling and Bubbling Paint
  • Once drywall has absorbed too much water, the excess moisture will cause the paint to lift off from the drywall resulting in peeling or bubbling paint.

• Staining
  • Water trapped behind walls and ceilings eventually bleeds into the adjacent drywall. This is where and when a stain will occur. If you notice a stain growing larger over time it can be a sign of a hidden leak.

• Warped walls
  • Sheetrock is highly absorbent material. After its structural integrity has become compromised drywall will become soft and weak resulting in wall warping.  

• Warped and Buckled Floors
  • Hidden leaks very often come from below flooring and behind walls. This can require complete replacement depending upon the material and can become costly to repair.

• Musty Odors
  • Moisture in excess leads to mold and mildew if left untreated. Musty smells with no obvious signs of water or mold may be the result of a hidden leak.

• Visible Mold
  • Mold can grow on virtually every surface. If there is visible mold, but no visible water anywhere, you may have a hidden leak that needs to be repaired.

The longer a leak goes unnoticed the more harm occurs to your home or business. Water leaks are serious regardless of if they are hidden or not. No matter the location of water damage it is important to reach out for assistance by an experienced remediation company as soon as a loss occurs.

Essential 4 Steps Towards Storm Damage Restoration

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mud on warehouse floor.

1. Guarantee your safety
   If your dwelling experiences storm damage you may be forced to pack up and leave your home.

2. Reach out to insurance
   Confirm the extent of your coverage so that you get the most help already guaranteed to you. Documentation is the most pivotal part of this process and will help you receive the coverage afforded you.

3. Secure your property
   Hire a professional remediation company like SERVPRO to perform the inspection of your property post loss to confirm it is safe to remain. An experienced remediation company knows how to inspect your property and our best-in-class service will assist in returning your home to its preloss condition.

4. Hire a local SERVPRO to perform storm damage remediation services.
   SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks offers full services including inspections, cleaning, mitigation, and remediation.

Commercial Restoration Experts

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Equipment warehouse.

Our size and scalability allow us the ability to handle multiple commercial projects at once and enable us to perform work with maximum efficacy. Unforeseen events can have serious effects on your home or business and our business is to keep yours moving forward. We are well trained experts in performing this task. From minor delays to major disasters, we are there 27/7 to support you.

We pride ourselves on being a restoration company that knows what it takes to ensure business continuity, and with our immediate response we can maximize our mitigation services. Timing is key when determining your first response and we are faster to any size disaster. Make us your single remediation and restoration services partner. If your business or home is affected by fire, water, mold, or storm damage call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks.

Reduce Structural Risk Against Wildfires

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

No symbol over wildfire symbol.

Readyforwildfire.org advises that a large step in reducing wildfire risk to your property is creating defensible areas or zones. These are described as (3) zones with varying defined distances and details to perform within each Zone: 0, 1, and 2.

Zone 0: (0) to (5) feet

The Immediate Zone is the area closest to the structure and the most vulnerable. Remove any combustible material surrounding your property. This can be dry grass or brush, outdoor furniture, trashcans etc. Clean any fallen leaves and needles regularly and repeatedly during the fire season.

Zone 1: (5) to (30) feet

The Intermediate Zone can include other buildings, structures, trees, etc. Keep it “lean, clean, and green.” Remove dead plants, dry leaves, pine needles, etc. from your rain gutters, roof, and yard. Regularly trim your trees to a minimum of 10 feet from other trees. Branches that hand over your roof should be removed and any dead branches should be kept 10 feet away from your chimney. Move any woodpiles at least 30 feet from any structure.

Zone 2: (30) to (100) feet

The Extended Zone includes space more than 100 feet away if defined otherwise by vegetation conditions, steep slopes, and or your local fire department. Cut down/back annual grass to the regulatory size in your area.

5 Warning Signs of a Burst Pipe

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Burst pipe and water damage.

Not all broken pipes cause immediate water damage. It can sometimes be a slow leak that eventually causes water damage to your home or business. Be alert to the warning signs of a broken pipe.

1. Fluctuating Water Pressure:

Don’t immediately blame the city. It may be a busted pipe. Pressure changes are hard on plumbing system and can damage pipe fittings.

2. Water discoloration and or smell:

The water has taken on a brownish or “rust” colored feature and or smells of rotten eggs. Fun fact, that rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulfide, a naturally occurring gas that can also form in sewer lines. Make sure to call in a certified technician to handle this type of issue.

3. Recurring sink puddles:

You try to stop any leaks under sinks to no avail. Inspect your home or business carefully just above pipe cover plates, additionally look for damp spots.

4. Noisy pipes/water movement sounds within walls:

If no water is running in your home, you should not be able to hear water. A single broken pipe can influence the water pressure of an entire structure.

5. Rising water bill cost:

Small drips can add up. Make sure to regular check your water bill and plumbing fixtures for leaks to lessen the chance a pipe burst will occur.

Wildfire Season Preparedness Tips

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency preparedness.

Should a wildfire start in your area you will need to be able to move quickly and efficiently. You may have to leave your home to stay safe. Have different escape routes planned out from your home or community. Make sure to understand the procedure your community follows when making your emergency preparedness plan.

1. Emergency Supplies
   1. Go kit: (3) days of supplies
   2. Stay at home kit: (2) weeks of supplies for home confinement/stay
   3. 1-month supply of medication in child proof container
   4. Keep personal, financial, and medical records in safe, fireproof container.
2. Communication Plan
   1. Sign up for local government emergency alerts
   2. Obtain back up battery/ies for any mobile devices
   3. Obtain a battery-powered radio
   4. Monitor weather conditions near you
3. Emergency Skills
   1. First-aid training
   2. CPR training
   3. Be ready for no power. Plan for your needs, including cell phones and medical equipment.
4. Download American Red Cross Wildfire Safety Checklist: https://bit.ly/Wildfire-Safety-American-Red-Cross

Current California Wildfires: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/.

Top 5 Difficulties Faced When Working Commercial Remediation

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in commercial building.

After your home or business structure becomes compromised from unforeseen events such as extreme weather, poor building techniques, or some other circumstance, owners must decide on the best course of action to take.

1. Pathogens

There is a great deal of risk after a disease outbreak when it comes to water damage remediation and cleanup. There is a high risk of potential exposure to bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens. Water damage remediation and cleanup after a disease outbreak both come with the risk of exposure to bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens. This is a special concern relative to sewage and or fire sprinkler water damage. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks ensures that our crews have training in and access to the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning equipment.

2. Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

Meth labs in homes or hotels, industrial spills etc. all require remediation to rid the chemicals on surfaces where they may be present. Knowing the chemicals which are potentially present will help determine what type of PPE is needed to protect crews from touching or breathing them in. Proper precaution is taken so as to limit exposure to the remediation chemicals and the pathogens being treated.  

3. Decontaminating Both Large Areas and Hidden Surfaces

In your home or building, you may encounter a myriad of surface types and materials, including but not limited to:

• Walls and ceilings
• Metal, wood, or concrete
• Ridged or uneven surfaces
• Carpet, upholstery, and other fabrics
• Hidden spaces behind walls or equipment

Some remediation chemicals require mechanical scrubbing to effectively remove contaminants. This can present challenges in large commercial spaces and can require a lot of manpower.

4. Penetrating Walls to Reach Areas Behind Them

Mold remediation costs can also escalate when sections of walls must be removed to access the areas behind them. Those sections require replacement, which adds to the overall remediation cost, and will require additional work to return the space to its preloss condition. 

5. Working in Areas with Limited Access

Small areas such as crawl spaces and attics are difficult to access for remediation and to perform the visual inspections needed to confirm surfaces have been treated. Fire damage remediation also present unique challenges where structural damage may occur preventing access to affected areas. It is important to have both the right products and equipment in order to ensure all affected areas are treated, no matter the difficulty in reaching them.

Call a SERVPRO certified professional. We are experts in all manner of remediation and restoration. Our Project Managers and Technicians are highly trained, certified, and committed to best in class service and production.

How Old is My Fire Extinguisher?

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler with hang tag.

Fire extinguishers do not last forever. Manufacturers prescribe most extinguishers with a lifespan of 5-15 years. What you may not know is how long ago you received yours. Any fire extinguisher with one or more of the following should be headed towards retirement:

• Hose or nozzle is broken, cracked, and or blocked with debris.
• Locking pin is missing or unsealed
• Handle is wobbly or broken
• Inspection sticker or hang tag (the record of checkups and maintenance) is missing

There are different types of fire extinguishers. Those with compressed gas can leak contents slowly as their seals weaken, while those with ammonium phosphate will solidify over the years, rendering the entire device unusable. You’re being proactive and putting your safety first and by asking this question because the answers can mean the difference between successfully responding to an emergency and being caught empty-handed.

Top Five Reasons Fire Suppression Systems Fail

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage caused by inactive fire suppression system.

Fire sprinkler suppression systems are common in commercial and becoming more common in residential. Top five failures for fire suppressions systems:

1. Improper maintenance – most common: faulty pumps, failing suppression material supply.
2. Typically, in hotels or apartments tenants hang a coat hanger on the sprinkler head.
3. Influx in pressure to fire sprinkler system.
4. Crack or break in the plumbing lines.
5. System shut-off. This is the cause for nearly 2/3 of fire suppression system failures.

It is important to regularly get your Fire Suppression System checked. Four times annually is the recommended amount that it should be inspected.

Regardless of the fire damage source in your home or business, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is there to support and educate you during your loss. Fire remediation and repair pose many questions and concerns depending on the nature of building materials burned. Our senior project managers are well trained in the science of combustion byproduct cleanup. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaksclaims managers will be designated to be your liaison between you, our onsite team, and the insurance carrier to make sure your home is restored to its preloss condition with all appropriate post clearance testing, city inspections, and most importantly our customer satisfaction form signed by you our client when we hand back the keys to your home.

How We Dry Your Home After Water Damage!

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

First a detailed assessment must be performed onsite to confirm the extent of water damage which has occurred. Depending on the building materials that are affected our team will provide a detailed scope of work and dry out/mitigation scope of work for your review and that of your insurance adjuster.

Sometimes, the damage is minimal and the dry out plan can happen very quickly with minimal cost. If this is the case an insurance claim may not be required as it the cost of mitigation will be less than your deductible amount possibly. In other instances where the damage is more significant, we are able to communicate all aspects of the scope and cost in a timely fashion. We divide the process into (3) phases. Phase (1) initial moisture mapping, and or fire mapping, stabilization through the use of engineering controls and equipment. Phase (2) is to assess our client’s contents such as furniture, artwork, clothing. Phase (3) is a detailed reconstruction estimate itemizing the building repair scope of work and cost to be performed.  

There are many different types of equipment that can be needed for a significant loss. Some of this equipment includes:

• Dehumidifiers
• Air movers
• Water extraction vacuums
• HEPA vacuum, both backpack and canister type
• Submersible pumps
• Moisture detectors
• Hygrometers
• Infrared
• Floor mat drying system
• Desiccants

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoring Certification

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoring Certification or IICRC for short. IICRC is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes standards detailing the proper procedures for safe cleaning and restoration. All of our technicians and as well as our office staff are IICRC certified. Being up to IICRC standards allows all of our employees to have the best knowledge industry-standard training giving each and every one of our customers the best service.  We are constantly holding classes for employees and professionals to be up to date and work towards new certifications in areas such as Applied Structural Drying, Commercial Drying, Fire and Smoke, Mold Removal, etc. This helps us to ensure that no matter what situation clients can always rest assured that they are choosing the best restoration company.

Keep Your Home Safe From Fire

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Protect and fireproof your Encino home with these five tips.

Fire season is upon us and there are some things you can do to minimize damage to your property.  Here are five tips to fireproof your home:

• Apply fire-retardant chemicals:  You can use eco-friendly fire-retardant sprays that can be applied to at-risk areas that are most prone to fire in your home.  They are a great line of defense and decrease the ability of materials to ignite. The chemicals in the fire retardant are applied to materials to create a barrier or slow the growth of the fire. 
• Get rid of Vegetation:  Make sure there is no dry or dead vegetation around your home because it causes the highest risk. Be sure to prune highly flammable shrubberies that are dry. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends creating at least 30 feet of defensible space between your home and surrounding vegetation to reduce the potential for damage.
• Limit roof combustibility:  Complex roofs with a lot of ridges are more prone to fire because wind can cause embers to get caught on the ridges and valleys. A safer option would be to consider replacing your roofing with fireproof material and applying fire retardant chemicals. Cleaning out debris such as leaves and pine needles is helpful along with checking for broken shingles then replacing them to reduce your home catching fire. 
• Keep your gutters clean:  It’s important to clean your gutters because they can accumulate vegetation and other debris when it’s windy. Then the debris in your gutters is more likely to catch fire when the season is dry. Removing the debris regularly can help reduce fire risk.
• Focus on protecting your windows:  Older windows may consist of a single pane of glass. Newer windows are “dual-pane” or “multi-pane.” In general, dual- or multi-pane windows are better choices from both a wildfire resistance and energy efficiency perspective.  Window failure can occur if the glass in the window breaks, allowing embers and flames to enter the building, or the combustible frame ignites and the fire is able to move into the occupied space. The most vulnerable window during a wildfire is one that is left open.

Tips to Prevent Storm Damage to Your Residential Property

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

While rain gutters are often overlooked, they actually play a big role in maintaining the condition of your home. The gutter will become heavier from the excess debris and water, potentially causing it to break. If your gutter breaks away from the house, you will have to cover the costs of a new gutter, as well as any damages done to your siding and/or windows. If the gutter is barely hanging to your roof and there is resting water, it can lead to the risk of rusting. Excess water in the rain gutter can spill over onto the house’s siding, flood in the basement, etc.  These complications and costs of repair can be avoided by keeping your rain gutters clean.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Give us a call if you have any further questions!

Are You On Social Media? Let's Connect!

5/29/2021 (Permalink)

Do you already follow us on our social media pages?  If you have not done so already, come find us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram!  We aim to provide great content by giving everyday helpful tips, showcasing our work, and just keeping it fun overall. 

Some of our posts include the science of identifying and eliminating odors can be tricky, but as professionals in deodorization, we can take care of it.  Some other examples of what we post are many emergency preparedness tips and showing before and after photos.

We also like to share the jobs we have completed in cities such as Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Downtown, Bakersfield, Sylmar, and just all over the West Coast region. 

What would you like to see us share on our pages? Let us know! We would love to connect and hear from you. 

Here are the links to our pages:

Facebook: click here

Instagram: click here

Twitter: click here

LinkedIn: click here

SERVPRO and Farmers Insurance

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have Farmers Insurance? Did you know SERVPRO is part of the Farmers Emergency Mitigation Referral Program (EMRP)?

That means we are here for you and on-call 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are one call away.  We offer emergency services to mitigate the effects of damage caused by fire, smoke, and water. The goal is to prevent further damage to your home and save as much building material as possible.

We here at SERVPRO are reputable vendors who are properly licensed and insured — and have agreed to follow accepted industry standards and practices. We have the equipment, technology, training, and customer diplomacy for any size disaster. We thoroughly document and communicate each step of the restoration process, because an informed customer is often a happy one.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know 50% of businesses may never reopen after suffering a disaster? According to the latest research, half of the time when businesses are affected by a fire or water damage, they end up having to close down. For the businesses that do survive, the majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.  By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Emergency Ready Program, ERP for short, allows SERVPRO to help commercial properties to be ready in case of a water or fire emergency. By entering detailed information before an event happens, you can minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. 

There's also useful information such as how to turn off electrical panels, main water, gas, etc. to stop any more damage from happening. It's at no cost of your company, as well as a concise profile document, and a guide to help get back into your building after a disaster. This approach is a great investment of your time and is designed specifically with the customer in mind. If you or someone you know would love to have an ERP done, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO today! 

We Are Number One

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

You can rely on us to be the best restoration company you ever deal with.

When you simply google "fire damage restoration", "water damage", "commercial restoration" lots of information pops up and it seems overwhelming, especially if you have never been placed in a situation like this before.

It can be an absolute nightmare if you don't deal with professionals and you should always do your due diligence check first. With SERVPRO, you'll never have to worry about what other restoration companies are doing, as a franchise, we are held to an industry-standard that holds true for the entire company and we pride ourselves in being #1 not only in the nation but in the Los Angeles County.

All of our technicians are IICRC certified and have continuous training. Our office staff is available to you 24/7 and we are known to get you back into your property as timely as possible.

If you ever suffer fire damage you should always call SERVPRO. 

First To Utilize Matterport

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

We are committed to the SERVPRO brand, our customers, and the restoration industry to uphold excellence.

Have you ever heard of or used Matterport before? Matterport delivers accurate, transparent, and fair documentation and valuations. Our team was the first to utilize Matterport photo document technology with SERVPRO. We advise Matterport of the benefits of using their technology in the insurance and restoration space.  We have a saying throughout the company, “We don’t get paid for what we do, we get paid for what we document.”

This technology and other moisture mapping and thermal imaging advancements are now providing transparency at the highest levels helping to reduce insurance abuse. Our purpose is to always tell the truth, be transparent, provide best-in-class mitigation, remediation, and reconstruction.

We are committed to the SERVPRO brand, our customers, and the restoration industry to uphold excellence.

Fire Restoration Companies. What do they do?

5/15/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes it is confusing to understand exactly the purpose a fire restoration company does. We are not the fire department and we cannot put out your fire, however, we can clean up the aftermath. The job of a restoration company is to clean up the mess and to preserve and protect the home and its contents so that further damage will not occur. Our crews of professional technicians will enter your home and immediately begin logging your items and begin cleaning your home from soot and smoke damage. 

The fire damage restoration process can reverse the damage caused by a fire in your home or business premises so that you are able to get back to normal living and operating as quickly as possible. If you experience a fire loss, always call SERVPRO immediately for assistance. 

Decontamination Chambers

5/15/2021 (Permalink)

Three-stage decontamination chambers consist of a clean room, shower/decontamination chamber, and an equipment room.

Single or 3 stage decontamination chambers are effective in preventing cross-contamination. Strict protocols are used when entering and exiting the decontamination chambers. Three-stage decontamination chambers consist of a clean room, shower/decontamination chamber, and an equipment room. Each chamber is separated from the other and the work area by specially designed airlocks.

The clean room is used to remove and store street clothes, don personal protective clothing, and respiratory protection before entering the work area. Workers then use the shower/decontamination room on their way out after leaving any contaminated clothing in the equipment room. From there the equipment room is the contaminated area where any contaminated work clothing such as boots, hardhats, goggles, and any other equipment is stored after proper HEPA and/or wet cleaning.

An important part of the decontamination chamber is a manometer which indicates pressure differential inside the work area compared to areas outside. This digital device indicates if proper negative pressure is current inside the work area.

Smoke Damage Restoration

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage is a common side effect of fire damage, but it can happen on its own if a fire is contained. After a fire, even a small one, it’s important not to skip the important step of smoke damage restoration. A fire can devastate you and even affect your sense of security in your home or office. And while fire damage tends to be obvious, smoke damage can be a bit more subtle. However, smoke damage also needs to be repaired to restore the beauty and stability of your building’s interior.

A fire is easier to contain than smoke damage and smoke damage can be destructive even if it doesn't seem that way. Smoke restoration requires special equipment and knowledge, it also takes a special knowledge of where smoke can penetrate, the sources of smoke odor, and the best cleaning and restoration method for specific surfaces and materials.

Wind Damage in Southern California

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

In Southern California, we have seasoned Santa Ana Winds and there are many areas of the United States that have experienced heavy winds and storms this season and the strong powerful winds can cause significant damage to a home.  Wind damage and water damage are the most common results of a heavy storm and it is important to contact a storm damage restoration professional as soon as the storm is over to help limit and repair the damage.  Wind damage can happen to your home or business directly from the strong wind or indirectly from the wind blowing debris into your property.

Wind damage can be disastrous to your home and business and if you experience any type of storm damage you should immediately call SERVPRO to assess the possible damages. You will have a dedicated claims manager to assist through the whole process.  We are here to help.

Why SERVPRO Should Be Your First Call

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals understand all of your situations when it comes to remediating water, fire, mold, or storm damage. 

Our technicians have regular training, even if they are the most knowledgeable in the game. We make sure to have refresher courses and are constantly studying up with our crews to make sure they always know what to do. You can trust that when a SERVPRO technician enters your home you will be satisfied with them.

Restoring property is SERVPRO's first priority. You will appreciate the immediate response and you will know everything is being done to limit the damage. It doesn't matter what time or what day you call we will have a crew to you in a matter of hours, assessing the damage, and beginning work on your home. 

We Are The Professional Water Damage Experts

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO Today

There’s a number of ways for property damage to happen but most often it is from the result of excess water.  The particular reason for the circumstance of water damage can be so many different things. Some of them included are caused by rainstorms and internal property issues like a pipe burst.

Do act fast in making the call to seek a professional like ourselves at SERVPRO,  if you think you have experienced water damage to your property because the water will spread quickly, and the longer it’s left untreated, the damage could get worse.  The affected areas can become rotted, warped, and could possibly be affected by mold growth.

Also, trying to restore the damage yourself is not the best course of action in such a situation. Give us a call. We offer a range of services for customers suffering from water damage for residential and commercial properties. We are available 24 hours a day seven days a week.

You can count on SERVPRO. We're Here to Help.

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

We're Here to Help.

Texans are going through one of the worst catastrophic freeze storms and are in dire need of help. Our team has the resources, equipment, and manpower to do what we can to help recover the community in Texas. Our teams are on-site on location and ready to take action to bring back Texas. We are humbled that we have the opportunity to participate to support the community in Texas. 

If you are experiencing any water damage from a storm, please give us a call and we will take care of you.

We are a mission-driven company and we strive to be there for our customers doing everything we can to help restore your properties. A dedicated claims manager will be your point of contact for white-glove service and communication with your insurance adjuster!

Texas Winter Storm 2021

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Here is our incredible team in Texas up early to serve and respond to our Texan customers in their time of need.

Texas, our team has arrived to help the state after the freezing storm. We have deployed over 200 people to help. We have over 1 million dollars worth of equipment on hand to dry out the damage. We want to help get your commercial or residential property dried out if you have suffered any water damage.

Our team has mobilized to provide best-in-class production, service, and discounted pricing for Commercial and Industrial clients.

Thank you to all Insurance Adjusters, Insurance Consultants, and Independent Adjusters for working so hard to get Texas up and running!

If you need assistance please email texascatteam@SERVPROwestcoastdrt.com

Here is our incredible team in Texas up early to serve and respond to our customers in their time of need. We want to send a big special thanks to our team members for all their efforts, working long hours providing every single customer the best white-glove service. We see you and appreciate everything you are doing to make a difference in people's lives. This is what One Team is all about!

Texas, we know Mother Nature is challenging us during this time but know that we are here for you. We doing everything we can to restore your homes and businesses. Thank you for being patient with us as we are working long hours providing white-glove service to each and every one of our customers.

Secondary Damage

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

While water is essential for our survival, it doesn’t suit well in some situations when it comes into contact with materials at work in your office building suddenly in quantities or consistently over long periods of time. An immediate burst of flooding can cause terrible damage, but undetected water over many months or years can introduce secondary damage and other problems such as black mold. It’s important to understand the issues that can arise when gradual water damage occurs.

So, how does flooding start? You can do all you can to try to prepare and guard your business against disasters, but they’re not always possible to predict or prevent. Floods are among one of the most devastating emergencies you could face at work and one of the biggest causes of secondary water damage. Here’s are a few ways how they can start:

• Sewer backup
• Leaky or broken pipes
• Weak roof or missing roof shingles
• Poor drainage
• Water that finds its way into your building’s foundation

What It Could Leave Behind

When water gets on the floor, onto furniture, or on the drywall, you may still have some damage even after you clean it up. This is known as secondary damage. From this, you may find fungal growth and other bacteria in parts of your building. It usually requires a trained professional mold remediation specialist to remove. 

What Happens If You Do Find Mold

If you spot mold, there’s a good chance it is black mold. This is not something you should try to clean up yourself, and you definitely do not want to ignore it. A professional crew will use specialized chemicals and processes to get rid of the mold and sanitize the affected area so you feel comfortable resuming your work duties in the building.

What You Should Watch For To Stay Proactive

Parts of your building with high humidity, such as laundry facilities, bathrooms with showers, or exercise rooms, may be susceptible to mold growth before or after a flood. Checking your plumbing systems regularly is recommended as well.

My Kitchen Still Smells After the Fire Damage Gets Cleaned Up. Why is that?

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Help Remove Odors in Your Kitchen

Fire damage from cooking is also known as a protein fire is one of the most common fire losses in residential properties. 

Particular actions need to happen to make sure fire damage in the kitchen from this type of loss. This actively demonstrates that the first and foremost thing to do is wiping down all surfaces in the vicinity with a cleaning agent with a solvent base to release the greasy residue's grip. 

Odor control methods are also a part of this type of mitigation. Cleaning lessens the pungent odor, SERVPRO techs usually have to do a multilayered approach for complete scent elimination using methods such as: 

• Thermal fogging 
• Hydroxyl generators 
• Sealants over painted walls and ceilings 

Reducing Fire Damage

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

Reducing fire damage is one of the first considerations after a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Commercial fire damage can greatly affect the ability of a business to continue operations. In order to recover as much value as possible from a property that has undergone fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage, a restoration company like SERVPRO should be contacted immediately after the premises are secure. The fire cleanup team can assist in evaluating the damage to the property and listing the items that are present.

They can also perform fire damage restoration and offer an estimate onsite. The fire cleanup will also involve drying up all the water that firefighters may flood the premises with in order to put out the fire. This water can cause extensive water damage causing the growth of mold. A certified technician can dry out the property and prevent mold growth using industrial equipment that sometimes includes a water extractor, a dehumidifier, and an air current mover.

All surfaces are sanitized and cleaned after all the soot damage and smoke damage has been reversed. The fire clean-up team will also instruct property owners how to prevent commercial fire damage in the future. Any residual smoke smell will be ventilated until gone. If the smoke smell continues, chemical solutions like an ozone treatment or thermal fogging are also options depending on the needs of the property owner. Additional treatments may be needed weeks or even months after the initial incident.

Fire cleanup can be extremely daunting for someone who is shocked by a fire whether in a home or a fire at their business. However, fire damage restoration is normal for a fire cleanup specialist, even in the aftermath of commercial fire damage. A specialist who has the experience and the expertise to guide a property owner will ensure that fire damage is minimized as much as possible. 

Water Damage: Five Things To Know

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

A pipe burst just happened in your California home and you might be wondering what to do next and how to avoid water damage. There are a few things you should know to prevent long term problems after flooding, 

1. Damage Can Happen Numerous Ways

A waterline may break, a storm could lead to flooding, or you might have a leaky seal around a window. No matter what type of water damage you could be worried about, a SERVPRO professional should still be able to help. Give us a call! 

2. Repairs Should Be Taken Care of Quickly Once Discovered

Any time you have any water damage, whether, from a pipe burst or roof leak, it’s important to make repairs as quickly as possible. A quick cleanup may help save your home from more costly problems long term.

3. Untreated Damage Can Cause Long Term Problems

Fix all the damaged areas as soon as possible. Putting off repairs can lead to additional issues like warped wood or mold growth.

4. Affected Areas Can Be Restored

Remember that no matter how bad the damage may appear at first, a restoration company should be able to conduct cleanup and repairs. With a little time and work they can soon have the space looking “Like it never even happened.”

5. A Professional Can Help

Anytime you think you may have flood water issues of any kind, call SERVPRO for details. We are here to help!

Wind Damage Restoration Specialists

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

No matter where you live, you’re prone to some type of storm damage, even if it’s just a little wind damage. This is why we should all be prepared, especially in Southern California with the Santa Ana winds. 

At SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks, we have knowledgeable storm-damage restoration technicians prepared to offer assessment, repairs, and cleanup services. We’re prepared for any challenge, from massive storm damage to minor wind damage. Time and time again, we’ve helped homes get back to the way they were before the damage occurred.

We are here to help you pick up the pieces of your life after wind or storm damage. Wind damage may not happen often but when it does we know it can be a headache to deal with. You can always trust the storm damage restoration specialists at SERVPRO.

Knowing a Good Commercial Restoration Company Could Save You

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Damage to any property can be highly stressful, expensive and upsetting for the owners. If you have a commercial property then damage can have a whole extra dimension that makes matters all the worse. Fortunately, commercial restoration services exist to help restore your premises and get them back to functioning normally as quickly as possible. 

If you have a damaged commercial property, then you need to look for a company offering commercial restoration services as quickly as possible. As with any type of property damage, leaving your damage unattended could potentially cause it to get worse.

Knowing a good commercial restoration company is a good way to ensure you will be able to start repairing and restoring your property as soon as possible and to get to work fast. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has handled hundreds of commercial restoration projects and is fully equipped to handle your damage, no matter how large or small.

Should I File A Claim?

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

When you've had water or fire damage in your property one of the questions to ask is should I file a claim. 

A claim whether how big or small gets on your record so it is important for a company like SERVPRO to perform a FREE damage assessment to you property to determine the scope of work. Once that claim is filed there is no turning back and that is why it is important to have a SERVPRO expert inspect the property for FREE to provide you the best guidance about your damages. 

SERVPRO will perform a moisture mapping of the property to determine the extent of the damages or a fire damage inspection report to determine which areas of the property are affected. 

SERVPRO is also an insurance preferred vendor by major insurance companies like State Farm, Farmer's Insurance, AAA of Southern California, Mercury Insurance, Nationwide Insurance, Travelers Insurance, The Hartford, CHUBB and many more. 

Once next steps are determined SERVPRO will do all the heavy lifting for you to help restore your property "Like it never even happened." We are a full service restoration company that does mitigation, remediation, abatement, packout and construction for all your restoration needs. We're available 24/7 every day so just give us a call and someone will be there to assist you. 

For a FREE Damage assessment please call us at (818) 995 - 6444.

Removing Smoke Damage After a Fire

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Any fire restoration professional can tell you when it comes to fire damage, the fire is the easy part. There’s really only one way to get rid of most damage to building materials charred by fire: remove them. Getting rid of the sight of smoke damage is a fairly easy thing to do. You can clean it, paint over it or remove the items. Odor on the other hand is invisible and even more bothersome and must be dealt with immediately. SERVPRO uses scientific methods and quick measures to remove smoke damage after a fire.

1. Get rid of the source of smoke odor

2. Seal salvageable surfaces

3. Clean everything left behind

Having your home professionally cleaned after soot, smoke, and fire damage can impact your health. The hidden damage from smoke can be hard to detect, you should always call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks after experiencing a fire loss of any size. 

Flooded Carpet Clean Up

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

After a flood, many home and property owners may wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved as carpeting can be an expensive investment. Saving it is more cost-effective than replacing it but successful flooded carpet cleaning depends on many things. While trying to extract the water yourself has some benefits, professional carpet cleaning is a much better solution. A shop vacuum, towels, and ceiling fans are no match for professional extraction and drying equipment. Plus, an expert can evaluate the entire water damage incident and mitigate and remediate the entire loss, not just the carpet. While trying to extract the water yourself has some benefits, professional carpet cleaning is a much better solution. A shop vacuum, towels, and ceiling fans are no match for professional extraction and drying equipment. Plus, an expert can evaluate the entire water damage incident and mitigate and remediate the entire loss, not just the carpet. For any of your flooded carpet cleaning needs, call the SERVPRO professionals. Our restoration teams will provide an industry-standard estimate and create a proper plan of action to restore your carpet quickly.

Fireplace Safety Guidelines

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than a third of home heating fires in the U.S. involve fireplaces and chimneys. Here are some critical fireplace safety tips that could help prevent a smoke or fire-related accident in your home during these cold months.

• Inspect your chimney cap regularly. If it’s damaged, repair or replace it.
• Make sure there is a fire extinguisher in the room.
• Keep all flammable objects, such as newspapers, books, holiday decorations, and furniture, at least two feet away from the fireplace.
• Have a mesh metal screen or glass fireplace doors installed to prevent embers from shooting out of the fireplace.
• Always supervise the fire and never leave it burning when going to sleep or leaving the home.

Even with all the proper fireplace safety measures in place, accidents can still happen. As smoke can severely damage a home, it’s essential to get the house remediated as soon as possible. The longer soot and smoke sits on a surfacer, the more damage it can do. Our fire damage restoration technicians use the latest equipment and techniques to remove soot and deodorize your house after fire damage, quickly and properly. For professional fire damage cleaning services, contact SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks.

4 Common Restoration Myths

11/22/2020 (Permalink)

Don’t fall for the property restoration myths! When in doubt, always consult a trained professional restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks. Professionals are the best assurance when it comes to mitigation and restoration. Here are some common myths about restoration:

• Replacing costs less than restoring
• Drying a home/business is complete when the carpets are dry
• A fire-damage home/business will always smell like smoke
• DIY is cheaper than hiring a restoration company 

If a property owner doesn’t act quickly enough or doesn’t take the right actions due to these misconceptions, they can end up with even more damage to deal with, which could’ve easily been avoided. If your commercial property suffers from water, fire, and or mold damage always call SERVPRO. 

Holiday Restoration Professionals

11/21/2020 (Permalink)

With holidays approaching rapidly we at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks know this would be the worst possible time to have to deal with the headache of dealing with a water or fire loss. We would much rather homeowners and business owners be with their loved ones celebrating the happy season. But disaster waits for no one and more than likely never happens at the best time.

Don't be afraid to call us! Even on holidays our teams are available and work around the clock. No job is too big, too small, too far, and too much of a hassle for us to handle. If you suffer from a holiday water and/or fire loss this holiday season be sure to call the professionals at SERVPRO first. 

How to Spot Water Damage in Your Home

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

There are many potential causes of water damage in your home.  Some sources of water damage, such as floods, burst pipes, and sewage backups, are obvious and homeowners notice them right away. 

However, there are some sources of water damage that are much more difficult to detect such as water leaks behind walls.  Homeowners typically do not notice hidden leaks until they have already caused a considerable amount of damage.

Hidden water leaks can be dangerous because they can cause structural damage and also cause microbial growth to spread undetected. While most signs happen out of view here a few to be on the lookout for musty odors, staining, peeling or bubbling wall paint, warped walls, buckled ceilings and/or floors.

All of these signs can point towards a water leak but you need to have a professional come out and take a look.

When you find a water leak always call a plumber first to stop the leak and then call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to come out to assess the water damage.

Trust a water restoration professional like us to remove all the affected materials and the possible microbial growth safely.

Take Precaution to Storm Damage

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Violent weather such as storm damage can wreak havoc on buildings and homes. Wind damage can be a hazard to the structure of a building, by loosening the shingles or tiles on the roof. This can cause moisture such as rain to infiltrate into the protective surface of the roof, which will result in the wood swelling and later on disintegration and becoming moldy. This outcome will lead to a sagging ceiling and further problems.

Even though it is still over 90 degrees outside, the winter season is rapidly approaching in SoCal and it will be here before we know it. As a home or business owner we suggest taking the time this season to double check the roof of your home for any prior damage. Taking a few minutes out of your day to check can possibly save you a headache for storm restoration needs later on.

If you experience storm damage to your property, always call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks.

Why You Should Seek Professional Restoration Help

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Always seek professional help in the face of water damage.

When there is water damage in your property, there is only one thing that you should do. You should always seek to get professional help. There are two advantages to getting professional help when it comes to having water damage to your property. One is that water damage companies have the proper equipment and they employ the best professionals to do the job. With a water damage restoration professional, your home will be in good hands since you have SERVPRO professionals working with you to combat the water problem.

At the first sign of water damage call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to deal with your issues. We will work on your residential or commercial property immediately. When it comes to water damage, your action must be quick in order to prevent further damage to your property and health.

Why is Commercial Restoration Important?

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Nobody expects disaster to strike their business, but the fact of the matter is—it could happen to any business. So, just as it’s important to have insurance in place when you need it, it’s vital to have an emergency restoration management plan in place should your business ever need it. Restoration companies give top priority to businesses that are hit with fire, water, mold, storm, or other damages. 

Specifically with COVID19 posing issues to commercial business lately, it is a good idea to contact SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks for a professional cleaning. Keeping you, your employees, and your customers safe is our top priority. 

It is important to have a relationship with a commercial restoration team because you may never know when you need them. Our teams are available 24/7 365 days out of the year and no problem is too small or too large for our team to handle. 

Is Water Damage an Emergency?

10/31/2020 (Permalink)

In a simple answer, yes! While it isn't a true emergency in terms of calling 911, it must be dealt with as soon as possible in order to avoid serious damage and potential health risks. The water cleanup process needs to begin as quickly as possible after the damage occurs.

Ignoring water damage has the potential to create the following problems: microbial growth, electrical issues, stains, and increased repair costs. One issue with ignoring water damage is that it can get worse, and it might happen faster than you would imagine. It might not look like much now, and you might think that it’s not going to get any worse. But if there’s an ongoing cause, which you might not know exists, you might find it’s quickly bigger. Water damage is not a DIY project and should always be handled by the professionals at SERVPRO. 

Top Rated Restoration Professionals

10/25/2020 (Permalink)

When your commercial property suffers damage due to disaster, it’s vital to initiate comprehensive disaster management services to get your business back in full working order as fast as possible. Commercial property owners understand the chaos that can result from disasters. After storms, flooding, fire or smoke damage is incurred and business is impaired or shut down, a host of vital decisions need to be managed properly. What to look for in a top rated company:

• 24 hour emergency response team
• Coordination with your insurance
• Safe and reliable
• Experience and expertise
• Comprehensive services

Since disaster may strike at any time without warning in California, savvy business owners proactively get their disaster plan in place. A quick response team helps keep restoration costs down. If your business suffers from a water/fire/mold/storm loss you should immediately call the professionals at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks.

Tips to Know About Your Home Flooding

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

From smelly soaked carpet to damaged warped wood floors, your home can quickly become a victim of a storm. Not only are your floors in danger, but your electronics, appliances, furniture, lighting and personal keepsakes are susceptible to water damage. In addition to water damage, mold can set in after a flood.

During rainy season, storms can be severe and so can your water damage. However, there are many ways to keep water damage minimal and possibly non-existent.

Know when and how to turn off your home’s water supply if water damage has begun, and hire SERVPRO to tackle your problem soon after a storm before damage gets worse.  It is good to also know the direction your water flows on your property to prepare for water flooding into your home or away from it.

Always call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks when faced with a storm damage. 

Signs To Help You Spot Water Damage In Your Home

10/10/2020 (Permalink)

Quick signs that could lead to possible water damage in your home. 

1. Check your floors.

No matter what kind of flooring you have, it will manifest signs of water damage.

2. Look for stains.

Unusual stains could indicate there is a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Cracks in the drywall or areas that appear swollen and are soft to touch also may signify trouble. Peeling paint is another sign of loose water within wall spaces. As the drywall gets saturated, paint can lose adhesion.

3. Inspect the outside.

What you want to look for are pools of standing water that can indicate poor drainage in the yard, gutter spouts that aren’t transporting water far enough from the house or leaky rain gutters.

4. Watch for rust and mold.

Inspect your water heater and check for rust on the tank or damp spots on the floor.

By following these tips and being aware as a homeowner you can possibly catch water damage early on and save yourself a headache in the future. 

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks: The Best Of The Best

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water and fire restoration companies can seem like they are a dime a dozen. It's hard to know which ones you can fully trust based on a quick Google search because they all promise the same thing. But at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks we have 10+ years of experience in our community. 

When it comes to water, fire, mold, or storm restoration our crews and office staff are the best of the best. Every person is IICRC certified, has continual education courses, and is prepped for any level of damage when a call comes through to our office. We work closely with insurance companies and brokers as well as property managers who trust us completely when they have a client call up with an issue. 

You can trust SERVPRO to make it "Like it never even happened."

Dealing With Storm Damage To Your Home in SoCal

9/27/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning storms can occur anywhere in the U.S., and we see them often during fire season in Southern California; they bring a massive threat of fires and severe structural damage.

Flooding presents a serious risk to your home and your safety. According to the U.S. National Severe Storms Laboratory, floods kills more people every year than lightning, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.

When it comes to rain storms, flooding can lead to dangerous contamination and damage to drywall, support beams and foundations. You are at risk for mold within the first 24 hours of a flood, so it’s vital to stop the water from flowing and start remediation quickly.

It’s vital to repair storm damage quickly, but the risk of danger is high. Before you try making repairs yourself, call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks. We have a decade of experience with storm damage remediation and our teams are available to you 24/7 365 days out of the year. 

Erasing Wind Damage From Your Property

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Southern California is truly a beautiful place to live, however the last few years it has endured some of the most catastrophic fires in history. Every year SERVPRO is readily available in our community helping those who have been affected by the fires in their homes or places of work.

Our crews will enter your home, clean up any soot or smoke damage, clean and sanitize the areas, as well as remediate and restore the property. The side effects from smoke and fire can leave lasting health problems and by using a professional restoration team you minimize those chances. 

If your home or business has sustained damage from a forest fire or wildfire in your area, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks for an immediate response. 

Reliable Restoration Experts

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is your single source for commercial restoration services. It's our business to keep yours moving forward when you are faced with commercial damage such as water, fire, or mold. No one is ever prepared to have to deal with such circumstances but SERVPRO is available 24/7 and 365 days a year for your business. 

We pride ourselves on being a commercial restoration company that knows exactly what it takes to ensure business continuity, with immediate response we are able to maximize our mitigation and get your company back to work quickly. Hundreds of commercial companies have trusted us to work with them and offer best-in-class services. Timing is everything so if you experience any of these problems always call SERVPRO as your first reliable source. 

Fire Safety Tips To Protect Your Pets From Potential Danger

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

According to the American Red Cross, home fires are the most common disaster they respond to - and also the most preventable. Planning ahead is the best way to promote the safety of the people and animals in your home. From preventative caution to making an evacuation plan which should include pet safety.

Here are some steps to protect your pets:

• They should have their own disaster supplies kit ready in advance which should include food, water, pet records, spare collars and/or leashes in case you need to control or calm them from being frightened.  
• Have a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.
• Include your pets and take them with you when you practice your escape plan.  Train them to come to you when you call for them. 

Following these steps can lower the risk of harming your pets from a fire.

City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

We are proud to be serving our community!

It was such an honor to receive a Certificate of Appreciation for the work our SERVPRO has done for the City of Los Angeles, California. Absolutely privileged to have Councilman David Ryu to tour our facility.  We were also happy to be able to help and donate much-needed gloves, masks, and supplies to our front line medical workers that are fighting this pandemic.

We are professionals that are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Fitness Equipment
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment

What To Do After Flooding

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

What should you do after flooding? Are you in need of some tips for what to do after flooding in Encino, CA?  Either way, being prepared just in case it might ever happen is helpful as well!

Here are some tips:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after the removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in the summertime.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe and dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

Avoid additional risks and do not hesitate to call us at SERVPRO.  We are ready and here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days all year!

Summer Heat Safety At Home

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

In sunny southern California, it's hot enough to be outside!  Beat the heat this summer and stay cool indoors with the following tips:

• Cover windows to block extra heat from direct sunlight coming in.
• Use fans strategically. Your ceiling fans should be turning counter-clockwise to force the air downwards. 
• Cook with small appliances, such as a slow-cooker or tabletop grill to minimize the heat level.
• Check on your elderly and disabled neighbors regularly. 
• Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water steadily; don't wait until you're thirsty.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol which causes us to lose water more rapidly.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightly colored, and lightweight clothes.
• Do not exercise outdoors. If you must exercise outdoors, only exercise in the early morning hours, before 8 a.m.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Check the local news and other outlets for important safety information.

How To Go About A Water Loss

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

We assume everyone around us knows about water losses because that’s the bread and butter of our business. But we often forget that it’s not every day our clients suffer a water loss, thank goodness, so we want to get back to basics. 

If you, unfortunately, suffer from a water loss it’s good to know your resources. 

Two main priorities are calling your insurance company and getting a water restoration company out to you. The longer you wait the more damage you risk in your home, standstill water can lead to microbial growth and that’s another headache you don’t need on top of a water loss. 

And most importantly, even if you think you can handle it and dry out the water yourself, you should always, and no matter what call SERVPRO. We would hate for you to not be able to complete the job and create a bigger problem for your home, and it’s what we are here to do. We want to handle your water loss!

Commercial Owners Be Prepared When It Comes To Mold Testing

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Mold becomes a problem only when there is too much of it. In commercial buildings, mold overgrowth occurs in places that collect too much moisture such as air conditioning ductwork, trash chutes, and around water leaks from pipes, fixtures, or into the building envelope. Sometimes overgrowth is obvious to the eye and nose, drawn by a moldy smell, you discover a patch of greenish mold in the bathroom under a dripping sink valve. 

Other mold problems flourish out of sight with faint or no odor clues: behind the wall, for example, fed by a failing roof. 

Always schedule professional cleaning if you suspect the following on your property(s):

• There is no visual evidence of mold but the smell of mold is present.
• There has been a history of leaks or standing water issues.
• Tenants complain of allergy or health symptoms that could be caused by mold such as sneezing, coughing, and headaches.
• Tenants suspect mold issues or are unsure whether mold may be present.

You should call SERVPRO for any mold infestation that is more than a few feet in diameter; related to flooding or water damage; inside ventilation or heating systems or inside walls.

Here Are 10 Tips To Avoid Water Damage To Your Home

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

In Southern California, there are ways to protect yourself against costly water losses and claims. Follow these 10 easy tips to keep your home safe and well-maintained:

On The Outside:

1. Maintain Trees and Vegetation

Thriving shrubs can be a beautiful thing – except when their roots wrap around your pipes and break them.  That’s why it’s important to minimize landscaping near utility pipes or, if necessary, remove trees and shrubs that have become too big.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dams. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof, and unmanaged overflow may create puddles that could damage your foundation. Don’t forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from the home.

3. Disconnect Hoses

Standing water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block that may bust your pipes and create damage to walls, floor, and foundation.

On the Inside:

4. Know your Water Main

Know the location of your water main and shut it off if you leave for an extended amount of time.  If no water goes into the house, chances are no faucet drips can wreak havoc on your home.

5. Check Appliances Regularly

Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to the manufacturer’s directions.

6. Investigate Leaks Right Away and Fix Promptly

If you opt to ignore moisture damage or postpone making the necessary repairs be prepared to experience mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home.  Keep in mind that homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for damage that is sudden and accidental.  Damage that results from a lack of maintenance is not covered on a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

7. Upgrade Washing Machine Hoses

Old, brittle, or leaky washing machine hoses are among the most frequent causes of water loss for homeowners.  Replace yours regularly to avoid a mighty mess and expensive damage.

8. Install Water Detection Devices

A water detector is a small electronic device that sounds an alarm when its sensor is in contact with moisture.  Its main benefit is that it detects low moisture levels or slow leaks that often go unnoticed.  Install it near water heaters, sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets to prevent extensive damage and mold growth.

9. Check Your Water Pressure

If the water pressure to your home is set too high, pipes and hoses may fail under the pressure. Buy a water pressure gauge at a local hardware store, attach it to an outside faucet, and turn the faucet to full force. The gauge will give you a reading of the home’s water pressure. Typical residential water systems are designed for water pressure of 40 – 70 psi. If your home’s water pressure exceeds 100psi, install a pressure regulator (which is available at hardware stores as well.)

10. Do Monitor Your Water Bill

Sometimes, the only way you know that water is leaking is by taking a closer look at your water bill.  If your usage jumps significantly from one month to the next without explanation, put your “water detective’s hat” on.  Is there a leak in your crawlspace? Or, is it a pipe in your front yard? Don’t leave mystery leaks unattended!  

Call us if you have any questions!  We are here to help!

Area Disinfection Certification Program

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

As America gets back to business, we all have a new sense of what it means to be clean. In fact, 89% of consumers are uneasy about going back to brick-and-mortar locations. At SERVPRO, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the country as we find our way to a new normal. And we’re doing just that with our Area Disinfection Certification Program.

Our new defensive pathogen disinfecting program goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is a proactive viral pathogen disinfecting. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO professionals to bring a higher standard of sanitizing to the places we gather.

Let us know when you are ready for us to help your facility become certified. When everyone sees our SERVPRO disinfected shield, they will enter with confidence knowing that the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Contact Genna Grinblat, Executive VP at (818) 730-1434, or email at genna@SERVPROwestcoast.com

Can Electronics Be Damaged By Smoke?

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Can electronics be damaged by smoke?

The simple answer is yes!

Smoke can damage your electronics in several different ways: the black film is smoke that can seep into all parts of your electronics leaving a black film, hence the name “black film”; the film creates an insulating effect and makes your electronics prone to overheating.

The magnetic charge could cause the shortening of an item’s circuits which can happen to TVs, computers, appliances, and other electronics. The acidity from soot can lead to the early degradation of your electronics, shortening their usable lifespan. The first thing to know about cleaning your electronics is that you should always call a professional.

The best thing you can do on your own is to remove any storage or memory, try removing anything personal from the hard drive a computer to one that was not affected. For televisions, it is best to unplug them and leave them turned off.

Treat smoke damaged appliances like you would a television. Your electronics and appliances are some of the most valuable items in your home and we understand their importance when it comes to restoring them after smoke and fire damage.

Always call the professionals at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks for any fire restoration needs.

Are You Experiencing Water Damage?

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

If you are experiencing water damage you are going to need more than just a mop and a bucket to clean up.

The Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration Certificate (IICRC) advises that ever water damage be treated the same as soon as it begins, regardless of the size of water in your home.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks provides fast and reliable water damage restoration services to homeowners and business owners.

We are available on-call 24/7/365 and will start work immediately in your home or business with the proper drying tools used to stop microbial growth, wood rot, and other unforeseeable damages if the water loss is not properly taken care of.

Water damage can be an expensive setback, call us, the restoration professional, to take care of the problem and take some of the stress off of you.

How To Not Let Your Pipes Freeze in the Winter

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Though it is rare for Southern California to get that cold, frozen pipes do happen!

Your body isn’t the only thing that you should be bundling up during the winter, and frozen pipes are more than an inconvenience. Because they affect your home’s water supply, as the water may have difficulty running through the pipes.

Frozen pipes can cause property damage, too.

When temperatures are cold enough, the water inside the pipes will freeze into ice. When water turns into ice, it expands in size. If the water expands enough, then it places pressure on the pipes.

Enough pressure will then cause the pipe to burst, not only damaging the pipe but also spreading water throughout your home and causing water damage.

If you suspect your pipes to be frozen you will need to wrap it with an electric heating pad or a towel and keep the faucet on so you will know when it has thawed.

Knowing the signs of frozen pipes can save you during the winter.

Commercial Restoration Process and How It Works

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

We understand that each situation is unique and how urgent it is for your business to function again. To mitigate fire and smoke damage as much as possible and minimize the interruption to your business, we may take the following steps: 

Secure the facility, ventilate the premises to draw out dust and soot from the air, Removal of any contents, separating salvageable and unsalvageable items in the process.

Salvageable items are moved to a secure location for restoration and storage until the reconstruction process is complete, cleaning the facility, including ceilings, walls, floors, and any permanent fixtures to prevent further damage from the acidic effects of soot, clean carpets, and upholstery, if possible, to completely neutralize any acid contained in soot and minimize further damage, using specialized equipment, deodorize the facility.

We’ll also clean and sanitize any salvageable items. We may also decontaminate the ductwork and HVAC system.

If your commercial property suffers from a fire always call ?SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks. 

We are Top Rated in Commercial Restoration

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks, we specialize in the restoration of both residential and commercial properties that have been damaged by weather, mold, and other causes.

Our professionals are experienced and knowledgeable, with the training and equipment necessary to restore your commercial property.

We have years of experience and a full range of restoration services for commercial clients.

We believe in the importance of ensuring that our customers are happy. No matter how difficult the restoration process, we want to ensure that you understand the steps ahead and that you are confident in us.

We're the best partners in your time of need. If you shop around, you are sure to discover numerous restoration services in the region, but none can compare to the level of quality or customer satisfaction offered by SERVPRO.

We will always make it "Like it never even happened." 

3 Signs Your Crawlspace Needs Professional Attention

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

#1 - Moisture:
Moisture can seep into the foundation in your property and cause damage over time. If that’s not bad enough, a dark and moist environment like a crawlspace can offer an excellent breeding ground for mold. Most of the air in your house goes through your crawlspace at some point. That air can carry mold spores into your home and reduce the air quality of the entire house.

Especially after it rains, keep an eye out for moisture in your crawlspace. You can detect it in the air if you have a good nose. You can also touch the ground and the walls looking for wet spots.

#2 - Rodents, insects, and other pests:
Keep an eye out for critters and signs of their presence, such as animal feces, nests, and gaps in the crawlspace that could serve as the entrance and exit points. Insects and rodents should be eliminated quickly, as unchecked activity can quickly grow into an infestation. 

#3 - Wood rot:
This form of fungus grows inside the wood, weakening it as it spreads. Rot can be a very costly problem but some good news is that there are lots of chemical products on the market that can kill and remove rot from wood.

The bad news is that these methods don’t work when rot damage is too extensive. Detecting the early signs of wood rot can save you the expense of having to replace huge chunks of a house’s foundation.

There are two types of rot that may affect your crawlspace: wet rot and dry rot.

Signs of wet rot include the wood becoming darker, feeling soft or spongy when pressed, and the appearance of cracks in the affected area, as well as localized fungus growth, which may resemble mushrooms.

Dry rot will also cause wood to feel weak and spongy. This tends to be a more destructive variety of rot, but it’s also easier to spot due to the growth of the mycelium — a white substance that looks a bit like cotton or wool and clings to the affected wood. If you spot that, or any other sort of fungal growth or rot, call us today at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to come to help you!

Keep our workplace safe!

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Call us to disinfect and sanitize your office! SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks professionals is uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC.

We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

Here are other ways to keep the workplace safe:

Practice good hygiene. 

Stop handshakes and use non-contact greeting methods.

Clean hands at the door and schedule regular hand washing reminders.

Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and desks regularly.

Avoid touching your face and cover your coughs and sneezes.

Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning.

Limit meetings and non-essential travels

Use video conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings.

When video calls are not possible, hold your meetings in well-ventilated rooms and spaces.

Suspend all non-essential travels and trips.

Stay home if you are feeling sick. Also, consider staying at home if you have a sick member at home. 

Take care of your emotional and mental well-being is just as important as the others on the list. Let us take care of all your deep cleaning and disinfecting your workplace to put your mind at ease.  

Seven Tips To Avoid Bursting Pipes

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Here are seven tips to avoid bursting pipes both inside and outside the house.  Let us start with the outdoor area:

Number one: Wrap outside faucets. 

Number two: Caulk around the pipe where they enter the house.

Number three: Disconnect garden hoses.

Number four: Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.

Now, moving onto the indoor areas for more tips on where you can avoid your pipes from bursting:

Number five: Let a stream of water run, if the temperature dips below freezing.

Number six: Open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Number seven: Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving home for several days. 

If all fails, please do not hesitate to give us a call.  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days out of the year to help for all your water damage needs.  We are always here to help!

Yearly Home Maintenance Checklist

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is always here to help and in this blog, we want to provide you a detailed yearly home maintenance checklist to follow to stay on top of being a great homeowner.  

• Check your furnace filters.
• Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• Clean range hood fan.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils.
• Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces.

• Clean garbage disposal.
• Clean and vacuum curtains.
• Check caulking around showers and bathtubs.

• Inspect roofing for damage.
• Check exterior drainage.
• Get A/C serviced.
• Flush hot water heater and remove sediment.

• Check water softener.
• Clear dead plants/shrubs.
• Clean out window wells of debris.

• Oil garage door track.
• Trim trees, bushes, shrubs.
• Maintain yard growth.
• Fertilize lawn.
• Clean window screen.

• Remove lint from dryer exhaust.
• Clean garage.
• Inspect plumbing for leaks.
• Power wash windows and siding.

Coronavirus Cleaning Services

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help disinfect, sanitize and clean your home and business!

As we are learning new developments about the Coronavirus COVID-19, we must do our part and take advised measures to flatten the curve and protect ourselves and the ones we love.  

Need Specialized Cleaning Services? 

Call Us Today 818-730-1434

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

Our professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks

• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are 10 key indicators of Coronavirus symptoms which can appear two to two weeks after exposure:

1. Shortness of Breath
2. Fever
3. Dry Cough
4. Chills and Body Aches
5. Sudden Confusion
6. Digestive Issues
7. Pink Eye
8. Loss of Smell and Taste
9. Fatigue
10. Headache, Sore Throat, Congestion

It is important to consult your medical provider if you develop any severe or concerning symptoms.  

Tips from the CDC on stopping the spread of germs is to:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
• When in public, wear a cloth face covering over your mouth and nose.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touch objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

As a vendor of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, we are always here to help the community. For more information about our services, please contact our Executive Vice President of Sales, Genna Grinblat at Genna@SERVPROwestcoast.com or at 818-730-1434.  Let us know how we can help. 

Sources: 

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/stop-the-spread-of-germs.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
• https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/15/health/10-key-coronavirus-symptoms-wellness/index.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fsummary.html

Stop The Spread of Germs!

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Do your part to stop the spread of germs!

Here are some helpful tips to prevent the spread of germs.  This is to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.  The first tip is to avoid close contact with people who are sick.  If you feel any ill symptoms, make sure to cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Another helpful tip to avoid getting germs to attack into your immune system is to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  Also, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.  Some more tips include staying home when you are sick, except to get medical care.  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the important ways to spread germs.

Another way to fight germs in your home or business is to call SERVPRO to professionally disinfect and clean it for you.  Call us anytime!  We are here to help!  

Working From Home? Here Is Our Guide To Staying Productive And Being Successful

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

As coronavirus changes the daily lives of Americans, lately many of us get the privilege to work from home to be safe.  There are certain perks to working from home. You officially have the shortest commute and your meetings do not happen in the conference room.  But, if you are not careful, working from home can also come with some downsides.  If you are the type to get distracted easily, do not worry, there is hope.  

Here is our guide to staying productive.  Want to know if they work?  Well, this blog you are reading right now was written from home sweet home.

1. Get an office. Set aside a whole room or a portion of your home that is for all business and only business. Your bed would not be the ideal location to set up your office because that is where you sleep. 

2. Get rid of background noise. Be aware of how productive you are while listening to music.  Playing music all day helps some people while it can distract others. So, find out which one you are.

3. Break a sweat! Since gyms are shut down in California for a while due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak, make it apart of your job to set aside about 30 minutes to an hour to get your body moving at home. Working from home can reduce the amount of calories we burn in a day. You can still workout outside in nature. You could even throw on workout video to your liking on YouTube. So, grab that jump rope, some light weights or both.  No excuses.

4. Keep essentials in your workspace. Keep items such as snacks, coffee or a cozy sweater near your desk.  This is a way to prevent you from getting up to grab something and encountering who-knows-what distractions around the house.

5. Know when to take a break.  When your home is also your office, it can feel like you are always working.  Decide when you are done for the day, and stick to it. 

6. Communicate! Make sure to stay in communication with people throughout the day.  Chat with colleagues, schedule phone meetings or even check in on Zoom.  This will make you feel less lonely and it will also make you feel like an asset to the company you are working for.

7. Get Dressed. Keep your outfit casual and comfortable, but not in the pajama family.  It might sound unnecessary, but you will feel more professional, and you will be prepared if a last-minute meeting comes up.

8. Keep things clean! Make sure to always have your workspace clean by the end of the day, so when you come back to it the next day, you are ready to work without clutter.  Also doing this will help reduce trash from piling up.  

9. Look at the perks of working from home.  You are home during the day. Do you realize what that means?  You save on gasoline because you don't have to drive to the office.  Most importantly, you won't get anyone sick if you come to work with a sniffle.  The more you enjoy working from home, the more you will enjoy your job.  Now, get back to work!

Leave It To The Professionals

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO at your service!

We have been busy disinfecting to make a clean and safe environment for our customers!  Not all heroes wear capes.  We just try to do our part for the community.  Our SERVPRO team follows the process of proper donning and doffing of PPE when entering and exiting the decontamination chambers. The decontamination chamber is a three-stage chamber consisting of; clean room, decontamination chamber and equipment/dirty room. We used hospital-grade disinfectants called SERVPROXIDE.  

Our SERVPRO team utilized foggers for the decontamination of areas before cleaning was performed. 5-10 minute dwell time for high contact, non-porous surfaces. 60 minute dwell time for all porous surfaces. Our team decontaminated up to 8 feet of high contact areas. We cleaned and removed containment upon completion of cleaning.

Who To Call For Your Worst Cleanup?

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here To Help!

It might be an embarrassing phone call to make but rest assured that SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is prepared to handle it all, and we mean all. Biohazard cleanup can be challenging work that requires technicians to handle potentially hazardous materials and proper handling of the viruses, crime or trauma scene is crucial to the safety of everyone involved. Biohazard cleaning is NOT the same as a standard cleaning company or janitorial service; it involves cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the affected area(s). If you’re facing the task of cleaning up a biohazard, don’t do it alone. Leave it to the professionals and not the NCIS pros you see on TV. Biohazards can be extremely serious and if not handled properly can be an even bigger issue in the long run. 

Follow us on our Social Media pages!

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Do you already follow us on our social media pages?  If you have not done so already, come find us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram!  We aim to provide great content by giving everyday helpful tips, showcasing our work and just keeping it fun overall.  Some of our posts include the science of identifying and eliminating odors can be tricky, but as professionals in deodorization, we can take care of it.  Some other examples of what we post are many emergency preparedness tips and showing before and after photos. We also like to share the jobs we’ve done in the past in cities such as Los Angeles, Century City, Hollywood, Downtown, Bakersfield, Sylmar, and just all over the West Coast.  What would you like to see us share on our pages? Let us know! We would love to hear from you. 

Here are the links to our pages:

Facebook: click here

Instagram: click here

Twitter: click here

LinkedIn: click here

Got Mold? We Are The Experts In Mold Remediation!

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Garage platform and car lift assembly located in Calabasas, California, where our team performed detailed cleaning and disinfecting.

Garage platform and car lift assembly located in Calabasas, California, where our team performed detailed cleaning and disinfecting. Our team utilized botanical disinfectants and photo-documented before during and after for complete transparency.  Upon removal cleared all subterranean drains. Our team utilized a high-pressure steam pressure washing system.

The homeowner was referred to our office by a very prestigious and well-known luxury home builder.  We also have pressure washers that will recover the water if contaminated and/or the city requires water drainage to be in a sanitary drain. We are very cognizant of the drought that plagues California and used only the necessary amount of water when pressure-washing both residential and sophisticated commercial or industrial building structures. 

Sometimes we pressure wash inside of commercial/industrial concrete tilt-up buildings. We have performed this type of work in the city of Vernon and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. We are a preferred vendor for the California Department of Motor Vehicles and perform their exterior cleanup.

What Should I Do When My Water Heater Leaks?

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

There are a few reasons a water heater would leak. Here are five things to look for when finding the source of a leak:

Leak at The Water Supply Lines.

It’s always important to check above the water heater first because you want to check the plumbing pipes.  A drip from the top can easily leak down making it look like it’s coming from inside the tank.

Leak at The Water Heater Nipples.

These are located at the top of the water heater.  The water heater nipples connect the water heater to the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water exit pipe.  This is another common area to find a leakage.

Leak at The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve.

It is more serious when there is a leak coming from the T&P valve because it can be a few causes in itself to figure out.  For example, the leaking t & p may point out the overall water pressure in your home is too high, and that the pressure regulator is not working properly.

Leak at The Drain Line.

This is located a the bottom of the water heater and it is common for the drain valve to fail to close completely after draining or flushing.

Leak in The Tank.

If you’re unable to find the leak from any of the four above, it is likely the tank inside the water heater has gone bad and will need to be replaced. 

A leak will not fix itself. If you do not feel comfortable fixing it yourself, the best thing to do is to not wait for it to get worse. Call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks here in Southern California to find and fix the source of your leak, so you can avoid dangerous damages and expensive repairs.

Restore Your Fire Damaged Business

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

There's a specific way to clean up fire, soot, and smoke. All our technicians are trained to remove any residue after a fire.

Fires can have a devastating effect on your home or property. Regardless of the size or scope of the fire, it can lead to significant damage. The damage can come from many different sources whether it be the fire itself, the smoke, or the water used to extinguish the flames.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks specializes in emergency property restoration, and is equipped to handle all aspects of fire damage cleanup and restoration including water damage and full reconstruction. Call us as soon possible after the fire department has extinguished the fire, as water and smoke can continue to cause damage your property. The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 and have an one hour response time so we can begin restoring your home as soon as possible.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

You want to trust your restoration company.

Coming up on our 5 year anniversary SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks was taken over by its now owner, Alan Reed, since then he has built a successful multi franchise operation in Southern California. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has been onsite for the Thomas Fire in 2017 and the Malibu Fires in 2018 as well as other natural disasters around California. His offices are filled with technicians that are passionate about their line of work and claims managers that are compassionate about restoration. There is not a job that Alan and his team cannot handle and they thrive in hard situations where they can pull through to fix everything in their power. If you ever have any doubts about working with SERVPRO please feel free to read our testimonials page or Yelp reviews from clients we have had the pleasure of working with in the past to be assured that you are making the best decision when it comes to hiring a restoration team. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks will make it "Like it never even happened."

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

Call us for any commercial needs!

Flooding and water damage events in Los Angeles County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

Commercial Retail Property

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

It makes us happy to help you in your time of need.

At SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks our number one priority is getting your business back in operation as quickly as possible.

When disaster strikes your store, you need the expertise of a specialized team who is experienced in limited business interruption. At SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks, we are able to work around unaffected areas and after hours to allow you to continue your business operations. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is experienced in working with retailers to make sure that all merchandise and structure materials are restored to preloss condition and you get back to normal retail operations.

Call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks for information or help with any disaster help. We are constantly available 24/7 for all of your disaster needs and/or questions.

The Science Behind Your Water Damage

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chance of any secondary damages. If your business suffers from water damage, your local SERVPRO professionals will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether that materials are drying
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material- but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. For this reason, the professionals at SERVPRO have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has state of the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

The bottom line? Your local SERVPRO have the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Tips From The EPA About Mosquitos and Water Damage

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

We only see mosquitoes every few months a year but they can can huge problems. 

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding

Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed. 

Mosquitos can sharply increase after a flood, due to the sudden availability of standing water which they require for breeding -- even very small amounts of water. As flood waters recede be sure to drain, overturn, or empty areas -- no matter how small -- to reduce mosquito breeding areas and help reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

• Get rid of standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, pools, or any other containers.
• Empty water from damaged materials that aren't usually outdoors, such as discarded furniture, household items, bookshelves, building materials, trash, etc.
• Drain wet areas and puddles of water, or fill them with dirt.
• More ideas for controlling mosquitoes
• Why? The importance of controlling mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus or Zika

Lightning Strike Warnings

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

It creates a beautiful picture but can do major damage, always be prepared.

Although lightning can strike anytime, the chance for lightning increases in the summer months. Stay safe with these basic tips from SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks:

• Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel/postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are expected. Lightning can hit trees and split them into the roads or onto cars.
• If you do get caught outside, avoid high ground, open spaces, and all metal objects including electric wires, fences, etc. Seek shelter in a substantial building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle. 
• If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone and consider unplugging computers, power tools, & TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric/phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment.

It is rare to see lightning in a storm in Southern California but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared for it. 

Reason #1 You Should Chose SERVPRO

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Reason #1 you should choose us, we have compassion for you

You would think this question would be easy but it isn't. In your city there could be dozens of restoration companies that you could choose from and the decision isn't always easy. In Southern California the competition is strong and fierce but the reason SERVPRO franchises are the best is because we have the compassion you need. We understand this is a very trying time wether it was just a simple toilet leak or your garage caught fire we will always treat you as our top priority. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is one of the top restoration companies you can find in the valley and we have a handful of years experience to prove it, if you or someone you know needs our services never be afraid to call no matter the time or day. 

Space Heater Safety

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Heating and electrical equipment are some of the top causes for structure fires in the United States, especially in homes. Space heaters should be setup at least a few feet away from furniture or other combustible objects.  Check the equipment and clean it regularly.  It is a good idea to make sure the appliance is turned off, or even unplugged whenever you leave your home.  Cleaning your space heater can be done by spraying compressed air throughout the inside and vents to get rid of dust and debris that may accumulate.  You may need to remove the front cover to do so.  While many modern space heaters have safety shut offs built in, it is still a good idea to turn it off when it will not be monitored.

If you suffer from a fire damage you should immediately call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks, we are your 24/7 fire restoration specialists.

Recovering From a Storm

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Storms can cause serious damage to your home and/or place of business, and the worst part about storms is that they can catch you off guard just like any other type of damage. Recovering from a storm can be long and difficult, the following are some steps to use when recovering from a storm damaged home. Insurance claims; make sure to contact your insurance right away to see what you are covered for. Don’t dwell on the loss; focus on what you can start recovering or rebuilding. Start with what you can fix yourself; but leave the really gritty stuff to the professionals at SERVPRO. Recovering from a storm is difficult but not impossible and with the help of those at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks we are confident that we will be able to help restore your home and your belongings.

What Should I Look for in a Commercial Restoration Company?

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

We are the most reliable commercial restoration company you will find.

Even though it seems to be smooth sailing you should always be taking proactive steps to manage the potential risk that disaster(s) could bring your commercial property. Take the time to establish a working relationship with a commercial emergency restoration management company, such as SERVPRO, that you may need in the future. Here are some things to look for when you are shopping around.

• Are they a 24 hour emergency response team? If 25/8 was a thing SERVPRO is on it, never be afraid to call us because we will be there.
• Do they work with your insurance? Of course, we want you to be covered so we will do our part to help you and communicate with all parties involved.
• Are they safe and reliable? Absolutely, we hold team meetings every morning to go over a new or refresher topic of safety to keep everyone reliable and aware.
• Do they have expert technicians and the experience? All of our technicians and office staff are IICRC trained and have continual training to ensure they are up to date and aware of all possible losses.
• Will they update you and keep your file safe? Yes, we promise daily updates to both you and your insurance company so you will never be in the dark.

These are all great questions to have and to ask. At SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks we can guarantee that you will be more than satisfied with us as your primary commercial disaster response team because we know we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Water Damage Laws in California

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Every winter Southern California always receives a crazy amount of rain that we never seem to be prepared for. If you’re a renter in California, you may have been displaced during these storms, or perhaps in another instance where water intrusion from rain, a broken pipe, or a faulty drain damaged your home. You may not know where to turn, but you have legal rights. According to California Civil Code section 1941, the landlord is responsible for providing tenants with habitable living conditions and repair any problem that makes the property uninhabitable, including water damage, with the exception of problems caused by the tenant, guests, children, or pets. It is, however, up to the tenant to report damages and repairs needed diligently. This information should be included in your rental agreements. If your landlord does not have a specific water damage company you should refer them to use SERVPRO as we partner with my landlords and understand from both sides of the party and want to help everyone.

Why Water Damage & Flood Damage are Different

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

Contrary to popular belief, water damage and flood damage are two different insurance claims, and they even require different insurance policies Research says the state of California falls at #10 for states with the most flood damage and #1 for the most water damages in a state! That’s a lot of water damage. Simply put, the main difference between a flood claim and a water damage claim is where the water comes from. With flood damage, the water comes from a natural source. And under most policies flood damages are not considered water damage and standard insurances will not cover it. California might not be considered a state with much weather but you should consider looking into insurance coverage for both water damage and flood damage.

Fire Loss is Just as Serious as Water Loss

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

In the water and fire restoration field we more times than not get a water loss call but that doesn't mean we don't get fire losses.

When it comes to fire damage you want someone who is not only going to take care of the burned items but how to get the smoke smell out of the home as well. All of our technicians are IICRC trained and understand the proper tools and procedure of how to make sure you're not going to be smelling any little bit of smoke after you are back in your home. When you call SERVPRO of Encino/Shermaon Oaks we know that we will do everything to get your fire damaged home back to preloss condition. Our office staff is standing by 24/7 so don't be afraid to call.

Back to Fire Loss Basics

8/11/2019 (Permalink)

It may be light but ash can be spread throughout your home.

A fire loss can be one of the toughest things to get through, but that’s why at SERVPRO we can make it “Like it never even happened.” Unlike a water damage, fire can damage a lot more and the smell of smoke can be overbearing. Once the fire department has deemed your home safe you should call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks.  We have the equipment and cleaning tools that you will need to remove any smoke, soot, and ash from your home. It is not smart to stay in your home while the remediation is going on because smoke is known to cause headaches, you will be comfortable letting the professionals of SERVPRO handle your fire loss and get your home to preloss condition.

Leading Cause of Fire Loss

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

A kitchen towel was left on a still hot stove top causing this home to become charred.

Can you guess it? Cooking equipment! According to the National Fire Protection Association cooking, your heating system, electrical, smoking, and candles are the top culprits for fires starting in homes. No matter what if you have an open flame in your home you should always be on alert. For good practice try to keep anything that can catch on fire out of the way, for example keep oven mitts and towels away from your stove top or candles away from table cloths or cluttered counters. One bad move and a small flame can cause a huge problem. The NFAP reports that fires in the home are most common during the holiday season, if you ever suffer a fire loss you should call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to help with the damage.  

Business Owners Should Follow These Simple Steps to Reduce Fire Hazards

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

After the fire department puts out your fire, call SERVPRO.

The most common measures include servicing equipment regularly, avoiding power strip overload and turning off equipment at the end of the day.

Clearing Stairwells: If there is a stairwell in your place of business, clear steps of boxes, stored items, detritus and anything else that could impede rapid evacuations if a fire breaks out. These items can also be flammable fuel that feeds a fire.

Inspecting wiring twice a year. Many businesses occupy older buildings with aged wiring. Schedule inspections twice yearly and upgrade electrical equipment as professionals recommend.

Completing these two items alone along with other fire hazard precautions can save you time and money. But if you are to ever experience a fire loss in your commercial building you should always call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to your side. Our technicians are readily available 24/7 and will get to you swiftly.

Be Ware of Kitchen Grease Fires

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Sparked by unattended stovetop pans or forgotten items in toaster ovens, kitchen grease fires are extremely dangerous. Grease fires create thick, foul, acidic, dangerous smoke residue that doesn’t just affect visible appliance surfaces, finishes and controls. This thick sooty residue coats the insides of appliances including motors, electronics, interior structural fittings and even areas inside door seals. Our experienced technicians know that action within 48 hours is recommended to prevent further damages. Odor is a concern, too. Often combined with protein, grease fires can leave extremely pungent, difficult to eradicate, long-lasting smoky odor on and in appliances. You shouldn't only worry about the appliance that caught fire but all the other appliances as well, as they have also been affect from being in the same vicinity. Always be aware and always call SERVPRO for any fire remediation. 

We Are Your Water Damage Experts

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

You will never be a problem to us.

An influx of water into your home or business can happen for any number of reasons; a burst pipe, a washing machine malfunction or a toilet overflow. Regardless of the cause, excess water can have serious adverse effects and cause water damage very quickly. Water damage can cause wood floors to rot, destroy furniture and personal belongings, and even compromise the structural stability of a building. We understand that water damage is not an every day occurrence for most people but for SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks it is our specialty. Every single one of our technicians and office staff goes through training to understand what goes on in the field. You'll never have to be stressed with SERVPRO even though dealing with water damage is one of the most stressful situations. We know how to take care of you, your family, your possessions, and most importantly your home. 

How Do You Choose the Right Commercial Restoration Company?

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial restorations can be tricky if you don't have the best restoration company.

3 tips for choosing the right commercial restoration company. 

None of us ever consider the possibility of a burst pipe, flooded basement or other water damage reckoning our home or buildings. But when such damage occurs, it can create serious issues. As a homeowner or manager of a commercial building, it is important to consider hiring a professional water damage restoration company to prevent the damage from getting worse.

Check for certification: IICRC promotes high standards, ethics, advance communication and technical proficiency amongst restoration services. All SERVPRO franchises are IICRC certified.

The more services the better: Ideally, you should choose a restoration company that not only offers water damage restoration services but also provides other services such as mold damage remediation. Mold remediation is an important part of restoration work and any reputable restoration company should provide this service.

Emergency services: The key to effective restoration after water damage is a quick response. It is important to look for a water damage restoration company that is operational 24/7 and provides emergency services. Water damage can strike at any moment without warning. 

Office Bathrooms..

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Bathroom flooding happens all the time, they have the potential to create an enormous, and very gross, disaster. Clogged toilets that overflow when flushed are a major cause of bathroom flooding. Not only does this water spread quickly throughout the bathroom floor, but it is also dangerous due to the sewage water pumping out. Commercial water damage in a lot of ways is both similar and different to home water damage especially when it comes to the bathroom. However, in this case, you will need to find the property manager and hope they can turn the water off before it causes damage to other spaces. If you are the property manager always get the situation under control your best knowledge and then call SERVPRO immediately to come out and start to restore the offices. People need the bathrooms while they work and we understand getting the office back to normal! 

What to Expect with a Storm Damage Loss

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Wind damage can be a hazard to the structure of a building, by loosening the shingles or tiles on the roof. This can cause moisture such as rain and snow to infiltrate into the protective surface of the roof, which will result in the wood swelling and later on disintegration and becoming moldy. This outcome will lead to a sagging ceiling and further problems. Elements such as wind, rain, hail, and lightning can result in turning people’s lives upside down, this is why having a storm damage restoration service to help this type of emergency is a good option. Whether it is a business or residence, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks will come to your property and their trained experts will do a thorough examination of the interior and exterior of your building. This will help them discover the level of the damage. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment the professional will use. In the case of flooding, they will use specialized pumps and vacuums to remove water from the affected areas. Generators will be brought in to operate their dehumidifiers and air movers so mold and mildew do not have a change to make matters worse. Using customized cleaners, the specialist will then disinfect hard surfaces and shampoo salvageable carpets as well as apply deodorant to combat any odors. If contacted in time, a storm damage restoration company will be able to rescue your building from greater structural issues, by inspecting the roof and replacing the dilapidated areas.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Storm Damage

5/26/2019 (Permalink)

Take precautions during storm season and let the professionals help.

Storm damage can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home. Heavy rains can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage and downed trees on your property. Some post-storm damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a strategy to deal with damage will help you to be ready to take steps immediately after the storm. Here are some steps to follow if your property is involved in a storm damage: take safety precautions, photograph the damage, contact your insurance company, look into hiring a restoration team. By doing these simple things and calling SERVPRO you can save yourself time, money, and the headache of having to deal with a storm loss. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has many years of dealing with different types of storm emergencies and we will be able to help you whenever you call.

Little Things Can Cause Big Fires

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Every year the US Fire Administration provides statistics detailing the amount of home fires they record and there’s no sign that they are stopping. But as a homeowner you can take precautions to reduce your chances of sparking a large fire. Be aware of everyday activities such as cooking, using the heat, smoking, and doing laundry, can all be considered fire hazards. Being cautious and watching the stove when you are cooking or even smoking outside instead of putting out cigarettes in your home can mean the tiniest difference but save you a big headache. While we hope you never suffer from fire damage, the off chance that you do you should always exit the home safely and let the fire department do their job; and once they have deemed it safe call SERVPRO. We have many years of professional fire restoration and can be sure to walk you through the entire process and restore everything we possibly can.  

Why Immediate Fire Restoration is so Important

5/11/2019 (Permalink)

The mess after a fire loss cleaned up by professionals, allowing the home owners to start reconstruction quickly.

Dealing with a fire loss is never a happy task, but by prioritizing the fire cleanup process you can avoid potential problems that can occur from delaying restoration. You should always immediately contact a fire damage restoration company, like SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks. This is the most important step because professionals are trained to handle this type of damage and we can perform some of the following steps to help you get through the loss: smoke removal, document everything including items damaged and not damaged, work quickly to get you back into your home, and have constant communication with you. If you don’t tackle the problem when it first arises it can cause more severe damage down the road and an even better headache.

Calling A Restoration Company Can Save You Money

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire loss always call SERVPRO for immediate restoration.

When it comes to fire restoration SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks knows that we can save you money. As a homeowner, you may think fire damage looks minor and that you can put off repairs. But in most instances more damage results from negligence, which sends the insurance company a red flag. They may deny future claims. Be proactive in making your claim, let fire restoration professionals’ help you document the damage. This makes it easier to file accurate claims, saving you more money in the long run. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has dealt with hundreds of fire losses ranging from a small home fire to a large warehouse fire; we have seen and cleaned it all. We help you through the steps you need to take to get back to your normal routine.

Minimizing A Water Damage

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

A basement filled with water.. your worst nightmare.

Basements are typically the primary culprit for water damage and microbial growth, if the initial water damage is not handled properly. Humidity and water in a bathroom can also generate moist, stagnant air, and this air makes for a perfect breeding ground for mold. Attics, laundry rooms and wall cavities are also prone to water damage. Where there is moisture or condensation, water damage and microbial growth can occur. Getting ventilation into the structure and removing furniture away from saturated surfaces helps reduce water damage. You should never take any chances when thinking about calling on professionals, by getting help to clean up your water damage you can minimize any further damage that could potentially happen. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks technicians are certified water damage repair experts and we are just one call away.

Should You Be Worried About Storms?

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Living in California might have you wondering why we too should be ready for when storms come. California does not see many major storms throughout the year but storms should still be something we prepare ourselves for.

Specifically during the rainy season, we must be extra careful.  After our super dry, hot summers and how often we have wild fires, a lot of the time our mountains are left without the trees and bushes.  We are left more vulnerable to landslides and flash floods from the rain we receive.

When your home is hit by a flood or storm, remember that your local SERVPRO is here to restore your home to its pre-storm condition. We specialize in restoring homes and buildings in a quick and timely manner, so that you and your family could go back in to your normal routine.

Call SERVPRO at 818-995-6444

The Essentials After Fire Damage

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage experts will perform a thorough cleaning of all areas of your property affected by the fire.

When fire damage occurs, you need to get immediate fire damage restoration help to prevent further damage to your property. Any delay in getting professional assistance could result in extensive damage to your property.

After a commercial fire damage, the probability of further damage due to standing water or excessive moisture is higher. It is imperative that you protect your investment by acting fast to get professional help.

Smoke is a byproduct of fire and because it is acidic, it is capable of causing corrosion and staining of surfaces such as counters and walls. In some cases there is extensive smoke damage, soot damage and smoke, which need to be addressed appropriately.

Flooding and methods used to extinguish fire in home or fire in business lead to excessive water in the affected area. Fire cleanup professionals provide fast services for smoke damage, soot damage and smoke smell.

What You Should Do

• Call the professionals – you will need the services of professionals, so before you do anything else, call the experts.
• Open all the windows to get air moving to remove the smoke smell.
• Move kids and pets to a smoke-free area. Move them to a relative's or friend's home until the fire cleanup or restoration is complete.
• Inventory your belongings. Make a list of the contents of your home or business that need replacing. Taking pictures of the affected items or damage, is a good idea. You will need these for insurance claims purposes, and for your own records.

The Initial Assessment

Fire cleanup professionals enter the property to conduct the necessary assessment and determine how to approach the situation. During the assessment, they will be able to come up with an approximate estimate for the fire cleanup.

Filing The Insurance Claim

Fire damage restoration teams can also file your insurance claims for you to accelerate the process. They will be able to provide details about the fire in home or commercial fire damage to your insurance company. This gives you immediate access to money to pay for fire damage restoration services.

They will answer your questions, address your concerns, and explain the entire process to you. They get everything taken care of so you can get back to your normal life.

Water Removal

The most important step for remediation is removing all water in home or water in business. All standing water increases the risk of weakening the framing and support. Fire damage restoration professionals use state-of-the-art vacuums and high power dryers to remove all water and moisture from the area.

Eliminating Damaged Materials

Fire cleanup experts remove all damaged materials and smoke smell using appropriate protocol. They wear protective clothing and remove the materials prior to beginning the fire cleanup efforts.

Commercial fire damage experts will perform a thorough cleaning of all areas of your property affected by the fire, smoke damage, soot damage and smoke smell. Fire damage technicians will examine your property after the fire in home or fire in business cleanup to ensure that their efforts are successful.

Reputable Fire Damage Team

Dealing with a fire in business or fire in home is something most property owners have never had to experience. Restoration teams deal with this type of crisis often and they know exactly how to handle it. 

It is crucial that a highly experienced and dedicated restoration team of professionals can get in quickly to provide the fire cleaning service.

If you need commercial fire restoration, you should contact a reliable commercial fire damage company with a team of professionals. Experienced technicians have great expertise in mitigating fire in home, fire in business as well as smoke damage and soot damage.

After your commercial fire restoration service has been handled by a reliable team, you will be certainly amazed at the quality and condition of your property. If you need fire restoration, do not hesitate to contact a fire damage restoration company right away.

Roof Damage in Encino, CA

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

With all the rain we've been experiencing in the Encino/Sherman Oaks area it's no wonder the number of roof leak calls into our office has been skyrocketing. Water damage can affect all family members, human or not. 

The roof in question was only a few years old, but the wind of the last storm was too much. If you experience a roof leak, here are some suggestions about how to go about fixing it:

Step 1: Stop the water. Hire a roofing company to either fix the leak or to install a temporary roof tarp to keep more water from entering the structure. If you suspect the water intrusion is gutter related, contact a gutter cleaning company.

Step 2: Perform water remediation:  Open affected areas to perform drying and to prevent mold.  Install drying equipment and apply anti-microbial to discourage mold growth. Caution: If you are unsure about your property's lead paint or asbestos status, test first before any demolition.

Step 3:  Perform repairs to affected areas. Always research your contractors make sure they hold valid licensing.

Are you prepared for a storm?

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

A storm can devastate your home and community

There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather-related disaster. The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:

-Stay away from flood waters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet.

-If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are riding rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

-Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. 

If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks at (818) 995-6444.  Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. Let us help you get your life back on top.

Diagnosing a Shower Leak

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a shower head leaking in your Encino, CA bathroom it is time to replace it

Amidst the many aspects of maintaining your home in Encino, CA, attending to a bathtub leak can be frustrating without an idea of what to look for. It is important to remember that some signs of damage are easier to distinguish than others; however, confirming the occurrence of a leak is possible with a keen eye and a thorough bathroom inspection.

Check for Telltale Signs

Identifying any immediate indicators of a leak can help determine how best to handle the situation. Giveaway signs may include the following:

• Pooling water near the shower pan. This is often the result of a shower door with a poor-quality seal and is one of the simplest leaks to repair.
• Wet spots and dampness on any walls near the shower. If the leak is occurring within the plumbing system, the pipes behind the wall may expel water, thus leaving visible wetness.
• Water leaking from the shower head. When lime scale and other minerals accumulate in the spray holes, water may leak from other parts of the fixture. Cleaning the shower head and replacing the O-ring may solve the issue.
  
  

Scratch Beyond the Surface

Unfortunately, a bathtub leak may cause damage that is not as apparent and may require a more in-depth analysis. One critical factor to be aware of is the presence of mold or mildew anywhere in the bathroom; this includes any odors that occur. The flooring underneath and walls connected to the shower should be examined for breakages, moisture, loose tiles, and stains. Finally, any crawl space area underneath the bathroom should be investigated for moisture, dripping, or mineral buildup. Typically, these signs indicate a leak that may need to be addressed by a professional.

Determine the Best Course of Action

Generally, a shower pan leak with telltale indicators can be repaired without the need for professional intervention. For more internalized leaks, it is wise to consider contacting a water damage repair specialist for further analysis.

While diagnosing a shower or bathtub leak can be challenging, an informed approach can simplify the process. Understanding what to look for and when to contact a professional can make all the difference in preserving your home.

Some Reasons You Need to Stop Stressing About Water Damage Remediation in Encino

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Rapid Solutions for Standing Water in Your Encino Home

When water loss incidents threaten your Encino home, getting the right professional assistance responding quickly to the disaster is critical to protecting both your property and its contents. Effective solutions for removing standing water and drying out saturated elements is only the beginning to fully recovering your property exposed to higher volumes of spreading water. Our team has a 24/7 response to these emergencies, arriving with the full measure of our recovery equipment and experienced technicians to begin effective mitigation tactics right away.

There are many steps to water loss recovery in your Encino home, but water removal is among the priorities for technicians responding to the emergency. Standing water can pose significant risks to exposed materials including flooring, walls, and ceiling spaces. Without adequate removal and drying techniques to follow, you can find this water damage continuing to spread throughout your home and degrading construction materials, weakening structural elements, and facilitating the growth of hazardous secondary effects like mold.

From the time that our SERVPRO professionals first arrive at your home, we work to establish the full scope and spread of the water damage. We can utilize moisture detection equipment for areas difficult to see clearly. We must gain a fast understanding of affected materials and determine when flood cuts and other controlled demolition techniques are necessary to gain access to damp or highly saturated areas of your property.

With industry-leading extraction equipment like our extractor trucks, wet-vacs with wands, and portable submersible pumps, we have a variety of options to handle standing water we encounter in your home. Our SERVPRO professionals can work quickly to remove all excess water to ensure that we can get to critical drying efforts as promptly as possible.

While standing water might be difficult to see in your home, our SERVPRO of Encino professionals have a broad inventory of recovery equipment designed to reduce this threat quickly. You can count on our IICRC-certified professionals to respond 24/7 to this water loss emergency and make it “Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (818) 995-6444.

Candle Safety Tips

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

There is something calming about candles. They look pretty and enhance the ambiance in a room, they give off a fragrant smell that can be so luring, but they can also be the cause to a house fire. December has been noted as the peak month of candle fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of every 5 candle fires started when they were placed to something that can burn, such as furniture, bedding, or decorations.  Review the tips below to prevent any house fires this holiday season:

• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed
• Keep candles one foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that can burn
• Use a sturdy candle holder, that will not tip over easily
• Put candle holders and a sturdy and uncluttered surface
• Light candles carefully, keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame
• Do not let the candle burn all the way to the bottom; put it out before it gets too close to the container or holder
• You should not light a candle if oxygen is used in the home
• During a power outage, use a flashlight or battery-operated lighting instead of a candle

Although candles can add to the decor in the room, however, they can also add danger. Remember candles are an open flame which means they can easily ignite. Create an environment that is safe for you during this holiday season, use alternatives to prevent any candle fires in homes like using flameless candles.  As always, remember SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is here to help!

What Sets Smart Smoke Detectors Apart?

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Protect your Encino, CA home with a smart smoke detector

Smart smoke detectors are a relatively new technology that can send push notifications to smartphones and may be controlled remotely. Find out how a next-generation smoke alarm can protect your home.

Smart Alarms Types

There are three types of smart fire safety devices:

• Smart batteries
• Smart detectors
• Listeners

Smart batteries can be used in standard battery-powered smoke detectors or as backups in hardwired units. Smart detectors may cover more square-footage than standard alarms and can be controlled remotely. Listeners send alerts when any alarm is triggered.

Technological Differences

A smart battery is an affordable way to monitor your home while you are out. This technology functions like a nine-volt battery but has Wi-Fi connectivity to send notifications. You can silence battery-powered alarms remotely, but this function does not work for hardwired alarms with smart battery backups. 

A smart smoke alarm also sends notifications, can be remotely controlled, and may be capable of monitoring more than one floor of your home. Some devices alert users to elevated carbon monoxide levels. Listeners send notifications whenever an alarm sounds in your home, though these devices are not capable of silencing alarms.

Smart Alarms Effectiveness

A single smart alarm may monitor an entire floor of your home, or more. If your home is spacious, you may want to just install a listener to notify you of any alarms.

Smart Detector Costs

Smart fire safety solutions are available in a wide price range:

• The initial smart battery unit retails for about $35 with $15 replacements once or twice a year
• Smart detectors start around $100
• Listeners range from $50 to $100

Consider a smart smoke alarm or smoke detector device to receive timely push notifications about alarms. All of these devices can increase overall safety at your residence in Encino, CA. If a fire results in damage, rely on the expertise of damage restoration professionals. 

Mold Cleanup Steps

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Cleanup Steps

Mold cleanup can be a complicated process. If you have house mold in Encino, CA, you will likely need to enlist the help of mold remediation specialists. If your problem covers a space smaller than 10 square feet, however, you may be able to address it yourself. To do so, you will still need to follow certain steps. If at any point in the process you discover that the problem is bigger than you can resolve, contact the professionals immediately.

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Before experts start a mold remediation job, they will don several items:

• Protective coveralls
• Goggles
• Face mask with ventilator
• Gloves
• Rubber boots
  
  

If you are going to take on a cleanup job yourself, you must also wear protective gear. Try to avoid direct contact with the mold growth.

2. Use Detergent to Scrub

Getting rid of mold requires some elbow grease. Most surfaces can be cleaned with detergent, water and a scrub brush. If an item cannot be scrubbed or if you don’t know how to clean it, leave it to the professionals.

3. Dry Area Completely

It doesn't do any good to get rid of house mold if you leave the moisture that attracted it behind. After the surface is clean, make sure it is also completely dry.

4. Replace Unsalvageable Items

Mold tends to root itself into the pores of the surface on which it grows. If the fungus has infested an item too deeply, that item will need to be thrown out. Mold experts can help you distinguish between items that can be saved and those that must be replaced. If unsalvageable areas are part of the structure, such as walls or ceiling tiles, the work must be done professionally.

No matter the size of the problem, these four steps are essential to getting rid of house mold. If the problem is small, you may be able to clean it, but when in doubt, call the professionals.

Understanding Mold Growth in Commercial Property

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Understanding mold in your commercial property is key

Upon noticing the smell or sight of black mold in your Encino, CA, business, you probably wonder what caused it to appear. Despite so many different varieties, molds have a single process of growing and spreading. Knowledge of how and why these fungi infest businesses teaches how to prevent them from taking over yours.

Knowing the Water Where Mold Often Grows

Mold needs time, temperature, food, and moisture to thrive. A moisture problem is often the cause of mold growth. Water that gets into building materials, utilities or flooring comes from plenty of sources:

• Burst or leaking pipe
• Flooding from nearby overflowing bodies of water
• Humid weather
• Broken supply line
• Defective sprinkler systems
• Clogged gutter drainage systems
• Defective HVAC systems accumulating condensation

Once identified, any broken utility or component should be fixed by an appropriate professional. This prevents additional water damage and the mold that comes with it.

Preventing Spores From Finding Ideal Conditions

Microscopic spores float through the air looking for a suitable place to settle. Even if the spores are floating in the air of a room, no mold species will grow without a place to settle that has food and water. The parasitic nature of black mold and other organisms means that they can be stopped from being a problem by denying environments they desire.

Treating the Mold That Grows

Proactive water cleanup can prevent the need for mold cleanup. Fixing any existing water damage stops the airborne mold from ever finding a place to survive inside your property.

Contacting a professional water cleanup crew with mold expertise is advised to make sure any water is completely removed with the power of their industrial-grade tools. Additionally, experts can find mold and water hiding in unnoticeable locations that most people miss. This prevents mold from quickly recolonizing.

Getting a Hold on Mold

Black mold may seem daunting at first, but prevention can make it seem like a nonissue. Even if mold does take advantage of a water accident at your property, there are ways to remove it without much hassle.

Which Types of Mold Grow in Houses?

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

There are many different types and subspecies of mold that may grow in a house. If you have found mold in your home or smell an odor that leads you to suspect the presence of hidden mold, you should contact a certified service that provides testing, clean-up, and restoration services. Skilled professionals can determine whether mold growth poses a risk to any member of the household and limit your family's exposure. 

• Aspergillus is a common genus of mold found on food such as bread or potatoes and in HVAC systems. This type of mold is highly aerobic and depends on the presence of oxygen in order to thrive.
• Cladosporium is black or green mold growth that often forms on air ducts, toilets, or painted surfaces in high humidity or when excessive moisture is present.
• Black mold is a type of mold that is known to cause problems for residents in homes with substantial growths. The scientific name for black mold is stachybotrys chartarum. This type of mold should be identified and handled only by mold experts. 
• White mold tends to be in the early stages of growth. A reputable service should be able to prevent this type of mold from continuing to grow into mature colonies. White or light grey molds on plants are mildew – a related type of fungus.

These are just a few of the major types of mold growth that you may see in a home in the wake of water damage. You may attempt to identify visible mold in your home, but when it comes to determining the real risk posed by mold and eliminating its presence, you should rely on trained hygienists and remediation experts in Encino, CA. These specialists can provide accurate results with either microscopy or culturing and determine the type or subspecies of mold and the best way to eliminate it from your home.

Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Business

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

The warmer months are finally just around the corner. Finally! And this is always the time of year that we all consider changes and upgrades to help us start fresh. You will want your business to reflect the upbeat mood of Spring with fresh and clean surroundings and atmosphere; it is a great way for your business to be inviting to your clients, customers, and workforce, too.

Here are some spring-cleaning tips for your business:

The Professionals. Any type of commercial cleaning project needs professional assistance. Connect with area services that are well-established and highly respected. Those reviews on social media platforms can actually be a big help here. These companies will come right to you, and they will make sure that your spring cleaning is done right by following your instructions precisely.

Going green. Using green products is always a good idea. These products aren’t composed of harsh chemicals, so there is no danger of negative reactions to your working environment and those with sensitivities. There are a wide variety of environmentally friendly cleaning items these days, and your customers will be happy to know that you are going green, too.

A weather eye. Whenever you plan any seasonal job, always keep an eye on the weather. It can change at the drop of a hat sometimes, making your project difficult or impossible. When you are scheduling spring cleaning services for your business, select alternate days or a full range to allow for a change of plans. Extreme temperatures can have a negative effect on some products, as well.

Working together. Every member of your team has something valuable to add. When planning for the spring cleaning of your business, ask for input from everyone. Perhaps there is something they have noticed that needs attention that has escaped you, or maybe they have a perspective on how to streamline the process that will help you avoid work disruptions. Teamwork will help any project get done faster and more efficiently, and a cleaning job is no exception!

Fire Damage? Here's some things to avoid doing before we arrive!

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

When faced with fire and smoke damage, we're Here to Help®.

If you experience fire or smoke damage in your home, here are some things that you should NOT do while waiting for your remediation team to arrive.

Don't:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water (they may be contaminated).
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create a secondary damage.
• Send garments to dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Stay in Business after a storm!

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

As a business owner or manager, you are a leader in your community, and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow.

This year, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared.

Disasters not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes. As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

Ready Business asks companies to take three simple steps: - Plan to stay in business - Encourage your employees to become ready - Protect your investment

Ready Business, an extension of the Ready Campaign, helps business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses to prepare their employees, operations, and assets in the event of an emergency. At ready.gov/business, companies can find vital information on how to get started preparing their organization and addressing their unique needs during an emergency.

Community Lives in Us

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Our extreme response team!

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks wants to serve our communities in the best way possible; we participate in our city chamber events, love to sponsor the Boys & Girls club, and you can catch us at all the emergency readiness preparation meetings. We find it necessary to be connected with those surrounding us and not only show up when there is a loss or disaster. . It’s very important that we are not just another company entering your home but we are truly someone that you would trust to take care of you when a not so happy situation happens. Our previous clients have loved the work we provided and wish it wasn’t under bad circumstances and we take true pride in being involved. If you have a community event you think we would fit in please feel free to reach out, we want to benefit anyone anyway we can!

Faster To Any Size Disaster

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Our crew ready for the day with proper PPE, always!

SERVPRO is a leader in the restoration industry and its professionals are faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and we pride ourselves on truly being available 24/7 to all of our customers. We understand a fast response is very crucial and can change the outcome of any water loss, this helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. Every situation is different and we take our professional time to act quickly but within reason to make sure all losses are handled properly. Our clients can rely on us to get crews mobilized and in action, and get there faster to any size disaster. No matter how big or small you think your loss is you should always call a SERVPRO professional.

Vendor Qualifications & Professionalism

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

A fun night of go-karting provided by a fellow vendor to thank us for our business.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks only uses the best of the best when it comes to vendors that we bring in on client's claims. Whether it’s a fire claim and we have to bring in someone to clean the smoke smell out of your clothes, or a storage pod after a water damage to make sure other items are not involved, we only trust sub vendors that we hold to SERVPRO standards. We treat clients like family and we want all of them to know that their claim is just as serious as the next, no matter the damage done or the size; everyone is important and will be treated as such. We also expect the same from our vendors when they interact with any customers and are proud to be working with them, if you ever experience water, fire, or mold damage you should always call SERVPRO for immediate assistance.

Around the Clock

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Our crews springing into action!

SERVPRO is known for being faster to any size disaster, commercial or residential. When compared to other restoration companies SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is not only on site the quickest but maximizes the job to make sure they are faster when also getting you back into your home or place of business. Why SERVPRO? Because we understand what it means to be the leader in restoration not just in our city but across the nation, being a company that is available 24/7 we are truly around the clock. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has a professional always on call to make sure we are ready to jump into action no matter what time it is or what the job call may be! You’ll never have to worry about what time your emergency may happen knowing that we will be there for you immediately.

IICRC

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

IICRC, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoring Certification, is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes standards detailing the proper procedures for safe cleaning and restoration. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks prides ourselves on having our technicians as well as office staff to be IICRC certified.  Being up to IICRC standards allows all of our employees to have the best knowledge industry standard training giving each and every one of our customers the best service.  We are constantly holding classes for employees and professionals be up to date and work towards new certifications in areas such as: Applied Structural Drying, Commercial Drying, Fire and Smoke, Mold Removal, etc. This helps us to ensure that no matter what situation clients can always rest assured that they are choosing the best restoration company.

After a Commercial Loss, We Want To Help You

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Crews preparing their equipment to be taken to a commercial loss.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks knows the importance of getting a commercial building back up and running. We know that money is lost every second, hour and day that a commercial building is out of service. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oak's main goal when dealing with a commercial loss is to get the situation taken care of as quickly as possible so that your business can resume all normal activities. We work hand in hand with your property manager and insurance company to ensure that all necessary bases are being covered. Our teams are thorough, professional, and will work quickly with your business’s best interest in mind. We are able to handle all water, fire, and mold emergency remediation jobs at any size scope. For any commercial job always call the professionals at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks.

Why SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks?

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Photo break at the office!

Team Reed acquired the Encino and Sherman Oaks territory as an add on to Moorpark/Santa Paula/Fillmore in order to be one of the largest and best restoration companies in Southern California.    Through the acquisition we have been able to expand our scale and offering to include packout and content cleaning services to the fire, water and mold portion of our business.  We have also been able to hire the best staff to work in the office and out in the field; in order to provide best in class service working 24/7.  We have also joined the Chamber of Commerce in both Encino and Sherman Oaks and have made great connections with city officials, insurance professionals, and homeowners!   Every year we participate in a real life simulation drills where the city comes together and plans a natural disaster in order to be prepared. This has allowed them to become a pillar in the community and everyone knows those large green trucks driving by on their way to help.   If you ever experience water, fire, or mold damage call us any time and our friendly and professional staff will be available to help you.

Water Damage Prevention for Commercial Buildings in Encino/Sherman Oaks

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

All buildings are different, but each is at risk for water damage.

The components of a commercial building envelope are as varied as its occupants and uses. Brick and glass, bitumen and composite panels, marble and stone, all can be used. And, all respond differently to the forces of wind, rain, snow, and ice. Ideally, the envelope ensures that the weather stays on the outside, where it belongs, and that the people and property inside are protected. One of the best ways to minimize a building’s risk of water damage is to develop, maintain, and follow a systematic Operations and Maintenance inspection routine that includes all elements of the building envelope.

Follow a Regular Inspection Routine

Monthly:

• Check all at-grade plumbing systems.
• Check all at-grade drainage systems.
• Test basement flood control and sump systems.
• Replace any leaking fittings or drains immediately, even if small.
• Does the irrigation system spray water against the foundation wall?
• Are roof drain outlets clear of debris?
• Are any water elements at-risk for vandalism?
• Do downspouts direct water away from the foundation?
• Investigate the source of any standing water.

About SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

Water Damage Prevention in your Encino/Sherman Oaks Commercial Building

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Large-scale losses can be prevented by following a few simple guidelines.

Know where your emergency water shut-off valves are located, and have a contingency plan in place in case you are not available. Create an emergency plan with directions for what to do in an emergency as well as a list of phone numbers of approved companies to call in an emergency situation. Make sure someone you can trust has the authorization to make decisions if you are unavailable.

Commercial Water Damage Prevention

Flooding may affect your commercial property by way of pipe bursts, rising river beds, tropical storms, heavy surface rainfall, or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, to name a few. As a property owner or manager, your disaster preparedness plan should address flood concerns. While you may not be able to stop the rain from falling, you can take efforts to keep your commercial buildings safe from impending damage, by conducting regular inspections of the building.

About SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks Wildfire Damage Event

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

As many as 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by people, according to the U.S. Department of Interior. Some human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson. The remaining 10 percent are started by lightning or lava. 

According to Verisk’s 2017 Wildfire Risk Analysis 4.5 million U.S. homes were identified at high or extreme risk of wildfire, with more than 2 million in California alone. Losses from wildfires added up to $5.1 billion over the past 10 years.

Ready to help Here at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks we are monitoring any wildfire situations closely. Our thoughts are with those neighbors who may be put in harms’ way during this event. In many cases, a wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business, but in others it may be a partial loss, or can result in mild smoke damage. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is Here to Help®. 

About SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks 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.

Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (818)995-6444

Encino/Sherman Oaks Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Encino/Sherman Oaks basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – (818)995-6444

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (818)995-6444

Helpful Tip to Prevent Storm Damage To Your Home

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

The gutter will become heavier from the excess debris and water, potentially causing it to break. If your gutter breaks away from the house, you’ll have to cover the costs of a new gutter, as well as any damages done to your siding and/or windows. If the gutter is barely hanging to your roof and there is resting water, it can lead to the risk of rusting. Excess water in the rain gutter can lead to spilling over onto the house’s siding, and flooding in the basement etc.  These complications and costs of repair can be avoided by keeping your rain gutters clean.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Encino/Sherman Oaks, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams  that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Encino/Sherman Oaks Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading microbial growth throughout your home.

If you see visible microbial growth, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the microbial infestation throughout your home. When microbial growth is disturbed, it can release microscopic 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 Encino/Sherman Oaks for microbial growth 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 Encino/Sherman Oaks specializes in microbial growth 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 microbial growth problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Microbial Growth, Call Us Today – (818)995-6444

Faster to your Encino/Sherman Oaks Water Damage Event

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Encino/Sherman Oaks

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks 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 the floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. The immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (818)995-6444

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 Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks 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.

Encino/Sherman oaks 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks Provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks 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 - (818)995-6444

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 Encino/Sherman Oaks 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 Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks 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.

Does your Encino/Sherman Oaks Home Have A Mold Problem?

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

In Encino/Sherman Oaks, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today (818)995-6444

Encino/Sherman Oaks Smoke and Soot Cleanup

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Order in Your Encino/Sherman Oaks Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have 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 Us Today – (818)995-6444

Restoring Your Encino/Sherman Oaks Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges.

Flooding and water damage events at Encino/Sherman Oaks commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

When Storms or Flood hit Encino/Sherman Oaks. SERVPRO is ready!

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Encino/Sherman Oaks, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams (Storm Flooding Restoration) that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today! (818)995-6444

Carpet Cleaning Tips

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

The Thomas wildfire caused this Inn to suffer from soot and ash. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks was hired to perform a cleaning (i.e. carpet cleaning)

Cleaning your carpet regularly can extend its life significantly. Vacuuming carpets at least once a week is a great way to limit the accumulation of dirt. Dirt particles sink deep into your carpet and can create odors. When the carpet is dirty microbes are floating around. These microbes can cause asthma related allergies, coughs, colds, watery eyes, and runny noses. The air quality in your home will dramatically improve when these microbes are cleaned. 

Accidents happen so when they do make sure the situation is dealt with appropriately. Do not rub the stain in because, this will cause it to sink in deeper. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks recommends that you spray the carpet cleaning agent onto a cloth and dabbing it onto the stain.

Commercial Restoration: Water and Mold Damage

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Our commercial crews working on detail cleaning

When commercial damages arrive SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks and our sister SERVPROs have been given the Large Loss Response Team designation title. This ensures companies that we are capable of handling any size loss. 

This hotel is just one example of the commercial restoration that we handle monthly. Our crews set up hundreds of pieces of equipment, monitored every single one for progress, sketched all affected rooms, removed all affected material, and worked diligently to help the hotel to reopen these rooms to guests wanting to occupy them on their visit. 

Our office staff stayed on site and worked around the clock providing proper paperwork and documentation to help the process run smoothly and to make sure there were no bumps along the way. Always call SERVPRO for any water or mold damage needs. 

Hotel Mold

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Hallway view of the mold forming.

We think it won't happen to the best of us but then it does, mold attacks! Over the last month and a half our Large Loss Response team has worked around the clock to get this hotel back up and running to fill rooms with visitors. It started when they had a massive water damage through out several floors and since it was so big and the conditions were perfect microbial growth began to form on the walls, in the carpet, and other various places. The hotel could not allow guests to stay because microbial growth is not good for respiratory system when exposed to it. All of our supervised technicians wore proper PPE to clean up the water, get rid of the mold, and remediate the damage.

Is Smoke Damage Really That Harmful?

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Power washing gets rid of any soot from fire damages.

A question we hear at SERVPRO from clients quite often is: is smoke damage really that harmful? The answer is yes! Smoke damage can affect in more ways than one, while direct exposure to smoke is harmful to your respiratory system, it can also negatively affect your property's structure, sometimes in unexpected ways. Smoke from any type of fire is comprised of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and soot. Depending on what’s burning, many other harmful chemicals also enter the air, and are inhaled into your lungs or latch onto walls, furniture, clothing, ductwork, and other areas. While it may not seem like as big of a deal as the flames that burned personal property, smoke damage definitely should never be ignored! ALWAYS call SERVPRO for all your fire/smoke remediation needs. 

Water Damage

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

A bathroom hallway affected by a bathtub overflow.

Water damage comes in many shapes and sizes, and the source of origin is almost always different. Wether it comes from a broker water supply line that burst, the dishwasher overflowed, the water heater burst, etc. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks are your water restoration experts. We have a team that works 24/7 around the clock in case of any emergencies that may happen in either your home or in your place of work. We are able to get crews out immediately to place equipment and start the drying process to ensure that no further damage occurs. An ignored water damage can cause microbial growth and if we can take care of it in the first place we should always be your first call.

What To Do After The Storm

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

This home was affected by rain while their owners were on vacation and resulted in microbial growth.

Spring often brings with it severe storms and rainfall that have the potential to cause significant damage to homes and other structures. This inundation of water can potentially cause a variety of issues within the home.  When the storm is over, it is important to know WHAT to do, as well as what NOT to do.

First always make sure that you are safe, and there are no injuries. Once you are able to see the damage begin taking pictures as is, this will help in your insurance claim. Never try to remove any damaged items, always contact a professional to come out and help you.

As a storm restoration destination SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has technicians ready and available to help during the worst storm times. 

Storm FAQs

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

A school library was affected after a faulty roof caved and let in rain.

It's been said before that Southern California really does not experience natural disasters like other states might, maybe that is why it is so populated! As a restoration franchise we see other franchises that deal with tornadoes, hurricanes, flash floods and it is rare for us to deal with anything other than heavy storm rains and snow depending on where you reside. 

Did you know that flooding occurs more than any other natural disasters in America? This means that flood water can easily enter into your home and cause both storm damage and water damage. 

SERVPRO provides all necessary needs for storm related damages, we are available 24/7 and 365 days a year. You should always call SERVPRO when dealing with storm damage remediation.

The Dangers of Smoke Damage

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Bedroom affected after a unit fire.

Fire and smoke damage can wreak havoc to your personal property and structures. A quick reaction can help you minimise the impact of the destruction as some of your household goods can be cleaned and salvaged if treated immediately.

If left untreated, smoke and fire damage can be more devastating in the following ways: extensive and permanent damage, soot deposits, and cost increase. 

Following a fire, it is necessary to seek smoke treatment immediately to save yourself from the effects of prolonged exposure to smoke and to make it easier for you to restore your home. 

SERVPRO has trained technicians that are knowledgeable when it comes to treating both homes and businesses for fire, smoke, soot damage that has occurred. You should always rely on a professional to help restore your property. 

Don't Be A Hoarder

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

This home fell victim to what was considered "hoarding" and started a fire that consumed 90% of the home.

As a fire restoration team, our technicians are in client's homes and personal spaces to remediate damaged areas. 

Hoarding items can be a main reason why fires start in homes. Fire is one of many dangers in a hoarded home because much of the clutter consists of flammable materials. Fires can also occur when objects cover a heat vent or damaged wires. Moreover, clutter obstructs residents in case of a fire and first responders may not be able to navigate a hoarded home to recue residents.

When the entire home is clutter-free, repairs should be done if needed. These can include repainting, re-carpeting, or damage restoration (after fire, water, mold, or biohazard damage). Then, all the contents in the house including the salvageable items are disinfected.

Fire Damage Restoration FAQ

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Electrical fire affected apartment units that were all connected.

What is the first thing I should do after a fire?

Call your insurance agent and submit your claim. He or she will provide you with information on securing your home, hiring a reliable restoration company, and more.

Do I really need a professional to clean up my fire even if it was small?

Cleaning the soot and smoke is the toughest part. Moreover, even small fires can cause major damage within minutes and leave lingering odors if not cleaned up properly. If you don’t act within a day or two of the fire, soot and smoke can leave permanent damage. SERVPRO Professionals have the tools and know-how to restore your home as fast as possible and mitigate the loss.

How long with the restoration process take?

The length of time varies on the extent of the damage.Additionally, local authorities and your insurance agent will also want to investigate the damage before the restoration company can start the clean-up.

Mold Remediation FAQ

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

After rain storm water got into their home, the walls became affected with mold.

What is the difference between mold and mildew?

The difference between mold and mildew is that they are different types of fungi with different colors and textures. Mildew one of the many types of mold that exist but it is more common in a home which is why you may have heard of mildew previously.

Do I need to hire a mold removal expert or can I do it myself?

Mold is very tricky and when trying to attempt to remove mold you can disrupt it and make it worse than previously. When mold remediation is completed it should be set under negative air and contained with containment barriers and commercial grade antimicrobial to prevent the mold from reoccurring.

It is recommended to follow the IICRC mold removal guidelines which the industry uses as a standard to remove mold correctly.

How long does it take for mold to grow after a water damage?

Mold can start to grow in areas damaged by floods in as few as 24 hours, but it can also take weeks to develop. Labs usually let mold grow for between 48 and 72 hours under ideal conditions before testing. Some materials such as carpeting are known for growing mold quickly. For this reason, it’s important to dry out the area and remediate flood damage quickly.

14 Unit Water Loss

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

A commercial water loss

A water main break caused this commercial building in Los Angeles, California to flood fourteen of it's units. This picture shows the floor being tented after demolition and after all the water and flooring had been removed. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks was called out as a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) to help mitigate any and all of the water damage. Our technicians immediately set up equipment in all the units and quickly worked to stop any more damage from occurring. Within the next few days they began to remove all of the affected material to prep for the dry out process. Working with fourteen different tenants, a property manager, and usually different insurance companies is something we thrive on and we were thrilled to work with everyone. 

Back to Basics

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

An after picture that shows a home that suffered a large water loss.

Water damage, something SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is well immersed in. Over 80% of damages we receive from clients are water related, and they come in all shapes and sizes. All of our technicians are IICRC trained to understand different categories and types of water damages. This way they can best assess the damage and know where to place equipment, where to perform moisture readings, and how to effectively dry the space in the most efficient way possible. Insurance agents, as well as brokers, are also trained in our "world" to understand water damage this way we can work hand in hand in helping home owners, property managers, business owners in dealing with a water loss. We all understand the high pressure you can feel from dealing with something uncommon such as a water loss but SERVPRO will always make it "Like it never even happened."

Break Room Blues

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Amidst the demolition the employees were happy to see progress being made.

This advertising company was in a pinch when a pipe burst under their sink and flooded their break room and a few of their offices. When we arrived there was about 3in of standing water in the space and it had spilled over into the hallway and into conjoint offices. Our technicians removed all of the standing water and began demolition immediately, after placed equipment after. Even though they were without a lunch room for a few weeks during the remediation and remodel everyone was thankful to not have to be wading around in the water while they enjoyed their sandwiches. If they would have ignored the water damage it could have resulted in microbial growth, so by them being proactive and calling SERVPRO they were able to dodge an even bigger problem missed.

So, What is Microbial Growth? AKA Mold

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

These homeowners ignored a water damage that cost them big time when mold took over their home.

You may not be able to see or smell it, yet it may be growing in your home and the reason you feel sick.  So, what is mold? Molds are multiple types of fungi that grow in filaments and reproduce by forming tiny spores that sprout and fly away, invisible to the naked eye. Mold grows in damp, warm, and humid locations, inside and outside. Mold can grow in your bathroom, in the showerhead, or in the corner near your shower, especially if the room is not well ventilated. Mold can attach to your shoes, pets, clothes, carpets, furniture, books, and papers. Mold can circulate in your air system. Overall, water-damaged buildings create a complicated mixture of contaminants present in the air and dust, resulting in a toxic chemical stew. Additionally, mold produces toxic chemicals called mycotoxins, present on spores and fragments of mold released into the air. Would you believe that half of buildings in the United States are water damaged, leading to the growth of mold? Which means you should always call SERVPRO if you suspect microbial growth in your home or place of business. We have expert technicians and trained office staff prepared to deal with all mold emergencies.

5 Things You Need to Have in Your Earthquake Bag

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

A quick snapshot from a home that suffered earthquake damage. Thankfully homeowners were not home during.

Last Friday the Ventura County encountered a 5.3 magnitude earthquake near the Channel Islands. Some people mentioned they felt it in Simi Valley, Westlake, and even in Thousand Oaks. Most everyone in Southern California will tell you that the state is overdue for a massive earthquake, and SERVPRO thinks you can never be too prepared. We have compiled a quick list of 5 things you need to have in your earthquake bag. 

1. The actual bag itself

2. Water purification tablets

3. First Aid kit

4. Light source

5. Sleeping bag

Obviously, there are other things you will want to consider such as: packaged food, batteries, etc. But in having these items in case of an emergency can alleviate some stress during an earthquake. SERVPRO is your emergency storm relief team. 

Commercial Restoration

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

One of the many medical rooms strategically placed with equipment to have the best drying time.

This fertility clinic suffered a large water loss due to a broken toilet supply line. Our technicians had to work carefully and quickly with this high-end fertility clinic because relocation of the IFV clinic was not an option nor was it allowed. The business was to remain open during business hours, which meant that our crews worked from 5PM to 6AM, this way not to disturb the business.  Every morning when our large loss response team left you would never have known they were there all night taking care of the water damage that was in the clinic. Being an elite large loss destination means that we have the ability to accommodate any emergency circumstance such as this one where we had to work over night and in under a week to ensure that the company was able to still run smoothly and take care of their patients.

Building Code Violations Hiding in your Home: Mold, Fire, Water

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

By ignoring water damage you can find yourself in a gross mold situation.

Most local building codes require ventilation fans in bathrooms that lack operable windows. These fans carry steam and humidity outside through a ceiling or wall vent, thus eliminating moisture buildup that can lead to peeling paint or wallpaper, warped cabinetry, and mold growth.

All occupants of a building need a reliable means of escaping a fire, so basement bedrooms must have at least one egress window that measures at minimum 24 inches high and 20 inches wide. Without an egress window, a basement room can’t be labeled as a bedroom in a real estate listing.

Most new homes are required to contain hardwired smoke detectors with battery backups. If your dwelling is more than 15 years old, however, it may not have these important safety features. If you live in an older home, consider installing hardwired smoke detectors during your next remodeling project. In the meantime, make sure you have working battery-operated smoke detectors in every bedroom and in the hallways.

Every home is equipped with a water heater; most homeowners stick it in their garage and can forget about them until they cause a large water problem. For any water, fire, mold remediation you should always call SERVPRO. As the top leader in industry professionals we understand all aspects of home damage and how to get you back to living easier, and quickly.

Elite Commercial Restoration Designation

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

Our crews hard at work in one of the many rooms that were remediated.

Recently we had a chance to work closely with one of the premier health and wellness centers in Ojai that was affected by the Thomas Fire. Smoke and odor mitigation was performed using only natural green products, the latest deodorization technics, methods and equipment and utilizing locally sourced vendors while still providing 5-star service. All water was brought in from alternative sources to accommodate for the current drought that has affected the Ojai Valley; no contaminated water was introduced into the Ojai Water Table, as technics were used to re-clean and dispose of water. The up most care was taken restore the property to its preloss condition without compromising the majestic nature of The Oaks. As an elite commercial restoration designation it is our goal to treat all clients with white glove care, SERVPRO is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Precautions to Take After a Storm Damage

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

After a storm driven fire this golf course was turned upside down.

Storm damage can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home. Heavy rains can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage and downed trees on your property. Some post-storm damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a strategy to deal with damage will help you to be ready to take steps immediately after the storm. A severe storm can change everything in the blink of an eye. It doesn’t always have to be a tornado or hurricane to cause destruction on your home or office, and poor restoration can leave you with an unhealthy home for your family.We specialize in the stabilization and restoration of homes and businesses that have suffered small or large loss from water, flood, wind, storm, fire damage, and smoke disaster. Always remember to be safe during and after a storm.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Storm Damage

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

After a massive rain storm this home's walls were filled with rain water creating problems for the owners.

While Southern California may not seem like it has massive storm damage we do suffer from rain, fire, and mud slides. Those who were living here in December and January of 2017/2018 can attest to this. When it seemed like most of Southern California was in a havoc of storm related damages. Here are some steps to take immediately after a storm incident:

1. Always take safety precautions
2. Photograph the damage in your home
3. Contact your insurance company

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, but these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, and your life, to normal. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is your industry professional; we are available 24/7 to provide emergency disaster relief.

Back to Basics: Water Damage

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Containment in a home to keep the water damage from spreading.

Water damage is not a foreign term to our teams at SERVPRO. All of our technicians are IICRC trained and are equipped with the best equipment to remediate any and all water damage situations. We service from Ventura County to Los Angeles County and are available 24/7 for all emergency calls. Our team will come in remove the water from the structure or business. After the structure is dry we will clean up and repair damages brought about by the excessive water. It is our role to take care of all of the contents that are in the building and do provide content restoration as well as protection and moving. We have our own large warehouse space that allows us to store all clients’ items, safely. A typical water removal process can take a couple days to complete and in this time you can rest assured that SERVPRO will take care of everything and get you back to normalcy.

How to Identify the Different Categories of Water Damage

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

These windows have been contained to keep rain water from coming in and damaging any more of the home.

There are varied types of damage that water can cause to the home, and to repair different categories of water damage one has to first identify the damage category.

Category 1: comprises of water damage caused by overflowing water outlets like broken taps, leaky sink or bathtub. It is easier to repair as it does not pose any health risks though it can cause formation of mold in the bathroom or kitchen. 

Category 2: damage that poses health risks to people in the nearby vicinity like crack in sewer line or water supply pipes and even leaking roof that can cause damage to furniture and people in the house. 

Category 3: this type of damage has to be attended to immediately by a remediation specialist. In this situation excess rains or blockage can lead to stagnant water from drains and toilets backing up into the house that can damage drinking water and people’s health due to foul odor. Action has to be taken immediately for removal of this filthy water.

How Technology is Changing Insurance

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Home fire in Sherman Oaks, CA.

Picture this. You’ve just left your house to head to work, and you forgot to turn off the front oven burner after cooking your morning breakfast. There’s a dish towel sitting on the stove that’s just a little too close to the burner, and it catches on fire. Soon your whole kitchen is in flames. But because you have a traditional smoke detector, all it will do is make a lot of noise. Hopefully, your neighbor sees something is wrong and calls the fire department. However, if your home was equipped with a smart smoke detector, cameras and fire sprinklers, you could receive a phone or email alert notifying you of smoke in the house as soon as the dish towel started to flame up. You could check then out the issue on your cameras, remotely enable your smart sprinklers, and hopefully, contain the damage.  This is great news for homeowners because it’s going to keep damage from happening and their insurance low, SERVPRO works closely with both insurance agents/adjusters and homeowners and understands both of their needs. Technology will start to do the following: lessen risks with early warning, streamline the process of submitting a claim, decrease the number of claims, allow for a more personalized coverage. So, as long as we understand what our clients need we will forever be able to help them in a time of need. 

How Long Do Fire Extinguishers Last?

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Apartment fire in Encino, CA; notice the ash covering the ground.

Fire extinguishers last between five and 15 years but they all ultimately expire and become ineffective, no matter what fire-fighting substance they contain. Household fire extinguishers—which are typically filled with dry chemicals (carbon dioxide or halon)—lose their charge over time. Those with compressed gas can leak contents slowly as their seals weaken, while those with ammonium phosphate will solidify over the years, rendering the entire device unusable. Read on to get a handle on the age and effectiveness of your fire extinguisher, plus tips on how to extend its life, get it serviced, and dispose of it correctly if necessary. Store a fire extinguisher in a clean, indoor location can help extend its life. Exposure to sun, UV radiation, wind, or rain can cause corrosion, rust, and deterioration. If the canister is dented or bruised, or if the tamper seal and pin are missing, there’s a possibility that it might explode unprompted. Examine the entire unit and if it’s not in good shape, properly dispose of it without delay.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Bathroom From Mold and Mildew

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

You can see here the mold that was able to grow in the bathroom.

1. Paint the walls with Mildew-Resistant paint. Your bathroom walls can and will absorb lingering moisture from a steamy shower which can spur the growth of mildew. Painting your walls with a mildew resistant paint will give your bathroom extra protection.
2. Keep your bathroom well ventilated because mildew thrives in damp places. Which can make a bathroom a prime breeding ground.
3. Fix any leaks you might find; the tub, the sink, the window. They can all lead to future problems if not assessed quickly.
4. Always mop up excess water. After a bath, or shower, or even washing your hands, don’t let standing water stay.

By doing these 4 things you can prevent mildew and microbial growth from entering your home. If you ever suspect mold in your home you should always call SERVPRO for expert experience.

OVI: LLRT

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

Falling ash from the Thomas Fire this past December, covered just about everything in Ojai.

As a Large Loss Response Team, we are able to handle jobs that come in massive size. After the Thomas fire in December SERVPRO of Moorpark/Santa Paula/Fillmore spent just under two months at the OVI to get them back into business as quickly as possible. Running two separate shifts, the crews worked around the clock to expedite the process. Team Alan Reed understood the importance of getting the Inn back up and running. The OVI suffered massive smoke and soot damage from the falling ashes. Every single room, courtyard, furniture piece, etc was cleaned from top to bottom. We wanted to make sure that before we left the Inn was back to prime condition and looked even better than before the fires hit. 

How To Spot Mold Exposure Symptoms

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Mold that was hiding under the sink causing homeowners to have allergy like symptoms.

Most mold symptoms can be confused with allergy symptoms. Some molds produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins, but mold itself is not poisonous or toxic. Common symptoms can include but are not limited to:

• Sneezing.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Cough and postnasal drip.
• Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
• Watery eyes.
• Dry, scaly skin.

Although bathrooms and basements are typical moist areas prone to mold growth, any moist area in the home can be affected by microbial growth. However this does not exclude other areas such drywall, ceiling tiles, carpets, furniture, ductwork, roofing, paneling, wallpaper, under sinks, and the areas around plumbing pipes. 

If you suspect that mold is growing in your home you should always contact a professional. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has trained technicians who will remove any and all mold from your home or place of business. We are the industry leader in mold remediation. 

Mold vs. Mildew

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Warning signs are hung outside of jobs to warn those not trained with a professional eye.

Both mildew and mold are types of fungi, and they are both known to be found in the home. They both thrive when there is moisture in the environment and can be difficult to get rid of. Both mold and mildew can be sneaky and spread quickly without homeowners ever knowing they exist. They also each grow on a variety of surfaces from food to your shower and even a single sheet of paper. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in the form of black or green patches and easily penetrates the surface of whatever it is growing on. Mold can even appear as fuzzy or slimy in texture. Mold is typically the result of larger infestation than mildew. Mildew typically grows flat and doesn’t penetrate the surface, making it easier to clean and get rid of. It is typically a patch of gray or white fungus. SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks is your mold experts always reach out to industry professionals if you ever expect mold in your home or place of work. 

LLRT: Thomas Fire

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

The Ojai Valley Inn was severely affected by the Thomas Fire.

This past December part of Southern California was heavily destroyed by wildfires that spread over 440 square miles of land. The Thomas Fire was recorded as the biggest fire in California history. 

SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks suited up and head out immediately to help pass out masks, water, and other necessary items at safe zones for the residents of affected areas.

Once it was clear to go deeper into Ojai, Team Alan Reed was on multiple projects to help remediate and restore as many homes and businesses as possible. Working around the clock to restore the city back to a running status. 

Part of having the Large Loss Response Team title means that this SERVPRO has the ability to handle jobs that reach massive remediation and can see the job through it's entirety. SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks and it's sister franchises are known for the LLRT title and hold it proudly. 

Flood Facts

11/21/2017 (Permalink)

While it may not be common in Southern California to get a lot of rain but when we do it seems to come in insane amounts. Here are some flood facts from SERVPRO corporate:

Flash floods can bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high.

Flooding can be caused by spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy rains, snow melt runoffs, flash floods, and mudflows.

Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires. 

In preparation for a flood, it is important to stock up on first aid items, non-perishable foods, gallons of water, battery operated electronics, extra batteries, and personal hygiene necessities. 

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is your flood expert. We are always here to help.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

There's no such thing as a small disaster, especially when the water you don't see has bacteria or causes mold. Water damage can and will affect the value of your property. Before you try and take care of it yourself consider how the damage can affect your home, SERVPRO professionals know how disruptive water damage can be for anyone. Our technicians are trained and equipped to manage the drying process by using equipment and moisture measuring devices. Your home or building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards. Which, in turn, will prevent secondary water damages. With rapid response time SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks can and will help you regain control and make sure your property is protected. Never put anything you love at risk and let your franchise professionals handle it. 

5 Reasons To Keep Your Ductwork Clean

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

The air quality in your home is important. Keeping dust, pollen, pet dander, and other irritants out of the air you breathe involves more than changing the air filter. What about the air ducts? Contaminants collect in the duct system too, and regular cleaning of the air channel is important.

1. Improves your health- poor indoor air quality ranks among the top five environmental risks to your health. 

2. Energy consumption- clean ductwork helps lower your utility bill and helps your HVAC unit last longer. 

3. Smelly air- odors continue to plague your home long after you remove the offensive item.

4. Moldy reasons- microbial growth can grow in your duct system especially if your home suffered recent water damage from flooding or foundation cracks. 

5. Call a professional- SERVPRO is the professional you wan to seek!

You need to know the air you breathe at home is free from contaminants. What you don't know will hurt you. Make sure you contact a certified HVAC technician for ductwork cleaning. 

Flood Insurance 101: What Homeowners Need To Know

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Homeowners had about 3in of water flood their house after the washing machine not being plugged in properly

The fact is any property can flood. Your home doesn’t have to be under five feet of water from hurricane flood surges to suffer flood damage. Normal amounts of rainwater can drain under your home, and flood your basement or the lowest floor level, causing flood damage. This kind of flooding can cause mold, increase the risk of termites and cause electrical problems. But the good new is that SERVPRO is able to take care of all your flooding problems with our prompt response and quick timing. 

SERVPRO works closely with insurance companies to ensure that your home and your insurance are both taken care of correctly. We are on multiple preferred vendors list as a corporation with insurance companies such as State Farm and Farmers insurance. 

Restoration VS. Replacement

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Packing items that were able to be saved and restored and stored during the loss.

After a water and/or fire loss replacement may seem like the easiest and quickest option. We are a business of restoration rather than replacement. Some of the pros to restoration include: being more cost efficient, it helps our carbon footprint by limiting what we put in landfills, and saving many items with sentiment cannot be replaced. SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks works seamlessly with insurance companies nationwide, providing them with restoration budgets that not only meet their stringent guidelines, but provide the homeowner with the best possible outcome. After the classification, cost effective remediation methods are tailored to the expected condition of the items in each conditional area. The professionals at SERVPRO will always do their best to act quickly and restore what they can.

Dryer Fire Damage

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Dryer fires are one of the lead causes of fires in home

You may not think of your clothes dryer as a fire hazard, but these appliances account for tens of thousands of house fires each year. The problem most frequently occurs when lint and dust are allowed to build up. Over time, this can cause the dryer vent to become clogged with highly flammable materials, which easily combust when exposed to high temperatures. Your best option for dryer safety is to clean the lint trap each time before you use the dryer, and to inspect and clean the dryer vent area to remove lint buildup and other potential blockages. Regular cleaning can ultimately make all the difference in avoiding a house fire.

Quick statistics: 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.

Trust No One Else With Your Fire Damage

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Fire clean up team.

An electrical spark from a unit next to this one caused both units to go up in flames. After removing all of the tenants items and storing them our technicians were able to begin removing all affected areas and materials. SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks specializes in fire mitigation and re-mediation of all sizes. Most people might not realize the health hazardous that come along after a fire, the soot and smoke can make it harder to breathe and see as well as cause headaches from inhaling the smoke. After the fire department puts the flames out you should always call SERVPRO to come put your home back together. We are who your insurance agents trust and the friendly faces they would also recommend if you were to ever be faced with this situation.

Roofs, Rain, and Damages. Oh My!

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

A roof that needed to be tarped after a major rain and wind storm.

Let's be honest, how often do you really climb up onto your roof and check to make sure everything is looking one hundred percent? Probably not at all, I would assume that most people don't. It's not until they experience a storm damage that they realize their roof may not be in the best shape to be over their head. Recently storms rolled through Southern California and a lot of unhappy homeowners realized that their homes were NOT prepared for all the rain that we were receiving. Because the high winds and heavy rains were not a good combination and led to most water damages within the ceiling and/or in the home. SERVPRO should be your first call when it comes to any storm damage that you may experience. 

Helping Hand In A Storm

5/11/2017 (Permalink)

Fallen tree after heavy winds ripped through Southern California.

While Southern California may not experience tornadoes, hurricanes, or any other natural disasters we still do get hit with mud slides, heavy rains, and wild fires. It is always best practice to understand that area and the surroundings of which you live in. If you know that your home has been near storm damages and experiences it is best to be knowledgeable. SERVPRO specializes in all extreme storm damages, even if you think your damage may be small, we are the best team to help you. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is also a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) and we are equipped with everything needed to handle even the largest of storm damages, we work with neighboring SERVPRO's to help them with anything that they might need a few extra hands for. 

Your Friendly Neighborhood Fire Re-mediation Team

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

An electrical spark caused this bathroom to go up in flames.

An electrical spark from a unit next to this one caused both units to go up in flames. After removing all of the tenants items and storing them our technicians were able to begin removing all affected areas and materials. SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks specializes in fire mitigation and re-mediation of all sizes. Most people might not realize the health hazardous that come along after a fire, the soot and smoke can make it harder to breathe and see as well as cause headaches from inhaling the smoke. After the fire department puts the flames out you should alwasy call SERVPRO to come put your home back together. We are who your insurance agents trust and the friendly faces they would also recommend if you were to ever be faced with this situation.

Tips and Tricks about Mold

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Here are some things you might not have already known about mold:

Molds can be found almost everywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

It’s worth noting that not all mold is harmful. In fact, some types of mold can be quite beneficial.

You cannot completely eliminate mold spores in your home, but you CAN prevent mold growth by controlling humidity, keeping areas free of excess moisture, etc.

Typically the mold we see is not the mold that you want hanging around your home, your work space, or maybe the schools your children attend. Always take mold seriously if you suspect it and call the professionals at SERVPRO. 

Ten Unit Condo Fire

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

The photo shown is from when we first arrived on scene, inside one of the most affected units.

An electrical spark caused ten condominium units to go up in flames late one night. A neighboring SERVPRO reached out because they knew Encino/Sherman Oaks was a Large Loss Response Team and could handle the large amount of damage done. Ten units both on the first and second floor were affected and bad to be completely demo'ed out and ready for a new look. When we first arrived on the scene the air was still thick with smoke and soot and everything was covered in a black film. Our technicians worked for a little over a month to completely re-mediate all ten units to be ready for reconstruction. The condo tenants and HOA made it all easy and we were able to work closely with them to have everything completed in a timely manner.  

Commercial Fire Loss

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

We had our SERVPRO tent setup outside as a place of reference for any employees on site or others that needed direction.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) was called to the scene of a fire late one night to help with the affected contents. We were able to be there the next morning as well with our SERVPRO tent, waters, and supplies for anyone that needed it. SERVPRO was able to help by removing all of the affected contents and electronics that needed to be cleaned and salvaged. Being a LLRT means that we have the team, equipment, and capability to handle even the largest jobs. This warehouse knew that SERVPRO would be able to help them get into a temporary facility quickly to be able to continue running a business. We will never shy away from commercial jobs and we enjoy getting to work with numerous industries and all the people we meet along the way. 

Mold Busters!

5/1/2017 (Permalink)

Moldy and affected garage.

SERVPRO prides themselves on being one of the top mold remediation companies out there. We typically see clients with mold in their homes after significant or long lasting water damage, who ignored their water damage or didn’t know it was happening. Most everyone knows that mold can be hazardous to the health of anyone that comes into contact with it. If you ever suspect mold in your home your best practice should always be to not touch it and call a professional in for an opinion and an action plan. If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mold problem always call your friendly neighborhood mold busters at 818-995-6444. We are a 24/7 restoration and mold remediation company prepared to help you!

The Dreaded Water Loss

5/1/2017 (Permalink)

Drying equipment helping to dry out an affected kitchen.

What do you do when you experience a water loss? The obvious answer should be: call SERVPRO. But that might not always be on the forefront of people’s minds. We understand the panic most people feel because they are worried about their items and probably the expenses that might come with everything they are experiencing. We want to let all current and future customers to know that our technicians and office staff are fully prepared to handle anything that has happened. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is the franchise that you can trust with any of your water needs. This isn't something that everyone experiences and most people might not know where to begin, and it can be a lot to deal with in the beginning. We are here to make everything easy and "Like it never even happened."

Teacher of the Year!

5/1/2017 (Permalink)

If you look really close you can see our Sr. VP enjoying his dinner at the Teacher of the Year Award dinner.

Recently, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) was a sponsor of the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce 'Teacher of the Year' Award. We were able to be apart of the dinner and present the teacher with a special gift from us here at SERVPRO. All of the teachers that were nominated were outstanding candidates and we are proud to have them within our community, working with our future generations, and making an impact on our schools. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is a proud partner, and works closely, with the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce to help sponsor other events and be hands on within the community. We pride ourselves in the philanthropic work that we have been able to be apart of already and we look forward to future opportunities. 

Rain is Heavier Than it Looks

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

Water is heavier than it looks, ceiling caved in after heavy rains.

It's not usual for Southern California to experience such heavy rains in winter, this homeowner was not prepared for his bathroom ceiling to come crashing down around two in the morning. After realizing what had happened he called SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to come to his help. When our technicians arrived on scene it looked as if the entire ceiling had fallen in on his bathroom and everything was soaked. Luckily, it was the bathroom and water is typically easy to clean up in those areas. The owner was gracious we were able to come out at such early hours and get his home back to normal until the morning when more details could be dealt with. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is always here to help. 

Mud Slides Into Your Home

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

Mud is not the latest flooring trend.

You never think it will happen to you, until it does. We see it on the news when heavy rain hits, hardly ever, in the Southern part of California. But if you were to ever experience storm damages i.e. mud slides that have crept into your home your first call should always be SERVPRO. We have highly trained technicians that are ready for any situation. The picture shows mud that came in through the doggy door leading to the outside, it was not closed and secured shut while the homeowners were at work for the day. They came home to the mess and immediately called SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to help remove the mud and clean up their office space before anything else could be damaged with mud. 

Who Do You Call for Fire & Water Damage?

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

Fire and water emergency mitigation services (EMS)

No one ever plans for a water or fire damage in their homes, but if you were to ever experience one SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks should be your first call for mitigation and remediation. Having a fire in your home can be a life altering event and you want your property to be restored back to the way it was before the fire. When a fire occurs at your house or commercial property, you should take swift action to handle the cleanup and restoration left behind by the fire itself and the efforts of the fire department. At SERVPRO we value your home as if it were our own because we understand clients in their time of need. If you need more opinions on who to call ask friends/family, neighbors, or even your insurance agents they will be able to help you in this process. 

We Can Handle Your Commercial Damage

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial job in progress.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has been deemed as a Large Loss Reponse Team (LLRT) which means we have the capability to handle any size loss. Within the last few months we have had the opportunity to work with large companies all over Southern California. With this title it allows us to really make a different on corporations and businesses that need to get back to operating hours quickly. But just because we have these opportunities doesn't mean we can or could forget about our other claims, we understand the importance and clients needs to get back to a normal life quickly no matter the size of their damage. You can always trust that SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is reliable and will make it "Like it never even happened".

California Commercial Losses

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

Unfortunate commercial loss.

If you haven't noticed California is filled with enormous sky scraper buildings and boulevards filled with apartments, condominiums, town houses, businesses, etc. This means if your neighbor has a pipe burst in their bathroom and floods his entire unit you more than likely are going to have some sort of damage to your property as well. Sometimes you might get lucky and escape the wrath of an angry burst pipe, but in the case you don't SERVPRO is the expert to call. We have been able to build special relationships with property managers and building owners that have used us either in the past or have been referred to us which allows us to help them with any properties they own or manage. 

A Moldy Takeover

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

Microbial growth takes over this living room.

A few weeks ago SERVPRO of Moorpark/Santa Paula/Fillmore had the chance to get rid the mold that had taken over this family's den. Mold like this family had needed to be "demoed" out and removed from the home. The husband tried to clean and remove the mold himself but it came back fiercer and all at once, they had but no choice to call out the professionals of SERVPRO. By containing the mold area we were able to prevent other mold spores from travelling to other places in the home and contaminating there as well. Mold can also cause serious health issues, which is why containment is so important and necessary, all mold situations should be treated as an emergency. When demolition was completed SERVPRO completed a final wipe down of everything to prohibit the mold from growing back and allowed the family to open back up the space and continuing living their lives. 

A Not So Nice Surprise

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

Sneaky place for mold to grow quietly.

Mold is never welcome in any home, even if it is hiding out in the back shed. These homeowners shared they hadn't opened the shed in quite some time until it came time to close escrow and they did a final check. SERVPRO of Moorpark/Santa Paula/Fillmore was able to remove the mold that covered all four walls and get the shed back to a usable condition for the new family obtaining the home. The mold was able to grow so profoundly because of the environment of the shed. It was a warm, dark, and damp place for it to expand quietly without being disturbed for awhile. Sometimes mold is able to go unnoticed and that is the best time for it to do it's thing. Always be on the lookout if you suspect mold anywhere in your home. 

Fire Board Up

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks was able to help board up the home after a massive fire.

A kitchen fire caused this home to be burned almost to the ground. The before pictures shows the mess left behind after the fire had been put out. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks was called in to help clean up the aftermath as well as board up the home for safety purposes. They knew it would be awhile before the home would be livable again. The homeowners were grateful that SERVPRO was able to get out there so quickly to make sure that the home would be secure from any possible intruders. At SERVPRO we understand the urgency from homeowners in their time of need, this couple in particular was thrilled with the timeliness of the process and all the communication shared through out the job.  

Little But Mighty Water Damage

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

Little water damage, big problem.

Even the smallest water damages need to be treated as if they are the most important thing right then. Because if not treated it's possible that even more damage can or will occur. This homeowner almost didn't call SERVPRO when he noticed the damage because he didn't think it would be a big deal. However when our technicians arrived the problem was bigger than what could be seen in plain sight. Once the scope of work was done it was determined that the entire underneath of the sink would need to be removed and treated so that no mold growth would be possible. Once the job was done what was originally supposed to go as unnoticed revolved into a near kitchen remodeling. 

Warehouse Fire Catches Neighbors on Fire

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

You can see how much soot was covering this entire warehouse property.

This warehouse fire happened late one night, with an unknown cause at the time, when the property manager got a call from a neighboring warehouse that there were flames to be seen from the windows. Once all the soot and smoke had a chance to settle the property manager was able to call the experts of SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks a Large Loss Response Team to help with his fire damage. After a few weeks of mitigation, demolition, and reconstruction our technicians were able to get this company reopened and back in business. The property manager, as well as the business owner and his employees, were thrilled with the outcome of the mitigation. The warehouse looked brand new and everyone was happy to be back at work. 

Large Loss Response Team

3/27/2017 (Permalink)

Beautiful view for our LLRT.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) which means we can handle just about any size of job we are given. The purpose of the LLRT is to have Franchises pre-qualified to handle Large Losses for the Commercial Large Loss Division. SERVPRO requires that Large Loss Response Teams to be detailed and complete all jobs thoroughly, as well as have the performance capabilities to perform to corporate standards. Within the last few months SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has completed a handful of commercial jobs with our Large Loss Response Team. This includes highly trained technicians, detail oriented office personnel, and hard work around the clock. Most of the time Large Loss jobs are commercial clients that need to get back to business ASAP, SERVPRO is well aware of the time crunch business owners are on to open back up their doors.

SERVPRO Partners with The American Red Cross

3/27/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO and the Red Cross join forces for a great cause.

SERVPRO began a National partnership in March of 2013 with the American Red Cross as the largest corporate sponsor for the Ready Rating Program. As a Disaster Responder member, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is among an elite group of companies and foundations from almost every industry. The Red Cross, and SERVPRO alike, are very refutable companies that people know and trust and by working together we are able to come together for our communities and neighbors in any time of need. Even though Southern California may not experience storms like the rest of the country doesn't mean that when storms do hit they are taken lightly. Partnering with the Red Cross allows our company to be apart of something bigger than just water and fire remediation. We are always here to help.  

Experts in Water Damage

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

This apartment suffered serious water damage.

Eliminating the causes of a flooding event requires trained and IICRC certified professionals like us at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks the water damage experts in the area.                   Why you should call us now if you have any type of water damage incident happening:

1. When a water damage scenario happens, it moves quickly, and to combat this effect our teams come prepared, always, for any size water damage.
2. Our teams provide this level of heightened alert because we truly care about the people and homes of the valley and the surrounding areas we service.
3. Our staff has been responding to these challenges for years, and this increased level of familiarity is what gives us the ability to be at the site of any event because we are available 24/7/365.
4. Because we respond quickly we are able to save the insureds both time and money as well as letting them begin the healing process of experiencing a loss.

We are always here for you.

Storms Take No Mercy

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Winds and rain take apart this homeowners roof.

Disasters can come in a variety of different forms, though no matter what version they take, they must be dealt with immediately to avoid the costs of increased damages through stagnation. Among the issues disasters can cause may include: Wood Rot, Roof Leaks, Mold Growth, Flooding, Sewage Back Ups, Clogged Gutters and Downspouts.

Lately in California we have been experiencing a lot of storms which has caused all of the above issues for our customers.

Storm damage disasters require a heightened level of skill and expertise that we require of our crews along with compassion, honesty and integrity make us who we are. 

Our solid reputation with insurance companies will help streamline the insurance claim process and restoration of your home to its beautiful pre-storm condition. Call us if you need storm help.

Air Conditioning Blow Out

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Cleaning up water condensation from an A/C unit leak.

Summer is quickly approaching, this means upping the use of our air conditioning units. Making sure that your A/C unit is properly working could actually save you from water damage in the future. Because there is nothing worse than your air conditioning not working in the dead of the summer. Whether you knew it or not A/C units can leak into your house through your vents and damage your home. A clogged condensate drain line is the most common cause of water leaking from your AC into your home. If the drain line gets clogged with dust, dirt, sludge or mold, that water backs up into your home. If you experience any of this always call your neighborhood SERVPRO to come out and help.

Emergency Readiness Program

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

ERP Flyer

Emergency Readiness Program, better known as an ERP, allows SERVPRO to help both residential and commercial accounts to be ready in case of an emergency. An ERP allows to you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks teams up with property managers to show them all the basic steps. How to turn off electrical panels, main water, gas, etc. to stop anymore damage from happening. It's at no cost of your facility, as well as a concise profile document, and a guide to help get back into your building after a disaster. This start up approach is a great investment of your time and is designed specifically with the customer in mind. If you or someone you know would love to have an ERP done don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks today at 818-995-6444.

Who To Call For Your Worst Clean Up?

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

Hazmat suits protect our technicians.

It might be an embarrassing phone call to make but rest assure that SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is prepared to handle it all, and we mean all. Biohazard cleanup can be challenging work that requires technicians to handle potentially hazardous materials and proper handling of the crime or trauma scene is crucial to the safety of everyone involved. Biohazard cleaning is NOT the same as a standard cleaning company or janitorial service; it involves cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the affected area(s). If you’re facing the task of cleaning up a biohazard, don’t do it alone. Leave it to the professionals and not the NCIS pros you see on TV. Biohazards can be extremely serious and if not handled properly can be an even bigger issue in the long run. 

Moldy Closet Remediation in Encino, CA

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can be hidden, always look carefully.

Mold can be sneaky, and sometimes goes unnoticed much longer than it should and you cannot get rid of it easily. If you think mold is growing in your home trust your nose and your gut, if you start to feel sick you should always call a specialist, precisely SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to get the job done quick. All mold needs is food, water and a dark, stagnant environment with steady temperatures that neither freeze nor swelter to grow. By trusting SERVPRO to use high-tech equipment and modern methods to conduct our remediation services you will find that mold has no chance! With mold you want to make sure that it is cleaned up properly and have no lingering microbial growth. Which in turn prohibits any health risks that come with mold. Call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks today with any mold requests.

Water Damage Caused by Water Heaters

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

Water heaters can either be your best friend or worst enemy.

Everyone has a water heater in their home here are some helpful tips: 

1. Check your water heater's age. Once your water heater reaches it's life expectancy it is much more susceptible to a leak or burst.

2. Clean out your water heater regularly. This includes removing sediments and flushing the tank regularly every 6 months. 

3. Placement matters. Most people store their water heater in the garage because it is "out of sight" which also means it is "out of mind". The biggest mistake made is waiting for your water heater to start showing troubling signs, such as leaking, before people replace or try to fix them. 

In case of an emergency, you don’t want to feel trapped or out of options. If you experience a water leak call the professionals of SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks. 

After a Mold Remediation

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

Den after demolition.

Recently, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks completely gutted this den of the mold that had taken over every square inch. Mold like this family had needed to be "demoed" out and removed from the home. The husband tried to clean and remove the mold himself but it came back fiercer and all at once, they had but no choice to call out the professionals of SERVPRO. By containing the mold area we were able to prevent other mold spores from travelling to other places in the home and contaminating there as well. Mold can also cause serious health issues, which is why containment is so important and necessary, all mold situations should be treated as an emergency. When demolition was completed SERVPRO completed a final wipe down of everything to prohibit the mold from growing back and allowed the family to open back up the space and continuing living their lives. 

Water Damage 91316

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

These floors must come up! Beautiful hardwood floors damaged from a leak under the house.

SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks is one of the leading water damage restoration companies in the Encino/Sherman Oaks area. You can always expect services that are 24/7 as well as office staff and highly trained technicians that are prepared to help. No matter the size of the job you can always feel comfortable making the call about your water damage. Whether the damage is from a flood, leak, or spill SERVPRO can cover both commercial and residential losses. Water damages are always an unwanted headache and make your wallet sad, but that doesn't mean you have to go through it alone. When dealing with a water loss you might want to try and clean it up yourself but sometimes jobs are too much for a single person to handle and that is when you can call SERVPRO for a helping hand. 

Happy Birthday to Alan!

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

We all celebrated at the office with cake and ice cream, with Alan getting his share..

Recently here at SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks and SERVPRO of Moorpark, Fillmore and Santa Paula we celebrated our fearless leader Alan Reeds' birthday.  Alan is our franchise CEO/ Principle, he has dedicated his life to making sure the company is a success and we decided we wanted to give back for all that he does for this franchise and the company. We even got him a cake with SERVPRO colors, orange and green. We hope that it doesn't take him too long to clean up all of the orange and green icing off of his face after our celebratory day in the office. Here at Encino, is a picture of Alan evidently enjoying his cake! Happy birthday Alan, you deserve to have a great birthday! 

Recent Fire in Surrounding Area

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

Here is our Marketing Director, Marc Sallin, loading up his truck with water bottles to help give back to the community in need.

Over the past month in a surrounding area, SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks was involved in helping the community from the fires that hit recently. We were actively on the site delivering water to the firefighters and evacuees. Offering support in this time of need, as a neighboring franchise we wanted to do all we could to help. This fire was a devastating tragedy that occurred to the Calabasas community, and as a fire mitigation company, we feel as if it is our duty to provide our support, both mentally and physically for the affected community residents. If you or anyone else you know was affected by the Calabasas fires, you know who to call to help you through this difficult and unexpected time in your life. Stay safe everyone! 

Winner Winner!

5/27/2016 (Permalink)

Here is the winner, Steve Devericks!

Recently we held our annual Continuing Education Course for all of the agents and brokers we work with in our surround franchise territory. We always raffle off an iPad and this years winner was Steve Devericks of DiBuduo DeFendis Insurance Brokers, LLC. Congrats to Steve on being the lucky winner!! These annual Continuing Education Courses are great ways to get your much needed CE credits, all you have to do to sign up and join us is to call our franchise if you are an agent or broker. These events are always a good time and filled with lots of informative information, we recommend to all agents and brokers to take advantage of these events to help better their knowledge. Congrats again Steve and enjoy the iPad. 

Continuing Education Course

4/20/2016 (Permalink)

Dan Luttrell from SERVPRO Corporate speaking to our CE Course attendees.

Recently SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks provided a Continuing Education Course for all of our local insurance agents and adjusters. This course was held at Calabasas Country Club followed by a savory lunch and rounds of golf for those who chose to indulge. It was a fantastic event and we enjoyed sharing that experience with our local clientele and participants. These courses help to increase the knowledge of the insurance agents and adjusters, and we are happy to support this cause. We also know that our participants are happy with the engaging CE Course and all it has to offer. SERVPRO is an intermingling company that has to deal with many different aspects of your water or fire emergency, and insurance agents are a huge part of that, so we take pride in help supporting the continuing education course.