How to prevent water damage

3/3/2025 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur anywhere

While some forms of water damage are immediately visible, others may go unnoticed until significant harm has been done. Whether it’s caused by heavy rain, flooding, or broken pipes, water damage can lead to costly repairs and health hazards if not handled promptly.

At SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we understand the importance of addressing water damage quickly and efficiently. In this blog post, we’ll share tips on preventing water damage and how to respond when it occurs to protect your property.

Common Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can originate from several sources, some of which might not be immediately obvious. Here are a few common causes:

1. Heavy Rain and Flooding: When rainwater enters your home due to leaks or poor drainage, it can quickly cause serious damage to walls, floors, and belongings.
2. Burst or Leaking Pipes: Water from broken pipes or faulty plumbing can flood areas, especially behind walls or under floors, where it’s harder to spot. If left untreated, this can lead to mold growth and structural damage.
3. Appliance Malfunctions: Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators can leak, especially if there’s a malfunction or aging parts. These small leaks can go unnoticed for weeks or months, causing extensive water damage.
4. Roof Leaks: A damaged or deteriorating roof can let water seep into your home during rainfall, creating a slow, steady form of water damage that may go undetected for some time.

How to Prevent Water Damage

While it’s impossible to prevent every instance of water damage, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:

1. Close Windows and Doors During Rain: Simple as it sounds, closing windows and doors when it rains can prevent water from entering your home.
2. Inspect Pipes Regularly: Periodically check for any signs of leaks in your plumbing system. Old or corroded pipes are more likely to burst, so keeping them in good condition is essential.
3. Install Leak Detectors: Consider installing water leak detectors in high-risk areas such as under sinks, around the water heater, and in your basement. These devices will alert you if they detect unusual water flow.
4. Maintain Appliances: Keep your appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator, in good working order by checking hoses and connections regularly for signs of wear and tear.
5. Inspect the Roof: Have your roof inspected yearly, especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent rain or extreme weather. Address any missing shingles, leaks, or damaged flashing to prevent water from entering your home.

What to Do When You Find Water Damage

If you discover water damage in your home, it's important to act quickly to prevent it from worsening. Here are a few key steps:

1. Shut Off the Water Source: If the damage is caused by a broken pipe or appliance, turn off the water supply to prevent further flooding.
2. Remove Standing Water: If there’s standing water, use a wet/dry vacuum or mop to soak it up. Be sure to wear protective gear, as stagnant water can pose health risks.
3. Dry the Area Thoroughly: Use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the affected area. The faster you can dry the space, the less likely mold and mildew will form.
4. Call a Professional: Assessing and repairing water damage can be tricky. A professional restoration company, like SERVPRO of Central Glendale, can help ensure that all damage is addressed properly, including water extraction, drying, and cleaning. Our team uses industrial-grade equipment to remove moisture from hard-to-reach places and restore your property efficiently.

Prevention Is Key

Water damage can be a serious issue for homeowners, but by staying vigilant and addressing potential problems before they escalate, you can protect your property and minimize damage. Regular maintenance, inspections, and quick action when water damage occurs can help you avoid costly repairs and long-term issues. If you do experience water damage, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Central Glendale to get your home back to its original condition quickly and safely.

Assessing Moisture Content in the Process

3/3/2025 (Permalink)

Keeping a Close Eye on the Process

When it comes to water damage, the first step in the restoration process is assessing the property’s moisture levels. Monitoring moisture is not just a technical necessity it’s a critical part of ensuring that the property is returned to its original condition without further complications.

Why Monitoring Moisture is Key

At the onset of a water restoration project, the good news is when the moisture levels start decreasing. This indicates that the drying equipment and methods are working, and the property is on its way to recovery. However, if the moisture levels do not decrease, it’s a clear sign that the restoration process isn’t progressing as it should. This is when we need to consider more invasive measures, such as demolition.

What Does Moisture Monitoring Tell Us?

Moisture levels serve as the most reliable indicator of how well the restoration efforts are working. If the moisture is going down, it means the materials are drying as expected. If it stays stagnant or increases, it signals that there could be hidden pockets of water still affecting the structure, which could lead to mold, structural weakening, or other long-term issues.

When moisture doesn't decrease, it’s essential for restoration experts to move to the next step. This might involve cutting into walls, removing flooring, or taking other measures to ensure the property is properly dried. Without this intervention, we risk leaving moisture trapped inside, causing further damage and more costly repairs down the road.

The Importance of Removing Insulation

2/28/2025 (Permalink)

Our technicians are always ready

When water or fire damage affects your insulation, time is of the essence. Insulation is often tucked away in walls or attics, where it's easy to overlook but leaving it unchecked can lead to severe consequences.

For instance, if water damage isn’t addressed quickly, it can lead to mold growth inside the insulation. Mold thrives in damp, hidden environments, and because the insulation is porous, it can trap moisture for longer periods, creating the perfect breeding ground. As mold spreads, it not only damages the insulation further but also poses serious health risks to your family and pets.

The longer you leave insulation that has been exposed to water or fire damage, the more expensive the restoration process becomes. Mold, if left untreated, can spread rapidly through the walls and into other parts of your home. Once mold has spread, it can require extensive remediation, including tearing down drywall, replacing beams, and, of course, replacing the insulation something that could have been avoided by acting quickly to dry or replace it.

Additionally, when insulation is not properly replaced, it will not function as it should. This leads to energy inefficiencies, higher heating or cooling costs, and, in some cases, further deterioration of your property’s structural integrity.

Efficient and Comprehensive Fire Restoration

2/27/2025 (Permalink)

Wildfire in Altadena

The damage is not just confined to the flames. Smoke, soot, and ash can spread throughout your home, making the restoration process crucial to ensuring that your home is not only safe but also comfortable to live in again. At SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we understand that every minute counts when it comes to fire damage, which is why we move swiftly to restore your property to its original condition.

1. Tackling the Ashes: A Thorough Exterior Cleanup

The first step in our fire restoration process focuses on the outside of your home. While most of the ashes and debris will be located outside if the fire was near the property, it’s essential that we remove every trace of soot and dirt to avoid long-term damage. We use pressure washers to clean the exterior thoroughly, ensuring that nothing is left behind. Our team works quickly and efficiently, making sure that your home’s outside structure is restored to its original state.

2. Assessing and Cleaning the Interior

Once the exterior is cleaned, we move inside. If the fire originated inside the house, we start the restoration process at the site of the origin. However, we don’t stop there. We conduct a thorough assessment of the entire property to ensure no area is overlooked. Our goal is to restore the entire home "like it never happened."

To address the various residues left by the fire, we perform both dry and wet cleaning (if necessary). These methods help to lift smoke and soot from surfaces, ensuring that your belongings and the structure of your home are free of contaminants.

3. Eliminating Smoke and Odor

One of the most challenging aspects of fire damage is the lingering smell of smoke. It can be tough to breathe in, and it sticks to almost everything. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Central Glendale has specialized chemicals and machines designed to eliminate smoke odors effectively. Our team uses industrial-grade equipment to purify the air and treat fabrics, furniture, and other affected surfaces, ensuring your home smells fresh and clean once again.

4. Why SERVPRO?

At SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we pride ourselves on our quick response and comprehensive approach to fire restoration. We understand that a fire can be devastating, but with the right professionals by your side, you can rest assured that your home will be restored to its original condition.

We don’t just focus on fixing the visible damage; we ensure that your entire home is safe, comfortable, and ready to welcome you back. With years of experience, equipment, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, SERVPRO is here to help when you need it most.

Protecting the Value of Your Property

2/19/2025 (Permalink)

Protecting everything from further damages

One of the most critical steps in the restoration process is containment. At SERVPRO, we use advanced containment techniques to ensure that the affected area is properly isolated from the rest of your home or business. This not only protects your belongings from dust, debris, or potential contaminants, but it also ensures that we are minimizing the spread of harmful mold spores or water damage to unaffected areas.

What is Containment?

Containment involves using specialized plastic sheeting and barriers to create a physical separation between the restoration area and the rest of your home. This plastic is carefully installed around the affected area, and in some cases, around specific items that can’t be moved. A zipper is often added to these barriers to allow for easy access, ensuring that we don’t have to remove the plastic unless it’s necessary for the job.

Why is Containment So Important?

Containment serves multiple purposes during the restoration process:

1. Protecting Your Belongings: Any items that can’t be removed from the affected area are covered and sealed within the containment zone. This keeps your valuables safe from damage, dust, and contaminants during restoration.
2. Limiting the Spread of Contaminants: For mold remediation, water damage, or fire restoration, it’s vital to keep contaminants from spreading throughout your home. Containment effectively isolates the problem areas, preventing harmful substances from affecting other rooms or parts of the property.
3. Maintaining Cleanliness: By keeping the restoration work confined to specific areas, containment helps us maintain a clean and organized workspace, ensuring minimal disruption to the rest of your property.

How Long Will Containment Stay in Place?

Once containment is installed, it’s important not to remove it prematurely. The containment is there to protect your belongings and the rest of the property while the restoration is being completed. Depending on the type of restoration work being done, containment will stay in place until the process is fully finished.

However, if you need access to specific items during the restoration, we can carefully move those belongings to another area where you can reach them, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about being cut off from anything you need.

At SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch service with care and respect for your home and belongings. From water damage to fire restoration and mold remediation, our expert team is here to restore your property to its original condition. Trust SERVPRO to be your partner in emergency restoration—because your peace of mind matters to us.

Keeping Your Property Hazard-Free

2/19/2025 (Permalink)

Safety comes first

At SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we understand that security and safety are non-negotiable when it comes to the workplace. Whether you're dealing with water, fire, or mold damage, maintaining a safe environment is always our top priority.

We go above and beyond to identify potential hazards and take immediate steps to address them, ensuring your space is secure for both employees and visitors. Our team is trained to recognize risks and act quickly, minimizing any danger to the people in your space.

Clear Communication at Every Step

One of the key elements that sets us apart is our commitment to communication. We believe that keeping you in the loop is essential, not only for your peace of mind but also for the smooth operation of your business. Whether it's reporting what we find or explaining the steps we're taking to resolve an issue, we make sure you're informed throughout the entire process.

Your Safety, Our Responsibility

When you choose SERVPRO of Central Glendale, you're choosing a team that takes safety seriously. We don’t just address the immediate damage—we ensure your workplace remains as secure as possible, so you can focus on what really matters: running your business.

Fast Action, Trusted Results: SERVPRO for All Your Emergency Restoration Needs

2/17/2025 (Permalink)

Emergency calls late at night, No problem. We are ready to attend your call

Whether it’s a water leak, fire damage, or mold growth, having a trusted restoration partner like SERVPRO can make all the difference. In moments of panic and confusion, it’s essential to have experts on your side, ready to handle the restoration process efficiently and professionally. In this post, we’ll walk you through how SERVPRO can help you recover and restore your property, no matter the damage.

1. Quick Response and Immediate Action

Flooding and water damage can happen without warning. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a storm, or any other cause, it’s important to act fast. When you reach out to SERVPRO, our team of professionals is ready 24/7 to assist you. The sooner we’re on-site, the more we can mitigate the damage and protect your property from long-term issues like mold growth.

2. Comprehensive Inspection and Water Source Identification

Once we arrive, our first step is to conduct a thorough inspection. Understanding the water source is key. Whether it’s from a clean water source, gray water, or black water, knowing the category helps us determine the best course of action for restoration. We’ll carefully assess where the water is coming from and take the necessary steps to fix the issue before starting the restoration process.

3. Water Categories: What They Mean for Restoration

There are three categories of water damage, each requiring a unique approach:

• Category 1: Clean Water – This is water from a clean source, like a broken pipe or rainwater. It's easier to handle and poses less of a health risk.
• Category 2: Gray Water – This water contains contaminants, such as from dishwashers or washing machines. It requires more attention and careful cleaning to prevent further contamination.
• Category 3: Black Water – The most hazardous water type, often caused by sewage or flooding. This category demands immediate and extensive professional intervention.

4. Safe and Effective Restoration Process

Once we’ve addressed the water source and categorized the water, our professionals will remove standing water, dry the affected areas, and disinfect surfaces. This might include water extraction, air movement, and dehumidification.

5. Containment and Demolition, If Needed

In some cases, demolition may be necessary. If we need to remove damaged materials, we take extra care to protect the rest of your home or business. We use containment barriers to isolate work areas, which helps prevent dust or debris from spreading throughout unaffected parts of your property. This ensures the restoration process remains as clean and efficient as possible.

SERVPRO’s priority is to make your life easier in times of emergency. Our trained professionals guide you through every step, from the initial inspection to the final restoration. No matter the scale of the damage, you can trust SERVPRO to return your home or business to normal. Remember, the sooner you act, the better the chances are for minimizing damage. Give us a call, and let us take the stress out of your water, fire, or mold emergency!  

Clean Belongings

2/14/2025 (Permalink)

Keeping it clean

Dealing with unexpected damage like water, fire, or mold in your home is stressful enough, and you don’t need to worry about your belongings during the process. At SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we understand that you might not have the space to move everything or may need your things close by during the day. That’s why we offer containment services to protect your items from dust or potential damage, especially if demolition is required.

If you need access to any rooms or belongings, no problem! We can install a zipper door to ensure you can get to what you need without disrupting the work being done. We’re here to make the process as smooth as possible and to help reduce the stress on you and your family.

At the end of each day, we take care to clean up the area so you don’t have to worry about excess debris or potential hazards. We know how important it is to keep your property in good condition, and your safety is our top priority. Once we finish the restoration, we’ll remove all containment barriers and sanitize the area, leaving it ready for rebuilding.

Your peace of mind matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Get Your Home Back to the Normality

2/14/2025 (Permalink)

Acting fast placing drying machines in affected areas

Is stressful for you to see water in your house making disasters, changing your lifestyle, and affecting not only one area but multiple areas if it is not fixed in time. You need to spend time making calls to companies and insurance without knowing that every hour is crucial.

Within Minutes:

- Water quickly spreads throughout your property

- Water is absorbed

- Wet belongings start  swelling

Within 1 – 24 hours:

- A musty odor appears

- Belongings start to swell and crack

- Drywalls begin to swell and break down

48 hours to 1 week:

- Mold may appear

- Metal begins to rust and corrode

- Paint begins to blister

- Serious biohazard contamination may appear

More than 1 week:

- Structural safety poses a serious risk to occupants

- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically

- Some belongings won’t be able to be fixed

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is operating 24/7 and we know how to restore your property. We are a preferred vendor to many national insurance companies, and we will be contacting the insured for you so you don’t have to worry we will bill them directly. We know for the stressful situation you are going through; SERVPRO is here to serve you and to recover your property and belongings. Hundreds of homeowners are satisfied with our services and our staff.  

Sanitizing Inside Your Walls

2/14/2025 (Permalink)

Sanitize is an important step in the restoration process

SERVPRO of Central Glendale has gained the trust of hundreds of owners for our hard work, our technicians are always looking for our customers’ happiness. We do deep cleaning around your house, we clean places where you cannot reach, we use chemicals to disinfect surfaces & materials contaminated, vacuum thoroughly to remove as much material as possible, and we also do odor removal. Our professionals use multiple steps to ensure the space is thoroughly cleaned; our disinfectant spray and our fogging system are non-toxic to kill 100 percent of bacteria & viruses when applied at full strength.

Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols, so we must give your house a little bit of shine. Our professionals are always available for you, your family, your friends, and your neighborhoods; SERVPRO of Central Glendale will arrive at your property with respect and professionalism ready to start the work, and ready to gain your trust. We are open 7 days 24 hours. If you have any questions please contact us we will be happy to help you at 818-246-2200.