Recent Posts
Mold Damage Remediation Services Available In The San Luis Obisbo, Cambria, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Cayucos, Templeton, Atascadero and King City Area
3/22/2022 (Permalink)
Mold Damage Remediation Services Available In The San Luis Obisbo, Cambria, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Cayucos, Templeton, Atascadero and King City Area
Mold on your property can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. However, there can also be mold that is invisible to the naked eye, making mold contamination considerably hard to diagnose without the right equipment.
Just having the right conditions allows mold to grow anywhere on your property. Whether it is clear and sunny, or cloudy and rainy mold damage can occur in your San Luis Obisbo, Cambria, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Cayucos, Templeton, Atascadero and King City Area
Fungus or mold has obtained a rather bad reputation over the years. However, the truth is, that mold is no more damaging than fire, or water. In fact, water itself is a major element mold needs to grow.
Mold is a fungus that occurs naturally within our environment. Our eco-system uses these microscopic organisms to process decomposing materials. Without mold, many forms of antibiotics, vitamins, and other medical solutions used today would be impossible.
Our expert mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO provide you with a variety of services that make locating and controlling mold found in your home easier. While also helping you avoid creating the conditions that need to exist for regrowth to occur. You should begin by having our technicians perform a full inspection of your property. You may notice some problems, while our technicians find larger issues hiding just out of sight.
SERVPRO technicians understand where mold might begin. Starting with locating water sources found in your home that can cause mold to get out of control. Water issues including from plumbing leaks, excessive condensation on your windows, and HVAC system drain off can cause mold growth in your home. Many of the materials used to build your home serve as a food source, so, anywhere that you find excessive or constant moisture adds the final ingredient mold needs to spread.
Even if the only mold you find on your property is completely dry, it is important to have a trained professional perform your remediation. Dry mold spreads microscopic mold spores through the air that you cannot see, leading you to spread contamination to other areas and cause more problems. SERVPRO’s expert team utilizes air movers and negative-airflow machines in combination with HEPA filters to trap microscopic spores and get mold growth under control.
Ceiling Tile Discoloration in San Luis Obispo: Culprits and Causes
1/4/2022 (Permalink)
Imagine it, you’ve found the perfect home for your business, with just one or two pesky discolored ceiling tiles. It’s not a big deal, right? Not quite. Beyond being unsightly, ceiling tile discoloration can have serious causes, from water damage to tile mold. Before you overlook a stain or two, learn some of their top causes in San Luis Obispo, Ca.
About Ceiling Tiles
Dropped tile ceilings are a common go-to for many commercial buildings across the country. Reasons include:
- Affordability
- Easy removal for access to HVAC and electrical system
- Clean, simple appearance
Drop tiles can create a pleasant, conservative look but can quickly take on a downright ugly appearance when they become stained. Here are some of the reasons that happens.
Age
Dropped tile ceilings have been popular for decades and in some buildings, have been in place for that long. The older the tiles the more likely they’ve been exposed to cigarette smoke and other pollutants. The result can be a darker color that may be impossible to get rid of.
Water Damage
Brown spots are often the biggest giveaway to a leak somewhere above the tile. They often start small and radiate outward over time. Beyond being an eyesore, these spots often signal bigger problems like tile mold, and should never be ignored.
Lighting
The ultraviolet light so common in offices is not great for ceiling tiles. Over time, tiles exposed to UV rays can take on a sickly hue that isn’t very attractive.
From water leaks and tile mold to harsh light, there are lots of things that can trigger tile discoloration. When you see tile discoloration, it’s worth the time and money to replace the tile. Because tile mold can spread, if you suspect water damage is the culprit, make sure you consult a mold remediator. It could save you expense and headaches in the long run.
SERVPRO Shares Nine Benefits of hiring a Professional Restoration Company
1/2/2022 (Permalink)
9 Benefits of Hiring a Professional Restoration Company like SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City
After a storm, fire, or water damage to a property, a DIY cleaning may seem tempting but is a recipe for further damage and loss. SERVPRO shares below the benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company to help return a property to its original state.
Restore instead of replace
Only a professional team has the expertise and know-how to quickly investigate and identify what can be restored and what simply needs to be replaced. An amateur eye with limited skills and equipment may decide to discard contents that a professional may be able to restore. This enables cost-saving by avoiding replacements, eliminates the need for an insurance claim, and saves precious contents that may have sentimental or legal value.
At the same time, a professional restoration expert would not waste time and money on restoring something unsalvageable.
- Distinguish between materials
It takes a professional eye to analyze the different types of surfaces and apply the right cleaning method for optimum results. An amateur cleaning gone wrong won’t just lead to a waste of money but also a permanent loss of the contents. For instance, professionals have the experience to clean and restore a section of drywall, which saves a lot of mess, time, and cost of replacing it. An amateur may not have the skills or the knowledge to address this issue.
Work with insurance companies
A professional damage restoration company that works with a property owner can assist with insurance claims from the initial call through the completion of mitigation. Most homeowners don’t have the expertise or the experience in filing insurance claims, which may be required in cases of severe property damage. A professional restoration team offers the additional advantage of commitment and smooth processing of insurance claims.
Provide correct estimates
Professional restoration firms provide correct estimates which enables them to process claims quickly and efficiently. The awareness of the most current technologies and methods for the restoration process enables the team to reduce property claims costs.
- Offer state-of-the-art equipment
A professional restoration company like SERVPRO has the latest equipment and technology to assess the damage accurately. The complete restoration process is monitored and documented from the beginning till the end. An amateur may hire the equipment but may not have the skill to use it efficiently. This may in turn lead to a lot of time wastage while secondary damage escalates.
Professional restoration teams undergo constant training and development to stay at par with current industry certifications. This continuous up-gradation keeps the team on top of their game and ensures that property owners experience the most updated restoration process.
Additionally, a professional restoration company has the business licenses and insurance coverage necessary for such a business.
A professional water damage restoration company is punctual and accurate in its work. It takes just one call to schedule an appointment with a professional restoration company like SERVPRO that offers its services 24X7. Its competent technicians with their top-notch training and advanced restoration tools can get the job done. Swiftly and accurately.
Severe water damage caused by floods or fire extinguishing activity poses a massive risk of secondary water damage such as mold and contaminated water. These adverse conditions can lead to severe health effects. A professional water damage restoration company can remedy the contaminated water situation as well as other related issues. It is important to get a property sanitized and cleaned at the earliest by a professional team to protect one’s health.
Why SERVPRO?
- SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City is constantly updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, or surrounding areas can quickly access the services.
- With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.
- The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.
For water damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City today at (805-674-5771) or e-mail at admin@SERVPROmbkc.com
King City Flooding
12/30/2021 (Permalink)
Water Where It Doesn't Belong?
Many King City residents have had to deal with flooded basements and are continuing to see the damages.
The recent storm has affected so many families. Some unfortunately have experienced water damage before and many this is their first time. It is so disheartening that so many folks are on lists for restoration companies to get help. There is such a great need and please stay patient as all companies are working hard to help.
What Can You Do?
Keep in mind the wet carpet isn't the only concern, it is your walls, behind your walls and the framing. If these materials stay wet it begins a breeding ground for mold that can start in a few days.
Here are some things that you can do while waiting for help to arrive, or if you chose to perform all the work yourself.
Water that came in from windows, doors, and foundation:
- Move all belongings out of the area
- Remove carpet pad
- Remove carpet
- Remove baseboard
- Remove drywall 2 feet up around all walls
- Remove Insulation and plastic sheeting
- Clean floor:
- Clean surface with soap and warm, clean water.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Sanitize using a mixture of 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach to 5 gallons of water.
- Allow to air dry.
- Place any types of fans to help evaporate the moisture from the wet materials and install a dehumidifier to absorb the evaporation and dry everything down.
If water came in due to sump pump overflowing or failing. Follow steps above with the exception that the carpet can be saved. In addition, the interior walls do not have to be cut 2 feet up. If you can't remove drywall at least drill holes under the baseboard line every several inches.
What's Next
If you worked on your basement with out professional help, the next step would be to hire a restoration company as they catch up to perform a water assessment. During the assessment we can determine if the basement is dry or if there are still wet materials that need attention. We can advise you on what else can be done or continue to assist you to make sure the home is safe, dry, and a healthy environment.
DIY - Lessons Learned
12/30/2021 (Permalink)
DIY
Problem:
Jack's dishwasher overflowed onto his kitchen laminate floor and the water also traveled to living room carpet. Jack states "It's just a little water on the floor. I cleaned it up with my shop vac. It's no big deal. Everything is fine. Why would I need to call a water restoration company?"
Jack was feeling pretty confident that he cleaned up all the water himself and now all that was left was to sit down and watch the much anticipated football game.
Several days passed and the dishwasher overflow was a distant memory, until Jack's wife arrived home from a week long business trip. She looks around and asks Jack, "What is that SMELL? What did you do to the kitchen floor? What is that brown spot on the ceiling downstairs?"
The kitchen floor had started to curl and warp as water was trapped underneath. There was a large unsightly stain on the ceiling in the family room below the kitchen. Mold was starting to spread near the stain. The carpet pad was saturated in the living room and the lower level family room. All these wet materials contributed to the awful stench in the home.
Professionals:
Solution:
SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City understands what, where, why, and how water damage affects your home or business. Our commitment to training and education in our industry gives us the ability to quickly reverse the damages from water. If Jack would have called SERVPRO first, he would have saved thousands of dollars in repairs that may have been avoided completely if the professionals were called in to make it "Like it never even happened."
Detecting Moisture in your King City home
12/30/2021 (Permalink)
How do you know if something is really dry? You can tell by looking at it, right? What about touching it, that surely shows that it’s dry.
When water initially invades your home or business you can visualize the water. Most people rely on their sense of sight and touch to determine if a material is dry. This often leads to thinking that after the initial water has been cleaned up that it’s dry.
SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City has a variety of tools and knowledge to detect moisture where it is not seen or felt.
The picture shows one of our moisture detecting tools. This moisture meter penetrates a material such as drywall and it reads the moisture content. This reading tells us if the material is still wet or dry.
Next time you have water invade your home or business let the professionals help you determine if it is truly dry.
Dealing with Winter Storm Damage
12/29/2021 (Permalink)
Know the Risk of Winter Weather
The frigid temperatures and Central Coast winds can also cause frozen pipes. Once these pipes thaw can cause major flooding. These types of breaks typically cause major damage to the home and personal belongings.
Other than flooding, water damage may not be as easy to detect because it can sometimes take several days or even weeks to notice, and it doesn’t always appear in ways you’d think it would. Discoloration, cracks, drywall tape loosening and water spots can take days to show up on ceilings.
Despite all of its icy coldness, winter can also bring increased risk of fire. During these cold spell we tend to utilize other heating sources to maintain our homes. These space heaters increase the risk potential of fire.
How to Respond to Winter Storm Damage
- Contact your insurance company- Let them know about the damages to your home. Review your coverages, policy limits on the policy and your deductible.
- Take photos of the damages
- If water is intruding in your home, take immediate action and call SERVPRO, we are here to help.
Regardless of the damages to your home, the most important steps is keeping yourself and family safe. It can be emotionally and physically exhausting for homeowners to deal with storm damages. Take time to care for yourself while your home is being mitigated and repaired. Ask questions often to fully understand the process. This includes questions to the claims adjuster, restoration contractor, and other parties involved in the claim. Take notes to help process all the information you are receiving. Save all your receipts of out of pocket expenses to discuss with your claims adjuster.
We are here to help, "Like it never even happened."
How To Handle Storm Damage in Paso Robles
12/28/2021 (Permalink)
When storm damage hits Central Coast homes and businesses, it's important to know what to do until SERVPRO crews get on site.
- Call SERVPRO at (805) 674-5771 immediately upon discovering damage.
- Shut off the source of water (ie: replace sump pump) or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Use a shop vac or carpet cleaning machine to suck water from carpets. Do Not use a household vacuum cleaner.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Remove electronics, documents, sensitive or valuable items to a dry place.
- Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting and window curtains off damp floors.
- Pull carpet back from the walls to limit water wicking into the drywall.
Don't forget that when storm damage strikes on the Central Coast, SERVPRO is here to help!
Does Your San Luis Obispo Home Have A Mold Problem?
12/27/2021 (Permalink)
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. 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 not accurate.
- 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.
Call SERVPRO Today – 805-674-5771
King City 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
12/27/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City 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 - (805) 674-5771
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 Morro Bay / King City 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 Morro Bay / King City
SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City 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.
24/7 Emergency Service