Managing Flood Damage with SERVPRO Professionals

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

During the summer the entire state of California as well as the Baldwin Park area is at risk for severe weather including thunderstorms and excessive rains. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the entire state is prone to flood damage since most of the state is vulnerable to flooding. Once water builds up on the streets in your neighborhood it can then find its way into your home. 

During any flood damage project in your South Pasadena or San Marino home or commercial building, our SERVPRO restoration technicians know that removing moisture quickly is the most vital part. We conduct prompt water removal first by extracting it using heavy-duty extractors. Then, we use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out your contents and structural components. Once all of the moisture inside your home gets removed, we conduct a final cleaning and deodorization process that usually includes carpet cleaning. 

 Anytime we clean anything including carpets we utilize the same elements. First, we find the soil and identify its type, and we figure out the type of surface that appears to be affected. Next, we capture the soils in a dry, particulate form, or a solution, so they are easier to control. Then, we remove and properly dispose of the soils. 

 Whenever our SERVPRO technicians clean carpets after restoration procedures, we do it in the following six steps: 

1. Vacuuming: This first step uses air as a medium and can many times remove half of the soils inside carpets and upholstery. 

1. Soil Suspension: Soils that cannot be removed by vacuuming sometimes must be emulsified or dissolved before getting sucked up into a vacuum. 

1. Wash: During the wash step, a cleaning agent is applied to the surface and agitated so that it penetrates the carpet and the soils loosen up. 

1. Rinse: In the rinse stage, the cleaning solution and suspended soils get removed. 

1. Waste Water Disposal: In most cases, we can dispose of the rinse water material into your sewage drain, but we always make sure the disposal method we choose abides by all state and local regulations. 

1. Dry: During the drying process, all of the remaining moisture and emulsified soils get removed from the carpet fibers so that they can return to their normal appearance and texture. 

In case of a flooding incident in South Pasadena or San Marino, call SERVPRO of South Pasadena / San Marino to help. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922 anytime. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Inspect Your Roof Now

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Preventive maintenance on your roof is important. Now that we are in the Summer it's easy to forget about the heavy rainfall and strong winds that usually come around during the later seasons. Many homeowners or commercial buildings receive some type of water damage during those times. Thus, now that we have clear and dry weather it is a great time to do some preventative maintenance on your roof. Some benefits of taking action now include

• Easier access to the roof now than when weather conditions become harsher
• You can replace any damage material such as shingles or flashing without having to worry about the rain interfering 
• It will prevent leaks in the future
• Prevent future water damage to the interior of your building
• Easier to clean out gutters if they are clogged; prevents future rain water from backing or ponding on the roof
• You can add sealants to protect your roof from the future rainfall
• Saves you from stressing about future water damages
• You will save money by not having to spend on repairing future damages

It is wise to do maintenance on your roof before inconvenient weather conditions arise otherwise it will become more difficult. Investing in your roof may seem expensive now but it is actually beneficial long term. If you do happen to receive damage from a storm you can always reach out to SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino for assistance. We are highly experienced in mitigating water damages that originated  from a roof. We always want to help. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Hail Storms

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Hail storms can be rare in Southern California, but when they do occur, they can be detrimental to your home. The damage can range from light to heavy depending on the size and the speed at which the hail drops. At times a hail storm only occurs for a short amount of time. However, when ice falls from the sky, regardless of the time, it can still lead to property damages.

Hail can cause dents, holes, and cracks in your roof, where water can then seep in and fall throughout the inside of your home. If it's light damage you may not notice, but this can be a bad thing because if you leave water damage unattended for too long it can lead to mold. The mold will deviously continue growing, and by the time you notice, it will be more difficult and costly to remove. If the hail happens to fall at an angle it can potentially crack or break your windows.  The hail will then be able to come indoors where it can cause water damage. Hail can also be so powerful that it can knock down your gutters. This will prevent water from flowing away from your home properly. When it's impacting directly, hail can also damage your exterior walls. As you can see, even in Southern California hail should not be taken lightly. It is advised that after a hail storm to take some time to inspect your home for possible damages.

If you do happen to receive any unfortunate hail damage, SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is ready to step in and help. We specialize in mitigating water, fire, and mold damages. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

A Tree Fell on My House

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Damaged caused by the tree that fell on the house

A customer of ours recently had an unfortunate event happen where the neighbor above them had a tree fall on top of their house. The customer is on a hill and due to the downpour of rain, it caused a slight mudslide which was enough for one of the big trees to fall onto their home.  Our clients were very fortunate that no one was injured but it was a traumatic experience as they were about to put their grandchild to bed around the time of the incident.

We went out and had a team set up a roof tarp so that we could start the remediation process. SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino will act quickly and efficiently to your call. Feel free to call us at any hour of the day as we offer our services 24/7/365! You can reach us at 626-852-9922. We service all throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Team McCann is ready to help!

That California Weather....

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Earlier this month it  was a gorgeous warm day at about 80 degrees, which was perfect for Valentine’s Day. People were heading to the beach, parks, and hikes. In general they were encouraged to spend time outdoors in Southern California. However, the very next day you wake up and realize it will be a 60 degree day with rain on the forecast, with low temperatures into the 30’s at night. That is the weather one can expect while living in Southern California, a storm can hit out of nowhere. Due to the storm, you come home and realize that there is a leak in your roof that is causing water to leak inside. You realize your gutters aren’t flowing water away from your home correctly or you see your floor being damaged by water that's coming in from improper sealed entrances.  Flash floods also begin to occur and you notice that the base of your home is being damaged.  In extreme cases, trees and branches fall or are sent flying right into your home. As you can see, it is suddenly a completely different day than the one before when everyone was enjoying their Valentine’s Day in the beautiful Southern California weather. 

When unexpected moments like these occur and you find yourself in situations where you need assistance right away. SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is ready to deal with any damage a storm can bring. We specialize in dealing with water, fire and mold damages.  We will also aim to get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. Available at (626) 852-9922 don't hesitate to give us a call. We are also available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Remember it’s better to be proactive vs. reactive!

Surroundings Around Your Home

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

When a storm occurs do not forget about the surroundings around your home. Mother nature can be cruel and she can damage your property in unexpected ways. Whether it’s caused by rain, wind, hail, or floods, being aware of potential hazards can save you troubles long term. Some hazards to look out for your home and safety include:

• Trees and branches that can fall over and damage your home.
• Ponds of water
• Potential mud slides, if possible place erosion bags.
• Large items that can fall over
• Items left hanging outdoors
• Areas where water may enter and damage the base of your home
• Objects that conduct electricity
• Be aware of weak spots on the outside of your home if it begins to hail
• Loose shingles on your roof

If your home does happen to receive any damage during a storm always feel free to contact SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino at (626) 852-9922. We specialize in dealing with numerous damages that a storm may bring and our goal is to get assistance to you as quickly as possible. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Rainy Season

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino has been in the property restoration business for over 16 years.  The team has seen a lot of storm damaged properties in that time.  Storms in the Los Angeles Basin are on the mild side compared to those experienced in the MidWest and East Coast, however we do have unusually wet years that surprise property owners who don’t keep up with maintenance.  

Most commonly, maintenance of roofing is left off the list of concerns by residential and commercial property owners.   Because the roof can be years beyond its useful life before a good spring or fall rain storm, by the time the owner realizes it, the damage is done and restoration services are needed in addition to roof repairs.

Periodic maintenance of your roof can be scheduled very easily before the Southern California “Rainy Season” by planning ahead when roofing contractors are slower.  If you wait until the season for rain is upon us, roofing contractors are so busy, finding one to respond quickly can be impossible.  Instead, the property owner will be forced to find somebody to put tarps over the roof to reduce further damage while waiting for repairs.

If you need services on your property and the quality of the service from start to finish is important to you, SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino would be a great choice to call on for help.

We serve all locations in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.  

Restoration experts are available 24/7 to speak with you by calling 626-852-9922.  Stay safe out there.  Sincerely, SERVPRO Joe McCann.

Unusual Storms

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

What is a storm? Storms come in a variety of forms and some you might not recognize as storms. Let’s break it down for you! 

A storm 

A storm is any disturbed state of an environment or in an astronomical body's atmosphere especially affecting its surface, and strongly implying severe weather. This includes and isn’t limited to fires, mudslides, earthquakes, rain, hail, snow, etc. In this blog, we will focus on some of the unusual storms. 

Fire season 

What might surprise you is that fires are included in the list of storms. Well here in Southern 

California due to lack of rain we experience a dry season, mix this with wildfires and it becomes a natural phenomenon. 

Mudslides 

A mudslide can be a storm, yes. There are three different types of causes for a mudslide: an earthquake, rapid rains, and volcanic eruptions. In our neck of the woods, mudslides are caused by lots of rain which erodes the soil at a fast rate. 

Earthquakes 

Earthquakes are a serious storm. They have been known to be deathly. Preparation is key for this storm. If you call SERVPRO we can help you with your personal preparedness in this next season. 

Obviously, each season comes with its own struggles and storms but no matter what SERVPRO South Pasadena/San Marino, we can handle it in an efficient and effective manner. SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino services all throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Call us now for help with any of your storm needs.

Wild March Weather

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Warm March Weather

Rain, sunshine. Rain again, hail, clear blue skies. Snow in Pasadena. When was the last time Pasadena received snow? Clear skies again. More rain, hail the size of marbles, blue skies. All over a span of four days. With more rain to come this weekend. Off and on, of course. And doesn't South Pasadena and San Marino always look beautiful after the rain?

Wild Southern California weather, a storm that has continued to come and go, come and go. 

Stay Prepared:

WIth rain and hail being so unpredictable this past week, paying close attention to weather reports is a must. It should go without saying that driving during crazy hail storms is not particularly safe. Try to plan any errands during the pockets of clear blue skies. It is also suggested not to travel during crazy weather storms.

If you have experienced flooding in your home or garage before, what preventive measures can you take to prevent that from happening again? Sandbags are always very helpful in directing water away from your home. Depending on the city that you live in, they might offer these at no cost for residents. Some cities will also provide barricades in high flooding areas. Make sure that your gutters and rain drains are free of debris so that rainwater can flow freely away from your home. You might also be able to obtain a rain barrel from your city or town as well, at no charge. 

Call SERVPRO:

In case of any water damage to your home, be sure to call SERVPRO South Pasadena / San Marino. Joe McCann and his team are available for emergency services 24/7. Joe is a plethora of restoration knowledge and would be happy to answer all of your questions.

Bring On The Rain

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Vehicle Driving At Night in A Rainstorm

The rainy season is upon us in Southern California. Although wind, rain, and hail can
be exciting if you’re cozied up by the fire, it is important to also remember that
storms can be dangerous. It is important to be prepared for any type of storm-weather emergency.

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is a great resource when a storm is on its way to your
area. As said on their website, there are two types of storm actions they communicate with. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is telling the population to be prepared – a possible
thunderstorm is on its way, stay informed and updated.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means to take action – take shelter to stay safe
from imminent danger from wind, rain, and/or hail. Driving is also not preferred. Stay informed. Listen to local news, local radio and also use the internet as a resource on the impending weather. 

SERVPRO Travels In Any Weather 

 In the event of a storm and damage ensues,
remember that SERVPRO South Pasadena and San Marino are available 24/7. We are locally
owned and operated, provide highly trained water technicians, and a trusted leader
in the water restoration industry. We specialize in both water restoration and
applied structural drying. Our owner, Joe McCann, prides himself on using the best restoration techniques in the business.
Storms are capable of so much damage; including, but not limited to:
saturation, staining, drywall swelling and breakdown, metal surfaces tarnishing,
musty odor, mold, and paint blistering. Allow SERVPRO of South Pasadena and San Marino to
protect your home and belongings in case of storm damage. Joe McCann is always just a phone call away.

Wind Storms in Southern California

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Storms in Southern California

Sometimes a storm may take on other qualities other than one of rain or snowfall. In Southern California, there are frequent natural disasters that take the form of Fire and/or Wind.

SERVPRO of South Pasadena and San Marino help recovery efforts from Fire and Wind storms and the damage they cause homeowners and businesses every year. Both residential and commercial buildings are served by our SERVPRO team.

High Winds Cause Roof Damage

Recently, in Hacienda Heights California, there were unusually high winds that gusted locally to such high speeds that residential roofing materials were blown off homes causing the owners the expense of repairs along with the additional risk from exposure to water damage with possible seasonal rainstorms.

Wind Storms that occur in California generally are seen in the Summer and Fall months.

Famous Santa Ana Winds

The so-called Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry, down-slope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California.  Santa Ana winds are known for the hot dry weather that they bring in the fall (often the hottest of the year), but they can arise at other times of the year as well. Although the Santa Ana winds can be enjoyable for some, they can be very destructive. 

Seasonal Santa Ana Winds are a source of potential property damage to homes and businesses that SERVPRO of South Pasadena and San Marino can help customers recover from.

Storm Warning - Flooding

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Clouds Gather For A Massive Storm

Overwhelmed? Let Us Help

Flooding in your home from stormwater can feel overwhelming and frustrating. Having a plan in place in case of flooding can help prepare you. And SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is here to serve you!

FEMA Flood Map

To see how likely you are to suffer from a flood you can look up the FEMA Flood Map; it shows general flood risk by region. All you have to do is enter your address in the search bar on the website to see your area's flood zones.

Take note the next you have a rainstorm - does the water run towards or away from your home? Does it puddle around any doors? Any basement windows?

Floodproofing renovations are helpful if you plan on building a home in a heavily flooded area. Or if your existing home is in a heavily flooded area, but was not built with flooding in mind. Installing Foundation vents are a form of "wet flood-proofing," allowing water to flow through your home, as opposed to water being trapped around it. This both provides an outlet for flood water to escape your home. Having a Sump pump on hand with a battery backup is a great tool for removing water from basements. 

Make sure all gutter runoffs are pointed away from your home. 

Minimizing Flood Damage:

If flooding in your home has already started, or if a storm is on its way, use these tips to help minimize the damage:

• If it's not raining, open windows to allow airflow through your home
  • Use a shop vacuum or sump pump to remove water quickly
  • Document flooding with pictures or videos to defend your insurance claim
  • Clear out gutters and drains so that water can flow freely
  • Use sandbags to block any gaps that will lead to flooding
  • Move rugs, furniture, electronics, and other valuables to prevent damage

Here For You No Matter The Weather

Additionally, always know that SERVPRO South Pasadena and San Marino are here for all of your water damage needs. The San Gabriel Valley Foothills are notorious for flooding. Wildfires in the surrounding mountains change the composition of the soil; leading to the more dramatic water runoff during the rainy season. SERVPRO South Pasadena and San Marino are able to provide you flood restoration services, sanitation contaminated water, drying services for both commercial and residential properties.