The Dangers of Ignoring Water Damage

9/23/2024 (Permalink)

A huge flood in a house.

Water damage may seem minor at first, but even small leaks can lead to severe structural damage and mold growth if left untreated. Over time, water seeps into walls, floors, and furniture, weakening your home's foundation and compromising its safety. SERVPRO of Chula Vista emphasizes the importance of addressing water damage immediately to avoid costly repairs and potential health risks. Our experts are here to restore your property and prevent long-term damage.

Spotting Water Damage: Signs Every Homeowner Should Know

8/26/2024 (Permalink)

Moister meter detecting water damage

Water damage is often a hidden threat, silently wreaking havoc until it’s too late. As a homeowner, early detection is key to avoiding costly repairs and safeguarding your health.

Water damage can manifest in subtle ways, such as stains on ceilings and walls, which may appear as yellowish or brownish marks. Bubbling or peeling paint, as well as warped walls, are telltale signs that moisture has infiltrated your home. A persistent musty odor often indicates hidden mold growth, which thrives in damp conditions. Pay attention to dark or wet spots, especially in areas like basements, attics, and under sinks, where water exposure is more likely. Mold, in particular, should never be ignored, as it can quickly spread and pose serious health risks.

Regular inspections and prompt action when these signs are noticed can prevent further damage and ensure your home remains safe and dry.

If you notice any of these signs, SERVPRO of Chula Vista is here to help with professional water damage restoration services.

DIY vs. Professional Water Damage Restoration: When to Call in the Experts

8/26/2024 (Permalink)

Flood in a living room.

Water damage can range from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown disaster, and knowing when to take matters into your own hands versus calling in professionals is critical. Minor water issues, like small leaks or spills, can often be managed with DIY methods—quick drying, cleaning, and monitoring for any further issues. However, when it comes to extensive water damage caused by floods, sewage backups, or significant leaks, DIY solutions may fall short. SERVPRO of Chula Vista is equipped with industrial-grade tools and expertise to thoroughly dry, clean, and sanitize affected areas. Our team can identify hidden moisture pockets that DIY methods might miss, preventing mold growth and long-term structural damage. Understanding your limits and recognizing when a situation requires professional intervention can save you from costly repairs and ensure your home is restored safely and effectively.

Preventing Basement Flooding: Tips for a Dry and Protected Lower Level

8/26/2024 (Permalink)

Flood in a kitchen

A flooded basement can quickly escalate from a nuisance to a nightmare, causing extensive damage and fostering mold growth. Prevention is your best defense. Start by ensuring your home’s grading slopes away from the foundation, which helps direct rainwater away from your basement. Regularly clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs that can lead to overflow and ensure water is effectively channeled away from your home. Installing a sump pump provides a critical line of defense during heavy rains, automatically pumping out excess water before it accumulates. Additionally, consider waterproofing your basement walls and floors with sealants that repel water, adding an extra layer of protection against leaks. By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of basement flooding, keeping your lower level dry and protected. For expert assistance, SERVPRO of Chula Vista is ready to help safeguard your home from water damage.

The Risks of Mold Growth After Rainy Days and How to Address Them

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

Rainy weather can create the perfect conditions for mold growth in your home or business.

Rainy weather can create the perfect conditions for mold growth in your home or business. If you discover mold after a rainstorm, it's important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading.

The first step is to call SERVPRO of Chula Vista at (619) 482-1131. Our mold remediation experts are available 24/7 to assist you with any mold problem. We'll use our innovative technology and experience to respond quickly and effectively.

Next, find and fix the source of the moisture. Mold needs moisture to grow, so it's important to identify and fix the source of the moisture. This may involve repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or addressing drainage issues.

Our professionals will use specialized equipment to contain the mold and prevent it from spreading to other areas of your property. We will then use specialized cleaners and equipment to remove the mold safely and thoroughly. After the mold has been removed, it's important to dry the affected area completely to prevent future mold growth.

By following these steps and calling SERVPRO of Chula Vista, you can address mold problems quickly and effectively, minimizing the damage to your property and your health.

What to Do If You Find a Leak After Rainy Days

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

It's not uncommon to discover a leak in your home or business.

After a heavy rain, it's not uncommon to discover a leak in your home or business. If this happens to you, it's important to act quickly to prevent further water damage.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to prevent more water from entering your property. If the leak is coming from a pipe or appliance, turning off the water supply will stop the flow of water. Next, call SERVPRO of Chula Vista at (619) 482-1131. Our water damage restoration experts are available 24/7 to assist you with any water damage emergency. We'll use our innovative technology and experience to respond quickly and effectively.

In the meantime, you can start removing any standing water using towels or a wet vacuum. If there is a lot of water, our professionals will use powerful pumps to extract it. Once the water has been removed, it's important to dry the affected area completely to prevent mold growth and further damage. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and other equipment to dry the area.

Finally, repair the leak to prevent future water damage. By following these steps and calling SERVPRO of Chula Vista, you can minimize the damage caused by a leak after rainy days.

Restoration after a water damage emergency

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

We are using a spray system to remove all bacteria from the area.

We know how important the belongings you have in your home are. After a water damage we determine the best cleaning method to restore the items affected by the water damage. Some of the cleaning methods we use are:

• Dry cleaning: Used to clean light residue or to pre-clean before wet cleaning
• Wet cleaning: An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residue
• Spray and Wipe: Effective for items that don't hold up to wet cleaning
• Foam Cleaning: Use for upholstery fabrics that may shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
• Abrasive cleaning: Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
• Cleaning by immersion: The content is immersed in a bath of the cleaning product

When your Chula Vista home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, we'll be ready to respond using our innovative technology and expertise. Call us at (619) 482-1131.

A water loss doesn't have to be a headache.

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage, immediate action is crucial

When it comes to water damage, immediate action is crucial which is why SERVPRO of Chula Vista is the fastest to respond to disasters of any size 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is important to have a water damage job done by a professional because it requires rigorous training in psychrometrics, which is the science of drying. Our team is certified by the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to be able to carry out water damage assessments in order to implement mitigation and remediation strategies. Also, we have state-of-the-art technology to obtain successful results in a short period of time.

A water loss doesn't have to be a headache. SERVPRO of Chula Vista will be ready to respond using our innovative technology and experience. Call us at (619) 482-1131.

How to know if there is mold in my Chula Vista house?

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

There are more than 100,000 species of mold.

There are more than 100,000 species of mold that exist both indoors and outdoors and typically grow on surfaces with moisture buildup. Our technicians at SERVPRO of Chula Vista are certified to assess your property for mold damage and repair it.

To visually identify mold, we look at discoloration on walls, stains, musty odor, and leathery growth on building materials. In most cases, mold grows in hidden areas, so we check behind insulation, drywall, wallpaper, carpet backing, and padding. We can also use moisture meters to measure the moisture levels of materials such as drywall, brick, plaster, carpet, and concrete.

SERVPRO of Chula Vista is an industry leader in mold cleanup and remediation. Call us at (619) 482-1131 and will be ready to respond using our innovative technology and experience.

Can I Shut Off the Drying Equipment?

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our drying equipment.

An integral part of the water damage process is setting up drying systems. These drying systems aren't random placements of equipment, but strategically placed for optimal drying. Equipment is essential in drying out the affected areas, but what if the noise is disturbing your peace?

It is recommended not to Turn Off the Drying Equipment because these machines are necessary to dry out your home as quickly as possible. Turning them off can prolong the job and may mean they remain at your property longer.

In order to determine the correct amount of equipment to place, our skilled crews follow IICRC guidelines that determine industry standards.

A water loss doesn't have to be a headache. SERVPRO of Chula Vista will be ready to respond using our innovative technology and experience. Call us at (619) 482-1131.

What category of water damage are you experiencing?

7/4/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is divided into 3 categories.

Water is one of the most common causes of damage that can occur in a commercial or residential building. According to the Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC) water is divided into 3 categories due to the “range of contamination in the water, considering both its source of origin and its quality after coming into contact with the materials present at the site of job".

The categories of water damage are:

• Category 1 water damage: Sanitary “Clean Water”
• Category 2 water damage: Significantly contaminated “Grey water”
• Category 3 water damage: heavily polluted “Black water”

At SERVPRO of Chula Vista we have over 15 years of experience determining water damage categories. If you witness a water damage experience, call us at (619) 482-1131 and we'll be ready to respond using our innovative technology and experience.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

24/7 emergency service.

When it comes to water damage, immediate action is crucial which is why SERVPRO of Chula Vista is available 24 hours a day to attend to your emergency.

When your home or business has water damaged belongings that require restoration, we will pretest every single item to determine the best cleaning method to use to restore the item to pre-damage condition. Here are some of the cleaning methods we may use:

• Dry Cleaning: used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
• Wet Cleaning: an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
• Spray and Wipe: effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
• Foam Cleaning: used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
• Abrasive Cleaning: involves agitation of the surface being cleaned 
• Immersion Cleaning: contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Water damage can happen at any time in San Diego County. When your Chula Vista home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, we'll be ready to respond using our innovative technology and experience. Call us at (619) 482-1131.

¿Qué hacer mientras llega la ayuda por daño de agua?

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

En SERVPRO de Chula Vista respondemos de inmediato.

Hay que actuar de manera inmediata cuando se trata de un daño de agua. Si tu casa o tu negocio en Chula Vista tiene daños de agua, te recomendamos hacer las siguientes cosas en lo SERVPRO de Chula Vista llega al rescate:

• Asegurate que la corriente eléctrica esté apagada en las áreas afectadas
• Elimina el exceso de agua con trapeadores y/o toallas
• Limpia el agua de los muebles de madera u otros artículos
• Retirar los cojines mojados. Coloquelos en posición vertical para que se sequen
• Cuelga las alfombras para que se sequen
• Coloca papel de aluminio o bloques entre los muebles y las alfombras mojadas
• En caso de tener deshumidificadores o aire acondicionado, prendalos
• Mueva artículos de colores de alfombras mojadas
• Mueva las obras de arte a un lugar seco y seguro
• Mueva artículos sueltos del piso o mostradores
• Manténgase alejado de las habitaciones que tienen techos hundidos

Los daños por agua pueden ocurrir en cualquier momento en San Diego. Cuando su hogar o negocio de Chula Vista necesite servicios de restauración por daños de agua, en SERVPRO® de Chula Vista respondemos de inmediato y utilizamos equipos y técnicas avanzados para eliminar el agua rápidamente. Llámenos al (619) 482-1131.

When Water Damage Strikes, Call SERVPRO of Chula Vista !

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Every time you experience a water damage emergency, call SERVPRO of Chula Vista.

At SERVPRO of Chula Vista we know that water damage is never on anyone's mind. No one wakes up and says, "today is a great day for my building to flood!" These kinds of things are out of our hands but we're just a phone call away from restoring your water damage, "Like it never even happened.”

For more than 15 years we have seen different types of water damage every day, which has given us a lot of experience in the field. We also have fully certified technicians who have been trained to provide an immediate response to water damage in any type of building.

Every time you experience a water damage emergency in your Chula Vista home or commercial business, SERVPRO® of Chula Vista will be ready to respond using our innovative technology and experience. Call us at (619) 482-1131.

How to remove asbestos from my building in Chula Vista?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Laboratory analysis and determine if the property has asbestos.

Asbestos abatement in short, is the process of removing asbestos from a building. Although at SERVPRO of Chula Vista we do not do this service directly, we do hire a company to assist us with the removal service when it's needed. If we are repairing a home that has been affected by water or fire damage, and we believe that the building contains asbestos, these are the steps we would follow:

1. We will hire a company to perform a laboratory analysis and determine if the property has asbestos.
2. If the tests are positive for asbestos, we will hire trained professionals for asbestos removal in order to protect our customers and employees.

In case your Chula Vista home or commercial business needs asbestos removal we recommend you do not attempt to remove it yourself. Call SERVPRO of Chula Vista at (619) 482-1131 and we are Here to Help you immediately and using advanced equipment and techniques to remove it.

Is there asbestos in my Chula Vista home?

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

We take precautions the right way to protect our customers and employees.

Asbestos is a material that was used in old construction, since it had magnificent qualities. For example, it was a durable building material and its price was very accessible.  Around 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an asbestos ban after they had realized that asbestos could be very harmful once it is breathed in. Asbestos is released in the air during construction projects, when asbestos containing drywall is removed.

There are still buildings that contain asbestos today. When we are repairing a home that has sustained water or fire damage and we believe that the home's construction contains asbestos, we take precautions the right way to protect our customers and employees.

If you experience a circumstance like this in your home or business, we'll be ready to respond using our innovative technology. Call SERVPRO of Chula Vista at (619) 482-1131 and we are Here to Help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Water Damage Tips: What to do Before Help Arrives

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chula Vista responded immediately

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. If your home or business in Chula Vista has water damage, you can do some things before SERVPRO of Chula Vista arrives:

• Make sure electrical power is off in any affected areas before you handle devices
• Remove excess water with mops and/or towels
• Wipe water from wood furniture or other items
• Remove wet cushions. Prop them upright to dry
• Hang up rugs to dry
• Place foil or blocks between furniture and wet carpeting
• Turn on dehumidifiers or air-conditioning if it is safe
• Move colored items from wet carpeting
• Move artwork to a safe, dry place
• Move loose items from the floor or counters
• Start drying items ASAP
• Stay away from rooms that have sagging ceilings

Water damage can happen at any time in San Diego County. When your Chula Vista home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Chula Vista responded immediately and used advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. Call us at (619) 482-1131.

Leaky, Squeaky, and Sneaky!

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Where does water damage come from? While SERVPRO is the biggest brand in the industry, many people don't know what water damage restoration is until they experience or know someone that experiences it. The most common issues that we get calls for are leaky pipes and water heaters. As a home ages, pipes will get older and water heaters get weaker, so if they aren't checked and maintained every so often, they could leak or burst. Other sources of damage or leaky hoses, such as those that connect to a toilet or a sink. We recommend that a licensed plumbing company checks your water pressure regulators, water supply lines, and angle stops every year or two years to prevent any damage.

Another common source of water damage is faulty appliances, such as a washer or dishwasher. In those cases, the insurance could purse the installers or the appliance company for reimbursement. We also get calls for overflowing bathtubs, pool parties gone wrong, and construction mishaps.

Pipes can also be sneaky! Sometimes homeowners don't know that there's a water damage. One homeowner gave us a call recently after they went into a guest room to get something from the closet, when they smelled something musky. After we inspected, it turned out that a connecting wall had a pipe that was slowly leaking and the homeowner never knew!

If any of these instances occur, give us a call! We are always ready to respond to any emergency.

Pools and Summer Fun

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Now that California is reopening, families are starting to get together more and have some backyard fun. One family recently called us after an above-ground pool that they purchased was filled too high. The family left the garden hose inside the pool attempting to fill the water, and after coming back from some errands it was too late. The water entered into an entry hallway and affected the flooring and the drywall The air also smelled saturated with humidity. We were able to help the insured dry the water damage with our extractors as soon as we arrived. Once we were done doing the extraction, we set up a couple of fans and a dehumidifier to take care of the rest.

We hope that everyone has some good fun now that Summer is starting, just make sure to be careful when going in the pool.

Who is Responsible for Payment During a Water Damage Insurance Claim

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

The sight of water damage

When there is a water damage in a home and someone calls us out to the field, some frequent questions that we get are:

• How much will it cost me?
• Should I get an estimate first?
• Will my insurance cover this?

The short answer is we don't exactly know. The best we can do is give an approximate ballpark for what something might cost, but it is not common to provide an estimate upfront.

As a restoration company, we do our best to make sure our customers understand payment upfront and aren't left with a unexpected bill at the end of the process. This description applies for the calls that we get the most: a pipe from the house leaking, affecting the surrounding walls, flooring, and bedrooms. It can be difficult to identify the extent of the damage: Is there water between walls we can't see? Is subflooring affected? Are walls wet behind showers or cabinets? Another unknown is how long will the drying take; in most cases it takes 3-5 days to dry an affected area. 

While all insurance companies are different, most typically cover water damage restoration from a leaky pipe as long as it's sudden, unexpected, and accidental. Circumstances and coverages can differ based on individual's insurance policies. 

The best service we can offer is to inspect your home before you open up a claim, so that we can offer our professional opinion on what should be done. SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for most major insurance companies, so give us a call as soon as you suspect any water damage. 

Best Practices for Dealing with Water Damage in Your House

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

What it looks like when there is extensive water damage and bubbles in the ceiling.

Minor leaks can cause major problems if they aren't handled correctly right away. Here are some things to know if something unexpected occurs at your house:

Know where your water shut-off valves are. There are two types in your house: Main water shut-off and the angle stop. The main water shut-off should be located somewhere in the perimeter of the house. The water often times comes from the street, with a pipe going straight to your house; mine is in the garage a few feet away from my water heater. Angle stops are knobs used to control the water that goes to individual fixtures; they can typically be found below the fixture such as under the sink, or behind the toilet.

Contact your insurance. They will often be able to assist with understanding the process to take to open up a claim. Depending on your deductible, they might give us a call to asses the damage and see if the cost is higher than the deductible amount. If the claim is opened, you'll have an insurance adjuster reach out to you to visit the house or get more information. We are a preferred vendor for many major insurance companies, so they might prefer to call us at some point in the process.

Understand that there are two phases of the project: restoration and repairs. In California, a Contractor's License is required to do any sort of house repairs. The insurance sees cleaning the water and drying the homes as separate from putting back the drywall and painting. Your insurance might call someone else to finish the Repairs portion of the work. We perform both phases, and we think its easier since we're already familiar with your needs and your home.

Please call us at (619) 482-1131 for any help! As Chula Vista residents, we can be anywhere in San Diego fast and we're always ready to assist.

4 Easy Steps to Follow When There is Water Damage in Your House:

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

A visual example of how it feels when there is water damage in your home

As the experts in the field, we can guide you through the process of restoring your home when there is water damage. Something to note- these situations can be tricky: There could be damage hidden in the walls that is not easily visible, or depending on the source of the loss there could be bacteria in the water.

Here are some simple recommendations when there is a small water damage in your home, but know that you can call us when there is an emergency since we are always ready to help.

The process is simple:

1. Shut off Water and Correct the Source of Damage
As soon as the damage starts, the most important thing is to make sure that the loss doesn't continue. This can be easily done by locating where the water shutoff valve is in your house. Once the water is off, it's recommended that if you can't fix it yourself, you call a plumber to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.

2. Clean Areas Affected by Water and Assess the Damage
When a water damage is small, some towels might be able to stop the excess water from affecting more of the house. In our experience, if the water damages is overwhelming, you will need to call for help. If you're doing it on your own, make sure to move around furniture, salvage any belongings, and take pictures of the damage for your records. It's important to observe how extensive the damage is and take notes.

3. Dry and ventilate
One very important thing you have to look out for is asbestos. If your home was built is older, cutting walls can cause major health risks. With minimal damage, you can place fans and attempt to self dry the affected area. Open the windows and let air circulate outside so that the humidity in the air gets reduced. Local hardware stores usually have small inexpensive fans that can help.

4. Check With the Experts
Give us a call! Our team can perform a professional assessment of the damage. We are preferred vendors for several major insurance companies and can assist you with learning how to communicate with the insurance adjuster, as well as recommend what is necessary for the home to be fully restored.

Other things to consider:
- Should I open up an insurance claim?
In our experience, something worth evaluating is the cost of your homeowner's insurance deductible compared to the cost of the claim. We recommend calling us first before the insurance so that we can advise you on the proper steps.

- What type of water is it?
There are 3 types of water: Clean, grey, and black. Professionals can assess the type of water through the eyes of insurance, and recommend the proper action to take if the water isn't from a safe source.

Our team takes pride in serving as a resource for the community. Please feel free to give us a call at (619) 482-1131 with any questions so that we can assist you in your time of need.

Chula Vista 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chula Vista 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 - (619) 482 - 1131

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 Chula Vista South 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 Chula Vista South

SERVPRO of Chula Vista South 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.