Recent Storm Damage Posts
It is important to check appliances in your home.
3/25/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage from second story
As a homeowner being vigilant is key when minimizing damage to your home. This customer noticed that there was water coming down into their family room on the first floor. The cause was a washing machine overflow causing damage to a Family Room ceiling and walls. This picture shows the minimal demolition that was required in order to properly dry the walls and the sub-floor from the second level.
It is recommended to check appliances regularly to make sure the hoses are properly install and don’t show any kind of damage that can cause a flood.
No job is too big or too small for SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario. When called into this job we moved quickly and aimed to get our customer back to the standard of living that they were accustomed to. When asked how we could improve, the customer simply replied with "None Very impressed by your service".
Call SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario (909) 984-3544
Odor Removal
8/8/2022 (Permalink)
Whether you just moved into a home with smelly carpets, or a storm pushed dirty water into your home our highly skilled SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario odor removal and deodorizer team can quickly turn an unpleasant smell into a fresh scent. We can quickly and easily neutralize smells inside home, corporate building and office space. While some odor neutralizing solutions provide temporary relief, our proven odor removal system gets the smell out for good.
Various factors cause a foul odor to develop in your residence or business. Many people have moved away from installing carpeting in high traffic areas to avoid buildup of dirt and smells. Sometimes it can be difficult to get rid of odors that develop over time, especially in high traffic areas. Not to mention when storms occur and cause the sewers to back up into your home or office. Other odors might be caused by stains or pet accidents that weren't properly cleaned up.
SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario can help you with getting your house back to normal.
Roof Damage
8/8/2022 (Permalink)
Often during heavy rains, winds, or falling debris, homes businesses can experience roof damage. For some, the first instinct is to apply a roof tarp, looking to quickly solve the issue and attempt to reduce the possibility of additional damage. Roof tarps allow you to have a quick solution and a gap of time until better weather conditions allow for safe inspection and repair.
It seems like a simple and inexpensive idea to quickly cover the holes in the roof, stop a water leak, and to have a level of security in knowing that no rodents or other animals will enter your home or business through those holes.
Although a roof tarp has many benefits, we do not recommend it as a permanent solution to your problem, because:
- Some brands are more heavy duty than others, but they all wear out over time.
- If the roof has water damage that leaked into your home, mold could be growing in the affected areas.
- Wind can move the tarp, leaving spaces uncovered where water can start leaking again.
- The tarp may increase the heat inside your home or business, which could lead to a higher electrical bill.
- If not installed properly, it could hold small pools of standing water, perfect for mosquitoes to dwell.
Faster Response When You Need Us
8/1/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and 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 quickly 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 the greater Ontario area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1,700 Locations across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Give us a call we can help you get your home or business back to working condition.
Roof Damage?
7/28/2022 (Permalink)
Often during heavy rains, winds, or falling debris, homes businesses can experience roof damage. For some, the first instinct is to apply a roof tarp, looking to quickly solve the issue and attempt to reduce the possibility of additional damage. Roof tarps allow you to have a quick solution and a gap of time until better weather conditions allow for safe inspection and repair.
It seems like a simple, inexpensive idea to quickly cover the holes in the roof, stop a water leak, and to have a level of security in knowing that no rodents or other animals will enter your home or business through those holes.
Although a roof tarp has many benefits, we do not recommend it as a permanent solution to your problem, because:
- Some brands are more heavy duty than others, but they all wear out over time.
- If the roof has water damage that leaked into your home, mold could be growing in the affected areas.
- Wind can move the tarp, leaving spaces uncovered where water can start leaking again.
- The tarp may increase the heat inside your home or business, which could lead to a higher electrical bill.
- If not installed properly, it could hold small pools of standing water, perfect for mosquitoes to dwell.
- Make sure to call a professional company like SERVPRO of Norhtwest Ontario to help you take care of your home or business.
Power Outage
7/28/2022 (Permalink)
One thing we often take for granted is the electricity that powers everything in our home. But, when an extreme weather event occurs, you have to be prepared for power outages. A power outage can cause a myriad of problems in your home.
When a storm hits, it may cause trees to fall down, unusual wind, or other damage to your home. But most people don’t think about power outage problems that can occur when the electricity goes out and stays out for a long period.
When the power goes out, it can cause serious problems not just during the outage but when the power comes back on. For example, the food in the fridge may go bad. You will have no heat, no lights, and no way to cook meals.
Roof Damaged?
5/18/2022 (Permalink)
Often during heavy rains, winds, or falling debris, homes and businesses can experience roof damage. For some, the first instinct is to apply a roof tarp, looking to quickly solve the issue and attempt to reduce the possibility of additional damage. Roof tarps allow you to have a quick solution and a gap of time until better weather conditions allow for safe inspection and repair.
It is a good, inexpensive idea to quickly cover the holes in the roof, stop a water leak, and to have a level of security in knowing that no rodents or other animals will enter your home or business through those holes.
Although a roof tarp has many benefits, we do not recommend it as a permanent solution to your problem, because:
- Some brands are more heavy duty than others, but they all wear out over time.
- If the roof has water damage that leaked into your home, mold could be growing in the affected areas.
- Wind can move the tarp, leaving spaces uncovered where water can start leaking again.
- The tarp may increase the heat inside your home or business, which could lead to a higher electrical bill.
- If not installed properly, it could hold small pools of standing water, perfect for mosquitoes to dwell.
Storm Damage
7/26/2021 (Permalink)
Flood Damage
Ontario, Ca, is not famous for heavy storms, but with climate change anything can happen.
Mud and dirt typically rank among our top priorities for removal whenever we respond to a flood call. Response time is critical to keep damage at bay and remove it effectively. Given time, mud can harden and form dry shells that are difficult to break off and can leave behind significant additional damage. If you call us as soon as possible, we stand a better chance of arriving before the mud dries and hardens, becoming almost cement-like. If the sludge is wet enough, we may be able to remove most of it with much faster washing and scrubbing processes. Rapid moving water from flash flooding caused by severe storms like monsoons presents a challenge to homes and buildings to withstand and then to cope with the debris left behind.
Rains Can Cause Water Damage to Your Home
7/26/2021 (Permalink)
This is the time of year you start seeing homeowners replacing their roofs in preparation for the raining season only a few months away. Unfortunately, many will be caught off-guard by the amount of rain that will be coming during the winter, and the result is storm damage to that partially installed roof. While you may be able to get your roofer to come out and address damage to the roof itself, you may have experienced additional storm damage from your unprotected roof.
Portions of your home might experience flooding from the rain and this will affect your home and belongings.
SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario is always ready to help you. We are open 24/7 and ready to help you leave your home "Like it never even happened."
Give us a call at: (909)984-3544
Can we Save Antique Furniture?
7/19/2021 (Permalink)
In the event ofwater damage to your home, it is natural to worry about your beloved antique sofa. After all, you cannot just go to the nearest furniture store and buy another. Do not despair – SERVPRO of North west Ontario technicians can use various techniques to save your favorite seat from floodwaters.
Floodwater can cause several problems:
- Wood frames can swell and even crack as they absorb water – sofas may be especially vulnerable to this, because of the way their frames join together
- Delicate upholstery can bleed color or become blotchy
- Mold can grow on the wooden surfaces, or inside cushions and seats
It is essential to deal with flood damage immediately. If you leave it, there is more opportunity for mold to grow in and on your sofa, water stains can settle in more deeply, and cracking and swelling can worsen.
Our technicians know that antique wood can warp under the strain of floodwater – and they also understand that rapid drying is dangerous. If we dry your couch too quickly, it could be at greater risk of damage, we take care of your antiques while we are drying your home to leave it "Like it never even happened."
Is Your Property in a Flood Zone?
7/15/2021 (Permalink)
Home Insurance providers use flood maps to decide if your property is in a heavy flood zone area.
- Zone A: High flood risk
- Zone B: Moderate flood risk
- Zone C: Minimal flood risk
- Zone D: Undetermined flood risk
- Zone V: High risk flood zones specific to coastal locations
Flood maps identify the parts of the country that are most vulnerable to rising water based on available data, and they are updated regularly. In addition to highlighting the boundaries of these zones, many maps also indicate major floodways.
To view flood maps free of cost, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. You can use the service to create, save and print a hard copy of your local area’s flood map. The map itself may seem intimidating at first glance, but the website provides a helpful glossary to assist you in deciphering unfamiliar language. The center also provides other flood-fighting resources to help you understand your local risk in greater depth.
Cleaning After a Flood
7/1/2021 (Permalink)
The effect of flood damage does not always present itself immediately. Damages can surface after a storm due to the quality of the flood water.
Slower moving floods create fewer risks to those outside at the time of the flood. For instance, flash floods are catastrophically powerful enough to sweep cars away. Both types of floods can create bio-hazard risks in a home. If a home has been flooded, it must be cleaned to a sanitary state before anyone lives there again.
SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario cleaning and restoration services targets biological presences, microbial organisms, chemical compounds . 100% of flood damages typically do not present immediately which includes electrical wiring in addition to waterlogged outlets.
Gutting a home should take priority while restoring a residence to suitable living conditions. Furniture can be cleaned to acceptable levels unless they have been submerged for an extended period of time. This is detrimental when handling compressed wood products. Solid wood furniture is not as easily damaged; however, it is more likely to crack in places where two pieces of wood were fastened together. Fabric that covers upholstery can harbor pathogens such as mold and bacteria.
Be Prepare for Power Outage due to storms
5/5/2021 (Permalink)
Managing Without Electricity
A power outage can:
- Disrupt communication
- Make transportation difficult
- Shut down water pipes
- Close businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, ATM, other services
- Disable medical devices
During a power outage be sure to:
- Keep freezer & refrigerator doors closed. It will reduce the chance of food spoilage
- User generators only outdoors and away from windows
- Disconnect appliances/electronics. Power surges can destroy equipment
- Have already set up plan to refrigerate medicines
- For people who use power wheelchairs, have a backup battery. You may also need a manual chair
- The local power company should already know that someone in your home relies on medical devices
- If travel is safe, go to another location for proper heating or cooling
- Check on your neighbors they may need assistance specially if they are older.
Protecting our homes for all kinds of weather
7/16/2020 (Permalink)
Rain Storm
Ontario, California’s wild weather swings, from pounding rain to drought and from fires to floods.
We need to prepare our homes or businesses for all kinds of weather.
Water Damage
Of course, water damage isn’t limited to rain. Leaking pipes and valves inside your home can cause problems just as severe as rainwater intrusion, but your home’s protection begins with its exterior. Ensure that your roof, exterior walls, gutters and landscape are working as they should to keep your home high and dry.
Wildfires
Keep lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches. Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees) so a surface fire cannot reach the crowns. Prune trees up to six to ten feet from the ground; for shorter trees do not exceed 1/3 of the overall tree height.
Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.
SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario is open 24/7 and ready to help (909) 984-3544
Steps To Take After Water Damage on Your Commercial Property
7/2/2020 (Permalink)
Water Damage
A flooded company is not on anyone's wish list, but occasionally it happens. When your commercial property in Ontario CA, takes on water damage from a broken pipe or some other type of water loss, it is important to know the next steps to take. Adhere to the following guidelines to keep yourself, your employees and your property as safe as possible.
1. Call the Experts.
The first thing you should do when you have extensive water damage is to call a water restoration company. They are trained to assess the damage and implement the right solution. They can also test the water for contamination. Once the water has been tested, the technicians can construct a plan for dealing with the damage and restoring your property.
2. Wear the Proper Gear.
It is unwise to enter standing water without protection, even if you think its source is clean. Until it's tested, you don't know if the water contains sewage, so it's important not to enter the water without wearing the proper gear:
• Rubber boots
• Water-repellent coveralls
• Waterproof gloves
• Face mask
• Goggles
Only after you have donned the appropriate protection should you retrieve items from the flooded area for restoration.
3. Discard and Disinfect.
With the help of the professionals, you can divide items into those that need to be disposed of and those that can be saved. Your important documents may need to undergo gamma irradiation to kill microbes from the water. Your fabrics may need dry cleaning. Salvageable electronics must be dried thoroughly before being used again. The process of retrieving and assessing each item may be arduous but it is the only way to make sure you save all that you can.
SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario is a Certified water restoration specialist and have the training necessary to remediate water damage and restore your flooded company to its previous state. Through a series of assessments, extraction, and cleaning, you may be able to salvage many items.
Safety Tips in the Aftermath of a flood
7/2/2020 (Permalink)
Driving on Flooded Streets
If a flood has struck your area , it’s best to avoid driving altogether and stay somewhere dry. However, if you have travel obligations that require you to be out on the roads, it’s crucial to be smart about your traveling habits and to steer clear of a flooded street or any other inundated area. Here are some helpful tips for traveling safely in the aftermath of a flood.
Move Away From Low-Lying Areas
Generally speaking, low-lying areas are significantly more vulnerable to flooding than higher ground. This is because water typically flows from higher ground to lower ground, causing low-lying areas to be the most severely affected. If you’re stuck in a low area during a flood, be sure to do the following:
? Move to higher ground immediately
? Stay in place while waiting for help to arrive
? Contact emergency services
While it’s ideal to stick to higher ground when traveling, you may inevitably find yourself in a situation where you’re trapped in a low-lying area. Make sure to use common sense and call for help as soon as possible.
Don’t Drive in Floodwater
If you have to drive in an area that has been targeted by a flood, be sure to avoid driving directly down a flooded street. Even if the water in front of you doesn’t seem particularly deep, floodwater is often deeper than it appears. Your car may leave you stranded in as little as six inches of water, so always turn around if you have doubts about your ability to navigate flooded roads.
When Storms Hit Ontario, CA.
7/2/2020 (Permalink)
Rain Storm
SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario 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 Ontario, 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.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO Northwest Ontario
(909) 984-3544
SERVPRO Ready to Help
7/2/2020 (Permalink)
Home Damage After Storm
The effects of a storm to a homeowner can oftentimes be devastating, sustained winds and flooding can damage your home and belongings. When storm and water damage gets serious in Ontario, California, there is really only one team to call—, SERVPRO of Northwest Ontrario ! Our team is highly qualified and trained in water restoration, our experts will come in, assess your damage, take the proper remediation steps to limit damage. We work hand in hand with your insurance company to restore your home to what it was before. Like it never even happened!
? We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
? We provide 24-Hour Emergency Service
? We are a Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
? We are Locally Owned and Operated
Every Ontario, California water restoration situation is unique and our team will treat them that way. We are here in your local community to help during your water or storm property damage, in these very stressful times and we are Always Here to Help!(909) 984-3544
Preventing Storm damage to your Business
5/6/2020 (Permalink)
Preparing for a storm
Falling trees, fire, high wind and hail storms often cause damage to roofing and other vulnerable parts of your property. Safety should always be your primary concern to prevent storm damage to your business.
- Roofing. The best way to prevent unnecessary damages is to ensure that your roof is in the best shape possible before storm season hits. After a storm, any initial roof assessment should be completed from the ground as you want to make sure you are safe. If you suspect damage to your shingles or structure, contact a professional immediately. Make sure everyone vacates the premises in the event of major roof damage.
- Landscaping. Before the stormy season, have your landscaping trimmed back and remove all dead or dying vegetation. This will help to lessen the risk of flying branches or falling trees.
- Walkways. Heavy storms can undercut walkways, making them dangerous for pedestrians, and that’s something you definitely want to avoid. Have them updated and strengthened before heavy weather, and take a good look at them after a storm moves through the area. If you need a second pair of eyes, call a professional storm damage cleanup company for help.
Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike, and storms don’t just strike during regular business hours; that’s why SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario Professionals offer 24-hour emergency service 365 days of the year.
What causes flooding?
7/12/2019 (Permalink)
There are many causes of flood damage in your home or business.
Anything can happen to flood your home or cause water in your business; even small accidents like a supply line break or a pipe break can cause a flooded home. Some causes are preventable, others are not. The most common causes:
- Broken water heaters / Sump Pumps
- Leaking pipes
- Supply line break
- Frozen water lines / pipe break
- Storm water
- Blocked Sewer Lines
- Overflowing appliances (Bathtubs, dishwashers, washing machines)
Effects of Excessive Water?
Unless the water cleanup and drying is handled correctly and by a professional, the devastation can quickly spread. A Water Damage Restoration Professional is experienced in the mitigation process and can save you time, money and headaches. Without them, you are exposing yourself to all types of additional problems with water in your home or water in your business:
- Mold
- Contaminants in the water
- Structural problems
- Building materials
- Carpets and carpet padding
- Loss of personal property
- Electrical / mechanical problems
There is more involved than just fixing a pipe break or supply line break.
Visit https://www.SERVPROnorthwestontario.com/
for more information on water damage
Odor Removal and Deodorizer Ontario California
7/12/2019 (Permalink)
Whether you just moved into a home with smelly carpets or discovered a sewer backup in your Ontario California home our highly skilled SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario odor removal and deodorizer team can quickly turn an unpleasant smell into a fresh scent. We can quickly and easily neutralize smells inside and outside of your home, corporate building and office space. While some odor neutralizing solutions provide temporary relief, our proven odor removal system gets the smell out for good.
What Causes Odors in Homes?
Various factors cause a foul odor to develop in your residence or business. Many people have moved away from installing carpeting in high traffic areas to avoid buildup of dirt and smells. Sometimes it can be difficult to get rid of odors that develop over time, especially in high traffic areas. Not to mention when storms occur and cause the sewers to back up into your home or office. Other odors might be caused by stains or pet accidents that weren't properly cleaned up. Cat urine is notorious for being difficult to remove from carpets and even concrete. Food or other household products left unattended can develop smells over time as well. Smoking can also cause a home or office to have a foul odor over time. Many people don't realize how offensive odors develop suddenly in their homes, but the truth is that some of these smells evolve and go undetected for a long time, especially where smoking is concerned.
How Can We Help?
The SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario professionals in your Northwest Ontario area can neutralize and get rid of any foul odors you may be experiencing in your home or office. We’ll inspect the premises to identify the source of the smell, and propose a plan for deodorizing and eliminating the unwanted odors. We use environmentally safe products, and ensure that your home or office is left in better shape than we found it. You’ll be glad you called us to eliminate foul odors in your home. We’ll be able to provide you with some feedback about conditions that could be causing the offensive odors, and if necessary, we can facilitate the removal of surfaces, such as counter tops, carpets, and flooring that might be holding the scent. If left untreated, the cause of the odor could lead to mold, health concerns and more.
Contact Us Today
If you are living with a foul smell in your home or office, don’t delay in calling us at 909-984-3544 to inspect your premises right away. There could be a problem that is bigger than just a bad smell. For example, you could have damaged sewer lines, water lines, and even eroded structures from issues caused by sewer and water. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection and provide you with solutions that resolve the odor and leave your home or office feeling and smelling clean. If you are tired of living with foul smells that could be making you sick or destroying your home or office, call us today 909-984-3544.
Roof water damage in Ontario , California?
7/1/2019 (Permalink)
Often during heavy rains, winds, or falling debris, homes businesses can experience roof damage. For some, the first instinct is to apply a roof tarp, looking to quickly solve the issue and attempt to reduce the possibility of additional damage. Roof tarps allow you to have a quick solution and a gap of time until better weather conditions allow for safe inspection and repair.
It seems like a good, inexpensive idea to quickly cover the holes in the roof, stop a water leak, and to have a level of security in knowing that no rodents or other animals will enter your home or business through those holes.
Although a roof tarp has many benefits, we do not recommend it as a permanent solution to your problem, because:
- Some brands are more heavy duty than others, but they all wear out over time.
- If the roof has water damage that leaked into your home, mold could be growing in the affected areas.
- Wind can move the tarp, leaving spaces uncovered where water can start leaking again.
- The tarp may increase the heat inside your home or business, which could lead to a higher electrical bill.
- If not installed properly, it could hold small pools of standing water, perfect for mosquitoes to dwell.
SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario is here to assist homeowners and commercial businesses with their water mitigation and mold remediation needs. As a home or business owner, you have the right to protect your property and mitigate as quickly as possible. Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario, our experienced team of technicians, whether having coverage from your insurance company or not, is here to assist in avoiding further water damage, and possible mold issues.
For your water mitigation needs, call SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario at (909) 984-3544, we're here to service your home.
After A Flood Our Crew Can Help Restore Your Northwest Ontario Home
6/21/2019 (Permalink)
How Long Should It Take To Fix Flood Damage In Ontario, California?
Any homeowner hit by a flooding incident feels anxious wondering whether it is possible to restore the property to its preloss state. Among the thorny issues you have to deal with, is determining how long the restoration is likely to take so that you can make other plans if necessary. A professional restorer can help provide an estimate based on the time it takes to accomplish different aspects of the restoration process.
Cleaning up the debris and soiling left over after flood damage in Ontario, California may seem daunting, but it is hardly the most challenging task, primarily when handled by a skilled team with sophisticated equipment. Our SERVPRO technicians use simple equipment such as shovels, as well as advanced ones like power washers to remove soils from the property quickly.
Drying excess water left over after flooding incidents can take time. As water sits in the property, it soaks into different materials complicating the removal process. Our SERVPRO experts use a variety of equipment including air movers to speed up the drying process. Typically, one air-moving unit can cover 150 to 300 square feet since we remove carpets and pad for disposal instead or drying them. By calculating the total square feet affected in the incident, we can estimate the expected turnaround time for drying.
Restoring flood damage can take longer is secondary problems develop. Mold infestation and deterioration of materials such as wood through rotting and warping add extra steps lengthening the process. Where possible, our SERVPRO technicians take precautions to prevent these problems. We try to dry materials within 48hours to prevent mold development. We also set drying goals that lead to balanced drying preventing problems such as cracking. In case we cannot prevent the issues, put our building service skills to use tearing down affected areas to replace affected materials and refinish surfaces to deal with the problem “Like it never even happened.”
For fast restoration after a flooding incident, call SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario at (909) 984-3544 to help. We are available 24/7.
Click here for more about us!
Is your roof ready?
6/21/2019 (Permalink)
When it comes to our homes, and even commercial properties, our roofs are the first line of defense against storms. While spring is when severe storms are most likely to occur in Northwest Ontario, the long and cold rainy days we have during the winter often result in water damages when they penetrate through a roof that was not repaired after a heavy storm season earlier in the year.
In order to ensure your roof is ready for anything the weather may bring you should check for damage regularly. Missing shingles, signs of small leaks, or mold damage are some of the things you yourself can check for regularly, especially following a hard storm or consecutive bad weather days. If you suspect there may be any type of problem with your roof, you should call in roofing professionals that can give you a complete assessment. When the weather gets bad the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your roof can hold up against a storm, so try to do regular inspections throughout the year and at least one professional assessment per year in order to protect your home.
If you have a water damage due to a roof leak at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario anytime at 909-984-3544. Our team can be onsite quickly to begin the restoration process as soon as possible.
The water may recede but flood damage can remain
6/20/2019 (Permalink)
Flooding causes problems wherever it happens. Some of these problems are not visible to the naked eye. You might be able to smell the microbial deposits left behind, and this should be a warning that even floods that barely cover your floor can pose risks long after they are gone.
In the Inland Empire, flood damage can cause damage to a home's structure, including the foundation or walls. The higher flooding becomes, the more damage there can be to walls, furniture, and staircases. Microbial activity, however, can occur in areas well above the flood line. Because humidity levels greatly increase indoors when flooding exists, it becomes much more likely that microbes such as mold and bacteria might be inhaled by those present in the home. Also, these microbes are also more easily deposited in locations that might have otherwise remained uncontaminated.
Mold is not the only microbe that can grow in your home. Bacteria can also do the same thing. Similarly to mold, some types of bacteria are more toxic than others. Because of the possible risks from both types of microbes, it is always best to remove any materials in flood-damaged homes and replace them with new materials. Areas that are not damaged by flood water, but rather instead by moisture that contains possible pathogens can be dried and then protected with antimicrobial agents. SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario professionals receive training from the IICRC in such matters. We understand that thoroughness when completing each job is crucial for protecting our customers' homes and their families.
To ensure that humidity levels are reduced to normal after a flood, we implement equipment hat not only eliminates a significant portion of the microbes present, but we also restore the house and its contents to a normal level of humidity. Moisture levels that are within normal ranges are not conducive to microbial growth. Heaters, air movers, open windows and doors, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers help us accomplish this. When musty odors remain, we have the options of deodorizing with scented liquids placed in different sites in your home or using an ozone machine. Ozone bonds with particles in the air, making them inert. Ozone is what makes the air so fresh-smelling after a rain shower, and it can do the same thing in your home.
We at SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario care about your home and your family. After flood damage, call us at (909) 984-3544. We can restore your home, so it is “Like it never even happened.”
Heavy Rain in Ontario, Ca
5/22/2019 (Permalink)
The Pacific coastline is a beautiful place to live, raise children and do business. This winter and spring season we have had a large amount of rain.
The smallest leak in a roof can result in a huge amount of damage and the added ingredient of wind only compounds the problem. SERVPRO of Northwest Ontario fields many calls throughout the fall and winter from our good friends with roofs, windows, doors and, well, any structure.
This particular project was a surprise for the new tenant. We were called to assess the problem and address the drying of the structure. What we found when we arrived certainly meant that some work was getting done that day. We also performed some demo and cleanup.