How to Detect Water Damage in your Home

10/30/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damage in your home is the worst nightmare. If left untreated, water damage can impact your home's structure and even can worsen the situation by creating mold that can cause health complications to you and your family members.

4 Ways to Spot Water Damage

Following are the ways to detect water damage in your home:

1. Check your floors: Make sure to keep an eye on your flooring. For tile and wood flooring check for cracked or warped flooring. For carpet be on the lookout for damp and soft spots, gradual rises, and the smell of mold.
2. Outside Inspection:  Please inspect your house from outside especially before rainy season. Leaky rain gutters or gutters that don't transport water far enough away from the house leads to water damages. Roof water damage usually consists of cracked, curled, or missing shingles and pools of water.
3. Musty Smell: If you smell something musty or unpleasant it could be mold. When water stagnates for longer period of time, mold and bacteria can grow.
4. Look For Stains: Leaks from piping can cause water damage on the walls and ceiling. Water stains on the ceiling, walls, or in your bathroom around the bathtub and sink are the most common signs of water damage. 

If you have any signs of water damage,you can count on SERVPRO of Tracy. The safest way to prevent extended water damage is to call in our team so our professionals get begin the restoration process.

How to Recognize Mold

10/8/2024 (Permalink)

Mold is a fungus. It's everywhere, and mold infestations are also very common. Mold is one of the most common indoor air pollutants. The most favorable condition for mold growth is warm and humid environment. Most of the time you can see it and/or smell it. If you see some kind of discoloration on your ceiling or walls, it could be sign of mold growth. Another way of recognising mold is musty smell in your home particularly near areas where there is moisture from a leaky pipe, leaky roof or window. 

If you notice mold in your home, we always recommend contacting an environmental testing agency to test the air quality. This will give you an idea how much(if any)mold is present in your home.

After you have consulted with an environmental hygienist, call SERVPRO of Tracy. We will inspect the areas of concern and give you a thorough  plan of how we are going to fix it. Don't try to do it yourself!

Water Damage Clean Up Services

7/22/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Tracy provides water damage restoration services 24/7. We are available 24 hours a day because we know the importance of responding quickly to certain type of damage. 

For instance; if you ever had a burst pipe in your home you know that damage can happen quickly, especially if the source of the damage goes unknown for any period of time. The beginning of the drying phase is crucial, the sooner the better! The longer the water remains inside the home the damage to the property increases exponentially. Laminate flooring and carpet flooring become unsalvageable, sheetrock must be removed to prevent mold growth and even hardwood flooring can become so warped it is unable to be repaired.

SERVPRO of Tracy we are able to determine the severity of the damage and are trained to move quickly to save as much as property as possible. We are prepared with the latest technology and will bring in the equipment needed to extract water from your home to prevent mold growth throughout the home and to save your personal items.  

Fire Prevention Tips For Holiday Season

12/14/2023 (Permalink)

Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmark of holiday season, but they also leads to fire risks that can quickly turn this festive year into a devastating one. We are here to give you a friendly reminder. Please keep these safety tips in mind when celebrating the joyous season.

• Make sure your smoke alarm works.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• Keep anything that catches fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels or food packaging away from your stovetop. 
• Keep candles, along with all ignition materials, out of the reach of children. 
• Never leave a room with a candle still burning.
• Keep candles well away from any items that can catch fire, including cloth, books, paper, curtains, Christmas tree, and decorations. During December, decorations are the leading items first ignited during candle fires.
• Turn off decorations before you go to bed and make sure to blow out all candles.

As you gather with loved ones to celebrate Christmas and New Year, keep these safety tips in mind to protect your home and family. And remember, if any problem arise, you can count on SERVPRO of Tracy to help. Call us at (209)-834-0200 for assistance, and enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

Emergency Water Damage Tips

10/18/2023 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to think about having a water damage to deal with when coming home from work, vacation or any daily activity. The first 24 hours following a waters loss are the most important hours in preventing any further damage. Here are few tips to follow if you arrive at home and find unexpected water in your home:

• Shut off the water source if possible, or call a professional to stop the water source.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items to a dry place.
• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, this could cause electrical shock or damage to the device.

We hope that you found these tips helpful!

SERVPRO of Tracy is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency service professionals always looking out for the best interest of our customers. 

Please call SERVPRO of Tracy for all of your water damage needs.

(209)834-0200

Understanding Mold

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

Mold damage can be a serious issue for homeowners. It’s a silent invader that can affect your health and property. As a homeowner, it is necessary for you to understand the importance of mold remediation and how it can protect your living space and you. Mold growth can lead to structural damage, health problems, and unpleasant odors. With the help of professionals, you can get rid of mold infestation in Tracy and prevent it from causing further damage to property.

How Professionals Can Help You in Removing Mold?

Assessment: The first step in dealing with mold damage is to determine the severity of the situation. This includes checking for visible signs of mold growth on walls and ceilings, musty smell and damp areas. The professionals will utilize specialized tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden mold and identify the source of moisture causing the mold growth.

Remediation and Restoration: The next step in dealing with mold damage is to remediate and restore the affected area. This involves removing any visible mold growth and cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas with chemicals and specialized equipment.

Preventing Mold Infestation: The professionals  can offer you advice on how you can prevent it from occurring again in the future. Mold thrives in humid environments, so it's essential to keep humidity levels low in your home. Keep an eye on any kind of leaks and water damage. It is essential to get it repair as soon as possible to prevent mold growth. Proper ventilation and regular maintenance of home’s plumbing, HVAC system, and appliances can help prevent mold growth.

If you are facing mold issues, please call SERVPRO of Tracy. We are proud to provide mold remediation service in our area. Act now to make sure your house is a safe place for you and your loved ones and don’t wait for mold to become a widespread problem. For any questions, you can contact SERVPRO of Tracy, we are here to help you.

Water Damage Professionals

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be ambiguous. When it does occur, who do you turn to? Reliable experts, of course! We are proud to state that the professionals at SERVPRO of Tracy are your local leading water damage experts, here to serve you in your time of need.

Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. Water can only be detected with the help of advanced moisture detection meters. Left unchecked for more than 24 hours, even relatively small leaks and floods can grow into an issue of mold, mildew, dry rot, and serious structural damage.

Our IICRC certified restorers have the knowledge and equipment to reverse the effects and provide you with the best quality service. Water damage removal and restoration requires the use of a wide variety of equipment including detection, water extraction, air moving, dehumidification and deodorization equipment. Rest assured, SERVPRO of Tracy is committed to provide excellence of service and quality of work. . Trust us with your water damage needs!

Tips If You Suspect Mold

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect visible mold, do not disturb it. You can unintentionally spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

Do's (What to do)

• Stay out of the affected area.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Tracy for mold remediation services.

Don'ts (What Not To Do) 

• Don't touch or disturb the mold.
• Don't blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don't attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don't spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, expertise to remediate the mold.

Appliances Failures and Water Damages

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

One of the biggest problems a home has from flooding is due to appliances. Yes, common household appliances are the main culprit behind most of the water damages. The appliances are meant to make our life easier. But, they are prone to leaks at some point if they are not caught early on. Here's a few things you should remember to do often to prevent water damages caused by the appliances.

Refrigerator:

 If you notice water pooling below your kitchen refrigerator, you most likely either have a water line that is leaking or a freezer that is not cold enough. Check the bottom of your freezer to see if there is standing water or ice forming. As the water or ice forms, it can melt and leak every time you open the freezer. If you don’t find ice or water forming at the bottom of your freezer, you may have a water line that is loose or leaking.

The water line is used to make ice and sometimes provide water in the refrigerator door. The line is usually located in the back of the refrigerator and can be knocked causing a slow leak. It’s a good idea to occasionally check around your refrigerator for standing water and fix the problem before the water gets worse or causes damage to your floors.

Dishwasher:

Much like your refrigerator, a dishwasher can leak water for a while until it is discovered. The water line and/or the drain to the dishwasher is usually connected at the back of the dishwasher and any leaks could take weeks or months to appear. While you can’t do anything about hidden leaks, the other commonplace that a dishwasher leaks is around the door. If the seals around the door have been cracked or compromised, water can leak out while it is running and pool below the dishwasher.

It’s always a good idea to check on a regular basis around the bottom of your dishwasher for any standing water or signs of water. If you do find any signs, you can then further investigate to determine if it’s around the door or if it’s coming from the water or drainage line hidden behind your dishwasher.

Washing Machine:

The washing machine is no exception to leaking, with its water intake and water drainage. Water can also leak out around the door of the washing machine from old or damaged seals. Just like your dishwasher, it’s important to regularly check around your washing machine for any signs of water leakage. Check the water hookup, water drainage, and around the door for signs of water.

Air Conditioner:

The last common source of water damage in homes is the air conditioner. Whether you have a central air conditioner or window ac units, they both can cause water to leak and damage your home. In both systems, the air conditioner typically creates a lot of condensation when running in the hot summer. This condensation is usually gathered in a pan where it then drains outside or into a drain. If the drain becomes clogged, the water in the pan can overflow and drip inside your home or into other parts of the air conditioner where it can promote mold growth.

If you notice your vents are blowing air that smells moldy or like a damp basement, then you need to check for standing water or mold growth around the blower, filter, and cooling coils of the unit. You might also find water dripping or pooling around the unit. Again, just like your other appliances, it’s a good idea to regularly check your air conditioner as well as maintain it.

If you experience any water damage to your home or office then give us a call at SERVPRO of Tracy at 209-834-0200. We are here for you 24/7 and 365.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

Fire in house is the owner’s worst nightmare. Just the thought of most of the house stuff going up in flames is enough to make most people’s skin crawl. But a faster response is the key to help prevent further damage and reduce the restoration cost. Damage from water is also common in the event of a fire, as the fire department will have to douse your home when putting out the fire. SERVPRO of Tracy specializes in both fire and water damage restoration. Our goal is to restore your home to pre-fire condition and make it “ Like it never even happened.”

The following strategy is followed by SERVPRO of Tracy in order to achieve its goal.

Initial Inspection: The very first step is the initial inspection by our team. They inspect not only the immediate affected area but also the adjacent rooms or areas to see how far the smoke and soot has travelled. All this information is used to create a plan, cost estimate and time frame for the cleanup process.

Removing Debris and Safeguarding Property: Once the initial assessment is finished, we begin clearing out the debris from the property. If the doors, windows or ceilings were compromised by the fire, our team will use tarps or boardups to secure them before they move on with any other cleanup efforts.

Restoration of Belongings and Furniture: Then the next step will be restoring the valuable items and belongings. Our team will make list of inventory of what is salvageable and what isn’t. The restorable items get a detailed cleaning. Some of the items are packed and moved out to warehouse for special cleaning.

Deodorizing : To neutralize the odor particles in the porous and non porous surfaces, the following methods are used for deodorizing.

• EPA registered cleaning agent.
• Air Scrubbers with HEPA filtration.
• ULV Ultra-Low Volume fogging equipment.
• Hydroxyl Generator
• Ozone equipment.

 If your home or business has fire damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Tracy, we are always ready to help you.