Recent Posts
How to Know a Storm is Coming and How to Prepare
4/20/2023 (Permalink)
How do you sign storm?
- A drop in temperature. Pay close attention to the temperature levels outside.
- Large, billowy clouds. Large, billowy clouds that continue to grow as the day heats up are known as cumulus clouds.
- A drop in atmospheric pressure
- Darkening of the clouds
- A weather program predicts it
Why do storms happen?
Why are there thunderstorms? Thunderstorms are a great way for the atmosphere to release energy. When warm moist air meets colder drier air, the warm air rises, the water vapor condenses in the air, and forms a cloud. As the water vapor condenses it releases heat, which is a form of energy.
Does a storm clear the air?
Thunderstorms along a cold front “clear the air” because the wind turns to the west or north-west behind them and that circulation is, if not cooler, usually much drier or less humid. Rain also washes dust particles from the sky.
Ensure you do the following during a severe storm:
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If outdoors, shelter away from drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
- Be prepared for power outages.
- Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
- Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater.
And How to Prepare Your Home for a Storm...
Clear limbs and trim trees. During a storm, dead tree limbs can get loose and cause damage to a home's exterior or even puncture a window
Secure fences
Secure furniture
Check gutters
Protect the critical areas
Protect your valuables
Stock a basic emergency kit
Create a family emergency plan
Just remember SERVPRO of Torrance is here 24 hours at day to serve you at any time. Call us at (310) 320-2112 , we are here to help “Like it Never Even Happened.”
Storms can Lead to Water Damage: How to Prepare
2/23/2023 (Permalink)
Year after year, the frequency and severity of bad weather is anyone’s guess. Unfortunately, many homeowners encounter property damage due to storms. While it is difficult to control the weather, there is much that you can do to ensure your home or business is protected. The following are various ways you can minimize property damage during storm season.
- Store your valuables in a safe
Early preparation is pivotal when it comes to ensuring that your valuables are safe during a storm. Apart from boarding up your house, pacing to keep all your items safe before a storm can be a hectic endeavor. It is advisable to store important documents inside zip-top bags and then in a watertight storage container. The container should be kept high above the ground to avoid water damage. In case you have artwork, jewelry, or heirlooms, consider having them documented and insured before keeping them in a warehouse.
- Ensure proper sealing of windows and doors
Wind requires a small crevice or opening to get beneath something like a siding or shingle then rip it off. Sometimes in the event of tornadic winds, a crevice in your doors and windows could break and allow enough wind to damage your building’s roof. It is important to ensure that doors and windows are sealed properly to avoid this.
- Trim or cut your trees
Trimming renders some sort of preventive care for trees during intense storms. Powerful winds can cause the large branches or the tree itself to fall on your roof and compromise the structural integrity of your home. The trees and the branches can also cause shingles or tiles to crack. If your trees are near your neighbors, take precautions and trim them as it could damage their buildings and land you in trouble.
- Ensure you are equipped with a standby electrical source
Finally, it is important to remember that electrical lines are often susceptible to storm damage. Falling branches and trees can dismantle power lines and lightning strikes can blow up electrical transformers causing power outages. Therefore, consider installing a surge protector to offer protection to your electrical gadgets against unprecedented voltage spikes. You should also have a generator around to keep you going in case there will be extended electricity outages.
Stay safe!
Quick Review on the Effects of Storm Damage
12/30/2022 (Permalink)
Storm damage goes beyond repairing roofs and replacing broken windows. At SERVPRO, we understand that storm damage can have long-lasting repercussions such as poor air quality, water intrusion, mold, and rot. That is why, besides structural repairs, we render services such as dehumidification and cleaning, water extraction, and other recovery measures to ensure your home or business is both structurally sound to reside in.
What to do after a severe Storm Damage
You ought to tread carefully when insisting on inspection of your property following an adverse weather event. The aftermath of a storm is often accompanied by several hazards such as broken glass, exposed nails, and fallen powerlines. In some cases, the hazards are entirely invisible, i.e gas leaks. We recommend that you follow these tips to evaluate your home safely.
- Monitor the local news to ensure the worst of the storm has passed.
- Arm yourself with rubber gloves, boots, and protective eyewear.
- Stay at least 10 feet away from downed powerlines.
- Keep off standing water
- Avoid going out in the dark.
At SERVPRO, we respond promptly to respond and perform a thorough assessment of the damage. Using the most advanced equipment, we will inspect your property to uncover everything, even the less obvious damage such as mold. The first few hours following storm damage is crucial, that is why we are available 24/7 to ensure we can prevent further damage from happening. When you reach out to SERVPRO, we will dispatch our team of experts immediately to make an initial evaluation and develop the best plan of action.
What To Look For in a Damage Restoration Business
11/16/2022 (Permalink)
Whether it be your home or business, man made structures will always be prone to wear, tear, and natural disasters. Unfortunately, there is no perfect formula to prevent these things, but that is why businesses like us are around, to make it “Like it never even happened.”
When confronting damage to your property, one may ask “What should I look for in a damage restoration company?” It is a hard question to answer, especially for one who isn't involved in the damage restoration business. Here are some things to keep note of when deciding which business to use for your property’s restoration needs.
Certifications
One thing that will instill confidence in your decision to move forward with a restoration company are the certifications and accreditations they have. Depending on the job, the company needs appropriate certifications to be qualified for it. Trusted restoration companies are usually IICRC certified, along with additional certifications like WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), and ASD (Applied Structural Drying Technician). They usually can be found on the business website. For example, SERVPRO of Torrance certifications are located on the company profile page.
Proximity
Say you find the best restoration business with skyrocketing reviews. Everything looks promising, and when you called their customer service was great. But, one thing is wrong: they’re located 2 hours away! It is imperative that the business you choose is an accessible distance from your property, especially when working with mold jobs (mold grows over time). It is in everyone’s best interest to complete the job as fast as possible, so a restoration business far away, though promising, is not practical for this kind of work.
Experience
Depending on the type of job, the company’s experience should be factored in the decision. For a bigger job requiring many workers and more complex restorations, it’d be in your favor to hire a company with more years of experience under their belt. But for a simple mold remediation job requiring only a small demo and wall replacement, the job will be done just fine from a local company looking to gain experience and expand their profile.
Customer Satisfaction
With the age of technology, every business has some platform where customers can rate their experiences with them. Reading reviews is always a good idea when looking to buy or hire. Through reviews, you can also better understand the company’s morals and values. This is surprisingly important when choosing a business to hire for anything. No one wants to put their money and support into a company that does not align with their personal values. SERVPRO of Torrance reviews can be found on yelp, google, and our website’s testimonial page.
These are just a few key components to take note of when searching for the proper damage restoration business. If in doubt, feel free to call us, as our representatives here at SERVPRO would be happy to give you an unbiased opinion of the best restoration company for you considering your situation.
Combat Commercial Property Damage with Finesse
10/19/2022 (Permalink)
Of all the potential disasters that could strike your business, water damage tops the list. Water damage at the workplace will not only hinder you from conducting business. Once you spot signs of commercial water damage, it is critical to take action swiftly. This kind of damage is often sophisticated compared to residential water damage and its restoration demands an intensive approach. The structure and size of commercial buildings, the scope of the damage, and the number of occupants all affect the restoration processes. The following are causes of commercial water damage you should look out for.
In most commercial buildings, windows are the cause of water damage if not sealed properly. Broken windows can cause moisture to seep in, triggering a myriad of problems including warped wood, and moss build-up. Ensure to reseal windows regularly as caulk can break down as time goes by.
Damaged pipes can stem from several reasons such as deteriorated water supply lines, changes in pressure, and cold weather. Water stains on floors or walls, building walls, and musty signs are signs of damaged pipes. Ensure the business premise is investigated to detect leaky pipes which is often a challenging job unless your restoration service has specialized water leak detection equipment.
If your gutters are not cleaned regularly, they will clog eventually, causing water to leak into the property through the foundation or roof. One of the most common indicators of leaks in building foundations is puddles. Ensure to also check that drainage systems are working well to avoid water damage to your business premise.
HVAC systems function by cooling or heating air via a series of ducts. Over time, these ducts wear out and get damaged causing leaks. Ensure that the HVAC system is cleaned regularly and the excess water from the condensation reservoirs is removed to circumvent water damage.
Luckily, at SERVPRO, we have a team of experts who can pay a visit to make an assessment of your business premise and advice you on the way forward. Feel free to reach out!
Confused About the Damage Restoration Process? Read This...
9/9/2022 (Permalink)
HAVE AN EMERGENCY? CALL US 24/7 AT (310) 320-2112
Each SERVPRO uses a general step by step procedure when dealing with a water damage situation. This ensures that each emergency situation is dealt with safely. SERVPRO of Lake Forest South/Laguna Woods understands that each water damage emergency can vary, therefore some cases might be handled differently.
The following list details how the water damage restoration process works:
- 24 Hour Emergency Contact- when dealing with water damage, timing is crucial. The cleanup and restoration starts by calling SERVPRO's 24 hour emergency line, where a representative will determine the severity of the water damage before dispatching a nearby SERVPRO professional.
- Inspection and Water Damage Assessment- in order to develop an appropriate plan of action, a SERVPRO professional must assess the scope of the damage. They must determine where the source of the water is coming from, check for contaminated water, and look for any safety concerns and share them with the property owner. The professional must also identify the classification and category of the water to restore the property to industry safety standards. Furniture or belongings at risk of being damaged are also moved out of the way.
- Water Removal and Extraction- SERVPRO's highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, industrial wet/dry vacuums may be used as well as submersible pumps. The technicians must also determine if the carpet and carpet pad need removal.
- Drying and De-humidification- after the water removal step, the floors and walls may very well still contain excess water. This water can cause the building materials to warp, swell, or deteriorate, and can possibly cause mold damage. Using specialized equipment, SERVPRO's technicians will use industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the building materials. Moisture checks will be performed to monitor the drying progress.
- Cleaning and Repair- SERVPRO professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by water through various cleaning methods. Odor removal may also be performed since waterlogged objects tend to have an unpleasant odor. Depending on the scenario, antimicrobial and sanitizing treatments may be performed on the property. Damaged materials may also be disposed of at the property owner/insurance's discretion.
- Restoration- restoration may involve minor repairs such as replacing drywall or carpet, or even consist of larger construction repairs. Damage caused by water or storm may cause technicians to put up special temporary protective measures in order to prevent additional damage. The overall goal is to restore the home to its pre-water damage condition.
Many SERVPROs can assist the property owner by providing some or all of the restoration services, simplifying the procedure for them. Our SERVPRO of Torrance has the qualifications to not just restore your home, but also reconstruct it. Give us a call to learn more about what we can do for your property.
Common Causes of a Dishwasher Leak
9/7/2022 (Permalink)
What is the most common cause of a dishwasher leaking?
One of the most common reasons a dishwasher might leak is due to a damaged or deteriorated door seal. Also known as a tub gasket, water usually leaks from the lower sides of the door if there is a breach in the seal.
Wrong Dishwasher Detergent
Even if you're rinsing your dishes with soap prior to running them through the dishwasher, the solution on the dishes can bubble up and put pressure against the door seal, causing it to eventually leak. Avoid using dish soap when rinsing dishes to avoid this problem.
This are some of the materials that could be affected by a dishwasher leak:
- Drywall
- Carpet
- Carpet pad
- Insulation
- Baseboards
- Cabinets
- Laminate
It's always better to know what could happen and be prepared for this situation. We hope this information is helpful to everyone. Remember "Like it never even happened."
Call SERVPRO of Torrance woods for your water damage at our 24 hour, 7 days a week emergency service line, 310-320-2112.
We Can Save Your Retail Business from Disaster
8/22/2022 (Permalink)
Time is crucial when disaster strikes your retail business. SERVPRO understands that every hour lost means losing potential customers and revenue. We encourage business owners to utilize our 24/7 emergency call center to make sure that not a moment is wasted in getting your business on track again.
As stated in previous blogs, waiting on damage repairs only exacerbates the repairs needed and in turn, the cost. Read our blogs, specifically on water damage, to gain a better understating of how natural damage compounds over time.
But do not fear, SERVPRO has the training, certifications and experience to make your damaged commercial property "Like it never even happened." So you will be back in business in no time.
SERVPRO of Torrance services all sorts of retail facilities, including:
- national chain stores
- supermarkets
- shopping malls
- department stores
- specialty retailers
Apart from SERVPRO handling any water, fire, mold, or storm damage, SERVPRO of Torrance can also handle the repairs and cleanup after the mitigation work is complete. Repairs can include minor work such as repainting and repairing drywall to reconstruction. Cleanup can include removing residual odors or deep cleaning floors and carpets.
SERVPRO of Torrance has the certifications and proper experience to spearhead the construction and renovation efforts post damage clean up. We have reconstructed over 50 homes after natural disaster damages, yielding excellent results that can be seen here in our before and after photos page.
Please, do not hesitate to call us at 310-320-2112 for a simple inspection of your property, to a full force plan for the renovation of your commercial business.
Things to Know About Commercial Property Insurance
8/17/2022 (Permalink)
Property damage entails impairment or breaking of something a business owns such as business property, vehicles, merchandise, and equipment. There are two types of property damage: loss of use and physical injury. Physical injury involves damage to tangible items such as a cash register or desk. Loss of use includes something that has not suffered physical damage, although its usage is interpreted. For instance, if a truck broke down and hindered customers from accessing your business, this could be considered a loss of use. The following are the various types of property damage.
Commercial property insurance- covers damage to your business property from things like vandalism to storms.
Inland marine insurance- This one covers a business property while it is being stored away from your business i.e., a warehouse. It can also cover high-value assets that property insurance does not cover.
Business interruption insurance- This can help offset a loss of income if your business has to close temporarily due to a catastrophic event such as a storm or a fire. It can also help pay lost revenue, rent, and day-to-day expenses.
Commercial property insurance is a vital coverage for business owners, particularly when running a home-based business. It aids in protecting the owned or rented property used to operate your business. For home-based owners, commercial insurance offers more coverage than homeowners insurance. It also helps protect the business's physical assets like equipment. Moreover, it can help if a fire destroys your computers, lightning strikes the structure, or someone breaks into your building and steals your inventory. At SERVPRO, we work with insurance companies to ensure that your commercial property is restored following the mentioned mishaps. Reach out to us before engaging any entities to help with restoration services.
Customer Testimonial
8/13/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Torrance carries an amazing track record in customer service. We pride ourselves in confronting a job with organization, professionalism, and open mindedness. When working with the elements in competition with manmade structures, tons of variables come into play during the restoration process that must be accounted for and adapted to. Our technicians are specially trained in this area, always keeping safety in mind for both themselves, and those involved in the restoration process.Here's a testimonial from one of our customers to give you a better idea of the impression we make here at SERVPRO of Torrance. "SERVPRO Torrance Team Andy, Noel, Philana.It's not often in reviewing a company and employees that I can't find something to say about improving some aspect of their work.Have a neighbor hospitalized for months. A drainage overflow in the bldg. stack whichoccurred in her condo over and over partially flooding her place till the downstairs folks noticed the leak.My neighbor wanted me on site to keep an eye on things etc. etc. so I was present every minute SERVPRO was. Lots of coordination involved Philana, A+ job for that.Andy and Noel started the job and ended it not missing a beat. From explanations, containment areas, to clean up daily they were perfect. Can't say enough about the professionalism courtesy respect for my neighbor's belongings moving of cabinets etc. To boxing contents.Highly recommend this team in any cleanup circumstance.Trust is high on my list. Next time I need Andy and the team, I know I don't have to monitor them. 100% trust.Will Swain"
24/7 Emergency Service
