Recent Posts

Restoring Peace of Mind: 5 Compelling Reasons to Choose Our Restoration Company

11/13/2023 (Permalink)

In times of crisis, whether it's due to water damage, fire, or mold, choosing the right restoration company is crucial for a swift and effective recovery. At SERVPRO of Torrance, we understand the emotional and financial toll these situations can take on individuals and businesses. In this blog post, we'll explore five compelling reasons why customers should entrust us with their restoration needs.

Expertise and Experience:

With years of experience in the restoration industry, our team at SERVPRO of Torrance boasts unparalleled expertise. Our skilled professionals are trained to handle a wide range of restoration challenges, from water extraction and fire damage cleanup to mold remediation. We stay abreast of the latest industry standards and technologies to ensure that our methods are cutting-edge and effective.

Rapid Response Time:

Time is of the essence when it comes to restoration. The longer damage sits unaddressed, the more extensive and costly the repairs become. At SERVPRO of Torrance, we take pride in our rapid response times. Our dedicated team is on standby 24/7, ready to mobilize and start the restoration process immediately. We understand the urgency of the situation and are committed to minimizing further damage.

Comprehensive Services:

Our restoration services go beyond mere cleanup. We offer a comprehensive suite of solutions to address every aspect of the restoration process. From assessing the initial damage to restoring and rebuilding your property, we handle it all. This holistic approach ensures that our customers experience a seamless transition from disaster to recovery without the need to juggle multiple service providers.

Cutting-Edge Technology:

Technology plays a pivotal role in effective restoration. At SERVPRO of Torrance, we leverage state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technologies to expedite the restoration process and enhance its efficiency. From high-tech moisture detection devices to industrial-strength drying equipment, we invest in the best tools to deliver optimal results.

Customer-Centric Approach:

We understand that dealing with restoration can be a stressful experience. That's why we prioritize a customer-centric approach in everything we do. From clear communication and transparent pricing to empathy and understanding, our team is committed to making the restoration process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients. We work closely with you, keeping you informed at every step and ensuring that your concerns are addressed promptly.

Choosing a restoration company is a decision that should not be taken lightly. At SERVPRO of Torrance, we aim to be more than just a service provider; we strive to be a partner in your journey to recovery. With our expertise, rapid response times, comprehensive services, cutting-edge technology, and customer-centric approach, we stand out as a trusted ally in times of crisis. When disaster strikes, choose SERVPRO of Torrance for a restoration experience that goes beyond expectations.

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe from Fires

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

This is Fine This is fine. SERVPRO is here to help!

Our homes are our sanctuaries, offering comfort, warmth, and security. However, amidst the cozy ambiance, we must remain vigilant about potential fire hazards that can jeopardize our safety and property.

Here’s some tips to minimize the probability of a fire starting on your property:

  1. Conduct regular inspections of your electrical appliances and cords. Avoid overloading outlets and use a circuit breaker.
  2. Never leave cooking unattended and clean grease buildup on stovetops, exhaust hoods and in the ovens.
  3. Regularly remove debris from furnaces and chimneys.
  4. Keep candles away from flammable objects and use sturdy candle holders and ashtrays.
  5. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, particularly near bedrooms. Test them monthly and replace batteries annually.

Protecting our homes from fire hazards is a shared responsibility that requires proactive measures and mindfulness.

Stay safe out there!

What Services Does SERVPRO Offer?

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO logo SERVPRO is here to help

SERVPRO offers a range of services including:

-Water Damage Restoration: Whether it's due to floods, plumbing leaks, or other water-related incidents our technicians can help in extracting, drying, and restoring affected areas.

-Fire Damage Restoration: We can remove debris, clean soot and smoke residues, deodorize the affected areas, and repair or rebuild damaged structures.

-Mold Remediation: We contain and remove mold, clean and sanitize affected areas, and implement preventive measures to make your home mold free

-Storm Damage: We address issues like roof damage, flooding, and structural problems, while working to mitigate further damage, provide temporary repairs, and restore the property.

-Carpet and Upholstery: SERVPRO removes stains, deep-cleans carpets, and restores the appearance of furniture upholstery.

-Air Duct Cleaning: We removing dust, debris, and contaminants from HVAC systems enhancing efficiency of heating and cooling systems and reducing allergens in the air

-Odor Removal: We tackle unpleasant odors caused by smoke, mold, pets, or other sources.

We’re here to help with any of your emergency restoration needs.

How to Know a Storm is Coming and How to Prepare

4/20/2023 (Permalink)

How do you sign storm?

  1. A drop in temperature. Pay close attention to the temperature levels outside.
  2. Large, billowy clouds. Large, billowy clouds that continue to grow as the day heats up are known as cumulus clouds.
  3. A drop in atmospheric pressure
  4. Darkening of the clouds
  5. 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:

  1. Stay indoors and away from windows.
  2. If outdoors, shelter away from drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
  3. Be prepared for power outages.
  4. Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
  5. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  • Damaged Windows

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.

  • Broken Pipes

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.

  • Building Foundation

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 Issues

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:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 
  6. 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.