Understanding Fire Damage and the Restoration Process

8/11/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be devastating, affecting not only the physical structure of a home or business but also the emotional well-being of those impacted. The aftermath of a fire often leaves behind charred belongings, soot, and a lingering smell of smoke, demanding immediate action for recovery.

The restoration process begins with a thorough assessment of the damage. SERVPRO of Santa Ynez / Goleta professionals will assess structural integrity, remove debris, and evaluate items that may be salvageable. Next, they employ advanced cleaning techniques to eliminate soot and smoke residues, often utilizing specialized equipment to restore air quality.

Water damage from firefighting efforts is another concern, necessitating prompt water extraction and drying to prevent mold growth. After these initial steps, restoration involves repairing or replacing damaged structures and ensuring the space is safe and livable again.

With the right professionals, recovery is possible, allowing individuals to reclaim their lives and move forward from this challenging experience. Contact (805) 964-6061

Water Leakage Damage and Restoration

8/11/2024 (Permalink)

Water leakage can wreak havoc on your property, often going unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a hidden roof leak, or an appliance malfunction, the effects of water intrusion can be severe, leading to structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs.

We specialize in addressing water leakage damage with prompt and professional service. Our team of experts is trained to quickly identify the source of the leak, assess the extent of the damage, and implement effective restoration solutions. From water extraction and drying to mold remediation and structural repairs, we have the tools and expertise to restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

We understand the urgency of water damage, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services. Trust SERVPRO of Santa Ynez / Goleta to protect your home or business from the devastating effects of water leakage.

Contact (805) 964-6061

Mold Growth Damage and Restoration

8/11/2024 (Permalink)

Mold growth is more than just an eyesore; it’s a serious problem that can compromise the health of your home or business. Mold thrives in damp, humid environments, often resulting from water leaks, flooding, or poor ventilation. Once mold begins to spread, it can damage building materials, create unpleasant odors, and pose significant health risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

SERVPRO of Santa Ynez / Goleta is your trusted partner in mold remediation. Our skilled team understands the complexities of mold growth and the importance of quick, effective action. We use advanced techniques and equipment to identify the source of the mold, contain the affected areas, and thoroughly clean and sanitize your property. We also work to restore any damage caused by mold, ensuring your space is safe and healthy.

Don’t let mold take over your property. Contact (805) 964-6061 for expert mold remediation and restore your peace of mind.

How to Clean Up Ash Outside After the Thomas Fire

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Goleta's version of snow

Well today we are up to the Thomas Fire being 25% contained so progress is being made but the winds are supposed to return so there is concern for the fire growing again.  In the meanwhile, the ash and soot keeps falling all over our homes.  There is no point in trying to do a detailed cleaning of the exterior of your home at this time but if you need to clear a path to your front door so people stop making a mess whenever they walk inside, there are safe ways to proceed.

First, put on your N-95 face mask. Ideally, you would try to mist the area that you are going to work in so that the water will help control any dust.  You only want to use a small amount of water and you want to make sure that none of the runoff water will go into any nearby storm drains.  Runoff water filled with ash can clog storm drains and pollute waterways.  If you can sweep the debris into your yard or garden, that will usually be fine.  Ash is typically acidic and soil in dry climates like Santa Barbara is generally alkaline so adding the ash actually helps to balance out the pH a little bit.  If the amount of ash is small, you can also use a HEPA vacuum to pick it up or lastly, you can scoop it up and toss it in a plastic bag to be disposed of in your trash.

We are urging people to not use blowers that will blow this ash into the air.  When the fires are out, or close to it, you can reach out to SERVPRO of Santa Barbara for any cleaning of the interior or exterior of your home that may be a little bit more than you want to take on.  We service Carpinteria, Summerland, Ojai, Montecito Santa Barbara and all of the areas affected by the smoke. We can be reached 24 hours a day at 805-963-0606.

Understanding mold and it's safe removal from you home

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Mold cleanup completed ready for third party testing. Pictured in the containment is a negative air machine cleaning the air.

SERVPRO Can Implement Mold Remediation in Your Goleta home

Mold is a type of fungus that is different from bacteria, plants, and animals. It’s made up of micro-organisms that help decompose dead organic material such as plants, leaves, and wood. These colonies resemble hair-like bodies and are too small to be seen individually with the naked eye. If they are thriving in your Lompoc home, mold remediation is a must. As seen on the surface of an object, mold will appear to be black, blue or green.

Where Is Mold Found?

Mold occurs naturally in both outdoor and indoor environments. It needs a organic food source and moisture to grow. 
Outdoors, it’s one of nature’s way of helping to break down dead organic matter. However, mold growth indoors, in your Lompoc home, can cause health effects so mold remediation is needed. SERVPRO of Goleta recommends that you call us at the first hint of a possible mold infestation.

Where Does Mold typically Grow Indoors?

Indoors, mold can be found growing on ceilings, walls, floors, windows, clothes, insulation, air ducts, building voids, and especially, in damp areas of basements. A professional mold remediation service is the safe and most effective approach. The professionals from SERVPRO of Goleta understand industry protocols and have the necessary equipment to do an effective job. Moisture meters, hydrometers, negative air machines or "air scrubbers," HEPA vacuums, and antifungal and antimicrobial products are utilized.

SERVPRO technicians know where to search for harmful, hidden molds and complete the mold remediation protocols. We can also advise you how to protect your Lompoc home.

Locally Owned, with National Resources!

Getting Ready For Winter Rains

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage in crawl space can undermine the foundation !

SERVPRO Can Mitigate Water Damage in Goleta, California

Rain and water runoff can cause substantial water damage to building structures, personal property, home furnishings and family heirlooms. However, it doesn't take flooding for water penetration to ruin personal possessions or cause structural damage. Leaky pipes or roofs, water from water heaters and appliances, and water intrusions caused by fallen branches or clogged gutters can generate tremendous damage and cleanup problems. Putting out a minor or major fire can cause severe water damage!

What You Can Do to Prevent Water Damage

You can't guard against every possibility, but you can reduce the risks of water damage by keeping your gutters and downspouts in good repair and trimming bushes and trees around your home. Installing a sump pump helps to keep your basement dry, and you might consider installing sensors to detect water penetration in the vulnerable areas of your home. Inspect your pipes, insulation, roof and HVAC system annually. Ensure that your doors and windows have flashing in good repair with functioning seals.

The Signs of Water Damage

Water damage isn't always immediately noticeable, so inspecting your home regularly is important. Small leaks in out-of-the-way areas can weaken structural integrity, destroy valuable personal items in storage areas and damage hardwood floors and carpets beyond repair. Proactive inspections and attention to trouble spots can prevent Lompoc water damage or minimize the harm done after water penetration or flooding.

Heavy rains can cause flooding and roof damage while weakening key barriers to water penetration throughout your home like doors, windows, outside roofs and interior ceilings. Standpipes can overflow and cause water to penetrate the ceiling even when you can't find damage in other areas. Slow leaks, blocked gutters, malfunctioning appliances, slow soil drainage and burst pipes in hidden areas can result in standing water and cause tremendous water damage.

What You Can Do If You Have Water Penetration

As home restoration specialists, we know that water damage isn't always preventable no matter how vigilant you are. Flash floods, burst pipes, damaged water heaters, broken appliances and even the mistakes of playing children can result in water penetrating your home. No matter what precautions you take, you can still get water damage in dozens of unexpected ways. Our experts at SERVPRO of Goleta provide water removal, cleanup services and invaluable advice that can minimize the consequences of water damage.

Emergencies never happen conveniently, so we offer 24-hour emergency service from our locally owned and managed office. We live and work where you live, but we have the national resources and local staff to restore your property in the Goleta. We have the latest drying and water removal equipment to get your property dry.

Fire Damage Assessment in Goleta

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

A candle caused major fire damage to this Master Bathroom near Goleta.

Goleta Fire Damage Assessment by SERVPRO

One of the most devastating events that can affect your home in Goleta is fire damage. In addition to generating thousands of dollars worth of damage, fires can destroy your valuable possessions and cause unwanted water damage. In many cases, homeowners become anxious and feel a sense of hopelessness when they witness the depth and scope of their fire-damaged property. However, hiring a company like SERVPRO of Goleta can limit your losses and restore your equilibrium. To help you with the restoration process, these fire damage experts perform a detailed assessment of your property. Learn more about the assessment process by reviewing the following blog.

Fire Damage Assessment Basics

In many cases, homeowners are tempted to start the cleanup process for themselves after a fire has impacted their property. Don't make this mistake. Instead, you should first contact your insurance agent to determine the extent of your coverage for the damages. The insurance company will also need to perform an inspection to your property to attain a clear estimate for repairing damages. You will also need to get in contact with a professional fire damage restoration company. Both SERVPRO and the insurance adjuster will complete the fire and smoke assessment. The assessment is effective in determining the extent of the damages, whether it is safe for you to reenter the property, and which equipment and materials will be necessary to complete the restoration process. Here are some of the primary components of the assessment process:

Assessing Superficial Damage

Following a fire in your home in Goleta, a restoration expert will check your property for superficial damage. During this process, the remediation professional will start with the exterior and look for things like missing shingles, damaged chimneys, melted objects, and fire-damaged items. Additionally, the specialist will check your roof, yard, and other exterior regions of the property. Throughout the assessment, it's a good idea for you to use a video recorder or camera to take pictures of these items, only if it can be done safely. This visual evidence will help you in the event that you have challenges with achieving appropriate insurance restitution.

Assessing Internal Damage

After analyzing the property for superficial damage, the fire damage restoration professional will inspect the interior of your house for damage. This inspection of adjoining rooms for smoke, soot
and water damage will aid in determining an action plan for restoration.

The Cleanup Process

Once the SERVPRO of Goleta specialist has completed the fire damage assessment, the cleanup process can start with water removal (if need.) This process diminishes the growth of mold on your property. The primary purpose of this cleanup process is to prevent further damage from adversely impacting your home

If your home in Goleta has been partially destroyed because of fire, it's important that you allow a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Goleta  to restore your house to its preloss condition. We offer round-the-clock assistance by our highly trained technicians using the most cutting-edge equipment available.

Cleaning up after the rodent infestation !

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

Rodents can chew on wires and water lines creating lots of damage. Fortunately the breaker posed preventing this Isle Vista home from buying down!

As many Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley homeowners know, a rodent infestation can be very problematic. In addition to causing health hazards, rodents can adversely affect the structural integrity of your residential or commercial property.  The local team of experts at SERVPRO of Goleta is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations. Equipped with the recommended safety apparatus and specialized cleaning products, we can help change these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

Rodents Can Invade Your Santa Barbara Area Property
Rodents can cause serious damage to your property!  Home owners are surprised to find rats, squirrels, raccoons, bats, birds, mice and other rodents invading their property in search of warmth, water, and food. These creatures can contract and transmit numerous diseases. Additionally, they can introduce parasites that carry disease into your home. Rats and other invaders tend to breed rapidly and are capable of squeezing through spaces that appear much smaller than their bodies.


Prevention Tips
There are numerous prevention tips you can implement to decrease your home's susceptibility to an infestation. One effective strategy is to keep food sources away from open areas. Garbage and small crumbs can become food for rodents, as can dry goods like cereals and grains. Make sure that these items are kept sealed away in glass containers to decrease the likelihood of contamination. Also make sure that you store your vegetables and fruits properly. This means that you should never leave waste on your counters and sinks. Also note that cardboard objects can be attractive to rats and other pests because they chew them up and use the material to make nests. Since this is the case, make sure that you're not leaving cardboard material out in the open.

Call SERVPRO of Goleta for Cleanup and Restoration
It's not surprising that many homeowners seek quick solutions that can help eliminate the unwanted creatures. In many cases, residential property owners attempt to limit or eliminate the presence of rodents with repellents like mothballs or essential oils. These homemade treatment measures are not effective in combating a rodent infestation. Rather than attempting to complete a do-it-yourself rodent removal project, we recommend that you call a high quality Goleta pest control company. Due to the potential health risks, some homeowners insurance may pay for cleanup and restoration. Check your policy provisions with your insurance agent.

Cleaning up after an infestation of rodents is not as easy as it may seem. The decontamination of a home or business due to infestation can be dangerous. Specialized experience and training  is important when choosing a qaulified cleanup company to resolve these problems. Protect the safety and health of your family, friends, customers, and business by having hazardous materials properly removed by the professionals at SERVPRO of Goleta. If you have any questions about rodent cleanup in the Santa Barbara, Goleta or Lompoc area, call us at  805-963-0606.