Flooded Parking Garage

6/15/2023 (Permalink)

Trash pumps were placed to remove standing water from the parking garage.

When the 50,000 SF parking garage in a local hotel flooded with storm water and backed up waste lines, SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae was dispatched to assist in the removal of the standing water and begin accessing damages. 

Our team was prompt and able to handle the situation in a manner that met the needs of the customer. Over the course of several days, multiple trash pumps were removing the standing water. Once the water was removed, our team began the process of manipulating and categorizing affected contents to prepare to clean the parking garage. 

We were able to assist in the process of identifying non-salvageable contents, disinfecting, and thoroughly cleaning the entire parking garage.

Understanding the Components of Water Removal in Homes

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage mitigation by SERVPRO using advanced drying equipment can often salvage belongs for our customers

Mitigation Starts with Water Removal

Standing water can quickly threaten your household with flooding, broken pipes, appliance failures, and other major water damage events. More than this, several types of water removal services might be necessary to avoid costlier structural damage.

Getting Emergency Services Started Early

Water mitigation hinges on early efforts like water removal from your homes. Because there are multiple ways to reach this goal, we first prioritize the pressing issues like standing water and saturated building materials. The prompt arrival of our SERVPRO professionals ensures no delay in getting these mitigative steps started fast.

What Tools Influence Water Removal Services?

With how important the water removal objective is to the restoration process, it is no surprise that many of the tools and equipment in our inventory are designed for this purpose. We utilize several strategies and approaches to minimize moisture migration through the structure, however possible. Some of the common implements and instruments include:

• Extractors: Water removal services begin with eliminating surface water by using pumps and vacuums. 
• Air Movers: High-velocity blowers promote the evaporation of wet materials, often preserving these elements in the process. 
• Special Drying Tools: Some of our equipment is exclusively designed for specific materials that get wet, such as drying mats pulling moisture from plank flooring. 
• Dehumidifiers: These tools help remove water in the air, which can increase with evaporative drying tools like air movers. 
• Positive Pressure Systems: These units (injection-dry) infuse dry air into the wall systems to promote the evaporation of moist cavities. 

Water removal services combine several efforts of our professionals to eliminate as much water and harmful moisture from the property as possible throughout the mitigation and restoration processes. Our SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae team arrives with the tools listed here to get emergency services started as soon as possible and protect your property from avoidable harm. Call now at (650)651-7290.

Tips for Water Damage Prevention

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

When homeowners think of water damage, they usually imagine a large flooding event from a storm or water main break, but small things such as undetected leaks can cause a lot of problems, too. Damage from water in your home in Burlingame, Millbrae, is not inevitable, though. There are several things you can do to prevent it from happening.

4 Tips to Prevent Water Damage

1. Have a Consistent Maintenance Schedule

Most water damage is entirely preventable. All you need to do is update your maintenance checklist to ensure that it includes leak prevention tasks:

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Minimize landscaping near pipes or sewer lines
• Check pipes and supply lines for weak spots or leaks
• Maintain appliances
• Winterize pipes before the first big freeze of the year

2. Improve Water Loss Detection

Another way to prevent damage is to head potential problems off at the pass. To do this well, you have to know when they start. An unusually high water bill could be a sign of a leak that leads to water in your home. A working sump pump in your basement protects it even when you are not there.

3. Know Where Your Water Main is Located

A broken pipe is not always something you can prevent, but you can minimize the amount of water it releases by turning off your water main. The shutoff valve stops the flow of water into your pipes so that you can get the issue resolved.

4. Fix Leaks and Damage Quickly

Even if your home is damaged by an unpredictable accident, quick pipe cleanup can help you prevent secondary damage. It's important to call water restoration experts as soon as you know there is an issue so that they can stop the progress of the seepage and prevent mold growth.

To prevent water in your home from causing extensive problems, you have to be diligent. Proper maintenance and vigilant attention to changes help you safeguard the structural integrity of your house.

Drying Up After Water Damage

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

When water affects your business or home SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is here to help with equipment and trained staff.

This business had water damage after a heavy rain storm in a short amount of time. The water came into their building and affected the entire location. We extracted the standing water and set equipment. We set a total of 65 fans on this particular job, as well as desiccants and generators as you can imagine it took lots of power to run all this equipment. We have the means to be able to dry the structure.  Airflow is a big part of the drying process. Having the right amount of airflow is crucial to the drying process.  We use calculations to figure out the right amount of equipment needed to properly dry the structure and contents in a facility.  We are here to help you with our trained professionals when disaster happens to get you back to your home and business faster, making it "Like it never even happened."

The Different Stages of Water Damage and What To Do During Each Stage

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

When water is left to sit too long, it can affect and destroy materials like carpet. Often, the carpet will need to be removed for proper drying.

When water enters your home, it can be a stressful experience. There are many things you can do yourself during each stage of a water disaster to reduce the damage and restoration your Burlingame, Millbrae home will need. Knowing the signs of each stage and their effects is the first step to restoring your home to a safe, healthy space.

Stage 1

Water enters your home, flowing freely into any openings it can find, especially through floors and walls. Depending on the source of the water and the time that passes, your home can see inches of water in little time. At this stage, if possible, try to stop the source of the water and begin to dry up the areas you can.

Stage 2

Permeable materials like carpet, wood, drywall, and fabric furniture take on water. The longer the water sits, the more moisture that accumulates. Though the damage is not visible, swift water extraction is crucial in salvaging any wet material, lessening the need for complete water removal.

Stage 3

At this point, water that is able to evaporate will begin to create humid air. Areas that were not previously affected are in contact with moisture present. Paint may begin to chip from walls or bubbles may form on ceilings or carpets from the trapped condensation. This leads to further destruction of building materials as there is little room for drying to begin. To combat this stage, dehumidifiers are needed to remove moisture from the area and prevent mold growth.

Stage 4

Mold spores, found naturally in the air, settle on wet material, quickly growing. When left untreated, mold can spread in as little as 1 day. Entire homes can be affected by mold if it is not contained. Recovering valuable items and building materials is less likely at this stage. Serious water damage restoration and potential mold remediation are needed.

Flooding or leaks can occur at any time and quickly move through each stage before there is a chance to take action. If caught in time, water damage can be mitigated, reducing the need for a major restoration of your home and its contents.

What is a flood cut?

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

What is a flood cut?  Removing the bottom 12-24 inches of drywall in a flood-affected room. 

Examples of why we flood cut:

·         If we detect there is wet insulation

·         The water is contaminated from the sewage or another storm-related contaminates

·         If any microbial growth is detected

After the lower wall portions are removed, any studs or framing are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Once the walls are completely dried out new insulations can easily be installed and the finalization of the build back can continue. 

Some of our steps:

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Give SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae a call: 650-651-7290...Here to help!

The Terrifying Truth about Laundry

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let your laundry become an absent-minded activity. It needs more attention and supervision than you realize.

Most of us pride ourselves on being incredibly talented multi-taskers, going through life, and getting stuff done. That’s great and all, but there comes a time when it’s actually dangerous to multi-task. For instance, laundry is not something you want to do while you’re away from home because two major disasters can happen the minute you leave your home.

Water Loss Potential

The first one is a water loss when your washing machine’s water line breaks or starts leaking. Another possibility is the hose hooked up to your washer can actually become detached due to the shaking and shifting of the machine. Wouldn’t that be a fun surprise to come home and see your entire laundry room floor is covered in water? Actually, no. It’s not fun. We would know.

Fire Loss Potential

The second major disaster that is likely to occur is a fire sparking from the clogged lint in your dryer vent. With fires being so unpredictable, we strongly advise you not to hit the start button before you run some errands in town. An extra precaution we advise is cleaning out your lint trap before and after each use, and on a yearly basis, clean out the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

Basement flooded in Woodside, CA

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was caused by a recent storm.

What Should You Do Before The SERVPRO Professionals Arrive? 

• Keep children and pets away from standing water because this is often contaminated. 
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 
• You can remove excess water by blotting and mopping. 
• Move all precious objects to a safe, dry place. 
• Keep all damaged material for proof of loss. This is useful for insurance purposes. 

What Should You NOT Do Before The SERVPRO Professionals Arrive? 

• While there are several precautions you should take, there are also certain things you shouldn’t do; one example is leaving wet fabrics in place. If you have any furs or leather goods, hang them!
• Do NOT use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water! Regular vacuum cleaners are not made to pick up liquids, and doing so can run the risk of electrocution and damage to your vacuum. If the flooding is minor, you may be able to use a wet-dry shop vacuum for water removal. 
• Do NOT use TV or other household appliances. Contact with water can cause metal pathways in your TV’s circuit board to corrode, making it unusable. 
• If the ceiling is wet, do NOT turn on ceiling fixtures. This also goes for sagging ceilings where you have to keep out of the room altogether. 
• Do NOT leave colored items like books or magazines on wet carpets or floors. 

As always, the main question you have to ask yourself when your basement floods would be, “is it safe to stay in the house?” If you answered “no” to that question, know that SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae move-outs, and pack out help make the remodeling process quicker while protecting items from further on-site damage. You also want to be mindful of wet materials as they can be heavier than they look. As always, we work with your insurance company for a stress-free claims process to help you manage the paperwork. If you need us, you can contact us at (650) 651-7290. We’ll bring your home back to its preloss glory. This franchise is independently owned and operated.