Weather Causing Record-Setting Damage Across the Nation | SERVPRO® of Anaheim Central/Garden Grove East

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Be Prepared for any type of weather!

While politics and pandemics occupied most of the news cycle last year, not much was said about the severe thunderstorms and hurricanes that occurred in 2020. Record-setting financial losses were caused by the inclement weather.

In fact, 2020 will go down as the year that created the single largest monetary loss from adverse weather.

Losses exceeding $1 billion are classified as disasters. Last year, the United States had 22 of these disasters! And most of the storms that occurred in 2020 didn’t meet the billion dollar threshold for damage to be counted in this number.

Named tropical storms were so prevalent last year the NWS had to reach into the Greek alphabet to generate new names.

Hurricanes Aren’t the Only Costly Disaster

Hurricanes can leave a large swath of destruction in their path due to the high sustained winds over a period of time. You might easily think that hurricanes are responsible for more weather-related financial losses than storms, but the facts tell a different story.

Severe storms and tornadoes accounted for more property damage last year than hurricanes. Fourteen of the 22 federally declared disasters last year were severe thunderstorms. Many of these storms generated tornadoes as a byproduct.

Last year, the United States even experienced a derecho! A derecho is a global weather event, but they primarily occur in the great plains of the United States. We see an average of one to two of these storms each year compared to more than a thousand tornadoes that sweep across the country annually.

Last August was one of the most destructive months for weather-related damage. Nebraska experienced a derecho that damaged over 10 million acres of corn. That’s half of Nebraska’s entire corn crop and 11% of the Unites States annual production of corn.

Storms Are Happening More Often

When it comes to weather disasters, it looks like we’re in for a “new normal.” Last year marked the tenth year in a row of having at least eight billion-dollar plus weather related disasters.

Severe storms generated over $300 billion in property damage in 2017, the highest ever recorded.

As long as the weather changes, we will have storms. As long as we have storms, we should at least prepare for them. Everyone benefits from taking precautions when storms are in the forecast. This can help minimize property damage related to storm activity.

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans can’t prevent property damage. Our mission is to help you recover when you incur storm-related damage. We can help you restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Have storms rolled through recently? Did you have damage? We can help restore your property back to its original condition. Call us today to how you how we can help.

The 6 Steps We Take for Water Damage Restoration | SERVPRO® of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Our Crews are highly trained and certified to assist with any water damage.

Water damage is an alarming and overwhelming thing to experience, but you should always take immediate steps to start the restoration process—which is why we are here ²⁴⁄₇.

When you call us, we will immediately spring into action and implement our six-step water damage restoration procedure.

6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration

1. Initial Emergency Contact
Water damage has no respect for a schedule, so we are always here to answer your call once you discover it. We start by gathering as much information as we can over the phone, so we know exactly what equipment and how many technicians to send as a response.

2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
Upon arrival, our trained technicians will immediately assess the area for lingering water flow or safety hazards to keep everyone safe. From there, we will fully inspect the affected area so we can develop a restoration plan to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.

3. Moisture Extraction
Allowing standing moisture to sit untreated is one of the worst things that you can do for water damage, which is why we immediately start extracting excess moisture from the area. Our vacuums can handle hundreds of gallons at a time to quickly get most water removed.

4. Dehumidifying and Drying
Once most of the excess water is removed, we can also begin removing humidity and drying out impacted porous surfaces so they are not left holding water. Not properly removing water from objects, fabrics and surfaces can lead to musty odors caused by damaging mold growth.

5. Cleaning Belongings
The thorough cleaning of items that are water-damaged is key to keeping them safe for your family to utilize every day. Because items can absorb water, we fully sanitize and deodorize everything that has come into contact with it so you have no lingering issues due to the damage.

6. Restoration and Repair
You can not only count on us for moisture removal, but you can depend on us for a complete restoration process, including any structural or cosmetic repairs required. From patching drywall to installing new floor treatments, we can fully restore your home or office. Call us for your free inspection. 

If your home has been water-damaged, you can count on us to help. Call us ²⁴⁄₇ to get the process started.

How to Look for Water Damage in Your Garden Grove Home | SERVPRO® of Anaheim Central/Garden Grove East

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Ways to Look for Water Damage.

Homeowners in Garden Grove, Anaheim, Santa Ana and other surrounding communities may not be sure when it’s the right time to seek water damage help. And that’s understandable—many homeowners are unsure if what they’re seeing warrants a professional evaluation and intervention.

Our specialists are here to walk you through figuring it out.

When It’s More Than a Little Water

The reality is that more and more homeowners will have to deal with water damage claims over the coming year. Experts say that the number of fire damage claims have fallen over recent years, but the number of water damage claims keeps rising

So if you suspect you’re dealing with water damage at home, here are some of the signs you shouldn’t miss.

Your home now has a musty odor. Noticing an unusual (and unexplainable) smell can be one of the first signs your home has water damage that should be addressed. The smell is an early sign of mold or mildew. And that can only get worse over time.

You notice changes to your walls and windows. Warped, stained, or wet walls, doorframes, and window panes are a sign of water damage to your property. These issues worsen as time progresses, so you want to start correcting them as soon as they’re visible. And window panes and doorframes can let more water in from outside if they’re compromised.

Your floorboards or furniture are warping. Wood can be damaged within days. If that happens in your home, it’s best to start seeking help from professionals who can help you restore your home.

Water can begin to damage your home in just a few hours, so if you see any of these signs, it’s smart to immediately begin the restoration process. That’s why our team is here to help you at any time.

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

How Do I Know If My Basement Has Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Anaheim Central/Garden Grove East

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Check Out These Top 3 Signs of Basement Water Damage and learn how SERVPRO® of Anaheim Central / Garden Grove East can assist.

Basements are great additions to houses. The extra room for storage is great, but it can also act as a safe go-to spot for storm threats and can be utilized as a large additional living space if it’s partially or fully finished.

If you have a basement, it will be wise over the course of your time owning or renting the home to make it a habit to check for water damage. Basements are dug into the ground, and this makes them more prone to experiencing water damage than other part of your house.

The Top 3 Signs of Basement Water Damage

Musky, unpleasant odors. There is a common myth that all basements have a smelly odor, but this is not the case. Water that gets into basements can be clean and then evaporate, but if it has sat around for too long, it can turn quite pungent and unpleasant. The smell from this aftermath is coming from mold and mildew that are present in the environment, so even if you don’t see any mold, the smell will confirm its presence.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Trying to prevent any damage, some people may apply waterproof paint to the interior walls of a basement, especially if they suspect a leak could happen. Unfortunately, this paint will just hide the issue for a bit, but will eventually turn into a compounding issue later on. Moisture that creeps in will, over time, work away at this paint, and it can lead to cracking, peeling or bubbling.

Cracks in the foundation. Homes shift over the years, but finding a crack in the foundation is not normal and can indicate water damage. These cracks can appear in the floor, ceiling or walls of your home, and many times are signs that there is water putting pressure on the home in a way that is likely to cause cracking. While a hairline crack is not a reason to sound the alarm, if it grows in length or width, it should be treated immediately.

Have you noticed any of these “symptoms” in your basement? Contact us and let us help you determine the root of these issues and how we can help treat it.

Must-Check Places for Water Damage

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Catching Water Damage Early Can Prevent Secondary Damage Such as Mold.

Flooding is a familiar cause of water damage, but it is far from the only thing that can lead to it in a home. There are many areas that are susceptible to water damage, with some not being weather-related at all.

Besides the inconvenience of it all, having water damage can also mean surprise expenses. Many homeowners do not realize that their insurance will not cover water damage—and for policies that do, the a typical claim is around $7,000. For homeowners, knowing the must-check places for water damage can help them discover it before it becomes an even larger problem, saving time and money in repairs.

Must-Check Places for Water Damage

• Beneath the sink. Cabinets under a sink can serve to conceal slow drips, which can become big problems when left unattended.

• Within a tub casing. The casing around a tub is sealed to the wall, typically using caulk, which can become worn and let through leaks with time.

• Under drywall. Flooding from weather or burst pipes can often cause water damage to seep behind drywall, which can keep the actual damage from being exposed.

• Around roof vents. The seals around the vents that come out of the roof can weaken over time, allowing a slow seep of water into the wood below.

• Inside an AC unit. The condensation from an HVAC unit is plentiful, and typically it would be drained away. However, if a clog or backup occurs, this water will be dispensed within the unit instead.

• Below appliances. The cubbies of dishwashers are notorious for water damage because they are so sealed to inspection until the machine is removed.

• Under exterior faucets. The faucets on a home can begin to leak within the walls, which is often hidden by siding or masonry.

If your home has suffered water damage (even in a hidden place like one of these), we are happy to help! Give us a call right away, and we’ll get there quickly.

The Damages That Can Result From Flooding

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Unsalvageable contents due to water damage in this home

While homeowners have to keep track of many things, planning for flooding is often overlooked. However, with the rate of flooding on the rise and its economic impact continuing to climb, understanding the impact flooding can have is one of the most responsible things you can do.

Though there are several types of floods and even more variances in the damages they can cause, we have established a guide to give at least a general overview so that homeowners know what to be on guard for.

Ways Flooding Can Impact a Home

Foundational Damage. Because soil can swell and shift when it becomes soaked from a flood, it can also cause a home’s foundation to become moved and uneven. This can lead to uneven floors or cracks in the foundation that must be repaired.

Drywall Damage and Mold. While drywall will often show clear indicators that it must be replaced (i.e. crumbling and cracks), this is not always the case. Sometimes drywall will be soaked and have no visible damage, but due to the dangers of mold growth, it will typically still need to be replaced.

Insulation Saturation. While some buildings are built with closed-cell insulators that are impervious to water damage, the majority of residential homes do not have this feature. Typical housing insulation can absorb a lot of moisture, rendering it dysfunctional.

Temporary Frame Swelling. The solid lumber that typically makes up a residential building frame is surprisingly resistant to flooding. While some swelling may occur initially, it will generally subside and the structure will maintain its structural soundness.

Appliance Ruining. The types of appliances that utilize heating or cooling contain insulation to do so, which can absorb moisture within the walls of the appliance. However, this is not a feature in every appliance, meaning some might be salvageable with an expert’s approval.

Furniture Damage. The water upholstery can absorb can lead to mold and health concerns, meaning couches and mattresses will often require replacement. The good news is that wooden furniture, metal furniture and objects made from glass will often remain usable after a thorough cleaning.

If your home has been affected by flood damage, we’ll be here to help you! Give us a call ²⁴⁄₇ to learn about our certified flood restoration process.

Ways to Protect Your Home From Water Damage

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Be Prepared When Disaster Strikes.

Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters you may experience as a homeowner. From a burst pipe to a malfunctioning dishwasher or storm damage, there are countless ways water damage could strike your home.

While water damage is a common homeowner headache, there are plenty of things you can do to protect your home from some trying situations.

<h4your-home">Protecting Your Home

Not only will you find water damage a hassle to deal with, but the mold that can follow could have a long-term impact on your home. Mold will follow water damage and begins to grow and flourish within 48 hours of exposure to moisture.

When working on ways to safeguard your home from water damage, it is often helpful to break it down by areas of impact. These areas may include basements, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and ceilings.

You can prevent water damage in the basement by preventing water seepage, which can be done by resealing vulnerable areas of the basement, making sure water drains away from your home and not toward your home’s foundation, and installing a backwater valve.

Many cases of water damage to your kitchen and bathrooms are due to plumbing issues and appliance failures.

Be sure that you regularly:

• Inspect all appliances, paying close attention to hoses and faucets
• Check the seal and caulking around your showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight
• Know the location of the main shut-off valve for water is in your home
• Don’t leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running

Protecting the possessions in your home from water damage is not always possible, however, there are ways to store items that will at least decrease the amount of damage and loss. It is advisable to use waterproof bins to store items and keep items stored on shelves off of the floor—which is highly recommended when storing your possessions in the basement.

<h4from-water-damage">Recovering From Water Damage

You can stand a good chance at salvaging items that can be dried out within 48 hours if your home does experience a water damage situation.

Contact your insurance company immediately, evaluate the extent of the water damage in your home and identify the type of water that is involved.

Here are the three types of water to look for:

1. Water from rain, condensation or leaky pipes is considered “clean” water.

2. Slightly dirty water from dishwashers, washing machines, clean toilets, etc. is considered “gray” water.

3. Water from sewage or serious flooding from nearby rivers, etc. is considered “black” water. This type of water can have harmful health effects.

Following a water damage disaster, you will need to remove wet objects, get your home dried out, dehumidify the area and disinfect remaining materials.

Pro tip: By freezing wet books, photos and papers in a frost-free freezer, you prevent mold and mildew from forming on these items, giving you extra time to deal with them after you have taken care of drying out your home. Once you are able, you can remove them from the freezer and air-dry or fan-dry the pages.

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can call on the highly trained experts at SERVPRO® of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central, who are here to make it "Like it never even happened."

Flood Damage Protections for Your Household

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of risks even if you think they are unlikely to happen to you.

Though your home may not be located on a low-lying plot of land, with 90% of natural disasters involving flooding, it is important to be aware of ways to protect your family and belongings should the waters begin to rise.

Anaheim 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration services in Anaheim, CA and surrounding cities

SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 714-748-7800

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central

SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Being Thorough With Our Drying Process

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central would like to put your mind at ease when you have the unfortunate circumstances of having Water Damage in your residence or commercial property. You should know that we not only remove or dry down saturated materials such as carpet, pad or other types of flooring, but we inspect and monitor materials underneath as well. Those materials would include subfloor, flooring joists, and other structural materials. We monitor daily with our professional and accurate moisture meters. Monitoring Daily ensures that we follow the progress of the affected materials, therefore allowing us to know where to adjust our equipment to direct the airflow and get the materials dried to goal. We also communicate periodically with you and your insurance company to inform all parties of the progress being made.

Water Damaged Ceilings- Act Quickly!

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Ceiling

Discovering water damage in your home or place of business is never good but knowing what to do when it happen is extremely helpful and can reduce the amount of the overall restoration cost. If you find that your ceiling is sagging and showing signs of water damage, the first and most important step to take is to remove all furniture and contents below the sagging or cracked ceiling. Make sure to protect flooring with rags or towels, place a bucket or pot to catch the dripping water, and then if you feel comfortable enough pop the sagging ceiling with a safety pin or thumbtack to help drain it, go ahead and do so, being very careful not to cause the bubble to burst. Next, try and locate the source of the problem. If you are able to at least eliminate possible causes, you can more easily pinpoint where the problem is actually coming from. The most common source when water damage is detected on ceilings are either broken pipes or roof leaks. If possible, turn off the water and call us immediately. It’s important to remember that in some cases, mold can grow in as fast as 48 to 72 hours, so being able to act quickly can help save money and prevent any possible further damage. If you do notice any water damage, remember to call your friends at SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central at 714-748-7800 right away for a free inspection!

Water Damage - Do's and Don'ts

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage - Do's and Don'ts

SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central understands how nerve-wrecking it is to deal with water damage in your home. Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help reduce damage and dry time and to increase your chances for a successful restoration experience. 

Do: Shut off the source of water if possible, or contact the third party who can stop the water source.

Don’t: Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Do: Remove as much excess water by mopping and blotting.

Don’t: Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.

Do: Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, only when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

Don’t: Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist, or if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water.

Do: Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet floors.

Don’t: Leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.

Do: Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

Don’t: Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damage or wet areas.

Do: Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated water.

Don’t: Turn on HVAC system or household fans if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

With our Certified Crews available 24/7, you can always count on SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central to be there for you! We're always here to help!

Salvaged Countertops

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Salvaged Countertops

Here at SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central, we care about your property. We understand how hard you work for the things that you own and cherish. Dealing with a Water, Mold, or Fire Emergency doesn't always mean that the materials affected will be unsalvageable.

We recently got called out to a job in Anaheim, CA where due to water damage and mold, the kitchen cabinets had to be replaced.  The homeowner had beautiful and expensive counter tops and was very upset to find out that, due to the mold, everything was being torn out. Thankfully, since the counter tops were not made of wood, and didn’t absorb any of the water, SERVPRO was able to salvage them and reuse them along with the new cabinets that were installed.

In the end, we not only made the homeowner happy about being able to keep his cabinets because of the emotional sentiment behind them, but we were able keep the overall cost of their claim down.

You can count on us to make the damage look “Like it never even happened.”

Restoring vs. Replacing

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central, we care about your property. We understand how much it means to you and how emotionally attached we become to things. That is why we will always do all that we can to restore any items from becoming unsalvageable.

We recently got called out to a job where due to water damage and mold, the kitchen cabinets had to be replaced.  The homeowner had beautiful and expensive counter tops and was very upset to find out that, due to the mold, everything was being torn out. Thankfully, since the counter tops were not made of wood, and didn’t absorb any of the water, SERVPRO was able to clean them and reuse them on top of the new cabinets that were installed.

In the end, we not only made the homeowner happy about being able to keep his very expensive countertops because of the emotional sentiment behind them, but we were able to save him money by being able to save and restore his original counter tops.

For more information on water damage and restoration, contact SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central  today for your free inspection and estimate! Count on us to make the damage look “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 714-748-7800!

With Rain Comes Water Damage

1/5/2017 (Permalink)

Heavy rains are no problem for SERVPRO!

With the recent rain storms here in Southern California, SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central has seen more leaks and floods in homes with major water damage, that if addressed quicker, could have saved the homeowner precious time, money, and headaches. Knowing what to do as soon as the problem is detected can help tremendously by minimizing the problem. Removing as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting can keep the water from migrating. It’s also important to keep in mind that mold can grow as fast as 48 to 72 hours, so making sure to act quickly can help save you from any possible further damage. We, at SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central, understand how stressful it can be when water damage is discovered in your home. Contact us as soon as you notice water damage so that we may inspect and do what’s necessary to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe and sound by preventing any further water damage.

Got water damage? Remember to call your friends at SERVPRO of Garden Grove East/Anaheim Central at 714-748-7800 right away for a free inspection and estimate!