Recent Water Damage Posts

Weatherproofing Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Water Damage Preparedness

2/27/2024 (Permalink)

Today, let's dive deep into the world of weatherproofing your home against water damage. From the cozy streets of Woodcrest to the bustling neighborhoods of Riverside nearby, every home deserves to be protected from the elements. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's chat about how you can get your home ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

Checking Up on Your Roof and Gutters

First things first—let's talk roofs and gutters. Your roof is like a superhero, shielding your home from rain, wind, and whatever else the sky throws at it. But even superheroes need a little maintenance now and then. So, grab a ladder and take a stroll along your roofline. Look for any shingles that may be missing or damaged, and make sure to check for spots where water might leak in. Keep your eye out for shingles that are curling or buckling are a sign of weathering and may need to be replaced to maintain the integrity of your roof. Lastly, check your roof for moss or algae growth. Moss or algae growth indicates excess moisture and may lead to shingle deterioration. Clean your roof regularly to prevent this buildup.

If you spot anything amiss, don't wait—get it fixed up right away to prevent water damage down the line.

Next up, let's talk gutters. These unsung heroes work tirelessly to whisk rainwater away from your home's foundation, but they can't do their job if they're clogged with leaves and debris.

Preparing your gutters for the rainy season is a vital task that often gets overlooked until it's too late. But fear not! With a little know-how and some elbow grease, you can ensure your gutters are ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way. So, grab a pair of gloves and a sturdy ladder, and get to work clearing out those gutters. Trust me, your home will thank you.

Let's break it down step by step:

  1. Clear Away Significant Debris

First things first, it's time to roll up your sleeves and clear out any major debris clogging up your gutters. Fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate over time, causing blockages and preventing water from flowing freely. To tackle this task safely, secure a bucket to your ladder and manually remove the debris. Alternatively, lay down a tarp below to catch the debris as you work your way along the gutter.

  1. Hose Down Your Gutters

Once you've cleared away the significant debris, it's time to give your gutters a good rinse with a garden hose. This will help flush out any remaining smaller items of debris and ensure that water can flow smoothly through the system. Keep an eye on the stream of water as you hose down your gutters—any leaks or blockages will become apparent during this process.

  1. Address Any Leaks or Clogs

If you notice that water isn't flowing freely through the downspout, it's a sign that there may be a clog or blockage that needs to be addressed. Try using a plumber's snake to dislodge any stubborn debris, or remove the downspout from the underground pipe to access and clear the blockage more easily.

  1. Make Sure There's No Standing Water

After hosing down your gutters, take a moment to check for any areas where water may be pooling or moving slowly. This could indicate that your gutters aren't sloped properly towards the downspout, which can lead to water damage if left unchecked. Adjust the positioning of hangers or spikes to create a more substantial slope and encourage proper water drainage.

  1. Secure Hangers or Spikes

Over time, the hangers or spikes that secure your gutters to the roof can become loose, compromising the stability of the system. Inspect these components and tighten or replace them as needed to ensure a snug fit against the wall of your home. Loose hangers or spikes can allow water to run down the side of your house, potentially causing water damage to your walls and foundation.

  1. Examine Seams and End Caps

Finally, inspect the seams and end caps of your gutters for signs of wear and tear or deterioration. Leaks or holes in these areas can lead to water damage and should be addressed promptly. Strip away any old sealant and apply a new layer to repair minor leaks, or consider replacing damaged sections of gutter for more extensive repairs.

By following these steps and performing regular maintenance on your gutters, you can help prevent water damage to your home and ensure that your gutters remain in top condition year-round.

If working properly, gutters will effectively move direct runoff away from your home. However, if your gutters become damaged or clogged, this can lead to severe issues, such as structural damage.

By keeping an eye out for these warning signs and addressing them promptly, you can help extend the life of your roof and prevent water damage to your home. If you notice any issues, it's best to consult with a professional roofer for further inspection and repairs.

If you ever find yourself facing a water damage emergency, don't hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO (branch) for professional assistance. With our emergency flood services and water restoration expertise, they'll have your home back to its preloss condition in no time.

Additional Areas to Inspect for Potential Water Damage

Other than your roof and gutters, here are a few other locations you should give a quick check on.

Attic: Check your attic for signs of leaks or water stains on the ceiling. Even small stains can indicate a larger issue with your roof.

Roof Deck: A sagging roof deck could be a sign of structural damage or excessive weight on your roof. This should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.

Flashing: Flashing is the metal material around your chimney that’s meant to prevent leaks. Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights can become damaged over time, allowing water to seep into your home. Make sure the flashing is intact and properly sealed.

Vents: Check the sealant around vents, chimneys, and other roof penetrations for cracks or damage. Replace any worn sealant to prevent water infiltration.

Sealing Up Those Leaks

Now, let's turn our attention to windows and doors. These are the gatekeepers of your home, but if they've got gaps or cracks, water can sneak right on in. Take a stroll around your place and inspect for any drafts or leaks. Pay close attention to the areas around windows and doors, as well as any spots where pipes or cables enter your home. If you find any leaks, grab some weatherstripping or caulking and seal 'em up tight.

Giving Your Basement and Foundation Some Love

Ah, the basement—the unsung hero of every home. Whether it's a cozy hangout spot or just a place to store extra belongings, your basement deserves some love too. But it's also one of the most vulnerable areas when it comes to water damage.

Basements are notorious for flooding during heavy rains. Take the time to inspect yours for any signs of water damage, such as dampness, mold, or water stains. Addressing these issues early can prevent costly repairs down the road.

So, before the rainy season hits, take a peek down there for any signs of moisture or mold. Look for water stains on the walls or floor, as well as any funky smells that might indicate a problem. And while you're at it, give your foundation a once-over too. Cracks or damage could mean trouble when the rain starts pouring down.

Why Check Your Basement for Water Damage:

Foundation Integrity: Your basement is the foundation of your home, and water damage can compromise its structural integrity. Checking for signs of water intrusion can help you catch issues early and prevent costly foundation repairs.

Health Concerns: Moisture in your basement can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can pose serious health risks to you and your family. Regular inspections can help you identify and address moisture problems before they become a health hazard.

Property Damage: Water damage in the basement can ruin belongings stored in this space, such as furniture, electronics, and personal items. By detecting water damage early, you can protect your valuables and prevent unnecessary loss.

Preventing Flooding: Basement flooding can result from heavy rainfall, plumbing leaks, or sewer backups. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance can help mitigate the risk of flooding and minimize water damage to your home.

How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Basement:

Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and directing water away from your home's foundation. Consider installing extensions on your downspouts to carry water further from the house.

Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your basement walls and floors for cracks and gaps where water could seep in. Seal any openings with waterproof sealant to prevent water intrusion.

Install a Sump Pump: A sump pump can help remove water from your basement in the event of flooding or excessive moisture. Make sure your sump pump is in good working condition and consider installing a backup battery or generator to ensure it functions during power outages.

Improve Ventilation: Proper ventilation can help reduce moisture levels in your basement and prevent mold growth. Install exhaust fans or dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels in check.

Grade Your Yard: Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling near the basement walls. Consider regrading your yard if necessary to improve drainage.

Inspect Plumbing Regularly: Check for leaks or signs of moisture around pipes, fixtures, and appliances in your basement. Repair any leaks promptly to prevent water damage.

Consider Waterproofing: If your basement is prone to water intrusion, consider investing in professional waterproofing measures, such as exterior drainage systems or interior sealants.

By being proactive about checking your basement for water damage and implementing preventive measures, you can protect your home from the devastating effects of water intrusion. If you discover any signs of water damage or are unsure about the condition of your basement, consider consulting with a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO for further assessment and assistance. Trust us, giving your home an extra layer of protection against water damage, and trust me, it's worth it in the long run.

The Importance of Maintenance

At the end of the day, the key to weatherproofing your home against water damage is maintenance. By staying proactive and addressing any issues before they become major problems, you can protect your home and your wallet from costly repairs down the line. So, take a stroll around your place every now and then, check up on your roof, gutters, windows, and doors, and give your basement and foundation some love too. Your home will thank you for it when the rainy season hits.

Getting Backup from the Pros

Even with all your best efforts, sometimes Mother Nature throws a curveball, and you end up with water where it shouldn't be. In such cases, it's essential to act quickly to minimize the damage. That's where SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews comes in clutch. We’re professionals in water damage restoration, serving Woodcrest, Riverside, and beyond.

When you're facing a water damage emergency, we’re the ones you want on speed dial. With our rapid response team, 24/7/365 emergency flood services, and top-notch equipment, we’ll swoop in and get things sorted in no time.

Whether you're dealing with a burst pipe, a flooded basement, or storm damage, SERVPRO has the skills and experience to handle it all. Don't let water damage ruin your day—call SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews, and we'll have handle the water restoration process with ease.

So, if you find yourself knee-deep in water, don't panic—just give us a call at (951) 398-3240.

Wrapping It Up

Well, friends, that's a wrap on our chat about weatherproofing your home against water damage. From inspecting your roof and gutters to sealing up those pesky leaks, there's plenty you can do to keep your home safe and dry all year round. And if you ever find yourself in need of a little extra help, don't hesitate to call in the pros at SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews. We’ll have your back, rain or shine. So, here's to a cozy, dry home for years to come!

Faster to your Riverside Water Damage

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 951-398-3240

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews

SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews 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.

How to Prepare Your Home For A Storm

11/13/2023 (Permalink)

Quick guide to preparing for a storm

  • Ensure your drains and gutters are clear of debris to prevent blockages.
  • If safe to do so, check your pipes and water tanks are insulated to prevent freezing and that the release point of overflow pipes is not obstructed. Ideally, you'll have a regular maintenance program in place.
  • Cut back trees and branches to minimize the risk of falling branches.
  • Secure loose fences.
  • Check that roof tiles and aerials are secure if you can do this safely. It may be worth seeking professional advice.
  • Make sure garden furniture and ladders are secured in case of high winds or locked away in the shed or even inside your house.
  • When you know a bad storm is on its way with warnings about gale-force winds and floods, make sure children, pets and your family and neighbors are safe. Make sure you're indoors when it hits and don’t try and repair damage during a storm.

Always be cautious when undertaking any task that you're not fully familiar with as you could injure yourself or those around you, seek professional help where required.

So, this winter, make sure you're storm ready. Secure loose objects such as ladders and garden furniture. Close and secure all windows and doors. Check on loved ones before a storm strikes, but once it arrives, stay indoors. Do not try to drive or move around outside near trees or buildings that could collapse.

SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Matthews offers inspections to make sure your home or business is storm ready. Call us at (951) 398-3240 for more information.

The team here at SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Matthews would love to hear from you!

11/5/2023 (Permalink)

There are several ways you can get in touch with us:

The first is our Contact Us tab on the top right corner of our SERVPRO web page it is fast and easy

Next is our social media:

Our Facebook page.

Our LinkedIn Page.

Our Yelp page.

And last;

You can also leave reviews on Google and Bing !

Thank you for allowing us to serve you and our community and we look forward to hearing from you!!!

How Does An Infrared Camera Work?

10/31/2023 (Permalink)

meter showing purple is wet and the yellow is dry meter showing purple is wet and the yellow is dry

SERVPRO of Woodcrest/El Cerrito/Lake Mathews  uses cutting edge technology to detect and eradicate the moisture in your home. The infrared camera or IR Camera is used to see water hidden in the walls and floors. The IR camera is extremely handy when you have hard to reach spaces you can’t quite reach with your moisture meters.

How Does An Infrared Camera Work?

Thermal infrared images let you see heat and how it is distributed. A thermal infrared camera detects infrared energy and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image and perform temperature calculations. Thermal imaging cameras have lenses, just like visible light cameras.

Having undetected water in your home or business can lead to a mold issue if it is not fixed in a timely manner.  Most homeowners don’t realize they even have a leak until after the damage becomes visible to the naked eye. If you are concerned about water damage in your home, give us a call TODAY!

SERVPRO of Woodcrest/El Cerrito/Lake Mathews is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call us today at 951-398-3240

How To Control Heavy Runoff

10/31/2023 (Permalink)

All homes are designed to deal with runoff. After all, it’s why gutters were invented. Some houses and properties get heavier runoff than others, either through local weather patterns or the layout of the property itself.

In order to keep your house and property in good condition, that runoff needs to be controlled.

Why Does Runoff Need to be Controlled?

The most obvious problems caused by uncontrolled runoff is erosion. Heavy amounts of run off can quickly erode huge sections of your landscaping, stripping away the soil and plants. That same erosion can damage driveways, walks, and more.

The other danger is to the structural integrity of your house, and it’s a much bigger problem. If a high amount of water gets near your foundation, it can get absorbed into the soil and push against your foundation enough to break. Water running down the side of the house in large quantities can wear away siding, walls, and even your foundation. Eventually, that water could easily get into your foundation and flood it.

Well-Planned Gutter Systems

Gutters are your first line of defense against runoff. Instead of letting the water gather under the roof and flow down the walls, gutters capture the water and direct it safely away from you house. The key here is to make sure that your gutters are well-planned. A good gutter system will minimize water damage, be big enough to avoid clogging, and direct the water several feet from the house.

Landscaping Solutions

Landscaping solutions are all about capturing and redirecting excess water, including the water that comes from your gutters. One of the most common ways to do this is with gravel and underground drain pipes. The gravel has enough structural capability to holdup the ground, while the space between it allows the water to flow into the pipe. The pipe then directs the water to a safe drain field far from the house. These setups can be installed under a variety of locations, including under bushes, grass, soil, or even paths.

Foundation Drainage

If you find that a lot of water ends up near your foundation, then one of the best things you can do is to install a drainage system right next to your foundation. Like other drainage systems, this will consist of layers of gravel and a drain pipe.

Unlike landscaping solutions, the drainage systems near foundations are buried all the way down at the bottom of the foundation wall. The idea is to capture and redirect as much water as possible away from the entire foundation.

Foundation Waterproofing

For extra protection from heavy runoff, you may want to consider getting a waterproofing membrane applied to the exterior of your foundation. This involves excavation next to your foundation to ensure that the application covers the whole foundation sides. Once cured, the membrane forms a seamless waterproof barrier on your foundation.

Call SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews Today! (951) 398-3240

5 Things You Need To Know About Water Damage

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

When a pipe bursts, a drain backs up, or a flood occurs in your home, it can be hard to see past the mess. A million questions will run through your mind. Has water damage happened to you? Here's what to do next to keep it from getting worse.

What do I do now?

What’s going to happen?

Is my stuff ruined?

And the most important question of all: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover the damage?

There’s no doubt about it. Water damage is extremely stressful, and the more you know about it, the better you’ll be able to decide how to address it. Here are five things that every homeowner needs to know about water damage.

  1. There are different insurance policies for flood damage and water damage.

You might think that water is water, whether it’s from flooding or a burst pipe, but flood damage is not covered under homeowner’s insurance. When you report the claim to the insurance company, make sure to specify whether the claim is for water damage or for flood damage, so they can begin adjusting your claim correctly.

  1. Not all water damage is covered by your insurance.

It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.

  1. Once water damage has happened, the clock is ticking before it gets worse.

When your property has been water damaged, you don’t have the luxury of waiting around for a convenient time to start the cleanup. Secondary damage from mold growth can present serious health effects associated with mold in the living environment.

Mold spores are everywhere, but they need moisture and a nutrient source to grow. And that is exactly what your wet carpet or drywall offers.

There is a 24 to 48-hour window from the time something gets wet until mold can begin to grow. After that time, mold will multiply rapidly. When mold growth is widespread, you may need the services of a professional mold remediation service to safely treat and remove the mold.

To prevent mold growth, you will need to get your property completely dry again within that 48-hour window. To do this, you’ll need to contact a company that specializes in water damage restoration and emergency water extraction such as SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews. They will have the professional water removal equipment and drying equipment to get the job done as quickly as possible. 

  1. Your insurance company needs to know right away.

It’s a good idea to call your insurance company right away when you discover water damage. Your insurance agent can start the claims process immediately, as well as guide you through the first steps you will need to take to protect your property from more damage, like stopping the source of the water at the main water turnoff.

Your insurance company may also direct you to a water damage restoration company that they have worked with in the past. Keep in mind that you do not have to call the company that they recommend. 

  1. The pollution level of the water is important.

Water damage is categorized as one of three levels by how polluted the water source was that caused the damage.

Category 1: Water from a clean water source, like a fresh water line for a dishwasher. 

Category 2: Water that may have bacteria in it,

Category 3: Water that is highly contaminated. Think sewage backup, an overflowing toilet, or storm waters.

Even though water may start out as Category 1, that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Any contamination that the water touches, such as dirty carpeting or soil from the ground, can change water damage Category to 2 or even Category 3. And since standing breeds bacteria, the longer the water is around, the worse the contamination of your property.

SERVPRO of Woodcrest / El Cerrito / Lake Mathews has all the tools and resources necessary to help with and water, mold or fire damage you may have. Give us a call! (951) 398-3240

Types of Water Damage

5/29/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is a problem that most property owners dread. When it rains heavily or snow melts quickly, the risk of this type of damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage Assessing the severity of the damage is important for determining what is needed to start water damage repair and water removal. There are several different categories assigned to water damage. Category 1 refers to clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows. Category 2 water is also called gray water. This means that the water is contaminated and may cause sickness of ingested. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage may cause category 2 water damage. Category 3 water is known as black water. This type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water.

There are also several classes of water damage. The class of damage is important when assessing water damage repair options. Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Materials absorb very little of the water from this type of damage. Water damage repair is the easiest in this type of situation. Class 2 has a fast rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more difficult when it involves class 2 damage. Class 3 has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture. Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete

If you have any type of water damage, call SERVPRO of Woodcrest / Lake Mathews / El Cerrito at 951-398-3240

Causes of Water Damage

5/26/2023 (Permalink)

There are several possible causes of water damage. Leaky dishwashers, clogged toilets, broken pipes, broken dishwasher hoses, overflowing washing machines, leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, and foundation cracks are just some of the possible causes of water damage in homes and businesses. Floods, heavy snow, and heavy rain are other possible causes of this type of damage and can lead to having water in basements. Too much water can lead to minor problems such as water in basement areas, or it can lead to the destruction of homes and businesses. Once a home or business sustains water damage, it is important to start the water damage cleanup immediately. Starting water damage cleanup as soon as possible increases the likelihood of saving water-soaked furniture, carpets, rugs, clothing, and other items.

Call SERVPRO of Woodcrest / Lake Mathews / El Cerrito if you experience any type of water loss at 951-398-3240

Effects of Water Damage

5/25/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is a problem that most property owners dread. When it rains heavily or snow melts quickly, the risk of this type of damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, electronics, household appliances, and plumbing equipment. Water damage also increases the risk of mold growth, which is a very expensive problem to remediate. Hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup process easier to handle, as these companies employ experienced workers who know the best ways to repair or replace damaged items and help with water damage cleanup.

SERVPRO of Woodcrest / Lake Mathews / El Cerrito has a vast array of products and highly skilled and trained water damage technicians who can make it "Like it never even happened." call us at 951-398-3240