Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Choose SERVPRO For Your Restoration Needs

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Servpro Trucks Ready For Dispatch SERVPRO® has the experience and training to handle all your restoration and remediation needs.

Choose SERVPRO For Your Restoration Needs

SERVPRO is a leading company in the restoration industry, providing cleanup and restoration services for over 50 years. Here are some reasons why you should choose SERVPRO for your cleanup and restoration needs:

  1. Quick response times: SERVPRO is available 24/7 and responds quickly to emergency calls to minimize damage and prevent further issues.

  2. Highly trained technicians: SERVPRO technicians are certified in all areas of restoration and undergo extensive training in customer service and communication to ensure you are informed and comfortable throughout the process.

  3. Comprehensive services: SERVPRO offers a wide range of restoration services, including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and more.

  4. Advanced technology: SERVPRO uses specialized equipment and technology, such as moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras, to detect hidden damage and provide the highest level of service possible.

Overall, SERVPRO's quick response times, highly trained technicians, comprehensive services, and advanced technology make them a trusted and reliable choice for all your cleanup and restoration needs.

Our SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos team understands the inconvenience unwanted events can cause. We are dedicated to providing high quality service to assist you in getting your life back to normal. Give us a call today at (650) 591-4137!

Why Hire SERVPRO Restoration Team For Storm Damage Restoration.

7/16/2022 (Permalink)

Rain Storm Fire, water, and mold restoration are the cornerstones of our business. SERVPRO is dedicated to responding to your emergency fast.

Why Hire SERVPRO Restoration Team For Storm Damage Restoration.

A storm has hit your location, and you can see its destruction on your property. Also, coping with storm damage may be a huge challenge. Do not worry! SERVPRO Restoration team is here to assist. But why hire us for a storm damage restoration?

Fastest and Most Efficient Restoration Companies

When you're amid a severe storm damage circumstance, call SERVPRO professionals to handle everything and have the restoration done as fast as possible. In a concise amount of time, we should be able to restore your house to its previous condition.

We Minimize Damage and Restoration Costs Throughout the Process

Our storm damage restoration services may lower your overall losses and the entire expense of cleaning and repair. When water is rapidly removed, the area will dry quicker. With this, the restoration will go more quickly and smoothly. Our prompt reaction may also achieve the capacity to salvage furniture and papers from damage.

We ensure the Well-Being of Relatives.

When storm damage is severe, microorganisms and contamination are inevitable. However, our storm damage repair services can avoid these germs and bacteria. Because the health of our customers is our priority, our storm damage restoration services will leave your house spotless and sanitized.

Are You Struggling To Recover From A Storm? We've Got Your Back!

When you lose your assets and properties during a storm, we at SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos realize how tough it is for you to get back on your feet again.

Immediately contact us so that you may get back on your feet. We have years of experience in dealing with storm damage restoration. So, we can vouch for high-quality service. Give us a call today at (650) 591-4137!

Why Hire SERVPRO Restoration Team For Smoke And Fire Damage Restoration.

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Fire We specialize in fire and water damage restoration, removal of smoke odors, and deep-cleaning soot from walls, carpets and upholstery.

Why Hire SERVPRO Restoration Team For Smoke And Fire Damage Restoration.

Our experience at SERVPRO Restoration service has shown that homeowners find it difficult to fix damage caused by fire and smoke. However, we make it a priority to help you as soon as possible so that we can ensure that your business or house is returned to its previous condition. But why hire us for your smoke and fire damage restoration?

We guarantee preventative measures are in place.

The confinement stage, which is both the first and the most important, is one of our process's earliest and most essential components. So, we ensure we isolate all the affected parts and clean all the ash and residue.

We remove all standing water.

You will require assistance with the water damage restoration process in case of a fire and smoke incident. In any case, you will need help to remove standing water. You can count on our team to quickly remove any standing water and completely dry your building utilizing water extraction equipment that is of a professional standard.

We remove valuables and assist in the recovery lost documents.

We bear the same responsibility for safeguarding your property for mending it. Consequently, we will conduct a comprehensive examination of your residence, during which we will remove any valuables and ensure that any lost document is retrieved.

We do Comprehensive cleaning.

After all, the water has been removed and the necessary items have been taken out of the premises securely, a comprehensive cleaning starts immediately.

Your Reliable Partner in Cleaning and Restoration Services

With decades of experience, the restoration specialists on the SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos team can provide the most extensive fire damage and smoke removal restoration services in the nation. Please give us a call right away at (650) 591-4137.

Why SERVPRO Is A Certified Restoration Company For Water Damage

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Overflowing Sink "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO Is A Certified Restoration Company For Water Damage

One of the most heartbreaking things that may happen to you is waking up and finding out that water has severely damaged your home. You know precisely how painful it is if you've ever dealt with water damage. However, a certified water damage restoration contractor like SERVPRO is essential in this scenario.

We have professional tools and equipment.

There is a difference between the equipment used by qualified restoration contractors vs. amateurs who handle their water damage cleanup. Our restoration and cleanup services have the proper equipment to speed up the drying process and minimize the damage caused by water.

We have experience handling water damage.

If you don't have the proper training, you'll be wasting your time and money trying to restore your house to its original state after water damage. Moreover, we are well aware of the criticality of moving quickly to limit the damage and dangers posed by the recent flooding. And so, SERVPRO experts are well trained in handling damage caused by flooding. We know how to handle any harm caused by water damage. Trust us to get the job done perfectly.

We are licensed and qualified.

At SERVPRO, we have a team of licensed and qualified water damage restoration experts. These professionals are often trained in the latest water damage repair techniques, including mold treatment, odor control, commercial drying, etc.

We restore your home to its original state.

It's safe to say that SERVPRO water damage restoration services are meticulous in their efforts. We've been doing this for years when it comes to repairing your home's foundation, so we have honed our skills to the point that you can’t notice even the tiniest pockets of dampness. In addition, our skilled water damage repair specialists will remove the water from your home and sanitize it and restore it to its previous condition.

Your Trusted Restoration And Clean Up Experts.

With SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos you may save time and money by working with our certified water damage restoration professionals, who can assist you in preparing the necessary documentation and documents. Please get in touch with us today for additional information or if you need a water damage contractor at (650) 591-4137.

SERVPRO Is Your Perfect Smoke Damage Restoration Company

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage On Ceiling Restoring your home or business after fire damage to its pre-fire condition is our main goal.

SERVPRO Is Your Perfect Smoke Damage Restoration Company

At SERVPRO, we know that repairing damage caused by fire and smoke is frequently more complicated than the fire itself. And to guarantee that your company or home is restored to its original state, we take our job to assist you promptly.

We employ the most cutting-edge cleaning equipment and restoration techniques compared to our competitors. And if the cost of repair is less than the value of the item being replaced, we still go-ahead to complete the restoration. Here are the various process we take in restoring your businesses and homes after smoke damage.

We ensure preventive measures are in place.

One of our method's earliest and most critical elements is containment, which is the first and most significant step. As a result, the restoration procedure will be more time-consuming and expensive if you don't take certain preventive precautions, such as enclosing all damaged areas and removing all ash and residue.

We perform total water removal.

 If your property has fire sprinklers or the fire was so intense that water hoses were used to put it out, you'll need help with both fire and smoke damage restoration and water damage restoration. Count on our crew to promptly remove any standing water and fully dry your structure using commercial-grade water extraction equipment.

We remove valuables and help restore lost documents.

We are just as responsible for protecting your property as repairing it. As a result, we perform a complete inspection of your home, removing any valuables and ensuring that any carpets, clothes, furniture, and other items are safely removed from the impacted areas. A company owner's loss of important documents and media assets may be devastating when disasters such as fires occur. Fortunately, we employ the latest record recovery technology and processes to ensure that as much of your valuable data as possible may be recovered. We will work with you and your adjuster to verify that we are adhering to all of your policy's requirements if there are any unsalvageable goods.

We perform a thorough cleaning. 

A thorough cleaning will begin when all water has been removed, and the required goods have been safely removed from the building. Complete cleaning, disinfection, and deodorization of all furniture, carpets, walls, ceilings, cabinetry, worktops, HVAC systems, and other areas requiring expert care are usually part of this procedure.

Our SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos team of restoration experts has decades of expertise offering the best fire damage and smoke removal restoration services in the country. In addition to the latest cutting-edge tools and technology, our highly experienced professionals come on the scene with the depth of knowledge, steadfast devotion, and profound expertise you need to ensure the job is in good hands. Contact us at (650) 591-4137.

SERVPRO Is The Only Way To Go After A Disaster

4/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO emergency response team Faster to any size disaster

SERVPRO Is The Only Way To Go After A Disaster

When a disaster hits, whether it's a hurricane, a fire, or anything else, the damage to your house may be terrible. And it isn't easy to know where to start and how to put the parts back together. The notion of cleaning up after a disaster can be debilitating if your house has sustained considerable damage. And this is why SERVPRO restoration is your best bet at restoring your property to its original state. We are available 24/7 to handle every restoration process. So, trust us to get the work done perfectly. 

Here are the reasons to hire SERVPRO restoration and clean up company for a complete restoration

We handle smoke and fire damage.

Smoke damage doesn't appear to be that terrible at first glance. A common assumption is that you can use an ordinary home cleaner to remove any stains or markings. It's not only about what you can see that's at risk from smoke damage; it might also be about what you can't see. Even your house's most minor cracks and crevices may become breeding grounds for smoke particles. And aside from irritating your respiratory system, smoke particles can also create health issues if not removed correctly. However, trust us to handle any fire and smoke damages.

We handle Flood damage.

Damage to your house can be substantial in the event of flooding occurs. They also pose a risk of secondary damage, such as mold, to your property. Your home may be restored to its preloss condition with the help of a SERVPRO restoration and clean-up company.

We guarantee your safety.

Regardless of the type of damage you've suffered due to a natural disaster, the most important thing to remember is to stay safe. Damage to your home could be a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode if you don't have a professional inspect it. And so, our team of restoration experts do all it takes to ensure your safety.

In times of disaster SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos is here to help. Call us today (650) 591-4137

SERVPRO Provides the Latest Tips For Your Kids

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Safety for Kids 3 Tips For Fire Safety for Kids

SERVPRO Provides the Latest Tips For Your Kids

Fire Safety for Kids:  3 Tips

It is good to go through a fire safety plan together once a year. Sometimes this can be hard to remember, so we recommend that you schedule it around another yearly activity like your car registration or annual taxes. If children are younger, they can need help with a plan for escaping in case there is a fire. So how do you make sure they have a plan? If you don’t know exactly where to get started, here are three tips you can try:

Tip #1 – Make it a game

While adults will probably need to replace the batteries in the smoke detectors, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have the kiddos play “hide and go seek” to find them and point them out. This helps them remember where they are and turns battery replacement into fun activities. This concept can also be done for fire extinguishers so that you can check the dates on them. While fire extinguishers generally have a 10-to-12-year life expectancy, they should be replaced every ten years. If you don’t know where the date on your extinguisher, you can use a permanent marker to put a checkmark on the extinguisher each year and replace it when you have 10. The kiddos can count them each year to help you check.  

Tip #2 – Have a fire drill day

Have a day where the kids can practice how to get out of the house and over to the neighbors. While children who are 3 and 4 years old should be taught how to dial 911, sometimes they must have a person they can go to and a plan. Involve the neighbors in the project so that when the kids come, they can be home to answer the door and tell the kids how great they did. Also, have a backup plan. If the neighbors aren’t home, what are they to do?

Tip #3 – Don’t just say no

When you are working in the kitchen and ask the kids to back away from the stove, tell them why. Remind them that they stay out of certain zones because of fire safety.

These three tips can help your kiddos not only be a part of fire prevention and safety but also instill in them the need to stay vigilant so that they practice fire safety in their own homes when they grow up. 

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos provides excellent fire restoration services. Call us at (650) 591-4137 when you need assistance. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Redwood City Homes Require Water Cleanup Services After a Ceiling Leak

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician at work. A leaking ceiling from water damage is no easy task. Call the professional team of SERVPRO for all the water mitigation services needed for your home.

SERVPRO Provides the Latest in Water Restoration for the Redwood City Community

A ceiling leak in a Redwood City home can be harmful beyond the esthetics of your home. The consequences of water damage can be long-lasting if restoration of normal humidity levels takes too long or does not happen. A professional outfit is your best option to monitor the progress of water damage restoration efforts and identify potential risks.

For water cleanup services in Redwood City, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO as soon as your emergency occurs. Whether you are looking at a ceiling leak from storms or the incident resulting from a burst pipe, our professional water restoration technicians are ready to help. Our certified team of experts arrives at your home prepared with industry-strength water extraction equipment, which might include the following-

  • Pumps- submersible, handheld, and truck-mounted pumps allow us to extract varying volumes of water whether it is standing in a basement or hidden behind cabinets and baseboards.
  • Air movers-essential to promoting the rapid evaporation of water, this equipment improves air circulation through the affected areas.
  • Injectri-dry technology- helpful in drying wall cavities and accessing hard-to-reach crevices where standing water accumulates.

SERVPRO of Belmont/San Carlos is an invaluable resource when water cleanup services are in order. When you find yourself in need of a team of water restoration technicians who can help you with water damage repairs, sewage cleanup, and flood restoration, do not hesitate to call us at (650) 591-4137. We aim to leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

When Your Redwood City Bathroom Experiences A Water Damage Disaster, Our Crew Is Here To Help!

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Bathroom flood illustration After a water mishap in your Redwood City bathroom, you will need help from the experts. Call our skilled water remediation technicians right away.

Water Damage From A Half Bath In Redwood City

A broken water supply line can dump a large amount of water quickly. If your half bathroom has unleashed a mini-river, turn off the water, and contact SERVPRO. We can work on the moisture left in the bathroom, vanity cabinet, and wall.

Water damage in Redwood City of any size needs to be addressed quickly. On arrival, our technicians can remove the soaked bathroom rugs to dry in another area and use portable pumps and squeegees to remove as much residual water as possible from the floor and cabinet interior. We determine if the subflooring was affected. Weep holes can be drilled to allow for both drainage and airflow behind the wall cavity.

Why SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration? 

We are local, and our emergency response teams are available 24-hours a day to meet your needs for remediation with compassion and professionalism. Each time we set up air movers and dehumidifiers, it is a specific configuration to the area in the property we are drying. We consider the shape of the room and the particular angles necessary to pull moisture to the surface best to be captured and removed. SERVPRO technicians can remove the wood baseboard under the vanity and use hoses to direct air both under and throughout the cabinet for thorough drying.

Once verified as dry through moisture readings, SERVPRO technicians leave the premises sanitary as they hand-clean surfaces with our antifungal and antibacterial cleaners. We offer building services, and the baseboard under the vanity can be warped from exposure to too much moisture. We are able to replace it for the property owner as a part of our restoration to make this mini-flood “Like it never even happened.”

Water damage cleanup needs to happen as soon as possible. That is why SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos at (650) 591-4137 is available 24/7 to come to your property and restore and repair water damage to your property and contents.

Does A Fire Contained In A Room in Redwood City Homes Require Significant Fire Restoration Effort?

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

"Fire damage restoration experts" Fires can happen without warning and you are going to need a company to come in and take care of the damage. Call SERVPRO for fire damage remediation.

SERVPRO Helps With Entire House Fire Cleanup to Restore City Homes to their Pre-loss State

Most fire incidents tend to affect vast sections of a structure. However, some incidents, such as a candle falling over and lighting up combustible materials, can be contained in a single room. However, the smoke still filters out, leaving residues and pungent odors in the rest of the structure, necessitating fire restoration.

Fire damage restoration in Redwood City homes where the blaze is contained in a single area mostly involves soot removal, which can simply require wiping surfaces or deep cleaning processes. Smoke tends to move to colder areas leaving soot concentrated in concealed areas such as inside cabinets. Factors such as the physical condition of surfaces also affect the process since rough or unfinished surfaces are harder to clean. SERVPRO is equipped to handle any challenge and deliver any service needed.

Typical restoration services include:

  • Smoke remediation
  • House fire clean up
  • Water & fire damage restorations

Before starting the house fire cleanup process, it is essential to estimate the amount and type of residues involved. Our SERVPRO technicians perform simple tests such as running a cleaning sponge along wall surfaces starting near the seat of the fire, allowing us to establish the depth of the residues and the spread pattern. We also evaluate the texture of the collected residues to determine whether it is a wet or dry smoke situation. 

To simplify the cleaning process, we use various mediums. For instance, chemical sponges allow surface cleaning without leaving smudges. We also wet-clean surfaces where there is significant residue concentration. 

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos provides excellent fire restoration services. Call us at (650) 591-4137 when you need assistance. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Ugly Mold Patches in Your Foster City Home!! A Good Reason to Call SERVPRO

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

a mold damaged wall in a building Did you first see or smell the tell-tale odor of mold? Contact Team SERVPRO to investigate the cause and remediate the mold damage.

SERVPRO Uses Advanced Technology to Handle Mold Damage in Foster City

When you call SERVPRO to your home in Foster City for a mold damage remediation, we pledge to put our best equipment and personnel to use to reverse any damage that has already happened. Prevent any more mold damage from happening, and safeguard the home and its occupants against any potential health effects that may come with an infestation. Along with our expertly-trained technicians, the core of our highly efficient restoration procedures is made up of our extensive array of advanced equipment and technology designed specifically to take care of fungal problems in the home. Calling us into the site guarantees the use of these devices and more, should the situation call for it.

Detection Tools 

Our ability to detect hidden areas of mold damage in Foster City homes has drastically improved in recent years, thanks to advances in detection technology. We stock and use infrared cameras to identify patches of growth behind walls and other surfaces that can completely prevent visual detection. We also use moisture detecting thermo-hygrometers to identify sources of moisture in the home and eliminate them to avoid any further spread of spores that can develop into new colonies.

Our top priority when dealing with any species of fungus is safety for anyone living in the household. To this end, we employ industrial strength sanitizing tools to kill off any spores remaining in the home after we remove growth through traditional means. Our high-powered UV ray generators can wipe an entire area clean of dangerous microbes and spores quickly and without using any additional resources.

Complete Odor Removal 

We at SERVPRO equip our crews with the strongest, most modern odor elimination tools on the market. Using chemical fogging devices, we can reach into even the most inaccessible parts of your home and neutralize odor molecules at the source. We also use some specially formulated products for this purpose. Once we are done, your home might smell newer and more fresh than the day you bought it. 

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos provides comprehensive and thorough mold remediation services for homes across the local community. Give us a call at (650) 591-4137.

Mold Removal in Redwood City

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

mold outbreak on wall Did you know that it only takes as little as 48 hours for mold to colonize and grow?

Why it's Important to Reduce Humidity Below 65% to Expedite Mold Removal in Redwood City?

Twenty-seven miles south of San Francisco, Redwood City boasts an approximate population of 85,000. The city was incorporated in 1867. Mexico granted land, which later became Redwood City, to the Arguello family in 1835. Redwood City was once nicknamed "The Chrysanthemums City." The city was proclaimed the chrysanthemum center of the world until 1941. After the internment of many people of Japanese origin in 1941, the industry went into decline. The city has over 24 parks for residents and visitors to enjoy.

There are many exciting attractions and fun things to do in Redwood City and the surrounding area. A few are provided in the following list:

  • Edgewood Park Natural Preserve
  • The Fox Theater
  • Pulgas Water Temple and Ridge Preserve
  • Gourmet Haus Staudt
  • San Mateo County History Museum
  • The Record Man
  • Redwood Morton Community Park
  • Bair Island
  • Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
  • A large variety of hiking trails, wineries, restaurants, and theaters

Edgewood Park Natural Preserve

With over 467 acres of grasslands and woodlands, the preserve is an excellent place for sightseeing and hiking. Dogs are not allowed in the park. There are picnic areas, restrooms, and an amphitheater near the main entrance. There are over 10 miles of trails suitable for hikers, joggers, and equestrian use. Cyclists are allowed on designated trails only.

The Fox Theater

Initially opened in 1929, this historic theater has gone through many transitions. The theater can accommodate 1100 people and 250 in banquet facilities. Once current health restrictions are lifted, attending an event at the Fox Theater can be interesting on many levels.

Gourmet Haus Staudt

The Haus Staudt is a rustic beer garden and shop offering products of German origin. There is a large selection of authentic German beers, German cuisine, and spices. They also provide authentic snacks and German dishes in an outdoor beer garden. The beer garden is a unique place to spend time while visiting downtown Redwood City.

San Mateo County History Museum

The museum is one of the cities top attractions. Visitors can view what life was like in the 1880s. There are a general store and a house, showing what life was like when it was part of Mexico. There is a massive collection of books and archived materials. The building is an impressive architectural structure inside and out.

The Record Man

Anyone interested in vinyl records should plan to visit the Record Man on El Camino Real in Redwood City. They have over one million vinyl records covering all genres, including classical, blues, hip hop, country, and more. They claim that if they do not have the vinyl record, then it probably does not exist.

Why Removing Moisture Expedites Mold Removal in Redwood City?

Whenever there is a water leak of any kind, even condensation around a window, mold spores can quickly settle and begin growing. Mold growth can appear in as little as 24 hours after a water leak.

One of our SERVPRO team's first steps after assessing the situation is to stop the water source to enable efficient mold removal in Redwood City homes. The next step is to remove excess water and begin dehumidifying the air.  

  • Turn on the AC if available
  • Deploy dehumidifiers and air movers
  • Lower the humidity below 60% to curtail mold growth
  • Remove or clean/disinfect areas contaminated with mold

Contact SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos for mold removal services in Redwood City and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (650) 591-4137.

Foster City Residents Can Enjoy & Relax in the Great Outdoors

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vehicle outside fire station. No matter the size of damage from a fire. SERVPROs technicians are IICRC certified for the job. And will have your home "Like it never even happened."

The Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve is A Great Place for Foster City Folk to Spend the Day

The Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve is home to a variety of plants and animals. It is a vast preserve, covering over 3,000 acres of open meadows and dense forest. The park is situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is a popular place to get away from it all and spend the day enjoying nature. You can walk, hike, or bike. There are trails for horseback riding. You won’t want to miss visiting the top of Borel Hill. The spot offers a magnificent view of San Francisco.

While enjoying the park, be on the lookout for:

  • Coyote
  • Northern harrier
  • Bobcat
  • Kestrel
  • A variety of beautiful birds

For more information on what the preserve has to offer, you can call (650) 691-1200. The preserve is located in nearby Redwood City.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Restoration in Foster City

A home can be impacted by a fire at any time. Even small fires can do serious damage. For professional fire damage restoration services in Foster City, contact SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos at (650) 591-4137.

YUCK There is Mold in My San Francisco Kitchen – Who Do I Call?

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth on wall Mold is not something to mess with, so call in the professionals.

If You San Francisco Home has Mold, You Need a Mold Remediation Company with Experience

The Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and fantastic food are all things folks love about San Francisco. Almost 5 million people live, work, and play there, many of whom are homeowners. The atmosphere in the city is moist and humid, making it a perfect breeding ground for mold.

Can Mold be Removed?

Mold removal in San Francisco is a term often used when it comes to dealing with an infestation. There are restoration companies that may tell you they can remove all mold from your home. They cannot. Mold is everywhere, inside your residence and outside. The spores are microscopic and enter a house through airflow, on clothing, thru HVAC systems, and even on your pet. These spores love moisture, and much of California is a place in which they can thrive. It is not conceivable to clear all mold even with mold removal help in San Francisco. The good news is, mold remediation can clean up the existing mold and help prevent the return.

Can I Clean Up Mold on My Own?

While it may be possible to take care of small patches of mold as a DIY project, chances are you have more somewhere else. Before any mold remediation can begin, the water source needs to be addressed. If not, it is an ongoing battle. SERVPRO has certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) who understand mold and what it takes to remove it, clean up affect areas and content, and prevent it from coming back.

Call a Company You Can Trust

When you call our company for mold remediation, you are not only getting well-trained technicians but also years of experience. Our mold removal process involves:
    •    Containment
    •    Moisture removal
    •    Disposal of infected materials
    •    Antimicrobial & antifungal agents
    •    Disinfecting
    •    Cleaning impacted content
    •    Cleaning structural elements
    •    Sealants

Mold is not something to mess with, so call in the professionals. Contact SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos at (650) 591-4137 for mold remediation services.

What Makes Some Water Damage Mitigation Services Better Than Others?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

"Let us work for you" Let us help you get your San Francisco home back in order after a devastation takes place.

The Right Professional Qualifications and Equipment Distinguish Better San Francisco Mitigation Services, Like SERVPRO, From Others. 

When a leak or other clean water-related event impacts your San Francisco home, you need to find the most capable mitigation service to solve your problem and limit the resulting damage. While several local remediation companies handle water issues, they are not of equal quality or effectiveness. Many simply do not have the necessary training and tools to successfully resolve every water issue. However, some services, like SERVPRO, have extensively credentialed and experienced technicians with all the equipment needed to handle even the most challenging situations.

What Training and Credentials Do SERVPRO Professionals Have?

Unlike the workers at some other San Francisco water damage mitigation companies, our professionals undergo extended training and are certified in a wide variety of topics concerning water damage remediation. Some of the specialized fields they are individually certified in are:

Water damage restoration

Applied structural drying

Applied microbial remediation

Odor control

Carpet cleaning

Carpet repair & reinstallation

Rug cleaning

Upholstery & Fabric cleaning

Leather cleaning

Color repair

With this education, SERVPRO workers usually know how to limit the overall negative effects of water on your home and maintain its structural integrity. Moreover, their industry knowledge often enables them to save your precious furnishings and return them to their original state.

Can SERVPRO Identify and Source Less Noticeable Water Damage?    

One of the many benefits of using SERVPRO is our ability to identify and precisely locate the sources of even the least noticeable water damage. We do this by using the latest state-of-the-art detection tools. This high-tech equipment includes:

Sensors that can detect excess moisture in structural elements and household items

Meters to precisely measure the levels of moisture in materials throughout your home

Thermo hygrometers enable technicians to learn more about airborne moisture in your residence via vapor pressure, specific humidity, and dew point calculations

Infrared cameras that can see through structural elements, like ceilings, walls, and baseboards, to locate sources of water leaks

Operating with these advanced tools, our workers can generally find all surfaces and materials impacted by water. This ensures that they do not miss affected structural elements and other materials that, if left untreated, could develop more advanced water damage over time. In this way, we can safeguard your home from gradually developing mold and mildew stains, dry rot, and persistent foul odors.

How Exactly Do We Mitigate Water Damage?

Equipped with all the latest advanced devices, we employ a wide variety of techniques to limit your losses from clean water-related issues. These tools and techniques empower our workers to effectively dry out the interior air of your home, as well as surfaces and materials around your residence that contain excess moisture. Our water damage mitigation procedure involves the following:

Locating and blocking/eliminating water sources with detection devices

Extracting pools of standing water with wet vacs or high-powered extractors

Circulating and exchanging moist interior air for drier exterior air with high-velocity fans and air blowers

Drying interior air and surfaces with different types of advanced dehumidifiers  

Removing excess moisture from difficult-to-access places behind ceilings and walls with innovative injectidry systems

Treating impacted surfaces, materials, and areas with foggers to disinfect and deodorize them

Ultimately, these efforts limit how much damage you suffer as a result of a water leak or other clean water event. They work to reduce the time your home is exposed to water and excess moisture, help to quickly eliminate microbial threats that could cause further damage in the long run, and neutralize odors that would otherwise persist for an extended period of time.   

Homeowners should remain vigilant against the omnipresent threat of leaks and other water-related problems. Remember that, every day, someone in the San Francisco area has to deal with such issues. These residential headaches can arise from a myriad of different causes but are often the result of a leaky or ruptured water pipe, a roof leak, malfunctioning appliances, or a deteriorating rusty water container. With that said, whatever the cause of your water problem, it is essential that you have it handled quickly to limit damage, prevent ongoing future effects, and save money on remediating it. It is also crucial to find the right water damage mitigation service with the proper knowledge, experience, and tools to do the job right the first time.    

We know that being impacted by a water event is an exceedingly stressful experience. However, rest assured that effective, high-quality local help is available when you need it most. Remember, if your home ever suffers clean water damage, call SERVPRO of Belmont/San Carlos at (650) 591-4137 for assistance.

Who Can Help Cleanup Water Damage Caused by Storms in San Francisco?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Close-up Of Spilled Water On Kitchen Floor At Home Your home deserves the best care after suffering from any type of damage.

Contact SERVPRO for All Your Water Damage Needs in Your San Francisco Home.

No one ever knows what kind of damage weather will cause to the home. Maybe it is a roof that began to leak after a storm, or maybe the damage is caused by flooding. If this happened in your San Francisco home, would you know what to do? Water damage is no easy thing to deal with on your own, but this company has the answer.

What can the experts at SERVPRO do to help you clean up the water problem caused by storm damage?

Storms damage in San Francisco is not always anticipated and can happen suddenly. Your home could be damaged, and it can happen very suddenly. Since this is the case, our company has several services that can help. The services we offer are listed in the paragraphs below.

24-Hour Emergency Service

In order to make sure that any damage to your home is kept to a minimum, we offer 24-hour service. This means that any time water damage strikes, you can be sure that you will be able to talk to an expert immediately. This type of response also keeps the cost of damage and restoration service very low. Time is crucial to stopping the spread of water and the damage that it can cause.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

No matter the size of the problem, our experts will be there as fast as they possibly can. This type of response keeps the cost of damage and restoration service very low. Time is crucial to stopping the spread of water and the damage that it can cause. Water damage has a timeline to how far it can spread and how bad the situation can get, the faster the response time, the better.

Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians

All of our Water Restoration Technicians are certified and highly trained to ensure our customers get the best restoration services possible. Not only are they initially trained before they begin their work in this area, but they are constantly in continuing education courses to keep them up to date.

Advanced Water Inspection, Extraction, and Drying Equipment

Once there has been damage from flooding or other storm-related activities, there is a lengthy process to repair your home. Our company has six steps to completely restore your home. Here is a list of the steps we follow:

    •    Emergency Contact
    •    Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
    •    Water Removal/Water Extraction
    •    Drying and Dehumidification
    •    Cleaning and Sanitizing
    •    Restoration

So, for any water damage problems caused by bad weather, give us a call. Your home deserves the best care after suffering from any type of damage. Make the call, and you will never regret contacting the professionals that treat your home as if it is their own. Do not delay, call (650) 591-4137 and talk to a SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos specialist today.

My San Francisco Home Has Water Damage, Why Call the Pros?

7/19/2020 (Permalink)

water leaking onto a tile from under a door Water damage cleanup can be a hassle for you and your family to take care of alone. Contact SERVPRO for the necessary remediation to your home.

Prompt Water Damage Cleanup by SERVPRO Lessens Loss and Brings Your San Francisco Property Back to Pre-Loss Condition

Water rushing into your home from a broken pipe might not be how you expected to spend the evening. However, water loss incidents tend to happen when you least expect it. Instead of waiting until morning or trying to handle the cleanup on your own, SERVPRO is available to come to your San Francisco home 24/7. We are the number one choice in the area for prompt, reliable help with water damage, and our IICRC-certified technicians will be happy to address any questions you may have regarding our process.

What is Involved in Water Removal?

Any standing water in your home must get removed first. We have a variety of extraction tools and various equipment we bring to each water damage cleanup in San Francisco, including:

  •   Commercial-grade pumps and extractors
  •   Wet-dry vacuums
  •   Light wands
  •   Rovers, also known as weighted extractors, and more

Our equipment allows us to adjust and handle any size job in the most efficient and reliable way possible. Once the standing water gets removed in San Francisco from the loss zone, we can start with the drying phase.

Some of the tools and equipment that we utilize for drying your interior include:

  •   Industrial-strength fans
  •   Axial fans
  •   Turbo-drying air movers
  •   Refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers

Most, or all of these pieces of equipment, will be set up to work in unison to both speed drying and to control water vapor lingering in the air. This equipment helps boost airflow in the loss zone, along with heat, both of which are necessary for proper drying of the space. The drying process gets carefully monitored, and our crew takes the time to adjust equipment strength and placement to achieve our trying goals.

Handling any water intrusion as soon as it happens helps to lessen the loss. This not only cuts back on the potential for structural damage, but it also prevents health issues from dangerous bacterial growth if water is left to fester. Our proven methods for water damage mitigation include:

  •   Rapid removal of all standing water and moisture in and around the loss zone
  •   Efficient dehumidification and drying
  •   Full restoration of all personal belongings and structural elements
  •   Total disinfection of affected areas
  •   Careful removal of all mildew and mold development
  •   Thorough deodorization and sanitization

Why SERVPRO?

With any water loss, the longer that moisture lingers, the more significant the threat. Our IICRC-certified technicians can handle all types of damage and we know all of the signs to look for that mold may be developing. We have strong attention to detail when it comes to water removal and drying to get you back to your normal routine faster.

What About Hidden Moisture?

Depending on the path that the water takes, migration can be an issue, and hidden moisture must get handled properly. If water made its way behind your baseboards or into your wall cavities, we have several techniques to try, including:

  •   Scoping the area with moisture detection tools to pinpoint the problem areas that must be addressed.
  •   Performing drainage techniques like drilling weep holes in your walls or ceilings – this allows for proper drainage and to facilitate better airflow for drying purposes.
  •   Controlled demolition for materials such as saturated sheetrock, which can begin to swell and crumble. Once the unsalvageable sheetrock gets removed, it is replaced with brand-new materials and finished off to match the preloss condition.

You Can Count on Us for Total Drying

Despite best efforts, merely using fans, dehumidifiers and air movers may not be enough to achieve our set drying goals. We have access to specialized drying equipment that helps us to force air into tough or tight spaces. For example, drying mats are ideal for helping to push dry, warm air into wet floor joists, and subfloor. We also have the Injecti-Dry system that helps to facilitate speedy drying of wall cavities.

Can I Salvage My Carpets?

When water is from a clean source, such as a burst pipe, and your carpeting has not been saturated for too long, the chances are good that we can salvage it. Some exceptions might be issues with staining or rust spots from metal furnishings or finished wood surfaces sitting on the wet carpet for prolonged periods.

What About My Furniture?

Many furnishings can be thoroughly cleaned and then sanitized. If swelling has developed with furnishings made of porous materials like MDF, they will not be salvageable. In some instances, we can move furnishings and other belongings away from the loss zone or off-site for further cleaning and restoration.

Call SERVPRO of Belmont/San Carlos whenever you need help with water damage cleanup. To have our Green Fleet deployed to your property in as little as four hours or less, call us 24/7 at (650) 591-4137.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Table tent signs describing the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program on top of a wooden table. Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Redwood City, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

  • Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
  • Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
  • Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos today at (650) 591-4137 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Some Mistakes With Water Damage Remediation That You Should Avoid

4/4/2020 (Permalink)

attic space under repair Don't ignore your attic space! If water damage has occurred there or in any other part of your home, contact Team SERVPRO for remediation.

Why Call SERVPRO to Handle Water Damage in the Attic of Your San Francisco Home 

Most homeowners do not head to up to their attic often. Therefore, it can remain ignored for weeks or months. A water leak resulting from ruptured plumbing lines or a damaged water heater in the attic can go in for several days without notice.

Porous building materials can absorb the water, and it can cause damage to new areas of your home. If you have discovered water damage in your San Francisco residence, it is time to take action. Without intervention, the destruction can worsen, leading to costly repairs. You can rely on SERVPRO water restoration specialists to restore your attic and other affected areas of your home to the preloss state.

Our technicians can assess the area to know what has caused the water damage. We can fix the source of the leak and determine how widespread the damage is. Small dark spots on woodwork can be misleading. Behind them, the wood could be moldy or rotten to a great extent. Our team can examine the area thoroughly to determine which structural parts have sustained damage and if we can repair them. We can handle both the initial water damage mitigation procedures and the rebuilding of the affected areas.

Not all attics are easy to access. If your attic is challenging to work in, we can remove some building materials like sheetrock so we can access areas within the space. We perform controlled demolition to remove the materials to prevent unnecessary destruction to your house. Our team can extract the water and then dry the attic using air moving and dehumidifying equipment.

Restoring attics usually involves working with insulation. We can dry and save wet fiberglass insulation. It may not be possible to restore wet plaster or sheetrock under the insulation. Our team can remove and dispose of it properly. If the insulation is damaged, our team can use large insulation vacuums to remove it. Water-damaged insulation cannot function as well as new insulation. Replacing insulation is the right step. This may also be a chance for you to upgrade to more energy-efficient materials.

After a water loss incident, your attic may have mold growth or unpleasant smells. Our SERVPRO team can remove the mold and odors. We can also clean the attic space and wipe down affected surfaces with appropriate antimicrobial products.

When there is water damage in any part of your home, you need to take it seriously. Be sure to call SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos at (650) 591-4137 for quick and effective restoration of your attic. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about San Francisco.

Call SERVPRO of San Francisco For Your Water Cleanup Needs!

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vehicle parked in front of a white home. We know what your San Francisco home needs for water clean up, call anytime.

San Francisco, SERVPRO wants to be there for your water damage.

Many scenarios could leave your San Francisco home in critical need of professional water cleanup services. Something as small as a water supply line could cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home. Imagine a situation where the water supply line underneath the basin of your kitchen sink broke quite spontaneously. Gallons upon gallons of water would rush out onto your kitchen floor and beneath the toe-kicks of your cabinetry. 

The time that it takes for you to get to your water-shut off could be enough time to put your home in need of local San Francisco water cleanup services. When these kinds of scenarios do happen inside of your home, you must remain calm and reach out for help immediately. Quick and concise information can get a team of water damage restoration technicians (WRT) to your home even faster. 

Here at SERVPRO, we pride ourselves on our fast service times. No matter the time of your damage emergency, or the weekday, we're open and ready to help you. Our technicians are certified with the Institution of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC-certified). Furthermore, we have technicians with general contractor licenses, who can install drywall or lay down new floor tiles, if needed. At SERVPRO, we have your restoration needs covered. 

So, what would happen if the water supply lines under your sink broke and you phoned SERVPRO? Well, our technicians would rush to your home because We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Once there, we could get to work straight away, removing the standing water from your kitchen with wet/dry vacuums. 

Furthermore, our techs could use infrared cameras to search for any hidden pockets of water that should be addressed, especially under your cabinetry. Once the standing water has been cleaned up, we can run some moisture level tests and spray an antimicrobial agent. Using the agent lessens the chance of mold growth significantly. Once we were to finish the job, we could then return your home to you.

If something breaks down on your property and causes water damage, always get help immediately. Communicate with SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos by calling (650) 591-4137. No matter what the time is, our technicians are ready to help. 

To find out more about San Francisco, click here.

We Are Faster To Any Size Disaster In San Fransisco

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Shelves of our equipment in our warehouse We have to be equipped and ready for any emergency. Call us right away we are available 24/7 to help you with your flood damage.

Essential Issues to Address When Dealing With Flood Damage Incidents in San Francisco

One of the reasons why flooding incidents in San Francisco are loathed is the kind of filth they leave in the affected property. Restoring such property to the preloss state requires effort and time, especially if one wants to save more items. Seeking professional help can ease the cleanup process by addressing several issues that crop up, including:

  • Contamination and microbial growth
  • Deterioration of materials
  • Soiling
  • Debris pile up


Different types of contaminants accumulate in the houses hit by flood damage incidents in San Francisco. Before the floodwater reaches the house, it collects chemicals and biological agents, among other contaminants, from the areas it flows over. Such contaminants end up in the materials the water intrudes. Exposure to water also creates perfect conditions for microbial growth. Restoring preloss conditions is only possible after cleaning all the contaminants. Our SERVPRO technicians start by removing all porous materials left wet after the incident because they act as reservoirs for contaminants. We use detergents and other professional cleaning agents to remove all traces of contaminants from the rest of the building.

Water intrusion affects many materials in the house in different ways. Some swell, change color, or lose normal structural form. It is possible to save some like solid wood through cleaning and moisture control. Our SERVPRO technicians can create drying chambers to help save hardwood floors. We also ventilate wall cavities to dry studs and frames. Other materials such as drywall and carpets are unsalvageable, so we remove them for disposal.

Soiling is typical in the aftermath of flood damage with silt and mud being the common soils left. Fabrics can also spill dyes due to water action leading to stains. Cleaning all affected areas and contents thoroughly is a vital part of the restoration process. Our SERVPRO technicians use various approaches, including pressure washing, to remove stubborn soils.

The road to recovery after flooding incidents in San Francisco, Redwood City, or Foster City can be tough. Call SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos at (650) 591-4137 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about San Fransisco.

SERVPRO Is Ready To Restore Your San Fransisco Home 24/7

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

Inner wall cavity drying in a room of a home The inner wall drying system drys the walls from the inside and when it is done a simple plast is all that is needed.

Saving Non-Valuable Priceless Heirlooms from Water Damage in San Francisco

One thing about water damage restoration is every job site has different priorities, even though the same end result wanted is complete restoration. For example, in one water loss situation, one of the first things someone may wish to remove from their home is their photo albums with their children's photos and notes about early developmental accomplishments. Everyone has things in their residence that may not have a monetary value, but are priceless just the same.

When SERVPRO handles water damage for San Francisco residents, the technicians compassionately listen to clients, so they know the items of the most worth to the homeowners. A wedding album may only have a value in the dollar amount of the cost as far as the insurance company goes, but its contents are priceless to the couple who have all their photographic memories of their special day stored inside.

Why SERVPRO?

Along with restoration services for the structure and contents, technicians have access to the latest technological advancements in the industry along with their continued education in the restoration sciences to ensure the best outcome for every loss situation, including for contents that are uniquely priceless.

Numerous Cleaning Methods

There is more than one cleaning method. SERVPRO technicians carefully test items before cleaning to ensure colorfastness, resistance to shrinkage, staining, and spotting before choosing from their diverse array of cleaning solutions, including specialized mixtures such as foam and immersive cleaners. They also have access to equipment for drying books and papers, and in cases of specialty items, they coordinate with industry professionals to work with the items on a case-by-case basis.

Pack-Out as Needed

When the water damage area in the home is extensive, the ambient humidity levels rise and affect contents left in the vicinity with both the potential for damage from exposure to continual moisture as well as mold growth, particularly on books, papers, and photos. SERVPRO technicians perform organized pack-outs as needed to remove undamaged items to a safe, secure area until the completion of restoration services to the property.

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos at (650) 591-4137 is available 24/7 to handle any water damage to local properties. Our certified, knowledgeable technicians arrive within an hour of your initial call because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

See more about San Fransisco.

Our Certified Professionals Are The Leader In Water Damage Restoration In San Fransisco

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

two of our drying equipment set up in a bedroom of house after the floors were hit with water damage When our customer came home to a large amount of water in her bedroom, she contacted us right away for water removal services.

Why SERVPRO Water Damage San Francisco

In San Francisco, water is everywhere. It helps define our city and most residents love it; until they wake up to a couple of inches in their home. Fortunately, when it comes to most water intrusions, it usually comes from treated sources like inlet pipes. That eliminates the need for cleaning in most cases so restoration agencies can quickly move on to restoration.

So why SERVPRO for water damage in your San Francisco home? Even an inch or two of water that rests on floors overnight can cause damage; only a professional can fully restore. That includes not just wood floors, but furniture as well. Our restoration crews train to handle these issues and more.

When the furniture is affected, crew members remove it from the flooded area and place it on blocks or pallets to drip and dry naturally, without accidentally staining floors or carpets. If it appears that the varnish or another stain may run or bubble before the item dries, they carefully place fans to increase air circulation and evaporation. If the varnish already bubbled and ran, they can make repairs to small areas or completely strip the old varnish and cover the item with a new coat is the damage is larger.

Wood flooring can absorb an incredible amount of water damage overnight and also allow it to seep into the sub-floor. SERVPRO crew members use moisture meters that measure the water content of the floorboards, and if it is high, they set up air movers that push warm, dry air over the affected parts of the floor. Crew members can adjust the temperature and speed of the airflow, allowing them to dry any floor without causing secondary damage like splitting or cracking the wood.

If our crews find water underneath the floor, they can remove it and dry the space using extraction wands and air movers. They drill or lift a floorboard from a spot usually under the furniture and quickly draw out the water. To remove the moisture and lower the humidity, crew members attach a hose to the air mover to direct air into the space and force out water trapped inside.

Our goal at SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos is to quickly provide a dry, safe home for every resident after a disaster. If this is what you want for your home, call us today at (650) 591-4137 to schedule a visit and begin the restoration process.

See more about San Fransisco.

How do San Francisco Homeowners Handle Property Damage? SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos to the Rescue!

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos is ready to meet property restoration needs in San Francisco. Our Green Fleet is on call 24/7.

Why Professional Restoration Services are Vital for Limiting Loss to San Francisco Homes

While DIY is never the recommended cleanup method for home disasters in the San Francisco from fire damage, water loss, flash floods and storms, earthquake or even mold, there are actions homeowners can take before help arrives. 

Water damage in a San Francisco home is one of the most common types of loss that occurs. Take a minute and think of your own home, imagine all the places a pipe could leak, water tank seal failure or an accident such as forgetting a bathtub faucet was on and the tub overflows, where would the water go in your home? Since water follows the path of least resistance and goes where gravity takes it, it would stream down into your flooring. In an upstairs bathroom, it results in water removal required for floor joists and ceiling in the floor below, compounding the problem. 

Before SERVPRO arrives to perform water extraction, there are things homeowners can do to limit loss, only if it is safe to do so, such as:

  • Mopping or blotting up excess water you can see from surfaces
  • Removing small items from the floor and tabletops to a dry area
  • If water damage is from a pipe break, turn off the water in the home
  • Put furnishings on wet carpeting up on blocks with foil, so the wood stain does not leech into the carpet or area rugs 

Our team members hold certifications as Water Restoration Technicians and have the training and knowledge to scope the residence with advanced moisture detection devices to determine where water migrated and decide on the best kind of specialized equipment to use dependent on the type of water loss in the home. After extraction, we dry the property followed by disinfection of all water-affected surfaces. 

Storm damage in San Francisco residences has many of the same concerns as other types of water damage, with a difference. There are two main types of water that enter the home-flash flood, which is groundwater and rainwater from events such as a damaged roof or broken window. While rain entering an attic poses no real threat from potential contamination, groundwater brings everything it has come into contact with into the property. 

Due to the danger of slip and fall accidents, we do not advise residents to do any activity that brings them into contact with flood-damaged areas of the home unless it is safe to do so. The first concern of SERVPRO is for the safety of the residents. If there is a danger of electrical shock, we suggest not remaining on-site. We have the equipment to test the water to determine the level of toxins or contaminants. If the water is more than two inches deep, we have submersible pumps, so there are zero delays in water removal from the home. If any part of the structure has damage beyond the possibility of restoration, we are licensed general contractors #937457 for the State of California and not only perform restoration services but also reconstruction as approved and needed. 

Drying and disinfection occur during floodwater mitigation, much like other water damage scenarios. However, after flood damage in a home, there are often odors left behind. Thorough drying and cleaning often reduce the residual scents, but more robust applications are sometimes required, such as ultra-low volume fogging which delivers an odor-neutralizing fog to eradicate musty odors. 

Fire damage in San Francisco homes brings different challenges to our certified Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians. One of the most helpful things residents can do before our technicians arrive is to turn off their HVAC and stay out of fire-damaged areas. These actions assist in reducing the potential for the spread of soot in other areas of the house. 

Containment is vital during fire cleanup and restoration. The two most common methods SERVPRO technicians use are negative air chambers or simple containment using heavy plastic over doorways and vents. We then do any necessary fire debris removal and determine the restorability potential of smoke-damaged items. 

Smoke odors can be particularly stubborn to remove because when the air becomes hot, it expands. This expansion causes odor-causing soot particles to embed into porous objects. Our certified Odor Control Technicians have different types of equipment to handle any level of smoke odors. While time-release gel pellets or hand-cleaning with our professional-grade formulas assist with removing light odors, machines such as a hydroxyl generator use UV rays to capture airborne odor-causing soot particles and neutralize them. 

Once SERVPRO technicians complete fire and smoke damage mitigation of the property, we provide the homeowner and adjuster with our unique Contents Claim Inventory Service that is a detailed report that catalogs every step of the restoration services including before and after photographs to assist in expediting insurance claims. 

One of the most common DIY treatments SERVPRO technicians see in San Francisco homes with mold damage is the application of bleach or vinegar to kill visible colonies. In some cases, this action kills the visible colonies, but unless the circumstances halt that are encouraging spore germination and growth, the infestation is likely to return. 

Our technicians scope the area to determine areas of excess moisture, which can lead to additional mold colonies that are not visible such as within wall cavities. Our certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians ascertain the reasons for the favorable conditions in the home supporting mold growth and the repairs necessary to end the infestation. 

Much like fire damage mitigation, during mold remediation, containment is an essential part of the cleanup. This action inhibits airborne spores from spreading. After drying, we remove any visible traces of colonies and treat the areas with antimicrobial cleaners and sealers when needed to impede the return of mold. 

Why SERVPRO? We know residents in San Francisco have choices for restoration services. Our technicians go through extensive training as taught through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to learn the best practices for any home loss. 

The SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos emergency response team is ready to assist homeowners with any type or scale event that requires restoration services. Contact us 24/7 at (650) 591-4137, and we arrive soon after your call because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

https://sf.gov

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Call The Experts At SERVPRO When Your San Francisco Home Is Damaged By A Flood!

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Many problems can pop up after a flooding incident but involving a professional restoration company helps to overcome them.

Why SERVPRO Cleans Up Flood Damage In San Francisco Effectively

The soiling, debris, and contaminants left by a flood can be overwhelming. As floodwaters flow, they collect all types of wastes including silt, raw sewage, fuel oils and other chemicals from the areas they pass through before dumping them into your property. Various cleaning actions are necessary to eliminate all the wastes. Our IICRC certified restoration crews are highly skilled and have access to advanced equipment to help deal with any issues that arise.

Fast water removal helps to limit the effects of flood damage in San Francisco. Among other things, it limits the chances of microbial growth, which would otherwise complicate the cleanup process further. In case the water level is high, it might not be possible to extract it immediately. In such a case, moving contents away from the property or to rooms in higher levels of the property limits their exposure. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on different high-capacity water extraction tools including submersible pumps and truck-mounted water extractors to remove floodwaters from the property fast. We also handle any necessary move outs saving your contents from unnecessary exposure to contaminated floodwaters.

Thorough removal of soils and contaminants, left by the floodwaters is essential. Sometimes water pushes the debris into concealed areas which if left unaddressed can lead to bad odors and other problems. Our SERVPRO technicians take several steps to ensure thorough removal of these materials. We perform flood cuts on walls two feet above the water line. We also remove countertops and other fixtures creating room for thorough cleanup. We spray EPA-registered disinfectants in the affected areas and use power washers to remove all traces of soiling and contaminants.

Floods introduce excess moisture into the affected property, and if left unaddressed, it can lead to many problems later on. For example, when exposed to high moisture levels, wooden floors buckle or rot. Even high levels of humidity can cause mold to form on fabrics like draperies, carpets and other organic materials like insulation and drywall. Our SERVPRO technicians take measures to dry the affected surfaces and minimize excess humidity. In most cases, we create a closed drying system with small drying chambers made from hanging plastic sheets, expediting the moisture removal process.

Many problems can pop up after a flooding incident but involving a professional restoration company helps to overcome them. Call SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos at (650) 591-4137 to help.

Click here for more about San Francisco.

SERVPRO, San Francisco, Floods, and "Like it never even happened."

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

The Gateway to Flood Water Removal in San Francisco Is Through SERVPRO

Fast Response to Flooding in Your San Francisco Home

You cannot always predict when a disaster can strike your San Francisco property, but preparedness can help you to get the right assistance when that need arises. With the severe weather that can sweep in from the Pacific, many homes throughout our service area find themselves at risk for structural damages from high winds, torrential rainfall, and other treacherous conditions. Newly exposed vulnerabilities on the outside of your house can allow for runoff and rainfall to easily find its way inside and spread out quickly to affect a wide area of your property.

Finding the help that you need to combat flood damage in your San Francisco property is not difficult, but planning can help reduce the possibility of irreparable damage and unnecessary demolition for affected materials in your house. By calling our SERVPRO team right away when flooding occurs, we can dispatch our emergency response team to your address with our advanced equipment to remove floodwaters quickly and begin the vital task of drying out the damaged elements.

Our franchise commits itself to respond to the emergencies of our customers as quickly as we can. We understand how every minute in these situations makes a difference, so we stay ready for disasters whenever they might strike. Our emergency response team is available 24/7 with the personnel and the equipment to mitigate your loss from the moment that we arrive on site.

The comprehensive approach to restoration gives our customers the most efficient results. If you have flood insurance, we work with your adjuster to expedite the service. With having a licensed contracting division, our SERVPRO franchise can rebuild and reconstruct removed structural elements or demolished areas of the property too greatly damaged by flooding to salvage. Customers do not have to wait between mitigation and restoration for the building services to begin by a separate contractor, and our ability to offer all of these vital steps saves our customers time and money.

Flooding can be a challenge to overcome, but our SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos restoration specialists are a wise choice. With our training and fast response, we can help to preserve your flood-damaged property to restore the property quickly. Give us a call anytime at (650) 591-4137.

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Kick Out Mold From Your San Francisco Home With SERVPRO

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

Rest assured when SERVPRO is parked outside your home mold is being kicked to the curb.

What is Mold Remediation for Your San Francisco Residence?

Many San Francisco homeowners do not view every setback or incident in their home as an excuse to call in the cavalry and have someone else take care of the mess and damages left behind. Most homeowners feel so strongly about taking care of situations on their own that they do not always see when a circumstance genuinely requires intervention from highly trained professionals with advanced equipment.


When San Francisco homeowners consider mold damages, they rarely think of how easy these conditions can develop in their residence. With mold spores being active and present in almost every environment, the only missing component to allow colonization is often a damp area of your house where these mold spores can thrive. Once this process has begun, the damages can spread quickly to the point of being out of control. You need professional mold remediation, and our highly trained SERVPRO technicians can help.


You might be among a large group of homeowners that are unclear about what mold remediation is and why it can benefit you individually. This niche of the restoration industry focuses on removing present mold from the property and restoring the damage that the organism has caused. Our SERVPRO team has gotten comprised of highly-knowledgeable technicians who pursued extensive training to obtain their IICRC-certifications in remediation to provide our customers with high-quality, efficient service.


As a homeowner experiencing mold growth in your house for the first time, you want to protect the property and the belongings you have throughout the affected area above all else. Our team can help you by removing the at-risk items while the remediation is underway, but also through extensively drying the damaged elements to prevent further degradation or spread of the active colonies.


While the discovery of mold within your house might be cause for alarm for many homeowners, you can have some peace of mind with the right choice in professional remediation. You can count on our experienced, and well-equipped SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos applied microbial remediation technicians to remove the mold colonies fast. Give us a call today at (650) 591-4137.

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When Mold Has Taken Over Your San Francisco Home, The Team You Can Trust To Help Is SERVPRO!

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

With a 24-hour response team available to you, our technicians can arrive shortly after your initial discovery of mold growth in your home.

The Risks Of Mold Growth In Your San Francisco Home

Many threats to your San Francisco home can develop over time instead of happening all at once. With a situation like a mold growth that can affect so many homes within the service area, it can be a challenge to know what to do. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that they can handle this organism on their own or that the problem goes away on its own by ignoring the symptoms. You need professional remediation services, and this should happen as soon as possible.

With significant misinformation about mold damage in San Francisco homes on the internet, many do not realize the effects that microbial growth can have on structural elements in their home or the health of the occupants within the property. Our SERVPRO applied microbial remediation technicians can help you to quickly manage the spread of the organism within your home and remove the colony entirely through our advanced equipment and expertise.

With a 24-hour response team available to you, our technicians can arrive shortly after your initial discovery of mold growth in your home to prevent the situation from getting worse. We have antimicrobial solutions that we can spray on unaffected and lightly affected surfaces to prevent fungal growth from happening, helping to negate new colonies from forming throughout the affected areas.

With our advanced equipment available to our technicians on-site, we can effectively reduce the present moisture throughout the affected areas as well. Our industrial-strength dehumidifiers can dramatically reduce or eliminate moisture in affected areas of your home, and our SERVPRO technicians can work to resolve and repair the source of the water damage to prevent continual conditions that support mold and microbial growth.

When it comes to removing mold and preventing recurrences in your home, you need knowledgeable professionals with the equipment to remove the colony quickly. Our SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos applied microbial remediation technicians can help. Give our rapid response team a call anytime that you need us at (650) 591-4137.

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5 Types of Carpet Cleaning

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Steam Cleaning

By Clay Barry

I’m a second-generation carpet cleaner. My father owned an area rug and wall-to-wall carpet cleaning company that was established in the early 1950’s. As a little boy I hung around my dad’s shop on Saturdays. When I got a bit older, I would go there after school to learn how to clean the fringes on Persian rugs. 

My family moved to San Mateo in 1968 and two years later we moved to Foster City. Since then, during my working lifetime I have seen the evolution of on-location carpet cleaning (and location water damage mitigation). 

I know there is confusion about which cleaning system is best, shampoo, steam or dry cleaning? I can help you understand the difference between the various carpet cleaning systems.

Today, there are actually five types of on-location carpet cleaning in use for wall-to-wall carpets. This article will not address area rug (Oriental rug) cleaning. Instead, I will discuss the different, “modern” cleaning methods for wall-to-wall carpet cleaning. This material will be presented in the chronological order in which the cleaning methods were introduced to the consumer: Shampoo, Hot Water Extraction, Dry Methods, Bonnet and Encapsulation.

Please understand that each of these methods of cleaning will do a reasonably good job as long as a trained professional properly performs the work. Where does this training come from?

In the United States, the carpet cleaning industry is primarily educated by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification IICRC. This leading institute has a governing board that is comprised of members from the carpet manufacturing industry, installation industry, cleaning chemical and cleaning equipment manufacturers, scientists and health professionals. Even government agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are represented. There are other trade associations such as the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) that also provide education for carpet cleaners. All of these associations have evolved along with the carpet industry. As the physical content of carpet fibers and carpet construction techniques have changed, the associated industries have modified their cleaning agents as well as equipment and products to stay current. Lets examine some of this history.

1930’s: In the very early days of wall-to-wall carpet installation, wool was the principle fiber used for the face yarn. Jute or hemp fibers were often used in the construction of carpet backings. In that era, carpet pads were usually made from horsehair (felt). Shampoo cleaning was the most appropriate method for cleaning those carpets. Shampoo cleaning did not have to use a lot of water. This was critical because a serious over wetting during cleaning often ruined those carpets by causing materials to shrink and dye colors to bleed. 

1950’s / 1960’s: After the Second World War, our population exploded.  The resulting housing construction boom called for more wall-to-wall carpets than ever. This demand outstripped wool production. Kodak, DuPont and Allied Fibers introduced synthetic (plastic) fibers along with new carpet backings that were virtually waterproof. The backing materials and underlayment (pads) evolved. By the end of the 1960’s, during the transition from natural to synthetic fibers, steam cleaning (today called hot water damage) became the preferred method. Carpets were being manufactured to withstand more moisture. Cleaning equipment manufacturers developed synchronized high-pressure water sprayers and powerful extraction vacuums to clean these manmade materials.  Finally “steam” carpet cleaners could use pressurized water to flush and rinse the dirt and cleaning agents away.

It was during the transition era of wool carpets to synthetics that the first “dry” systems of carpet cleaning were developed. A highly successful franchise was built upon the ingenious use of corncobs being ground into a spongy powder that was saturated with dry-cleaning solvents to be spread across carpet surfaces to absorb soils. The spongy bits of corncob fiber were brushed into the fibers to adsorb soils.  When the little bits of spongy corn cob dried they could be vacuumed away.  However, these and other dry methods didn’t make much of an impact on carpet cleaning until the 1970’s as you will discover next.

1970’s: Unfortunately, when water extraction cleaning is not performed properly, carpets can become or remain over-wetted. Synthetic fibers won’t shrink, but the adhesives that hold the carpet layers together can delaminate. Wet carpets can also cause water damage to furniture. Molds may develop and sour smelling air often permeates the indoor environment. These kinds of negative experiences happened when low priced, portable cleaning equipment became readily available to the public.  Unfortunately, the do-it-your-self crowd wetted and damaged a lot of carpeting. There was also a wave of “part time and weekend cleaning companies” without advanced training who gave a bad reputation to steam cleaning in general. This opened the door for a new batch of “dry” carpet cleaning companies. In fact, aggressive franchises advertised the advantages of “space age chemical technology” that could solve or prevent the over-wetting problems caused by “steam” cleaning. Dry cleaning methods used minimal moisture and they did an excellent job of surface cleaning. Carpets were dry and ready for use in just a couple of hours.

Advertising savvy dry carpet cleaners made a strong argument. However, as time went by, the public became aware that dry cleaning systems left a great deal of chemical residue in the carpets. The public noticed that high levels of cleaning chemical residue caused fibers to rapidly re-soil. Concerns arose over indoor air quality. During the next three decades steam and dry cleaners battled each other for public acceptance.

1990’s: Bonnet cleaning became a meaningful “comprise” method of cleaning. Let me explain what I mean by “compromise”. Shampoo carpet cleaners always reasoned that their system gently scrubbed and agitated the fibers. Scrubbing action is a good cleaning feature. Steam (hot water extraction) advocates spoke about the benefits of heat and the rinsing action that their water based system provides. Heat has proven to activate cleaning agents. Rinsing removes residues. Dry cleaners promoted the benefits of advanced chemistry… low moisture and rapid drying. Each system of carpet cleaning offers distinct advantages. However, bonnet style carpet cleaners believe their system combines the best parts of the other cleaning systems. Let me explain.

Bonnet cleaning utilizes thick, cotton pads that are dampened with water combined with various cleaning agents. These pads are fitted onto shampoo cleaning machines. The prepared pad is methodically worked across the surface of the carpet to gently agitate the fibers and to loosen the soil. With skillful operation, bonnet cleaning will provide more than just surface action. It can provide a deep cleaning. As soon as an area of carpet has been treated, the cleaning pad is removed and replaced with a clean, dry cotton pad, which is spun over the surface of the damp carpet to adsorb the moisture (and soils) from the fibers. The carpet is left fairly dry and ready for use within thirty minutes to a couple of hours. 

By the way, dry bonnet pads can be utilized in another way.  A dry bonnet pad can be spun over the surface of damp carpeting that has just been wet cleaned by, either, shampoo or hot-water extraction methods to provide an additional measure of extraction. Doing so will accelerate overall drying. While bonnet cleaning seems to be a versatile, effective, popular carpet cleaning system, cleaning technology is constantly evolving and changing.

2000’s: Recently, the IICRC has endorsed the encapsulation method. Today, many of the leading manufacturers are promoting “encapsulation” as the latest advancement. Some encapsulation systems use a new design of rotary brush to apply the cleaning agent and agitate the fibers. However, the more dramatic advancements are in the area of chemistry. Revolutionary polymer encapsulation cleaning agents blended together are able to target different soils in one application, capture these soils and, then, dry (cure) them into tiny crystals to be vacuumed away.

The science of encapsulation has become so popular among carpet cleaners that some of the chemical manufacturers are now making their liquid cleaners for use with bonnet machines and even for use with hot water extraction equipment. There are still old timers who are performing shampoo carpet cleaning… and some of the “encapsulation chemical companies” are making encapsulating shampoo just for them.

Let’s distill all this information down to practical application. What is the best carpet cleaning system for someone who owns or manages investment property? My best advice is to focus on finding the right company. My criteria for the right company would be:
1.    Choose someone who is certified with the IICRC, 
2.    Someone who uses more than one cleaning technique, especially a combination of hot-water extraction and the latest bonnet-encapsulation.

There will be circumstances that demand both disciplines. For a greasy spill, hot-water combined with powerful vacuum extraction may be the most effective and inexpensive way to remove the majority of the source material. Then, if required, a bonnet method can also be used to provide further “extraction” drying. There will be other situations in which quick turnaround of rental property is required, a bonnet encapsulation method is a great answer. 

When it comes to maintaining carpeting, it’s not just the overall cleaning method that has to be considered. Specialty spot cleaning and deodorization skills must be part of a professional carpet cleaner’s offering. When it comes to spots and spills, there is no one carpet cleaning method or “miracle cleaning agent” that does it all. Wine spills, candle wax drippings, blood, pet urine and chewing gum blobs happen, and their successful removal requires special treatments, advanced skills and experience.

Find a carpet cleaner you feel comfortable with, one who has experience, shows up on time, charges a reasonable price, and is able to enhance a carpet’s appearance. If he practices two systems of carpet cleaning, not just one system, that could be a real advantage.

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos would be pleased to provide carpet cleaning for your residence or commercial facility.

Clayton Barry is a second-generation cleaning expert. He is a partner in one of the largest SERVPRO franchise operations in America, SERVPRO of Belmont/San Carlos and licensed territory also includes Foster City and Redwood Shores.

Are you SERVPRO Ready?

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

When property disaster occurs at a business location, the operation of the business is often interrupted. Any interference in business operation can negatively impact the business and profitability of a company.

It is imperative that the damage to a commercial establishment be contained and repaired quickly so the impact of business is minimized.

SERVPRO of Belmont/San Carlos is an experienced specialist in restoring commercial properties. We have worked at many restaurants, office buildings, manufacturing plants and retail establishments in Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos and Redwood Shores.

When a property disaster happens many things can go wrong and quickly. Let’s use a burst pipe flooding as our example. While each building and business will face its own specific situations, these following items are fairly common problems:

1 - Portions of the structure will get wet and may need to be removed and replaced. 2 - Water service may be interrupted. 3- Electric service may also be compromised. 4 - Office equipment and manufacturing equipment could be ruined or in need of repair. 5 - Production and assembly processes may be compromised. 6 - Employee safety is in jeopardy (Slip hazard / risk of electrocution) 6 - Alarms, telephones, computers may not function reliably. 7- Elevators don’t work. 8 - HVAC systems compromised

An experienced commercial mitigation specialist should also provide solutions to business interruption. That’s why SERVPRO of Belmont/San Carlos provides restoration management services beyond just the initial emergency response of water extraction and structural drying, such as:

Water extraction, humidity control, document drying, emergency power, emergency lighting, security services, electronics cleaning and repair, HVAC system cleaning and service, elevator repair, communications systems restoration, structural repair, plumbing repair, temporary office modules, temporary fencing and toilets, OSHA safety inspection services, Industrial Hygienist services, consultation and more.  

 Being a great commercial mitigation and restoration company, is much more than simply drying a building. It is helping a company get back into operation as quickly as possible. 50% of companies fail within one year of having a disaster. It’s not because they don’t have insurance or resources. It’s because too much time goes by allowing clients to go to competitors.

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos provides a free Emergency Ready Plan that can help any business be ready for a disaster. Preparedness reduces the down time and that improves the chances for a company to return to profitability after suffering a disaster.

Sewage Happens

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage Spill Cleanup

Our SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos expert technicians are certified and trained to follow USA-EPA, OSHA and IICRC guidelines and special “standards” regarding sewage spill cleanup. The EPA is concerned with public safety. OSHA is concerned about the health and safety of restoration workers and persons in proximity to cleanup worksites. The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It is an international association considered to be the leader in training and education for the mitigation and restoration industry. The IICRC classifies sewage as: category 3 water, in their S500 Standards & Reference Manual. Please review our summary of this:

Sewage spills are called Category 3 water. They represent grossly unsanitary water that contains pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. It has the potential for causing major illness and infections in some persons. Its presence and lingering effects can cause the affected building’s environment to become unhealthy. Thus, highly porous and most semi-porous building materials should be removed and replaced. Sewage or unsanitary water entering a building from outdoors or from a toilet bowl overflow will be extracted and the carpet and pad will be removed and disposed if it were wetted. Cabinets and vanities will be carefully detached and removed while the surrounding wet walls and insulation will be cutout and disposed. The remaining building materials and framing will be cleaned, sanitized and dried before the damaged building is reconstructed.         

The drying process is performed with great care to prevent bacteria particles from becoming airborne. Our special air cleaning equipment is installed at each Category 3 work location to insure that health and safety requirements are met.                               

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos takes pride in performing mitigation and restoration projects, particularly restoring contaminated indoor environments by making them safe and like new again. Should you home or a commercial property suffer a sewage spill, please have the work performed by a skilled and certified company… we’re available! Call us at 650-591-4137.

SEWAGE CLEANUP, A NASTY JOB

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage Spill Cleanup

Our SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos expert technicians are certified and trained to follow USA-EPA, OSHA and IICRC guidelines and special “standards” regarding sewage spill cleanup. The EPA is concerned with public safety. OSHA is concerned about the health and safety of restoration workers and persons in proximity to cleanup worksites. The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It is an international association considered to be the leader in training and education for the mitigation and restoration industry. The IICRC classifies sewage as: category 3 water, in their S500 Standards & Reference Manual. Please review our summary of this:

Sewage spills are called Category 3 water. They represent grossly unsanitary water that contains pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. It has the potential for causing major illness and infections in some persons. Its presence and lingering effects can cause the affected building’s environment to become unhealthy. Thus, highly porous and most semi-porous building materials should be removed and replaced. Sewage or unsanitary water entering a building from outdoors or from a toilet bowl overflow will be extracted and the carpet and pad will be removed and disposed if it were wetted. Cabinets and vanities will be carefully detached and removed while the surrounding wet walls and insulation will be cutout and disposed. The remaining building materials and framing will be cleaned, sanitized and dried before the damaged building is reconstructed.         

The drying process is performed with great care to prevent bacteria particles from becoming airborne. Our special air cleaning equipment is installed at each Category 3 work location to insure that health and safety requirements are met.                               

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos takes pride in performing mitigation and restoration projects, particularly restoring contaminated indoor environments by making them safe and like new again. Should you home or a commercial property suffer a sewage spill, please have the work performed by a skilled and certified company… we’re available! Call us at 650-591-4137.

Free and Lunch and Learn Programs

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Owner Clayton Barry performing a training program.

We offer eductional programs to the community. For example, Lunch and Learn programs on a variety of topics are part of SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos’s commitment to consumer education. Classes are scheduled to include a breakfast or tasty lunch. Topics are always designed specifically for insurance agents, realtors and building engineers. We have programs that are fifteen minutes in length and expanded versions that are thirty minutes long. Programs can be customized for your organization to address information that is of special interest to you. These lively programs stimulate questions. You can expect to spend another ten to fifteen minutes providing answers. (These programs do not provide State approved educational credits. But, in some cases the presentations qualify as “safety training” meetings.)

SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos also provides Continuing Education (CE) classes about: water damage mitigation, Fire cleanup, Odor Control, Mold Education and even Ethics. These programs are approved by the California Department of Insurance and the Department of Real Estate. You can earn approved credits by attending these classes. There is no test, just a commitment on your part to attend the entire class. Most classes are two hours in duration. One class for realtors is three hours, as mandated by the State of California. Every class includes a complimentary lunch. We also perform live demonstrations of equipment and cleaning techniques whenever possible. Attendees love these demonstrations!

At SERVPRO of Belmont / San Carlos it our pleasures to provide your organization with information about the disasters and problems that can affect your properties and clients, and the remedies to make it "Like it never even happened." We have provided customized presentation for the San Mateo County Association of Realtors, among others. If you have interest in educational programs please call us at 650-591-4137.