What is the difference between flood insurance and regular homeowners’ insurance?

6/2/2023 (Permalink)

When it is storm season, it is imperative to have the right insurance coverage. There is peace of mind by having the right insurance to avoid costly expenses especially from natural disasters.

Flood Insurance

What is flood insurance? Flood insurance provides coverage for residential or commercial structures in the event of flooding for structure and contents.

Regular Homeowners’ Insurance

What is regular homeowners’ insurance? Regular homeowners’ insurance provides coverage for various situations such as water damage, fire damage, vandalism, mold damage, and certain natural disasters which protects your structure and contents.

What are the cost factors involved?

The costs involved with both types of insurance can vary based on factors such as where the property is located, the value, and the coverage required for the structure. Flood insurance costs more than regular homeowners’ insurance especially in a flood zone area. There is a higher risk for flood zones which will be a higher cost to insure the property.

What is the difference between the insurance coverage?

Flood insurance provides coverage against water damage from flooding to the structure and contents, whereas regular homeowners’ insurance may not provide protection against flooding depending on the policy available.

Understanding the different insurance options is essential for protecting your property during a flood event. Consider the specific needs and risks associated with the property. If there is water damage to your property, call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade at 916-285-7257 for emergency services. We are available 24/7.

Flooded House in Sacramento

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

A house can flood at any time! Flooding may occur when a pipe inside your home leaks or a toilet overflows. There are many reasons why a Sacramento house can flood. Listed below are several reasons.

-A blocked or failed pipe

-Heavy rain pooling around the house

-Storm sewer backup

-Water supply line break or hot water heater tank failure

The flooding in this Sacramento house was caused by washing machine overflow. We were on-site within an hour to provide emergency services and begin the water extraction process on the carpets. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade assesses the water damage and documents the damage to discuss with the insured’s insurance adjuster. Our franchise sets up drying equipment on the initial day of loss, followed by monitoring visits to determine if the structure is actually dry. If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to the Sacramento house, not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Keep in mind that the longer water damage is left, the worse the problem will get. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade specialize in water mitigation. Our team of technicians are highly trained in water restoration techniques to restore your property to its preloss state. We are a preferred vendor to many national insurance companies and we bill the insurance directly, so it is one less thing for our customers to worry about during this stressful time.

Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade at 916-285-7257. We are available 24/7 for all your water restoration needs.

How Do I Clean My Sacramento Property After Water Damage?

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can come in different forms, and each one can be equally damaging. For instance, water damage can be caused by recent storm damage, a burst pipe, fire fighting efforts, or from any other sources - the results will be the same: extreme damage to property that can disrupt your daily life. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade can assess the water damage and prevent further damage.

Mold will often follow a water damage event if not handled immediately, so it is essential to know how to clean your property afterward. You may want to rely on a professional water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade to help you get your premises cleaned up after a flood or other type of water damage.

What are some important steps to take when cleaning my Sacramento property after water damage?

First, call SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade. 

Here are some things you can do while you wait for SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade to arrive:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade at 916-285-7257 for water damage.

What Does The SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade Water Damage Restoration Process Look Like?

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment 

We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

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

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification 

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

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing 

We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning content using several techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration 

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade, we are water damage restoration specialists, and we have the necessary drying equipment and knowledge to help restore our Sacramento home or business to its preloss state. We can quickly provide water extraction services and begin the drying process, all while dealing with any mold growth that has occurred. Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade at 916-285-7257.

What Are Water Damage Categories at SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade?

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage to your Sacramento home or business can be the result of many different situations such as storms, burst pipes, firefighting efforts, or overflows. Did you know there are different classifications of water damage. Some water damage scenarios are small and manageable while others can be disastrous. The SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade team of technicians are well equipped to handle water damage events of all classifications. We will be on-site as soon as we receive your initial call.

So, what are the elements of each water damage category?

There are 4 Primary Classifications of Water Damage:

• Class 1 involves the least amount of water, absorption, and evaporation. It affects only part of the material that has absorbed minimal moisture. Little or no wet carpet or cushion is present.

• Class 2 involves a more significant amount of water, absorption, and evaporation. It affects at least an entire room of carpet and cushion (pad). Water has wicked up walls less than 24 inches. There is moisture remaining in structural materials and substructure soil.
  
  
• Class 3 involves much more significant amounts of water, absorption, and evaporation. This includes saturated ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, cushion, and subfloor.
  
• Class 4 relates to specialty drying. For example, situations involving wet materials with very low permeance/porosity. This includes hardwood, plaster, brick, concrete, lightweight concrete, and stone. Typically, there are deep pockets of saturation, which require very low specific humidity. These types of losses may need longer drying times and unique methods.

Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade for all your water damage needs at 916-285-7257.

Protecting Your Sacramento Home From Water Damage

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

There is nothing worse than water damage for a homeowner. It can often occur with little-to-no warning, leaving the homeowner completely unaware that there is an issue until the water damage is visible or significant. From weakening a structure - such as framing, walls, ceiling, and flooring - water damage creates an optimal environment for mold invasion. 

SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade believes that one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage is to be prepared in advance. Preparation can involve:

Maintenance

Maintaining the condition of your home is smart, both financially and with regards to safety, so keep an eye on the areas involving water. Windows and doors need to be kept in good condition, sealed well in advance of wet weather. Additionally, check the pipes under the kitchen sink, and provide regular care to prevent pipes bursting.

Flooding

If you live in an area that is near a river or creek, or if you have drainage ditches on your property, you will want to take the necessary precautions to ensure that rising waters of any kind will not get near your property, especially during rainstorms.

Spills

If you have a spill or accident in your home, such as an overflowing dishwasher, that can be a huge issue when it comes to the clean up. If the water is not managed properly and quickly, warped floorboards, baseboards, and carpeting can be the result. Take the steps you can to clean up standing water, and then give your friends here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade a call!

SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade can be on-site to help with any type of water damage emergency you have experienced. We handle all types of damage: water, fire, mold, biohazards and more! Give SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade a call at 916-285-7257.

SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade - The First Steps In Recovering After Water Damage

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

You will often have no idea that water damage has occurred. It can be due to a natural event, such as a rainstorm, an overflowing creek or river, or maybe just a big spill. Other times, it can be because an appliance or piping has sprung a leak. Some areas of your home or business are more likely to experience water damage than others; rooms with sinks, as in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas are always at risk, while low-lying areas such as basements and cellars are places that will be more likely to see water damage. So, what do you do? SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade will inform you of the first steps in recovering after water damage.

Recovery from water damage:

• Turn off all water sources immediately and soak up standing water using mops, or towels, blankets, and rags. Get ceiling or oscillating floor fans started to dry the affected areas as soon as possible. Make sure all electrical tools and machinery are away from standing water before you plug them in
• Remove and prop up all wet upholstery and cushions so that they can dry, and protect carpeting by placing wooden blocks under furniture legs

Safety precautions of water damage

• Refrain from using household appliances and ceiling fixtures while surfaces are wet
• Avoid rooms with sagging ceilings or warped flooring; inspect areas that have experienced large amounts of water to ensure there is no severe structural damage
• Wet materials are often extremely heavy; avoid moving anything that is difficult
• Never wade into water when you don’t know how deep it is or if you aren’t sure whether it is contaminated

When you experience a water damage event, keep SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade in mind. Our team of office staff and technicians have the experience and expertise you will need to manage through a water damage event. We are also experts when it comes to fire damage, mold remediation, and biohazards. Give SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade a call at 916-285-7257.

Water Damage in Tahoe Park

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

A customer had water damage in Tahoe Park throughout their entire home. In many situations, water damage affects the structural integrity of the property. Customers would then ask, what to do with their belongings when they experience water damage? Belongings can be the house furniture, clothing, personal keepsakes, and others. 

So, what services does SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade provide? We provide contents restoration, move-out/pack-outs, electronic cleanup, document and photograph drying. If you have any questions regarding water damage and what you can do in this situation, call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade at 916-285-7257.

Water Damage in Cal Expo, Sacramento

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

Wet carpet from water damage in Cal Expo, Sacramento. A customer called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade to inspect the severity of damage

A customer called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade when they had water damage in Cal Expo, Sacramento. The water damage left the customer with a wet carpet. Carpet is a porous material, meaning it is very absorbent and can soak up the water. You may ask, can you save a wet carpet? It will depend on many factors, the source of the water, how long the water has been present. Give SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade a call if you need a water damage inspection at 916-285-7257, we will determine if the carpet is salvageable. 

Some suggestions we have for you is, if the carpet has been soaked for a long period of time, there is a high chance that it may need to be removed and disposed of. However, if the carpet is wet because of a broken pipe leak, there is a chance to save it. Our team of technicians would use our water extractor to remove as much water from the carpet as we can. We set drying equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers to start the drying process. 

Water damage is serious, it is best to resolve these issues as soon as it arises. Do not wait because it can cause further damages. Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade if you notice water damage in your home! We service the local areas: Sacramento, East Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, North Oak Park, Tahoe Park, Elmhurst, Wilhaggin, Carmichael, and Cal Expo.

Water Damage in Orangevale

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

A customer had water damage in their basement in Orangevale home, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade came to inspect the water damages!

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade received a call about water damage in Orangevale. A recent customer had water damage in their basement. Many insurance companies will claim that most homes that have a basement will experience water damage at least once. The most common reason for floods or water damage in the basement is because of heavy rain into an overflowing gutter, but anything can happen, like a leaking pipe or sewage backup. 

Over time, water damage can cause mold growth which in turn damage the structure of the home, such as the walls and the floors. 

The best thing to do in this situation is to call for a professional mitigation and restoration company who deals with water damage. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade deals with all types of damage restoration work, water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, biohazard cleanups and so much more! Just give us a call at 916-285-7257 for an initial water damage inspection! We want to help prevent further damage.

Water Damage in Gold River

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade use moisture meters to determine the moisture content in walls from water damage.

Rainstorms are a common cause of water damage for many properties during the winter season. Rainstorms often lead to roof leaks. A recent customer had water damage in Gold River. They noticed a roof leak that affected the drywall near the fireplace, and called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade after realizing the drywall texture is soft to the touch. 

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade can provide initial inspections for you to determine the extent of the water damage. Upon arriving at the job site, we were shown the affected area. With our moisture meters, it reads whether the surface has moisture content or not. There was moisture behind the fireplace. We also determined the drywall, baseboard, and the insulation are affected, wet materials. Removing the affected, wet materials is needed to inspect behind the fireplace for any further damage. 

If you have concerns about water damage, roof leaks from rainstorms, affected, wet materials in your home such as drywall or insulation, call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade. We are available 24/7 and provide emergency water services, if needed! Call us at 916-285-7257, we service the following local areas: Sacramento, East Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, North Oak Park, Tahoe Park, Elmhurst, Wilhaggin, Carmichael, and Cal Expo.

Water Damage in Elmhurst

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

When providing emergency water services, we bring equipment to begin the drying process. Here we have air movers to let air flow from the toe kicks.

Finding water damage can be overwhelming. A recent customer had water damage in their office in Elmhurst. As the customer was working, they noticed water throughout the building, in the conference room, the hallways, and the offices. Water damages can spread rapidly and you need to act fast. When SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade received the initial call, we dispatched a team of technicians to provide emergency services for water extraction. When the technicians arrived at the job site, a walk through was provided of all the affected rooms. Before the technician arrived, the customer shut off valves to toilets and the main water supply to the building to prevent further water damage. 

The equipment we used was the water extractor to remove water from carpet in all affected rooms. Because the carpet was still slightly damped, we set up critical containment to accelerate the drying process. We place drying equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers in all the affected rooms. Additionally, we removed several toe kicks and drilled holes in the interior walls to help speed up the drying process. After, we continually conducted monitoring to make sure the affected wet materials were drying well. There was significant progress and we pulled the equipment.

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade provides fast service to prevent further water damage. Call us, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade at 916-285-7257 if you have water damage. We service the local areas: Sacramento, East Sacramento, Carmichael, Sacramento State, Wilhaggin, Arden-Arcade, North Oak Park, Cal Expo, Tahoe Park, and Elmhurst. 

Water Damage in Carmichael

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Roof leaks can be problematic and cause further water damage if not taken care of immediately. Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade.

Roof leaks are problematic. Water can enter the home whenever, and the amount of water entering can either be small or large. The best thing to suggest is to contain or collect the water and then reach out to a restoration company. Now, what if it is an ongoing roof leak that happened a while back? This was the case for a customer who experienced water damage in Carmichael.

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade takes on water damages all the time. We understand that every water loss varies, but we can determine what kind of work needs to be done to restore your property back to normal. In this case, the cause of loss was the roof. Visually, our technician can see that the roof leak has affected a large portion of the ceiling and flooring, and a part of the exterior wall. We set up equipment, but we can determine that the wet materials will need to be removed. 

Throughout the water damage restoration process, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade documents and takes photos of the water damages for insurance purposes. We coordinate approvals of our work and communicate with your insurance adjuster. Once the adjuster approves our scope of work, we proceed to remove affected materials.

If you have a roof leak or water damage, and you are not sure what to do, call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade at 916-285-7257. 

Water Damage in La Riviera

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Rain storms have affected many residents in Sacramento. A customer had water damage in La Riviera recently, with water damage to their carpet and pad.

The recent rainstorm has impacted a number of Sacramento residents lately. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade is getting calls about water damage in La Riviera, Sacramento, CA. The customer noticed the carpet near the patio door was damp and wet from the rain storm, and called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade requesting that we pull up the carpet and place equipment to dry. Upon arriving at the job site, we did our initial inspection and determined the carpet and carpet pad are wet. Our team of technicians decided to place one dehumidifier and one air mover to dry it out, followed by daily monitoring. Basic monitoring is provided to check if the area is still affected. Sometimes, we just provide drying equipment, and other times we need to remove affected and wet materials. In this instance, the carpet and carpet pad were dry, so we removed the equipment and completed the job with no further water damage or potential mold growth. 

Every water damage loss is different, but SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade will determine what action to take and guide you through the process. Call us if you have water damage at 916-285-7257

Water Damage in North Oak Park

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

A commercial building had water damage in North Oak Park. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade arrived to remove water and our full services!

Water damage can come from many sources, a broken pipe, the supply line bursting, or even from rain storms. Recently, the Sacramento area has been caught in a rainstorm. Many homes and businesses have been experiencing water damages, and the call volume SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade have been ringing non-stop. 

A commercial building in Sacramento had given SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade a call after they had a roof leak, standing water in 2 of the office spaces and a portion of their warehouse. Upon receiving that call, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade dispatched a team of technicians to provide emergency water services for the water damage to this commercial building in Sacramento. 

Our technicians determined the source was a roof leak. The shingles were blown off during the high winds. We proceeded to extract/remove any standing water in the warehouse space, remove the wet materials such as drywall, flooring, and carpet, and set up scaffolding to assess the affected ceiling tiles. 

Water damage is a big deal if you let it linger for a long time. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade is quick to arrive at the site and provide a scope of work on what we can do for you when you have water damage.

Call us today if you have water damage at 916-285-7257, or refer us to your friend, family, or even neighbor if they need water damage restoration services! We provide water damage restoration service to the local area: Sacramento, East Sacramento, Carmichael, Sacramento State, Wilhaggin, Arden-Arcade, North Oak Park, Cal Expo, Tahoe Park, and Elmhurst!

Water Damage in Sacramento

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

A customer in Sacramento had water damage from a rain storm leak. It affected the wall and cabinet. SERVPRO came out to inspect!

Water damage is the most common cause for restoration services in both residential homes and businesses! Sometimes the cause of water damage is because of storms and floods, other times it is caused by broken supply lines, pipe brats, sewage backups, or an HVAC leak. Regardless of the cause of the loss, it can spread to areas like walls, floors, and the ceiling! The longer you ignore the current water intrusion, the chances of the water damage spreading is higher. 

This is where SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade can step in to help you! SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade is the trusted industry leader, and we specialize in many types of damage restoration services. From water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, biohazard cleaning, to COVID cleaning, and so much more!

A recent customer in Sacramento called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade after they noticed water damage in their kitchen. Because of the recent rain storm in Sacramento, it caused a high number of calls for water damage in the area. Water leaked through the roof. The customer noticed a pocket of water bubbling up between the wall and paint underneath the kitchen cabinets. The customer cut into the pocket to release the water. Even if there is only one noticeable area of water, that does not mean there is no more water. There is a chance the water may have traveled into other areas of the home affecting insulation and drywall. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade can provide initial inspections to determine if there is further water damage with the usage of moisture meters, and other equipment.

If you experience water damage from rain storms, floods, sewage backups, or pipe bursts. Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade. We are here to help and guide you through the process of water damage. Regardless of where you live in Sacramento, West-Arden Arcade, Cal Expo, North Oak Park, Tahoe Park, we want you to know that we are available to help. Just call us at 916-285-7257, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Water Damage in West Sacramento

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

This home in West Sacramento had water damage to the carpet and walls. We moisture mapped with blue tape to indicate what areas were wet.

Because of the recent rain storm, locals from the Sacramento area have been experiencing water damage. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade have been flooded with phone calls about water damage in residential homes and businesses. Water damage can be unexpected, no matter the precautions you take to prevent them.

A customer in Sacramento called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade when they noticed the carpet was wet. They believed rain had leaked through the patio door and the water had seeped into the carpet. When our technician arrived on site for initial inspection, we were shown the affected area. There was evidence of water staining on the baseboards and drywall. Equipment was set to dry the carpet and walls. When SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade places equipment to dry the affected area, we monitor the progress of the drying. 

If you notice water damage to your carpet, call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade. Oftentimes, water damage in the carpet can affect the carpet pad. The sooner it gets taken care of, the less damage there is in the long run. We are available 24/7 at 916-285-7257.

Washer and Dryer Water Overflow in Sacramento

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

This washer/dryer unit was the cause of loss in this Sacramento home. We provided an initial inspection and performed work to prevent further damage.

A customer from Sacramento called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade when they found that their washer and dryer unit in the upstairs had overflowed into the downstairs. 

We began by providing an initial inspection for the customer, we set up controlled engineering to stabilize the environment with equipment to begin the drying process. After a few days, the wet materials were still not fully dry, and we began the mitigation process. We removed the wet materials in the affected area which were: particle board and drywall where the washer and dryer unit were located on the second floor. The wet ceiling on the first floor was removed. We discovered organic growth (mold), and proceeded to chase the growth along the ceiling. Using a moisture reader, we found more moisture on an exterior wall, and proceeded to remove that affected material as well.

Our scope of work typically removes affected and wet materials to reduce further water damage in your home. We coordinate with your insurance adjusters prior to our work. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade is here to help you through anything. Give us a call today at 916-285-7257 for any water damage you may have in your home. Big or small, we handle it all!

Water Damage in Rancho Cordova

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

A customer had experienced water damage in Rancho Cordova and gave us a call to inspect the pipe leak. Water extraction and drying was the first step!

A customer recently called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade after noticing water damage to their carpet. 

We determined the cause of loss was a broken pipe. After performing moisture readings, we noted the  water damage has affected the carpet, carpet pad, baseboards and drywall. In a water damage situation, we begin with the water extraction process. As part of our mitigation efforts, we set our equipment (air scrubbers and dehumidifiers) to begin the drying process to the affected areas. During this time, our technicians monitor the water drying process to make sure it is effective. 

No water damage is too big or too small to handle, call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade today at 916-285-7257 for an initial inspection and estimate for water damage.

Water Damage to Subfloor in Arden Arcade

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

We are available 24/7 for any water damages in your home, call us at 916-285-7257.

It takes a quick minute to clean up spilled milk on the kitchen floor, but it can take days or even months to recover from water damage if there is a pipe leak or storm. 

If the severity of the water damage is extreme, does the entire structure need to be replaced?

Regardless, the mitigation, restoration, and construction to fix sections of subfloor or replace the entirety, is a big project. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade suggests addressing the water damage to the subfloor as soon as possible. 

What is a subfloor? Subfloor serves as a stable foundation for flooring. 

If you have water damage to your subfloor, call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade. We provide initial inspections, determine the source of the water damage, and provide equipment to begin the water extraction or drying process.

We service the following areas: Sacramento, East Sacramento, Carmichael, Wilhaggin, Elmhurst, Cal Expo, North Oak Park, Arden-Arcade, and Tahoe Park. We are available 24/7 for you at 916-285-7257.

Toilet Leak: Water Damage in Arden-Arcade

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

We are faster to any disaster, no matter how big or small. Call us if your toilet has a leak. We are here to provide mitigation services! 916-285-7257

Your toilet has backed up and the first thing you did was grab the towels to prevent water from spreading onto the carpet and hallway. Then you search ‘water damage restoration near me’. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade is the first to appear on your page. When you give us that initial call, know that we are ready to provide our services for you. 

Reasons your toilet has caused water damage are:

• The angle stop is loose or misadjusted valve assembly
• The supply line has a leak
• The tank or bowl has a crack
• Rusted pipes creating a crack
• The plumbing

A suggestion we have for you prior to our arrival is to shut off the main water supply to prevent further damages, doing so will minimize the cost of repairs.

Once we determine the cause of loss, we can proceed with mitigation and restoration services, or a plumber may be needed prior to our services. Regardless of the circumstances, we can provide the initial inspection to put your mind at ease. Call us today, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade for any water damages in your home. We serve the local areas: Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, East Sacramento, North Oak Park, Carmichael, Cal Expo, Tahoe Park, Wilhaggin, Elmhurst and more!

Water Damage in Light Fixture in East Sacramento

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

We had a customer call for a water damage in light fixture in East Sacramento. We provided an inspection and performed mitigation services immediately

You are aware that mixing water and electricity can be disastrous. Water that enters a building from above, like a roof leak or from water pipes in the attic, is likely to intrude into the wiring system. 

You notice your light fixture in the kitchen has a water ring. What do you do? If water is running from a light fixture, switch, or outlet; try to determine which circuit in the power distribution box is energizing that item and turn the circuit off. Do not turn on electrical appliances or fixtures that have been exposed to water or while you are standing on wet surfaces. Repair work on electrical wiring must be performed by qualified personnel only. This is where SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade can help! 

We are trained water restoration specialists that can help you remove excess moisture and remove water vapor by dehumidifying the air to prevent further water damage or even mold damage. Call us to inspect your human and return it to its pre loss condition at 916-285-7257!

Water Damage in Carmichael

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

We can mitigate water damage anytime, anywhere. We will make sure it is dry and restored to its preloss state.

Here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade, we provide various residential services. We understand that your most valuable asset is your home. You have invested your time, energy and hard earned resources to maintain your home; however, you notice there is water damage nearby the bathroom sink. The pipe underneath the sink has burst, flooding the bathroom tile floor and its surrounding areas. 

What is the most common cause of water damage?

• Busted or leaking pipes
• Faulty plumbing
• Buildup in areas prone to collecting water (crawl space, attic, basements, etc)
• Defective household appliances
• Malfunctioning HVAC systems
• Natural disasters or other weather-related events

As a professional water restoration company, we properly mitigate, dry, and restore water damaged structure and its contents. Call us today for an inspection for water damage, 916-285-7257!

Cupping and Crowning in Hardwood

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

This floor is cupping due to a recent water damage.

Wood naturally contains moisture, although the porous nature of wood will cause it to absorb more moisture when it encounters water. The nature of wood causes it to expand when it absorbs this excess moisture, and sometimes the wood can warp. These expanded boards may push against each other and buckle where the boards meet and may become permanent after the wood dries. Floors must be replaced if proper drying and refinishing cannot remove the damage.

Cupping and Crowning

Cupping occurs when water is absorbed from the sides and bottom of the wood. This normally happens when water pools underneath the wood during a water loss. The edges will slightly raise or “cup.” Cupping can often be sanded out.

Crowning occurs when the top of the wood holds more moisture than the sides and the bottom of the wood. This makes the wood arch or create a bowed shape in the middle. Most of the time you cannot sand out crowned flooring.

What to do?

Water on hardwood floors should be extracted immediately to prevent further damage. Wet carpets and pads over hardwood floors should be removed. Finished wood flooring may sometimes return to its original shape and be restored. It is important to utilize proper drying techniques with air movers and dehumidifiers to give the best conditions for restoration.

If your hardwood floors have been affected by water damage, give the pros a call at 916-285-7257! We would be happy to check it out for you. 

Note: Only hardwood floors affected by clean water should be restored. If your hardwood floor was affected by contaminated water, it should be removed by a professional. For more information on what to do when your home is damaged by contaminated water, click here.

Sacramento Water Damage Restorers

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

This equipment is set up in an optimal position to increase drying.

Our team at SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade understands how pivotal the proper equipment is to lessening the cost of a water damage. While speed is important to reducing the resulting damage, technology and equipment are essential to dry the structure. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade technicians are prepared to answer your call quickly and use their state-of-the-art-equipment to help dry a structure and personal property efficiently.

Using psychrometry, the study of the air and it’s properties, SERVPRO has developed professional equipment that measures and utilizes the properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure, and dew point to evaluate the air conditions in the structure. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade professionals are taught to use these numbers to create a proper atmosphere for effective drying. Restoration professionals are taught to manipulate temperature and humidity levels to produce prime drying conditions without causing secondary damage through improper drying processes.

Detection Equipment

When SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade professionals are first at your property, they will perform a scope, which involves locating the areas of the structure affected by water damage and defining the extent to which the structure and contents have absorbed moisture. Our technicians use moisture detection devices that are also used to verify an environment has been dried thoroughly.

• Moisture meters are instruments that is used to detect the moisture content in materials. Our moisture meters test moisture readings that enable our technicians to monitor the drying process.
• Moisture Sensors are instruments designed to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls.
• Thermo-hygrometers are used to measure temperature and relative humidity. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade professionals use this tool to create a psychrometric chart to calculate specific humidity, dew point, and vapor pressure.

Drying Equipment

When drying a structure, many tools are used to remove water from materials and provide mitigation services. Our SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade technicians are taught through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the standard setting non-profit organization that provides training for restoration technicians, to use psychometrics to dry a structure in the best way.

• Extractors are used to remove water from floors after a water damage. Extractors can be truck mounted or portable, weighted or handheld. The best way to respond quickly to a water damage is through extraction.
• Air Movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level to reduce drying time. When the airflow to the surface increases, the moisture in the air increases. The moisture is then eliminated from the air using dehumidifiers.
• Dehumidifiers are used to lower the relative humidity to increase the rate of evaporation. Dehumidifiers pull in the moist, humid air and discharging dry, warm air. This dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from wet materials. The two types of dehumidifiers are:
  • Refrigerant – work similarly to air conditioners
  • Desiccant – use chemicals to absorb moisture through the air

SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade uses quality equipment to help dry your structure every time. Call us at 916-285-7257 for a no-cost assessment of your property.

Water Damage FAQ

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

When a water damage occurs in your place of business, you may feel confusion and frustration. There seems like there is so much to do, and there are so many questions you might have! Here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade, we have heard it all. In this blog post, we hope to outline a couple questions you might have as a business owner or homeowner that has experienced water damage.

Q: What happens when my business takes on water damage?

A: When water contacts drywall, it sags and disintegrates. Then you’ll see paint bubbles and peeling as the water wicks up the drywall. After that, water saturates the insulation behind the drywall.

If water dwells in your property for any length of time, wood structures begins to swell. The glue holding your particle board kitchen and bathroom cabinets dissolves, causing them to crumble. The longer the water dwells in your property, the more likely it is that the hardwood floors will buckle and warp. Wood exposed to long-term water damage rots.

Water-soaked carpets “delaminate.” Delamination is the term for carpet that pulls away from its backing. Once this happens, the carpet is permanently ruined.

Water damage can short-out electrical systems. This can cause fire and shock hazards and damage to electronic equipment.

To see some photos of water damage to homes and businesses, click here!

Q: Why is water damage dangerous?

A: There are multiple types of water damage, that differ in intensity based on the amount of contaminants. Floodwater that comes from outside and from sewage backups contains dangerous contaminants like viruses and bacteria.

If water is left standing or saturated in a structure for 24-48 hours, structural damage and mold growth can ensue. Even water leaks that infiltrate your home slowly can cause damage to the building and lead to mold growth. Mold left unchecked will spread quickly through the home.

Q: How much does it take to restore my home or business?

A: It all depends on the size and scope of the loss. Completely drying a structure depends on the type of water damage, how bad it was, how long the water dwelled, and the type of building materials involved. In most cases, our goal to dry out water damage to a home or business is around 2 to 3 days. However, properties exposed to water damage for a long time will take longer to dry!

Q: Do I have to close my place of business during reconstruction and demolition?

A: If the property damage doesn’t require a lot of reconstruction, you can stay in your home or office.

However, the equipment we use during the drying process can be noisy. It also creates a lot of air movement which may be considered as unlivable or unworkable conditions.

If the bathrooms in your office, or the kitchen in your home are a part of the damaged area, check with your insurance company for reimbursement of alternate living expenses or business continuity expenses until the restoration job is complete.

Q: Should I ever turn off the equipment?

A: No! If it is off, it isn’t working! The specialized equipment works through duration of time, and our it is made to run continuously without overheating or causing safety problems. Remember, we position the equipment in a particular way to promote the drying process. Please don’t move it.

Since we know the noise might be problematic, we often suggest you call your insurance agent to see if your policy covers alternate living expenses or business continuity expenses.

Q: Can water damage be prevented?

A: When a water damage is an act of nature—there is not a lot you can do. Flooding happens, disasters happen, but not as often as it seems. While flooding is a frequent cause of water damage, most water damage is due to indoor plumbing failure. To prevent water damage, the key is regular maintenance and inspections of the following:

• Check your appliances (e.g., dishwasher, clothes washer, and water heater) to assure they are all in good working order. Check all water connections and hoses. Remember to do this even if you have the metal braided supply hoses.
• Check under your sinks for signs of corrosion and make sure connections are tight.
• Check the toilets in each bathroom for any signs of leaking.
• Monitor your water bills. A sudden, unexplained increase in water use can be caused by a leak.
• Finally, make sure everyone knows how and where to shut off the water to the property. If you ever are out of business for a significant amount of time—shut off the water. Some of the worst damages we have seen are when residents are out of town.

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Water Damage or Flooding? Call Us Today (916) 285-7257

Water Damage Restoration in Northern California

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

This water loss in Elk Grove shows the damage and mold that was growing under laminate flooring from a water loss.

Floating floors, usually referred to as Laminate Flooring are great looking, low cost flooring solutions. However, it is very important if you have a water loss that you have a professional inspect these floors for moisture with professional equipment.

Floating floors have a foam or plastic under-layment. When water hits these floors they almost always will get under the floorboards, and get trapped in-between the flooring and the under-layment. There it can sit for a long time and slowly get worse and worse without you even knowing about it.

To the normal eye it will appear as if the floor is completely normal and dry, but only professional moisture meters can truly tell you if there is hidden moisture that needs to be taken care of. If the issue is not addressed, Mold can literally begin to grow right under your feet. 

If your laminate floors have been affected by water damage, give the pros a call at 916-285-7257! We would be happy to check it out for you. 

Contaminated Water Cleanup

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

This home was completely damaged by contaminated water intrusion from flooding.

What is contaminated water? Contaminated water is water that is grossly unsanitary and could cause health effects. Sources include sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth.

What to do when your home is affected by contaminated water:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

What to NOT do when your home is affected by contaminated water:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants
• Use the products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to contaminated areas

Contaminated Water is NO JOKE

Let the pros clean it up for you. We have specialized protective gear so we can clean up your home safely and properly to restore your home to a preloss condition. Give SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade a call at 916-285-7257.

Note: If you or your family has been exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician. 

Clean Water Damage Cleanup in Roseville

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

This photo is of a clean water damage cleanup from a burst water pipe.

What is clean water damage? Clean water is water that has been treated and doesn't contain waste. The sources of clean water include defective appliances, burst or broken pipes, and overflowing sinks. Clean water is water that has not been used. 

What to do when your home is affected by clean water damage

• Shut off water source if possible or contact someone who can stop the water source. 
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, if the access to the power distribution panel is safe from electric shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting. 
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing tabletop items. 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 
• Remove any valuables such as paintings, art objects, computers, and documents to a safe, dry space. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

What to NOT do when your home is affected by clean water damage

• Don't enter any rooms with standing water where you may experience electrical shock hazards.
• Don't leave books, newspapers, or colored rugs on wet carpets or floors that may cause staining.
• Don't use a household vacuum to clean up water. This may shock you or damage your vacuum.
• Don't use TV or other appliances when on wet surfaces.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

If you have a water emergency, feel free to give us a call at 916-285-7257. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

Find Sacramento Damage Restoration

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Our rigorous ongoing training makes sure that our staff is always the best equipped to restore your property quickly and safely.

When you check out SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade’s website, chances are you may have ran into a section regarding our Highly Trained Technicians. We take pride in knowing that our staff is always the best equipped to restore your property quickly and safely. From our initial training at the SERVPRO Corporate training facility to regular Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) industry certifications, our employees are constantly learning and growing in the industry to provide top-of-the-line service that you can trust. 

Just as certified accountants, plumbers and mechanics project a higher level of competency in their fields, and just as members of the American Medical Association and American Bar Association set themselves a part through training, experience and comprehensive examination — IICRC certification helps to immediately identify the cleaning, restoration and inspection industry’s most skilled and dedicated technicians and businesses. 

What is the IICRC?

The IICRC, stands for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification. The IICRC certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses. Its mission is as follows:

The Mission of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries.

The IICRC serves as a independent, certification body, that sets and promotes high standards and ethics, and advances communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC also ensures that when consumers hire a cleantrust-Certified Firm or technician, they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry’s “standard of care.”

So while they represent our industry in a variety of ways, their core mission has always been to train technicians within the industry on the best-practices of the day. Perhaps one of the biggest catch phrases these days is the ‘pace of innovation’. And while that can apply to the Internet, robotics, etc. it also holds true in the water damage restoration space. And its no surprise, given all of the advanced equipment we are trained to use to mitigate damage to your home or business. 

What is included in IICRC Certification?

The IICRC offers a wide variety of training programs to address virtually every part of a property. Whether it’s the cleaning of carpets or remediating mold damage, or anything in between, the IICRC has a class for it. The intensity and length of the various courses differs based on the subject at hand, but a technician must attend a several day class including both classroom instruction and hands-on training. At the end of that period, an examination takes place to ensure retention. After the passing of the exam, the technician is given their certification. And like other professions in which the industry is constantly changing, continuing education must occur. So to maintain an IICRC certification, technicians must take additional courses each year to stay up-to-date on new equipment and learn new methods.

Why does an IICRC certification matter?

Most states require licensing for trade industries in which they deem your health and safety to be at risk should the work be done poorly. Industries like electrical contracting and plumbing come to the top of most people’s mind. But for whatever reason, no states require any sort of licensing for the water mitigation industry. What that means is that literally anyone can start a water damage restoration company without any actual skills or knowledge of how to do that job. The can just cheaply finance some equipment and start taking jobs. We understand the complexities of the work we perform because we’ve seen situations that have even stumped our most experienced technicians. So for us, the fact that anyone can do our jobs is ludicrous.

The fact of the matter is the work we do is going to have a profound impact on the health of your family. If the job isn’t done right, the chances of your home developing a serious mold problem are high. If you don’t know much about mold, here’s a great write-up on the health effects of long-term exposure to mold spores. So even when it comes to a small amount of water damage, it’s imperative you have a certified technician examine the loss. There’s just too much on the line to trust the health of your home and family to someone that doesn’t know what they are doing!

Our technicians are IICRC-certified!

We say it all over our web site because it is important: at SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade, you can rest assured the technicians the arrive at your home or place of business are highly trained and certified by the IICRC. So whether or not you decide to hire us to help cleanup your water damaged property, you’ll at least walk away from our on-site assessment confident in the prognosis you’ve received.

Water Damage in the Sacramento Summer

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

In this job, water damage caused by a broken supply line in a washing machine caused damage through the entire home.

The very worst time for water damage to occur is when you’re on vacation and away from home. After all, what could be worse than coming home from a relaxing summer trip only to find that your home has been flooded, or severely damaged by water? Unfortunately, this happens more often than you'd realize. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute has reported that the second most common insurance claim filed by homeowners is water damage to the home. Whether it’s from ruptured washing machine hoses, water heater drips, leaky supply lines, or a busted pipe, the consequences are disastrous. To avoid catastrophe while you’re on vacation this summer, here are a few tips that will help to protect your home.

Complete a Thorough Check Prior to Leaving

Before you leave for your summer vacation, be sure to take the time to inspect your home for any leaks.

• Check out all of the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks
• Examine your water heater for any cracks or rust
• Make sure that windows and doors are properly sealed
• Look out for any signs of roof leaks
• Evaluate any hoses that connect to major household appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators to ensure that they aren’t leaking or showing signs of severe wear.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts Before Leaving

Clogged up rain gutters and downspouts can result in pooling water on your roof, and eventually to major leaks and severe water damage. Spending just a little bit of time on removing the debris from these areas can prevent major problems down the road. You should also make sure that your downspouts are discharging the proper distance away from your house (a minimum of 10 feet) to prevent flooding.

Ask Someone to Check In On Your Home

If you’re going to be away for several days to several weeks, it’s wise to ask a trusted friend or neighbor to look in on things around your house while you’re gone. Having someone house-sit or visit your home once a day will ensure that any leaks that do occur will be caught and stopped before they can cause major damage.

Turn Off the Main Water Valve

If you can’t get anyone to look after your house, your best bet is to shut off the water supply to your home at the main valve. If you’ve never done this before, make sure to test it out before you leave by attempting to turn on a faucet.

Shut Off Water Supply Valves

Sometimes, you might not be able to shut off your main water valve because you have an automatic sprinkler system or have asked someone to water your plants while you’re away. Even so, you can shut off the water supply to the most frequent culprits of water damage, such as toilets, ice makers, washing machines, etc. These appliances will all feature individual stops (shutoff valves) on their supply lines. Simply turn the valve clockwise to stop water flow.

If you have a water emergency, feel free to give us a call at 916-285-7257. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Restoration Companies

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

In this photo, water damage caused the carpet to become soaked. Air movers are circulating the dry air around and through the carpet to dry it fast.

Who says water damage doesn't happen in the summer? Our team here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West-Arden Arcade sees water damage year round, no matter the season! This is the simple reason for the fact that pipes burst, appliances break, and dishwashers overflow. Sometimes, when it doesn't rain, it really does pour anyway. 

In the photo below, you can see a home that was damaged by a faulty air conditioning unit. The unit started leaking, causing water damage to the floor in front of the unit. You can see how the carpet has been lifted to place an air mover underneath the carpet. This allows for the best possible airflow and fastest drying time possible, so our customer can go back to having a dry home and a working air conditioner soon!

Have you experienced water damage in your home? Give us a call at 916-285-7257 and mention this article to get a no-cost assessment of your home!

Water Damage Sacramento

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

A photo of one of our technicians, Marvin, in personal protective equipment before going into the attic of a Sacramento home.

5 Principles of Water Damage 

SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade believes in effective water restoration, in fact it is the cornerstone of our business. The water restoration industry describes the process of drying wet building materials and contents in five fundamental principles, which is determined by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection cleaning and Restoration Certification). Our technicians receive classes from the IICRC to learn to apply these principles effectively, so that our restorers can respond promptly whenever water intrudes in a building.

Principle 1: Safety

On a SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade worksite, safety is every single technician’s main responsibility. A primary concern of water damage is that our restorers make an effort to inform and protect the occupants at all costs from whatever safety issues may arise during a project.

Principle 2: Document conditions and work procedures

Our team has come to the realization that communication is so important to the restoration business. From talking with the building’s occupants with the observations to help define the nature of the water damage. This information is then gathered from this initial inspection and documented and used by their insurance company to plan the necessary emergency procedures.

Our restorers are constantly conducting ongoing inspections while on site to measure the moisture contents inside the building in materials affected by the water. When the structure is considered dry again, restorers must conduct a final inspection.

Principle 3: Mitigation

A concern the restorer’s will have on a water damage site is to prevent any further damages caused by water to become worse. Effective mitigation of a water intrusion will reduce the amount of damage a property suffers and will also reduce the cost of restoring the property to its condition before the loss.

The main goal of mitigation is to control the moisture and contamination. The restorer will check for the source of the moisture problems in the building. This source of moisture or water needs to be stopped or drying will not be successful. The building owner is responsible for correcting the source of the water intrusion, but SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade will assist in identifying the source.

Principle 4: Drying

SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade’s main task is to reduce the time that building materials are excessively wet. The faster we can return your items to a dry condition, the less damage will result. The drying process includes these procedures:

• Removing excess water through:
  • Extraction
  • Evaporation and Dehumidification
• Enhance evaporation of moisture
• Remove water vapor by dehumidification or ventilation
• Control temperature to enhance moisture removal

Principle 5: Cleaning and restoration

Once our technicians can confirm that the moisture content of the structure and contents have reached their drying goals, the drying services our done. Now you can begin your restoration services. Now it is time to perform any repairs and cleaning tasks needed to return the property to its preloss conditions.

In rain or shine, SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade can help you return your property back to normal. We are always here to help.  Give us a call today at 916-285-7257. 

Water Damage Signs at Home

12/5/2018 (Permalink)

In this photo, the minimal bubbling around the ceiling revealed a much bigger problem that we found in the attic.

Whether you are looking at a new home to buy or rent or are inspecting your own home, it is important to know the signs of water damage or potential water damage. Whether from a flood, fire, or leak, water damage can cause structural problems and lead to the presence of mold which can present a health risk to the occupants of the home.

What to look for

Learning the tell tale signs of water damage is an important part of homeownership so that you can identify any existing problems and be prepared to spot it in the future. Water damage can develop as changes in colors, textures, and even smells in the interior and exterior of your home. For instance, ceiling water damage is usually easier to spot than water damage in a basement because you will see stains and discoloration on a ceiling, but may not know that a musty odor can be a sign that there is a problem on the lower level of your home.

• Water Accumulation: The most obvious sign that you have water damage on your hands is areas of standing or pooling water. These can result from old or malfunctioning appliances including washers, water heaters and toilets. A puddle could also occur from a leaking roof, or from drainage pipes if the water is on the outside of your home.
• Discoloration: With water damage in your ceiling and attic, look for water spots and stains. The area can appear wet or dry and usually is a yellow, brown, or copper color in a ring. Walls may have bubbling, cracking, or peeling paint and wallpaper in addition to staining.
• Changes in texture: While you may see a lot of discoloration in walls and ceilings, the main sign of water damage in flooring is the changes in texture. This is a result of water seeping between the floorboards and pooling underneath them while the material soaks up as much water as possible. Some changes in texture include:
  • Buckling: You may notice soft spots in hardwood floors due to rotten wood, which feels spongy compared to normal wood. Water can seep into subflooring of all types of flooring material and cause sagging.
  • Sagging/Sinking: You may notice soft spots in hardwood floors due to rotten wood, which feels spongy compared to normal wood. Water can seep into subflooring of all types of flooring material and cause sagging.
  • Cupping: Cupping occurs when water is absorbed from the sides and bottom of the wood. This normally happens when water pools underneath the wood during a water loss. The edges will slightly raise or “cup.” Cupping can often be sanded out.
  • Crowning: Crowning occurs when the top of the wood holds more moisture than the sides and the bottom of the wood. This makes the wood arch or create a bowed shape in the middle. Most of the time you cannot sand out crowned flooring.
• Odor: Trust your sense of smell. If you smell mustiness or mildew, it's likely there was water damage and now there may be a potential mold issue. The smell may come from basements, walls, and other areas where water damage has been accumulating for some time. Trust your sense of smell. If you smell mustiness or mildew, it's likely there was water damage and now there may be a potential mold issue.

What to do if you find Water Damage

If your home has water damage or even if you suspect that you may have a problem, give SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade a call. First, if you can, locate the problem area. Next, take any necessary steps to prevent any further damage. You may need to soak up standing water on the floor with towels or shut off your home's water supply.

Then, call your home insurance company to report the damage and contact a licensed professional to begin the cleanup process. We will work with your insurance company to help you determine your next steps.

Do you have water damage in your home or business? We are always here to help. Give us a call at 916-285-7257!

Sacramento Water Damage Restoration Contractors

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

This is a bag of removed insulation from a water damaged Sacramento home. This insulation was so saturated with water that it needed removal.

So, you have water damage. Your floors are wet and the wood is cupping a little. The ceiling is bubbling, and starting to discolor. The water source has stopped, but there's still so much water. We know how frustrating this all can be, and thankfully, you have come to the right place!

What is at risk?

Time is essential when you are dealing with water damage and the key is to act fast! Water can damage and ruin your carpets, ceiling, and furniture, but it can also destroy precious family possessions, important documents, and irreplaceable, personal items. It is important to remove all of your valuables away from the damage including electronics, paintings, art objects, and documents to a safe, dry space if safe. 

Common Water Damage Causes

Water damage can take many different forms and show up in your home or business in a number of different ways. If you suspect that you might have water damage, it’s important to know what the common causes are so that you know how to prevent minor water damage from turning into a huge problem.

Some common cause are:

• A leaky roof from a passing rainstorm or melted snow from a snowstorm
• A broken pipe from your garbage disposal, water heater, or washing machine
• Condensation around your air conditioner

Even if the issue is handled quickly, if it isn't handled professionally, water damage has been known to wreak havoc even months down the road. Often times the leak isn’t noticeable and may be behind a wall or in the ceiling.

The longer water damage goes unnoticed, the higher the chance of mold growth. Moving quickly with a professional restoration company  increases the chance that your personal belongings can be saved or restored.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water disaster is different, from the amount of water to the level of contamination of the water. Each scenario requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Carpet Water Damage Restoration

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

You can see that our professionals have set several air movers along the sides of the wall and a large dehumidifier at the end of the hall.

Here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West-Arden Arcade, we use lots of different equipment and tools in order to properly remediate water damage done to carpets. 

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Water Extraction

Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost as soon as they are on site. Depending on the amount of water, we may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums and weighted extractors. Removing most of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

Drying and Dehumidification

Our professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your home or business. We’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.

Air movers are designed to circulate air around a room that is being dehumidified.
Dehumidifiers work by extracting the water out of the air.
When the dehumidified air is circulated in front of the wet surface, the water is able to evaporate easier.

If your carpet has been affected by water damage, give the pros a call at 916-285-7257! We would be happy to check it out for you. 

The Categories of Water Damage

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

This is a photo of a cleanup for a Category 1 water damage from a broken pipe.

The first thing to do when you have a water damage is to determine the source of the water. It is important to know if the water source is from a clean water source or a contaminated water source. This information determines the category of water damage your home has. The categories are described numerically, between 1 and 3, one being clean water and three being contaminated.

Category 1 Water

Category 1 water, or clean water, is water that has been treated and doesn't contain waste. The sources of clean water include defective appliances, burst or broken pipes, and overflowing sinks. Clean water is water that has not been used. Carpets and carpet pads that have been damaged by clean water can be salvaged in some cases.

For information on what to do when your home has clean water damage, click here.

Category 2 Water

Category 2 water, or gray water, is water that has been used, but does not contain human waste. The sources of category 2 water can include sinks, showers, baths, washing machines or dishwashers. This water can cause health effects when humans are exposed to it. Carpet pad saturated with gray water must be replaced. Carpet that is saved must be cleaned thoroughly.

Category 3 Water

Category 3 water, or black water, is unsanitary water. The sources of category 3 water include sewage backups, flood waters, and toilet water. Contaminated water can cause health effects in humans. Carpets and other porous materials must be replaced when contaminated with black water.

For information on what to do when your home has contaminated water damage, click here. 

If your home has been affected by water damage, give us a call at 916-285-7257! 

Water Damage on Hardwood Floors

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

This floor is cupping due to water damage.

Wood naturally contains moisture, although the porous nature of wood will cause it to absorb more moisture when it encounters water. The nature of wood causes it to expand when it absorbs this excess moisture, and sometimes the wood can warp. These expanded boards may push against each other and buckle where the boards meet and may become permanent after the wood dries. Floors must be replaced if proper drying and refinishing cannot remove the damage.

Cupping and Crowning

Cupping occurs when water is absorbed from the sides and bottom of the wood. This normally happens when water pools underneath the wood during a water loss. The edges will slightly raise or “cup.” Cupping can often be sanded out.

Crowning occurs when the top of the wood holds more moisture than the sides and the bottom of the wood. This makes the wood arch or create a bowed shape in the middle. Most of the time you cannot sand out crowned flooring.

What to do?

Water on hardwood floors should be extracted immediately to prevent further damage. Wet carpets and pads over hardwood floors should be removed. Finished wood flooring may sometimes return to its original shape and be restored. It is important to utilize proper drying techniques with air movers and dehumidifiers to give the best conditions for restoration.

If your hardwood floors have been affected by water damage, give the pros a call at 916-285-7257! We would be happy to check it out for you. 

Note: Only hardwood floors affected by clean water should be restored. If your hardwood floor was affected by contaminated water, it should be removed by a professional. For more information on what to do when your home is damaged by contaminated water, click here.