Month: September 2022

When Is Mold Remediation Required?

Written by adleverage on September 30, 2022. Posted in Mold Inspection. No Comments on When Is Mold Remediation Required?

Mold is an insidious threat to property and the health of homeowners. Neglecting water damage and promoting mold growth can lead to expensive repairs. Mold can also harm precious household belongings.

Not all leaks require professional mold remediation. Given the cost of mold cleanup and removal, many homeowners ask, “When is mold remediation required?

Restorerz Emergency Services has a team of professionals to tackle the most challenging mold cases. However, they would rather not have to come to your house on an emergency call. It’s best that we help you get rid of mold in its earliest stages when the infestation impacts fewer areas of your home.

What Is Mold Remediation?

Mold remediation involves restoring homes, businesses, and other properties to their previous condition before mold infestation. The remediation process includes:

Drying out damp areas that harbor mold
Removing and safely disposing of materials that have mold contamination
Repairing structures like walls and floorboards that have water damage and rot
Filtering the air to remove mold spores
Protecting the property from future mold growth

When is mold remediation required? Every mold infestation is unique. When you call a mold remediation specialist at Restorerz Emergency Services, they will develop a remediation plan with you.

Restorerz Emergency Services is the top mold remediation company in Los Angeles, CA. We have the expertise to deal with any mold problem.

We would have to inspect your home to tell you if we recommend mold remediation. Nonetheless, we would like to share these warning signs with our potential customers in the Los Angeles area.

Warning Sign #1: Spotty Discoloration

Mold forms spots as it grows on damp surfaces. These spots are often black (as in “black mold”) but can also be green, white, and other colors.

An experienced mold remediation technician can identify the type of mold in your home or business. They will then recommend a plan to eradicate it.

Mold spots may get larger and spread as mold infestation worsens. Some areas might have mold contamination even if they do not have visible mold spots. If the mold remediation team does not remove all traces of mold, it could grow back later.

It is not always clear just by looking at a spot whether it is mold. Even mold testing kits that you can buy at a home improvement store might not reveal the extent of the infestation. They also won’t advise you on how to eliminate the mold.

Call a professional if you see any spots that could be mold, especially on damp or flooded surfaces.

Warning Sign #2: Musty Odors

As mold grows, it generates waste products and spores that float into the air. These substances often produce an unpleasant musty odor.

This distinctive odor can be useful as an early warning sign. Mold in out-of-the-way places might be hard to detect visually. So if you smell any unusual odors in your home, especially in damp areas, you likely have a mold problem.

Furthermore, odors can spread through air ducts, carrying spores far from the initial source of mold growth. If you smell mold in one part of the house but cannot see the source, contact a mold remediation professional. The specialist can inspect the ducts in your central heating or cooling system for signs of mold spread.

Warning Sign #3: Visible Moisture

If part of your home experiences a plumbing leak or flooding, keep an eye out for discoloration due to moisture. Drywall, plaster, carpeting, and wood might look noticeably darker when they get wet.

After donning gloves and eye protection, you can investigate further by touching the area to see if it feels wet. Watch for condensation on walls, especially near air vents, as it could foster mold growth.

Warning Sign #4: Respiratory Problems

Mold spores in the air can trigger allergies and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema. These problems can be more severe in people with compromised immune systems. Moreover, fungal infections can be more severe in people with COVID-19.

If you suffer from frequent flare-ups of lung problems or nasal congestion, contact a mold specialist. You may have mold infiltrating your HVAC system or other ductwork.

Warning Sign #5: Signs of Rot

Prolonged dampness can promote rot growth in walls, floorboards, or ceiling tiles. In advanced cases, the rot could compromise the home’s structural integrity. When this situation happens, sections of your walls will crumble at the touch, ceiling tiles will fall, or floor sections may collapse underfoot.

Go Beyond the Warning Signs with a Professional Mold Inspection

When is mold remediation required? If you notice any of the signs we discussed above or if your home has water damage, it’s never too soon to schedule a professional inspection. Even if the mold in your house is not serious, most homeowners find it a relief to know that their home does not have a hidden mold issue.

Our commercial customers also benefit from a mold inspection. The odors from mold growth can drive away customers and hurt the reputation of your business.

Even if you don’t find mold on your premises, your business could benefit from a clean bill of health from a mold inspector. This certification could back you up if a customer or employee has a respiratory issue or allergic reaction while on your premises.

Schedule Mold Remediation Service Today

It is best to act as soon as possible if you observe any of these signs of mold. Don’t hesitate to call Restorerz Emergency Services and schedule an inspection today.

Our mold remediation technicians are ready 24/7 to serve you. A trained and qualified consultant will go through potential mold sources in your home and discuss a plan of action.

Know the reasons why you have black dust in your house and have all your questions answered, including “when is mold remediation required?” Help is just a phone call away in the Los Angeles, CA, area. Call us today at (323) 402-6523.

What Happens in a Fire Damage Repair Process?

Written by adleverage on September 22, 2022. Posted in Mold Inspection. No Comments on What Happens in a Fire Damage Repair Process?

Recovering from a fire isn’t over once the flames and smoke are gone. Fire damage repair is a multi-step process that helps manage the aftermath of the event. Repairs must begin immediately or there may be even more damage; for example, water left behind from firefighting efforts can cause mold and more severe structural damage.

TL;DR Summary What Happens in a Fire Damage Repair Process:

Fire damage repair is a multi-step process to restore your home or business after a fire. Steps include:

Initial Assessment: Evaluating damage and creating a restoration plan.
Safety Precautions: Isolating unsafe areas and adding temporary protections.
Water Extraction: Removing standing water to prevent mold and further damage.
Cleaning and Debris Removal: Cleaning smoke and soot damage, removing odors, and discarding irreparably damaged materials.
Repairs: Fixing structural, electrical, and plumbing damage, and restoring interiors like flooring, drywall, and air ducts.

Timeline: Repairs can take days to weeks, depending on the severity and size of the property.

Solution: Restorerz offers 24/7 service, fast response times, and expertise to fully restore your property after a fire. Call for help today.

At Restorerz, we follow an organized approach to repairing any home or business impacted by a fire, which includes:

Initial Assessment

Being available 24/7 enables us to reach your home, day or night. As soon as the fire is extinguished, we’ll assess the extent of the damage and create a restoration plan. We’ll determine whether carpenters, plumbers, roofers, or other professionals are needed.

The trained eyes of our technicians help determine if a warped floor is water-damaged or if electrical wiring or the foundation were affected. The extent of smoke, soot, and water damage is determined. All damage is documented and recorded for insurance purposes.

Safety Precautions

Any areas deemed unsafe will be isolated and blocked off. This protects your family and also protects you from liability should anyone be injured in your fire-damaged home. Safety measures include boarding off your property, adding tarps to damaged roofs, installing temporary fencing, and providing bracing to stabilize structurally unsound areas.

Water Extraction

Firefighters’ hoses may have been running for hours, or your sprinkler system may have unleashed a torrent of water. Fires can also damage plumbing systems so ruptured pipes can be a problem. Our fire damage repair team works quickly to get rid of standing water. We’ll use fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers to dry out your home, prevent mold, and avoid worse damage, while furniture, flooring, drywall, upholstery, and other items are salvaged if possible

Cleaning and Debris Removal

If any furniture or construction materials are irreparably damaged, we will remove and discard them. Smoke- and soot-damaged walls, floors, ceilings, and windows will be cleaned and disinfected (even if they are in areas not directly impacted by the blaze). We also employ specialized equipment to get rid of foul smoke odors. Badly damaged structural elements are demolished, and we’ll determine what we can repair or restore.

Fire Damage Repair

Everything damaged by fire, smoke, soot, water, etc. is fixed by our skilled repair professionals. The process may require installing new flooring, removing and replacing drywall, replacing windows and doors, and fixing or replacing your roof. Plumbing and electrical repairs may be required as well. Our team may also help lay new carpeting, repaint your home, and clean and restore your air ducts.

How Long Does Fire Damage Repair Take?

We can estimate the timeline during our evaluation. Minor repairs can take a few days, but resolving more extensive smoke, soot, and water damage can take longer. The larger your property, the longer the process might take. Also, the fire department must inspect your property before repairs can begin, and scheduling an appointment can take time.

Why Choose Restorerz

We are considered the #1 fire damage repair and restoration company in Los Angeles. Numerous 5-star reviews back that up, but our 24/7 availability, prompt service, and 100% satisfaction guarantee mean we are always ready to take on the toughest jobs. Our team is trained in numerous areas of expertise and has the knowledge, tools, and equipment to fully restore your property after a devastating fire. For competitive pricing and fire and smoke restoration service in 60 minutes or less, call 323-973-1055.

Benefits of Sewage Cleanup

Written by adleverage on September 14, 2022. Posted in Sewage Cleanup. No Comments on Benefits of Sewage Cleanup

Whether you use the kitchen sink, garbage disposal, or toilet, wastewater automatically disappears into your drains. But an issue with your sewer line can cause waste and contaminated water to back up. Resolving this situation isn’t something you can do on your own. Sewage cleanup involves working with biohazards, damaged plumbing, and perhaps where water is perilously close to electrical equipment.

A sewage backup is bad, no matter how you look at it. It’s one of the most dangerous situations a home or business owner can face. There are many reasons to hire a professional for sewage cleanup services. Here’s a detailed look at some of them:

Sewage Backups Are Bad for Your Health

Bacteria and viruses thrive in raw sewage. Normally, they continue down the line with the waste flow. But if sewage starts to back up, organic pathogens can enter your home. Many are known to cause serious diseases. A backup, therefore, puts your family at risk of getting sick. It also creates an environment for mold to grow. Given the health risks and potential for property damage, only a professional should resolve your sewage problem.

Sewage Cleanup Requires Specialized Skills

Before hiring a professional, you need to make sure they’re experienced in this kind of waste cleanup. A trained, certified technician has the equipment and supplies (including commercial-grade vacuums, pumps, and air compressors) to properly clean up all the wastewater. They also work quickly to get your property habitable again. At Restorerz, our professionals hold the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC) so follow all required steps for sewage damage cleanup and the latest safety codes and guidelines.

Your Property Will Be Fully Dried and Sanitized

Professionals will remove the excess water and any items it has come in contact with. High-grade air moving equipment is then used to ventilate your home, as even the tightest of spaces need to be dried to prevent mold and further damage and contamination. Sewage can also contain toxic and explosive fumes, so the ventilation process is an extremely important step in protecting your home.

Professional Cleanup Reduces the Overall Restoration Cost

The faster sewage cleanup services are performed, the less costly it may be to get your property back in order. Water can quickly damage furniture and then flooring materials, wallboards, and even structural supports. Fortunately, Restorerz is available 24/7 so can reach your property and start cleaning up ASAP, which helps reduce the overall expense and some of the stress associated with a sewage backup.

Unpleasant Odors Are Completely Removed

Sewage is inherently foul smelling and the odors associated with it will permeate every square inch of your home. Sewage cleanup professionals sanitize everything and have the means to deodorize your property. That extremely unpleasant odor is replaced by a fresh aroma by the time they are done. You won’t have even the slightest odors emanating from drains, fabrics, carpets, upholstery, or anywhere they were before.

Your Drains Will Work Better

A sewer blockage can prevent any water from draining. Water can then pool up in showers, sinks, and toilets. Many blockages build up gradually causing slow drains. But once a professional has completed the cleanup process and has flushed the sewer line, your drains will flow normally.

The Risk of Future Problems Is Decreased

When your sewage line is professionally cleaned, it’s less likely dirt, grease, or waste will clog up the pipe, reducing the risk of a backup. Professionals tend to the health of your plumbing too, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in future pipe repair and replacement services. You’ll probably save on water bills as well.

Sewage Cleanup Can Protect the Environment

Depending on where a backup or sewer break occurs, wastewater can contaminate soil, rivers, and lakes. It will then pollute groundwater and potentially harm or kill wildlife on land and in bodies of water. Therefore, a prompt cleanup can prevent environmental damage that can take years to recover from.

Contact Restorerz Today

Locally owned and operated, Restorerz provides professional sewage cleanup services in the Los Angeles area. Our team thoroughly and quickly resolves sewage mishaps in commercial and residential properties. To request a free consultation, learn about your options, and receive an estimate, use our online form or call 323-970-4705 today.

How to Deal with Water Damage After Fire

Written by adleverage on September 10, 2022. Posted in Flood and Water Damage. No Comments on How to Deal with Water Damage After Fire

Are you dealing with water damage after fire? Call (323) 970-4761 to schedule a free consultation or enlist emergency services today!

A fire is one of the worst disasters in any home. They are unfortunately more common with climate change, especially in Southern California homes.

While in-home sprinkler systems and emergency response teams can quell destructive fires, the impact of a fire on a home extends far beyond the catastrophic event itself. Having a responsive and highly-rated water damage restoration company in Los Angeles on-hand in case of these emergencies is crucial to addressing water damage after fire and restoring your home to its initial condition.

Damage Caused by Fires

Before understanding how to deal with water damage after a fire, it’s essential to know the different types of damage that threaten your home. After a fire, corrosive soot and smoke damage can ruin objects in your home and leave a lingering odor. Although professionals address this toxic damage immediately, the challenges won’t end there.

High-pressure hoses used to eliminate a fire leave their mark as well. While these tools are necessary to stop the fire, the lingering moisture can cause mold growth that leads to irreparable structural damage. Water damage repairs should start as quickly as possible for any home to recover fully.

Dealing with Water Damage After Fire: The Do’s

Knowing what steps to take if your home endures a fire is crucial. These steps give you the best chance at a quick, decisive repair response and complete recovery.

Ensure Your Home Is Safe to Reenter

The first step to home recovery is to inspect your home for any signs of water damage. However, the fire itself and water damage after fire can cause severe structural damage to a home. Therefore, it’s crucial to confirm with emergency responders and firefighters that your home is safe to enter after the event so that you can inspect and assess the premises.

Contact Your Insurance Providers

Paying out of pocket for complete home repairs is likely not in anyone’s budget. That’s why contacting your insurance providers immediately after the disaster is critical.

Notifying your insurance company immediately also helps you evaluate your options for a temporary living situation. Since most homes that endure a fire will remain unlivable for a few months, your insurance company might assist with the financial burden of food, shelter, and other necessities while repairs occur.

Assemble Detailed Documentation of the Damage

In addition to contacting your insurance provider promptly, collecting detailed data and records about the damage to your home will help strengthen your coverage case. Premier water damage restoration services like Restorerz offer full 3-D renderings and scans of your home to provide the most detailed account of damage. Obtaining specific records also gives restoration professionals the best idea of the required repair work.

Enlist a Water Damage Restoration Professional

Now that you’ve inspected your home, called insurance, and logged detailed accounts of the damage, it’s time to call a water damage restoration professional like Restorerz. Our professionals have the best eye, tools, and expertise to assess the damage and begin developing a comprehensive repair plan.

Starting repair work as swiftly as possible gives your home the best chance at a full recovery. Enlisting professionals from the best Southern California restoration company provides the tools, resources, and technicians necessary to bring your home back to life. Delaying your call for help could be the difference between mold growing and comprising undamaged parts of your home and eliminating potential damage before it begins.

Air Out the Home

One final step to improve your home’s recovery is to air out the space. Ensure that the structure of your doors and windows is sound enough to open and close. Afterward, open as many spaces as possible to let fresh air naturally rejuvenate your home.

It’s also crucial to remove any damp rugs or wet pieces of furniture that might increase the house’s humidity. Any additional moisture in your home will give growing mold the upper hand.

Dealing with Water Damage After Fire: The Don’ts

Just as knowing the critical steps to take after a fire is essential, learning the risks of making the wrong choices is just as vital. Brief yourself with these three “don’ts” so you can avoid dangerous situations or accidentally worsening the damage in your home.

Don’t Use Household Appliances

Even if your household appliances like ovens, microwaves, or toasters go undamaged, do not attempt to use them. Any machine that utilizes electricity will be dangerous, especially if there is persisting standing water from fire hoses or sprinklers. Allow time to clean and restore your home before attempting to use household appliances normally again.

Don’t Vacuum Excess Water

While it may be tempting to try and vacuum excess water from your floors, this action poses many of the same risks as using household appliances after the disaster. Not only will this likely destroy your vacuum, but it could easily electrocute you or spark and ignite another fire. Allow water damage restoration professionals to use sump pumps and other water extraction tools to effectively and safely remove excess moisture from your home.

Don’t Assume Your Home Is Free from Water Damage

Finally, it’s critical to understand that water damage isn’t always as apparent as it might seem. Since your home is likely much less recognizable than usual, it won’t necessarily show signs of water damage besides any clear standing water or excess moisture.

Nevertheless, water used to eliminate the fire from your home has likely already seeped into your house’s infrastructure and caused water damage hidden from sight. Restoration professionals from Restorerz will use advanced tools to identify water damage, assess the necessary repairs, and develop a plan that fits within a reasonable budget and timeframe.

Fix Water Damage After Fire with Restorerz Emergency Services

Learn how intense water damage cleanup can be the necessary first step to restoring your home from water damage after fire by calling (323) 970-4761 for emergency service today.