3 Tips for Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Service

Within a single year, nearly 20% of all homeowners insurance losses were due to water damage or freezing incidents. If you need water damage restoration, it helps to have a plan. Otherwise, you might hire an inexperienced team.

An inexperienced team might fail to do a thorough job, allowing water to linger. With the best water damage restoration services in town, you can keep mold from growing and spreading in your home.

Not sure who to hire? Read on for the tips you need for an effective search today!

1. Check Credentials

Start your search by speaking with other locals. Ask friends, family members, and neighbors if they can recommend a water damage restoration company. If they can, ask about their experience with the restoration team.

Building a list of options based on referrals can help you feel more comfortable with your final choice. Ask each homeowner you speak with if they are satisfied with the services they received.

There are over 55,300 damage restoration services businesses in the US, employing over 113,100 professionals. Referrals will help you narrow down your local options quickly. If you can’t build a list of referrals, begin your search online instead.

Look for customer reviews to confirm you’ve found a trustworthy, reliable company before allowing them into your home.

Next, look into each company’s credentials. Confirm the company has a local, active license. If they’re not licensed to work in your area, keep searching.

Determine if the technicians complete training to receive certification as well. Look for teams with certifications from the Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). These teams meet higher standards.

Confirm that the company has general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. If there’s an incident, the company won’t hold you responsible.

2. Look for Experience

As you narrow down your options, determine how long each company has offered water damage restoration services. Ask who will arrive to work on your property, too.

Having an experienced team arrive can help give you peace of mind. An experienced team won’t make costly mistakes. Instead, they’ll do a thorough job of removing all moisture from your property.

An experienced team will have an easier time answering your questions.

3. Get Quotes

Gather quotes from at least three local businesses to compare their pricing. Compare prices and services to make sure you’re receiving a fair price.

Ask each company if they have a guarantee, too. What if you still notice wet spots or mold growth after they leave? Confirm the company will return to fix the problem and ensure you’re satisfied with their services.

Find the Best Water Damage Restoration Service Today

Don’t rush when requesting water damage restoration services. Instead, make sure an experienced, qualified team is on the job. With their help, you can restore your home to its original condition without unnecessary stress.

Hire an experienced restoration team today.

Need help right away? Learn more about our water damage restoration services before scheduling an inspection!

Why You Should Never Ignore the Early Signs of Mold at Home

Did you know that breathing in too much mold can cause a severe infection that could target your lungs? Mold can also cause a sore throat, skin rash, or stuffy throat in small amounts.

Immune-compromised individuals should be extra careful not to get a chronic lung disease. Knowing the signs of mold is essential to ensure that you do not risk your health.

Here is everything you need to know about the early signs of mold to learn what not to ignore.

Strange Smells

One of the earliest signs of a mold infestation is a stale and musty smell wafting through your home. The scent will start as a tiny hint, but it intensifies and becomes much more noticeable over time.

This is because mold expels microbial volatile organic compounds into the air. This includes pungent chemicals like carboxylic acids, terpenes, and aldehydes. When mixed together, they can create the most unpleasant odor that can be damp and stale.

More Allergies

One of mold’s most significant health risks is that it can trigger many allergies. This is because mold spores are airborne irritants.

They can worsen allergy symptoms like shortness of breath, red eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and wheezing.

If you are indoors and notice your symptoms worsening, you may need to tackle a mold problem. Symptoms may also worsen in areas of the property, such as nearby air vents, closets, attics, and bathrooms.

Moisture Problems

Do you feel a lot more humidity in your house lately? This is another sign of a mold problem. This is because mold spores that are typically harmless and inactive in the air will not grow unless there is moisture to help them.

They need wet, damp, and humid conditions to produce more. So, if you have had a water leak recently or have a lot of moisture coming from somewhere, it is a sign that the mold may already be thriving in your home.

It also helps to look at your leaky pipes, kitchens, basements, and condensation from your HVAC system. These are notorious for getting wet or building up moisture.

Dark Stains

The mold that grows on your ceilings and walls will look like a series of dark-colored patches. This is a discoloration that can appear in different colors and shades.

However, black and brown patches are mostly the ones you see. It is not impossible to see yellow, blue, and grey ones. Analyzing the texture is the best way to know if the stain is mold growth.

Usually, mold will appear slimy and fuzzy. This is when you need to hire mold removal services.

Then you can easily smear it. Otherwise, it would help if you tried to dab the spot with diluted bleach. The stain should light up after a few minutes if you have a mold problem.

Dealing With Early Signs of Mold

Now that you know the early signs of mold to look for, it is time to start examining your home for dark patches or areas with a lot of moisture that smell funky.

If you suspect a mold problem, it is always best to call professionals instead of tackling it yourself. Contact us today so we can help protect your health.

5 Water Damage Restoration Errors and How to Avoid Them

Did you know approximately 7.2 million Americans get sick every year from waterborne diseases? Unfortunately, damage caused by water issues such as pipe leaks or a storm flood can cause severe harm to your home as well as your health. In these scenarios, you’ll need to take rapid action to stop the damage and restore your property to its original condition.

But what are the typical water damage restoration errors that you should avoid? If you make mistakes during the clearing-up process, you could leave your home vulnerable. While it can be hard work to restore a property after it suffers water damage, it is possible if you follow some professional tips.

Keep reading to learn more.

1. Not Accurately Assessing the Damage Before

Before you rush in and try to clean up water damage, you need to make a thorough assessment. For example, if you have wet walls, you’ll want to be sure any electrical wires or components behind the walls aren’t wet. It’s also important to find the cause of the water damage as soon as possible so you can prevent the issue from becoming worse.

2. Taking Too Long to Act

While you shouldn’t rush, it’s critical to act promptly to reduce the amount of damage being caused and to keep the repair costs down. The water damage restoration process can become expensive, and responding quickly can make a huge difference to the final bill.

3. Not Following Health and Safety Procedures

It can be dangerous to work in an environment where there is excess water. If there is damage to electrical circuits, this can put you at risk of electrocution. Or there could be mold in the area that might cause health problems.

This is why it can be best to work with a professional water damage restoration service that will follow the correct health and safety procedures.

4. Ineffective Equipment Can Lead To Further Water Damage Restoration Errors

Using the wrong water damage restoration equipment can cause even more damage to your home. Tools that are not up to the task may only remove some of the water in your property, allowing the remaining water to continue to cause harm. When you hire our water damage restoration services, you can be assured we will use state-of-the-art equipment.

5. Not Properly Documenting the Restoration Costs

Your insurance company will send out an assessor to inspect the damage. However, you should also record the water damage cleanup costs to support your claim. In addition, it’s crucial to take pictures of any damage in case there is a dispute with your insurer at a later date.

Contact Service First Restoration, Inc.

It’s vital to take immediate action if there are any signs of water damage in your home. While you can personally take steps to protect your property and your health, you may prefer to hire industry specialists to undertake this important task.

At Service First Restoration, Inc., our skilled technicians can be at your property within 60 minutes. We offer a 24/7, 365 days per year service, and take pride in achieving outstanding results at cost-effective prices.

For all your water damage restoration needs, contact our professional team today.

5 Benefits of Hiring Water Damage Restoration Services

Projections show that the global disaster restoration services market will reach $98.9 billion by 2031.

Disaster restoration covers a range of things that can damage property, and one of the most prevalent types is water damage. It can occur in all kinds of properties in any area, and without proper water damage restoration, all kinds of problems can occur.

For 5 of the main benefits of hiring professional water damage restoration services, keep reading.

1. Quick Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can make homes unlivable, and commercial properties unusable. Hiring professional restoration services will help get things back to normal as soon as possible. This includes removing water, drying the area, full disinfection, and repair work.

If water damage is left, it can get worse with time. The faster things are dealt with, the better. Service First is available 24/7 and will respond immediately to help you deal with any problems.

2. Safety

One of the main issues that can come from water damage is mold growth. There are various types, and they can grow almost anywhere. These vary in terms of how bad they are, but any mold can be harmful to people’s health.

Service First will ensure all mold is completely eradicated. After this, our mold remediation services will help prevent future mold growth.

3. Reduced Costs

The extent of water damage can vary greatly, and as such, so can the cost. In some cases, you could be looking at huge amounts of damage in just a few hours. Calling in professionals as soon as possible could help you save a lot of money.

You may have some drywall where a stain has appeared, which can simply be sanded and painted over. If left for too long, however, you may end up having to remove the entire section of the wall. Acting fast and getting things done professionally is the best way to minimize the cost of water damage to your property.

4. Professional Advice

It can be difficult to assess the severity of water damage. Things like walls, carpets, furniture, etc. may be salvageable, or they may be too damaged.

A professional will be able to give you a good idea of what can be saved, and what can’t. This will stop you from throwing out things that are still good, or holding on to items that are too far gone.

5. Help With Insurance Claims

Many people have never dealt with insurance claims before, and they can be quite complicated. Getting everything done right isn’t always easy, and it can be quite stressful after suffering damage to your property.

Service First has over 75 years of experience, and in that time, we’ve dealt with all kinds of insurance claims. Our team can help you through the process to make sure everything is done right.

Professional Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can be devastating, and it’s important to act fast when it happens. Service Fist provides professional water damage restoration services throughout Orange County.

To find out more about our services, click here to contact us today.

How To Choose the Best Water Damage Repair Company

A home is not a home when it smells moldy and is damp. If you have a water-damaged home and need water damage repair, you need to seek a reliable company.

Besides doing a good job and offering reasonable prices, a good water damage repair company should be honest. You should be able to trust them as they will have access to your house. A company that offers 24/7 damage assessment services will always come in handy when you get a middle-of-the-night plumbing disaster.

Not sure how to pick the right water damage restoration service? Here are some tips for finding the best company for your project.

How Does Water Damage Happen?

Water damage in your home can happen in several different ways. These occurrences may come from a leaky roof that causes water to get in areas it should. Or the problem may even be caused by a burst pipe.

This type of damage can happen in several different ways. Small leaks over time may be doing bigger harm to your home than you recognize. This is the reason that professionals who know how to handle and detect water leaks are an asset.

Be sure to have these leaks assessed by a professional who knows what to look for within your home.

Customer Reviews Are an Asset

Check out the company before you hire them. Look into the past reviews that the company has had from those prior customers. Reviews give you an in-depth look into if a company has done work well in the past.

Nowadays with the internet, we have the ability to fully check out the way a company operates from the comfort of our own homes. Don’t be afraid to ask the opinions of those who have used the company prior to you. Make sure you’re comfortable with the company you chose.

Always Request a Plan

You should be able to discuss the aspects of cleanup with your professionals. A professional should take the time to show you what they will be doing to restore the damage that has been done to your home.

When it comes to local repairs discuss all options with the company in question. Make sure that their cleanup plan doesn’t further the damage that has been done to your home.

Always make sure that you are comfortable with the quality of work the company does with other clients.

A Water Damage Repair Company Can Be a Difficult Decision

There are many factors that play into choosing the right company for your water damage repair. When it comes down to it, the most important part about choosing a company is being confident in your decision. Be sure you choose the company that works best for your situation and budget.

For all other injuries when it comes to water damage and flood damage, we have you covered. Reach out to us at any time for further assistance with all of your water damage problems.

What to Do After a Flood: A Guide for Homeowners

Did you know that just 1 inch of water in a home flooding can lead to $23,635 worth of damage? Acting quickly can make repairing and cleaning after a flood less costly.

But, how do you know what to do after a flood?

In this article, we discuss how to handle residential flooding step-by-step. From considering safety to finding professional water damage restoration, learn everything you need to know.

Put Safety First After Home Flooding

Before worrying about what to do after a flood, make sure you put safety first. Wear appropriate safety gear before going back into your house to prevent exposure to harmful substances.

Check for signs of major damage, such as a cracked foundation. If you’re unsure whether your home is safe to enter, wait until you can talk to a professional at your utility company.

Get Your Home Dry

Once it’s safe to enter, your next step after a home flooding is to get your home dry. Start by having any remaining standing water pumped out. Then, work on drying the interior of your house using fans and dehumidifiers.

Document and Report Damage

It’s important to remove all damaged belongings before they can grow mold and pose a risk to your health. However, you need to document all damaged property and belongings before doing so.

This is especially important for reporting an insurance claim for flood damage. However, it’s also helpful to be aware of the belongings you need to replace.

Save What You Can

Certain belongings can’t be saved after residential floodings, like food, upholstered furniture, and bedding. However, try to save what you can still use. Even some sensitive items may be worth saving if minimally damaged.

Cleaning After a Flood

Cleaning after a flood helps minimize additional damage from bacteria and mold growth. Disinfectants and odor removers are the best tools for this step. Thorough cleaning is essential before you start working on repairs.

Water Damage Restoration

If your home isn’t well-cleaned after flooding, it can affect water damage restoration. It can also end up costing more in repairs in the long run. Hiring a professional to do the repairs cuts down costs and minimizes risk.

Determine Flooding Causes

Flooding causes may seem obvious such as an over-filled bathtub or a storm flood, but make sure you understand what led to them. For example, maybe your tub drain needs to be cleared.

Take Preventive Steps

Cleaning after a flood is a lot of work, but preventing another one is even more important. When considering what to do after a flood, many homeowners overlook the importance of preventive steps.

Installing a sump pump or applying special waterproof coatings helps prevent future flooding. You should also learn about the flood level in your area and work to protect your home during inclement weather.

Know What to Do After a Flood

Knowing what to do after a flood not only gives you comfort during a stressful time but can also minimize the impact of the damage. Acting quickly can save some of your precious belongings and your budget.

Don’t delay professional flood damage restoration, and contact us today.

5 Tips on How to Detect a Water Leak in Your Home

Did you know that an average household with a water leak will waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually?

As well as wasting water and costing you money, an undetected leak can cause significant damage to your home. If you don’t know how to detect a water leak, you can take some simple steps to help you decide when to call a plumber.

Continue reading for five tips for finding a water leak.

1. Check Your Water Meter

Begin by taking a look at your water meter. It’s the best place to start if you think you have a water leak in your home.

Ensure all the water faucets in your house are off, not forgetting the dishwasher and the washing machine. Check the water meter and note down the number. Wait one hour and check the water meter again. If the number has changed, you have a leak somewhere in your home.

2. Take a Closer Look at Your Bill

Comparing your recent water bills can give you a good idea about any potential leak. The bill should remain in a similar range, and any significant unexplained increase is a strong clue to a water leak.

You can also take a closer look at your water usage. Each person should account for approximately 3000 gallons of water each month in a household.

Call in a professional leak detection service if you think you have a water leak but don’t know where it may be.

3. Investigate the Usual Suspects

If the numbers point to a water leak, take a closer look at appliances and fixtures. Check the cabinets under all your sinks and make sure they’re dry. And search for puddles at the bases of toilets, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and the water heater.

Call a plumber if you find a leak, and take care to turn off the water supply to that appliance or fixture.

4. Put Food Coloring in the Toilet

Toilet flushing accounts for nearly 30% of an average home’s water consumption, and it’s a prime spot for interior leaking. You can check if there’s a leak with a simple test.

Add a few drops of food coloring to all the toilet tanks in your home and wait 10 minutes. If color appears in your bowl, you have a leak.

5. Keep an Eye Out for Leaking Clues

You should be regularly checking your home for any signs of a leak. Catching it early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Wall discoloration and bulging wallpaper are major clues of a water leak inside the wall. Check cabinets under basins for mold and musty smells. And any oxidation or discoloration of pipes could be a sign of a slow leak.

How to Detect a Water Leak Made Easy

There you have it. Now you know how to detect a water leak in your home quickly so you know when to call in professional help.

Did you find this advice about finding a water leak helpful? We’re happy to help, so give us a call if you need further assistance.

What to Expect During the Mold Remediation Process

Did you know that mold isn’t only an unattractive addition to your home, but a major health hazard as well? Mold can cause consistent allergy-like symptoms, asthma flare-ups, fungal infections, and mold poisoning.

The best thing to do after finding mold in your home is to call a professional to handle the issue right away. Read on to find out what to expect during the mold remediation process.

What Is Mold Remediation?

Mold remediation is the removal and cleaning of contaminated areas from mold. It is an extensive cleaning process that requires a professional to ensure that all mold in your home is removed and won’t return.

Signs of Mold

  • Musty smells
  • Water damage
  • Family members feeling sick without improvement
  • Rust
  • Warped materials
  • Leaks
  • Visible mold

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold situation is unique, but calling in a professional for mold remediation will ensure that you won’t have more issues in the future. There are several steps a professional will take to remove mold from your home.

Identify The Water Problem

The first step to dealing with mold is to identify and repair the water problem that created it. Moisture provides the mold spores with an environment to grow, and the mold will return if that moisture is not eliminated.

Isolation

Once you remove the water source, a mold remediation company will isolate the affected area to keep mold spores from spreading throughout your home.

Professionals isolate the area by sealing windows or other openings. Then, they cover them with plastic sheeting for more protection.

Mold spores contaminate the air, so a professional will spray affected areas to remove them. This prevents the spread of any dust containing the spores.

Remove Damaged Materials

Any wet or porous surface containing mold needs removing from your home. Depending on the severity of your mold problem, this might mean removing drywall, carpets, or insulation.

Professionals bag up all affected materials and carefully carry them out to prevent spores from spreading in another area.

Cleaning

After getting rid of mold-affected areas, mold removal professionals will spray the area using biocide to keep the mold from reproducing. Then, all non-porous surfaces are vacuumed and scrubbed to remove spores.

Once this step is complete, the area should have no visible mold.

Drying

To ensure no moisture remains, all materials must have time to dry. Fans or dehumidifiers are often used to speed up this step.

Replace Damaged Materials

Finally, any discarded materials with mold damage need replacing. Homeowners may end up replacing drywall or carpet because they often need to be removed completely to keep the mold at bay.

How Long Does the Mold Remediation Process Take?

This process often takes from one to five days. The time to perform mold removal varies depending on the severity of the mold, how long it’s been there, the type of contaminated material, and where it’s present.

Keep Your Family Safe From Mold

Mold can cause serious health problems for your family. If you discover mold in your home, keep your family safe by calling a professional to begin the mold remediation process.

Worried about mold in your home? First Service Restoration is here to help with mold remediation and mold damage. Contact us today.

What to Expect From the Water Damage Restoration Process

One of the worst problems you can face as a homeowner is water damage. Whether due to flooding after a severe rainstorm, old pipes that have ruptured, or some other mishap, water damage is a serious issue.

When you do experience water damage catastrophes, you’ll need to call a reputable company offering water damage restoration.

The right water damage restoration company will have the right staff, tools, and methods to remedy any water damage issues. It will also have answers if you need to know what is water damage restoration.

Here’s a look at the steps involved in the water damage restoration process.

Assess Issue Requiring Water Damage Restoration

When you hire a company that offers water damage restoration service, the first thing it will do is assess the situation. The workers will need to carefully analyze the area where the damage is and the extent of the damage.

They will use special tools, such as moisture detectors, to figure out what sort of work will be needed to remedy the water damage. You’ll then get an explanation of what needs to be done and a quote for what it will cost.

Get Rid of the Water

Once you give the go-ahead for the company to proceed, the staff will use the appropriate tools to extract the water from your residence. The is important since standing water can cause more damage such as mold.

The staff will use tools such as wet-dry vacuums and submersible pumps. Once the water extraction process is over, the staff will once again assess the affected area to see if any things like flooring need to be removed.

Dry the Affected Area

The next step, after extracting the water, is to dry and dehumidify the affected space. This stage is important because it will get rid of the water left behind after the water extraction stage.

If the affected area is your basement, the staff will dry out things that contain water that wasn’t extracted during the process to extract standing water. It’s critical that the drying and the dehumidifying process is thorough.

There will be no guesswork since the staff will use special equipment to check moisture levels in the affected area. Only when the readings are favorable will the company specializing in fire and water damage proceeds.

 

Cleanse the Space

As soon as the water has been extracted and the area has been thoroughly dried, the staff will conduct a thorough cleaning. This might involve having to get rid of things that have been damaged beyond repair by the water.

The staff will use different cleaning equipment, agents, and strategies to clean and sanitize the affected area. Your home will be left in pre-water damage condition.

Get in Touch for Water Damage Restoration

When you have water damage in your home and need help fast, get in touch with us at Service First Restoration. We have solutions whether your problem is mold, fire, plumbing, or water.

Are you asking yourself, “Does anyone provide water damage restoration near me?” The answer is, “Yes.” Our skilled experts are here to help. We will assess the issue, make recommendations, and give you a quote.

For the help you need in your time of need, get in touch to see how we can be of assistance.

 

Stucco Water Damage

Stucco is perhaps the most common exterior finish for Southern California homes and businesses.  It’s economical, attractive, low maintenance, and long-lasting.  It even reduces both heating and air-conditioning loads.  But if maintenance is completely neglected it can leak, leading to extensive (and expensive) water damage you might not even be aware of.

Water damage isn’t just a matter of plumbing, appliance, and roof leaks.  Water can get in through cracks in the stucco as well as through flashing and sealant gaps around windows and doors.  And then it can damage the structure along with the stucco itself.  So in addition to checking the roof, it’s a good idea to thoroughly inspect the building exterior.

Tip:  Thinking of pressure-washing?  Stucco and sealants must be perfect!

About Stucco

There isn’t anything really special about stucco.  It’s simply a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water in the proper grades and proportions. Typically there are three coats prior to painting: scratch, “brown,” and finish.  The result is moisture and water-resistant, but can still suffer from water damage itself whenever dampness lingers.

Causes of Problems

Improper installation can cause problems within months, or many years down the line.  That includes flashing, sealants, and painting.  The building shifting due to ground settling or earthquakes, heavy winds, or simply age can also take their toll.  The result is that the exterior absorbs rather than repels water.  Patches can fall away, and even the tiniest of cracks are a potential moisture problem.  It’s also important to have a proper vapor barrier between the stucco and the structure along with “weep screeds” at the bottom of the wall.

Signs and Symptoms

Sheathing, wood framing, and insulation lie just beyond the stucco exterior.  All of these can suffer from mold and other water damage, and that damage can be extensive if symptoms are ignored.  There can be a major hidden mold infestation, and the building can quite literally rot from the outside in.

If the water damage is bad enough to notice indoors, then the odds are that there’s hidden damage that’s very bad.  But the sooner you detect problems the less damage there will be.  Here are some important symptoms and signs to keep a lookout for.

  • Cracks, missing chips, and faulty patches.
  • Bumps — these indicate moisture underneath.
  • Crumbling, soft spots, indentations, or bulges indicate serious water damage.
  • Gaps or missing caulk around windows and doors.
  • Signs of damage around windows and doors, indoors and out.  In particular, soft or moldy interior drywall below a window.
  • Stucco remaining damp-looking many days after a rain.
  • Cracks or bubbles near the bottom of an exterior wall.

If you have any doubts, a professional inspection for moisture and leaks can be a wise decision.

Insurance

As with nearly all home and business insurance claims, you’re not likely to be covered if you’ve neglected obvious signs of trouble.  A claim may also be denied if the stucco was not installed by a licensed contractor.  Otherwise, water damage restoration should be covered.