How to Protect Your Home from Damage During Summer Vacation

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

If "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," these tips will help you prevent water, fire or mold damage from ruining your summer vacation!

There's nothing worse than returning from a relaxing vacation to find water, fire or mold damage to your home. Here is a quick checklist of things you can do to reduce that risk before you leave.

Water Damage Prevention Tips

The simplest way to avoid water damage inside your home is to shut off the water main while you're gone. If there's no water, there's no risk of a burst pipe or leak.

But if you need to irrigate your lawn or garden, shutting off the water main isn't an option. Instead, turn off the valves under sinks, by toilets and appliances like washing machines to stop leaks. Then double-check sprinkler settings to mitigate excess water from flooding around your home.

It doesn't often rain in Los Angeles during the summer months. But cleaning out gutters and downspouts helps reduce the risk of flooding during a freak storm. Got a sump pump? Test it out to ensure it can do its job should rain be in the forecast while you're away.

Turn air conditioning units down or off. This saves both electricity and money if there's no one home to enjoy the cool air. And before you go, inspect your HVAC system for leaks. Overflowing drip pans or condensation buildup can cause both water damage and mold if left unchecked.

It's also a good idea to inspect your water heater. Look for worn or loose drain valves where water can leak out. For extra peace of mind, have a local plumber check the pressure release valve and flush out sediment buildup.

Fire Damage Prevention Tips

Wildfires are a year round concern in Los Angeles and across Southern California, but especially during the dry summer months. Ensure there is a defensible area around your home by trimming trees, shrubs and other naturally flammable landscaping. Store lawn chairs, shades and other materials that can burn away from your home.

Unplug TVs, ovens and other appliances and devices that won't be in use while you're gone. Test and replace the batteries in smoke detectors so that the alarm will sound should something cause a spark to flame.

Last, but not least, ask a friend or neighbor to check on your home. They can look for potential problems, pick up mail and help make your home appear occupied to deter theft or vandalism.

Got Property Damage? Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood!

While "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," property damage can happen to even the most diligent homeowner. If you return from your summer vacation to find water, fire or mold damage to your home, give us a call at (818) 754-0050. Our highly-trained and professional damage restoration team is here to help anytime, 24/7. We can be on-site anywhere in Los Angeles in as little as one hour to clean up your damaged property quickly.

Restoration and What We Mean When We Say "Like it never even happened."

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes photos do a better job of explaining our restoration process and what we mean when we say "Like it never even happened."

If you find water, fire or mold damage to your property, you should call a restoration company for help. But maybe you don't quite know what a restoration service does. And as you search and compare, you find that SERVPRO of North Hollywood claims to restore your property "Like it never even happened." But what does that claim really mean?

At its simplest, it means we restore your home or business to its preloss condition. Here's how:

Damage Cleanup

Yes, we extract water and dry out water damaged ceilings, carpets and furniture. We clean and deodorize smoke and soot from fire damaged walls. We remove mold from attics and crawl spaces etc. We even clean dangerous stuff that no one really wants to clean.

This is all part of the cleanup and remediation process. In other words, we remove the source of the problem to mitigate further damage to your property. As long as water is left to soak, soot corrode or mold to fester, the damage may grow worse over time.

But we're not done.

Restoration Service

The water is dry. We wiped away the soot and removed the mold. Done, right? Nope. SERVPRO of North Hollywood is a licensed contractor with the resources to help you rebuild. Because what comes next is just as important: restoration.

By definition, restoration means "a return of something to a former, original, normal, or unimpaired condition." In other words, the end result is that anyone who enters your home or business would be hard-pressed to know there was damage. From patching and repainting walls to rebuilding entire rooms, we'll restore your property to its preloss condition... or better.

But sometimes mere words or a definition fail to do this process justice. The photo accompanying this post is a perfect example. On the left, you can see the smoke and soot damage covering everything: ceiling, cabinets, walls and more. On the right, we've removed the fire damaged property and replaced it with shiny fixtures, counters, cabinets and paint.

Of course, not every water, fire or mold disaster requires such a wholesale overhaul. But when you call SERVPRO of North Hollywood, you can feel secure knowing that when we say "Like it never even happened," we mean it!

What Happens When You Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood?

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

When you call SERVPRO of North Hollywood, a restoration specialist will answer your call. They're capable of answering most questions you may have.

With some property damage, the need to call a restoration company is obvious. Crawl space flooded? Sewer line backed up into your basement? Walls covered in soot from a fire? Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood.

Other times, you might suspect a problem but you're uncertain whether you need professional restoration services. The signs are present. That musty odor you can't pinpoint? That drop in water pressure that accompanies a hidden water leak? Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood.

We're not suggesting you call us in every situation, of course. But for any size water, fire or mold damage, the sooner it's mitigated, the better. It may turn out to be a small problem you can resolve yourself. Either way, fast action saves you time and money in the long run!

To help you decide, here's what happens when you call SERVPRO of North Hollywood for help with a water, fire or mold disaster.

During Your Call

When you call SERVPRO of North Hollywood, a highly-trained restoration specialist will answer your call. They're capable of answering most questions you have about the restoration process.

They'll ask you to describe the problem in as much detail as possible:

• What type of damage (water, fire/smoke/soot, mold, biohazard etc)?
• What caused the damage (rain, water leak, burst pipe etc)?
• Is the source under control (is the leak fixed etc)?
• How large is the affected area (part/all of a room, multiple rooms etc)?
• When did the damage happen?
• Do you have insurance?
• Are you the property owner?

This question is key: for liability reasons, we cannot enter a property without the owner's permission. If you're a tenant, you'll need to get authorization from the owner or the property manager before we can inspect and mitigate the damage.

At this point, you may be wondering about cost. While we can quote you a minimum, we won't be able to provide an accurate estimate without inspecting the affected area first-hand. Only then can we understand the full extent of the damage and determine the level of equipment, manpower and time necessary to fix it.

In most cases, your insurance company will cover the cost of the cleanup and restoration work. We understand you may not be eager to involve them. But we work with most major insurance providers to make the process as painless as possible.

If you're authorized and decide to proceed with an inspection, our restoration specialist will gather your contact info, send you a Docusign and schedule a visit. In many cases, we can have a restoration technician on-site anywhere in Los Angeles in as little as one hour.

After You Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood

After you call us, our restoration technicians follow a prescribed 6-7 step process to clean up and restore your property. The process is a little different depending on the type of damage:

• Water Damage Restoration Process
• Fire Damage Restoration Process
• Mold Remediation Process

From that first call to SERVPRO of North Hollywood to the completed restoration, we'll take good care of you every step of the way.

If you think you need help with water, fire or mold cleanup, don't hesitate! Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood and feel secure that we'll clean and restore your home or business "Like it never even happened."

Earthquake! 3 Disaster Response Steps You Can Take in 30 Minutes or Less.

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

An earthquake doesn't have to be this big to be a disaster. Check your property for damage and call SERVPRO 24/7 for recovery assistance.

"Did you feel that?" Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter light up in the aftermath of an earthquake of any size near Los Angeles. Most of the time, we tweet, roll over and go back to sleep. But the key to an effective disaster response is quick action. So the next step you feel your property shaking, here are a few things you might want to do before tucking in.

Check on Loved Ones

Earthquakes are scary! Even a small tremble can be distressing, especially for children and pets. Check on your loved ones and make sure they're snoring, or otherwise unaffected by the rumble. If not, they may need a little reassurance.

Do you have an evacuation plan? Given the frequency of wildfires in California, you should. Make sure everyone knows what to do if you must leave your home. A little shake may not seem like a big deal. But the time to prepare your disaster response is before, not during, the event.

Inspect Your Property

Depending on the size of the earthquake, property damage may be obvious. But the shaking can cause also hidden damage to gas and water lines. A quick inspection will help ensure you don't wake up to bigger problem:

• Look: inspect for leaks, puddles or damp spots that are clear indications of water damage. Check basements and crawl spaces, under sinks and around sewer lines.
• Smell: a foul odor may indicate a problem with your sewer line. That "rotten egg" smell? You may have gas leak. Gas leaks are dangerous and can spark a fire. Call a plumber ASAP if you suspect one.
• Listen: can't see or smell a leak? In a quiet house, you may be able to hear one. Listen closely and for the soft hiss of a gas leak, or the drip, drip, drip of a water leak.

Call For Help

If you do spot damage following a disaster, the sooner you call for help, the better. For water damage, fire, smoke and soot cleanup or mold remediation, SERVPRO of North Hollywood is available, 24/7. No job is too big and our Disaster Recovery Team can be deployed to handle large losses. We're faster to any size disaster and we're here to help!

What Does "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned" Mean?

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

Wherever you see this sign, you can be confident the facility was cleaned to the highest possible standard by SERVPRO certified technicians.

SERVPRO has long been an industry leader in residential and commercial cleaning and restoration. SERVPRO of North Hollywood is proud to meet or exceed those high standards for all of our Los Angeles area neighbors.

But the coronavirus pandemic had changed what it means to be clean. As local businesses begin reopening, safety remains an ongoing concern. Employees and customers must feel confident that businesses are doing everything possible to defend against spreading the virus.

Therefore, we are proud to offer a new program for Los Angeles area businesses to reassure employees and customers alike.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned for Businesses

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC) is a proactive cleaning and disinfecting program for commercial facilities. It is a level that goes way beyond typical janitorial services. We clean, sanitize and disinfect to minimize harmful pathogens, including coronavirus.

Locations displaying our CSC label go through a three step process to achieve their certification.

First, we consult with the business to tailor a custom program based on several unique factors. These include the size of the facility, type of operation, foot traffic and more. Businesses are not one size fits all. Neither is our work.

Second, we thoroughly clean, sanitize and disinfect using EPA approved disinfectants. Our uniquely trained and equipped team has years of biohazard cleanup experience. We follow CDC guidance on doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, phones, desks or other high-touch surfaces.

Lastly, we certify our work and provide signage. Businesses can reassure both employees and customers that they've selected the highest standard available for their property.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned for Consumers

While CSC is primarily a commercial program, it is important that consumers understand what it means when entering a CSC location. After all, 40% of consumers cite store cleanliness as a top concern according to a recent Harris poll.

First, look for a date on CSC signage. You will always know the last time the facility was serviced by our SERVPRO technicians.

Second, while we clean, sanitize and disinfect to the highest possible standard, there are no disinfectants that protect against subsequent coronavirus contamination. Following hygiene and social distancing guidelines remains the best way to protect yourself and others from infection.

However, in the event of a suspected or confirmed infection, we are capable of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting the facility. That way employees and guests can return quickly and safely.

In short, businesses and customers can both be confident where the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned sign is displayed. Because that means the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Coronavirus: Cleaning and Disinfection Options

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides advanced disinfection techniques, like ULV fogging, and follows CDC guidelines for coronavirus cleaning and decontamination.

SERVPRO of North Hollywood is a recognized industry leader in cleaning and restoration. In addition to water, fire and mold, our team of specialists is trained and certified to clean and disinfect biohazard contamination. That includes human pathogens, bacteria and viruses like the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

Here are two scenarios where we're here to help property owners clean and disinfect during the coronavirus pandemic.

Proactive Cleaning

Proactive cleaning is for homes or businesses with no known coronavirus contamination. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Maybe you own an "essential business" and need to regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. Or perhaps you are preparing to reopen once shelter in place orders are lifted.

Our proactive cleaning process removes the soil and dirt that harbors infectious agents, while disinfecting kills the remaining environmental pathogens.

Suspected or Known Coronavirus Contamination

Should you have a suspected or known case of coronavirus in your facility, the decontamination process requires the utmost care. SERVPRO of North Hollywood technicians are trained on HAZWOPER guidelines, an OSHA standard for "Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response."

In other words, we are trained and experienced with cleaning up biohazard materials, including infectious microbes like viruses, bacteria and fungi.

For your safety and ours, our team is outfitted in personal protective equipment (PPE) and observes physical distancing while working on your property.

Disinfection Products and Techniques

Keep in mind that no cleaning and disinfection products have been tested against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. However, multiple SERVPRO products fulfill the criteria used by EPA and CDC for emerging pathogens.

For example, #100 SERVPROXIDE is a Hospital Grade EPA Registered disinfectant. It has an extensive efficacy list, including norovirus and rotavirus while carrying the EPA's lowest toxicity category. It is even NSF certified for direct food contact surfaces.

We can, where appropriate, apply disinfecting products via advanced techniques like ULV fogging to maximize coverage. We also follow CDC directives for cleaning and disinfecting porous (carpets, rugs, upholstery etc.) and nonporous surfaces (hardwood floors, counters, doorknobs etc.). In short, we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

A Trusted Leader in Cleanup & Restoration

For many in our community of North Hollywood and across greater Los Angeles, the coronavirus outbreak is a serious cause for concern. We've experienced empty store shelves and worried about our health and the safety of our loved ones. In the midst of the pandemic, there has been no shortage of questionable or downright false information from a variety of news sources. It's hard to know who to trust.

One thing you can count on is that SERVPRO of North Hollywood is a trusted leader in cleanup and restoration. Since 2007, we've been helping many of our neighbors recover from water, fire and mold damage. Disaster recovery is what we know and what we do.

So if your home or business needs help with cleaning and disinfection during the coronavirus pandemic, call us anytime, 24/7. We're here to help.

SERVPRO is Here to Help During This Time of Need

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

All SERVPRO cleaning specialists will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while proactively cleaning your property during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Cleaning Services

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Cleaning Products

May Los Angeles are homes and businesses are currently seeking out "deep cleaning" services. The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus.

Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Safety First

Please note: for your safety and ours, all of our on-site cleaning technicians wear approved personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes, but is not limited to, masks, gloves and coveralls suitable for handling hazardous materials.

In addition, employees who are not feeling well or exhibiting symptoms of infection will not participate in cleaning tasks and will be sent home until they are fully recovered.

Call today for a proactive cleaning.

SERVPRO professionals can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents. The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building. 

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of North Hollywood, (818) 754-0050.

3 Reasons to Choose SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO certified water damage restoration technicians have the training and equipment to thoroughly dry, clean and repair water damage.

When you want a cup of coffee, you might have a preferred coffee shop. If your car needs maintenance or repairs, you likely have a trusted mechanic. Water damage restoration is, hopefully, a service you seldom need. So you may not feel as certain about whom to turn to clean up and restore your property. For over 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted name in damage restoration. SERVPRO of North Hollywood is proud to uphold the highest standards in training, technology and customer service associated with the name SERVPRO. But if you're wondering why you should choose SERVPRO of North Hollywood for water damage restoration, we're here to help!

Certified Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Our team of water damage restoration technicians is highly-trained and certified to IICRC standards for cleanup and restoration. Property owners can be confident the technicians restoring the affected areas are trained in the industry standard best practices, skills and techniques. Certification must be renewed every year and requires technicians to attend accredited continuing education classes to maintain certification. The titles Doctor or Registered Nurse speak to a level of education in the field of medicine. IICRC certified speaks to our level of expertise in the field of water damage restoration.

Advanced Restoration Technology

From industrial strength air movers to sensitive moisture detectors, SERVPRO of North Hollywood has the cutting-edge restoration equipment to handle any size water damage disaster. Property owners can rent and use some similar sounding equipment in attempting to clean up water damage themselves. But water damage restoration is a risky DIY job. For example, water from a burst pipe or overflowing toilet can seep into floors and behind walls. Even if the surface is dried, that moisture can linger and cause mold growth beneath the surface. Without moisture detection equipment and OSHA-approved cleaning agents, a small amount of moisture could spread and grow into a huge headache in the future. Certified water damage restoration technicians have the training and commercial grade equipment to rapidly and reliably restore your property to it's preloss condition. When you call SERVPRO of North Hollywood, you can be certain we'll make a water damage loss "Like it never even happened."

Locally Owned With National Resources

SERVPRO of North Hollywood stands ready to dry, clean and restore your property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Because we're local, we can respond faster to any size disaster. We've been a part of the community of greater Los Angeles for over a decade. We understand how our unique climate impacts our cleanup and restoration work. We're also a part of a nationwide team of SERVPRO restoration specialists. Which means we can respond to larger scale commercial losses or natural disasters with the support of our Disaster Response Team. So when we say "faster to any size disaster," we mean it. But don't take our word for it. Listen to what our customers have to say about working with SERVPRO of North Hollywood. Should disaster strike, make us your first call as your trusted water damage restoration specialists.

How Fire Damage Can Cause Water Damage (and Vice Versa)

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

When fire & smoke trigger sprinkler systems, you may need water damage restoration as well as smoke & soot cleanup. Call SERVPRO for a fast response.

Fire and water. Water and fire. They are natural enemies, the yin to the other's yang. Yet when your residential or commercial property suffers either water damage or fire damage, you should know that one can actually increase the likelihood of damage from the other.

Fire Causes Water Damage

There are two ways fire damage can cause water damage to your home or business: directly and indirectly.

First, and perhaps most obviously, if the fire department extinguishes the fire with a hose, it soaks your belongings with water. Likewise, if a fire alarm triggers the activation of a sprinkler system, your floors, carpets, walls and furniture are dowsed with gallons of water.

Less obvious is how nearby wildfires can also increase the risk of water damage to your property. Even if your home is spared by flames, a wildfire can burn out so much vegetation that the land is unable to soak up the water from subsequent rain storms. Large amounts of water from rain runoff can seep into your basement, crawl space and foundation, causing water damage and also increasing the risk of mold growth.

Following a fire, it is important to have a certified water damage specialist thoroughly inspect your property. Left unaddressed, water damage can spread and become both a bigger safety risk as well as more expensive to repair. Further, mold thrives in damp areas that are not properly dried and disinfected.

If you find water damage following a fire, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood right away to inspect your property, extract the water and expertly dry, clean and disinfect the affected areas of your home or business.

Water Causes Fire Damage

When it comes to the risk of wildfires, it's the lack of water that creates the dry conditions that can lead to a fire sparking and rapidly spreading. On the other hand, water itself can actually spark a fire in your home, often completely unaware to the homeowner. How?

Both plumbing pipes and electrical wires usually run in close proximity to each other inside your walls. So a leaky or burst pipe can drip water on those wires. A leaky roof can send water flowing towards light fixtures. The water in a flooded room might rise dangerously close to live electrical outlets.

When water comes in contact with exposed wires or sockets, it can cause a short circuit. If the affected appliance or fixture is protected by a fuse or circuit breaker, it will protect against overheating by "blowing," e.g. breaking the circuit. However, if there is no fuse or circuit breaker to stop the electrical current, the wiring or appliance will continue to heat up and, if it comes in contact with combustible materials like wood or carpet, could start a fire.

To prevent this, have a licensed plumber check your plumbing system for leaks. Likewise, clear your roof of debris and inspect for damage before the rainy season. And make sure that blown fuses are replaced, older appliances are upgraded and circuit breakers are working as specified.

And if your property suffers fire, smoke or soot damage, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood anytime, 24/7. Our highly-trained restoration technicians will help you clean up, deodorize and restore your home or business "Like it never even happened."

Meet the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

The Woolsey Fire burned acres of trees and damaged thousands of homes and businesses across Los Angeles and Ventura County.

SERVPRO of North Hollywood takes great pride in the skill of our damage restoration specialists. Our local team is highly-trained and certified in water damage cleanup, fire damage restoration and mold remediation.

Homeowners, business owners and property managers across Los Angeles know that one call to SERVPRO of North Hollywood, 24/7, is all it takes. Because when we say "faster to any size disaster," we mean it.

Some disasters, however, are so big that a single team of local restoration specialists, even one with our training and advanced restoration technology, isn't enough. Major disasters require an emergency response to meet the scale of the damage. Which is where the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team comes in.

Major Natural Disaster = Major Response

When your home is threatened or damaged by a major natural disaster, such as a hurricane, wildfire or earthquake, our SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team will be ready. With a nationwide network of strategically placed storm response teams, you can feel secure that we're prepared to assist you quickly when disaster strikes.

Our Catastrophic Storm Response Team recently assisted with recovery efforts across the country following California wildfires and Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Matthew.

So when you call SERVPRO of North Hollywood, you not only have access to your local team of skilled restoration specialists but also the resources of more than 1,700 franchises, available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

Commercial Disasters

Other major disasters are more isolated but still large enough to require a dedicated response team.

With our Commercial Large Loss division, we can scale our response to fires or flooding at commercial properties, such as hotels, multi-unit apartment complexes, office buildings or government facilities.

By centralizing communications through a commercial operations manager overseeing professional, temporary labor, we can cut costs, mitigate damage and restore operations quickly and seamlessly.

In short, SERVPRO of North Hollywood is truly capable of taking care of you and your property following any size disaster. And thanks to the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team, no disaster is too big.

So call us anytime, day or night. We're always here to help.

What's the Difference Between Damage Cleanup and Restoration?

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

A licensed damage restoration company does more than cleanup after a disaster. We can restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

When a water, storm or fire emergency strikes your home, the last thing you want to think about is the cleanup. First and foremost should be ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.

But once the source of the problem has been addressed, the hard work of cleaning up can begin. That includes deciding who to call to handle the cleanup process.

There are several questions you should ask when choosing a damage cleanup company. But perhaps the first is, what's the difference between damage cleanup and restoration? And why is it important to choose a company that can handle both?

Water and Fire Damage Cleanup Process

Cleaning up after a water emergency, whether caused by storm flooding, plumbing leaks or something else, primarily involves three steps.

First, the water is extracted from carpets, furniture, walls and floors and removed from the property. Next, specialized equipment dries and dehumidifies the affected areas. Lastly, professional cleaners treat your property to clean, sanitize and remove odors as well as reduce the risk of mold growth.

Likewise, fire damage cleanup primarily involves removing smoke and soot from the ceiling, walls and other surfaces, followed by cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting structures damaged by the fire.

Water and Fire Damage Restoration Process

However, there is another step that a licensed damage restoration company, such as SERVPRO of North Hollywood, can take. That's restoring your property to its pre-damage condition.

This process can involve many things, from relatively minor repairs like replacing drywall, painting or installing new carpet, to major reconstruction. And SERVPRO of North Hollywood is licensed by the California State License Board to provide contracting services.

In short, to make it "Like it never even happened." requires more than just damage mitigation and cleanup. It requires qualified, licensed professionals capable of rebuilding your home or business to its pre-damaged state.

Following a water or fire disaster, having one company like SERVPRO of North Hollywood handling the entire process can save time and money, and provide Los Angeles area home and business owners with much needed peace of mind.

3 Non-Emergency Reasons to Call SERVPRO

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

Mold and water damage isn't always this obvious. Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood for an inspection today.

SERVPRO of North Hollywood is probably best known for our 24/7 emergency restoration service. We respond "faster to any size disaster," repairing and restoring residential and commercial property damaged by water and fire, including storm, flood and wildfire disasters.

But did you know that SERVPRO of North Hollywood offers a number of other residential and commercial services that don't require an emergency response? Here are just three reasons to call us beyond emergency cleanup and restoration services.

Specialty Cleaning Services

One of the reasons to choose SERVPRO of North Hollywood is for our IICRC certified cleaning technology and techniques. While these are obviously invaluable when cleaning up after a water or fire loss, our team of professional commercial cleaners can also handle other types of cleanup jobs.

For example, we are certified to handle particularly unpleasant jobs, such as biohazard cleanup, sewage and toilet overflows or trauma and crime scene cleanup. Or if you find your property is the victim of vandalism and graffiti, we can not only remove and clean the affected areas, we can restore it to its pre-damaged condition.

We can also handle more mundane, but still difficult or time consuming, chores, such as cleaning soiled carpet and upholstery, drapes and blinds or ceilings, floors and walls.

HVAC Inspection

Heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems are often out of sight, out of mind. At least until there's a problem. HVAC systems should be inspected at least once a year for dirt, debris and other contaminants that can affect air quality and degrade the performance of your HVAC system.

There are many benefits to servicing your HVAC unit, but, of course, duct cleaning is not always necessary, so we can also make other recommendations about the best way to address indoor air quality concerns and provide peace of mind on the health of your system and your employees.

Water Damage & Mold Inspection

When the sewage system backs up or storm water floods your basement, it's obvious you have water damage that needs to be cleaned up. Likewise, if you see mold on your walls, ceiling or around your windows, you should call us right away for mold remediation.

Sometimes, however, potential damage from water or mold isn't quite so obvious. Maybe it's that musty smell coming from behind the refrigerator in the break room. Or maybe it's the water spot on the office's ceiling that you noticed got bigger after the last rain storm.

Regardless, our team of highly trained restoration technicians is happy to inspect and assess any areas of concern on your property. Sometimes we won't find any problems and you can simply return to business as usual. Other times, we'll find a source of water damage or mold that you didn't even realize you had, allowing us to quickly and thoroughly remedy the problem before it becomes a true disaster.

What are IICRC Standards for Water Damage Cleanup?

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? Because we not only have the technology to effectively clean up water damage, we know how to use it.

One of the reasons to choose SERVPRO of North Hollywood is that our technicians are trained and certified to IICRC standards for water damage cleanup and restoration. But you might be wondering what, exactly, are IICRC standards and why does it matter when choosing a water damage restoration company?

What is the IICRC?

IICRC stands for Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. They are the certification and standard-setting non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. As such, much of what SERVPRO of North Hollywood does, from water damage restoration and fire damage repair to mold remediation and trauma and crime scene cleanup is covered by IICRC standards.

What are IICRC Standards?

The IICRC is an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) accredited organization. ANSI accredited organizations set voluntary standards for everything from food and water quality to building and construction materials handling to cutting-edge technologies like the RFID chip in your credit card.

The purpose of these standards is create consensus around the health and safety of consumers and environment while also safeguarding the integrity and effectiveness of the standards. Often, individuals or organizations who are trained to meet these standards are then certified by the governing organization as a testament to their level of education and knowledge of the standards.

Why is Certification to IICRC Standards Important?

By having our technicians trained and certified to meet IICRC standards, SERVPRO of North Hollywood ensures that we are most capable of safely and effectively restoring your damaged property.

For example, knowing how the composition of the damaged materials, be it carpeting or upholstery, wood or corrosive metals, is affected by water helps us determine the best way to dry and restore your water damaged property.

Indeed, every variable, from the type of damaged material, to the duration of water exposure, to the source of the moisture itself (rain water vs sewage, for example) should be properly accounted for when prescribing restoration methods.

Our training to IICRC standards ensures that we are well-versed in all of these variables and that we will select the appropriate technologies, treatments and methods for the specific kind of damage we encounter.

Further, to remain certified, the IICRC requires regular continuing education classes. This ensures that our team is always up-to-date on the latest in restoration techniques and technology.

Ultimately our goal is to make the repair and restoration of your water, fire or mold damaged property as painless and stress free an experience as possible. So when you choose SERVPRO of North Hollywood, you can be confident you are choosing a team of technicians that are true experts in the industry with the technology, experience and knowledge to help make the damage from a disaster "like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of North Hollywood Sponsors Mobile MozArt Paint Night

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Hollywood is more than a restoration company. We're honored to be a part of the community we serve.

When a disaster strikes, it is natural to focus on the process of repair and recovery that follows. Indeed, SERVPRO of North Hollywood is proud to be able to assist property owners across Los Angeles with water damage and fire damage restoration services to make it like such disasters "never even happened."

Often, however, the healing process requires more than patching drywall. Recovery from a disaster is also emotional and sometimes the best thing we can do is step away from the restoration of our property to instead focus on the restoration of our hearts.

With that in mind, SERVPRO of North Hollywood was happy to recently sponsor a paint night with Mobile MozArt, complete with food, friends and, of course, lots of paint. It was truly a "starry night" as the residents of a local community affected by flood damage joined several of members of our hard-working SERVPRO team in creating their own version of van Gogh's masterpiece.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

When your home or business suffers from water damage or fire damage, there's no shortage of restoration companies you can call. But SERVPRO of North Hollywood is more than a restoration company. We are members of the community we serve. Every opportunity to give back is an opportunity to help our community grow and thrive.

We look forward to sponsoring more such events in the future. In fact, if you are interested in having Mobile MozArt bring a paint night to your community, enter our photo contest. Just visit our Facebook page and share your best beach photo with the tag #MobileMozArt by January 31, 2019. We'll choose a winner for an evening of paint, food and fun later in the year*.

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*Photo Contest Rules

One winner will be selected from all eligible entries submitted by 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2019. To be eligible, the entrant must live within 25 square miles of North Hollywood, CA. Entrants do not need to be current or former customers of SERVPRO of North Hollywood to be chosen. Entrants must be at least 21 years of age. Entrant must submit an original photo and own the rights to the photo or have written permission from the copyright owner. No stock photography etc. Selected winner's photo will be painted during a Mobile MozArt paint night party at a date and location TBD in 2019. Multiple entries from the same individual are allowed, but please do not spam our Facebook page. A minimum of 10 and a maximum of 30 individuals are required to host a paint night party and permission of the property owner and/or management company may be required.