People and properties are our priorities. 
We're Here To Help!
(408) 645-5958
Service Hours
Mon - Sun : 24 Hrs

Author: admin

> Articles by: admin
Tips, Water Damage

Should I Call My Insurer or a Damage Repair Company First?

June 21, 20180

 

When dealing with fire damage or flooding in your home the first instinct most home owners have is to call their insurance company straight away. Although this may seem like the right call, it isn’t necessarily the best way to manage the restoration process.

With over 10 years in service providing the residents of Santa Clara County with property damage restoration, we’ve helped over 100 families navigate the uneasy waters of the claims process.

Below we have outlined the best steps to take when dealing with any property damage in your home or business. Read on! The information outlined in this post could save you thousands.

Step 1: Always Remember to Put Your Safety First!

The first thing you should do before you call anyone is to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe and accounted for and safe. The next thing to do in the case of a fire would be to call 911 for the local fire department. In a flood, you would likely want to shut off the main water valve. This will stop more water from flooding into your home.

Never stay on site at a home that is unsafe to be in. Get yourself and your family to a safe haven before making any more calls.

Read more

Black Water, Tips, Water Damage

Sewage Back Up Definitely Not a “DIY” Job

May 24, 20180

Sewage back up into a home or business is far and away one of the most unpleasant plumbing related issues one can experience. From the foul odor, to flooding, to seriously toxic contamination, there are no shortage of issues to consider and deal with when your sewer lines start flowing in the wrong direction! One of the biggest mistakes a home or busines owner can make when experiencing a sewage back up is to undertake the clean up by themselves. Sewage back up is definitely not a DIY project!

For starters, the overwhelmingly majority of home and business owners do not possess the necessary equipment to handle a sewer backup cleanup. The black water the you see flooding out of toilets and through drains into sinks and tubs not only smells horrendous but is also equipped with all sorts of scary toxins and hazardous waste. The likes of which can cause serious health issues if contacted without the proper gear.

If you are experiencing a sewage back up in your home, don’t waste another minute! Call your local sewage cleanup company. Your family’s health and safety are at stake!

#1 Rule of Sewage Back Up

Do not come into contact with raw sewage. The second rule of course is to not even be in the same room/general area that sewage is presen. From various health concerns to cross contamination a sewage leak can quickly turn into highly dangerous health hazard. There is a reason that ‘Black Water’ (the coined term for sewage) is classified as a category 3 toxin! Black water can contain toxigenic, and pathogenic compounds that can be harmful, and sometimes fatal to humans and animals alike!

Read more

Fire, Tips

Things Lost in The Fire: 3 Items to Toss Out After a Fire, No Matter What!

May 10, 20180

For anyone who has suffered the devastation of a house fire one of the hardest parts of recovering is trying to decide what is salvageable and what must be tossed out. From pictures, to stuffed animals, to family heirlooms that hold sentimental value nothing is truly easy to part with. Even items like food that get exposed to smoke seem like a waste to dump out. However, when you consider the cost of potential health benefits that come with keeping items that become toxic due to smoke exposure, restocking a pantry is far less costly. For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, please follow our advice and throw these 3 things away after a fire.

Non-Perishables That Have Been Exposed to High Heat, Smoke & Firefighting Chemicals

Most homeowners will find it obvious to toss out opened food containers or anything that is in permeable packaging such as thin Ziplock bags, cardboard boxes, or in opened containers. However, they often are unsure what to do with items in cans or jars. the fact is food safety is a huge issue after a fire and precautions should be taken to ensure that no contaminated or dangerous foods are fed to family members after a fire.

When it comes to foods that are still sealed up, they may appear to be okay & safe to eat. Looks however can be deceiving. If these foods were located very near flames from the fire and exposed to high heat they may be unsafe to eat. Heat can activate bacteria leading to food spoilage, and toxic fumes can seep into glass jars and aluminum cans making the contents extremely dangerous to eat.

 

Read more

Mold

The Very Real Dangers of Mold Exposure

April 16, 20180

With well over 100k different species of mold in existence, it’s hard to get straight answers on which types are dangerous and which are not. The very real truth is that depending length of exposure and the concentration of mold spores circulating a residence, they can all be harmful. Effects can vary from person to person. In fact, some people may not even be affected by mold when they first come into contact with it. Others may develop severe allergy-like symptoms immediately after exposure. From allergies, to asthma, to more severe respiratory illnesses, mold can cause a vast array of health issues for those unlucky enough to come into contact with it.

Allergic Reactions to Mold

So let’s be clear, mold itself is typically not toxic. However, some mold can produce mycotoxins were are very dangerous to humans and animals alike. These toxic mold byproducts can cause skin rashes, and in extreme cases with prolonged exposure they are known to cause cancer.

Allergic reactions are not uncommon when it comes to mold exposure. The degree to which the individual is affected will vary based on a various factors such as length of exposure. If you are suffering from eye irritation, stuffy nose, wheezing & couoghing, itchy throat, or rashes/skin irritation, this can be a clear indicator of mold presence in your home.
Read more

Tips, Water Damage

What to do when you experience a flood in your home

April 5, 20180

What To Do When You Experience a Flood in Your Home

As a homeowner, one of, if not the most damaging things that you can experience is a flood in your home. Causes of a flood can vary widely ranging from a natural disaster such as heavy rains, or plumbing issues such as sewer line back ups, or burts pipes. No matter what has caused a home to flood, the protocol for dealing with flood should still be the same. The faster a flood is addressed, the less damage a home will undertake, and the less it will cost to restore your home to it’s pre-flood state.

#1 Reduce Additional Risk

Depending on the severity of the flooding, you may be required to leave your home following an intense flood. Upon return you should be very careful about what rooms you enter, and how you move about your house. You should check for any visible signs of damage to the homes structure. Keep an eye out for warping or cracked foundations, compromised walls, and holes in flooring. If you smell gas DO NOT ENTER THE HOME. Also, it is highly recommended that you contact the utillities company if you believe there to be damage to water, sewer, gas, or electrical lines. Having a preparedness kit with you upon return is also highly recommended. A flashlight that will allow you to see in darker areas of your home is extremely important. Before entering make sure that all electrical sources to your home are turned off. Even if the power is not working, it’s a still a good idea to locate your fuse box and turn off the main, as well as all individual fuse connections. If for some reason power is reactivated, you do not want to run the risk of mixing two of natures more heavily opposed forces.

Read more