Mold Prevention After Water Damage

If any place has been subjected to water damage the likelihood of mold infestation increases manifold times. They form in areas where there is excessive humidity or moisture and grow on surfaces that are wet. They cause discoloration on the area they affect and can be seen on wooden fixtures such as cupboards, bookcases or even beneath the carpet padding if they have been exposed to water or moisture.

They form whenever conditions are favorable – broken pipes, flooding, leaky roofs etc. are all factors responsible for their growth and spread. They grow in places where organic matter as well as moisture are present and can spread easily through their spores. Therefore it is essential that mold is removed as soon as it is detected. If a homeowner overlooks or neglects the situation there may be widespread mold infestation that would then require expert assistance to eradicate.

Having an expert remove mold is expensive and is generally not covered by insurance. They also pose a health risk so it is a necessity to have them removed at the earliest. So, here’s how to detect and prevent mold infestation – the DIY route. 

In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary:

1. Seal the Area
2. Shut off the Electricity
3. Remove Excess Water
4. Scrub the Area
5. Rinse and Repeat until Mold is Gone
6. Disinfect the Area
7. Dry The Area Out Using a Dry Vac

That sums it up nicely! Need more information? Let’s get right into it!

How to Remove Mold

Seal the Area

The way to get rid of mold is by thoroughly cleaning the affected area. For this organic cleaners which are easily available in the market can be used. It is essential to take some precautions like wearing gloves, eye goggles and a respirator to prevent exposure to the harmful spores. 

Also wear clothes which can be discarded safely after the clean up is completed. Only after taking these preventive measures and having the right cleaning solutions proceed with the cleaning. 

The first step is to have the affected area sealed off from the rest of the property using tape and plastic sheets. This is done to ensure that no spores are spread to other areas of the home.

Clean and Disinfect the Area

If your home is facing a flood situation turn off the electricity.

Remove all the excess water completely and then look for potential areas which would be conducive for mold growth. Scrub the affected area thoroughly and use detergent and a good brush which will remove the mold from the affected area.

After scrubbing rinse the area with the solution. The area needs to be disinfected and cleaned. Then use a dry vacuum cleaner to blow dry the area completely until all the moisture is totally removed. This will help to prevent a recurrence of mold in the area.

There are good quality mold cleaners available in the market which are organic and contain no harmful chemicals that may be toxic when exposed to.

Do not use cleaners which have a high content of chemicals such as chlorine, bleach etc to clean and remove molds. For bathrooms and shower curtains a simple household product like vinegar can be used. It is bio-degradable and much safer than solutions with chemicals that could harm anyone who inhales it.

Call a Professional

Incase a DIY method does not seem to provide the solution to your mold problem then it is important that you contact a professional mold remediation service to carry out the task. It will be more expensive but it is well worth the money spent as it will leave your home clean and mold free for many years to come.

Water Removal Los Angeles CA

Now, we at Vetted Los Angeles Restorations don’t deal with mold. We can help prevent it but we’re here primarily to help you with flooding and water damage in Los Angeles. Sometimes, there’s too much water damage to even try to remove mold. You’ll need expert restoration assistance to remove standing water, dry out the property, and then prevent mold growth. For such assistance, call us now!

We can help with:

• Water damage restoration Los Angeles
• Water removal
• Basement water damage restoration
• Sewage cleanup
• Flood damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration

More helpful posts:

• Signs Of Water Damage in Homes
• Restoration of Damaged Electronics
• Should You Replace Drywall If It Gets Wet

The post Mold Prevention After Water Damage appeared first on Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA.

from Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA https://waterdamage-losangeles.com/mold-prevention-after-water-damage/

Restoration of Damaged Electronics

Consumer electronics is a booming industry with a multi trillion dollar market. The demand for the latest gizmos and gadgets is perpetual and never seems to wane in popularity. Electronic appliances can cost thousands of dollars and are not easily replaceable after an accident or household disaster.

With advances in technology by leaps and bounds gone are the days when any damaged electronic item was straightaway disposed of or discarded. Electronics restoration is no longer a distant dream but rather very much in the realms of reality.

Companies nowadays use sophisticated and highly specialized equipment and technology to restore electronics that have faced the ravages of water or even faced exposure to soot or smoke. One of the quirkier applications in use to repair these damaged electronic items is to immerse them in a special water based chemical solution to clean and remove soot or any other remnants. These highly specialized solutions work in removing any material that might be lodged within the item without damaging the electronic components or circuitry.

After the chemical bath they are places in special drying chambers which are then warmed in temperature at different stages. This is done in a very controlled manner so as to prevent the item from heat damage. The amazing end result is the electronic appliance or gadget is restored to functionality once again.

How Can Water-Damaged Electronics Be Saved

Generally most electronic equipment can be salvaged after being exposed to water damage in Los Angeles up to 72 hours. When it comes to fire damage the level of heat it has been exposed to and the quantity of soot within the item are factors that are taken into account. Severe heat can melt fiber or plastic as well as electronic wiring which could render the entire unit as irreparable. However there is no hard and fixed rule that is followed and this requires judgment on a case by case basis.

If a computer hard disk or media file needs to be recovered there are forensic restoration experts who can make a successful task of it by extracting most if not all of the data and files.

The first thing to be done if you have any electronic item that has been exposed to water or fire damage is to try and avoid handling or moving the equipment as this could lead to further damage. Amateur efforts to remove smoke or soot will end in disaster with the equipment being left irreparable. 

Any use of inappropriate materials or chemicals could make it impossible even for an expert to later restore. The most prudent course of action would be to get in touch with the nearest electronic restoration experts listed in your area and let them take stock of the situation.

However, for water removal, smoke and odor removal, cleanup and sanitization, and restoration of your entire property, you should get in touch with a water damage restoration professional. 

Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA

If you need professional assistance with water damage repair in Los Angeles, we can help. Vetted Los Angeles Restorations can respond at any time of the day or night, just dial +1 (213) 410-1873 and we’ll be on our way!

We can help with:

• Water damage restoration Los Angeles
• Water removal
• Basement water damage restoration
• Sewage cleanup
• Flood damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration

More helpful articles:

• Signs Of Water Damage in Homes
• Los Angeles Water Damage Restoration Costs
• What Happens if Water Damage is Left Untreated

The post Restoration of Damaged Electronics appeared first on Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA.

from Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA https://waterdamage-losangeles.com/restoration-of-damaged-electronics/

How to Deal With Water Damage from Clogged Gutters

Water damage can be a serious issue for any home, regardless of whether you’re in a warm place like Los Angeles or in a cooler Midwest. If you want to ensure that your home remains dry and damage-free you have to pay attention to the gutters of your roof system, especially after heavy rainfall. 

Gutters’ main purpose is to catch rain or other forms of moisture and carry it away from the structure of the home and its foundations. If they spring a leak or are blocked with debris or leaves moisture can eventually find its way into the home and affect the walls as well as the foundation which would lead to damage to its structure and other moisture related problems. Here’s how to deal with water damage from clogged gutters. 

Content Table:

1. Cleanup the Debris from Gutters
2. Check the Security
3. Dealing with Leaks

Let’s go!

Cleanup the Debris from Gutters

If they are safely reachable and you plan to clean it on your own that is a great idea. Use a ladder to remove debris and other materials. When selecting you ladder check and confirm if it is strong and safe and that you are comfortable working on it. It is always a good idea to have a second person to brace the ladder to ensure you are safe during this procedure. If you rest the ladder against the aluminum gutter it may damage it. Another option would be to use a standoff ladder attachment to perform the task.

Firstly wear protective gloves and remove leaves as well as other material that would have accumulated in the gutter and place them in a bucket attached to the ladder. If it is a matter of concern as to how the leaves debris are to be disposed then do not worry. Decomposed leaves are an excellent source of compost for plants and can be used in the garden. Do not forget to check the downspout when cleaning the gutters as every part of it needs to be clean and free of blockage so that the water or moisture can drain away safely.

Check the Security

Once they are cleaned ensure that all attachments including spikes are holding the gutter securely in place. Snow or ice damage ca cause gutters to sag over time. You can replace spikes with gutter screws as spikes and aluminum ferrules tend to bend easily and work loose over a period of time. You can go online and learn how to replace brackets, fix spikes or repair gutters that are attached by straps or hangers.

Dealing with the Leaks

Common issues with gutters are leaks. If they are leaking the first place to check for damage would be between the joints. Once the source of the leak is determined first ensure that the gutters are dry, brush clean the seams and then apply a water proof caulking sealant along the seams both inside as well outside. This will help to seal the leaks. For small holes water proof cement can be used and for larger damage a sheet metal patch in roofing cement can be embedded over the damaged area and then covered with waterproof cement.

If the leaking water found its way into your home, you can apply some of the tips for water damage cleanup from our blog:

• Mold Prevention After Water Damage
• Restoration of Damaged Electronics
• Should You Replace Drywall If It Gets Wet

Otherwise, if you can’t DIY, call in a professional like Vetted Los Angeles Restorations. 

Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles California

Dealing with water damage is never easy, whether it came from gutters, leaking pipes, sewage, or flooding. That’s why our experts are here – to help you restore the damage and be there to support you during these challenging times. 

Call Vetted Los Angeles Restorations for any of the following:

• Water damage restoration Los Angeles
• Water removal
• Basement water damage restoration
• Sewage cleanup Los Angeles
• Flood damage restoration Los Angeles
• Fire damage restoration Los Angeles

The post How to Deal With Water Damage from Clogged Gutters appeared first on Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA.

from Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA https://ift.tt/rjThUwF

Mold Prevention After Water Damage

If any place has been subjected to water damage the likelihood of mold infestation increases manifold times. They form in areas where there is excessive humidity or moisture and grow on surfaces that are wet. They cause discoloration on the area they affect and can be seen on wooden fixtures such as cupboards, bookcases or even beneath the carpet padding if they have been exposed to water or moisture.

They form whenever conditions are favorable – broken pipes, flooding, leaky roofs etc. are all factors responsible for their growth and spread. They grow in places where organic matter as well as moisture are present and can spread easily through their spores. Therefore it is essential that mold is removed as soon as it is detected. If a homeowner overlooks or neglects the situation there may be widespread mold infestation that would then require expert assistance to eradicate.

Having an expert remove mold is expensive and is generally not covered by insurance. They also pose a health risk so it is a necessity to have them removed at the earliest. So, here’s how to detect and prevent mold infestation – the DIY route. 

In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary:

1. Seal the Area
2. Shut off the Electricity
3. Remove Excess Water
4. Scrub the Area
5. Rinse and Repeat until Mold is Gone
6. Disinfect the Area
7. Dry The Area Out Using a Dry Vac

That sums it up nicely! Need more information? Let’s get right into it!

How to Remove Mold

Seal the Area

The way to get rid of mold is by thoroughly cleaning the affected area. For this organic cleaners which are easily available in the market can be used. It is essential to take some precautions like wearing gloves, eye goggles and a respirator to prevent exposure to the harmful spores. 

Also wear clothes which can be discarded safely after the clean up is completed. Only after taking these preventive measures and having the right cleaning solutions proceed with the cleaning. 

The first step is to have the affected area sealed off from the rest of the property using tape and plastic sheets. This is done to ensure that no spores are spread to other areas of the home.

Clean and Disinfect the Area

If your home is facing a flood situation turn off the electricity.

Remove all the excess water completely and then look for potential areas which would be conducive for mold growth. Scrub the affected area thoroughly and use detergent and a good brush which will remove the mold from the affected area.

After scrubbing rinse the area with the solution. The area needs to be disinfected and cleaned. Then use a dry vacuum cleaner to blow dry the area completely until all the moisture is totally removed. This will help to prevent a recurrence of mold in the area.

There are good quality mold cleaners available in the market which are organic and contain no harmful chemicals that may be toxic when exposed to.

Do not use cleaners which have a high content of chemicals such as chlorine, bleach etc to clean and remove molds. For bathrooms and shower curtains a simple household product like vinegar can be used. It is bio-degradable and much safer than solutions with chemicals that could harm anyone who inhales it.

Call a Professional

Incase a DIY method does not seem to provide the solution to your mold problem then it is important that you contact a professional mold remediation service to carry out the task. It will be more expensive but it is well worth the money spent as it will leave your home clean and mold free for many years to come.

Water Removal Los Angeles CA

Now, we at Vetted Los Angeles Restorations don’t deal with mold. We can help prevent it but we’re here primarily to help you with flooding and water damage in Los Angeles. Sometimes, there’s too much water damage to even try to remove mold. You’ll need expert restoration assistance to remove standing water, dry out the property, and then prevent mold growth. For such assistance, call us now!

We can help with:

• Water damage restoration Los Angeles
• Water removal
• Basement water damage restoration
• Sewage cleanup
• Flood damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration

More helpful posts:

• Signs Of Water Damage in Homes
• Restoration of Damaged Electronics
• Should You Replace Drywall If It Gets Wet

The post Mold Prevention After Water Damage appeared first on Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA.

from Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA https://ift.tt/NGZB84w

Restoration of Damaged Electronics

Consumer electronics is a booming industry with a multi trillion dollar market. The demand for the latest gizmos and gadgets is perpetual and never seems to wane in popularity. Electronic appliances can cost thousands of dollars and are not easily replaceable after an accident or household disaster.

With advances in technology by leaps and bounds gone are the days when any damaged electronic item was straightaway disposed of or discarded. Electronics restoration is no longer a distant dream but rather very much in the realms of reality.

Companies nowadays use sophisticated and highly specialized equipment and technology to restore electronics that have faced the ravages of water or even faced exposure to soot or smoke. One of the quirkier applications in use to repair these damaged electronic items is to immerse them in a special water based chemical solution to clean and remove soot or any other remnants. These highly specialized solutions work in removing any material that might be lodged within the item without damaging the electronic components or circuitry.

After the chemical bath they are places in special drying chambers which are then warmed in temperature at different stages. This is done in a very controlled manner so as to prevent the item from heat damage. The amazing end result is the electronic appliance or gadget is restored to functionality once again.

How Can Water-Damaged Electronics Be Saved

Generally most electronic equipment can be salvaged after being exposed to water damage in Los Angeles up to 72 hours. When it comes to fire damage the level of heat it has been exposed to and the quantity of soot within the item are factors that are taken into account. Severe heat can melt fiber or plastic as well as electronic wiring which could render the entire unit as irreparable. However there is no hard and fixed rule that is followed and this requires judgment on a case by case basis.

If a computer hard disk or media file needs to be recovered there are forensic restoration experts who can make a successful task of it by extracting most if not all of the data and files.

The first thing to be done if you have any electronic item that has been exposed to water or fire damage is to try and avoid handling or moving the equipment as this could lead to further damage. Amateur efforts to remove smoke or soot will end in disaster with the equipment being left irreparable. 

Any use of inappropriate materials or chemicals could make it impossible even for an expert to later restore. The most prudent course of action would be to get in touch with the nearest electronic restoration experts listed in your area and let them take stock of the situation.

However, for water removal, smoke and odor removal, cleanup and sanitization, and restoration of your entire property, you should get in touch with a water damage restoration professional. 

Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA

If you need professional assistance with water damage repair in Los Angeles, we can help. Vetted Los Angeles Restorations can respond at any time of the day or night, just dial +1 (213) 410-1873 and we’ll be on our way!

We can help with:

• Water damage restoration Los Angeles
• Water removal
• Basement water damage restoration
• Sewage cleanup
• Flood damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration

More helpful articles:

• Signs Of Water Damage in Homes
• Los Angeles Water Damage Restoration Costs
• What Happens if Water Damage is Left Untreated

The post Restoration of Damaged Electronics appeared first on Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA.

from Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA https://ift.tt/Ze5k32X

How to Repair Ceiling Water Damage

Same like with drywall, when your ceiling sustains water damage in Los Angeles, it is important for your health and home to fix the problem immediately. If the water damage remains for too long, it will lead to mold and the structure of your home will become weaker. Knowing how to address this problem with save you time and money in the future.

In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary:

1. Stop the Leak
2. Dry the Ceiling
3. Remove Damaged Ceiling
4. Sand the Ceiling
5. Paint

Need more info? Let’s jump right in!

Stop the Leak

The source of the leak needs to be stopped before you can begin any work repairing the home. If the leak isn’t repaired, then any water that enters will undo any repair work you may have done. Stop the leak with mortar or call in a professional.

Dry the Ceiling

After you have sealed the leak, you can begin to dry off the ceiling with towels and a shop vac. It is important that you clean the ceiling from above and below it. This means the flooring/roofing above where the ceiling is located. If there is a bulge in the ceiling this means that there could be water sitting inside the ceiling. In this case use a bucket and knife to puncture the bulge into the bucket. Allow the area to completely dry.

Remove Damaged Ceiling

Pieces of ceiling may be hanging off or bulging out. This needs to be scraped away and smoothed before repairs can be performed. Any flakes or chips should be scraped off as well. The ceiling should be as flat and smooth as possible.

Sand the Ceiling

Now you are going to need to sand the ceiling so that it can be smoothed even more. Small holes can be filled in with joint compound. For bigger holes, you will need to use drywall and plaster to repair them. After these repairs have dried you will need to sand them down so that they are level with the rest of the ceiling.

Paint

When you are done with the repairs and everything has dried, you are ready to paint. First apply a coat of primer to the ceiling. After this you will need to let the primer dry and then apply a coat of paint. The best way to do this is to completely paint your whole ceiling so that the color matches and there aren’t any spots.

Water Damage Repair Los Angeles

If you need professional assistance with water damage repair in Los Angeles, we can help. Vetted Los Angeles Restorations can respond at any time of the day or night, just dial +1 (213) 410-1873 and we’ll be on our way!

We can help with:

• Water damage restoration Los Angeles
• Water removal
• Basement water damage restoration
• Sewage cleanup
• Flood damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration

More helpful articles:

• Signs Of Water Damage in Homes
• Los Angeles Water Damage Restoration Costs
• What Happens if Water Damage is Left Untreated

The post How to Repair Ceiling Water Damage appeared first on Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA.

from Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA https://waterdamage-losangeles.com/how-to-repair-ceiling-water-damage/

How to Repair Ceiling Water Damage

Same like with drywall, when your ceiling sustains water damage in Los Angeles, it is important for your health and home to fix the problem immediately. If the water damage remains for too long, it will lead to mold and the structure of your home will become weaker. Knowing how to address this problem with save you time and money in the future.

In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary:

1. Stop the Leak
2. Dry the Ceiling
3. Remove Damaged Ceiling
4. Sand the Ceiling
5. Paint

Need more info? Let’s jump right in!

Stop the Leak

The source of the leak needs to be stopped before you can begin any work repairing the home. If the leak isn’t repaired, then any water that enters will undo any repair work you may have done. Stop the leak with mortar or call in a professional.

Dry the Ceiling

After you have sealed the leak, you can begin to dry off the ceiling with towels and a shop vac. It is important that you clean the ceiling from above and below it. This means the flooring/roofing above where the ceiling is located. If there is a bulge in the ceiling this means that there could be water sitting inside the ceiling. In this case use a bucket and knife to puncture the bulge into the bucket. Allow the area to completely dry.

Remove Damaged Ceiling

Pieces of ceiling may be hanging off or bulging out. This needs to be scraped away and smoothed before repairs can be performed. Any flakes or chips should be scraped off as well. The ceiling should be as flat and smooth as possible.

Sand the Ceiling

Now you are going to need to sand the ceiling so that it can be smoothed even more. Small holes can be filled in with joint compound. For bigger holes, you will need to use drywall and plaster to repair them. After these repairs have dried you will need to sand them down so that they are level with the rest of the ceiling.

Paint

When you are done with the repairs and everything has dried, you are ready to paint. First apply a coat of primer to the ceiling. After this you will need to let the primer dry and then apply a coat of paint. The best way to do this is to completely paint your whole ceiling so that the color matches and there aren’t any spots.

Water Damage Repair Los Angeles

If you need professional assistance with water damage repair in Los Angeles, we can help. Vetted Los Angeles Restorations can respond at any time of the day or night, just dial +1 (213) 410-1873 and we’ll be on our way!

We can help with:

• Water damage restoration Los Angeles
• Water removal
• Basement water damage restoration
• Sewage cleanup
• Flood damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration

More helpful articles:

• Signs Of Water Damage in Homes
• Los Angeles Water Damage Restoration Costs
• What Happens if Water Damage is Left Untreated

The post How to Repair Ceiling Water Damage appeared first on Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA.

from Water Damage Restoration Los Angeles CA https://ift.tt/g5Z42ME