SERVPRO is here to Help!!

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Here to help and take care of the customers.

How do you keep clean with all that is going around with the COVID-19? Also we are here to help with an COVID-19 question you may have. Just give us a call we are to help. 

Wash hands.
Avoid touching face.
Clean and sanitize home.
Clean and sanitize business.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we can minimize the spread of germs with a proactive cleaning for your home or business.

We are here to help get back to how things were before the stay at home. We are here to clean you house or workplace. We will sanitize all of the office or home. SERVPRO of SW San Jose will also take care of any water damage, fire or mold job from beginning to end. We work in the bay area. We also will work with your home insurance or business insurance. 

Give us a call today.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose 408-288-9977

SERVPRO helps out in the community

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Helping out is want we do best.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose values the opportunity to educate our community on issues such as fire, water, and mold damage restoration. Our marketing manager recently talked to real estate agents at the local National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) meetings.

Property managers may also take lessons from SERVPRO about the services that we can provide them and their clients. SERVPRO provides real estate agents and property managers with the resources they need to assist them and inform them on water, fire, and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose looks after and assists many property managers in the region who have experienced water, mold, or fire damage.

Selling a damaged house is struggle that real estate agents tend to deal with. SERVPRO aids agents by fixing damages and cleaning messes so that they can provide a more suitable space for living to their clients. 

SERVPRO is here to Help!!

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

mold can be anywhere SERVPRO of SW San Jose is here to help big or small jobs.

Working to help a customer in Los Gatos deal with a leaking wax ring from a toilet.  They saw a gradual widening of discoloration in a ring pattern in the vinyl in their upstairs bathroom - then one day this nasty spot appeared on their hallway ceiling below!  Luckily for them the amount of sewage was small and we were able to catch it in the initial stages.  We performed their water damage cleanup and sanitized the affected areas.

Customers often ask us if there is anything they can do to help prevent this type of damage.  The best advice in this instance would have been to investigate the vinyl discoloration in the upstairs bathroom at the very beginning.  Frequent inspections are often a good way to prevent leaks.

We are here to Help!!

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help. Need help we are open.

We are Here to Help get Your Business Back to Normal. SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bio remediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the corona-virus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the corona virus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Why SERVPRO. This is why!!

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO should be your to go company. We are here to help.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcomes opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damage as well as mold and fire damage. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate agent needs help taking care of a mold damage we are here to help them out. 

Bathroom Tile Removed after Water Damage in San Jose, CA

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage resulted in removal of toilet and tile in upstairs bathroom.

An upstairs toilet was leaking, causing damage to under the tile and down into bottom floor. SERVPRO of SW San Jose was called out to stop and dry the loss. Bathroom tile was removed so that the drying process could begin. 

Water can weaken tile adhesives and cause your individual tiles to move about or even come free. If your tiles are moving and there's no indication of water or flooding on the floor's surface, it's definitely a warning sign of potential water damage below. 

Furthermore, if you suspect a leak under your tiles, you can try tapping them with for foot or a coin. Listen for an empty or hollow sound to tell if there is separation between the tile and the baseboard.

Equipment Set Up Post Water Damage in San Jose, Ca

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW San Jose was called out to assess a water damage. After thorough investigation the leak was discovered and fixed. Floors were pulled and

Evaluate your HVAC system’s air filter. If the filter is dirty or full, the system may not be able to function properly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow. If the air coming out of your vents seems weak, start with a new air filter. If a clean air filter does not solve the problem, a service call might be in order.

Verify that the outdoor air conditioner unit is not covered in dirt or debris. Any type of dirt or debris that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause it to not function properly. If there is yard debris around the unit, make sure to clear it away.

Check to make sure your thermostat is set properly. At the beginning of the air conditioning season, it can be difficult to remember that your thermostat must be switched to the correct mode. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not turn on.

Schedule a tune up and maintenance appointment for your air conditioner. It’s a smart idea to have your air conditioning system tune up at least once a year. During the tune up, the system should be cleaned, lubricated and checked for any problems.

When in doubt, call your air conditioning repair company for a service call. If your air conditioning system does not seem to be working properly, make sure to call a repair company as soon as possible. Air conditioning repair companies can get very busy when the weather gets hot.

Our company handles air conditioning water damage on a routine basis during summer months.  If you suspect your air conditioning system has caused water damage, please contact SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Water Damage in Garage Ceiling

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Garage ceiling damage. All of the drywall had to be removed.

A local business had water leaking through the roof of their storage garage. A couple days of rain resulted in the exposure of a new cracks in the roof of the building. 

SERVPRO of SW San Jose came out same day to remediate the problem and keep the business running smoothly. 

If you roof is leaking you should:

1. Get a container for the water.
To capture leaking water, grab one or more waterproof containers. To prevent the falling water from gushing out as it makes contact with the containers, line them with an old t-shirt or towel.

2. Rearrange or cover your furnishings.
Remove any furniture and decorations that are in the way of the water. If you can't move something, cover it with a waterproof cover. If you don't have a tarp or plastic sheeting, you may use a vinyl tablecloth, vinyl shower curtains, a deflated kiddie pool, or a waterproof tent.

3. Soak up any water that has spilled on the floor.
If you don't get the water off your floor as soon as possible, it could warp or develop mold or mildew. Soak it up with an old cloth or a mop. For a large pool of water, a wet/dry vacuum (such as a Shop-Vac) can be used.

4. Cut a tiny drainage hole.
You want to encourage the leaky water drain downward. This will keep it from spreading across your ceiling and causing the building material to collapse.

5. Call your local SERVPRO
Even if you can't pinpoint the source of a leak, the weather outdoors can help you figure out what kind of leak you have. If it's raining, there's a good chance you have a roof leak. You most likely have a plumbing leak if there isn't any rain.

New Roof in a San Jose,Ca

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage inside home due to affected roof.

With all the rain we've been experiencing in the  Bay Area it's no wonder the number of roof leak calls into our office has been skyrocketing.  Water damage can affect all family members, human or not. 

The roof in question was only a few years old, but the wind of the last storm was too much.  If you experience a roof leak, here are some suggestions about how to go about fixing it:

Step 1:  Stop the water.  Hire a roofing company to either fix the leak or to install a temporary roof tarp to keep more water from entering the structure.  If you suspect the water intrusion is gutter related, contact a gutter cleaning company.

Step 2:  Perform water remediation:  Open affected areas to perform drying and to prevent mold.  Install drying equipment and apply anti-microbial to discourage mold growth.  Caution:  If you are unsure about your property's lead paint or asbestos status, test first before any demolition.

Step 3:  Perform repairs to affected areas.  Always research your contractors make sure they hold valid licensing.

Rain affected ceiling in San Jose, Ca

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

bathroom ceiling affected

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Kitchen fire in San Jose, Ca

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

cabinets affected

Last week we discussed how important the proper type fire extinguisher can be should a fire occur in your home; but here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

Stay in your kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stove top.

Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.

Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.

Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.

Keep knives out of the reach of children.

Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. 

Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Some people may look to vary the traditional turkey entrée by using a deep fryer. The deep-frying cooking process requires that up to 5 gallons of oil be heated before placing the turkey into the device. Tests have shown that a number of available fryers can tip over easily, allowing hot oil to spill and creating a fire or scald burn from contact. They can also overheat which causes hot oil to spill or splatter outside the fryer, a recipe for fire or serious injury.

Water damaged in San Jose, Ca

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

House will need a new carpet.

Whether due to lack of attention or a freak accident, all homeowners at one point or another experience some type of water issue in their homes. And in many cases, the problems present themselves in subtle ways. The key is to be on the lookout for them so that they don't become a matter that requires a significant amount of time, money, and effort to fix.

With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) chronicled the five leading causes of water damage based on property insurance claims. In addition, they outlined the potential indicators of a problem and tips on how homeowners can solve them.

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. 

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Potential indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, and moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Consider installing water alarms or a whole-house automatic water shutoff system 

2. TOILET FAILURE

Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• After you flush, wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
• Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

 3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.  The average cost per incident was $4,444.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4. PLUMBING DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.

Nothing can completely prevent water damage incidents.  But you can reduce your risk by taking some precautions. 

Water damaged in a Milpitas, Ca house.

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Mold inside the house due to mold.

Unfortunately for this customer in Milpitas, CA they let a water leak go for too long. When they called  SERVPRO of SW San Jose they told them they knew they had a chip in their tile grout around the bathtub but didn't fill it. 

They ignored the problem and water continued to drip into the cavity.

About a year later the called SERVPRO of SW San Jose, because their wall in their adjacent hallway was bowing and showed discoloration.  We performed a complementary inspection and detected water inside the wall using a moisture meter.

Once we opened the wall we found out the total extent of their damage. What could have been fixed with a tube of sealant will now cost thousands to repair.

Helping with AC units.

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

AC unit needs to be clean

Evaluate your HVAC system’s air filter. If the filter is dirty or full, the system may not be able to function properly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow. If the air coming out of your vents seems weak, start with a new air filter. If a clean air filter does not solve the problem, a service call might be in order.

Verify that the outdoor air conditioner unit is not covered in dirt or debris. Any type of dirt or debris that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause it to not function properly. If there is yard debris around the unit, make sure to clear it away.

Check to make sure your thermostat is set properly. At the beginning of the air conditioning season, it can be difficult to remember that your thermostat must be switched to the correct mode. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not turn on.

Schedule a tune up and maintenance appointment for your air conditioner. It’s a smart idea to have your air conditioning system tune up at least once a year. During the tune up, the system should be cleaned, lubricated and checked for any problems.

When in doubt, call your air conditioning repair company for a service call. If your air conditioning system does not seem to be working properly, make sure to call a repair company as soon as possible. Air conditioning repair companies can get very busy when the weather gets hot.

Our company handles air conditioning water damage on a routine basis during summer months.  If you suspect your air conditioning system has caused water damage, please contact SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Kitchen fire in San Jose, Ca

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

kitchen cabinet

Last week we discussed how important the proper type fire extinguisher can be should a fire occur in your home; but here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

Stay in your kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stove top.

Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.

Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.

Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.

Keep knives out of the reach of children.

Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. 

Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Some people may look to vary the traditional turkey entrée by using a deep fryer. The deep-frying cooking process requires that up to 5 gallons of oil be heated before placing the turkey into the device. Tests have shown that a number of available fryers can tip over easily, allowing hot oil to spill and creating a fire or scald burn from contact. They can also overheat which causes hot oil to spill or splatter outside the fryer, a recipe for fire or serious injury.

Helping out our Bay Area Property Manager.

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Vandalism

One of our customers who is a property manager contacted us this week because he was dealing with some disgruntled tenants that abruptly moved out of one of his rental houses and trashed the place.  They allowed their pets to urinate on the floors without cleaning it up, wrote graffiti on the walls, and even broke out the front windows.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose provides emergency board-up and vandalism cleanup services.  We sent out a crew immediately to the home in order to board up the broken windows to keep out thieves and squatters.

The interior cleanup was very extensive, it required removing the most heavily affected flooring, then cleaning and sanitizing the sub-floor. 

Once finished, our customer told us he was very pleased with the outcome and the quick turnaround time so that he could begin renting the property again.

Cleaning your HVAC.

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

silverware

SERVPRO of SW San Jose helped a customer dealing with a type of puff-back from his furnace. It was a townhouse rental property with a long-term tenant, no maintenance emergencies in almost 10 years .... sounds like an in deal tenant yes?

The tenant called to report ash streaming out of all the vents like an incinerator! When I arrived for the inspection I found that the tenant had not changed the filter in 2 years!

We had to treat this type of contamination exactly as we would treat a smoke damage cleanup. It required 100% wipe down of structure and contents, HVAC cleaning, and then extensive floor cleaning.

Ash has a way of sneaking even into closed areas - have a look below at the ash around his silverware which was enclosed in the silverware drawer.

Cold weather is here, chimney fire.

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Chimney fire in San Jose, ca

Did you feel the chill in the air this past weekend?  For many of us, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a crackling fire to chase away the cold weather.  You’re sitting in your living room with your family enjoying the warm glow of the flames, and suddenly you hear a roaring noise.  It almost sounds like a jet plane is flying right over your home!  Huge amounts of dark smoke billow out of the top of your chimney – what is happening?!?

This is a scenario that plays out almost 25,000 times per year in the US:  Chimney Fires.  These fires can be very dramatic, or they may burn silently, but their silence holds no indication of the harm they may cause as they burn slowly at incredibly high temperatures.  Regardless of the type, all chimney fires can cause substantial damage and risk to you and your family.

So what causes chimney fires?  The build-up of creosote along the chimney lining walls can facilitate the start of a chimney fire. This build-up is caused by the unburden materials in the smoke accumulating along the chimney walls and creating a sticky substance that can easily catch fire. The smoke from the fire contains a substance similar to tar and when the temperatures within the chimney are below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance will condense along the chimney surface. When the temperature drops below 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance turns into a dark, sticky substance that is also highly flammable.

The Good News:  Chimney fires are almost entirely preventable!

Chimney fires are a dangerous and serious problem to have, but the good news is that they are also almost entirely preventable.  You must be careful to only burn materials that are ready and meant to be burned.  For example, only use seasoned, dry wood, newspapers, and dry kindling.  Burning cardboard boxes, trash, or wrapping paper can cause the creation of excess creosote and put your home and family in danger.  While using the correct fuel is important, a chimney fire can still occur even after taking these precautions.  This is why annual chimney inspections and cleanings are a critical part of home maintenance.  Most creosote is removed during annual chimney cleaning performed by chimney sweeps.

A clean chimney reduces the risk of a fire; so before you strike the first match for a fire this winter, consider scheduling a chimney inspection and cleaning.   Some simple precautions can help you have a safe and happy winter season.

(Statistics Courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC))

Rain in the Bay Area!!

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

New roof after a storm.

With all the rain we've been experiencing in the  Bay Area it's no wonder the number of roof leak calls into our office has been skyrocketing.  Water damage can affect all family members, human or not. 

The roof in question was only a few years old, but the wind of the last storm was too much.  If you experience a roof leak, here are some suggestions about how to go about fixing it:

Step 1:  Stop the water.  Hire a roofing company to either fix the leak or to install a temporary roof tarp to keep more water from entering the structure.  If you suspect the water intrusion is gutter related, contact a gutter cleaning company.

Step 2:  Perform water remediation:  Open affected areas to perform drying and to prevent mold.  Install drying equipment and apply anti-microbial to discourage mold growth.  Caution:  If you are unsure about your property's lead paint or asbestos status, test first before any demolition.

Step 3:  Perform repairs to affected areas.  Always research your contractors make sure they hold valid licensing.

Getting ready for the winter rain.

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Various water alarm sensors

Water sensors are small devices that can alert you whenever water is present around the refrigerator, the washing machine, sinks, and toilets—even in the basement. If you've got a leaky basement or appliances of a certain age, a smart water sensor makes for a strategic addition to your home.

Some smart water sensors work alone via Wi-Fi, and others connect to a smart-home hub; when wetness occurs, both can send a message to your phone so you can respond with a towel or a plumber. The units we're talking about here can't actually shut off the water; they simply alert you to the danger so you can respond quickly.

Though you can get a leak sensor that will set off an eardrum-piercing tone for as little as $10, if you want to get alerts and remote access, be prepared to pay a bit more. But the money is well worth it - an average water damage claim can easily cost $2500.

After a storm clean up.

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Your house ceiling is the first to go if you have water damage.

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

When there is a storm in the area.

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

What to do when you have ceiling damage.

Here in the Bay area it seems the rains have arrived early this year!  While that is good news for the drought, it can mean bad news for property owners.  Just over the past weekend we received 6 calls for roof leak related water damage alone. 

In this example, flashing on the roof has failed causing water to leak into the ceiling cavity above the foyer.  When we performed a moisture inspection and found visible and hidden water damage in the foyer ceiling.  We recommend damage be handled in four steps:

1. Apply a roof tarp to prevent water intrusion until roof repairs can be made
2. Open affected ceiling and initiate drying
3. Perform roof repairs and test repairs with foyer ceiling still open
4. Close and repair foyer ceiling

If you should be so unlucky to have water intrusion this winter, we are here to help!  Give us a call to schedule your estimate.

HVAC system save.

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning your HVAC ones a year will help you save money and keep it up to date.

Evaluate your HVAC system’s air filter. If the filter is dirty or full, the system may not be able to function properly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow. If the air coming out of your vents seems weak, start with a new air filter. If a clean air filter does not solve the problem, a service call might be in order.

Verify that the outdoor air conditioner unit is not covered in dirt or debris. Any type of dirt or debris that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause it to not function properly. If there is yard debris around the unit, make sure to clear it away.

Check to make sure your thermostat is set properly. At the beginning of the air conditioning season, it can be difficult to remember that your thermostat must be switched to the correct mode. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not turn on.

Schedule a tune up and maintenance appointment for your air conditioner. It’s a smart idea to have your air conditioning system tune up at least once a year. During the tune up, the system should be cleaned, lubricated and checked for any problems.

When in doubt, call your air conditioning repair company for a service call. If your air conditioning system does not seem to be working properly, make sure to call a repair company as soon as possible. Air conditioning repair companies can get very busy when the weather gets hot.

Our company handles air conditioning water damage on a routine basis during summer months.  If you suspect your air conditioning system has caused water damage, please contact SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Helping out Property Manages!!

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in San Jose. We helped out the San Jose water company. With a water damaged

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcome opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager, spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damaged as well as mold and fire damaged. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate needs help taking care of a mold damaged we are here to help them out. 

Helping the Bay Area!

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help.

Many of our customers know that we do residential water mitigation work, but not as many know we serve businesses both large and small.  Last year was supposed to be the El Nino year, but this season we've received a record number of water and mold damage phone calls for residential & commercial buildings alike.

We are located conveniently off Capitol Expressway and Highway 87, making it easy to serve your downtown business.  In particular with water damage, a quick response is critical.  The longer water is allowed to dwell, the more damage it can cause and the longer your business could be inoperable.

SERVPRO offers an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) that can be a part of your company's overall Disaster Plan, something both FEMA and the Red Cross recommend every business have.

If you have questions about how SERVPRO can help you with your company's ERP, contact  SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Be safe on the Holidays

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Holidays are to be with not in a house fire. We need to have a save and happy New Years.

Did you know that there are about 4,300 Holidays fires annually in the United States?   The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year.  Cooking is often a relaxing and fun task that brings family and friends together, and it provides a great way to showcase your creativity and love of good food.   Safety in the kitchen is always important even more so when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

Here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

1. Stay in your kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on your food.
2. Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
3. Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.
4. Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids.  The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.
5. Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.
6. Keep knives out of the reach of children.
7. Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
8. Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.
9. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.  Test them by pushing the test button.

Rebuilding after a Fire.

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

House being rebuilding after a house fire.

or many people their home may be the biggest investment they will ever make.  Determining your home's estimated replacement cost is important because in the event of a loss the replacement cost will ultimately determine how much coverage your policy will provide.  Since it is impossible to predict today what the exact cost will be to replace your home in the future, it's important to have enoughcoverage to acount for unforseen circumstances.

The keys are:

1.  Understanding the difference between market value and replacement cost

2.  Making sure that your home is insured for at least 100% of its estimated replacement cost.

Market value is the amount a buyer would pay for a home, including the land, regardless of how much it would cost to rebuild the home.  Replacement cost for insurance purposes is the rebuilding cost necessary to repair or replace the entire home.

To determine the proper amount of homeowners coverage:

1.  Ask if a replacement cost estimate is available when you have your home appraised.

2  Consult with your local builder association or a reputable builder for an estimate.

Market conditions in your area may impact the amount it will cost to rebuild your home if you experience a loss.  Replacement cost estimates are influenced by factors such as supply of labor, the cost of labor, and the cost of construction materials.  If neither estimate is available, the following basic guidelines can be used for the San Francisco East & South Bay Areas:

Approximate Economy Home Rebuilding Cost:  $200 / sq ft

Approximate Standard Home Rebuilding Cost:  $250 / sq ft

Approximate Semi-Custom Home:  $350 / sq ft

Approximate Custom / Luxury Home:  $400 / sq ft and up

Should you experience a fire, water, or mold loss, you can count on SERVPRO to help.  Our goal is to help you regain control and make your damage "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO Should Be Your First Choice

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Pamphlet

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging bio-hazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique

 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

SERVPRO is here to Help the community!!

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Franchise Owner Marc Wood Accepting Award at NARPM Meeting

SERVPRO of SW San Jose values the opportunity to educate our community on issues such as fire, water, and mold damage restoration. Our marketing manager recently talked to real estate agents at the local National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) meetings.

Property managers may also take lessons from SERVPRO about the services that we can provide them and their clients. SERVPRO provides real estate agents and property managers with the resources they need to assist them and inform them on water, fire, and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose looks after and assists many property managers in the region who have experienced water, mold, or fire damage.

Selling a damaged house is struggle that real estate agents tend to deal with. SERVPRO aids agents by fixing damages and cleaning messes so that they can provide a more suitable space for living to their clients. 

Water damage in San Jose, Ca

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Above is a water damage that revealed multiple flooring below the initial damage.

Last week, we got a call from a customer who noticed some discoloration in his wall. He asked for an inspection because he wasn't sure if it was water damage.

To detect water disruption, we primarily use non-intrusive moisture meters. This form of moisture meter has the advantage of causing no physical harm to the products being tested.

Our examination found that not only his wall cavity, but also a significant portion of his flooring had been damaged. Look at how we discovered another layer of tile underneath the floating floor in the frame. Customers are often stunned to discover one, two, or even three old floors under their laminate flooring. Without proper inspection from us, a flooring company could come in and possibly just add another layer to the mess. 

We are Here to Help

5/1/2021 (Permalink)

We are always here to help

How do you keep clean with all that is going around with the COVID-19? Also we are here to help with an COVID-19 question you may have. Just give us a call we are to help. 

Wash hands.
Avoid touching face.
Clean and sanitize home.
Clean and sanitize business.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we can minimize the spread of germs with a proactive cleaning for your home or business.

We are here to help get back to how things were before the stay at home. We are here to clean you house or workplace. We will sanitize all of the office or home. SERVPRO of SW San Jose will also take care of any water damage, fire or mold job from beginning to end. We work in the bay area. We also will work with your home insurance or business insurance. 

Give us a call today.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose 408-288-9977

SERVPRO is here to help property management.

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW San Jose

One of our property management clients called SERVPRO of SW San Jose because he was evicting a problem tenant who caused his apartment to become overwhelmed with roaches.  The pest control company had already treated the unit on a few occasions, but now they have a serious bio-hazard cleanup on their hands. 

He told us he contacted a few janitorial companies for quotes but they would not even attempt to bid the project because of the potential health hazards.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose crews have the expertise and materials to handle just about any bio-hazard cleanup project.  Should you run into such a situation, give SERVPRO of SW San Jose a call for your free estimate today. We will take care of the job from beginning to end. SERVPRO of SW San Jose will take care of the dirty work for you. Just call us and we will help out, and leave it "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO cause we are here.

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

people helping them out

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcomes opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damage as well as mold and fire damage. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate agent needs help taking care of a mold damage we are here to help them out. 

This is why you call SERVPRO

4/2/2021 (Permalink)

Skunks and raccoons under and around the house.

Here is a little story from one of our customer. She had raccoons under her house and called us.

I LOVE these guys! I had 4 skunks, 2 raccoons & a possum removed from around & under my mobile home by Critter Control & the animals thrashed the underside of my mobile & created several stinky latrines. My insurance covered the damage they did (not the removal but the damage) BUT I could not find anyone who would actually come out & give me an estimate to fix it! I tried all the people with good reviews & finally found a company that would come out. Their estimate freaked out my insurance agent because it was super high, only included 130 feet of insulation (out of 1440 sq ft) didn't include any remediation for animal waste, etc... & she called SERVPRO of SW San Jose. I was a bit concerned because I didn't know anything about them BUT Jeremy came out & checked the underside & wrote a new estimate that was higher BUT included getting rid of the animal waste, sterilizing the soil & replacing all of the insulation & moisture barrier. During all of this my BF had a heart attack & had to have a stent put in. They took care of everything! Were super easy to deal with and bent over backwards to make sure I was taken care of so I could take care of him. **Bonus** Not only is Jeremy super nice & knowledgeable BUT he also pointed out a shower drain in my back bathroom that is under construction that was not connected properly. It had calcification around the open joint & I would never have known that, if he hadn't told us. I would have had water pouring into my new insulation once the bathroom was finished. He also pointed out a couple of other minor things (that my BF will fix) with the water pipes, heating ducts, etc... So not only is he doing a great job but I feel super happy knowing that he is checking the plumbing, heating & electrical systems while he is down there & it is open! What a great experience!!!

We are here to help any time. 

SERVPRO is here to help.

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

mold can be anywhere SERVPRO of SW San Jose is here to help big or small jobs.

Working to help a customer in Los Gatos deal with a leaking wax ring from a toilet.  They saw a gradual widening of discoloration in a ring pattern in the vinyl in their upstairs bathroom - then one day this nasty spot appeared on their hallway ceiling below!  Luckily for them the amount of sewage was small and we were able to catch it in the initial stages.  We performed their water damage cleanup and sanitized the affected areas.

Customers often ask us if there is anything they can do to help prevent this type of damage.  The best advice in this instance would have been to investigate the vinyl discoloration in the upstairs bathroom at the very beginning.  Frequent inspections are often a good way to prevent leaks.

Helping out in a water damage in San Jose, Ca

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Floor was damage but to long time leak in the kitchen from under the house.

A customer telephoned us to report that her kitchen hardwood has been gradually discoloring over several months, in particular over a high traffic area.  They were at a loss as to what was causing the discoloration.  They contacted their insurance agent and he suggested to call SERVPRO of SW San Jose for a no-obligation inspection.

We sent out a technician who performed a moisture mapping of their floor.  He determined not only was there water present under the floor, but also under the carpeting of the family room that is located adjacent to the kitchen.

Our tech carefully peeled back the carpeting to discover a crack in the customer's concrete foundation where water was emanating from. 

No customer ever wants to hear the news there is a crack in their foundation - but boy was she relieved to finally know the cause! But SERVPRO was there to help her in all the damage. 

We are here to help give us a call! 

How to reduce water damage to your home.

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

bathroom ceiling water damage

Whether due to lack of attention or a freak accident, all homeowners at one point or another experience some type of water issue in their homes. And in many cases, the problems present themselves in subtle ways. The key is to be on the lookout for them so that they don't become a matter that requires a significant amount of time, money, and effort to fix.

With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) chronicled the five leading causes of water damage based on property insurance claims. In addition, they outlined the potential indicators of a problem and tips on how homeowners can solve them.

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. 

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Potential indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, and moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Consider installing water alarms or a whole-house automatic water shutoff system 

2. TOILET FAILURE

Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• After you flush, wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
• Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

 3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.  The average cost per incident was $4,444.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4. PLUMBING DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.

Nothing can completely prevent water damage incidents.  But you can reduce your risk by taking some precautions. 

Septic system drain field.

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

cleaning out your pumped tank

We don't run into too many septic system overflows in this part of the Bay Area, but if you happen to live or have a property in a rural area, for sure you have an idea about how septic tanks and the septic systems work. One way you’ll know if it’s maintained properly is if you don’t smell anything unpleasant coming from it. Now, there are a number of crucial do’s and don’ts to live by to ensure that your septic tank will last for as long as possible and that your septic system works the way it should. Here they are.

DO use high-quality toilet tissue only.

When shopping for toiletries, pick a toilet tissue that’s been proven to break up easily when wet. This way, it won’t cause any trouble when it’s already in your septic tank.

DO keep trees away from the septic system.

There are trees which have roots that grow and extend aggressively. They should be kept far from the septic system to avoid any damage. You can plant grass instead in the drainfield area to prevent and minimize the instances of soil erosion.

DO divert rainwater away from the drainfield.

When the drainfield is soggy, it would have challenges in absorbing liquid wastes. To prevent this, landscaping and foundation drains should be planned and executed accurately. Consult a professional regarding this matter.

DO perform regular maintenance.

Make sure your septic tank is maintained every one to three years by a professional. Now, the frequency of having your septic tank pumped will depend on its size, the amount of solids that go into it, and the volume of wastewater. It’s best to consult a professional again to know how often you should have your septic tank maintenance done.

DON’T allow an excessive amount of water to be discharged into the septic system.

It will cause the system to back up and will also affect the biological balance within the septic tank.

DON’T dump grease down the drain.

Grease can build up in the septic tank and plug the sewer pipes. So be sure it doesn’t find its way on the drain by having a separate container for it.

Office in Los Gatos had a water damage.

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

water in office upstairs affected downstairs store

An office in Los Gatos, CA flooded a downstairs store over the weekend. The store manager got to the store to see water coming down from the ceiling like rain. The store manager called SERVPRO of SW San Jose to come help them take care of the water. SERVPRO was there to help and dry the upstairs and downstairs units. SERVPRO of SW San Jose also helped the upstairs tenants to move to a different store until SERVPRO fixed the unit. SERVPRO of SW San Jose was called out on a Sunday to help the store owner, to set equipment and help clean up the mess. SERVPRO was there to help and take care of all the damage that happened to the building. The owner was thrilled that we came in and helped in any way they needed help. 

New Roof after a raining week in San Jose, Ca

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage inside home due to affected roof.

With all the rain we've been experiencing in the  Bay Area it's no wonder the number of roof leak calls into our office has been skyrocketing.  Water damage can affect all family members, human or not. 

The roof in question was only a few years old, but the wind of the last storm was too much.  If you experience a roof leak, here are some suggestions about how to go about fixing it:

Step 1:  Stop the water.  Hire a roofing company to either fix the leak or to install a temporary roof tarp to keep more water from entering the structure.  If you suspect the water intrusion is gutter related, contact a gutter cleaning company.

Step 2:  Perform water remediation:  Open affected areas to perform drying and to prevent mold.  Install drying equipment and apply anti-microbial to discourage mold growth.  Caution:  If you are unsure about your property's lead paint or asbestos status, test first before any demolition.

Step 3:  Perform repairs to affected areas.  Always research your contractors make sure they hold valid licensing.

Rain affected ceiling in San Jose, Ca

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

bathroom ceiling affected

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Kitchen fire in San Jose, Ca

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

cabinets affected and walls

Last week we discussed how important the proper type fire extinguisher can be should a fire occur in your home; but here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

Stay in your kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stove top.

Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.

Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.

Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.

Keep knives out of the reach of children.

Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. 

Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Some people may look to vary the traditional turkey entrée by using a deep fryer. The deep-frying cooking process requires that up to 5 gallons of oil be heated before placing the turkey into the device. Tests have shown that a number of available fryers can tip over easily, allowing hot oil to spill and creating a fire or scald burn from contact. They can also overheat which causes hot oil to spill or splatter outside the fryer, a recipe for fire or serious injury.

Water damaged from the toilet.

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

hallway carpet affected and bedroom

Whether due to lack of attention or a freak accident, all homeowners at one point or another experience some type of water issue in their homes. And in many cases, the problems present themselves in subtle ways. The key is to be on the lookout for them so that they don't become a matter that requires a significant amount of time, money, and effort to fix.

With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) chronicled the five leading causes of water damage based on property insurance claims. In addition, they outlined the potential indicators of a problem and tips on how homeowners can solve them.

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. 

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Potential indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, and moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Consider installing water alarms or a whole-house automatic water shutoff system 

2. TOILET FAILURE

Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• After you flush, wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
• Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

 3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.  The average cost per incident was $4,444.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4. PLUMBING DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.

Nothing can completely prevent water damage incidents.  But you can reduce your risk by taking some precautions. 

Helping owners with AC

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

helping out with AC units

Evaluate your HVAC system’s air filter. If the filter is dirty or full, the system may not be able to function properly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow. If the air coming out of your vents seems weak, start with a new air filter. If a clean air filter does not solve the problem, a service call might be in order.

Verify that the outdoor air conditioner unit is not covered in dirt or debris. Any type of dirt or debris that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause it to not function properly. If there is yard debris around the unit, make sure to clear it away.

Check to make sure your thermostat is set properly. At the beginning of the air conditioning season, it can be difficult to remember that your thermostat must be switched to the correct mode. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not turn on.

Schedule a tune up and maintenance appointment for your air conditioner. It’s a smart idea to have your air conditioning system tune up at least once a year. During the tune up, the system should be cleaned, lubricated and checked for any problems.

When in doubt, call your air conditioning repair company for a service call. If your air conditioning system does not seem to be working properly, make sure to call a repair company as soon as possible. Air conditioning repair companies can get very busy when the weather gets hot.

Our company handles air conditioning water damage on a routine basis during summer months.  If you suspect your air conditioning system has caused water damage, please contact SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

A fire happened from the bathroom vent.

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

You definitely don't want to eat off this silverware right now

SERVPRO of SW San Jose helped a customer dealing with a type of puff-back from his furnace. It was a townhouse rental property with a long-term tenant, no maintenance emergencies in almost 10 years .... sounds like an in deal tenant yes?

The tenant called to report ash streaming out of all the vents like an incinerator! When I arrived for the inspection I found that the tenant had not changed the filter in 2 years!

We had to treat this type of contamination exactly as we would treat a smoke damage cleanup. It required 100% wipe down of structure and contents, HVAC cleaning, and then extensive floor cleaning.

Ash has a way of sneaking even into closed areas - have a look below at the ash around his silverware which was enclosed in the silverware drawer.

Water damaged in Milpitas, Ca

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

A large amount of mold grows inside this wall cavity

Unfortunately for this customer in Milpitas, CA they let a water leak go for too long. When they called  SERVPRO of SW San Jose they told them they knew they had a chip in their tile grout around the bathtub but didn't fill it. 

They ignored the problem and water continued to drip into the cavity.

About a year later the called SERVPRO of SW San Jose, because their wall in their adjacent hallway was bowing and showed discoloration.  We performed a complementary inspection and detected water inside the wall using a moisture meter.

Once we opened the wall we found out the total extent of their damage. What could have been fixed with a tube of sealant will now cost thousands to repair.

House fire in San Jose, Ca

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

cabinet damage due to fire.

Last week we discussed how important the proper type fire extinguisher can be should a fire occur in your home; but here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

Stay in your kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stove top.

Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.

Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.

Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.

Keep knives out of the reach of children.

Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. 

Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Some people may look to vary the traditional turkey entrée by using a deep fryer. The deep-frying cooking process requires that up to 5 gallons of oil be heated before placing the turkey into the device. Tests have shown that a number of available fryers can tip over easily, allowing hot oil to spill and creating a fire or scald burn from contact. They can also overheat which causes hot oil to spill or splatter outside the fryer, a recipe for fire or serious injury.

Cleaning up after a storm.

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

storm in a house

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Storm season this here.

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

take care of your house.

Here in the Bay area it seems the rains have arrived early this year!  While that is good news for the drought, it can mean bad news for property owners.  Just over the past weekend we received 6 calls for roof leak related water damage alone. 

In this example, flashing on the roof has failed causing water to leak into the ceiling cavity above the foyer.  When we performed a moisture inspection and found visible and hidden water damage in the foyer ceiling.  We recommend damage be handled in four steps:

1. Apply a roof tarp to prevent water intrusion until roof repairs can be made
2. Open affected ceiling and initiate drying
3. Perform roof repairs and test repairs with foyer ceiling still open
4. Close and repair foyer ceiling

If you should be so unlucky to have water intrusion this winter, we are here to help!  Give us a call to schedule your estimate.

Checking HVAC system, In San Jose, Ca

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

HVAC cleaning

Evaluate your HVAC system’s air filter. If the filter is dirty or full, the system may not be able to function properly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow. If the air coming out of your vents seems weak, start with a new air filter. If a clean air filter does not solve the problem, a service call might be in order.

Verify that the outdoor air conditioner unit is not covered in dirt or debris. Any type of dirt or debris that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause it to not function properly. If there is yard debris around the unit, make sure to clear it away.

Check to make sure your thermostat is set properly. At the beginning of the air conditioning season, it can be difficult to remember that your thermostat must be switched to the correct mode. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not turn on.

Schedule a tune up and maintenance appointment for your air conditioner. It’s a smart idea to have your air conditioning system tune up at least once a year. During the tune up, the system should be cleaned, lubricated and checked for any problems.

When in doubt, call your air conditioning repair company for a service call. If your air conditioning system does not seem to be working properly, make sure to call a repair company as soon as possible. Air conditioning repair companies can get very busy when the weather gets hot.

Our company handles air conditioning water damage on a routine basis during summer months.  If you suspect your air conditioning system has caused water damage, please contact SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

We help out with Fire, mold and water damage in the Bay Area

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Classes with property manages

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcome opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager, spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damaged as well as mold and fire damaged. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate needs help taking care of a mold damaged we are here to help them out. 

Helping out Property Manages in the Bay Area

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Helping with a big water loss.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcome opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager, spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damaged as well as mold and fire damaged. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate needs help taking care of a mold damaged we are here to help them out. 

Bay Area Storm Damage

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damaged can affect anything that gets in its way.

Here in the Bay area it seems the rains have arrived  this year!   It can mean bad news for property owners.  In the last week we received  calls for roof leak related water damage alone. 

In this example, flashing on the roof has failed causing water to leak into the ceiling cavity above the foyer.  When we performed a moisture inspection and found visible and hidden water damage in the foyer ceiling.  We recommend damage be handled in four steps:

1. Apply a roof tarp to prevent water intrusion until roof repairs can be made
2. Open affected ceiling and initiate drying
3. Perform roof repairs and test repairs with foyer ceiling still open
4. Close and repair foyer ceiling

If you should be so unlucky to have water intrusion this winter, we are here to help!  Give us a call to schedule your estimate.

Helping the Bay Area!!

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

We helped one of our customers with damage for a ceiling pipe.

Many of our customers know that we do residential water mitigation work, but not as many know we serve businesses both large and small.  Last year was supposed to be the El Nino year, but this season we've received a record number of water and mold damage phone calls for residential & commercial buildings alike.

We are located conveniently off Capitol Expressway and Highway 87, making it easy to serve your downtown business.  In particular with water damage, a quick response is critical.  The longer water is allowed to dwell, the more damage it can cause and the longer your business could be inoperable.

SERVPRO offers an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) that can be a part of your company's overall Disaster Plan, something both FEMA and the Red Cross recommend every business have.

If you have questions about how SERVPRO can help you with your company's ERP, contact Nancy Penaloza at SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Helping out on Rainy days

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Roof affceted by the rain.

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are slogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Be safe on the Holidays

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Be safe and stay safe.

Did you know that there are about 4,300 Thanksgiving Day fires annually in the United States?   The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year.  Cooking is often a relaxing and fun task that brings family and friends together, and it provides a great way to showcase your creativity and love of good food.   Safety in the kitchen is always important even more so when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

Here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

1. Stay in your kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on your food.
2. Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
3. Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.
4. Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids.  The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.
5. Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.
6. Keep knives out of the reach of children.
7. Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
8. Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.
9. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.  Test them by pushing the test button.

Cold days in the bay area

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Always make sure the chimney is clean.

Did you feel the chill in the air this past weekend?  For many of us, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a crackling fire to chase away the cold weather.  You’re sitting in your living room with your family enjoying the warm glow of the flames, and suddenly you hear a roaring noise.  It almost sounds like a jet plane is flying right over your home!  Huge amounts of dark smoke billow out of the top of your chimney – what is happening?!?

This is a scenario that plays out almost 25,000 times per year in the US:  Chimney Fires.  These fires can be very dramatic, or they may burn silently, but their silence holds no indication of the harm they may cause as they burn slowly at incredibly high temperatures.  Regardless of the type, all chimney fires can cause substantial damage and risk to you and your family.

So what causes chimney fires?  The build-up of creosote along the chimney lining walls can facilitate the start of a chimney fire. This build-up is caused by the unburned materials in the smoke accumulating along the chimney walls and creating a sticky substance that can easily catch fire. The smoke from the fire contains a substance similar to tar and when the temperatures within the chimney are below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance will condense along the chimney surface. When the temperature drops below 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance turns into a dark, sticky substance that is also highly flammable.

The Good News:  Chimney fires are almost entirely preventable!

Chimney fires are a dangerous and serious problem to have, but the good news is that they are also almost entirely preventable.  You must be careful to only burn materials that are ready and meant to be burned.  For example, only use seasoned, dry wood, newspapers, and dry kindling.  Burning cardboard boxes, trash, or wrapping paper can cause the creation of excess creosote and put your home and family in danger.  While using the correct fuel is important, a chimney fire can still occur even after taking these precautions.  This is why annual chimney inspections and cleanings are a critical part of home maintenance.  Most creosote is removed during annual chimney cleaning performed by chimney sweeps.

A clean chimney reduces the risk of a fire; so before you strike the first match for a fire this winter, consider scheduling a chimney inspection and cleaning.   Some simple precautions can help you have a safe and happy winter season.

(Statistics Courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC))

Rebuilding after a Fire.

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Rebuild after a fire

For many people their home may be the biggest investment they will ever make.  Determining your home's estimated replacement cost is important because in the event of a loss the replacement cost will ultimately determine how much coverage your policy will provide.  Since it is impossible to predict today what the exact cost will be to replace your home in the future, it's important to have enoughcoverage to acount for unforseen circumstances.

The keys are:

1.  Understanding the difference between market value and replacement cost

2.  Making sure that your home is insured for at least 100% of its estimated replacement cost.

Market value is the amount a buyer would pay for a home, including the land, regardless of how much it would cost to rebuild the home.  Replacement cost for insurance purposes is the rebuilding cost necessary to repair or replace the entire home.

To determine the proper amount of homeowners coverage:

1.  Ask if a replacement cost estimate is available when you have your home appraised.

2  Consult with your local builder association or a reputable builder for an estimate.

Market conditions in your area may impact the amount it will cost to rebuild your home if you experience a loss.  Replacement cost estimates are influenced by factors such as supply of labor, the cost of labor, and the cost of construction materials.  If neither estimate is available, the following basic guidelines can be used for the San Francisco East & South Bay Areas:

Approximate Economy Home Rebuilding Cost:  $200 / sq ft

Approximate Standard Home Rebuilding Cost:  $250 / sq ft

Approximate Semi-Custom Home:  $350 / sq ft

Approximate Custom / Luxury Home:  $400 / sq ft and up

Should you experience a fire, water, or mold loss, you can count on SERVPRO to help.  Our goal is to help you regain control and make your damage "Like it never even happened."

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

6/12/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging bio-hazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique

 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of SW San Jose today at 408-288-9977 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

A four plex fire from a hit and run in San Jose, CA

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help.

Two people were arrested after a vehicle crashed into a four plex in San Jose early this morning, prompting the displacement of 16 residents living there

The crash was reported at about 12:15 a.m. in the 1300 block of San Tomas Aquino Road.

The crash ruptured a gas line, so fire crews and police officers helped to get eight adults and eight children out of the home.

Residents reported the female driver fled in a white pickup truck driven by a male. While officers were at the scene, the registered owner of the vehicle that struck the building called police to report that it had been stolen.

Fire crews shut off the gas line but the 16 residents remain displaced this morning because a building inspector will look into the structural integrity of the building.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose is there to help out in all ways that we can to clean up the fire damage and have people back in their homes. 

Homeowner Insurance

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Why it is good to have homeowner insurance.

First-time homeowners are faced with many realities of being “an adult,” and one of the things that comes with owning a new home is making sure you have proper insurance. But not all insurances are the same.

Just because you have insurance on your home doesn’t mean you’re protected from everything that could happen. In fact, often with homeowner policies, there are some very common occurrences that might not be covered.

Homeowners insurance differs from state to state, so to avoid making costly assumptions, it’s important to understand what’s included with your policy.

 Typically, a policy will cover the actual dwelling and some of the other structures on the property, such as a fence, garage, patio or driveway. Personal property is usually covered as well. This includes the contents inside the home, although you may need to pay a bit more in premiums for high-value items like jewelry or paintings. You’ll want to make sure this is covered in your policy.

Homeowners insurance policies typically include coverage for injuries sustained on your property where you are liable. So, if someone slips on your driveway or falls while doing repairs to the roof, you’re covered. However, this coverage is usually limited to a certain dollar value, so you need to know how much coverage you have and exactly what’s included.

Natural disasters are the one area that can cause some problems, as not everything is covered and you often have to buy separate flood, hurricane or earthquake insurance—especially if you are in an area that is highly susceptible to these disasters. You also may be able to lower premiums by better protecting yourself against damage, such as adding storm shutters, reinforcing your roof or buying stronger roofing materials.

 If items are stolen from your vehicle while it sits on your property, that may or may not be covered by your insurance. Normally, this is covered by auto insurance but there are some homeowner policies that will include these items, so it’s good to know if yours will.

Many first-time buyers think they need insurance to cover the entire cost of the house, but the land under your house isn’t at risk from theft, windstorm, fire or other perils covered in your homeowners policy, so it’s not necessary to include these when deciding how much insurance you should buy. Talk with your REALTOR® and determine the best number so you have enough coverage but not too much, and that you’re not paying premiums for what you don’t need.

Water damage and cleanup

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

#1 choice in cleanup

How do you keep clean with all that is going around with the COVID-19? Also we are here to help with an COVID-19 question you may have. Just give us a call we are to help. 

Wash hands.
Avoid touching face.
Clean and sanitize home.
Clean and sanitize business.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we can minimize the spread of germs with a proactive cleaning for your home or business.

We are here to help get back to how things were before the stay at home. We are here to clean you house or workplace. We will sanitize all of the office or home. SERVPRO of SW San Jose will also take care of any water damage, fire or mold job from beginning to end. We work in the bay area. We also will work with your home insurance or business insurance. 

Give us a call today.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose 408-288-9977

We are Here to Help!!

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

We are Here to Help get Your Business Back to Normal. SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.
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 meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered 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.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Broken Pipes?

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Many people wonder whether water damage is covered under their homeowners insurance. The answer to that question all depends on the type of water damage. "Gradual damage" due to water happens over a long period of time. This could be because of a leaky pipe or other causes, such as a crack in a foundation. This type of damage is common cause for insurance claims.

If you're not sure whether your insurance will cover water damage caused by a leaky pipe, it's important to review the exact wording of your homeowners policy with your insurance advisory, agent, or broker. You will have to review the exclusions of your policy as well as the type of coverage you have. 

All insurance policies exclude wear and tear, and gradual damage. However, there may be some "exceptions." For example, "resulting" damage may occur as a result of a broken pipe, water tank, or washing machine.

Damaged floor in San Jose, CA

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Helping out homeowners

We received a call last week from a customer who was noticing some discoloration in his wall.  He wasn't sure if it was water damage and requested an inspection. He wanted SERVPRO to come out before they got mold. 

Primarily we use non-intrusive moisture meters to detect water damage.  The advantage of this type of moisture meter is that it does not physically damage the materials that it is testing.  This is compared to some moisture meters that use metal probes that pierce the object being tested.

Our inspection revealed that not only was his wall cavity affected, but a fair sized amount of flooring.  Look in the photo how we found another layer of tile below the floating floor. Customers are often surprised to find one, two, or sometimes even three old floors under a laminate floor.  

SERVPRO SW San Jose helping

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

We are always here to help.

This week a customer telephoned us to report that her kitchen hardwood has been gradually discoloring over several months, in particular over a high traffic area.  They were at a loss as to what was causing the discoloration.  They contacted their insurance agent and he suggested to call us for a no-obligation inspection.

We sent out a technician who performed a moisture mapping of their floor.  He determined not only was there water present under the floor, but also under the carpeting of the family room that is located adjacent to the kitchen.

Our tech carefully peeled back the carpeting to discover a crack in the customer's concrete foundation where water was emanating from. 

No customer ever wants to hear the news there is a crack in their foundation - but boy was she relieved to finally know the cause! 

Course from SERVPRO

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO SW San Jose

Property Managers & Real Estate Agents:  Ever run into a mold problem at one of your properties?  Do you want to learn more about how to prevent a mold problem and how to handle one if it already exists?

Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry is a 3-hour CE course taught by SERVPRO and designed for Real Estate Professionals.  The purpose of this course is to educate Real Estate professionals on the real effects of mold growth in residential & commercial structures.  Mold growth requirements will be reviewed so the real estate professional can recognize potential mold dangers in real property.

SERVPRO gives CE classes about restoration every year. SERVPRO of SW San Jose can help Real Estate and Property Managers with mold or water damage. 

SERVPRO that is Why!!

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help!

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcomes opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damage as well as mold and fire damage. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate agent needs help taking care of a mold damage we are here to help them out. 

SERVPRO will clean up anything!!

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

One of our property management clients called SERVPRO of SW San Jose because he was evicting a problem tenant who caused his apartment to become overwhelmed with roaches.  The pest control company had already treated the unit on a few occasions, but now they have a serious bio-hazard cleanup on their hands. 

He told us he contacted a few janitorial companies for quotes but they would not even attempt to bid the project because of the potential health hazards.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose crews have the expertise and materials to handle just about any bio-hazard cleanup project.  Should you run into such a situation, give SERVPRO of SW San Jose a call for your free estimate today. We will take care of the job from beginning to end. SERVPRO of SW San Jose will take care of the dirty work for you. Just call us and we will help out, and leave it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO helps with mold

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW San Jose helps out with a mold clean up and water damaged.

Working to help a customer in Los Gatos deal with a leaking wax ring from a toilet.  They saw a gradual widening of discoloration in a ring pattern in the vinyl in their upstairs bathroom - then one day this nasty spot appeared on their hallway ceiling below!  Luckily for them the amount of sewage was small and we were able to catch it in the initial stages.  We performed their water damage cleanup and sanitized the affected areas.

Customers often ask us if there is anything they can do to help prevent this type of damage.  The best advice in this instance would have been to investigate the vinyl discoloration in the upstairs bathroom at the very beginning.  Frequent inspections are often a good way to prevent leaks.

March Madness 2020

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help

It's that time of year again, time for March Madness!

Grand Prize:  2 tickets to your choice of the Sharks, 49ers,  Giants, A’s, Warriors, or Earthquakes

2nd Prize:  $75 Gift Card to your choice of The Cheesecake Factory

3rd Prize:   $25 Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee Gift Card

Consolation Prize:  4^th place and up receive $5 Starbucks or Peet’s Card

Eligibility:  Must be a SERVPRO of SW San Jose Partner (owner, agent, agent staff, property mgr, realtor, broker, or employee).

How to Enter:  Visit: http://SERVPROswsj.mayhem.cbssports.com. If you wish, you may have the computer choose your bracket for you – no basketball knowledge or experience required!  J 

ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE TOURNAMENT 9AM PST 3/15/2020.  THERE IS NO COST OR OBLIGATION TO ENTER.  One entry per person.  Contest rules are listed on the website.

Good luck from your Fire, Water, and Mold Cleanup & Restoration Experts……  SERVPRO OF SOUTHWEST SAN JOSE!!  

Ways to reduce water damage!!

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

bathroom ceiling water damage

Whether due to lack of attention or a freak accident, all homeowners at one point or another experience some type of water issue in their homes. And in many cases, the problems present themselves in subtle ways. The key is to be on the lookout for them so that they don't become a matter that requires a significant amount of time, money, and effort to fix.

With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) chronicled the five leading causes of water damage based on property insurance claims. In addition, they outlined the potential indicators of a problem and tips on how homeowners can solve them.

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. 

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Potential indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, and moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Consider installing water alarms or a whole-house automatic water shutoff system 

2. TOILET FAILURE

Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• After you flush, wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
• Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

 3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.  The average cost per incident was $4,444.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4. PLUMBING DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.

Nothing can completely prevent water damage incidents.  But you can reduce your risk by taking some precautions. 

Cross section of a septic system drain field.

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

damage drain line

We don't run into too many septic system overflows in this part of the Bay Area, but if you happen to live or have a property in a rural area, for sure you have an idea about how septic tanks and the septic systems work. One way you’ll know if it’s maintained properly is if you don’t smell anything unpleasant coming from it. Now, there are a number of crucial do’s and don’ts to live by to ensure that your septic tank will last for as long as possible and that your septic system works the way it should. Here they are.

DO use high-quality toilet tissue only.

When shopping for toiletries, pick a toilet tissue that’s been proven to break up easily when wet. This way, it won’t cause any trouble when it’s already in your septic tank.

DO keep trees away from the septic system.

There are trees which have roots that grow and extend aggressively. They should be kept far from the septic system to avoid any damage. You can plant grass instead in the drainfield area to prevent and minimize the instances of soil erosion.

DO divert rainwater away from the drainfield.

When the drainfield is soggy, it would have challenges in absorbing liquid wastes. To prevent this, landscaping and foundation drains should be planned and executed accurately. Consult a professional regarding this matter.

DO perform regular maintenance.

Make sure your septic tank is maintained every one to three years by a professional. Now, the frequency of having your septic tank pumped will depend on its size, the amount of solids that go into it, and the volume of wastewater. It’s best to consult a professional again to know how often you should have your septic tank maintenance done.

DON’T allow an excessive amount of water to be discharged into the septic system.

It will cause the system to back up and will also affect the biological balance within the septic tank.

DON’T dump grease down the drain.

Grease can build up in the septic tank and plug the sewer pipes. So be sure it doesn’t find its way on the drain by having a separate container for it.

Fire inside a home!!

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Last week we discussed how important the proper type fire extinguisher can be should a fire occur in your home; but here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

Stay in your kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stove top.

Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.

Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.

Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.

Keep knives out of the reach of children.

Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. 

Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Some people may look to vary the traditional turkey entrée by using a deep fryer. The deep-frying cooking process requires that up to 5 gallons of oil be heated before placing the turkey into the device. Tests have shown that a number of available fryers can tip over easily, allowing hot oil to spill and creating a fire or scald burn from contact. They can also overheat which causes hot oil to spill or splatter outside the fryer, a recipe for fire or serious injury.

Apartment water damage in San Jose, Ca

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Whether due to lack of attention or a freak accident, all homeowners at one point or another experience some type of water issue in their homes. And in many cases, the problems present themselves in subtle ways. The key is to be on the lookout for them so that they don't become a matter that requires a significant amount of time, money, and effort to fix.

With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) chronicled the five leading causes of water damage based on property insurance claims. In addition, they outlined the potential indicators of a problem and tips on how homeowners can solve them.

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. 

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Potential indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, and moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Consider installing water alarms or a whole-house automatic water shutoff system 

2. TOILET FAILURE

Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• After you flush, wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
• Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

 3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.  The average cost per incident was $4,444.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4. PLUMBING DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.

Nothing can completely prevent water damage incidents.  But you can reduce your risk by taking some precautions. 

Water damage due to rain.

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Helping out Home Owners with AC

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Evaluate your HVAC system’s air filter. If the filter is dirty or full, the system may not be able to function properly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow. If the air coming out of your vents seems weak, start with a new air filter. If a clean air filter does not solve the problem, a service call might be in order.

Verify that the outdoor air conditioner unit is not covered in dirt or debris. Any type of dirt or debris that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause it to not function properly. If there is yard debris around the unit, make sure to clear it away.

Check to make sure your thermostat is set properly. At the beginning of the air conditioning season, it can be difficult to remember that your thermostat must be switched to the correct mode. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not turn on.

Schedule a tune up and maintenance appointment for your air conditioner. It’s a smart idea to have your air conditioning system tune up at least once a year. During the tune up, the system should be cleaned, lubricated and checked for any problems.

When in doubt, call your air conditioning repair company for a service call. If your air conditioning system does not seem to be working properly, make sure to call a repair company as soon as possible. Air conditioning repair companies can get very busy when the weather gets hot.

Our company handles air conditioning water damage on a routine basis during summer months.  If you suspect your air conditioning system has caused water damage, please contact SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Change your furnace filter!

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

You definitely don't want to eat off this silverware right now

SERVPRO of SW San Jose helped a customer dealing with a type of puff-back from his furnace. It was a townhouse rental property with a long-term tenant, no maintenance emergencies in almost 10 years .... sounds like an in deal tenant yes?

The tenant called to report ash streaming out of all the vents like an incinerator! When I arrived for the inspection I found that the tenant had not changed the filter in 2 years!

We had to treat this type of contamination exactly as we would treat a smoke damage cleanup. It required 100% wipe down of structure and contents, HVAC cleaning, and then extensive floor cleaning.

Ash has a way of sneaking even into closed areas - have a look below at the ash around his silverware which was enclosed in the silverware drawer.

Kitchen fire in San Jose, Ca

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

A fire started in San Jose apartment at 3:30 pm. San Jose fire dependent was call and so was the property insurances company Sate Farm. State Farm agent gave a call to SERVPRO of SW San Jose to go out and help their customer with a fire they had in San Jose, Ca. SERVPRO was there with in an hour to help broad up the place and do a little bit of clean up till the insurances adjuster want out to take a look at damaged. SERVPRO of SW San Jose will be taking care of this project from beginning to end. Customers are happy that they are only talking to one company that is going to take care of it all. SERVPRO of SW San Jose is here to  help with all the big and small project. Call us at 408-288-9977

Water damage in Milpitas, Ca

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

A large amount of mold grows inside this wall cavity

Unfortunately for this customer in Milpitas, CA they let a water leak go for too long. When they called  SERVPRO of SW San Jose they told them they knew they had a chip in their tile grout around the bathtub but didn't fill it. 

They ignored the problem and water continued to drip into the cavity.

About a year later the called SERVPRO of SW San Jose, because their wall in their adjacent hallway was bowing and showed discoloration.  We performed a complementary inspection and detected water inside the wall using a moisture meter.

Once we opened the wall we found out the total extent of their damage. What could have been fixed with a tube of sealant will now cost thousands to repair.

Roof damage after the rain in San Jose, Ca

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

With all the rain we've been experiencing in the  Bay Area it's no wonder the number of roof leak calls into our office has been skyrocketing.  Water damage can affect all family members, human or not. 

The roof in question was only a few years old, but the wind of the last storm was too much.  If you experience a roof leak, here are some suggestions about how to go about fixing it:

Step 1:  Stop the water.  Hire a roofing company to either fix the leak or to install a temporary roof tarp to keep more water from entering the structure.  If you suspect the water intrusion is gutter related, contact a gutter cleaning company.

Step 2:  Perform water remediation:  Open affected areas to perform drying and to prevent mold.  Install drying equipment and apply anti-microbial to discourage mold growth.  Caution:  If you are unsure about your property's lead paint or asbestos status, test first before any demolition.

Step 3:  Perform repairs to affected areas.  Always research your contractors make sure they hold valid licensing.

Helping Property Managers

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcome opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager, spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damaged as well as mold and fire damaged. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate needs help taking care of a mold damaged we are here to help them out. 

Winter is here in the Bay Area

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Water sensors are small devices that can alert you whenever water is present around the refrigerator, the washing machine, sinks, and toilets—even in the basement. If you've got a leaky basement or appliances of a certain age, a smart water sensor makes for a strategic addition to your home.

Some smart water sensors work alone via Wi-Fi, and others connect to a smart-home hub; when wetness occurs, both can send a message to your phone so you can respond with a towel or a plumber. The units we're talking about here can't actually shut off the water; they simply alert you to the danger so you can respond quickly.

Though you can get a leak sensor that will set off an eardrum-piercing tone for as little as $10, if you want to get alerts and remote access, be prepared to pay a bit more. But the money is well worth it - an average water damage claim can easily cost $2500.

Helping Bay Area Business

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Many of our customers know that we do residential water mitigation work, but not as many know we serve businesses both large and small.  We've received a record number of water and mold damage phone calls for residential & commercial buildings alike.

We are located conveniently off Capitol Expressway and Highway 87, making it easy to serve your downtown business.  In particular with water damage, a quick response is critical.  The longer water is allowed to dwell, the more damage it can cause and the longer your business could be inoperable.

SERVPRO offers an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) that can be a part of your company's overall Disaster Plan, something both FEMA and the Red Cross recommend every business have.

If you have questions about how SERVPRO can help you with your company's ERP, contact Nancy Penaloza at SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Raining days!!

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are slogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Serving the Bay Area

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Many of our customers know that we do residential water mitigation work, but not as many know we serve businesses both large and small.  Last year was supposed to be the El Nino year, but this season we've received a record number of water and mold damage phone calls for residential & commercial buildings alike.

We are located conveniently off Capitol Expressway and Highway 87, making it easy to serve your downtown business.  In particular with water damage, a quick response is critical.  The longer water is allowed to dwell, the more damage it can cause and the longer your business could be inoperable.

SERVPRO offers an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) that can be a part of your company's overall Disaster Plan, something both FEMA and the Red Cross recommend every business have.

If you have questions about how SERVPRO can help you with your company's ERP, contact Nancy Penaloza at SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Helping out property managers

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Vandalism

One of our customers who is a property manager contacted us this week because he was dealing with some disgruntled tenants that abruptly moved out of one of his rental houses and trashed the place.  They allowed their pets to urinate on the floors without cleaning it up, wrote graffiti on the walls, and even broke out the front windows.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose provides emergency board-up and vandalism cleanup services.  We sent out a crew immediately to the home in order to board up the broken windows to keep out thieves and squatters.

The interior cleanup was very extensive, it required removing the most heavily affected flooring, then cleaning and sanitizing the sub-floor. 

Once finished, our customer told us he was very pleased with the outcome and the quick turnaround time so that he could begin renting the property again.

Raining days in the Bay!

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

water damaged

Here in the Bay area it seems the rains have arrived  this year!   It can mean bad news for property owners.  In the last week we received  calls for roof leak related water damage alone. 

In this example, flashing on the roof has failed causing water to leak into the ceiling cavity above the foyer.  When we performed a moisture inspection and found visible and hidden water damage in the foyer ceiling.  We recommend damage be handled in four steps:

1. Apply a roof tarp to prevent water intrusion until roof repairs can be made
2. Open affected ceiling and initiate drying
3. Perform roof repairs and test repairs with foyer ceiling still open
4. Close and repair foyer ceiling

If you should be so unlucky to have water intrusion this winter, we are here to help!  Give us a call to schedule your estimate.

Here comes the Rain!!

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

rood leak due to the rain.

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important do's and don'ts (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in an item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting.

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying.

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting.

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Be Safe on Thanksgiving

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Turkey Fryer Blazing Up

Did you know that there are about 4,300 Thanksgiving Day fires annually in the United States?   The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year.  Cooking is often a relaxing and fun task that brings family and friends together, and it provides a great way to showcase your creativity and love of good food.   Safety in the kitchen is always important even more so when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

Here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

1. Stay in your kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on your food.
2. Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
3. Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.
4. Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids.  The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.
5. Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.
6. Keep knives out of the reach of children.
7. Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
8. Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.
9. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.  Test them by pushing the test button.

This your Chimney at ricks for a fire..

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

House Chimney

Did you feel the chill in the air this past weekend?  For many of us, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a crackling fire to chase away the cold weather.  You’re sitting in your living room with your family enjoying the warm glow of the flames, and suddenly you hear a roaring noise.  It almost sounds like a jet plane is flying right over your home!  Huge amounts of dark smoke billow out of the top of your chimney – what is happening?!?

This is a scenario that plays out almost 25,000 times per year in the US:  Chimney Fires.  These fires can be very dramatic, or they may burn silently, but their silence holds no indication of the harm they may cause as they burn slowly at incredibly high temperatures.  Regardless of the type, all chimney fires can cause substantial damage and risk to you and your family.

So what causes chimney fires?  The build-up of creosote along the chimney lining walls can facilitate the start of a chimney fire. This build-up is caused by the unburned materials in the smoke accumulating along the chimney walls and creating a sticky substance that can easily catch fire. The smoke from the fire contains a substance similar to tar and when the temperatures within the chimney are below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance will condense along the chimney surface. When the temperature drops below 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance turns into a dark, sticky substance that is also highly flammable.

The Good News:  Chimney fires are almost entirely preventable!

Chimney fires are a dangerous and serious problem to have, but the good news is that they are also almost entirely preventable.  You must be careful to only burn materials that are ready and meant to be burned.  For example, only use seasoned, dry wood, newspapers, and dry kindling.  Burning cardboard boxes, trash, or wrapping paper can cause the creation of excess creosote and put your home and family in danger.  While using the correct fuel is important, a chimney fire can still occur even after taking these precautions.  This is why annual chimney inspections and cleanings are a critical part of home maintenance.  Most creosote is removed during annual chimney cleaning performed by chimney sweeps.

A clean chimney reduces the risk of a fire; so before you strike the first match for a fire this winter, consider scheduling a chimney inspection and cleaning.   Some simple precautions can help you have a safe and happy winter season.

(Statistics Courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC))

Apartment fire in San Jose, Ca

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire in San Jose, Ca

A fire started in San Jose apartment at 3:30 pm. San Jose fire dependent was call and so was the property insurances company Sate Farm. State Farm agent gave a call to SERVPRO of SW San Jose to go out and help their customer with a fire they had in San Jose, Ca. SERVPRO was there with in an hour to help broad up the place and do a little bit of clean up till the insurances adjuster want out to take a look at damaged. SERVPRO of SW San Jose will be taking care of this project from beginning to end. Customers are happy that they are only talking to one company that is going to take care of it all. SERVPRO of SW San Jose is here to  help with all the big and small project. Call us at 408-288-9977

Office Flooded in Downtown Los Gatos, Ca

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

An office in Los Gatos, CA flooded a downstair's store over the weekend. The store manager got to the store to see water coming down from the ceiling like rain. The store manager called SERVPRO of SW San Jose to come help them take care of the water. SERVPRO was there to help and dry the upstairs and downstairs units. SERVPRO of SW San Jose also helped the upstairs tenants to move to a different store until SERVPRO fixed the unit. SERVPRO of SW San Jose was called out on a Sunday to help the store owner, to set equipment and help clean up the mess. SERVPRO was there to help and take care of all the damage that happened to the building. The owner was thrilled that we came in and helped in anyway they needed help. 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Broken Pipes?

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Many people wonder whether water damage is covered under their homeowners insurance. The answer to that question all depends on the type of water damage. "Gradual damage" due to water happens over a long period of time. This could be because of a leaky pipe or other causes, such as a crack in a foundation. This type of damage is common cause for insurance claims.

If you're not sure whether your insurance will cover water damage caused by a leaky pipe, it's important to review the exact wording of your homeowners policy with your insurance advisor, agent, or broker. You will have to review the exclusions of your policy as well as the type of coverage you have. 

All insurance policies exclude wear and tear, and gradual damage. However, there may be some "exceptions." For example, "resulting" damage may occur as a result of a broken pipe, water tank, or washing machine.

Understanding Homeowners Insurance

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

First-time homeowners are faced with many realities of being “an adult,” and one of the things that comes with owning a new home is making sure you have proper insurance. But not all insurances are the same.

Just because you have insurance on your home doesn’t mean you’re protected from everything that could happen. In fact, often with homeowner policies, there are some very common occurrences that might not be covered.

Homeowners insurance differs from state to state, so to avoid making costly assumptions, it’s important to understand what’s included with your policy.

Typically, a policy will cover the actual dwelling and some of the other structures on the property, such as a fence, garage, patio or driveway. Personal property is usually covered as well. This includes the contents inside the home, although you may need to pay a bit more in premiums for high-value items like jewelry or paintings. You’ll want to make sure this is covered in your policy.

Homeowners insurance policies typically include coverage for injuries sustained on your property where you are liable. So, if someone slips on your driveway or falls while doing repairs to the roof, you’re covered. However, this coverage is usually limited to a certain dollar value, so you need to know how much coverage you have and exactly what’s included.

Natural disasters are the one area that can cause some problems, as not everything is covered and you often have to buy separate flood, hurricane or earthquake insurance—especially if you are in an area that is highly susceptible to these disasters. You also may be able to lower premiums by better protecting yourself against damage, such as adding storm shutters, reinforcing your roof or buying stronger roofing materials.

If items are stolen from your vehicle while it sits on your property, that may or may not be covered by your insurance. Normally, this is covered by auto insurance but there are some homeowner policies that will include these items, so it’s good to know if yours will.

Many first-time buyers think they need insurance to cover the entire cost of the house, but the land under your house isn’t at risk from theft, windstorm, fire or other perils covered in your homeowners policy, so it’s not necessary to include these when deciding how much insurance you should buy. Talk with your REALTOR® and determine the best number so you have enough coverage but not too much, and that you’re not paying premiums for what you don’t need.

Damaged floor in San Jose, Ca

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

We received a call last week from a customer who was noticing some discoloration in his wall.  He wasn't sure if it was water damage and requested an inspection. He wanted SERVPRO to come out before they got mold. 

Primarily we use non-intrusive moisture meters to detect water damage.  The advantage of this type of moisture meter is that it does not physically damage the materials that it is testing.  This is compared to some moisture meters that use metal probes that pierce the object being tested.

Our inspection revealed that not only was his wall cavity affected, but a fair sized amount of flooring.  Look in the photo how we found another layer of tile below the floating floor. Customers are often surprised to find one, two, or sometimes even three old floors under a laminate floor.  

SERVPRO SW San Jose helping

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

This is Why SERVPRO

This week a customer telephoned us to report that her kitchen hardwood has been gradually discoloring over several months, in particular over a high traffic area.  They were at a loss as to what was causing the discoloration.  They contacted their insurance agent and he suggested to call us for a no-obligation inspection.

We sent out a technician who performed a moisture mapping of their floor.  He determined not only was there water present under the floor, but also under the carpeting of the family room that is located adjacent to the kitchen.

Our tech carefully peeled back the carpeting to discover a crack in the customer's concrete foundation where water was emanating from. 

No customer ever wants to hear the news there is a crack in their foundation - but boy was she relieved to finally know the cause! 

CE Course from SERVPRO

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO that is why!

Property Managers & Real Estate Agents:  Ever run into a mold problem at one of your properties?  Do you want to learn more about how to prevent a mold problem and how to handle one if it already exists?

Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry is a 3-hour CE course taught by SERVPRO and designed for Real Estate Professionals.  The purpose of this course is to educate Real Estate professionals on the real effects of mold growth in residential & commercial structures.  Mold growth requirements will be reviewed so the real estate professional can recognize potential mold dangers in real property.

SERVPRO gives CE classes about restoration every year. SERVPRO of SW San Jose can help Real Estate and Property Managers with mold or water damage. 

SERVPRO that is Why!!

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcomes opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damage as well as mold and fire damage. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate agent needs help taking care of a mold damage we are here to help them out. 

SERVPRO will clean up anything!!

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

One of our property management clients called SERVPRO of SW San Jose because he was evicting a problem tenant who caused his apartment to become overwhelmed with roaches.  The pest control company had already treated the unit on a few occasions, but now they have a serious bio-hazard cleanup on their hands. 

He told us he contacted a few janitorial companies for quotes but they would not even attempt to bid the project because of the potential health hazards.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose crews have the expertise and materials to handle just about any bio-hazard cleanup project.  Should you run into such a situation, give SERVPRO of SW San Jose a call for your free estimate today. We will take care of the job from beginning to end. SERVPRO of SW San Jose will take care of the dirty work for you. Just call us and we will help out, and leave it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO helps with mold

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

Working to help a customer in Los Gatos deal with a leaking wax ring from a toilet.  They saw a gradual widening of discoloration in a ring pattern in the vinyl in their upstairs bathroom - then one day this nasty spot appeared on their hallway ceiling below!  Luckily for them the amount of sewage was small and we were able to catch it in the initial stages.  We performed their water damage cleanup and sanitized the affected areas.

Customers often ask us if there is anything they can do to help prevent this type of damage.  The best advice in this instance would have been to investigate the vinyl discoloration in the upstairs bathroom at the very beginning.  Frequent inspections are often a good way to prevent leaks.

NCAA March Madness 2019 is here!

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

It's that time of year again, time for March Madness!

Grand Prize:  2 tickets to your choice of the Sharks, 49ers, Raiders, Giants, A’s, Warriors, or Earthquakes

2nd Prize:  $75 Gift Card to your choice of The Cheesecake Factory

3rd Prize:   $25 Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee Gift Card

Consolation Prize:  4^th place and up receive $5 Starbucks or Peet’s Card

Eligibility:  Must be a SERVPRO of SW San Jose Partner (owner, agent, agent staff, property mgr, realtor, broker, or employee).

How to Enter:  Visit: http://SERVPROswsj.mayhem.cbssports.com. If you wish, you may have the computer choose your bracket for you – no basketball knowledge or experience required!  J 

ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE TOURNAMENT 9AM PST 3/1/16.  THERE IS NO COST OR OBLIGATION TO ENTER.  One entry per person.  Contest rules are listed on the website.

Good luck from your Fire, Water, and Mold Cleanup & Restoration Experts……  SERVPRO OF SOUTHWEST SAN JOSE!!  

Ways to reduce water damage!

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Whether due to lack of attention or a freak accident, all homeowners at one point or another experience some type of water issue in their homes. And in many cases, the problems present themselves in subtle ways. The key is to be on the lookout for them so that they don't become a matter that requires a significant amount of time, money, and effort to fix.

With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) chronicled the five leading causes of water damage based on property insurance claims. In addition, they outlined the potential indicators of a problem and tips on how homeowners can solve them.

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. 

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Potential indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, and moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Consider installing water alarms or a whole-house automatic water shutoff system 

2. TOILET FAILURE

Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• After you flush, wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
• Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

 3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.  The average cost per incident was $4,444.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4. PLUMBING DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.

Nothing can completely prevent water damage incidents.  But you can reduce your risk by taking some precautions. 

Helping out the Bay Area!!

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

Downtown San Jose, helping out local business.

Many of our customers know that we do residential water mitigation work, but not as many know we serve businesses both large and small.  Last year was supposed to be the El Nino year, but this season we've received a record number of water and mold damage phone calls for residential & commercial buildings alike.

We are located conveniently off Capitol Expressway and Highway 87, making it easy to serve your downtown business.  In particular with water damage, a quick response is critical.  The longer water is allowed to dwell, the more damage it can cause and the longer your business could be inoperable.

SERVPRO offers an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) that can be a part of your company's overall Disaster Plan, something both FEMA and the Red Cross recommend every business have.

If you have questions about how SERVPRO can help you with your company's ERP, contact Nancy Penaloza at SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Bathroom mold in Los Gatos, Ca

1/17/2019 (Permalink)

We do it all!!

Working to help a customer in Los Gatos deal with a leaking wax ring from a toilet.  They saw a gradual widening of discoloration in a ring pattern in the vinyl up their upstairs bathroom - then one day this nasty spot appeared on their hallway ceiling below!  Luckily for them the amount of sewage was small and we were able to catch it in the initial stages.  We performed their water damage cleanup and sanitized the affected areas.

Customers often ask us if there is anything they can do to help prevent this type of damage.  The best advice in this instance would have been to investigate the vinyl discoloration in the upstairs bathroom at the very beginning.  Frequent inspections are often a good way to prevent leaks.

Kitchen Fire in Campbell, Ca

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Last week we discussed how important the proper type fire extinguisher can be should a fire occur in your home; but here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

Stay in your kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stovetop.

Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.

Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.

Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.

Keep knives out of the reach of children.

Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. 

Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Some people may look to vary the traditional turkey entrée by using a deep fryer. The deep-frying cooking process requires that up to 5 gallons of oil be heated before placing the turkey into the device. Tests have shown that a number of available fryers can tip over easily, allowing hot oil to spill and creating a fire or scald burn from contact. They can also overheat which causes hot oil to spill or splatter outside the fryer, a recipe for fire or serious injury.

Storm and Rain in San Jose, ca

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Mold in San Jose, Ca

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

This week a customer telephoned us to report that her kitchen hardwood has been gradually discoloring over several months, in particular over a high traffic area.  They were at a loss as to what was causing the discoloration.  They contacted their insurance agent and he suggested to call us for a no-obligation inspection.

We sent out a technician who performed a moisture mapping of their floor.  He determined not only was there water present under the floor, but also under the carpeting of the family room that is located adjacent to the kitchen.

Our tech carefully peeled back the carpeting to discover a crack in the customer's concrete foundation where water was emanating from. 

No customer ever wants to hear the news there is a crack in their foundation - but boy was she relieved to finally know the cause! 

Reduce Water Damage

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Whether due to lack of attention or a freak accident, all homeowners at one point or another experience some type of water issue in their homes. And in many cases, the problems present themselves in subtle ways. The key is to be on the lookout for them so that they don't become a matter that requires a significant amount of time, money, and effort to fix.

With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) chronicled the five leading causes of water damage based on property insurance claims. In addition, they outlined the potential indicators of a problem and tips on how homeowners can solve them.

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. 

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Potential indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, and moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Consider installing water alarms or a whole-house automatic water shutoff system 

2. TOILET FAILURE

Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• After you flush, wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
• Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

 3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.  The average cost per incident was $4,444.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4. PLUMBING DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.

Nothing can completely prevent water damage incidents.  But you can reduce your risk by taking some precautions. 

Mold on floor in San Jose, Ca

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

We can take care of your floor.

This week a customer telephoned us to report that her kitchen hardwood has been gradually discoloring over several months, in particular over a high traffic area.  They were at a loss as to what was causing the discoloration.  They contacted their insurance agent and he suggested to call us for a no-obligation inspection.

We sent out a technician who performed a moisture mapping of their floor.  He determined not only was there water present under the floor, but also under the carpeting of the family room that is located adjacent to the kitchen.

Our tech carefully peeled back the carpeting to discover a crack in the customer's concrete foundation where water was emanating from. 

No customer ever wants to hear the news there is a crack in their foundation - but boy was she relieved to finally know the cause! 

Fire in San Jose, Ca

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Also clean your rang-hood.

In November SERVPRO of SW San Jose helped a customer dealing with a type of puff-back from his furnace.  It was a townhouse rental property with a long-term tenant, no maintenance emergencies in almost 10 years .... sounds like an in deal tenant yes?

In November, the tenant called to report ash streaming out of all the vents like an incinerator!  When I arrived for the inspection I found that the tenant had not changed the filter in 2 years!

We had to treat this type of contamination exactly as we would treat a smoke damage cleanup.  It required 100% wipe down of structure and contents, HVAC cleaning, and then extensive floor cleaning.

Ash has a way of sneaking even into closed areas - have a look below at the ash around his silverware which was enclosed in the silverware drawer.

Water damaged from an AC in San Jose, Ca

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

We can help clean up the water damaged.

Troubleshooting tips for your air conditioning system:

Evaluate your HVAC system’s air filter. If the filter is dirty or full, the system may not be able to function properly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow. If the air coming out of your vents seems weak, start with a new air filter. If a clean air filter does not solve the problem, a service call might be in order.

Verify that the outdoor air conditioner unit is not covered in dirt or debris. Any type of dirt or debris that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause it to not function properly. If there is yard debris around the unit, make sure to clear it away.

Check to make sure your thermostat is set properly. At the beginning of the air conditioning season, it can be difficult to remember that your thermostat must be switched to the correct mode. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not turn on.

Schedule a tune up and maintenance appointment for your air conditioner. It’s a smart idea to have your air conditioning system tune up at least once a year. During the tune up, the system should be cleaned, lubricated and checked for any problems.

When in doubt, call your air conditioning repair company for a service call. If your air conditioning system does not seem to be working properly, make sure to call a repair company as soon as possible. Air conditioning repair companies can get very busy when the weather gets hot.

Our company handles air conditioning water damage on a routine basis during summer months.  If you suspect your air conditioning system has caused water damage, please contact SERVPRO of SW San Jose for a free evaluation. 

Winter storm is here Bay Area.

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

We have clean up after the storm.

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

101 on Fire, mold and water damaged.

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Giving classes to the Realtors.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcome opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager, spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damaged as well as mold and fire damaged. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate needs help taking care of a mold damaged we are here to help them out. 

IICRC classes in San Jose, Ca

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Who should you call after you suffer a water damage?  Do you go with who your insurance company recommends?  How about your neighbor?

Make sure whoever you hire is holds their water damage certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). 

SERVPRO of SW San Jose proudly holds certification from the IICRC.

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise. All IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC actively has relationships with fiber producers, carpet and fabric mills, furnishing manufacturers and retailers, and others affiliated with the industry. The use of IICRC service professionals is specified in leading manufacturers’ maintenance brochures and warranties.

When it comes to cleaning, restoration and inspection, the IICRC writes the books

As an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC has led the way in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

The IICRC helps keep homes and businesses healthful

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person spends 90 percent or more of their time indoors, where levels of pollutants may be two to five times (and occasionally more than 100 times) higher than outdoor levels.

This makes it extremely important to perform regular maintenance inside your home or business. In addition to vacuuming, cleaning and checking for water damage on a regular basis, using a certified technician for cleaning will help extend the life of your flooring and upholstery and ensure that your home or business is healthful for those who live and work there.

IICRC Benefit

The IICRC is a nonprofit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. Serving the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, in partnership with regional and international trade associations, the IICRC represents the entire industry. The IICRC is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource.

http://www.IICRC.org/IICRC-benefit/for-consumers/

Rain is coming Bay Area.

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

We can help!!

Here in the Bay area it seems the rains have arrived early this year!  While that is good news for the drought, it can mean bad news for property owners.  Just over the past weekend we received 6 calls for roof leak related water damage alone. 

In this example, flashing on the roof has failed causing water to leak into the ceiling cavity above the foyer.  When we performed a moisture inspection and found visible and hidden water damage in the foyer ceiling.  We recommend damage be handled in four steps:

1. Apply a roof tarp to prevent water intrusion until roof repairs can be made
2. Open affected ceiling and initiate drying
3. Perform roof repairs and test repairs with foyer ceiling still open
4. Close and repair foyer ceiling

If you should be so unlucky to have water intrusion this winter, we are here to help!  Give us a call to schedule your estimate.

Homeowners should know about rebuilding cost

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

"Like it Never Even Happened"

For many people their home may be the biggest investment they will ever make.  Determining your home's estimated replacement cost is important because in the event of a loss the replacement cost will ultimately determine how much coverage your policy will provide.  Since it is impossible to predict today what the exact cost will be to replace your home in the future, it's important to have enough coverage to account for unforeseen circumstances.

The keys are:

1.  Understanding the difference between market value and replacement cost

2.  Making sure that your home is insured for at least 100% of its estimated replacement cost.

Market value is the amount a buyer would pay for a home, including the land, regardless of how much it would cost to rebuild the home.  Replacement cost for insurance purposes is the rebuilding cost necessary to repair or replace the entire home.

To determine the proper amount of homeowners coverage:

1.  Ask if a replacement cost estimate is available when you have your home appraised.

2  Consult with your local builder association or a reputable builder for an estimate.

Market conditions in your area may impact the amount it will cost to rebuild your home if you experience a loss.  Replacement cost estimates are influenced by factors such as supply of labor, the cost of labor, and the cost of construction materials.  If neither estimate is available, the following basic guidelines can be used for the San Francisco East & South Bay Areas:

Approximate Economy Home Rebuilding Cost:  $200 / sq ft

Approximate Standard Home Rebuilding Cost:  $250 / sq ft

Approximate Semi-Custom Home:  $350 / sq ft

Approximate Custom / Luxury Home:  $400 / sq ft and up

Should you experience a fire, water, or mold loss, you can count on SERVPRO to help.  Our goal is to help you regain control and make your damage "Like It Never Even Happened".

Bathroom mold in Los Gatos, Ca

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

We remove the mold and help you from beginning to end.

Working to help a customer in Los Gatos deal with a leaking wax ring from a toilet.  They saw a gradual widening of discoloration in a ring pattern in the vinyl up their upstairs bathroom - then one day this nasty spot appeared on their hallway ceiling below!  Luckily for them the amount of sewage was small and we were able to catch it in the initial stages.  We performed their water damage cleanup and sanitized the affected areas.

Customers often ask us if there is anything they can do to help prevent this type of damage.  The best advice in this instance would have been to investigate the vinyl discoloration in the upstairs bathroom at the very beginning.  Frequent inspections are often a good way to prevent leaks.

Serving Bay Area Businesses!!

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

Helping people out!!

Many of our customers know that we do residential water mitigation work, but not as many know we serve businesses both large and small.  Last year was supposed to be the El Nino year, but this season we've received a record number of water and mold damage phone calls for residential & commercial buildings alike.

We are located conveniently off Capitol Expressway and Highway 87, making it easy to serve your downtown business.  In particular with water damage, a quick response is critical.  The longer water is allowed to dwell, the more damage it can cause and the longer your business could be inoperable.

SERVPRO offers an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) that can be a part of your company's overall Disaster Plan, something both FEMA and the Red Cross recommend every business have.

If you have questions about how SERVPRO can help you with your company's ERP, contact Nancy Penaloza at SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Mold in Bathroom in San Jose, Ca

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

We do it all!!

With all the rain we've had this season, it's no wonder clients are calling SERVPRO of SW San Jose this winter about mold issues with their properties.  In this case, a tenant phoned her landlord complaining of mold growing on her contents being stored in her bedroom closet.

The landlord contacted SERVPRO of SW San Jose for a moisture inspection of the property.  When we inspected it we found no active water sources, but the humidity in the house measured around 74%.

To avoid mold issues, the EPA recommends you keep humidity levels below 60%, preferably between 30% - 50%. 

In the case of old homes that may not contain insulation in the walls, running a dehumidifier can go a long way as a temporarily measure to prevent mold. 

Check out the EPA website for more info:  https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home

Raining = Roof damaged!! In San Jose, Ca

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

We will take care of it all..

With all the rain we've been experiencing in the San Francisco Bay Area it's no wonder the number of roof leak calls into our office has been skyrocketing.  Water damage can affect all family members, human or not. 

The roof in question was only a few years old, but the wind of the last storm was too much.  If you experience a roof leak, here are some suggestions about how to go about fixing it:

Step 1:  Stop the water.  Hire a roofing company to either fix the leak or to install a temporary roof tarp to keep more water from entering the structure.  If you suspect the water intrusion is gutter related, contact a gutter cleaning company.

Step 2:  Perform water remediation:  Open affected areas to perform drying and to prevent mold.  Install drying equipment and apply anti-microbial to discourage mold growth.  Caution:  If you are unsure about your property's lead paint or asbestos status, test first before any demolition.

Step 3:  Perform repairs to affected areas.  Always research your contractors make sure they hold valid licensing.

Winter is here!!

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

water came in from the light.

Here in the Bay area it seems the rains have arrived early this year!  While that is good news for the drought, it can mean bad news for property owners.  Just over the past weekend we received 6 calls for roof leak related water damage alone. 

In this example, flashing on the roof has failed causing water to leak into the ceiling cavity above the foyer.  When we performed a moisture inspection and found visible and hidden water damage in the foyer ceiling.  We recommend damage be handled in four steps:

1. Apply a roof tarp to prevent water intrusion until roof repairs can be made
2. Open affected ceiling and initiate drying
3. Perform roof repairs and test repairs with foyer ceiling still open
4. Close and repair foyer ceiling

If you should be so unlucky to have water intrusion this winter, we are here to help!  Give us a call to schedule your estimate.

Indoor Humidity!

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Bathroom with mold from humidity. We can do all the work.

With all the rain we've had this season, it's no wonder clients are calling SERVPRO of SW San Jose this winter about mold issues with their properties.  In this case, a tenant phoned her landlord complaining of mold growing on her contents being stored in her bedroom closet.

The landlord contacted SERVPRO of SW San Jose for a moisture inspection of the property.  When we inspected it we found no active water sources, but the humidity in the house measured around 74%.

To avoid mold issues, the EPA recommends you keep humidity levels below 60%, preferably between 30% - 50%. 

In the case of old homes that may not contain insulation in the walls, running a dehumidifier can go a long way as a temporarily measure to prevent mold. 

Check out the EPA website for more info:  https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home

Rain=Roof leaks

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Check your roof before the rain starts. Rain is here let us help you.

With all the rain we've been experiencing in the San Francisco Bay Area it's no wonder the number of roof leak calls into our office has been skyrocketing.  Water damage can affect all family members, human or not. 

The roof in question was only a few years old, but the wind of the last storm was too much.  If you experience a roof leak, here are some suggestions about how to go about fixing it:

Step 1:  Stop the water.  Hire a roofing company to either fix the leak or to install a temporary roof tarp to keep more water from entering the structure.  If you suspect the water intrusion is gutter related, contact a gutter cleaning company.

Step 2:  Perform water remediation:  Open affected areas to perform drying and to prevent mold.  Install drying equipment and apply anti-microbial to discourage mold growth.  Caution:  If you are unsure about your property's lead paint or asbestos status, test first before any demolition.

Step 3:  Perform repairs to affected areas.  Always research your contractors make sure they hold valid licensing.

Vandalism!!

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Vandalized windows!!

One of our customers who is a property manager contacted us this week because he was dealing with some disgruntled tenants that abruptly moved out of one of his rental houses and trashed the place.  They allowed their pets to urinate on the floors without cleaning it up, wrote graffiti on the walls, and even broke out the front windows.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose provides emergency board-up and vandalism cleanup services.  We sent out a crew immediately to the home in order to board up the broken windows to keep out thieves and squatters.

The interior cleanup was very extensive, it required removing the most heavily affected flooring, then cleaning and sanitizing the subfloor. 

Once finished, our customer told us he was very pleased with the outcome and the quick turnaround time so that he could begin renting the property again.

CE Courser

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth in commercial structures!! We can help out

Property Managers & Real Estate Agents:  Ever run into a mold problem at one of your properties?  Do you want to learn more about how to prevent a mold problem and how to handle one if it already exists?

Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry is a 3-hour CE course taught by SERVPRO and designed for Real Estate Professionals.  The purpose of this course is to educate Real Estate professionals on the real effects of mold growth in residential & commercial structures.  Mold growth requirements will be reviewed so the real estate professional can recognize potential mold dangers in real property.

SERVPRO gives CE classes about restoration every year. SERVPRO of SW San Jose can help Real Estate and Property Managers with mold or water damaged. 

Be save on Thanksgiving...

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Turkey Fryer Blazing Up

Did you know that there are about 4,300 Thanksgiving Day fires annually in the United States?   The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year.  Cooking is often a relaxing and fun task that brings family and friends together, and it provides a great way to showcase your creativity and love of good food.   Safety in the kitchen is always important even more so when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

Here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

1. Stay in your kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on your food.
2. Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
3. Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.
4. Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids.  The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.
5. Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.
6. Keep knives out of the reach of children.
7. Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
8. Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.
9. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.  Test them by pushing the test button.

Chimney Fire

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Chimney on fire clean out chimney ones a year.

Did you feel the chill in the air this past weekend?  For many of us, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a crackling fire to chase away the cold weather.  You’re sitting in your living room with your family enjoying the warm glow of the flames, and suddenly you hear a roaring noise.  It almost sounds like a jet plane is flying right over your home!  Huge amounts of dark smoke billow out of the top of your chimney – what is happening?!?

This is a scenario that plays out almost 25,000 times per year in the US:  Chimney Fires.  These fires can be very dramatic, or they may burn silently, but their silence holds no indication of the harm they may cause as they burn slowly at incredibly high temperatures.  Regardless of the type, all chimney fires can cause substantial damage and risk to you and your family.

So what causes chimney fires?  The build-up of creosote along the chimney lining walls can facilitate the start of a chimney fire. This build-up is caused by the unburned materials in the smoke accumulating along the chimney walls and creating a sticky substance that can easily catch fire. The smoke from the fire contains a substance similar to tar and when the temperatures within the chimney are below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance will condense along the chimney surface. When the temperature drops below 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance turns into a dark, sticky substance that is also highly flammable.

The Good News:  Chimney fires are almost entirely preventable!

Chimney fires are a dangerous and serious problem to have, but the good news is that they are also almost entirely preventable.  You must be careful to only burn materials that are ready and meant to be burned.  For example, only use seasoned, dry wood, newspapers, and dry kindling.  Burning cardboard boxes, trash, or wrapping paper can cause the creation of excess creosote and put your home and family in danger.  While using the correct fuel is important, a chimney fire can still occur even after taking these precautions.  This is why annual chimney inspections and cleanings are a critical part of home maintenance.  Most creosote is removed during annual chimney cleaning performed by chimney sweeps.

A clean chimney reduces the risk of a fire; so before you strike the first match for a fire this winter, consider scheduling a chimney inspection and cleaning.   Some simple precautions can help you have a safe and happy winter season.

(Statistics Courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC))

Bathroom leak in Los Gatos, Ca

9/28/2018 (Permalink)

Ceiling downstairs.

Working to help a customer in Los Gatos deal with a leaking wax ring from a toilet.  They saw a gradual widening of discoloration in a ring pattern in the vinyl up their upstairs bathroom - then one day this nasty spot appeared on their hallway ceiling below!  Luckily for them the amount of sewage was small and we were able to catch it in the initial stages.  We performed their water damage cleanup and sanitized the affected areas.

Customers often ask us if there is anything they can do to help prevent this type of damage.  The best advice in this instance would have been to investigate the vinyl discoloration in the upstairs bathroom at the very beginning.  Frequent inspections are often a good way to prevent leaks.

Kitchen Fire in San Jose, Ca

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire in San Jose, Ca

A fire started in San Jose apartment at 3:30 pm. San Jose fire dependent was call and so was the property insurances company Sate Farm. State Farm agent gave a call to SERVPRO of SW San Jose to go out and help their customer with a fire they had in San Jose, Ca. SERVPRO was there with in an hour to help broad up the place and do a little bit of clean up till the insurances adjuster want out to take a look at damaged. SERVPRO of SW San Jose will be taking care of this project from beginning to end. Customers are happy that they are only talking to one company that is going to take care of it all. SERVPRO of SW San Jose is here to  help with all the big and small project. Call us at 408-288-9977

A Discovery Store flood In Los Gatos

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Stores ceiling on the floor

An office in Los Gatos, Ca flooded an downstairs store over the weekend. The store manager got to the store to see water coming down from the ceilling like rained. Store manager called SERVPRO of SW San Jose to come help them take care of the water. SERVPRO was there to help and dry up the upstairs and downstairs units. SERVPRO of SW San Jose also helped the upstairs tenants to move  to a different store till SERVPRO fixed the unit. SERVPRO of SW San Jose was called out on a Sunday, SERVPRO was out on a Sunday to help the store owner to set equipment and help clean up the mess. SERVPRO was there to help and take care of all the damaged that happen to the building. The owner was thrilled that we came in and helped in anything they needed help. 

March Madness 2018

3/5/2018 (Permalink)

Good Luck!!!!

It's that time of year again, time for March Madness!

Grand Prize:  2 tickets to your choice of the Sharks, 49ers, Raiders, Giants, A’s, Warriors, or Earthquakes

2nd Prize:  $75 Gift Card to your choice of The Cheesecake Factory

3rd Prize:   $25 Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee Gift Card

Consolation Prize:  4^th place and up receive $5 Starbucks or Peet’s Card

Eligibility:  Must be a SERVPRO of SW San Jose Partner (owner, agent, agent staff, property mgr, realtor, broker, or employee).

How to Enter:  Visit: http://SERVPROswsj.mayhem.cbssports.com. If you wish, you may have the computer choose your bracket for you – no basketball knowledge or experience required!  J 

ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE TOURNAMENT 9AM PST 3/1/16.  THERE IS NO COST OR OBLIGATION TO ENTER.  One entry per person.  Contest rules are listed on the website.

Questions?  Please contact Nancy Penaloza at 408-679-9468 or nancy.SERVPRO@gmail.com

Good luck from your Fire, Water, and Mold Cleanup & Restoration Experts……  SERVPRO OF SOUTHWEST SAN JOSE!!  

San Jose Floods

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Rescuers chest-deep in water steered boats full of people, some with babies and pets, on Tuesday from a San Jose neighborhood inundated by water from an overflowing creek. 

At least 225 residents were taken to dry land and rinsed with soap and water to prevent them from being sickened by floodwaters that had traveled through engine fuel, garbage, debris and over sewer lines,

"Coyote Creek is rising because of water coming out of Anderson (Reservoir)," Matlow said. "We have a neighborhood that's basically underwater."   

Water rescue teams are using boats and other vehicles to go door-to-door and pull residents to safety, Matlow said.

Anyone who has come into contact with the murky brown water is being decontaminated because of fears about overflowing sewage lines, oil and gas from vehicles trapped in the water or household chemicals that might have leaked into the flood waters.

Serving Downtown San Jose Businesses

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW San Jose can help you!!

Many of our customers know that we do residential water mitigation work, but not as many know we serve businesses both large and small.  Last year was supposed to be the El Nino year, but this season we've received a record number of water and mold damage phone calls for residential & commercial buildings alike.

We are located conveniently off Capitol Expressway and Highway 87, making it easy to serve your downtown business.  In particular with water damage, a quick response is critical.  The longer water is allowed to dwell, the more damage it can cause and the longer your business could be inoperable.

SERVPRO offers an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) that can be a part of your company's overall Disaster Plan, something both FEMA and the Red Cross recommend every business have.

If you have questions about how SERVPRO can help you with your company's ERP, contact Nancy Penaloza at SERVPRO of SW San Jose.

Storm in the Bay Area.

1/12/2018 (Permalink)

A ceiling collapses from rainwater in San Jose, CA

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Mold hardwood floor in San Jose, Ca

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold under hardwood floor in living room.

This week a customer telephoned us to report that her kitchen hardwood has been gradually discoloring over several months, in particular over a high traffic area.  They were at a loss as to what was causing the discoloration.  They contacted their insurance agent and he suggested to call us for a no-obligation inspection.

We sent out a technician who performed a moisture mapping of their floor.  He determined not only was there water present under the floor, but also under the carpeting of the family room that is located adjacent to the kitchen.

Our tech carefully peeled back the carpeting to discover a crack in the customer's concrete foundation where water was emanating from. 

No customer ever wants to hear the news there is a crack in their foundation - but boy was she relieved to finally know the cause! 

Kitchen Fire

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Stove fire

Last week we discussed how important the proper type fire extinguisher can be should a fire occur in your home; but here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

Stay in your kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stovetop.

Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.

Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.

Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.

Keep knives out of the reach of children.

Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. 

Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Some people may look to vary the traditional turkey entrée by using a deep fryer. The deep-frying cooking process requires that up to 5 gallons of oil be heated before placing the turkey into the device. Tests have shown that a number of available fryers can tip over easily, allowing hot oil to spill and creating a fire or scald burn from contact. They can also overheat which causes hot oil to spill or splatter outside the fryer, a recipe for fire or serious injury.

Want to see what a turkey fryer disaster can look like? State Farm teamed up with William Shatner to make a short video of what a turkey fryer fire can do, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETBD0EqQGoU&feature=feedu

If a house fire does occur, quickly get yourself and loves ones out of the house and call 9-1-1. If you attempt to fight the fire, make sure that others are getting out of the home or have a clear way out. For small grease fires, you can use a Class B extinguisher or smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until the pan is completely cooled. If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keeps the doors closed.

Ways to Reduce Water Damage.

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Interior water damage from a clogged gutter.

Whether due to lack of attention or a freak accident, all homeowners at one point or another experience some type of water issue in their homes. And in many cases, the problems present themselves in subtle ways. The key is to be on the lookout for them so that they don't become a matter that requires a significant amount of time, money, and effort to fix.

With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) chronicled the five leading causes of water damage based on property insurance claims. In addition, they outlined the potential indicators of a problem and tips on how homeowners can solve them.

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. 

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Potential indicators of a plumbing problem include an increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, and moisture in the walls or on floors, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation.
• Setting the thermostat 60 degrees or higher in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Consider installing water alarms or a whole-house automatic water shutoff system 

2. TOILET FAILURE

Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• After you flush, wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.
• Consider upgrading the toilet’s supply line to a sturdier braided steel hose.

 3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.  The average cost per incident was $4,444.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for the water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4. PLUMBING DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• If the home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into the home’s sewer system.
• Plant trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• One burst inlet hose, and your laundry room is flooded in a matter of minutes. Replace rubber hoses every three years and consider upgrading to sturdier braided steel hoses.
• When leaving the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.

Nothing can completely prevent water damage incidents.  But you can reduce your risk by taking some precautions. 

Bathroom mold in San Jose, Ca

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Bathroom mold.

A mother of two young children contacted us because of a mold concern.  Here is her story:

“Mold is growing on the sheet rock in my bathroom.  I’ve sprayed it down with bleach and cleaning solution a number of times, but it always seems to grow right back”!  It measures about 25 sq ft in total.   My husband says  he can cut out the affected sheet rock and hang new sheet rock, but I’m afraid of he and my children getting sick.  What should we do?

According to EPA Guidelines, what type of Containment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are suggested to remediate 25 sq feet of mold?

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.  Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present.  They can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods – this is why when you leave open bread on a counter, it begins to become moldy in a few days.  Mold is a part of our everyday environment.

Remember to change your furnace filter!

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

You definitely don't want to eat off this silverware right now

In November SERVPRO of SW San Jose helped a customer dealing with a type of puff-back from his furnace.  It was a townhouse rental property with a long-term tenant, no maintenance emergencies in almost 10 years .... sounds like an in deal tenant yes?

In November, the tenant called to report ash streaming out of all the vents like an incinerator!  When I arrived for the inspection I found that the tenant had not changed the filter in 2 years!

We had to treat this type of contanimation exactly as we would treat a smoke damage cleanup.  It required 100% wipedown of structure and contents, HVAC cleaning, and then extensive floor cleaning.

Ash has a way of sneaking even into closed areas - have a look below at the ash around his silverware which was enclosed in the silverware drawer.

Protect yourself against water damage from Air Conditioning

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Leaking air conditioner causing water damage to wall and floors

Troubleshooting tips for your air conditioning system:

Evaluate your HVAC system’s air filter. If the filter is dirty or full, the system may not be able to function properly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow. If the air coming out of your vents seems weak, start with a new air filter. If a clean air filter does not solve the problem, a service call might be in order.

Verify that the outdoor air conditioner unit is not covered in dirt or debris. Any type of dirt or debris that restricts the unit’s airflow can cause it to not function properly. If there is yard debris around the unit, make sure to clear it away.

Check to make sure your thermostat is set properly. At the beginning of the air conditioning season, it can be difficult to remember that your thermostat must be switched to the correct mode. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, your air conditioner will not turn on.

Schedule a tune up and maintenance appointment for your air conditioner. It’s a smart idea to have your air conditioning system tune up at least once a year. During the tune up, the system should be cleaned, lubricated and checked for any problems.

When in doubt, call your air conditioning repair company for a service call. If your air conditioning system does not seem to be working properly, make sure to call a repair company as soon as possible. Air conditioning repair companies can get very busy when the weather gets hot.

Our company handles air conditioning water damage on a routine basis during summer months.  If you suspect your air conditioning system has caused water damage, please contact SERVPRO of SW San Jose for a free evaluation. 

Winter = Roof Leak Season

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Here in the Bay area it seems the rains have arrived early this year!  While that is good news for the drought, it can mean bad news for property owners.  Just over the past weekend we received 6 calls for roof leak related water damage alone. 

In this example, flashing on the roof has failed causing water to leak into the ceiling cavity above the foyer.  When we performed a moisture inspection and found visible and hidden water damage in the foyer ceiling.  We recommend damage be handled in four steps:

1. Apply a roof tarp to prevent water intrusion until roof repairs can be made
2. Open affected ceiling and initiate drying
3. Perform roof repairs and test repairs with foyer ceiling still open
4. Close and repair foyer ceiling

If you should be so unlucky to have water intrusion this winter, we are here to help!  Give us a call to schedule your estimate.

Winter = Roof Leak Season

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Water runs along a seam in the foyer ceiling drywall

Here in the Bay area it seems the rains have arrived early this year!  While that is good news for the drought, it can mean bad news for property owners.  Just over the past weekend we received 6 calls for roof leak related water damage alone. 

In this example, flashing on the roof has failed causing water to leak into the ceiling cavity above the foyer.  When we performed a moisture inspection and found visible and hidden water damage in the foyer ceiling.  We recommend damage be handled in four steps:

1. Apply a roof tarp to prevent water intrusion until roof repairs can be made
2. Open affected ceiling and initiate drying
3. Perform roof repairs and test repairs with foyer ceiling still open
4. Close and repair foyer ceiling

If you should be so unlucky to have water intrusion this winter, we are here to help!  Give us a call to schedule your estimate.

Homeowners should know about rebuilding cost

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

For many people their home may be the biggest investment they will ever make.  Determining your home's estimated replacement cost is important because in the event of a loss the replacement cost will ultimately determine how much coverage your policy will provide.  Since it is impossible to predict today what the exact cost will be to replace your home in the future, it's important to have enoughcoverage to acount for unforseen circumstances.

The keys are:

1.  Understanding the difference between market value and replacement cost

2.  Making sure that your home is insured for at least 100% of its estimated replacement cost.

Market value is the amount a buyer would pay for a home, including the land, regardless of how much it would cost to rebuild the home.  Replacement cost for insurance purposes is the rebuilding cost necessary to repair or replace the entire home.

To determine the proper amount of homeowners coverage:

1.  Ask if a replacement cost estimate is available when you have your home appraised.

2  Consult with your local builder association or a reputable builder for an estimate.

Market conditions in your area may impact the amount it will cost to rebuild your home if you experience a loss.  Replacement cost estimates are influenced by factors such as supply of labor, the cost of labor, and the cost of construction materials.  If neither estimate is available, the following basic guidelines can be used for the San Francisco East & South Bay Areas:

Approximate Economy Home Rebuilding Cost:  $200 / sq ft

Approximate Standard Home Rebuilding Cost:  $250 / sq ft

Approximate Semi-Custom Home:  $350 / sq ft

Approximate Custom / Luxury Home:  $400 / sq ft and up

Should you experience a fire, water, or mold loss, you can count on SERVPRO to help.  Our goal is to help you regain control and make your damage "Like It Never Even Happened".

Is your water mitigation provider IICRC Certified?

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Who should you call after you suffer a water damage?  Do you go with who your insurance company recommends?  How about your neighbor?

Make sure whoever you hire is holds their water damage certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). 

SERVPRO of SW San Jose proudly holds certification from the IICRC.

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise. All IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC actively has relationships with fiber producers, carpet and fabric mills, furnishing manufacturers and retailers, and others affiliated with the industry. The use of IICRC service professionals is specified in leading manufacturers’ maintenance brochures and warranties.

When it comes to cleaning, restoration and inspection, the IICRC writes the books

As an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC has led the way in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

The IICRC helps keep homes and businesses healthful

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person spends 90 percent or more of their time indoors, where levels of pollutants may be two to five times (and occasionally more than 100 times) higher than outdoor levels.

This makes it extremely important to perform regular maintenance inside your home or business. In addition to vacuuming, cleaning and checking for water damage on a regular basis, using a certified technician for cleaning will help extend the life of your flooring and upholstery and ensure that your home or business is healthful for those who live and work there.

IICRC Benefit

The IICRC is a nonprofit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. Serving the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, in partnership with regional and international trade associations, the IICRC represents the entire industry. The IICRC is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource.

http://www.IICRC.org/IICRC-benefit/for-consumers/

Fire, Water, and Mold 101 in San Jose, Ca

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Realtors Class

SERVPRO of SW San Jose welcome opportunities to educate our community about fire, water, and mold damage restoration topics.  Recently our marketing manager, spoke to real estate agent members of the Independent Broker's meeting at the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR). SERVPRO also gives classes to property managers. SERVPRO gives real estate agent and property manages the tools to help them and educate them to know more about water, fire and mold damage. SERVPRO of SW San Jose takes care and helps out a lot of property managers in the area with water damaged as well as mold and fire damaged. Selling a house is a hard thing but when the real estate needs help taking care of a mold damaged we are here to help them out. 

Mold under hardwood floor in San Jose, Ca

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Stain darkening on hardwood floor

This week a customer telephoned us to report that her kitchen hardwood has been gradually discoloring over several months, in particular over a high traffic area.  They were at a loss as to what was causing the discoloration.  They contacted their insurance agent and he suggested to call us for a no-obligation inspection.

We sent out a technician who performed a moisture mapping of their floor.  He determined not only was there water present under the floor, but also under the carpeting of the family room that is located adjacent to the kitchen.

Our tech carefully peeled back the carpeting to discover a crack in the customer's concrete foundation where water was emanating from. 

No customer ever wants to hear the news there is a crack in their foundation - but boy was she relieved to finally know the cause! 

Mold in bathroom

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Staining in ceiling below source room.

Working to help a customer in Los Gatos deal with a leaking wax ring from a toilet.  They saw a gradual widening of discoloration in a ring pattern in the vinyl up their upstairs bathroom - then one day this nasty spot appeared on their hallway ceiling below!  Luckily for them the amount of sewage was small and we were able to catch it in the initial stages.  We performed their water damage cleanup and sanitized the affected areas.

Customers often ask us if there is anything they can do to help prevent this type of damage.  The best advice in this instance would have been to investigate the vinyl discoloration in the upstairs bathroom at the very beginning.  Frequent inspections are often a good way to prevent leaks.

Mold after water damage!!

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Leak from drain pipe inside wall cavity - cavity and floor water damage

We received a call last week from a customer who was noticing some discoloration in his wall.  He wasn't sure if it was water damage and requested an inspection. He wanted SERVPRO to come out before they got mold. 

Primarily we use non-intrusive moisture meters to detect water damage.  The advantage of this type of moisture meter is that it does not physically damage the materials that it is testing.  This is compared to some moisture meters that use metal probes that pierce the object being tested.

Our inspection revealed that not only was his wall cavity affected, but a fair sized amount of flooring.  Look in the photo how we found another layer of tile below the floating floor. Customers are often surprised to find one, two, or sometimes even three old floors under a laminate floor.  

Lightning Strikes

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

All that remains of the tree!!

SAN MATEO, Calif. - A San Mateo homeowner had a close call Monday morning after lightning struck a large tree in her backyard, blasting it to smithereens.

Massive chunks of a 100-year-old tree -- believed to be a redwood -- were scattered everywhere. Debris even landing on the roof. Homeowner Simone Nguyen said it's all because of the lightning strike.


Nguyen said just before just before 8 a.m., her dog Coco woke her up early to go to the bathroom outside. When she was in the backyard, in the corner of her eye, she saw lightning and then heard an explosion.

She escaped inside and saw a big piece of the tree went through her bedroom window landing right on her bed, sending shattered glass everywhere. It's estimated the tree stood more than 100 feet tall. The impact was so strong the wood pierced the lawn.  She had been sleeping in bed just a few minutes before.

The debris wasn't confined to her own backyard. Pieces of the tree can be found throughout the neighborhood including across the street.


By David Louie from abc 7 now new

http://abc7news.com/weather/lightning-almost-kills-san-mateo-woman-and-her-dog/1076717/

March Madness 2018!!

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

March Madness this here.

It's that time of year again, time for March Madness!

Grand Prize:  2 tickets to your choice of the Sharks, 49ers, Raiders, Giants, A’s, Warriors, or Earthquakes

2nd Prize:  $75 Gift Card to your choice of The Cheesecake Factory, Chili's, or BJ's Brewhouse                

3rd Prize:   $25 Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee Gift Card

Consolation Prize:  4^th place and up receive $5 Starbucks or Peet’s Card

Eligibility:  Must be a SERVPRO of SW San Jose Partner (owner, agent, agent staff, property mgr, realtor, broker, or employee).

THERE IS NO COST OR OBLIGATION TO ENTER.  One entry per person.  Contest rules are listed on the website.

Good luck from your Fire, Water, and Mold Cleanup & Restoration Experts……  SERVPRO of SW San Jose!!  

Indoor Humidity?

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growing on shoes after being stored under elevated humidity.

With all the rain we've had this season, it's no wonder clients are calling SERVPRO of SW San Jose this winter about mold issues with their properties.  In this case, a tenant phoned her landlord complaining of mold growing on her contents being stored in her bedroom closet.

The landlord contacted SERVPRO of SW San Jose for a moisture inspection of the property.  When we inspected it we found no active water sources, but the humidity in the house measured around 74%.

To avoid mold issues, the EPA recommends you keep humidity levels below 60%, preferably between 30% - 50%. 

In the case of old homes that may not contain insulation in the walls, running a dehumidifier can go a long way as a temporarily measure to prevent mold. 

Check out the EPA website for more info:  https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home

Vandalism By Tenants!!

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Vandalized windows

One of our customers who is a property manager contacted us this week because he was dealing with some disgruntled tenants that abruptly moved out of one of his rental houses and trashed the place.  They allowed their pets to urinate on the floors without cleaning it up, wrote graffiti on the walls, and even broke out the front windows.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose provides emergency board-up and vandalism cleanup services.  We sent out a crew immediately to the home in order to board up the broken windows to keep out thieves and squatters.

The interior cleanup was very extensive, it required removing the most heavily affected flooring, then cleaning and sanitizing the subfloor. 

Once finished, our customer told us he was very pleased with the outcome and the quick turnaround time so that he could begin renting the property again.

Maintain a healthy septic system

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Cross section of a septic system drain field.

We don't run into too many septic system overflows in this part of the Bay Area, but if you happen to live or have a property in a rural area, for sure you have an idea about how septic tanks and the septic systems work. One way you’ll know if it’s maintained properly is if you don’t smell anything unpleasant coming from it. Now, there are a number of crucial do’s and don’ts to live by to ensure that your septic tank will last for as long as possible and that your septic system works the way it should. Here they are.

DO use high-quality toilet tissue only.

When shopping for toiletries, pick a toilet tissue that’s been proven to break up easily when wet. This way, it won’t cause any trouble when it’s already in your septic tank.

DO keep trees away from the septic system.

There are trees which have roots that grow and extend aggressively. They should be kept far from the septic system to avoid any damage. You can plant grass instead in the drainfield area to prevent and minimize the instances of soil erosion.

DO divert rainwater away from the drainfield.

When the drainfield is soggy, it would have challenges in absorbing liquid wastes. To prevent this, landscaping and foundation drains should be planned and executed accurately. Consult a professional regarding this matter.

DO perform regular maintenance.

Make sure your septic tank is maintained every one to three years by a professional. Now, the frequency of having your septic tank pumped will depend on its size, the amount of solids that go into it, and the volume of wastewater. It’s best to consult a professional again to know how often you should have your septic tank maintenance done.

DON’T allow an excessive amount of water to be discharged into the septic system.

It will cause the system to back up and will also affect the biological balance within the septic tank.

DON’T dump grease down the drain.

Grease can build up in the septic tank and plug the sewer pipes. So be sure it doesn’t find its way on the drain by having a separate container for it.

Rain= Roof Leak!!

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Replace your roof!!

With all the rain we've been experiencing in the San Francisco Bay Area it's no wonder the number of roof leak calls into our office has been skyrocketing.  Water damage can affect all family members, human or not. 

The roof in question was only a few years old, but the wind of the last storm was too much.  If you experience a roof leak, here are some suggestions about how to go about fixing it:

Step 1:  Stop the water.  Hire a roofing company to either fix the leak or to install a temporary roof tarp to keep more water from entering the structure.  If you suspect the water intrusion is gutter related, contact a gutter cleaning company.

Step 2:  Perform water remediation:  Open affected areas to perform drying and to prevent mold.  Install drying equipment and apply anti-microbial to discourage mold growth.  Caution:  If you are unsure about your property's lead paint or asbestos status, test first before any demolition.

Step 3:  Perform repairs to affected areas.  Always research your contractors make sure they hold valid licensing.

Winter Season!

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Various water alarm sensors

Water sensors are small devices that can alert you whenever water is present around the refrigerator, the washing machine, sinks, and toilets—even in the basement. If you've got a leaky basement or appliances of a certain age, a smart water sensor makes for a strategic addition to your home.

Some smart water sensors work alone via Wi-Fi, and others connect to a smart-home hub; when wetness occurs, both can send a message to your phone so you can respond with a towel or a plumber. The units we're talking about here can't actually shut off the water; they simply alert you to the danger so you can respond quickly.

Though you can get a leak sensor that will set off an eardrum-piercing tone for as little as $10, if you want to get alerts and remote access, be prepared to pay a bit more. But the money is well worth it - an average water damage claim can easily cost $2500.

Be save on Thanksgiving

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Turkey Fryer Blazing Up

Did you know that there are about 4,300 Thanksgiving Day fires annually in the United States?   The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year.  Cooking is often a relaxing and fun task that brings family and friends together, and it provides a great way to showcase your creativity and love of good food.   Safety in the kitchen is always important even more so when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

Here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

1. Stay in your kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on your food.
2. Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
3. Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.
4. Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids.  The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.
5. Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.
6. Keep knives out of the reach of children.
7. Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
8. Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.
9. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.  Test them by pushing the test button.

This your Chimney at ricks for a fire..

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Chimney Fire Damaged.

Did you feel the chill in the air this past weekend?  For many of us, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a crackling fire to chase away the cold weather.  You’re sitting in your living room with your family enjoying the warm glow of the flames, and suddenly you hear a roaring noise.  It almost sounds like a jet plane is flying right over your home!  Huge amounts of dark smoke billow out of the top of your chimney – what is happening?!?

This is a scenario that plays out almost 25,000 times per year in the US:  Chimney Fires.  These fires can be very dramatic, or they may burn silently, but their silence holds no indication of the harm they may cause as they burn slowly at incredibly high temperatures.  Regardless of the type, all chimney fires can cause substantial damage and risk to you and your family.

So what causes chimney fires?  The build-up of creosote along the chimney lining walls can facilitate the start of a chimney fire. This build-up is caused by the unburned materials in the smoke accumulating along the chimney walls and creating a sticky substance that can easily catch fire. The smoke from the fire contains a substance similar to tar and when the temperatures within the chimney are below 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance will condense along the chimney surface. When the temperature drops below 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the substance turns into a dark, sticky substance that is also highly flammable.

The Good News:  Chimney fires are almost entirely preventable!

Chimney fires are a dangerous and serious problem to have, but the good news is that they are also almost entirely preventable.  You must be careful to only burn materials that are ready and meant to be burned.  For example, only use seasoned, dry wood, newspapers, and dry kindling.  Burning cardboard boxes, trash, or wrapping paper can cause the creation of excess creosote and put your home and family in danger.  While using the correct fuel is important, a chimney fire can still occur even after taking these precautions.  This is why annual chimney inspections and cleanings are a critical part of home maintenance.  Most creosote is removed during annual chimney cleaning performed by chimney sweeps.

A clean chimney reduces the risk of a fire; so before you strike the first match for a fire this winter, consider scheduling a chimney inspection and cleaning.   Some simple precautions can help you have a safe and happy winter season.

(Statistics Courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC))

CE course on mold

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Mold growing on sheet rock inside a home

Property Managers & Real Estate Agents:  Ever run into a mold problem at one of your properties?  Do you want to learn more about how to prevent a mold problem and how to handle one if it already exists?

Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry is a 3-hour CE course taught by SERVPRO and designed for Real Estate Professionals.  The purpose of this course is to educate Real Estate professionals on the real effects of mold growth in residential & commercial structures.  Mold growth requirements will be reviewed so the real estate professional can recognize potential mold dangers in real property.

SERVPRO gives CE classes about restoration every year. SERVPRO of SW San Jose can help Real Estate and Property Managers with mold or water damaged. 

What homeowner should know about rebuilding

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will be there to help you out.

For many people their home may be the biggest investment they will ever make.  Determining your home's estimated replacement cost is important because in the event of a loss the replacement cost will ultimately determine how much coverage your policy will provide.  Since it is impossible to predict today what the exact cost will be to replace your home in the future, it's important to have enoughcoverage to acount for unforseen circumstances.

The keys are:

1.  Understanding the difference between market value and replacement cost

2.  Making sure that your home is insured for at least 100% of its estimated replacement cost.

Market value is the amount a buyer would pay for a home, including the land, regardless of how much it would cost to rebuild the home.  Replacement cost for insurance purposes is the rebuilding cost necessary to repair or replace the entire home.

To determine the proper amount of homeowners coverage:

1.  Ask if a replacement cost estimate is available when you have your home appraised.

2  Consult with your local builder association or a reputable builder for an estimate.

Market conditions in your area may impact the amount it will cost to rebuild your home if you experience a loss.  Replacement cost estimates are influenced by factors such as supply of labor, the cost of labor, and the cost of construction materials.  If neither estimate is available, the following basic guidelines can be used for the San Francisco East & South Bay Areas:

Approximate Economy Home Rebuilding Cost:  $200 / sq ft

Approximate Standard Home Rebuilding Cost:  $250 / sq ft

Approximate Semi-Custom Home:  $350 / sq ft

Approximate Custom / Luxury Home:  $400 / sq ft and up

Should you experience a fire, water, or mold loss, you can count on SERVPRO to help.  Our goal is to help you regain control and make your damage "Like it never even happened."

Small leak in Milpitas, Ca = Big $$

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

A large amount of mold grows inside this wall cavity

Unfortunately for this customer in Milpitas, Ca they let a water leak go for too long. When they called  SERVPRO of SW San Jose they told them they knew they had a chip in their tile grout around the bathtub but didn't fill it. 

They ignored the problem and water continued to drip into the cavity.

About a year later the called SERVPRO of SW San Jose, because their wall in their adjacent hallway was bowing and showed discoloration.  We performed a complementary inspection and detected water inside the wall using a moisture meter.

Once we opened the wall we found out the total extent of their damage. What could have been fixed with a tube of sealant will now cost thousands to repair.

Real Estate Agents

6/7/2017 (Permalink)

Marketing Manager Dave Kraszewski with John Shaw

SERVPRO of SW San Jose is celebrating its second year as an affiliate member of NHORA, the National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Agents.  They help create and support opportunities for responsible and sustainable home ownership. 

Our franchise was honored in our first year as "Affiliate of the Year", an achievement we feel very proud of.  In this photo, our marketing manager Dave Kraszewski poses with John Shaw from PCDSI, a fellow attendee of April's business luncheon held at Maggiano's in Santana Row.

We feel it is important develop relationships with real estate agents because in the event of a fire, water, or mold problem, buyers and sellers may turn to them for help. 

If you are a real estate agent, consider SERVPRO for your next restoration project.

Ever wonder how we clean up water damage?

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Investigating water damage after the Coyote Creek downtown San Jose flood

Ever wonder what the steps are in handling water damage in a building?  Check out our video at https://youtu.be/f0ECT3JFr2g for a minute-long crash course!

In the video we begin with our initial survey of the water damaged property, in the case a single family home.  A water supply line in the kitchen burst while the family was away on vacation causing large amounts of water damage to the flooring. 

After the inspection we come up with a drying strategy that will dry your property as fast as possible with as little demo as possible. 

Once the demo and dryout are finished, you don't have to hunt for a new contractor, let us perform your repairs.  We value every client we work with, let us help you with your loss from beginning to end.

2nd Prize Delivered: $100 Cheesecake Factory Card

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Dave presents Randy with his $100 Cheesecake Factory Card

Marketing Manager Dave Kraszewski presents State Farm Agent Randy Chang with his second place prize:  $100 Cheesecake Factory Gift Card.

When I asked him how he manages to place so well year after year, Randy told me he's an avid sports fan and has his own "system" for picking his NCAA bracket.  The secret is actually between his he and his dad, State Farm agent Harry Chang.

And if you still can't understand why your pick didn't make the cut, you can relive the agony of every loss in the tournament at:  http://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2017-03-14/heres-some-help-your-march-madness-predictions-every-region

All kidding aside, we are proud to congratulate Randy Chang of Randy Chang State Farm for taking our 2nd place spot in our contest.  Stop by and visit him sometime, his office is located off El Camino in Mountain View near the Google HQ.

3rd Prize Delivered - NCAA Contest

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Dave congratulates Gerri on her 3rd place winnings

As the marketing manager for SERVPRO of SW San Jose, one of my favorite visits I have the pleasure of making is to deliver prizes following our contests.  3rd prize winner for this year's contest was Gerri Ferrari of Mike Klein State Farm in Mountain View.

Like many of our players, Gerri has been participating in our contests regularly since the beginning.  We really appreciate everyone who returns to play year after year.

Traditionally our franchise holds two contests per year, the NCAA in the Spring and an online trivia type contest in the Fall.  All contests are free and no obligation, we enjoy putting them on to add a bit of fun into office life.  :-) 

If you would like to be invited to participate in future contests, contact marketing manager Dave Kraszewski at SERVPROdave@gmail.com.

Winner Announcement - March Madness Contest 2017

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

UNC denies Gonzaga's last second attempt in the 2nd half

The block that ended it all!  Yesterday night North Carolina halted Gonzaga’s quest for their first ever NCAA championship, 71 – 65.  Let’s not forget that it was North Carolina who lost last year’s title game in a final second loss to Villanova – some are already saying Gonzaga may be back for revenge next tournament.

And now our winner announcement!  We would like to congratulate:

GRAND PRIZE:  Dave Tofig from David Tofig Allstate in San Jose.  He will be choosing from among the game tickets.

 Second Prize:  Randy Chang of Randy Chang State Farm in Mountain View.  He will be choosing among the restaurant gift cards.

 Third Prize:  Gerri Ferrari of Mike Klein State Farm in Sunnyvale.  She has chosen the $25 Starbucks prize.

Honorable mention goes to Nick Klein who came in only two points behind Gerri.  Everyone placing 4^th and up will receive a $5 Starbucks card – I’ll will be delivering or mailing these within the next month.

Thank you all for playing this year!  Hope you enjoyed it and we’ll see you in our next contest.

March Madness Contest 2017

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

Which pre-tournament favorites will avoid the upset bug?

We are pleased to announce our 7th annual NCAA March Madness Contest! 

Grand Prize:  2 Tickets of your choice to your choice of the Sharks, 49ers, A's, Raiders, Warriors, Giants, or Earthquakes

Second Prize:  $100 Gift Card to Cheesecake Factory, Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, or Buca di Beppo

Third Prize:  $25 Gift card to Starbucks or Peet's.

Consolation Prize:  All players receive $5 Starbucks or Peet's card, you can't lose!

Don't have time or don't know basketball?  Use the easy "auto-fill" button and let the computer pick for you.

Eligibility:  Must be a SERVPRO of SW San Jose Partner (owner, agent, agent staff, property mgr, real estate agent, broker, or employee).

How to Enter:  Visit: http://SERVPROswsj.mayhem.cbssports.com/e?ttag=BPM17_cpy_invite_returning

There should be no pool password this year.  If you have trouble please contact me directly.

ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED BY 11:59PM PDT 3/15/17.  THERE IS NO COST OR OBLIGATION TO PLAY.  One entry per person.  Contest rules are listed on the website.

Questions?  Please contact Dave Kraszewski at 408-966-2409 or SERVPROdave@gmail.com

Good luck from your Fire, Water, and Mold Cleanup & Restoration Experts……  SERVPRO OF SOUTHWEST SAN JOSE!! 

San Jose Brookwood Neighborhood Flood

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

Muddy debris still remains on the streets on Woodvale Ct in downtown San Jose.

Out assessing damage in the Brookwood neighborhood of downtown San Jose today near 20th and E Williams Street.  This area of the city experienced heavy flooding from Coyote Creek.

Even though Brookwood was built to be above the century high water mark, this flood surpassed this level.

Many residents are dealing with flooded crawlspaces, surface water intrusions, and roof leaks. 

Flooding also affected the William Street Park area of San Jose. In the city, floodwaters submerged some residents’ cars and homes, and forced evacuations. And officials have warned residents of dangerously polluted floodwaters.

Floodwaters along Coyote Creek have continued to recede, but about 3,800 San Jose residents were still affected by mandatory evacuations early Thursday, according to officials.

If you have experienced damage related to the flood, we are here to help, give us a call at 408-288-9977.

Pest Control DISASTER

1/13/2017 (Permalink)

One of our property management clients called SERVPRO of SW San Jose  because he was evicting a problem tenant who caused his apartment to become overwhelmed with roaches.  The pest control company had already treated the unit on a few occasions, but now they have a serious bio-hazard cleanup on their hands. 

He told us he contacted a few janitorial companies for quotes but they would not even attempt to bid the project because of the potential health hazards.

SERVPRO of SW San Jose crews has the expertise and materials to handle just about any bio-hazard cleanup project.  Should you run into such a situation, give SERVPRO of San Jose a call for your free estimate today. We will take care of the job from beginning to end. SERVPRO of SW San Jose take care of the dirty work for you. Just call us and we will help out, and leave it "Like it never even happened."

Winter Storm January 2017

1/11/2017 (Permalink)

A ceiling collapses from rainwater in San Jose, CA

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose are here to help the South Bay with cleanup from this week's storms.  Whether you suffer from a small roof leak to a complete house flood, we can help you.

Should you suffer water intrusion into your home, here are some important does and don't (apply for clean water situations such as rain intrusion)

1.  Catch water intrusion if possible in item such as a bucket.

2.  Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

3.  Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying

4.  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.

5.  Hang  furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

6.  Remove Oriental or colored rugs from wet carpeting

7.  Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water.

8.  Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of wet areas where ceilings are sogging from retained water.

9.  Do not leave books, magazines, or colored items on wet carpeting.

Hardwood Floor Darkening Mystery

10/25/2016 (Permalink)

Stain darkening on kitchen hardwood floor

This week a customer telephoned us to report that her kitchen hardwood has been gradually discoloring over several months, in particular over a high traffic area.  They were at a loss as to what was causing the discoloration.  They contacted their insurance agent and he suggested to call us for a no-obligation inspection.

We sent out a technician who performed a moisture mapping of their floor.  He determined not only was there water present under the floor, but also under the carpeting of the family room that is located adjacent to the kitchen.

Our tech carefully peeled back the carpeting to discover a crack in the customer's concrete foundation where water was emanating from. 

No customer ever wants to hear the news there is a crack in their foundation - but boy was she relieved to finally know the cause! 

Broken Refrigerator Water Supply Line

8/26/2016 (Permalink)

Our technician Jeremy drills holes for cavity drying

This week one of our customers is dealing with one of our top 5 worst offenders when it comes to causes of water damage.  Most new refrigerators come with plastic water supply lines that hook up to the wall.  We highly encourage everyone to replace this line with a copper one that can be purchased at any hardware store such as Home Depot or Lowe's. 

Often there is no warning that damage is happening until the flooring begins buckling or walls become soft.  Luckily in this case we were able to catch the damage early.  It was necessary to remove the floating laminate floor drill holes in the cabinet toe-kicks to allow for air circulation under the cabinets.

After we are finished with the drying we apply an anti-microbial agent to discourage mold growth.

What homeowners should know about rebuilding cost

8/16/2016 (Permalink)

For many people their home may be the biggest investment they will ever make.  Determining your home's estimated replacement cost is important because in the event of a loss the replacement cost will ultimately determine how much coverage your policy will provide.  Since it is impossible to predict today what the exact cost will be to replace your home in the future, it's important to have enoughcoverage to acount for unforseen circumstances.

The keys are:

1.  Understanding the difference between market value and replacement cost

2.  Making sure that your home is insured for at least 100% of its estimated replacement cost.

Market value is the amount a buyer would pay for a home, including the land, regardless of how much it would cost to rebuild the home.  Replacement cost for insurance purposes is the rebuilding cost necessary to repair or replace the entire home.

To determine the proper amount of homeowners coverage:

1.  Ask if a replacement cost estimate is available when you have your home appraised.

2  Consult with your local builder association or a reputable builder for an estimate.

Market conditions in your area may impact the amount it will cost to rebuild your home if you experience a loss.  Replacement cost estimates are influenced by factors such as supply of labor, the cost of labor, and the cost of construction materials.  If neither estimate is available, the following basic guidelines can be used for the San Francisco East & South Bay Areas:

Approximate Economy Home Rebuilding Cost:  $200 / sq ft

Approximate Standard Home Rebuilding Cost:  $250 / sq ft

Approximate Semi-Custom Home:  $350 / sq ft

Approximate Custom / Luxury Home:  $400 / sq ft and up

Should you experience a fire, water, or mold loss, you can count on SERVPRO to help.  Our goal is to help you regain control and make your damage "Like It Never Even Happened".

Leaking Drain Line Inside Wall

8/11/2016 (Permalink)

Leak from drain pipe inside wall cavity - cavity and floor water damage

We received a call last week from a customer who was noticiing some discoloration in his wall.  He wasn't sure if it was water damage and requested an inspection.

Primarily we use non-intrusive moisture meters to detect water damage.  The advantage of this type of moisture meter is that it does not physically damage the materials that it is testing.  This is compared to some moisture meters that use metal probes that pierce the object being tested.

Our inspection revealed that not only was his wall cavity affected, but a fair sized amount of flooring.  Look in the photo how we found another layer of tile below the floating floor. Customers are often surprised to find one, two, or sometimes even three old floors under a laminate floor.  

Leaking Toilet Wax Ring

8/8/2016 (Permalink)

Sewage staining in ceiling below source room

Working to help a customer in Los Gatos deal with a leaking wax ring from a toilet.  They saw a gradual widening of discoloration in a ring pattern in the vinyl up their upstairs bathroom - then one day this nasty spot appeared on their hallway ceiling below!  Luckily for them the amount of sewage was small and we were able to catch it in the initial stages.  We perfomed their water damage cleanup and sanitized the affected areas.

Customers often ask us if there is anything they can do to help prevent this type of damage.  The best advice in this instance would have been to investigate the vinyl discoloration in the upstairs bathroom at the very beginning.  Frequent inspections are often a good way to prevent leaks.

Remember to change your furnace filter!

8/5/2016 (Permalink)

You definitely don't want to eat off this silverware right now

In April we helped a customer dealing with a type of puff-back from his furnace.  It was a townhouse rental property with a long-term tenant, no maintenance emergencies in almost 10 years .... sounds like an indeal tenant yes?

In April, the tenant called to report ash streaming out of all the vents like an incinerator!  When I arrived for the inspection I found that the tenant had not changed the filter in 2 years!

We had to treat this type of contanimation exactly as we would treat a smoke damage cleanup.  It required 100% wipedown of structure and contents, HVAC cleaning, and then extensive floor cleaning.

Ash has a way of sneaking even into closed areas - have a look below at the ash around his silverware which was enclosed in the silverware drawer.

Your property is our priority

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

Contents & structure protection

Here at SERVPRO of SW San Jose we treat your belongings with concern and care.  During our work we take measures to minimize the impact to unaffected property.

In this case, water was leaking from the bathroom above and it was necessary to demolish part of the ceiling.  In order to protect the structure and contents of the room to be demolished, we typically use 6 mil plastic.

Demolition can be a messy business.  When considering a contractor, ask them specifically what measures they will take to protect the rest of your home while they are at work.  If reconstruction is needed, we at SERVPRO of SW San Jose can provide post-construction cleanup assistance.  Whether or not we help you with your repairs, you can count on us to make it "Like It Never Even Happened".

What a mess - refrigerator water line leak

5/27/2016 (Permalink)

Replace your refrigerator supply line every 5 years

This week we helped one of our customers who discovered their refrigerator water line had been leaking for months without their knowledge.  By the time they discovered it, their floor was coming up and their sheetrock was drenched!

NCAA March Madness 2016 is here!

3/7/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW San Jose 6th Annual NCAA March Madness Bracket Contest

It's that time of year again, time for March Madness!

Grand Prize:  2 tickets to your choice of the Sharks, 49ers, Raiders, Giants, A’s, Warriors, or Earthquakes

2nd Prize:  $100 Gift Card to your choice of The Cheesecake Factory, Chili's, or BJ's Brewhouse                

3rd Prize:   $25 Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee Gift Card

Consolation Prize:  4^th place and up receive $5 Starbucks or Peet’s Card

Eligibility:  Must be a SERVPRO of SW San Jose Partner (owner, agent, agent staff, property mgr, realtor, broker, or employee).

How to Enter:  Visit: http://SERVPROswsj.mayhem.cbssports.com. If you wish, you may have the computer choose your bracket for you – no basketball knowledge or experience required!  J 

ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE TOURNAMENT 9AM PST 3/17/16.  THERE IS NO COST OR OBLIGATION TO ENTER.  One entry per person.  Contest rules are listed on the website.

Questions?  Please contact Dave Kraszewski at 408-966-2409 or SERVPROdave@gmail.com

Good luck from your Fire, Water, and Mold Cleanup & Restoration Experts……  SERVPRO OF SOUTHWEST SAN JOSE!!  

Building Relationships with our Community

2/18/2016 (Permalink)

Marketing Manger Dave Kraszewski and other new members are recognized at the February NHORA luncheon at the Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown San Jose

We are proud to announce our new membership with the National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates!  (NHORA - www.nhora.org)

Congrats to our Warriors Tickets Winner!

1/4/2016 (Permalink)

Dave Kraszewski & Julie Collins from Cal-West / HMS Property Management in San Jose, CA

Our marketing manager Dave Kraszewski congratulates Julie Collins of Cal-West / HMS Property Management for winning Warriors tickets from SERVPRO of SW San Jose at the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Holiday Party in December!  She will be going to the Warriors / Pacers game on January 22nd. Have fun Julie. 

Honorable mention goes to Nick Klein who came in only two points behind Gerri.  Everyone placing 4^th and up will receive a $5 Starbucks card – I’ll will be delivering or mailing these within the next month.

Thank you from SERVPRO of SW San Jose, to all for playing this year!  Hope you enjoyed it and we’ll see you in our next contests. 

Good luck next year. Lets see who wins in 2018 contest. 

Property Owners Brace for Worst with El Nino

12/29/2015 (Permalink)

December 2014 flood along El Camino Real in Redwood City, CA

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - People across the Bay Area are already preparing for the possibility of a very wet winter with the forecast of a powerful El Niño. Rain was sparse in 2015 from January through October. In fact, we experienced more record heat than days of rain. Now with a powerful El Niño in the forecast this winter, many Northern Californians are hoping for some relief.

Homeowners are hiring roofers, fencers, and repairmen to shore up their homes in case El Niño delivers some powerful storms. Some contractors say they are already booked solid.

"This year has been more than the last 10 years," said Frank Chavez, the owner of Skyview Tree Service. "People worry about trees falling into their houses."

Property owners prepare for the worst to brace for powerful El Niño

Chavez says his phone has been ringing non-stop with customers looking to get limbs trimmed and trees pruned before the next storm hits.

“Anything can happen with El Niño," Chavez said.

Some contractors are so busy preparing homes and yards for El Niño-powered storms that they can't accept every job.

"The issue is, during the El Niño when the heavy weather is here and it's very wet, we can't do work those days. So we have so much work packed into the days its clear and pushes it even further and further back," said Justin Lena with A&J Fencing.

Lena says homeowners need to plan ahead before the wet weather arrives. Nothing is guaranteed with Mother Nature, but the early November rains have already prompted some homeowners to take precautions.

PG&E has been preparing for potential flooding, and downed trees and power lines for months. They've already held disaster preparedness exercises in anticipation of power outages and mudslides from winter storms. 

"I can say we're more honestly prepared for this El Niño than we have been for any El Niño in our past history," said Kevin Clifford, senior meteorologist with PG&E.

PG&E is predicting a higher frequency of storm activity in the southern part of their service territory. 

Normal rainfall for San Francisco averages about 23.5 inches. But the last two very strong El Niño years had nearly double that amount. In 1982-83 more than 46 inches fell. And in 1997 San Francisco saw more than 47 inches of rainfall.

There are several things you can do to prepare your home for the possibility of heavy rains. For starters, clean out your gutters, fix leaky roofs, and repair your windows and decks. You may also want to think about investing in a sump pump for basements and garages, or a generator if your neighborhood is susceptible to power outages. Also, don't forget about your car—replace wiper blades and give your tires a check-up.

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/16/2015 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we are here to serve you 24/7, even on Thanksgiving!

We at SERVPRO of SW San Jose wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

El Nino 2015 -- Are you prepared?

10/29/2015 (Permalink)

Image: This image by the (NOAA) compares the warm Pacific waters of the El Niño 1997-98 event with conditions this summer.

You may have heard on the news that the El Nino is strong this year, but how strong?  The article below is a quick read but provides useful tips on how everyone should prepare for this winter.  - Dave K

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW TO PREPARE FOR EL NINO

Statewide, 17 people died.

Big waves and mudslides alike washed away roads and indiscriminately submerged Malibu mansions and hillside apartments buildings.

Rivers overflowed, seven inches of rain fell in a single day, and the damage cost California more than $400 million. It was California’s wettest winter on record. It was the El Niño 1997-98.

While climate models hint that the coming El Niño can rival or surpass the 1997-98 El Niño, most experts admit the weather phenomenon is as truly temperamental as a toddler. The coming rainfall may be unpredictable, but one thing is not: a decade of drought and catastrophic wildfires have left the parched landscape as ill-prepared for torrential rain as it is in need of it.

Experts at FEMA say now is the time to prepare for El Niño.

“Flooding is the most expensive natural disaster in the United States,” said Olivia Humilde, FEMA’s Mitigation Outreach Specialist. “We all know that mother nature will do her thing, and you can’t really control it.”

But you can prepare for it.

The first step, says Humilde, is to know your risk. Residents living in low-lying beachfront homes such as those in Seal Beach are aware of their flood risks, but folks living in drought-stricken or fire-ravaged canyons may not be aware that conditions are uniquely aligned for mudslides.

 “If you are in a wildfire area and the area around you has burned, the land can’t absorb that water,” Humilde said.

Residents can identify their flood risk by entering their addresses at the government’s floodsmart website.

Most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover flooding. If you think your home is at risk of flooding this winter, now is the time to buy flood insurance, said Humilde. Policies take 30 days to go into effect, she added. Policies that cover building and contents cost less than $500 a year, she said. The floodsmart website includes information about flood insurance and links to insurance agents.

Even more important than insuring your home is preparing your family for an emergency.

Humilde advises families to put together a disaster supply kit and to practice a family communication plan. A basic disaster supply kit, should include a clear gallon tub filled with:

A family communication plan should prepare everyone in the family for the possibility of an emergency during the day when children may be at school or parents at work. Families should designate a first point of contact to check in with and a place to evacuate to. Social media can be a very efficient way to communicate with one another, said Humilde. A communication plan could include an emergency family twitter hashtag.

“An emergency is stressful enough,” said Humilde. “Knowing you have plan in place is really helpful.”

Article by Paige Austin, Los Alamitos-Seal Beach Patch

Thank you Tressa Williams State Farm!

9/14/2015 (Permalink)

Thank you letter from Tressa Williams State Farm in Santa Clara

We'd like to express our appreciation to Tressa Williams State Farm for inviting us to participate in their customer appreciation bbq again this year!  We are always proud to support our State Farm partners.

Is your water mitigation provider IICRC Certified?

7/27/2015 (Permalink)

Who should you call after you suffer a water damage?  Do you go with who your insurance company recommends?  How about your neighbor?

Make sure whoever you hire is holds their water damage certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). 

SERVPRO of SW San Jose proudly holds certification from the IICRC.

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise. All IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC actively has relationships with fiber producers, carpet and fabric mills, furnishing manufacturers and retailers, and others affiliated with the industry. The use of IICRC service professionals is specified in leading manufacturers’ maintenance brochures and warranties.

When it comes to cleaning, restoration and inspection, the IICRC writes the books

As an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC has led the way in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

The IICRC helps keep homes and businesses healthful

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person spends 90 percent or more of their time indoors, where levels of pollutants may be two to five times (and occasionally more than 100 times) higher than outdoor levels.

This makes it extremely important to perform regular maintenance inside your home or business. In addition to vacuuming, cleaning and checking for water damage on a regular basis, using a certified technician for cleaning will help extend the life of your flooring and upholstery and ensure that your home or business is healthful for those who live and work there.

IICRC Benefit

The IICRC is a nonprofit certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. Serving the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, in partnership with regional and international trade associations, the IICRC represents the entire industry. The IICRC is recognized internationally as a knowledgeable industry voice and resource.

http://www.iicrc.org/iicrc-benefit/for-consumers/

How can I prevent water damage in my home?

6/3/2015 (Permalink)

Cracked Water Supply Line

Want to learn more about how to prevent water damage in your home? What are the most common causes of water losses? Listen to our May radio interview on the Your Homes Today radio program on KLIV AM 1590!

http://media.kliv.com/p/2015_05_16_YourHomesToday.mp3

2015 NARPM Charity Golf & Bocce Tournament

5/20/2015 (Permalink)

Golf / Bocce / Dinner Signup Flyer

Like to play golf or bocce?  Want to support a worthy cause at the same time?  Most of all, want to have some fun??  Join us for our annual 2015 NARPM charity golf and bocce tournament on July 17th.  It's a great way to network with property managers too.  Contact Dave Kraszewski for more information.

National Association of Residential Property Managers Website:  http://santaclara.narpm.org/

Golf & Bocce Signup Page:
https://cornerstonepm.wufoo.com/forms/narpm-santa-clara-2015-golf-bocce-tournament/

Thank you Your Homes Today!

5/18/2015 (Permalink)

A big thank you to Tranh Trinh and Lupe Silva for inviting us on their KLIV AM 1590 radio program Your Homes Today! They help connect people with local contractors and discounts all in once place. Check them out at https://yourhomestoday.com/

SERVPRO of SW San Jose NCAA Bracket Contest 2015 Results

4/13/2015 (Permalink)

NCAA Basketball 2015 Bracket Results

Led by freshman sensations Tyus Jones and Jahilil Okafor, Duke outscored Wisconsin by 14 points over the final 13 minutes Monday night to take a 68-63 victory in the NCAA tournament.  We hope you all enjoyed playing, we had a record 68 players in our contest.  Without further ado, we’d like to congratulate our winners:

1.  Mike Klein of Mike Klein State Farm Insurance – He has selected the Giants tickets

2.  Joe Leonard of Leonard & Leonard Insurance – He has selected the $75 gift card to BJ’s Steak and Brewhouse

3.  Darlene Fitzgerald of State Farm – She will receive a $25 Starbucks coffee card

Some honorable mentions who tied for 3^rd place and we had to use the championship game tiebreaker score to determine the 3^rd place winner:

Rebecca Lowe – Don Sanders Farmers

Lidia Garcia – Paul Nietert Farmers

David Tofig – David Tofig Allstate –> the only player besides Mike Klein who picked Duke as the championship winner

Claudia Sabioncello – Mike Murillo State Farm

The complete standings are below.  If you weren’t one of the top three don’t worry, everyone else who played will receive a $5 Starbucks card consolation prize.  Thanks for playing and stay tuned for our next contest coming this Fall!

Rank

Team Name

Score

Correct

Best Score

Best Correct

Champion

1

Mike Klein

312

48

312

48

Duke (143)

2

joe leonard

273

44

273

44

Kentucky (128)

3

Darlene Fitzgerald

264

46

264

46

Kentucky (132)

4

Rebecca lowe

264

46

264

46

Kentucky (145)

5

Lidia Garcia

264

46

264

46

Kentucky (102)

6

David Tofig

264

42

264

42

Duke (185)

7

claudia sabioncello

264

46

264

46

Kentucky (20)

8

Garrett Wood

261

41

261

41

Wisconsin (129)

9

Jim Fiorentino

260

43

260

43

Wisconsin (145)

10

Dave Molinari

259

44

259

44

Villanova (147)

11

Randy Chang

258

42

258

42

Wisconsin (115)

12

Ken Williams

256

43

256

43

Villanova (148)

13

Dina Figone

255

45

255

45

Kentucky (180)

14

Roy Kellett

253

45

253

45

Kentucky (145)

15

David Sawyer

251

45

251

45

Kentucky (135)

16

Chris Cossitor

251

42

251

42

Villanova (114)

17

Bob Moore

249

43

249

43

Kentucky (163)

18

Marc Wood

247

45

247

45

Gonzaga (101)

19

John Pham

246

44

246

44

Kentucky (188)

20

Timothy Blackmore

244

42

244

42

Kentucky (138)

21

Kathy Barber

239

44

239

44

Kentucky (140)

22

Roberto Gomez

239

41

239

41

Kentucky (143)

23

Gabrielle Perez

239

44

239

44

Kentucky (112)

24

Serena Rojas

237

38

237

38

Kansas (149)

25

Stephen Lassman

235

39

235

39

NC State (177)

26

lampai vongmany

231

41

231

41

Kentucky (133)

27

curtis cahill

231

40

231

40

Kentucky (175)

28

david zacher

229

39

229

39

Michigan St. (129)

29

Ninna Chugh

227

36

227

36

NC State (137)

30

Derek Alota

224

41

224

41

Kentucky (136)

31

Tuyen Phan

224

38

224

38

Wisconsin (142)

32

noelia alcazar

224

40

224

40

Kentucky (96)

33

Melissa Riqueros

222

40

222

40

Kentucky (168)

34

Barbara Lawrence

220

37

220

37

Kentucky (132)

35

Lori Wojton

220

37

220

37

Kentucky (113)

36

Alyssa Spinelli

220

37

220

37

Kentucky (168)

37

Lori Paulsen

218

39

218

39

Kentucky (123)

38

MARIA ABINA

218

39

218

39

Kentucky (116)

39

elias barocio

218

38

218

38

Kentucky (152)

40

Vicky Chambers

218

39

218

39

Kentucky (172)

41

Erin Burton

218

39

218

39

Kentucky (65)

42

Corenna Braun

218

39

218

39

Kentucky (44)

43

lillian moore

216

38

216

38

Kentucky (167)

44

Beth Whitmore

215

36

215

36

Kentucky (132)

45

Emilia Merz

215

38

215

38

LSU (119)

46

Dennis Bane

212

36

212

36

Villanova (122)

47

JOHN LORENZ

210

38

210

38

Kentucky (181)

48

Ryan Boyd

207

36

207

36

Wisconsin (139)

49

 Dave Kraszewski

203

37

203

37

Kansas (130)

50

Mario & Beatriz Quezada

203

36

203

36

Notre Dame (150)

51

Bob Basso

198

34

198

34

Oklahoma (121)

52

Jill Erickson

197

37

197

37

Arizona (142)

53

Alex Arredondo

193

37

193

37

Villanova (256)

54

Desiree Carreiro

189

35

189

35

Kentucky (107)

55

carlo brusaschetti

189

35

189

35

Kentucky (189)

56

joan fulcher

189

35

189

35

Kentucky (16)

57

Jeffrey Vail

188

36

188

36

Louisville (162)

58

J. Richard Garcia

184

35

184

35

Kentucky (143)

59

Barbara Pereira

181

33

181

33

Kentucky (87)

60

Connie Stewart

181

33

181

33

Maryland (317)

61

Bob Pandio

177

34

177

34

Ohio St. (135)

62

Danielle Rose

176

33

176

33

Baylor (92)

63

harold anderson

171

28

171

28

Gonzaga (189)

64

Lacretia Ellis

163

33

163

33

Villanova (167)

65

Gerri Ferrari

162

32

162

32

Gonzaga (135)

66

Natalie McNany

152

31

152

31

Kansas (92)

67

phil ruth

151

29

151

29

Villanova (143)

68

Cheryl Zappetta

140

29

140

29

Villanova (201)

5th Annual NCAA March Madness Bracket Contest Begins 3/15

3/11/2015 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year again… time for March Madness!  Don’t miss your chance to get in on the action:

First Prize:  2 Tickets to Your Choice of the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, or SJ Earthquakes at all new Avaya Stadium

Alternate First Prize:  2 Any-Day Adult Passes to 6 Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo or Great America Amusement Park

Second Prize:  $75 Gift Card to Your Choice of The Cheesecake Factory, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, or Chili’s

Third Prize:  $25 Gift Card to Your Choice of Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee

Consolation Prize:  All players placing 4^th and up receive their choice of a $5 Starbucks or Peet’s card -- you can’t lose!

Brackets are completed and tracked using CBS sports.com.  To receive your contest invitation, please email Dave Kraszewski at SERVPROdave@gmail.com.  There is no cost or obligation when playing.

2015 NCAA March Madness Bracket Contest Starting Soon!

3/2/2015 (Permalink)

NCAA March Madness 2015 - Final Four Indianapolis

Hey everyone, it's that time of year again, time for our 5th NCAA March Madness bracket contest!  In celebration of our 5 year milestone, we're adding more prizes and ways to win. 

"Selection Sunday" is March 15th with the first round starting March 17-18.  Stay tuned for more details on how to sign up and get in on this year's action!

Scavenger Hunt Contest Results

12/1/2014 (Permalink)

Hello Scavenger Hunt Players, your entries have been counted and now it’s time to announce the winners.  We had 86 players hunting this season.

Grand Prize Winner:  David Sawyer of David Sawyer State Farm in Sunnyvale

Choice of Tickets to San Jose Sharks, Golden State Warriors, or Walking with Dinosaurs Live at SAP Center

Second Prize Winner:  Mike Klein at Mike Klein State Farm in Sunnyvale

Choice of $100 Macy’s Shopping Spree OR Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Third Prize Winner:  Dave Zacher at David Zacher Farmers Insurance In San Jose

$25 Starbucks Gift Card

Week 8 “Near Miss” Winner ($10 Subway Card):  Samantha Harper at Ken Williams State Farm in Morgan Hill

The correct answer to Week 8’s question was “A” – you should keep all lit candles at least 1’ away from any combustible substance.

If you were not a major prize or weekly prize winner, don’t despair!  Over the next few weeks I will stopping by your office with a $5 Starbucks Card consolation prize or you may receive it by mail.  Thank you for playing and stay tuned for our next contest coming in the Spring.

Happy Holidays from your fire, water, mold, and construction experts - SERVPRO of SW San Jose!

Week 8 Question - Scavenger Hunt Contest Fall 2014

11/23/2014 (Permalink)

Frozen turkey dropped into fryer

Did you know that there are about 4,300 Thanksgiving Day fires annually in the United States? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year. Thanksgiving can be a fun and relaxing holiday that brings family and friends together; and taking some precautions can help you make sure your Thanksgiving is safe and enjoyable.

Last week we discussed how important the proper type fire extinguisher can be should a fire occur in your home; but here are some important tips on how you can prevent having to use the extinguisher in the first place:

Stay in your kitchen whenever you are cooking on the stovetop.

Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.

Keep children away from the stove – at least 3 feet.

Make sure kids and pets stay away from hot food or liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy, or coffee can cause serious burns.

Keep the floor clean so you don’t trip over any toys, purses, or bags.

Keep knives out of the reach of children.

Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

Do not leave candles burning in rooms where you cannot observe them and make sure the flame is at least 1’ away from any combustible item.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Some people may look to vary the traditional turkey entrée by using a deep fryer. The deep-frying cooking process requires that up to 5 gallons of oil be heated before placing the turkey into the device. Tests have shown that a number of available fryers can tip over easily, allowing hot oil to spill and creating a fire or scald burn from contact. They can also overheat which causes hot oil to spill or splatter outside the fryer, a recipe for fire or serious injury.

Want to see what a turkey fryer disaster can look like? State Farm teamed up with William Shatner to make a short video of what a turkey fryer fire can do, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETBD0EqQGoU&feature=feedu

If a house fire does occur, quickly get yourself and loves ones out of the house and call 9-1-1. If you attempt to fight the fire, make sure that others are getting out of the home or have a clear way out. For small grease fires, you can use a Class B extinguisher or smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until the pan is completely cooled. If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keeps the doors closed.

Week 7 Question - Scavenger Hunt Contest Fall 2014

11/17/2014 (Permalink)

A hungry family member

Don't Let Stains Ruin Your Holiday! We’re getting into the time of year when many of us host holiday parties and family gatherings. With this inevitably comes accidental food and drink spills onto carpet and furniture. There are primarily five major categories of stains. 

When Uncle Bob spills eggnog onto your carpet, it results in which of the following types of stain?

A.  Combination Stain
B.  Chemical Stain
C.  Water Soluble Stain
D.  Non-Water Soluble Stain
E.  Insoluble Stain

Click on the link above to select your answer.  Once the pop-up window opens, hit "send" on your email to select your answer.  If the pop-up does not work for you, please email your answer directly to SERVPROdave@gmail.com.  You have until 11:59PM on Sunday, 11/23 to submit your answer.

Need a hint?  "Hunt" in our article below!

Even the most careful adult will suffer a food or beverage spill on a carpet from time to time. Sometimes the culprit can be your pet.  In a worst case scenario, your home has suffered fire, water, or mold damage which can stain your carpet.  Professional carpet cleaning is the best way to maintain your carpet’s looks over time.  However, calling in a pro for every day-to-day spill is simply not practical. Learning a little about the different types of household stains you are most likely to encounter can help you head off any long-term carpet damage with ordinary household products. Before blotting, though, familiarize yourself with best practice methods to use when cleaning carpet stains.

There are five major categories of stains:

• Water Soluble Stains can be removed with water based cleaning products. Most stains are considered water soluble.  Common examples are soda, alcoholic beverages, latex paint, jelly, and fruit.
• Non-water Soluble Stains do not respond to water based cleaning solutions and can include oils, greases, gravy, gum, tar, and paint. To be removed with a water-based cleaner, they must be converted to a water soluble form.
• Combination Stains contain both water and non-water soluble stains. Successful removal requires treatment of both water based and non-water based cleaning solutions. Examples include chocolate, dairy products, meat juices
• Insoluble Stains do not respond to either water based or non-water based cleaning products. Copy-machine toner is an example.
• Chemical Stains must undergo a chemical reaction before treating with a water based or non-water based cleaning agent. Examples include urine and rust stains. 

Week 6 Question - Scavenger Hunt Contest Fall 2014

11/10/2014 (Permalink)

Kitchen pan fire

Did you know that according to FEMA, 1 out of 4 households in the US have no fire extinguisher at home?  Used at the right time, on the right fire, and in the right way, an extinguisher can limit flame and smoke damage, and can even save your home.

There are five primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires.  To put out a potential grease fire that may occur in your kitchen at home, you want to make sure your fire extinguisher is effective on which class of fire?

A.  Class A fires
B.  Class B fires
C.  Class C fires
D.  Class D fires
E.  Class K fires

Click on the link above to select your answer.  Once the pop-up window opens, hit "send" on your email to select your answer.  If the pop-up does not work for you, please email your answer directly to SERVPROdave@gmail.com.  You have until 11:59PM on Sunday, 11/16 to submit your answer.

Need a hint?  "Hunt" in our article below!

With so many fire extinguishers to choose from, selecting the proper one for your home can be a daunting task. Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher at home, but it's just as important to ensure you have the proper type of fire extinguisher. Fire protection experts recommend one for the kitchen, the garage, and workshop.

There are five primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires.  Each fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. The higher the number, the more fire-fighting power. The following is a quick guide to help choose the right type of extinguisher: 

For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, cooking oil, gasoline, and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses 

For use with electrical equipment like appliances, tools, or other equipment that is plugged in.

Often found in homes and businesses For use with flammable metals Often found in factories

For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances.

Often found in commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses)

Water extinguishers or APW extinguishers (air-pressurized water) are suitable for class A fires only. Never use a water extinguisher on grease fires, electrical fires or class D fires - the flames will spread and make the fire bigger! Water extinguishers are filled with water and are typically pressurized with air. Again - water extinguishers can be very dangerous in the wrong type of situation. Only fight the fire if you're certain it contains ordinary combustible materials only.  

Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types and are suitable for a combination of class A, B and C fires. These are filled with foam or powder and pressurized with nitrogen.Dry chemical extinguishers have an advantage over CO2 extinguishers since they leave a non-flammable substance on the extinguished material, reducing the likelihood of re-ignition.

• BC - This is the regular type of dry chemical extinguisher. It is filled with sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The BC variety leaves a mildly corrosive residue which must be cleaned immediately to prevent any damage to materials.

• ABC - This is the multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher. The ABC type is filled with monoammonium phosphate, a yellow powder that leaves a sticky residue that may be damaging to electrical appliances such as a computer. 

Carbon Dioxide (CO2).  CO2 extinguishers contain carbon dioxide, a non-flammable gas, and are highly pressurized. The pressure is so great that it is not uncommon for bits of dry ice to shoot out the nozzle. They don't work very well on class A fires because they may not be able to displace enough oxygen to put the fire out, causing it to re-ignite.

These are only the common types of fire extinguishers. There are many others to choose from. Base your selection on the classification and the extinguisher's compatibility with the items you wish to protect.

It is vital to know what type of extinguisher you are using. Using the wrong type of extinguisher for the wrong type of fire can be life-threatening.

When operating a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

Week 5 Question - Scavenger Hunt Contest Fall 2014

11/3/2014 (Permalink)

Interior water damage from a clogged gutter

Whether due to lack of attention or a freak accident, all homeowners at one point or another experience some type of water issue in their homes. And in many cases, the problems present themselves in subtle ways. The key is to be on the lookout for them so that they don't become a matter that requires a significant amount of time, money, and effort to fix.

With this in mind, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) chronicled the five leading causes of water damage based on property insurance claims. In addition, they outlined the potential indicators of a problem and tips on how homeowners can solve them.

1. PLUMBING SUPPLY SYSTEM FAILURE

The average cost of a plumbing supply system failure was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid, according to the IBHS study. 

Ways to Reduce Damage

2. TOILET FAILURE

Toilet failures in the IBHS study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

 3. WATER HEATER FAILURE

The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.  The average cost per incident was $4,444.

Ways to Reduce Damage

4. PLUMBING DRAIN SYSTEM FAILURE

The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

5. WASHING MACHINE FAILURE

More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

Nothing can completely prevent water damage incidents.  But you can reduce your risk by taking some precautions. 

Week 4 Question - Scavenger Hunt Contest Fall 2014

10/27/2014 (Permalink)

Have you felt the chill in the night air lately?  Most of us know that our homes are insulated and that insulation makes homes more energy efficient.  The efficiency of insulation is measured in what is called an "R Value".  The higher the value, the more it will protect against heat loss.  But what does the "R" stand for?

A.  Reflection
B.  Reduction
C.  Redirection
D.  Resoluteness
E.  Resistance

Need a hint?  "Hunt" for the answer in the article below!

We all know that insulation makes our homes more energy efficient. But how much should you have?

If the cost to heat and cool your home seems to be out of control, don't worry. You can take control of your energy bills by air sealing and insulating your home. Beefing up the insulating power of your walls, floors and ceilings is well within your grasp, but before you start tearing your house apart, let's cover a few insulation basics.

What is insulation?  Insulation in its most basic form is just a means of trapping air, more specifically a gas, in little pockets or bubbles. Insulation works by dividing the space in our walls, floors and ceilings into billions of these tiny air pockets or bubbles. As heat tries to move through the insulation towards the cold, it must warm each bubble independently before moving on to the next bubble or air pocket. This slows down the transfer of heat through your home making it more comfortable and energy efficient.

What kinds of insulation are available?  There are basically four types:

1.  Blankets of Insulation - This is the most common type fiberglass or rockwood insulation sold in home improvement stores.  This cotton candy like insulation earns its R-value by trapping air in between tiny fibers.

2.  Blown-in Insulation -  Made of cellulose or fiberglass, this type of insulation is sold in compressed blocks which are broken down into tiny pieces by a powerful machine known as an insulation blower. The blower forces the insulation through a large hose. As the insulation flies out of the hose, the installer directs the flow of insulation into place.

3.  Spray Foam Insulation - Spray foam insulation is a combination of chemicals which are heated and sprayed out of a machine through a hose. The spray foam chemicals mix together at the tip of the hose creating a thick paint-like goo that sticks to anything it touches including wires, pipes and ducts.

4.  Foam Board Insulation - Perhaps the least understood insulation product on the market is known as foam board or rigid insulation. It comes in sheets like plywood or drywall and in thicknesses from 1/2" to 2". Foam board is typically installed on the outside of your home during a major renovation or underneath a concrete floor before its poured.

Insulation is rated by R-Value, or resistance, to heat flow.  The higher the R-Value, the greater the resistance to heat transfer.  The key to insulation is that it stops convective air flow and therefore stops heat flow. Stop the air flow and you stop the heat flow.

The other key to understanding insulation is that every time you double the thickness of the insulation, you cut heat flow in half.  This means, with 3" of insulation, you have about R-9 and a big heat loss.  Double that to 6" and you are R-19, cutting your heat loss in half!  Double it again to 12", and your R-Value is about 38, and your heat loss cut in half again.  But once you get to R-38, you quickly approach the area of diminishing returns; you would have to double the R-Falue again to 76 to cut the heat loss in half -- and at this point there is already very little heat loss.

According to the US Dept of Energy website, the San Francisco Bay area falls into Zone 3, which recommends R-30 to R-60 in the attic.

When considering adding insulation to your home, you'll want to do a little research to locate a contractor who wants to discuss air leakage, bypass, and the thermal envelope.  If a contractor doesn't bring up these items, find a better contractor.

Our homes are complicated systems.  Spraying a little insulation into an attic may not solve your heat loss and energy cost problems -- it may even cause more problems than it solves.  Proper thought and planning are essential in getting the job done right.

Week 3 Question - Scavenger Hunt Contest Fall 2014

10/20/2014 (Permalink)

A mother of two young children contacted us because of a mold concern.  Here is her story:

“Mold is growing on the sheet rock in my bathroom.  I’ve sprayed it down with bleach and cleaning solution a number of times, but it always seems to grow right back”!  It measures about 25 sq ft in total.   My husband says  he can cut out the affected sheet rock and hang new sheet rock, but I’m afraid of he and my children getting sick.  What should we do?

According to EPA Guidelines, what type of Containment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are suggested to remediate 25 sq feet of mold?

1. No Containment  /  No PPE needed
2. No Containment  /  Minimum PPE needed
3. Limited Containment /  Limited PPE - Half-Face Air Purifying Respirator (APR) with HEPA Filter
4. Limited Containment / Minimum PPE needed
5. Full Containment with Decon Chamber / Full PPE - Full-Face APR with HEPA Filter

Need a hint?  "Hunt" below in our mold article!

If you have any trouble answering the question or run into submission problems please contact me.  Good luck!

Dave Kraszewski / SERVPROdave@gmail.com -- Email

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.  Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present.  They can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods – this is why when you leave open bread on a counter, it begins to become moldy in a few days.  Mold is a part of our everyday environment.

 Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among people exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

If mold is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.  Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.  Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.

 Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through floors. Showers or cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.

When remediating mold, the goal of containment is to limit the spread of mold throughout the building and minimize the exposure to technicians and building occupants.  The larger the contaminated area, and the greater the possibility that someone will be exposed to mold, the greater the need for containment.  An exception could be heavy mold growth in a small area.  It could release more mold spores than lighter growth in a relatively large area.  In this case, the smaller moldy area may warrant a higher level of containment.

Two types of containment are described in the EPA's mold remediation guidelines: limited and full.  Limited containmentis generally used for areas involving 10 and 100 sq ft of mold contamination.  Full containment is used when areas larger than 100 sq ft are to be remediated.  Containment for jobs under 10 sq ft usually is not necessary.

Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

The easiest way to solve mold problems is to prevent mold growth in the first place.  Here are some tips to follow:

Week 2 Question - Scavenger Hunt Contest Fall 2014

10/13/2014 (Permalink)

TRUE STORIES FROM THE FIELD

Imagine this, you're ready for bed and you walk into your kitchen to plug your cell phone into the charger for the night.  Just a few minutes later, the smoke alarm is blaring, there's a fire in your kitchen!

This customer managed to put out the fire quickly but made a very common mistake afterwards that made the situation worse.  Look carefully, can you name the mistake?

A.  Called the Fire Department

B.  Opened windows for ventilation

C.  Turned off HVAC system (Furnace / Air Conditioning)

D.  Used soap and water to wipe down walls to prevent soot from setting

E.   Ate canned food being stored on other side of the kitchen

Need a hint?  "Hunt" for the answer below!

(If the links above do not work for you, you mail email your answer directly to SERVPROdave@gmail.com.)

Smoke/Soot Removal

Soot/Smoke is the product of incomplete combustion made visible by the presence of small particles of carbon.  Remember, fire is indiscriminatory.  Any substance which can burn, will burn!  The more substances which burn, the more complex the odor. (See below)

Smoke odors normally may be classified into three categories:

1) Protein Odors:  Result from burned meat, flesh, or poultry.  The residue is brown/yellow in color.  The residues has a greasy texture.  Thorough cleaning is often required for complete deodorizing.

2) Natural Substance Odors:  Result from burned wood, paper, cotton, wool, jute, cork, feathers, etc.  The residue isgray/black in color and of a dry, powdered consistency.

3) Synthetic Substance Odors:  Result from burned plastics, synthetic textiles, etc.  The residue is black in color and smudges easily.  Smoke webs are often visiblein upper corners and smoke “streamers” and are often found hanging from curtain rods, etc.

Smoke is influenced by…

1) Heat:  Warmed or heated air rises and migrates to cold areas (outside walls, closets, etc.)  Heat causes pores to expand.

2) Pressure: The energy created by the fire produces heat and pressure which enables the smoke to penetrate into minute cracks and crevices.

3) Impingement:  Means splatter, when a substance hits a surface with sufficient velocity it will impinge (or splatter) and remain upon that surface.

4) Magnetism:  Attraction of smoke to metal surfaces.  (Plumbing pipes, nail heads, metal coat hangers).

5) Ionization:  Opposite charges attract, forming smoke webs on structural surfaces.  Plastic bags originating at the dry-cleaner’s retain static electrical charges which attract smoke.  In fact, in many fire situations, more smoke residues will be found on garments protected by plastic bags, than found on unprotected garments.

After fire damage, it is natural to want to clean a home and its contents. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize or seriously impede satisfactory restoration.

DO:

• Call the fire department if there are any doubts the fire may not be completely extinguished.
• Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapery and carpet.
• Open windows for ventilation.
• Turn off HVAC unit - blowing air through the ducts can spread ash and soot to unaffected areas
• Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.
• Clean and protect smoked bathroom faucets, tub fittings and towel bars with light coating of oil.
• Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener helps).
• Remove children & pets (especially birds) to clean environments.

DON’T:

• Use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided.
• Use exposed food items, or canned goods which have been subjected to excessive heat.
• Use TV’s, stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.
• Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
• Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner.  Improper cleaning may set smoke and odor.

Smoke residues from fires of natural origin are generally easier to clean up than fires of synthetic or protein origin.  For example, it would be easier to clean up the residue from a wood or paper fire than it would to clean up the residue from a fire of synthetic or protein origin.

And remember, if water was used to put out your fire, sometimes the water damage can be worse than the fire itself!  When the fire is over, most of the time the damage won’t substantially increase much over time.  But if the residence is not dried out completely, the water leftover from the fire department or sprinkler will cause progressive damage increasing over time.  

Week 1 Question -- Scavenger Hunt Contest Fall 2014

10/1/2014 (Permalink)

You arrive home to find the water line to your refrigerator has ruptured.  Your kitchen and living room are flooded and your living room carpet is soaking wet!  Which of the following things should you NOT do?

A. Remove excess water by mopping & blotting

B. Leave area rugs in-place on your carpeting

C. Turn on your air-conditioning

D. Place aluminum foil strips under furniture legs in living room

E. Gather loose items up from floors

Need a hint?  Check out http://www.servproswsanjose.com/water-damage-tips

Instructions:  Click on the correct answer; a pop-up window should open asking to send an email.  Hit "Send" to submit  your answer.  If a window does not appear (because you have a pop-up blocker) - you may email your answer directly to Dave Kraszewski at servprodave@gmail.com.

Answers must be submitted by 11:59PM on 10/12 to be eligible.  Limit 1 submission per person per week. 

SERVPRO of SW San Jose Scavenger Hunt 2014!

10/1/2014 (Permalink)

As Fall is upon us once again, we’d like to invite you to participate in our final online contest of the year:

  SERVPRO of SW San Jose Scavenger Hunt!

 “Big Game” Hunting (Grand Prize):  Tickets to San Jose Sharks, Golden State Warriors, or Walking with Dinosaurs Live at SAP Center

“Medium Game” Hunting (Second Prize):  $100 Macy’s Shopping Spree OR Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

“Small Game” Hunting (Third Prize):  $25 Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee Gift Card

 Consolation Prize:  All Players placing 4^th and up receive their choice of $5 Starbucks or Peet’s card – you can’t lose!

How to Join The Hunt:

Send us an email by clicking here.  Each Monday from 10/6 – 11/24 you will receive an email with a multiple-choice quiz question with a link to our website.  “Hunt” for the correct answer to the question on our website reply back to the email, it’s that easy!

Chance to win every week!  Each week one player with a correct answer will win a “near miss” bonus prize lunch at Subway.  Limit:  1 entry per person per week.  There is no cost or obligation when playing.  If you have any questions or have trouble submitting your answer, please contact Dave Kraszewski at servprodave@gmail.com.

Major Prize drawings will occur the week of 12/1 and will be randomly drawn from all entries received – the more weeks you play the greater your chances are to win.  Have fun and good luck!

Annual Fall Contest - Coming Soon!

9/19/2014 (Permalink)

Hey everyone, welcome to the new location of our SERVPRO of SW San Jose blog!  Our Annual Fall Contest will be coming soon, if you have played in previous contests you will be receiving an invitation email.  And of course, new players are always welcome!

Stay tuned, more info coming soon.