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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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!!  

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.

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.