3 Types of Damage To Expect From A Winter Storm

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

We’re equipped with the training and experience to handle whatever storm damage that nature may unexpectedly bring your way.

3 Types of Damage To Expect From A Winter Storm

When it comes to the snowy winter months, there is no doubt that storm damage repair services are in high demand. However, homeowners need to be aware of the damage a winter storm can cause. 

What Types Of Damage Can I Expect in the Way of Damage?

Roof Leaks

Snow and winter storms may have a broad range of effects on your home. For example, if you have ice dams on your roof, water may flow through and into your walls, causing structural damage to your property. Also, the roofs may collapse due to excessive accumulation on them.

So, the roof can be damaged by excessive temperatures and freezing water's impact. If there are any gaps, they may quickly turn into a much more significant issue. In many cases, the weight of snow might be too great for a roof to bear, causing it to collapse.

Frozen Pipes.

It's possible that your plumbing might freeze if the weather drops below freezing. If water freezes and stretches, it may cause frozen pipes to explode. As the pipe freezes, the burst will emit water at high pressure from where it occurred. However, it's considerably more dangerous inside the house because it may not be located easily. 

Fire

Winter storms aren't the only thing that may endanger people's lives; many more factors are at play. The winter months see the greatest energy usage overall since several home appliances, including heaters, are utilized often and for longer periods during this season. Leaving heat sources unattended increases the risk of fire in your house.

Are You Struggling To Recover From A Winter Storm? We've Got Your Back!

When you lose your assets and properties during a winter storm, we at SERVPRO of Livermore realize how tough it is for you to recover. Immediately contact us so that you may get back on your feet. We have years of experience in dealing with storm damage restoration. So, we can vouch for high-quality service. Give us a call today at (925) 341-9040!

Emergency Storm Restoration: 3 Things To Do.

7/16/2022 (Permalink)

We’re equipped with the training and experience to handle whatever storm damage that nature may unexpectedly bring your way.

Emergency Storm Restoration: 3 Things To Do. 

Storm damage is a problem that affects people throughout the globe daily. As a result, whether you've ever experienced a hurricane or will in the future, you must have a recovery strategy in place. Here are three things to do if you've been affected by storm damage

Know The Extent Of The Damage.

Taking a few measures before you begin the restoration procedure is vital, so you don't waste time and money. So, having a qualified restoration specialist evaluate the problem may help you choose the best line of action. Also, make sure you document the damage as soon as possible to show your insurer what occurred.

Get In Touch With Your Insurance Company.

You should contact your insurance carrier once you get a damage assessment to file a claim. When describing the weather-related damage to your house or company, you should be as specific as possible. Your insurance company should tell you what to do next and put you in contact with a few emergency restoration providers.

Collaborate With A Restoration Team Expert.

It's critical to conduct your homework before picking a restoration service. No one who intends to cut shortcuts or ignore the minor details should be working on your house or company. So, look out for a professional storm restoration service near you.

Your Trusted Storm Restoration Company.

If you've suffered storm damage, SERVPRO of Livermore is here to help you figure out what to do next. In the event of a storm damage assessment, contact us at (925) 341-9040 and begin the process of rebuilding your home.

Winter Weather Tips

6/4/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping you home safe and warm from winter weather is important.

Winter Weather Tips

Wintry weather is great at turning up problems you didn’t even know you had. Like that first really cold night in front of your fireplace that you thought was pure bliss — until you noticed a leak in the ceiling corner, which apparently was caused by a lack of insulation. How were you supposed to know that?

Many homeowners don’t realize they’re making critical missteps that can cost a ton when winter sets in. Here are seven wintertime mistakes homeowners often make (and what they could cost you!):

1. Not Buying a $2 Protector for Your Outdoor Faucet

What It’ll Cost You: Up to $15,000 and a whole lot of grief

It’s amazing what a little frozen water can do damage-wise. An inch of water in your basement can cost up to $15,000 to pump out and dry out. And, yet, it’s so easy to prevent, especially with outdoor faucets, which are the most susceptible to freezing temps.

The simplest thing to do is to remove your garden hose from your outdoor faucet and drain it. Then add a faucet protector to keep cold air from getting into your pipes. They’re really cheap (some are under $2; the more expensive ones are still less than $10). “Get these now! “When the weatherman says we’ve got cold coming, they’ll sell out in minutes.”

While you’re at it, make sure any exposed pipes in an unheated basement or garage are insulated, too, or you’ll face the same pricey problem.

Wrap pipes with foam plumbing insulation — before the weather drops. It’s cheap, too, just like the faucet cover (only $1 for six feet of polyethylene insulation). And it’s an easy DIY project, as long as you can reach the pipes.

2. Instagramming Your Icicles Instead of Preventing Them

What It’ll Cost You: $500 — if you’re lucky; a lot more if you’re not

Those icicles make your mountain homes look so picturesque, you just gotta take a few pics. But you better make them quick. Those icicles can literally be a dam problem. (Yes, dam — not the curse word that sounds the same. )

Icicles are a clear sign that you’ve got an ice dam, which is exactly what it sounds like: a buildup of ice on your gutter or roof that prevents melting snow and ice from flowing through your gutters. That’s really bad news because these icy blocks can lead to expensive roofing repairs.

Depending on where you live, expect to pay at least $500 for each ice dam to be steamed off. Leave the ice and you risk long-term damage, which could ultimately cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your roof, depending on what type of shingles you have and the size of the damaged area.

How to prevent them? Insulation. “Ice dams, icicles, and ice buildup on the gutters is a symptom of not enough insulation in the attic.

And “you need to have at least 14 inches of insulation in your attic, no matter where you live. If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need more.

If you don’t have the cash to insulate, heated gutter cables, which run between $50 and $150 each, can be a less expensive alternative when temporarily affixed to areas prone to ice damming.

3. Going Lazy on Your Gutters

What It’ll Cost You: You really don’t want to be in a position to find out

It can be so tempting to skip gutter cleanups as winter nears. It seems like as soon as you clear your gutters, they clog right back up again. So what’s the point?

Well, if it looks like you’re living inside a waterfall when it rains, water is missing your gutter system completely. It’s being directed to your foundation instead. And a water-damaged foundation is never, ever cheap to fix.

A contractor can plug foundation cracks for $1,500 to $3,000, says David Verbofsky, director of training for exterior home products manufacturer Ply Gem. But a worse problem, one that requires a foundation excavation or rebuild, can set you back (gulp) $30,000 or more.

Suddenly, cleaning your gutters a few times each fall doesn’t seem so bad. A pro can do the work for anywhere between $70 and $250, depending on the size of your gutter system.

4. Giving Cold Air a Chance to Sneak In

What It’ll Cost You: Nights where you never feel warm, despite sky-high heating bills

“If it were possible to take every crack on the outside of a typical home and drag them together, you’d have the equivalent of a three-by-three window open all the time,” says Lipford. Yikes.

Yet cracks can be easily and inexpensively sealed with a simple tube of caulk, and it’s available in hundreds of colors to match your window panes, outside siding, and even brick. Not sure where to caulk? Look for visible cracks around:

Window sills

Baseboards

Fireplace or dryer vents

Anywhere something inside pokes a hole to the outside

5. Not Getting Personal with Your Thermostat

What It’ll Cost You: Money you could spend on something else besides heating

We all know we should, but we seem to have some mental block when it comes to programming our thermostats to align with our schedules. It’s not that hard, and sometimes all it takes is buying a new one that suits you. (Like maybe a Wi-Fi one that’ll give you a little money-saving thrill each time you swipe your app.)

“From a cost-savings perspective, a programmable thermostat is a great investment, as much as 10% off your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

6. Skipping Furnace Tune-Ups

What It’ll Cost You: A furnace that’ll die years before it should — and higher energy bills.

Forget to service your furnace and you could easily cut five years off the life of your system, five years is a full third of the typical unit’s life span. New units can cost around $4,000 installed, making the $125 annual maintenance charge a no-brainer.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to replace the furnace filter, which cleans the air in your home, and also keeps your furnace coils cleaner, which can shave up to 15% off your energy bill. We suggest at least every three months, but possibly as often as monthly if you have allergies, pets, or smoke cigarettes at home.

7. Foregoing a Fireplace Inspection

What It’ll Cost You: Possibly your life — and your home

A cozy fire is great, but if you don’t maintain your chimney, a fire can cost you thousands of dollars, not to mention the risk to you and your family.

Schedule your maintenance appointment as early as you can.If you wait until the busy season, you’ll have a hard time getting them out there, you’ll pay more, and you’ll get a lower quality job.

Contact SERVPRO of Livermore for storm damage at (925) 341-9040.

How Urgent is Restoring Storm Damage to Livermore Homes?

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Flood and storm damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top-notch. We are here 24/7 365 days a year at a moment's notice.

Our fast response helps damaged Livermore properties through storm disasters. 

Storms can affect homes and businesses in multiple ways, and our professionals are ready to handle these conditions when disasters strike. We have skilled technicians trained in numerous niches of the restoration industry to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Structural Assessment and Damage Inspections

Before our professionals can manage storm damage and Livermore homes and businesses, a job scoping must occur to determine the extent of the current damage and the best approach to mitigate loss. Our production manager and crew chief can both be qualified to walk through the property with a customer to determine the priorities of restoration to come.

Flood Removal in Attics and Crawlspaces 

It is imperative to begin water removal services as soon as possible to manage any standing water concerns that could exist after flooding. Confined spaces can be a challenge for flood restoration. Removing standing water from attics and crawlspaces requires special extraction equipment in our inventory, such as:

• High-pressure pumps
• Wet vacuums
• Truck-mount extractors

Needed Damage Repairs Completed by Our SERVPRO Team 

One of the advantages of choosing our professionals over their companies in the area is our general contractor license. This permits us to conduct multiple build-back services that coincide with storm damage restoration in the house. We have capable professionals to handle whatever your property needs, from roof repair to replacing siding or windows.

There is no denying that getting storm damage resolved as soon as possible is vital for affected properties. In an area of the country susceptible to many threatening conditions, from severe weather to wildfires, we have a team of storm damage professionals ready to mobilize quickly when disaster strikes. You can count on our SERVPRO of Livermore team to help. Call us today at (925) 341-9040.

Who Is Available in Livermore to Provide Emergency Services for Water Damage?

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

If your home suffers water damage after a storm, call on our professionals for assistance. We are available around the clock to help.

SERVPRO Can Provide Flood Restoration Services in Livermore

When the rain starts to pour down hard in California, it is possible that flooding conditions can exist. And, especially if you live at the bottom of a hill, water can flow towards your house. One common place where water can get into your structure is through your garage. Since lower garage door seals wear over time, they are common places for moisture to enter your house. 

Whenever we handle flood removal in Livermore, we start inspecting where the water went beginning from the source. If the source is from your garage doors, then we can use moisture meters to figure out if the water also went to other rooms in your home. Once we can figure out how far the water traveled, we can then develop a plan to remove the moisture.

Any time moisture enter your structure after a storm, it is wise to get help from a restoration company like SERVPRO because we can provide the following:

• Emergency Services for Water Damage
• Water Clean Up
• Fix a Leaking Roof from a Storm
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Flood Restoration

If the water only got into your garage, we can remove it using either a submersible pump or a heavy-duty extractor, depending on how deep the standing water got. We can then remove all items from your garage and discard any porous materials that came into contact with the potentially contaminated water. To dry out your concrete, we can set up a desiccant dehumidifier. 

If you ever notice moisture in your garage after your neighborhood floods, call SERVPRO of Livermore at (925) 341-9040.

Why Should SERVPRO Conduct Flood Water Removal for Your Livermore Home?

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

When flooding damages your home, SERVPRO will be there. We will restore your home to its original condition.

With our Advanced Extractors and Water Removal Tools, we can Overcome Flood Damage in Livermore Homes fast. 

One of the most direct ways that flooding can impact and damage your home is through the intruding water. Rapidly spreading surface water concerns present unique obstacles from one property to the next, requiring powerful extraction devices and instruments of our SERVPRO recovery inventory. Before this process can be successful, some preliminary steps must occur.

Content Relocation and Bulk Material Removal 

Migrating moisture can be threatening, making content removal and demolition necessary ahead of flood water removal in Livermore homes. Initially, these efforts relocate any items or personal belongings in the path or directly impacted by intrusive water scenarios. Exposure to building materials like drywall can also leave bulk materials and debris to clean before water removal can complete for the property.

Powerful Extraction Equipment for Flooded Livermore Properties 

Choosing the right tool for the job is not universal, as flooding can impact homes in several ways. Some Livermore properties contend with flooded crawl spaces under the main floor of the house, while attics can also be a flooding origin point under the right conditions. Standing water might need wet vacuums and truck-mount extractors, but trapped moisture can be removed with:

• Carpet wands
• Light wands
• Weighted extractors
• Drying mats

Flooding can be a difficult situation for your home. Our SERVPRO of Livermore team is ready to help at (925) 341-9040.

What Kinds of Flood Removal Equipment Does SERVPRO Have in Livermore?

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Livermore help remove some storm damage stress, call us today.

Company Technicians in Livermore Use All the Latest Flood Removal Gear. 

Flooding becomes a real concern for Livermore’s residents during the area’s annual rainy season, which lasts roughly from early November through April. Fortunately, local biohazard remediation and flood restoration companies like SERVPRO have all the tools necessary to solve your flood-related problems.

Once on-site, SERVPRO’s well-equipped technicians are ready to return your residence to its pre-flood condition quickly. As one of the top water clean up and disinfecting companies in Livermore, our flood removal services are often swifter and more effective than those of our competitors. This capability partly results from our professionals utilizing the most advanced gear in the cleaning and restoration industry, like:

• Portable and truck-mounted extractors
• Powerful air movers and dehumidifiers
• Innovative Injectidry systems
• State-of-the-art foggers
• A vast array of EPA-approved disinfectants and deodorizers

So, regardless of your particular flooding situation, rest assured that your neighborhood SERVPRO is likely your best option for fast, reliable, quality remediation work.

With all this in mind, call your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Livermore at (925) 341-9040 whenever you need flood removal service.

Livermore Homeowners Count on SERVPRO for Flood Water Extraction and Restoration

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Damage from a storm can be crucial, act fast and call SERVPRO of Livermore for assistance.

SERVPRO Offers Livermore Property Owners a Fast and Efficient Water Damage Restoration Service

A leaking roof from storms or basement flooding, whatever the reason, water accumulation on your Livermore property is never a good sign. The time required for water damage remediation depends on how quickly and efficiently water removal services act. SERVPRO's team of water damage restoration (WRT) experts is quick to act and can help you minimize the damage after a flood or storm incidence.

After a flooding incident at your Livermore property, water damage restoration is not an easy task by any means. Water extraction is perhaps the most important step of the process. The flood restoration process can be quicker if the standing water is extracted as soon as possible. SERVPRO technicians use state-of-the-art water extraction equipment to get this job done. The water cleanup process's efficiency depends on successfully removing as much water as possible from your Livermore property.

What equipment do SERVPRO techs use during the storm damage mitigation process? 

SERVPRO technicians use both pumps and water extraction units depending on the amount of water to be removed from your Livermore home. Some of the equipment we use including the following:

• Water removal pumps- both portable and truck-mounted
• Light Wands- especially for the removal of water from glue-down carpets
• Deep extraction tools
• Electric submersible pumps 

You can call SERVPRO of Livermore 24/7 at (925) 341-9040 for fast and efficient flood restoration.

Can Storms Cause Flooding in a Home?

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage can become quite the headache, call SERVPRO today we can help.

SERVPRO Helps Livermore Residents Overcome Storm-related Flooding Incidents

When a flood strikes your home, it is essential to get a quick assessment of potential damages and, where possible, a verbal estimate. What follows is the official document--FNOL first notice of loss to your carrier. SERVPRO is a local restoration service that can correctly identify potential damages and efficiently mitigate them. One of the core pieces of equipment for quick identification of damages is a thermal imaging camera. 

Comprehensive flood water removal in your Livermore home often requires cavity inspections. Thermal imaging cameras, which use infrared sensors, help technicians evaluate the extent of a water intrusion event. This equipment can also help technicians understand how water moves through an indoor environment and where it is pooling. One of the advantages of using infrared imaging is not harmful or destructive to the property.

• Thermal imaging allows technicians to accurately assess a building without demolition of interior walls or removing flooring.
• We can use these cameras to inspect tough to reach areas like wall joints and exterior walls.
• Traditional water measuring equipment can be time-consuming in comparison with the use of an infrared camera.

Get a rapid assessment of damages in your home. Contact SERVPRO of Livermore for flood water removal at (925) 341-9040.

Storms Often Bring Excessive Flood Damage

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage to you Livermore property can get exhausting call SERVPRO today.

Livermore residents get the results they need when calling SERVPRO for rapid flood damage restoration!

Formerly referred to as Nottingham, Livermore Ranch, or Livermores, the city of Livermore, California, is situated within Alameda County. As of 2014, there was an estimated population of 86,870. This region is conveniently located along the eastern portion of the famous San Francisco Bay Area.

Livermore, California – Beginnings, and History

In the 1840s, William Mendenhall founded Livermore and named it after Robert Livermore. This was a friend of his who was a local rancher. Prior to incorporation in 1796, Livermore was home to native people known as Costanoan, or Ohlone. Every mission in the area had at least two to three friars and a contingent number of up to five soldiers to keep order. 

Throughout the early 1800s, the area of Livermore-Amador Valley was mostly used for grazing Mission San Jose herds of horses, sheep, cattle. These were wild-growing herds without fences that got culled yearly to generate tallow and cowhides. The leftover animal parts were then left out in the wild to feed some of the grizzly bears that roamed the region.

Plenty of Activities for Nature-Lovers

If you love to get out and immerse yourself in natural surroundings, there is no shortage of areas to explore or activities to experience. Some of the top options in the area include:

• Sycamore Grove National Park – Located on Wetmore Road, this natural destination offers hiking, biking, and horse trails. Parking is limited, but this is a top destination for those who want to bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy the serene surroundings.
• Los Vaqueros Reservoir – Located on N. Vasco Road, this reservoir and park features stunning landscaping, great water for fishing, and plenty of trails open for exploration. However, it is important to note that some trails are closed down during the Spring due to nesting eagles in the area.
• Ohlone Wilderness Trail – Located on Del Valle Road within the Lake Del Valle State Recreation Area, this is a breathtaking natural oasis filled with 29 miles of scenic hiking trails. Visitors state that this destination is undisturbed and a lot quieter than other local preserves.

Famous People from Livermore, California

Some notable names of people that come from Livermore that you may recognize include:

• Jason Lyle Black, professional pianist
• Bryan Shaw, professional baseball player
• James DePaiva, television actor
• Ryan Esling, TikTok star
• Glen Plake, professional skier 
• Tara Kemp, blues vocalist

SERVPRO offers full-service flood damage and pack-outs after Livermore storms roll through

It is natural to be stressed about the contents of your Livermore home when you begin to have flooding issues. Excess moisture can cause swelling, warping, rust, and rot on a variety of surfaces. SERVPRO moves quickly to help you protect your property and mitigate damage.

With flood damage in Livermore, pack-out services help to keep items safe from excessive damage or total ruin. Let our technicians help you by:

• Providing containers for temporary storage
• Partial pack-outs within your property
• Total pack-outs to bring your items to our off-site location

Call (925) 341-9040 if you need help with flood damage, pack-outs, and drying. Our team at SERVPRO of Livermore can be there within hours of your call to get started!

Getting Rid of Contaminated Flood Water from a Livermore Home

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

When your home is contaminated from stormwater, call SERVPRO of Livermore. We are here and ready to assist you.

SERVPRO of Livermore Can Help Disinfect, Sanitize and Remove Floodwaters from your Property

Floodwaters are frequently considered black water, or category three, emergencies. This categorization is due to contact between floodwaters and contaminants found in the ground, sewer system, or home. A category three contamination level includes human pathogens and could be harmful. Our team can quickly decontaminate your home and extract water safely.

Using a flood water removal service in Livermore can mitigate losses. Our team can deploy submersible electric pumps using either mains electricity or portable generators in a power outage. By moving water out of the property quickly, we can significantly reduce losses and the expense of your claim. 

• Self-priming trash pumps can shift water containing solid waste up to 3".
• Portable generators can be deployed in case of a power outage.
• Emergency lighting in the property can assist technicians and subcontractors during restoration.

Protect your home and family from water contamination. Contact SERVPRO of Livermore for flood water removal at (925) 341-9040.

Crawlspace Water Extraction After Flooding in Livermore

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

When flooding affects the crawlspace of your Livermore house, call SERVPRO ASAP for cleanup and restoration

Evacuating water from beneath your home can protect the property from severe damage. 

Many homes in Livermore feature a crawlspace beneath the main floor of the house. While this area serves as an access point for utilities and protects the property from potential flooding, any standing water in this area could become a problematic situation. Water removal must begin as soon as our SERVPRO team arrives. 

What Water Removal Solutions Exist for Livermore Homes?

Flood damage in Livermore properties might not seem like a pressing concern when held to the crawlspace. Removal of this pooling water can often fall to multiple extraction units. Accessibility issues can promote the use of high-pressure pumps when debris and solids are not present. When these threats exist, other water removal tools might be required, such as:

• Wet Vacuums
• Trash Pumps
• Truck Extractors

Because flooding situations can escalate and spread quickly through your home, our SERVPRO of Livermore team can help with fast and efficient extraction and cleanup. We have leading equipment to make flood damage “Like it never even happened.” Call today at (925) 341-9040.