What are the signs of storm damage in my La Jolla home?

10/11/2023 (Permalink)

Water Damage in a room.

After a storm has occurred in San Diego County, you may be concerned if you suspect that your property has sustained water damage. Below are some easy to visualize signs to determine if your property has any damage derived from the storm:

• Ceilings with a “wet” appearance
• Damaged or missing shingles on your roof
• Mold growth on your walls or ceiling, which can be identified by a damp smell
• Peeling interior paint
• Any large branches that have fallen on the roof
• Leaks around the home

If you find one or more of the above signs, you can prevent future problems that may affect the health and safety of your family. Call SERVPRO of La Jolla we'll be ready to respond using our innovative technology and experience.

Let us deal with the cleanup after a storm

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

Storm cleanup can be a hassle to deal with. Let us take on that burden for you.

SERVPRO of La Jolla works as one big team to help you at the worst of times. We have reliable equipment and technicians that you can trust in. Cleanup after a storm can be a big job for a homeowner. Let us take the stress off you and help with something we are experienced in. 

If you have items that are damaged, we will work in making sure we restore them to their original state to avoid additional costs to replace them. We also offer free estimates if you would like for us to come out to your home to assess the damages done. 

We will explain the scope of work so that you feel confident and secure in the work that we will perform. We will also communicate every step of the way and work quickly and correctly to get the job done right the first time. We are a company that you can rely on. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla if you need help with cleanup after a storm. We've got you covered! 

858-271-5234 

When a storm strikes, we are here for you!

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can handle your storm clean up needs!

Storms don't happen too much for us in Southern California, but when they do we are often times not prepared to handle them. Clean up from a storm can be burdening on you and your family. SERVPRO of La Jolla can help get your home back to normal. Call us if you find yourself in an overwhelming situation and need to take a step back from it with storm damage. 

Stay inside with your family where it's warm and let us tackle the job. We perform quickly and efficiently. We are trained in handling any type of cleanup job and will communicate every step of the way with you. We also offer free estimates if you would like for us to simply come out and take a look. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla for your storm clean up needs! 

858-270-5234

Tips For Cleaning Your San Diego Yard After A Storm

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla can help with the cleanup after a natural disaster strikes!

Storms can take a toll on you. When a natural disaster strikes, it is stressful, time consuming, and burdening. Natural disasters seem to always take place at the worst times! In southern California, we have beautiful weather for the most part however, we definitely have our fair share of storms that knock down power lines and trees. We are left with unplanned and unwanted damages and a huge mess to clean. 

After a storm, the cleanup process begins. Handling debris in your yard may be simple enough but fallen trees can be backbreaking, and dangerous for the average person to take care of. 

*It is important to look for downed power lines after a storm, take plenty of pictures just in case you feel you need your homeowners insurance to help, and check your trees. After you know it is safe, take a look around your yard to access the damage. 

*Check for broken glass to clear. Once the glass is clear, the environment is a lot safer and you may even be able to have family members help clean up debris. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts when cleaning up glass. If you do get a cut, be sure to clean the cut right away!

*When you see that trees have fallen, be sure to check to see if power lines near the tree have as well. If power lines have fallen, do not touch the tree or the lines to keep yourself safe. It is best to contact the electric company. You may need to also contact a professional with moving the tree as well. 

*Check your hardscaping for any shifts or loose parts. Check in with your homeowners insurance to see if any damage is covered under your policy. You may need to contact a professional to assist with damages done to any hardscaping after a storm. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla is a resource for any cleanup or water damage after a storm. 

When the rain comes so do the leaks!

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Call us for a free estimate!

Living in San Diego, we don't get much rain. When the rain does come, often times that is when we find that there is a leak in the roof. No matter the size of the storm, water travels quickly and can damage your home or business fast. The longer that you wait to address the issue, the more damages you have and more costs you incur. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla understands that we need to act quickly if you are affected by a storm. You can call us at any time on our 24 hour emergency line. 858-270-5234

We will stop the leak and give you a plan of action so that you feel confident in the services we can provide to help get things back to normal for you. We will also work to repair the roof so that you have one less vendor to work with! 

Keep your pet safe for when a storm happens!

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your pets safe during a storm!

Storms can be very stressful for your pets. Follow these tips to make a less stressful experience for your pet. 

* Anxiety Levels: Many pets have anxiety with fireworks or storms. If your pet has been prescribed medication for anxiety, talk to your vet about the best course of action leading up to fireworks or a storm. 

* Finding Shelter: Often times during a storm, it may be the best course of action to take shelter in a small bathroom or basement. Make sure your pet is familiar with this area just in case you need to take shelter there. Practice going to this designated place beforehand. 

*Hazardous Material and Poisons: Poisons and other hazardous materials are typically kept in household basements. Ensure that the area you are using as shelter during a storm is free of any harmful material that can be a threat to your pets. 

* Evacuation Plan: Make sure you have an evacuation plan that everyone in your household is aware of. Create an area that you can easily locate your pets leash, carrier, medication and food if you need to evacuate. Be sure to know where your pets most desired hiding place is just in case you cannot find him/her when you need to evacuate. 

*First Aid Kit: Talk to your vet about adding items to your first aid kit that are dedicated for your pet. Keep your first aid kit stocked so it is always plentiful of supplies.

Stay safe!

Storm or Flood Damage in San Diego?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give SERVPRO of La Jolla a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

•  24 Hour Emergency Service 
•  Faster to Any Size Disaster
•  A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
•  Highly Trained Water Damage and Storm Specialists 

When Storms or Floods hit San Diego, SERVPRO is ready!

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in San Diego.

SERVPRO ofLa Jollaspecializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit San Diego, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 858-270-5234

Wind-Driven Rain and Roof Damage

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

In a city like San Diego, rain can be elusive. 

Regularly, six months at a time will pass between precipitation events. This general lack of rainfall is great for beach-goers, but presents a problem to homeowners and those who are responsible for maintaining roofs. The tendency to put roof maintenance on the back-burner is especially common.  

While all types of roof leaks during a storm can cause significant interior damage, only certain types of roof damage are covered by typical homeowner’s insurance policies. Insurance adjusters will often deny coverage for leaks that they consider to be “maintenance and repair issues.” They will often provide coverage for damage interpreted as “wind-driven rain damage,” which means that the wind was blowing so fast that rain entered a home horizontally. The damage experts at SERVPRO of La Jolla can help identify the type and cause of storm damage, conduct a thorough cleanup and dry-out, and provide any construction services needed to get you back to normal. Call SERVPRO of La Jolla today.

Storm Damage to neighboring Structures

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

While San Diego enjoys generally mild and pleasant weather, there are occasions when a serious storm shows up in town.

High winds and serious rains can easily lead to flying debris, a difficult to predict property hazard. Many homeowners in La Jolla have multiple structures on their property, with each of them needing to be paid special attention after a storm event. Windows can be cracked by flying rocks, roofs can be compromised by airborne branches, and stucco can be sheared off in high winds.

SERVPRO of La Jolla has a thoughtful, educated team of professionals who are experts are identifying exterior storm damage. Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because water didn’t get it that there isn’t damage that needs to be addressed. Let SERVPRO of La Jolla conduct an inspection and have peace of mind that your house is in great hands. 

Weather in Southern California in Fall 2019

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Weather in SoCal may be unpredictable at times, and this week is a prime example. Today's highs are in the mid-80's while we wait for rain mid-week. Weather patterns can be especially frustrating for parents who dress their children in cold-weather gear in the mornings, but things heat up outside rather quickly. By lunchtime the sun is beaming and almost as warm as a summer day. Below is an excerpt from Los Angeles Eyewitness News, channel 7.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Southern California can expect one more day of hot, dry conditions before cooler temperatures and rain move in by mid-week.

Monday will be warm and dry in most areas, with some lingering danger of fire conditions. But temperatures will drop by about 10-15 degrees by Tuesday and rain is likely in many communities by Wednesday.

Los Angeles and Orange counties will see a high of 88 on Monday, dropping to 74 by Tuesday.

Rainstorm Causing Damage? SERVPRO of La Jolla can help!

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

In a city like San Diego, rain can be elusive. Regularly, six months at a time will pass between precipitation events. This general lack of rainfall is great for beach-goers, but presents a problem to homeowners and those who are responsible for maintaining roofs. The tendency to put roof maintenance on the back-burner is especially common.  
While all types of roof leaks during a storm can cause significant interior damage, only certain types of roof damage are covered by typical homeowner’s insurance policies. Insurance adjusters will often deny coverage for leaks that they consider to be “maintenance and repair issues.” They will often provide coverage for damage interpreted as “wind-driven rain damage,” which means that the wind was blowing so fast that rain entered a home horizontally. The damage experts at SERVPRO of La Jolla can help identify the type and cause of storm damage, conduct a thorough cleanup and dry-out, and provide any construction services needed to get you back to normal.

March A Fairweather Friend As Serious Storms Hit East And West Coasts

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

No matter the adage or that the calendar tells us spring has sprung, March is still roaring like a lion on both sides of the country. On Wednesday, the West Coast braced for potential mudslides and flooding following heavy rain, and much of the East Coast dealt with a major snowstorm.

Southern California was on alert Wednesday as thousands of people evacuated their homes. Heavy rain combined with denuded land and loosened soil from recent wildfires made for a dangerous mix.

A flash flood watch was in effect for the region into Thursday, and forecasters called for several inches of rain from "a large and powerful storm system," with warnings that debris flow was likely.

Officials said a portion of State Route 33 in Ventura County was closed Wednesday because mud and debris flows.

In Los Angeles, the fire department was offering free sandbags and urging residents to remain alert. Officials called for evacuations beginning 6 p.m. local time for burn areas from recent fires.

source: www.npr.com 

How to protect your home from Water Damage

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Along with warmer weather and greener scenery, spring can also bring severe storms, heavy rain, and flooding which can result in costly water damage to your home and the loss of valuable possessions. Here are seven tips to help protect your home from flooding and water damage.

Tip #1: Inspect and Repair Your Roof

A leaky roof can cause a lot more damage to your house than unsightly water stains on the ceiling. Roof leaks keep attic insulation wet, which can lead to rot and mold.

The unseen damage caused by roof leaks is often worse than what meets the eye, so it’s important to have it fixed as soon as possible. Having a reputable roofing contractor inspect your roof, check for undetected leaks, and make any needed repairs can prevent more costly damage down the road.

Tip #2:

 Document Your Possessions

Compiling a detailed home inventory of your personal possessions, backed up with photos and/or video, can be invaluable when processing an insurance claim in the aftermath of a flood or storm damage.

Keep the documentation in a waterproof container stored as high as possible away from rising water, and put a backup copy in a safe deposit box or other secure remote location.

It’s also a good idea to scan and maintain digital copies of all important records and keep them in a waterproof safe or a safety deposit box away from the house. That way, you’ll have more than enough evidence to support an insurance claim for damage caused by water or severe weather.

Tip #3:

 Trim Your Trees

To help prevent storm damage to your home, it’s important to trim tree branches that are growing near or hanging over your home to prevent them from breaking and crashing through the roof or damaging your siding during a storm.

Check to make sure all trees and large shrubs are alive and well, and remove any dead limbs or unhealthy plants. A dead plant may not seem like a threat, but it is more likely to be broken by strong winds during severe weather.

Tip #4: Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

It’s also important to make sure to keep your gutters clean, repair any gutter leaks and check regularly to see that they drain properly.

In addition, inspect your downspouts, remove any downspout clogs, and use splash blocks or downspout extension pipes to make sure the water is directed well away from your house foundation.

Call our team of professionals at SERVPRO La Jolla if you run into any water damage. We are here to help!

source: www.todayshomeowner.com 

California Wildfire History

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Raging California Wildfire

Recently, the Thomas fire became California’s largest wildfire on record, burning approximately 300,000 acres.

The massive fire, raged for weeks through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, has claimed just over 1,000 structures and San Diego fire engineer Cory Iverson died fighting the fire in December.

Here’s a look at how the blaze compares with four other major wildfires in the state’s history:

1. Thomas Fire

2017

Burned 300,000 Acres

Pipe Burst Safety

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Pipe Burst

Severe cold can inflict major damage to your home, and burst pipes can be the worst of all. The last few years have taught many people some harsh lessons about winter damage. If your pipes freeze and burst, you must take immediate action to limit the damage.

Visualize this: 250 gallons of water. It’s not something you want flooding your home, is it? Well, it’s about what one 1/8-inch crack in a house’s water pipe can leak in 24 hours. Burst pipes aren’t rare — they damage literally millions of homes each year. The best way to avoid the issue is to be prepared. If the worst happens anyway and a pipe bursts, you’ll need to move fast to safely halt further damage and ensure your home is properly repaired.

Know What to Do

• Assess the amount of water and probable location of the leak — it may be necessary to turn off the electricity to your home to avoid electrocution. Never touch a wet outlet, switch, or appliance.
• Turn off the house’s main water valve.
• If the leaked water is warm, it may be necessary to turn off the water valve to the water heater.
• If appropriate to the situation, place an appropriately sized container under the leak to catch the water.
• Turn on the faucets throughout the house to drain the water left in the system.
• Call a plumber immediately to help repair or replace the pipe.
• Call a water remediation company (e.g., SERVPRO^®) immediately. This is important as it affects your insurance claim and helps prevent mold from growing in your wall space, under your floor, or between the floor and ceiling between stories. Your homeowners insurance policy may cover costs you incur with the remediation company.
• Take photos of the burst pipe and of all the damage to the house’s structure and your personal property for your insurance claim.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

 Contact SERVPRO La Jolla or SERVPRO Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, Rancho Penasquitos any time of the day for emergency services.