Recent Posts

Flooded commercial Building

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Water intrusion may be more severe in commercial buildings than in a residential setting, and the effects can be more extensive. Many commercial structures have a larger volumes of water entering the premises through plumbing supply lines and at a higher water pressure. The quantity of outgoing sewage is also greater than a typical residence. Commercial buildings tend to be of larger square footage than a home, so entry points for water intrusion through areas like the roof, exterior walls or windows are commensurately greater in number.

Water intrusion in commercial buildings can damage high-value equipment like computers and also building services such as HVAC, lighting, elevators and security equipment. Common long-term consequences of water damage like mold or microbial growth may be more problematic than in a home, due to the larger occupancy of a business or other commercial enterprise. When a greater number of people with a wider range of sensitivity are exposed to mold and bacteria spores, health impacts may be significantly magnified, perhaps leading to an enforced closure of the facility until the situation is fully remediated.

Typical issues from water intrusion in the commercial environment include:

  • Water from roof leaks penetrating through ceilings. Chronic leakage through the roof may proceed unnoticed for long periods, hidden by suspended ceiling panels or in electrical or HVAC service areas above.
  • Ruptures of water supply lines typically release clean (white) water.  Sewage backups or leaks in drain pipes release toxic (black) water that may be a biohazard and require evacuation of the premises.
  • Flooding from external sources can result from heavy rains, storms such as hurricanes, rapid snow melt or local overflowing lakes or rivers.
  • Moisture intrusion through the building envelope is typically more subtle. Humid outdoor air may be drawn in through structural cracks and gaps. Over a period, chronic dampness forms in spaces like wall voids, unventilated attics and service areas, spawning hidden mold growth that persists unseen.

Party Safe in the Heat

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Damage What could happen if you leave an open fire unattended

Beginning of BBQ season, Parties, and Gathering - Safety should be number one!!

Summertime is beginning and it is imperative that safety be taken when it comes to cooking delicious meals outdoors especially if planning to smoke your Thanksgiving turkey. 

In 2012-2016 an average of 16600 patients per year went to the emergency room  because if injuries involving grills, half of those being caused by thermal burns.

Children under 5 accounted for an average of 1600 of the 4500 thermal none fore grill burns. These burns typically occurred when someone, often a child bumped into, touched or fell on the grill, grill part or hot coals.

Seven out of every 10 adults in the US have a grill or smoker, which translates to a lot of tasty meals, but it also means there is an increased risk for home fires and injuries.

Mold Safety and Prevention

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Mold Growth What happens when walls are blocked by boxes and items during a water damage loss.

Microscopic yet aggressive, these diminutive agents of decay are capable of causing rapid structural damage and can be difficult to detect. Maintaining a low-humidity interior to prevent moisture problems and taking immediate action to inhibit fungal growth after a flooding event are essential for avoiding potentially devastating restoration or remodeling steps.

Why Is Mold Such a Serious Structural Problem? High indoor humidity is the most common causes of black mold growth. When moisture levels meet low-airflow interiors, most porous building materials become an easy target of infestation, including drywall, insulation, hardwood flooring and of course carpeting. While many commercial buildings created after the 1970s have been designed to accommodate high-humidity environments, prevention and maintenance remain key. Common signs that your building may be at high risk for black mold growth include:

• Roofs, soffits or other exterior portions of the building material that consistently leak

• Poorly maintained fire sprinkling systems that drip

• Indoor humidity levels that are consistently over 60 percent

• Standing water or frequent indoor condensation

• Lack of thorough ventilation

• Poorly maintained HVAC equipment

• Distinctive, musty odor

Flooded by a Firehydrant

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Cause of Flood Firehydrant flooded a few houses due to a negligent driver

The last you want to come home to is a flooded house. Water damage is no joke! It could truly become a danger and a not so easy thing to deal with. The first real damage it causes is structural damage. Structural damage is what happens to the most important parts of your home, the base. Structural Damage starts by destroying building materials. It then causes erosion. It could cause you multiple headaches because to be honest it never stops! Leaks can cause Mold, Electrical Hazards, Chemicals, and even Bacteria; none of these stresses are worth dealing with, so please feel free to check out our blog on "Ways to Prevent Water Damage" below for more details!! 

If you ever find yourself dealing with any sort of water damage just know SERVPRO of North San Bernardino City will always be here to help! 

Preventing a fire while bbqing

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

Open flames BBQ grill

Even though summer is ending , we all will continue to BBQ and enjoy cooler temperatures. I am sure house fires are not the first thing going on through your mind. There are two major ways to avoid house fires this time of year! One being to be proactive and two being to stay attentive!

By being proactive some things you can do prior to enjoying company while you smoke or grill this Fall:

1. Make sure you position your Grill away from shrubbery and eaves.

2. Clean grates and remove debris of grease and dust! 

Now to be attentive some things you can do are... 

1. Stay close, if you forget something make sure someone is watching while you walk away.

2. Set alarms for all things to ensure you don't get distracted. 

3. Keep mitts , wooden utensils , and towels away from flames and side burners.

These simple directions can help keep your home and family safe!

Have a fun and safe end of summer, from all of us at SERVPRO of North San Bernardino City. 

Rats and the damage they cause

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

rats! NO one wants RATS!

AHHHH RATS!!!

Being a fire and water restoration company, it's not often we get calls for rodents. We once had a business call about a HORRIBLE smell they were having in the attic. They called an extermination company to the office yet they could not find the source of the issue. She was running out of options so she called SERVPRO of North San Bernardino City! Shortly after inspecting multiple ceiling tiles we were able to find the source which was an unfortunate rat who was stuck in a tiny corner and could not get out. We cleaned and sanitized the area as well as deodorized the office. We then replaced the affected tile. The working team was very pleased upon arrival with the odor being eliminated and left with a pleasant work environment. Sometimes taking the extra time and not giving up can prove why SERVPRO is different and our saying of "Like it never even happened," made a difference to this office and their team.

home safety and SERVPRO

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Mold preventing mold

SERVPRO wants to keep you and your family out of harms way. Mold prevention is so important. How Mold Spreads Into the Air

Toxic black mold grows in what is termed a colony. The mold spores are bound within a slimy mass which generally keeps them intact. The greatest health effects come when the colony loses its moisture source. When this happens the slimy mass dries out and allows the spores to break free into the atmosphere. It is then that the toxic black mold spores become an airborne hazard to people and animals. Because toxic black mold spores are relatively heavy, they do not remain airborne for very long. In homes and buildings it is often easy for the spores to land on another surface suitable for it to thrive. It is important to note that even dead mold spores can cause health effects to humans and pets.

What Makes Black Mold Dangerous

Black mold contains mycotoxins. These are massed in groups named trichothecenes. There are over 60 types of trichothecene. The most common found in toxic black mold are:
•Cyclosporin
•Roridin E
•Satratoxin F, G and H
•Sporidesmin G
•Stachybotryolactone
•Trichoverrol
•Trichoverrin
•Verrucarin J

SERVPRO covers you, and your belongings

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

packing with bubble wrap That's a wrap

SERVPRO is here for you when the unexpected happens. 

The importance of Bubble Wrap is extremely important.. Let me tell you why.  
Ok, ok… So it’s not INTENTIONALLY a toy, but the truth behind Bubble Wrap is perhaps even stranger. You see, Bubble Wrap was originally formed from two shower curtains being sealed together, and the inventors tried to market this as wallpaper. It’s perhaps sad that this wasn’t actually successful, who knows how many cases of extreme anxiety could have been solved if all you had to do was pound your walls for a little relief?

Ironically, this wasn’t the only misstep on its way to its true calling, the next thing they tried to market it as was greenhouse insulation, which was also largely unsuccessful. A year later they discovered its perfect purpose, and the line of Bubble Wrap brand packaging came to pass. It started off on an auspicious path with IBM being the first customer, shipping the IBM 1401 in air cushioned comfort out to its many customers.

Each year Bubble Wrap hosts a ‘Young Inventor’ award that encourages them to find ways to use Bubble Wrap outside of packaging. Whether you need a Bubble Wrap door cover to help you keep out the dings, or a Bubble Wrap cushy wheelchair to ensure your loved ones are safe from every danger, these young inventors work every year to try to create the newest Bubble Wrap.

SERVPRO wants to educate you for your safety

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation Mold remediation

How Mold Spreads Into the Air

Toxic black mold grows in what is termed a colony. The mold spores are bound within a slimy mass which generally keeps them intact. The greatest health effects come when the colony loses its moisture source. When this happens the slimy mass dries out and allows the spores to break free into the atmosphere. It is then that the toxic black mold spores become an airborne hazard to people and animals. Because toxic black mold spores are relatively heavy, they do not remain airborne for very long. In homes and buildings it is often easy for the spores to land on another surface suitable for it to thrive. 

What Makes Black Mold Dangerous

Black mold contains mycotoxins. These are massed in groups named trichothecenes. There are over 60 types of trichothecene. The most common found in toxic black mold are:
•Cyclosporin
•Roridin E
•Satratoxin F, G and H
•Sporidesmin G
•Stachybotryolactone
•Trichoverrol
•Trichoverrin
•Verrucarin J

SERVPRO is always open and ready to help

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

24/7 service SERVPRO is ready when you need us, day or night!

SERVPRO of North San Bernardino City has a number one priority and that is to ensure our customers are taken care of. We will always pride ourselves on customer interaction and services. We stay open 24 hours a day , 7 days a week , 365 days a year to be on call for any problems you may be dealing with. Here at SERVPRO we understand the stress and fear you may feel due to the damage in your home. Our goal is to eliminate that stress and relieve all of those headaches and it is indeed our pleasure to do so.

If you ever find yourself in need of any help please call SERVPRO of North San Bernardino City at ANY time at 909-474-2340. Have a great day!