Ideal Restoration

Learn from the Water Damage Cleanup Specialists how to Protect Your House!

None of us look forward to water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, or sewage clean up.  So, listen to sage wisdom and be ready, “Hope for the best.  Prepare for the worst”.

This wisdom of the past tells us to be optimistic, and be intelligent.  Disaster proofing your home is both.

If you have a house built on a flood plain, it only makes sense that you put precautions in place in case of a flood.  Here are some measures you can take:

• Build retaining walls—like those on ocean beaches—to protect your lower level from flash flood damage.
• Inspect the outside of your home.  If there are any areas where exterior waters may enter the home’s interior, be sure to patch them with the appropriate materials.
• Reinforce your exterior walls to provide the strength necessary to overcome a flood.
• Call a professional restoration company and ask their recommendations before you have to call them for water damage restoration.

Be sure that any moisture-prone areas of your house are cleaned and dried regularly to avoid mold buildup.  Many times, mold is the cause of indoor respiratory ailments, such as allergies, and can be prevented with diligence.  If you do find yourself in need of help, make sure to hire mold removal experts to get the job done right.

Contact Ideal Restoration at (800) 379-6881 to schedule an appointment with us. We specialize in restorative services, including mold remediation and water damage restoration. Visit our website for further information.

Learn How Ideal Restoration Can Protect and Restore Your Home

If you’d like to learn more about water damage restoration and asbestos cleanup, follow the links below. 

• Is your home suffering from structural water damage? Learn about how to prevent foundation damage with this article from State Farm.
• Asbestos in the workplace can put your employees, customers, and business at risk. Download this factsheet from OSHA to learn about handling asbestos contamination at work.
• Here’s a great page from the Weather Channel about how to minimize water damage throughout the home.
• Are you planning on buying a house? Make sure to avoid homes with excessive water damage. Read this article from RealtyTimes.com to learn how.
• To learn about the dangers of asbestos, visit this page from the Environmental Protection Agency.

For expert advice and restoration services, call (800) 379-6881 to speak to a restoration expert at Ideal Restoration today!

The Impact Water Can Have On Different Parts of Your Home

Water damage impacts all homes differently. From building materials to the location of important electrical wiring, a host of factors will determine how long and how large your recovery process will be. Here is a quick guide to the potential impact of water damage on different areas of your home:

Walls
The impact of water damage on your walls will depend mostly on what they are made of. Most walls are covered in wallboard, a sponge-like material that soaks up and retains water. Because wallboard exposed to water can never dry completely, it will need to be replaced. Walls made of plaster, on the other hand, can withstand water damage. Still, you’ll need a professional to ensure plaster dries completely.

Ceilings
Flooded ceilings are typically the result of leaky roofs or pipe leaks on the second floor of a home. Like walls, ceilings are also typically made of wallboard. You’ll likely need to arrange a full replacement of these materials with a qualified water damage repair expert.

Insulation
Your insulation’s resistance to water damage will vary considerably depending on the material. Cellulose insulation, or the loose stuff that is blown into walls and attics, needs to be replaced once it gets wet. Fiberglass insulation can be saved, but it will take a long time to dry out. Styrofoam insulation withstands water the best, and may only need to be rinsed off. 

Electrical System
One of the biggest dangers of a recently flooded space is when water comes into contact with live cables and wires. That’s why it is important to avoid a flooded area until a certified technician inspects it. Wires and cables exposed to water will likely need to be replaced to protect the safety and function of your home’s electrical system.

At Ideal Restoration, we take great pride in restoring spaces impacted by water damage. If you have recently faced a flood or some other kind of water damage, we can help. For restoration and mold remediation in the Bay Area, call our South San Francisco office at (888) 419-4279. 

How Water Heaters Can Cause Home Water Damage

A typical water heater has a lifespan of anywhere from 7 to 10 years. As your water heater approaches this age, you may run into problems with corrosion and leaks. A leaking water heater is never pleasant, and can cause extensive damage whether it’s located at ground level or in a finished basement.

To avoid problems with a leaking water heater, consider scheduling regular maintenance to ensure that it is structurally sound and operating properly. Be sure to rinse out sediment from the bottom of the tank often, and think about installing a drain in case problems spring up. For more water heater care tips, watch this video. 

If your water heater has flooded your basement or ground floor, contact the San Francisco water damage restoration experts at Ideal Restoration. To schedule an on-site visit within an hour, call us at (888) 419-4279. 

Why Mold Cleanup Isn't a Job You Should Attempt Yourself

Mold growth is a common problem for homeowners who have recently suffered flood damage or whose homes are generally cool and damp. While you may feel that you can clean up mold yourself, it is always best to leave this job to a professional, for the sake of your home and your own safety. Here are a few reasons why it’s best to hire a professional mold remediation firm from here in San Francisco:

Mold Is a Health Hazard
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies mold as a significant health concern for homeowners. Mold impairs indoor air quality, worsening the breathing problems of individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. It can also cause severe reactions among people with high mold sensitivities. A professional, San Francisco-based IICRC-certified mold remediation firm will ensure that mold is eradicated safely and completely, with a focus on preserving your home’s indoor air quality.

Cleaning Up Mold Takes Time and Patience
Mold remediation is not your typical weekend home improvement project. It requires great patience, and involves completely eliminating the source of the problem. To avoid health concerns and cross-contamination, professional technicians need to seal off the area in need of cleaning. They also use professional-grade mold remediation materials, which are much stronger than common household cleaning products.

Mold Will Come Back
If you simply wipe mold off a wall, floor, or ceiling, chances are it will come back. Mold remediation is just as much about eliminating the source of the problem as it is about cleaning. A professional firm will use all of the tools at its disposal to completely dry out and clean the mold-contaminated area.

At Ideal Restoration, we provide water damage restoration and mold remediation services to customers throughout the San Francisco & Bay Area. Our IICRC-certified technicians are equipped and ready to fully eliminate mold from your home. To schedule an on-site visit within an hour, call us today at (888) 419-4279.