Recent Posts

Understanding Smoke and Soot Damage: How SERVPRO of South San Rafael / Sausalito Can Help

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes, the damage extends beyond the flames, leaving behind extensive smoke damage and soot damage. These elements can infiltrate every corner of your property, creating a pervasive odor and leaving stubborn residues. At SERVPRO of South San Rafael / Sausalito, we specialize in fire damage restoration and are available 24/7 to respond to any emergency, whether large or small.

There are different types of smoke that result in various forms of damage:

  • Wet Smoke Damage: Typically caused by burning plastic and rubber, wet smoke is low-heat and smoldering. It leaves a sticky, smeary residue that’s tough to clean and produces a pungent odor. Wet smoke can also create smoke webs that are particularly difficult to remove.
  • Dry Smoke Damage: Produced by fast-burning materials like paper and wood, dry smoke results in high temperatures that cause the smoke to rise. The residue left by dry smoke is easier to clean but can still cause significant fire damage if not addressed promptly.
  • Protein Fire Residue: Unlike wet and dry smoke, protein fire residue is created through the evaporation of materials rather than direct combustion. This residue is virtually invisible but can discolor paints and varnishes, leaving an extremely pungent odor.

Before beginning any fire damage restoration, SERVPRO of South San Rafael / Sausalito conducts pretesting to identify the type of smoke damage. This allows us to tailor our cleaning procedures to the specific needs of your situation. Our equipment, expertise, and experience ensure effective restoration, treating your home with the utmost care.

If you’re dealing with fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here 24/7 to help you restore your property. Call us today at (415) 472-9198.

Commercial Water and Fire Damage: How SERVPRO of South San Rafael/Sausalito Can Help

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage Photo Commercial Fire Damage Photo

Dealing with water damage or fire damage in your commercial property can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a small leak or a major flood, the impact on your business can be significant. At SERVPRO of South San Rafael/Sausalito, we understand the unique challenges that come with restoring commercial properties. We know how crucial it is to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible, and our team is ready to respond swiftly to any emergency, 24/7.

Why Commercial Water Damage Requires Expertise

Flooding and water damage in commercial properties, like those in South San Rafael and Sausalito, can be complex. Every situation is different, and our team is trained to assess the specific needs of your property quickly. Whether it’s a small water cleanup or a large-scale event, we focus on isolating the affected areas to minimize disruption. In many cases, your business can continue operations in a temporary space while we restore the damaged area, ensuring minimal impact on your revenue and productivity.

The Challenges of Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Restoring a commercial property after fire damage presents its own set of challenges. Our professionals are equipped to handle these situations with care, keeping legal and environmental concerns in mind while working within your budget. We know that every hour spent on cleanup is an hour of lost business, so we aim to restore your property as efficiently as possible.

About SERVPRO of South San Rafael/Sausalito

SERVPRO of South San Rafael/Sausalito specializes in the cleanup and restoration of both commercial and residential properties after water or fire damage. Our highly trained staff is equipped with the latest techniques and knowledge, thanks to ongoing training and IICRC-industry certification. You can trust us to restore your property with the expertise it deserves.

If your business has been affected by commercial water damage or fire damage, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re available 24/7 to help you get back to business. Call us today at (415) 472-9198.

Don't Let Mold Damage Ruin Your Home or Business in Novato/ San Rafael/ Sausalito

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

All homeowners and business owners in Novato/ San Rafael/ Sausalito, CA understand that mold damage is a nightmare for a house or an office, so SERVPRO of Novato/ San Rafael/ Sausalito makes it one of our main goals to take care of mold cleanup and restoration.

While it is normal for everyone, our team of IICRC-certified restoration professionals take into account the emotional stress of living with a mold problem and offer help quickly and compassionately. We have the IICRC-certified mold remediation training and equipment to help solve your mold problem, allowing you to get back to normal ASAP.

Is Mold Damage a Concern in Our Area?

Unfortunately, the facts are that mold loves to grow all over the planet – including here in Marin County, which has all it needs for mold to flourish: water, the right temperature, and time. And we have those.

Leaky roofs, damp basements, even condensation from HVAC systems can provide the moisture that mold needs to begin colonizing. Indoor temperatures tend to fall within a perfect range for mold damage to spread in our mild, temperate climate.



What Should You Do If You Spot Mold Damage?

If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your home or business, it is important to take action quickly. If you do find mold growth in any room, do not touch the affected area or disturb it in any way. Mold growth spreads via spores that become airborne if you touch the area or move it at all. If you have any HVAC systems or fans in the building, be sure to turn them off as well.



What to Do:

What Not to Do:

  • Don't touch or disturb the mold.
  • Don't blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
  • Don't attempt to dry the area yourself.
  • Don't spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

Don’t let mold damage overtake your property, call SERVPRO of Novato/ San Rafael/ Sausalito right away, at (415) 472-9198. We’re the experts in proper containment, cleaning, and restoring properties that have been affected by mold. We’ll act quickly to apply our specialized equipment and techniques to return your property to a safe, healthy condition.

Water Damage in your home.. What is the First Step?

7/7/2023 (Permalink)

The first Step when you find water damage in your home is to call SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/ Sausalito at (415) 479-2900 our dispatcher will asses and take all your contact information down and transfer you to one of our SERVPRO members, they will get more details in regards of your property like the type of flooring, what year your home was built, how many rooms were affected, we want to have all the details so that our staff has everything prepared to asses your home, our goal is to be in your home in 4 hours or less of your call. Our Highly professional Staff will leave your home "like it never even happened" 

Remember SERVPRO is here to Help you 24/7.

Preparing For Severe Weather

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

At the Store

Every time someone goes to the store, they should buy a few canned goods and some batteries. Candles are not safe in any storm as wind can knock a lit candle down and possibly start a fire. The sturdier the flashlight is the longer it will last. Canned and bottled drinks are also good to store just in case. Packaged snacks will tide most anyone over until the power comes back on or in case someone is stuck inside a room. A weather radio or a regular radio with batteries keeps people informed. All of these can be stored in an inexpensive plastic storage box.

At Home or Work

A small room without windows in an interior part of the house or office is the best place to seek safety from a tornado. The room should have someplace to store supplies. At home, this could be a bathroom or a closet. A small container holding supplies fits nicely in to a cabinet. At the last minute, throw some pillows in so there is someplace soft to sit or lay a weary head. Office buildings have stairwells and these are the closest and safest places to be during a bad wind storm. It is important that no one pushes anyone else as people descend the stairs. And always be mindful of those who want to go back and get their cell phones accidentally left on a desk.

In a Vehicle on the Road

Cars are most likely to be tossed in to the air and thrown to the ground. The best bet is to pull the car over the side of the road, get out and lay down in a ditch or under an overpass. These are the safest places to be when a twister is either ahead of you or behind you. An overpass will protect you from falling debris. At the very least, a ditch is low enough to the ground where a tornado can't quite pick you up and toss you into the next county.

About Animals

Animals instinctively know when trouble lurks. They are closer to the ground than people and can feel the vibrations. If your pet is acting a little odd, check the weather. Bring all animals - outdoor and indoor ones - to the safe room in the house. Try to keep them as calm as possible. Family pets become family members and leaving them outside in severe weather is cruel. Everyone can be safe if they know what to do before a storm arrives. Make plans and make sure everyone knows what they are.

When you need help with water or fire damage please call SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito at (415)479-2900

Professional Water Mitigation

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Why You Need Professional Water Mitigation 

The following are three  reasons to work with a professional for all your water damage and restoration services:

1. It is Cost-Effective

We at SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito will ensure that all the damages are addressed effectively and promptly, minimizing any extra cost to you.

2. You Will Receive A Timely Response

We understand the urgency of these situations and will do everything possible to mitigate the damages as quickly as possible.

3. We Have Professional Equipment and Expertise

Water must be removed as quickly as possible to prevent any further damage. We have the necessary equipment and workforce to handle even the most massive water removal jobs.

Call us at (415)479-2900

Catastrophic Restoration

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

6/3/2022

When your commercial property is suddenly hit with damage due to a storm, flood, fire or other disaster, it can leave you, your employees and customers in shock. It’s important to know that you have professional large-loss specialists to handle the restoration process as quickly as possible so that you can get back to business. SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito is an elite team of technicians always ready to respond Faster to any size disaster. Call us at (415)479-2900

Ready for Storm

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Based on Ready.gov, a basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Next Steps After a Fire

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

FEMA recommends next steps after a fire: 

-Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross. They will help you find food, clothing, medicine and a place to stay. 

-If you have insurance, contact your insurance company. Ý Ask what you should do to keep your home safe until it is repaired. Ý Ask who you should talk to about cleaning up your home. 

-If you are not insured, try contacting community groups for aid and assistance. 

-Check with the fire department to make sure that your home is safe to enter. Be very careful when you go inside. Floors and walls may not be as safe as they look. 

-Contact your landlord or mortgage company to report the fire. 

-Try to find valuable documents and records. © If you leave your home, call the local police department to let them know the site will be vacant.

-Begin saving receipts for any money that you spend related to the fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and to prove any losses claimed on your income tax. © Check with an accountant or the IRS about special benefits for people recovering from fire loss

Steps After Smoke Damage

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

The first step after a fire is calling emergency services. Once the fire is out and you can enter your property, call your insurance company. They’ll assess what happened.  

The next step is to find a reputable cleanup company that specializes in fire damage. Check for companies in your neighborhood that have a high customer satisfaction rating on sites like Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, or the Better Business Bureau. These specialized smoke damage mitigation companies clean and restore furniture, electronics, clothing, and textile items after they’re damaged by smoke or water.