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How to Save My Water-Damaged Drywall?

Water can be extremely destructive and cause great harm to your home, especially to your wood floors, drywall, ceilings, and personal belongings. To mitigate any further damage and manage to salvage your property, you need to think fast and contact one of the reliable water restoration companies from the area.

Your trusted & skillful water damage repair specialists will evaluate the situation, gauge the extent of damage, and do everything in their power to preserve the value of your property, and restore it to its initial condition. Here is what you need to know to be able to act adequately and save your walls from being completely ruined:

Is drywall ruined if it gets wet

Is drywall ruined if it gets wet?

Whether your drywall will be salvageable after it has been exposed to water, or excess moisture, will depend on the following factors:

  1. The extent of water damage.

    While a minor leak that has been caught timely won’t probably lead to irreparable water damage, large amounts of water can cause great havoc if left untreated over an extended period. This is often the case with the hidden leaks that are usually uncovered only after the damage has already been done. In such cases, you might need to replace certain parts of your drywall. To be on the safe side, it’s highly recommendable to let the experts estimate what the best course of action is.

  2. The presence of mold.

    Being very porous, drywall represents an ideal environment for mold to start growing and spreading uncontrollably. In case the temperature and humidity levels are optimal, mold can even appear in the first 48 hours. If this is your situation, you need to call your water damage repair company immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to eliminate all the mold and save your drywall.

  3. The type of coating on your walls.

    If your drywall is covered with a water-resistant coating, it will have one more layer of protection against water damage. However, this doesn’t make it damage-proof, and you still need to contact the experts if you notice any signs of a potential plumbing emergency.

Does drywall need to be replaced after water damage?

Whether your drywall can be fixed, or if you’ll need to replace it entirely, or certain parts of it, will be determined by your trustworthy water damage repair specialist. They possess the necessary equipment and expertise needed to inspect your property down to the tiniest detail and assess its condition with the utmost precision.

However, to ensure that you will get a professional opinion and honest advice, you need to select your water restoration company carefully. It’s best to go with a locally-owned one that has been a part of the San Diego community for years and has vast experience in dealing with restoration projects of different size and scope. 

How do you dry out water-damaged walls

How do you dry out water-damaged walls?

To save your water-damaged walls, you first need to tackle the source of the damage, extract all the water, and then dry them out as soon as possible. Considering the complexity of the task, it’s safer to hire professionals to do the job for you. Your DIY skills may be exceptional, but if the damage has not been properly handled, you may end up with the same, or even worse issue, in just a few months.  

Credible restoration companies will rely on their proven methods and utilize their state-of-the-art restoration equipment, from advanced water extractors, fans, dehumidifiers, HEPA filters, and similar commercial-grade machinery, to complete the work as efficiently as possible.  

“Where can I find the best water restoration companies near me?”

Right here in the Clairemont Mesa community in San Diego! Risk Free Serv is a local business fully committed to providing its clients with dependable water damage repair, mold remediation, & emergency plumbing services. We take great pride in our IICRC-certified team of experts who always bring their A-game and take every new challenge with genuine devotion and passion.

You can reach us at any time of the day or night, and we will do our best to dispatch our crew to your address as fast as possible. Our mission is to keep our loyal clients 100% satisfied and safe. We won’t fail you in your time of need.

How Risk Free Serv Helped New Home Owners Save $40,000 On an Unexpected Mold Remediation Project

September 2019 was a happy month for our new homeowner client and their elderly parents for purchasing their new home in San Diego, CA, United States, until the unexpected happened. Two weeks into them moving into their newly purchased home, they started noticing this weird smell in their kitchen along with the homeowner’s parent health condition worsening.

Unexpected Mold Remediation Project

The homeowners rushed to call a local mold abatement company to inspect their kitchen. During the mold inspection, the kitchen toe kicks were removed to determine the source of the musty smell. Unfortunately, they discovered that the whole kitchen was affected by mold growth and that mold remediation is required. That’s when the homeowner and their parents were faced with the harsh reality of a $15,000 mold remediation bill and $25,000 kitchen remodel bill when they had no money saved up for this.

With frustration over the initial home inspection failing to detect this, anxiety over the homeowner’s parent health condition, and stress caused by being unable to pay this bill, the homeowner tried to find another solution. They ended up calling two other restoration companies to get different opinions, as well as opening a claim with their home insurance company. To their disappointment, both restoration companies gave them a similar report based on their findings along with similar estimates, and their insurance company denied their claim due to the mold in their kitchen being labeled as “old mold” from prior owners.

With hopelessness slowly creeping in, the homeowners thought of doing their kitchen mold remediation project with installment payments, which would mean ending up without a kitchen for six months to a year until they can save up some money for the remodel. They started calling different restoration companies, telling them their story and asking if they offer installment payments. They had no luck until they came across Risk Free Serv.

Do they use modern equipment

We, at Risk Free Serv, performed our initial inspection and noticed that many of the mold-affected cabinets were still wet and reading high moisture levels. This indicated that there was a possibility of an active leak in the kitchen that caused the water damage and mold growth. With this conclusion, our team recommended the homeowners to hire a local plumber to perform a leak detection and locate the source of the active leak. After reviewing the leak detection findings, our team helped the homeowners in opening a new claim and getting covered through their home insurance. After the new Insurance claim was opened, Risk Free Serv met with the insurance field adjuster and walked him through the loss while answering any questions that will affect the coverage of the claim. At last, Risk Free Serv was able to get the claim approved which resulted in saving the family around $40,000.

The homeowner and their parents couldn’t be happier. They also learned a big lesson about hiring the right company. Risk Free Serv does not only have its clients’ best interest at heart, but we will also stand by their side with the mission to take out any risk factor in the tragedies that home and business owners go through.

Water Damage: What Should I Do?

We cannot live without water, but at the same time, it represents a strong force of nature that can destroy everything in its path. Every year, thousands of San Diego residents are faced with devastating consequences of water damage. This is why they rely on trusted water damage repair experts to fix the damage and bring their property to its original state.

If you want to ensure that your home is in good hands and don’t end up caught off guard when an emergency strikes, you should choose a dependable water restoration company. It will be by your side 24/7 and will do their best to prevent extensive damage to your property, save your floors, protect your drywall and don’t let your home lose value in the event of a catastrophe.

Here is what you need to know about water damage to be well-equipped to deal with these kinds of emergencies like a pro:

The source of damage

How to properly evaluate the situation?

If your home has suffered small damage, you may be able to fix it on your own. However, before you decide to give it a try, you need to evaluate the situation and see if it’s necessary to contact the pros. Here are some of the factors that you should pay close attention to:

The amount of water

If your home was struck by a large flood, you shouldn’t waste time trying to resolve the problem on your own. If the situation is not addressed promptly, it can easily spiral out of control and make things even worse. Not only do you lack the experience, but you probably don’t possess the necessary equipment to resolve the issues of this magnitude effectively by yourself.

The source of damage

The next step of your evaluation process should be discovering the source of the damage. Sometimes, it is not that easy to find it, and you may need the help of the professionals to inspect your property and uncover a hidden leak. However, in certain cases, the color of the water can be a good indicator of where the issue lies:

  • Clean water is rarely contaminated, so, most likely, it is coming from a leaky pipe or has accumulated due to rain.
  • Gray water can be a sign that you’re dealing with a faulty appliance, probably your washing machine or toilet.
  • Black water is never a good sign since it most likely contains harmful chemicals from the sewer and you should never handle it on your own.

The extent of damage

Finally, being able to estimate the extent of damage is essential. There is no point in trying to repair significant damage if you are not equipped for such tasks. What’s more, there are many underlying issues like mold that can appear as the consequence of water damage. Eliminating it without using proper safety equipment can be extremely dangerous for your health.

What can I do before the help arrives? 

Even though you may not be able to restore your property on your own, here is what you can do to prepare it for your technician’s visit:

  • Unplug your electronics and shut off the electricity if possible.
  • Start removing excess water if you are sure that it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.
  • Protect your valuables.
  • Dispose of affected items like soaked carpets and rugs to prevent mold from infesting your home.

Of course, no action is advisable unless you are 100% sure that it’s safe to perform these measures. In case your entire home is flooded, it’s safer to wait for the professionals than expose yourself and your family to unnecessary risks by handling the situation improperly.

How to properly evaluate the situation

Hire the most reliable water damage repair company in San Diego and beyond!

Risk Free Serv is a locally owned business and we are genuinely committed to protecting our clients’ homes and enhancing the quality of their life. Our IICRC-certified team of experts has performed numerous water damage, mold remediation, and plumbing projects across San Diego and the area.With us, you will be in safe hands and we will make recommendations that are in the best interest of you and your home. So, if an emergency happens, don’t hesitate to give us a call. While you go out to clear your mind in Children’s Park or run your errands in Downtown San Diego, we will be doing our best to fix your home and bring the situation under control.

Water Damage Repair Company: How to Find the Best One?

No one likes dealing with plumbing emergencies and fixing severe consequences of water damage. Unfortunately, the majority of San Diego residents have passed through something like this at least once, if not several times. What you can learn from their experience is how crucial it is to have a reliable water restoration company by your side.

The well-trained and licensed water damage technicians know how to deal with water damage efficiently. They will do their best to protect your floors and ceiling, dry out the damaged walls and prevent this catastrophe from decreasing the value of your home. However, to get the most out of these services, you need to be sure that you have chosen the right company for the job. 

How quickly will they respond

How to choose the right water damage restoration company?

Here is what you need to have in mind to be able to separate good companies from bad ones and be 100% sure that you’re making the right decision: 

How quickly will they respond?

When you’re dealing with a water damage emergency, a quick response is key. Mold can start growing within the first 48 hours after your property has been affected by a flood or leak. To minimize any further damage and repair costs, you should hire a company that will send its crew as soon as possible after it has received your call. 

Also, remember to confirm if your chosen business has a 24/7 emergency line. This can definitely come in handy if a catastrophe strikes in the middle of the night.

Are the employees insured?

You need to ensure that your interests are fully protected, and this is why you should always stick to the companies whose employees are insured. In case a disaster happens or one of the workers gets injured, you won’t be held liable.

Is the staff certified and trained?

As you research water damage repair companies, you should focus on their staff’s expertise primarily. Don’t hesitate to inquire about any certificates that the service provider might have obtained. 

Additionally, you would want to go with the company that trains its employees and supports continuous learning. Your chosen experts should possess hands-on experience in dealing with various mold remediation, water damage, and plumbing services.

Do they use modern equipment?

Your water damage repair company should utilize the advanced tools necessary to perform restoration projects efficiently and effectively. The professional equipment, like commercial dehumidifiers, extractors, and fans, is significantly more powerful than the tools designed for residential use and can be used to deal with a wide array of water damage emergencies. Finally, certified technicians are obliged to comply with safety and health standards and will know how to use the machinery safely.

Do they use modern equipment

Do they perform an inspection of the property?

Last but not least, conducting an initial inspection of the property is crucial so that the damage can be properly assessed. This way, the company will be able to decide on the best course of action, estimate how many workers they should send, and what type of equipment is needed for the job. Even though it’s not really possible to give final numbers in this early stage, a proper inspection should be enough to provide close estimates of how much everything will cost.

Where to find the best water restoration company in San Diego?

If you need a reliable water repair company, Risk-Free Serv is at your disposal 24/7. We specialize in emergency plumbing, water damage, and mold damage remediation services. Our restoration technicians are IICRC-certified and they possess years of hands-on experience in the field.So, if a nerve-racking water damage emergency catches you off guard, there is no need to be upset. Just give us a call and go about your day. There is no need to postpone your exciting excursion to Mission Trails Regional Park or the family trip to LA because of this inconvenience. We will arrive equipped with state-of-the-art tools and do our best to complete the job promptly.

The ultimate guide to water damage restoration process

Home water damage is probably the last thing anyone wants to deal with. Whereas, it’s one of the most common disasters that usually happen for several reasons such as pipe leaks, malfunctioning of the plumbing system, drain blockage, natural calamities, etc.

The best way to deal with these kinds of situations is seeking professional help immediately. Water damage restoration jobs are unique depending on the amount of work and the extent of the damage that has been caused. Once the water damage restoration experts arrive, they put together details on what are the things needed to be executed to get the project done effectively.

Want to more regarding what to expect from a water damage restoration project? Here is everything you need to know-

Step 1) Inspection

Once the experts arrive, the first and foremost thing they do is inspect the entire property and evaluate the extent of the damage. To get the inspection job done, they use special professional grade tools and wear protective clothes, gloves, and masks.

Step 2) Removal of water

 Next, comes the water removal process. Based on the reports they gather through inspection, they begin with the next process of water removal. It’s a complicated process because it’s all about removing the accumulated water from every corner of a home. One of the primary equipment that is used in this process is the vacuum cleaner. The cleaner sucks up water residue from the ground.  The amount of time taken in this step depends on the size of the property and the amount of water to be removed.

Step 3) Drying and dehumidification

Once the water is removed, the drying process begins. The experts use highly equipped devices to dry out the entire property. And they use air movers and dehumidifiers to help circulate airflow and remove moisture from the property including the floor, wall, and ceiling.

Step 4) Cleaning and sanitizing

The drying process is followed by cleaning and sanitizing process. It involves cleaning the affected objects and sanitizing those as well. Sanitizing is necessary to keep the property odor and germ-free.

Step 5) Restoration

Basically, the restoration process is conducted if additional structural damage repairs are required. It could a major damage repair or minor damage repair. At Risk Free Serv, we offer water damage restoration services in San Diego. You can contact anytime you need us, even if it’s for an emergency need. Our expert team will come to your rescue once you contact us.

A basic introduction to molds- what are molds, the importance of mold remediation, and how to prevent mold growth?

Have molds started to grow within your property? If it’s then you must take necessary action to remove molds.

What are molds?

Mold is a kind of fungus that usually tends to grow in places exposed to mild to heavy moisture. Apparently, molds are considered to be as a natural part of the environment. Although molds are a part of the natural environment, it’s extremely important to remove these species before these end up overwhelming your property.

Where do molds tend to grow?

Molds are usually two types- indoor and outdoor. Both types of molds grow in places exposed to heavy moisture. Molds can grow anywhere in your home in the presence of moisture. The common areas where mold usually grows are- bathroom, kitchen, walls, wet carpets, wet furniture, damp basement, wet ceilings, etc.

Why mold removal is important?

Mold affected areas pose several health risks. Meaning if you are being exposed to mold affected areas you could experience health problems such as sneezing, runny nose, skin rash, shortness of breath, red eyes, etc. Mold affected environment is not safe for people with sensitive skin, allergic problem, breathing problem, and especially, pregnant women. Because pregnant women and people with a weak immune system are more likely to get affected by molds easily. Thus, people with health issues and pregnant women should avoid mold-affected areas.

Since molds are harmful both for the environment and health, you should not encourage mold growth. Have professional experts to remove molds and prevent mold growth afterward by being careful. You must take prompt action once you notice mold growth within your property.

How to prevent mold growth?

Mold removal is a task which should only be performed by professional experts. Thus, you must seek professional help to get this job done.

Nevertheless, as a homeowner, it’s your job and responsibility to keep your home mold-free by preventing mold growth.

Here is the list of things you can do to prevent mold growth-

  • Try to keep the humidity level at its lowest level.
  • Focus on keeping your entire property clean and dry, especially the places exposed to moisture.
  • Consider cleaning the wet areas with mold killing products.
  • Make sure your home has a proper ventilator system.
  • Consider using a dehumidifier and air conditioner during humid months.

If you need mold remediation services in San Diego, Risk Free Serv can help you. We are a team you can rely on to get the mold remediation job done. Risk Free Serv is just one call away if you need help. Contact us!