How to Mitigate Water Damage

Water Damage Zone and Restoration Inc. is SERVING ALL Los Angeles County. Orange County and Ventura County within 45 min or less. We are a family-owned and operated business; we strive to provide each customer with the highest customer satisfaction and care that we would show our family. We maintain a reputation for getting the job done promptly and efficiently. Our technicians are certified and trained with the IICRC* in water damage, fire/smoke damage, mold remediation, mold removal, sewage cleanup, restoration and repairs, and content manipulation. We also work directly with the insurance companies, so you do not have to. We offer free inspections and 24/7 Emergency Services. Call today to schedule your free in-home assessment. (877) 520-1923, our operators are standing by to assist you. For all your water damage needs, call Water Damage Zone Inc.

Call Water Damage Zone today at (877) 520-1923. Your future bills may be a lot smaller if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, and Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company

• Image from deposit photos, ID 15892692

• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Why is Mold not Safe?

Television and Social Media websites are spreading awareness about the hazards one can face due to exposure to mold. Mold is a type of fungi that grows in the presence of moisture and some nutrients, however, the main constituent that supports the growth of fungi is moisture and its growth can only be prevented by the eradication of moisture in the area.

Health issues related to Mold

Mold spores are extremely tiny and very light, they can easily flow around in the air. Once, they mix into the air, they can be inhaled by the people exposed which is highly unhealthy. The fungi inhaled into the oxygen flow can make breathing harder and cause sore throats, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and discomfort in the whole body.
However, the effects might not be felt by everyone who is exposed to mold. Some people might be more sensitive than others based on their physical characteristics and age. People who face respiratory problems or asthma are at a higher risk of being affected by mold and they need to take proper care in order to keep themselves from getting sick.
Moreover, emotional disorders can be another factor that is caused by exposure to mold. People tend to be more depressed when they are directly under exposure to mold, body fatigue may add up to the problems caused by depression.

Treating Health problems caused by Mold

If you have started suffering from any of the above mentioned problems, then you should see your doctor as soon as possible. The problems caused by mold are mainly allergies which might stay for a longer period of time. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics and antihistamines to fight the allergies, if exposure is severe, the doctors normally recommend the patient not return home.
The next step to ensure your health is to immediately remediation of mold from your home, the best way of doing this is to avail the services of professionals, so that, you can avoid any further exposure to mold and minimize the problems caused by it.

Call Water Damage Zone today at (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, and Water Damage Zone
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from deposit photos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Your Allergies may not be Allergies you made be exposed to Mold

Most people are ready to make peace with the idea of having an allergy if a problem persists over a period of time or if it happens every year at a certain climate change. The reality might contradict the thoughts of the person. The problem usually persists in things that we usually ignore or forget to check for. The growth of mold is supported in the presence of moisture, therefore, the allergy might just be due to the mold that is growing within the home. Mold has several symptoms that may look like allergies and these symptoms are mentioned and discussed as follows.

Asthma or Breathlessness

One of the most common complaints from people in winter or after heavy rain is that they are unable to breathe properly for which they have to take inhalers and even start thinking that they have a problem with asthma. This is not usually the case, the exposure to mold makes breathing difficult once it makes its way into the respiratory system of the human being.

One should properly diagnose the problem before making up their mind about having some kind of a problem.

Eyes Burning

Another problem that is most commonly faced by people is when they have eye burns or if they get red eyes. It must be kept in mind that most of the problems that are related to the burning or irritation in the eyes are either due to exposure of the person to mold or due to the pollution in the air. Most of the time we ignore the fact that the problem might be caused due to mold and we tend to ignore taking necessary steps against it.

Skin Rashes

The problem with skin diseases is that they are not easily diagnosed because there are hundreds of factors that go into the thinking process before making up the mind about a single disease. Our skin is directly exposed to the air and therefore, we must know that mold has the ability to cause skin rashes. So if you are having problems with your skin, you must make sure that the problem is not caused due to mold. The patient might not feel normal immediately after keeping away from exposure to mold, it is therefore important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Call Water Damage Zone today at (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, and Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from deposit photos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

7111 Reseda Blvd

Reseda, CA 91355

Mold is a Danger to Your Family

 

Just finding a patch of mold somewhere in your home can be alarming, but what’s even more alarming is knowing that mold could be causing your family’s health issues. It deteriorates walls, ceilings, and floors much in the same way that it slowly eats away at your health. People often overlook mold’s impact because it remains hidden in many homes until unearthed or allowed to spread to other areas of the home.

Test, Test, Test!!

The most important thing that you can do if you notice that your family could be suffering from mold exposure, is to get a mold test performed on your residence. By doing this one thing you can at least know for certain whether dangerous mold is affecting the health of the people living in the home. You will know mold by its musty odor that will become worse over time as it spreads and multiplies. Also, look for some of the common symptoms of those suffering from mold exposure.

Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Some Allergic Reactions to Mold:

Wheezing
Rash
Watery Eyes
Runny Nose
Itchy Eyes
Coughing
Redness of the Eyes

Severe Mold Symptoms:

Mental and Neurological Symptoms
Respiratory Symptoms
Circulatory Symptoms
Vision and Eye Problems
Skin Problems
Immune System Problems
Reproductive System Problems
Tiredness and Discomfort
Other Illnesses and Health Effects

Mold is Often Overlooked as a Cause of Illness

Many of the symptoms listed above can be confused or taken for other illnesses and health problems. This is why it is so difficult to diagnose mold as a health problem unless your home is inspected. If multiple family members are experiencing the same reactions then it is possible that the cause is environmental. If something in the environment of your home is causing these symptoms it is important to have a professional company like Water Damage Zone come to inspect the home for mold infestation and whatever other issues may arise. When dealing with something as dangerous as mold it is never worth it to wait if the health of your family is at stake.

Call Water Damage Zone today at (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, and Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from deposit photos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

House Floods Because of Children Clogging Toilets

Clogged toilets are one of the biggest problems facing homeowners that have children. You often find yourself asking, “Why would you stick that in there?” or “How did that end up in the toilet?” These kinds of things never seem to happen when it’s convenient for you to deal with. When it happens knowing what to do can reduce your stress level and help prevent your home from flooding.

Determine What is in the Toilet

One of the first things that you can do is ask all the people living in the house if they have flushed anything suspicious down the toilet. Once you know this you will be able to determine if the object must be physically removed. If not, you may be able to use a chemical to dissolve the clog.

Overflowing Toilet

If your toilet has begun to overflow you will need to turn off the metal switch on the wall by turning it so that it is tight and water cannot flow to the toilet. Then, spread rags around the toilet to soak up any water. You will need to scoop the water out of the toilet bowl using an old pitcher or can leaving just enough to cover the head of a plunger. Completely cover the drain opening with the plunger and then begin plunging to hopefully pull the clog out.

Augers

Augers are something that you can purchase at a hardware store and use to twist and maneuver into the drain hole of the toilet. These are helpful when the plunger doesn’t work to remove the clog. This method is especially effective for toys and other hard items if it can get a hold on the item.

Chemical De-Clogger

Chemicals can be effectively used to dissolve excessive toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, or any other similar items that could be clogging your pipes. Paying more money is usually worth it in this case as the more expensive chemicals have higher concentrations and work harder to dissolve whatever is inside of the pipe. Always use proper protection such as a face mask, goggles, and gloves when handling these chemicals.

Contact Professionals

If none of these things are working to remove the clog, then it is important for you to call professionals ASAP. Sometimes it’s worth it to trust issues like these to the professional plumbers. Should you home have water damage due to the flooding give Water Damage Zone a call today.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

6 Signs It’s Time to Repair Your Home

It’s easy to let things go in your home over time. Allowing them to gradually deteriorate and lose their functionality. The important key here is that these problems can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. These include rebuilding parts of the home that have become so damaged that there is no other option.

1. Roof Damage

Your roof is the first place that water will enter your home if it is damaged. By regularly checking your roof, you can ensure that no leaks are forming and that your roof remains strong. Look for cracks or missing shingles, both of these signs will indicate that your roof is in need of some serious repairs.

2. Mold in Your Home

Check your home for moisture and monitor the level of humidity in all of the rooms. If it is too high in a certain room, purchase a dehumidifier to lower the level. Mold begins to form in areas where moisture has been allowed to build up for extended periods of time. The faster you get rid of mold, the less of a threat it poses to your health and home.

3. Gutters Aren’t Working Properly

Make sure that all of your gutters are properly connected and draining properly. You may have to unclog some of your gutters and drains to ensure that the whole system is working effectively to remove water from your home. Always ensure that you are using an appropriate ladder and safety equipment when performing repairs on your gutters.

4. Pest Infestation

Rotting wood and soil will attract pests such as ants and termites, who feed on these materials and use it to build their homes. These can be prevented by keeping landscaping away from the home’s foundation. That way pests can’t find their way inside the home. Once the structure of the home has been breached by pests the best thing a homeowner can do is call a pest control company to eliminate the bugs before they cause serious damage.

5. Siding is Rotting or Deformed

When you notice that your siding is beginning to fall off, or that it has cracks, it is time to consider replacing the siding on your home. Siding is pretty cheap and easy to replace so you should take care of this problem right away before it becomes any more expensive. If your siding is damaged, you may also notice that your heating or cooling bill is much higher than usual. This is typical and should return to normal after you resolve this issue.

6. Cracks in Your Foundation

Walk around the home with a number 2 pencil and look at the foundation. Find all of the cracks and stick the pencil in starting with the lead tip. If the pencil goes all the way in, up to the yellow paint, then it is a sign that you need to call professionals to repair your foundation. Keep in mind that companies like Water Damage Zone are open 24/7 and able to assist you with problems such as these at any time. Don’t wait to fix issues like this until the last minute!

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Help My Toilet is Overflowing!

 

When you start to see the water level rising in your toilet it can be alarming. When you are unsure what to do it makes this situation all the more stressful. That’s why it’s important to remember some important tips when it comes to dealing with an overflowing toilet.

Shut Off the Water

By turning the valve that is located on the pipe at the back of the toilet, you can turn off the water to the toilet. This will prevent it from overflowing and spilling all over your bathroom floor. After the water has been turned off to the toilet, you can begin to determine what has caused it to overflow in the first place.

Fixing a Clog

One of the easiest fixes is a clogged toilet. This can be simply fixed by using applied pressure with a plunger. Just put the mouth of the plunger around the hole at the bottom of the toilet and plunge repeatedly until you notice that water starts draining out of the toilet. Once the clog is fixed you can turn the water back on and flush the toilet.

Fixing the Float Mechanism

You can easily fix the float mechanism in your toilet by bending it so that it sits lower in the back area of the toilet bowl. This will prevent the back area of your toilet from filling up with so much water that can cause overflows to happen more easily. Toilets need regular maintenance like anything else in your house. It is important to check the parts from time to time in the back of the toilet bowl to make sure that they are all functioning properly.

Chronic Overflow

If your toilet is chronically overflowing, then it is important to deal with it by calling professionals. Chronic overflows are a symptom of something being severely backed up in your plumbing. This problem could become much worse and cost a lot more money if a pipe bursts. That is why it is important to have professionals, like Water Damage Zone, deal with the problem because they ensure that the proper repair process will be followed.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

24/7 Emergency Fire Damage and Smoke Cleanup Services Now Available in Malibu, California

Water Damage Zone and Restoration Inc., is a full-service Water Damage, Fire, Smoke Cleanup and Restoration Company, providing 24/7 water damage and fire, smoke cleanup emergency response and immediate services to Malibu, California, and surrounding cities.

Firemen at Work

Fire Damage and Smoke Cleanup Services for Malibu, California Include: 

•  24 Hour Emergency Service
•  Assessment of damage and inspection of the structure
•  Smoke Removal
•  Soot Removal
•  Additional Substance Removal
•  Inspection of Contents
•  Contents Restoration
•  Odor Removal
•  Removal of Acidic Smoke from Surfaces
•  Debris Removal
•  Content Pack Out & Storage
•  Board Up
•  Clean and Deodorize Clothing and Other Items
•  Sanitation
•  Direct billing to Insurance

Call Water Damage Zone today your future bills may be a lot smaller if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, and Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from deposit photos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

Cleaning and Preventing Mold on Children’s Bath Toys

Most kids play with toys in the bathtub. These toys end up in all sorts of places, especially in their mouths. The problem here is that a lot of bath toys begin to develop mold after only a few uses if they aren’t clean. One of the most notorious of these toys is the rubber ducky. The hole allows for water to go inside and sit in the toy. As the water sits inside, mold is allowed to begin growing. Here are a few tips for keeping your children’s bath toys clean.

Seal Any Holes

If there are any holes where water can enter the toys, you can count on the fact that they will begin to develop mold. The best way to deal with this problem is to somehow seal the hole so that water can no longer enter and exit the toy. The best way to do this is with a little hot glue right on top of the hole.

Bleach Them

Just fill a bucket with bleach and water mixed together and then place the toys into the bucket. After they have soaked for several hours you can take them out and rinse them with water. Then sit them somewhere warm and allow to air dry. They should be clean and mold free now.

Boil Them

If your toys have holes in them that may have allowed some mold inside the best thing to do is boil them. By boiling them in hot water you will kill any mold that is present. When they begin to cool off you can squeeze out any mold that may have been lurking inside.

Use the Dishwasher

Putting bath toys in the dishwasher will do the same thing as the above tips. It will sanitize the toys and help you remove any mold that could be growing inside of the toy.

By following these tips, you will prevent your children from coming into contact with dangerous mold. If you notice a toy that is particularly hard to clean or if it has lots of mold growing in it, you should just toss it. It’s better to protect your children from mold then save a few dollars on some bath toys.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520.1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

What To Expect In The Water Damage Process

Call Toll FREE: (877) 520-1923

Water Damage Classifications 

Water damage is classified into one of the following 4 classes:

• Class 1: Water Damage – Slow Evaporation Rate: Water losses that affect only part of a room or area, or losses with lower permanence/porosity materials (e.g., plywood, particle board, structural wood, VCT, concrete). Little or no wet carpet or padding is present. Minimum moisture is absorbed by materials, releasing moisture slowly.
• Class 2: Water Damage – Fast Evaporation Rate: Water losses that affect an entire room or carpet and cushion. Water has wicked up walls 12″ – 24”. There is moisture remaining in structural materials (e.g., plywood, particleboard, and structural wood, concrete).
• Class 3: Water Damage – Fastest Evaporation Rate: Water may have come from overhead. Ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, cushion and sub-floor in the entire area are saturated.
• Class 4: Water Damage – Specialty Drying Situations: These consist of wet materials with very low permeance/porosity (hardwood, plaster, brick, concrete, stone). Typically, there are deep pockets of saturation, which drying requires very low specific humidity.

Key Principles In Drying

Structural and contents consideration
When working within a residence, it is often the case that those who are performing the water damage restoration must work with and around the contents of the home. This includes, but is not limited to, furniture, electronics, books, and any other materials that may have been affected by the water damage. The moving around of the said contents is often referred to “contents manipulation.” Water damage restoration firms often bill content manipulation on a per hour basis. Contents may also require treatment due to the effects of water damage. This may include, but is not limited to, sterilization, sanitation, drying, and storing of said contents. Other contents may simply be un-salvageable (i.e: a total loss) due to the cost of having it salvaged would exceed its current value. In these cases, the contents would be discarded.

 

Monitoring
 It is important to be proactive in the monitoring process. Many questions have to be asked and answered: Is the drying equipment set up properly? Are the personnel qualified to adjust equipment placement and conduct new techniques? Are the machines in good working order and are they maintained properly? Perform a background check and ask for references prior to hiring a contractor to restore your dwelling back to its pre-loss state. After the water has been extracted and any non-salvageable materials have been removed, water damage professionals should place drying equipment according to industry guidelines for capacity in the affected areas. Industry standards state that drying vendors should return to the residence at regular time intervals, preferably every twenty-four hours, to monitor the equipment, temperature, humidity, and moisture content of the affected walls, contents, or other affected materials. Should one area be dry and another affected area still wet, the firm will relocate or remove equipment accordingly.

 

Completion 
Once the temperature, humidity, and moisture content is deemed acceptable and safe according to industry standards, the water damage restoration equipment would be removed and the water damage restoration process would be complete. Some homeowners, property managers, building maintenance operators use their own personnel to perform water damage restoration to save on the growing costs, it is prescribed to hire a professional water damage restoration company to perform these services since there are defining criteria and methods to be used for assessing water damage and establishing restoration procedures. Also, because of the unique circumstances of every water damage restoration project, it is impractical to issue blanket rules intended to a situation. In extenuating circumstance, deviation from portions of the S500 may be appropriate. In performing a job, carelessness is never acceptable and common sense should always prevail.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411