Can a planter box cause damages to your home?

1/19/2025 (Permalink)

Planter box caused damages to exterior wall due to incorrect waterproofing

YES !!

Excess water from the plants can lead to mold or rot, especially if the box is directly against a wall. If a planter box is too close to the foundation and retains moisture, it can cause soil erosion or settling, potentially leading to cracks in the foundation. If trees or large plants are used, their roots can invade the foundation or plumbing, leading to costly repairs. If you are experiencing any of these and have a visible water damage at your residence. Call SERVPRO of Malibu 310-456-2135

What Should I Do If My Mattress Was Exposed to Fire?

1/12/2025 (Permalink)

Mattress exposed to a fire

Can a mattress be clean after being exposed to the fire? In some cases, it may be possible only if the mattress  was mildly affected by smoke or soot, but this can be challenging and is not always recommended due to health concerns.

Mattresses are porous, meaning smoke and soot can penetrate deep into the fabric and padding. This makes it difficult to fully clean and eliminate the odor. While professional cleaning services may offer some solutions, they cannot guarantee that all toxins and contaminants will be removed.

Even if a mattress appears clean on the surface, it may still contain toxic residues from smoke, soot, and chemicals released during the fire. Sleeping on a contaminated mattress could lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, or other health issues. Therefore, health professionals and restoration experts often recommend replacing fire-exposed mattresses rather than attempting to clean them.

Can Mold Be Hidden Behind the Wallpaper ?

1/4/2025 (Permalink)

Water intrusion with visible damages to the wallpaper

Mold growing behind wallpaper can go unnoticed for long periods, creating a hidden threat to your home.

If the wallpaper is made of organic materials like cellulose or paper, or if it’s coated with vinyl, it can act as a food source for mold. Vinyl wallpaper, in particular, may trap moisture behind it, accelerating mold growth. Because the wallpaper conceals the mold, homeowners are often unaware of the issue until it becomes severe.

Dark spots, stains, or yellowing on the wallpaper can indicate mold is growing underneath.

If the wallpaper starts peeling, bubbling, or warping, it could be due to moisture buildup and the presence of mold.

Mold remediation specialists as SERVPRO of Malibu have the expertise and tools to safely remove mold without spreading spores to other parts of the home. They will also identify the root cause of the moisture issue and suggest solutions to prevent mold from returning.

Call 310-456-2135

Can Ceramic Tiles Be Cleaned After a Fire, or Should They Be Replaced?

1/4/2025 (Permalink)

Shower tiles affected by fire damage

Can Ceramic Tiles Be Cleaned After a Fire, or Should They Be Replaced? That's a very common question homeowner asks after the flames have been extinguished.

While ceramic tiles are generally durable and heat-resistant, exposure to extreme heat, smoke, and soot can affect their appearance and condition.

In most cases, ceramic tiles can withstand the heat of a fire without cracking or becoming structurally compromised.

In many cases, ceramic tiles can be cleaned and restored after a fire, especially if the damage is primarily cosmetic, such as smoke and soot stains. However, effective cleaning requires specific techniques and cleaning agents to ensure that the tiles are thoroughly sanitized and free of odors.

SERVPRO of Malibu 310-456-2135

Can water filtration system cause damages to your kitchen ?

1/3/2025 (Permalink)

Mold growth caused by water filtration system

The answer is -YES!!

Under-the-sink water filtration systems have become increasingly popular for households seeking to improve the quality of their drinking water. These systems promise clean, safe, and great-tasting water with the convenience of installation right under your kitchen sink. While they do provide numerous benefits, it's important to be aware of potential issues, including the risk of causing damage to your kitchen. The complex plumbing required for installation can create opportunities for leaks to occur. If not properly maintained, these leaks can lead to water damage in your kitchen, causing issues like mold growth, wood damage, and ruined cabinets. Always hire a professional plumber to install your water filtration system. They will ensure proper installation, reducing the risk of leaks or water pressure issues. If you notice a significant drop in water pressure after installation, contact a professional to address the issue promptly. If there is already visible water damage or Mold growth call SERVPRO of Malibu at 310.456.2135 for assistance.

Containment and mold remediation

1/3/2025 (Permalink)

Proper containment is key to successful mold remediation.

Mold is a common and serious issue that can arise in homes and buildings, often following water damage or high humidity levels.

Mold remediation involves disturbing mold colonies, which can release thousands of microscopic spores into the air. These airborne spores can travel through ventilation systems, hallways, and even on the clothes of those performing the remediation work. Once airborne, the spores can settle in new areas and start new mold colonies, exacerbating the problem.

Effective containment is key to successful mold remediation. Without it, mold spores can spread to unaffected areas, making it more difficult to completely eliminate the mold problem.

SERVPRO of Malibu 310-456-2135

How Water Damage Can Devastate Your Business

1/3/2025 (Permalink)

Water damage in medical building

Water damage is one of the most destructive forces that can impact a business. Whether it’s caused by flooding, burst pipes, or faulty plumbing systems, the effects can ripple through every facet of a company’s operations.

Many businesses rely on expensive machinery, computers, and inventory to keep their operations running smoothly. Water can damage or destroy this equipment in a matter of minutes. Electronics are particularly vulnerable, as even small amounts of water exposure can render them inoperable. The result is not only the loss of expensive assets but also potential data loss if computers or servers are affected.

The immediate aftermath of water damage is often business interruption. Whether due to necessary repairs, the cleanup process, or equipment replacement, many companies experience downtime in their operations. Every day that a business is unable to function means lost revenue.

SERVPRO of Malibu is here to assist you with any kind of loss big or small. Call 310-456-2135

Can Acoustic Ceilings Affected by Soot from a Fire Be Cleaned?

12/18/2024 (Permalink)

Acoustic ceiling affected by fire damage

The ability to clean an acoustic ceiling affected by soot depends on several factors, including the extent of the fire, the amount of soot, and the material composition of your ceiling.

In cases where the fire was more severe and large amounts of soot have accumulated, cleaning may not be effective. The porous nature of acoustic ceilings makes it challenging to completely remove soot, especially when it has deeply penetrated the material. In these cases, replacement might be the best option.

If your ceiling has sustained water damage or shows signs of mold growth, replacement is essential for maintaining a healthy and safe living environment.

Acoustic ceilings in homes built before the 1980s may contain asbestos, a hazardous material. If your ceiling contains asbestos, cleaning it yourself is not recommended.

SERVPRO of Malibu 310-456-2135

Is the HOA or the homeowner responsible for a water damage in the unit?

12/18/2024 (Permalink)

working with both the HOA and your insurance provider, you can navigate the situation more effectively

When you live in a condominium or another shared property managed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), the process of addressing the damage can become more complex. If you believe the HOA is responsible for the water damage, it’s essential to know your rights, the steps to take, and how to protect yourself throughout the process.

Water damage in a condo or townhouse can occur due to various reasons—plumbing leaks, roof failures, or burst pipes. Before taking action, it’s critical to identify the source of the water damage. In shared properties, the HOA is typically responsible for maintaining common areas and the building’s structure. The exact division of responsibilities between you and the HOA will depend on your governing documents (CC&Rs or Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions). However, common sources of HOA liability.

As soon as you notice water damage, begin documenting everything. This step is crucial if you need to file a claim or seek reimbursement for repairs. SERVPRO of Malibu will be happy to assist you with the water mitigation call 310-456-2135

Water Damage in Common Areas Can Affect Tenants

12/18/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage in common hallway in an apartment building

While tenants often worry about water leaks within their own units, damage in common areas of a building—such as hallways, lobbies, or utility rooms—can also have far-reaching effects on residents.

Flooded hallways or staircases can limit access to units or make it dangerous for tenants to move around the building.

Wet floors and soggy carpets in shared spaces can increase the risk of slips and falls, putting tenants' safety at risk.

If the water damage originates in utility rooms, it could affect essential services like plumbing, heating, or electricity.

Water damage in common areas can also have financial repercussions for tenants, especially if repairs take time.

SERVPRO of Malibu 310-456-2135