The Importance Of Insurance

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Mostly everyone has insurance for their car and for their health, and sometimes for their pets too! Having insurance for our homes, whether we rent or own, is important too.

Although 95% of homeowners have a home insurance policy, according to a survey conducted by the Insurance Information Institute in 2014, only 37& of renters had an insurance policy. Having renters insurance is becoming a more common requirement in leases now. 

Some people may think it isn't worth having renters insurance, however it is very affordable at generally less than $20/month. Renters insurance policies usually cover personal contents such as furniture and jewelry lost or damaged due to fire or water damage, or theft. Some policies also help cover the cost of living expenses while your residence is being restored.

Take care to also be informed of what your policy includes. For example, earthquakes and flooding from outside water are rarely included and would be a separate policy.

If you don't have insurance, the costs can be excessive. At SERVPRO of La Mesa & Lemon Grove we offer competitive pricing and will do our best to work with your budget.

Black Mold - Toxic Myth

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores are nearly everywhere in the natural world, both indoors and outdoors. This makes it impossible to completely remove all mold spores from a home or business. Some mold spores are harmless while others can be toxic. Mold remediation doesn't mean that all mold spores will be removed, but rather that they will be reduced to a more natural baseline. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is false. So how do you know if the mold in your house is harmful? Certified mold hygienists can take a sample of the air and determine the different types and levels of mold spores. A commonly heard term is "toxic black mold". But is it really toxic? The scientific name for what is referred to as black mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. The term "toxic mold" is inaccurate. According to the CDC, "While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven. We do not believe that one needs to take any different precautions with Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra), than with other molds." 

If you discover mold growth in your home, it means there is a problem with water or moisture. The source should be resolved and the mold can then be remediated and reduced to normal levels.

Winter Has Come

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

It was just a few weeks ago when temperatures were in the 80's with the sun shining. The past week has brought a lot of rain and we are so thankful for it given the amount of forest fires this season. For the month of November San Diego received more rain than Seattle, Washington. Can you believe it? With this large and unexpected sudden downpour of rain, flooding is imminent. We have put together a few tips below on making sure you are ready for possible flash floods:

• Purchase flood insurance if you live in a potential flood zone. Many basic insurance policies do not cover flooding.
• Set up a sump-pump in your basement with a back up battery in case the power goes out.
• Elevate electrical components that can become a hazard if they get wet.
• Pay attention to flood alerts and prepare to have detours on your commute home from work.

If your home experiences water or flood damage, we are here to help!

Can Moldy Contents Be Restored?

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

If you have mold damage in your home it is important to have it professionally re-mediated. One question we often get from customers is if their contents and furniture can be saved. Every year after the rainy season we see an increase in mold claims. 

Here are a few items we recommend discarding if they contain mold damage:

• Clothing, blankets, and bedding (even after laundering the odor can still linger)
• Bath toys
• Books and any paper contents

So what can be cleaned and restored? Hard surface plastic, wood, and non-porous surfaces and contents can sometimes be cleaned.

We understand that special and sentimental items are important and although we may recommend they be discarded, sometimes they can be restored but not suitable for use.

If your home has more than 10sf of visible mold we recommend having an independent assessment completed. This way you can have a report on which items will need to be discarded.

For mold issues or concerns, call SERVPRO of La Mesa and Lemon Grove! 858-527-1144 we are available 24/7