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Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of San Diego
Water, Fire & Mold Damage, Cleanup & Repair

Has your home or business been flooded, affected by fire, infested with mold and mildew or experienced some other type of catastrophic damage? Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of San Diego can help.

We are part of a national network of property restoration professionals in the business of providing immediate response 24/7 to clean up, restore and repair property damage due to water, fire, smoke, mold, storms or other disasters. At Paul Davis, we understand the stress involved in these situations and will work quickly to get your life and property back to normal.

If your home or business has experienced damage – Call Paul! (858) 560-0444

Water Clean Up	Mold Damage & Remediation
Water Removal	Reconstruction Services
Fire & Smoke Clean Up	Contents Cleaning
Fire & Smoke Repair	Wind & Storm Damage

More than 2 million homes restored since 1966!

We assist the following communities: all cities in San Diego County.

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The PDR Blog

Tips for home improvement month: 5 smart upgrades that can protect you should disaster strike

05/18/2012

May is National Remodeling and Home Improvement Month, so there’s no better time than the present to make those home…

Top 4 Disastrous West Coast Family Reunion Mistakes

05/10/2012

Summer is the quintessential time to kick back and relax with the people you love, which is probably why so…

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Far West Homeowners

04/26/2012

Prepping the home for warm weather can be a chore that makes the average homeowner drag their feet. But the…

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the Far West

04/19/2012

We all know how much joy, love and fun a house full of children can be—but they also get into…

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

04/11/2012

Sometimes it’s easy to predict an incoming storm—all you have to do is look outside and see the first dark…

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

04/06/2012

March comes in like a lion, but it doesn’t really go out like a lamb. Instead, the spring storms that…

6 worst western state mudslides and other wet weather disasters

03/19/2012

Have you ever seen video images of a mudslide in action? The power of all that wet soil bearing down…

Top 7 Ways Your Home Can Be Infiltrated in a Storm

02/29/2012

Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary – a shelter in the storm. But all too often a severe…

Weather Disasters: 10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes – Would Yours Make the List?

02/28/2012

When you become comfortable in a home over a period of years, sometimes you can become blind to the structural…

September is National Preparedness Month

09/09/2011

Every year, Paul Davis of [location] participates in National Preparedness Month in September to spread the word to individuals and…

Tips for home improvement month: 5 smart upgrades that can protect you should disaster strike

05/18/2012

Top 4 Disastrous West Coast Family Reunion Mistakes

05/10/2012

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Far West Homeowners

04/26/2012

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the Far West

04/19/2012

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

04/11/2012

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

04/06/2012

6 worst western state mudslides and other wet weather disasters

03/19/2012

Top 7 Ways Your Home Can Be Infiltrated in a Storm

02/29/2012

Weather Disasters: 10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes – Would Yours Make the List?

02/28/2012

September is National Preparedness Month

09/09/2011

Tips for home improvement month: 5 smart upgrades that can protect you should disaster strike

Posted on: 05/18/2012

May is National Remodeling and Home Improvement Month, so there’s no better time than the present to make those home upgrades you’ve been putting off! Sometimes, though, that task list can feel overwhelming. How do you know which upgrades need to be done first, and which ones can be saved for another day? At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego, the safety and security of your home, not only today but also many years down the road, is the most important thing to us. We’ve put together a list of five smart upgrades you can make on your home to help protect you in case disaster strikes. Start with these home improvements first—your family will thank you!

1. Upgrade your roof to downgrade wildfire damage

California residents have seen the terrible damage wildfires cause, but wildfires can pop up in any part of the country. To help protect you during a fire, upgrade your roof to an ignition-resistant, non-combustible material, such as concrete tile or asphalt composition shingles. In the event that a fire does come into contact with your home, a non-combustible roof will greatly increase the chances that your roof won’t catch fire or cave in, giving you and your family additional time to evacuate.

2. Install impact-resistant windows to protect yourself in a hurricane

It’s tough to fight back against one of Mother Nature’s most powerful forces, but one step you can take to keep safe during a hurricane is to install impact-resistant windows, particularly if you don’t have a storm shelter or any windowless rooms. Windows are your home’s weakest point, so hurricane winds often shatter them, flinging glass and debris everywhere. Impact-resistant windows have sturdier frames than traditional ones and feature multiple layers of glass to keep the inner pane intact. This is one simple upgrade that will give your family peace of mind during hurricanes, tornadoes and straight line wind storms.

3. Cool upgrade for heat wave season

Even if your home has air conditioning, you may find yourself overheated when the mercury rises. One quick upgrade to protect you during a heat wave is to install weather stripping around all windows and doors. If you already have weather stripping installed, carefully check each section for any leaks and caulk holes. If you have a window-mounted air conditioner, make sure the unit is snug against the window. Finally, keep your shades closed during a heat wave to eliminate any excess sunlight.

4. Keep dry in a flood with a battery-powered sump pump

The 2011 Mississippi River floods were some of the most damaging floods in the past century. An easy preventative upgrade to protect your home in a flood is to buy a battery-powered sump pump to treat pooled waters in your basement. Because it’s not run on electricity, you can use it even when the power is out. This way, a great deal of damage to your home can be easily avoided.

5. Clean and protect your gutters
Falling leaves and winter storms can cause leaves, branches and dirt to clog your gutters and downspouts. When spring and summer rains come, it can cause water to back up under your shingles. This is a great time to clean your gutters out and protect them with a gutter guard. Gutter guards act like a filter, preventing leaves, twigs and other debris from entering them while allowing water to flow freely. They are inexpensive and can be picked up at most home supply stores.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego serves San Diego County.

Top 4 Disastrous West Coast Family Reunion Mistakes

Posted on: 05/10/2012

Summer is the quintessential time to kick back and relax with the people you love, which is probably why so many of us are busy planning family reunions this time of year! In your haste to meet your cousin’s new wife or reconnect with your beloved grandma, you may forget how important it is to find a location that accommodates everyone from Great-Aunt Margaret to your infant nephew. As families grow bigger, logistics also become more complicated. You have to ensure that no unfortunate surprises ruin your joyous gathering. At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego, your family’s safety is our number one priority. We’ve put together a list of the top four disastrous family reunion scenarios—including wildfires and picnicking misadventures—and how to plan ahead, just in case!

Dangers out and about:

You’ve scouted the local national parks and finally found the perfect spot for a relaxing family picnic. But if you live in parts of the Far West, you might be setting your picnic blanket down in a flash flood or mudslide zone! Flash floods can occur from July through September, so call your local park rangers ahead of time to make sure the area you’ve chosen is safe in the event a flood or mudslide does occur. And if it’s stormy the morning of the party, consider postponing it for at least six hours.
Picture this: Your entire family settles down into a leafy spot under a redwood tree at your reunion picnic. The next day, everyone is covered with inflamed bumps and itching like crazy—that leafy spot was Western poison oak. Carelessness in nature can lead to disasters more dangerous than this one, so if possible, scope out your reunion site ahead of time. Bring a field guide and identify any plants you’re unsure of; check the terrain for rockiness or holes someone could stumble in; and make sure there are no berries or plants that may look edible to children. These quick precautions will mean a safer and happier party for everyone!

Dangers at home:

If you haven’t used your deck much this spring, make sure to give it a good inspection before hosting the family reunion on it. Otherwise, you may wind up with your rotting deck collapsing underneath your guests! Wood tends to rot in damp conditions, so test your deck for warped or discolored wood, or soft spots that give under pressure. If you see any of these signs, call in a professional to replace the wood before your family gathers out back!
Those who live on the coast from Seattle through San Diego know how popular the locale can be for visiting family—the fresh ocean breeze and mild weather can turn you into a perennial party host. Just be sure that when family drops in, it isn’t dangerous wildfire season. If you take a chance and bet on stable conditions during a particularly dry and windy season, you risk smoke inhalation and an evacuation fiasco. If your reunion location isn’t flexible, make sure to pay attention to any wildfire warnings. If fires are raging nearby, keep your guests inside and provide dust masks to help protect them from inhaling debris. Finally, evacuate immediately if ordered to do so!

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego serves San Diego County.

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Far West Homeowners

Posted on: 04/26/2012

Prepping the home for warm weather can be a chore that makes the average homeowner drag their feet. But the good news? There may be an interesting product out there tailored to getting the job done for you! At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego, we’re invested in seeing your family and home receive the quality attention you (and it) deserve. Here, we’ve reviewed a list of four unusual (and sometimes hilarious) home improvement and safety gadgets. Before you get excited—not all of these novelty doodads are up for the “big” tasks that require serious help from home restoration professionals, but we do admit they certainly would make things entertaining around your home! Take a look at these household contraptions that promise to refresh a smoky room, clean up after windstorms and keep you safe. Would you use these??

Yard Duty

1. This gadget begs the question: Why not combine a chore with a hobby? The Weed Whacking Golf Driver is, well, a weed whacking golf driver. Although it’s intended for less-than-honest moves on the golf course (perfect for surreptitiously trimming the terrain when you end up in the weeds), there’s no reason you can’t repurpose this handy device for prettying up the lawn while practicing your swing in the sun. Who knows, it just might improve your game.

Indoor Solutions

2. After being shut in all winter, you probably need to give your vacation home a good airing out! Enter the Clean Air Ball! This little air purifier removes indoor pollutants and maximizes airflow to keep your home fresh and nontoxic. If your home has recently been marred by smoke damage from wildfires, however, don’t attempt to rid the smell with the Clean Air Ball. Smoke can enter into porous material, such as wood and drywall, during a fire. As the material cools, the pores close and trap smoke inside. While the house may smell clean, once the warm weather hits, those pores will open up again, releasing the smell of smoke into the air.

3. If you’re ready to give your home a nice scrubbing up, what could be a more festive way to clean than with bubbles? While the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner apparently has a short battery life and expensive product refills, watching it spin 360 degrees and delightfully spray bubbles up to eight feet away is certainly intriguing. Plus, let’s face it, the term ‘automatic cleaner’ makes any homeowner’s ears perk up. For a property that’s been shuttered for several months, though, be sure to check your home for any serious clean up issues before handing the job over to a novelty device. If you’re suffering from allergic reactions like eye and nasal irritation or respiratory problems, for instance, this could be a sign of black mold and requires the assistance of a professional.

4. If a storm blew grime all over your hardwood floors, you might have more fun cleaning up in a pair of Slipper Genie cleaning slippers! Simply put on the slippers and walk around your hardwood floors—the microfiber “fingers” pick up dust and hair. But if your home has suffered damage from a flash flood or mudslide, it’s time to hang up the Slipper Genie and pick up the phone and contact a professional to avoid mold, warping, electrical hazards and a cornucopia of other issues that crop up with water damage.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego assists the entire county of San Diego.

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the Far West

Posted on: 04/19/2012

We all know how much joy, love and fun a house full of children can be—but they also get into (and create) messes at an astounding rate! Even when your whole property is meticulously childproofed, any parent can tell you you’re never totally in the clear. Fatal injuries in the home are still a leading cause of death in the U.S. Yes, maybe teaching your children the basics of home safety is a huge bore, but we here at Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego still think your family’s safety is our number one priority…boring or not! To that end, here’s how families in the Northwest can turn their kids into experts and budding scientists about home safety, thunderstorms, fire safety and more!

Basic Home Safety

1. Claire Llewellyn’s Watch Out! At Home is a great way to start kids on the path to home safety awareness. With cartoon illustrations and short, informative passages, it’s appealing to elementary-aged kids while teaching them to avoid the stove, electrical appliances, sharp objects and to generally turn them into little home safety crusaders!

2. It’s never too early for kids to learn about fire safety, particularly if you live in the Far West where wildfires are a constant concern. Stop Drop and Roll (A Book about Fire Safety) by Margery Cuyler is a funny, fictional book about a young girl who worries about everything—including having to demonstrate fire safety at an all-school assembly. But will her worrying keep her from succeeding? This great read teaches kids fire safety lessons and even includes a list of 10 safety tips.

The Wild World Outdoors

3. Kids who live in the Far West region may not be used to thunderstorms, so they could be quite surprised the first time they hear thunder booming! Help lessen their fear with Flash, Crash, Rumble and Roll, also by Franklyn M. Branley. The beautifully-illustrated book teaches new readers all about thunderstorms, how to perform your own weather experiments, and, of course, thunderstorm safety.

4. In the mild weather states that are found along the West Coast, outdoor family-friendly gatherings are abundant and more and more people include their furry family members in on the fun. To keep your child safe around dogs, check out Be A Dog’s Best Friend: A Safety Guide for Kids by Renee Payne. It’s told in the voice of 10-year-old Ema, who shares her knowledge of how to safely play with dogs you do know, steer clear of those you don’t and how to safely approach a new dog. With playful illustrations and lists of dos and don’ts, this fun read will help keep your kids safe in any situation involving dogs.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego serves San Diego County.

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

Posted on: 04/11/2012

Sometimes it’s easy to predict an incoming storm—all you have to do is look outside and see the first dark clouds gathering in the distance. But for homeowners in the Far West, high winds and sudden rains can appear out of a string of sunny skies and perfect temperatures. Preparation is key to staying safe in a storm, and at Paul Davis, we are invested in your safety. The sooner you know a storm is on the way, the sooner you can take the necessary precautions to protect your family and your home. Take a look at our list of how centuries of people have predicted the weather—and how today’s experts really do it!

6 Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm

MYTH: If a dog starts to whine for no reason, you can expect a major storm.

Before computers, radars, televisions and radios, our ancestors relied on their furry buddies to help warn them of incoming disasters. Many of their predictions were based on an ever-present barometer, their animal’s nose—they thought that if Fido was wailing, a major storm was on its way.

MYTH: Cats can predict windstorms....

Is the cat scratching up a post like crazy? Then (city residents) better prepare for wind! At least, a cat scratching a post was the most telling sign for farmers that an impending storm was near. Good old Patches also could warn them of snow (if she was turned away from the fire) or rainstorms (if she was washing her face).

MYTH: If a cat licks its fur against the grain, a hailstorm is coming….

Before radars existed, sailors brought cats on board to help predict the weather (and to chase the rats that made their way into the sailors’ food supplies!). Hail was on the way if the cat licked its fur against the grain. If the cat sneezed, the sailors knew to prepare for rain, and if a cat was acting frisky, a windstorm was brewing (take note, San Diego residents!)

MYTH: If the anthill is closed, a thunderstorm is on the way.

During the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) in China, people perfected the art of weather prediction via animals. But they weren’t drawing conclusions from cats and dogs—they were using insects! According to this proverb, a closed anthill indicated a thunderstorm in the near future.

MYTH: Aching knees predict a storm.

How many times has your grandma claimed to predict an incoming storm—rain, snow or even a blizzard—with her aching knees? Research has shown that a change in barometric pressure can cause joint pain, so while grandma’s predictions certainly aren’t scientifically accurate, there may be some truth in those sore knees!

MYTH: A ring around the moon means rain is coming.

An old folk legend states that if you see a ring around the moon, you can predict rain. Unfortunately, the ring around the moon is an optical illusion—you’re actually seeing diffracted light rays hitting ice crystals in our own atmosphere. So while the ring may indicate that rain is on the way in San Diego, you’re better off checking the radar to make a firm prediction!

How the Experts Really Do Predict West Coast Storms

No cats, ants or knees here—today, meteorologists predict the weather using radar, satellite and light detection (LIDAR) technology. With these devices, meteorologists can see large air masses and where they’re forming over the earth. Because air masses typically move quite predictably, scientists can predict weather patterns and types fairly accurately. It’s when they try to predict specific storms that things get a little less certain.

Hail

Although hail isn’t as common in the Far West as it is in Midwest, hail prediction is fairly routine. Hail looks like heavy rain on a Doppler radar, and a very science-y sounding Hail Detection Algorithm allows meteorologists to analyze hail size data over time to determine which parts of the storms will come with large hail and how severe the storm will be. If your local weatherman is predicting hail, pay attention. He’s probably right!

Wind

San Diego residents who are familiar with wildfires know that winds have the power to cause a lot of damage. Luckily, meteorologists use a variety of factors to predict windstorms. Besides the typical satellites and radar measurements, they also look at ocean currents to see how rough the surface is. Weather balloon data also measures and transmits wind speeds to scientists. So when you see reports of high winds, pay attention and take precautions to stay safe! If a wildfire warning sparks in your neighborhood, be sure to have emergency contacts on hand, including professionals who can repair your home from smoke and soot damage that can be hazardous to your health.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego serves San Diego County.

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

Posted on: 04/06/2012

March comes in like a lion, but it doesn’t really go out like a lamb. Instead, the spring storms that arrive during this time of year depart like St. Patrick’s Day revelers who’ve had too much green beer—it can get a little messy. Since your house is just waking up from a long winter nap, right now it needs extra TLC. Below you’ll find some of the fastest, easiest ways you can get your property ready for the spring storm season. Some of these fixes are DIY projects while others may require professional assistance. Rest assured that Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego is here to help give your home a springtime makeover in preparation for the boisterous weather ahead.

Things That Go Boom in the Night

With thunderstorms, it’s not really the thunder that gets you—it’s the rain. Little of the Western United States is exempt from copious downpours in the spring. Warm, moisture laden air travels over most of the country at this time of year, bringing much needed water to freshly sprouting vegetation. You’ll enjoy those May flowers. In the meantime, you may not enjoy the flooding and mold problems that happen when rain is too much of a good thing.

What to Do:

· Clean out your gutters and check them for leaks. Don’t forget to check the downspouts for hidden clogs. Use a garden hose sprayer and a plumber’s snake to unblock downspouts if necessary.

· Consider grading your lawn and installing French drains to direct water away from your foundation and prevent water from pooling in your yard.

· If you have a basement, ensure that the sump pump has a backup power source. Otherwise, it won’t do you any good during a thunderstorm accompanied by a power outage. Installing a backup sump pump is also a good idea. You might even install one with an alarm that lets you know when the basement is flooding. These days, alarm messages can be sent to your phone!

With Hailstones Like These, Who Needs Golf Balls?

Certain parts of the west coast are unfortunately prone to hailstorms, which are accompanied by lightning and high winds. It’s like Nature is pitching a fit—when it all starts hitting the roof it’s not a pretty sight.

What to Do:

· Close your blinds, shades or curtains. Fasten these window coverings to the windowsill or wall with tape or tacks. That way, if hail does break a window, the glass won’t be blown throughout the room.

· Stock up on some plywood and plastic sheeting so you can immediately patch up damaged windows and prevent rain from getting inside your house.

· Use thick blankets to protect vehicles and other property that can’t be put under a carport or in the garage. This may reduce the impact of hail enough to avoid paint damage and minor dents.

· If the hail is severe and large (at least ¾” in diameter), go ahead and call a roofing restoration specialist while you wait it out. That way, you can be one of the first clients on the list for damage assessment and repairs after the storm.

Everyone Knows It’s Windy

On the West Coast, windstorms are definitely something homeowners should prepare for! Straight-line winds are common as the weather warms up. Knowing that you’ve done what you can to keep your house from being totally trashed can help you ride out these wind disasters. Some of the same technology that helps limit damage from hurricanes can also be used for protection against tornadoes and straight-line winds.

What to Do:

· Consider protecting your home with roof tie-down clips. These clips anchor the roof deck to the frame of your house to make the whole structure stronger. Unlike many other roof upgrades, they don’t require extensive retrofitting.

· Install storm shutters and wind resistant doors. These can be helpful in protecting against wind, keeping out water and preventing damage from tornadoes that are accompanied by hail.

· Add a vertical bracing system to your garage door. This type of system takes only a few minutes to put in place (after initial installation) so you can prep your garage at a moment’s notice.

· Prune trees so that the branches are a safe distance away from the roof or other structures around the house. Branches scraping across the roof can do a lot of damage to shingles and flashing. Broken limbs falling on your roof can cause an instant leak.

· If a piece of yard furniture is light enough for you to lift it, high winds can probably pick it up too. Store loose furniture, toys, decorations, lawn equipment, and other items in a garage or shed. Offer to help neighbors move their lawn furniture too since windstorms don’t respect property lines!

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego serves the following communities: San Diego County.

6 worst western state mudslides and other wet weather disasters

Posted on: 03/19/2012

Have you ever seen video images of a mudslide in action? The power of all that wet soil bearing down on houses and other buildings is immense. Mudslides on the West Coast affect homes in several significant ways: structural damage to the foundation and load bearing walls from the weight of the mud, water damage from related flooding, and infiltration with bacteria and sludge from broken sewer lines in the affected area. At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego, we have experience restoring all of the types of damage your home may sustain in a mudslide. We want you to know that you can pull through disasters like this with help from our experienced and compassionate restoration professionals.

The primary danger areas for mudslides and flooding in the U.S. are quite specific and predictable. However, they also tend to be the places where people like to live. In the Western United States, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington are most prone to mudslides.

Most landslide or mudslide events are precipitated by heavy rainfall events. They can also be associated with other natural disasters common to the West Coast such as earthquakes, volcanoes or even snowmelt from unusually heavy winters.

The 1928 St. Francis Dam failure in California is one of the greatest engineering failures of the 20th century. This emergency relief dam for Los Angeles was built on top of a paleo-landslide. This ancient geologic structure could never hold back the amount of water for which the dam was designed. Although there were plenty of warning signs in the form of leaks for a couple of years prior to the event, liquefaction on the east abutment supporting the dam caused a sudden and abrupt collapse. Ironically, the dam was declared safe by an inspecting engineer just days prior to the failure. An estimated 500 people were killed. This wet weather disaster was entirely man-made, yet has been forgotten by many. Man-made dams are common throughout the U.S. If you live near one, be sure that your city is diligent about regularly inspecting and maintaining it for safety.
When Mt. St Helens had a major eruption in May of 1980, it killed a total of 57 people. Hot volcanic mudflows called lahars were extensive. In some cases, they were 100 feet high. Prior to the eruption, glacier-melt along the north side of the volcano created a massive avalanche hazard. This contributed to the size of the historic landslide that preceded the major volcanic blast by a few seconds. While many parts of the west coast are home to some spectacular mountain views, a change in season can spell trouble for residents. Weatherproofing your home in advance and having a firm evacuation plan in place for your loved ones can make all the difference in an unexpected weather-related event.
The 2005 La Conchita, California landslide is just a single phase of a long lasting mudslide that continues to this very day. 2005 was a sudden bursting continuation of a major flow that occurred in 1995. However, the 2005 movement was deadly and killed 10 people. This section of earth has been moving sporadically for decades. It’s part of a dangerous mudslide area that buried a train in the 19th century. Yet people continue to build multimillion dollar homes in the area. Hopefully, they have their insurance policies up-to-date!
A 1964 earthquake near Seward, Alaska, created one of the largest submarine (underwater) landslides in known history in terms of cubic meters of volume. A 1.2 kilometer section of the coast slid into the sea. This in turn created a giant ocean tsunami along the coast that killed 106 people in the vicinity. In addition, there were 16 deaths along the California and Oregon coast when the tsunami struck there too. Be sure that if you live in a coastal town in the Pacific Northwest, that your home is prepared for several different kinds of weather events — you never know when one will hit, only to trigger another!
In Los Angeles in 1977, a 20-foot wall of mud destroyed everything in its path as it traveled down the San Gabriel Mountains. Thirteen people were killed.
On March 2nd 1938, flooding and landslides in the Los Angeles area killed approximately 200 people.

Every year, mudslides, flooding and other wet weather disasters claim 25-50 lives, and the cost of wet weather disasters is in the billions. The scope of these disasters makes them difficult for any community (or even the federal government) to manage. This is one good reason to have our number. That way, when a mudslide or wet weather disaster strikes, you can call someone who cares and start restoring your home as soon as possible.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego assists all communities in San Diego County!

Top 7 Ways Your Home Can Be Infiltrated in a Storm

Posted on: 02/29/2012

Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary – a shelter in the storm. But all too often a severe weather event like a windstorm or wildfire can penetrate that sanctuary, and the aftermath isn’t pretty. At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego, we’ve seen even sturdy, well-maintained properties sustain serious damage in stormy weather. And we’re not just talking about rainstorms. This could be a firestorm tearing through Southern California or a windstorm knocking down trees in Western Washington. Once a home is opened to the elements, things rapidly get worse. That’s why it’s so important to repair storm-related damage ASAP. Here’s a list of the most common ways your home can be infiltrated by the outside world in a storm…and what to do about it!

1. Clogged Gutters

A mixture of fast wind and hard rain can strip trees of twigs and leaves in minutes. And as you well know, all this vegetation can create a real logjam in your gutters. When water can no longer drain through your downspouts, it has to go somewhere. Most of it will pour over the edge of your gutters. That’s bad news if you have a basement because waterlogged soil contributes to seepage. Of course, the rainwater that doesn’t flow over the side of the gutters may back up into any cracks and crevices in your home’s eaves. The wood will swell as it gets wet and then shrink again as it dries. Each time this happens, the cracks and areas of rot get bigger. That’s a welcome sight for termites and other wood-eating insects!

2. Firestorm

Wildfires driven by windstorms in states like California don’t have to burn down your walls or roof to infiltrate your home. The ash, soot and smoke can get inside your house anyway. Keeping your windows and doors closed may help a little. However, your HVAC system will still be pulling in air from outdoors. Once the smoke clears, you should call a professional restoration company to do cleanup. This prevents you from further damaging your property with improper cleaning techniques. It’s easy to accidentally rub soot further into delicate upholstery or carpeting. Smoke tends to get trapped in porous materials and can release odor for years if it’s not removed the right way.

3. Falling Trees

In a windstorm, trees are often unavoidable casualties. A heavy tree limb or an entire uprooted sapling can pierce through a roof with enough force to reach all the way into the attic. And we’re not just talking about Douglas Firs in Oregon and Washingon…you also need to watch out for huge palm fronds in California and Arizona. All sizes of branches can damage shingles – leading to insidious leaks that develop slowly over time. And those leaks can end up creating mold in your attic insulation. Limit your home’s risk of tree damage by keeping branches trimmed at least 3 feet away from your roof.

4. Backed Up Sewers

Sewage backups are by far the nastiest storm disaster. Torrential rains can overload or block storm drains and sewer systems. Mold isn’t the only problem you have to worry about when you get sewage backup in your home. Untreated water is often teeming with bacteria. You don’t just need your home dried out after this kind of weather-related damage. You need any items contaminated by sewer backup thoroughly sanitized to kill germs. If a sewer in your neighborhood is backed up, immediately plug up all your drains (including the toilet). These are the prime entry points for sewage infiltration.

5. Muddy Footprints

Sometimes, the one bringing the stormy mess inside is you! It’s hard not to track wet soil indoors when it’s everywhere (that’s why you’ll find so many mudrooms in the Pacific Northwest). If you do end up with sludge in your house, get a professional to look at the dirty areas. Some soils contain lots of iron, which causes staining. Other kinds of dirt are filled with grit, which can tear up your carpets if you let it get ground in. Correct cleanup from mud damage will depend on what type of soil you have in your area.

6. Broken Windows

You may have heard that the sudden drop in air pressure during a hurricane can cause windows to explode. That’s a dramatic idea, but flying debris is the usual culprit when your windows end up broken in a storm. Golf ball-sized hail that’s driven sideways by the wind can also crack your windows – and if a window isn’t broken, the seal around the window may be damaged by severe weather. This makes windows a prime entry point for moisture that leads to mildew. Remember, hail isn’t just limited to the northern states…southern US cities such as San Diego and Albuquerque experience periodic hailstorms, too!

7. Scared Rodents

People and pets aren’t the only ones seeking a safe place to hide in a hurricane or a blizzard. Birds, raccoons, mice, squirrels and rats may all be looking for ways into your home during a storm. An improperly maintained chimney or a missing fascia vent is all they need to infiltrate your attic. Once they move down into your walls, you’re in real trouble. The sooner you get them cleared out (along with their droppings and nesting materials), the better. Remember, these critters are just as comfortable in a big city like Los Angeles as they are in rural areas. So, don’t assume you’re home is safe from vermin just because it’s in an urban area!

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego serves the entire region of San Diego County.

Weather Disasters: 10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes – Would Yours Make the List?

Posted on: 02/28/2012

When you become comfortable in a home over a period of years, sometimes you can become blind to the structural fixes it needs. The experts at Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego have seen how floods, windstorms, wildfires and other weather disasters can unfortunately leave even the most sturdily built home in a pile of rubble. Through our years of service restoring homes and personal property, we know that a house that’s unprepared or constructed with the wrong materials for any given region can be seriously damaged by an event that leaves other structures unscathed. Here are pictures of 10 houses that will be in big trouble when the next storm hits.

1. Rain, Rain, Go Away

The gutters in this home in Antioch, Virginia, aren’t just clogged with a few leaves and twigs. They’re supporting an entire ecosystem! When gutters are stopped up, a heavy rainstorm can hurt a house from top to bottom. Rain may seep in under the eaves, rotting the wood fascia. It can also pour directly onto the ground around the house, leading to foundation issues. Mold, insect infestation, flooded basements and more can result from this type of clogged gutter.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artdrauglis/3849505103/

Photo credit: Flickr

2. Blow Me Away

A falling tree limb struck this house in Salt Lake City, Utah (a common event during weather disasters). Any time shingles are worn and torn, they become much easier for the wind to lift off. You can see why it needs to have the roof restored before the next windstorm. There may also be hidden damage to the substructure or underlayment of the roof. Putting new shingles on without ensuring that all the other problems are fixed is like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/deltamike/204302921/

Photo credit: Flickr

3. Fire and Water

Disaster is literally raining down on this residence that appears to be a victim of a house fire. The fact that it was left un-restored means it’ll be vulnerable to rainstorm damage. In the meantime, insulation in the walls that was soaked during efforts to extinguish the fire is probably festering with mold. Even worse, the house is directly joined to the neighboring structure! If the damaged house leaks or floods, this could potentially lead to problems for the adjacent dwelling. You should look at any attached structures on your property as part of your house. If they are vulnerable to infiltration by water, the rest of your home is also at risk.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlevine/87841928/

Photo credit: Flickr

4. All Hail the Tile Roof

Ah, the tile roof. Reminiscent of the Mediterranean and oh-so-dreamy blue skies. However, a roof like this on a home in states like Kansas and Texas can leave some homeowners very unprepared when hailstorms hit. Tile doesn’t respond well to sharp impacts and can easily crack under pressure from hail stones. The Midwest is particularly prone to severe hail. Storms regularly cause hundreds of millions in property damage every year. Any type of roof should be inspected after a heavy hail storm – but you can expect a less extensive insurance claim if your shingles are rated for hail resistance.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/543564835/

Photo credit: Flickr

5. Light It Up

This old-fashioned straw roof would go up like a matchstick if a wildfire blew through town! Modern homes obviously don’t have thatch roofs. However, not all shingle materials are equally fire resistant. If you live in an area like the west coast that’s prone to wildfires, you should choose a ‘class A’ fire resistant roofing material.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shibuya246/5106627299/

Photo credit: Flickr

6. Ice, Ice, Baby

This house in New England wasn’t equipped to prevent ice buildup during a recent snowstorm. The ice dam above the gutters could allow moisture to seep in under the shingles since proper drainage is inhibited. This type of roof leak can lead to rotting wood and mold-infested insulation. The problem is likely to get worse with each subsequent blizzard if it’s not addressed. If you’ve let a winter go by without checking the integrity of your roof, eaves, and gutters, inspect them soon!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/misssage/3128629886/

7. Don’t Let the Rain Come Down

This skylight is quaint, but it’s obviously not leak proof. You can see the stains from previous water penetration along one corner. It’s ripe for another soaking with the next rainstorm. This old-style skylight has a flat surface and is designed to open – two features that aren’t actually needed and make the design much more prone to leaking. New, domed models that maximize light through refraction while allowing rain to run off onto the roof make more sense. No matter what type of skylight you have, you should check the flashing around it at least once a year to make sure there’s no chance of water getting in.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12099014@N03/5541318125/

8. Does Anyone Have Noah on Speed Dial?

Basements are a fairly common house feature in northern areas of the U.S. They can be very useful for storage or an extra room (it’s the ideal spot for a “man cave”). But the basement in this photo shows you one common problem that can leave a home very unprepared for flooding. Imagine what’s going to happen down in this basement when snowmelt brings spring floods! Cracks like this are a sign of foundation problems that will only get worse with time – leaving a home vulnerable to cracked walls, busted plumbing, and worse.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/buymelunch/4024807886/

9. We Have Achieved Liftoff

Check out the flimsy corrugated roof on this house on stilts! Fortunately, this residence is located in the UK. If it was in Oklahoma, we can just see the entire roof being peeled off in a single swipe by a tornado. If the house was along the West Coast and a mudslide hit, the weight of the soil would probably snap those stilts like toothpicks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndunster/57531562/

10. Knock Me Over with a Feather

What can we even say about this sad shack in Ontario, California? We’re afraid that even a slight breeze might cause it to completely collapse!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobolink/5708424710/

Photo credit: Flickr

Do you have a ridiculously unprepared home in your neighborhood? Send us an image to ssolomon@pdr-sd.com

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of San Diego serves all the communities in San Diego County.

September is National Preparedness Month

Posted on: 09/09/2011

Every year, Paul Davis of [location] participates in National Preparedness Month in September to spread the word to individuals and families about the importance for being ready for disasters.

The program is sponsored by The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign. Visit www.Ready.gov for information.

The key is to be informed and have a plan that you and your family discuss and practice. It is equally important to have an Emergency Ready Kit stocked and ready in case a disaster strikes. Below is a quick list of the items that every Emergency Ready Kit should contain.

Water – one gallon per person per day for at least three days
Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
First aid kit – to include bandages; sterile gloves; antibiotic ointment; iodine/alcohol pads; medical tape; pain reliever; emergency blanket; thermometer; prescription medications, and other prescribed medical supplies.
Clothing – A change of clothing and a sleeping bag for each person
Battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio, extra batteries
Cell Phone and charger
Flashlight and extra batteries
Filter masks – to cover mouth and nose
Heavy weight garbage bags, plastic sheeting and duct tape – to protect against debris and toxins
Waterproof, portable containers – for critical documents such as IDs, insurance policies, bank account records, computer backup files, emergency and law enforcement information, and other priority documents. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.

See our Emergency Ready Kit video.

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The PDR Blog

Tips for home improvement month: 5 smart upgrades that can protect you should disaster strike

Top 4 Disastrous West Coast Family Reunion Mistakes

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Far West Homeowners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the Far West

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

6 worst western state mudslides and other wet weather disasters

Top 7 Ways Your Home Can Be Infiltrated in a Storm

Weather Disasters: 10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes – Would Yours Make the List?

September is National Preparedness Month

Tips for home improvement month: 5 smart upgrades that can protect you should disaster strike

Top 4 Disastrous West Coast Family Reunion Mistakes

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Far West Homeowners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the Far West

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

6 worst western state mudslides and other wet weather disasters

Top 7 Ways Your Home Can Be Infiltrated in a Storm

Weather Disasters: 10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes – Would Yours Make the List?

September is National Preparedness Month

Latest Tweets from Paul Davis

Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of San Diego
Water, Fire & Mold Damage, Cleanup & Repair