Your Belongings and Water Damage

1/31/2025 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO team extracting water from a home and moving the furniture.

Water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of New Orleans Westbank understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of New Orleans Westbank specializes in restoring fire, water, or mold-damaged contents. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what can be restored to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including the following:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or pre-cleaning before wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of New Orleans Westbank can organize and move out the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including the following:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Water-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device you suspect has been damaged by water. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

• Television sets
• DVD players
• Computers
• And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. We start by cleaning the exterior of electronic devices to help stop further corrosion and damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the water damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage condition, SERVPRO of New Orleans Westbank can greatly save and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:

• Air Drying
• Dehumidification
• Freezer Drying
• Vacuum Freeze Drying
• Vacuum Thermal Drying

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When a water emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos and, in some instances, bar coding.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

• Preloss list and value of contents
• Detailed and accurate report
• Better information to settle claims quicker
• Assistance with the burden of proof for claims
• Peace of mind when you need it most

What Can You Do If You Find Mold In Your Uptown New Orleans Home or Business.

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

Unchecked mold will quickly get out of hand and require much more remediation.

Our New Orleans Westbank team is trained and certified to restore mold outbreaks by the Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in El Paso, TX. We have the training, equipment, and experience to restore areas compromised by mold quickly and efficiently. Here are some mold damage emergency tips from our website for things you can do and should not do while waiting for help to arrive:

What to Do

• Stay out of affected areas
• Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and fans
• Contact our Southeast El Paso office for mold remediation services

What Not to Do

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold

Call Us!

When you discover a mold problem in your New Orleans Westbank commercial business, our team is available to help! We’ll clean and restore the mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today.

Why does drywall need to be removed and not dried after a water loss?

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

Just because the drywall looks dry, doesn't mean that it is.

When a restoration company places drying equipment, drywall can be dried within 3 to 5 days in most cases. However, in some cases, the drywall will require removal due to certain circumstances during water damage.  

• If drywall is affected by "grey or black water" that carries contaminates- The drywall will have to be removed and replaced. Examples of this type of water can be found here.
• If drywall has wet insulation in the wall cavities, the drywall and insulation will have to be removed and replaced.  
• If drywall has double layers, the drywall's layers must be removed and replaced.
• If drywall was not professionally dried and secondary damages occurred- The drywall will have to be removed and replaced.

Suffering from a water loss is never easy, but we are here to help minimize the impact on your family. Give your team at New Orleans Westbank a call 24/7 to see how we can mitigate any water damage your home or business may experience!

The deluge begins: Unleashing the relentless power of heavy rainfall.

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Team loading up the van and getting ready to head out to a job site.

When the heavens open up and heavy rain pours down, it begins a deluge that unleashes nature's relentless power. Westbank homes, usually safe and secure, become vulnerable to the onslaught of water. The sheer force and volume of the rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, saturating the ground and infiltrating every possible opening in your home.

As the rain intensifies, the risk of water damage increases exponentially. Roofs, windows, and doors become the front line, facing the unyielding assault. Even the smallest cracks or compromised seals can allow water to seep in, finding its way into your sanctuary. Unrelenting in its determination, the water creeps through walls, ceilings, and floors, wreaking havoc in its path.

The immediate consequences of heavy rainfall are evident: standing water accumulating in basements, flooded rooms, and dampened carpets. The impact is not limited to visible areas alone; hidden moisture pockets can develop within walls, inviting mold growth and compromising structural integrity. The longer the water remains stagnant, the greater the risk of extensive damage and costly repairs.

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of  New Orleans Westbank today.  We are always here and ready to assist you.

Understanding New Orleans Flood Damage Restoration Services

5/2/2024 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO extract the floodwaters from your New Orleans property. We are Faster to any size disaster™.

Effective Flood Water Recovery Techniques

In New Orleans, the threat of flooding looms large, particularly during hurricane season when storm sewers and bayous are overwhelmed. This flooding can infiltrate homes rapidly, leaving residents struggling with significant damage.

Immediate Risks of Flooding

Residents are no strangers to dealing with flood damage in New Orleans. When floodwaters rise in the Big Easy, the immediate impact on properties can be severe and varied. Here are some common issues that arise:

• Damage to foundations and walls
• Electrical systems becoming hazardous
• Dealing with mold damage

How SERVPRO® Tackles New Orleans Flood Damage

SERVPRO's approach to managing flood cleanup in New Orleans involves advanced equipment and professional techniques to ensure thorough cleanup and restoration. While floodwaters often recede quickly, in cases of storm surge or flash flooding from heavy rains, there is nowhere for the water to run off, and water removal may necessitate professional truck-mounted extraction units. The overall process includes:

• Water Extraction: Powerful pumps and vacuums remove standing water efficiently.
• Drying and Dehumidification Equipment: Industrial air movers and dehumidifiers dry out the premises quickly.
• Sanitization: Applying antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold growth.
• Restoration: Repairing or replacing damaged materials like drywall and flooring as insurance coverage allows.

Flood damage restoration often requires significant repair, as ruined drywall, roofing, hardwood flooring, and most adhesive tile floor types require removal. Once the property has dried, SERVPRO techs work with homeowners and their insurance agents to develop the best recovery process for rebuilding and repairs to restore the home to its pre-damage condition. Our team can handle the restoration of the newest or oldest built homes in New Orleans, such as The Spanish Customs House.

SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 is ready to help New Orleans residents recover from flood damage to their homes and contents. Our expert restoration techs are available 24/7 to handle any size of water removal and make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Provides Expert Fire Restoration Services to New Orleans

4/7/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage needs to be repaired ASAP. Contact SERVPRO for certified technicians and professional equipment to help you.

We Simplify Fire Restoration For You

You can easily see some of the many changes caused by a fire. The destruction, grime, and odors can seem overwhelming. This situation calls for experts in fire restoration. You can depend on SERVPRO® to complete the work your New Orleans home needs.

There are several regulations regarding fire restoration in New Orleans. SERVPRO's networking efforts have built solid connections with government workers, who keep us informed of new rules and regulations. With this knowledge, we can more easily provide top-notch service while ensuring we meet all municipal code requirements.

We pass pertinent information on to you so you can maneuver the post-fire situation with less stress. Knowing what to expect and why often decreases feelings of uncertainty. Here are a few things our IICRC-certified team will discuss with you and your family:

• New floor plans and other changes,
• Exterior damage, and
• Estimated timelines for each stage of the restoration process.

Depending on the damage, options might open up for new floor plans that can provide extra floor space, more closets, or other unexpected benefits to your family. Less severe damage often means floor coverings, countertops, and cabinetry receive updated replacements to achieve compliance with local codes.

Gutters, shingles, siding, and window treatments often succumb to high heat during a fire. We also restore these areas, ensuring your home is safe and secure. Some of this work involves water damage. Firefighting requires water. Additional water damage happens from newly-made openings in the roof and other areas of your home's exterior.

Several areas of your home require attention - flooring, walls, ceilings, removing anything destroyed, creating inventory lists, cleaning, securing the property, and much more. These services take time, and we can estimate the completion of each one.

Call SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 when your home needs fire restoration. We will keep you informed and up-to-date about every phase.

Why WRT Matters for New Orleans Water Restoration

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened," means that SERVPRO removes water damaged materials, dries out the kitchen, and repairs.

Water Damage Help for New Orleans

In New Orleans, a city celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, and distinctive architecture, water mitigation emerges as a critical service to maintain the integrity and safety of both residential and commercial buildings. The city's unique geographical location and subtropical climate make it particularly susceptible to water-related issues. This aspect makes Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) certified through training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) exceptionally equipped to address these challenges.

Water restoration in New Orleans is essential, particularly in areas prone to flooding or frequent heavy rains. The city's architecture, ranging from historic to modern structures, requires careful and expert handling when dealing with water intrusion. SERVPRO®'s team of professionals understands the complexities of water restoration in such a diverse urban landscape.

Common Issues

Several problems can arise in both residential and commercial properties due to prolonged water exposure, including:

• Structural weakening of building components.
• Mold growth.
• Damage to electrical systems, leading to potential safety hazards.
• Deterioration of carpets, furniture, and other interior elements.
• Interruption of day-to-day activities

Professional Water Cleanup

SERVPRO tackles water restoration with a combination of expertise and advanced technology. Their approach includes:

• Rapid water extraction using powerful pumps and vacuums.
• Use of dehumidifiers and air movers.
• Advanced moisture detection equipment ensures no hidden water remains.
• Mold remediation techniques to prevent health hazards.
• Cleaning and sanitizing treatments to restore affected items.
• Reconstruction services for severely damaged areas.

With a team of WRT-certified employees, SERVPRO ensures that each water restoration project in New Orleans is handled with utmost professionalism and efficiency. Their expertise, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, makes them the top choice for residents and business owners in the city to make a lousy water situation "Like it never even happened." 

Contact us at (504) 822-6029.                                  

Help With Mold Damage In New Orleans

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

If your New Orleans Westbank business experiences mold damage, call SERVPRO. We're Faster to any size disaster™.

SERVPRO® Saves New Orleans Businesses from Mold Damage 

New Orleans, renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, boasts a plethora of captivating monuments and tourist attractions that embody its distinct charm. Among its notable landmarks is the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, an awe-inspiring symbol of faith and architectural grandeur in the heart of the French Quarter. In addition, the hauntingly beautiful Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 enthralls visitors with its elaborate above-ground tombs, paying homage to the city's unique burial customs. 

Prompt attention and regular inspections from SERVPRO are crucial to prevent mold damage in New Orleans commercial buildings. Our skilled technicians ensure thorough mold removal, effective prevention of future growth, and restoration of affected areas, providing peace of mind to business owners in the city.

Containment as a Tool for Mold Remediation 

Containment is a crucial tool in mold remediation to prevent the spread of mold fragments and spores and protect unaffected areas of commercial buildings during the remediation process. SERVPRO mold specialists aim to create a controlled environment that isolates the affected area, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

SERVPRO techs use the following to create an efficient containment-

• Set up physical barriers with 6 mil polyethylene sheeting 
• Create negative air pressure within the contained areas using negative air machines
• Use air filtration devices equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters

SERVPRO techs regularly monitor containment integrity and air quality throughout the remediation process to ensure that the containment measures remain effective and that the remediation proceeds smoothly.

Local expertise is invaluable for commercial mold damage restoration in the vibrant city of New Orleans. With its unique climate and historic architecture, businesses in the town face specific challenges in dealing with mold growth. Whether it is a renowned French Quarter restaurant or a Garden District boutique hotel, SERVPRO brings its expertise, cultural understanding, and dedication to providing top-quality mold damage restoration services to businesses in this vibrant city.

Call SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 for a mold remediation service you can trust.

SERVPRO Franchise Training Program Graduates in Gallatin, Tennessee

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of The New Orleans West Bank Team just got stronger. Here to Help®

More Highly Trained SERVPRO Team Members

Part of the SERVPRO® advantage is the experience and training that the entire team takes part in. Recently, Madison Scott (in black) and Kimberly Nicholes (in blue) of The New Orleans Westbank completed extensive training that spanned three weeks.

The Franchise Training Program occurred at the SERVPRO Industries, LLC, headquarters in Gallatin, Tennessee. During this immersive training, franchise owners and employees train on every aspect of the business to help prepare them for serving local communities with trusted water, fire, and mold damage restoration.

With SERVPRO, you can count on results that make it “Like it never even happened.”

Reliable New Orleans Reconstruction Services in Demand

9/12/2023 (Permalink)

Consider the extensive SERVPRO experience from water or fire damage cleanup to restoration and build back. We make your New Orleans home whole again.

Why SERVPRO® Is a New Orleans Damage Recovery Resource

Residents and visitors to New Orleans delight in the opportunities the city offers to experience a wide range of architectural styles. The city's neighborhood names evoke the centuries-spanning residential and commercial property treasures within Uptown, the Garden District, Marigny, Treme, the French Quarter, Algiers, and many more. Explore the city's stately mansions, cozy Creole cottages, multi-story American and Creole townhouses, iconic shotgun houses, and famous or eclectic cafes and shops on self-directed rambles. Take advantage of walking, segway, bike, bus, or boat tours operated day and night by dozens of local guides. However, you accomplish it, immersing yourself in the architectural wonders of the Crescent City presents adventures not to be missed.

The risk of significant damage to the city's beloved homes and businesses is high because of the age and relative fragility of properties in the best-known neighborhoods. This vulnerability is why SERVPRO New Orleans building reconstruction services commit to stepping in with interventions essential to retaining the ambiance of historic and unique NOLA properties. Whether severe weather, failing plumbing, leaky roofs, mold, or fire exposes sites to structural destruction, our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-certified work crews are ready to:

• Assess hazards and plan for restoration
• Secure buildings from the elements, including tarping and boarding
• Complete needed emergency services due to water, mold, or fire damage, including fluid and moisture removal, applied structural drying, microbial remediation, cleaning and sanitizing, and deodorization
• Perform controlled demolition to help accomplish damage mitigation and remediation
• Arrange for the repair, replacement, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of homes and businesses after the remediation

An excellent place to find recommendations for neighborhood tours and other activities in New Orleans is the NOLA Tourism Site. Various of the area's offerings are gathered here, with links to things to do and places to stay and dine. Trust in the commitment of property owners and SERVPRO to join together to keep these establishments in tip-top shape for your pleasure when exploring the city.

Damaged buildings in The Crescent City frequently need reconstruction services, which is why SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank rises to the challenge. Call (504) 348-7526 to learn about our disaster recovery wrap-around resources.