Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
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.
Restoring New Orleans Water Damage Rapidly
4/5/2023 (Permalink)
We have powerful drying and extraction equipment to restore water damage in your New Orleans home. Call us today!
SERVPRO Has Several Fast Water Damage Solutions for New Orleans Homes
Representing a city of nearly 400,000 and its sprawling general region, disasters like plumbing leaks, burst pipes, and appliance failures happen every day. Restoring properties to preloss conditions is a product of several mitigating and recovery steps to clean, dry, and repair the residence. We are ready to help in this venture 24/7 to ensure that emergency services are started as soon as possible.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
New Orleans water damage appears in many forms, from broken plumbing to flooding, so restoration professionals responding need to be prepared for anything. IICRC–Certified Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) make up the bulk of our restoration roster, ensuring that there are always professionals ready and able to respond whenever disasters strike. True to our slogan, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. We keep vehicles in our fleet continually stocked for water mitigation with:
- Extractors
- Air Movers
- Heaters
- Cleaning Products
- Vacuums
- Deodorizers
Emergency Services
Emergency services describe the series of actions taken even before much of the mitigation for the property begins. The fast arrival of our SERVPRO team with our contractor license allows us to make the work area safer for the WRT-Certified technicians arriving to mitigate loss. Emergency services can include:
- Content Relocation
- Controlled Demolition
- Utility Repairs
- Extraction
Tools of Effective Water Removal
Water mitigation typically hinges most directly on the actions taken to remove standing water on the property's floors. Depending on the severity of the pooling and the impact on nearby materials and contents, several extraction devices are necessary to complete this mitigation phase, including:
Truck-mount extractors, trash pumps, and electric submersible pumps are powerful and consistent extraction choices for substantial pooling concerns. Many of the units in our supply can discharge hundreds of gallons of water per minute, allowing us to manage excessive standing water threats in a structure quickly.
Wet vacuums are among the most versatile pieces of water damage restoration equipment in our inventory. These are lightweight, portable, and can be used with several attachments and extensions for specific purposes. Vacuums are used when standing water is shallower than a couple of inches or the work area is challenging to access.
While the bulk of this workload is managed by combining vacuums and pumps from our supply, specific devices and machines help in particular extraction cases. Carpet wands, for example, are a powerful extraction machine for fibers of the carpet and the respective padding underneath.
Thorough Drying Solutions
It is crucial to provide efficient drying with any restoration project involving water damage. Thorough production of this recovery phase is a priority, as missing moisture pockets or mismanaging water exposure can result in more significant secondary effects like structural degradation or microbial development. This process rests on the placement and number of air movers deployed throughout the damaged area. Placed several feet apart, axial and centrifugal styles of air mover force airflow against damp surfaces for effective drying.
Will Your Home Need Build-Back Services?
Water damage repairs are a common need for many homes and businesses. Understanding the structural impact of moisture and standing water on your residence can show where these build-back services and reconstruction steps are necessary. Often, water impacts building elements where pooling moisture can remain for greater lengths of time, such as:
- Around Plumbing
- Wall Systems
- Ceiling Assemblies
- Flooring
Our professionals can mobilize fast with effective water removal, drying, and cleanup tools when addressing water damage in New Orleans homes. Trust our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team when your property suffers a loss to make it "Like it never even happened." Call now at (504) 348-7526.
Home Water Damage Repair in New Orleans
1/2/2023 (Permalink)
Moisture seeping in through a bad window seal can cause water damage to New Orleans area houses and businesses. Call SERVPRO for water repairs.
Tackling Water Damage Issues in New Orleans with SERVPRO
Plumbing issues are common in most homes and may lead to moisture damage if left untouched for too long. Some may be minor, causing minimal damage, while others can lead to extensive destruction costing homeowners thousands of dollars in water damage repairs. Such faulty plumbing issues commonly originate in the bathroom, where most water-related activities occur.
The path to water damage repairs in New Orleans homes can be complex. In most cases, homeowners have to involve professionals. Professionals have the tools and skills to correct leaks and dry areas properly. They also help acquire any permit necessary for the repair process. SERVPRO crews use different equipment, such as dry/wet vacs and submersible pumps, which can extract thousands of gallons of water. Our crews also quickly set up equipment, such as air movers and dehumidifiers, to facilitate drying, thus preventing further property damage.
Factors that influence repairs
- The size of the affected area
- The location
- Duration of exposure
- The volume of water
Moisture damage repairs take more or less time depending on the size of your home, particularly the affected areas, how long the damage has been left unchecked, and what materials are involved. For example, a leak in an exterior wall could heavily soak the insulation before reaching the drywall when you notice the problem.
Once SERVPRO handles standing water and sets up drying equipment, we can begin the repair process. Water can ruin some items permanently; therefore, we remove unsalvageable items and dispose of them safely.
Repair may include areas such as
Repairing drywall moisture damage
You can detect drywall moisture damage through visual inspection or a moisture meter. Signs include peeling paint, bulging walls, and stains. SERVPRO crews remove damaged portions of drywall and dry the area using dehumidifiers and air-moving equipment. Before replacing, we disinfect the area to prevent mold growth.
SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank responds quickly to begin water damage repair before loss accrues. Call us at (504) 348-7526. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
How to Choose Extraction Equipment for Water Damage in New Orleans
8/7/2022 (Permalink)
Regardless of the type or extent of the emergency, team SERVPRO has the right equipment for the task. Contact us right away to assess your property.
The Best Extraction for Each Emergency in New Orleans Homes
Choosing the correct equipment for the job has always been a staple of what makes our SERVPRO professionals so efficient in water restoration and recovery of New Orleans homes. Because of how hazardous lingering moisture can be, and the secondary effects that can result, addressing extraction concerns is a vital first step in getting a property back to preloss condition as promptly as possible.
There are several steps between the initial contact with our offices to our technicians arriving at your New Orleans home for water extraction and drying efforts. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster,which begins with our ability to mobilize quickly following that first contact and be on route promptly with our inventory of extraction and drying equipment. We have several tiers of extraction tools that we can choose from, each having its advantages for the specific situation.
- Wet Vacs / Extraction Wands
These options are ideal for confined spaces or extraction needs for properties several stories from the ground level. With many massive apartment structures throughout The New Orleans Westbank, these are a portable and lightweight avenue for implementing focused water removal to get the residence ready for drying.
We have electric and gas-powered pumps, each of which also has its classifications and uses in homes and businesses affected by substantial water loss incidents. Our SERVPRO professionals lean heavily on sump pumps for standing water exceeding 2 inches in depth, as this machine provides a continual draw of the water to a nearby drain or the outside of the property.
- Engine-Driven Extractor Truck
This unit is the highest capacity and strongest that our team has available, and it runs off of the fuel and engine of this service vehicle in the Green Fleet. We can utilize this option for widespread and severe water removal needs, which can often result during flash floods or substantial water loss incidents with separated plumbing.
No matter what level of standing water your home must endure, you can trust that our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team has the tools to help. Give us a call anytime at (504) 348-7526.
Ways to Combat Water Damage in New Orleans Properties
6/5/2022 (Permalink)
When your washing machine fails, a large amount of water can quickly end up on your floors. Call our SERVPRO team right away for water removal.
SERVPRO Simplifies Water Restoration in New Orleans
Introducing significant amounts of water inside your house can leave severe physical damage. Water can accumulate from accidents or negligence. Roof leaks, burst pipes, and appliance damage are the most common direct sources of water damage. After such incidents, taking timely and correct action should help restore your New Orleans home to its preloss state.
Water damage in your New Orleans home can affect different areas, including structural materials, utility installations, and single items such as appliances. When creating a response plan, you have to factor in all the aspects to address all issues comprehensively. SERVPRO handles everything professionally, creating unique advantages, including using sophisticated equipment to fix seemingly minor issues.
Commonly affected areas
- Electrical systems
- Carpets
- Fabrics such as clothes
- Structural materials like floorboards
Water readily accumulates on the floors where it seems into carpets and floorboards. Although these materials are designed to withstand some moisture exposure, some conditions can damage them. For example, dragging heavy objects or walking on wet carpets can cause delamination or tear the material. SERVPRO restoration technicians may not need to move large items since we have handy extractors with long hoses. Alternatively, we detach the carpets and roll them away.
Utilities damaged by water
Suppose water finds a way into air ducts or electrical cables. In that case, severe problems like shorting can develop, or you might end with minor yet long-term issues such as deteriorating indoor air quality. In most cases, moisture accumulation in air ducts leads to mold growth, causing the HVAC system to circulate fine debris all over the house. Our SERVPRO crews take different actions to restore damaged utilities, including disassembling switches and light fixtures to drain water. Air conditioning systems may require more work.
Actions that address moisture in HVAC units
- Finding and sealing any gaps in the air ducts
- Vacuuming to remove debris or mold colonies
- Dehumidification to dry the system
SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank adapts to any situation presented by water damage. Call us at (504) 348-7526 for assistance. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
We Have State Of The Art Equipment To Handle Different Types Of Water Removal Issues In New Orleans
6/5/2022 (Permalink)
Effective drying equipment is critical when facing water damage at your home and business. Call SERVPRO to assess and remediate the water damage.
Crucial Factors that Might Affect Water Removal in Your New Orleans Home
Water spills can happen any time, whether from leaking pipes or faulty appliances. When such incidents happen, removing water from the building fast is essential to prevent other pressing issues. Faster removal also means the house can be safe for habitation within a reasonable period, so you do not need to incur unwanted costs such as seeking alternative accommodation. We offer professional water removal services that can help you get the results you expect.
The Category of the Water Loss
The primary process of water removal from affected New Orleans homes is not complicated because it only takes equipment to lift the standing water followed by a drying phase to deal with moisture remnants. However, some prevailing factors during an incident can complicate the process leading to delays. The type of water involved is one such factor. Clean water is easy to deal with because it only requires extraction and drying. Other forms of water loss such as gray water may involve debris dissolved in the water preventing full utilization of extraction equipment.
The Kind of Materials Involved
The materials present in the area affected by the spill can also affect the removal process. Porous materials such as carpets absorb and hold water. Removal might take several passes with an extraction tool or even require removal of the carpet first. The situation is different on a hard floor such as concrete or tiles where the water forms pools allowing straightforward extraction. Our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians have different types of equipment to handle water removal from different materials, including:
- Squeegee wand extractors for hard surfaces
- Water Claws for extraction from carpets
- Injecti-dry systems for concealed areas
- Sub-surface spot lifting tools
Level of Accessibility
While most of the spilled water may spread across rooms or other open surfaces where extraction is easy, sometimes it might reach concealed areas. Removing water from such areas is difficult and can prolong the entire process. Attics, wall cavities, and cabinets are a few examples of areas where extraction might be tricky. Our SERVPRO technicians make flood cuts, drill weep holes, or use other approaches to ease removal.
Expediting water removal prevents many problems that develop due to stagnation. Call SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank to assist. You can reach us at (504) 348-7526 any time. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
How to Dry Water Damaged Structural Components of Your New Orleans Home
4/21/2022 (Permalink)
We remove water damaged carpet and padding and any other water damaged materials.
Water Damage Teams in New Orleans Talk About Problems With Drying Exterior Walls
Plumbing failures happen pretty often in New Orleans, and a small crack inside one of your water pipes can spill hundreds of gallons of H2O into your house in a short period. Once moisture starts to leak into the interior of your home, building materials and many of your contents can become the victim of water damage. In some more extreme situations, saturated building materials must be removed and replaced. Whenever our SERVPRO technicians mitigate water damage, we work towards drying out and saving materials as opposed to removing and replacing them.
The applied structural drying or ASD process can save you and your insurance company money during the restoration process. Also, when mitigating water damage in New Orleans, our SERVPRO team knows that drying out items can cause less disturbance to the building's occupants than tearing down walls does. However, if building materials lose their structural integrity once they get saturated, replacing items is necessary.
During many plumbing failure situations, many items such as your carpet and drywall become water damaged. Our water restoration technicians or WRTs at SERVPRO can usually dry out these items using air movers to circulate air in the building and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air. However, some building materials like exterior walls can be challenging to dry out.
Most exterior walls include a layer of insulation. The insulation is installed to trap heat inside a structure, but it can also work as a barrier to prevent air getting pushed into exterior walls. When insulation gets wet, the R-value drops, and the material must get removed.
However, while working with fiberglass insulation, the air is pushed through the material, and exterior walls can be dried and saved. In some situations, our technicians drill holes on the bottom and top of your drywall so that air can circulate inside your wall cavities and dry out your exterior walls.
If your house ever suffers from a plumbing failure, it is wise to call SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 as soon as you notice you have a problem.
Our Technicians Have The Necessary Equipment To Restore Your New Orleans Property
2/17/2022 (Permalink)
Water mitigation services by SERVPRO are top-notch. We can handle any size of disaster you have.
SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damage in New Orleans Rental Property
One of the worst kinds of water damage in a property is the kind you were not told about before it became a bigger problem. Unfortunately, the tenants in rental properties sometimes ignore leaking pipes or poor ventilation until they directly affect them.
SERVPRO remediated water damage to a New Orleans rental property with a laundry room with a long-term leaking supply line behind a washing machine. The tenants ignored the warping drywall and growing musty odor. The landlord discovered it when they moved out. After completing the repairs on the supply line, his next call was to us.
After removing the damaged drywall, our technicians used thermal moisture detectors; the technician found the moisture wicked in the wall space covered a more substantial area than it appeared visually. Weep holes help warm air circulate and speed the drying process of a dampened wall cavity.
Lowering humidity below 45% inhibits the growth of mold, which unfortunately tends to set up home in areas of the house where moisture excesses occur and are not addressed. Any time our technicians deal with a water damage issue, we conduct a thorough inspection for mold or the potential for mold growth.
Water Clean Up
SERVPRO air movers pull moisture to the surfaces during the drying process to allow complete drying of saturated building materials, dehumidifiers such as our specialized desiccant models capture and port out the water vapor. We use unique configurations that fit over baseboards and force air behind wall cavities to dry all damp areas thoroughly. Advanced equipment called the injecti-dry is a valuable tool in the drying process.
Once the laundry room meets established drying goals, our technicians clean and disinfect the entire area to ensure it is sanitary and ready for new tenants. After water damage, a residual odor sometimes remains. We can rectify this with multiple applications to neutralize any musty smells. Two reliable methods are ULV fogging, which can quickly eliminate odors, and our Hydroxyl generators that can remove odors at the molecular level.
SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank proudly serves our local area for mitigating water damage. Call our emergency response team at (504) 348-7526 for immediate help with your water damage problem. We can make it "Like it never even happened."
Where Should Property Owners Seek Expert Help With Water Removal in New Orleans?
12/6/2021 (Permalink)
water damage restoration is no DIY project. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs can handle any size disaster.
A Competent Restorer Like SERVPRO Can Perform Water Removal in New Orleans Effectively
Property owners may overlook small water leaks, believing that they will not pose much of a threat. However, mold development can occur, and odors might persist in the home. These damages can be prevented by contacting a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO as soon as possible to assist with the water removal process.
SERVPRO is a leading water removal company in New Orleans, and you should call our team of technicians because we offer a prompt response. Water damage to your property never happens at an opportune time. Each hour that passes without restoration can lead to secondary damage that may be irreversible. As a result, if an emergency occurs in your home, contact our response team immediately to minimize the damage.
Without quick and effective action, water-soaked items can become unsalvageable within no time. Water can hide, and even saturated walls can appear normal until the damage becomes irreversible. With our professional expertise and tools, we can find hidden moisture and take steps to dry it. Our SERVPRO team of restorers is:
SERVPRO restorers will manage any size disaster and return your home to a safe condition. We have cutting-edgeequipment and technology that allows us to go beyond our customers' expectations. To dry and deodorize the building, we can use a heavy-duty venting fan. The equipment brings in bigger volumes of dry air from the outside to accelerate the pace of evaporation. We can also use antimicrobial products to eliminate any microorganisms.
Allowing water damage to affect the structures and contents of your home severely is not wise. For prompt and skilled restoration, contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank today at (504) 348-7526. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
How Does SERVPRO Deal with Residential Water Emergencies in New Orleans?
10/15/2021 (Permalink)
Quick action must be taken when a burst pipe situation occurs. Call our certified SERVPRO technicians 24/7 to plan the best course of action.
When Pipes Burst in New Orleans Homes, Flooding can Occur Quickly and Spread to Many Areas of the House
Damage to flooring materials and wall systems is often inevitable when water disasters impact New Orleans homes. As quickly as a situation gets out of control, fast response from competent professionals like SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank makes a considerable difference in the ultimate structural damages. A water main bursting in the house can quickly flood lower levels like the basement and impact original hardwood flooring, as you can see.
When water extraction and demolition in New Orleans homes are necessary, we dispatch our professional restoration technicians and in-house contractors. We reacted with practical mitigation steps to this residential property damage because saturated flooring materials can damage the underlying subflooring. The water and electricity services were temporarily severed to provide a safe workspace, requiring creative mitigation and water removal approaches.
Controlled demolition is a practical approach for minimizing further damages. Removing planks allows for more efficient and direct drying, which we worked to accomplish by installing four dehumidification units while submersibles continued to remove standing water from the basement level. Because the electricity was turned off until mitigation made it safe to restore, we ran powered equipment from a trailered generator supplying power to two spider boxes/power stations.
What Materials Must Get Removed and Discarded After Water Damage?
Removing materials through controlled demolition helped this property provide more ideal conditions for whole-house drying and moisture removal. Migrating water from a break or line burst in a home can impact many areas, including:
- Ceiling
- Wall
- Flooring
- Contents
Placing drying equipment like our air movers and dehumidifiers can help structures after water disasters. Removing flooring can often be necessary when standing water exists because saturation for elements like hardwood begins almost immediately. Give our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team a call today at (504) 348-7526.
How to Tackle Water Damage in Your New Orleans Home
8/13/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO understands how serious water can damage the carpeting in your home, Call us for assistance with water removal.
Protecting the Carpets in Your Water-Damaged New Orleans Home
While you have no control over the spread of water damages throughout your New Orleans home, you can plan to reach out to professional restorers that have the equipment and expertise to help. Our team has state-of-the-art equipment that can remove moisture and dampness from saturated elements and materials, often preserving them from demolition and necessary replacement. This effective mitigation and restoration in an emergency begin with a homeowner who quickly reaches out to our professionals.
Protecting areas like your carpeting can be a priority when facing water damage in your New Orleans home. Many homeowners have invested a great deal of money into the installation and upkeep of the carpets in their home, and widespread irreparable damage can prove a costly and often unnecessary expense. Our SERVPRO technicians can focus our mitigation efforts on drying out saturated carpets to save our customers money and time with our fast response in emergencies.
Water Removal Equipment
From the time our technicians first arrive at your home, we begin our assessment of the damage with thermal imagery and moisture detection. While the source of the water damage has likely been shut off by this point, assessing the point of this damage and repairing it when necessary is an essential step to ensuring that mitigation and restoration work is effective. Protecting your carpets often begins with the use of our weighted extraction system. This remote-controlled ROVER forces moisture from the carpet and subflooring to the surface for extraction by the high-powered onboard vacuum.
Once most of this moisture and dampness has gotten removed through weighted extraction, our SERVPRO professionals can float the carpets to ensure that they get dried thoroughly. This process involves uninstalling this flooring from the room's edges and setting up our air movers to run between the carpet and the subflooring. Once the area gets dried, we can use our premier carpet cleaning equipment to provide a polished finished product.
While many steps make up the restoration of your water damaged home, these processes cannot begin without reaching out to our certified professionals. You can reach our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank rapid response team 24/7 at (504) 348-7526.
How Professionals Remove Water From Your New Orleans Property
7/22/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO has the tools and equipment it takes to get your property back in order after water damage.
Professional Water Removal for New Orleans Homes
For a New Orleans home to flood, it does not need a levee to break or even for it to rain. Many water issues can come from innocuous sources like a split water hose to a dishwasher or when a shut-off valve fails to perform as designed.
In each case, water removal is crucial for New Orleans homes. SERVPRO professionals understand that even a small amount of water can adversely affect floors, carpets, and walls if not quickly taken out of the house.
Water Removal Services
For large amounts of water, our team members start with pumps and other extraction devices. Our commercial pumps can remove the majority of the water in a day or two, depending on the size of the home. This initial action stops much of the damage and prevents any further issues from happening.
Next, technicians use other devices to draw water off floors and out of carpets. For closets and other small areas, they use extraction wands. They can adjust the vacuum rate on these portable devices to quickly remove the water without causing secondary damage to carpet fibers or wood floorboards.
In living rooms and other large areas, team members use extractors that move slowly under their power while SERVPRO professionals ride on or walk behind to monitor the results and adjust accordingly. If there is a pad underneath, our personnel detach the carpet from the floor, roll it up and remove the soaked foam rubber pad for disposal.
Water Clean Up
As specialists finish the carpets and floors, other team members examine the walls for damage. Drywall panels are excellent material for interior walls, but they can soak up an incredible amount of water in a short period. Even just an inch or two of flooding can cause panels to crack and crumble. If there are no visible signs yet, they can use a combination of air movers and exhaust fans to force warm air across the surface, pushing out moisture into the air and push it outside the home.
Since there is often some water behind the walls, team members remove the floor trim and drill several small holes into affected panels behind it. That allows water to drain, and then other specialists insert a hose attached to an air mover to force warm, dry air into the wall cavity to dry the panels and the wall framing.
At SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank, our task is to return every flooded home to its owner in a dry condition and safe to live in once more. It is not a simple or even a quick process in some cases, but we ensure the owner understands everything we do to place their family back into their residence as quickly as possible. If you need us, call (504) 348-7526 today to get started.
Leaks Do Not Stand a Chance Against Our Team of Water Damage Specialists in New Orleans
6/16/2021 (Permalink)
With our advanced drying equipment SERVPRO offers excellent water damage mitigation for our New Orleans customers
Water Damage Caused by In-Wall Leaks in New Orleans
It started with a small drip when the seal of a pipe failed. The drip happened every time the water was used, and it slowly destroyed the interior wall causing water damage before it was even noticed. Once the water has seeped through the drywall announcing the problem, there can already be multiple issues happening, from warping wood to mold growth. SERVPRO can work with you to reverse this situation in the most expedient manner possible.
Water Clean Up
As soon as the leak is repaired, SERVPRO can go to work for you cleaning up the water damage in your New Orleans home. Beginning at the source and moving outward, our technicians will carefully inspect the walls and floors because carpet padding can spread water, carpeted areas to determine the scale of the damage from the leak.
Water-stained walls sometimes make the problem look worse than it is. Your SERVPRO technician can ascertain how severe the leak is and quickly devise the fastest course of action to mitigate initial and prevent secondary damage to your home. This can include the removal of objects and possessions affected by water and unsalvageable building materials. Our team can create a customized drying plan that will remove water and handle any residual dampness in the wall area, inhibit the growth of harmful mold and keep your restoration expenses down.
Equipment for Water Damage Restoration
Using air movers is one way our team can effectively dry the room quickly. Correct placement of the air mover in the space is crucial to expediting the removal of residual moisture and drying the walls, floors, and objects as fast as possible.
When you notice a leak, the clock starts ticking to mitigate the consequences on your property. Water damage needs to be addressed quickly. The highly-trained technicians of SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank are ready to assist you to stop leaks and reduce the damage caused by water in your home with our state-of-the-art equipment and drying techniques. Call us at (504) 348-7526 to reach our 24-hour service line.
New Orleans Skilled Emergency Services Water Damage Repair
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
Burst pipes can quickly damage your home. SERVPRO can restore any scope of water damage in your home.
Burst Pipes in New Orleans are no Match for SERVPRO – Call Our Crew When you Need Water Damage Repair!
If a pipe bursts in your New Orleans home, you need to ensure the water gets shut off as soon as possible. From there, you want to contact skilled water removal technicians (WRT) to handle water damage remediation. SERVPRO shines on all water clean up jobs, including pack-outs and amplified drying to cut the time for remediation in half.
When it comes to water damage repair in New Orleans, SERVPRO always looks to the latest trends and methods for getting our customers the best possible results. We use a range of equipment on different projects, including:
- Free-standing pumps, truck-mounted extractors, and rovers to remove as much standing water as possible.
- Thermo-hygrometers and moisture sensors to ensure no hidden moisture gets left to fester, which leads to expensive secondary damage or the onset of mold.
- Controlled demolition services and debris removal that helps us to make your home look “Like it never even happened.”
Whether you need light cleanup and water damage repair or the project is extensive, we have the workforce and technology to get it done right the first time. Call us at SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank 24/7 at (504) 348-7526 so that we can dispatch a crew out as soon as possible.
Efficient Water Removal for Affected Homes
2/2/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO has IICRC certified trained technicians with the latest in technology and equipment at their disposal.
SERVPRO’s Team of Restorers Responds Fast to Perform Water Cleanup in New Orleans Homes
New Orleans is situated in the southeast region of the United States along the Mississippi River in the state of Louisiana. It is the highest populated city in the state. In 2019, it hosted an estimated population of 390,144.
New Orleans also serves as a major port, and for this reason, business experts consider it as the economic and commercial hub across the broader Gulf Coast region.
The distinct music, unique dialect, Creole cuisine, and the annual festivals and celebrations in New Orleans contribute significantly to the city’s popularity. Most people across the United States describe the city as unique because of its multilingual heritage and cross-culture. Due to the city’s prominent role in pop culture and film industry, people call it “Hollywood South.”
The history behind New Orleans
The French colonists founded New Orleans in 1718. Before the city was traded to the U.S in 1803 in the Louisiana Purchase, it was the territorial capital of French Louisiana. In 1840, the city was the largest in the American South and the third-most populated city across the U.S until after the Second World War.
Tourism industry
New Orleans is among the top ten most visited cities across the U.S, according to current travel guides, with a record of over 10.1 million tourists in 2004. The city is rich in several tourist attractions, including St. Charles Avenue, also home to St. Charles Streetcar Line, Loyola, and Tulane Universities, as well as the Pontchartrain Hotel, among other attractions.
The city is also famous for its elegant decay, which are the remains of structures that have fallen into total disrepair because of acts of destruction like the 2005 Hurricane Katrina. Also, historic tombs above the ground and cemeteries attract tourists, with the famous one being Saint Louis Cemetery.
Flooding history in the city
Historically, New Orleans has been vulnerable to flooding since it is located close to several multiple water bodies, has low-lying elevation, experiences high rainfall, and poor natural drainage. To protect New Orleans from flooding, the federal authorities, as well as the state, have put up drainage pumps and a unique system of levees.
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina affected the city severely. Over 80 percent of the city was flooded and displaced most of the residents. That led to a population decrease of 50 percent. After Katrina, the redevelopment efforts across the city attracted more people leading to a population increase.
How professional restorers help New Orleans affected homes with water cleanup
A few inches of water in your property can create severe water damage within a brief period. A certified restorer like SERVPRO can reduce these harsh effects. We are available around the clock, including on holidays and weekends, to minimize the damage and get your life back to normal.
We provide our customers with an on-site evaluation and begin restoring the affected area. Our restorers also work closely with our customer’s insurance company to ensure a hassle-free experience.
We use advanced equipment and unique techniques to ensure effective cleanup. We can use structural cavity drying equipment to dry hard to reach areas and inspection cameras and borescopes to determine the effectiveness of the process.
After a water intrusion incident, hire a reputed restoration firm like SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank for fast and effective water cleanup. Talk to us today at (504) 348-7526. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
New Orleans Residents Deserve an Escape from the Stresses of the 2020 Holiday Season
12/14/2020 (Permalink)
Enjoy a night out for dinner and a movie at the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute.
Relax and Enjoy Dinner and a Movie December 18, 2020, at the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI)
Embrace your inner foodie with a full-service two-course dinner, enhanced by a cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage, followed by a screening of 2009’s Nora Ephron-produced film Julia & Julie. Please select your party’s preferred seating from among our spacious, socially-distanced sections, all with clear views of the screen. COVID-19 protocols will be observed.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, and dinner is served at 7:00 pm:
Menu
Salade Niçoise
Seasonal Cassoulet with Crispy Bread Crumbs
Vegetarian adaptations available
Event sponsor Roulaison Distilling provides a sumptuous cocktail, or alcohol-free option.
A cashless bar will offer additional cocktails and treats.
Date And Time: Friday, December 18, 2020
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: NOCHI
725 Howard Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130
Tickets are $45. Purchase at Eventbrite New Orleans webpage.
Rely on the water extraction experts at SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank if your home experiences plumbing, roof, or other leaking. Contact the team at (504) 348-7526 for a prompt response.
Is it Safe to Enter a Wet Property?
10/18/2020 (Permalink)
It is always good to stay precocious after a water damage, let SERVPRO handle your water damage.
New Orleans Residents Choose SERVPRO to Return their Homes to a Safe Condition after Water Intrusion. Our Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) Can Enter and Secure your Property.
Why are wet properties dangerous?
Performing restoration work in New Orleans can present many different hazards that both residents and technicians need to be aware of, including electrical hazards, structural deficiencies, and slip, trip, and fall hazards. A wet structure is likely to be full of small dangers requiring special precautions to avoid personal injury or further damage the resident. Restoring power to a property, for example, could lead to an electrical fault or fire without exercising the proper safety precautions. SERVPRO is adept at assessing a property with water intrusion and restoring a safe environment.
What kind of dangers are there in a damaged property?
- Wet or weakened structural components like staircases, light fittings, and ceilings
- Damages to the electrical wiring as well as potential electrical currents being conducted by water
- Slippery flooring or hidden obstacles that could lead to falls and personal injury
When is it safe to return electricity to a wet property?
Water conducts electrical currents, so water restoration professionals in New Orleans take extra -care before resetting power. Creating a safe environment first involves a careful assessment of the power distribution channel. It is vital to shut off all circuit breakers via this box in an emergency to avoid causing electrical damage, especially when water migrates into wall cavities or crawl spaces. SERVPRO technicians may opt to use external power with an industrial generator to run equipment until the building is completely dry before resetting the power.
What steps make a wet property electrically safe?
- Shutting off all circuit breakers via the power distribution panel
- Posting clear signage and lockout tags on the power distribution panel to prevent reactivation of circuitry
- Use of ground fault circuit interrupters when using electrical equipment within the property
A wet property could be dangerous. For secure restoration, contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans West Bank at (504) 348-7526.
What Appliances Cause Household Flooding in New Orleans the Most?
9/26/2020 (Permalink)
Contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 for quality water damage repair service.
Three Main Appliances Are Often the Cause of Water Intrusion In New Orleans
Water heaters, the HVAC system, and bathtubs overflowing are all common reasons homes in New Orleans experience water damage. Appliances are another main reason for problems. Many times the problem starts small, an unnoticed drip, for example. Then before you know it, your home has water pouring out everywhere.
What Are the Three Appliances That Are Most Susceptible?
Refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers are appliances that can cause serious problems. When these household essentials break down, it can send gallons of water surging into your home. SERVPRO provides water damage repair to New Orleans residences when that happens. But there are certain things you can do to prevent situations such as this from happening.
• Washing Machines – Burst supply lines constitute a significant risk with washers. Check hoses often for pinholes, cracks, or wetness on the line regularly. If you do need to replace your line, consider braided stainless steel hoses. An automatic shutoff valve is a good idea, as well.
• Dishwashers – Supply lines can spring a leak, or the dishwasher can back up. Make sure your drain gate gets cleaned frequently. Check hoses and connections often to make sure there are no small problems that need addressing. Use the recommended detergent for your dishwasher.
• Refrigerators with Automatic Ice Makers – This is another typical source of water damage in homes. The problem is often the copper water line that supplies water to the ice maker. It can develop leaks or even come unattached. Check the valve connection occasionally. Make sure the line isn’t crimped, and be careful when moving the fridge.
Hidden Water Damage
If appliances cause water spills in your home, that is an obvious problem you can see. Small leaks can cause hidden water damage, as can broader issues that are not dealt with properly. Moisture can seep into the subflooring, tile, and behind walls. SERVPRO understands what harm water can do. We are water damage repair experts with professional technicians that have years of experience. We are available to mitigate any water damage you experience.
Contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 for quality water damage repair service.
What Do I Do About Water Leaks Damaging My Kitchen?
6/29/2020 (Permalink)
Water drips lead to water damage in a New Orleans kitchen cabinet. Don't Wait! Call SERVPRO
Savvy New Orleans Homeowners Use SERVPRO for Water Removal
It is easy to ignore a slow dripping leak under the kitchen sink from the supply line to the dishwasher. It frequently seems like only a humidity slick at the bottom of the cabinet. It is not a lot of water, so a homeowner might think that simply wiping up the spill is sufficient. New Orleans homeowners know, however, that any type of water damage requires investigation and action.
Wiping up a spill from a leaking pipe rarely resolves water seepage problems. The hidden drip grows. The water quietly pools under the sink, becomes a puddle, and flows onto the linoleum kitchen floor. Only after you slip on the slick in front of the sink, do you open the cabinet door. There you discover a large puddle and a very wet back wall inside the cabinet. You decide it is now time to call SERVPRO, a nationwide company with 50 plus years’ expertise in water extraction and water removal
How Is the Damp Wall Behind the Sink and in the Cabinet Dried?
SERVPRO’s certified technicians can ensure that the moisture content of the walls and cabinets are restored to standard levels. The team can take measurements with moisture meters and infrared cameras. They can utilize a variety of equipment to get rid of the water and dry out walls and floors, thus preventing potential secondary water damage. This equipment may include:
- Light wands and wet/vacs
- Squeegees and mops
- Air movers to expedite evaporation
- Dehumidifiers to capture the water vapor
Removal and extraction by these experts make it seem, "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank is available 24/7 to mitigate water damage to your home. Contact us at (504) 348-7526 for help
How Do I Make Sure My Home is s Clean After a Water Spill?
4/29/2020 (Permalink)
Water damage leads to mold growth. Be sure and check for leaks within your home.
SERVPRO Restoration Professionals Thoroughly Disinfect Your New Orleans Home
New Orleans residents are no strangers to dealing with cleaning after water damage. Between the humid climate and flooding, a bathroom water leak does not pose a significant problem if dealt with immediately. With any water damage, the longer you wait, the more problematic it may become. We understand that technicians must use proper antimicrobials to sanitize and disinfect your home.
Do Specialists Keep Mold from Growing?
SERVPRO Technicians Use Appropriate Cleaning Techniques and Products to Ensure Cleanliness
Water cleanup in your New Orleans home does not merely involve a bucket and mop. It is vital with bathroom leaks to identify the type of water and determine the best way to clean the area. Although gray and black water is more likely to grow mold, even clean water can grow mold when the conditions are right. Antimicrobial cleaners such as fungistats and mildewstats limit or stop microorganisms from growing.
What are the Categories of Water?
- Category 1: Clean water like tap water
- Category 2: Gray water like urine overflow from a commode or dirty dishwater
- Category 3: Blackwater may have feces, chemicals, or flood water
What Conditions Foster Mold Growth?
- Moisture: Mold thrives in a moist environment with humidity over 65%; for this reason, it is best to lower humidity levels under 60% quickly.
- Food Source: Mold uses organic materials such as wood, drywall, natural fibers, and even dirt as food.
- Temperature: Mold grows in a variety of temperatures, typically from 68 degrees to 86 degrees, although it can grow in colder or warmer temperatures.
Always consider the possibility of long-term adverse effects if spilled water is allowed to soak into the organic matter within your home. Especially, undetected leaks that continue to accumulate. The degradation of fixtures and content compounds by introducing microbial growth, reducing the health and safety of your family. Our team can not only remove water and moisture but also inspect to ensure that your home does not allow further damage from unwanted water leaks and drips.
For 24/7 help with water cleanup, contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526.
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Post-Water Damage in New Orleans Home
3/19/2020 (Permalink)
Give us a call anytime that you need us at (504) 348-7526.
Cleaning Products Used Post-Water Damage in New Orleans Homes
Cleaning up after water loss incidents can be a considerable undertaking for homeowners after a disaster in their New Orleans home. Because many of these same property owners have already entrusted their properties to the experience of our SERVPRO team, we can offer this post-water damage cleaning for your property as part of the total restoration package we provide. Using premier cleaning products that each offer different advantages can allow us to choose the ideal approach for restoring your damaged residence.
Choosing the right product to begin water cleanup in New Orleans homes depends on several factors. Scoping the work to get done and continual monitoring of the progress can help to determine the best use of our resources and products to clean and recover your damaged residence. Ultimately, the choice in the most capable cleaning agents comes down to:
• Location of the occupants of the residence during the cleaning phase
• The severity of residues and potential contaminants
• Cleaning action necessary (i.e., the emulsion of soils, neutralizing odors, wiping surfaces clean)
Chlorines
Much like the iodine-based disinfectants that used to be an everyday staple of disaster recovery efforts like flooding, chlorines can offer the same elimination and removal of harmful microorganisms without the threat of staining materials yellow. Chlorine-based cleansers have a harsh odor and can irritate those directly exposed.
Quaternary Compounds
Ammonium-based quaternary compounds are one of the more popular disinfectants that our SERVPRO professionals use because they have a naturally pleasant odor and can get used as a foundational tool to neutralize lingering scents after the disaster.
Botanicals
When relocation is not happening in any capacity after a water loss incident, botanicals can be a very non-offensive approach to cleaning and restoring the affected areas.
Using the criteria listed, we can choose among several categories of cleansers to find the best product for the restoration required. No matter what your home needs, our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team can help. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (504) 348-7526.
For more about New Orleans click here.
The Single Best Strategy to Use for New Orleans Water Damage Revealed
12/29/2019 (Permalink)
Don’t delay, call SERVPRO for effective water extraction and water damage remediation help right away.
Determining Total Loss After Water Damage in New Orleans Homes
The way homeowners view a damage site and how our restoration professionals do is very different for every New Orleans home. In many situations, these property owners consider their structures to be total losses after widespread water loss scenarios, but this usually is not the case. With the right response from qualified restoration specialists like our SERVPRO team. Determining the extent of actual loss versus restorable conditions falls to the experience and training of our crew chief and production manager.
Inspections and assessments can occur before water extraction in New Orleans homes following substantial water damage, but the data is incomplete. Plumbing breaks and appliance failures can leave several inches of standing water that can begin to saturate exposed materials and contents on contact. Reducing the spread and severity of these conditions involves fast and effective extraction approaches, primarily relying on top-tier equipment like our submersible pumps or self-priming trash pumps.
It is challenging to determine how extensive and costly damages can be to a residence without removing this standing water so that the effects can get cataloged. With SERVPRO DryBook software, we can take atmospheric and surface moisture readings across the entire affected area to monitor progress as drying strategies begin. During this assessment of moisture content and migration, we can catalog belongings, materials, and structural elements that have become irreparably damaged in the water loss event.
Both our SERVPRO management and our field technicians have to make hundreds of drying decisions for individual items. We can use these determinations to compile an estimation and loss record for insurance purposes. Our team seeks to restore before replacing, so there are many instances in which our efforts with industry-leading equipment and products can bring your belongings or home to preloss condition more cost-efficiently than expected.
Scoping a job is much more than determining the resources necessary to return a residence to its original state. Our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team can identify total loss and catalog damages to approach the recovery of your home in the fastest and cheapest manner possible. No matter how our team can help, give us a call today at (504) 348-7526.
Click here for more information about New Orleans.
Avoid Delays When Dealing With Water Damage in Your New Orleans Home
11/30/2019 (Permalink)
When your washing machine supply line breaks, the area can quickly become flooded. Contact SERVPRO for efficient water removal services.
SERVPRO Water Damage Cleanup Methods Lessen Drying Time in New Orleans Properties
Did you know the average service life of a washing machine supply line is just over eight years? After that, cracks or wear may cause the line to break and leave water damage in the home.
When New Orleans homes have water damage from washing machine supply line breaks, SERVPRO gets to work within hours of the initial call. The technicians know the quicker they begin restoration efforts can lessen the amount of loss for the homeowner as the water has less time to migrate and penetrate the structure.
Thorough Extraction Lessens Drying Time
SERVPRO technicians spend extra time. For a water loss event, the size of a washing machine can leave, they would use portable pumps, and if carpeted areas of the home received damage, a rover ride-on unit assists in carpet cleanup. Weighted extractor heads used in conjunction with the pumps work to push the water out of the padding. This helps with their goal to limit disruption in the home during cleanup by extracting water from and drying the carpet in place.
Specialized Techniques for In-Place Drying of Carpet
When carpet and padding dry in place, SERVPRO technicians carefully monitor the drying process. This practice ensures that the carpet gets dried completely and inhibits both foul odors and mold as issues to deal with after the fact.
The technicians often use a drying method known as "floating." In this application, the technicians loosen one side of the carpet only and set up air movers to deliver air underneath drying the carpet from the bottom up. As the moisture rises, the dehumidifying equipment captures it and ports it away.
Mold and Odor Control Treatments After Drying
Both pungent scents and mold have the potential to occur after a water loss at the residence. The technicians proactively treat any areas for odors using mild to robust methods depending on the odor level. Antimicrobial cleaners assist in limiting the ability of mold to establish colonies post-cleanup and drying.
When you have water damage in your home, contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank (504) 348-7526. The technicians are available 24/7 to make the water loss "Like it never even happened."
Click here for more information about the city of New Orleans.
How to Prepare for an Adjuster’s Visit After Water Damage
10/12/2018 (Permalink)
Water damage in a utility closet in New Orleans,LA
Returning your home in New Orleans,LA to its previous state after it has sustained water damage can seem overwhelming. In order to replace and repair damaged items and parts of your home, a home adjuster will need to make an assessment to verify what has been damaged. There are several steps you can take to make an adjuster’s visit easier.
1. Speak with Your Insurance Company
In order to have an adjuster come to your home, you must first inform your insurance company of the damage that has occurred. Your company can advise you what type of insurance you have and what sort of damage is covered under your policy. Additionally, speaking with your insurance company will give you the chance to ask questions you may have about deadlines to file a claim and what to do next.
2. Complete and Compile Paperwork
To make an insurance claim, there are various documents that must be completed. Although every company will have different forms that must be filled out, you will need to have a list of what has been damaged in your home. If your home is structurally damaged, ask contractors to assess the damage and provide you with an estimated cost to fix the damage. Any documentation you can provide to your insurance will help you be properly reimbursed.
3. Make Needed Repairs
If there are repairs that truly need to be made to your home immediately, you don’t have to wait for an adjuster to arrive before making the necessary repairs. Instead, make sure you have thoroughly documented the damage prior to starting the restoration process. Without spending excessively or fixing superficial issues, make the repairs that will keep your home safe.
After your home has been damaged by water, it’s important to appropriately prepare for a home adjuster to visit. While preparing for an adjuster, make sure to contact professionals in water cleanup in order to restore your home.
Prepare the Inside of Your Home To Avoid Water Damage
8/16/2018 (Permalink)
Take preventative action in your home to avoid water damage
Finding water in the home is an unfortunately common occurrence, but you can still take steps to try to avoid it. Here are some things you can do in New Orleans, LA, to prevent broken pipes and other typical water damage issues.
Tips and Tricks To Prevent Plumbing Problems
Use this checklist to take preventative action in your home. Some of these suggestions are helpful habits to incorporate into your day-to-day life. Others only need to be done once or twice a year.
• Instead of pouring grease down the drain, pour it into a can or jar to either upcycle or dispose of when full.
• Don’t use chemicals to unclog drains. The same ingredients that help to eat away at your drain blockage can also chew through your pipes. Instead, use some type of drain snake or augur for your pipe cleanup.
• Look up at your ceilings and even go up to your attic. Look down at the floor near your water sources such as sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Take note if any of these areas are prone to moisture or water in your home.
• Keep up with the maintenance for your major appliances such as sump pumps, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and water heaters. Slow leaks can sometimes do as much damage overall as a broken pipe.
• Pay attention to your average water bill. If it starts to climb or abruptly rises without reason, check for a leak. This is an easy way to be alerted to potential issues where you can take preemptive action prior to a full pipe cleanup.
What Now?
Even after preparing for water in home spaces, it is possible that something unforeseen can happen. When water damage happens, don’t fret. Consult your local restoration specialists and refer to the tips and tricks checklist to see if there is further preparation that can be done to avoid future issues.
For more on New Orleans click here.
How To Prevent Home Flooding
7/19/2018 (Permalink)
Flooding in New Orleans home.
For many homeowners, stormy weather, sewer backups, broken pipes, and the flood that follows are inevitable nuisances. And when water damage is added into the mix, that nuisance can become a budget-breaking disaster. While there are plenty of great services in West Bank, New Orleans, that help homes recover, and insurance coverage may take care of some water damage, it’s always better to be preemptive with home maintenance. With these three practices, anyone can prevent most water damage.
1. Have Regular Plumbing Checkups
Taking a few hours for an inspection of a home’s plumbing is a great way to ensure its fidelity. It is unnecessary to call in a professional, especially if there aren’t any previous signs of leakage. However, if there are signs, it’s vital to call in someone to fix the broken pipe. Catching the problem in its early stages is the best way to prevent a serious flood. This step is particularly important in winter when pipes tend to freeze.
2. Examine Nearby Sewer Systems
Sewer backups, becoming more common in recent years, are something else a homeowner needs to keep an eye on. Contacting the local officials in New Orleans, LA, is a good way to learn more information about the septic system a home is based upon. Ensure that the system up to code, and make sure it is clear of debris or refuse.
3. Be Aware of the Environment
A great way for a homeowner to care for his or her property is paying attention to the environment. Tree roots, when left to their own devices, can tear apart metal pipes. In the event of cold weather, the water within pipes can freeze. A broken washing machine can cause flooding in a laundry room, and an unsealed basement can become a lagoon after heavy rain. Keeping an eye on all of this can prevent water damage.
To sum it all up, a home flood, and the water damage that follows, can be prevented by simple home maintenance. Still, if there are concerns, contact a professional. We're Here to Help.
4 Ways Flooded Electronics Can Be Damaged
4/23/2018 (Permalink)
Water can ruin electronics in your home or business
Flooded electronics are usually all too common in Bridge City, LA and as technology continues to improve at lightning speed, the problem of water-damaged electronics may not be diminishing. With the intricacy of the makeup of electronics, it can be difficult to assess what exactly is wrong when an electronic is flooded and what to do. The first question to address is what exactly does water do to your electronic equipment? Here are four ways your laptop and computer to iPad and Bluetooth player can be damaged with flooding.
1. Water Can Damage Functioning
First, water can introduce contaminants into an electronic that can damage functioning. These contaminants can include various chemicals, oil, sewage or other particles, which can cause damage to materials within the electronic or affect the operation of components within it.
2. Water Can Reduce Lubrication
Next, water often affects lubrication of mechanisms, which can affect performance. Flooded electronics generally don’t operate in the same way as dry electronics, because the water can wash away the lubricating agent.
3. Water Can Cause Corrosion
Also, water can corrode certain materials, such as metal, adhesives and plastic, which may cause electronic damage. Certain chemicals and debris, such as salt, can deteriorate materials that are essential to the performance of an item, such as hard drives or circuit boards.
4. Water Can Ruin Insulation
Finally, water may affect insulation of different components within flooded electronics. It is typically imperative that the various components of a device be properly insulated to remain compartmentalized and function correctly.
What To Do To Restore Electronics
Each electronic is different; therefore, the electronic damage can be different. This is why it’s usually important to not just troubleshoot on your own, but to talk with the manufacturer to determine the best course of action. The manufacturer or professional restoration expert is often the best adviser on whether a product should be replaced, cleaned in a specific way or air dried. Then, you can be on your way to restoring your electronics.
Click here for more on Bridge City.
Preventing Frozen Pipes, the Right Way
3/22/2018 (Permalink)
Water Loss to living room after a Pipe Break
Even though spring has begun to blossom away, those chilly winter nights in New Orleans, LA, can still be prominent. One common maintenance issue homeowners can have during colder weather involves frozen pipes. The following three tips discuss some ways to avoid pipe problems when ice is in the forecast.
1. Ice Alert
Scientifically put, water expands when it is at freezing levels. Metal and plastic pipes could face serious pressure when the water inside them freezes, causing them to break. Pipes that are prone to freeze frequently include ones that are exposed to the cold elements, pipes that run along outside walls and pipes in unheated indoor areas. Watch out for these vulnerable locations that can quickly cause an issue.
2. Cooler Areas
Many homeowners wouldn't think twice about a lowered thermostat or a minor leak, but such aspects can become a concern when they contribute to frozen pipes. A thermostat set at too low of a temperature can result in your pipes freezing – especially when temperatures plummet at night. Sealing leaks can help you prevent cold air from coming inside, which could also play a role in pipe complications.
3. Freeze Prevention
Another common factor that can lead to a water line repair involves your faucets. During colder evenings, you can leave a faucet trickling lightly to keep water flowing. Faucets against outside walls are notorious for getting too cold. If you plan on leaving your home for an extended period of time, having a friend check on your home to ensure no pipes have frozen is another wise step.
Even if you don't live in a cold climate, chilly weather can bring on all sorts of pipe problems. When frozen pipes have already happened, a professional can take a close inspection to see what action might be necessary. Once you've kept your pipes in line, both your water and your life can get back to their regular flow.
Visit us at http://www.SERVPROtheneworleanswestbank.com for more information.
24 Hour Availability
2/15/2018 (Permalink)
Dehumidifiers and air movers drying a restaurant water damage.
Water Damage in Commercial Building
When a facility suffers a pipe burst don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of The New Orleans Wesbank. We are 24 hours a day to mitigate your loss.
In this image you can see we were using several types of drying equipment. The reason we place drying equipment in water damaged structures is to make sure that the water evaporates quickly to prevent secondary damage. Secondary damage is any damage that happens after the initial damage.
- Mold Growth
- High Humidity
- Bad Odor
The worst of the secondary damage is mold. Mold loves moisture and can grow very quickly. That is why we use equipment like fans, air movers, dehumidifiers, and HEPA filtered air scrubbers to prevent making the drying process quicker.
Visit www.SERVPROtheneworleanswestbank.com for more information about water damage.
Ice Damming and Roof Repair
12/21/2017 (Permalink)
Ice damage can occur with ice damming. Ice damming occurs when an ice dam forms on the roof of your house. Typically, an ice dam forms near or in your gutters. An ice dam can cause incredible damage to your home. While most homeowners are concerned about frozen pipes, not all realize just how much ice damage can occur with ice damming. Storm restoration is essential after ice damming. If you notice an ice dam beginning to form, don't wait to get help for it.
Steps of Storm Damage Repair
Whether you have frozen pipes or flooding, water restoration is an essential part of storm remediation. Contact a storm restoration expert who can perform home restoration on your property after a storm. A home restoration expert will work with you to restore your house to its previous state. Home restoration may involve a number of steps for storm remediation. For example, your home restoration company may advise you have a roof repair as part of storm remediation. They may also recommend using a flood pump as part of storm remediation. The goal is to fix your home as quickly and efficiently as possible so you can continue living your life after the storm. Visit http://www.SERVPROtheneworleanswestbank.com for more information on storm damage.
Inspecting for Common Types of Water Damage
12/21/2017 (Permalink)
Inspecting for Common Types of Water Damage
Once the water stops flowing, the restoration company can do a thorough inspection and look for any common signs of water damage. Most damage seen in a flooded home is around the source of the leak. Very rarely will that flood damage spread to other areas of the home. For a pipe that breaks inside the wall, they may need to remove the drywall to check out the space between the walls. They may need to check inside the floors too.
Pumping Out Water
When a pipe break leads to a flooded home, mitigation and restoration experts must use extraction methods to remove the standing water in a business or home. The most common extraction method is the use of a flood pump. These are the same pumps used in homes after hurricane season. Depending on the amount of flood damage and the amount of water in the home, they may use multiple pumps rather than a single pump.
Visit http://www.SERVPROtheneworleanswestbank.com for more information on water damage.
What is a Category 1 water damage?
12/6/2017 (Permalink)
Category 1 - This category is also known as the “clean water” damage.
If you home has suffered a Category 1 water loss then the source of the problem uses clean water. Examples of a clean water source would be your water heater or broken pipe.
Cleanup of a Category 1 water damage is the least invasive and least time consuming.
Restoration technicians will use either a truck mounted extractor or a portable extractor to remove the water from carpets and pads. Some will even lift the carpet out of the way and remove the pad all together since it acts as a sponge.
The next step will be to remove your baseboards and drill holes about 16 inches apart to provide airflow behind the drywall. These will be covered up by the baseboards when finished.
Lastly, air movers and dehumidifiers are arranged in a pattern that will increase evaporation and dehumidification.
What a Water Damage Company Can Do After a Pipe Break
9/12/2017 (Permalink)
What a Water Damage Company Can Do After a Pipe Break
There are few things worse than discovering a pipe break in the middle of the night. The only thing worse might be not finding that broken pipe until the following morning. As the water moves through the pipe, it doesn't distinguish between a crack or hole and its usual access point. It will keep flowing through that pipe and spilling out until you shut off the water and fix the pipe. Before trying to deal with the water cleanup and drying on your own, you can find out what a restoration and mitigation company will do about the water in a home or the water in a business that they see.
Controlling the Flow of Water
The first thing that a restoration company can do after a pipe break is find a way to control the flow of water. They can do this in one of two ways. If it's a supply line break that provides water to your toilet or an appliance, a technician can simply turn the shut off valve and stop the water. With broken pipes inside the walls, the tech will check the basement for the whole house water shut off valve. This usually sits on the front of the house and near the street. Turning this know shuts off all water to the house.
Visit http://www.SERVPROtheneworleanswestbank.com for more information on water damage.
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