Telltale Signs That Water Has Entered Your Walls

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Van with signage

Most times, it is easy to tell when you are dealing with water damage that has managed to spill into your wall. Some of the identifiable signs of wall water damage include:

Wallpaper or paint starts peeling

One of the most obvious signs that there is water behind your wall is you notice that your wallpaper or paints have started peeling. This often happens when your sheetrock has absorbed too much water. Other related signs pointing to wall water damage are flaking paints or the opening of a wallpaper at the seams.

Mold growth

Mold typically grows in areas that have excess moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. But if you notice mold growing on walls, especially in areas distant from plumbing fixtures, there are chances there is moisture trapped behind your walls.

But unlike peeling or flaking of wallpapers and paint which may take days to show, mold growth takes between 24 and 48 hours to grow on your wall if there is too much moisture.

Warping

Have you noticed warping around your house? It may be time to look around the house for possible water damage to your wall. Oftentimes, warping occurs when there is too much water trapped in the sheetrock behind your walls. That said, warping on the wall is a strong indicator that there is water penetration somewhere in the house.

Musty smell

When excess water or moisture is trapped in materials such as drywall, wood, or plasterboard, it can cause moldy and musty odor. As mentioned earlier, wall cavities with trapped moisture are a breeding ground for mold, which comes with an unpleasant smell.

Therefore, if you perceive a strong odor coming from your walls, that could be a sign that water has penetrated your wall.

Visible stains around the wall

Another prominent sign of water accumulating in the drywall is noticeable staining around the wall. If the stains continue to expand, it is an indicator that there is a hidden plumbing failure in your home. 

If you suspect that you have water damage in your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO today!

Storm Damage Remediation Options for your Home or Business

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Workers repairing roof.

Water damage can cause significant damage to your property and your health if not promptly attended to by water restoration professionals.

When water penetrates your walls, it can result in structural damage to your home. Not only that, it causes mold to form around your property. After a flood, a leak, or a general plumbing failure, it is advisable to inspect your home for potential water damage. Spotting water damage in the wall is possible if you know what to look for. In most cases, the damage may not be visible immediately.

To avoid potential damage to your home, it is important to enlist the service of a water damage restoration professional with the skills and knowledge to identify water damage and recommend an appropriate fix.

Wall water damage that happens behind your wall can cause long-term damage both to your home and your health. However a timely intervention of a professional can help prevent these issues.

If you need a professional water damage restoration service for water removal in the South Louisiana area, look no further than SERVPRO!

The company has a dedicated team of water restoration specialists with experience in handling wall water damage, regardless of the size. They will come to your property to assess your water damage emergency and provide recommendations to fix the issue.

A lingering threat: The dangers that persist long after the storm subsides.

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Ceiling mold repair

Even after the storm clouds disperse and the rainfall ceases, South Louisiana area homes grapple with a lingering threat that extends far beyond the immediate impact. The insidious dangers of water damage persist, quietly wreaking havoc on your property long after the storm subsides.

One of the primary concerns is the hidden presence of moisture. While the visible signs of water damage may fade, residual moisture can linger within walls, beneath flooring, and in hard-to-reach spaces. This hidden moisture becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can rapidly increase and pose risks to both the structural integrity of your home and your health.

If left unchecked, mold growth can lead to various health issues, including allergies, respiratory problems, and even worsening conditions. Additionally, prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken building materials, compromising the stability and safety of your home over time.

Another lingering threat is the potential for long-term water damage effects, such as warped or weakened surfaces, stained walls, and deteriorated finishes. These issues not only detract from the aesthetic appeal of your home but also decrease its value. If left unaddressed, water damage can spread further and affect adjacent areas, exacerbating the scope of restoration required.

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO to help with all of your mold remediation needs.

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

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Van on the road

When the heavens open up and heavy rain pours down, it begins a deluge that unleashes the relentless power of nature. South Louisiana 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.

SERVPRO of South Louisiana is here to help you with all of your water and storm damage.  Contact the professionals today.

Inundation and its aftermath: The immediate impact that leaves no corner untouched.

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage with air blowers.

When a storm unleashes its full fury, the result is a powerful inundation that spares no corner of your South Louisiana home. The rapid influx of water infiltrates every nook and cranny, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Water enters every crevice from the ground floor to the upper levels, leaving no area untouched.

As the water invades your living spaces, furniture, carpets, and belongings are soaked, bearing witness to the storm's force. Floors become slippery, making movement treacherous. Electrical systems are compromised, raising safety concerns. The immediate aftermath can leave you overwhelmed and confused.

Visible damage is only part of the story. Water seeps into hidden recesses and beneath floorboards, causing additional harm. Structural elements may weaken over time. Immediate action is crucial to prevent further deterioration and minimize long-term consequences. SERVPRO of New Orleans recognizes the urgency of addressing the immediate impact of inundation. Our experienced team arrives swiftly, equipped with the tools and expertise to extract standing water and begin drying.

Call the experts at SERVPRO today and let us handle all of your water and storm remediation needs for your home or office.

Weakening foundations: Unveiling the hidden structural damage beneath the surface.

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Leaking roof damage.

While storms bring immediate visible damage to South Louisiana homes, one of the most concerning aspects is the hidden structural damage that can occur beneath the surface. Stormwater infiltration can weaken the foundation upon which your home stands, posing a significant risk to its stability and long-term integrity.

When excess water saturates the ground surrounding your home, it can seep into the foundation, causing soil erosion and compromising its structural support. Over time, this can lead to foundation settling, shifting, or even cracking, endangering the overall stability of the entire structure.

Furthermore, water-damaged foundations create an environment ripe for further deterioration. Moisture trapped within the foundation can contribute to the growth of mold and rot, further compromising its strength. The weakened foundation can affect the alignment of walls, floors, and even the roof, leading to a range of structural issues that require immediate attention.

At SERVPRO of New Orleans, we recognize the gravity of weakening foundations caused by water damage. Our skilled team conducts thorough inspections to assess the structural integrity of your home. We employ proven techniques to address foundation issues, such as drainage solutions, waterproofing strategies, and reinforcement methods. By addressing the hidden damage beneath the surface, we ensure that your home stands on a solid foundation, ready to weather future storms with resilience.

What can SERVPRO do for you if you have water damage?

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

As a property owner, it might seem cheaper to handle water damage issues yourself than hire a professional. After all, it just requires getting rid of the water, right? But water damage restoration involves much more, and hiring a water removal company can save you a lot of money in the long run.

The team at SERVPRO of North Kenner Harahan & Lakeview, a full-service water damage restoration company in the Greater New Orleans area, has outlined the following benefits of hiring a restoration specialist instead of going the DIY route when dealing with water damage:

1. Quick reaction and restoration

Water damage incidents can leave you disoriented. You'll need time to get yourself back and ensure everyone is safe before getting on with the restoration. Unfortunately, the effects of the water on your property only get worse every minute you wait. Quick restoration is necessary, and a water removal professional can help you achieve that.

After receiving your initial call, most water damage restoration specialists will respond within 2 to 4 hours to assist in containing the damage and halting its progression.

These professionals also have specialized tools and extensive experience, so the restoration process will be faster than if you do it yourself.

2. Access to Professional-Grade Tools

Water damage restoration professionals use various cutting-edge tools to ensure that all extra water has been removed from a property.

Shop vacuums, air movers, and dehumidifiers are part of the sophisticated drying tools a reputable restoration company would have.

Air movers enhance evaporation, which aids in the drying process, and can reduce indoor humidity to a manageable level. On the other hand, dehumidifiers are used to eliminate water from the air, building materials, and belongings.

You most likely don't have any of these tools to do the job effectively, and buying them would cost you more than hiring a professional.

3. Identifying water leak sources

Sometimes it can be challenging to locate the source of water damage yourself. People often neglect the possibility of multiple causes for water leaks and just address the most obvious ones. However, this can be dangerous, as concealed sources of minor leaks through a wall or ceiling can cause massive damage to your property's structure.

Water removal professionals like SERVPRO of North Kenner, have modern tools to find water damage before it's too late. Their knowledge can be pretty helpful in swiftly locating the origins of water leaks and fixing them to protect your property.

4. Attention to detail

Water damage restoration requires attention to detail to ensure every drop of water has been dried up. This is often not the case if you go the DIY route. You may not have the patience to do the job as meticulously as a professional would, and even if you do, you may not know whether there's still moisture soaked into the structures.

On the other hand, water removal professionals are trained and certified and would give the job the attention it needs. They are also experienced in finding and eliminating any moisture on the property.

Get Professional water damage restoration services in the Greater New Orleans area!

SERVPRO® of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview offers professional water damage restoration to residents and businesses in the Greater New Orleans area. Their team is equipped with the knowledge and modern tools required to complete the restoration swiftly and effectively.

They don't just clean and move on. They handle every part of the restoration with great care to ensure no moisture is left behind. The team can also help with mold remediation and insurance claims.

Call SERVPRO of Metairie at (504) 496-0193 to learn more about their restoration services.

Being prepared on what to do after the storm.

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Being prepared on what to do and expect after the storm has passed can be just as important as what you do before the storm gets here.  Here are a few important things to consider when making a storm plan.  Being prepared just post-storm is just as crucial as pre-storm.

When storms send floodwater into your home, you don't always know what to do. When is it safe to return to your house? Can you start the cleanup on your own? How you handle a flood will depend on the severity of the damage. It can be helpful to call about storm damage services right after the storm has left your area. You should also try to avoid doing the following:

1. Walking Into Standing Water

Did you know that 6 inches of moving water can cause you to lose your footing? Because even shallow waters can be dangerous, you should avoid walking into any standing water. Your flooded home may be full of stagnant water, but you should avoid going into it. If the electricity is on, the water could be charged. Stormwater could contain dangerous contaminants, too.

2. Waiting To Schedule a Cleanup

Do you want to try to tackle the water damage on your own? Unless you know how to effectively remove flooding and humidity from your house, you should turn to a professional. The sooner you can schedule your cleanup, the better it will be for your home. If you wait too long, you may have increased mold growth in your space.

3. Returning to Your Home Too Soon

While you want your life to return to normal, you need to make sure the flood water is completely gone before you return. Going home too soon can make it harder for the cleanup crew to properly remove excess humidity. The cleanup may require building materials to be replaced, which can leave your home dusty. If you wait until the entire process is finished, you can return to a more normal life right when you move back in.

Storm flood water may cause you to leave your home until the damage can be fixed. Taking the wrong steps after this type of flood can make the restoration process harder than it has to be, so remember what not to do.  You can find more detailed information from Ready.gov.

Damage Mitigation at your Greater New Orleans business!

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Avoiding the stress of a flood within your Greater New Orleans business is easier when you have SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview on speed dial. Storms and man-made floods can happen day or night and can infiltrate your commercial space. We are available 24/7 to tackle flood restoration so that your business never misses a beat.

Why call SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview for commercial water damage? There are a few main reasons:

• We have the most advanced tools and industrial-grade equipment for water cleanup and restoration
• The team has many years of training and experience in emergency services water damage cleanup
• Each technician has completed IICRC Certification

With one phone call, we can be at your business and ready to work within hours. Our team of experts works thoroughly and quickly, ensuring that no water remains within your commercial property after the loss. We remove all debris and work on complete cleanup of your building, focusing on restoring any contents that may come in contact with contaminated floodwater. 

The professionals at SERVPRO of North Kenner, Harahan & Lakeview are available 24/7 to assist with flood extraction and restoration. 

Can Mold Really Damage My Business?

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

How does mold get in?  It gets in very easily.  It can float through the air right through a door or window, as well as attach itself to clothing or other things that are traveling around.  Once the mold is established, it will continue to release spores into the air so that it can spread (insert horror movie music here) all through the building.

SERVPRO understands how mold can affect your business and the importance of stopping and preventing it.  Mold is a type of fungi (it’s not a mushroom) that is found outside as well as indoors.  Mold can be found in multiple colors, but the most common are black and green.

Depending on the type of business that the mold finds itself in, it will always find something to do.  The best case scenario, if you have mold, is that it might put off a “musty” (you’ll know it when it happens) odor that spreads throughout the building.  On the other end is allowing the mold to get to the point where it starts damaging the structure.  Imagine the inside of your office walls covered with so much mold that they can’t be repaired and have to be completely destroyed.  If you are in the food production business, mold can be your worst nightmare.  It can contaminate the food in your coolers as well as dry storage, not to mention the list of boxes that the Health Department just checked off on your business (not a good thing).