Recent Posts

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

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Leaking roof Water damage to shingles.

While storms bring immediate visible damage to New Orleans 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 Uptown New Orleans & Mid-City, 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.

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

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Faster to any disaster SERVPRO Van with signs.

When a storm unleashes its full fury, the result is a powerful inundation that spares no corner of your New Orleans 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 & Mid-City 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.

The deluge begins: Unleashing the relentless power of heavy rainfall

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Van on road Faster to any disaster van.

When the heavens open up and heavy rain pours down, it begins a deluge that unleashes the relentless power of nature. New Orleans 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 New Orleans & Mid-City is here to help you with all of your water and storm damage.  Contact the professionals today.

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

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

Mold Problem Mold damage to wall and ceiling.

Even after the storm clouds disperse and the rainfall ceases, New Orleans 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.

Telltale Signs That Water Has Entered Your Walls.

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Van Faster to any disaster.

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 Season doesn't end when Hurricane season does.

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

Even though storm season is wrapping up rather quickly, a nearby road overflow can cause significant issues in the ground levels of your property. Heavy rainfall results in sewer systems backing up and overflowing with contaminated Black Water. Due to the potentially harmful effects of Black Water, it is essential to hire a professional, qualified technician to help repair and restore your property safely. Indeed, many of your possessions can be salvaged by using professional cleaning equipment promptly.

Where there is Flood Damage in SERVPRO® of New Orleans & Mid-City homes, the likelihood of contaminants being spread around the home is high. In the circumstances, it is not uncommon for our technicians to wear Hazmat suits to protect themselves from pathogens during the cleanup operation. We may also have to remove sections of drywall to clean in and behind walls, floors, and fittings. Left behind debris is not only odorous but has the potential to be harmful if not dealt with thoroughly.

For owners who find themselves in this position, it is only natural to immediately assume the worst, especially where personal possessions are concerned. Here at SERVPRO®of New Orleans & Mid-City,  we always work with a restore over replace mentality. Unlike other providers, our services are geared toward salvaging as much as possible. We enable our technicians to achieve this by providing them with state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and technology.

We can assess items immediately on-site to decide which possessions are salvageable and which need disposal. Generally speaking, porous materials absorb black water making them exceptionally difficult to clean; this could include your carpets or curtains. However, where they are valuable fabrics, we can send them to a specialized facility for mechanical cleaning using Esporta washing machines. This equipment is expensive because they are advanced. However, SERVPRO New Orleans & Mid-City provides technicians with everything they need to restore items rather than replace them.

Floods are considerable emergencies which is why SERVPRO training involves a rapid-response unit as well as a 24-hour emergency call line. Our skilled specialists are local to the area and can reach you fast to help mitigate loss and reduce the risk of permanent damage.

In an emergency, contact the SERVPRO professionals right away!

Storm Damage Remediation Options for your Home or Business

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

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 who has 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 health. But 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 New Orleans area, look no further than SERVPRO of New Orleans Uptown and Mid-City.

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.

Telltale Signs That Water Has Entered Your Walls

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. 

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

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

Our New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City 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 Uptown & Mid-City commercial business, our team is available to help! We’ll clean and restore the mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today.

What Happens to Your Roof After a Severe Storm or Weather Condition?

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

The thunderstorms in the Gulf South are on another level compared to many areas of the United States. After a thunderstorm, you might be concerned about damage to your home and especially your roof. After a storm, here are some tips for inspecting your roof for water damage so you can get it fixed before the next storm.

Check Your Roof

If you don't see any internal damage, you should try to get up on your roof and check for any missing shingles, cracks, or other damages. Carefully go over each section to find any kind of wind or water damage. Make sure any seals around grates, vents, or windows are intact and have not been weathered.

Check For Leaks

The obvious way to know if you have roof damage is if there is water leaking into your home. Look along the seams where the wall meets the ceiling, corners of rooms, and in the attic for any kind of moisture or dampness. If you find any, you will know where to make repairs and can help to mitigate to prevent further damage.

How To Use Your Garden Hose To Check

The most thorough test you can do for your roof to ensure there are no leaks is to test it out by simulating heavy rain conditions. With someone inside watching for leaks, pour water from the garden hose over sections of your roof to look for leaks. You can also do this to make sure your gutters are properly draining. This test will give you a firsthand look at how water is draining off your roof and let you know of any repairs that need to be made.

If you find any damage to your home or roof, immediately contact your home insurance provider and document any damage with pictures so that you can get a claim submitted for repair costs. Our New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City team is on standby 24/7 to help mitigate any issues. We also have a phenomenal construction team that can help with roof repairs!

How Can Mold Damage Your Business?

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

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.

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.

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 destroyed entirely.  If you are in the food production business, mold can be your worst nightmare.  It can contaminate the food in your coolers and dry storage, not to mention the list of boxes that the Health Department just checked off on your business (not a good thing).

Let the professionals at SERVPRO of New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City help with your mold remediation.