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

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

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.

Selling Your House But Have Mold? SERVPRO of New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City Can Help!

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

With the housing market right now, you may want to sell your New Orleans home this Spring, but how can you sell your home with mold? For most home buyers, discovering mold is a deal-breaker but It doesn’t have to be.

Mold is everywhere:

• It takes roughly 24 to 48 hours to start growing after water damage.
• Mold needs a moisture source to grow.
• Mold feeds on any organic material such as wood, paper, drywall, carpet, clothes, 

Step 1: Fix the Leak/Source of moisture

• SERVPRO of New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City is not a leak detection or plumbing company so you will need to hire a plumber for this part.

Step 2: If anyone in the house is experiencing health effects, we refer the customer to an Industrial Hygienist, who can:

• Do a full site visual inspection.
• Collect and test cultured air and surface samples.
• Measure the home moisture levels.
• Include their findings and recommendations in a report called a protocol, which is given to the customer.
• Customer sends the protocol to us, SERVPRO of New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City

Step 3: Once the source of moisture has been fixed, SERVPRO of New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City

• can do an assessment and give a price range to you or your insurance company.
• Start the mold remediation process

Springtime in Louisiana is wet and humid, so just know we get a lot of these calls and you are not alone.

For more information about our Mold Remediation Process, click here.

For more information about Industrial Hygienists, click here.

For a really cool EPA Interactive “Mold House Tour” click here.

Have water damage and mold? Call SERVPRO of New Orleans Uptown & Mid-City. We’re “Here to Help” with our 24/7 Emergency Service.

Key Steps of the Mold Containment Process

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Assessment and Inspection Once you contact the remediation professionals, they should show up at your property for a mold damage assessment. In as little as 48 hours a small mold issue could spread like wildfire. It is important to contact the professionals at the first sign of mold. Upon arrival, our team will use different technologies to detect hidden mold growth.
 

Containment Experts should similarly utilize the latest techniques to limit mold contamination. For instance, negative air chambers can isolate the affected area. The mold cleanup professionals may even have HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers that prevent the spores from spreading through the air. The pros may also use more traditional techniques such as putting up physical barriers and turning off HVAC systems. 
 

Removal Depending on the extent of the contamination, some mold-infested items may have to be thrown away or removed from your property. This may include porous assets such as carpet or drywall. 
 

Cleaning The cleanup professionals will then turn their attention to materials that can be restored, such as curtains and furniture. They will sanitize these items and use fogging equipment to eliminate odors.
 

Restoration Finally, the experts will restore your building to the way it was before the infestation. Our construction team will gladly help replace any items such as carpet or drywall that were removed.