Recent Posts

Fire Damaged Slidell Homes Require a Highly Experienced Team

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

Black soot and charred building material coming off the basement walls with caption: DEALING WITH FIRE DAMAGE? If your Slidell home has fire damage, call SERVPRO. We'll make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® Techs Mitigate, Clean, Restore Post-Fire

Maintaining your home in Slidell is something many homeowners do themselves. Learning the nuances of your own home can make you more adept at spotting problems early. Checking outlets and ensuring power strips are not overloaded can help prevent fire damage. Knowing your appliances can also help prevent anything from becoming too hot and igniting surrounding materials.

Knowing the intricacies of your family's home in Slidell cannot guarantee fire damage never takes place. SERVPRO has technicians who can work in teams, so your family can soon move home "Like it never even happened." We use international standards to mitigate the existing damage. We remove soot, ash, and other fire by-products so your family does not see or smell anything unpleasant. Physically damaged structures and many personal belongings also require restoration work, and we're highly skilled in every step.

Before doing a final walk-through with your family to show you the work we have accomplished, we must complete some crucial tasks, including:

  • Deodorization, and
  • Drying

Removing the sharp odors from a fire can require several different but simultaneous approaches. There are other reasons for the need for various applications. New odors can come from charred wood, melted plastics, natural fibers (clothing made from leather or fur), and other synthetics (upholstery/carpeting). The heat from the fire forces smoke from partially burned items into inaccessible locations. For this, we use thermal fogging. It copies the behavior of the smoke while introducing bonding agents that hinder the particles from making additional odors. Another method uses scented gels we inject into carpeting or upholstery.

Even when fire departments use foam, a house fire can leave your home with water damage if plumbing fixtures melt or warp enough to release water unabated. SERVPRO knows how to mitigate, clean up, and restore homes exhibiting both situations, saving you time and money.

You can trust the restoration of your home to the experienced team at SERVPRO of Slidell. For this and other services, including water damage restoration, call us at (985) 649-1516. Here to Help®.

Tackling Hidden Moisture during Water Restoration in Pearl River

12/21/2023 (Permalink)

a puddle of water in a basement of a home When dealing with water damage, you want someone who knows what they're doing. Contact SERVPRO for professional technicians and equipment.

Dangers Hidden Water Damage Poses in Pearl River

Pearl River is a small town in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. The town's name is a nod to the nearby Pearl River. The town's atmosphere is predominantly residential and rural, making it attractive for people who prefer a quieter and more natural environment. Residents can access essential services and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle like Fast Pace Health Urgent Care - Pearl River, LA, Pearl River High, and Pearl River Lions Club.

Addressing hidden moisture during water restoration in Pearl River homes is critical to preventing hidden damages. Water intrusion into a property can be insidious and find its way into less obvious areas through various pathways. Recognizing the potential for hidden damage allows for early detection and intervention. SERVPRO® professionals take prompt action to remove moisture in concealed spaces. Our teams have experience, specialized equipment, and techniques to identify and address hidden moisture.

Possible areas where moisture can collect

  • Underfloor cabinets and vanities
  • Inside wall cavities
  • Under staircases
  • Subflooring

Staircases often have hidden spaces beneath them. Water can accumulate here, causing structural issues, including rot, mold growth, and decay of wooden stairs and the supporting structure. SERVPRO crews inspect these areas during the restoration process.

Addressing Moisture in Concealed Spaces 

Addressing moisture in obscured areas like staircases requires specific tools and techniques to ensure thorough restoration. For example, our crews use moisture meters to assess the moisture levels in the materials surrounding the stairs, including the framing, drywall, and flooring. Elevated moisture levels can indicate hidden moisture issues. Also, moisture often causes temperature differences that are detectable with Infrared (IR) cameras. We use these cameras to locate areas with hidden water, even when covered by dry materials. Once we have identified the presence of water in these areas, we may need to perform other actions, including;

  • Remove materials to access the area
  • Using cavity drying tools to supply warm, dry air in concealed areas
  • Set up air movers and dehumidifiers for general drying

SERVPRO of Slidell provides efficient water restoration, ensuring that the hidden dangers are mitigated. Call us at (985) 649-1516. We are Here to Help®.

The Franchise Training Program at SERVPRO Industries, LLC

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

two employees at training center SERVPRO invests in our employees and owner/operators to ensure we provide the highest quality cleanup and restoration services in the Slidell area.

Expertise Through Training

Providing local communities with trusted restorations and excellent customer service are part of the very foundation of all SERVPRO® franchises. Recently, Madison Scott (wearing black) and Kimberly Nicholes wearing blue) of SERVPRO of Slidell completed the Franchise Training Program. This extensive program occurred at the SERVPRO Industries, LLC, headquarters in Gallatin, Tennessee.

This regular franchise training plays an integral role in building individual franchises. The program sets the stage for all aspects of the business. It prepares each franchise owner and employee to better serve the local communities with trusted restorations and disaster recovery. We are only as good as our people.

SERVPRO – Faster to any size disaster™.

Having SERVPRO Do Your Mold Damage Repair in Slidell is Very Wise

9/17/2023 (Permalink)

mold growing on a white wall of a room Mold is not something that can be easily removed. Call SERVPRO for professional mold damage remediation services.

We Help Slidell Homeowners with Mold Damage Repair

Mold growth in Slidell homes is a serious concern that should never be ignored. It not only compromises the structural integrity of your residence and lowers its value, but also makes it more susceptible to future fungal outbreaks and impacts your peace of mind. So, as you can clearly see, there are numerous reasons why you should call a professional remediation firm to resolve your mold-related issues.

Over the years, SERVPRO® has quickly become Slidell’s go-to mold damage repair service. SERVPRO’s growing popularity is the result of our almost unrivaled expertise in everything from dealing with ceiling leaks, burst pipes, and basement flooding to doing complete water damage repairs. This expert knowledge aids us as we work to:

  • Ensure your home’s structural integrity and inhabitability by properly treating mold growths on ceilings, walls, and flooring
  • Prevent mold from spreading around your residence into new, unaffected areas, thereby minimizing the extent of damage and reducing overall restoration costs
  • Keep fungal growths from recurring in the future by identifying and fixing the water leaks or excessive moisture problems that have caused them
  • Preserve your property’s market value by effectively dealing with future buyer’s/tenants’ potential livability, safety, and maintenance cost concerns so that your house retains its appeal to them
  • Ensure your peace of mind by helping you rest assured that your residence has been remediated by trained professionals and is free from mold-related structural concerns and other potential complications

Mold damage repair is a crucial step in maintaining a high-quality living or working environment and preserving the integrity of your property. In promptly addressing mold issues, you prevent further damage, preserve property value, and fully benefit from our expertise.

That said, if you ever need mold damage repair services, don’t hesitate to call your friends at SERVPRO of Slidell. We are always ready for your call at (985) 649-1516.

Why Air Drying is Key During Water Damage Cleanup in Slidell

5/15/2023 (Permalink)

air movers being used to dry water damaged home We ensure the drying equipment is well positioned for optimum coverage and airflow.

SERVPRO Can Safely Dry Your Slidell Property During Water Damage Cleanup

Prompt response is required during water damage cleanup to prevent further damage. Stopping the water source, extracting water from the structure, and controlling the site's humidity and moisture summarize the restoration processes. Water damage mitigation technicians have handled several incidents and are well-trained to develop a restoration plan that perfectly suits the situation.

To speed up evaporation during moisture control in Slidell, our SERVPRO technicians strategically position air-moving equipment. When moisture escapes from wet materials to the surrounding air, the evaporation speed gets slowed because a humid layer forms around the wet items or areas. So, we use air movers to introduce drier and warmer air to break up the layer and replace the humid air.

During the air-moving process, our team performs the following:

  • Ensure the equipment is positioned well for optimum coverage and airflow
  • Regularly monitor and adjust the equipment to enhance proper drying
  • Ensure the air mover is operating in a safe manner

Our SERVPRO team can use centrifugal or axial air movers to move dry air over wet surfaces. We prefer using centrifugal air movers when the affected area is not big and highly pressurized air needs to be directed to specific regions. Axial air movers are preferred when dealing with larger surfaces and when larger volumes of air need to spread over large areas.

The safety of our equipment is crucial during water removal. The air movers have thermally protected motors, safety screens at their outlets and inlets, and three-prong plugs that guarantee safe operation. Our SERVPRO team regularly cleans them to remove any dust accumulation and ensure they do not overheat due to over-stressing.

SERVPRO of Slidell is certified to offer professional water damage remediation assistance to commercial and residential properties. Call (985) 649-1516 to work with qualified restoration experts who use specialized equipment and resources to make it "Like it never even happened."

Understanding Mold Remediation in Your Slidell Home

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

mold growign in corner of wall Mold can grow in any area of the home. Call SERVPRO for fast and effective remediation.

SERVPRO is Ready to Help with Mold Removal in Slidell

Mold in a Slidell home can spread without anyone noticing. Crawlspaces, basements, and even carpet under pads are notorious for letting mold grow while causing damage to flooring and building materials. Traditional household cleaners are not enough to fight mold growth, so if you ever suspect excessive mold growth, it is best to call a professional team to ensure the proper steps are in place to keep your home safe.

Mold remediation in Slidell is possible when you contact SERVPRO and let our IICRC trained team team take charge. Whether mold has been growing or a recent water leak left excess humidity, do not wait to enlist help. Time is your worst enemy when mold grows in your home, and your items, wiring, and other organic materials may rot quickly.

Mold cleanup is not universal. Each surface requires specific treatment to remove mold spores and delay additional growth. Non-porous surfaces like plastics, glass, and marble are easier to clean. In contrast, porous surfaces such as upholstery and curtains pose a more significant challenge and may sometimes need a complete replacement. 

Techniques we may employ throughout your home could include:

  • Dry sponges and vacuuming with HEPA filters, along with antifungal cleaners.
  • Sandblasting, wire brushing, and other abrasive techniques permeate porous and semi-porous surfaces.
  • Isolation of affected areas and creation of negative pressure spaces to prevent further spread throughout the home.

SERVPRO of Slidell is your top resource when mold damage threatens your home. Whether the infestation looks big or small, call us at (985) 649-1516 and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

How Mold Damage Affects Slidell Homes and Their Contents

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

Mold damage on the corner area of a white wall Mold can hide under various surfaces or be visible. Are there signs of mold growth in your Slidell home? Call SERVPRO!

Mold Damage Restoration from SERVPRO Saves Slidell Properties from Costly Repairs

Mold damage can set in quickly and often without Slidell homeowners' knowledge. These microbes can start eating away at surfaces and producing spores in as little as 24 hours. Even with DIY cleanup methods, these spores can spread easily, settling into nooks and crannies where they can continue to feed off household materials and reproduce by releasing spores.

SERVPRO mold damage cleanup for Slidell property owners utilizes high-tech solutions and science-backed approaches to disaster remediation. Technicians clean structural materials, furniture, and belongings alike and perform the rebuilding and repair services necessary to return a residence to a safe, comfortable state.

How Mold Eats Away at Surfaces

Mold's growth process is closely tied to how much it can eat and the amount of humidity and warmth where it lives. Visible stains and damage are caused by microbes releasing digestive enzymes that wear down surfaces searching for edible organic material. Drywall is made of paperboard and gypsum, and wood wall framing and baseboards are among the most common places for microbes to hide.

Mold can also exist in such surfaces and areas as:

  • Upholstery fabrics and drapes
  • Insulation
  • Food storage
  • Bathrooms, particularly those with loosened caulk and seals
  • Around leaky supply lines, plumbing, and other water damage sources

SERVPRO professionals can remediate the damage and the circumstances that create it, which mold could exacerbate. Homeowners are advised to avoid performing cleanup on their own to ensure that they do not unintentionally spread microbes to other spaces.

How SERVPRO Training Prepares Technicians and Staff for Mold Mitigation

SERVPRO's extensive training and education resources provide restoration technicians with the essential knowledge necessary to restore affected homes to a pre-damage state.

Education units for technicians cover:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

After completing these units and the required Crew Training, restoration pros are ready to remediate a variety of home disasters. SERVPRO e-Learning modules allow technicians and non-restoration staff to expand their knowledge base while staying up-to-date on restoration industry protocols as laid out by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Franchise owners undergo thorough SERVPRO training via hands-on Initial Franchise Training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility. One of this facility's most unique features is the SERVPRO Corporate Training House, which allows for realistic disaster mitigation scenarios to be mitigated and restored.

Franchise owners are educated in:

  • Fire & Water Damage Restoration
  • Mold Mitigation
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Educational courses and seminars, both credit and noncredit, are also available to SERVPRO staff and professionals in industries related to residential disaster restoration. These can include insurance agents, claims adjusters, and real estate professionals.

These sources include:

  • The noncredit Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
  • Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
  • Restorative Drying for Loss Contol
  • Fire & Water Damage Restoration units

These comprehensive resources allow individuals and SERVPRO professionals to better prepare for a disaster and assist the community in providing more effective home restoration when damage does occur.

SERVPRO's learning resources, industrial-grade mold mitigation technologies, and 24-hour availability ensure that emergency-response restoration services meet a consistently high standard for homeowners and their families.

Property owners can call (985) 649-1516 for restoration services from SERVPRO of Slidell. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster and prepared to respond to structural damage concerns seven days a week.

Water Damage's Impact on Slidell Home Structures

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment drying a water damaged bathroom Call SERVPRO at the first sign of water damage in your Slidell home to avoid additional damages.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Slidell Residential Water Disasters

Property damage caused by water totals an average of $20 billion per year for United States homeowners. While Slidell property owners can take measures like installing moisture sensors and maintaining plumbing, many water damage incidents are unforeseen accidents that can happen without warning. Fortunately, professional assistance is available at any time of the day or night to minimize potential damages.

Water damage cleanup for Slidell homeowners is available at SERVPRO 24/7. Restoration from highly-trained technicians takes care of water damage and performs necessary repairs. These services can include patching up drywall and fixing damaged flooring and baseboards.

How Water Damage can Affect Residential Structures

Moisture can be highly damaging on its own. Still, two of the most challenging aspects of cleanup are water's ability to carry in other contaminants and the potential for mold growth due to the damage mentioned above.

In as little as one week, moisture damage can do the following:

  • Make drywall warp, crack, and eventually crumble. Ceilings may sag and ultimately collapse without intervention
  • Cause furniture finishes to spread stains that may not be removable if they have been allowed to set
  • Warp furniture frames and potentially rust components like nails or the backs of upholstery tacks
  • Damage flooring that relies on adhesives to stay in place
  • Generate excess mold growth in as little as 24 hours after exposure

While homeowners can hypothetically take care of some of the water themselves, moisture that has been left for more than a week may be considered a potential biohazard.

Restoration technicians are well-equipped to remove water at the source with commercial-grade equipment and perform mold mitigation where needed. Leaving these tasks to the pros can mitigate damages more quickly and thoroughly, especially in situations where the source of the damage is difficult to clean with consumer-grade solutions.

Effective Sanitation and Water Removal with SERVPRO Tools

SERVPRO's multi-pronged approach to moisture cleanup entails a variety of strategies that address many of the complexities of water cleanup, including:

  • Are mold or bacterial odors present?
  • Is the scope of the damage milder or more severe?
  • How much damage did structural materials and contents suffer?
  • Is demolition necessary for mitigation or repairs? If so, can these materials be repaired, reinstalled, or replaced?
  • Are furnishings or other belongings affected, and can they be restored?

Unless items like antiques, collectibles, or specialized electronic devices need servicing, SERVPRO professionals can often restore these items with careful manual cleaning, application EPA-registered biocides, and drying solutions. Papers and books can also be dried, typically through sublimation to halt further water damage.

Drying is a multi-step process that relies on extraction tools to pull up most excess water before positioning dehumidifiers and air movers around the property. The placement of air movers is crucial for effectively drying walls, floors, and ceilings efficiently in tandem with the dehumidifier.

Odor control can be implemented after drying and sanitation with the help of multiple tools, including SERVPRO odor counteractant beads, scented granules, time-release pellets, and ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers which can release water- or solvent-based deodorizing fog.

Before and after deodorization, SERVPRO technicians run high-powered box fans which circulate over 3,000 cubic feet of air per minute at least 40 times. This process ensures that contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not a risk and that air quality in the home is as clean as possible.

Residents can call (985) 649-1516 for "Like it never even happened" mitigation and rebuilding services from SERVPRO of Slidell.

How to Prevent Costly Fire Damage Repairs in Slidell

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

Kitchen cabinets and microwave with fire damage SERVPRO's certified technicians are ready and available to assist in Slidell with fire damages 24/7.

Slidell SERVPRO Fire Mitigation Techs Restore Damaged Property with 24-Hour Service

Residential structure fires can be an overwhelming experience for any Slidell homeowner. These disasters often leave behind debris and soot, but the damage can spread unpleasant odors and hard-to-remove residues from burnt oils, plastics, and chemicals. Soot can also get trapped in appliances, ventilation ducts, and electrical components, potentially compromising these items and creating even more costly repair considerations over time without fast-acting cleanup.

SERVPRO fire damage restoration professionals in Slidell are trained to remediate smoke and soot residues and fire suppression-related damage. This firm’s dedication to thorough training ensures that properties receive care consistent with their insurance coverage and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards.

What Factors Exacerbate Fire Damage Repairs?

While flame-resistant structural materials, like gypsum board, treated plywood, and intumescent paint, can go a long way toward reducing the impact and spread of a fire, these measures themselves do not prevent these disasters from occurring at all. Even with thorough preparation and steps taken to lessen the risk, fires can happen regardless.

  • Fire suppression solutions like home extinguishers and kitchen range hood extinguishers can address common sources of residential structure fires.
  • Regular HVAC cleaning and maintenance can minimize the amount of material soot can cling to or that flames can burn.
  • Having faulty electrical wiring, motors, and other components serviced when defective or failing can greatly minimize ignition risk, especially in attics or any room that uses an exhaust fan.
  • If a small kitchen fire breaks out, homeowners are advised to avoid using water to put it out, potentially spreading flames, mainly if oils are involved. Instead, baking soda or salt is often sufficient for smothering these minor flare-ups.

After a fire, Slidell home occupants are encouraged to contact their insurer as soon as possible. Typically, homeowners do not have to wait on an adjuster to inspect the property before calling an IICRC-certified restoration team like SERVPRO.

SERVPRO’s Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup Process for Residential Structures

The key to successful smoke and soot mitigation is the ability to remediate the main factors that exacerbate fire damage, including:

  • Unsalvageable debris that can contribute to stains and odors
  • Water damage and residues from suppression efforts
  • Creosote, soot deposits, and filmy protein soils can all attract dirt and create unpleasant odors
  • HVAC fire damage, which can spread soot particles and residues throughout the home without proper treatment
  • Charring on structural materials, fixtures, and furnishings, as well as soot on metals that can eventually corrode them

Air movers and dehumidifiers can dry residual moisture. During cleanup, containment procedures like sealing doorways, windows, and ductwork before lowering air pressure prevent soot particles from traveling outside the damaged area.

Manual cleaning with such tools as dry cleaning sponges, alkaline cleaners, and OSHA-approved antimicrobials can remove light to moderate soils. Heavy-duty cleaning and partial odor control are achievable with such tools as soda ash or dry ice blasting, ultrasonic cleaning, and ozone or hydroxyl generators. Thermal fogging provides widespread deodorization with powerful solvents that eliminate smoke odors at the particle level.

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster and respond with 24/7 mitigation services. Homeowners can call SERVPRO of Slidell at (985) 649-1516 to begin the restoration process.

Water Mitigation Reduces Bad Weather's Impact on Homes in Slidell

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

water damaged room; SERVPRO drying equipment seen being used Our area is prone to flooding. SERVPRO's team has multiple strategies to dry water damage.

Save Time, Money, & Memories with Water Mitigation

Heavy rainfall that invades your residence in Slidell can cause significant damage to its structure and also harm your belongings. Our water mitigation team can help stop this damage from worsening.

In Slidell, floodwater mitigation protects homes and businesses and saves as many of your items inside the structure as possible. Doing this lowers expenses and reduces the time required to recover after a flood or other weather-related disaster.

Each of the activities performed by SERVPRO plays a crucial role in saving your family's essential and treasured items. Our mitigation services include the following:

  • Sorting belongings according to soiling level,
  • Providing initial cleaning, and
  • Ensuring that uniform drying occurs.

Many cleaning and restoration tasks can occur at your residence, while other aspects are easier to complete at our facility. Our inventory process ensures you always know where your belongings are at any given time. A disaster involving floodwater causes different amounts of soiling throughout your residence. We sort affected items to help speed up the entire cleaning process.

Some at-risk items might need only a quick wipe-down with a dampened sponge, while others might require more extensive cleaning with different brushes and towels. We often need to use various cleaning agents. We want to have everything ready for the drying chambers at about the same time.

The drying chambers we construct help ensure we correctly handle your family's belongings in this final step. These enclosed areas are where we can inspect for any remaining soiling and now-visible damage that recently removed soiling covered and hidden from us. We use these chambers to take measurements and digital readings of the items. Drying items this way permits us to detect things that we once thought were restorable but find later are too damaged. Instead, we can list such items as beyond recoverable, allowing you to claim them with your insurance policy.

Contact your local mitigation team at SERVPRO of Slidell at (985) 649-1516.