Why Ceiling Stains Are a Sign of Water Damage

10/1/2023 (Permalink)

If you've ever looked up at your ceiling and noticed dark stains, you may have wondered what caused them. Ceiling stains are often one of the first signs of water damage, and they can indicate a serious problem in your home. If you ignore the problem for too long, it will only get worse and could lead to extensive damage.

Possible Reasons for Ceiling Stains

There are a few different reasons why you may have water stains on your ceiling.

Leaking Pipes

One of the most common causes of ceiling stains is leaking pipes. If you have a water stain on your ceiling, it's important to check your pipes for any signs of leaks. 

If you find a leak, it's best to contact a professional restoration company and have the problem fixed as soon as possible. 

Ignoring a leaky pipe can lead to extensive water damage in your home, which can be very costly to repair.

Leaking Roof

Another common cause of ceiling stains is a leaking roof. If your roof is leaking, water will drip down through the ceiling and cause stains. Even a small leak can cause water to seep through the roof and onto your ceiling, leading to staining. 

If you notice signs of a leaking roof, it's important to have it checked by a professional and make the necessary repairs.

Condensation

In some cases, ceiling stains may be caused because of condensation. This usually happens in homes with poor ventilation, where warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces (like the ceiling). 

If you think condensation may be the cause of your ceiling stains, it's important to improve the ventilation in your home. This can be done by opening windows and doors, using fans, or installing an exhaust fan in your bathroom.

How to Deal with Ceiling Stains

Water stains on the ceiling should never be overlooked. Action must be taken immediately by calling a professional to inspect your house and fix the situation.

Water stains can be a sign of serious damage to your home, and the sooner you identify the problem, the easier it will be to repair.

Contact a water damage restoration company today if you have any concerns about your home's ceiling stains. They'll be able to inspect the stains and determine the cause of the problem. From there, they can offer solutions for repairing the damage and preventing future problems.

How to Prevent Water Damage

Some simple steps you can take to prevent water damage include:

• Checking for leaks on a regular basis and repairing them promptly
• Inspecting your roof for any signs of damage
• Keeping your drains unsoiled and free of debris

By taking these preventive measures, you can help avoid water damage in your home. If you have any questions about preventing water damage, contact a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension. They'll be happy to offer advice and assistance.

They'll be able to offer more tips on how to keep your home safe from water damage.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

It's important to contact a professional restoration company as soon as you notice any signs of water damage.

SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension is a leading water damage restoration company. We have the training and experience necessary to quickly and effectively address water damage. We'll work to restore your home back to its original condition, so you can be at peace knowing that your property is in good hands.

Contact us today for more information about our water damage restoration services. We're here to help you 24/7, 365 days a year.

3 Spots Mold Loves to Hide in Your Home

9/24/2023 (Permalink)

The presence of mold in your home can cause significant damage to both you and your belongings. Molds, being fungi, are destructive in nature. They appear and replicate quickly when an area becomes damp and humid. Molds can cause or exacerbate a wide variety of allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals. Some of these symptoms include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, and so on. 

However, molds not only have a negative impact on human health, but they also cause a number of structural issues that, if left unchecked, can put you and your family in danger and destroy valuable possessions. 

Because of this, you should always be on the lookout for mold and be ready to take immediate action against an infestation by finding its hiding places and contacting a mold remediation expert. Of course, you're probably already familiar with the obvious spots, but you may not have considered the hidden places where mold can grow rapidly without being noticed, and these are often the ones that lead to major problems and costly repairs in the home. But if you know what to look for and perform some basic home maintenance regularly, you can keep your home mold-free.

When inspecting your home for mold, here are the three (3) most important places to look:

In the Shower or Bathtub 

Mold prefers and thrives in moist environments, so it can be found in poorly ventilated bathrooms and showers. Mold frequently grows in the grout between tiles and can be difficult to detect and remove. Make a habit of thoroughly scrubbing all surfaces on a regular basis. They are also commonly found on appliances that get damp from prolonged exposure to water. Keep your bathroom well-ventilated at all times, and if you're worried about mold but can't tell for sure, consider hiring a mold remediation expert to take a look around.

Get in touch with a qualified clean-up service, such as SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension. Because of our extensive experience with mold remediation, we can quickly return your home to a healthy and safe condition.

In the Basement 

Poorly lit and moist areas are the two primary factors mold needs to thrive, and basements are often damp and dark, which makes an ideal place for mold to grow. The dust that accumulates there, combined with the limited airflow, creates an ideal environment for mold to thrive. Check for leaks and moisture issues, and try to dry out the basement as much as possible.

In the Kitchen 

Mold can grow in a variety of spots and areas throughout the kitchen. Mold loves to grow on food, so if you want to keep it from taking over your fridge or freezer, you should clean it out regularly. 

Get rid of any food items that have gone bad or are past their expiration date. Dishes and the dishwasher are two more areas where you might be tempted to cut corners in an effort to save time, money, or both. For example, you might skip the dry cycle phase to get the dishwasher done more quickly and use less energy. When your dishes and dishwasher aren't properly dried, they become a breeding ground for mold. On the other hand, you might find mold growing in the cracks among your dishware stacked in the cupboard.

It is important to make sure that your food items are properly packaged and stored. Therefore, it is advisable to do regular checks to make sure that no perishables have gone bad or have expired and that no mold has grown. 

Quick Signs of Mold's Presence

1. Musty odor or damp and rotten smell
2. Stained clothing
3. Contaminated carpets
4. Tainted tiles
5. Distorted walls

If you have looked around your home and are experiencing some of these symptoms, you should get a mold check and have it cleaned up. When you detect a musty smell but can't figure out what it is, it's time to call a mold removal company. 

Contact a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension. We specialize in mold removal and can quickly restore your home to a safe and healthy state. For more information, please contact us right away!

Feel Sick in Your Own Home? Check for Mold

9/17/2023 (Permalink)

Typically, mold will grow on walls, ceilings, floors, upholstery, furniture, leather, wooden surfaces, cardboard, and insulation.

Mold is one of the most common household problems in both new and old homes. Mold can emerge in any kind of climate, but it is more likely to happen in warmer areas. Mold requires water and a relatively warm temperature to grow, and even in cold climates, the internal environment of the home can be suitable for mold growth. Getting rid of mold as soon as possible is the best strategy, as it can not only ruin your belongings but can also be a serious health risk. 

Signs of Mold

If you can see mold, that is the easiest way to detect it. Generally, it will appear as dark dots or a powdery coating on a surface. Mold can grow in various places, so looking out for these signs in every part of the home is important. Typically, mold will grow on walls, ceilings, floors, upholstery, furniture, leather, wooden surfaces, cardboard, and insulation. Some of these places, such as insulation behind drywall, may not be visible. 

A bad odor also accompanies mold growth. It smells like bad eggs or like something is rotting. Mold can often get into AC and HVAC units, leading to a bad smell all around the house. 

The spores in the air will also lead to increased breathing problems and aggravate certain illnesses. People with especially sensitive sinuses and airways will feel aggravation in their system. It can also lead to eye irritation, coughing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, and even skin rashes if you come in contact with the mold. If these symptoms aren't improving, you may have a mold problem even though you can't smell it. 

Where to Look for Mold

The first thing you should look for is discoloration. This could be on walls, floors, ceilings, or on individual items such as sofas or carpets. Discoloration could look like a powdery coating over the area or be in the form of black dots. The color and the kind of discoloration will vary depending on the kind of mold. 

Also, have a look in places that are likely to develop moisture, such as near plumbing, pipe ducts, under the sink, or in the bathroom. If your home has recently experienced water damage, have a look at those places, as they may not have dried out fully and started to grow mold. 

Also, look in places that don't get used too often or stay closed a lot, such as crawl spaces, basements, attics, drawers and cabinets, parts of the garage, or even unused spaces within the house. 

Look at things that are sitting in storage, such as mattresses, cardboard boxes, extra clothing, shoes, and other items. If you have a pantry in the kitchen, go through all the belongings in that space to ensure mold isn't developing inside a container. Sometimes even airtight containers can be compromised. 

How to Remedy the Situation

The most important step in mold remediation is to prevent it from spreading. Once you have located the mold, get in touch with SERVPRO professionals who can help you contain the mold. The mold remediation team at SERVPRO will close off that area and quarantine anything that needs to be treated. Then they will remove the affected belongings and start addressing the area. This involves closing off the area and removing the mold while ensuring that the spores do not spread to other places. 

The affected space will need to be treated and then properly dried to remove moisture from the surface and the air in that space. SERVPRO has heaters and fans that are needed to properly dry out the space and specialized disinfectants and chemicals that are needed to deep clean the area where the mold was growing. SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension is here to help! We offer comprehensive mold remediation services that will get your home back to normal, stop the mold in its tracks, and save your property and your health. Call us at (225) 753-3434 for a free consultation.

Bathroom Corners Keep Growing Mold?

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Mold can be a big problem in any home, but it's especially troublesome in the bathroom. Because of the high humidity levels in this space, mold can easily take hold and grow rampant. If you've noticed that your bathroom corners keep growing mold, there are a few things you can do to combat the issue. But first, it's important to understand why this problem occurs.

Why Bathroom Corners Grow Mold

There are a few reasons why bathroom corners are more susceptible to mold growth than other areas of the home.

• The high humidity levels in your bathroom create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Mold loves warm, moist environments, and your bathroom provides that in spades. When you take a hot shower, the steam creates condensation on your walls, ceiling, and floors. This condensation provides the perfect opportunity for mold to take hold.
• Another reason why bathroom corners are more prone to mold growth is that they're often darker than other areas of the room. Because they don't get as much light, mold can more easily proliferate in these shadowy spots.
• Finally, bathroom corners tend to collect dust and other particles. These particles provide food for mold, which helps it to grow and spread.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Bathroom Corners

Now that you know why your bathroom corners keep growing mold, you can take steps to prevent it from happening. Here are a few tips:

Use an Exhaust Fan: This will help to keep the humidity levels in your bathroom down, making it less hospitable for mold growth.

Wipe Down Wet Surfaces: After you take a shower, be sure to wipe down any wet surfaces in your bathroom. This includes your walls, ceiling, and floors.

Keep Things Clean: Be sure to clean your bathroom regularly. This includes sweeping and mopping the floors, wiping down surfaces, and cleaning the toilet.

Fix Leaks: If you have any leaks in your bathroom, be sure to fix them as soon as possible. Leaks provide a source of water for mold to grow.

Let in the Light: Mold loves dark, shadowy corners. So, if you can, let some light into your bathroom to help prevent mold growth.

Following these tips will help to keep mold from growing in your bathroom corners. However, if you already have a mold problem, you'll need to take steps to remove it.

How to Remove Mold from Your Bathroom Corners

If you already have mold growing in your bathroom corners, don't despair. 

Find the Source

First, you'll need to identify the source of the moisture. Mold loves damp, humid conditions, so chances are there's a leaky pipe or other problem that's causing your bathroom corners to stay wet. Once you've fixed the source of the moisture, you can start cleaning up the mold.

Clean It Up

To remove mold, you'll need to use a solution of bleach and water. Mix one part bleach with 10 parts water, and apply it to the affected areas with a sponge or brush. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then scrub away the mold and rinse the area with clean water.

Once you've removed the mold, take steps to prevent it from coming back. Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated, and run a fan or open a window after each shower to help keep the air dry. Wipe down any wet surfaces as soon as possible, and consider using a dehumidifier in especially humid conditions. With a little effort, you can keep your bathroom mold-free.

Mold can be a nuisance, but you can keep it under control with a little effort. By preventing mold growth and cleaning it up as soon as it appears, you can keep your bathroom looking and smelling fresh and mold-free.

When to Call a Professional

If the mold growth in your bathroom is extensive, it's best to call a professional for help. SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension has the training and experience to safely and effectively remove mold from your home. We also have the proper equipment to ensure the job is done correctly. Contact us today at (225) 753-3434 for more information.

Microwave Fires in the Workplace

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

A microwave is one of the most frequently used appliances in the workplace, and the possibility of a fire outbreak is imminent. When used properly, a microwave is safe and convenient for quickly heating various foods. 

However, some practices increase the risk of microwave fire, but you can learn how to avoid them. Neglecting these safety measures will result in a fire hazard that can cause damage to more than just your food.

Safety Tips for Using a Microwave

• Every new microwave has an instruction manual explaining the safety precautions and operating procedures; read it thoroughly.
• Don't heat items that aren't microwave-safe to reduce the risk of a fire outbreak.
• Some containers, such as plastic wraps, paper towels, waxed paper, foam trays, aluminum foil, and plastic containers, are not heat-stable. These containers can melt and catch fire when exposed to high temperatures, so avoid using them.
• Do not leave the microwave unattended while reheating popcorn or other dry foods, as they can easily become overheated and dry out, resulting in a fire hazard.
• All microwave-safe ceramic and plastic containers are labeled, so use the correct ones.
• Some microwaves include a metal stand for heating meat and other dry foods; some containers have metal edges, so be careful when using these items to prevent overheating and sparking.
• Clean the microwave regularly to remove any debris that could spark a fire. While cleaning, make sure the microwave is turned off.
• If your microwave catches fire at work, do not try to extinguish it with water, as it can lead to an electric shock. Unplug the equipment and contact your local fire department instead. 
• Leaving the microwave plugged in with food inside is risky because a power surge can cause it to turn on and keep running until someone unplugs it. To avoid this, unplug the equipment when not in use.
• The most common cause of microwave fires is food or packaging overheating. Consequently, to reduce the risk of a fire outbreak, you should pay attention to your food while it is heated and remove it from the microwave at the appropriate time.
• The importance of regular microwave maintenance cannot be overstated. People often overlook that electrical appliances require routine maintenance to ensure they are always in good working condition.

Purchase a Durable Microwave for Office Use

People microwave various items at work, and there is a high level of carelessness when using this device; everyone wants their food heated quickly, which can easily lead to a fire hazard. 

The company should invest in a powerful, long-lasting microwave to accommodate these excesses. Some people set the microwave temperature too high because a lower temperature means more time. All these excesses can be controlled when the microwave is efficient and powerful.

Hire a Professional to Restore the Damages

When you realize you can't estimate the extent of the damage, it's best to seek the assistance of a commercial damage restoration company. Some microwave fires are minute and can be stopped by turning off the appliance, causing only minor damage to the food. 

In other scenarios, the microwave will be irreparably damaged, and the entire room will be stained with soot. A professional must handle situations like this and return everything to normalcy.

At SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension, we are available 24/7 to assist you in cleaning up after a microwave fire. We have the necessary training and equipment to safely remove the soot and smoke damage caused by the fire. In addition, we will work to restore your property to its original condition. Contact us at (225) 753-3434 for a free consultation.

Using a microwave safely gives you a steaming hot homemade lunch when you get hungry. However, turning the device on and off without attention can cause a fire outbreak. The hazard may be within your control, but contact us today for more help.

Slow Pipe Leak vs. Burst Pipe and the Damage They Cause

8/10/2023 (Permalink)

Any type of water leak or flood can be devastating to a home, so it's important to be prepared for them. Nothing should be ignored, from major problems like burst pipes to minor problems like pipe leaks that are frequently dismissed; they can pose serious risks and significantly damage your home. 

A slow pipe leak is just as damaging as a burst pipe because both can have severe structural, financial, and health consequences. These issues should be addressed immediately to protect your home, family, and possessions.

Slow Pipe Leak vs. Burst Pipe

A slow pipe leak can cause as much, if not more, damage than a burst pipe. Slow pipe leaks can go undetected for a long time, causing significant damage to your home. 

A burst pipe can cause flooding in minutes, but slowly leaking pipes can go undetected for weeks, months, or even years. The unawareness of this water damage makes it so dangerous. It can cause structural damage to your home's walls and ceiling, which can be fatal in an accident.

A slow pipe leak can also be hazardous to one's health because the damp areas created by water seepage can encourage mold growth, a fungus that can spread quickly if not treated on time. 

Mold growth can result in mild health problems like runny nose, cough, eye irritation, headache, wheezing, sneezing, sore throat, etc., or more serious ones like aspergillosis, sporotrichosis, lung irritation, histoplasmosis, etc. People with pre-existing illnesses such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, etc., are more prone to its effects.

Burst pipes, leaking pipes, and poorly fitted appliances can lead to water damage which can be disastrous to a property.

Warning Signs to Look Out For 

In the case of a burst pipe, the signs are obvious and instantaneous, like flooding, but for slow pipe leaks, discovering it immediately is difficult, and you may notice it much later after it has damaged your home, destroyed your belongings, and affected your and your family's health.

However, there are a few warning signs you can look out for to detect slow pipe leaks in your home. They include the following:

Increased Utility Bill on Water Usage

The simplest way to detect a slow pipe leak is to check your water bill or meter. Consciously observing your water bill can alert you to a potential pipe leak, and you can then look for other signs and prepare to prevent further damage.

Wall and Ceiling Deterioration

Check for cracks in your walls or ceilings, distorted, deformed, or bowed panels, wobbling wallpaper, lifting edges, etc. These signs indicate that your plasterboard has absorbed a significant amount of moisture due to water seepage from the leaking pipe; it should be replaced immediately.

A Drop in Water Pressure

A drop in your home's water pressure is another sign of a pipe leak. When there's a leak, the water pressure in other parts of your home may drop. If you notice this, try to look around and if you can't find it, call a professional.

Poorly fitted washing machines and dishwashers can also cause water leaks. If they're not installed properly, water may leak out and affect nearby areas. Puddles forming around vinyl flooring, warping or buckling of real or laminated wood, and water or salt marks on adjacent walls are warning signs.

If you notice any of these signs of a leak, fix the problem immediately to avoid further damage. You may be tempted to believe that a minor leak isn't a big deal and is easy to rectify. However, minor leaks can quickly escalate into larger problems and plumbing issues. The sooner it's repaired, the safer your home or company will be.

If you suspect a slow pipe leak, please call SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension at (225) 753-3434 for assistance. We're here to help!

Is Mold Really in Every Home?

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Of the many pests that can plague a house, mold is one of the most common. This is large because it requires very little for mold to start growing and being the resilient pest that it is, and it can be very difficult to get rid of it. Ideally, you should go for a deep clean of the property to really get rid of the mold. 

Mold spreads through spores. The spores are very small and light, so they have easily carried around in the air. Mold might seem like a minor problem, but it can be a very destructive pest if it is left untreated. Here is how you can manage the situation. 

Where Can I Find Mold?

Certain areas of the house are more likely to develop a mold infestation. Like any other living organism, water is a basic requirement for mold to live. Any place that has water or even a high level of humidity can be a breeding ground for mold. 

Places such as the crawl space, near a pool, a damp basement, or any area that has been recently affected by flooding can be good places for mold to grow. If you have indoor plants, then there will be more humidity in the house which can also attract mold. 

Mold can latch onto nearly any surface and feed off it. Things like cardboard, drywall, paint, rugs, leather, wood, upholstery, and even insulation are places where mold can start growing if there is enough moisture in the environment for it to survive. 

How Did I Get Mold?

You might clean your house regularly, but that doesn't mean you are able to get rid of all the mold spores. These little spores can get in through your ventilation system, windows, and doors, or they can latch on to clothing and belongings and enter the house when you come in with them. Once inside, the spores may stay dormant for weeks or months until they get the right conditions to start developing. 

They can easily be moved around the house through people and pets. If you recently had something that was affected by mold and you threw that item away, the spores from that item may have spread to other parts of the home. Spores can also distribute themselves through dust, so any contaminated dust in the home can also start a mold infestation. 

Signs Of Mold

The best solution is to detect mold before it becomes a major problem. In the right conditions, mold can grow extremely quickly and can easily eat away at the surface that it grows on. If this happens to be a valuable item or the structure of your home, it could lead to a lot of problems. 

One of the biggest signs is the odor that mold creates. In some cases, this could smell like rotten eggs; in other cases, it might just smell like rubbish or like something is decaying. The odor depends on the surface that the mold is on. If anything smells off, get it inspected. 

The other major sign is fungus growth. Usually, you can spot fungus growth on carpets, furniture, clothing, or walls and floors. It can range from white to green to black, depending on the particular kind of mold. 

Another sign is an increase in allergies and, specifically, breathing-related problems. If you have anyone in the house with asthma or a similar breathing condition, the allergy will flare up and won't go away because the mold spores are still in the air. 

Conclusion

The best solution is to get a professional team, such as the mold removal experts at SERVPRO, to help you with this situation. They will help you remove the mold properly and disinfect the area, so there is no possibility of the mold returning. The SERVPRO team has plenty of experience working with mold infestations, and they can help you get the issue resolved and prevent it from spreading.

Help, My Oven Caught on Fire

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Simple mistakes like not paying attention to safety rules around food, oil, leaks, or being careful with household appliances can lead to big problems.

In many regions of the United States, the kitchen is usually the origin of a fire in a home. A small fire in the kitchen has the potential to become a devastating blaze in an apartment. Fires can happen at any time, so it's important to be prepared by installing safety features, familiarizing yourself with safety rules and precautions, and keeping the fire department's number handy.

Faulty appliances, gas leaks, oil spills, and heat from appliances are all common causes of these fires. Other appliances, such as a toaster, microwave, cooker, or oven, can also cause a fire. You could start a fire if you don't clean and maintain your kitchen appliances regularly and don't pay attention when you're cooking.

The first step in dealing with a fire is to extinguish the source of the fire. If it's coming from the burner or an electric source, turn it off. If the fire has spread to the pan during cooking, cover it with the lid to reduce the oxygen required for the fire to burn.

Water can also extinguish a fire, but be cautious if the source of the fire is grease. Using water on hot oil could cause the fire to spread. It is strongly recommended that fires be avoided at all costs, but if a fire does break out, the following are some methods that can put out the blaze and start the restoration process at the same time.

Cleaning and Inspection 

The first thing to do if your oven catches fire is to turn it off. Following that, you must clean up the area and assess the extent of the damage. Without prompt intervention, the fire could quickly spread and destroy the apartment. Therefore, after extinguishing the fire, it is necessary to inspect the extent of the damage and notify your insurance company. 

A highly experienced fire restoration company would assist with the inspection, but before they arrive, you can do a bit by taking care of the utensils and parts of the property that you can handle and take pictures. Taking pictures and sending them to the agency before they arrive would give them an idea of what they're up against. 

During the inspection, consider the damaged properties and the estimated repair cost. A fire restoration company familiar with insurance policies can help you with this and communicate the necessary information to the insurance provider.

Get Help

While you do your part to control the damage before the fire restoration company arrives, keep in mind that fires aren't something you can handle on your own; you need help. 

Hire a company specializing in fire restoration to assist you in cleaning up the damage. Trusted companies, like SERVPRO, have years of experience dealing with fires and can quickly restore your home to normalcy. You need your home to look normal again quickly, but restoring it alone could take a long time. Give SERVPRO a call so that we can help you get your home back to normal as soon as possible. 

Renovation and Recovery

The final phase is to put the place back into order after cleaning, inspecting, and controlling the extent of the fire damage. The fire restoration company would provide this service. The extent of the fire would determine the scope of the renovation, but a company with experience would have you back in your home in no time. 

Fires are unplanned events that can happen to anyone at any time. It is important to follow safety rules and pay close attention to the little things that can cause a fire. In case it happens, having a fire restoration agency on speed dial is important. 

SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension's services are readily available at any time of day or night. Our highly trained experts can promptly be at your location after receiving your call. 

Slow Pipe Leak vs. Burst Pipe and the Damage They Cause

7/24/2023 (Permalink)

Any type of water leak or flood can be devastating to a home, so it's important to be prepared for them. Nothing should be ignored, from major problems like burst pipes to minor problems like pipe leaks that are frequently dismissed; they can pose serious risks and significantly damage your home. 

A slow pipe leak is just as damaging as a burst pipe because both can have severe structural, financial, and health consequences. These issues should be addressed immediately to protect your home, family, and possessions.

Slow Pipe Leak vs. Burst Pipe

A slow pipe leak can cause as much, if not more, damage than a burst pipe. Slow pipe leaks can go undetected for a long time, causing significant damage to your home. 

A burst pipe can cause flooding in minutes, but slowly leaking pipes can go undetected for weeks, months, or even years. The unawareness of this water damage makes it so dangerous. It can cause structural damage to your home's walls and ceiling, which can be fatal in an accident.

A slow pipe leak can also be hazardous to one's health because the damp areas created by water seepage can encourage mold growth, a fungus that can spread quickly if not treated on time. 

Mold growth can result in mild health problems like runny nose, cough, eye irritation, headache, wheezing, sneezing, sore throat, etc., or more serious ones like aspergillosis, sporotrichosis, lung irritation, histoplasmosis, etc. People with pre-existing illnesses such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, etc., are more prone to its effects.

Burst pipes, leaking pipes, and poorly fitted appliances can lead to water damage which can be disastrous to a property.

Warning Signs to Look Out For 

In the case of a burst pipe, the signs are obvious and instantaneous, like flooding, but for slow pipe leaks, discovering it immediately is difficult, and you may notice it much later after it has damaged your home, destroyed your belongings, and affected your and your family's health.

However, there are a few warning signs you can look out for to detect slow pipe leaks in your home. They include the following:

Increased Utility Bill on Water Usage

The simplest way to detect a slow pipe leak is to check your water bill or meter. Consciously observing your water bill can alert you to a potential pipe leak, and you can then look for other signs and prepare to prevent further damage.

Wall and Ceiling Deterioration

Check for cracks in your walls or ceilings, distorted, deformed, or bowed panels, wobbling wallpaper, lifting edges, etc. These signs indicate that your plasterboard has absorbed a significant amount of moisture due to water seepage from the leaking pipe; it should be replaced immediately.

A Drop in Water Pressure

A drop in your home's water pressure is another sign of a pipe leak. When there's a leak, the water pressure in other parts of your home may drop. If you notice this, try to look around and if you can't find it, call a professional.

Poorly fitted washing machines and dishwashers can also cause water leaks. If they're not installed properly, water may leak out and affect nearby areas. Puddles forming around vinyl flooring, warping or buckling of real or laminated wood, and water or salt marks on adjacent walls are warning signs.

If you notice any of these signs of a leak, fix the problem immediately to avoid further damage. You may be tempted to believe that a minor leak isn't a big deal and is easy to rectify. However, minor leaks can quickly escalate into larger problems and plumbing issues. The sooner it's repaired, the safer your home or company will be.

If you suspect a slow pipe leak, please call SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension at (225) 753-3434 for assistance. We're here to help!

Garage Fire Restoration in Baton Rouge

7/17/2023 (Permalink)

Have you had to deal with a garage fire in East Baton Rouge? Contact SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension to help!

Garage fires can be devastating to homeowners, preventing them from enjoying their homes for several days and causing great discomfort. Fires can cause physical harm, but they can also harm people emotionally, leading to trauma. After the fire has been extinguished, you should take a moment to relax and clear your mind before beginning the restoration process. 

After you've extinguished the fire in the garage, follow the steps and suggestions below.

Inspection and Assessment of Damages

After dealing with a fire in your garage, you should first look at the damage to your garage so you can figure out what to do next. 

Before going in, you should let some fresh air into the garage by opening the doors and windows. This will also help the smoke and soot clear out of the area. 

When determining the extent of the damage, it is most important to inspect the building's structure and to look for items and areas that were spared.

To avoid further damage, any items that were not affected by the fire should be moved to a safe location or covered with plastic.

When inspecting, make a list of the damage done, the items that need to be replaced, and what can be salvaged. The focus should be on items or areas that require immediate attention.

Cleaning and Removal of Soot

Following the inspection and assessment of the damage, you must clean all affected areas and remove the soot caused by the fire. Most of the time, the water used to put out the fire can soak all your belongings in the garage. 

If the firefighters use chemical extinguishers, wash and clean everything thoroughly to get rid of the bad smell and toxic substances. Remove all excess water to prevent water from soaking into the floor and walls. You can use air movers and a commercial dehumidifier to ensure your garage is dry.

Other items in the garage must be removed and cleaned, such as rugs, furniture, exposed clothing, or doormats.

Getting rid of soot is difficult during restoration; soot can damage your property if not removed within two days.

Soot removal must be thorough and done correctly, as it can seriously affect your health and your property.

Cleaning everything on your own can be extremely dangerous because carcinogens in smoke and soot pose a significant risk to your health. It is best to leave such clean-up to professionals who will do so safely and with the proper tools.

If your home has been damaged by a garage fire, you must act quickly. Please contact SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension at (225) 753-3434 if you need assistance with the restoration process. We'll work quickly to restore your home to its original state.

Eliminating Smoke Residue

This is another crucial stage in the restoration process, and it must be completed as soon as possible before the smoke in your garage settles into the air permanently. It is as important as removing soot and must be done properly. 

You can improve the quality of the air in your garage by using either an air scrubber or air movers. We suggest using a shop vacuum with a HEPA filter to get rid of all the dust and dirt.

After the debris has been successfully removed, another issue will be the foul odor caused by the smoke, which will linger even after a thorough clean-up. This offensive odor can be removed with a strong deodorizing element such as hydroxyl.

All charred items must be removed.

A garage fire can seriously damage your enclosure and a number of the items stored in the garage. Because the garage is frequently used to store chemicals, expensive equipment, and valuables, it can be very expensive for homeowners because all of these items can be destroyed. 

After the fire has been extinguished, it is important to begin the restoration process to reduce the dangers of soot and smoke in your garage. Please contact SERVPRO of East Baton Rouge and Ascension at (225) 753-3434 if you need cleaning and restoration assistance. We'll get to work right away to restore your house to normalcy.