Pipes in the Summer

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

CenLa’s humid heat is something else! Previously, we discussed how extreme temperatures can affect your property’s pipes, causing water damage to your property. It is not just winter storms either, but also high summer temperatures that can cause damage to your pipes. Now that we are in the middle of summer, let's talk about high temperatures and its effect on pipes.

Your entire house does expand in its entirety during the summer, and so do your pipes. It is one of those science lessons you never really forget: matter typically expands a little when it gets hot, and contracts a little when it gets cold. This natural reaction tends to affect metal more than most materials.

Now, like it was previously stated, this is a natural reaction which is not entirely an unsafe thing, however, there are a couple issues that deserve professional attention. These include incorrectly installed pipes without enough room, and rattling pipes that are damaging themselves. Some pipes can be inspected with obvious signs of damage. When in doubt, perhaps a professional plumber should take a look at it. 

If you ever have to deal with the aftermath of a broken pipe, SERVPRO of Alexandria is here to help! With years of experience, our crew technicians and staff are always hero ready and here to help. Call us with any questions at (318) 427 7511 any time of day. We are a 24/7 emergency service.

#waterDamage #floodDamage #centralLouisiana #heroReady #hereToHelp

Water Damage: Pipe burst while on vacation?

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Exposed under sink pipe in bathroom.

We find it to be very important to occasionally check on your vacant properties. If you have plans out of town, or if it's a second home, having a trusted friend or family member come around to verify that everything is doing well a couple times a week is heavily recommended.

A couple in our community had some issues while they were out on a trip and unfortunately a pipe burst, causing a lot of water damage throughout the house. Thankfully, they had someone to periodically check on the house, and were able to do something and call us to help on time. Having wooden floors, it would have been tragic to have water standing for too long. If this would have happened, the moisture could have led to suspicious growth and the damage to be greater. 

Take notes! Even if it is for a weekend, especially during extreme weather conditions, consider having someone check up on your living space. As always, SERVPRO of Alexandria is here to help the community of CenLa with any emergency service regarding water damage. Contact us at (318) 427-7511 any time of day, and day of the week.

#waterDamage #floodDamage #stormDamage #moldRemediation #hereToHelp #heroReady #centralLouisiana

Water Damage: Kitchen Pipe Burst

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Removed Baseboard From Kitchen Cabinets

SERVPRO of Alexandria received a call not too long ago, regarding a burst pipe. A member of our beloved community dealt with some issues underneath her kitchen sink. Our crew chief and technicians were well on their way within minutes after the call. Not only was the residency close by, but we were packed and loaded fast, and efficiently. 

After assessing the damage and while the crew chief made annotations, crew technicians began to work on the property, removing baseboards to let the drying happen quicker. 

To find out more about our process for water damage remediation you can check out our blog on How SERVPRO Helps: Water Damage. 

Call SERVPRO of Alexandria at (318) 427-7511 any time of the day, any day of the week. We are an emergency service company, ready to help the community of Central Louisiana.

#centralLouisiana #hereToHelp #heroReady #waterDamage #moldPrevention #floodDamage #contractor #insuranceClaim 

We Understand Water Damage

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Drying Equipment

Have you ever had to deal with the unfortunate events and aftermath of a leak?

Whether it be a roof leak, pipe leak, or any other leak that creates a potential risk to water damage on your property, SERVPRO of Alexandria understands that it can be a real hassle to cope with these circumstances. The level of damage will dictate how long the restoration process could potentially take. And not knowing how big the damage has been is nerve racking. Fact is, there might be unknown damage at first, creating a domino effect of work and therefore dragging the restoration process longer than expected. 

At SERVPRO of Alexandria, we do our best to make the process as smooth and simple as possible. It is during these tough times that you need someone reliable, someone you can count on to do a great job, someone who excels at efficiency in a world of chaos. Of course SERVPRO of Alexandria is here for you, ready to help. We are transparent and pride ourselves on having great communication. You can look into SERVPRO’s Transparency to read more about it.

We are a 24/7 emergency service. Don't hesitate to call us at (318) 427-7511.

#waterDamage #floodDamage #stormDamage #moldRemediation #hereToHelp #heroReady #centralLouisiana

Water Damage; Washing Machine

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Crew Chief updating files on app

This past week, SERVPRO of Alexandria received a call due to some water damage! This member of our community had some issues with their washing machine not draining properly, and sadly, it caused a little bit of trouble, but nothing SERVPRO of Alexandria can’t handle! We were there as soon as possible, ready to help. With state of the art equipment, our crew was able to come in and get to work. The following days consisted of monitoring the moisture levels and rearranging equipment around the affected area to speed up the drying process. If you have any questions regarding our process, you can check out our blog on How SERVPRO Helps: Water Damage or you may contact us anytime! We are only a phone call away (318) 427-7511. SERVPRO of Alexandria is a 24/7 emergency service company and is happy to help Central Louisiana. 

#centralLouisiana #hereToHelp #heroReady #waterDamage #moldPrevention #floodDamage #contractor #insuranceClaim

Water Heater Maintenance

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Tech checking water heater

This season, in our community, water damage has been caused most commonly by water heaters. Did you know that water heaters are a plumbing fixture that may need regular maintenance? Meaning, not only can you extend the life of the heater, but also help prevent it from causing damage in your house. Here are some steps on how to take care of your water heater. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can always call a professional. Visit Alexandria’s Chamber of Commerce  or the National Home Builders Association of Central Louisiana website to find a local plumber. 

1. Test the TPR valve

• Shut off the power and the cold-water supply valve.
• Place a bucket under the pipe connected to the temperature-pressure-release (TPR) valve on the top or side of the tank. (This valve opens if the tank pressure gets too high.)
• Lift the valve's tab to let some water out, then let go. If water keeps flowing, drain the tank partway, unscrew the old valve with a pipe wrench, and install a new one.

1. Check the Anode rod

• Put a hose to the tank's drain cock and let out a few gallons of water.
• Now fit a 1 1/16-inch socket onto the rod's hex head on top of the heater (or under its top plate) and unscrew the rod. If it's less than ½ inch thick or coated with calcium, buy a new one, wrap its threads with Teflon tape, put it back in the tank, and tighten securely. Use this segmented rod if headroom above the tank is limited.

1. Drain the tank and wash out sediment

• Drain the remaining water in the tank into the bucket, then stir up the sediment on the tank's bottom by briefly opening the cold-water supply valve. Drain and repeat until clean water comes out of the hose.
• Close the drain cock, refill the tank, and turn its power back on.

1. Adjust the temperature

• Find the temperature dial on the side of the tank and unscrew its cover. Adjust the dial to 120 degrees using a flathead screwdriver. For every 10 degrees the temperature is lowered, you can expect to save up to 5 percent in energy costs.
• Turn the water heater off or the thermostat down to its lowest setting if you plan to be away from home for more than three days.

1. Insulate the pipes

• Buy some self-sticking 3/8-inch-thick foam pipe insulation that matches the pipes' diameter.
• Slide the foam over the hot-and cold-water pipes as far as you can reach. Insulating the cold-water pipe prevents condensation in summer.
• Peel the tape and squeeze the insulation closed. If the pipe is 6 inches or less from the flue, cover it with 1-inch-thick unfaced fiberglass pipe wrap.

1. Insulate the heater

• Cut the insulating blanket (shown: R-4.5 foil-covered bubble wrap) to fit around pipes, the TPR valve, and the temperature control sticking out of the tank.
• Wrap the side of the tank, and seal cuts with foil tape. Do not cover the tops of oil or gas heaters.
• Cap an electric heater with an oversize circle of insulation, and tape its edge securely to the side of the tank.

There are benefits to caring for your water heater. These are just some ways you can increase a water heater’s operating efficiency and longevity. Adding insulation and setting the temperature have to be only done once. Flushing the tank and checking the anode rod should be done once a year. Insulation reduces heat loss by 45% and lowers as much as 9% of costs. A viable anode rod in the tank will help prevent the inside from rusting. 

Feel free to reach out to SERVPRO of Alexandria for questions or concerns regarding water related issues in your home or business.

#waterDamage #insulation #floodDamage #plumbing #centralLouisiana #hereToHelp #heroReady 

Pipe Bursting Prevention Tips

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Water damaged pipes flooding property

So now that the holiday season has started, cold weather is already showing up and you know what else is here? At SERVPRO of Alexandria, we like to call this time of year, the pipe bursting season. Our team is out in the community dealing with some already! So don’t think that this exempts you. No one plans for an incident like this one, so the best we can do is advise you on how to try and prevent your pipes from bursting.

Why do pipes burst during the winter?

When talking about water damage from bursting pipes  let’s start with the root of the cause. Pipes tend to burst when one of two things happen. During the winter time, either the pipe itself contracts and ruptures on the weaker areas, or the water inside the pipe freezes, which makes the pipe expand and burst on those same areas. Now, there are some extreme cases where even heat may cause damage, but it is most common during the cold season of the year. 

Keep an eye out for under 32 degree weather conditions, which is water’s freezing point.

Keeping water running through a faucet will help avoid water from freezing. A small amount of water will make the difference. Still water will be affected by the cold leading it to freeze, expand and eventually cause a burst.

Given that regular maintenance to your pipes will help prevent water damage, we recommend having a good relationship with a plumber. Contact the National Home Builders Association of Central Louisiana for help finding a plumber. 

To help prevent pipe bursts make sure to direct warm air to cold areas of your home. This will help your pipes last longer and avoid ruptures. Focus on areas that have pipes close to the outside, such as walls and windows.

Seal any air leaks you might have that might bring in air into your home. Common places for these are around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. In extreme cases, any cold let in will cause the pipes to freeze. 

At the end of the day, there is only so much you can do to attempt to prevent the worst situation. If pipes do burst at your home, SERVPRO of Alexandria is here to help! We are a 24/7 emergency service company, and water losses like this must be dealt with right away. Don’t hesitate and call SERVPRO of Alexandria.

Stay warm out there!

#waterDamage #floodDamage #centralLouisiana #heroReady #hereToHelp

Water Damage Is Bad For Business

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandria is Central Louisiana's premiere fire damage and water damage restoration company.

A water leak in your Alexandria business can be costly. Water causes expensive damage when you don't call professional help quickly. When dealing with water leakage in your commercial building, call SERVPRO of Alexandria (318) 427-7511.

Anytime there is too much moisture inside a building, contents and building materials get damaged. SERVPRO's commercial water damage specialists in Alexandria have experience mitigating many different types of problems. Our team has experience in working on commercial properties and know that often they are very different than residential project

Every once in a while businesses, as well as homes, have problems that take place late at night. SERVPRO operates 24/7 and is always available for emergency services.

Whenever we are dealing with an emergency situation, we respond quickly and follow a strict process for handling the issue. The processes our technicians use give them a guideline to follow so that the restoration process gets completed as efficiently as possible. When we are working with commercial properties we know that cost is always a factor and that keeping your business operating during the mitigation process is essential.

The first thing we do when entering your business is to determine the overall scope of the project. We stay focused on immediate goals so as to minimize a loss of revenue for your company. Next, we evaluate all of the water damage that is present.

Then, we fix the source of the water leak if it is simple or, if not, a plumbing service may be needed. After that, we establish an environment that is safe for both your customers and workers.

The next stages of the mitigation process involve water extraction, followed by structural drying.

Setting up a detailed plan of the mitigation project helps reduce the strain restoration causes on your business. To help reduce costs and keep your business functioning in times of crisis, call SERVPRO of Alexandria at (318) 427-7511 for immediate assistance.

Water Damage Tips

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers water damage please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Alexandria.

December is almost over and with that comes a elevated risk of water damage due to freezing temperatures that can cause a fatigued water line to burst unexpectedly in your Alexandria home.

Although you just suffered a water damage, there is no need to panic although that will be your first thought. Take a deep breath and give SERVPRO of Alexandria a call and we will get our trained technicians deployed and to the rescue restoring your property to it's preloss condition! Once we arrive on the scene of the damage we can quickly begin the cleanup & remediation of your property. Before we arrive, there are some steps you can take yourself to prevent secondary damage to your property and personal belongings. These steps should only be used if the water damage is caused by a clean water break. If you have suffered damage from sewer, toilet, or other contaminated water sources, stay away from the scene as it may have adverse health effects.

Here are a few tips for what you can do to prevent further water damage to your home, until our trained technicians arrive:

• Shut off the water source if it can be done safely.
• Remove any excess water by mopping or using towels.
• Remove and pop up we upholstery cushions for drying. Do not put cushion covers in washing machine.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• If you have a wet/dry shop vac you can suck up any water that you are able to.
• If water damage is in the ceiling, do not turn on lights or overhead fans. And keep out of rooms where the ceiling is beginning to sag from holding water.
• When in doubt - "Don't" attempt anything! We are in transit and will access what steps need to be taken.

You can trust the team at SERVPRO to handle all your restoration and reconstruction needs by calling (318) 427-7511.

Call us for your Water Damage needs

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

water leak

SERVPRO in Central Louisiana receives many phone calls a day regarding water damage in someones home. When water damage occurs it can cause the homeowner to be in a bit of a panic. It is very important that you are aware of where your main shut off switches are in a water damage situation. You can typically get this information from the water district that services your area. When you see water flowing into your home, the first thing you want to do is turn off the main valve first. Then go back and work to isolate where the problem is coming from. Water damage can range from burst pipes, natural disasters, flooding, ground infiltration, or even sewer lines. Regardless of the cause another key thing is to know when you need help and it is too much for you to handle. Often times a restoration and cleanup professional is called to help with the restoration. As you are waiting for a technician from SERVPRO to arrive at your home, start trying to rid of as much water as you can with towels. Also, move any valuable items that may be in the effected area. We at SERVPRO of Alexandria follow highly regulated processes to ensure that the water damage restoration not only is effective, but also provides a safe place for occupants during and after the restoration process. You can depend on our team of experts to have the equipment stocked for any situation.

SERVPRO of Alexandria is your trust source for your water restoration needs. Please give us a call at 318-427-1755

How dry does your home need to be after a water loss?

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Following the industry standards to dry your home after it suffers water damage is critical to avoiding secondary types of damage like mold.

This is a great question that we get all the time. In fact there could be multiple answers depending on the methods used for gathering information. 

At SERVPRO of Alexandria we take moisture readings immediately upon arriving at the job site. This gives us critical information that we need to monitor the levels as we move forward. In addition to the moisture readings we also take readings from an area that was not affected. This is our drying goal. Let's say that you have a two story home and only the bottom floor had water damage. A good place to take a dry reading would be upstairs since it had no water damage. 

That drying goal is what we would use each day to compare the wet materials to. 

If you have any questions please give us a call.

Water Damage: Secondary problems

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Secondary damage, like mold growth, can occur if your water damaged home is not dried out correctly.

If you experience water damage from a busted pipe or AC leak then you most likely focused on the obvious problem, the water. What many home owners miss is the secondary damage that occurs, like mold or weakened structural materials.

If you fail to get the structure dry fast enough you may begin to notice discoloration from high moisture levels. This discoloration, many times, is mold growth. Mold growth can get out of control and potentially put you in a tough situation with your insurance company. Also, some of the building materials, like studs and base plates, can begin to rot in addition to developing mold growth. 

SERVPRO of Alexandria understands this and will begin drying your home or business immediately in order to counteract these issues.

Give us a call so we can get started!

Water Damage: Always Be Prepared

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage will continue to create problems unless it is dried out immediately.

When we think of water damage to our business or home, many owners think of water damage happening from mother nature. Rain and flooding to which they have little control. So why worry about what they can't control right? The fact is that they are more likely to have water damage from things they can try to control or at least prevent. 

For example; the roof is one of the most common places to cause water damage. Owners should make sure the roof is checked regularly. One inch of rain weighs about 5 pounds. This can cause a lot of strain on a roof and can lead to leaking. 

Pipes and drains seem like they would be checked but most aren't checked regularly. A crack as small as an eight of an inch can dump 250 gallons of water per day. 

Sprinklers are great if you have a fire but not so great if it malfunctions. Sprinklers should be checked for updates but also signs of rust or damage. 

Appliances should be checked regularly ; water heaters, air conditioners, etc. can cause a lot of water damage if things break on them.

We can't stop all water damage but we can try to do as  much preventative care as we can. SERVPRO of Alexandria is here to help when the unexpected happens. Just give us a call 318-427-7511. We are there for your business 24/7.

Our Specialists Explain The Advantages Of A Fast Response To A Water Damage Emergency At Your Alexandria Home

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage from a burst pipe in a Natchitoches home.

The Benefits Of Prompt Water Removal In Alexandria, Pineville, Ball, Natchitoches, Marksville and Winnfield

When your home in Central Louisiana sustains an overflowing sink or tub, broken pipe, or other lost water, getting the water out as quickly as possible from your living space comes with added benefits. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster, making it possible for our teams to make the situation less troublesome for you.

We work with homeowners in the Alexandria area after lost water incidents cause problems by using water removal methods that help make things normal again fast. We want to make your residence like it was before, “Like it never even happened.” Because the process of extracting water while it is in its liquid form before it can escape into the air and additional objects inside your home than it is to pull moisture from the air, we start as soon as we possibly can.

The benefits go beyond a lower restoration cost, also. Not only does it cost less to extract more and dry less, but it also requires less time to accomplish this and start with cleanup. Because water that has less time to evaporate into the air and condense elsewhere, we do not need to use equipment to track it to other locations in your home.

We also can use less equipment, meaning the cost falls even more. Instead of four heaters, six air movers, and three desiccant machines, we can use about half of that number.

Other stories of your home might not become affected at all, meaning less traffic in these areas by our specialists, and increased privacy for your family members. Fewer or no machines in these areas also result in less noise that can disrupt children's schoolwork and interfere with anyone who sleeps during the daytime hours.

Fast action to a lost water event means that microbes have less time to become a problem for you. When mold's access to water is only temporary, the few spores that become active initially quickly die off from lack of continued moisture.

If your home in Alexandria, Pineville, Ball, Natchitoches, Marksville or Winnfield sustains a terrible incident involving lost water and you need water removal services, SERVPRO of Alexandria is the company you can trust to do the job right.

Call our 24-hour emergency services line at (318) 427-7511, year-round so that we can send out the appropriate crews and equipment your home needs.

Click here for more about Alexandria.

Know Who to Call When Water Damage Affects Your Alexandria Store

7/15/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage at your business

SERVPRO of Alexandria Follows a Proven Process When Mitigating Water Damage at your Central Louisiana Store

As a business owner, you pour everything you have into helping your Alexandria retail store succeed. For you, this means long hours in the hopes that your store reaches the levels of notoriety that you had envisioned. Unfortunately, a water incident in your shop can leave you unable to serve the customers of the community, and so taking care of these situations as they happen are of the utmost importance. 

While you might not always think about the professional restoration companies that exist throughout Central Louisiana, it is nice to have a plan in place in case you require fast restoration for water damages in your Alexandria store. Our SERVPRO team prides itself on rapidly responding to both commercial and residential emergencies to get the job done quickly and to prevent further damages from occurring. 

When our team of professionals arrives at your retail location, we assess where the damage came from and how widespread it actually is. In some scenarios, your business might only require concentrated cleaning and drying efforts to a small portion of the building. Others require more intricate equipment and personnel to bring the affected areas of the shop back to preloss conditions. 

Whatever the cause of the damage, preventing it from happening again in the immediate future is a significant step in our overall restoration efforts. This process might require our SERVPRO technicians to replace or repair breaks in the plumbing, or help you to find the appropriate contractor to rebuild damaged areas that allowed for water penetration. 

As always, drying the affected areas is the essential component to restoration. This step ensures that further damage does not occur and prevents situations like mold growth from compounding on the already present problem you face. 

While you might not ever fully prepare for water damages affecting your business unexpectedly, knowing whom to call in a situation like this can help you to keep your doors open to the community that you serve. You can rely on the rapid response of our SERVPRO of Alexandria water damage restoration technicians. Give us a call 24/7 at (318) 427-7511.

Click here for more information on the city of Alexandria.

Air Conditioner Water Damage

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Drip pan overflow

Air conditioning units are susceptible to leaks, and because of this water damage can occur. If you provide the following maintenance tasks periodically then you should be able to prevent water damage:

- Make sure that the drain line is not clogged. One way of clearing a clogged drain line is to use a wet-dry vacuum to suck the debris out of the pipe.

- Make sure your overflow drain pan is not damaged. If there are any rust holes then you will most likely have a leak once it gets filled with water. You may be able to patch the hole with epoxy.

- Make sure that you change your air filter every 1-2 months. If it is clogged and restricts air flow then your coils could freeze, defrost and overflow your drip pan, causing water damage.

SERVPRO of Alexandria covers all of central Louisiana. Call if you need our help: 318-427-7511

https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/

Restore Water Damage Caused by Your Alexandria Home's HVAC System

4/22/2018 (Permalink)

Your HVAC Unit can cause vast amounts of water damage to your home, call SERVPRO for expert and speedy restoration services.

SERVPRO Detects and Remediates Hidden Water Damage in Your Home

Your home’s ventilation system can cause significant water damage if not maintained properly over the years. Clogged drains, frozen evaporator coils, and broken connections lead to clogs, leaks, corrosion, rot, and even mold. Some of these problems are obvious right away while others remain hidden for months or years at a time.

You can help prevent water damage in your Alexandria area home’s ventilation system by changing your filters at least once a month. However, problems may already exist that require professional attention, which is where your local restoration company comes in handy. We make qualified personnel, advanced equipment, and a vast network of resources available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week to correct issues plaguing your property. 

SERVPRO’s IICRC-industry certified technicians can check for leaks in your condensation lines and the relative humidity level in your home. We can also check for broken or improperly installed drain lines and help you avoid costly damage from slow leaks. Our technicians can help you determine whether installing additional drainage or a float switch reduces the risk of water overflow in your system or if you need professional help repairing HVAC components like ductwork, grills, registers, and thermostat controls. 

SERVPRO technicians have access to infrared moisture detectors and hygrometers that help locate hidden pockets of moisture, and return moisture levels to normal, faster. Our advanced water removal equipment such as hand-held or truck-mounted water extractors, dehumidifiers, air-movers, and a variety of attachments help us remove higher volumes, making the entire restoration process faster than ever before.

Your local SERVPRO believes in protecting every member of our local community, by keeping you safe during emergency situations and providing you with quality restoration services you can trust. Whether you have problems in your home or business, we can provide you with the answers needed to keep you moving forward. 

Contact SERVPRO of Alexandria, Pineville and Ball for access to trained professionals who understand how to protect your property from both seen and unseen dangers throughout the year. Receive quality cleanup and restoration services from a company that can handle emergency situations of any size, throughout Alexandria, Pineville and Ball today. (318) 427-7511.

Click here for more information on the city of Alexandria.

Some Prevention Tips For Burst Pipes While On Vacation

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

Broken pipes can be difficult to fix, and the damage can be costly. It’s best to keep this issue from ever happening. If you’re traveling out of town for an extended period of time, specifically during the winter, there are several steps you can take to prevent your home from being flooded:

• Don’t turn down the heat too far. If you keep the heat on, even if you turn it lower than if you were home, it can keep your pipes warm enough to prevent them from freezing.

• Keep the water running. You don’t have to run the water on full. If you allow the faucet to drip, this helps relieve the pressure in your water system, possibly eliminating water pipe repair.

• Wrap the pipes. If you wrap pipes, especially those that are exposed, with towels or blankets, it provides extra insulation against the elements.

Keep an Eye on Your Alexandria Home From a Distance

If you’re going to be gone for several days, especially during the coldest parts of winter, it’s not a bad idea to have a neighbor, family member or friend stop by the house once in a while. This can be just a quick peek inside to verify there is no flooding or a broken pipe, or checking the thermostat to make sure plenty of warm air is circulating in your empty home.

You can also use video cameras that you can view from your phone or computer to check on your home. This won’t prevent a pipe from bursting, but it can allow you to at least get a professional there to do a water pipe repair sooner and prevent further damage. Call us right away!

SERVPRO of Alexandria is open 24/7/365. Call us today: 318-427-7511

Frozen Pipes: Prevention and Treatment

2/14/2018 (Permalink)

With the colder weather officially upon us, now is an excellent time to learn more about how to avoid frozen pipes, and the subsequent water damage that can occur if those pipes expand and burst. Though frozen pipes are a common occurrence, they are highly preventable. 

SERVPRO of Alexandria offers the following tips for preventing frozen pipes and mitigating potential damage that they can cause.  

• Insulate all the exposed pipes in your home. Especially where they may be unheated, such as the basement, attic, garage, crawl space, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. 
• Keep the temperature the same during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower temperatures in the evening, you can prevent a costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst. 
• Close any inside values that supply water outdoors and open the outside value to properly drain excess water that may be in the pipes. 
• In drastically cold temperatures, let your faucet trickle. While you may be concerned about wasting water, running water is less likely to freeze. 
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Keep outside valves open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing it to break. 
• If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, leave the heat on and set to a temperature no lower than 55° F. 

Found a Frozen Pipe? Thaw It Out: 

• If you turn on a faucet and only a few drips come out, suspect a frozen pipe. Typically, frozen pipes are found along exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. 
• Make sure the faucet remains on while treating the pipes, as the flowing water will help to melt the ice within the pipe. 
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or other open flame device. 
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze too. 

Should you experience a loss resulting from water damage, turn off the water supply as soon as possible, and call SERVPRO of Alexandria immediately. The longer you wait to call, the greater the chance of mold growth and unrecoverable property. SERVPRO of Alexandria professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects that water damage can have. 

Visit www.SERVPROalexandriala.com for more information on water damage restoration.

Click on Alexandria, Pineville or Ball for more information. Also, the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce or the National Home Builders Association of may be able to help.

There is No Need to Panic after Experiencing Water Damage in Alexandria

2/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Uses Professional Grade Equipment When Restoring Your Home after Water Damage

Without experience in water damage restoration, it is hard to determine what you need to replace and what is salvageable after the unfortunate incident takes place. You also need an expert to control the damage and perform removal and cleanup activities on your Alexandria, Pineville or Ball property. It is equally important to understand some of the procedures that professionals perform when restoring your property.

One of the first steps that our SERVPRO technicians carry out when mitigating water damage on your Alexandria property is identifying the extent of the damage. When determining the level of wetness and tracking the moisture levels, the team uses specialized tools such as moisture sensors, thermo-hygrometers, and moisture meters. Once we find the wet areas, the next step is to dry them to their preloss condition.

It means water removal is a crucial procedure towards making the restoration a success. Our IICRC certified technicians may use extractors to remove the water. In most cases, we use pumps when there is standing water in the area. Portable extractors are useful when removing water from areas with limited access; otherwise, we employ the truck mounted ones when the site is so big. Apart from water removal, these devices can clean carpets and upholstery.

Whether we are performing deodorization to neutralize the smells or using dehumidifiers to increase the rate of evaporation, observing safety measures is so important. As a result, our SERVPRO of Alexandria team puts on the necessary safety gear and advise our clients to stay away from the site to avoid any probable injury. We also work towards preventing possible hazards by addressing any sagging wet ceilings and turning off electrical circuits that are likely to short circuit.

SERVPRO of Alexandria aims at making your property appear as if there was no water damage with the use of the state of the art equipment and techniques. Call us at (318) 427-7511 when faced with any size of disaster and leave the rest to us. 

Avoiding Water Damage To Your Home In Alexandria During A Flood

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

Prepare an emergency preparedness kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid.

Water Damage Caused By Flooding

Hopefully, you live in an area that receives warning alerts and has specific flood watch services available to give you ample warning of any impending issues. Because there are a variety of actions, you can take before, during, and after receiving a warning to help protect your home and family.

Make your entire family aware of potential water damage and flooding situations around your Alexandria area home. It could make a huge difference in getting your family to safety or falling victim to a natural disaster that you have zero control over.

SERVPRO of Alexandria has some basic safety tips to following during an emergency. First, if there is any chance whatsoever of flash flooding in your area, make sure that every member of your family understands the importance of getting to higher ground, it is essential to their survival during this kind of emergency. You should avoid walking or driving through areas affected by flood waters, it takes as little as six inches of moving water to remove you from your feet, and only two feet of water is more than enough to sweep a normal sized vehicle away. Leaving a vehicle trapped by swift currents of water exposes you to dangerous contaminants and debris floating in the water, it is best to stay put for as long as possible. You want to be aware of your situation and prevent this type of event from happening when at all possible.

Know where to go during an emergency, prepare an emergency preparedness kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid, as well as clothing, food, and water for every member of your family to cover a couple of days at least. It also helps to shut off the electricity, gas, and water supply to your home if you have the time while taking any important indoor possessions to the highest floor possible to protect them from flood damage. Make sure that you and members of your family avoid contact with water, especially if an electrical hazard still exists.

After the authorities report that it is safe to return to your home, contact your insurance company and a quality restoration company like SERVPRO for help immediately, the sooner help arrives, the higher the chance is that you can avoid additional damages and other issues from forming in your home. Contact SERVPRO of Alexandria for help anytime, day or night, 365 days a year (318) 427-7511.

Visit our webpage for any commercial restoration emergency at www.SERVPROalexandriala.com

Click on Alexandria, Pineville or Ball for more information. Also, the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce or the National Home Builders Association of may be able to help.

Flash Floods Pose A Glaring Risk

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

Even small floods can cause major damage to your home or business.

If someone asked you which weather event causes the most damage, most people would probably jump to say hurricanes or tornadoes. However, according to the NOAA, flooding kills more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning.  

Flooding can cause damage quickly, and can often occur with little to no warning. That said, it is possible to be safe and be prepared when flood risk is present or actively occurring. 

Additionally, Floodsmart.gov reports that in the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather related disaster.

If you find yourself caught in a flooding situation it seems obvious, but it is important to remember to stay away from flood waters, no matter the height of the standing water. A mere six inches of swiftly moving water could easily sweep you off your feet. If you happen to be driving when you get caught in a flood, move to high ground immediately! Most cars can get swept away by less than two feet of moving water. If flood waters are rapidly rising while you are driving through a flooded road, exit your vehicle and move yourself to higher ground. Value your safety first! Also be sure to keep children out of and away from any flooding water or potential flood zones during heightened risk times. 

It does not matter if you live near a coastline, in the city, the mountains, near a tiny river, or even in the desert...there is always potential risk for flooding and flood damage. Just because you and your property have never experienced a flood or flood damage does not mean you never will!

20% of flood insurance claims come from moderate to low risk area. On average, flooding costs $3.5 billion in annual losses for the USA.

Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when it isn't treated quickly and properly. This includes mold damage from improper drying of flooding.

The cleanup can be overwhelming, but that is why SERVPRO of Alexandria, Pineville and Ball is here for. Our crews are trained to handle an size disaster quickly and efficiently.

When you feel like you're drowning in water damage, SERVPRO helps you stay above water!

Click on Alexandria, Pineville or Ball for more information. Also, the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce or the National Home Builders Association of may be able to help.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

2/13/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage caused by a pipe burst in Alexandria, LA.

What's Not Covered?

Water Damage Affecting Alexandria, Pineville and Ball

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians use wet vacuums and specialized drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to assist with removing excess water.

The new water heater you just had installed in your home late last year didn't work out quite so well. The guys that installed it did something wrong, the thing is already leaking. Unfortunately, you used a small unknown company that is no longer in business. With zero recourse as far as they are concerned, you'll need someone else to come out, figure out why the water heater is leaking and repair some additional water damage that has developed in the area around it. You're looking for a full-service option with a proven history of providing customers with quality work.
 
Dealing with a water damage incident in your Alexandria, Pineville or Ball home? We can help. We understand that this type of event can occur anywhere in your home at any time. Our expertly trained technicians have several years of experience in performing the services you need to get back on track quickly. Give us a call anytime, we're available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. We work on your schedule, not ours.
 
At SERVPRO of Alexandria, we understand that water damage doesn't just happen, a pipe bursts or a water heater gives up under pressure, leaving damage to your home that leads to repairs. When you have a crisis happen in your home, whether it affects a single room or your entire house, we have access to the expertly trained personnel and professional equipment necessary to perform the services you need.
 
SERVPRO of Alexandria technicians use wet vacuums and specialized drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to assist with removing excess water and drying the affected area as quickly as possible. We use a variety of reliable, proven methods to restore as much of the area as possible before removing and replacing any damaged items.
 
At SERVPRO of Alexandria, we even have access to services that can restore belongings that appeared lost forever. So don't give up on anything until our technicians have had the opportunity to inspect every aspect of the damages you're experiencing, we may surprise you. During our restoration process, we check for structural deficiencies, restore damaged areas and protect your personal possessions.
 
Having a water damage situation directly impact your life and home causes undue stress and anxiety, and we understand that. However, making the decision to attempt to perform the repairs on your own can be disastrous, causing more damage and having additional costs pile up while you wait to contact a professional service. Don't try to do things yourself, we're here to help you get this issue under control.
 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Contact SERVPRO of Alexandria today at 318-427-7511.

Flooded Homes in Louisiana

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

Louisiana floods of 2016. Catastrophic water damage.

The flooding in Louisiana has left over 40,000 homes affected by water damage.  The disaster has been declared a Federal Emergency and over 40,000 claims have been made for FEMA assistance. Thousands have been rescued from their homes as flood waters rapidly rose inside buildings.  

Officials expect standing water to remain for several days.  After flood waters recede, it becomes possible to extract standing water from buildings.  SERVPRO has elite restoration professionals who are specially trained to handle any sized disaster cleanup but specialize in a large disaster such as the flooding in Louisiana.  The team can provide help dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. Storm teams are strategically positioned on standby should a disaster strike near you.  Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, SERVPRO professionals are prepared for the unpredictable. Please contact us at 318-427-7511 if you have any questions.

Simple Steps for Preventing Water Damage in Your House

12/1/2015 (Permalink)

The first step is to examine the appliances in your home for leaks.

Water damage can slowly destroy a building. A problem many homeowners face is that there are multiple points throughout the house where water leaks can occur. This can make detecting and stopping water damage difficult. You should know about some simple steps to help prevent water damage in your home.

Examine Appliances for Leaks

The first step is to examine the appliances in your home for leaks. Appliances that use water such as washing machines and dishwashers can potentially cause a large amount of damage over time. You want to look at the hoses and connections that attach the appliances to the water supply. Feel the hoses and look for leaks, corrosion or other damage. Replace any damaged or leaking hoses immediately. You also want to check the ground under and around appliances in case there is other damage inside allowing water to escape.

Thoroughly Inspect Your Plumbing

One of the largest potential sources of water damage in your home is the plumbing attached to your sinks and fixtures. Even a small leak can release gallons of water that will rot away the floors and structure of your house over several months. You need to thoroughly inspect your plumbing on a regular basis. This does not take long. Look at the pipes under your sinks, faucets and around your showers. Look behind your toilets. You want to look for any unexplained moisture, rusted connections or signs of damage on the floor and walls. If you do find a problem, then call a licensed plumber immediately to repair the pipes.

Maintain Your Water Heater

Your water heater can do damage to your house if it is not maintained. Your water heater is not intended to last forever. As it starts to wear down over the years, it will become more of a threat. The seals and structure of your water heater will begin to fail. This can allow water to constantly leak out and onto the floor beneath. The result could be foundation damage if the water heater is in the basement or damage to the floor in other parts of the home. You want to maintain your water heater, have it inspected every year or two and replace it every ten to fifteen years.

Know the Location of Your Main Shutoff Valves

A final step is to know the location of the main shutoff valves in your home. These are the valves responsible for allowing water to enter your home from a municipal supply or well. Memorize the location so that you can quickly cut off the water to your house if a major leak occurs. This can stop water damage from getting worse. Take a close look at the valves and make certain you understand how to use them.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage situation is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

The Advantages Of Hiring A Alexandria Professional Water Damage Restoration Company

12/1/2015 (Permalink)

When your residential property is subjected to water damage, it's important that you start the restoration process as quickly as possible.

The Advantages Of Hiring A Professional Water Damage Restoration Company in Alexandria

When your residential property is subjected to water damage following a natural disaster, it's important that you start and complete the restoration process as quickly as possible. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that failure to resolve water damage issues can result in structural damage and mold infestation. Although many people are inclined to complete the water damage restoration process as a do-it-yourself project, attaining professional assistance will entail a higher rate of success. Learn more about why hiring a professional water damage remediation company is important by reviewing the following short outline:

The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
Numerous benefits result from having a team of trained damage restoration experts address and resolve your water damage issues. Some of the benefits include:

Use Of Specialized Equipment
Water damage specialists have access to a broad range of specialized equipment that can be used to optimize and expedite the cleanup, drying, and repair processes. From dehumidifiers to chemical cleaners, professionals will utilize several devices to ensure that the job is completed with speed and skill.

Safety
As industry professionals know, there are three categories of water damage. These categories range from clean water to black water. Each category marks an increase in danger and represents an increasing level of health hazards to individuals exposed to the water. Water damage experts know the difference between the three types of water, and they are highly skilled in removing them in a safe manner that poses no threat to themselves, you, and your loved ones.

Hidden Damage
Water damage is not always noticeable to the human eye. In fact, moisture can become trapped in drywall, behind subfloors and walls, and underneath your carpet. Water damage experts know this, and they possess the extensive expertise and experience necessary to identify and eliminate this hidden damage.

Mold Remediation
One final reason is that hiring a professional water damage restoration company is advantageous pertains to mold. Unfortunately, the moist, wet environment created by water damage is the ideal setting for mold to thrive in. Moreover, the mold can begin to grow and proliferate just 24 hours after the initial water damage. Luckily, professional water damage specialists are skilled in identifying and eliminating this unpleasant fungus. Doing so helps prevent structural damage to your property as well as health hazards.

Contact SERVPRO of Alexandria Today
When you start your search for the ideal water damage restoration company, the search stops with SERVPRO of Alexandria. Our professionals arrive quickly, start cleaning immediately, and help you salvage belongings that can be repaired. We offer 24/7 emergency services and are known for getting the job done fast and well. Contact us immediately at (318) 427-7511 and let's get started!

Your Alexandria Commercial Property Has incurred Water Damage, Now What?

12/1/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandria Will Extract the Water to Mitigate Damage

SERVPRO: Your First Choice For Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Alexandria

When you find that your commercial property in Alexandria has been impacted by water damage, it's critically important that you secure professional restoration services. And when you start your search for the ideal team of water damage specialists, the search should stop with SERVPRO of Alexandria. Following is some important information regarding the premier commercial water damage team in your area.

 Ever since 1967, we've been offering commercial clients the high-quality services that ensure getting their business restored to its pre-water damaged condition as soon as possible. Because of our commitment to operating ethically and offering excellent customer service, we maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Testimonials abound indicating a very high degree of customer satisfaction.

What We Do. Here at SERVPRO of Alexandria, we understand that there is a wide range of services that our commercial property owners in Asheville may require during the course of normal business operations or when a serious event occurs affecting their property. For this reason, we're pleased to offer all of the following remediation services provided by our IICRC-certified technicians:

• Water removal--for floods or large volumes of water we use truck mounted powerful water pumps, sump pumps, and wet-vacs.
• Mold remediation--inspect, replace porous materials like drywall, clean and wipe down, HVAC vacuuming, air scrubbers and foggers for removal of odors.
• Structural drying--high-velocity fans (air movers), dehumidifiers that may incorporate chemical or refrigerant extractors.
• Soot and smoke removal--special tools and chemicals for wiping down, mitigate staining, using foggers for odor entrapment
• Decontamination-sewage backup protocols to ensure containment and sanitizing

We are also pleased to offer the following reconstruction solutions:

• Commercial emergency board-up post-fire or water damage for safety and security of the building and business assets.
• On-site power--portable and heavy duty generators.
• Inventory control--special form--CCIS to categorize damage with options for repair, discard or replace. We work with insurance adjusters for expedient execution of damage and inventory control.
• Pack-out and storage--remove for cleaning at our cleaning facilities and storage of business assets.
• Structure repair--we offer our services and gladly work with your contractors to repair and restore your business in Asheville to pre-water damage condition.
• Creation of crawl space vapor barriers--reduce moisture levels to inhibit mold growth and structural damage.

Our contents restoration services include restoring carpet, heirlooms, antiques, office equipment, electronics, and upholstery. We are also experts in drying documents that are a top priority to prevent deterioration.

Our Customer-Centered Outlook

As an industry leader with over 1,650 franchises, the professionals of SERVPRO have come to realize that the key to success is maintaining a customer-centered outlook. For this reason, our technicians work directly with clients to ensure that we gain a full understanding of their needs and preferences. Additionally, we make sure that clients are fully cognizant of each step of the cleanup, drying, and repair processes that we execute. Finally, we do all that we can to keep clients informed of their rights with insurance providers.

Choose SERVPRO. When you find that your commercial property in Alexandria has been impacted by a natural disaster or a ruptured pipe, that results in water damage, there's only one company to call: SERVPRO. Our goal is to get your business back in business.

Commercial Water Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of Alexandria has the training, equipment, and experience to handle large commercial water or flooding damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond immediately to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Call us. (318) 427-7511

Water Damage Preventative Measure to Protect Your Central Lousiana Home Offered by SERVPRO of Alexandria

12/1/2015 (Permalink)

Keep Rainwater from Entering Your Attic

Although there are numerous things you can do to prevent your Alexandria home from deterioration and decay, using water damage prevention strategies is one of the most important measures you can implement. Learn more about the dangers of water damage and how to prevent it from adversely impacting your property by reading the short outline provided below by SERVPRO:

Why Water Damage Prevention Is So Important. Preventing water damage from occurring on your property is important for several reasons. Water damage can result in property deterioration such as wood rot to siding, fascias, and roof sheathing and trusses. Excessive moisture can lead to peeling paint. Preventative maintenance to your house's exterior will mitigate deterioration and lengthen the attractiveness and usefulness of your home. Finally, standing water can lead to a mold infestation that causes health issues for you and your household.

Water Damage Prevention Tips. Although water damage can have devastating and even deadly consequences, you can help prevent it from becoming a property issue by implementing these preventive strategies suggested by SERVPRO:

1. Foundation And Exterior Walls. Inspect for holes and cracks in your foundation and external walls. Be sure to look thoroughly in areas where conduits for plumbing or wiring are going through your exterior walls and then fill them up with the appropriate sealant. Keep a good protective water seal coating on the exterior, especially from grade level up to about three feet.

2. Roof. A shingle roof should be periodically inspected.  Be sure to replace or repair damaged shingles to preclude unwanted rainwater from seeping through into the supporting lumber. Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris from leaves and other foreign matter to ensure efficient drainage. Be vigilant if ice dams should happen to begin building up on the gutters or trim.

3. Windows And Doors. Carefully examine the paint located on the frames of your doors and windows to identify any peeling. Peeling is an indication that water could have soaked in the structure's wood. Also check the caulking and paint for color flaws and swelling. A good coat of paint helps inhibit the absorption of water into door and window casings and trim work.

4. Basement. Be sure that your property's sump pump is functioning optimally. Also be sure that you have built-up barriers and flood shields for any doors or windows in the basement. Request SERVPRO to inspect your crawl space for moisture levels, and to install vents, poly, and dehumidifiers when necessary.

Don't Delay-Get Excellent Water Damage Restoration Services Today

While learning about how water damage prevention tips can decrease the likelihood of high moisture, condensation, and standing water on your property in Alexandria, there is still a chance that you may experience water damage. Here at SERVPRO, we pride ourselves in employing and training a team of professional, IICRC-certified technicians who are dedicated to offering customers complete satisfaction with our water damage restoration services.

Locally Owned and Operated

We live and work in Alexandria. SERVPRO of Alexandria is close by to Pineville, Ball, Marksville and Natchitoches and ready to respond to your water or flood damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Central Louisiana community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. Faster to any size disaster. Call us for help. (318)427-7511

SERVPRO Responds to Commercial Water damage

12/1/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandria recently responded to a commercial water damage.  Approximately 10,000 sf of affected area, we have restored the property in a way that allowed the business to stay open!  The property manager was extremely satisfied as well as the Insurane Carrier.  If your building has a flood or fire, call us as we are faster to any size disaster!