Recent Posts

Heavy Rainfall Brings Water Damage

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

While water damage is typically associated with events like flooding or plumbing malfunctions, heavy rain can also cause its own set of issues regarding water damage around the house.

While any level of moisture can cause damage, heavy rain is considered rainfall at rates over 0.3 inches per hour and can work its way into much smaller vulnerabilities in your home. To help you better prepare and avoid water damage, we have put together a list of how these rapid rainfall rates can cause issues.

How Heavy Rains Cause Household Water Damage

Backup of clogged gutters

Clogged gutters can cause significant damage to your home after heavy rains. If there is debris in the gutters, it will be difficult for water to drain away, which can then result in leaks from puddles as the water is left standing against the roofline.

Leaks around windows and doors

Windows and doors are supposed to be sealed against the elements, but as their weatherproofing ages, it can deteriorate as well. When heavy rains roll through, water can find its way into minuscule cracks and cause damages.

Poor drainage around the foundation

If your home is at the bottom of a hill or does not have adequate drainage around the foundation, heavy rains can build up against the base of your home and lead to leaks in your basement or crawl spaces.

Leaks in and around the roof

Roof leaks are one of the leading consequences of heavy rains, and they can sneak up suddenly. All it takes is for a shingle to be scraped away or a weak spot to form and rainwater can begin seeping in as it falls.

Malfunctioning of a sump pump system

For homes with sump pumps, doing regular maintenance and checking for issues is key—otherwise, the pump system can get overwhelmed and will not be able to effectively move water away from the home.

Leaks around chimneys and skylights

Houses with chimneys and skylights tend to be more vulnerable to heavy rains than homes without them. While they are nice features to have, the seals where they meet with the roof can grow vulnerable over time and become overwhelmed when rainfall is heavy.

Remember to stay safe and get excess water cleaned up professionally to minimize the chance of mold growth. Our Team at SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe is ready to assist at a moment's notice with any of your water mitigation emergencies. Give our team a call at (478)452-8000. Call us!

What is Fire Damage and How Restoration Works

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

A fire can lead to serious and significant property damage and any number of problems that will negatively impact your quality of life and cost you a lot of money until you get them repaired. Many people don’t realize the full extent or nature of fire damage or a large number of different services offered by fire damage restoration.

Here we will look at what fire damage actually does to your property and at all the different ways it can affect you. From there, we will then look at how fire damage restoration helps to address each of these resultant issues.

In the case of a fire, the first thing you are likely to notice is that your items have been burned leading to them being destroyed. This can ruin walls, cabinets, counter tops and much more leaving them looking dilapidated and not fit for purpose.

This is the most obvious type of damage that SERVPRO will help to address. They offer full renovation services and be able to help you to redecorate your home and to replace all of your furniture, fittings, and upholstery so that your rooms look actually better than they did before the fire in many cases.

When it comes to repairing the obvious and immediate damage to your property, fire damage restoration companies will prioritize damage that could lead to further damage. A good example of this might be a burned stair case that is in danger of collapsing unless it is seen to quickly. Likewise, if you have a hole burned in your roof or in your wall then this might risk wind and rain blowing into your property and could even leave you vulnerable to trespassers and thieves. Again, this will be a very early issue that SERVPRO will look at.

In some other cases, there may be fire damage that is beyond the scope of repair companies to fix. If your furniture has been badly burned for instance, then SERVPRO may recommend that you simply dispose of it. Thankfully, SERVPRO offers this service and will remove your items for you so that there is one less job for you to do.

From Remediation to Reconstruction, We can Restore Your Home After Any Type of Storm Damage

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

Disasters and emergencies that affect your home can range in size and severity. Many of these situations can keep you and your family from living at home until restorations are finished. Not only can these problems create safety hazards themselves, but repairs and other types of work can make it difficult to normal family life.

We provide all of the storm damage services needed to restore your home completely, from initial cleaning and remediation to complete reconstruction. We know having one company provide all of the services your situation requires not only reduces the time involved but that doing so can also save thousands of dollars. You can put these savings to use in beneficial ways for your family.

Our SERVPRO technicians are highly skilled in all phases of damage-repair, including reconstruction. Upgrading the features in your home after damage to meet the latest code requirements or to gain additional energy savings or safety features are options we can discuss with you.

Other options that reconstruction can provide include increasing room size, altering the floor plan, widening stairways, adding windows and exterior doors, and many others that can be extremely cost-effective. We can explain more when we make our initial assessment of your home. We add creativity to our experience and skills to provide you the best in reconstructing your home.

Rebuilding a home after being damaged may seem the best option if the structural and cosmetic damages cover only a small area, but when the area damaged is much greater, reconstruction can keep a home from becoming condemned and demolished. When a home is destroyed, insurance often does not pay enough to purchase another home of similar size, and this can lower your family's standard of living significantly.

When you need more than cleaning and damage repair, call us, SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe. We would love to make your home your dream home, one that is designed with your family in mind.

Commercial Mold Removal

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

Why do I have mold on my premises?

Mold in a commercial property can be caused by water damage or water intrusion from various sources such as a roof, window or plumbing leaks. The humidity caused by the presence of moisture combined with the warmth and poor ventilation in a property gives mold the perfect conditions to develop, and it can spread quickly if left unchecked. This can cause damage to internal structures, damage to products in storage and is also a serious health risk for you, your customers and your staff.

Should I Clean Mold Myself?

It may be tempting to clean the mold off of surfaces yourself, however, this will only remove the surface mold. Although an area may look clean of mold, there will be spores within the surface that you will not be able to reach with household cleaning items. The spores that are left will continue to multiply and grow and the surface growth will soon be visible again. A few things you can do in the case of a mold infestation are:

  • Turn off your HVAC system if you have one
  • Make sure that movement in the area is limited to prevent spores from transferring elsewhere
  • Do not touch or disturb the affected areas
  • Make sure that you vacate the property

What Will a Mold Removal Team do?

If you have a mold infestation on your premises, you should call SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe certified mold removal professionals as soon as possible. They will be able to determine the cause of the mold growth and remove all spores from the property ensuring that it is fully eliminated.

Our team will carry out a preliminary assessment of the problem to ascertain the severity of the infestation and the underlying cause. Mold isn’t always visible to the human eye so our experts will use special equipment to clean areas that are affected or that have high moisture levels that will encourage future mold growth.

Once the assessment and containment of the mold are complete, our team will then remove the mold at the source ensuring that there are no mold spores present within the premises to safeguard against further infestation. Finally, the team will remove the underlying cause of the infestation by repairing the affected area to stop the further intrusion of water.

If left untreated, mold can cause serious structural damage to your commercial property such as brickwork and drywall which could lead to more serious issues that will take longer and cost more to correct in addition to the loss of business while the premises are being treated and repaired. Call SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe today at 478-452-8000 for a consultation.

Doing an Exterior Check on your Home and Commercial Space

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Baldwin and Monroe has the expertise needed to handle any restoration job including fire, water, mold, and smoke damage, and also knows how important it is to pay attention to the exterior of your home and commercial space. Especially with seasons changing and many days of rain to come, faulty areas may allow for water to enter, leading to damage. Here are some things around the exterior that should be checked regularly to keep your space running at its highest potential:

  • Clean out your gutters so rain can easily flow through them and drain away from the roof. Gutters filled with leaves, sticks and other debris can become damaged or not work as well.
  • Check that your gutter’s downspouts are properly attached to allow water to drain away from the home. A detached or broken spout can lead to water flooding outside.
  • Make sure the sump pumps in your home are operational and have a working battery. An unexpected, failed sump pump may lead to a slew of future problems.
  • Check that garden hoses are properly attached to prevent water from draining into piping.
  • See if the caulking on your windows needs repair. A ripped seal in the window may allow water to enter the home.

Air Ducts - When Should I have Them Cleaned?

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

We often get called by residential customers about having their air ducts cleaned. The discussion usually involves the following questions:  First, when should I get my air ducts cleaned?  Second, how often should I get my air ducts cleaned?

The answer to these questions of course is “it depends”. What is the reason you are looking to have your air ducts cleaned?  There are several reasons we typically hear: general maintenance, post-construction cleaning, a fire occurred, or we think there is mold. 

General maintenance is the most frequent answer, and is goes something like, “This hasn’t ever been done since I lived here.” Or “This hasn’t been done in years.”  Unless there is loose dirt and other soils actively coming out of your vents, most likely it does not need to be cleaned.  Anything that is up there is adhering to the ducting and will continue to do so.

The next most common situation is doing this for post construction cleaning.  In this case, there may be some loose dirt or drywall dust where it maybe advantageous to have them cleaned.  However, when major construction is being done in a home, it is always a good idea to turn off the HVAC system and close vents if possible to prevent particulate from getting into the ducting.  Ideally, you don’t have this issue to deal with when the project is complete.

When a fire occurs, the soot and smoke can be very pervasive and get everywhere.  An air duct cleaning for moderate to light smoke might do the job of removing loose particles and odor.  For heavy fires it is often recommended to replace the ducting altogether.

Mold is another situation when it can be a clean or replace situation.  An HVAC repair company should first be called to determine what is causing mold in the system.  Sometimes we have seen it as simple as all other vents are closed with only one vent open.  Other items to consider, how much of the ducting is affected by mold or is it just one or two grills?  Antimicrobial can be used to kill existing growth.  The key is to figure out the cause so a conducive environment for mold does not exist going forward.  It is often a good to place an air scrubber to help clean the air as a precaution.

In conclusion, more times than not it is not necessary to have your air ducts cleaned.  As for how often, it is usually just under special situations or if you actively seen particles coming out of the ducting.

Does Opening a Window Help Reduce Mold? - Quick FAQs

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

No homeowner wants to deal with mold in the home. It’s ugly and can ruin your property while posing a health risk. But how can you reduce the mold in your house? In this post, we’ll go over whether or not opening a window is helpful. We’ll also share other great ways to control and get rid of mold infestations in a home.

Does Opening a Window Help Reduce Mold? Quick FAQs

We all know that fresh air is good for us, but does it help reduce mold? Because mold is a fungus, it likes humidity and warmth. The more humidity and warmth there are in your home, the more likely it is that you’ll have a mold problem. In some cases, you won’t notice it. But if you have a mold problem, you should be wondering if you should open the windows at all.

The truth is, opening windows can help reduce mold. But, it can also increase other problems. So, it depends on the situation. If you want to reduce mold and related problems, you need to be careful about how you do it.

Other Methods To Reduce Damp and Control Mold

1 - Get a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce the amount of humidity in your home. They also suck moisture from the air, which can help to reduce the amount of mold that forms.

2 - Run a fan in the room

In some cases, you can use fans to suck out moisture from an area with high humidity. Running a fan can also reduce the overall temperature in a room.

3 - Change your air conditioner filter

When we change our air filters, we can reduce the amount of mold in our homes. At the very least, change your filter when you notice that it’s getting dirty. Clogged filters can become a breeding ground for germs, mildew, and mold.

4 - Clean your gutters

When you have rainwater that is coming off your roof, it can splash in puddles and drip onto your siding and windows. If you have dirty and clogged gutters, this can effectively turn your siding and windows into mold-friendly surfaces.

5 - Hire a mold remediation team

If you have a serious mold problem, you might want to hire a professional team like the mold remediation contractor you can find here. They can take care of the problem quickly, thoroughly, and professionally.

Conclusion

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce mold in your home. Mold can harm your health and property. If you aren’t careful, it can grow and spread until you don’t know where it came from. This can cause a lot of damage to your home, your health, and the health of your family.

If you have a mold problem, you should take it seriously. You might feel like you have no choice but to try and solve it yourself. However, you might be better served by getting a team of experts involved. A team of professionals can address problems quickly, do a better job, and keep your home as clean and healthy as possible.

If you have questions or want to reach out to a mold remediation team, call SERVPRO of Baldwin & Monroe. We offer Mold Remediation, Water, Fire, and Storm Damage Restoration.

Spring Tips: General Spring Maintenance

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

The warmer temperatures are finally on their way after a long and cold winter. Spring is a beautiful time of year, but we must also remember spring cleaning entails a lot more than a thorough vacuum and dusting. For easy home maintenance it is important to stay on top of it and not let the chores build up season to season. In addition to saving time and money, regular maintenance is beneficial for your property because it can help you discover issues by identifying small issues before they become major repairs. Maintenance also helps with curb appeal because a well-maintained home has a more pleasant appearance increasing property value.

Here are a few more tips for your General Spring Maintenance:

1) Air Movement (Air Conditioner and Furnace)

It is a good idea to check your A/C and furnace before the first heatwave hits and your home becomes a sauna. Check all the connections, change the filter, and if necessary, have it serviced. You won’t regret it.

2) Attack the Attic

After a long and cold winter, it’s important to check your attic space to make sure no water has found its way in. You will also want to make sure no mice, insects, or other critters have nested over the winter, terrorizing your insulation. Check to make sure the insulation is dry (wet insulation is less effective) and look for signs of mould or water damage. Improper ventilation can cause condensation to buildup, become frost, and eventually result in water damage.

3) Browse the Basement

Changing season often lead to basement issues as, basements are often a hotspot for repairs. Check for cracks in the cement walls and look for signs of leaks. While you are down there, check the washing machine hoses for leaks or holes, inspect the basement windows for mould, leaks, or drafts, and watch out for signs of bugs or rodents.

5) Look for Leaks and Monitor for Mould

In addition to browsing the basement, looking for leaks and mold is vital in all areas of your home. Take the time to inspect all windows, doors, bathrooms, toilets, sinks, and other areas where water is prevalent. If you discover mould, take action immediately. If you have a large amount of mold, SERVPRO of Baldwin & Monroe would be happy to help with your mold remediation.

6) Secure Smoke Signals

Frequently checking the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be a regular household activity, make sure they are working properly and change the batteries when necessary (check monthly, change annually). Check your fire extinguishers to ensure there are no leaks and the pin is in place and it is not expired. It is also important to store you fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place where everyone knows where it is.

Fire Preparedness

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.

SERVPRO of Baldwin & Monroe is ready at a moments notice to help get you and your home back to its preloss condition. We're available 24/7(478) 452-8000

Storm Ready

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Specialists

SERVPRO of Baldwin & Monroe specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. 

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Monroe,Ga we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,800 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams  that are strategically located throughout the United States.

For Storm or Flood Damage? Call (478) 452-8000 24/7