Mold Damage is No Match for Professional Methods in Shreveport

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

Our skilled technicians have the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to get your Shreveport home back in order after mold damage.

SERVPRO Performs Skilled Mold Damage Cleanup for Shreveport Properties

It is never a fun experience to find mold growing anywhere in your Shreveport home or business. To keep it from colonizing and spreading further, you need quick action and careful methods for the best results. While there are countless types of mold, you need to know that some are more harmful than others. Mold is everywhere, but you never want it within your living or workspace. Should you suspect black mold growth in your home, you can contact SERVPRO for skilled mold remediation to handle it safely and effectively.

Why not just clean up the mold damage in your Shreveport home yourself? Because trained professionals know how mold develops and the right way to safely clean it so that all parties involved are protected. Let’s go over how mold grows:

• Tiny mold spores move through the air, floating around dormant as they look for the ideal conditions to settle and colonize.
• The perfect conditions for mold growth include moist, dark, and warm spaces with organic substances to feed on – drywall, paper goods, carpeting, and more.
• Excessive moisture, humid conditions, and water damage within your home can spell disaster if not remedied fast. This leaves areas like attics, crawlspaces, flooring, and cabinetry susceptible to mold growth.

Why Should a Business Use Professional Mold Cleanup Versus In-house Cleaning Personnel?

Any business wants to create a comfortable, safe establishment for clients, customers, and staff. Hiring mold remediation ensures you get the right level of cleaning to rest assured all who enter can breathe safely. We never claim to remove mold altogether, which is impossible to do. Instead, we meticulously clean all surfaces, pulling up spores safely to keep them from spreading and sanitizing everything – Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Mold Infestation and Your Home’s Property Value

If you are hoping to put your home on the market in the future, the last thing you want is mold to pop up during an inspection or potential buyer walkthrough. Even the slightest bit of mold can multiply into something more involved, thus impacting your property value. Additionally, the smell of mold is enough to turn buyers around before they even finish the viewing or open house.

Should you suspect mold is present in your home, look for some of the following signs and then call us at SERVPRO:

• Dark spots developing on the ceiling, floors, and/or walls
• Visible mold spores or clusters
• Musty, damp, or foul odors
• Wallpaper or paint that is peeling with dark spots beneath

The sooner you have our team at your door to begin mold remediation, the quicker we can prevent a significant infestation from developing. We may be able to salvage furnishings, floorboards, drywall, and other elements that have been impacted by mold. For all materials beyond cleaning and repair, we can perform controlled demolition to remove and replace to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Our SERVPRO technicians know how to spot mold, which we look for with our initial inspection and assessment of your property. We put on personal protective equipment (PPE) and put containment barriers in place to keep spores from floating through the air or getting tracked into unimpacted areas of your building. We use vacuums and techniques to pull up spores while cleaning all surfaces thoroughly with antimicrobials and other cleaning agents. Everything gets sanitized and deodorized so that you can rest assured your family and pets are free to enter once again after we get done.

Mold damage is no match for our highly-trained technicians at SERVPRO of South Shreveport. Give us a call to set up your mold remediation project by dialing (318) 865-4655.

Shreveport Water Damage Restoration Firm Dedicated to Serving You

3/25/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides safe and secure water damage restoration for your Shreveport home.

Attentive Water Damage Restoration in Shreveport

Cleaning up after a water event in Shreveport can prove to be tricky. Not only does it involve removing water and repairing damage, but it also entails effectively dealing with homeowners and residents. Technicians must also always remain mindful of the safety and comfort of those they work around when dealing with water leaks and other water-related issues.

Good Shreveport water damage restoration firms, like SERVPRO, are attentive to customer needs and dedicated to helping them understand what is being done. Once on-site, our skilled technicians endeavor to make those living in the home feel comfortable, safe, and able to go about their lives as normally as possible. To accomplish these goals, SERVPRO’s water damage remediation experts:

• First, introduce ourselves to residents and give them a business card, Water Customer Information Brochure, and an informative water damage form
• Next, listen to any concerns, review overall scoping and drying plans with the homeowner, follow them to areas impacted by issues like ceiling leaks, burst pipes, and basement flooding, ask their permission to start scoping, and allow them to watch as things in need of water damage repairs are found.
• Then, carefully explain how we plan to fix found water-related problems
• Consider potential safety risks, inform residents and workers of these, provide those in the home with Material Safety Data Sheets for all substances used, and attempt to limit everyone’s exposure to dangerous environments and materials
• Ensure, before work begins, that ceilings and floors are not in danger of collapsing and electrical shock hazards have been eliminated

After this preliminary work has been completed, we are able to start returning your home to its pre-leak condition.

Your neighbors at SERVPRO of South Shreveport are dedicated to doing water damage restoration right. So, if your residence ever suffers the effects of a water event, don’t hesitate to call us at (318) 865-4655 for help.

Immediate Commercial Water Removal Services Can Restore Your Shreveport Business

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO strives to restore and not replace commercial water damaged structures and elements in Shreveport area arenas and facilities.

Work with SERVPRO for Fast Commercial Water Cleanup Services in Shreveport

Due to rainwater pushing through the exterior door seals, commercial water removal services may be needed when a sports arena floods. Gymnasium hardwood floors are expensive features, and we strive to preserve them. Apart from causing structural damage to the facility, such an incident may cause the scheduled events and games to be canceled. You need the help of an experienced water damage restoration company to restore the property to its earlier state.

Our SERVPRO team uses powerful truck-mounted and portable pumps to extract moisture from the water-damaged Shreveport property. We often "tent" the affected floorboards and use negative pressure to extract moisture from the tongue and groove boards. Once we have made sure there is no standing water in the locker rooms and other areas, the next thing we do is to examine the wet insulation, vinyl base, and drywall. If they have suffered severe damage, we use the following tools to remove them:

· Flood cutter: It is a specialized tool that uses rotary cutting motion to remove wet insulation and drywall.

· Demolition hammer: Our SERVPRO technicians use this tool to remove and break up damaged vinyl base, drywall, and insulation.

· Pry bar and Sledgehammer: We use the two tools to manually remove the damaged vinyl base, insulation, and drywall.

· Flooring removal tool: The expedite the demolition stage during the water damage restoration process.

The unsalvageable wet materials can be a harbor for mold and bacteria. It is one of the reasons we remove them quickly and then apply an anti-microbial solution to the affected surfaces to prevent mold growth. At this point, we can set up drying equipment like air movers, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers to remove any remaining moisture from the building.

During the entire duration of the water mitigation project, our SERVPRO team is always in constant communication with all the concerned parties. For instance, we share frequent updates with your insurance adjuster and any personnel you have assigned to monitor the work.

Make SERVPRO of South Shreveport your number-one service provider when you need commercial water removal services. Call (318) 865-4655 to talk to our IICRC-certified team anytime - We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Removing Water Is the First Step in Water Restoration for Shreveport Homes

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

After water removal in your Shreveport home, SERVPRO provides a large inventory of drying equipment.

Immediate Removal of Water in Shreveport is the Best Water Restoration Course of Action

Water restoration of Shreveport homes after a storm involves many steps leading to fully restoring your home to its preloss condition. Mitigating the damage is one of the highest priorities of our SERVPRO team. Removing water immediately from floors, walls, and ceilings can significantly reduce the secondary damage caused by moisture absorption and mold.

SERVPRO sets priorities, develops a plan, and focuses initial water restoration efforts in your Shreveport home to minimize total damage after a storm:

• Assess the damage, water, and debris penetration and safety issues
• Install temporary protection – tarps on roofs, board up of windows and doors
• Initiate water removal – pumping, weighted extractors, vacuum wands
• Remove debris, begin disinfection and cleaning
• Install high-capacity air movers and dehumidifiers to begin drying the home

Once we have removed all the water and debris, humidity has returned to normal levels, and your home has been cleaned and disinfected, it is time to focus on restoration activities. Our building services crew can begin repair and restoration, coordinated by SERVPRO. Building services that may be required include:

• Repairs to the roof, windows, and other outside areas, in addition to general exterior cleanup
• Controlled demolition of structure permanently damaged, e.g., flooring, walls, cabinets
• Restoration, including – electrical, plumbing, HVAC, walls, floors, and cabinet installation
• Painting, flooring installation
• Return your contents that were cleaned and dried and held in a safe environment

Don’t hesitate to discuss any special concerns your family may have concerning valuable contents, heirlooms, or working with your insurance company. Our SERVPRO colleagues can answer these and any other questions you may have while they remove water, clean, repair, and restore your home after a major storm damaged it.

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport for water restoration services. We provide service to Shreveport and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (318) 865-4655.

Grease Fire Restoration in Shreveport

12/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO should handle fire damage restoration services for your home. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.

SERVPRO Can Remove Wet Smoke Damage from your Home

Grease fires are among the most common callouts that we attend each year. Cooking oils, animal fats, and gas stoves are all flammable, so even turning away for a moment can lead to a sudden outbreak. These fires are quickly contained in most cases, but the short time they burn can lead to thick, greasy soot deposits on appliances, stove hoods, and ceilings. Grease fires are generally difficult to clean because they reject most water-based household cleaning products. In fact, applying a water-based solution to a wet smoke deposit can lead to spreading the soot around without removing it at all.

SERVPRO Provides

• Smoke removal
• Appliance cleaning
• Fire and odor restoration

We offer fire restoration to Shreveport residents for all types of emergencies. In the case of grease fires, our technicians can bring a full range of proprietary cleaning products specifically designed to target and remove wet smoke deposits. Oily soots can sometimes be removed by emulsifying them with detergents. At a molecular level, detergents resemble oils, grease, and fats. This similarity means that the oils in the smoke deposit can mix with water, a process we call emulsifying with a detergent that allows soil, a cleaning agent, and water to be removed altogether. 

Thick soot deposits may require cleaning agents that are more powerful than a detergent. In these situations, technicians must dissolve the soil in a solvent before removing it from the surface. A solvent removes soil by dissolving it in a solution. This process is referred to as suspension. Once the soil is suspended in a solvent, we can disperse it in a rinsing agent -usually a detergent- to remove all staining from the surface. 

Applying solvents to grease soot

• Pre-testing a discrete area is essential to ensure the procedure is effective without causing accidental damage to the surface.
• Mix the solution in the recommended dosages and allow dwell time for the soot to dissolve before applying the rinsing agent.
• Some solvents require special disposal for environmental reasons. 

To restore your home after a grease fire, contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport for fire restoration at (318) 865-4655.

Mold Removal Precautions at Shreveport Properties

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides quality mold remediation services in your area. Call now for the fast and immediate service you need.

Safe Mold Cleanup in Your Shreveport Home with SERVPRO

Mold is a significant nuisance in homes. It discolors drywall, produces a musty smell, shows up as black spots on the siding, blackens the grout lines in shower tiles, and rots damp wood everywhere in a Shreveport home. When you notice microbial growth in your home, there is a moisture problem around that area. Moisture presence causes mold spores to swell and propagate by sending out a network of structures. Therefore it is essential to locate the moisture source and take steps to remedy it before cleaning the affected areas.

Mold removal at your Shreveport home requires more than a wipe-off. However, there are things one can do to minimize spreading before experts arrive. SERVPRO professionals inspect your home for visible signs and locate any hidden moisture source so the problem does not return once affected areas have been cleaned.

Before help arrives

• Turn off the HVAC system and other air-moving equipment
• Do not disturb or touch the mold
• Do not spray disinfectant or bleach
• Do not paint over it

Removing mold in porous surfaces

Mold affects surfaces and materials differently. Professionals, therefore, apply cleaning techniques based on the type of surface. If the material is porous, like a ceiling tile or insulation, and is extensively contaminated, it is best to remove it completely. However, If only a small area on walls or ceilings of sheetrock or plaster is affected, SERVPRO can stop spreading by cleaning the room. Using vacuums with HEPA filters, our crews vacuum loose spores, followed by wire brushing to remove the remaining colonies. When performing these tasks, we ensure our teams wear proper protective gear and that the contaminated area is covered with plastic sheeting to prevent cross-contamination.  

Essential materials include

• 6-mil plastic bags for disposal
• Antimicrobial solution
• Heavy-duty cleaner

SERVPRO of South Shreveport uses the right mold removal approach minimizing the chances of a re-occurrence. Call us at (318) 865-4655. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Water Removal is an Initial Action for Damaged Shreveport Homes

10/2/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with water damage in your home can seem overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 to assess and start the water removal and drying process.

Clearing standing water protects a Shreveport home and its contents.

Standing water is among the most damaging situations after water disasters, primarily because of how threatening this pooling can be to sensitive materials. Our responding technicians' priority is to quickly manage this standing water through several extraction methods available.

Types of Water Removal Techniques

When water removal in Shreveport homes is necessary, several options exist. With these varying layers of extraction available for homes, there is more versatility to the efficiency and efficacy of restoration. While each of these options has multiple tools and devices to help, the general premise for extraction and water removal in damaged homes includes:

• Wet Vacuuming – This process involves truck-mount extractors or portable units that provide a vacuum lift. 
• Pumping – This process involves submersible pumps placed in situations where more than two inches of standing water exist. 
• Absorption – Mopping and toweling can be used on many hard flooring surfaces to manage smaller levels of water damage. 

Choosing the Best Extraction Method for Your Home

As with many aspects of water restoration and cleanup for homes in the area, there is no universal approach to water removal. Much of these choices are determined based on the situations where damage exists and the severity of these conditions. Substantial standing water scenarios with more than a foot of pooling will not be handled the same as trapped water in a saturated carpet.

Despite the damage that water disasters can do to homes and businesses in the area, many still delay contacting professional restoration services like our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team provides. We have efficient and effective water removal tools and restoration approaches to make these events "Like it never even happened." Call us today at (318) 865-4655.

Helping Families with Our Water Removal Techniques In Shreveport

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

When a home takes on water, either through an internal source or outside flooding, we can help with methods designed for rapid water removal.

Water Removal Techniques

Shreveport has some beautiful homes, some of which many local families have lived in for generations. We live in the area also and understand that our homes play vital roles in our daily lives and special occasions. Keeping them free of deteriorating conditions is crucial to protecting them.

When a home takes on water through an internal source or outside flooding, we can help with methods designed for rapid water removal in Shreveport. Extraction of water from surfaces in your home is only the first stage. We also perform other measures that get the water out of things that absorbed it.

When flooding happens, dirty water invades your home. This water is so polluted that it ruins carpet so severely that we cannot repair it to suitable cleanliness levels. Replacing it is our only option. However, the damage often remains minimal if homeowners contact us as soon as possible. We can often save carpeting that became drenched from an interior leak because We Are Faster To Any Size Disaster, keeping damages as minimal as possible.

Clean water comes from disastrous occurrences such as a broken joint on a water line or a sink that overflowed. Our techs also dry and clean the area where water flows as quickly as possible. Working in teams helps us mitigate damage and get things back to normal efficiently and effectively. Our experts use all the available methods to get everything safe and just "Like it never even happened" for you and your family.

Drying techniques include machinery combined with minor alterations in your home's structure. Smaller homes permit us to feed flexible tubing into wall spaces so our Injectidry system can use warm, dry air to evaporate moisture from interior walls and push that now-humid air out of the interior space.

Heated floor mats also use the same principle and quickly get floors dry again. Laying carpet down on damp floors can cause a mold infestation to plague your house. The wooden flooring of most types can trap moisture underneath their components, causing warping, curling, and severe cracking. Getting that moisture out of there can preserve your floor. We use water removal methods wherever the water flows.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport wants your family home to retain its integrity and ability to protect your family. Water removal methods allow this to happen and help prevent secondary water damage. Contact us at our emergency services number, (318) 865-4655, whenever your home springs a leak or sustains a flood.

When Your Shreveport Home Floods

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Severe storms and flooding are common in our neck of the woods. Know that SERVPRO is always on call for your restoration needs.

Restoring a Residence After Flash Flooding in Shreveport

Flooding occurs in all 50 states, causing billions of dollars in yearly damages. While most floods come from heavy rains and river swells over days or weeks, flash flooding poses serious concerns. In just a short time, a flash flood can cause colossal destruction to homes and infrastructure, leaving homeowners overwhelmed by the amount of cleanup and restoration ahead of them. 

When your Shreveport residence has suffered flash flooding, IICRC-certified SERVPRO technicians are only a phone call away from providing service that can return your home to a preloss state. These restoration experts undergo extensive education on disaster mitigation, restoration, and repair to ensure that homeowners have a safe and comfortable residence once more. Technicians, staff, and franchise owners also receive additional education opportunities to expand their knowledge of mitigation and restoration standards and procedures. 

Preparing Your Home for Flash Floods

If you have time to prepare, take the following steps to minimize damage:

• Clear out drains, downspouts, and gutters to prevent water from penetrating your home. Check on any sump pumps and moisture detection systems on your property to ensure they work. 
• Elevate furniture, appliances, electronics, and other items to keep them out of the reach of floodwaters. 
• If you have not already, consider elevation for water heaters and an exterior backflow valve to minimize the risk of sewage backup. 
• Have an emergency kit with important documents, first aid, prescriptions, and contact information. 

How SERVPRO Dries Flood Damage

After extracting floodwaters and debris and sanitizing the space thoroughly, SERVPRO technicians rely on air movers and dehumidifiers for most of the drying process. These two devices pull moisture out of surfaces, wall cavities, and flooring and replace it with warm, dry air. 

The key to effective drying, however, is a consistent and active measuring of surfaces with a variety of moisture sensors and meters, as well as infrared imaging and thermohygrometers, to assess the relative humidity of both flood-affected structures and the air itself. This process determines accurate drying goals and times and ensures that materials are returned to humidity levels that are appropriate for the structure without encouraging microbial proliferation. 

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is proud to serve homeowners by being Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (318) 865-4655 for an experienced mitigation team with cutting-edge tools.

Forbing's Fire Damage Specialists Discuss Soot Removal

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Clean Up Soot in Forbing Properties After House Fires.

SERVPRO Uses Various Equipment, Products, and Methods for Fire Cleanup in the Forbing Area

Fires starting inside your Forbing home can not only be dangerous to you and your family but can also ruin the contents and building materials inside your house. The flames and heat, which come from the blaze, burn materials starting from the source and further depending on how long it goes before it gets extinguished. Smoke travels from the source to areas all over the structure, causing additional damage.

When smoke flows through a building, it leaves behind soot residues and foul odors. Cleaning and removing these residues are a significant part of restoring fire damage in Forbing. The first step to removing burnt odors is to remove their source, including soils left from the smoke. 

Soot residues contain different substances depending upon what fuels were burned in the fire. Cleaning methods vary based on many factors, including the type of soot and the surface of cleaned materials. Some blazes get put out with excessive water, which can cause the soot cleaning process to change. Water damage restoration is often follows a house fire.

Some soot films are easy to clean while others adhere to surfaces well, making removal more difficult. When extracting soils proves to be a strenuous process, our SERVPRO technicians utilize various mechanical action cleaning methods. The amount of soot present and how well it sticks to materials dictates how much agitation is needed for removal. 

Some soils can get removed with mild agitation methods if they are not dense. Mild agitation methods include feather dusters, compressed air, brushes, and vacuums. For carpets, upholstery, and drapes vacuuming dry smoke residue is always the first step in cleaning. Compressed air gets used to blow soot out off the casings of electronics.

If the soot is dense and adheres firmly to surfaces, then medium agitation methods can be implemented during the restoration process. Practices that fall into this category include dry sponges, crumbly cleaners, dust cloths, and cleaning towels. Crumbly cleaners work well when removing dry soot from flat painted surfaces. 

When soot removal is difficult, heavy agitation methods get used. Abrasive powders, sandpaper, and blast cleaning are all examples of heavy agitation cleaning. Roto pads and brushes can also agitate, buff, or polish flooring surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians attempt to clean smoke and soot-stained surfaces without tearing them out for replacement. Often a primer can be applied before a finished coat of paint is needed.

Removing different kinds of soot can be easy in some areas while challenging in others. For help cleaning soils created by smoke, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 24/7.

Obstacles for Efficient Fire Restoration in Shreveport Offices

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Shreveport fire damage at your company? Contact SERVPRO to keep your doors open.

These Factors Can Slow Fire Damage Restoration

Fire restoration requires many layers of cleaning and recovery. When occurring as part of a Large Loss project like the many office buildings in the city, several factors might produce immediate obstacles to restoration after a fire gets extinguished. Our SERVPRO team can overcome these hurdles to provide our efficient:

• Smoke damage remediation
• Odor removal
• Surface cleaning
• Water restoration

Damage to the Structure

Among the most significant obstacles to fire restoration to Shreveport offices is damage to the structure. Bulk materials and compromised structural elements must often be cleared and discarded before the building's official fire restoration work can begin. To determine where controlled demolition might be needed, our SERVPRO production management reaches the residence and begins a thorough inspection of the structural elements for water, soot, and smoke damage.

Lingering Water Damages

Another concern that could slow fire cleanup getting started is overcoming water damage. Considerable volumes of water are used by firefighters and the sprinkler system of the office building to put out the flames. The extinguishment can leave behind pools of water, puddling, and other moisture pockets that must get addressed by our SERVPRO professionals before fire cleanup can start.

The Claim Approval Process

Sometimes, the condition of the building is not a factor but rather the pace of damage claim approval. Your insurance provider plays a direct role in green-lighting restoration work to begin, even when you have personally chosen SERVPRO to complete this work. While emergency services can start to prevent the situation from worsening, we must still coordinate with adjusters for the total recovery needs. 

After a fire, you want to ensure that cleanup and restoration can happen as efficiently and quickly as possible. With our experience and fast response, we can provide mitigative strategies to help your office open its doors again. Call our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team at (318) 865-4655.

Appliance Aging Can Lead to Water Damage in Your Shreveport Home

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let a leaking appliance cause major water damage to your Shreveport home--contact SERVPRO. "Like it never even happened."

Have You Checked Your Appliances in Your Shreveport Home Lately?

With all the bodies of water that sit around Shreveport, like the Red River, it is no wonder that many homes are battling the possibility of flooding throughout the rainiest times of the year. Even with this continual threat, homeowners are surprised by internal threats they didn't see coming. An excellent example of this would be the breakdown of a dishwasher or washing machine. Appliances can assuredly make your life a little bit easier, but as they are machines, there is only a finite amount of time that they function correctly. Regular servicing of these appliances can secure weakened connections and drain hoses.

When a dishwasher fails, high volumes of water could end up in the affected areas and require water removal services for your Shreveport residence. Our experienced SERVPRO professionals respond quickly; We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. We understand that the longer water soaks into construction materials, the more irreparable damage occurs.

Extraction begins shortly after an inspection which assists in selecting the various pumps and wet vacs available. Larger pools of water damage could require the use of truck-mounted pumps from our SERVPRO Green Fleet. We can then focus on drying the affected rooms using:

• air movers
• axial fans
• drying mats
• heaters

Our customers receive a final walkthrough to ensure complete satisfaction has been achieved. We can work with insurance adjusters throughout the remediation service to simplify the claims paperwork and remain within a budget.

When you face damage that requires water removal, trust our SERVPRO of South Shreveport professionals to do it quickly and to do it right. Give us a call today at (318) 865-4655.

A Severe Storm Can Leave Your Shreveport Home in Urgent Need of Water Removal

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Hurry and mitigate the storm damage to your Shreveport property by calling SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Provides Storm Damage Restoration in Shreveport

A city that is settled on a water source has the chance of flooding during a storm, leaving many homeowners needing water removal services. A particularly severe storm can cause your home to flood with several inches of water inside of it. Any lower levels in your home will have water sinking into them. Reaching out for professional help is wise as soon as the damage happens.

Waiting to call for Shreveport water removal services to remediate the damage that the storm caused can be dangerous for the overall quality of your home. When contaminated water damage has breached the interior, Microbial growth occurs from the Black Water. Having mold grow in your home is generally never a good thing. Additionally, water can ruin your belongings. Rapid extraction and drying are keys to mitigating storm damage and possible demolition. We aim to salvage your belongings, keepsakes, and contents whenever possible.

SERVPRO understands how vital your belongings and home are to you. That is why we always strive to get to your home quickly after your call.

Our skilled technicians can bring advanced technology to help swiftly remove the water.

• Truck-mounted extractors
• Portable wet vacs
• Rover riding extractors
• Specialized wands for various surfaces
• Sump Pumps
• Trash Pumps

After we rid your home of the floodwater, SERVPRO can focus on setting up an ideal environment for drying out your home. We use trade tools like desiccant dehumidifiers and air movers to keep the airflow over the damp places constant. Simultaneously, we can dry out the contents of any items. The drying is monitored for effectiveness, and an antimicrobial agent is applied to disinfect affected areas of the structure.

Do not wait if a storm floods your home. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport by phoning (318) 865-4655. We always strive to make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Why Calling for Pro Water Damage Repair is Best in Shreveport

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the room in which the water damage occurs, team SERVPRO is standing by 24/7 ready and waiting to help. Contact us right away.

SERVPRO Delivers Efficient Water Damage Repair for Shreveport Residents

Water restoration is something that takes skill and training, which is something we strive to maintain at SERVPRO. When you have burst pipes or flooding from your washing machine malfunctioning, you need professionals at your door to get to work. DIY is never recommended, as you risk missing hidden moisture and a host of hazards. SERVPRO arrives fast and gets to work so you can have your house back to normal.

Why SERVPRO for water damage repair in Shreveport? Because our team has all been IICRC trained and certified. We commit to regular training to stay up on the latest industry trends to bring you the water restoration results you deserve.

Water detection, monitoring, and drying are key

Before any reconstruction can begin, we initiate water removal services and look for areas of hidden moisture. By setting up equipment like dehumidifiers and industrial fans, we increase airflow and lower relative humidity – thus aiding in our quest to achieve our drying goals.

• We handle the removal of all trapped water behind walls and under flooring or cabinets.
• Our technicians may put weep holes in the walls to allow water to escape so that we dry the interior cavity.
• Flood cuts might get done to remove drywall up to a few inches above the water line and then replace it with all new drywall. 

All reconstruction and repair get carried out by area partners and contractors. We want to ensure that once your interior is dry, all materials get replaced and refinished to make it “Like it never even happened.” You can also count on us as your insurance liaison to ensure your documentation is in order, so your claim for water damage goes as smoothly as possible. 

Why wait? Call us at SERVPRO of South Shreveport whenever you need help with water damage repair. Our customer care team is available 24/7 at (318) 865-4655, or you can request assistance online.

Why SERVPRO for Residential Mold Inspection?

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t be caught off guard by a mold infestation in your home. Stay vigilant and contact SERVPRO at the first sight or smell to inspect and remediate.

Shreveport Area Mold Threats Can Go Unnoticed for Months or Years

Inert, individual mold spores are smaller than the eye can see and no more threatening than dust. Once they have a water source, however, spores become active and can quickly expand throughout a home.

Professional mold inspection for Shreveport homes is needed since mold colonies grow best where residents don’t, or can’t, get into. Our technicians know to look under insulation in attics, check inside every wall, and examine every exposed pipe for a leak or other water source. After finding it, they take the following steps:

• Remove the water source
• Spray mold-covered surfaces with antifungal cleaners
• Remove mold from surfaces for disposal

IICRC-certified technicians dry the water source with sponges and cloths and make repairs if the leak is a minor problem. Next, they clean every affected surface with a cleaner that kills active and inert spores. In many homes, they can scrape or wipe off the mold for disposal. If the spores penetrated surfaces, they can sand wood surfaces to remove them or replace more delicate material like drywall panels. 

For professional mold inspection and removal, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

Shreveport Homes Need Fire and Smoke Damage Technicians When Disaster Strikes

7/3/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the extent of the fire damage, team SERVPRO can help with effective remediation services. Our technicians are standing by for your call.

Older Shreveport Structures Damaged by Fire Need Fire Restoration Services

Shreveport owes its name to the Shreve Town Company, which connected the town with Texas in 1836. Not surprisingly, corporations have led to the city's growth throughout the centuries, and it now is the third-largest city in Louisiana behind Baton Rouge and New Orleans. When oil was discovered in the state, several companies settled their headquarters in Shreveport, where they remained until the 1980s. After a rough period where crime and unemployment rose, there is a focus on its revitalization. Its strategic location between Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana makes its economy crucial to cities' prosperity.

At its birth, Shreveport became an epicenter for the transportation of goods such as cotton and crops via steamboats. Free blacks and slaves worked on the river, helping with the cargo and other jobs at the port. Although slavery existed, it was not as prevalent as it was in nearby New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Red River was the primary method for moving merchandise and transporting individuals until the early 1900s, when the railroad and highways offered alternative transportation.

History has a place for Shreveport in its most pivotal moments. The Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement played out on its streets as inside family homes. Most recently, the city has become synonymous with the gaming industry in Louisiana and has transitioned into a service economy, even though the natural gas industry continues to grow at a slower than anticipated pace. Lately, the film industry has also made its way into the state and Shreveport in particular. Tax incentives and the proliferation of film industry-related businesses have seen a growing presence of movie projects in the area.

Fire Damage Restoration in Shreveport

It is not uncommon for the local news to report on a home fire and its consequences. Fire departments remind us to check smoke detectors and to address any fire hazards in the home. Many homeowners do not realize how easily a fire can erupt in a Shreveport home, whether it comes from a space heater too close to a bed or an electric malfunction. Even when the event does not result in a loss of life, the damage can be devastating in other aspects.

House Fire Cleanup Services

SERVPRO is ready to clean and deodorize your fire damaged home as soon as you reach us at our 24/7 hotline. In the course of the project, our team focuses on removing soot from each surface and discarding items posing a danger. What many clients fail to understand is that we also take care of the acrid smell of smoke a fire leaves behind, and we do that by applying industry best practices such as:

• Wet fogging- used to dispense water and solvent-based deodorizers.
• Dry fogging- the solvent-based deodorizer is spread like a vapor that protects furniture from excessive moisture.
• Air scrubbers- these devices help us clean the air and remove the offending odor particles

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is ready to tackle fire damage of all sizes. Call us at (318) 865-4655 and place your trust in our expert team.

Need Fire Damage Inspection Assessment in Shreveport – Call SERVPRO

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

Looking around at the fire damage scene in your home can certainly cause panic. Partner with SERVPRO to mitigate the situation and help to remediate.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Inspections, Assessments, and Restoration in Shreveport

Fire, water, and smoke damage can leave homeowners devastated and overwhelmed. The damage and the mess left over after the fire makes homeowners feel that everything must be replaced or rebuilt. The task is huge, and where do you start?

Hiring a firm like SERVPRO can make a huge difference in dealing with fire damage in your home in Shreveport. Our experience, team members, and equipment can quickly make sense of the mess and provide you with answers regarding how to proceed.

Once the fire department leaves, our fire damage inspection team assesses the damage from the actual fire, damage from the materials used to quell the fire, and the smoke and odors in the home. Your home is at its worst before we begin controlled demolition, cleaning, and odor removal. Once the inspection and assessment are complete, SERVPRO provides a detailed plan to clean and restore your home to its original condition, “Like it never even happened.”

We also work closely with your insurance company regarding any fire insurance claims permissible under your insurance coverage. SERVPRO handles all of the paperwork and documentation to support your claim. We help you manage the financial loss from the fire.

SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified professionals provide extensive building services support to our clients to assist in all aspects of the restoration to save you time and expense. We coordinate all of the building services you may need, including general contracting and electrical and plumbing services. We also provide temporary services such as roof tarp coverage, temporary warehouse space, temporary fencing, and more.

SERVPRO provides fire damage services to our clients, including:

• House Fire Cleanup
• Fire restoration
• Smoke remediation and odor removal

Call the fire damage specialists from SERVPRO of South Shreveport and nearby areas for assistance. We can help 24/7. Call (318) 865-4655.

Moisture and Mold Are Partners in Forbing Properties --Until SERVPRO Arrives

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

When a mold infestation affects your kitchen, the professionals need to be brought in. Call SERVPRO immediately to assess and remediate the damage.

Why SERVPRO May Repair Drips and Leaks Before Starting Mold Remediation Work on Your Forbing Home

Almost every home has one or two drips, somewhere from top to bottom, and many go unnoticed for months or even years. While a drip in the kitchen sink can keep people up at night, carpeting or other flooring types can muffle the sound enough that drips in other areas are relatively silent. When this happens, homeowners do not know that they are losing water.

The reason why it is so crucial for SERVPRO to eliminate slow leaks in a Forbing property before remediating any mold damage is to make the environment inhospitable to microbes as soon as possible. When we begin cleaning up mold, it releases spores into the air so it can propagate itself. If these spores land in moist environments, they can start growing immediately. However, if spores land in dry places, they cannot become active and cause problems.

We rely on our equipment to get materials dry inside your house, as well as to protect it from contamination by loosened mold particles and spores. We find these places by using specialized cameras that reveal the moisture in your home. Infrared imaging picks up on even the slightest difference in temperature, allowing us to 'see' the lost water that you might never know about otherwise.

We track these leaks down to their source. Then we can start sealing up leaks, tightening joints in pipes, and securing loosened water lines to their appliances to stop water loss. Air movers completely dry the area, with multi-purpose Injectidry units helping where needed. We might also opt to use desiccant dehumidifiers when water losses seem extensive.

Before we begin cutting away moldy walls and ceilings or cleaning mold-covered surfaces, we enclose the area with effective chambers made of plastic sheeting. Inside, each room contains an air scrubber with flexible tubing which we use to draw air inside your home to the outdoors. This air can contain microbes, dust, lint, fibers, and spores. Because of the negative pressure, these cannot escape into your home, but instead, get pulled into the air scrubber and either become trapped inside its filter or pushed through the tubing to the exterior.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport promises to arrive at your property with the skills and equipment needed to perform a thorough mold remediation job and make things “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (318) 865-4655 to receive more information on how we can help you protect your home and prevent possible health effects caused by the presence of mold.

After A Flood In Your Shreveport Home, Call Our Experts For Help!

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding in your crawl space can destroy the structure of the home. Call SERVPRO to investigate the extent, remove the water and remediate the damage.

Proper Mitigation Of Flood Damage Includes Crawl Spaces In Shreveport Houses

When a flood occurs in your Shreveport neighborhood, protecting your valuable furniture and other household contents by placing them upstairs can keep them from becoming ruined. SERVPRO is always here to help mitigate the damage to your home's interior and make everything safe again for your family.

Our mitigation services in Shreveport include taking care of the flood damage that happens below your home, in the crawl spaces that you might never consider as crucial to the rest of your house. This area's condition plays a vital role in the air quality of your house's interior, making it crucial that we also mitigate anything wrong.

Your home's crawl spaces allow flooding to make this location a severe mess, full of mud, debris, and water. When the sump pump becomes clogged with solid materials, pumping water out becomes impossible. We can use our large pump, mounted on one of our Green Fleet's trucks, to rid the area below your home of this murky water. Our mitigation team is ready with manual tools to remove the debris so we can get this area clean again and free of excess moisture that can harm the living area of your property.

Even if the floor of the crawlspace is hard earth, we clean down to the base, as well as to the walls. Exposing the brick or concrete means we can thoroughly dry it and reduce the chances of future problems. Getting a sump pump re-established helps keep the area dry as we complete work on the rest of your home. We continue to monitor the area for additional problems, as water from the flood can saturate the ground around homes and slowly seep in through cracks or other weakened areas in the foundation of a property.

Although crawl spaces make up a small percentage of a residence, the amount of water that such areas can contain can pose severe detrimental effects on the rest of the house above. Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport to protect your Forbing area home from flood damage, especially when your crawlspace area also sustained damage. Our 24-hour services line, (318) 865-4655, is always available to you.

What Does Pre-Fire Damage Condition Mean for Shreveport Offices?

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO commercial restoration services are top-notch. we have the manpower and are experts in all equipment. We are here to help.

We Have Several Cleaning and Fire Restoration Strategies for Shreveport Properties

Cleaning up after a fire requires focused actions and deliberate mitigative strategies to return to preloss condition. The fast response of our SERVPRO team protects damaged offices from irreparable harm after fire disasters.

Job Scoping

In the earliest stages of mitigating and restoring fire damage to Shreveport offices, we must evaluate the condition of the property and its impacted building materials. Some of the focus of a detailed inspection of the facility might include:

• Current Damage: This measures the state of exposed materials and contents throughout the property.
• Content Loss: This evaluates the condition of contents, where irreparable harm has occurred, and the salvageability of assessed items.
• Customer Input: We value the input of customers regarding restoration priorities and what pre-existing conditions might exist.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Working with the property management of the office, we can determine damages that already existed before the fire. It is an important distinction that valuable restoration resources and time are not spent recovering and restoring unrelated conditions.

Cleaning and Restoration

Large loss providers like our SERVPRO team appreciate the importance of restoring the business's aesthetic appeal following a disaster. In many cases, the preloss condition refers to the original appearance of exposed building materials throughout the property before combustion occurred. With soot cleanup, repairs, and powerful deodorization, we can restore the pre-fire state of your business.

Repairs and Reconstruction

Structure fires undoubtedly require some repair and reconstruction, and this process can be critical to getting your doors back open again after a disaster. Elements with weak structural integrity or deteriorated by combustion and post-fire damage effects must be removed and disposed of to prepare for reconstruction and replacement to come. With a contractor license, we can complete needed build-back services.

Restoration professionals of our SERVPRO of South Shreveport teamwork to return your office to preloss condition as soon as possible after a disaster. When fire affects your facility, give our experienced team a call today at (318) 865-4655.

Shreveport Properties Benefit from Rapid Water Damage Cleanup

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Fleet Arrives fully stocked with equipment to mitigate water damage in Shreveport.

Team SERVPRO Arrives at a Shreveport Home to Mitigate Water Damage

Because of the tremendous pressure behind your Shreveport home's water supply, even a slight leak can cause severe problems. Thousands of gallons of water can enter your home through a broken water line on an appliance or faucet in a concise amount of time. When nobody is home, the damages can become extremely severe.

Residents can rely on SERVPRO professionals for emergency water removal services in Shreveport. Our ability to respond Faster To Any Sized Disaster means we save our customers from paying for preventable damages. We also reduce the time their families cannot live in their homes because of water removal's mitigation work.

Our Green Fleet includes the truck-mounted pumps that initialize our work. Other equipment arrives ready to start, as we always keep each piece in excellent running condition. All our equipment works together, much like our employees work as part of cohesive teams, all designed to serve our customers' needs better.

Additional equipment includes small pumps that we use to extract any residual moisture from your floors. While we reduce this moisture to where they become barely damp, we need to dry these surfaces and others, such as your lower walls, even more. We accomplish this by increasing the temperature, accelerating evaporation, and directing the damp air outdoors.

In locations where warping, buckling, or cracking of materials seem more likely to happen, as in wooden floors, trim, or other structural aspects, we can use directed heat with extraction mechanisms built into them. The interior of your walls can also retain excessive amounts of water that flowed in before we could extract any of the water. This trapped water can remain there unless we drill tiny holes to release it. Afterward, we can feed flexible tubing into the area and fill it with dry, warm air that acts as a desiccant.

Leaving any moisture behind from such a massive water leak can leave your home open to several types of damage. Water damage can continually deteriorate softer materials in your home while warping more durable ones. Microbes grow much more quickly in damp conditions. Elevated moisture can cause corrosion in hinges and other metal fastenings in your home and any electrical conduits. Water removal protects your home from these damaging effects.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport can help you protect your home by performing quick and efficient water removal services designed to mitigate and reduce any damages your home might experience otherwise. Our emergency services number is (318) 865-4655 and is always available every minute of the year.

Shreveport Manufacturing Benefit from Rapid Water Damage Action

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Get your warehouse and goods protected from water damage with SERVPRO's rapid Shreveport extraction and drying

Commercial Water Cleanup Experts in Shreveport Mitigate Downtime

Any building with running water inside it in Shreveport comes with the risk of a disaster. If pipes break, the moisture entering your manufacturing warehouse can cause you massive amounts of commercial water cleanup. Once water escapes from a pipe, it can spray out and dump thousands of gallons into your structure. The damage can worsen below the line break as gravity draws it straight down from its source, affecting the surroundings. This is why flooring materials usually get wet, and commercial water cleanup is necessary.

Removing any moisture that gets inside your warehouse or office is essential to reduce the extent of the damage. Our SERVPRO technicians start mitigation by extracting any standing water during water damage cleanup jobs in Shreveport. Then, upholstered items and carpets get vacuumed with our heavy-duty extractor units. Depending on what materials got affected, we can use different tools with the truck-mounted extractor.

After our SERVPRO crew is confident that they have pulled out as much water as possible, we begin the rapid drying process. During drying, we use air movers to create circular air movement. Then, we match them with dehumidifiers that pull moisture from the air. Once our drying techniques have brought your contents and building materials at your place of business back to typical moisture levels, we remove all of our equipment.

The last stage is one of the most vital parts to completely turn your warehouse back to how it was before the water leak occurred. We complete a concluding cleaning process before our SERVPRO team finalizes a project. We often use a special scrubbing machine for hard surfaces floors to get your flooring sparkling clean. Warehouse concrete pads require patient and repositioning of drying equipment to ensure proper moisture content.

If your manufacturing plant is the victim of a water leak, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 24 hours a day.

Types of Surface Fire Damage in Shreveport Homes

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO's FSRT fire and smoke damage restoration technicians to make your Shreveport fire-damaged home, "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage to Structural Elements and Contents Can Vary in Shreveport Properties.

Regardless of the type of fire damage that occurs in your home, destructive results must be overcome. As leading fire restoration professionals in Shreveport, we can quickly identify the type of surface fire damage that has occurred and the ideal solutions for restoring and cleaning these impacted areas.

Soot Damage and Staining

Among the more recognizable instances of fire damage in Shreveport, homes are the presence of soot and smoke residues. Aerosolized smoke solids find their way onto the vertical and horizontal surfaces to create a challenging residue for restorers to remove. These are among the most direct surface damages faced by building materials and contents. Restoration options for these include:

• Surface cleaning
• Abrasive media blasting
• Demolition

Blistering and Charring

After situations like kitchen fires, materials and fixtures like the cabinets can be damaged by the spreading fire within the room. Blistering can occur even when direct fire damage has not happened, as these instances often feature high heat circumstances. When these damages occur, it is often necessary to refinish or replace the cabinets.

Water Damage

Fire suppression can also ultimately damage exposed surfaces and contents throughout the property. A large volume of water is often required to extinguish active blazes, leaving pooling and saturated porous materials throughout the house. Overcoming these damages requires fast actions to dry and clean the impacted elements.

Destroyed Materials

There are also multiple situations in which the impacted materials and contents through the damaged areas of your home after a fire are too greatly compromised to preserve. An item-by-item inspection shows where some building materials and personal belongings should be discarded rather than salvaged.

Several types of surface damage are possible after a fire disaster occurs in your home. Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team is a trusted name to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call today at (318) 865-4655.

Battling Flood Damage In Your Shreveport Home

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

When storms flood your home, time is of the essence. Contact our SERVPRO team for a fast response to your emergency. We are standing by 24/7.

The War on Storm Damage Cleanup in Shreveport Falls to the Generals at SERVPRO

Severe weather has been known to affect coastal states the hardest, and your home in Shreveport is no exception. Even though you might not be on the Gulf of Mexico, many larger systems can pick up speed and devastation strength when they hit land. Soon your home is in a battle for structural integrity, and with the right conditions, can lose this battle to high winds and harsh precipitation. Even worse than the storm damage, though, is what these now vulnerable areas of your home can allow.

Storm damage can affect your Shreveport residence in a multitude of ways, but ultimately, the biggest concern is the potential flood damages that could get allowed to impact your residence. Though your home likely got constructed with reinforcement in mind, even against hurricanes, over time, these provisions of protection from the elements fade and weaken. You might not even realize that your home is vulnerable until you start experiencing high volumes of water pouring into the house.

From the moment that you call our experienced SERVPRO team, we work to respond to your call quickly and efficiently. We aim to help you prevent further structural damage to your home and to protect the contents inside of it as best as possible. This preservation of possessions is part of the reason why we implement policies like pack outs, to remove the items in your house that are in harm's way while the water extraction and restoration takes place.

After the inspection, our technicians have a better understanding of the cause of the water damage and can work to seal up these areas where possible. Once this completes, our SERVPRO professionals get to work on extraction and drying the area thoroughly to help combat the possibility of worsening conditions like microbial growth and moisture degrading sensitive electronics.

No homeowner ever gets prepared to see their property flooded. One of the best steps that you can do is to reach out to the professionals we employ at SERVPRO of South Shreveport to help you clean up the mess quickly and prevent the situation from getting any worse. You can give us a call anytime at (318) 865-4655.

It is Important to Use the Right Equipment during Water Damage in Shreveport

3/5/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless whether water damage is clearly evident or starts behind walls, team SERVPRO can help. We arrive with water detection tools to help you.

Call on the Professionals at SERVPRO for Proper Water Damage Restoration

Enhancing airflow is so essential when restoring your contents after experiencing water damage. Using the right drying techniques as well as tools counts a lot. If you are a resident of Shreveport, call professionals as soon as you can to mitigate the damage and know what is restorable. For instance, did you know that you have to position an air mover correctly to enhance its efficiency? It is a mistake to let the air mover blow the air directly into the surface since that makes the air bounce back and push the wetness into the area. A 45-degree angle of placement is appropriate

The monitoring and detection tools our SERVPRO technicians use when attending to water damage in Shreveport can make a big difference. For instance, if we need to detect the presence of water in soft materials, we may decide to use a moisture sensor. The device has probes which penetrate into materials, and if it detects some moisture, its light blinks and a beeping sound goes off. Given that this device only indicates the presence of moisture, there are instances where we have to use other methods when determining the exact amount is necessary.

With the help of a moisture meter, our SERVPRO technicians can determine the actual content of moisture in a structure. They also have probes which can penetrate wall cavities and wood flooring to provide the right measurements. Another vital equipment that allows us to measure both the humidity and temperature is a thermo-hygrometer.

After putting in place space heaters and air movers, the moisture evaporates from wet surfaces into the surrounding air. With time, the relative humidity of the air increases and there are chances that the wetness in the air can condense on surfaces and lead to damage. To avoid that, our IICRC certified technicians perform dehumidification and pull the additional moisture from the air. Depending on the situation we are dealing with, we may use refrigerant, low grain refrigerant, or desiccant dehumidifiers.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is an industry leader in storm, mold, fire, and water damage restoration. Call us at (318) 865-4655 any time of the day if you need it to appear “Like it never even happened.”

When Is Demolition Necessary for Fire Damage Restoration?

2/27/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the severity of the fire damage, team SERVPRO can offer a custom remediation plan. Call our technicians day or night to help you.

Controlled Demolition By SERVPRO Technicians in Shreveport Can Be the Quickest Way to a Full Restoration

Demolition is a scary word. However, it can often be part of the process we take to help homeowners get their properties back "Like it never even happened," after a house fire. Fires that affect multiple rooms in a property are usually considered to cause moderate damage. Moderate damage affects the outer layers of a building's assembly but may not reach the building's framework nor put the structure itself in jeopardy. While limited fire damages may feel like a disaster, the effects can often be fully-restored within a period of four to five weeks. It is vital to wait for the approval of a fire marshall before entering a burnt building, and we recommend arranging for an immediate inspection of damages from a qualified restoration professional. Our team help with:

• Fire damage restoration
• Fire demolition
• Home restoration

One essential part of fire damage restoration for your Shreveport home is to remove any unsalvageable materials. Parts of a home, like drywall, can be permanently damaged if exposed to fire and can interfere, or slow down, the restoration process. SERVPRO technicians can strip an affected room using a combination of claw hammers and razor cutters. We then quickly removed the fire debris leaving just the framework exposed. From this point onwards, we can rebuild the room, adding layers of insulation, drywall, and paint to return the property to its preloss condition. 

• Fumigation using ULV foggers is common in homes where drywall or other building assembly materials are removed for disposal. 
• If affected areas are not essential, such as washrooms or kitchens, homeowners can often remain in the house during restoration.
• Odor sealing primer paint can be applied to the framework of a home if there is evidence of persistent or chronic odors. 

We are experts at putting the pieces back together following a fire. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport for fire damage restoration at (318) 865-4655.

Tips for Performing Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Forbing

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

The key to keeping your Forbing business open following a water damaging event--Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO Can Perform Commercial Water Damage Repair in your Forbing Motel

A fast response is vital when water damage strikes a commercial property like a motel. Every day that your motel (or other commercial structure) remains closed, there is a loss of revenue and productivity. That’s why you need SERVPRO on the job. We can handle the water damage so that you can reopen your doors to your customers sooner.

Performing commercial water damage restoration in your Forbing property requires specialized products, equipment, and strategies. Our SERVPRO technicians know the mechanism of moisture movement and can devise an effective drying plan for the situation in your motel.

Moisture migrates in 4 ways, including:

• Liquid flow – This causes the highest amount of moisture to get into an area within a short time. Examples are large overflowing appliances and a broken main water supply.
• Vapor diffusion – In this situation, moisture moves in a manner that attempts to equalize pressure. Water vapor pressure then causes moisture to move through airspaces. This could be in voids with materials or in a room.
• Air transport – This is where air movement carries the moisture through openings.
• Capillary suction – This is water absorption, and it can happen in wood and concrete.

Our SERVPRO technicians can carefully pre-inspect all aspects of the ruined areas and start to mitigate the loss. We can check floors and walls for standing water and remove it using electrical submersible pumps. We also use penetrating moisture meters to determine the extent of water penetration in floors, carpets, ceilings, and walls. These moisture meters operate on the principle of electrical conductivity by penetrating the materials we are testing. The presence of moisture influences the electrical conductivity of the material between the probes. The moisture meter measures it and displays it on a digital or analog readout.

Our SERVPRO team can also position dehumidifiers in your commercial property so that humid, moist air moves to the units while warm, dry air discharged from the units circulates back to the damp areas. Dry air functions like a sponge by absorbing moisture from wet materials. We try to address the wetness and restoration of the rooms in your motel on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to restore availability, prevent cancellation of reservations, and keep your business in business.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is ready to help you recover from commercial water damage. Call us any time at (318) 865-4655.

How Can Property Owners Handle Storm Damage in Forbing?

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO protects exposed storm-damaged homes in Forbing from secondary damages by closing access points with poly sheets before repairs

They Can Hire SERVPRO for Flood Damage Repair in Forbing

The damage that storms cause is one of the most challenging things to recover from. They can cause significant damage, which is seen in the form of fallen debris and trees that strong winds blow against structures. Heavy downpours during a storm can also cause flooding that adversely affects flooring, walls, and structural elements of the house.

Storm and flood damage in Forbing homes can lead to insurance claims, and it is essential to document everything properly. SERVPRO can assist you in accounting for everything the storm ruined and restore your residence to its former condition whenever possible. The cleanup and repair process varies based on the severity of the damage, but the basic steps of our storm restoration process include:

• Inspect your home and offer a written estimate for disaster cleanup.
• Extracting floodwater from the home.
• Removing debris and contaminants.
• Drying the property.
• Performing post-construction.

Floodwater is often contaminated with chemicals and microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. When restoring your home, our SERVPRO technicians can establish engineering controls so that contaminants do not spread to the uncontaminated areas of your home. Contaminants can spread when we start working because of foot traffic, air movements, equipment movement, and debris removal. Our crew reduces this cross-contamination by using suitable engineering controls like establishing negative pressure and building containment. To erect or build containment, we use 6-mil polyethylene plastic to seal off the openings or doorways of affected areas.

Within the affected area, our SERVPRO technicians place an air filtration device to blow air outside the building. This kind of setup controls airflow in the area. It allows clean air to come into the affected area, but contaminated air cannot get into the unaffected air. This is called negative pressure in the restoration industry.

Our SERVPRO team uses portable extractors to remove floodwater. We also place drying equipment like air movers to deliver rapid airflow to damp surfaces. We also position dehumidifiers to deliver dry, warm air to the affected area.

If you need storm and flood damage repair services, contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Can Homeowners Handle Smoke and Fire Damage in Shreveport?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO suggests installing smoke detectors to help mitigate smoke and fire damage in a Shreveport home

SERVPRO Can Help Homeowners to Recover from Shreveport Smoke and Fire

It is distressing to have fire damage on your property. Fire and smoke damage can be direct or secondary, varying in severity from the superficial to the pervasive. When different materials get burnt, they create distinct kinds of smoke deposits that can penetrate the non-sealed areas of your home. SERVPRO understands that it is essential to repair and restore your home as soon as possible.

We have an exceptional understanding of the unique challenges linked with handling smoke and fire damage in Shreveport homes. Our industry know-how enables us to protect, clean, and restore affected structures and contents. For instance, removing micro-particulate soot calls for specialized chemicals. Odor removal also requires advanced equipment. SERVPRO’s fire and smoke damage management range include:

• Specifically designed products that address post-fire damage to various surfaces, including woodwork, plasterwork, glass, laminate, and metals.
• Finishing solutions designed to restore fabrics, plastics, and stainless steel to their former condition.
• Products for cleaning and protecting surfaces, ensuring their longevity and usability.
• Products and equipment designed to remove lingering odors.
• Help prevent smoke damage by installing smoke detectors

The contaminants involved in a fire depend on several variables like household materials, building construction methods, and the timeframe that the smoke or fire damage was left untreated. Apart from fire damage like burnt materials and heat devastation, there is a need to detect leaks from the damaged kitchen or bathroom equipment. Our SERVPRO team can use thermal imaging cameras to inspect and monitor the moisture in building materials. They enable us to see how water traveled throughout a structure.

Our SERVPRO technicians can use ventilation equipment to remove smoke, dust, and soot from your home. Different kinds of air movers generate an airflow of great velocity, from 1,000 to 3,000 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM). Restoration experts use such air movement for general ventilation to eliminate fumes, odors, and vapors from a structure. Negative air pressure is utilized to port unclean ambient air to the exterior of the structure using flexible ducts.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is ready to help you restore your home to its preloss state after fire damage. Call us any time at (318) 865-4655.

Why SERVPRO for a Commonsense Approach to Mold Damage in Shreveport?

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Rely on the trained mold remediation technicians from SERVPRO to make your Shreveport property appear “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Technicians Assess and then Remediate a Mold Infestation in Your Home

Extreme weather patterns and general climate conditions common in the Shreveport area cause residents concerns about mold growth and damage on a frequent basis. Whether considering our 52 plus inches of rain per year, summer temperatures nearing 100 degrees, or humidity that can reach 90 percent, the area offers molds supportive growing conditions year-round. Our experienced mold remediation crews have the training, skills, and equipment for successful abatement in your home.

When we respond to a mold damage scenario in Shreveport, expect a swift assessment prior to employment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocol. Mold remediation follows several steps. Some focused on removing the current mold infestation, and others aimed at taking a proactive approach to inhibiting future microbial damage. Our technicians train to these tasks thoroughly, mastering the basics revisiting the procedures over time in continuing education classes and e-seminars.

First, SERVPRO employees contain the moldy area to prevent the spread of mold spores and debris to other spaces in your home. Physical barriers like heavy plastic sheeting are part of the plan. Still, we also invest in high-efficiency negative pressure air scrubbers to vent and filter the mold-filled atmosphere in the affected area. Our team wears personal protective gear during the process and keeps you and your family safely out of the treatment area.

Then the mold and any porous material it infiltrated is removed and bagged for hazardous waste disposal. We follow legal requirements in place for your and the public’s safety. HEPA filter-equipped vacuums help remove the last moldy particles, and SERVPRO crews disinfect the space using EPA registered antimicrobials.

Finally, we confirm the source of moisture and develop a plan to eliminate it. Mold always returns if the water that sustains continues to intrude. Roofs and gutter drainage systems must be in top-notch condition in our rain-prone neighborhoods. Any flooding must be remediated immediately after severe storms to prevent molds from taking hold. SERVPRO employees are familiar with the typical roof and foundation fails that spell water damage and resultant mold growth. We work with you to fix these issues.

High humidity by itself can cause mold growth. Our semi-tropical climate requires HVAC and freestanding air conditioning systems to work well, reducing humidity to levels that do not support mold growth. SERVPRO may recommend more efficient systems or the addition of dehumidifiers to achieve that goal.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport has talented technicians who help manage mold damage on a regular basis. Let us help you by scheduling an evaluation -- call (318) 865-4655.

A Broken Dishwasher Can Flood Your Shreveport Bakery and Leave You in Need of Water Removal Services

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO quickly removes water from bakeries and retail stores to keep the doors open. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster

For Fast Water Removal from Your Shreveport Retail Shop Count on SERVPRO

When you close your bakery for the night with a load of dishes running, the last thing you would expect to find the next morning is that you are in desperate need of water removal services. A dishwasher breaking in the middle of the night and leaking everywhere can leave you to find a shocking amount of water. It is entirely too much liquid to handle on your own, and immediate concern is that you are going to lose customers. It is critical not to delay trying to decide on what is best, as water can cause even more damage to your property the longer that it sits. Quickly calling a reputable restoration company can help get your business back on track.

 We strive to perform the critical water removal services at your Shreveport property as quickly as possible so you can get your business running again. We understand how significant the foot traffic in your bakery is for all aspects of your trade. Our schedule is flexible, and we can make it fit to match whatever time you need us. Night or day, we are available and can send our IICRC certified water damage restoration technicians to your location to work swiftly, quietly, and out of sight. We aim to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Our Estimator is the first SERVPRO employee to arrive at your business if the loss sounded large after our phone call. His primary role in the water removal process is to keep you informed during all stages. He can explain the finer details of the remediation and answer any questions that you may have. They keep your concerns for your business at the forefront.

When our SERVPRO techs arrive, they can bring advanced tools with them to remove the water from your property. A particularly useful tool is an extractor. It can simultaneously remove water while also applying heat to help dry the space it is extracting water from. Depending on the volume of water that needs removal, we can also use industrial quality portable pumps and wet/dry vacuums.

Do not delay if you find water in your bakery or other retail shops. Dial (318) 865-4655 to phone SERVPRO of South Shreveport. The sooner we get the water removed from your business, the less likely it is to cause further damage.

Useful Details Regarding Water Damage Restoration in Forbing Homes

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides the drying equipment and NEC approved electrical power to mitigate water damage in Forbing homes and businesses

SERVPRO Enhances Various Safety and Efficiency-Related Aspects of Water Damage Mitigation

Some tasks such as extraction and drying are common during water damage restoration, so there is a lot of information about them. However, some useful information that you may not come across every day can help you mitigate various issues after water intrusion.

Safely completing water damage restoration at your Forbing home should be a priority. One of the aspects that can compromise safety is electricity, yet it is crucial in driving many of the apparatus needed for restoration. Taking precautions can help keep you safe. SERVPRO technicians are prepared with PPE and the right knowledge on handling electricity when restoring property after water intrusion.

Some crucial aspects of safety around electricity include:

• Ensuring circuits are not overloaded
• Grounding all electrical outlets
• Testing for current flowing through wet materials or standing water
• Using PPE such as rubber boots

Injuries from electric shock or damage to restoration equipment can halt the renovation process prematurely. However, a few simple precautions can prevent dire outcomes. One common mistake is overloading circuits by plugging in too many apparatus.

According to the National Electric Code, the power drawn from a circuit should not exceed 80% of its capacity. However, checking equipment constantly and making manual calculations can be extremely cumbersome, so guesswork or rough estimation is the most likely approach. Our SERVPRO technicians use circuit analyzers to get accurate data. Using portable Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters helps keep equipment safe in rooms other than kitchens and bathrooms where outlets are not grounded.

Away from safety, efficiency also matters, especially when cleaning heavily soiled surfaces. One way to break tough soil bonds is by agitating with high-pressure water. A power washer is an appropriate tool for this task. Choosing the right one guarantees maximum efficiency.

Important considerations for choosing a power washer include:

• Pressure rating for commercial or residential use
• Cleaning agent dispensing method
• Whether it is a hot or cold water system

SERVPRO of South Shreveport utilizes its wealth of knowledge to enhance every aspect of water damage restoration. Call us at (318) 865-4655 to help you resolve any incident “Like it never even happened.”

When Can I Return to my Shreveport Home after Flood Relocation?

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

When the flood damage is severe, your best option may be to relocate from the premises. Team SERVPRO has the technicians and the equipment to help.

When Severe Flood Damage Strikes Your Shreveport Home, it Maybe Necessary to Relocate. SERVPRO Can Handle Flood Damage Recovery Responsibly.

Are flood move-outs expensive?

Temporary relocation from your flood-damaged Shreveport home is usually reserved for situations where the damage is so extreme it is unsafe for you to remain. These situations are typically time-consuming and expensive. Contents of your home need to be inventoried for storage as well as moved out of the property. The remaining structure can then be prepared for mitigation of damage, reconstruction, and restoration. SERVPRO conducts move-outs efficiently and responsibly using a combination of managers and employees who design and execute the task. Your possessions are carefully inspected for repairability and inventorying before any move-outs take place.

How is an empty structure prepared for flood restoration?

• Lockboxes may be set up on-site for secure storage of equipment.
• Auxiliary lighting to ensure work efficiency and safety of the site
• Disposal needs such as a dumpster for non-salvageable materials

How do content inventories secure my possessions during flood relocation?

There is much work to do on a property with severe flood damage in Shreveport. Crew chiefs and production IICRC-certified technicians need to sort and separate salvageable or non-salvageable goods first. Once these are sorted, SERVPRO can record salvageable possessions in a content inventory, of which you can gain a copy. We can then take the items for packing and load them into a movers van for secure storage. Our warehouses are climate-controlled, and your contents are safe to remain until your home is restored.

How are contents ordered during a flood move out?

• Boxes containing smaller, non-fragile items 
• Large items of furniture may be disassembled on site for easier packing and transit
• Electronic items and personal or high-value items are packed separately and stored securely in the warehouse

Severe floods can cause extensive harm to your home. For a restoration service, you can trust us. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

How Can a Homeowner Remove Mold in Shreveport?

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home can certainly be worrisome. Contact SERVPRO to assess the infestation and formulate a mold damage remediation plan.

Call a Professional Mold Remediation Team to Remove Mold from Your Shreveport Home

You may suspect mold in your Shreveport home, or you may already be seeing the mold itself climbing on your walls. In either case, the repercussions of having mold in your home are significant, and it is best to call a mold remediation company to help you handle it. Well-intentioned friends and internet searches may point you to do-it-yourself solutions, but you risk leaving risk factors unattended, which could become more significant problems in time.

For mold inspection services in Shreveport, our SERVPRO team is your go-to solution. Mold typically appears due to water leak issues prompted by a ruptured pipe or damage to your roof. The resulting excess moisture creates the environment necessary for mold to grow and spread through your home. Our inspectors use state-of-the-art technology to track the most massive mold colonies in your home and address the water source. If needed, we coordinate with contractors for more complex issues.

Is the mold remediation process a threat to my home?

The EPA's recommendations guide the mold remediation process our team follows, and we make sure to use personal protective equipment as part of our process. As we go about your home, we take precautions to prevent spreading mold spores through it and avoid cross-contamination. Once we can contain the area in which mold concentrates, we apply the recommended techniques to remove it. Those techniques may include-

• Soda blasting which kills the mold and helps mitigate its odor
• HEPA filters to help remove airborne mold particles
• Dry ice blasting for spaces such as attics and other hard to clean surfaces

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is your ally when mold enters into your home. Do not hesitate to reach out to tap into our expertise and professionalism. When you call us at (318) 865-4655, you find a partner in keeping your home, "Like it never even happened."

How Can Your Business Thrive Despite Flood Damage in Shreveport?

11/28/2021 (Permalink)

Creating an ERP can certainly help when your business experiences flood damage. Contact our certified technicians to discuss/mitigate a situation.

Plan rather than panic when partnering with SERVPRO for commercial flood restoration in Shreveport

Flood damage in Shreveport commercial buildings can link to extreme weather patterns, waterways flowing over capacity, burst pipes, or cleaning up after a sewer backup, among other crises. Regardless of the cause, commercial flooding can grind your operations to a halt. Obtaining quick, competent water damage remediation is necessary to prevent progressive deterioration of building materials and contents. Doing everything possible to avoid or limit your business from shutting down during restoration is vital to the enterprise’s future -- between 40 and 50 percent of companies forced into temporary closures to remedy flooding or other disasters fail to reopen.

How Can Shreveport Businesses Prepare for a Flooding Disaster?

SERVPRO suggests to commercial clients that adequate planning for a broad range of challenges can separate successful companies from those that struggle. Join the firms that flourish despite short term setbacks from flood damage by:

• Checking supply and waste lines and connections to prevent flooding from burst pipes or sewer backup

• Cleaning up gutters and inspecting/maintaining roofs and drainage systems, avoiding ceiling leaks and lower level flooding from building perimeter saturation after storms

• Permanently moving inventory, documents, and equipment above known floodlines
• Preparing storage areas either on or off-site to which contents at risk of flood damage can be transported during a flood event

Why Create a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP)?

Another option for Shreveport businesses looking to minimize flooding impacts is to develop an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) with the SERVPRO team. After an on-site assessment by an experienced project manager, SERVPRO distills the information gleaned into a concise digital response plan, including blueprints of the space, utility shut-off locations, placement of essential equipment, and more. We suggest adaptations you can make to protect exposed structures and contents and invite you to share and update more details through our mobile app.

The flood mitigation and remediation experts at SERVPRO of South Shreveport will get you back in business. Call (318) 865-4655 round the clock to schedule an assessment and initiate emergency water damage services.

Our Specialists Balance Cleaning Elements for Efficient Fire Restoration in Shreveport

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO devises a custom cleaning and restoration strategy to make the fire "Like it never even happened."

Post-Fire Recovery of Shreveport Homes Requires Careful Handling and Cleaning of Structural Elements and Contents 

After a fire loss, homes can be overwhelmed with several dire circumstances like soot, smoke, and hazardous airborne particles. While our professionals provide a fast mitigation solution for these situations, we also must devise a custom cleaning and restoration strategy to make these disasters "Like it never even happened." 

The Primary Cleaning Factors That Must Be Balanced

Fire damage restoration for Shreveport homes and businesses hinges on a balance of specific cleaning principles. With the overwhelming presence of soot and smoke residues affixed to horizontal surfaces and blasted against vertical walls, the cleaning methods balance several factors that influence restoration strategies' effectiveness. These can include: 

• Temperature - As you might expect in post-fire situations, the structure's temperature plays a role in the ability to clean products and processes. Products used to remove soot and soils all have ideal operating and use temperatures, meaning that environmental conditions might require manipulation to achieve the best results. 
  

• Agitation - Agitation describes the movement of the cleaning solution or the affected surface to break a bond between the soil and the surface. There are multiple approaches to introduce this agitation to the cleaning process, including pressurized water and air. We also have mechanical actions like scrubbing that can be effective. 

• Chemical Action - Chemical reactions are vital to decreasing the cleaning time for affected surfaces. Our SERVPRO team knows that like dissolves like, so we utilize water-based products for water-based soils, and oil-based for oil-based residues, and so on. 

• Time - Cleaning takes time, but specifically 'dwell time,' which indicates the amount of time it takes a product to chemically react in the desired manner with the soil present on the surface.  

Balancing these cleaning principles changes for each area of the house and the type of residue. We pretest and monitor cleaning processes to provide the most efficient solutions. Give our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team a call today at (318) 865-4655.

What Factors Impact Restorability and Drying Efficiency in Shreveport Homes?

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

The humidity outside affects the drying process inside. SERVPRO takes this into consideration when creating a drying plan.

Several Considerations Determine the Ease of Water Removal and Drying of Shreveport Properties

After a water damage incident, drying and restoring your home can involve crafting a suitable recovery plan based on multiple factors. To provide the most efficient drying, we must make decisions to overcome these site-specific obstacles.

The Building Envelope

This factor shows how property can become affected by outside elements that prevent efficient water damage restoration in Shreveport homes. Modern buildings and new construction typically land on the tight side of this small scale, while older homes and lofty warehouse buildings have a looser building envelope. The levels of building envelope conditions are:

• Tight – The necessary drying is possible without a noticeable impact from environmental factors outside the house.
• Moderate – Some influence of the drying process is possible and expected at this level.
• Loose – At this stage, the drying process is heavily influenced and guided by the elements outside of the house.

The Movement of Air

The planned and unplanned movement of air within a structure can also influence the pace and thoroughness of our drying process. Infiltration of air, where the flow enters the damaged space, and exfiltration, where the air is pulled from the room, require a counteractive movement. Air entering a work zone must be vented, whereas lost air can be compensated with more significant volumes of air movers.

How Moisture Moves in the House

Moisture migration and movement are yet another consideration for efficient drying in a house. While liquid and air movement are among the more common obstacles for our technicians, we must also overcome capillary suction that allows water to be pulled through porous materials to dry spaces beyond.

Water damage incidents are unique from one home to the next. Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport creates a site-specific plan to help return your property to preloss condition. Call us today at (318) 865-4655.

Capture and Discard Residues in Shreveport Homes After a Fire

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has specific strategies to identify the damage, capture the soot, and remove the residues impacting the residence.

Cleaning After a Fire Loss Requires Direct Action by Technicians in Your Shreveport Home

Soils and soot particles are a common predicament after a fire loss incident. We have specific and trusted strategies to learn the damage, capture soot, and remove the residues impacting the residence.  

Finding and Identifying the Damage 

A thorough inspection of the property can help identify needs for fire damage restoration in Shreveport homes and the most efficient solutions for removing these residues permanently. The estimator can often knowledgeably predict the damage level, though pretesting cleaning methods can also be efficient.

How to Remove Soils and Deposits

Removing soils and soot deposits requires careful consideration into the type of damage that exists, the underlying material, and the perceived effectiveness of specific restoration strategies like:

• Vacuuming – Dry particles often sit loosely on surfaces and can be mostly removed using dry vacuuming practices before wet cleaning efforts get underway to remove any lingering residues.

• Dissolving – If the particles are not loose, they must first get dissolved before being flushed away. This dissolving process loosens the bond between moist soot particles and the underlying material substrate.

• Controlled Demolition – Demolition is one of the less-favored approaches to clearing soot soils and damage from the property, but it is sometimes necessary.

Safe Discarding and Disposal of Harsh Residues 

We follow specific state and local guidelines about correctly disposing of soot/smoke particles and damaged bulk materials. We safely and completely remove these damaged materials to provide a stable foundation for restoration and any build-back services to come.

After a fire loss incident, cleaning up involves several steps and stages that rarely change from one damaged residence to another. Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team follows specific guidelines to identify and ultimately remove residues and soils from the property to make fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (318) 865-4655.

SERVPRO, Shreveport, Winds, and Flooding? We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Fleet rescues storm-damaged homes in the Greater Shreveport area

Flood Water Removal Technicians in Shreveport Talk about Problems with Heavy Wind Gusts

Thunderstorms in Shreveport can create high-speed wind gusts to blow into your neighborhood. These winds can cause damage to your home that allows moisture to enter during a storm which can force you to have to call a professional flood water removal company such as SERVPRO in order to help you mitigate your problems. During severe rainstorms and hurricanes, winds can reach dangerously high speeds and cause your roof's shingles to blow off your house. The wind can also blow objects into your windows or exterior walls that puncture a hole in your building's structure. Once you have a hole in the exterior of your house, flood water removal may become essential.

Storm Damage

Heavy wind gusts can also cause more rainwater to get into your home. Any time excessive moisture enters a building, flood water removal in your Shreveport home by our SERVPRO professionals can help prevent secondary damage from taking place. As soon as water enters the interior of a structure, the problems can get worse over time. If the situation is not treated correctly right away, secondary issues like mold growth or humidity-related issues can occur. Whenever handling moisture-related matters, we begin by extracting water while it is still liquid.

We can extract liquid H2O using truck-mounted extractors and specialized tools. We have extraction tools that are handheld and ones that the operator can stand on to compress thick, wet carpets. After we extract the water, we can remove moisture using advanced rapid structural drying equipment.

These machines help us create the ideal atmosphere to speed up the natural evaporation and drying process. To do this, we use air movers to push wet air around and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the atmosphere. We set up the drying equipment and leave it inside the affected area until moisture levels of your contents and building materials return to what they were when the wind caused your water damage. "Like it never even happened."

If you ever suffer from wind-damaging events leading to flooding, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 any day of the week.

Tackling Water Damage in Your Shreveport Property Should Not Have to Happen Alone

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Shreveport homeowners get relief and water mitigation when the SERVPRO box truck arrives on the scene--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

Why You Might Need SERVPRO of South Shreveport to Handle Water Damage from a Leak

One of the most common causes of water damage that we see in local homes is damage caused by a pipe or appliance leak. While leaking faucets are the most common and visible types of water leaks in a home, these should pose a minimal concern, as any leaking water can be collected and drained away. Leaks below cabinets, behind walls, and underneath large appliances can both be much harder to detect. They may cause much more costly types of damage to your home. Here are a few reasons why you might need to call SERVPRO for a simple water leak.

Discoloration

One of the most visually apparent signs of water damage to a Shreveport home may be the discoloration of walls, floors, and ceilings. Many building and finishing materials found in local homes are not designed to accommodate significant volumes of water. They may become permanently discolored when soaked by a leak. Although some of these problems can be resolved with a fresh coat of paint, many others require alternative approaches to refinishing and color change reversal. Our technicians are trained and experienced in the handling of all materials used to build local homes and can leave yours looking "Like it never even happened."

Warping

Some materials may warp when exposed to water, especially when only one side of a surface gets wet (as may happen with a leak). As these materials expand and contract with the absorption and drying of water, they may permanently take a new shape. We can help to return most home materials to their original shape and size without any replacements.

Fungal Growth

Leaks can provide the perfect opportunity for mold and other types of fungi to start to grow in your home. Mold can be identified by the presence of strong, musty odors. Still, you can usually assume that a longstanding leak has supported mold growth somewhere. SERVPRO technicians can help to control and remove any past or present mold infestations in your home that may have been caused by a leak.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport can help you handle large and small water damage problems in your home on a 24/7 basis. Just give us a call at (318) 865-4655.

Shreveport Residents Can Trust SERVPRO to Handle their Flood Damage with Care

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the skilled techs and equipment to extract flooding from Shreveport homes and mitigate the water damage

SERVPRO Offers Prompt, Effective Flood Damage Clean Up to Address Fallout from Shreveport Storms

Many evacuees of recent hurricane Ida have taken shelter and found a safe haven in the Shreveport area. However, seasonal storms are always unpredictable, and time only tells what may happen in terms of flooding in the region in the future. Whenever a storm brings washouts, damage to homes from debris, and raging floodwaters, SERVPRO is there to help with fast-acting teams on the ground. Should you need flood cleanup and restoration, we are there within hours to get started. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Understanding the full scope of flood damage in Shreveport is half the battle. We make your property a priority, with our crew chief and project manager taking the time to assess all aspects of your property before we begin. Even a few inches of standing water can lead to immense damage if not addressed using the proper precautions and protocols.

Skilled Flood Damage Restoration When You Need It

Flooding situations call for prompt extraction, which is where our recovery specialists begin after assessment. SERVPRO is the team to call, with proven methods that include:

• With our skilled water removal services, our technicians use various tools and devices to help us achieve our goals – this includes truck-mount extractors, submersible pumps, and more.
• Sump pumps working off the trailer generators within our Green Fleet, as needed depending on power outages in the area.
• Controlled demolition to gut areas where materials are entirely saturated with potentially toxic floodwaters, including contents.
• Removal of all silt, debris, and mud to facilitate restoration efforts.
• Reconstruction cleanup, detailed cleaning, and sanitizing with the help of powerful antimicrobials and deodorants.

Flooding may bring stress and worry, but the team at SERVPRO of South Shreveport is there to help you ensure your property gets back to pre-flood damage condition. Contact us 24/7 by calling (318) 865-4655.

Storing Your Undamaged Inventory Facilitates Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in Shreveport

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Every day you store is closed, customers visit elsewhere. SERVPRO is always on call to quickly restore your commercial fire damage.

Let us Handle it All, Including Your Shreveport inventory From Fire Damage

Getting your Shreveport business back on track after a disaster takes time. It also uses up resources that you might not have readily available. Every day your business sits unopened is another day of lost profits and disappointed customers. Instead of waiting to see your selection, many shoppers decide to visit other places and make their purchases elsewhere. SERVPRO can help you minimize such related damages through professional mitigation.

We help all sizes and types of businesses in Shreveport survive commercial fire damage and its effects. We use tried and tested restoration methods that follow the protocols accepted by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The damage that occurred in your store during a fire involved more than the flames. The smoke and heat also cause extensive damage.

We also address the inundation of water sprayed into your store. Because a significant portion of this turns into steam, we bring in air movers and dehumidifiers. Air scrubbers also play a powerful role in extracting moisture and restoring dry conditions in both structure and contents. These machines require more than just their own physical blueprint. The hoses, electrical cords, and exhaust apparatus also take up space. We need adequate space to work, clean your items, and move things around.

Undamaged Items After Fire Damage

Any of your store's furnishings or inventory that survived without succumbing to smoke or fire damage can get in the way during our work. This not only makes it more difficult to do our job swiftly, but it also places these items at risk of eventually becoming damaged. We want to prevent such damage, so we provide warehouse space to our customers where it is possible to safely store items.

We tag larger items to provide an inclusive inventorying of such items. This information helps us keep groupings of furniture together and match undamaged pieces to those we needed to restore. After cleaning, drying, and other restoration activities, we can help your employees by returning furniture pieces and other content items back in your store. We try to get things situated in the same spot as before, so working with your knowledgeable employees helps immensely.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is ready to help your business by making it all "Like it never even happened." Our building services department helps us achieve this goal wherever needed. Call us at (318) 865-4655 for IICRC-certified smoke and fire damage restoration specialists.

How Can I Tell How Bad a Water Damage Incident in My Shreveport Home Is?

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Sinks and bathtubs are common causes of water damage. SERVPRO is available 24/7 to restore your home.

You Can Call SERVPRO to Help Scope the Damage and Start Restoration Processes Immediately

Whenever there is an incident involving water intrusion at your Shreveport property, there is a possibility that the damage is more severe than you think. Some aspects of the incident, such as the amount of water spilled or passage of time since the event started, provide evident insight on the kind of damages to expect. However, other aspects that influence the level of damage may be harder to detect.

How long does water damage take to show?

The time it takes to notice water damage in Shreveport homes depends on several factors, including:

• The intensity of the damage present
• The efforts applied in scoping the area
• The areas affected by the water area

Water damage incidents vary in intensity ranging from the slow trickle of water from sinks and other plumbing facilities to sudden or accidental discharge. Intensive cases are easier to notice since they involve massive amounts of water and affect vast portions of the property.

Since water migrates from the source to both open and concealed sections of the property, you might only notice the damage in open areas. Some typical issues that go unnoticed after water spills include:

• Mold growth
• Rotting in structural supports or subfloors
• High levels of humidity

How does SERVPRO identify hidden problems?

Managing unseen problems, after water damage incidents, requires different resources. Our crews use a variety of sophisticated scoping tools like thermal cameras to check for wetness behind walls or floor materials. Thermo-hygrometers help monitor moisture levels in the air at different temperatures helping us establish whether to take action. Our training and experience dealing with several water damage situations help us spot subtle signs of wetness in concealed areas. For instance, pushing slightly against walls reveals moisture-damaged drywall, which has a soft or spongy feel.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport can take timely action to reveal and solve hidden problems after a water damage incident making it "Like it never even happened." Call us at (318) 865-4655.

When Do Wall Systems Require Replacement in Shreveport Homes?

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes we need to remove damaged drywall to dry your home. But no worries, SERVPRO makes it "Like it never even happened."

Repairs and Reconstruction in Shreveport are Often Necessary After Water Damage

Some repairs and reconstruction are necessary after situations like ceiling leaks, roof leaks, and burst pipes. The need for a damaged home in the area comes down to the information collected by our SERVPRO production manager inspecting the property after the first notice of loss. Data gathered in this stage identifies where controlled demolition and repairs are necessary. 

Trapped Moisture Concerns in Wall Cavities

For water damage repair in Shreveport homes, monitoring water migration can show where focused drying might be necessary to overcome trapped moisture in structural cavities. Weep holes can allow pooling in wall systems to drain out without controlled demolition in the form of flood cuts. Tools available for this style of drying include:

• Positive pressure systems
• Negative pressure systems
• Centrifugal air movers

Controlled Demolition Solutions for Damaged Properties

Inspections of the property can often help our team determine the extent of the damage and the possible need for build-back. Controlled demolition helps our team minimize the tear-out required to overcome water and moisture damage from the affected wall systems. When drywall and similar materials deteriorate, controlled demolition removes only the unsalvageable portions of these construction elements. 

Replacing Discarded Materials and Flooring

Before we complete the restoration process, discarded materials and damaged plumbing portions must get replaced and repaired. Our contractor license allows us to complete this work in-house and seamlessly begin following drying and water cleanup. 

Water damage repairs provide a full-service recovery solution for damaged properties without the need for the property owner to secure and vet new contractors to finish the process. Our general contractor license makes us a one-stop shop, and our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team is ready to help 24/7 at (318) 865-4655.

Restoring Your Shreveport Home Following Significant Fire Damages

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire incident takes place. You can trust that your home is in good hands with the experienced technicians at SERVPRO.

Cleanup and Restoration Are Key Components of Fire Damage Restoration

One of the most devastating disasters that can occur to your Shreveport home is a fire. With the potential of leaving multiple lingering effects, not to mention the significant structural concerns common to residential blazes, recovering from the occurrence can initially seem overwhelming. Fortunately, the damage that your home faces from a structure fire is not something that you have to face alone.

Fire damage to your Shreveport residence can present itself in several unique ways. While our SERVPRO restoration process contends with the typical effects of the blaze, such as the presence of soot and foul odors, severe structural concerns take priority. That is why when our team arrives at your home, we survey the affected areas for vulnerable points that need to get closed off, such as holes in the exterior of your house or broken windows. 

Assessment of a Fire Damaged Property

Closing off these vulnerable areas thwarts further elemental damage to your home while the restoration process gets underway. An initial assessment of the full scope of the present damage can aid in formulating the best approach to restoring your home. We can prepare a CCIS inventory list to assist you with your insurance claim. Often this process begins with removing the water from extinguishing efforts and drying out these areas to prevent weakening of structural components or compounding effects like mold growth. 

With severe structural damage to your home, beyond what restoration practices can salvage, our SERVPRO IICRC certified team prepares these areas for reconstruction by a residential contractor. This approach involves controlled demolition on the worst areas to remove these materials entirely, leaving the area ready for new construction. At the same time, our technicians set their sights on the less dramatic effects of the recent fire. Our technicians get uniquely trained to handle all degrees of fire damage, from the latest restoration techniques to the use of state-of-the-art equipment to make your disaster “Like it never even happened.”

While this is merely a small piece of the entire restoration process that your home likely needs following fire damages, you can trust that our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team of specialists can see you through every step.  You can reach our emergency response team 24/7 by calling (318) 865-4655.

Flood Damage in Your Shreveport Home Gets Extracted Swiftly by SERVPRO

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Our skilled technicians have the expertise and state of the art equipment to get your home back in order after a water catastrophe.

Why SERVPRO Strives to Always Be Faster To Any Size Disaster in Shreveport

Many natural disasters that occur in Shreveport also cause significant devastation to the homes located in the affected area. Homeowners who react quickly to such emergencies can help reduce their damages. SERVPRO is always ready to help provide support to those residing in flooded regions with relevant expertise and the latest in technologically advanced equipment. 

A significant reason why SERVPRO is excellent at providing what homeowners in Shreveport need most after flood damage happens to their homes is the fast response we give to all our customers. Damaged sections of a house do not mitigate themselves and require an experienced team who knows how to combine the equipment and their teamwork skills most productively. Doing this always benefits the property owner by mitigating the damages and preventing secondary damages like mold growth or humidity-induced losses. 

Quick and Effective Flood Damage Restoration

Another benefit of having a team that acts quickly upon the initial call and then continues to work as rapidly as possible is that the amount of time your family requires substitute housing decreases if you were forced to vacate the premises. However, many mitigation services that work quickly often gain the reputation of cutting corners where they should not and leaving crucial steps out, causing problems for homeowners. SERVPRO wants to assure you that we find this unacceptable as both a service to our customers and as a way to perform any work in any industry. We are here for you, our neighbors in our community, too.

SERVPRO is well known for communicating and cooperating with your insurance adjuster to expedite the service. We have mitigated massive damages caused by different disastrous events and know that you want to get things back to normal, "Like it never even happened." Being IICRC-certified, we adhere to internationally accepted standards of service to our customers.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport wants to help you and your family get things back to how they should be again after a disaster. Flood damage can make your home unlivable in an instant. We work as quickly as possible to mitigate the damage and get your home restored and livable again. Contact our 24-hour emergency services line by calling (318) 865-4655 when flooding ruins your property.

Mold is Threatening to Shreveport Homes

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's skilled technicians have the tools and experience to put an end to your homes mold damage.

Our SERVPRO Professionals Work Quickly to Address Mold Damage in Shreveport,  Louisiana Properties. 

With many Shreveport homes and businesses subjected to powerful storms, tornadoes, and hurricane weather over the years, roof damage is a certainty to many buildings. The resulting moisture damages afterward can provide the right conditions for attic mold growth and subsequent degradation.

How Severe is Attic Mold? 

Many homeowners might believe that mold remediation in Shreveport properties is unnecessary with attic mold growth, but this is not the case. Even with a contained situation where spores are not likely to find a path to the living area below, the moisture issues that caused the organism to grow can still deteriorate the roof and support to become a costlier issue. With a mold contractor license, we can provide remediation and repairs for a full-service approach.

How Can Remediation Occur After Microbial Growth? 

A singular mold growth event often impacts multiple surfaces and materials. With varying severities and hosting elements, a proper inspection of the property can determine the ideal remediation and mold removal strategies, including:

• Sanding
• Dry Ice Pellet Blasting
• Controlled Demolition
• Sporicidal Products

Mold can be one of the most underappreciated threats to your home, but one that spreads quickly and can create hazardous conditions. Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team is standing by 24/7 to help at (318) 865-4655.

Call The Professionals to Recover from Flood Damage Contamination in Shreveport

7/25/2021 (Permalink)

Flood water is often contaminated. SERVPRO is trained and has the safety equipment to remove the damage.

Call SERVPRO for Black Water Extraction After Storm Damage

The Shreveport area is no stranger to weather-related flooding challenges. Heavy rains, tornadoes, tropical storms, and hurricanes take their turns, causing many residential property owners to seek assistance when floodwaters invade crawl spaces, slab foundations, and the lower levels of residences. Our crew of seasoned flood damage specialists achieves a fast and thorough recovery.

When several inches of rain falls during a short period, the runoff can cause flood damage to your Shreveport home. Water seeps in as the ground becomes supersaturated, unable to absorb the precipitation and directing it through the porous materials making up the structure of your dwelling's lower areas. The problem can be compounded by a backup of your home's sewer system as the local storm drains become overwhelmed and force liquids back into homes. Dealing with potentially contaminated water and the need to dry out structural components quickly suggests using our flood damage professionals.

SERVPRO employees train extensively in flood damage restoration, one of our core services. We evaluate the characteristics of the water filling lower levels of your home, determining if it is clean, gray, or black water. Clean water has few or any other substances mixed with the rain, posing a low risk of microbial growth if removed and dried out quickly. Gray water has some contamination, commonly traced to things like home appliances or dishwater.

Cleaning Up after a Sewer Backup

Blackwater contains hazardous substances like sewage or chemicals loosed by the flood. Fecal matter or bloodborne pathogens are a real threat if waste pipes back up or dead animals and insects mix into the floodwaters flowing through your home. SERVPRO crews observe OSHA and EPA protocols to contain and dispose of these polluted waters for your and your family's safety as well as the public at large.

Once the water is categorized, SERVPRO employees pump and extract the excess. Infrared scanners locate hidden pockets of floodwater, and we use an array of strategies to release and contain it. Finding and removing all floodwater is crucial as building materials continue to deteriorate when wet and microbial growth is possible within 24 to 48 hours. We use sensitive moisture meters to set drying goals, working with air movers, heat, and dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture content of structural components to normal levels.

We apply EPA registered disinfectants to affected surfaces to inhibit the effects of any lingering pathogens. SERVPRO employees receive comprehensive training and experience all the steps necessary to restore flooded spaces to preloss condition.

Do not wait to contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport when floodwaters put your home at risk. Our phone line at (318) 865-4655 is available for your inquiries and requests for help round the clock every day of the year.

A Few Ways to Avoid Secondary Damages After Shreveport Water Damage

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

It only takes a small leak to damage cabinets, floors, and structural elements. Inspect your plumbing often for signs of moisture.

Kitchen Sink Leaks Can Ruin Cabinetry in Your Shreveport Home

Not every situation that requires professional restoration for your Shreveport home is going to be an emergency or a disaster. Many situations like small leaks can lead to substantial damages over time that requires the advanced technology and extensive training of certified restorers to overcome. A kitchen sink leak can be an excellent example of this, persistently saturating nearby materials like the cabinetry.

Over time, this leak in your kitchen can develop into widespread water damages in Shreveport. By the time it gets discovered, many of the affected materials closest to the source of the water damage are unsalvageable. Our SERVPRO professionals have the experience to determine which structural components and materials can get preserved and which require replacement to complete restoration work.

Water Damage Repair Technicians

When you get posed with water damage throughout the kitchen of your home of this magnitude, you want to find a team that has the experience and education to handle any facet of restoration they might encounter. Our SERVPRO professionals work to achieve their IICRC certification in water damage restoration and continue their education through online coursework and in-house training opportunities. These options can aid our technicians in being among the most prepared in the industry for handling whatever effects from a water loss incident they could encounter on a property.

Likewise, the equipment used is essential for fast extraction and drying of the damaged components. Our franchise prides itself on offering our technicians the latest tools and machines to make restoration work more efficient than ever before. We can extract water quickly with portable pumps. We can pull moisture from the affected areas with industrial-strength dehumidifiers. We can prevent fungal growth when possible by applying antimicrobial chemicals to nearby surfaces and items.

When a small kitchen leak goes undetected for a period, the spread of the damage can far exceed your expectations. You can count on the advanced tools for moisture detection and drying to make short work of the damage your home has sustained. Give our SERVPRO of South Shreveport water restoration technicians a call today at (318) 865-4655.

Shreveport Eateries Rely on SERVPRO for Mold Remediation

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial kitchen are an ideal place for mold to grow. But no worries! SERVPRO’s IICRC trained techs are ready to remediate the situation.

SERVPRO Offers Premier Mold Remediation Services to Shreveport Restaurants

Mold loves a warm and humid environment, making restaurant kitchens highly susceptible to mold growth that can go unnoticed during early stages. The first and perhaps the most critical step in professional mold remediation of your Shreveport eatery is a thorough inspection by SERVPRO experts.  

Once the contamination is identified, SERVPRO technicians can begin the mold remediation of your Shreveport eatery. Our mold experts carry out the remediation according to the protocol set by the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) professionals and Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP). Expect a containment zone to be established to limit the spread of the fungal spores by installing plastic sheeting. SERVPRO technicians also create a negative pressure within the containment area to avoid the spores from going out. 

How Do SERVPRO Mold Experts Remove Contamination from Your Shreveport Establishment?  

SERVPRO experts use different methods to remove mold depending on the type of surface involved. For example, restorers often clean non-porous surfaces; however, porous surfaces with visible mold growth are removed and discarded. 

SERVPRO technicians use air scrubbers equipped with HEPA filters to remove loose mold fragments and spores during mold removal. HEPA filters can remove 99.7% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, and since mold spores are 4-20 microns in size, they are highly effective in removing them. The air scrubbers used during mold remediation are often equipped with charcoal filters to adsorb odor-causing molecules produced by the mold. 

The material exposed to mold for a long time, including wood, might lose its structural integrity and be eradicated. 

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 for fast and efficient service. 

What To Do When You Need Urgent Water Removal in Shreveport

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO utilizes advanced devices like this moisture meter to ensure your water-damaged Shreveport home has been professionally dried.

Moisture, Drying, and Restoring is SERVPRO's Area of Expertise for Water Damage Mitigation

When a pipe bursts on your property, it can leak many gallons of liquid, and water removal services can swiftly become a must. When such a situation happens, it is essential to call services as quickly as you can. Water damage can be remediated with little or relatively no catastrophic damage to the structure of your home if done promptly. The longer you wait to deal with water damage in your home, the higher the possibility for mold growth and structural harm becomes. However, if it is dealt with quickly, your home can usually be returned to its preloss condition with little struggle. Fortunately, there is professional help nearby to assist in the removal of excess water on your property.

Our skilled technicians can remove the damaging water from your Shreveport property through the use of advanced technology. After we receive your call and arrive at your home, we can inspect the damage and then apply the correct method to remove the water. In most cases, we can employ industrial quality wet/dry vacuums and portable truck-operated pumps to remove the water from your property swiftly.

After we remove the visible water from your home, SERVPRO can use moisture meters to detect the places of your house that require drying. With that knowledge in mind, we can focus on using the right tools to dry out your home. Commonly, we use devices such as dehumidifiers and air movers to create an ideal moisture content level in your belongings and building materials.

Freeing the area of airborne moisture assists in drying out the structure of your home and belongings as residual moisture is forced to evaporate. SERVPRO strives to ensure that your home is thoroughly dry so that no further damage arises from remaining moisture.

When a pipe bursts in your home and you require water removal services, do not wait. Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655. 24/7, we can take your call and send our technicians to your home.

Restoring Safe Conditions after Fire Damage Happens in a Shreveport Daycare

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides safe and secure fire damage restoration to Shreveport Daycare and other commercial buildings

Count on SERVPRO after Fire Damage to Your Business

A fire can occur in any business, but those engaged in providing care giving services to the elderly, children, or medical patients require stable facilities. Working parents in Shreveport rely on their chosen daycare center to provide a reliable service. After a daycare center becomes unsafe for occupation because of extensive fire damage or other risky conditions, the entire community feels the loss.

The IICRC-certified technicians from SERVPRO can help you restore your Shreveport daycare to a safe condition when fire damage makes it unfit for your business operations. We know you have a responsibility to the parents of the children attending your daycare to provide supervision and perform your services in a safe location. Fire damaged interiors in your building make doing this an impossibility.

Children should never be exposed to the soot that comes from a fire, nor should they be near damaged materials. The by-products of fire include different toxins, including carcinogens. Soot is not a benign greasy mess – it can cause health effects in people. Until everything is clean again, your daycare poses several risks to the children you want to keep safe from harm.

Before SERVPRO mitigates fire damage in a building, we thoroughly explain what they should expect, including the expected duration period of the mitigation process. We carry out several different stages after a fire because the damage often occurs within the entire building and not just in the area directly affected by the flames.

Wherever we encounter burned materials, we remove them so new materials can replace them without becoming covered in soot or other grime. Once we remove fire-damaged materials, we check for damage from the water used by firefighters or your staff if the fire remained small and did not require any emergency services. We extract the moisture from otherwise undamaged materials to keep them undamaged. We clean away the soot that settled on the surfaces of your daycare’s furniture, toys, and walls.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport can help you stay in business after fire damage becomes a reality in your daycare building. Restoring safe conditions assures parents that their children’s safety remains a priority with you and your staff. Call us at (318) 865-4655 to reach our 24-hour emergency service line so we can begin making things “Like it never even happened.”

Does SERVPRO Complete Fire Damage Restoration in Shreveport Residences?

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO team, vehicles, equipment, and products can rescue Shreveport homes after a fire-damaging event.

SERVPRO Provides Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Shreveport

Smoke residues can leave a fine coating of greasy or powdery residue over your contents in Shreveport homes after a fire. The amount of residue depends on several factors, such as the temperature of the fire. Also, the material burning and air currents within the home during the fire. Some residues will be confined to the immediate area of the fire, while smoke odors can waft throughout the house.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration to homes and businesses in Shreveport. Our team can be onsite within four hours of your call. We immediately assess the situation and begin mitigating the impact of the fire damage and the smoke damage to your home. Upon written approval we swiftly begin the remediation.

We remove any structural elements and contents that were burned during the fire, which also helps to reduce odors. It is also critical that we use the correct methodology to remove residues. We assess whether the residue is oily or greasy and will smear when rubbed. The surface type is also important. Hard non-porous surfaces can be cleaned easily, while care must be taken with porous surfaces such as drywall and fabrics.

In addition to cleaning and removing smoke residues, SERVPRO provides:

• House fire clean up
• Water and fire damage restorations
• Smoke damage and odor removal

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport for fire damage restoration in Shreveport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (318) 865-4655.

Can SERVPRO Help with Floodwater Cleanup in Shreveport?

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Storms are a common occurrence in our area. SERVPRO is equipped and ready to restore your home.

SERVPRO Offers Emergency Services Flood Damage Cleanup in Shreveport

Many of our clients take one look at their flood-ravaged homes and wonder how they will ever recover their homes after a flood. With so much damage, contaminated water everywhere, and the possibility of mold and mildew, they wonder how to make any sense of the mess.

SERVPRO provides flood damage clean-up, restoration, and reconstruction services to our Shreveport clients. Our team has the experience, and we have the equipment to deal with these kinds of issues. We also have access to other franchises if additional help is needed.

Our service includes:

• Floodwater damage remediation
• Water removal services & water damage repairs
• Disinfection, deodorization, and ready for reconstruction

We can help you with clean up after a flood. No job is too big or overwhelming. Once everything is cleaned and dried, your home is ready for reconstruction, which we can coordinate providing full-service treatment to return your home as good as new, “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport for flood damage services in Shreveport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (318) 865-4655

Does SERVPRO Offer Water Damage Restoration in Shreveport?

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

Paint bubbling is often a first sign of water damage. SERVPRO is always ready to locate the moisture source and restore your home.

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Remediation to Homeowners in Shreveport

A burst pipe can introduce a great deal of water and moisture inside walls or in ceilings. Before repairs and restoration can even begin, the water must be removed, contents and structure must also be either removed or dried. The water inside walls causes the drywall to absorb moisture and swell. In most situations, the drywall will need to be removed and repaired as part of the water damage restoration process.

SERVPRO provides both water damage restoration and water damage remediation services to Shreveport homeowners. Removing water and drying the area impacted by a burst pipe quickly can significantly reduce the amount of secondary damage caused by high moisture levels. Since wet or high moisture migrates to dry regions, removing contents and installing air movers and dehumidifiers can reduce the secondary damage caused by high humidity levels.

SERVPRO Water Damage Remediation Actions Include:

• Responding 24/7 in less than 4 hours
• Deploying pumps, vacuums, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove water and moisture quickly
• Removing contents to protect them from high humidity transfer and damage

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport for water damage restoration services in Shreveport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (318) 865-4655

Why is House Fire Cleanup Needed in Shreveport?

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that fire damage includes not only smoke and soot, but also water damage and fire retardants?

SERVPRO Offers Shreveport Homeowners Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration

Shreveport, LA, has a population of approximately 194,000 people. The city ranks in 3rd place after Baton Rouge and New Orleans in total population. The Shreve Town Corporation established the city in 1836 to become the terminus for the Texas Trail on the banks of the Red River. The city’s history was influenced by the discovery of oil and later by a General Motors vehicle factory. After declining due to losses in jobs in the oil industry and vehicle manufacturing, the city has resurged as the commercial, educational, and cultural center for the Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas region.

There are many activities in Shreveport as well as the surrounding area for residents and visitors to enjoy. The following list includes a few of these, and more detailed descriptions are included for several of them.

• W. Norton Art Gallery
• Shreveport Water Works Museum
• Shreveport Aquarium
• Sci-Port Discovery Center
• Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
• Barksdale Global Power Museum
• Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park
• Red River District
• Asian Gardens of Shreveport
• Shreveport Casinos

Shreveport Aquarium

Considered one of Shreveport’s best attractions, the Shreveport Aquarium is open seven days a week. It offers summer camps, events, and field trips. Parking is free; however, there is an admission fee. Over 3000 animals represent 300 species on the aquarium grounds. Visitors can observe everything from sharks to stingrays to turtles and gators with many fish at the aquarium.

Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park

The Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park offers hiking trails, nature trails, paved parking, a pavilion that can be rented, restrooms, and a visitor center. The park contains 160 acres of pine, oak, and hickory trees with over five miles of nature trails. Admission is free.

Red River District

A great spot to visit with buildings designed to look historic housing restaurants and entertainment venues. Easy access to the Shreveport Aquarium, the Sci-Port, and the two casinos – Sam’s Town and the Eldorado.

Asian Gardens of Shreveport

Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens with many plants and flowers on several levels. The gardens and oasis represent 15 Asian countries.

Shreveport Casinos

There are casinos in Shreveport and Bossier City. Both are home to several casinos with great food and amenities. Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino and the Eldorado Resort are located on the Shreveport side of the Red River. There are classic casino games, live music, spas, and hotel accommodations available.

South Shreveport SERVPRO Offers Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup

After a fire, there is damage from the fire, from the fire retardants used by the firemen, and there is smoke damage which can leave soot residues on many surfaces. The task of completing a house fire cleanup can seem daunting.

SERVPRO provides Shreveport homeowners fire damage restoration, including all elements associated with the fire and the smoke residues left from the fire. These services include:

• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• Removal of damage caused by smoke residues and odors
• Repair of fire damaged homes

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport for fire damage services in Shreveport and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (318) 865-4655

What to do When Mold Threatens a Business in Shreveport

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Louisiana has an ideal environment for mold growth in commercial and residential properties. SERVPRO can remediate your damage today.

Mold Removal Services in Shreveport are a Phone Call Away

It is not surprising that mold remediation is necessary for Shreveport businesses. Wherever there is high humidity or an abundance of storms, buildings are vulnerable to the spread of mold, and all this entails. Mold can cause health effects, and this is why hiring the best company for mold remediation is crucial to your business's continued success.

Companies in Shreveport needing mold removal should call SERVPRO for the most advanced techniques and mold specialists. Mitigation is our goal as we approach each step in the remediation process, including controlling its spread, eliminating existing mold, and regulating humidity and other environmental factors contributing to its growth.

Steps in Mold Remediation

At SERVPRO, we know that careful planning and specialized equipment are critical to our success, but we focus our efforts around these steps: 

• Containment to prevent further spread
• Removal of existing mold damage and unsalvageable items
• Structural cleaning and drying to restore normal humidity levels and prevent new growth

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is ready to help you protect your business. Call us at (318) 865-4655, and let us put our industry expertise to work for you.

Flood Restoration in Forbing is Easy with the Right Team

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flooding damage? It's no problem for SERVPRO!

Water Cleanup After a Storm in Forbing is a Job for Professional Water Restoration Technicians

Copious rain in Forbing can lead to unfortunate consequences, including flooding. It can be nerve-racking to watch water seep into your home, soaking floors, furniture, and personal belongings alike. Fortunately, certified water restoration technicians have the knowledge and equipment necessary for water extraction and cleanup.

Property owners in Forbing can delegate flood damage restoration to SERVPRO and our specialized team. Whether your problem is basement flooding or the result of a leaky roof, our certified staff has you covered from floor to ceiling. Flood restoration extends beyond water extraction; it also requires applying anti-microbial solutions and thorough cleanup of each surface.

Timing is essential in Water Cleanup

It is crucial to remember that water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria when left unattended. Stormwater contains debris and pollutants, so the sooner our SERVPRO team can get to work, the less dire the situation becomes. To understand the danger of water in your home, consider this: 

• White water typically comes from a clean source, such as a leaky faucet. It carries a minimal health risk.
• Gray water can contain harmful contaminants and come from places such as a washing machine or an aquarium.
• Black water is contaminated and can include chemicals as well as waste. Typically stormwater is treated as black water and requires immediate attention.

Do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 as soon as you experience an emergency. Our team is ready to help and leave the experience behind.

Why is Skilled Water Restoration Imperative to Lessen Damage?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Excess water? Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport technicians are standing by 24/7 365 days a year to answer your emergency call.

SERVPRO utilizes proven restoration processes to ensure your Shreveport home gets back to pre-water damage condition

Any amount of water in your Shreveport home can cause immense damage to your possessions as well as building materials and structural elements. It is how everything gets cleaned up and you address moisture that makes the difference. SERVPRO features skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) to ensure everything gets appropriately handled to limit costs, disruption, and secondary damage.

There are many working parts when you enlist the help of SERVPRO for water damage in Shreveport. The general steps that we follow include:

• Water removal – We work quickly to extract all standing water to keep it from migrating into dry spaces within your home.
• Drying measures – Proper drying is crucial for moisture control, so we set up fans and dehumidifiers to facilitate rapid-dry efforts. The better the airflow, the faster we can dry the impacted zone(s) in your home.
• Cleaning - All water-damaged items must be inspected and cleaned to eliminate mold and bacterial growth. To do this, we have a variety of methods as well as EPA-registered cleaning agents.
• Restoration – We handle the damage repair and replace unsalvageable materials to bring your home back to preloss condition.

Why call SERVPRO of South Shreveport when you need help with water damage? We have the power to restore your home to preloss condition “Like it never even happened.” Call (318) 865-4655 24/7!

How is Smoke Damage Handled with Fire Restoration?

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

Soot and smoke damage remaining after a fire? Contact our certified technicians to remediate any damage.

Shreveport Business Owners Must Address Soot and Smoke with Fire Damage Restoration – SERVPRO Can Help

Whether you are an owner or the manager of a commercial building, you need to ensure restoration gets adequately handled after a fire. The last thing you want is for Shreveport consumers to come into your place of business and get a hint of lingering smoke odors. SERVPRO features odor control technicians trained to locate and eradicate all sources of pungent odors post-fire.

The good news for a commercial property owner is that soot and smoke odors are part of our fire damage restoration process in Shreveport. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major factor in running a space where employees and outsiders frequent. We take smoke and odor control seriously, including measures such as:

• Identifying the location and cause of the odor
• Determining the exact conditions where soot and smoke settled on various surfaces
• Formulating the best course of action for odor removal 
• Ensuring that pack-out services commence, if necessary, to clean and deodorize items off-site

There is a science to first identifying smoke odors and then working on eliminating them. We use EPA-registered deodorants, thermal fogging techniques, and industrial-grade equipment to ensure the job gets done right the first time. When we wrap up the project, your commercial space is Certified: SERVPRO Clean!

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 to learn more about our fire damage restoration techniques. We have crews available 24/7, and We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Why Hire Professional Water Cleanup?

2/28/2021 (Permalink)

Affected by water damage? Regardless how the water got in, team SERVPRO is waiting to respond to your emergency call.

Shreveport residents can count on SERVPRO to have advanced water damage technology and proven methods

Shreveport remains one of the biggest cities in the state of Louisiana, which had a population of 199,311 back in 2010. When adding in Bossier City to make up the local metropolitan area, this region has a population that spans well over 400,000.

In 1836, Shreveport was founded by the Shreve Town Company. This was a corporation that got established to work on developing a town located at the juncture of the Texas Trail and the Red River. Today, Shreveport is viewed as the cultural and commercial center of the region known as Ark-La-Tex, which is where the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas all meet.

Shreveport also boasts a world-renowned sports scene, including a strong following for minor league baseball teams. There are several players from the area that have gone on to major league rosters.

Notable People That Come from Shreveport

There are plenty of famous people that come from Shreveport, Louisiana, including many actors, actresses, athletes, social media stars, models, and singer/songwriters:

• Kenny Wayne Shepherd
• Pat Carroll
• Johnnie Cochran
• Kix Brooks
• Robert Parish
• James Dobson
• Alan Autry
• Zachery Fuller
• Chi Chi DeVayne
• Mikky Ekko

What to See and Do When in Shreveport, Louisiana

There is never a shortage of great places to visit and explore in Shreveport. This is an area well-known for dockside riverboat casinos, including:

• Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino
• Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
• El Dorado Resort Casino
• Boomtown Casino & Hotel
• Diamond Jack’s Casino Resort

In addition to gaming, many people like to visit Shreveport for thoroughbred racing events at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. Of course, there are also plenty of outstanding historical landmarks in the area, including a waterworks dating back to 1887 by the name of McNeill Street Pumping Station. If you are into shopping and entertainment, the Louisiana Boardwalk has been a lovely venue to visit since 2005. Other great attractions in the area include:

• The home of the very first performance Elvis Presley did, which is the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
• The Pioneer Heritage Center, known for authentic buildings from the pioneer days of Northwest Louisiana from the 1830s to the 1860s
• Ark-La-Tex Visitor Venues – featuring the Sports Museum of Champions, Antique, and Classic Vehicle Museum, and the Mardi Gras Museum
• The Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet, which houses three outstanding ballet productions each calendar year
• Stephens African American Museum

Don’t Let Water Damage Costs Soar – Enlist the Help of SERVPRO to Clean and Restore Your Shreveport Home

A significant water spill or faulty appliance in your home are situations that call for rapid water cleanup. But, what many Shreveport homeowners may not realize is that secondary damage is something that could cause even more cost and hassle as time goes on. Even if you pull up all visible standing water, any moisture that may have migrated is a threat.

When we come to your home for cleanup of water damage in Shreveport, we work fast to eliminate secondary damages like:

• Corrosion
• Wood rot
• Electrical damage
• Mold and mildew development

In order to get the result you need with water damage restoration, skilled technicians are best. Contact us at SERVPRO of South Shreveport 24/7 for emergency service by calling (318) 865-4655.

Can Pipes Freeze in Shreveport Homes?

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Shreveport Properties with Frozen Pipes from Frigid Weather Means Water Cleanup and Restoration from SERVPRO

SERVPRO Mitigates Water Damage to Shreveport Properties Following a Burst Frozen Pipe

When pipes freeze and burst in Shreveport residences, substantial water damages can result. While extreme temperature drops are less frequent, upcoming harsh winter conditions can come with unseasonably low temperatures that can impact poorly insulated pipes coming into the house. Often, homeowners do not recognize when inadequate protection of their water service exists until freezing occurs.

How Can Standing Water Get Extracted?

Once frozen pipes burst in Shreveport homes from over-pressurizing when ice blockages form, the resulting separation of the line or damage to connections can allow water to flow out unabated. Extraction is a vital portion of restoration and recovery after a water disaster like this, as pooling can occur rapidly as several hundred gallons can find their way to the house's flooring or structural cavities.

Can SERVPRO Complete Repairs?

As extensive and elaborate as the restoration process can be after a water disaster, it is often necessary for repairs and reconstruction to occur. With a general contractor license, we can provide many services to complete a comprehensive approach for your home or business. Some of the actions we can take as a one-stop-shop restoration company include:

• Controlled demolition
• Plumbing repairs
• Roof tarping
• Board-Up
• Content relocation

How Can Damage Get Reduced When Emergencies Occur?

Understanding your home and its utilities is one way that you can prepare for disasters before they happen. While you can depend on our SERVPRO team to stay prepared for water emergencies and storm damages, knowing the location of your main water shutoff can reduce total losses while you wait for restorers to arrive.

With lows expected in the teens this winter, disasters like frozen pipes might be right around the corner. Let our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team help with efficient mitigation and drying solutions. Call us at (318) 865-4655.

Can Businesses Reopen Soon After a Storm?

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO for water damage mitigation services. No matter how big or small.

SERVPRO Mitigation Efforts Can Quickly Restore Shreveport Businesses

Shreveport does not get the worst storms like the coastal cities. However, rain and tornadoes still cause millions in damage to commercial operations annually. Not all can be stopped, but quick removal of water and debris help immensely.

Once on-site, SERVPRO specialists look for the following to reduce commercial storm damage in Shreveport:

• Standing water 
• Damage that leaves the facility exposed
• Debris inside the building

The first action is to bring in extractors to remove water. By eliminating any pools and puddles, specialists can stop or reduce the chance of concrete floors cracking. The same elimination actions also reduce the chance for mold spores to become active and spread. 

To eliminate interior exposure to the elements, specialists cover damage to the roof and walls with plywood or tarps. This also preserves the interior from animal intrusions and reduces the chance of vandalism.

After removing the water, specialists clear out mud, trash, and everything else brought in by the storm. This prevents stains from forming and reduces pungent odors as well.

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 to swiftly respond to storm damage.

Fire Damage Risks for Shreveport Residents

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

You can depend on our SERVPRO teams to cleanup and restore your property and personal belongings after a fire takes place.

Call SERVPRO when you need fire restoration services.

As the city begins to open up, Shreveport residents and visitors can start enjoying local events and entertainment. While many will flock to the riverboat casinos, there are hundreds of other activities that no city does better, except maybe throwing beads. 

More people are also discovering the family-friendly places and events held throughout each year. The Sci-Port Discovery Center is a place for children to explore and learn with the parents having as much fun as the kids. Other great places for family members of all ages are the American Rose Center Gardens, the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, and the Shreveport Aquarium. For adults and older children, there is also the Red River Entertainment District and the Robinson Film Center. 

Hot Music and a Hound Dog

For music lovers, there is the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, the longest-running professional orchestra in Louisiana. Our city is proud to be the home of the Municipal Auditorium, which initially hosted the renowned radio program “The Louisiana Hayride.” It is the site for early performances of new artists and has been for over six decades. Elvis Presley wowed the crowd there in October 1954. 

Festivals for Everyone

Music and film lovers also get to see local artists appreciated with the annual Louisiana Film Prize and the Louisiana Music Prize. More than an award show, these festivals bring in thousands of visitors from across the country. Other downtown festivals include

• The Cork Wine Festival
• The LGBTQ Film Festival
• Mudbug Madness
• The Red River Revel

On a much larger scale is the State Fair of Louisiana that draws in nearly the whole state as well as much of Arkansas and Texas.

Beer and More

Craft brewing has become much more than a niche market here in Shreveport. There are independent brewers all over, with many of them opening a pub to showcase their products. Companies like the Red River Brewpub and Great Raft Brewing are employing hundreds of people and serving up some of the finest beer, barbecue, po’boys, and seafood in the state. 

There is one regional attraction that visitors drive by each year for history and photography. The Boom or Bust Byway is north of Shreveport, on Highway 2. Travelers can get a good look at the early days of our oil industry and, in the early summer, a display of wildflowers, some native only to Louisiana, that are stunning. 

Restoring Shreveport Homes After a Fire

Unless the structure was consumed by flames, SERVPRO technicians can often restore a home to its pre-fire condition and appearance. Our technicians train to meet the industry standards of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification and concentrate efforts on these areas:

• Removing smoke residues that cling to and damage surfaces
• Breaking down and disposing of debris that can stain otherwise undamaged property
• Eliminating odors that render even the cleanest home unlivable 
• Replace damaged structural property such as drywall and ceiling tiles
• Cleaning personal property with commercial-grade washers and cleaning agents

For a rapid response to fire damage, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655. We are here 24/7. 

Have Fun at the Upcoming Mardi Gras Parade in Shreveport

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Not all restoration companies do what they are supposed to. SERVPRO has IICRC certified technicians with experience and the know how for your property

Shreveport Inhabitants and Visitors Alike can Enjoy the Mardi Gras Parade.

It is good news that the Mardi Gras parades scheduled for the year 2021 in Shreveport have not been canceled. It’s only that things will appear a little different. The Mardi Gras event occurs in towns and cities all around Louisiana from east to west and north to south. 

The magnificent, beaded, feathered, and costumed carnival is rich with tradition and is about having an excellent time. The traditional Mardi Gras colors date back to 1892, and they include green, symbolizing faith, purple, symbolizing justice, and gold, which symbolizes power. 

Mardi Gras is usually held on Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The day before Mardi Gras is called Lundi Gras or Shrove Monday. The event is scheduled in Louisiana on February 16, 2021. The fun-filled event features:

Bands

Floats 

Drill teams

Marching groups 

Homecoming courts 

Youth sports teams

Everyone can expect to have a great time at the neighborhood parade. 

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is happy to welcome you to the Mardi Gras event. We are one of the leading water restoration companies in Shreveport. If you need water restoration services, call us at (318) 865-4655 for immediate help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Forbing Residents Are Welcome to Enjoy Vaudeville at East Bank

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is no laughing matter. Call the IICRC certified technicians fo SERVPRO for the fire restoration service needed for the job.

Join Your Forbing Friends and Neighbors and Enjoy a Night of Vaudeville Entertainment

During these uncertain times, people have found it daunting to interact and have a good time. Fortunately, Company Repertory Theatre, East Bank Theater, and Bossier Arts Council present an evening full of Vaudeville entertainment. A Vaudeville is a light entertainment popular from the mid-1890s to the early 1930s, which comprised ten to fifteen individual unrelated acts featuring acrobats, trained animals, musicians, singers, and jugglers dancers.

The event organizers have taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the attendees. It takes place on 23rd January 2021 at East Bank Theatre. Forbing residents can venture to the nearby Bossier City to enjoy the event that is full of various:

Acts

Antics

Songs

Scenes

All are welcome. Attendees are expected to wear masks during the event and maintain social distance at all times. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a side-splitting night.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport warmly welcomes you to the night of Vaudeville entertainment at East Bank. If you need fire damage restoration services in Forbing, we can help. Contact our restorers at (318) 865-4655 at any time of the day to make the incident seem "Like it never even happened."  

Prompt and Effective Restoration for Flood-Damaged Shreveport Homes

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Floods can cause major issues. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the water mitigation services needed.

SERVPRO is Ready to Restore Shreveport Properties With Storm Flood Damage

Shreveport is the third most populated city in Louisiana and the most populated city in the Shreveport-Bossier City Metropolitan statistical area. According to the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,311. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the city's population decreased to 187,112 in 2019.

The Shreve Town Company founded the city in 1836. The government established the corporation to establish a town at the Texas Trail and the Red River's juncture. Before Texas gained its independence, the trail entered Mexico. Throughout the 20th century, the city grew due to the discovery of oil. Between the 1960s and 1980s, the city hosted United Gas Corporation and Standard Oil of Louisiana's headquarters. The recession in the oil industry led to job losses and the close of Shreveport Operations. The city struggled with violent crime, poverty, drugs, and a declining population. However, since Cedric Glover's tenure as Shreveport mayor, the city began reviving its economy, revitalize infrastructure, and lower crime to end its population decline.           

The History of Shreveport City

Captain Henry Miller Shreve made the Red River navigable by leading the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The Great Rift and a 290 km log jam (180 miles) had obstructed the shipping passage. The Captain used a modified riverboat to remove the log jam. Local authorities named Shreve town and the company in the Captain's honor.

Initially, the boundaries of a small piece of land that the company had bought from the indigenous Caddo Indians contained the town. The local authorities incorporated the city as Shreveport on 20th March 1839. 

The town later became a steamboat center of commerce, taking mostly crops from Caddo Parish plantations. The steamboats used the Red River to transport cargo, where stevedores unloaded and loaded cargo. Besides, the town had a slave market. However, other parts of the state did not appreciate the slave trade. By 1860, the town hosted a population of 1,300 slaves and 2,200 free people within its limits.

The economy of Shreveport                              

Shreveport hosts a wide range of riverboat gambling casinos. The city was second to New Orleans in 2005, before Hurricane Katrina, is hosting several riverboat gambling casinos. Bossier City hosts Harrah's Louisiana Downs, one of the three-horse racetracks in Louisiana.

A 550,000 square foot Louisiana Boardwalk shopping complex was opened in May 2005 in Bossier City. The facility features:

Several restaurants

Outlet shopping

Bowling complex

14-screen movie theater

Several Bass Pro Shops

In November 2008, the city residents were excited since the Haynesville Shale's development was to create new jobs over the next couple of years. The area residents enjoy huge bonuses for signing up to $25,000 per acre in mineral rights leases. However, the economic downturn led to a low market price for natural gas, slowing down drilling activities. The city expected to lease the mineral rights on public lands to generate revenue in the future.

The city also hosted a General Motors plant called Shreveport Operations, which closed down in 2012. The company produced a variety of vehicles, including:

Isuzu i-Series

Chevrolet Colorado

Hummer H3 series

GMC Canyon

GM later leased the plant to Elio Motors. Western Electric and General Electric are among notable companies that still have or had plants in the Shreveport assembly or manufacturing industry. In 2017, manufacturing and production jobs accounted for 5 percent of the city's occupations.

The Shreveport local government invested $16.5 million in building Mall St. Vincent in 2014. Fortune magazine grouped the city among the best place to start a business. The Shreveport Economic Recovery Task Force came up with a rejuvenation plan on 31st July 2020, focusing on the downtown area.

The Louisiana Floods of 2015

In 2015, the Red River flood occurred for several weeks in June. Areas such as Bossier Parish, Rapides Parish, Caddo Parish, Natchitoches Parish, and Shreveport, Coushatta, and Alexandria were significantly affected. Numerous road closures across Shreveport occurred due to flooding. The government deployed the Louisiana National Guard and other response teams to help residences under flood warning fill and place sandbags.

In over 70 years, the Red River got to its highest level in 2015. The flood levels rose to about 6 and 9 feet in most affected areas. On 9th June at around 4 PM, the river got 37.14 feet, its maximum height.

The most recent study released in 1990 by the US Army Corps of Engineers characterized the Red River's flood patterns when it last flooded. The Engineers are not planning for another study.

People in Louisiana have made many advances towards flood protection. However, flooding is inevitable, and no matter how high engineers build levees, the river's course continues. Researchers claim that the Mississippi River has a significant flooding pattern history every decade.

How SERVPRO technicians help property owners in Shreveport to handle flood damage

Immediately flood damage occurs in your property, act swiftly to minimize the chances of potential lasting effects. SERVPRO's flood restoration process includes extracting water, decontaminating, drying, and deodorizing the property. Our technicians can take the following steps during the restoration process.   

Removing valuable possessions from the ground and identifying salvageable items. We separate salvageable items from those damaged beyond repair so that they do not get irreparably damaged.

Water extraction using hi-tech equipment to speed up the drying process. If water is inside the walls, our technicians can remove the baseboards. We can drill a 1½" hole between each stud in the wall at the baseboard level. We drill holes on one side of the wall to force air up into the wall cavities as it gets into the wall. Our restorers attach an air mover to a wall venting system to force air into the wall.

Decontaminating the property using advanced and approved products. Our technicians decontaminate the affected area since floodwater can be hazardous.

Deodorizing the affected property using effective products or equipment that leaves your property free from any odors

It is essential to allow professional restorers who understand the damage that floodwater can cause to your property. SERVPRO technicians are always ready to respond to our customers' distress calls around the clock since we understand how fast secondary damages can occur. We have the right equipment and tools to handle flood damage of any magnitude.    

Even the slightest flooding incident in your property can cause costly damage. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport immediately after the unfortunate incident happens to minimize damage and restore your property to its normal condition, "Like it never even happened." Talk to us today at (318) 865-4655.  

Run For a Good Cause Just Outside of Forbing

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to the toy drive which will give many children presents that they may not have gotten without this!

Forbing and Shreveport Residents Promote Healthy Habits and Holiday Cheer

Individuals and groups in and around the Forbing vicinity have an invitation to run the three-loop course and get into the Christmas Spirit. This Sportspectrum tradition lets runners go past over ten thousand lights, decorations while listening to fun Christmas music. This year, the run established a partnership with Operation Santa Claus, a joint effort between the Shreveport fire and police departments to help the local community's children. Donations of toys get accepted during the turn-in of individual and group running packets on race day. The proceeds go to benefit children who otherwise may not get anything for Christmas. If you do not wish to donate a new toy, monetary donations are used to purchase gifts for the kids. 

• Registration is $25 pre-race and $40 on the 17th
• If there is a cancellation due to the pandemic, runners will receive 75% of their fee refunded
• Date of the Run: December 17th
• Time: 7:00 pm at the Sportspectrum

SERVPRO can assist local property owners with water mitigation in Forbing homes. The certified technicians arrive quickly and make the water damage, no matter how large or small, "Like it never even happened."

Embark on a Magical Christmas Journey in Shreveport

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community at the Shreveport Aquarium!

The Shreveport Aquarium Has a Must-See Exhibition

The fun starts outside the Shreveport Aquarium when you can listen to Christmas music on your FM radio and see the synchronized dance of the lights decorating the exterior of the aquarium. Inside the venue, a fun adventure awaits with a full cast of holiday characters in costume. Each event goer gets an interactive BELIEVE magical wand that can turn on the lights, play music, and make the Grinch's heart grow three sizes. You can even create reindeer footprints and more during the tour. There will be an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and get a reply along with hot chocolate and cookies. At the end of the time, get a photo with Santa as a keepsake of a great Christmas adventure.

• Date: December 4th, 2020
• Time: 5 PM to 8 PM
• Ticket Price: $25

SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 serves local property owners with any size flood water removal in Shreveport homes and businesses. 

Forbing Residents Can Trust SERVPRO for Successful Commercial Mold Remediation

11/28/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can quickly spread and overtake a large area. Contact our team to investigate and remediate the mold infestation plaguing your commercial space.

Businesses and Residential Properties Know SERVPRO Can Handle Any Size Commercial Mold Remediation Needed in Forbing Properties

Forbing is a community that is unincorporated in the Caddo Parish area of Louisiana. It is considered part of the Shreveport–Bossier City metro area. This definition means that the town does not possess its own municipal government but is part of the Shreveport system of government. This also means that if the community becomes insolvent at any point, Shreveport has the fiduciary responsibility. Since Shreveport has a mayor-council government system, this means that the voters elect not only a mayor but also a legislative city council. This is a group of individuals that establish rules and regulations for the unincorporated townships under its jurisdiction. The township resides within the boundaries of Caddo County, named in honor of the indigenous Caddo Indians who sold the land for development to Captain Henry Miller Shreve, for whom the county seat of Shreveport got named in honor of.

Wet and Warm Climate in Forbing

The residents of Forbing enjoy mostly great weather year-round, with slightly more rainfall than the rest of the United States. The winter temperatures range on average around 40-degrees Fahrenheit, with summers being hot and humid with temperatures in the 80s and 90s.

While natural disasters like earthquakes are rare in the area, 

• Hurricanes and tropical storms
• Flash floods
• Tornadoes are a frequent threat

The Forbing/Shreveport area ranks number one as an area likely to experience tornadic activity. Although the area is more inland than New Orleans, the threat of flooding, mainly from category three or more hurricanes, is not uncommon.

Supported By Shreveport

The majority of municipal resources for Forbing come through Shreveport. The town does not have its own fire department, including volunteer-based, and instead, the City of Shreveport established a fire station nearby Forbing to handle any calls. The police jurisdiction gets dealt with in the same manner to support the local community with emergency services as needed—the majority of citizens in the township work in nearby Shreveport and commute. The area was once a central hub for the oil business. Standard Oil employed a significant number of the local population, which ended when the New Jersey branch absorbed the Louisiana office. A similar situation happened when United Gas, based there since the 1930s, got taken over by Pennzoil and moved out of state. When the gas and oil boom went bust in the 1980s, the entire area went into a massive recession. Many companies went under during this time, malls closed, and Shreveport and the surrounding communities began to transition to more of a service-based economy. The area now holds accolades from Entrepreneur Magazine as the number one place to start a new Louisiana business.

Entertainment in the Forbing Area

Gambling is a big moneymaker for the State of Louisiana, and this area of the state is no exception. Since the 1990s, the modest skyline of nearby Shreveport has hosted a very active gambling center. Residents and visitors to Forbing can enjoy the "Streetscape" project, which was inspired by the gaming conducted on riverboats during the area's establishment. There are brick sidewalks, statues, street performers, and one of a kind mosaics to view.

Major motion pictures use this area of the state to film, and Louisiana has the third-largest film industry in the United States in large part due to the state's tax incentives. This has earned Louisiana the nickname "Hollywood South." Many films debut at the yearly event, Louisiana Film Prize, a short film competition and film festival. A large number of films have been made in the area, including:

• The Guardian 
• The Mist 
• Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay 
• Olympus Has Fallen 
• I Saw the Light 

Mardi Gras celebrations are associated with New Orleans but have been an essential part of this state's area. The Shreveport parades and krewes did not survive the cancellations due to World War I, and attempts to restore parades were unsuccessful until the mid-1980s. The Caddo Parish area plays host to many events for Forbing residents to attend throughout the year. Some of the notable venues are: 

• ArtBreak Festival gets billed as the largest student arts festival in the South that occurs yearly. 
• Barksdale Air Force Base Air Show has been held every year since 1933 and features a host of vintage and latest model aircraft
• Let the Good Times Roll Festival, the annual Juneteenth festival
• The State Fair of Louisiana, which gets held each autumn annually since 1906

Does a Forbing Business Need to Close During Commercial Mold Remediation by SERVPRO?

When SERVPRO handles commercial mold remediation for properties in the Forbing area, the techs have training in the best practices for limiting the spread of airborne spores to halt the chance of cross-contamination. They use methods such as containment over doors and vents to keep spores out of the ventilation system, negative air chambers to port airborne spores off-site and fresh, clean air into the structure, and air use scrubbers to improve air quality during the mitigation of the mold damage. In most instances, a business should close as exposure to mold spores may cause health effects in some individuals.

SERVPRO techs use their equipment to create an environment that is hostile to the mold and makes it unsustainable. Some of the actions include: 

• Lowering interior humidity levels below 50% through the use of their air movers and dehumidifiers
• Use of antimicrobial cleaning agents
• Abatement tactics to remove dried colony matter from surfaces

Particularly in cases where the sheetrock or other building materials required removal due to damage from the mold, the techs can treat the exposed wall cavity with an antimicrobial sealant to ensure there is no return of the issue in that area of the property. The technicians may call in an industrial hygienist to measure the air quality at the end of the mitigation to ensure the remediation efforts were successful.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 remains the premier choice for commercial mold remediation in Forbing business properties. The trained and certified techs make the mold damage, "Like it never even happened."

This Holiday Season, Enjoy All that Shreveport Offers!

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Oh the cool things you may see at the Shreveport Aquarium for the holiday season.

For local families seeking out unique Christmas entertainment, Shreveport offers an experience this year that may not be matched anywhere else in the country.

Already a treasure of the community, the Shreveport Aquarium is about to gear up for even more family-friendly entertainment this holiday season. Starting on November 27 and running through December 23, the Aquarium plans to host their BELIEVE series of events. During standard aquarium hours, visitors can tour through some special Christmas-themed exhibits, including a scuba-diving Santa Claus and a unique motion-activated wand.

On certain evenings throughout the month, the aquarium will also stay open to put on a special lights show and roll out some additional family activities. On top of arts and crafts activities, kids can write a letter to Santa that will receive a mailed response before Christmas. Tickets for these nighttime events cost $25 for all ages, while the daytime events charge a regular admissions fee plus $5 for a magic wand and special gift.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport provides emergency damage mitigation services whenever a leak or flood threatens your home. Call us 24/7 at (318) 865-4655.

Explore Forbing in a Walking Tour

11/15/2020 (Permalink)

It will be exciting to see the community at the walking tours of St. Paul's Bottoms!

Daily Walking Tours of St. Paul's Bottoms Throughout November and December in Forbing

Enjoy an outside walking tour daily at 4 pm, beginning at the Strand Theatre. Not only will you enjoy learning about the city, but you will also get to view diverse holiday displays. These two and a half hour tours run from now until December 31 and showcase prominent buildings in Downtown Shreveport. Learn about the historic architecture throughout Ledbetter and the Red River District. Tickets range from $15 to $30.

Highlights of the tour include:

Enjoying stories about the community; stories both rooted in fact and urban legend.

Hearing about this Northern Louisiana city's unique architecture and prominent structures.

The tour ends near the Eldorado Casino, in case you want to continue your evening with more entertainment.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport services Shreveport, Bossier City, and Forbing for fire damage restoration. Contact us anytime day or night at (318) 865-4655 for home restoration assistance.

What are some Unexpected Ways a Fire Damage Restoration Company in Shreveport can Help You?

10/31/2020 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a fire is very stressful.

Shreveport Residents need a Supportive Fire Damage Restoration Crew

Damage to your Shreveport home is devastating. SERVPRO of South Shreveport understands that a home disaster leaves you feeling shaken and wondering if your life will ever be normal again. That is why supporting you and helping with every aspect of remediation is a core part of our philosophy.

Even a small house blaze can cause a great deal of damage. A Shreveport fire damage restoration company can help you deal with the damage and restore your home “Like it never even happened.” It is hard to believe your house could ever feel like yours again, but we always aim to restore it to its preloss condition.

When you call a restoration company, you naturally expect them to clean up the mess from the fire. That is their job! But there are other benefits of working with a restoration company.

How can SERVPRO help you get your home back faster?
We understand how stressful it is when you have to go and stay somewhere else after a fire. Being unable to enter your home is upsetting.

Because our technicians are remediation experts, they know the most efficient ways to get the job done. Unfortunately, we cannot press a button and have your home back to normal, but working with us is much faster than cleaning up by yourself.

How does working with us keep you safe?
There are many potential hazards in the aftermath of a fire:
• Soot particles in the air
• Structural damage such as sagging ceilings or damaged plaster
• Holes in the roof and walls from firefighting
• Leftover firefighting chemicals
• Debris and jagged edges such as glass or metal shards or broken wooden beams

Our teams are safety-conscious, and we equip them with a full range of personal protective equipment. Do not put yourself at risk – let the professionals handle it.

How can SERVPRO help you with insurance?
Dealing with your insurance company can be stressful. Although the final decision on what will be covered is between you and them, SERVPRO can support you by:
• Securing your home by boarding up windows and putting a tarp on the roof – many insurers need evidence that your home is adequately secured
• Taking pictures and helping with inventory
• Giving a professional opinion on what we can salvage – insurers like it when we can repair rather than replace
• Talking to your insurance company on your behalf to provide information

How can we help with air quality?
Air quality is low after a fire. Unfortunately, securing your home makes it worse, as there are fewer places for air to escape. We use air scrubbers and negative air machines to trap harmful particles in the air and prevent them from re-entering your home.

How can SERVPRO help with cleaning?
Cleaning is a significant part of fire damage restoration. Of course, you expect a remediation company to clean up the walls and ceilings of your home, but we can also clean:
• Furniture and upholstery
• Personal belongings and keepsakes
• Textiles and clothes

We can complete many cleaning tasks on-site, but we can send items to our facility for specialist cleaning if necessary. We use a range of cleaning methods, including dry brushing, wet wiping, HEPA vacuuming, soda blasting, and spot cleaning. We can also call in professionals to clean and certify electronic devices.

We can also clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery with hot water extraction, specialist shampoos, or spot cleaning. We can run your blinds through our ultrasonic cleaner to rid them of sooty residue.

How can we help with smoke odors?
Our customers tell us that the smell of smoke is one of the worst parts of a fire. Your home cannot feel like yours again when there is a lingering smoke smell. Thankfully we know how to deal with those stinky odors. We might use air scrubbers, ozone generators, hydroxyl generators, dry fogging, odor-eating pellets, or any combination of these to rid your home of smells.

How can we help with home repairs?
Your home might look ravaged after a fire. Wallpaper might be soot-stained. Fire can damage insulation and supporting beams. Firefighters often have to cut holes in the roof or walls to control the fire and ensure it is completely extinguished.

Our technicians can help with structural repairs and with tasks such as re-hanging wallpaper or replacing carpet. If we cannot carry out a job, we will call in other professionals. We supervise all sub-contractors and ensure they work to our high standards.

The aftermath of a fire is very stressful. Let us take some of that stress off your shoulders and get your home liveable once more. For a fire restoration company that cares, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

Why does SERVPRO Use Riding Equipment to Save Drenched Carpets?

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's "Rover" exemplifies the advanced equipment we use to mitigate water damage to carpets for our Shreveport customers

We Use Special Water Mitigation Equipment to Protect Our Shreveport Customers from Unnecessary Losses

Hurricanes and storms can create appalling messes outside, but the water that ends up trapped inside your Shreveport home needs immediate assessment and extraction. SERVPRO’s professionals know that proper restoration requires a concentrated effort from a knowledgeable team, equipped with the advanced machinery to provide our valued customers with the results they want and deserve.

The absorbency of different materials is plain to see when comparing a concrete garage floor to plush carpeting inside the adjoining home. Our extensive experience lets us provide tailored water mitigation services to our Shreveport customers. When carpeting gets wet, we need to act quickly and with powerful machinery that can remove the water without damaging the fibers, backing, or padding. Damage to any of these components can ruin an expensive carpet. Not being able to extract water from the lowest areas of the pad can leave a house at risk of mold and mildew.

Using our rover riding extractors for large volumes of water extraction aids in rapid carpet drying. These machines do this because of their built-in functions:

• The weight of the technician operating the extractor helps compress the carpet and squeezes the water out,
• As the suction continuously draws the water out uniformly, and
• The wheels allow for turning tight corners.

Other machines help draw moisture from other areas of your home, minimizing the amount of water vapor that circulates. These include

• Heaters to keep water as a vapor,
• Desiccant machines that snatch humidity from the air as it passes through the machine, to
• Forced air machines that dry the interiors of floors and walls.

When your family needs someone to mitigate water damage and keep things from worsening, as well as repair any existing damages, SERVPRO of South Shreveport is your go-to team. Call (318) 865-4655 for fast service from helpful professionals that want to make it “Like it never even happened,” for you.

What Do Residential Fire Damage Restoration Professionals in Shreveport Consider When Choosing Cleaning Products and Methods?

9/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage remediation includes dealing with the lingering odor. Contact our certified technicians for services.

Curriculum Supported by Scientifically-Based Data and Methodology Is Why SERVPRO Invests in IICRC Training for Managers and Technicians, Offering Best Practices to Shreveport Residents Needing Fire Damage Restoration

Restoring a home after a fire in Shreveport is a significant undertaking, and the company that takes on the job needs to have a comprehensive understanding of the overall goals plus detailed skills in the hundreds of tasks that need completion before the chaos and mess of a residential fire transforms to “Like it never even happened.” This kind of knowledge cannot be accumulated contemporaneously as the restoration takes place. The managers and technicians who arrive to return your home to preloss condition must learn the protocols and the science underlying best practices far ahead of your disaster to deliver a successful outcome.

Is There a Fire Damage Restoration Best Practices Training Course for Professionals?

Shreveport residents needing fire damage restoration should settle for nothing less than a recovery company that invests in premier training for the managers and technicians that assess, plan, and perform at your home. We are an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-certified company. We enroll our team in the IICRC introductory courses at the beginning of their careers, and they recertify and acquire advanced training during their time with us.

Can a Fire Damage Restoration Technician Merely Learn What Is Needed on the Job?

Perhaps IICRC says it best on their website: “A successful career is rooted in education. For nearly five decades, IICRC stands at the forefront teaching trailblazing knowledge required to tackle complex jobs and return normalcy from chaotic environments.” Our crews learn research-based, consistent responses to the anticipated and unpredictable outcomes presented after a household fire. Although our technicians certainly learn from more seasoned SERVPRO workers on individual projects, the foundation of vetted approaches and procedures established during IICRC training sets the stage for outstanding results for our residential customers seeking fire damage remediation in Shreveport.

What Training and Certifications Are Crucial to Handling Fire Damage Restoration Appropriately?

Some of the training and certifications listed below seem apparent. Others might appear to be a stretch until you become familiar with the endless aspects needing attention on a fire damaged site. At a minimum, expect various members of the crew taking on your home’s restoration to possess some or all of the following IICRC certifications:

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)
• Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT)
• Health and Safety Technician (HST)
• Odor Control Technician (OCT)
• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)

My Home Has Fire Damage -- What Is the Need for Water Damage-Related Technicians?

Until you have survived a home fire and begin coping with the aftermath, you might not realize the part firefighting water damage plays in the devastation inside your home after a blaze. SERVPRO prioritizes water damage mitigation and remediation at the start of a fire damage restoration project because of undeniable health and safety issues:

• Slip, trip, and fall
• Risk of electric shock or electrocution
• Structural collapse possibilities because of the weight and  pressure of water trapped in building cavities
• Rapid deterioration of porous structural components because of the incredibly corrosive nature of water
• Contamination of surfaces with waterborne pathogens if the fire damage included the compromise of sewer lines
• Enhanced probability of mold growth if materials are wet for more than 24 to 48 hours

What Are the Roles of the Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and Odor Control Technicians (OCT)?

Once the water risks are under control, SERVPRO’s managers and workers holding FSRT and OCT certification commence the painstaking tasks of assessing and characterizing smoke and soot residues and the surfaces upon which they settle. Then effective removal methodologies are selected. The science of cleaning the residues has two parts:

• Principles of Cleaning

• Locating residues 

• Identifying and characterizing residues and the durability of the affected surfaces

• Capturing and disposing of residues efficiently and completely

• Elements of Cleaning

The following can be manipulated to assist in loosening and suspending the residues for removal with as little damage to the involved surfaces as practical:

• Temperature of cleaners
• Use of agitation with tools and mechanical actions or cleaner-additives
• Chemical actions of cleaning products to dissolve, emulsify, digest, bleach, oxidize, or change pH levels to break up or remove residues and stains
• Dwell time to soak off tough residues

Note About Deodorization: The above principles and elements also relate to persistent odors, which can often be removed by deep cleaning. If cleaning is ineffective, SERVPRO has resources such as innovative odor eliminating options such as ozone machines, smell-masking products, thermal and wet foggers, and hydroxyl generators.

Why SERVPRO of South Shreveport builds our knowledge base using the courses and standards developed by the IICRC is clear -- rigorous learning and research-based solutions offer the very best outcomes for our residential customers. Call us at (318) 865-4655 before the firefighters wrap up the site and release your property so we can arrive promptly to begin the fire damage restoration.

How Will I Know Which Water Restoration Firm Is Best for My Shreveport Business Needs?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared to help commercial customers of any size with water restoration concerns before a crisis and after the worst occurs.

SERVPRO Is a Community Leader Among Water Restoration Companies, Prepared with the Trained Crews and Equipment Inventory to Manage Commercial Losses of Any Size in Shreveport

When you suffer a water loss as a Shreveport business owner, the impact amplifies as your employees, customers, and the community absorb the consequences. At a stressful time, you feel the pressure of many others who rely on you to make the right choice when selecting from a list of water restorers.

What Should I Look for in a When Comparing Companies?
Focus on training, equipment, experience, response time, and scalability when deciding among Shreveport water restoration companies. Things to consider include:

    •    Is the company’s workforce trained through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the international standards-setting organization?
    •    Has the company invested insufficient inventories of state-of-the-art water extraction and drying equipment, and the tools to locate trapped water that migrated from the initial loss site?
    •    Do the company’s management team and crew members have significant experience in commercial losses, including creative and sustainable ways to permit at least partial operations during restoration efforts?
    •    How quickly can the company arrive with experienced project managers, technicians, and equipment to begin assessment, planning, and emergency services?
    •    Can the company mobilize resources with affiliated restoration firms to increase the number of work crews and the quantities of specialized equipment in the event of a catastrophic and more extensive loss than typical?

Is Preplanning for Commercial Disasters Available and Recommended?
SERVPRO urges commercial customers to reach out long before water restoration is needed to develop a collaborative plan that permits our crews to hit the ground running in reaction to a water loss event. Our Emergency READY Profile and Plan (ERP) enables us to gain a critical understanding of your layout and operations, ensuring our response is individualized and swift.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is prepared to help commercial customers of any size with water restoration concerns before a crisis and after the worst occurs. Call us at (318) 865-4655 to explore how we can work together.

How Can I Minimize Inconveniences When Flood Damage Incidents Affect My Shreveport Tenants?

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in a commercial establishment serving many people can pose many challenges.

SERVPRO Helps Identify Problem Areas and Provides A Wide Range of Resources to Help Smooth Out the Restoration Process In Shreveport

Flooding incidents easily disrupt the routines people have established over time. When an incident affects your property, and you have tenants who operate businesses or otherwise, a wide range of complications can develop complicating the renovation process. SERVPRO can help you find viable solutions that minimize inconveniences or conflicts with the tenants renting your Shreveport property.

How flood damage restoration in a property differ when it involves business tenants?

When flood damage incidents in Shreveport affect properties occupied by businesses, the decision-making process is less streamlined compared to handling an incident in a property that does not serve tenants. Some of the intricacies you are likely to face, especially if the incident takes too long to resolve, include:
    •    Disputes with tenants over preferred restoration procedures
    •    Disputes over rent or service charges
    •    Issues regarding security or storage of contents

If a dispute arises after a flooding incident, it impedes the restoration process, so it is best to avoid any type of conflict with your tenants. Identifying issues that might lead to disputes early and addressing them is one of the best ways to neutralize such an obstacle. One likely source of dispute is the tenants’ inability to access some parts, or all of their premises, especially if you do not clarify whether they are still required to pay the full rent. Lack of clarity of who is responsible for renovating the property can also cause problems. When our SERVPRO technicians inspect your property, we can help you establish all points that may lead to conflict, thus allowing you to iron them out early.

How does SERVPRO help reduce conflict?

Although most of the issues leading to a conflict are managerial and depend on the terms you have set out in your lease agreements with the tenants, some of the actions our crews take can help manage the situation. The top actions we take that can help include:

    •    Faster completion of the renovation process
    •    Provision of helpful resources such as storage pods
    •    Securing the affected sections of the property
    •    Providing insights on the best ways to resolve some damages

The longer flood damage restoration takes, the higher the chances of conflict developing because it gets in the way of other activities or even delays business activities for your tenants. Since our technicians use sophisticated equipment to extract water, clean soiled areas, and dry wet materials, we can fast track the process or reduce the costs involved, thus taking care of everyone’s needs.

Since the incident introduces significant amounts of moisture into the building, damage to various materials is inevitable. Removing contents from various sections of the property can help save them from complete deterioration or create room for restoration of damaged areas. However, the affected tenants might have problems finding alternative areas to take the items. Our technicians can help by providing temporary storage containers to hold items safely for you or your tenants. Alternatively, we can create temporary storage areas within the affected premises and do partial moveouts. Resolving temporary or long-term storage issues can help people continue with their businesses, as usual, thus eliminating disagreements.

What can guarantee security at a flood-damaged property?

In a property that serves different people, guaranteeing security for everyone during the renovation process can be challenging because of processes such as demolition of internal walls separating different premises. Mix-ups, misplacements, or loss of items are all possible outcomes if proper measures are not instituted to secure the property. One way to prevent problems is by erecting temporary barriers. Our SERVPRO technicians create containment barriers using plastic sheets that prevent the spread of dust, moisture, or other undesirable materials. With such barriers in place, we can eliminate the need to move items out of the way, and thus minimize the chances of loss or misplacement.

Another alternative is to board up some areas of the property, isolating the affected areas or sealing openings such as shattered windows. Such barriers help keep people from venturing into unauthorized areas, thus helping secure whatever valuables various premises hold. Boarding up can help keep the facility secure as the finer details of the restoration, such as which party is responsible for which aspect of the damage are hammered out.

Flooding in a commercial establishment serving many people can pose many challenges. Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport to help identify possible problem areas. We also deliver the necessary restoration services. You can reach us at (318) 865-4655 at any time. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Can My HVAC System Be Restored After A Burst Pipe?

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can dry out and restore Forbing area homes after a water-damaging incident. We can even help with HVAC damage.

Professionals from SERVPRO Are Trained To Restore Water Damaged HVAC Systems No Matter Where They Are Located.

In many ways, the HVAC system is the heart of your Forbing home. Unfortunately, it can be easily damaged when a pipe in your wall bursts or leaks. Because HVAC systems are located in hard to reach locations like your walls or crawlspaces, we recommend contacting trained technicians from SERVPRO who have the training and tools to restore these systems.

Does SERVPRO Do More Than Restoration?

When considering water restoration companies in Forbing, SERVPRO should be your #1 choice. Other than restoration, we also provide water removal and cleanup service. When drying your home, we can:

• Check the moisture levels of the various materials in your home.
• Apply colored dots to allow you to visualize what is being dried.
• Compare moisture readings to determine if your home is drying properly.
• Move our drying equipment to areas in need of additional drying.

What can I expect from SERVPRO's restoration process?

Once our teams have finished drying your home, we can begin the restoration process. In general, this involves:

• Repairing your house's structure and contents where needed
• A final cleaning
• A final inspection
• Removing all of our equipment from your newly restored home.

Throughout this process, we can consult with you and your insurance adjuster on what can and cannot be restored. In some cases, subcontractors may be needed for further mitigation.

How Does SERVPRO Restore HVACs?

Once we locate and access your HVAC ducts, we can begin determining what repairs are necessary. SERVPRO technicians can clean and decontaminate your ducts and replace your insulation if it has mold. In cases where mold is present, we have the training, equipment, and products to clean them to a standard level of sanitation.

If Your HVAC system at home is in trouble, then call SERVPRO of South Shreveport. You can reach us 24/7 at (318) 865-4655.

How do I Restore my Kitchen After a Fire?

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

Homeowners in Shreveport have to deal with many things which may include fire damage. Contact SERVPRO right away. We are always available to help.

When a Fire Erupts in Your Shreveport Home, Let a Reputable Fire Restoration Team Help.

Many of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so it is not surprising that fire in your Shreveport home would start there. A grease fire, a naughty child, or an electric malfunction can all create flames, leaving your home in need of restoration. Understanding just how much you need to do to get your home back to mint shape is essential to closing the chapter on the fire and moving on.

Assessing the extent of fire damage in your Shreveport home is a job for our SERVPRO crew. Our technicians fully understand the theory of fire and establish how it travels and the degree of damage it leaves in its wake. We are also ready to explore an array of techniques applicable to fire damage to minimize your loss. Removing soot, ash, and debris are all within our plan, eliminating the foul smell the smoke leaves behind.

What should I clean first after a fire?

Well-meaning friends will come in with abrasive cleaners and vacuum cleaners to help you clean after a fire. As thoughtful as their gesture is, it is best to rely on our SERVPRO team to ensure a comprehensive restoration plan that addresses each potential threat to your home. Evaluating your home with our specialized tools gives us an understanding of your needs based on facts and not assumptions. Generally speaking, our team focuses on three main aspects:

Restoring your belongings- whether these include photographs, furniture or decor, we target cleaning solutions depending on the material we are cleaning

Cleaning structural elements- your walls, flooring and other structural elements are cleaned and disinfected to leave them ready for paint or additional repairs necessary

Deodorizing- our SERVPRO team utilizes air scrubbers, deodorant pellets, and thermal fogging to neutralize and kill smell molecules in your home

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is your greatest ally after a fire hurts your home. Whether the damage seems widespread or not, call us at (318) 865-4655 and let us assess its scope. Together we can leave your home, "Like it never even happened." 

Find out more about Shreveport.

What Steps Ensure That Flood Drying Happens as It Should for My Shreveport Home?

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the training and equipment your Shreveport home needs after water damage.

Extraction and drying are essential elements to our flood restoration work in Shreveport homes and involve multiple tools, technologies, and experience to complete correctly. 

Flooding can present rapidly changing conditions for your Shreveport home. As challenging as these disasters can be, the right response from qualified restoration professionals can help prevent the situation from getting out of control. We have skilled experts in flood restoration and water recovery that can implement the right tools to protect your property as efficiently as possible when we arrive.

Much of the need for flood water removal for damage in Shreveport homes hinges on an assortment of extraction and drying tools. These industry-leading devices are vital in helping to manage flood losses by removing present surface damage concerns. At the same time, other technologies and machines can work on labeling other areas of interest where thorough drying might be necessary.

What Initial Readings and Details Are Necessary? 

It can be essential to identify any possible atmospheric or environmental conditions that could impact the efficiency of drying your home. Moisture content is often one of the first factors to determine, and this might also include identifying where migration of flood loss effects has occurred. It is not challenging for water to find its way into structural cavities between wall systems, so we utilize sophisticated technologies like thermal imagery and hygrometers to detect moisture pockets and dampness to address these concerns as they get discovered.

Beyond standing water concerns, which can often be a substantial obstacle after flooding, we also must ensure that the entire impacted area gets prepared for extraction and drying efforts to come. Part of this venture's success hinges on isolating the affected regions of the property while preventing cross-contamination or migration of these effects to areas currently undamaged by flooding. We document conditions upon inspection with our SERVPRO DryBook software.  

What Extractors Are Best for Floodwater? 

Flooding almost always comes with a need for extraction and water removal. The tools used to do this vary based on the severity of the damage and where these threats might be in the house. With dozens of potential extraction units ranging from truck-mount pumps in our Green Fleet to mobile extractors like our wet vacuums, we have the right tools and technologies to address the conditions in your home after a flood loss incident. Flooding typically requires multiple water removal tools, including:

• Submersible Pumps – These pumps are often a vital need after a flood, as standing water can exist in various areas. Trash pumps are the common choice to pass debris present in natural floodwater.

• Truck-Mount Pumps – For excessive water damages after a flood, extractor trucks can have a fast and powerful impact. These pumps can remove water at 300 psi, making them the most efficient removal tool in our equipment inventory.

• Wet Vacuums – When water depths drop below two inches, pumps are less effective. Vacuums and their attachments can help to remove surface water and trapped moisture in materials like carpets.

Who Maintains Drying Equipment While It Runs? 

We often set up drying tools throughout your house in the appropriate places and allow them to run for several hours or longer unsupervised. We can trust in the efficiency of our tools and technologies, and it ensures that we can help begin the restoration process without being an overbearing presence in your house. Once affected area barriers and boundaries have been established in your home, we anticipate the devices to be left alone until our return.

We can reevaluate the drying process effectiveness and modify the placement and volume of drying tools like air movers, dehumidifiers, and drying mats to suit the new conditions. There are several reasons that we do not continuously watch drying progress, and these include:

• It can save you money
• It can give you time to process the changing situations
• We are not continuously needed through the drying phases

Is the Desiccant or the Low-Grain Refrigerant Dehumidifier Better? 

Dehumidifiers are a vital part of the drying process for many flood-damaged homes. The choice between desiccant and low grain refrigerant options often involves the conditions of the house and the unaffected areas or external influences like humidity levels. Desiccants can be a wise choice when dry air can get brought back into the property through the exhaust. When overly moist conditions exist outside of the house, low grain refrigerant models might be a better and more efficient option for moisture content inside.

Flooding can be a traumatic situation for your home, but our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team can help with effective water removal and drying practices. Give us a call anytime at (318) 865-4655.

Is It Possible to Get Hundreds of Gallons of Water Out of My Shreveport Home?

7/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Shreveport has the state of the art equipment needed to extract water fast, regardless of the cause and extent of the loss.

Specialized Large-Capacity Equipment and the Trained Technicians to Operate Position SERVPRO as a Water Extraction Leader for Shreveport Residents

When you think about moving large amounts of water out of a Shreveport residence, storm-related flooding might come to mind. The reality is that the ordinary, everyday wear and tear endured by your plumbing and appliances is much more likely to cause a leak or overflow than a hurricane or torrential downpour. If you worry that the heavy-duty equipment used for catastrophic events is unavailable for your more mundane crisis, think again.

Is a Fresh Water Plumbing or Appliance Break Less Dangerous than Overland Flooding?

A water heater rupture or supply line break can pour massive amounts of water needing extraction into your Shreveport abode. The problem compounds if it happens while you are at work or out of town, and no one notices nor turns the water off promptly. Just a day or two of inattention can transform the clean Category 1 water into contaminated Category 2 or 3 fluids. What many do not realize is that plain, “clean” water is incredibly destructive to porous materials even without contaminants. It also provides the fuel needed for mold spores to transform into mold colonies.

What Do Professionals Use to Extract Large Amounts of Water?

SERVPRO stocks our service vehicles with all the extraction and structural drying equipment necessary to remove water and moisture fast. When water is deeper than two inches, we choose to position submersible pumps as a rapid and hands-off strategy, particularly helpful if some of the spaces affected are confined and difficult otherwise to reach. If the electricity is unavailable because of safety concerns, our powerful truck-mounted extractors operate using onboarded generators. The extractors:

    •    Avoid delays and offload water of all Categories fast
    •    Are capable of containing for lawful disposal 60 to more than 100 gallons of contaminated water

SERVPRO of South Shreveport has the state of the art equipment needed to extract water fast, regardless of the cause and extent of the loss. Contact us at (318) 865-4655 for speedy and skilled assistance.

A Fire Has Destroyed My Home and Left Smoke Residues in Several Rooms. How Do I Clean up the Mess?

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know what you have to do to satrt the fire restoration process? Call SERVPRO in Shreveport they can do it all when it comes to restoration.

Hire SERVPRO Technicians to Conduct Fire Restoration in Your Shreveport Home

A fire can cause significant primary and secondary damage to your Shreveport home. Therefore, it is critical to begin the restoration process on time to avoid expensive repairs. You can hire SERVPRO restoration experts to help you restore your home to its normal condition.

Why should I involve professionals?

Hiring us to conduct fire restoration in your Shreveport residence is vital because we have decades of experience in dealing with smoke residues. We have the skill and high-tech equipment that allows us to offer top quality services. Our response team is always available to respond to our customers’ emergencies throughout the year. 

What are some unseen damages to expect?

No matter the severity of a fire, its effects are usually clear in a property. An insignificant fire can leave charred walls and cabinets, acrid smells of burnt plastic, and soot on your ceilings. Extensive damage can happen beneath the soot and char. The firefighting process can short electrical systems and outlets. Sprinkler systems and water used to extinguish the fire can cause water damage and potential mold growth.

What does fires damage restoration include?

•     Thorough damage assessment and documentation
•     Water damage restoration
•     Soot and smoke residue removal
•     Furniture and upholstery restoration

The assessment helps us get a clear picture of the fire damage and determine the best technique and tools to use in the restoration process. Soot and smoke residues are difficult to clean with plain water. Our SERVPRO technicians can use some of our advanced products to clean various surfaces. For instance, we can use wood crème paste to clean your kitchen cabinets and other wood surfaces. The product removes water stains, soot residues, and deodorizes the surfaces.

How do you clean upholstery?

We use special techniques to clean upholstery to minimize damage. If the excessive moisture of cleaning products may ruin upholstery, we can use the foam-cleaning technique. Our restorers use foam generated from our formulated products to minimize the dampness.

Fire damage can wreak havoc in your home. SERVPRO of South Shreveport has certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to provide fire damage restoration. Call us today at (318) 865-4655.

How Do I Remove Water from the Carpeting in My Shreveport Shop?

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Discovering that water damage has affected your store is never pleasant. Make the right decision and contact SERVPRO.

Carpets can absorb high volumes of water when disasters occur, making it one of the places that must get dried out first to prevent further losses. 

Flooring can be one of the first materials affected by migrating water and saturation in your Shreveport shop. Besides structural elements that can become damaged and the wares and stock in your shop, addressing water losses as promptly as possible is vital to protecting your investment and shop location. Through both restoration and repairs, our SERVPRO professionals can help you to manage this loss scenario and get your doors back open quickly after a loss emergency.

From the pressing need that your structure has for responses like extraction and drying to full-scale commercial water damage repair in your Shreveport store, our professionals can help. Because flooring can be so substantially impacted by pooling water and migrating loss effects, it is often one of our technicians' priorities when we arrive. Carpeted floors are among the most sensitive of the flooring types, and one that many small business owners have throughout the main traffic area of the building.

How Do You Choose What Can Get Restored?

Before restoration can get started officially in your store, our team must evaluate the full scope of the property's damage. Noting where water has migrated to and where the problem originated can help us to provide sufficient water damage repairs in your Shreveport home like replacing plumbing or fixtures like sprinkler heads where they have broken. There are many focal points of a pre-restoration job scoping effort conducted by our management. These include:

• Content Inspection - There is no mistaking the importance of the wares and stock in your shop, as these are the items that you have invested your time and money into for hopes of a profit. Water losses can irreparably damage these contents. We can work to relocate your stock and evaluate them on an item-by-item basis to determine if they need focused restoration attention. 
• Structural Evaluation - Much like the wares of your shop, your building is also a vital element to running a successful business. We can inspect structural components to determine if controlled demolition, replacements, or repairs are necessary during mitigation and latter stages of restoration.
• Water Migration - With the use of sophisticated technologies like infrared imagery and surface moisture meters, we can track the presence of water in materials and structural cavities. With these tools, we can determine the path of migrating water and ensure that all exposed materials get effectively dried. 

What Are the Threats of Standing Water?

Standing water can occur quickly with a severe loss incident like a broken piece of pipe or a missing fixture. Pooling in any area of your building can lead to some substantial loss scenarios. With the prompt response of our SERVPRO team, it is possible to avoid some of these conditions, including:

• Structural Deterioration - Flooring is especially sensitive to the absorption of standing water. Carpet and hardwood flooring can begin to warp and get irreparably damaged within 48 hours of exposure. 
• Material and Content Exposure - The contents of your shop and other structural elements are equally susceptible to this destruction after exposure persists for longer than it should. 
• Longer Restoration Windows - Inadequately managed standing water concerns can lead to longer restoration times. Between removing moisture from flooring materials and structural elements to recovering exposed contents in your main shop area, standing water poses a considerable challenge for even our seasoned restoration professionals. 

How Can Carpets Get Dried Out?

Carpets are among the most sensitive of flooring materials for water absorption and damage, which means that our technicians must act quickly to protect these installed elements when possible. Water removal and drying of this flooring often fall to specific practices and equipment, including:

• Weighted Extraction 
• Carpet Wands 
• Floating the Carpet 

Is it More Cost-Efficient to Replace it?

There are certain situations where it could be more efficient and cost-effective to remove damaged carpeting and reinstall it after drying completes. These scenarios especially are valid when saturation has moved beyond the padding layer and begun to threaten the subflooring material like OSB board or concrete.

Whether you are looking to protect your contents in the shop or prevent the unnecessary removal and replacement of your carpeted floors, our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team must respond immediately to water loss scenarios in your shop. Do not hesitate to call our professionals to help - We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. You can reach us anytime at (318) 865-4655.

An Intense Storm Caused Flood Damage in My House, What Do I Do?

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

When the storms roll in, so can SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of Shreveport is Here to Help You During Your Hour of Need!

Storms can leave our homes in need of flood damage remediation services in what feels like the blink of an eye. However, no matter how the damage found its way into your Shreveport home, you need to get help immediately. Quickly addressing any water-based damage is the key to success. 

Imagine a severe storm hitting the city of Shreveport and causing flood damage to your home. Lightning struck a nearby tree and caused it to fall on top of your home's sunroom, crushing a section of the ceiling. Suddenly, rainwater is pouring inside your home and soaking your furniture. Calling for help is the best thing you can do for your home.

How Fast Can SERVPRO Get to Me During a Storm? 

Here at SERVPRO, we make it a priority to arrive as swiftly as possible. During a storm, we can help speed up the travel process by: 

• Taking pre-loaded vehicles, equipped with flood damage remediation equipment 
• Using city-wide reports to avoid flooding roadways 
• Use a GPS to ensure we're taking the fastest possible route 

No matter the time, we're ready to help you when you need it. 

What Can SERVPRO Do to Stop Water From Getting Inside? 

Our first priority upon arriving at your home is to stop excess moisture from getting inside. Using our team of highly trained technicians, we can: 

• Remove the tree from your home, even if we must cut it into sections with chainsaws
• Cover the hole in the roof of your sunroom with a tarp
• Help you get in contact with a certified contractor who can rebuild 

We're dedicated to helping you get the assistance you need for your home. From there, we can use advanced equipment to begin removing the water from inside of your home. Furthermore, we can send your porch-furniture to our facility to be professionally cleaned and dried. 

If flood damage suddenly strikes your home, get help now. Speak with SERVPRO of South Shreveport by dialing (318) 865-4655. No matter the time or the place, we're here for you.

What Should I Do While Waiting For Emergency Roof Repair?

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damaged Roof in Shreveport? Call SERVPRO to Mitigate the Damages

If your Roof Has Blown Off, Contact SERVPRO Storm Damage Technicians in Shreveport Immediately to Secure the Property

Why do roofs blow off in a storm?

Most roof shingles can withstand winds of up to ninety miles an hour, although, in some storm risk areas like Shreveport, they may need to withstand up to one hundred and forty MPH. As high-speed winds blow over a roof, they create a pressure imbalance that can lead to a significant upward pressure against roof shingles. Sometimes the upward pressure is so intense that it can force part or all of the roof off, leaving a home exposed to rainwater, wind, and debris while also significantly reducing the structural integrity of your building.

How much damage is caused by a blown off roof?

Harm to the roof of your home is among the most severe storm damage a Shreveport resident can face. Homes rely on principles of shared loads, equal distribution, and tensile strength. Your roof is an essential ingredient to the overall structure of your home. Upper floors may have exposure to rainwater as well as large amounts of falling debris on the lower levels and yard.

What should I do when a roof is badly damaged?

• Contact your insurer
• Arrange for a restorer
• Distance your family from any hazards

Can a restorer repair your roof?

Roof restoration should only be carried out by a qualified professional. However, restorers play a vital role in the repairs by preparing the job site and establishing safe conditions for third-party roofers. Our SERVPRO team can repair roofs under certain instances. There is likely to be significant amounts of debris on your property that needs to be cleared away. Equally, scoping the property and setting up tarps to protect the structure is essential. SERVPRO technicians can transport your contents for safe storage while arranging a third-party roofer on your behalf.

We can help you salvage or repair your contents and structure after severe winds. Contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

Can My Home Be Effectively Deodorized Following a Fire?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage leaves odors. SERVPRO has the tools to restore your home and remove the odors. Call us today!

Several Local Shreveport Cleaning and Restoration Companies, Like SERVPRO, can Deodorize Your Fire Damaged Home.

Recently, one Shreveport resident experienced a moderate house fire. The fire started in an upstairs bedroom and later spread into the attic, causing considerable fire damage on the second floor and in the loft. After the fire, black soot stains were omnipresent, and the entire house reeked of smoke. Structural elements, insulation, and the home’s contents were all affected by the fire’s effects. Not knowing what to do, the homeowner started researching local cleaning and remediation services that could return her residence to the preloss condition. Eventually, she came across SERVPRO and decided to give us a try.

What Innovative Tools Do Fire Damage Remediation Services Employ to Restore Your Shreveport Home?

There are numerous restoration companies, like SERVPRO, that handle fire damage in Shreveport. These services use several innovative tools to eliminate fire-related odors from your home. This gear includes:

• High-velocity box fans that rapidly exchange affected interior air for clean air, reduce smells, and dry areas impacted by firefighting efforts
• Air scrubbers to filter interior air, removing gases and odorous particles, and release the cleaned air back into your house
• Ozone machines that produce ozone, a gas that reacts with and neutralizes odor particles
• Vaportek units that use natural oils to impact and eliminate unwanted smells similarly
• Duct cleaning systems with agitation elements, a powerful vacuum, and an effective filtration network to clean HVAC systems thoroughly
• Pressure sprayers that deodorize charred structural elements
• Thermal foggers that vaporize deodorizers, so that their particles are as small as odor-causing molecules can effectively counteract bad smells
• Ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers to seal and deodorize ventilation systems, structural elements, and difficult-to-access areas
• Injection devices, which use a pump and needle, to treat upholstery and carpets with deodorants

Experienced technicians are often able to make your home smell like it never even experienced fire damage by using these advanced tools.

What Can SERVPRO Treat and Deodorize?

SERVPRO can treat and deodorize most structural elements and household items. We have successfully restored homes damaged by cigarette mishaps, cooking fires, forest fires, and other unfortunate occurrences in. In the case of the Shreveport resident previously described, our technicians were able to remediate effectively the: 

• Attic, including insulation and rafters
• HVAC system
• Ceilings, walls, and floors
• Home’s various fixtures
• Valuable personal property

After finishing work on her house, we had neutralized the fire-related smells and removed all of the ugly soot stains from affected surfaces.

How Does SERVPRO Eliminate Odors in Living Spaces?   

When deodorizing the fire damaged Shreveport resident’s home, our technicians employed a variety of advanced tools and techniques to remove odorous residues. Some of these novel tools and methods included:

• The use of dry cleaning sponges to remove non-grease residues
• Employing the peroxide active cleaning technique to clean heavily soiled textured ceilings
• Using duct cleaning systems to clean HVAC surfaces and ULV foggers to seal and deodorize them

These measures helped remove odor-causing substances from the home, while also preventing remaining airborne particles from circulating to other, unaffected parts of the residence. 

Are There Any Special Measures Taken to Remediate Attics?

There are two primary components of all attics, structural elements called “rafters” and the insulation. When attempting to restore these fire-damaged attic elements, there are a few unique things our technicians do. First, they ventilate the area with high-velocity box fans and air scrubbers. Workers may even leave an ozone machine in the attic overnight. Next, they might counteract odors with a ULV fogger treatment. Or, technicians may treat the attic with a thermal fogger. If needed, they place an additional insulation layer over the fire-damaged insulation to counteract any smoke damage. Workers may also seal in any persistent odors in structural elements by pressure spraying them with chemicals.

When your home suffers fire damage, it is traumatic for your entire family. Fires impact the functionality of your home and reduce the aesthetic beauty.  Additionally, structural elements may be compromised, precious personal possessions are often damaged, and you almost always face substantial repair costs. At this time, you need the help of trained and experienced professionals that might save your residence and most precious belongings. However, like most homeowners experiencing these difficulties, you are likely unsure of whom to call for help. Rest assured, though, that there are services in Shreveport that can clean and restore your home. They are often available whenever you need them.   

With all that said, if you ever need assistance handling residential fire damage, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Shreveport, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport today at (318) 865-4655 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Where Can I Find Commercial Flood Restoration Services in Shreveport?

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Get your commercial premises back in working order, contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

Flooding Causes  Harm to your Shreveport Business Premises with Each Passing Hour

Does my business insurance cover flood damage?

Insurance for your commercial premises can provide coverage for reconstruction or restoration of flood damage in Shreveport when specifically mentioned within your policy document. If you are in a flood risk area, then it is likely that your policy covers flood restoration. You may want to double-check your policy agreement if there is a reported risk of flooding in the local area. SERVPRO restorers have experience working closely with insurance adjusters and commercial property managers to guide your business back to its preloss condition.

How long does it take to restore a flooded business?

Removing standing water and preventing further water intrusion in Shreveport is essential to mitigating property and contents harm. Our crew chiefs can place flood blocks or sandbags against entrance ways to divert the path of water from entering your property. Using electric submersible pumping equipment, we can rapidly remove water from a property up to twenty-five feet away from the truck mount. Restoration time is typically measured in days and weeks.

How does the restoration procedure play out from start to finish?

    •    Mitigation of losses by blocking water, scoping the property, and reducing standing water levels (pumping.)
    •    Inspection of losses and strategy planning
    •    Disinfecting the affected area
    •    Drying and restoring damaged building materials or contents

What special services do I need for commercial flooding?

Many issues are challenging for flood restorers. These issues mainly focus on water impact and water migration in your premises. SERVPRO has a roster of expert technicians that include water restoration technicians (WRT) and applied structural drying (ASD) technicians. Our skill-base enables us to perform multiple types of restoration on a given property without enlisting third-party assistance.

Get your commercial premises back in working order, contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

For more about Shreveport click here.

Should I Hire Professional Cleaning Services Right Now?

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

There are times when dusting is not enough. SERVPRO offers enhanced cleaning services.

Shreveport Businesses are in the Fight Against the Virus

The pandemic is changing life as we know it in many places and ways, at least for a period of time.  Many businesses are also a casualty due to enforced lockdowns to help prevent the spread of the virus, and many that remain open are taking proactive cleaning measures.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport Provides Disinfection and Cleaning Services

The CDC encourages regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces such as tabletops, counters, doorknobs, elevator cars, stairway handrails, and other surfaces. Our trained and experienced SERVPRO technicians are familiar with cleaning procedures for a variety of situations involving biohazards such as anti-microbial remediation for mold, bacteria (sewage spills), and cleaning and applying disinfectants for viruses such as the previous SARS episode.  We are fully capable and ready to help any business with this pandemic. SERVPRO of South Shreveport offers cleaning programs for businesses that remain open as well as those that are currently closed.  Businesses that have remained closed during the mandated stay-at-home order may wish to have deep cleaning services in their preparation for a relaunch.  We also provide deep-cleaning for institutions such as schools, athletic facilities, medical facilities, and government buildings.

There are many reasons to use a professional cleaning company.

• Experience, training, and IICRC certification
• Access to EPA approved medical-grade cleaning products
• Commercial grade equipment 
• Flexible work hours 24/7
• No job is too large, or for that matter too small

If you need help with professional cleaning services, get help now.  If you have questions and are looking for meaningful answers, please get in touch with SERVPRO of South Shreveport by dialing (318) 865-4655. 

To find out more about Shreveport, click here. 

Disclaimer: Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

What Do I Do When A Broken Ice Maker Causes Water Damage?

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle all types of water damage.

Call The Experts At SERVPRO To Assist You With Water CleanUp And Restoration To Help Prevent Further Damage To Your Business.

Most restaurants in Shreveport contain a large number of kitchen appliances to aid them in cooking and preparing food. If one of these appliances that use H2O breaks, then it is possible that your kitchen will flood and cause you excessive commercial water damage. Appliances like your industrial ice machine are useful, but they could malfunction and start spilling moisture all over your restaurant's building.

If the ice machine malfunction occurs at night when your business is closed, then hundreds of gallons of H2O could travel throughout your structure and cause several issues with your building materials and contents. During commercial water damage incidents in Shreveport, the moisture can follow gravity and start ruining your floors. Once your floors get wet, the relative humidity levels inside your restaurant can elevate and possibly cause other secondary problems.

If you ever notice that your ice machine has broken and it was pouring out water while your business was closed, it is wise to seek help from a professional company like SERVPRO. We can respond quickly and immediately start working to remediate your problems. First, we can shut off the pipes running to your ice maker and prevent the leak from continuing to occur. Next, we use moisture sensors to test your various contents and structural components to see what might have got wet.

Since your restaurant could have different flooring in your kitchen and dining rooms, our SERVPRO technicians can take various steps to remove moisture from each type of flooring affected. During the extraction phase, we can remove moisture from hard surface floors in your kitchen by vacuuming, mopping, or squeegeeing. If your dining room contains carpets, we can use weighted extraction tools with our truck-mounted extractor to compress the carpets and pull up the liquid.

Then, we can set up air movers and dehumidifiers on top of each of your affected floors to speed up the natural drying and evaporation process. We can dry your wet carpets faster if we pull up a section of it and place air movers underneath them so that air gets pushed under your carpeting.

If you ever have an appliance break and leak moisture into your restaurant's kitchen, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 any day of the week. We can help you restore your business to the way it was before, "Like it never even happened."

Learn more about Shreveport.

How Can You Decide What Is Salvageable After a Shreveport House Fire?

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage spreads quickly throughout the home. SERVPRO is a complete fire damage restoration specialists.

Enlist the Expertise of Your Local SERVPRO to Help Save Time, Expense, and Memories in Your Shreveport Home 

Nothing about dealing with the devastation of a residential fire is easy. Once you have experienced the heat, flames, and destruction, you are likely to be on an emotional roller coaster like no other. You need a rapid assessment of the damage done to your Shreveport home’s structure, followed by immediate implementation of a recovery plan by a highly-trained and qualified team of experts.  

Who Knows Which Items to Discard and Which to Save? 

Although it might seem as though our managers and technicians are focused primarily on the fire damage to your Shreveport house’s structure, we also have comprehensive training and familiarity with the evaluation and appropriate restoration of compromised household goods and furnishings. We can also assist with any question you have about personal goods and possessions. Sometimes homeowners discard items they could have saved, wasting time and expense to replace. Rely on our trained professionals for expert evaluation and guidance when you wonder and worry about contents cleaning and recovery after fire damage. 

Are Some Household and Personal Items Hazardous to Keep After a Fire? 

Some categories of household contents can pose concerns if kept for use after Shreveport fires. Items for consumption or that are likely to be in close contact with your family must be evaluated carefully and discarded if no restoration can stop their damaged condition from putting your or your family’s health at risk.  

Can You Keep Food After a Fire? 

Even if the food looks normal and seems unburned by the flames, there can be many crucial reasons why our crew members recommend that disposal of it should occur.  

Non-Perishable Food 

• Food in opened packages or on counters or tables needs discarding. Smoke, soot, and firefighting chemicals or water contaminate the food, rendering it unfit or even dangerous for consumption.  

• Food still sealed in bags, bottles, jars, and cans might seem safe, but if they had exposure to heat during the fire, the temperature change could activate bacteria inside containers. Food spoilage and poisoning can occur, demanding that you err on the side of caution and throw out any questionable food.   

• Toxic fumes and even soot can pass through the cardboard and plastic of boxed foods like crackers, cereals, and baking supplies. Particles have been found in jars, climbing the ridges on a screw top. Throw out any foodstuff in this category. 

Perishable Food 

A refrigerator or freezer can provide adequate protection for the foods kept within during a fire under certain circumstances. As long as all the following is true, the contents are likely to be safe. 

• The appliance sustained no fire or heat damage and remained sealed the entire time. 
• Power not cut or four or fewer hours passed without electrical operation. 

Regardless of a “passing grade” received by meeting the above criteria, if any of the following is accurate, do not eat frozen or chilled food: 

• A smoke smell pervades the interior of the appliance
• Soot is visible inside the appliance
• The temperature of the interior of a refrigerator exceeds 40 degrees
• Items in a freezer are softening and have no visible ice crystals
• Foods have any unusual odor or texture 

What Are the Rules About Using Medications, Cosmetics, and Other Personal Care Items After a Fire? 

If heat or flames were near over the counter or prescription drugs or treatments, chemical changes could occur. Especially if bottles, jars, tubes, or packaging shows melting or warping, discard. 

Anything used on the body, face, or hair also can undergo chemical changes through heat or burning, and soot can pass through packaging. Shampoos, lotions, creams, soaps, body washes, and other items are all of concern. Soot particles are toxic and abrasive, so even tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and similar products like diapers, cotton balls or swabs, hair or face brushes, sponges, and more can be harmful to use on skin or hair. 

Is It Safe to Reuse Linens and Clothing? 

Restoration for textiles and fabrics is possible with proper cleaning, disinfection, and deodorization. SERVPRO technicians at our production facility can examine and review the fire damage to these items to make sure you and your family can enjoy them again safely. 

What Are the Recommendations for Furniture, Household Goods, and Personal Possessions?

We often suggest a partial pack-out of a wide range of the removal of fire damaged items in your home. We use a detailed Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to track the articles, employing traditional lists, barcoding, and digital images. Our specially trained content technicians have a wide range of resources and interventions to assess and plan for the restoration of the items. The documentation provided by CCIS helps us keep your insurance carrier apprised and can support claims for our services or replacement when necessary. 

Years of highly skilled and well-equipped responses to residential fire damage poises SERVPRO of South Shreveport to assist you and your family with taking care of all the aspects of fire loss devastation. Call us 24/7 at (318) 865-4655 for compassionate professional mitigation and remediation services for your home and its contents. 

How Do I Know if there is Trapped Water Behind My Kitchen Cupboards in Shreveport?

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Technicians Use Inspection Devices to Find Moisture in Your Shreveport Kitchen

When there is water damage anywhere in your Shreveport home, it is critical to take care of it right away, especially because of the humid Northwest Louisiana climate that often fosters microbial growth. Kitchens pose a unique challenge as there are cupboards and appliances which may conceal water damage.

For this reason, it is crucial to identify and address hidden pockets of water as quickly as possible to mitigate further water damage in Shreveport. Technicians use specialized equipment to locate the water and determine how much water there is.

What Type of Devices Locate the Water?
    •    Thermal imaging cameras quickly detect the presence of water by sensing the presence of moisture through thermal images that detect temperature differences.
    •    Technicians use moisture sensors to detect water beneath the carpet and padding.

How Do Technicians Know How Much Water is Trapped?
    •    SERVPRO technicians use moisture meters that measure the levels of moisture in different materials.
    •    Penetrating moisture meters use probes to determine moisture levels through multiple surface layers.
    •    Borescopes and inspection cameras use a long hose to reach cavities and capture an image so technicians can check for contamination and see the moisture.

What Do I Need to Do to Dry the Moisture?
    •    Extract the water through the use of portable extraction equipment.
    •    Portable equipment with wand attachments reaches small, out-of-the-way spaces.
    •    Our specialists dry remaining moisture with air movers and dehumidifiers by replacing moist air with warm, dry air.
    •    SERVPRO technicians may use cavity drying equipment that has either vents attached to air movers or blowers attached to hoses that direct air into the wall cavity.

For immediate help finding and taking care of hidden moisture within your home, contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport 24/7 at (318) 865-4655. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Shreveport click here.

Some Warning Signs of Shreveport Fire Damage 

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fires leave behind soot and foul odors - among other things. Contact SERVPRO to assess the situation and remediate the damage that remains.

The Use of Hydroxyl Machines After Fires in Shreveport Homes

The sciences that make up modern deodorization and environmental cleaning after a fire in Shreveport homes shows how advanced restoration has become. Years have gotten spent where experienced technicians relied on foggers, chemicals, and ozone machines to neutralize foul odors in a residence. Today, one of the most heavily used tools for removing smoke and other foul odors after a house fire is a hydroxyl generator.

Hydroxyl machines utilize a natural process that the planet continues to use as a means of cleaning up the atmosphere – this same technology and chemical process helps to neutralize fire damage in Shreveport houses. Hydroxyl radicals are what these machines produce, and this replicates the process where UV rays from the sun reach with water and oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere. These radicals pull hydrogen atoms from compounds, which can destroy odor compounds, volatile organic compounds, and other similar structures.

Despite the growing popularity of hydroxyl machines, the ozone generator has not been entirely retired. Each of these units has their place and purpose in fire effect and odor removal. Advantages to choosing the hydroxyl radical approach rather than producing oxygen with an additional atom, include the safer use in smaller spaces by harnessing UV radiation and the understanding that these machines react at almost a million times faster of a rate.

When it comes to fire and smoke odor removal, hydroxyl radicals can help. By isolating and removing the hydrogen atom in odor compounds, they can get disassembled and neutralized. This reaction includes scents trapped in clothing and other soft materials throughout the house. Unlike ozone machines, our SERVPRO technicians can continue other aspects of mitigation while these machines run. With ozone, it is unsafe for humans and pets to be around the chemical process.

After a fire loss, many noxious odors can exist in your home that must get addressed by our experienced technicians and their cutting-edge equipment. If you need odor removal, you can count on our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team to show you the effectiveness of hydroxyl radicals in your home. Give us a call today at (318) 865-4655.

Click here for more information about Shreveport.

Did Your Shreveport Home Experience Flood Damage?

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

It's rainy season in Shreveport! Should spring flooding invade your home, call SERVPRO! We are equipped to handle your flood damage emergency!

Shreveport- Keep the Water Outside!

Shreveport is rich in history, and many people travel from all over the world only to see the sights. Our people are unique, as is our landscape. Unfortunately, the same thing that makes us unique can also be a danger for our homeowners. The elevation of our city is a threat whenever water levels rise and prompt water to travel through our neighborhoods and enter our homes. The ensuing debris and disruption of our lives are hard to wrap your arms around, but calling a professional service for help is a step in the right direction.

When there is flood damage to your home in Shreveport, call SERVPRO immediately. While keeping safety in mind, our team travels to your home to assess the damage and pull together an action plan to bring your home back to normal. Even if you make an initial move to extract water and minimize your loss, the expertise and equipment our technicians use help to make the difference. A call to our 24/7 hotline alerts us to travel to your home as soon as safety conditions allow us to do so.

One of the reasons why household-scale solutions are not enough is the debris, and bacteria floodwater brings into your home. Regardless of the volume of water standing in your living areas, only industry-grade cleaning solutions and equipment can counteract the damage inflicted by water as well as assist in preventing future consequences. The specialized nature of what our SERVPRO team does is evident at arrival when we don our personal protective equipment, such as suits and masks, and we apply our specialized measuring tools. Infrared technology, moisture detectors, air scrubbers, and many others have a place in your home. Let our crew be your guide during the restoration process, so the flooding becomes a memory.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is an essential part of our community. When you call us at (318) 865-4655 and invite us to be on your restoration team, we commit to being your most valuable resource. Like you, we want your home and life back in order. With our help, your home looks, “Like it never even happened.”

More about Shreveport.

Water Damage Repairs In Your Shreveport

2/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Shreveport knows how to boost your spring-cleaning tasks, so you get the most out of your efforts.

Adding Water Damage Repairs to Your Spring Cleaning Tasks in Shreveport

Over the winter months, condensation inside your Shreveport residence can make things smell musty. Dust collecting on surfaces adds to this, and it helps create an inviting environment for microorganisms. Moving things around while spring cleaning often stirs up that dust, and also causes microbes to release spores into the air.

SERVPRO is always ready to help homeowners with mitigating and restoring their homes in Shreveport of water damage and related situations. Your home could have minor problems now, but waiting allows these to increase in their severity. Our technicians use methods that effectively contain dust and spores. These same techniques also make drying damp areas more efficient.

We know you deep clean your home to rid it of accumulated dirt, freshen up upholstered furniture, draperies, carpets, rugs, and bedding, and organize your home for the more active months of summer. We can help check for problems like water damage and increase the effectiveness of your own labor. Our building crew has the tools to fix loose plumbing and connections that you locate, as well as make repairs to damaged walls, floors, and ceilings. They can also relieve you of the chore of cleaning carpeting and rugs, freeing up your time so you can give more attention to your family’s honey-do list.

Because water damage can start almost anywhere inside a house and then spread in almost every direction, SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified restoration specialists use infrared cameras to locate affected materials in our customers’ houses. This method can provide us with visual information about water damage in places you might not have considered vulnerable.

When water damage occurs inside your home, you need experienced restoration professionals who understand your family’s needs and provide matching services. More than that, increases expenses without providing any real benefit, but less can allow water damage to spread and increase the cost of future repairs. SERVPRO’s goal is to always provide our customers with the most cost-effective services possible.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport knows how to boost your spring-cleaning tasks, so you get the most out of your efforts. Call us at (318) 865-4655 for help with carpet cleaning, plumbing repairs, deodorization, and other assistance that eliminates the effects of water damage.

For more about Shreveport click here.

How Floodwaters Damage Home Structures in Shreveport

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Floodwaters not only damage your home but bring contaminants into your property. SERVPRO has the expertise to restore your home.

Maintaining the Structure during Flood Damage Restoration of Shreveport Residential Properties

Bringing a property back from a disaster to a preloss condition takes care and attention to detail. Your home's construction and massive amounts of water are incompatible. However, in a natural disaster that leads to flooding, your home may have standing water levels as of several feet. Our emergency services are available to all residents experiencing a natural disaster. Acting carefully to remove water from a structure while mitigating losses and avoiding further harm is not an easy job.

We invest significantly in training our flood damage restorers here in Shreveport. Managing an emergency is a process that needs regular check-ins and monitoring to ensure that our strategy is going to be a successful one. Generally, the sooner you contact SERVPRO, the less damage floodwaters are likely to damage your home. However, early response is not always possible as you may be away from the property for several days before realizing there is a flood issue.

Water that remains in your property for longer than seventy-two hours can degrade and become a biohazardous emergency. Equally, long-term exposure to floodwaters can weaken or permanently harm a structure. SERVPRO technicians use pumping equipment with the necessary lift and volume to remove massive amounts of water from your home. Long exposures, however, can present a challenge when pumping out crawlspaces or basements due to hydrostatic pressure.

Hydrostatic pressure can become a primary concern when working with extreme flooding. SERVPRO technicians pump around two feet of water at a time before pausing to assess the impact it has on your home. Sometimes, hydrostatic pressure can cause walls to collapse or mortar joints to crack as the water removal process takes place. The consequences of pumping out water as quickly as possible can be disastrous, which is why SERVPRO technicians undergo strict training regimens and accumulate hundreds of hour's worth of experience before taking on a leading role in residential flooding restoration.

For technicians with experience and expertise in home emergency restoration, contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

More about Shreveport.

Revealed: Effective Methods for Dealing With Commercial Flood Damage in Shreveport

2/9/2020 (Permalink)

Whether water comes in through the ceiling or the floor, SERVPRO can remediate. Contact our technicians to assess your emergency situation.

Tactics to Avoid Commercial Flood Damage in Shreveport Properties

Louisiana experiences intense weather all year round, of particular risk, are heavy storms bringing commercial flood damage. It is vital to have water and restoration services in action as fast as possible to lessen the loss. 

Business owners bringing SERVPRO in to cleanup commercial flood damage in Shreveport properties is a smart move. Before the loss ever occurs, some actions can assist in limiting loss.

Monitoring Systems

Expand your security system, one that also monitors for smoke and water loss on the property. Video monitoring allows for the early alert of water entering the property and can make the difference between a little damage and a lot. Imagine finding out there is a water intrusion at midnight or the next morning when employees arrive for work, the time span of exposure increases the risk of more replacement cost for structure and contents. SERVPRO can be on-site quickly 24-hours daily so there is no delay in cleanup.

Establish a Ready Plan

The SERVPRO app makes it easy for commercial properties to set up a plan of action in case of damage. The set up is simple and establishes who to call in case of loss and priority areas to restore first. The location of electrical panels and water shut-offs for the building. If there are important papers, equipment, and anything crucial that requires safe removal, they can get listed in the app and handled in case of fire, water, or other types of property issues. 

Inspect Your Property Monthly

Make a list of areas to check and walk through once a month. Look for issues around the outside, relating to potential drainage issues. Stay alert for spots on walls and ceilings; this method is a great way to catch leaks not only from external damage to the structure but also from plumbing issues before they become huge problems. Once a year, have the caulking around doors and windows redone to ensure the exterior remains waterproof. 

Tell Employees to "See Something Say Something" 

While you may not notice a damp corner in a cubicle, someone that sits there every day might. Reporting issues when they occur is a proactive way to avoid not only water damage to the building but also secondary problems such as mold. 

SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 when your property and contents need a fast turnaround from commercial flood damage. The emergency response team arrives on-site quickly and makes the loss, "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more information about Shreveport.

Reducing Humidity to Improve Drying Times for Shreveport Homes

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians are always available. Call us any time.

How Our SERVPRO Team Handles Water Damage In Shreveport

Efficient drying for a Shreveport home involves a unique balance of several elements, including the temperature of the environment, the airflow against damaged areas, and the humidity. Because humidity levels are a common concern throughout the year in Louisiana, our SERVPRO professionals must identify higher moisture content concerns before beginning drying processes to ensure that we are adequately offering an efficient solution.

Finding the right approach to resolve this concern begins with initial readings and scoping of the water damage in Shreveport homes. Our technicians have sophisticated moisture content tools that can determine the concentration of water damages and the humidity levels in the structure before starting mitigation. These readings can help our professionals to determine the placement and number of dehumidifiers necessary to regulate moist air to make drying more efficient.

In many cases, establishing containment areas can expedite the drying process by limiting the range and workload of dehumidifiers and drying equipment. These drying zones allow our SERVPRO team to regulate airflow and temperature more directly as well, helping to increase the turnover time on returning your property to preloss condition. These barriers get constructed with thick plastic poly sheeting but could also feature ventilation points for the exhausting of moist air when desiccants get used.

Once moisture content has reached adequate levels in the environment, we can direct air movers at saturated walls and flooring to begin evaporative drying techniques. Ultimately, this increases humidity again, but the placement of dehumidifiers counteracts running air movers to balance created moisture in the air to dry damaged materials and contents continually. When combined with warmer temperatures that can get produced by either our air movers or direct warmth from portable electric heaters, evaporation can increase even further.

Understanding drying sciences allows our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team to provide an efficient and practical drying approach for every water loss incident we encounter. If you want to make a disaster, “Like it never even happened,” give our professionals a call 24/7 at (318) 865-4655.

Learn more about South Shreveport.

House Fire in Shreveport? Professionals Talk Soot Removal

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage is difficult to DIY. We have the cleaning agents and expertise to remove the damage and restore your home.

Get Efficient Soot Removal After Fire Damage in Your Shreveport Residence

After a fire, your home is likely to have soot damage. Fine soot particles might cling to walls, ceilings, furniture, and other items in your house.

When there is fire damage in your Shreveport home, you need to remove different types of soot residues. Some residues are more challenging to clean than others. The four different kinds of soot residues include:

• Wet smoke residues
• Dry smoke residues
• Fuel oil smoke residues
• Protein smoke residues

Fires progress through stages, and they generate both dry and wet smoke. Some fires mainly produce wet smoke, while others mainly produce dry smoke. We use different cleaning methods to eliminate various kinds of fire damage residues. At times, soot is dry in one room but oily in another, based on the materials which burned. We can deal with soot damage through:

Dry cleaning 

If you have primarily dry soot in your residence, dry cleaning methods can remove it. For instance, you can use a dry cloth to remove soot from furniture and a vacuum to remove it from carpets and upholstery. Dry cleaning ensures that powdery soot does not smear into blackened grime. However, this cleaning method is tedious and, therefore, only suitable for small areas. Remember that if the soot starts to smear after using a dry-cleaning method, you should try to wet clean it.

Wet cleaning

Wet cleaning is effective in eliminating wet or oily soot. To use this strategy, you can mix water and soap and then scrub the affected areas slightly. It is advisable to test the method in a small area to determine if it can remove the soot without ruining the underlying surface or making a mess. Wet cleaning can remove residue mixed with water or oil. However, it requires significant effort and is tedious. Furthermore, wet cleaning is only feasible on nonporous surfaces. It is unsuitable for cleaning wood or drywall.

DIY techniques can work on smaller areas of soot damage, but they are not always a great option. It can be overwhelming to clean significant soot damage on your own. There is also the risk of ruining some surfaces because of lacking the right cleaning solutions. In such cases, you can seek assistance from fire restoration experts.

SERVPRO has several products specifically designed to eliminate soot from a wide range of surfaces. Sometimes, it is impossible to remove the soot because of the nature of damaged items or the severity of the soot damage. Our technicians can discard such items.

Soot residues may contain different kinds of acids. If acidic soot residues remain on affected surfaces for a long time, they can cause corrosion or discoloration. Our SERVPRO crew has the expertise and tools required to remove soot residues from all affected materials and surfaces.

When dealing with soot damage, you can trust SERVPRO of South Shreveport to eliminate it efficiently and make it seem “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (318) 865-4655.

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Did an Unattended Stove Cause Fire Damage in Your Shreveport Home?

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

The most common fires begin in the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended and should you experience fire damage, call SERVPRO.

The Most Common Type of Fire Damage in Shreveport Homes is... 

Kitchen fires from cooking account for the majority of fire damage to residences. And with these types of fires, there is often some specialized cleaning methods necessary to remove all traces of the loss. 

The reason this type of fire damage in Shreveport homes requires professional mitigation is that protein fires release a fine mist that is nearly invisible but very pungent. While little soot may appear, the residue spreads quickly across surfaces and often requires more than over-the-counter cleaners to release its grip.  

Why SERVPRO?

The technicians undergo extensive training for handling all types of fire damage. Using their knowledge, they test residues before cleaning to determine the best method to use. For example, a dry smoke residue has the potential to get driven deeper into surfaces through the use of incorrect cleaning applications. The full scope of knowledge the techs call upon ensures they choose the methods with the best outcome, every time.  

Containment and Cleaning Methods

When only a portion of a home requires cleanup after a fire loss, it is standard for SERVPRO to contain the area. This action inhibits the spread of odors and residues throughout the undamaged areas of the home. After testing residues, they use the best cleaning agents for the job. Protein fires often need solvent-based cleaning solutions to force the residue to release its grip on surfaces. Porous items get inspected on a piece by piece basis for restoration potential.  

Walls and Cabinets 

There are two primary outcomes with walls and cabinets after a protein fire. If the cleaning agents are successful in the removal of residue, there is a good chance these areas get full restoration. In some cases, especially after the application of DIY cleaning methods before SERVPRO came on-site, the loss areas may require the use of a sealant to stop the pungent odor and create a new surface that needs paint or stain. 

SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 handles any size fire damage restoration needed to return your home to its pre-fire condition, "Like it never even happened." 

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When Kitchen Fires in Shreveport Ruin Holiday Festivities

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are some of the most common in the US. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the knowledge and equipment to restore your fire damaged home.

Removing Holiday Fire Damage from a Shreveport Kitchen 

The Christmas season is among the peak periods for home kitchen fires. From 2004-2008, US fire departments responded to an average of 154,700 cooking fires that caused an annual average of $724 million in property damages. Unattended cooking equipment was among the leading cause of these fires. From 2004 to 2005, for every US household fire reported, 50 went unreported. 

If your Shreveport residence has suffered fire damage from a kitchen or cooking- related disaster, SERVPRO technicians are available to assist you in restoring your home to a preloss condition. These professionals use industrial-grade equipment and practices rooted in scientific theory to ensure that you get a high-quality clean every time disaster strikes. 

SERVPRO Serves the Community 24/7

SERVPRO team members are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays, because this firm knows that disaster can occur anywhere, any time. SERVPRO offers over 1700 US and Canadian franchise locations, strategically positioned to address emergencies, both big and small. Not only does an immediate response make it possible to minimize damage, but it can help homeowners save on repair and replacement costs for their furnishings and possessions. 

How SERVPRO Can Help

One of the most pressing concerns after a cooking fire occurs is dealing with invisible protein residues that can leave a very distinct and strong odor that persists without professional-grade cleaning. SERVPRO has a variety of tools available to address odors related to fires, including augers, whips, and brushes designed to dislodge soils trapped in HVAC systems. Our technicians achieve odor control using air scrubbers with HEPA filters designed to catch odor-causing particles as small as 0.3 microns and a variety of odor-counteracting solutions, including time-release tablets, pellets, granules, and EPA-registered antimicrobials. Using both wet and dry cleaning solutions, we can mitigate fire-related damages and restore homes after a disaster occurs. 

SERVPRO of South Shreveport can leave your home looking, "Like it never even happened." Call (318) 865-4655 for a rapid response team that can help you during the holiday season.  

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Wind-Driven Rain Flooding in Shreveport Attics

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

We have the equipment to restore your home have flood damage

Call SERVPRO When You Have Flood Damage

Flooding that occurs as a direct result of structural breaches caused in a storm can become a challenging obstacle for Shreveport homeowners to restore. While many property owners in the area have invested in forms of flood insurance through their home coverage providers, many of these plans and policies do not cover flooding that can occur from pooling water resulting from wind-driven rain or roof vulnerabilities.

Pre-existing conditions and present weaknesses in structural elements of your property can be enough to reduce or remove coverage for storm flood damage in Shreveport houses. It is essential to know the extent of your policy before you need to delve too deeply into the fine print. Our SERVPRO professionals have become a preferred restoration vendor for many insurance companies in the area, allowing us to arrive and begin evidence and documentation collection to make the claims process as efficient as possible.

Wind-driven rain is a phenomenon in which the severe conditions of the storm can force water into your home through vulnerabilities like missing shingles, broken windows, or damaged siding. Because of how critical these conditions can become when repairs are necessary, and another storm passes through, it is vital to consider not only a team that can help you to dry and protect your investment but also repair any structural damages to the property as well. We have a full team of licensed general contractors that can help with many tasks after severe weather events, including board up and tarping, tree removal, temporary fencing, and eventual full-scale reconstruction.

Addressing the pooling water in the exposed areas of your household falls to the capable functions of our electric sump pump, wet vacuums, and a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers. Working as quickly as possible to dry out the affected region of the house reduces the need for controlled demolition and build back.

Many homeowners are unfamiliar with loopholes and shortcomings in their insurance plans that can have them paying out of pocket for restoration after severe storms. Whether you need help after a disaster strikes or want to repair vulnerable areas of your home before wind-driven rain can flood your residence, our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team can help. Give us a call anytime at (318) 865-4655.

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Some Mistakes When Dealing With Fire Damage in Shreveport That You Should Avoid

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

Regardless of which room in your home was damaged, fire damage can be quite overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO right after the fire fighters leave.

Why SERVPRO Uses Dry Sponges During Smoke and Fire Damage Cleanup of Shreveport Properties

SERVPRO's Green Fleet transports not only our crew members to each job site throughout Shreveport but also all of the equipment we need to get most jobs done fast and efficiently. Our tools, equipment, and materials include both large, powerful pieces of equipment designed to make our labor extremely productive, as well as smaller items that provide just as much of a boost to our efforts.

The effectiveness of these items is why SERVPRO uses things like our dry sponges to clean homes in Shreveport of smoke from fire damage. These sponges can reveal how damaged certain surfaces became during a fire. They often clean flat-painted surfaces well enough that staining does not happen, saving homeowners, our customers, from the added expense of repainting those areas. Our goal is always to reduce the costs a family experiences when recovering after a disaster.

Pre-cleaning the ceiling eliminates strands of soot chains and web-like deposits. These might make it seem as if your home was squalid and in need of cleaning before the fire, but we know this is not the case. These spider tags, as they are also called, only look like spiderwebs.

Besides cleaning ceilings with an adaptive device called the Fixi-Clamp, which allows us to stand on the floor instead of climbing a ladder, these sponges can clean cabinetry doors, walls, doors and their frames, and window frames. These sponges work best on cleaning away dry soot. Greasy soot requires another approach, which we are also prepared to provide when needed. When stripping overhead surfaces of soot with these sponges, our technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a mask, to eliminate the risk of inhaling any soot particles that fall to the floor. We protect the floor underneath with a drop cloth for the same reason.

Draperies tend to deteriorate quickly, especially if they receive significant exposure to the sun. This can make them fragile. We use the vacuum after pre-cleaning with the sponge to remove as much as possible. The sponge also wipes away any remaining pet hair that may have adhered to the surface of the draperies. Window blinds also attract smoke residue, and again, the dry sponge technique helps clean them up beautifully.

Another reason SERVPRO technicians grab a dry sponge to clean the inside of a home of smoke and soot is that cleaning with water-based or other wet cleaning solutions can cause additional damage to some materials. Others might not respond well to such cleaning methods. Wet cleaning methods can also leave streaks. Our technicians receive intensive training on which methods provide the desired results according to material and soot type. Removing soot can also help us detect materials that require removal and replacement by our building and reconstruction team.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport's technicians are always near your home in Forbing and ready to clean your home of soot deposits. Making everything look “Like it never even happened” happens fast when you call (318) 865-4655 to reach our 24-hour service.

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Flood Damage in Shreveport, Call SERVPRO Today!

11/30/2019 (Permalink)

Let us prove to you why you should use SERVPRO for your Shreveport damages.

We will be here for any of your Shreveport damages. 

Water damage, floods, fires, and mold contamination can occur at any time, sometimes with little notice. We all like to prepare for storms, boarding up windows and moving items to higher ground or placing sandbags. But sometimes all of the preparation is in vain. Now is the time to call in the experts and restore your home or business to its original condition, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO is locally owned, part of the community of Shreveport providing flood damage recovery, fire, storm, and mold remediation. We can respond in less than four hours and provide a 24/7 response to our customers. We can respond to small disasters as well as more significant events with the assistance of our four connected locations in the area.

Advantages of Using SERVPRO

Every disaster is different; however, over the years, we have amassed the knowledge, the equipment, and the focus on customer satisfaction to provide high quality, trusted cleaning, remediation, and restoral services to our community. The following are some of the advantages we bring to every disaster situation:

Services for Residences and Commercial Buildings of all Sizes

Water, fire, mold and storm damage restoration

Biohazard remediation and removal

Cleaning and drying of all surfaces

Odor removal and deodorization

Vandalism restoral

Graffiti removal

Cleaning air ducts, HVAC, Sewage, Carpet and furniture, drapes and blinds and more

Equipment

Large inventory of air movers,

Extraction equipment – including wands, submersible pumps, truck-mounted pumps

Air purification machines

Dehumidifiers

Moisture sensing devices

Staging areas as needed

Leadership and Training

Locally owned and operated

IICRC trained technicians

We coordinate with contractors to minimize the time and cost required

Certification training for our employees

E-Learning tools

Continuing education focus

Response Time

24/7 response to all sizes of disasters

Crew Chief onsite within four hours

Immediate assessment – safety, equipment needs, team members required

Support for insurance claims

Don't see the services you are looking for, call us for a consultation.

Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Forbing and the surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

For more information on Shreveport, click here.

We Help You Resume Operations In Shreveport After A Flood

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

We quickly showed up to this property and punched weeping holes in the ceiling to release the water caused by flood damage.

Warehouse Owner Was Glad We Arrived Soon after Commercial Flood Damage in their Shreveport Facility

A local Shreveport warehouse weathered an incident of commercial flood damage with minimal damage to the contents stored within thanks to quick action from SERVPRO. When the owner received a report that the roof was leaking like a sieve, he knew that quick action was the only way to minimize the losses incurred and called us immediately.

It was a unique case of commercial flood damage in Shreveport caused by a heavy rainstorm. Strong winds had blown off some roof shingles, creating an avenue for rainwater to cause havoc inside the structure. Before doing anything else, our SERVPRO technicians had to stop more water from getting into the structure. In our production trucks, we usually have access equipment such as ladders and cherry pickers, which made it easier to install roof tarps stopping rainwater from gaining access to the structure.

Apart from the tarps, we also set up plastic sheets over most of the bulky contents to stop dripping water from causing more harm. The warehouse owner was ecstatic since the heavy workload of moving items round to save them was reduced.

After stopping water from gaining access to the structure, pumping out standing water was the next crucial step. With the expansiveness of a warehouse, even 1 inch of standing water can mean a significant volume of water to move. At SERVPRO, we are equipped to handle such complicated tasks because we have truck-mounted water extractors and other high-speed pumps, which we used to complete the flood damage removal speedily.

Moisture control was another issue the warehouse owner was concerned about, especially with the fear of mold damage taking root after the incident. Our SERVPRO crews are well-versed with the aspects of moisture control, including managing heat, air movements, and humidity extraction. Knowing these aspects is not enough because it can be challenging to control them in the vastness of a warehouse. However, we have the equipment to match the challenge, including using Indirect Fired Furnaces to provide sufficient heat and DX, Direct Expansion Units, for humidity control.

To resume operations fast after flood damage is crucial for the survival of your business. Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 to help you. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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We Hep You Get Back In Business In Shreveport After A Flood

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Our drying equipment is getting this Shreveport building into a pre-build back condition.

Warehouse Owner Was Glad We Arrived Soon after Commercial Flood Damage in their Shreveport Facility

A local Shreveport warehouse weathered an incident of commercial flood damage with minimal damage to the contents stored within thanks to quick action from SERVPRO. When the owner received a report that the roof was leaking like a sieve, he knew that quick action was the only way to minimize the losses incurred and called us immediately.

It was a unique case of commercial flood damage in Shreveport caused by a heavy rainstorm. Strong winds had blown off some roof shingles, creating an avenue for rainwater to cause havoc inside the structure. Before doing anything else, our SERVPRO technicians had to stop more water from getting into the structure. In our production trucks, we usually have access equipment such as ladders and cherry pickers, which made it easier to install roof tarps stopping rainwater from gaining access to the structure.

Apart from the tarps, we also set up plastic sheets over most of the bulky contents to stop dripping water from causing more harm. The warehouse owner was ecstatic since the heavy workload of moving items round to save them was reduced.

After stopping water from gaining access to the structure, pumping out standing water was the next crucial step. With the expansiveness of a warehouse, even 1 inch of standing water can mean a significant volume of water to move. At SERVPRO, we are equipped to handle such complicated tasks because we have truck-mounted water extractors and other high-speed pumps, which we used to complete the flood damage removal speedily.

Moisture control was another issue the warehouse owner was concerned about, especially with the fear of mold damage taking root after the incident. Our SERVPRO crews are well-versed with the aspects of moisture control, including managing heat, air movements, and humidity extraction. Knowing these aspects is not enough because it can be challenging to control them in the vastness of a warehouse. However, we have the equipment to match the challenge, including using Indirect Fired Furnaces to provide sufficient heat and DX, Direct Expansion Units, for humidity control.

To resume operations fast after flood damage is crucial for the survival of your business. Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 to help you. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Shreveport.

Our Advanced Training Can Save Your Home In Shreveport

11/10/2019 (Permalink)

Call (318) 865-4655 to arrange for a prompt assessment after the firefighters wrap up their duties.

Advanced Training Is Why SERVPRO Crews Successfully Remove Fire Residues in Shreveport

The soiling left behind on surfaces after a fire in your Shreveport house does not respond as expected to ordinary cleaning methods. Fire residues require a range of different cleaning techniques. Making the correct choice depends on the type of surface involved, kind of materials burned, the temperature during the fire, and the amount of oxygen available to accelerate the flames. Our managers and technicians master training that prepares us to make appropriate cleaning decisions, why we demonstrate a high rate of customer satisfaction.

Categorizing Common Types of Soot
Smoke contains a range of gases, water vapor, and solid particulates, creating much of the fire damage in your Shreveport dwelling. The fine yet sharp-edged and abrasive particles we call soot are incompletely combusted bits of building materials and contents. Sooty residues cover many surfaces in your home after a fire, carried on hot air currents, often traveling far from the ignition site. Some are light and ashy, others thick and sticky. Protein-based soot follows cooking fires, depositing a thin, tightly adhered coating. Our understanding of the characteristics of these residues is why we can match appropriate cleaning products and methods as we move room to room.

What to Expect from Different Cleaning Strategies
Wood and paper burn hot, leaving light ash we can brush off and vacuum up from surfaces. Electrical fires and blazes involving rubber, fabrics, and plastics often smolder low oxygen burns resulting in dense, dark coatings. Cleaners with wetting agents and surfactants dissolve the bond the soot has with surfaces, and agitation can help loosen and remove the residue. Abrasives and solvents might be needed to resolve protein-based soot coverings. The potential for damage to underlying surfaces is why SERVPRO technicians train diligently and employ safeguards when working to remove residues.

Contents Cleaning
Our production facilities offer resources for fire, damaged personal possessions and household goods. The opportunity to use research-based techniques to clean, dry, and deodorize everything from firefighting water-soaked papers and photos to smoke-damaged furniture and clothing to sooty heirlooms and toys is why SERVPRO is a comprehensive disaster recovery company.

Dependable and well-qualified technicians are why SERVPRO of South Shreveport is the fire damage recovery leader in our community. Call (318) 865-4655 to arrange for a prompt assessment after the firefighters wrap up their duties.

For more about Shreveport click here.

How to Dry Water Damaged Ceilings in Shreveport

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

Inspect your ceilings often for signs of water damage, and call SERVPRO for fast and effective restoration solutions.

Drying Water in Ceiling Cavities of Shreveport Properties 

Because air pockets and pressure fluctuations continue to the highest points of your plumbing, many of our Shreveport customers experience substantial water loss incidents originating in their ceiling spaces between floors. Even if these pressure differentials do not lead to a full separation or burst, leaks can result. Moisture present in the ceiling cavity can lead to mold and microbial threats, or continually weaken ceiling materials to the point of collapse. 

As much as our professionals must address all aspects of water damage to Shreveport homes, these tasks must get performed in the order of the highest severity for the household. We seek to protect installed construction materials as much as possible, and that begins with limited removal of specific ceiling tiles or portions of stucco to gain stable access to the damaged area. The faster that we can address this threatened area, the better chance we have of reducing the development of mold colonies. 

To reach both the damaged plumbing and continue the drying efforts necessary to restore installed ceiling materials and the flooring above the water damage, our technicians can remove insulation materials by hand or with our insulation vacuum. With access to the damaged areas of pipe, our licensed general contractors can repair the plumbing while our team sets up our cutting-edge drying equipment. 

With confined spaces like ceiling cavities, air movers are not always the most effective drying system. Our positive pressure devices like the InjectiDry system can allow us to provide a minimally invasive burst of heated air into this space to force moisture into the environment for collection by our desiccant or LGR dehumidifiers in place within the house or outside with our larger trailered units. 

Anywhere that water loss effects can get discovered in your home require a specific approach with our cutting-edge equipment. Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport professionals have extensive training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to help you navigate the damage in your home and restore it quickly. To make your property “Like it never even happened,” give us a call today at (318) 865-4655. 

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Why Seek Expert Assistance After a Fire Damages Your Shreveport Home

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows their place and how to help when it comes to your Shreveport fire damage.

We know what needs to be done to kick that soot from your Shreveport fire damage out of your home.

Cooking is one of the most common causes of fire damage in homes. Flammable substances around the oven or unattended stove tops can cause a fire. When cooking, it is essential to stay close to the oven or stove and watch it at all times. Fires that occur during harsh weather are worse because the flames may burn a hole in your roof, exposing your home to water damage. 

You can stay in your Shreveport home after fire damage only if the destruction is small enough. Remember that heavy soot and odors can cause unlivable conditions for you and your family. The excessive heat of a fire can also compromise the structural integrity of your home. Therefore, you should let professionals inspect your property before re-entry. 

Once you get to know the extent of the fire damage, start the cleanup process immediately. Get masks, gloves, and protective clothing to stay safe. You can cover your furniture with clean tarpaulin sheets to ensure that no more soot particles settle on it. 

If your home has dry soot, you can use dry cleaning methods to remove it. For instance, you can use a dry cloth to remove the residue from furniture and a vacuum cleaner to remove it from flooring, carpeting, and upholstery. To remove wet soot, you can use wet cleaning methods. Combine soap with water and scrub the affected areas lightly. However, it is not advisable to use water to clean wood, drywall, and electronics. Removing soot from the walls and ceilings is daunting. Our SERVPRO technicians can use dry cleaning sponges, peroxide active cleaning, and wet cleaning to clean the walls and ceilings. 

A fire may also cause pungent smells that can last in your house for many months or even years. We can control and remove unpleasant smells from your home and belongings by doing the following things:

• Removing the source of the odor
• Cleaning odor-causing residues from surfaces
• Re-creating the condition of odor penetration
• Sealing surfaces as required

If the odors remain, we can use other techniques to deal with it. For instance, our SERVPRO team can use advanced equipment like hydroxyl generators and Ultra Low Volume (ULV) foggers to remove odors from your home and belongings. 

After a fire loss in your home, SERVPRO of South Shreveport can help you in restoring it to preloss condition. Call us 24/7 at (318) 865-4655 for quick remediation in Forbing and the neighboring areas. 

To learn more about Shreveport, click here.

Guaranteed No Stress Flood Damage Remediation Success In Shreveport

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

Many times there are no ways to prevent flooding and the resulting flood damage. Contact SERVPRO for effective remediation services after flooding.

Help Flood Damage Restoration in Shreveport Yourself by Conducting a Few Easy Procedures

During the hurricane season this year, several tropical storms and hurricanes have been threatening the part of the country around where Shreveport is located. These vicious storm systems coming from the Atlantic Ocean have already caused several flood damage claims and the season is not even over yet. In some cases, your property can get damaged by weather that gets created on the outskirts of the hurricane or tropical storm.

Sometimes these side storms can come quickly without much warning and cause your Shreveport home flood damage suddenly. Once the interior of your home gets affected, the best thing to do is to call in a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO. However, if seeking help is not possible right away, there are several things you can do yourself that will help mitigate the moisture issues.

According to our experts at SERVPRO, the first thing you should do when you notice that water came into your dwelling as a result of a storm is to walk through your house and inspect your entire structure for damage. Look in areas where moisture could have maybe leaked in from the ground. Also, inspect your walls and building materials around all holes to the outside, including doors, windows, and skylights.

Next, it is wise to check around and make sure your building is safe. If there is any wet drywall hanging down, remove it and keep any debris out of walking paths. If there is moisture near any light fixtures or electrical wiring of any kind, shut your power off immediately.

Once you rid your house of any potential safety hazards, it is then smart to figure out where the water entered. Follow the wet materials to the exterior walls and then try to determine how the moisture is leaking in. Once you find the source of the leak, temporarily fix it so that water stops entering your structure.

Next, it is wise to remove any standing water or liquid that has soaked into your carpet. Use a mop and a squeegee for hard-surfaced floors and a wet/dry vac for carpets. Once you think you have removed as much liquid H2O as you can, you can start trying to dry out your structure by setting up fans and creating ventilation inside your home.

Having a storm destroy parts of your property in Forbing or surrounding areas is never fun, but if you call in our team of experts, we can take the load off of your back. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we can be reached 24/7 by calling SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655.

Click here for more information about the city of Shreveport.

What Goes Into the Cost of Flood Damage Restoration in Shreveport?

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes water damage requires demolition. We removed the wet drywall and flooring to begin the drying process.

The Real Costs of Flood Damage Recovery in Shreveport Homes 

When most Shreveport homeowners think about professional restoration, one of the first aspects brought to mind is the expected cost. Without the right information and a clear understanding of what goes into an estimate, property owners can get misguided into a belief that the proposed expense is unnecessarily high. In truth, many homeowners find that not choosing professional restorers can end up costing them more after disasters like flooding occur. 

Flood damage in your Shreveport home can be a challenging situation to overcome for residents, and that is why so many choose the dependable 24/7 response and expertise of our SERVPRO team. One of the first steps that our team takes when we arrive at your damaged property is to assess the full scope of the damage. We then begin designing a tailored strategy to mitigate your loss and to restore your home entirely. This process involves our management and crew chiefs, the most seasoned and experienced professionals on our roster, to ensure that jobs get done efficiently to save you time and money. 

This assessment also involves the formulation of a proposed estimated cost. The projected estimate homeowners get from our administrators encompasses multiple areas of the work that we do to bring your property back to preloss condition. We do not lump our charges into a general “cost of doing business.” From the team working with your insurance provider to field technicians and the tools that they need, we itemize each cost. We are upfront with our customers during a crisis, and we have an honest and considerate approach that has allowed complete transparency through the restoration process. 

You must also consider the costs of not choosing a professional restoration team like our SERVPRO technicians as well. Without our advanced training and hands-on experience, your home might not get thoroughly dried and restored after a flood loss. This lingering moisture can continually deteriorate structural elements and can promote mold growth. 

Many people misunderstand the costs of professional restoration. If you want to restore your home quickly and prevent unnecessary secondary actions like reconstruction and mold remediation, give our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team a call today at (318) 865-4655.

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SERVPRO, Shreveport Water Loss Cleanup, and Environmental Friendly Products

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Our Green SERVPRO Fleet Uses Environmental Friendly Products for Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Shreveport

Why We Choose Green Products for Shreveport Water Cleanup

As much as we want to provide every Shreveport home with the powerful and potent products that overcome threats, sludge, grime, and other residues after a water loss incident, we have an environment to protect as well. For many years, restoration companies used the most powerful cleaning agents regardless of their effects on nature, but our team has been working to raise the bar of the restoration industry by implementing green products in recovery projects all across the country.

While we have fast and effective mitigation tactics to address the immediate threats of water damage in Shreveport homes, the cleaning of residues and staining can be a severe challenge for homeowners to face. Our SERVPRO team relies both on our cutting-edge equipment and extensive training to address these concerns head-on. By combining this experience with our line of powerful, environmentally-friendly products, we can genuinely make loss incidents “Like it never even happened.”
 
Our SERVPRO brand is a standing member of the Design for Environment initiative implemented by the EPA. As a part of this project, we can access a list of “CleanGredients” that we use in our line of environmentally-safe products for our cleaning technicians to utilize. With these resources available, we can release products to help with everything from hardwood cleaners to deodorization agents. Now our commitment to helping our customers recover from water and other loss incidents does not have to come at the detriment to our environment.
 
We have a full team of cleaning technicians accredited in multiple facets of the industry through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.) Our team has endorsements in areas such as:
 
    •    CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician
    •    RCT – Rug Cleaning Technician
    •    UFT – Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
    •    Biohazard Recovery
 
As damaging as water loss incidents can be to your home, you can count on the team that wants to protect your property and the planet without compromising potency. You can rely on the fast response and experience of our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team to help you get your residence back to preloss condition. We are available 24/7 at (318) 865-4655.

Shreveport Home Have Serious Post Fire Odors? Call the Professionals from SERVPRO for Improved IAQ Indoor Air Quality

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

When the SERVPRO Box Truck Arrives at this Shreveport Home, The Smoke Odors Will Soon Be Gone

Thermal Fogging for Smoke Odors in Shreveport Homes

Deodorization is one of the most substantial obstacles most Shreveport homeowners face after a fire. While many opt for the experience and professionalism of accredited restoration firms to handle soot and structural damage, odors can spread far beyond the ignition point to threaten every type of material present on your property. Finding the appropriate solution to this problem is often a challenge for residents who do not have the deep pool of resources and recovery tools available to our SERVPRO team.

Professional Grade and Preparation Needed
Thermal fogging machines are one of the best lines of defense against fire damage odor in Shreveport properties. With multiple solutions available to suit any situation, our trained fire restoration professionals can tailor our response and actions to the severity of odor concerns in the house and what materials have become affected by the conditions. Understanding how thermal fogging works can help you to appreciate how ideal these machines are for most fire odor removal needs.
 
Can Reduce Pack-Outs for Cleaning and Deodorizing
The use of thermal foggers after a fire is commonplace for our SERVPRO team under certain conditions, as this deodorization process replicates how materials became smoke-damaged in the first place. Through the use of both heat and pressure, porous materials can open more and become exposed to the chemical fog that can neutralize these harsh odors on contact. By the use of this system, we can often reduce the need for material removal when other structural damages do not exist.

There Are Advantages and Some Disadvantages to Thermal Fogging
Another advantage of choosing thermal fogging is the portability of these machines. Unlike the units our professionals also use like ozone machines and hydroxyl generators, thermal fogging devices can often get carried throughout the home to expose a greater area to the neutralizing agents. These tools are also ideal for use with softer materials found throughout the property as well, including carpeting, upholstery, and clothing. However, some fogging products require removal of plants, pets, and people for a period of time.
 
While our professionals have multiple tools and approaches to eliminate smoke odors after a fire, thermal fogging can be a smart choice. Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team arrives with the full measure of our fire recovery equipment and our experienced personnel to quickly make loss incidents “Like it never even happened.” Contact us for any assistance you need recovering from a fire at (318) 865-4655.

Enlist Our Experts When Dealing With Flood Damage In Shreveport

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

The flooding caused the floor to be covered in water and trim and sheetrock wall panels. We arrived with our state of the art equipment and began.

Shreveport Medical Offices are Also at Risk of Flood Damage

Shreveport seems to consistently be the target of flooding and water events, particularly in the past few years. It is tough for businesses to be prepared to deal with this eventuality, but proper disaster planning has become an integral part of forecasting and projecting for every business owner. Even non-retail outlets, such as doctors offices, need to pay close attention to how they would restore their business following a flood regardless of size. Imagine for a minute that your dental office, typically operating during traditional business hours and closed during the weekend, is suddenly filled with water and sludge, all the result of the rise of a nearby body of water.  

Calling SERVPRO, a professional water restoration company is your best option if your Shreveport business suffers flood damage. Over the past years, we have seen floods big and small challenge our business community, and we partner with it to minimize your loss of time and resources. Like you, we realize that bouncing back quickly after a disaster is paramount to the viability of a business which is why we are available 24/7 to respond to your emergency as soon as you place a call to our office. Every minute you delay is one more minute for debris and bacteria to damage your office.

If you are wondering why you should call SERVPRO instead of enlisting friends and family to clean your space, the answer is quite simple. Floodwaters typically carry contamination and bacteria which can make themselves at home in your office without you realizing it. Our team of experts has equipment and techniques designed to identify problem areas and remediate the flood damage. This includes disinfecting with industry-grade solutions based on the chemical composition of each surface. The average consumer does not always have access or the training necessary to understand how to completely eradicate the unwanted organisms from your business, leaving it vulnerable to complications in the future.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is an advocate for the quick restoration of businesses after disaster strikes. All you need to do is call (318) 865-4655 and let us take care of the rest. Our goal is to leave your office, "Like it never even happened."

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Do Yourself a Favor and Call SERVPRO for Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Shreveport

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Call on SERVPRO for the Heavy Lifting and Drying Needed after Storm Damage in Shreveport. We Can Help.

Restoring Your Shreveport Home After Flood Damage Calls for the Services of Experts

Flooding commonly occurs because of heavy rain that lasts several days or weeks. In Shreveport, heavy rain could cause high water levels in the Red River, and bayous may not be able to discharge water into it. The floodwaters can, therefore, end up in nearby homes.  Floodwater can cause the metal to rust, wood to expand and buckle, and furniture to discolor.

Water could also carry mineral deposits that leave stains on ceilings and walls. You can prevent further flood damage in your Shreveport residence by starting the restoration process as soon as you can. After weathering the storm, you should take the following steps:

For Brave DIY'Selfers
•   Turn off electricity to the flooded areas to prevent electrocution hazards. If the destruction is significant, avoid entering hard-hit areas and turn off the gas supply.
•    Notify your insurance company about the loss as soon as possible to prepare for filing a claim and have the adjuster calculate the actual expense of the repairs.
•    Move furniture and other belongings to dry areas.
•    Tarp a ruined roof and board up broken windows
•    Call a restoration expert for details about the proper procedures for restoring your home.

Ready to Call SERVPRO for all this heavy lifting?

When dealing with flooding, quick water extraction and drying is essential to prevent mold infestation and other problems. Since every hour counts, your safest option is to call SERVPRO franchise professionals because we respond fast to emergency calls. We start the restoration process with a thorough inspection and complete documentation as insurance companies require and then schedule flood damage cleanup and repairs. We perform the right tasks in the proper order.

In cases with significant destruction, we begin with securing the house with roof tarping and board-ups as required. We can pack out furniture for off-site treatment and protection and then return it when the work is complete. Our flood damage cleanup services may also include the removal of downed tree limbs and disposing of all unsalvageable items and debris.

Our technicians are well-trained and experienced in contaminated water removal. We use equipment like powerful portable pumps to extract standing water and antimicrobial agents to stop or limit the growth of microbes. Our technicians also use disinfectants like phenols, quaternary, chlorines, alcohols, and formaldehyde to destroy the organisms they contact on surfaces.

Hidden moisture migration is another problem you may deal with after a flooding incident. Water flows through tiny openings or gaps and spreads invasively. It can seep under baseboards and into wall cavities where the destruction process can proceed unseen. Our SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) use Thermal imaging cameras to find hidden dampness. These cameras read temperature differentials and help our technicians to track water migration through insulation, brick walls, and other parts of your home.  Our technicians use air movers and dehumidifiers to eradicate moisture from a house. We monitor the drying process to ensure the most precise results.

If your home has flooded, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 for help. We can complete the restoration process quickly. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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We Act Fast To Limit More Damage To Your Shreveport Home After A Flood

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

The flooding caused the floor to be covered in water and some damage to the trim and sheetrock wall panels.

Flood Damage Repair For Shreveport Homes

Flooding is a part of life around Shreveport. The last tropical storm is gone, but the Red River is still at risk for cresting with other rainfall in the future. When it happens, residents know that cleaning and restoring their homes needs to happen quickly. 

Unless the water recedes quickly, much of the flood damage to Shreveport homes centers around the floors. That is where SERVPRO restoration teams focus much of their initial efforts. The wood floors in many area homes absorb water, and if not removed after two or three days, begin to warp and buckle. The water can also damage and destroy the sub-floor underneath. Fortunately, team members can rebuild all of it. 

First, team members remove the floorboards and floor trim. If any of it is salvageable and approved by the insurance company, specialists can set it aside for reuse. 

Second, they remove all damaged pieces of the sub-floor and other support structures for the walls and the rest of the home. As the team clears out the debris, one of our inspectors makes certain the area remains safe. If there is a major risk to the home, the team leader immediately recommends the owner brings in a licensed construction firm to make repairs. 

Now, SERVPRO specialists install new supports and then the sub-floor. Each team member on the job trains to carefully lay-in the original flooring, if available, with the new floorboards. Since no home is perfectly square, each team has on hand the saws and other equipment needed to trim boards to ensure each piece fits correctly. If the homeowner requires it, team members also cover the floor with a new stain or other finish. 

In kitchens and bathrooms, each restoration team can also replace linoleum and tile floors. In each area, the flood damage can quickly loosen the glue that holds both to the wood or concrete flooring. Specialists can use heat and special tools to push linoleum and tiles back in place, but if the damage is in a wide area, replacing both is often cheaper than attempting to restore them. 

If you are dealing with the aftereffects of the recent storm or another flooding, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport today at (318) 865-4655. Our office proudly supports this community, Forbing, and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to return every residence to its original condition so owners and their families can move on with their lives. 

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Did a Kitchen Fire Leave a Foul Odor in Your Shreveport Home?

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires often occur when pots are unwatched. Keep an active eye on your stove when cooking.

Odor After Kitchen Fire Not Going Away? SERVPRO Can Help!

A small mistake can have significant consequences for your Shreveport home. Even something as small as forgetting to turn off your stove when leaving your house can result in you returning to flames in your kitchen. After extinguishing the fires, you may find that smoke and soot residue has permeated into kitchen surfaces. Without professional assistance, residues from fire smoke can be tough to remove. 

SERVPRO Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified technicians have experience in fire damage mitigation and can assist you in cleaning your Shreveport home. Once we arrive, our techs can begin removing any damaged structural components and debris. Fires leave soot and smoke residue that can fill your house with pungent, unpleasant odors. We use vacuums to suck up any loose odor particles in your home; however, odor particles often penetrate deep into surfaces, forcing us to use deodorizers. We can apply deodorizers in all affected areas of your home to remove smells caused by any remaining particles. Our techs can carefully spray deodorizers in a pattern resembling how odors initially spread through your home, ensuring that the deodorizers penetrate areas containing the remaining odor particles. 

Fires often leave a smelly oily residue which can resist cleaning. SERVPRO fire and smoke damage technicians can spray down cooking surfaces with cleaning agents that weaken the bond between the residue and the kitchen surface, allowing us to wash it off. More permeable surfaces such as table cloths and curtains can absorb more residue and can be more resistant to cleaning, requiring more careful and focused cleaning. 

Fires are difficult to recover from, and can often have long-lasting odors that cannot be mitigated with every day cleaning products. Residues can bond too tightly to surfaces, and odors can penetrate deep inside your home. For professional and effective fire damage mitigation, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655. We are available 24/7 and can make you feel "Like it never even happened."

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How Professionals Remove Smoke Odor From Fire Damaged Shreveport Homes

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

The fire was localized to a small part of the house, but smoke traveled throughout the property. Call SERVPRO to eliminate the smoke odors.

Do Ozone Machines Work for Fire Damage Odor in Shreveport Homes? 

Fire loss incidents can become substantially damaging situations for individual Shreveport homes and properties. Even with an immediate response to the disaster with competent and certified restoration specialists, it can be an uphill battle to overcome current effects like smoke and soot residues and lingering odors. While there are multiple tools and devices that professionals can use to address harsh scents in the property after a fire, among the most powerful of these is the ozone machine.

Understanding more about how these machines can aid in the elimination of fire damage odor in Shreveport properties can help homeowners to appreciate their need for professional restoration service like SERVPRO when conditions get out of control. Conventional cleaning efforts do little to address foul odors in the property, and worse still, these scents can become trapped in materials, contents, and structural elements and prove even more challenging to remove without specialized equipment and practices. 

It is important to note that our SERVPRO professionals do not always choose ozone machines specifically because this equipment can be unsafe for humans and pet exposure. With our volume of portable units and our ozone chamber at our local facility, we can still appreciate the efficiency and thoroughness of this approach. In larger damaged areas where no living things exist or remain, we can install multiple ozone machines to address present odors quickly. 

These tools work by creating the chemical equivalent of ozone and allowing oxidation to break down the molecular structure of odor compounds. This gas generated is not breathable, presenting the risk to humans and pets around it. This gas can also infiltrate materials and contents, much like smoke did, to eliminate existing foul fire damage scents to leave no discernable odor behind. 

We know how quickly odor damages can spread throughout a property, and even with a small fire, you can deal with an entire house of secondary effects. Let our SERVPRO of South Shreveport fire restoration professionals help you through this trying time by calling (318) 865-4655. 

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When Storm Damage Becomes a Tenant in Your Shreveport Apartment Complex

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Shreveport has is ready to restore your storm damaged business.

Natural Flooding Threats for Your Shreveport Apartment Complex 

Shreveport business owners have battled widespread flooding multiple times, even in recent years. With this ever-present possibility coming along with the raising of creeks and streams surrounding the city when prolonged rain systems enter the region, natural flooding effects are inevitable for many of the lower-lying areas. With an apartment complex, you manage in one of these flood zones; a damaged facility can affect multiple tenants simultaneously. You need a plan of action to get things back to preloss condition quickly. 

With many of the tenants looking to you to remedy any flood damage concerns in your Shreveport complex, you need our SERVPRO team that is capable of handling significant loss incidents like this where multiple units become involved. Spreading water can easily penetrate drywall and find a pathway to many apartments through shared walls, making containment strategies critical to save our customers money and to prevent prolonged relocation of those living in the affected units. 

Natural flooding from creeks and streams can arrive at the building with all manner of bacteria and contamination within the invading floodwater. Even without a full working knowledge of what exists in the standing water, it has to get treated as though it is highly contaminated. Therefore, saturated construction materials and other heavily affected surfaces and contents get deemed losses and later replaced or reinstalled. 

Our SERVPRO professionals can get containment going from the moment we arrive, preventing the floodwater from spreading further than it already has and ultimately saving you money on the repairs and necessary reconstruction. Depending on the saturation levels of particular materials like drywall, flood cuts can often get made to preserve portions of these materials and make the reinstallation more efficient and cost-effective. 

We understand how traumatic relocating tenants can be when widespread flooding occurs, so our SERVPRO of South Shreveport work tirelessly to get all of these families back where they belong. Whenever disasters strike, give us a call at (318) 865-4655 to make flood effects, “Like it never even happened.” 

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For Damage Control and Cleanup in Shreveport Properties SERVPRO Is Recommended

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Here Already! WOW, They Are Faster To Any Size Disaster! Why Shreveport Homeowners Rely Upon Us for Restoration Services.

Why SERVPRO Is a Shreveport Restoration Leader

Decades of hands-on experience and commitment to the people and institutions of Shreveport makes choosing our restoration experts the clear alternative. We spent time and effort building a reliable team of technicians and commercial-grade collection of equipment ready to assist with water, fire, mold, or storm disasters. Within hours of your initial call, we pledge to send an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained crew of project managers and technicians to your home.

Water Damage
A sneaky drip under the kitchen sink, seepage around a poorly caulked tub, an aging appliance pump, or a cracked water heater can cause hidden water damage in Shreveport. The cabinets, floors, or walls near the slow leak absorbs the water for a period without anyone noticing, but eventually, a stain, swelling, and distortion of wood, puddling, or a musty smell betrays the harm even a small amount of water can do. As you mop up, you realize the damage extends beyond the patch of wetness first discovered.

Obtaining an assessment from our team for what seems like a minor water problem is a wise decision. We might find that a visit from a plumber and a brief drying program takes care of the damage. On the other hand, a repeatedly saturated cabinet or bathroom wall substrate could be harboring severe deterioration and mold growth. To make the determination, our IICRC certified Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) inspect visible damage and use sensitive devices like thermal imagers and moisture meters to map out the perimeter of the water incursion. Attention to details is why SERVPRO stands out as a restoration partner.

Our service vehicles are packed with pumps and extractors for standing water removal and air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers for applied structural drying. As the assessment and project planning proceeds the crew awaits the plan, implementing it immediately when shared. Rapid water removal and drying is best practice, challenging to achieve without training and appropriate equipment. Water damage remediation is one of our fundamental services, our skilled employees and specialized tools explaining why SERVPRO delivers successful results.  

Fire Damage
The residues left on surfaces and airborne after Shreveport fire damage are highly toxic to inhabitants and corrosive to building materials and contents. Soot and smoke cleanup must occur as quickly as possible, best done by highly qualified professionals. An assurance that proper protocols proceed is why SERVPRO is the perfect fit for fire remediation.   

Water removal needs completion before we evaluate soot, charring, and odor elimination. Firefighting remnants, water is a slip and fall hazard as well as a potentially destructive force at least as severe as fire damage. Our multi-certified technicians are as confident extracting water and drying the structure as they are when characterizing soots and matching cleaning methods, tools, and products. Customers do not need to hire several different contractors to get a project done, why SERVPRO minimizes stress and saves time and money.

A lingering problem posed by nearly all fire damage scenarios is the need for odor elimination. Our focus on following research-based processes to eliminate, not mask, odors is why SERVPRO dispenses treatments that work at a molecular level to neutralize the stench after a fire. Equipment such as thermal foggers, ozone machines, and hydroxyl generators produce odor fighting particles that seek out the minute pieces of incompletely combusted materials that carry the smell. Chemical reactions ensure that odor disappears.

Mold Remediation
Humid environments like those found in Louisiana can accelerate the growth of mold damage in Shreveport. Modern technologies like high-efficiency dehumidifiers help minimize the potential for mold growth by keeping the relative interior humidity less than 60 percent, and preferably between 30 and 50 percent. Installing and using exhaust fans in higher-humidity areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms also help keep mold at bay.

Thorough water removal and structural drying are also essential to ensure mold spores do not find the moisture needed to grow and spread. Mold prevention is a strong reason why SERVPRO crews should assist with water losses, including assessing and monitoring the moisture levels in structural components as drying procedures continue.

If the tell-tale musty odor or smudges of dark material arise in your home, mold involvement should be suspected and investigated. No reputable mold remediation company promises complete mold removal, but we pledge to follow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols when remediating an outbreak in your home. Containment by creating an airlock barrier employing negative pressure air scrubbers and durable plastic sheathing allows the removal without drift to unaffected spaces. Brushing, scraping, and gentle abrasion with soda rids most surfaces of the moldy debris. HEPA-filtered vacuuming and wipe down with an EPA-registered disinfectant brings spore counts to near-normal levels and inhibits future growth. Sealants containing antimicrobials prepare surfaces for further restoration with minimal concern for fungal regrowth.

Storm Damage
Severe storm damage in Shreveport can be the fallout when your home is in the path of torrential rains and other precipitation and high winds, including tropical storms and hurricanes. Roofs, siding, doors, and windows are vulnerable to the ferocity of storms making landfall off the Gulf and coming north or sweeping eastward from Texas.

The destruction of a storm does is overwhelming to the point of paralysis to homeowners, but inaction creates more damage and increases the cost of remediation. Many tasks need completion, which is why SERVPRO’s team approach is beneficial. When we arrive, some of the crew board up broken windows and tarp holes in the siding or roof. Meanwhile, one of our project managers assesses the water or flood damage and designs a plan to mitigate and remediate your premises.   

Flooding exposes your home to contamination, whether from water rushing overland or sewer backups. Our crew is familiar with the local protocols for Category 3 or black water removal and disposal. Blood or fecal-borne pathogens, chemicals, decaying organic materials, and fungi, among other contaminants, can expose you and your family to health risks. Rapid water removal, EPA-registered disinfection, and structural drying all have their place in the protocol, best delivered by our remediation professionals.  

SERVPRO of South Shreveport has state-of-the-art equipment and a highly qualified workforce to mitigate and remediate water, fire, mold, and storm losses. Call us at (318) 865-4655 for a professional assessment and clear the way for a rapid response to the disaster. 

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Ensuring Your Home is Safe after Water Damage Incidents in Forbing

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO take care of every part of your Forbing home, not just the sentimental items.

SERVPRO cares about every part of your Forbing home.

Financial and sentimental losses are common outcomes of water spills whenever they affect homes. However, there are other ways that water intrusion can affect your home in Forbing. Deterioration of structural materials in some sections, such as a staircase, which endures regular strain, can lead to safety issues. Mold development can also put you and your family at risk since mold can cause health problems. Part of our water restoration service is to eliminate all issues that might lead to safety problems. 

Speed is a crucial weapon against future safety problems when there is water damage in your Forbing home. Fast water extraction prevents deeper permeation into materials such as wood preserving their structural integrity. It also reduces the chances of mold developing since it takes 24-48 hours for mold to start growing. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to different tools to fast track water extraction, including: 

Truck-mounted water extractors 

Wet-vacs 

Water Extraction wands 

Water claws 

The materials covering surfaces can slow down the water extraction because of their high absorbent nature or hide some moisture leading to structural damage in the future. Removing the carpet from the stairs helps create room for thorough water extraction. Other materials such as wallpaper can act as moisture barriers creating perfect conditions for material deterioration. Our SERVPRO technicians help remove carpets and perform any controlled demolition to achieve the intended goal. 

Cleaning all soiled areas and drying any moisture remnants is essential in controlling microbial growth and material deterioration. Using professional cleaning agents with antimicrobial properties helps. Moisture removal mostly involves adjusting the evaporation rate by increasing heat and air movements. Our SERVPRO technicians use high-speed air movers and dehumidifiers, which extract moisture from the air and exhaust warm air, which increases the rate of drying. 

Addressing all issues that might lead to problems after a water loss incident is crucial. Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport to help ensure your home remains safe. You can reach us at (318) 865-4655 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

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Commercial Fire Damage Crews In Shreveport Talk About Problems With Manufacturing Facilities

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in a building needs professional help. Call SERVPRO today.

Fire loss in your Commercial building can quickly take over.

Companies that are in the manufacturing business in Shreveport deal with a wide variety of risks every day they operate. The different types of machinery present inside your manufacturing plant can malfunction and cause your company commercial fire damage. Machines that produce your products frequently use electricity, heat, and sometimes different fuels. This combination can be a dangerous situation when things go wrong. If something in your plant malfunctions, such as an electrical short, a situation could arise that forces you to call in a professional commercial fire damage company like SERVPRO.

Electrical shorts can often cause things to burn inside your manufacturing plant. Once the blaze ignites in your Shreveport plant, fire damage in your business can quickly occur. According to the Occupational Safety Health Association or OSHA, a business must have plans in place to deal with emergencies like electrical shorts, fires, and personal injuries. Once a problem occurs, it is wise to follow all of the standard protocols set up by your company according to OSHA standards. The federal regulation agency forces all business to provide things to their employees that include what to do if something burns or if an injury occurs.

When an emergency like a fire takes place the first thing that should happen is to follow all of your emergency plans and company procedures strictly. The emergency plans that are required to have by OSHA involve exit plans and extinguishing procedures. OSHA requires businesses that pose a fire danger to have extinguishers on site that get regularly inspected by certified professionals.

Once all of your employees get evacuated safely and the fire gets put out, then it is time to call in our SERVPRO team. First, our trained professionals that are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration or IICRC, can arrive at your plant shortly after your call. Then, we assess the situation and figure out what we can save during cleaning and restoration procedures and what may need to be replaced.

If you ever notice something burning inside your manufacturing plant, then call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 any day of the week.

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Severe Storms, Flooding, and Your Shreveport Home

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is always ready to restore your water damaged home.

Severe Storms Can Cause Flooding in Your Shreveport Home!

Heavy rains that fall in Shreveport can quickly lead to dangerous flash floods requiring evacuating people from their homes. Unfortunately, you may find yourself returning home to a house flooded with extremely dirty Category (Cat) 3 Black Water. It is risky to attempt to clean up your home on your own. Without professional assistance, it is easy to make mistakes and potentially cause further damage to your home. Luckily, SERVPRO technicians can assist you with restoring your home as you go through the recovery process. 

SERVPRO technicians are experienced when it comes to flood water removal in Shreveport homes, and can quickly arrive at your home to begin the mitigation process. Time is of the essence when it comes to removing flood water. Although many floods already consist of Cat 3, Black Water, flooding due to rain drenching a room in your home may result in flooding from Cat 2 or Gray Water.  Cat 2 flood water can degrade to Cat 3 water if not removed within a few days of entering your home, making the restoration process much more difficult. Fortunately, our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified professionals could assist you in the efficient removal of flood waters through the use of large pumps and industrial grade wet vacs.

After removing the floodwater from your home, our techs can begin the decontamination and drying processes. We can use high volume air movers to draw moisture from your walls and floors into the air and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air. 

Note that should any upholstery or carpet absorb Cat 3 Black Water, they must be thrown out. Preventing further damage is why it is important to quickly contact professionals who can mitigate the crisis in your home before it causes irreversible damage. 

If you need flood water removal services after a massive storm, then contact SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655. We are available 24/7 and can help you recover your home after a flood.

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Let SERVPRO Put The Flames Of Worry Out In Shreveport

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

After the fire is put out call us for restoration. We are available 24/7 to offer our expertise, equipment and experience.

Cooking-Related Fire Damage in Shreveport Can Be Restored

Learning new recipes for your family to enjoy can be an absolute delight, at least until your skillet catches fire and leaves fire damage all around your kitchen, even on the ceiling. Worse still, because your recipe involved meat, you can expect an especially foul odor that is off-putting for anyone's appetite.

When accidental fire damage in your Shreveport home has you ordering takeout for dinner, it is best to address and mitigate the damage as soon as possible. SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7 to visit your home, address the damage, and curb potential long-term corrosion from soot turning acidic.

During our team's visit, we can get right to assessing fire damage and cleaning soot-covered surfaces in your home. It is vital to mitigate soot on surfaces before it is allowed to become acidic and corrode your possessions. Porous surfaces, such as kitchen wallpaper, curtains, and tablecloths, are also prone to absorbing soot and need extensive cleaning to eliminate fire damage from these surfaces. Residue from proteins that have caught fire is nearly invisible and requires thorough manual cleaning of surfaces before odor can be eradicated with deodorizers. If left unchecked, these proteins impart a hard-to-remove film that can continually give off unpleasant odors, even on surfaces where you may not have expected such a residue to settle.

Multiple methods of deodorization may be used by our SERVPRO odor control technicians (OCTs), including Ultra Low Volume (ULV fogging), which works by releasing deodorant particles that are 8 to15 microns in size. These particles are small enough to settle in and penetrate odors in cracks and crevices where you may have least expected to find it. ULV fogging is also an effective method for deodorizing ventilation systems after a thorough cleaning to prevent odors from spreading throughout your home.

CTA, SERVPRO of South Shreveport is ready to assist you in cleaning up any size disaster. Give us a call today at (318) 865-4655, and we can have a team sent out to mitigate damage within hours.

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Are You Actually Doing Enough for the Water Damage Situation in Your Shreveport Home?

4/14/2019 (Permalink)

When flood damage affects your floors, whether they are carpeting or hard wood, it can be quite frustrating. Call SERVPRO right away for remediation.

Drying Carpets Correctly Diminishes Water Damage to the Floors in Shreveport Homes

During an incident where a water pipe breaks, floors in a Shreveport home get drenched. Carpets can seem permanently damaged, but SERVPRO drying specialists can often salvage these costly furnishings for our customers.

Customers can rely on SERVPRO to protect their home from Shreveport water damage and its effects, including flooring and floor coverings. We can often save carpets without needing to remove them. This occurs in only situations involving the loss of clean water that has only been present for a short period. Longer periods can render this impossible, so we recommend calling as soon as possible. The longer a homeowner waits to reach out to us the more extensive water damage becomes.

When a carpet and padding system in a home gets wet, we need to get not only the carpet and its padding completely dry, but we also must ensure that the components underneath these two layers do not retain any moisture. In addition to the usual water extraction equipment, we also use weighted equipment that steadily removes moisture from the lowest portions of your floor.

In-place drying initially requires more time than removing the carpet, but overall, the entire project can take less time for the customer. Because we do not need to re-install the carpet and padding, the overall time involved in saving and restoring a carpet with water damage ends up the same or less than if we had removed the carpeting and pad from the floor.

The advantages of in-place drying include not stretching the carpet, as well as preventing any loose areas that might occur. We can also save the padding, keeping costs low through not needing to replace additional materials.

Additional drying equipment, including desiccant machines and air movers, can make drying the floor's structure below the carpet fast and efficient, as well. We use highly accurate meters that determine when we reach full dryness, preventing over-drying of your wood underlay.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport can help homeowners through in-place drying of carpets and padding, as well as other money-saving techniques. Always ready to help our customers with IICRC approved methods, we are as close as a phone call to (318) 865-4655. When your carpets need help, we are here to help.

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Coffee and Smoke Damage Don't Mix in Forbing

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Your customers want the fresh smell of coffee. Call SERVPRO to remove the smoke and fire damage odors today!

Professional Fire Odor Elimination in Your Forbing Coffee Shop

You are proud of the cozy, inviting ambiance of your Forbing coffee bar. The community gathers to sip hot and iced beverages and nibble sweet and savory delicacies, and visitors to the area seek a revitalizing brewed or steeped caffeinated drink as they enjoy our area’s attractions. If fire damages your business the pleasant smells of coffee, tea, and pastry treats can become overwhelmed with the noxious odors lingering after we manage the soot and charred surfaces. 

Smoke and unpleasant fire odors can cause the business at your Forbing commercial property to suffer. Our IICRC-trained team of deodorization technicians follows a protocol of necessary steps to remove the malodors, persevering until the problem odors disappear. We use a combination of common sense, elbow grease, and modern technologies to rid your coffee shop of residual fire odors. 

The SERVPRO deodorization process begins with finding and discarding any overlooked burned materials, which might include searching under cabinets and behind kick plates or walls. If no charred items remain, a thorough cleaning of affected surfaces can eliminate the absorbed odor-bearing substance. We might need to move beyond the fire site as soot and its odor floats on air currents and often is found several rooms away from the now-extinguished blaze. 

HVAC systems can spread smells making an evaluation of the heating and cooling system a good idea. A thorough cleaning of ductwork and exhaust fans might do the trick, and the changing of filters is inexpensive and can help as well. SERVPRO experts inspect porous and hard to reach surfaces closely, looking for places foul-smelling residues can hide. If further cleaning is impractical sealing of the surface is an option, preventing the smell absorbed from continuously vaporizing and affecting air quality. 

If odors linger still SERVPRO has specialized equipment like thermal foggers and ozone or hydroxyl generators to deal with odor at a molecular level. Foggers combust deodorizers in a heat chamber, recreating the conditions of the fire. Tiny particles bond with their odiferous counterparts, rendering the remaining smelly bits neutralized. Other equipment creates odor-fighting particles that change the airborne or settled foul-smelling ash and soot into non-noxious compounds. 

SERVPRO of South Shreveport leaves no fire odor unchanged. Welcome your customers back to a deliciously smelling coffee spot by calling us for help at (318) 865-4655. 

Read more about Forbing here.

We Have The Experience And Equipment To Handle Your Shreveport Home Restoration

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

When you need water cleanup services after plumbing failure in your home, call our experts. We are available 24/7 so call us day or night.

SERVPRO - Water Cleanup Procedures For Shreveport Homes

Shreveport is far enough north that flooding is not the recurring problem here as it is down along the Gulf. Our community still has the rain to deal with, but most of the damage from water comes from inside sources like broken appliances, split hoses, and plumbing failures.

In most of these situations, there are no contaminants, with the exception being a backed-up toilet. The water cleanup after a minor disaster like that deals with, well, clean water. In some cases, however, SERVPRO restoration teams have to deal with the damaging effects of detergents from dish and clothes washers when handeling water cleanup in Shreveport.

None of these cleaning agents are for use on carpets. The chemicals to remove food and soil can damage carpet fibers, dilute the color dye, and cause delamination, which is where the top and bottom layers separate. Our first step to eliminate the threat is to remove as much of the water during water cleanup as possible with pumps and smaller extraction devices.

If the color is not damaged, team members next use an industrial carpet cleaner and a mild shampoo to isolate the other detergents. Technicians then use the vacuum on the device to remove the water, shampoo and suspended detergents from the carpet.

Our next task is to lift the carpet for drying and to examine the pad underneath. If the detergent or the water caused the pad to begin deteriorating, SERVPRO team members would remove it for disposal. They carefully detach the carpet from the tack strips and roll it up for temporary storage in another part of the home. After cleaning the floor and installing a new pad, they roll the carpet back in place.

If the carpet is still damp, however, technicians lift it at opposite ends and use an air mover and an exhaust fan to force dry, warm air under and over the carpet while drawing away the moisture still trapped inside.

Our goal at SERVPRO of South Shreveport is to return every home to its original condition before the water or another disaster. If you need our experience, training, and extensive equipment inventory to return your home to a livable condition, call us today at (318) 865-4655. We are here for you.

Click here to learn more about recycling in Shreveport.

Is Your HVAC System Circulating Smoke After the Fire on Your Shreveport Property?

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Each vehicle in our Green Fleet is loaded with equipment to restore your fire damaged home.

HVAC Cleaning and Deodorizing After Shreveport House Fires

Many Shreveport homeowners use their HVAC systems every day to regulate the temperature inside their homes and to offer cleaner breathing air by filtering the circulating air through the filter of the system. Whenever situations occur like a fire, however, this same HVAC system can work to spread soot and smoke particulates, as well as the sour odor that often accompanies the incident, throughout every area of the house.

Once the first responders have left your fire damaged Shreveport home, you need to begin to address the effects throughout the property such as fire debris removal, soot cleanup, and fire odor deodorization. Our SERVPRO professionals have effective mitigation and restoration tactics from our extensive fire restoration training to obtain IICRC certifications. The continued educational opportunities that our technicians undertake ensure that we send knowledgeable and prepared professionals to your home capable of restoring the property quickly.

Many steps are intricate to the fire restoration process, but our team must first fully assess the property. This inspection includes a close look at the HVAC system, both the physical unit and the ductwork throughout your house. We can utilize drill-powered brushes to break sediment loose throughout this system, and combine this with high-powered vacuums to improve the cleanliness and effectiveness of this appliance. Additionally, clean ducts, filters, and coils can stop the spread of damaging effects throughout your home.

Removing the sour odor that fires can leave behind often requires multiple pieces of equipment. Our SERVPRO technicians might begin with our hydroxyl generators which can work to reduce particulates in the environment and reduce present odors. Thermal fogging is also an effective approach that is safe to use on soft materials, fabrics, and textiles throughout the property.

Recovering after a fire requires an immediate response from skilled professionals who have the expertise to restore your home entirely. Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport fire restoration technicians can showcase the full measure of our experience and equipment to make these damages “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (318) 865-4655.

Read about Shreveport here.

Some Tips to Help You Recover After a Fire in Your Shreveport Home

2/24/2019 (Permalink)

Fires leave odors and many residues in your home. Contact SERVPRO for fire damage remediation services which include dealing with the odors.

Fire Odor Containment and Removal for Your Shreveport Home

Fires, regardless of their size and severity, can pose long-term damaging effects for your Shreveport home. Even without widespread structural damages, symptoms like smoke residue and odors can make it challenging to continue comfortably living in the house after the incident. Restoring these damages to the property requires skilled technicians like ours that have the advanced equipment and fast response to make a difference for your home fast.

Fire damage in Shreveport such as smoke residue and odors can exceed the cleaning expertise of homeowners. Often these effects require our highly trained professionals with industry-leading equipment and high-strength solvents and detergents to clean up the mess a fire has left behind adequately. With a 24-hour response time to all emergencies, our team can provide property-saving solutions that can prevent the need for widespread demolition and reduce the spread of these effects to unexposed areas of your house.

Odor control and deodorization is an important step for our SERVPRO restoration technicians as we work to recover the damage to your property. Even without a fire bad enough to require relocation, the noxious odor of the fire can be overwhelming and nauseating. Our professionals can set up physical containment barriers from the time that we arrive to prevent this smoke odor from spreading to unaffected areas of your home while our professionals bring in deodorization equipment.

Our SERVPRO professionals have several pieces of equipment that can help to eliminate foul odors left behind after a fire permanently. Hydroxyl generators and thermal foggers are two of the most popular options that our team uses to remove these lingering scents, and they can work together to clear out harsh smells from open areas as well as soft materials like fabrics, upholstery, clothing, and carpeting.

While many potentially harmful effects can occur during and following a fire in your home, it is important to focus on improving indoor air quality as promptly as possible. Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport team can offer effective solutions to help you breathe easier after a disaster. Give us a call today at (318) 865-4655.

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For Shreveport Properties, Why Oh Why to Call SERVPRO For Water and Storm Damage Mitigation

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses Industry-Leading Equipment for Water Removal in Shreveport Commercial and Residential Properties

Call the Professionals When There Is Water Damage to Your Home in Shreveport

Standing in your living room with water up to your ankles is not where you want to be. However, many factors could come together and make the unimaginable happen. Your home is flooded due to a storm or a hurricane, and suddenly you are faced with the need to engage water removal professionals to safeguard your safety and to return your home to how it should be. Whether you have a few inches of standing water or just the aftermath of its entry into your home, it is important that you reach out to a team who is experienced in this process.

When our SERVPRO Green Fleet arrives, you see that we have specialized equipment for all aspects of the water removal process. Our powerful pumps can be used when the standing water is at least a few inches, and we will use smaller equipment for more localized water deposits. Hygrometers and moisture detectors allow us to monitor moisture levels along with temperature and airflow, so we may achieve ideal conditions to remove all water traces from your home. You may also see us utilize infrared cameras to detect any water that may be hiding within walls or ceilings and invisible to the naked eye.

At SERVPRO we have trained specifically for these emergencies. Our emergency line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer that rapid response you need. Upon receiving your call, our team of technicians and specialized staff is sent to your home first to assess the situation and make recommendations on the next steps. Always keeping safety in mind, we can evaluate the impact the water has had on your property, including examination of any structural damage, as well as assessing the extent to which your personal property has been affected. Based on our observations we can begin the water extraction process, the first step in recovering your home.

At SERVPRO of South Shreveport, we are locally owned and operated with the support of a nationwide network of specialists. Moreover, when you call us at (318) 865-4655, we are ready to put our knowledge and expertise to work for you. Water removal is not only about eliminating the water that entered your home, but it is also about knowing how to prevent further damage. Our professional team can anticipate those hidden dangers and help you make your home look "Like it never even happened."

Shreveport residential information here

SERVPRO Helps Shreveport Homeowners Throughout The Entire Restoration Process

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO experts see you through to the end of your water damage cleanup.

The Timeline for Water Damage in Shreveport Homes

With a disaster in your Shreveport home, there is a finite amount of time to reach out to professional cleanup and restoration services to protect your property from what could be substantial damages. Even with smaller scale situations, water damage can spread quickly throughout the affected area and saturate into materials that it contacts. Our professionals must respond fast in these situations to protect your property and the contents of the damaged areas from becoming unsalvageable.

As with all of the disasters and emergencies that could threaten your Shreveport home, water damage has a specific timeline that restoration crews have to follow to gauge the potential effects that could exist throughout your home. Understanding this timeline can help you to appreciate your need for professional services like our SERVPRO professionals, but also encourage you to reach out to our emergency response team quickly to avoid unnecessary damage and loss.

Our professionals remain available 24 hours a day with experienced personnel and industry-leading equipment designed to improve the outlook of your damaged home shortly after we arrive on the scene. We work to protect the structural integrity and the contents of your home through real-time mitigation tactics like our pack out process to protect your belongings until restoration work later completes.

Materials exposed to water damage begin absorbing this moisture immediately. Within as little as 24 hours, these same materials can warp and distort, being oversaturated and now unsalvageable. Within a few days, this moisture ridden area of your home becomes a welcoming environment for mold and microbial growth. In severe situations, the area can even become biohazardous to you and your family within a week. Taking care of these situations immediately can work to keep your home and those that live in it safe.

When you start to consider the many ways that water damage can occur in your home, it is nice to know that you have a team of dedicated professionals available 24/7 to help you through the restoration process. From the initial inspection through the end, our SERVPRO of South Shreveport technicians work tirelessly to give you a restored property. Give us a call anytime at (318) 865-4655.

For more information on the 2019 Carnival click here.

Don't Let A Fire Ruin Your Shreveport Business Call Our Experts For Help

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

The goal at SERVPRO of South Shreveport is to help every business reopen its doors as quickly as possible.

Cleaning And Removing Commercial Fire Damage In Shreveport Businesses

Shreveport business owners deal with the effects of storms on a regular basis. Much less common are the effects of fires and the requirements needed to clean them.

Commercial fire damage in a Shreveport convenience store can be as varied as the products on the store shelves. SERVPRO restoration teams understand how to clean smoke and soot residues, and dispose of items not restorable. They can achieve all of these tasks without causing secondary damage to the store and its contents.

Most fire damage comes from the residues left by smoke and soot which travels through the store before enough heat is generated to activate the fire suppression system. If the residue is dry and powdery, our technicians can remove it from canned goods, shelves, and sealed items with only a dry sponge or a soft brush. For slightly thicker layers, they may need a spray bottle with water or a mild cleaner to break them up for removal.

In a commercial facility, the fire suppression system usually soaks everything. In this environment, SERVPRO team members deal with wet residues, which are more difficult to remove. They need stiffer brushes to clean surfaces, and if the residues begin to dry, they can become very sticky depending on the material and how quickly it burned. These residues require a stronger cleaner to break them free from the affected surfaces.

If the residues stayed long enough to penetrate the surface of shelves, displays, or other property, it might be more cost-effective to dispose of the items than expend the labor, cleaners, and equipment to restore them. Technicians wipe down the surfaces to avoid spreading the residues and then disassemble the equipment, if needed, to prevent damaging the structure as they dispose of the property.

In most cases, the insurance company has already determined the cost of restoration versus disposal, and our team members can assist in ensuring every business owner meets the requirements to receive their full benefits.

The goal at SERVPRO of South Shreveport is to help every business reopen its doors as quickly as possible. If you're dealing with the results of a fire in your business, call us today at (318) 865-4655. We are here for you.

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How A Flood Can Effect Your Shreveport Bistro

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

This damaged ceiling was caused from a water leak due to a flood.

Shreveport's Commercial Flood Remediation Technicians Talk About The Importance Of Sanitization

When Water Damage Leaves a Foul Odor in Your Shreveport Home

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can leave a foul odor.

Dealing with Smells after Water Damage in Shreveport

When water overflows into unwanted sections of your Shreveport property, foul odors might develop. The causes might differ depending on the unique aspects of the incident. Familiar odor sources include debris such as food remains, moisture, trash, mold, and pet waste among other issues. Whenever you experience foul smell, you should establish the source and remove it because any other steps that might mask the odor are just temporary. As part of our professional restoration services, we offer a multi-procedural deodorization service.  

Cases of water damage in Shreveport properties that take longer to dry can result in moisture-fueled odors from the wet materials. Luckily, these go away when the materials dry thoroughly. Our SERVPRO technicians help accelerate the drying process. We use different approaches including air movers, which help increase the evaporation rate in the wet areas. We then use dehumidifiers to extract moisture from the air. In the case of water migration to concealed areas such as wall cavities or below floorboards, we use an injectidry system and drying mats eliminating moisture traces that can lead to bad smell effectively.  

Odors caused by waste materials, whether it is pet waste, food remains or trash, cannot go away until the source is removed. The problem is that as the water rises around the property, it can push such waste into concealed hard-to-reach areas. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on their vast work experience to trace the source of such odor. Because this might take time, we also take measures to mask the odor until we identify the source. Masking agents in the form of time-release beads help provide a sweet scent until we remove the foul odor source.  

Sometimes even after removing the suspected odor sources, the problem might not go away thus necessitating a general way of combating the odor. Our SERVPRO team can use ULV foggers to dissipate a pairing agent that combines with odor particles neutralizing them. We also use Ozone generators, which work by changing the chemical structure of odor particles neutralizing them.  

A property might not seem clean if it still smells terrible after the emergency is over. Call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 to help you deal with any odors. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Shreveport was founded in 1836. Read more about it here.

We've Got Your Back When A Fire Has Destroyed Your Shreveport Home

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

When fires happen, however, few homeowners are prepared for the repercussions.

Cleaning Up Your Home In Shreveport After Fire Damage

Disasters that do not discriminate, fires in Shreveport can occur no matter the condition or age of your home. The chance that a fire could start is always present, for any number of reasons. A majority of homeowners realize this fact, and it is probably the most common fear for people when purchasing a home. When fires happen, however, few homeowners are prepared for the repercussions.

If you’ve experienced a fire and fire damage in your Shreveport home, we understand that this is a time of overwhelming emotions, including sadness, anger, and confusion. That is why at SERVPRO, a professional restoration company, we handle each case that comes to us with care.

When cleaning and restoring materials in your home which have been damaged by smoke, tour goal is to restore these materials to their condition of preloss. We use some general principles of cleaning to accomplish this task.

SERVPRO staff first locate smoke residues by carefully inspecting the area affected. We begin at the source of the fire and trace how far the smoke traveled through your home. Different kinds of smoke residues can be present in the same area of loss. We select the cleaning method which will most effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

We also identify the affected surface types, which determines the cleaning methods and products that are all right to use. We carefully preserve the material or surface we need to clean, and some elements can be unrestorable since they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Since smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact, we use dry and wet processes of cleaning the residue particles can release and be carried away from the surface that was affected. We can then properly dispose of the debris and waste from cleaning.

As fire damage restorers, we have to respond to a variety of challenges created when odors and smoke residues affect various materials and surfaces. We adapt basic concepts of cleaning for each situation to ensure we are successful. We have several ways to agitate surfaces, multiple products to make the chemical reactions needed, and various cleaning procedures for using dwell time and heat to remove residues. We use the complete range of restoration procedures before determining that a fire-damaged material is unrestorable.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport wastes no time in getting to your property in Forbing, Shreveport, or the surrounding areas when you contact us after a fire. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (318) 299-1638 when you need help repairing and cleaning your property from fire damage.

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Why Shreveport Flood Damage Restoration Always Encompasses Odor Control

11/25/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can be quite overwhelming when it causes damage in your area. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation services.

Flood Damage to Your Home in Shreveport Includes Outbuildings

Shreveport neighborhoods can experience flooding from overflows, heavy rainfall, and many other sources. Residents can expect slight flooding in some locations to occur on a regular basis and prepare for the situation while others are entirely unexpected. We can help undo the damage brought on by such disasters and make it "Like it never even happened."
 
Once your Shreveport home sustains flood damage, things can become murky. Which items require disposal and which ones require cleaning are questions that never seem to end. We can help you by guiding you through to a safe and quick recovery. Flooding brings in various elements, some of which are organic. This can include microbes as well as other materials. As this dries, it also decays. The smell produced can become highly offensive.
 
We remove the debris and any flood-damaged materials that we cannot restore (such as drywall) and begin drying everything out. We also perform highly effective deodorization techniques. Ozone gas is not recommended for use in damp locations, so we rely on hydroxyl generators to eliminate tough odors. This is also very safe and we can continue to work on your home while these generators fill the air with hydroxyl gas. In fact, some industries that produce very unpleasant odors rely on these machines to make their workplaces more comfortable for their employees.
 
As we work at drying and deodorizing your home, we also clean every surface that came into contact with the floodwaters. Removing the debris on this level ensures that we detect any damaged items. Many items are hard and impermeable to floodwaters, but many others absorb the water and require special attention. We can assist you with extensive, deep cleaning of these items at our facility. This frees up space in your home and helps bring order back into a very chaotic situation.
 
SERVPRO of South Shreveport wants to help put order back into your home and life. Flood damage can make your home seem unlivable but we are here for you. Call us at (318) 865-4655 and we can make things normal again.

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If You Have A Water Damage Emergency In Shreveport Contact The Team At SERVPRO Immediately

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

The source of water on your property determines the water cleanup procedures we use during the restoration process.

What You Should Do When Your Shreveport Property Needs Water Cleanup Services

The source of water on your property determines the water cleanup procedures we use during the restoration process. It can be black water, gray water, or a clean water source and all require different levels of attention during the restoration process. Before any work can begin, we make sure the site is safe and put in place warning signs. We use the procedures we are discussing below when attending to structures in Shreveport that have been exposed to clean water.

Extracting the water from your Shreveport property is crucial when we are performing water cleanup procedures. Before the extraction process starts, we have to create space by moving furniture, appliances, and other items that might be blocking the area. Moving items such as books, papers, and area rugs can reduce the possibility of transferring stains from one area to the other. Depending on the accessibility of the site, our SERVPRO team uses submersible pumps, portable or truck-mounted extractors to remove the water.

If there is a carpet in the area, our SERVPRO technicians disengage it and use a carpet wand to extract the water. As we are performing this step, we are careful not to cause any form of destruction to the baseboards. After removing the pads, we place them in plastic bags and make sure water does not drip in unaffected locations. If we notice pre-existing conditions such as delamination and mold growth, notifying the adjuster is necessary. Our team also extracts water from hard floors using a squeegee wand.

After extracting water from the carpet and cleaning it, drying follows. In some cases, we may use the air mover's exhaust port to float the carpet and blow the air above and under its surface. We are careful not to stretch it and cause any avoidable damage. If we discover the surrounding air has excess moisture, we can use dehumidifiers to address the humidity challenge.

You can trust SERVPRO of South Shreveport with your restoration and cleaning needs in your home or business. Contact us at (318) 299-1638 to have your unique needs addressed professionally.

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How Our Team Removes Smoke Particles After A Fire In Your Forbing Home

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

Postponing fire damage restoration after a fire occurs in your home is not a good idea.

Capturing And Removing Smoke Particles During Fire Damage Restoration In Forbing

Postponing fire damage restoration after a fire occurs in your home or business can be overwhelming. The longer you take to correct the damage, the number of areas that need repairs increase - which ends up increasing the cost of the restoration work. Alerting your home insurance company and licensed restoration professionals should be your priority. We can assess the level of damage in your Forbing property and outline appropriate cleanup procedures.

When our SERVPRO technicians attend to fire damage incidents in Forbing, they have the task of finding and identifying the various types of smoke residues at the site. The tests we perform during this stage helps us to come up with the most suitable methods of capturing and removing the particles. While some of the residues loosely attach to the surfaces, some are firmly attached, and we have to use fluids and air to release and carry them away.

Dissolving and vacuuming are the most common processes that our SERVPRO team uses to capture and remove the smoke residues. If the site contains dry particles that are not firmly attached to the surfaces, then vacuuming may be our preferred method. Particles that have come into contact with moisture may be hard to remove since they bond with the surface becomes stronger and it may be necessary to use a wet cleaning process.

Our SERVPRO technicians use dissolving to weaken the bond between the particles and the surfaces. After weakening the bond, we can then suspend the residues in a cleaning product and readily flush it away. The cleaning product that we select should not react with the surface in any way so that the area does not deteriorate. Wash, rinse, and dry are the three steps that we follow when using the dissolving method. At the end of the cleaning process, our team disposes the residues as per the state and local requirements. For instance, we cannot release the waste into a septic system or gutter.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport is a trusted leader that uses industry proven procedures to restore homes and business after water, fire, storm, and mold damage. Call us at (318) 865-4655 and our highly trained technicians can offer you emergency services.

Click here for more about Forbing.

Moldy Camping Trip? Call SERVPRO for Remediation of Fungus in Your Shreveport Property--Even Your Tent

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Protect Your Shreveport Property from Mold After a Camping Trip

Damp Hiking and Camping Equipment Can Cause Mold Damage to Your Shreveport Hom

Enjoying family time in the great outdoors, either near Shreveport or in other locations can help bond with your family and relax from the stresses of normal routines. Wet and rainy nights while away from home can soak your gear and leave it in need of serious drying out time. Neglecting to let things completely air out before storing them away for next year can create problems in your home.
 
If your Shreveport home contains areas with elevated moisture, mold damage can occur there and in nearby locations. Leather hiking boots may seem dry long before all of the moisture from walking through mud evaporates. Tents that you rolled up too soon after a stormy night can slowly seep water vapor into the air. Not only can these items become moldy themselves, but they also provide the moisture that microbes need.
 
When the time comes to place these items in either the garage, shed, or attic, moving them can disturb any mold spores already present. These now-airborne spores enter your home's air currents and soon settle in other regions, waiting for moisture to start their growth cycle. One way we protect our customers' homes is by using air scrubbers that eliminate these potential microscopic threats from the air.
 
When we cut and remove moldy materials, we also use air scrubbers as part of a protective chamber. These machines help produce negative air pressure, which works in a highly efficient way to remove spores and other particles from the air throughout your entire home. We further protect your home from future infestations by carefully handling any materials we remove so disposing of them poses no threat to other areas of your residence.
 
There is a wide range of prices involving camping equipment so restoring any of the more costly items can help save money overall. Some materials, though, require more than restorative work. We can discuss with you possible options, although our primary goal is to prevent the spread of mold and mildew in your home. Cleaning mold from the surfaces of your gear can help rid them of the living mold, but stains may remain behind.
 
SERVPRO's Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) uses moisture meters that help locate areas experiencing increased amounts of moisture, leading us to hidden mold damage. We must remediate all mold damage to make your home exactly “Like it never even happened.”
 
SERVPRO of South Shreveport also provides mold damage remediation services to families in the Forbing area. Our 24-hour services number, (318) 865-4655, is available to you every day of the year.

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Stay Prepared For Flooding In Shreveport Homes Throughout Hurricane Season

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

Flood damages can happen in several different ways, but the damage to your Shreveport home is often widespread and challenging to overcome.

Stay Prepared For Flooding Throughout Hurricane Season

While Shreveport residents might be more than a little familiar with the severe weather systems that can pass through quickly through the summer and fall, it is always best to stay prepared as best as you can. The more that you can do to keep your home prepared for disasters like flooding, the less of an impact these occurrences can have and the faster that professional restoration work can complete.

Flood damages can happen in several different ways, but the damage to your Shreveport home is often widespread and challenging to overcome. With multiple homes and properties affected at once, securing professional restoration services can be equally challenging, and that is part of the preparation process for your home. Knowing when and how to reach out to professionals like our SERVPRO team can help you to get the mess in your home taken care of as quickly as possible.

With September being National Preparedness Month, it seems fitting to better understand the ways that you can prepare your home for the possibility of an emergency like flooding. One of the first things that you can do is to ensure that your home is in top form by regularly inspecting elements like your foundation and roof for structural weaknesses. This assessment can keep you ahead of a disaster by diagnosing and repairing problems before they allow flooding in your home.

Another way that you can prepare for a disaster like flooding is creating an emergency plan with your family. This plan does not have to be for flooding specifically, but having each member of your family understand what to do when tensions and panic levels are high can help you to avoid injuries or something even worse. Once everyone is safe, you can reach out to our SERVPRO professionals to begin restoring your home back to preloss conditions.

You do not want to think about the possibility of a flood in your home, but having a plan in place and staying prepared for this circumstance can keep you safe and help restoration happen more efficiently. If you have any emergency threatening your home, give our SERVPRO of South Shreveport restoration specialists a call today at (318) 865-4655.

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SERVPRO Fire Damage Technicians Out of Forbing Talk About Restoring Contents

9/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Pack-Outs for Cleaning Fire Damaged Possessions in the Forbing Area

Fire & Smoke Residues Require Cleaning As a Phase of Cleanup and Restoration

Whenever a fire ignites on a property in Forbing, burnt materials are not the only problems that can occur. Smoke can spread throughout a structure and cause more issues than just fire damage. Smoke consists of particles that did not wholly combust during the blaze. When these partially burned particles hit cooler surfaces, they coat the materials with soot residues. Sometimes affected items can be easily cleaned, but often the soot is impossible to remove forcing the object to be replaced during the fire damage restoration process.
 
Soot created by smoke can cause problems with both structural materials and your possessions. In many cases, during a fire damage project in Forbing, we remove contents from the affected areas to clean and treat them. Restoring your building materials and personal items separate from each other helps prevent secondary problems as a result of the restoration procedures. It is also easier to remove soot from your contents once our SERVPRO technicians move them to a clean and disinfected location.
 
If items inside your home get negatively affected during the fire, then they need to be cleaned, deodorized, and restored. When our SERVPRO technicians remove your contents for cleaning, we follow some general steps. First, we remove the boxes of your dirty possessions from their storage location to our cleaning area. We then unpack each box comparing the items in the box to the inventory list to ensure accuracy. Then, we clean each object using a standard set of procedures. Ultrasonic cleaning may be employed for specific possessions.
 
As each item is being cleaned, we perform additional deodorizing such as implementing an ozone machine or thermal fogging as required to eliminate foul odors to the structure. Once all of the elements are both cleaned and deodorized, we pack them back up in new with fresh packaging paper and update our inventory sheets. Lastly, we move the boxes filled with clean items to our clean storage warehouse until we schedule the time to bring them back to your home. "Like it never even happened."
 
If you ever think your contents require soot cleaning after even a small fire starts inside your home, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 seven days a week.

Information on this unincorporated community by clicking here

How Flood Damages Can Lead to Mold in Your Shreveport Home

8/19/2018 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO after flooding to both dry out your property and help mitigate any resulting mold damage.

SERVPRO Technicians Understand That Flooding and Any Possible Resulting Mold Damage Go Hand in Hand

Between a defective levy or substantial weather concerns throughout Shreveport, the threat of flooding is a persistent one to the residents here. While you work to safeguard your home from these unfortunate circumstances, sometimes it is difficult to avoid entirely. Worse still, many of the damages take days to develop once oversaturation and dampness have become widespread through the property, and the result of this situation can prove even more of a risk.

Combating mold damages in your Shreveport home is not something that every homeowner ever believed they would be doing. While the threat of this occurrence is possible every day due to the volume of mold spores (occurring inside and outside of your home at any given time), the kind of widespread water damage that flooding brings can offer this compounding damage in as little as 72 hours.

While correcting the flood damage is a daunting task all by itself at times, our SERVPRO technicians actively seek to avoid mold growth in your home. This growth can not only pose health risks for the occupants of the house, but these colonies feed on materials used in the framework, walls, supports, and floors of your home. Until the moisture is taken care of, especially in low traffic areas or in wall cavities, these colonies continue to grow and thrive.

One thing that you should understand is that mold damage is nothing to be taken lightly. With the kind of widespread nature of this fungal growth, it can quickly get out of control. This damage is something that our SERVPRO professionals actively look for as we seek to restore the flood damages to your home and return it to preloss conditions.

Preventing mold damage might seem as improbable as preventing flooding in your home at times. Regardless of how it happens, you should work to get this situation resolved as efficiently as possible. Our SERVPRO of South Shreveport applied microbial remediation technicians are standing by to help you. Give our rapid response team a call anytime at (318) 865-4655.

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Lesser Considered Risks Of Flood Damage To Your Shreveport Home

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

If you experience flooding in your house, trust the experienced technicians of SERVPRO.

Risks Of Flood Damage To Your Home

When rivers, creeks, and streams around your Shreveport home overflow, water might not be the worst of what you have to contend with if flooding occurs. While the substantial volume of water assuredly brings its own manner of damages into your house along with it, there are other considerations that you also have to think of when it comes to getting these damages restored.

Flood damages are rarely the same from one Shreveport home to the next. Points of entry change and the circumstances and parts of the home affected change right along with them. While removing the water is one of the top priorities for even our experienced SERVPRO professionals, other possible problems stem from floodwaters breaching your home's exterior.

One of the first things that our SERVPRO technicians have to assess when we begin a restoration job on a flooded residence is the stability of the structure itself. Oversaturation in various areas of the house can lead to material failure and collapse, which can be dangerous to the residents of the household or to our own team of experienced professionals working to restore the damage.

Another consideration is dirt and debris carried in with the rising water from these various sources like a river, stream, or creek bed. These sources tend to bring muddy and turbulent water towards your home, leaving more than just saturated materials and water extraction to face. Ultimately, extensive cleaning becomes another facet of the flood restoration process to remove this dirt and debris left behind after extraction and drying efforts.

Still another consideration for those who are unsure of where the flood water originated is the risk of contamination. If this invading presence overflowed sewer mains or encountered chemical leech fields or runoff from industrial areas, this flooding in your home could carry bacteria, germs, or chemical contaminants that need to get assessed and removed appropriately.

Flooding is never a straightforward occurrence to your home and often requires skilled professionals to assess the situation and take precautionary measures for everyone's safety. If you experience flooding in your house, trust the experienced technicians of SERVPRO of South Shreveport. You can reach our rapid response team anytime at (318) 865-4655.

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Set Your Mind At Ease Concerning Your Shreveport Business -- Develop A SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's ERP Plan May Prevent Your Shreveport Business from Water, Fire, Storm, or Mold Problems

The ERP Plan Can Prevent or Mitigate Damages to Your Thriving Enterprise

Well-managed Shreveport businesses devise responses to a broad range of potential crises. Chief among the disasters a business can suffer is significant property damage due to water, fire, storms, or mold. An expert and informed reaction from a dependable restoration firm can halt the damage and return your business to full operation fast.
 
Water, fire, storms, and the secondary damage they cause to your company can shut your doors, possibly permanently. A fast response from using the ERP Plan in Shreveport from our highly-qualified commercial disaster team offers not only recovery from the damage but also a chance to proceed with your business during the restoration. The prospect of remaining at least partially open during recovery can increase when we collaborate. Arming our technician teams with a customized course of action if you must call for our help expedites positive results.
 
The SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan and Profile (ERP) codifies a detailed disaster reaction strategy in an easily accessible document. We visit and walk through your business premises with you to share pertinent details about your company’s priorities and ways of conducting your enterprise. During the assessment we map your layout, noting areas we identify as susceptible to a higher risk of severe damage or probability of collecting water during a flood or creating a fire hazard. Recommendations to limit the harm an emergency situation helps you adapt before an actual loss, including alternative storage systems or placement of your valuable equipment and inventory.
 
Personalize the ERP further as you click through the mobile app SERVPRO developed to provide more detail. The app makes it clear that you chose us to perform needed restoration services, clearing the way for a fast response on our part. Designate the managers, employees, or family members you authorize to contact us and direct the restoration until your return if you are temporarily unavailable. Make a list of the vendors, including your insurance carrier, who provided and installed equipment and systems should we need to contact them during the project.
 
Spend some time brainstorming with our experienced specialists to design one or more ways to meet the needs of your clients or customers during restoration. Offering open communication and accessibility to some degree while your building undergoes mitigation provides actual damage control to any perception that your company is down for the count.
 
Reach out to Olivia Showalter of SERVPRO of South Shreveport to set up the ERP assessment process. One call to (318) 865-4655 or email to OShowalter@SERVPROsouthshreveport.com sets the process in motion, preparing your business to thrive through any disaster with our professional assistance.

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Misused Electrical Outlets Can Cause Fire Damages In Your Shreveport Home

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Be Aware of Electrical Fire Potential in Your Shreveport Home

Prevent Fires from Electrical Shorts By Following this Information from SERVPRO

Many Shreveport homeowners do not fully understand the electrical network throughout their homes. While most occupants can appreciate the plug and use mentality of outlets, they fail to understand how they work and their limitations for specific oversized items or their ability to fail in dangerous ways when they get improperly used.

Preventing dangerous situations in your home is a priority to most families, and this begins with better understanding the limitations and restraints of your electrical systems. To prevent situations like fire damages in your Shreveport residence, it is a good idea to educate yourself about how you can be more safety-conscious about electrical consumption and improper usages.

One of the first things that a homeowner needs to consider when it comes to their electrical outlets in their home is that they only get rated for a specific amount of available power. This misunderstanding has required our SERVPRO technicians to respond to emergencies in residences and commercial structures alike. Trying to get more out of this individual stations than what they can provide underpowers the devices you have plugged in and can overload the outlet itself, causing sparks and combustion.

Another situation that our SERVPRO fire restoration team has seen is improper usage of outlets. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that because their home is grounded with a wire outside, that this protects all of the outlets, whether they have a grounding slot or not. Unless the individual who installed your electrical system physically connected your outlets to this grounding rod via the fuse box, some of your power outlets could remain unprotected. Using three-pronged appliances and devices with a converter for a two-pronged outlet provides no protection, and power surges can and do ignite fires. GFCI, ground fault circuit interrupters are often used in water accessible areas like bathrooms and kitchens to help prevent the chance of shocks or electrocution.

A better understanding of the safety guidelines and limitations of your residential electrical system can help you to prevent fires and disasters in your home. If these situations have already occurred, trust our SERVPRO of South Shreveport fire restoration specialists to help you clean up the mess and get your home back to preloss conditions quickly. Give us a call 24/7 at (318) 865-4655.

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Fire Damage can Happen when Forbing Residents use Candles During Power Outages

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

Several areas of this home sustained fire damage. The crew at SERVPRO was called in to clean or removed all of the damaged materials.

Rely on SERVPRO when a fire damages your home

Power outages happen during the spring months' thundershowers, and Forbing residents typically resort to using alternative ways to light their homes. Candles might play a role during a romantic dinner, but in an emergency, they pose a much higher risk than a flashlight or other temporary light source.

Candle use can cause a home in the Forbing area to suffer fire damage in a concentrated area. Setting a candle too close to a wall can force its heat to travel upward rapidly, catching any flammable items on fire. Drapes, paintings, wall art, and other furnishings can then spread the fire as burning pieces drop to the floor.

SERVPRO technicians with IICRC certificates in Carpet Repair and Reinstallation (RRT) can help save carpeting from the possible destruction caused by both the fire itself and the water used to put it out. Clearing walls and other surfaces of soot and oily smoke deposits often reveals that many materials do not suffer as much as the homeowners might have previously thought.

We use specially designed cleaning agents that pull dirty, greasy residues away from the different surfaces covered in soot. Some materials may require additional cleaning, while others may look and feel clean but continue to give off smoke-related odors. We have different methods that effectively eradicate odors caused by even the most challenging materials.

Many times, we find that the worst odors come from hidden nooks and crannies near the fire's location and not the suspected items. In these situations, we apply neutralizing deodorizing agents that bond with the smoke particles and chemically change them. After this takes place, they can no longer cause problem smells for you and your family.

After we replace damaged items and materials with new ones, your home once again should look "Like it never even happened." Damaged areas, greasy soot, and smoky odors no longer create bad memories or health and safety risks for your family members.

SERVPRO of South Shreveport has the technicians to help restore your family home to how you expect it to look and feel. Call us at (318) 865-4655 so we can perform the work needed.

Learn more about the community for Forbing in Caddo Parish, LA

A Storm Causing Flood Damage to Your Cafe Can Interrupt Your Flow of Business

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Our team is available to help with your flood damaged proprty today

Our tools and equipment can restore your business after flood damage

Storms can bring harsh winds and intense rain with them and, if that water finds a way into your property, it can cause flood damage. Property damage is never convenient, especially for a business. Suddenly having inches of water in your store can drive customers to other locations, which for a cafe is a nightmare as they are entirely dependant on daily foot traffic. These sorts of accidents happen, whether from a window that was left ajar or extreme winds forcing an entry open. What is important is that professional and certified help is close by to help you out of your situation.

Our qualified team understands how important it is to remediate the flood damage in your Shreveport cafe as soon as possible. It is essential to get the water out swiftly for the sake of your business, but we also strive to remove it quickly because when water damage lingers for too long, it can cause more problems. Your business is filled with tables, booth seats, and food. Water damage can spoil the food and cause mold when left for too long. The sooner it is removed from your property, the better.

SERVPRO's IICRC-certified techs can bring equipment with them to your property to remediate the damage. We use tools like extractors and portable pumps to remove the excess water. Working with these tools allows us to get the water out swiftly as we can move onto drying.

SERVPRO can come to your property whenever it best suits you, but we always recommend coming as soon as possible. If you find the flood damage in the early hours of the morning, we can be there within hours of your call. We aim to make sure that you do not lose an entire day of business.

Do not delay when floodwaters damage your property. Reach out to SERVPRO of South Shreveport by dialing (318) 865-4655. We strive to get our team to your location and do our job swiftly.

More information on Shreveport can be found here.

SERVPRO - Cleaning And Removing Mold Damage From Shreveport Residences

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians have the knowledge and training to remove mold damage from your home properly.

When Mold Damage creeps up on you, count on us for help

Shreveport is a small, unique city. Almost as well known as our big sister to the south, residents enjoy a slightly quieter life and claim to serve actual, traditional Louisiana food without the commercialization. We still share many problems with other areas, and one of them is mold.

Mold damage can happen in any Shreveport home. It is merely a matter of a few mold spores having enough moisture to begin expanding and then finding a nearby food source while the temperature is just right. SERVPRO technicians understand that this can happen entirely out of sight and a homeowner only becomes aware of it when he or she sees it growing up the wall behind the washing machine.

In older and new homes, the majority of the damage happens to the structure itself. Mold can cause health risks in some people. What our restoration specialists find is that the mold has grown long enough to force its way into the material such as ceiling tiles, wood, and other building materials like sheetrock.

When this happens, SERVPRO technicians must remove and dispose of the infested material. Pulling sheetrock panels away from the wall framing is not a difficult task, but there is also the need to prevent needlessly damaging the panels and releasing loose mold spores into the air where they can settle in previously uncontaminated areas of the home.

That is why our team members carefully remove each panel off the wall and out of the home before breaking it into smaller pieces. Our teams dispose of every piece of infested building material according to EPA and state regulations.

Not every surface covered in mold requires disposal, however. In most cases, our technicians use anti-fungal and anti-bacterial cleaners to kill mold spores on the surface and then wipe them off with dry sponges or cleaning cloths. For thick layers of mold, teams use vacuums with special, HEPA filters designed to capture even a single mold spore off an affected surface.

If you have mold in your home, you need to bring a trained professional to remove it. SERVPRO of South Shreveport has cleaned and restored mold-infested homes since 1996. Let us help you now, so call us at (318) 865-4655 today to schedule an appointment.

For details on the city of Shreveport, LA click here.

Recovering after Flood Damage Pervades Your Shreveport Property

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

If your home faces a flooding scenario, contact SERVPRO right away for drying out services and to help prevent secondary damages.

Team SERVPRO Arrives With Efficient Equipment Ready to Dry Out Your Flooded Home

Flooding can affect any home in or near Shreveport, especially those in lower-lying areas. Because so many different bayous and smaller creeks and streams exist in the area, small blockages can spell disaster for nearby homes with only a small amount of rainfall.
 
Residents who own homes that sustain flood damage in Shreveport can find themselves and their families temporarily displaced. Such disastrous events often force families into temporary shelter arrangements, which can cause stress and hardship for even the strongest families. SERVPRO technicians can help reduce the time your family must remain away from home and restore everything "Like it never even happened." Returning your home to a safe, preloss condition means your family easily moves forward without memories of the flood persisting.
 
Silt retains moisture, as do waterlogged materials. We remove these so the house can return to normal moisture levels quicker. Once we take saturated materials out, our equipment dries everything faster and more efficiently. Cleaning your home's interior furnishings, such as furniture, appliances, and woodwork also proceeds more safely in the absence of soggy carpets and crumbling drywall. When special equipment may suffer problems, we partner with expert technicians who can help resolve any issues before they become permanent or worse.
 
Deodorizing your home after invasive water floods can also mitigate any microbial populations that might cause problems for your family and pets. We perform thermal fogging and other types of methods of odor elimination and control, leaving your home smelling like it should and without any wet musty odors. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) holds IICRC certification, helping ensure the work completed lasts long and provides you with the results you want.
 
SERVPRO of South Shreveport is always ready to help our local families deal with flood damage. Call us at (318) 865-4655 so we can use the latest equipment and techniques to restore your home. We work quickly to restore your home. We want to help your family return to a safe and dry home, free of the risks left behind by flooding.

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Air Quality Improves After Mold Remediation In Shreveport

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Remediates Mold and Improves Indoor Air Quality in Shreveport Area Properties

SERVPRO Provides Mold Cleanup and a Healtheir Home Environment

Mold colonies are a possibility in any Shreveport home given the right conditions. Mold spores are always present, waiting for the opportunity to begin growing and multiplying when moisture is available. Removing the active colonies from surfaces is one step toward abatement, but we also help clear the air of moldy debris during remediation.
 
If the interior of your Shreveport residence harbors mold damage, it is crucial to engage the services of a firm that can help with remediation of the active colony at all levels. Removing visible colonies safely following EPA protocols is one treatment our crews train extensively to master. We also offer techniques that improve the air quality inside your home, these efforts aimed at abating the airborne characteristics of mold and its residues.
 
When SERVPRO plans for your mold remediation treatment, containment of the mold seen on surfaces and escaping into the air are equally important. We use physical barriers and negative pressure air scrubbers equipped with high-efficiency filters and venting to create zones within your home to keep airborne and tracked in mold debris from unaffected spaces during the treatments. The contaminants are trapped within the HEPA filters used in our vacuums as well. Our crews observe strict rules intended to prevent as much as possible the migration of spores and other residues from the contaminated areas into the locations where you and your loved ones live during the remediation.
 
Because mold and its byproducts can cause health effects in those who have allergies or are otherwise susceptible, removing the tiny spores and other residues from the air help wind up a remediation project successfully. SERVPRO crews use specialized equipment like ULV foggers to dispense antimicrobial products during the remediation procedures. The foggers generate an ultra-low volume (ULV) mist of particles 5-50 microns (μm) in diameter. This size is ideal for the extermination of spores and clearing of the moldy debris stirred up during the remediation.
 
SERVPRO recommends remediation assessment when you see, smell, or suspect mold. Expensive testing is not necessary if the mold is evident. The services we provide are effective in curbing current mold damage. Once our remediation completes you and your contractors can take steps to eliminate the moisture that fuels the mold growth.
 
SERVPRO of South Shreveport is a full-service mold remediation resource for our community. Call us at (318) 865-4655 to schedule an assessment and the dispatch of one of our skilled mold abatement crews.

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Professional Solution to Commercial Mold Damage in Forbing

4/29/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth in your shop can be stopped, and future growth can be prevented. Contact SERVPRO to discuss our plan for your location.

Team SERVPRO Understands Mold and How to Stop Its Spread in Your Shop

In a humid, subtropical climate such as ours in Forbing, some mold and mildew exposure in almost unavoidable. Even though it is a common challenge, it does not mean your employees and customers accept mold damage as a matter of course in your shop, restaurant, or other business. Our mold remediation strategies can help with a current outbreak and avoid future microbial infestations.
 
Your business struggles with commercial mold damage in Forbing for a very simple reason. Mold spores are present everywhere, outdoors and inside, including the interior of your commercial property. If the spores do not locate a source of moisture, they remain inert, unlikely to grow and multiply into a full-blown mold colony. Any standing water, damp building structures or fixtures, or even high indoor humidity provides fuel for mold growth if present for more than 24 to 48 hours. We understand the life cycle of mold, are proficient in mold remediation, and offer practical suggestions to keep moisture from feeding the unwanted fungal growth.
 
If you engage our mold remediation services, expect a thorough inspection of your commercial building. If we see evidence of mold, we develop a remediation plan. SERVPRO crew members contain the affected area with physical barriers and can also use negative pressure air scrubbers to prevent moldy debris from spreading to untainted spaces. We evaluate whether the mold is on the surface of nonporous materials or has infiltrated porous structures. We remove just the mold or the mold and any material it contaminates, bagging it for proper disposal under local rules.
 
Then the SERVPRO crew uses special vacuums and EPA registered disinfectants to clear away any remaining moldy debris and inhibit further growth. We then look carefully for the moisture sources that encouraged the mold growth and subsequent damage. Plumbing and roof leaks need repair, spills must be mopped promptly, and indoor humidity more than 60 percent requires reduction. HVAC systems and AC units need to be operating at peak efficiency to keep air moisture between 30 and 50 percent.
 
SERVPRO of South Shreveport is an experienced mold remediation firm, ready to help local businesses recover from mold infestations. Call (318) 865-4655 for assistance if you suspect mold damage at your business property.

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SERVPRO Fire Damage Cleaning in Forbing, LA

4/22/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke damage can remain in the home long after a fire. Contact SERVPRO for a quick response and remediation services.

Team SERVPRO Arrives With Equipment to Remediate Odors After a Fire

Forbing homes usually suffer most from smoke and soot after a fire. Massive structural damage is a rarity, but even cleaning and removing those residues can take days or weeks. In some cases, restoration costs can be higher than simply removing and disposing of the affected property and building materials.
 
Restoring the effects of fire damage to Forbing homes requires much more than a mop, bucket, and a bottle of cleaning and deodorizing chemical. To eliminate residues and the accompanying odors, we use specialized equipment not available to the general public. Every SERVPRO office maintains an extensive inventory of devices and machines to permanently remove both types of damage, and not just cover them up.
 
We start with Ventilation Fans. This high velocity, industrial grade, box fans shift 3000 to 5000 cubic feet of air per minute. Not only are they superb for removing odors, but they can also help to dry out furniture and building material like drywall. If the outside air is drier than inside, our technicians can use the fans to displace the odor-filled, damp air with the odor-free air from outside the home.
 
Once the fans are in place, SERVPRO team members bring out Electric Pressure Sprayers. We use these to disperse cleaning and deodorizing agents directly onto large surfaces, like carpets, and furniture such as sofas and chairs. These sprayers are very effective with light to heavy residues and mild to strong odors.
 
For small items or small stains on large items, we use Injectors. These are hand-held pumps with a large needle attached. Team members inject small amounts of cleaners and deodorizers directly into the stain. We prefer using this method to hopefully prevent the need to lift and remove a carpet or go to the expense of recovering an upholstered chair or sofa.
 
For very strong odors that have penetrated deep into wall framing and other support structure, we use Ozone Machines. These devices heat up and generate a gaseous molecule that binds with odor-causing molecules. The ozone molecules can penetrate as deeply as the odors, altering the molecules and eliminating them completely.
 
If you have smoke-related odors in your home, call SERVPRO of South Shreveport at (318) 865-4655 today. We can help you return your residence to its original condition and provide a safe environment for you and your family.

Click here for more information on the city of Forbing.

Unchecked Roof Damage Could Allow Flooding in Your Shreveport Attic

4/15/2018 (Permalink)

Roof damage can cause a great deal of water to enter your attic. Call SERVPRO to remediate the damage and restore your home.

Team SERVPRO Assesses Your Roof for Damage to Prevent a Flooding Scenario

As a homeowner, you often fixate on things that are meant to improve the functionality of your home or the convenience of your living. What many Shreveport homeowners do not always have on their minds is the condition of their roof, namely how much wear and tear it experiences throughout the storm-ridden warmer months of the year. Without at least an annual inspection, you could miss impending damages and vulnerable points that later collapse or fall through, allowing widespread damage to occur to your house.
 
When your home’s roof fails to prevent water from entering the attic space of your property, high volumes of water can pool in a short period allowing flood damage in Shreveport. This damage might be detrimental enough, though if allowed to continue, can quickly spread to adjoining rooms through the flooring of the attic and out of the ceiling of the next floor down. The farther the reach of the water, the more involved and time-consuming the professional restoration process is.
 
Our SERVPRO professionals work quickly to seal off the damaged areas of your roof to prevent further water from entering through these vulnerable points. Once the threat has gotten removed, we set our sights on pulling the excess water from the entire affected area. Since the faster this extraction gets accomplished, the less potential damage occurs, reacting quickly to the presence of flooding in your home is critical.
 
Drying the area is another crucial component of our restoration process. With flooding that could affect multiple floors of your home, air movers, dehumidification equipment, and drying mats get used to pull the moisture from the environment. The drying mats penetrate deep below the flooring material to dry up the dampness.
 
Once the drying process gets completed, an assessment must get done to determine structural damages and what materials need repair or reconstruction efforts. For severely damaged areas, our SERVPRO technicians can remove just the damaged portions via controlled demolition to prepare these spots for reconstruction.
 
Flooding might not be anything new for the people in your area, but when it is your house that gets damaged, you want to make sure it is taken care of correctly. Trust the experienced specialists of SERVPRO of South Shreveport to work quickly and efficiently cleaning up the mess a flood leaves behind. Give us a call anytime you need at (318) 865-4655.

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Commercial Cleaning Services in Shreveport

5/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of South Shreveport team member begins a thorough top to bottom post construction clean-up at the Tejas Kitchen Bar Patio in Shreveport.

Before its big grand opening, Tejas Kitchen Bar Patio, located on the corner of Line and Pierremont in the Towne Oak Square Shopping Center, needed help. When a new restaurant opens, even in an older location, new construction is a part of the process and a job on this scale requires a professional post-construction cleaning before the doors open for business.

That's where SERVPRO® of South Shreveport becomes part of this story. Removing every hint of construction debris and clutter is essential so that new customers can enjoy a clean atmosphere as they experience the new cuisine. The SERVPRO® brand is usually associated with fire and water restoration but our cleaning skills also fit well in this type of environment.

Our team thanks the owners and employees at Tejas Kitchen Bar Patio and appreciates their confidence in SERVPRO® of South Shreveport.