Moisture Control 101: Essential Tips for Preventing Mold in Your Home

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

Preventing mold from taking over your home by following these few steps.

Mold is a common problem in many homes, and it can not only damage the aesthetics of your living space, but cause secondary damages to your home or business. Mold thrives in environments with excessive moisture, making it crucial to control moisture levels in your home to prevent mold growth. In this blog post, we will provide you with essential tips for moisture control to help you prevent mold from taking hold in your home.

Fix leaks promptly

Any water leaks in your home, whether it's from a pipe, roof, or window, should be addressed immediately. Water leaks provide a prime breeding ground for mold growth, and even minor leaks can create enough moisture for mold to thrive. Regularly inspect your home for any signs of leaks, such as water stains, dampness, or musty odors, and fix them promptly to prevent mold from gaining a foothold.

Ensure proper ventilation

Proper ventilation is key to controlling moisture in your home. Use exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room to vent moisture to the outside. Make sure that your dryer is vented to the outside as well. Open windows and doors regularly to allow fresh air to circulate and promote airflow, which helps to reduce moisture levels and discourage mold growth.

Control indoor humidity

Keeping indoor humidity levels in check is crucial in preventing mold growth. Use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, to reduce excess moisture in the air. Aim to maintain indoor humidity levels below 50% to discourage mold growth. You can also use air conditioners to help reduce humidity during hot and humid weather.

Insulate properly

Proper insulation is essential in preventing condensation, which can lead to mold growth. Insulate your home properly, including walls, floors, and roofs, to prevent moisture from seeping in and creating a conducive environment for mold to thrive. Insulation also helps to regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the risk of condensation.

Keep your home clean and dry

Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to preventing mold growth. Clean up any spills or water damage immediately and dry affected areas thoroughly. Don't leave wet or damp items lying around, and avoid over-watering indoor plants. Regularly clean and dry your bathroom, kitchen, and other high-moisture areas to prevent mold from taking hold.

Use mold-resistant materials

When renovating or building, consider using mold-resistant materials, such as mold-resistant drywall, paint, and insulation. These materials are designed to resist mold growth and can help in preventing mold problems in your home.

Gutters and downspouts

Gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in directing water away from your home. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris, and that they are directing water away from your home's foundation. Properly functioning gutters and downspouts can prevent water from seeping into your home and causing moisture problems.

In conclusion, controlling moisture is essential in preventing mold growth in your home. By promptly fixing leaks, ensuring proper ventilation, controlling indoor humidity, insulating properly, keeping your home clean and dry, using mold-resistant materials, and maintaining your gutters and downspouts, you can effectively prevent mold from taking hold in your home. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to identifying and addressing any moisture issues before they turn into mold problems. By following these tips, you can create a healthy and mold-free environment in your home.

Mastering Mold: Essential Tips for Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home

4/28/2023 (Permalink)

Make your home a healthy living environment for your family.

Mold growth in homes can be a common problem that not only damages the aesthetic appeal of your living space. Mold thrives in moist environments and can spread quickly. Fortunately, preventing mold in your home is possible with proper moisture control. In this blog, we will explore some tips to help you keep mold at bay and maintain a healthy living environment.

Identify and Fix Water Leaks

Water leaks can occur in various places in your home, such as pipes, roofs, windows, and foundations. Identifying and fixing these leaks as soon as possible is crucial in preventing mold growth. Regularly inspect your home for signs of water damage, such as water stains, musty odors, and dampness. If you notice any leaks, have them repaired promptly by a professional to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.

Maintain Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential in preventing mold growth. Moisture tends to accumulate in areas with poor air circulation, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Make sure your home is properly ventilated by using exhaust fans in high-moisture areas, opening windows to allow fresh air to circulate, and using dehumidifiers in humid areas. Good ventilation helps to reduce excess moisture, making it harder for mold to grow.

Control Indoor Humidity

Mold thrives in humid environments, so controlling indoor humidity levels is crucial in preventing mold growth. Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% by using a hygrometer to measure humidity levels and using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce excess moisture in the air. Avoid drying clothes indoors, and make sure your home is well-ventilated to prevent humidity from building up.

Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation is important in preventing mold growth. Insulate your home properly to prevent condensation and moisture buildup on walls, ceilings, and floors. Insulated windows and doors can also help prevent moisture from seeping into your home, reducing the chances of mold growth.

Pay Attention to Outdoor Drainage

Proper outdoor drainage is essential in preventing moisture from seeping into your home. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly to prevent water from overflowing and causing moisture problems. Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from your foundation to prevent water from pooling and seeping into your basement or crawl space.

Keep Air Ducts Clean

Your home's HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. Dirty air ducts can harbor dust, debris, and mold spores, which can circulate in your home and contribute to mold growth. Regularly clean and maintain your air ducts to prevent mold from spreading through the ventilation system. Hire a professional duct cleaning service to ensure thorough cleaning and maintenance.

Be Mindful of Basement and Crawl Space

Basements and crawl spaces are prone to moisture issues due to their location below ground level. Regularly inspect these areas for signs of moisture, such as dampness, musty odors, or water stains. Install a vapor barrier and use a dehumidifier in these areas to control moisture levels and prevent mold growth.

In conclusion, mold growth in homes can be prevented with proper moisture control. Regular inspection, prompt repair of water leaks, adequate ventilation, controlling indoor humidity, proper insulation, keeping your home clean and dry, addressing condensation, prompt action after floods or water damage, mindful indoor plant care, using mold-resistant materials, clean air ducts, and proper care of basement and crawl spaces are some key steps to prevent mold growth. By implementing these tips and being proactive in moisture control, you can safeguard your home against mold and maintain a healthy living environment for you and your family.

Prevent water damage while on Vacation

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

Take precautions when you leave for vacation.

Vacationers, beware! Water damage can be costly and a messy hassle to deal with when you're already away from home. If you haven't already done so, it's important that you take precautions to prevent water damage in your home while you're on vacation. Follow these simple tips for preventing water damage on vacation.

Water damage can be costly.

Vacationers' homes can be left vulnerable to water damage if they're not careful. Water damage is a serious problem that can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs. While vacationers may think they'll be back before any problems arise, it can take weeks or months for insurance claims to be processed and repaired homes restored by contractors. And even then, some types of water damage can be difficult or impossible to repair after the fact, especially if you don't know what signs indicate that there might be an issue at all.

A quick action plan.

Water damage can be expensive to repair and cause serious secondary damages if you don't take the right steps to prevent water damage while away from home.

The best way to prevent water damage is by scheduling regular maintenance with a professional plumber who knows your plumbing system inside and out and who will know how best to handle any situation that arises when you're away from home for an extended period of time.

Keep appliances clean and dry.

Make sure all appliances are clean and dry to prevent any water damage could become a potential loss. Don't leave the dishwasher running when you're not home and ensure now water is sitting in the bottom before leaving that could cause a water loss. Don't leave the washing machine running when you're not home. And most importantly don't leave the dryer running when you're not home which could lead to a potential fire.

Make sure your home is properly insulated.

Water damage is a common problem for many homeowners, but it's easy to prevent. By making sure that your home has proper insulation and ventilation, you can limit the amount of moisture in the air and keep yourself safe from mold and mildew growth.

Maintaining proper insulation levels in your home will help prevent cold drafts from entering through cracks in walls or windowsills. This not only keeps out unwanted weather conditions out but it also helps keep heat inside during winter months. In addition, insulation reduces noise pollution by dampening sounds from outside sources such as traffic or neighbors, tv and even foot steps from upstairs. Lastly, improved energy efficiency leads directly back into saving money on utility bills each month.

Install a backup sump pump system.

A backup sump pump system is a highly beneficial and cost-effective way to prevent water damage on vacation. It's easy to install, and it can be placed anywhere in your home or office.

A backup sump pump system works by pumping water out of the basement when storms are approaching. This prevents flooding from occurring, which is especially important if you have valuables stored dow stairs ere such as electronics or furniture that could be ruined by water damage. Store valuables in waterproof containers until you return home.

Water damage can be prevented, but it takes effort and planning ahead of time

Water damage can be a costly problem. It's also preventable, but the key is to plan ahead of time and take precautions. Make sure your home is secure before you leave. Make sure that all windows and doors are locked, and don't forget about things like garage doors and automatic gates.

Keep an eye on weather forecasts for where you're going especially if there's been recent flooding or other extreme weather events nearby. Check local news reports online as well to ensure your home id safe while left unattended.

While it's tempting to leave everything behind when you go on vacation, it's important to take precautions against water damage. The best way to do this is by making sure your home is properly insulated and has backup sump pump systems installed. If you have any questions about how these systems work or whether they're right for your home, contact us today!

Protect your home from Water Damage

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

Protect your home from water damage.

Water damage is one of the most common problems homeowners face. It can range from small leaks and moisture stains to major floods that destroy your home’s structure. If you suspect that there’s water damage in your house, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help. This guide will give you some tips for preventing water damage in your home so that you don't have to deal with this issue before it becomes a problem!

Check your house for signs of water damage.

Check the basement, attic and crawl spaces. Look for signs of water damage on the walls and floor. Keep a check on windows and doors for signs of water damage, especially after a storm or flood.

Keep an eye on your water bill for unusual spikes.

One of the best ways to tell if your home has experienced water damage is by checking the water bill. If you notice an unusual spike in your usage, it could be an indicator that there's been some type of leak or flooding in your house.

If this happens, check around for signs of damage--a burst pipe may have caused wet carpeting or walls; a leaking roof could mean mold growth on wood surfaces (like in basements). If there are no visible signs of damage, call up your utility company right away so they can come out and check their meters before any more charges get added onto your bill.

Look for signs of wear in your pipes and faucets.

Look for signs of wear in your pipes and faucets. If you see any, it's time to call a plumber.

Faucet washers can wear out over time, causing water leaks that lead to costly repairs or replacement. The same thing can happen with pipes if they're exposed to hard water or acidic solutions (like bleach), which corrode them from the inside out.

Look out for cracks in the foundation of your home.

If you notice cracks in the foundation walls, or if there are any holes in the floorboards and wallboards, it may be time to call a professional. The best way to ensure that your home is safe from water damage is by getting an inspection. If you do find signs of water damage after a storm or flood, contact a contractor immediately so they can fix the problem before it gets worse.

Regularly clean out the gutters on your house.

Regularly cleaning the gutters on your home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage. If you don't clear debris from your gutters, leaves and other debris can clog them, causing water to back up in your home. To avoid this, remove leaves from the gutter before they have a chance to block it. You should also make sure that rainwater isn't pooling on top of a leaf pile or other type of obstruction, if there is too much pressure against these barriers, they may give way and allow water into places where it shouldn't go--like behind walls or under floors.

Make sure that you're not overwatering your lawn.

Overwatering is another major cause of water damage to your home. When you have a lawn, it's important to make sure that you're not overwatering it. Overwatering can cause root damage and lead to disease or insect infestations, which will damage the grass even more.

The best way to prevent this is by using a soil moisture meter and watering deeply but infrequently (once per week). You should also use a sprinkler with a low flow rate so that there isn't too much pressure on the roots when they are exposed during watering cycles.

Preventing water damage

Preventing water damage is much easier than dealing with it once it occurs. Water damage can be very expensive to fix. If you don't want to spend the money or time that comes with repairing water damage, make sure there's no standing water in your home by checking sinks and tubs regularly for leaks (and fixing them when necessary).

We understand that water damage can be a stressful situation to deal with, but the good news is that there are many things you can do to protect yourself from it. Water damage can be expensive and time-consuming to repair, so taking steps now will help ensure that your home stays dry for years to come!

Mold: Questions You Might Be Afraid to Ask

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth in bathtub caulking

FAQ: Mold

Mold is a fungus that can grow on many surfaces indoors. It thrives in warm, damp environments. When you breathe in mold spores, they can cause health problems. If your home has mold growing on walls, ceilings, or floors, we recommend hiring a professional to remove the mold and make repairs before it spreads further into the structure of your home. Here are some common questions about mold that you may not know the answers to:

What is mold?

It is true that mold can be found almost everywhere. While it's not always bad to have a few molds in your home, if you have an extensive problem or there are people who are allergic to them, it can become a serious problem. Molds are a type of fungus that comes in many shapes and forms. In fact, there are over 100,000 different types of molds!

Mold spores are microscopic organisms that grow on almost any surface (such as wood or paper). They spread by releasing millions of spores into the air around them—and if these spores land somewhere with enough moisture and food (like in your carpet), they'll start growing more molds. This means that mold moves around from place to place easily; which means you could get some from one room to another just by going from one room to another!

How does mold get in my home?

You're not alone in your fear of mold. It's a problem that affects the health of millions of people, and it can be hard to tell if you have mold growing in your home. Mold spores are everywhere—in soil, plants, trees, on all kinds of surfaces—and they're brought into homes by air currents. They can also enter through windows and doors when they're left open or there's been a water leak in the house. If you leave a window or door open during bad weather, this is another way for mold spores to get inside.

The most common way for mold to get into your home is via water leaks such as those caused by floods or burst pipes (or even from taking showers!). If you notice any dampness on walls or ceilings that doesn't go away after drying out properly then chances are good that it's because of some kind of leak somewhere inside the building itself - which means there may be hidden problems with moisture control that need addressing before long!

What does mold need to grow?

Mold needs a few things to grow. The first thing is moisture. It's no secret that mold thrives in damp environments, but it can grow even if there is just a little bit of moisture present. The second thing mold needs to grow is food sources for its colonies. This means any organic material like wood, drywall, or cardboard makes for an ideal food source for mold to consume as it grows. Mold also needs temperatures between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit (21-32 Celsius) to survive.

Can mold grow on my clothes?

Yes, mold can grow on clothes. It’s actually common for mold to grow in your dryer lint trap and on damp clothes when you hang them up to dry. Whether or not your clothing is likely to sustain damage from this depends largely on what kind of fabric it is made from. Dry cleaning materials are more resistant to mold than other fabrics, but they can still become damaged if you don’t remove the moldy clothing right away.

Can mold grow on tile and grout or bathtub caulking?

Yes, mold can grow on tile and grout. Mold growth on grout may be more likely in an area that has had moisture problems or where there is poor ventilation. In addition, if the grout is older than 10 years old, it may be more porous and vulnerable to fungal growth.

Mold can also grow on bathtub caulking around the tub edge or between a bathtub and its surrounding wall. If you have questions about whether your caulking needs cleaning or replacing, contact a professional contractor for advice before doing any work yourself.

Why should I hire a professional to clean up a mold problem in my home?

Mold remediation is a specialized field. While most contractors can remove mold, they don't have the expertise and equipment needed to fully clean up your home and prevent future mold growth. If you hire a professional contractor, they will use specialized equipment to safely remove all of the molds in your home. They'll also make sure that there are no hidden reservoirs of moisture where more mold can grow later on. If you want your home to be completely safe from future molds, hire a professional like SERVPRO of Central East Baton Rouge. We will remediate the mold in your Baton Rouge, LA home and get you back to normal as quickly as possible. 

5 Essential Items to Have During an Emergency

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Create an emergency kit for yourself and your family.

How To Prepare For An Emergency

You are reading this article because you want to know what essential items you should have on hand in case of an emergency. That's a good place to start. But it's also important to remember that emergencies don't always happen at convenient times or places—and they affect more than just your home and immediate family. So, think about how you can best prepare for an emergency by creating an emergency kit for yourself and your family, including pets if possible!

Food and Water

Food and water are essential to survival. It's best to store at least 72 hours worth of food and water per person, but if you can afford it, go ahead and stock up on more. This is especially important if you have children or elderly family members as well as pets or other animals—you should be prepared for them too!

Clothing and Bedding

Clothing should be comfortable, versatile and easy to put on. Bring layered clothing that will protect you from the elements, rather than just one or two pieces of clothing that you would need to change into if your home were to become inaccessible due to flooding or fire. Include shoes and socks so that the entire family has something warm with which to walk if necessary. A hat and gloves are also important because they can help keep your head warm in cold temperatures or protect it from sunburn on sunny days when there's no shade available for protection.

First-Aid Supplies

As you plan for an emergency, it’s important to be prepared with the right first-aid supplies. This can include a first-aid kit and other life-saving items such as bandages, tape, scissors, gauze pads and more. A basic kit should contain:

• Bandages of different sizes
• Adhesive tape in several widths
• Scissors for cutting the tape or fabric bandages
• Sterile pads like gauze dressing pads or sterile eye pad strips (for covering wounds on your face)
• Nonadherent dressings (these are adhesive dressings that do not stick to skin)

Tools and Emergency Supplies

Have a fire extinguisher and make sure that it is in working order. You can buy an inexpensive one at your local hardware store, or you could get one of the more expensive models that can be used on all kinds of fires.

If there is a fire, you should also have items for getting out of your house if necessary. This might include a flashlight and extra batteries for it, along with rope or string so you can make a rope ladder from the roof to the ground if needed. You may also want to have a first aid kit with some basic supplies like bandages and antibiotic ointment in case someone gets injured during an evacuation due to smoke inhalation or other problems caused by the fire itself (such as burns).

It's also important to keep extra batteries for any electronic devices such as phones or tablets because they may not work after an emergency situation due to power loss or network coverage issues caused by damage done during disasters such as floods or earthquakes."

Special Items

If you have a household member who requires special items during an emergency, be sure to include them in your kit. It’s important to keep medications on hand at all times, but in an emergency situation where there may not be accessible to a pharmacy or doctor, it’s more crucial than ever. In addition to medications for chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes, having basic first aid supplies can make life much easier for those with special needs. If you have someone with limited mobility or sight (for example), the ability to move around independently might be even more important than usual.

Also consider including items that are necessary for children: diapers, formula, and baby food if applicable; blankets; books; games and activities that require little set-up time (think travel versions of popular board games). Make sure these are already packed before any kind of situation arises so everyone can focus on whatever crisis is happening outside their home instead of worrying about making sure they have everything they need inside their house too!"

Create a Disaster Plan

The more prepared you are, the greater chance you have of making it through an emergency unscathed. If you’re part of a larger community—for example, if there is an office or school nearby—you may also want to work together on creating a shared disaster plan.

The goods included in this kit will vary depending on what type of emergency it is that's being faced, but all essentials should be portable and easy to carry around with you if necessary (though not too heavy). Remember: food and water are vital!

If your home were hit by a natural disaster like fire or flooding, how would you take care of yourself? Can someone else take care of themselves? When the electricity goes out during a storm or earthquake, how do you cook food so everyone stays healthy?

A disaster can happen at any time, but you’ll be prepared if you have the right supplies on hand. As we know from experience, being prepared with a plan and supplies is essential to keeping your family safe during an emergency. We hope this article has given you some ideas about what to include in your own emergency kit so that everyone in your household is ready for anything life throws their way!

If your home or business is struck by fire, water, or storm, SERVPRO of Central East Baton Rouge is here to help you restore your Baton Rouge property back to its preloss condition. 

Why Is There Water Under My Cabinet?

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

The presence of water under the kitchen cabinets is not ideal.

Why Is My Cabinet Under Water?

Water under the kitchen cabinets is not a good sign. It usually means there's a leak in your pipes, and it should be dealt with ASAP to prevent any further damage. If you notice water under the kitchen sink, follow these steps as soon as possible to minimize water damage.

Whether it's a stain or water pooling in the cabinet, water under the kitchen cabinets is not a good sign. If you're not sure why there's water under your cabinets, here are four things to keep in mind:

• Water damage can be expensive to fix. The sooner you deal with a leak, the better—especially if it's coming from pipes located inside an exterior wall. In this case, you may want to call your insurance company as soon as possible and ask them what steps you should take next.
• Waiting too long could cause more problems than one leaky pipe! 

If you notice water under the kitchen sink, follow these steps as soon as possible to minimize water damage.

• Shut off the water supply. The first thing to do after noticing water under your cabinet is to turn off the main valve that controls the water supply to your house. Turn it clockwise until it's closed, and then confirm that there is no more running water in your sink or tub before proceeding further.
• Check for leaks in pipes or fittings. If there are leaks anywhere on your plumbing system, they need to be addressed before anything else can be done with this situation. 

Shut off the water supply.

If you notice water under your cabinet, the first thing to do is shut off the main water supply. This can be done by turning off the main valve on your house or apartment building if it hasn't already been turned off. 

If you're not sure how to find this valve or how to turn it off, call a plumber who can help. If there are multiple shut-off valves under sinks in your home, turn them all off as well — but keep in mind that doing so may temporarily stop other water sources from working properly until they're all turned back on again!

Check for any leaks in the pipes.

If you discover that your pipes are leaking, you may need to call a plumber. Your water bill will be affected by the leaks, so make sure that you have an accurate record of how much water is being used in your house. The next time the plumber comes by for an inspection, ask him or her about ways to prevent future leaks from occurring.

If you can't find the source of the leak, call a plumber.

If you can’t figure out where the leak is coming from, it might be time to call in a professional. The cabinet company or home builder that installed your cabinets may recommend a plumber or contractor, but if not, you’ll have to do some searching on your own.

The first place to look is your insurance company: if you have homeowners' or renters' insurance coverage and the damage was caused by flooding (for example), you may be able to get reimbursed for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged goods like flooring and cabinets. Check with your agent before paying anything out of pocket because they could help you file a claim that could result in savings down the road.

Dry out the cabinet and clean up the area.

If you have a lot of water and your cabinet is still wet, use a wet/dry shop vac to remove as much water as possible. If this doesn't work, check for leaks again. If the leak persists, it's time to call in the professionals.

If you're lucky, the source of the leak will be easy to find and fix. If not, you may have to call a plumber or other contractor to take care of it. If there's water damage under your cabinets, contact your insurance company as soon as possible so they can help cover any costs related to fixing the problem or replacing damaged items like drywall or floorboards if necessary.

How Much Revenue Can I Lose After a Fire Damage?

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Fire cleanup in a restaurant.

What Happens If Your Business Slows Due To The Interruption Of a Fire

A fire at your business is the last thing you want to deal with. But you can't help but worry about what will happen if your income slows due to the interruption of a fire. Luckily, there is insurance for that: business income coverage.

Before we get into exactly how much revenue can be lost after fire damage affects your business, let's talk about why this type of coverage exists in the first place. Business income insurance helps keep your cash flow coming in after an unexpected event like a fire damages your building or other property. You may be wondering why this is necessary if you've purchased another kind of commercial property policy (like comprehensive or all-risk). If something happens at one part of my building but not another part (and it doesn't affect all parts), then isn't that covered under these other policies? The answer to that question depends on who owns what aspect of the structure damaged by fire:

What is business income coverage?

Business income coverage is a type of property insurance that pays for the loss of income from a covered event. It also goes by the name business interruption insurance and can help pay for extra expenses that keep your business running in the wake of a disaster.

Business income coverage has two parts: indemnity and expense reimbursement. The indemnity component covers lost profits when your commercial property is damaged or destroyed, while the expense reimbursement component ensures money isn't an obstacle to getting back on track after an incident occurs.

Income coverage and extra expense coverage.

An income loss coverage will help you with the loss of revenue after a fire. The reason why this type of coverage is called an “income” loss coverage is because it will cover your business’s income, not its overhead costs.

An extra expense coverage can help you pay for other expenses that arise because of damage to your property, like additional wages for employees who need to work overtime in order to get everything done on time. If your business has employees, you should definitely consider getting this type of policy as well.

Other ways income coverage can help.

When it comes to income coverage, the best way to know you’re properly insured is to speak with a qualified insurance agent. They can help you understand what your policy covers, and whether it will be enough if your business is damaged in a fire.

There are a few things that can affect the amount you can recover after a fire damages your business. Let's look at some of them:

• The amount of damage to the business. If your business is severely damaged, it will cost more to repair or rebuild and open again than if it was only slightly damaged.
• The amount of time your business is closed due to fire damage. If you must close down for several months while repairs are being completed and new equipment installed, you'll lose money that could be used towards paying off debt or investing in other areas of your company.
• The type of insurance coverage you have on hand at the time of fire loss (or other disasters). If other insurance policies cover certain types of losses related to fires—such as liability claims from injuries caused by smoke inhalation—it may be possible for those policies' limits to exceed what's offered through commercial property insurance alone.

How much revenue can be lost?

The damage from a fire may affect your business in two ways: the immediate loss of revenue and the long-term loss of revenue.

The immediate loss of revenue occurs when your business is unable to operate due to fire damage. For example, if you are a restaurant and your building has sustained significant damage from smoke or water infiltration, you will likely be unable to open for business until repairs are made and inspections completed. The loss during this period may be temporary or permanent depending on the extent of damage sustained by your property and other factors related to the situation at hand (elements such as insurance coverage).

Business income insurance helps keep your income coming in after fire damage.

There's a type of commercial property insurance that can help you recover the revenue you lose after fire damage. It's called business income insurance, and it's designed to cover the losses your business sustains when you're unable to sell goods and services due to an insured property loss.

Business income insurance covers your costs for things like:

• Lost profits, including lost revenue from sales (some policies will reimburse you for the cost of goods sold)
• Additional advertising expenses caused by the interruption in your business operations (e.g., newspaper ads)
• Extra wages paid to employees who were unable to work because of the fire

Remember that it's important to get business income insurance. In the event of a fire, this insurance can help you keep your business running and make sure you're protected against losses like this in the future. We hope you found this article helpful as well!

4 Ways a Board Up Secures Your Home After a Fire

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Secure your home after a fire

Four Techniques for Securing Your Home After a Fire

Your home in Monticello, LA, is particularly vulnerable right after a fire. The flames have likely caused structural damage to your home, and fire fighting efforts often bust down doors, crash in windows and even blast holes into your roof. Once the fire crew has departed, you are left with a home that is exposed to the elements, leaving open the possibility of further damage. A board up might be your best option to secure your home. It protects the house from multiple dangers.

1. The weather - An emergency board up makes sure a sudden rainstorm doesn't soak your home. The boards will cover openings and prevent water from entering. In some cases, the restoration crew will put a tarp over a roof to give better weather protection.

2. Criminals - A damaged home can be seen by some people as an invitation to take a look inside. They are more likely to enter a house that has easy access. A professional board up will makes things more difficult for thieves and vandals to get into your home after a fire.

3. Animals - Animals seek out shelter in homes even in the best of times. The damage from a fire allows animals such as squirrels, bats, rats and birds to take up residence in your home. These critters can even cause additional damage to your property if you do not take appropriate action after fire damage.

4. The curious - Children and even curious adults sometimes see a vacant home after a fire as a place to explore. This could create liability issues for your property. Since a home after a fire is likely to be full of hazards, you definitely do not want people roaming around inside it.
A professional fire restoration company will be experienced in securing your home after a fire. The workers will be able to install a board up safely. This will keep your home secure until the damage is fixed and your home is restored.

Smoke Damage in Commercial Buildings Usually Requires Professional Help

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke cleanup services in Baker, LA

Fires are by nature a destructive event. Probably worse than the fire itself is the smoke damage, which will spread much further than the burn damage. A small fire in Baker, LA, can release an incredible amount of smoke, which tends to get into every nook and cranny.
If the damage is extremely isolated and there’s no soot damage, you may be able to clean it yourself. Once a sooty residue is left behind or the damage has gone beyond a single room, you’ll certainly need the best professional smoke cleaning available.

Very Small Cleanups Are Possible In-House

A tiny fire, such as something burning on a stove that’s quickly extinguished, can be handled by your employees. There are a few cleaners that will work:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Vinegar
• Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP)
• Bleach

The best bet is usually TSP and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of TSP into a gallon of water and wipe off the smoke damage. You can add a cup of bleach for the best smoke cleaning, but don’t use bleach on items that aren’t colorfast, such as fabrics and drywall.

Heavy Cleaning Requires Certified Cleanup Specialists
Smoke is a really nasty substance. It’s oily and acidic and the tiny particles can get places that aren’t protected, including inside electronics and appliances. It can contain toxic elements and it’ll leave stains on many surfaces. Specialized equipment and solvents are needed for significant damage.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the national organization that certifies select local restoration experts in Baker, LA. Companies that meet the standards have technicians who must attend a smoke cleanup and restoration course and pass an exam.
Soot is very sticky and can be impossible to clean without dangerous cleaning agents restricted to those who are trained to use them. Furniture and clothing can often be saved by using IICRC approved methods to remove soot damage. The more absorbent materials are, the harder they are to clean, so expert help is essential. SERVPRO eliminates smoke damage and leaves your business “Like it never even happened.”