What SERVPRO Does To Perform Outstanding Cleanup Services

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water and fire damage are the two most common types of damage.

SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville is a 24/7 emergency remediation service company . Water and fire damage are the two most common types of damage. Our goal is to dry wet areas, remove dangerous particles from the air, and clean a home that’s been affected by almost any type of damage - vandalism, biohazard, and mold included. There are many pieces of specialized equipment and tools we use to be very effective with our work.

Air movers are used for drying and ventilation. Water can penetrate surfaces, leaving them to crumble and rot. Sometimes, towels are not enough.

A dehumidifier, commonly called a dehu, is incredibly valuable for any home affected by water damage. Dehumidifiers remove water and moisture from the air, as well as carpet and flooring.

Air scrubbers actually remove smoke, dust and pollutants from indoor air as well as surfaces by using negative ions. Because smoke and odor permeates furniture, walls and appliances, having this device greatly supports the restoration process.

UV air scrubbers use UV light technology to capture air and pass it through a filter. This process removes bacteria, mold spores and viruses.

HEPA vacuums not only remove pollen, dirt, mold and other particles from the air, but they trap them with filters. Traditional industrial and household vacuums do not necessarily trap all the particles they pick up from surfaces.

Hard suction is used to remove water in unpressurized surfaces. When a home is flooded with standing water, we would use this technology to quickly remove it.

Water extractors do exactly as they say; they extract water from your home. Often, carpet is so saturated that fans can’t do all the work themselves.

Ozone neutralizes the smoke odor using hydrogen atoms and is typically used for content cleaning. Because oxygen is added to the air, leaving the home or building while the ozone machine is being used is absolutely required. Oxidized air can burn organic material and cause bleaching, which is harmful to people.

Hydroxyls use UV light to remove odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), virus particles, and bacteria particles from the air. The hydroxyl works by detaching hydrogen atoms, which disassembles the molecular structure of odors.

A moisture reader lets us know exactly how much water is saturating a material so we know how much dry time and force to apply. Too much drying can lead to bending, breaking or further damaging flooring and wood beams.

Thermal foggers apply a deodorizer to surfaces to reduce the odor in a specific area, typically smoke. Because the solutions used in the fogger leave very small droplets in the air, it’s able to penetrate difficult to reach surfaces.

Thermal image readers let us know the temperature differences in areas of a home or business. By learning this information, we can know more about what areas are affected by water damage. We are able to get an area dry much faster, which prevents more damage from happening.

Besides these tools, SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville also uses standard construction materials and tools, large trucks, personal protective equipment such as disposable suits and gloves, special face masks, plastic sheeting, generators for times when there’s no access to electricity, and so much more.

What Can Be Safely Salvaged After Fire Damage?

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

Small house fires are the most common disasters

Small house fires are the most common disasters in North America. If you've suffered a house fire, you're probably just grateful no one was hurt. But after the initial shock, there are many things you'll have to take care of, including finding a place to stay, contacting your insurance company, and recovering your possessions. While some of your property must be thrown away after a fire, keeping as many of your personal items as possible can help provide comfort and make you feel normal again. Fortunately, with the help of SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville many objects with hard, porous, and non-porous surfaces (like glass and metal) or belongings that can be washed (like clothing) can usually be salvaged if they didn't come into direct contact with the fire.

Clothing, Bedding, Towels

Although it's best to throw away charred or burned textiles, items like clothing, towels, and bedding can be washed if they only have minor soot stains or water exposure. However, be especially careful when deciding whether to keep children's clothing, bedding, or cloth toys, since their skin can be much more sensitive to any chemicals on fabric. If washing doesn't remove the smell of smoke from your fabrics, you may need the help from a professional odor removal company.

Glass and Ceramic

Glass and ceramic are surprisingly resilient and are often much easier to save than fabrics. After a small house fire, the only damage to your glass belongings may be a coating of soot. However, ceramics can be porous and may be susceptible to staining from smoke damage and hard water. Although it may be possible to clean glass by washing it with vinegar and dish soap, ceramics may require a deeper professional cleaning br SERVPRO. However, if glass or ceramic possessions are melted or cracked by the fire's heat, they'll probably have to be thrown away.

Pack-out Service

While your home is recovering from a fire, you may need a professional pack-out service. This service will remove items that need restoration, or store items to protect them from further damage. SERVPRO will provide pack-out services that will:

1. Examine and separate damaged items that need restoration services.

2. Carefully record all items using photo documentation, identification numbers, and detailed lists.

3. Pack items carefully and deliver them to an off-site facility.

While at an off-site facility, your items will be housed in a secure, climate-controlled environment and will stay there until your home's cleaning and restoration is complete.

Hardwood Flooring

Even though wood is a porous material, unless there's flame damage—like charring or burn marks—you can almost always salvage hardwood floors after a fire. First, if the floors got wet while the fire was being extinguished,  it's important they are dried properly so they don't crack or warp. Contacting SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett West Chicago and Warrenville immediately after the fire is the best way to restore your damaged wood floor.

Ensure Safety with Salvaged Items

No matter how safe your home may seem after a fire, consulting a professional is the best way to determine which of your belongings are safe to keep and which ones must be discarded. Especially since firefighters may use chemicals to put out a fire that may leave a residue on your furniture, drapes, or even your clothes. SERVPRO of Streamwood Bartlett,West Chicago and Warrenville can help you confirm which of your possessions you can keep, then clean and sanitize them to make sure they're safe for you and your family. Even a small house fire can be a traumatic experience. 

How to Detect Water Leaks Behind Walls

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes water damage can occur without you even knowing it.

Water Leaks Behind Walls Spell Disaster

Although a leak may seem like a minor problem, it can cause catastrophic damage to your home over time. This type of damage is progressive—the sooner it’s addressed, the more affordable the fix will be.

Water damage remediation costs vary based on the location of the leak and the amount of damage sustained. A leak of any size hidden behind a wall should be addressed immediately after it’s discovered by a SERVPRO  professional water damage remediation specialist technician.

Signs of Water Damage in Walls

It may take time for a small leak to make itself visible. Depending on the source, the water may have to travel a distance before reaching a surface that will show obvious signs of damage.

While water damage from a leak is most often discovered through staining, there are other signs of which you should be aware.

Be vigil. Keep an eye out for signs of damage, including:

• Coughing and sneezing: While not always immediately visible, excess moisture behind a wall can create the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold thrives in damp, dark, and stagnant spaces—like the space between the exterior of your home and its interior walls.
  
  

• Unexplained musty odors: A new persistent musty odor often accompanies water damage. Like a rise in allergy symptoms, the onset of a musty odor is a sign of hidden water damage.

• Drips or unexplained noises: While some plumbing noises are common, a small but consistent drip or a new whooshing noise that originates from behind your walls may indicate a leak.

• An unexpected increase in water or energy bills: An increase in your home’s water bill (for homes using municipal water systems) or energy bills (for homes with well water) may indicate a hidden leak.

• Discoloration, peeling paint, or wallpaper: Water damage is often discovered as it seeps through the surface of a material, like drywall, and damages the finish. Water damage often manifests on walls or ceilings as a stain and may also cause paint or wallpaper to peel.

What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your House

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re a homeowner with large trees on or near your property, it’s important to know what to do if one hits your house.

Evacuate the House

If a tree or one of its large limbs crashes through the roof, first make sure all the occupants are safe. Check in with everyone—including your pets—then get out of the house as quickly and safely as possible.  Make sure you have a “go bag” prepared or you take items you’ll need like cash, car keys, important documents and, if possible, a change of clothes. Once you know everyone is safe, call 911 so the fire department can help you secure your premises. Although it may be tempting, make sure you:

• Don’t climb onto your roof.

• Don’t climb onto the fallen tree.

• Don’t touch downed power lines.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Most homeowner insurance policies will cover at least some of the damage caused by fallen trees—especially if the damage is weather related—including the cost of removing the tree and the damage to your property. The insurance adjuster will usually want to come out and make an assessment before any tree removal work is done, to see the full extent of the damage before filing a report or recommending any claim reimbursement.  

Contact SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville

Life is full of unexpected and unplanned events like, a tree falling on your house. If this happens to you SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville has all the services you’ll need to deal with the aftermath of a fallen tree. If your roof is damaged, we offer roof-tarping services until it can be fixed. If windows are broken, our board-up service gives you protection from the weather, safety from broken glass, and security from illegal entry. Our water damage restoration services can help lessen the chances of mold, warped wood, and stained walls. We can even help repair the damage. With SERVPRO you get full-spectrum, start-to-finish disaster restoration services, including debris removal and cleanup, water removal and drying, and home reconstruction. 

Get Smoke Damage Out of Clothes

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke-damaged clothes don’t have to be sent to the dumpster.

How to Wash Smoke-Damaged Clothes

If the clothes are machine washable, laundering is the easiest solution. Any clothes with burn holes should be thrown away. To wash the smoke-damaged garments, begin by taking them outside and shaking them off to remove any loose soot particles. Leave them outside for at least 24 hours to let them air out. Even better if you can let them air out for a few days. If you stood too close to a campfire, this simple task can sometimes remove the smoke smell entirely.

If your wardrobe endured a house fire instead of a campfire, you’ll need to do more than air the garments out. After the clothes have aired out for 24 or more hours, spray them down with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Do this a few times if the clothing smells extremely smoky. Don’t allow the clothing to dry! Toss it in the washing machine while it’s still damp, and add a cup of vinegar and a cup of baking soda right on the clothes. Launder the clothes normally. Before you dry them, machine wash them again with your preferred detergent. If they come out smelling like vinegar, don’t worry; this will go away naturally. If the clothes still smell smoky, wash them once again; it may take up to five cycles to remove the smell entirely.

Remove Smoke Smell from Non-Washable Fabrics

Can’t toss your favorite jacket in the washing machine? For fabrics that are not machine-safe, we have a solution for you. Baking soda is an effective odor remover. To clean the garment, first bring it outside. Sprinkle the baking soda generously over all surfaces. Allow the baking soda to do its magic for at least a day, and then vacuum or shake it off. You may have to apply this method repeatedly before it takes full effect. Fresh air will help remove the smoke odor, so leave the item outside for as long as possible. Some commercial smoke-odor-removing products can be effective as well. However, be careful not to buy a product that just masks the scent with a stronger smell.

Smoke Damage Professionals

If you suffered a house fire, your clothes probably aren’t the only things that smell smoky. Learn how to remove smoke odors from a room with help from our IICRC-certified technicians at SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville to remove that smoke odor and restore the indoor air quality in your home. To schedule an inspection call 630-554-2280 to speak to a representative. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Does Wet Drywall Always Need to Be Replaced?

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

We do not recommend that homeowners attempt to self-diagnose water or mold damage.

How to Tell if Drywall Is Water Damaged

If your home has water damage, the building material and contents will need to be evaluated by a professional who has experience with water damage. We recommend working with us at SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville to determine the extent of the damage and the best path towards recovery.

You can begin to understand the extent of the damage to your property by:

• Looking for watermarks: Water will stain affected areas, leaving a high-water mark on walls or round, pooling shapes on the ceiling. Any drywall with visible signs of water damage will need to be replaced.

• Feeling for moisture and texture: Drywall should always dry. Any walls or ceilings that feel wet to the touch will require replacement.

• Looking for hidden signs of moisture: Hidden leaks or water damage that has been given time to dry can be especially difficult to diagnose. For example, the evidence of small floods may be seen under the carpet or behind baseboards. If it’s easy to pry up or remove a section of material, you may do so to check for signs of current or pre-existing damage.

We do not recommend that homeowners attempt to self-diagnose water or mold damage. You may put yourself in harm’s way or inadvertently create a bigger problem.

Does Wet Drywall Need to be Replaced?

Whether wet drywall needs to be replaced depends on the source of water and the amount of time it has been wet. An experienced restoration professional at SERVPRO will evaluate the drywall and determine if it needs to be removed or can be dried and returned to its normal condition.

What to Do If You Find Water-Damaged Drywall in Your Home or Business

• Identify the source of the damage: The cause of the damage may be obvious (storm flooding) or more difficult to diagnose. If you know the leak originates with your plumbing or appliance, turn off the water at the unit or at the water shut-off valve. 

If you’re unsure where the water or leak originated, don’t fret. Contact a remediation professional, like us at SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville. We can assist you in mitigating the damage and taking the steps necessary to prevent future damage.

Remember, it may not just be you flooring that is affected—materials like drywall, cabinets, and behind drywall (beams, joists, insulation, and more) are often damaged, too. Any materials damaged beyond repair (like wet insulation) will need to be removed, disposed of, and replaced.

• Dry the space: Some materials (like carpeting) may be dried using the principles of rapid structural drying.

Ensure Proper Drywall Replacement

After a water damage event, trust SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville for professional water remediation, rapid structural drying, and, if needed, full-service reconstruction. Utilizing the experience and expertise of your local pros at SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville can save you considerable time and help ensure you and your family stay safe when it comes to mold.

Using Infrared To Detect Water Damage

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

An IR camera can detect moisture located behind interior walls under the right conditions.

At SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville we use infrared cameras to detect moisture in your home or business.

Thermal imaging "sees" the infrared wavelengths of heat instead of the wavelengths of visible light, which normal cameras detect. The technology has been around since the 1960s, when militaries originally used it in war to spot active factories. Now, advances in thermal technology have made higher-resolution imaging available in the palm of our hands. According to FLIR, an infrared camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image or video, on which you can perform temperature calculations. Heat sensed by an infrared camera can be very precisely quantified, or measured, allowing you to not only monitor thermal performance, but also identify and evaluate the relative severity of heat-related problems.

The problem faced by most property owners is that moisture behind walls, over ceilings, and under floors is often impossible to detect until the problem is excessive and visible to the naked eye. Since the investigation and removal of infestations of not yet visible mold in structures is often difficult, technology is now being used to do what once was impossible.

The time saved using infrared, and the larger areas covered rapidly by an IR Camera, can save time and money by providing a faster, more efficient and more reliable survey. An IR camera can detect moisture located behind interior walls under the right conditions. The temperature difference created by the presence of moisture on the inside surface of a wall will appear differently than the surrounding area. IR and IT experts recommend that property inspectors or their insurers should use IR cameras and IT for moisture detection under the following circumstances.

• After any water damage event like a flood, broken water lines, equipment failure, roof leaks, etc.
• Before warranty expiration on new construction. (In many cases, those damp basement walls are explained away as "during construction" moisture. It pays to make sure before warranty expiration.)
• Before acquiring real estate suspected of having hidden moisture damage. (Don't believe the story about the house has been vacant and closed up. Musty odors are caused by moisture.)
• When basement walls are covered by finish materials, and the inspector cannot give a definitive answer on moisture issues.
• When suspected plumbing leaks have occurred from in-slab water supply and/or waste lines.
• When doors, windows, or other openings in the structure are suspected of leaking.
• When performing an energy audit of the building to determine areas of infiltration and exfiltration.
• To determine adequacy of insulation. Wet insulation is a poor insulator but is a great conductor of heat.
• Infrared inspection of the roof can determine potential for ice dams, plugged drains, and water retention that may cause roof damage and/or leakage.
• Locating hidden leakage and/or dampness under resilient flooring.
• Locating wet areas in non-accessible crawlspaces.

Infrared technology is especially useful for inspecting flat roofing systems and synthetic stucco systems, which rarely give any visual clues as to their condition or the location of leaks and moisture retention.

Finding Hidden Problems

Finding and identifying the source of water damage can be a bit tricky. Water always travels the path of least resistance, which means water coming from an upstairs bathroom might show up along a wall in your living room. Or perhaps there is a roof leak, and water is entering your ceiling and traveling to the lowest point, often a light fixture or pooling in an area near the wall.

As a home inspector, we use infrared cameras in every room to search for any signs of moisture. Frequently there is no evidence of moisture infiltration until the problem has significantly progressed. If you can catch it early, it can save the homeowner money.

For instance, sometimes a small roof leak will trickle down the underside of the roof and into the walls, where it may be absorbed by the insulation. This can go on for years with no one being the wiser. However, with a moisture meter, you may be able to detect dampness inside the walls of a room. When the home inspector identifies a wet area on a ceiling, the next step is to find out what’s up above it. It may be a hole in the roof, or it may be a plumbing leak in the bathroom upstairs. If you see a wet area in a basement, water may be seeping through the floor, but it may also be trickling in through a window, door, or crack in the wall, a camera can help us trace the water back to its origin.

While IR cameras are useful for locating hidden pockets of moisture in your home, it is just one of many tools a properly trained and qualified home inspector can use. Moisture meters should be used in combination with IR cameras to confirm the presence of water.

When Should I Call A Restoration Company?

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes it can be hard to know when you need to bring in the professionals.

Knowing when to call  SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville after your home sustains severe damage can save you extra heartache. No matter the cause of your home’s damage, the wreckage can increase if problems are left too long. Because of this, it is essential to learn the early signs of problems in your home and report them to us as soon as possible. Plus, nobody wants to live in a damaged home longer than they have to. For these reasons, the experts at SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville are quick to respond to your call. We have what it takes to efficiently provide your family with quality restoration services, from severe water damage to mold growth, and we provide deep cleaning services. 

How You Know It Is Time To Call An Expert

Sometimes it can be hard to know when you need to bring in the professionals. Some minor damage to your home might seem insignificant; perhaps you think you can fix the issues yourself and save your money for worse problems in the future. However, you should always call a professional for your restoration needs. A SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville expert has the skills and insight to fix the problems without creating larger issues. Furthermore, they might be able to catch other problems that you couldn’t see; home damage is usually more extensive than it first appears. Never jeopardize your family’s health or safety by trying to restore your home alone. If you are unsure of whether to call an expert, look into a home inspection to gather more information about the degree and severity of your home’s restoration needs. A SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville specialist can always give you the best advice about the safest way to proceed.  

Restoration Services We Offer

At SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville, we know how to tackle a wide array of home damage with quick and efficient solutions proven to return your home to its former glory. These services include mold remediation and removal, water damage restoration, fire and smoke restoration, crime scene and trauma cleanup, crawl space cleaning.  . Remember that when your home sustains damage, one or more of these restoration services might be essential to fixing your home. If you are unsure of which services you need, a SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville expert can help you put together a plan of action. 

Why Choose SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville Cleaning Services?

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

We are the vendor of choice for water restoration, fire and smoke damage clean up, sewage cleanup and mold removal.

More and more insurance agents and adjusters use SERVPRO as their disaster restoration contractor. We are the vendor of choice for water restoration, fire and smoke damage clean up, sewage cleanup and mold removal because we consistently deliver on what agents and adjusters need.

We understand that a credible estimate is critical in determining the proper amount to pay on a claim. If you start with a bad estimate, the indemnity and expense of the claim can be higher than necessary. At SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville, we only use the Xactimate estimating platform.  The Xactimate estimating platform is utilized primarily by insurance companies, restoration contractors, independent adjusters, remodelers, and specialty service providers.

The purpose of the estimating platform, such as Xactimate is to provide a means to enter necessary elements of the repair process and derive a quantification of the value of the work. Successful end products depend on organized methods and approaches to inventorying the repair process necessary to return the structure to a preloss condition.

Pricing within the Xactimate program is researched and supplied by experts who gather and verify such data. These companies employ expert researchers who survey contractors and suppliers across the country to determine current market conditions. Through their research, a body of information about the costs of each line item is assembled and verified so that within the estimating engine accurate pricing is available across the country.

Commercial Agents

Our Large Loss expertise includes residential and commercial property losses that often require expert capabilities, exceptional coordination of recovery response and exact and focused vision to keep the process moving forward smoothly.

Given the magnitude of the type of events your business clients may be faced with, SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville is able to handle the necessary resources and management needs to get the job done. SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville is an expert, quick, on–scene, job scope and cost effective restoration partner that works with its clients to adopt and integrate organizational action plans and scope of work to match the complexities and demands of single, multiple or large scale incidents without being hindered by lack of equipment or management resources and expertise.
So whether you find yourself looking at a large one million square foot shopping mall or a local community hospital or a single family owned operation that was deluged with water or fire damage, you can partner with SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville to ensure your clients satisfaction.

One-Stop Shop - Removing Water, Repair and Restoration

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Our one-stop water damage repair team

While water damage threatens your residential/commercial property’s structural strength, it also creates serious health and safety risks for you and your family or employees. Therefore, our water damage restorations specialists at SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville work hard to make your property dry and safe.

Our one-stop water damage repair team can handle any major or minor water removal, repair, and restoration requirement.

At SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville, we ensure unmatched quality in every water mitigation and water damage repair job by working with technicians who specialize in their respective fields. Our water mitigation specialists are experts in mitigation, while the water damage restoration specialists excel in reconstruction and restoration.
 
Trusting us with water damage restoration offers you all the advantages coming from being served by

   •    Qualified and well-trained water mitigation and restoration specialists

    •    Experienced water mitigation and restoration specialists

    •    Honest and hard-working water mitigation and restoration specialists

• All our trained technicians are background checked and wear the SERVPRO logo so you the customer are comfortable knowing who in your home.

Our water mitigation and restoration specialists even work with do-it-yourselfers. For an affordable service fee, we can check out your water removal, repair, and restoration efforts to confirm whether you are handling the water damage situation right.

We also help you with the insurance process and offer direct billing to insurance companies for water damage losses that warrant it. To ensure your convenience and comfort, we have you serviced by the same professional throughout the water mitigation process.

Proactive or confirmed COVID cleaning?

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville offers services when dealing with COVID-19 for either proactive or reactive situations

We are being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. We use EPA-approved products and follow the CDC guidelines which include the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant for cleanup practices. If you are interested in inquiring about the services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville offers services when dealing with COVID-19 for either proactive or reactive situations. One option is fogging of a structure with a disinfectant, which utilizes a 100% natural product. A full deep clean is also offered, which includes both the physical cleaning and the fogging disinfectant. These services can take up to a few hours to perform

SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company. We are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home,  place of business, or restaurant according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville professionals are trained to perform a proactive and confirmed COVID cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. 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 the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

Emergency Water Extraction

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Our technicians are trained to seek out hidden water damage.

Our technicians are trained to seek out hidden water damage. Water can flow or be captured in seemingly unlikely places. Undetected, it can quickly turn into future problems. All wet materials are identified through moisture inspections involving:

• Infrared Technology
• Electronic Moisture Detection Instruments
• Thermo-hygrometers

When determining what it will take to dry your property, we use a formula based on many different variables including:

• Impacted square footage?
• Impacted cubic footage?
• What is wet?
• Are materials saturated or damp?
• How many air exchanges are required?
• How many air movers are required?

SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville also has the industry’s most extensive inventory of drying equipment – air movers, air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, thermo-hygrometers, and more. We have a  fleet of vehicles loaded with equipment and supplies that are strategically positioned around the country for rapid response.

Exact and reliable data is critical. Using moisture meters with exclusive proprietary software, technicians carefully measure moisture content and the extent of water damage. We also monitor and document the drying process on a daily basis until optimal drying standards are met. This means the use of professional water drying equipment plays an integral part in our water extraction and drying process.

Dehumidification removes moisture from the air and prevents secondary water damage from condensation. At SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville, we use sophisticated dehumidification equipment. This means we can produce effective drying results and eliminate environmental concerns.

Once again, attempting water removal at home, even if you’re using professional or industrial dehumidifiers does not necessarily mean that all water will be effectively removed from the property. Having a fully trained professional team, from SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville, carrying out this work is the only way to guarantee the full removal of water.

Equipment We Use To Get Your Job Done

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Our team uses equipment designed specifically for the job at hand.

Disaster Restoration Equipment

To help your property completely recover from any disaster or emergency, the SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville team uses equipment designed specifically for the job at hand. Our emergency response vehicles come packed with generators, plywood, tarps, specialized drying equipment, and any other equipment we need to deal with your emergency. 

Inspection & Monitoring Tools

Advanced inspection tools allow us to determine the location and level of moisture, while our leading-edge monitoring tools let us keep track of the entire drying process.

Air Movers

Our air movers mitigate water damage by quickly drying surfaces like carpet, drywall, hardwood flooring, upholstery, or anything else. We set up our air movers to get the best results fast, reducing the chances of mold growth and helping your business recover quickly.

Dehumidifiers

We use one of three different types of dehumidifiers, based on the level of water damage at your property. Our dehumidifiers are highly efficient at removing moisture, working with our air movers and extractors to complete the drying system.

Extractors

Our top-of-the-line extraction tools speed up the drying process by directly removing water from affected areas of your property. Extractors work alongside our air movers and dehumidifiers to eliminate water damage faster.

Air Filtration Devices

Also known as air scrubbers and HEPA units, these devices are critical when drying structures with known contaminants. We use high-end air filtration devices that keep your air clean and your property safe.

Take Carpet Drying and Cleanup Seriously

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Making sure your carpet is clean and dried properly is important

Wet carpet poses a health risk if it’s left untreated. It’s a breeding ground for mold and other contaminants and will begin to smell bad after just a few days. The good news is if you call in SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville, you’ll eventually have a safe place that’s as good as new.

The restoration process begins with carpet drying. In some cases, you might need to tear up the damaged carpet and replace it, but there are instances in which carpet affected by water damage can be fixed.

The first step our team of carpet drying professionals will take is to use professional extraction equipment to remove as much water from the carpet and padding as possible. These types of vacuums are designed to suck up water and the heavy-duty ones used by professionals do a great job of pulling moisture from your carpet.

If the water has seeped through to the padding it will likely need to be replaced. It’s not quite as durable as carpeting and since it’s sandwiched in between the floor and the carpet, there’s a greater risk for moisture getting trapped and mold to grow. To replace the padding, you’ll need to pull up your carpet, remove and dispose of the padding, and dry and sanitize the floor. Then new padding can be laid and your existing carpeting can be reinstalled once it’s completely dry.

Most homeowners opt to work with a professional team to help with the cleanup and drying phase after a flood. It’s possible to do the work on your own, but it’s time-consuming and can end up costing you more in the long-run.

Equipment for Drying Carpet

During the drying process, you’ll want to use specialized air movers and dehumidifiers to speed the time it takes to dry and to ensure all moisture is removed from the area. A professional water cleanup team will have these pieces of equipment and other devices designed to make the water removal process as efficient as possible.

In most cases, the complete drying time for carpeting will take about three to five days. You’ll want to begin the process as soon as possible after the carpet is exposed to water to prevent further damage and stop mold and any bacteria from starting to grow.

Contacting SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville after a flood is the most important thing you can do to prevent further damage and make sure the water removal and cleaning process is handled properly. If you’re dealing with water damage or need help after a flood.

Heavy Rains? Know How Your Sump Pump Operates.

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

Sump pumps in your basement and how they work

How a Sump Pump Works

Typically, a sump pump is installed in a specially dug hole, known as the sump pit, which is located either in the basement or lowest level of your property. During heavy rainstorms or other scenarios that could cause potential flooding, the sump pump works by diverting all accumulating water outside your property. It’s important to ensure that the pump drains the water a safe distance away from your property’s foundation.

The majority of installed sump pumps are electric, meaning that they require a stable power source in order to work properly. However, there are some models that operate using your property’s pressurized water supply.

Common Causes of Sump Pump Failure

Much like any other plumbing device, it is important that you ensure that your sump pump is well maintained and free of any mechanical problems. Otherwise, you may be dealing with catastrophic damage to your property.

Some of the most common causes of sump pump failure include:

• Power failure: Heavy rainstorms not only bring about excess water. The weather conditions can also cause power outages, which will render your sump pump unable to properly drain the quickly accumulating water.
• A stuck switch: This is one of the most common mechanical issues that can occur with a sump pump. Caused either by debris jamming the float or a switch that has lodged itself against the side of the pump due to shifts within the basin, a stuck switch will cause the pump to be inoperable.
• An overwhelmed pump: Much like the other devices you install in your home, it’s important that you have a properly sized sump pump that is just the right horsepower. A sump pump that is too large will result in it overworking, which can dramatically shorten its lifespan. Similarly, one that is too small will cause it to have to work harder to keep up with demands, which results in a decreased lifespan as well.
• A frozen or clogged discharge pipe: Prince George’s County experiences its fair share of cold weather. If rainfall or excess water occurs during the winter, it has the potential to freeze over, rendering your sump pump ineffective. Similarly, it’s not uncommon for your sump pump’s discharge pipe to get clogged with debris, such as pebbles or loose gravel, dirt, sediment, or waste in the water. When the discharge pipe is no longer able to remove the excess water and divert it out of your property, it will, instead, allow the water to flow back down and into your basement or crawl space.
• Lack of maintenance: It’s important that you uphold a maintenance schedule for your sump pump. We recommend having it cleaned and inspected at least once a year to ensure that it is free from any potential clogs or damaged components.
• Old age: Sump pumps typically only last between 7 and 10 years. As it experiences wear and tear, it will become less and less effective at displacing rainwater. For maximum safety, we suggest investing in a new unit after 10 years.
• Improper installation: It’s important that you hire skilled technicians to install your sump pump for you. An improperly installed sump pump can lead to it failing when you need it most. Improper installation can be anything from setting the pump in gravel or dirt, not creating an air relief hole in the discharge line, or failing to install a check valve on the discharge line.
• A defective sump pump: Although rare, it could be that you received a defective unit and need to replace it. This is why we recommend testing the unit after installation.

The Dangerous Implications of Sump Pump Failure

The main purpose of a sump pump is to protect your property from any water damage due to flooding or a plumbing issue. Should your sump pump fail, you’re not only at risk for serious property damage, but your property is also susceptible to hazardous mold and mildew growth. Not only is the structural integrity of your property at risk, but so is your health and that of any other inhabitants, guests, employees, or customers. That's why it's important to have your water loss handled in the right way with our highly trained and certified technicians SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville. 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION COMPANY

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville be the right team for You!

When you become the unfortunate victim of a flood, broken water pipe, backed up toilet, or other forms of water intrusion, you need to act fast. At the same time, you need to make sure you hire the right restoration company. And there are a lot of companies out there. Unfortunately, more than a few of them are less than reputable.

Hiring an inexperienced or bad water damage restoration company can actually make your already difficult situation even worse. Because of this, it is important to do your research.

1. How long has the company been around? While we are not saying that newer companies cannot be trusted, there are just some things that can only be learned through experience.
2. Act Fast: Before digging any deeper, it is important to see if the company is available when you need them. If not rectified quickly, water damage can spread and lead to other issues, including mold and mildew. This is why it is important to find a water damage restoration company that is available when you need them, not the other way around.
3. Certifications: Look for a water damage restoration company with an IICRC certification.
4. Insurance: It is important to find a company that is approved by your insurance agency. Otherwise, you could find yourself paying out-of-pocket, making a bad situation even worse.

SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville: The Obvious Choice

When water damage strikes, you need to act fast. You do not have time to scour the Internet, weeding through the numerous unqualified water damage companies. You need a company you can trust. You need SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville!

1. Over the past 15 years, SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville has worked hard to become the leading water damage restoration company. Our technicians have expertise and knowledge of the most innovative solutions in the industry.
2. SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville is available 24/7/365 to provide certified licensed restoration professionals onsite within hours of your initial call. While we hope a disaster never occurs, we are ready to serve you and restore your home or business as quickly and efficiently as possible.
3. SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville has IICRC accredited field managers who are specialists in water mitigation.
4. SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago & Warrenville is an approved vendor for most major insurance companies, and we serve most local and regional insurance companies and claims offices.

We're Here For You

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Will respond quickly to your restoration needs

Your disaster doesn’t have to be epic to call SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, & Warrenville. We hear things like, “My toilet overflowed and I need help!” all the time. Our recovery team acts quickly to any circumstances that put your property, and ultimately your potential health, at risk. We understand the appeal of “do-it-yourself” home repairs. Everyone wants to save money on labor costs, and many people even enjoy working on projects. The reality is some projects are better left to the experts. We are equipped to handle tasks that involve any form of water, mold, reconstruction, repairs, biohazard, or fire damage. Our commitment is to leave your property better than it was before we arrived. So, if you’re uncertain if we specialize in a need you have–don’t worry! Just call our 24/7 Response Line and we will let you know how we can help you. Your health, welfare, maintenance, and protection are our priority.

Removing Moisture Prevents Secondary Damage

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

If you have water damage it's important to call SERVPRO before secondary damage develops in your home or business

Drying a space after water damage requires more than a mop. You need the right equipment and measuring devices to ensure the fastest possible drying time because moisture can cause secondary damage. Effective water damage restoration begins with proper drying and dehumidification.  Dehumidification removes moisture from affected areas and reduces damage to property and contents that can be caused by mold and mildew.  Our dehumidification process dries out the excess moisture in rooms quickly to eliminate odors and stop mold from forming.

Dehumidification is essential in the cleaning process. Our certified technicians will be at your property within hours of your call to begin the drying process. Every moment that a floor or wall remains wet accelerates the possibility of mold growth. The quicker the response, the higher the probability of reducing damage to your facility, which will directly lower the overall cost of restoration.

Our team uses professional-grade equipment to dry out the entire structure of your affected rooms. We sanitize the environment to assure it remains safe for everyone who occupies it. If you are dealing with moisture or any type of mold or mildew, please contact us and we will make a plan to help you remove the moisture and prevent further damage.

Fire vs Water

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration and water damage restoration are two very different types of jobs

Fire damage restoration and water damage restoration are two very different types of jobs, so it’s no surprise that they need to be approached by the responding restorers accordingly.

Now that’s not to say that the two types of jobs don’t also have similarities. For instance, in a residential setting, there’s the issue of containment, inspection to determine the scope of the work about to be done, and treating with distraught homeowners and business owners with care and respect as they endure this difficult process. But here’s a look at some of the big differences between the two approaches:

Fire: When it comes to fire response, safety is crucial. One must first secure the property, then board it up so items can be packed and taken out of the affected site. This provides the opportunity for restoration professionals can clear the property of soot and smoke odors and thus begin the restoration process.

Water: Any area in the property holding excess standing must be the first to be treated by extraction whenever dealing with water/flood response. If water levels have dropped, then any personal/property items need to be removed from the affected area and drying equipment should be brought in. If water levels are high enough to be classified a Category 2 or 3, however, carpet and carpet padding integrity will be damaged and will most likely need to be removed and disposed of and any impacted drywall will also need to be cut out. Any carpet or drywall that’s come into contact with standing water for too long will have a receded foundation and potentially create mold.

With that being said, responses and measures taken for fire and water are different. Despite their differences, both have one important thing in common – and that’s caring for the home or business owner’s journey throughout the process. Anytime disaster strikes someone’s property, the experience takes a toll on them financially and emotionally as well. At SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett West Chicago, & Warrenville, we ensure to facilitate the process every step of the way and try to smooth out what is already a difficult ordeal. SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett West Chicago, & Warrenville professionals work hard to ensure that not all is lost from fire or water damages. Whether it’s fire or water, our highly trained technicians always take our customers' needs for restoration to get their lives back to normal.