Going The Extra Mile

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Setting the containment barrier allows for the contents to be shielded from the work zone.

When disaster hits your home, it is important to us at SERVPRO to ensure that nothing else gets damaged in your home when we are performing mitigation services. There are a few steps we may take to protect your contents as well as unaffected areas of the home. At SERVPRO we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to ensure your home and your belongings are safe.

One thing we may do is set up a containment barrier to separate the affected area from the unaffected area. This can be done by using poles that keep the containment up or by just taping the plastic barrier to the ceiling. By doing this we are eliminating the possibility of any dust or debris being blown into the unaffected area while our equipment is running. This can help eliminate cross contamination. 

In addition to setting up the containment barrier, we will also use plastic sheeting to cover any items that are still in the affected area such as couches, beds, clothes, etc. Keeping these things covered stops them from being affected by any dust or debris. By keeping them covered, it eliminates the need to have the items cleaned at the end.

One last thing we may do is use boxes to put any content from the room that may have not been affected but will be in the way of the work that needs to be performed. Smaller items such as toys, pictures, games. These are small enough to fit in a box and be placed in another room, providing more space for the SERVPRO techs to complete the job.

IICRC Certified

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Evanston is an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Evanston is an active member of the IICRC. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is the leader in industry standards when it comes to restoration. In addition to setting the standards, they also provide training and certification to restoration companies. Here at SERVPRO of Evanston we proudly display the IICRC logo on all of our vehicles as well as in the entrance to our office. 

When you are a member of the IICRC, there are certain things that you must do, among them are the following;

• Require at least one technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and has passed all required tests.
• Present accurate information to customers and maintain integrity and honesty.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect everyone involved in the event of an accident.

There are a few other requirements to be met in order to maintain your status in the IICRC, but those are three of the major ones. SERVPRO of Evanston is a proud member of the IICRC and we ensure we will represent them in the best way possible. 

Getting Started With SERVPRO

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

It is our goal at SERVPRO to make the mitigation process as easy as possible for our customers.

We understand at SERVPRO that when you're calling us, it is in one of your greatest times of need. That is why we aim to make this an easy and understandable process from beginning to end. When you call the office of SERVPRO of Evanston, you will be greeted by one of our office professionals who walk through some basic things with you. They will ask several questions such as the ones listed below:

1.Your name and information (Phone number, email)

2.Home/Loss address

3.Insurance information (if applicable)

4.When and where did the damage occur?

5.What was the cause or the source of the damage? (If known)

Once we have this information, we can move forward with scheduling an inspection or skipping that and scheduling the work based on the situation. We ask these questions to get a better idea of the scope of work, what type of equipment is needed, and how many technicians are needed.

Step 2: Inspection

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

This SERVPRO technician is using a meter to determine the moisture level of the floor.

Our last "Why SERVPRO" blog highlighted the initial steps in the process of remediation. It discussed the initial call and what type of questions may be asked in order for us to get a better understanding of the job at hand. Well now comes time for the second part of the process, the inspection. After you give all of your information to us on the initial call, we will schedule a time for us to come by and perform an inspection to determine the scope of work. When we come to look at your home, we will do things such as check the walls, ceilings, and floors for signs of moisture. In some cases it is obvious what is wet or where the water is coming from, but in other cases we have to use our moisture meters to determine what is wet. Once we have figured out what needs to be done to do the job the correct way, we will send you an estimate. The estimate will contain everything we plan on doing, broken down line by line. After the estimate is reviewed by the homeowner and the job is scheduled, the next step in the process is to get started on the work.

Any Service, Any Time

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO with any restoration needs!

Here at SERVPRO of Evanston, we take pride in being able to help with all of your restoration needs. We offer 24/7 emergency services for when disaster strikes at the worst of times. The team at SERVPRO of Evanston aims to provide professional service while doing the job in the most effective and efficient way possible. The services we provide include, water mitigation, fire restoration and clean up, general house cleanings, carpet cleanings, and sanitizing/disinfecting of residential and commercial properties. We provide all of these services and would love the opportunity to assist you with any of the above, however the two services that we deal with the most are water mitigation and fire restoration. If either of these ever strike your home, SERVPRO will have things back to normal in no time by following this process:

Water -

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment 

Step 3: Water Removal/Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration 

Fire - 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board Up and Roof Tarp Service (If Needed)

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (If Water Damage is Present)

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from all Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning and Repair

Step 7: Restoration 

Here To Help

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Here at SERVPRO of Evanston, we are committed to providing the best service possible to all of our customers. Something very important to us is known as the IICRC, which provides certifications in specific areas. The IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC offers certification courses in areas such as water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, odor control and various other topics. We encourage our employees to participate in these courses because it not only strengthens them but it strengthens us as a franchise. By completing these courses, our employees are able to take the knowledge learned in the classroom and directly apply it to the current job at hand. When you call on SERVPRO, you can have confidence that the employees doing the work have the best training and know what it takes to effectively and efficiently handle all of your restoration needs. 

Choose SERVPRO

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is committed to helping the community.

With over 40 years of business in the cleaning and restoration industry and more than 1600 franchises, SERVPRO representatives have the right tools for the job.  Our technicians are trained on the newest and most up to date techniques and equipment. Our technicians and crew chiefs go through training to become IICRC certified, ensuring they have the appropriate knowledge to do the job the right way. 

We work smarter, not harder with the goal of putting our customers back to normal in as short a time as possible. By choosing the right equipment, we can shorten drying times and decrease mitigation costs.  We can also minimize the need for some demolition which will allow our customers to return to normal quicker than our competition.

Here at SERVPRO, our goal is to put our customers lives back together as quickly and efficiently as possible. We aim to address all needs and provide answers to any questions our customers might have.

Choose the right tool. Choose SERVPRO.       

What to Expect When You Call SERVPRO

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

What should be expected when you contact us?

First and foremost, expect our 24-hour availability! Whether you are calling day or night, weekday or weekends, and even during the holidays, you can always expect to speak with a real person about the emergency you are experiencing. SERVPRO of Evanston is the top choice for many insurance agencies in the Chicagoland area. Our availability and quick response time speaks to that!   

Here is what you can expect during the first several hours after contacting SERVPRO of Evanston: 

Quick Response - When a building has been damaged, the response time is an important factor in how time-consuming and how costly restoration will be. SERVPRO is always open, so you can expect to hear back within an hour after you have contacted them about the emergency. Once you have provided them with the necessary information, we will begin preparing to address the needs of your client. Arrive Time - Our technicians can be on-site to begin the restoration process within four hours. This fast response can make the difference if your home or commercial business has suffered a great deal of damage. Beginning the process more quickly will result in less damage overall which can end up costing the insurance agency less money. Inspection/Verbal Briefing - Once the damage restoration specialists have arrived, they can inspect the home to determine the extent of the damage and decide on the best course of action moving forward. Our team has the ability to let you know in the emergency is claim worthy or not as well. They will provide a verbal briefing so that you are aware of what will happen next. Our team's quick 24-hour response will allow us to begin mitigation as soon as possible to prevent any further damage before we begin work on necessary repairs.

Whether it be flooding, fire, or mold SERVPRO of Evanston will respond quick and help you get your home or business back fast!

SERVPRO Professionals

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster!

Faster to Any Size Disaster

With more than 1,700 franchises nationwide, SERVPRO is a leader in the restoration industry, and its professionals are faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO franchise professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are ready to restore or clean your property.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals

• Provides 24 - 7 Emergency Service
• Highly Trained, Certified IICRC, Water Restoration Specialists
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Industry with more than 1,700 Franchises
• Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies

SERVPRO of Evanston

Is just one member of the larger organization that is SERVPRO.  As such we are committed to provide the best cleaning and restoration services which truly help people in their time of need.

Your house has a Flood or Fire?

Call SERVPRO of Evanston

847.763.7010

Frozen Pipes?

Call SERVPRO of Evanston

847.763.7010

Clean Mold or Mildew

Call SERVPRO of Evanston

847.763.7010

Containment protects what you value

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Containment protects what you value!

When a SERVPRO team comes to work at the customer's house or place of business, most of the times there will be places that are unaffected. When this is the case, the crew does not wish to spread any dust or mold or whatever it may be to that area. The way to prevent that is containment. Containment is the process of protecting unaffected area with plastic. In this case for example, it was around Christmas and the tree was set up. It was in an area that was unaffected. So the SERVPRO team set up containment so the dust in the working area would not get into the tree or on the gifts. This is a step all SERVPRO members take. No matter how big or small, satisfaction is our top priority!   

Signs of Water Damage

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Leaking pipes in the ceiling caused extensive water damage to this customer's home.

Water damage can have detrimental effects on your home or business, and the longer you wait the more damage occurs. This can lead to extensive and costly mitigation. When you do have water damage, the best thing you can do is shut off the water source to prevent further damage. Contacting a plumber is also a good step if the water is coming from somewhere you are unable to turn off yourself. These are just the first steps to preventing further damage and mitigating the problem. The next step is to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Evanston to come out and assess the problem. We have the trained technicians and years of experience in the field to get your home or business looking “Like it never even happened.”

While the experts at SERVPRO of Evanston have the knowledge and experience to spot water damage before it gets too bad, the average home or business owner may not. Because of this, we have compiled a few signs you can look for to spot early water damage. 

• Water rings on your ceiling or walls.
• Soft or sagging on your ceiling or walls.
• Wet or soggy carpets.
• Warping in your wood flooring.

When you see these signs, the best thing you can do for your home or business is call the experts immediately before the problem gets worse. Our highly trained technicians are waiting for your call so we can help. 

847-763-7010

Clean Homes Sell Faster: Why Sellers and Realtors Should Choose SERVPRO of Evanston

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Clean homes sell faster. SERVPRO of Evanston has a variety of services to get your home ready to sell.

It is indeed a fact: clean, fresh smelling homes sell faster. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and dust throughout your home. Leaks from pipes, roofing, and other overlooked areas can cause water damage that goes unnoticed for periods of time. All of these can lower the value of a home and make it harder to sell. 

Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for a few very important reasons: 

• Increased market value 
• Reduced list to sale conversion times 
• Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales 

Here at SERVPRO of Evanston, we know that the real estate market is hot right now. We also know that you want to sell fast so you can get your money quickly. No matter the size of the job, our SERVPRO Professionals are equipped to get your home in top condition so that it can sell quickly and you can make the maximum profit. 

SERVPRO of Evanston offers a variety of services to prepare homes for sale, including but not limited to: 

• Carpet, upholstery, drapery, and blind cleaning 
• Ceiling, wall, and hard floor cleaning 
• Deodorization 
• Duct and HVAC cleaning 
• Mold mitigation and remediation

Whether you are a homeowner looking to sell fast or a realtor seeking a reputation for quality listings, SERVPRO of Evanston is here to help. For inquiries about services related to cleaning houses for sale call (847)-763-7010. 

Lead Paint: Get Your Facts Straight

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Lead paint can cause harm if the proper precautions are not taken. SERVPRO of Evanston knows how to safely handle projects involving lead paint.

The Facts About Lead Paint

• Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential used in 1978. 
• Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems. This can lead to reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. 
• Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. Exposure may also occur through soil or paint chips. 
• Projects that disturb lead-based paint can create dust and endanger you or your family. 

Older homes, child care facilities, schools, and other older buildings are more likely to contain lead-based paint. The percentages of homes likely to contain lead are as follows: 

• Built between 1960-1978: 24% 
• Built between 1940-1960: 69% 
• Built before 1940: 87% 

The Environmental Protection Agency requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities, and schools be certified by the EPA. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are aware of the guidelines involving lead paint and will go to great lengths to ensure the necessary precautions are taken according to the current laws. SERVPRO of Evanston Franchise Professionals have been trained and certified to follow lead-safe work practices while performing renovation and repair projects. 

Here’s what you can do to protect your family from lead in pre-1978 homes: 

• If you rent, notify the landlord of peeling or chipping paint. 
• Clean up paint chips immediately. 
• Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces. 
• Use a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or cleaner made specifically for lead to clean. 
• Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop head after cleaning dirty or dusty areas. 
• Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often. 
• Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces. 
• Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil. 

We Are Cleaning Experts!

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

One of our experienced technicians fogging a commercial building

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook/Evanston 630-771-1720

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

SERVPRO Cares!

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Ready for Delivery!!

When disaster strikes the last thing you want to worry about is if your belongings are being taken care of and handled properly , With SERVPRO of Evanston you don't have to worry about that.

SERVPRO of Evanston takes all the proper steps and precautions to make sure all of your belongings will reach the destination safely.

We start the process by taking photos and taking a detailed inventory of all items being removed from the structure. The crew member then begin to wrap all items that need to be protected from breaking using bubble wrap, moving blankets and cardboard boxes. 

Once the items are in our facility the cleaning process begins. First all of the contents will receive a deep cleaning and once cleaned it will be placed in the ozone chamber so it can properly be deodorized. All of the items are once again carefully wrapped and stored in a storage container in our facility only this time all the items were finished with a clear wrap to protect from any dust or debris it might get from being stored.

Once the customer is ready we gladly return all the contents to the home or business.

Water damage in Wilmette, IL

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Call the Pros at SERVPRO

Water leaks can be very troublesome to homeowners.  This home in Wilmette, Illinois was damaged by a leaky water line underneath the kitchen sink that went undetected for a period of time. Unfortunately the water made it's way through the cabinet and into the subfloor. It damaged the walls and ceiling below as well. If left untreated this type of water damage can cause even bigger problems for those living in the home. This particular homeowner had the smarts to call SERVPRO of Evanston and allow our crew of trained professionals to mitigate the issue.  Extraction of water, removal of unsalvageable building materials, and treatment on the structure with anti-microbial agents will help to prevent further damages.  

Having this home professionally cleaned and dried will keep the problem from getting out of hand.

Containment containment containment!

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

1 Mil plastic containing items from dust and other particulars.

When water hits your homes I may affect an area with your belongs and items. If so SERVPRO of Evanston is trained and uses special care to be sure all of your belongings are safe and out of harms way

In the picture shown, if water gets into the walls during a flooded basement. Walls might be needed to come out due to wet insulation. If the case items in the basement will need to be protected. SERVPRO does this by putting everything into the center and putting 1 mil plastic on top of all the items. By doing this no dust or contamination will get to the items.

SERVPRO of Evanston uses top and professorial care to make sure all items and belongings are safe and protected!

Extractor truck for the big jobs!

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

This is the extractor truck. Inside is the built in truck mount. It also has a lot of space or any other equipment.

A big part of SERVPRO of Evanston is our extractors. Extractors are machines that are made for getting water out of a home or business. Another big part of SERVPRO is our trucks. So having two in one is a big deal.

Our Extractor truck has a built in truck mount extractor. The truck mount is very powerful and with a 250 foot hose to get anywhere inside the house or business its one of our top machines with dealing with water mitigation. As a bonus its also a hot water extractor, so we can carpet clean with it as well. 

With the plus of having a truck mount inside the truck. The size of the truck is great for the company as well. We are able to add more items and if needed more garbage.