Beware of Frozen Pipes

1/27/2024 (Permalink)

Frozen pipe leak in garage ceiling.

Winters in the Midwest are no joke. Within the past month we've seen some of the coldest temperatures we'll see all year, meaning it is prime time for frozen pipes. 

With the recent below-freezing temperatures in the Chicagoland area, it is important to take precautionary measures to help prevent frozen pipes and pipe breaks in your home. Make sure to consistently check your kitchen, bathrooms, and maintenance rooms for leaks. You can keep faucets at a small drip overnight to allow water to move through the system and prevent pipes from freezing due to lack of use during the coldest hours of the day.

Another practice is to open up any cabinet doors located under the sink to allow warm air to circulate closer to the pipes. Additionally, keeping your garage door closed during the winter can help to prevent frozen pipes both in the garage area as well as throughout the entire house.

Evanston Roof Leak

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

The bedroom was taken down to the studs to remove all wet materials.

Sometimes roof leaks are small and contained, other times, they can wreak havoc on the whole home. Unfortunately for one home owner in Evanston, the latter was their fate. A significant roof leak caused damage in this home throughout the entire upstairs and main level. As you can see in the image, this home had to be taken down to the studs. The walls and ceilings needed to be removed in order to remove any wet insulation behind the walls. Luckily the homeowner acted quick enough and got her roof repaired. As soon as that was done SERVPRO was called so this homeowner was able to avoid any microbial growth, thus limiting any other possible damages. SERVPRO was able to get the entire home dried out in just a matter of days, making way for the next step which is reconstruction. SERVPRO handled the reconstruction as well and the home owner was extremely happy with the entire process.

Leaking Spigot

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking water spigot can spell trouble for your home.

As we move closer and closer to summer, acts associated with using your outside hose become more common. Whether that be watering your grass, watering your plants, or filling up a pool. With this becomes the danger of discovering your outside water spigot froze and cracked, meaning the first time you turn on the water it can create major water damage in your home. Often times, most people do not realize there is a problem until after it is far too late. Having someone in the house on the other side of the wall where the spigot is located or in the basement can be crucial and lead to early detection. If you discover there is a leak, you should use the shut off valve located in the house to turn off the water supply. Immediately contact a plumber to have them out to inspect and take care of the problem before it gets out of hand.

Flooded Basement Restoration

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was the result of an unplugged sump pump in a home in the process of being built.

Whether your basement in finished, unfinished, or is a new build, SERVPRO will be there when the water strikes. A basement can flood at any time, though most of the time it can be contributed to heavy rainfall. Being the lowest level of the home, they are the most vulnerable to flooding. Some reasons your basement may flood can include;

Heavy rainfall pooling around your home.

Sump pump failure.

Storm drain backup.

Foundation issues (cracks, sinking, etc).

The quicker the flooded basement is handled the better, this will lessen the damage and ultimately lessen the cost. Another important thing it will do is eliminate the risk of certain health issues such as having mold or mildew in your home.

Whether the basement is finished or not will determine the steps your SERVPRO technicians will need to take, with an unfinished basement being a little bit more straightforward. Ultimately, your SERVPRO technicians will have the knowledge and experience to handle any job at hand.

Look Out Below!

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

A flood in the unit above spelled trouble for this first floor apartment.

Imagine this, you've had a long day at work, you're tired, and all you want to do it go home, make some dinner and relax. Well, unfortunately for you, your neighbors upstairs have other plans. As you stand in the kitchen getting ready to cook, you notice some drips coming from the ceiling. Then before you know it, your kitchen ceiling begins to fall! In a panic, you run upstairs to see what was going on. When you get there you find out that your upstairs neighbors' 3 year old turned the bath tub on and let it run for a while before anyone noticed, and by the time they did it was too late. This was the reality for one woman in Evanston, as her bad day got even worse. But luckily, she did the smart thing and called SERVPRO of Evanston who responded in no time. They were able to take care of the wet drywall to insure no more would fall down, eliminating the risk of anyone getting hurt. SERVPRO of Evanston took all of the necessary steps to begin the mitigation process and then placed drying equipment to ensure the kitchen would dry properly. The quick reaction time of this woman went a long way in saving her from any further damage.

Avoiding Fall Water Damage

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

A clogged gutter allows water to sit in there which can lead to damage to your home.

With Fall fully in swing, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure the protection of your home from potential water damage. The falling leaves are nice to look at, but they come with some serious consequences if they are not tended to. This article is going to provide you with some steps to take to put your home in the best position possible this fall.

1. Clean gutters and downspouts – Cleaning your gutters will stop them from experiencing any sort of blockage or ice dams. This is important because any standing water up there can lead to potential roof damage and over time begin to cause major problems. Another important thing to remember is to clean your downspouts. Having a clean downspout will allow water to flow freely without and problems. Make sure your downspout drains away from your home.
2. Maintain Trees and Vegetation – Although your trees may provide a pretty scene, it is what you cannot see that may give you trouble. The roots from the trees can wrap around the pipes and break them. It is important when landscaping to try to minimize planting near your home. Removing plants or trees that have become too big may be necessary.
3. Disconnect Hoses -Disconnecting your hoses from the faucet should be on your fall to-do list. Standing water in a hose can freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block that – in a best-case scenario – stops your water flow and, worst case, may bust your pipes and create damage to walls, floor, and foundation.
4. Investigate and fix leaks in a timely manner. The quicker these leaks are discovered can have a direct impact on the amount of damage that may occur. Finding and tending to the damage as fast as possible can make a significant difference overall. You need to remove the wet materials and begin the drying process to eliminate the possibility of growing microbials such as mold. Call your local SERVPRO if you experience water issues that are too large to handle on your own.

Welcome Home! (To your Flooded Basement)

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

The carpet pad was removed and the carpet was floated to properly dry it.

Recently SERVPRO was called out to a home to inspect a basement that had suffered water damage. The homeowners were on vacation and came home to the carpet in their basement absolutely soaked. However, these smart homeowners did not panic, they did not fret, they remained calm and did the right thing and called SERVPRO. The result of the loss was the sump pump not kicking on, allowing the tank to fill up and eventually overflow into the basement. SERVPRO responded in a timely manner and was ready to tackle the job ahead of them. SERVPRO ended up removing the effected carpet pad as well as the effected baseboard on the walls. The carpet was able to be dried out and saved. Although it was not the return home they had hoped for, they handled it accordingly. We were able to perform the necessary work and begin the drying process in just a couple of hours time. 

It Starts At The Top

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

This customer has some serious water damage

A customer recently experienced some water damage from a leak in their roof. It not only effected a room upstairs, but leaked down and effected the ceiling in the living room, as shown in the picture. Once we assessed the damage, it was determined that the effected flooring and ceiling upstairs as well as the effected ceiling downstairs needed to be removed. Before performing any demolition, the customers content was removed and moved to a safe and secure place where it could not be damaged. All items that were left on sight were covered with plastic to ensure they would not be covered in dust. Once the project is concluded, the customers content will be moved back and placed where it was when we began, making it seem as if it never even happened. 

Vacation Tips to Avoid Disaster

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

A working sump pump is crucial to protecting your home.

Vacation time, arguably the best time of the year. You've been looking forward to getting away and relaxing. No worries, no responsibilities, what could go wrong? Well, when it comes to your home, a lot can go wrong while you're away. Here are some tips to help you avoid disaster. 

1. Complete a thorough check- Before you leave, make sure to inspect your home for any leaks or damages throughout the house. Check out all of the pipes underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. You should also check any hoses and lines that run to appliances such as your refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher as these can be easily overlooked.

2. Test The Sump Pump- Testing your sump pump before you leave will not only tell you if its working properly but also bring you piece of mind while you're away. The sump pump will take care of any ground water that may enter the home. A great way to test your sump pump is by filling the pit with a bucket of water and then from there you will be able to see if it is actually pumping out the water or not. 

3. Ask Someone To Check On Your Home- Whether you're going to be away for a couple days or a couple weeks, it's smart to ask a family member or friend to check in on things at your house. Having someone check on your house gives them a chance to spot any leaks or water damage quicker, resulting in less damage occurring.

Call SERVPRO for basement extraction and cleanup

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for basement extraction and cleanup!

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 847.763.7010

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Evanston and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 847.763.7010

Detect and Prevent Water and Mold Damage

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO! 847.763.7010

Standing water on the floor is easy to see. Less obvious signs of problems include:

• Unexpected increases in your water bill
• Stains on walls, floors or ceilings
• Damaged or warped flooring
• Warped bottom panels in under-sink cabinets
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
• Corrosion on plumbing valves and fittings

Deal with problems as you find them. Clean up any water or moisture, locate the source and make repairs. Tracking down a leak isn't always straightforward — water can travel along components in the building structure, so the indications of the leak may be in a different part of the home than the leak itself. If necessary, contact a professional roofing contractor, plumber or water damage restoration specialist to help with identification and repair.

In addition to the damage that water causes, it can encourage the growth of mold on walls and floors — where it's readily visible — and in duct-work, attics and crawl spaces — where you might not notice it. A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present.

Mold can cause damage and lead to health problems — deal with it quickly. If the affected area is larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends you find a professional mold remediation contractor. For smaller areas, you can clean nonporous surfaces with commercial cleaning products, soap and water or a solution of a cup of bleach to each gallon of water. Follow the instructions and safety precautions for the cleaning product you use and wear appropriate safety gear. Porous surfaces such as drywall need to be replaced. For more information on mold in the home and how to clean it up, see A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home on the EPA's web site.

Inspecting common sources of water leaks and taking some simple preventative measures can be an effective way to reduce the risk of water damage and mold.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Chicago winters can do a lot of damage on your home or property. It is important to take the proper precautions when the time comes to prevent all the damage you can. Frozen pipes are the culprit behind some of the worst winter-time water damages we see here at SERVPRO of Evanston. While extremely common, frozen pipers are also preventable. Our team at SERVPRO of Evanston has compiled some tips to help you prevent frozen pipes when winter comes. Below Consumer Reports listed some ways to help prevent your pipes from freezing and what you should do to minimize the damage if it does occur. 

How to prevent frozen pipes

Some of the steps experts recommend may go against your better instincts of conserving water and heat, but the extra expense is nothing compared with a hefty repair bill. Here’s what to do: 

• Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sinks are on an exterior wall. (If you have small children, be sure to remove any harmful cleaners and household chemicals.)
• Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night. Again, during a cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
• If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in those areas. And to prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at sill plates, where the house rests on its foundation.

What to do if frozen pipes occur

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you may well have a frozen pipe. If a pipe has broken, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, which is usually at the water meter or where the mainline enters the house. If the water is still running and no pipes have burst, you can take the following steps. (Of course, if you suspect a more serious problem, call a plumber.) 

• Turn on the faucet. As you heat the frozen pipe and the ice plug begins to melt, you want the water to be able to flow through. Running water through the pipe, as cold as it is, will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. As tempting as it may be, do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame; the high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to see whether you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

And don't forget . . . you can always count on SERVPRO of Evanston for all your frozen pipe and water damage needs. Give us a call at 847-763-7010. We are here to help. 

HVAC Leaks

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

A leaking HVAC can quickly cause extensive damage to your home or commercial building.

Hot summer temperatures and high humidity levels mean more condensation from your HVAC. When your HVAC creates condensation, the water needs to drain somewhere and can quickly clog the lines. This can lead to a broken emergency line or drop pan overflow which can cause water damage to your home or building if not treated properly. So . . . what should you do if this happens and causes water damage? Here’s a few things!

• Call an HVAC company to service your unit. This is probably the easiest and most efficient method, but unfortunately the most expensive.
• Check to make sure your primary condensation line, usually located near the ground outside the home in an area of high foot traffic, is slowly dripping water when your HVAC is on.
• If your primary line is not dripping check the secondary line, usually located somewhere like above a window or door as to be more noticeable when dripping.
• If the primary, or both lines, are not dripping while the unit is on, find a way to flush out or remove the potential blockage. The cleanout will usually be located close to the HVAC main unit. Make sure you thoroughly research how to properly clear your lines before attempting to!
• Check your HVAC unit drip pan, make sure it has no holes or rust around it. If it is damaged you may need to have it replaced.

And . . . the next thing to do is call SERVPRO of Evanston. Our team will come out to do a moisture inspection on your residence or commercial property to verify whether or not any damage has occurred. If there is damage, our trained technicians will develop a mitigation plan to efficiently solve the problem and correct any damage. If you have an HVAC leak, call SERVPRO of Evanston at 847-763-7010. 

Sump Pumps and Sump Pump Backups

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Sump pump maintenance can prevent backup.

A sump pump is a small pump installed into the lowest portion of a basement or crawlspace serving the purpose of keeping the area under the building dry. It pumps water under the building away from it to prevent flooding. Clogging or loss of power are two things among many that can lead to back up from your sump pump. When a sump pump backs up it can cause flooding that can possibly lead to thousands of dollars in damage and mold if the area is not dried properly. 

Proper maintenance and routine inspection can help to prevent the problems that occur when a sump pump fails. Cleaning your sump pump is one way to extend its life and make sure that it stays working properly. Running a vinegar solution through the pump can be done to clean it. Removing any dirt or debris and making sure all vents and air holes are clean can also help to ensure it stays in working order. 

In the event that cleaning and maintenance does not prevent sump pump backup, SERVPRO of Evanston is prepared to help you in situations of flooding, water damage, and mold from water backup into your home. Our team is equipped with the proper training and equipment to quickly resolve the problem, minimizing the stress that flooding in your home can cause.

The Problem with Mold

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth due to excessive moisture.

Mold is a common finding throughout many homes and buildings, and it is most common in or around areas that contain a lot of moisture. These may be areas around leaks, roofs, windows, pipes, or areas where there has been previous flooding. Mold is able to thrive on a number of surfaces including paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, wallpaper, carpet, and upholstery -- all things very common throughout the average home. 

If you have an ongoing moisture problem in your building, it is important to be on the lookout for the following signs: 

• The presence of visible mold. 
• Strong musty odors that might indicate mold is present. 
• Any evidence of past moisture problems. 
• Excess humidity. 

Aside from being just plain annoying, mold can have a number of adverse health effects on you or your family when it is growing inside your home. The health effects make it very important to resolve a mold problem when one is present.  

Here are a few things you can do to help prevent mold growth: 

• Control humidity levels.
• Promptly fix leaky roofs, windows, and pipes.
• Thoroughly clean and dry after flooding.
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

For help with a mold problem in your home, you can call SERVPRO of Evanston. 

847-763-7010

Can you stand the rain?

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Window collapse due to weight of water.

When flooding happens, it can pool up and damage trees, cars,  and sometimes bust though a window. This is what happened to this home Evanston, Illinois.The weight of the water collecting in the window well caused the window to burst and water to flood into the home. Glass , mud, and debris saturated the carpet and walls. SERVPRO of Evanston was onsite in short order to begin cleaning the mess.

Any wet items were thrown out or cleaned and placed into a new box at customer's request. All the carpet was removed as well as wet insulation. The baseboards were detached with holes cored beneath the trim line to help dry the basement fully. All floors were cleaned and disinfected. The customer was very happy with the work done.

"Wow.It's like water never got into the house".  

Don't Take Matters Into Your Own Hands...

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

Look out below!!

Sometimes it's best to let the professionals handle it.

This water damage photo from Evanston, IL depicts trapped water in a drywall kitchen ceiling caused by water leaking from an upstairs bath. The elderly couple involved had the good sense to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Evanston to assist with the removal of this ceiling and drying of their home.

Attempting to remove this ceiling without weep holes to drain the water and excess weight could result in collapse and even injury.

Fortunately our technicians are well versed in safety procedures and were able to remove this ceiling without incident or injury.

SERVPRO takes special care when it comes to demo. Protection the floor and any items around the area. 

Please don't hesitate to call 847 763 7010 with all your restoration needs.

Downtown Extraction.

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Extraction being done on a Chicago White Sox Rug!

With the recent storm on Memorial Day this year. Many homes and businesses were affected. As SERVPRO of Evanston, we go across the way to the great and beautiful city of Chicago. In this picture/job. The customer was a huge sports fan. Worried that this collectibles would be damaged. A SERVPRO crew went to clean up the mess. Extraction was needed but all of the sport memorabilia was protected and safe. With our extractor unit, it will remove any standing water from carpet or concrete. From there we add drying equipment. We use air movers and dehumidifiers to take the moisture from the room. Doing this insures we give you the top of the line during the drying process.  

SERVPRO of Evanston is trained and prepared to handle any job with the top care and professional needs.      

Flood Cut!

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Flood cut of a wood panel.

Water in the basement can cause many problems. However SERVPRO of Evanston is here to solve those problems.

During a flood, your basement can be affected. If this happens, water can get within the wall and affect the insulation or in this case the bottom of the wood paneling. The wood paneling was rotted and had mold from water sitting on the floor. A SERVPRO came and cut 2 feet of the wood paneling. Doing this made sure no mold would grow up and also removing the rotted wood and smell. Flood cutting is the best way to insure drying and less the risk of mold.

SERVPRO of Evanston will provide professional and high quality work to be sure your home is same and back to its normal self. 

Evanston 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Evanston is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today – (847) 763-7010

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Evanston has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Evanston

SERVPRO of Evanston specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Evanston Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Evanston basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – 847-763-7010

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Evanston and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 847-763-7010

How A Water Restoration Technician Assists After Disaster

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

A water restoration technician has an extremely important job when a home is affected by excess moisture or fluid. Certified professionals in the industry can quickly reverse the extensive damage that a flood or sewage backflow can cause, and save as many items as possible in the process. And when dealing with contaminated fluids, especially when it has pooled in the home, only certified professionals should be allowed to manage the cleanup. Attempting to perform cleanup efforts without expert assistance can lead to injury or illness, both of which can be severe.

A certified water restoration technician will usually be on call around the clock, except for those times when an entire community has been affected by a major disaster. As soon as a professional is on site, they will assess the situation and determine what items need immediate rescuing. If fluid has pooled in areas around the home, then pumps will be used to remove it.

The home will be dried using a configuration of heavy duty air movers and dehumidifiers, and while it dries, the firm will move through the building and look for any evidence of mold or pathogen contamination. If pathogens or mold are present, they will be eliminated using special  procedures. This will ensure the home is safe to return to, and with concerted drying efforts, the building will as good as new once professionals have completed their work.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org/blog/tag/water-damage-restoration

Damage From Water Should Be Cleaned By Certified Professionals

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

The amount of damage water can cause is amazing, and often underestimated by homeowners. Excess moisture is bad enough, but when a home is flooded or hit with a plumbing disaster (like a burst pipe), the situation can quickly get out of hand. There’s a reason why these incidents are among the most expensive problems a homeowner can face. Contaminated water not only creates immediate structural problems, it can leave serious biological threats behind after it has been removed.

Floods, sewage backflows, and other sources of contaminated fluid usually cause the worst damage. Dirty water is filled with all kinds of deadly substances, ranging from chemical residues to animal feces to parasites. Bacteria, viruses and fungi grow explosively in contaminated fluid, and severe health risks, like salmonella and hepatitis, are common in flood waters.

This problem is compounded by the composition of most homes, which are filled with organic materials. Drywall, wood and the matter that is trapped in carpet fibers are just a few examples, and they can give pathogens room to grow. Within 48 hours, mold may begin creeping behind the walls and releasing spores, and any organic materials that have been soaked through by contaminated fluid will usually have to be destroyed.

That’s why restoration firms, in addition to surveying the home for structural problems, will dry the home quickly and apply antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents to all surfaces that had contact with the water. This ensures the family can return to a safe home, and not one harboring a collection of deadly pathogens.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org/blog/tag/water-damage-restoration

Always Call A Water Damage Service For Repairs

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

A water damage restoration service is the kind of professional that no one wants to call, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Homeowners know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space, and taking advantage of every little crack and structural problem. No matter how moisture gets into the building, the response should be the same. Bring in a certified firm as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health threats once the moisture is gone.

If water has entered the home through a contaminated source, don’t try to handle it on your own. Floods and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. A certified water damage restoration service not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, they have the protective equipment to remain free from harm.

Restoration technicians have a lot of technology at their disposal. These include powerful vacuums and pumping systems, high volume air movers, dehumidifiers, heat injectors, moisture meters, and a number of detergents formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. While the technicians work on the building, disposing of compromised materials, and drying the rest, they will also destroy all mold and microbial colonies. This is the only way to ensure a home is safe to live, and a business safe to work in; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org/blog/tag/water-damage-restoration

Evanston 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Evanston provides 24-hour fire and water damage restoration service in Evanston.

SERVPRO of Evanston is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help.

Call Today – (847) 763-7010.

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Evanston has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect:

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information

• Your insurance information (if applicable)

• The street address of the water-damaged home or business

• When did the flooding or water damage occur?

• What caused the water damage (if known)?

• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Evanston:

SERVPRO of Evanston specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.