Storm Cleanup and Prevention: Trust SERVPRO of Central Schaumburg / West Bloomingdale for Comprehensive Services

9/26/2024 (Permalink)

Severe storms can bring unexpected damage to your home or business, but with SERVPRO of Central Schaumburg / West Bloomingdale, you can trust that we'll not only clean up the mess but also help prevent future damage.

Our storm cleanup services include water removal, drying, and restoration of affected areas, as well as debris removal and cleanup of damaged structures. But that's not all - our team also offers preventative measures to safeguard your property against future storms. We can inspect and repair roofs, gutters, and downspouts, and provide recommendations for storm-proofing your property.

By choosing SERVPRO of Central Schaumburg / West Bloomingdale, you'll not only get expert cleanup services but also peace of mind knowing your property is protected for the next storm. Contact us (630) 942-8440 today to schedule your storm cleanup and prevention services.

Storm Damage to Your Roof: What to Do for Your Residential Property

8/2/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can cause significant damage to your roof, leading to leaks, structural issues, and potential water damage inside your home. It’s crucial to address roof damage promptly to prevent further complications.

After a storm, inspect your roof for visible signs of damage, such as missing shingles, dents, or leaks. If you notice any issues, contact a SERVPRO of Central Schaumburg / West Bloomingdale for a thorough inspection and repair. Quick action can prevent further damage and ensure your home remains protected.

Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to extending the life of your roof and safeguarding your home from storm damage. For expert help with storm-damaged roofs, reach out to SERVPRO professionals who can assess the damage and provide effective solutions.

Contact (630) 942-8440 SERVPRO of Central Schaumburg / West Bloomingdale today to ensure your roof is in top condition and ready to withstand future storms.

The Role of SERVPRO in Storm Damage Restoration

9/14/2023 (Permalink)

Take protective measures to help protect your home and business from storm and water damage.

When severe weather strikes, it can leave a trail of destruction in its wake. Storms, hurricanes, and floods can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, causing extensive damage that requires immediate attention. In these challenging times, one company that plays a crucial role in storm damage restoration is SERVPRO. With their expertise, resources, and specialized equipment, SERVPRO is at the forefront of helping communities recover and rebuild after a storm. In this blog post, we will explore the vital role that SERVPRO plays in storm damage restoration and the benefits they provide.

Rapid Response and Emergency Services

After a storm, time is of the essence. The longer the damage goes unaddressed, the more extensive and costly the repairs become. SERVPRO understands the urgency and provides a rapid response to storm-affected areas. With their 24/7 emergency services, they can quickly assess the damage, develop a plan, and begin the restoration process immediately. Their swift action helps prevent further damage and accelerates the recovery process.

Expertise and Experience

Storm damage restoration requires specialized knowledge and experience. SERVPRO has a team of highly trained professionals who are equipped with the expertise to handle all aspects of storm damage restoration. They understand the complexities of water damage, mold remediation, structural repair, and content restoration. With their years of experience, they can effectively navigate the restoration process to bring your property back to its pre-storm condition.

Comprehensive Restoration Services

SERVPRO offers a wide range of storm damage restoration services tailored to the specific needs of each situation. From water extraction and drying to structural repairs and content cleaning, they provide a comprehensive approach to restoration. Their team utilizes advanced techniques, equipment, and industry-approved methods to ensure thorough and efficient restoration. Whether it's removing debris, mitigating water damage, or restoring damaged items, SERVPRO has the expertise and resources to handle it all.

Collaboration with Insurance Companies

Navigating the insurance claims process can be daunting, especially during a stressful time like storm damage restoration. SERVPRO has established relationships with numerous insurance companies and can help streamline the claims process. Their professionals are well-versed in insurance policies and documentation requirements, ensuring that the restoration process aligns with insurance guidelines. This collaboration saves you time, reduces administrative burdens, and facilitates a smoother and more efficient restoration process.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

SERVPRO's primary focus is on customer satisfaction. They understand that storm damage can be overwhelming, and their goal is to provide peace of mind throughout the restoration process. From the initial assessment to the final stages of restoration, they communicate with transparency, provide progress updates, and address any concerns or questions you may have. Their commitment to exceptional customer service ensures that you feel supported and confident in the restoration of your property.

When it comes to storm damage restoration, SERVPRO is a trusted partner in helping communities recover from natural disasters. Their rapid response, expertise, comprehensive services, collaboration with insurance companies, and commitment to customer satisfaction set them apart in the industry. Whether it's water damage, structural repairs, or content restoration, SERVPRO's dedicated team is there to restore your property and help you rebuild and recover after a storm.

Beyond Sandbags: Exploring Alternative Flood Protection Methods

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

When your home suffers from a flood, there are many alternatives to sandbags to protect your property from flooding.

Sandbags have long been a traditional way to protect homes and businesses from floodwaters. However, sandbagging can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and may not always be effective. Fortunately, there are alternatives to sandbagging that can provide effective flood protection. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most popular alternatives to sandbagging and discuss their benefits.

Flood Barriers

Flood barriers are a popular alternative to sandbags. These barriers are made of lightweight, flexible materials, such as PVC or rubber, and are designed to be easily deployed in the event of a flood. Flood barriers are typically easy to install, require little maintenance, and can be reused multiple times.

Water-filled Barriers

Water-filled barriers are similar to flood barriers, but instead of being filled with sand or another heavy material, they are filled with water. These barriers are typically made of durable, puncture-resistant materials and can be easily transported and deployed in the event of a flood. Water-filled barriers can be an effective alternative to sandbags, as they can be quickly and easily installed and removed.

Flood Gates

Flood gates are designed to protect against rising floodwaters by creating a barrier across doorways and other openings. These gates can be made of a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and PVC, and can be easily installed and removed. Flood gates can be an effective way to protect homes and businesses from flooding, especially in areas where sandbagging is not practical.

Flood Panels

Flood panels are designed to cover openings such as doors, windows, and vents. These panels can be made of a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and polycarbonate, and can be easily installed and removed. Flood panels are an effective way to protect against floodwaters and can be a good alternative to sandbags in areas where flooding is a common occurrence.

Inflatable Dams

Inflatable dams are designed to be quickly inflated in the event of a flood. These dams can be made of a variety of materials, including rubber and PVC, and can be easily transported and deployed. Inflatable dams are an effective way to protect homes and businesses from flooding, especially in areas where sandbagging is not practical.

Sandbags have long been a traditional way to protect homes and businesses from floodwaters. However, sandbagging can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and may not always be effective. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to sandbagging that can provide effective flood protection. Flood barriers, water-filled barriers, flood gates, flood panels, and inflatable dams are all effective ways to protect against floodwaters. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, consider these alternatives to sandbagging to protect your property and belongings.

Flood insurance - Do I really need it?

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

If you live in a flood zone, give SERVPRO a call today after a rain storm

Flood insurance is a type of coverage that you can purchase alongside your regular homeowner's policy. It helps protect against damage from flooding, which can be very costly due to the amount of water involved and the potential for mold growth in your home. Flooding occurs when stormwater, sewage or other fluids are pushed into homes by rain or melting snow.

Flood insurance is not required by law.

Flood insurance is not required by law, so you're free to buy it or not. However, if you live in a flood-prone area and your home is at risk of flooding, it's probably worth considering purchasing coverage so that you don't have to pay for damage out of pocket.

The required amount of coverage depends on where you live. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires homeowners in designated high-risk areas to carry flood insurance, other residents may be able to purchase coverage through their homeowners insurance policies or private companies with whom they do business.

Flood Zones

Flood zones are designated areas where flooding occurs regularly and frequently. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identifies these areas using data from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

If you live near a dam or lake and have been told by local authorities that there is potential for water release from the dam/lake, then it is recommended that homeowners purchase additional coverage through their existing homeowner's policy or through an optional rider on their homeowner's policy called "risks not otherwise covered."

Two types of Floods

There are two types of floods: "100-year" events and "500-year" events--and this has nothing to do with how often they occur! A 100-year event means it has occurred once every 100 years over time; whereas a 500-year event means it has only happened once every 500 years over time.

Your best bet is to talk to your insurance agent about whether you need flood insurance and how much it might cost you.

Questions to Ask

There are many questions to ask when considering Flood Insurance such as:

• What kind of coverage do I have? Is it enough?
• How much does it cost? What are my deductibles and premiums, if any? Do they vary based on location or other factors (like how high my home sits above sea level)?
• Does my policy cover all types of flooding, or just certain types like storm surge or riverine flooding; how does this affect my premium costs because some types are more common than others in different parts of the country; what is excluded from coverage under this type of policy; am I eligible for any discounts available through NFIP programs such as Preferred Risk Policyholder Program (PRP)

If you live in a flood zone, above a dam or lake, or near a river, you should strongly consider buying flood insurance. It's not required by law and most homeowners policies don't cover flood damage. If you have a home that is effected by flooding, you could potentially spend thousands of dollars out of pocket that insurance could have covered. You may also want to talk with an agent about whether or not this type of coverage makes sense for your situation

How To Prepare For Days Without Power

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

During the winter, power outages are an increased risk.

How to Get Ready for Power Outages

During the winter, power outages are an increased risk. Ice on power lines, snapping trees, and more can break or down power lines and render your area without electricity for a time. Here’s how to prepare!

Store drinking water and food

If you're going to be without power for an extended amount of time, you'll want to make sure your water supply is stocked up. Storing drinking water in plastic bottles is a great way to ensure that it stays clean and safe. You can also store food in plastic containers or bags so that it will stay fresh longer—just make sure those containers are sealed tightly before storing them away!

When deciding what food items will be best suited for storage, consider canned goods (with airtight lids) as well as non-perishable foods like dried fruit or boxed cereals with no added sugar or preservatives. It's also wise to keep an eye out on expiration dates: if anything looks like it might not last another year after being opened, throw it out before the power goes out!

Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics.

Turn off the gas supply to your home. The next step would be turning off the electricity supply to your home. After that, switch off the propane supply at its source in case there are leaks in pipelines or tanks with no pressure relief valves.

Take care of your pets.

Taking care of your pet is a big task. The first thing you must do is make sure that they are safe and comfortable during power outages. Cats, for example, may get freaked out by the dark and will run away if they can't find their way around; dogs may become aggressive or destructive if they're bored or upset. Here are some tips:

• Make sure your pet has plenty of water. 
• Make sure your pet has access to shelter from hot temperatures or cold weather conditions.

Prepare to stay cool – or warm.

If you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather, be sure to prepare for the worst. If your home has natural gas service and your area experiences a heat wave, turn off the pilot light on your heater and make sure all gas appliances are turned off, so they don't spark a fire when electric service returns. Similarly, if you have air conditioning during a cold snap, make sure that it is off before electricity is restored so as not to cause any damage or leaks.

Have enough blankets (and maybe even an extra sleeping bag) ready in case temps drop below freezing at night; remember that wearing layers will help keep your body heat regulated too! 

Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

If you have a gas stovetop or oven, never use it to heat your home. This is because any open flame can be dangerous and should be avoided. If you don’t have a portable generator, consider using a portable heater instead.

You should get things to prepare for a possible power outage

To prepare for a potential power outage, you need to have a plan in place. You should start by making sure you have plenty of batteries on hand. Have some candles and flashlights as well in case the power goes out at night.

With these things in place, there are steps you can take if the power does go out:

• If there is no immediate danger (like in the event of an earthquake), stay inside your home or building until officials tell people that it's safe to leave their homes. Do not try to walk around outside unless absolutely necessary!
• If there is immediate danger (like during a hurricane), find shelter immediately and stay there until officials tell people it's safe to leave shelter. Make sure everyone knows how they are getting home after school or work, so they don't get separated from each other if anything happens while traveling back home.

Conclusion

Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming storm or just want to be prepared in case of an emergency, these tips will help you prepare your Bloomingdale, IL home and family for a power outage.

Post-Flood Cleanup at Your Home

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Damaged furniture by flooded waters

What Should You Do?

If a flood started in your home due to a pipe burst, the water should not be harmful. In this case, you can take many matters into your own hands and protect the contents of your home before cleanup crews arrive. Follow these steps to minimize the risk of further damage:

• Remove any materials from the water immediately.
• Turn off electronics.
• Get as much furniture and documents off the floor as you can.
  
  

What Can Be Spared, What Must Be Tossed?

Unfortunately, you may not be able to salvage all contents. You'll have a good chance of saving non-porous items; however, porous materials will likely be too saturated and damaged to keep. Flood cleanup specialists have the tools and methods to thoroughly clean books, photographs, televisions, stereos and computers.

Exercising Caution

In some situations, content cleaning isn't a task you should handle alone. Category 3 flooding, which occurs following a sewer backup, toilet overflow, or large storm to bring river water into your home, can be dangerous. This is known as black water. It contains hazardous materials, including human waste. Only a trained and competent expert should get near the water and touch any contaminated materials.
If you require content cleaning following water damage in your home, don't hesitate to call the pros. You can have confidence that these crews can restore many of your belongings.

What You Need to Know About Black Water Damage

6/18/2022 (Permalink)

Bathtub overflow in a home in Bartlett, IL.

What You Should Know About Water Damage Caused by Black Water

Many homeowners in Bartlett, IL, will experience water damage to their house at some point. While this is a common occurrence, not all damage is the same. There are different categories of water with various levels of contamination. Level 3 water needs to be treated differently from the rest. The following information will help you understand why.

1. What Is It?
Level 3 or black water has higher levels of contamination than other categories. It often carries large amounts of bacteria, dirt and debris. It can also contain other contaminants like chemicals and mold spores.

2. Where Does It Come From?
Category 3 water can come from a variety of sources. If your toilet, bathtub or other plumbing fixture backs up, the resulting water overflow is often this type. This water can also enter your home during a flood when rainwater picks up waste and sewage from the street. Category 2 water that is allowed to sit for too long can also become more contaminated as bacteria continue to grow.

3. How Do You Remove Water Damage?
If your home has been damaged by category 3 water, it is best to let a professional handle it. Because of the high level of contamination, it can be harmful to expose yourself to this type of water without protective gear or clothing. The building and affected belongings will need to be thoroughly cleaned, and some materials might need to be replaced. A professional cleanup and restoration company has the necessary equipment and training to return your home to its previous condition safely.
Although all types of water damage should be taken care of as quickly as possible, there can be some differences in the process of removing it. Highly contaminated water should be dealt with by a professional in order to keep you and your home safe.

How To Prevent Mold Growth After a Flood

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Hire professionals to perform a flood cut to prevent mold from growing inside the walls.

How to Stop Mold From Growing After a Flood

Water damage is not the only thing you have to worry about if your Roselle, IL, home experiences flooding. Mold growth can begin within 24 hours in a wet home. Fortunately, quick remediation prevents this problem.

1. Document the Damage
The first step of any cleanup job, whether DIY or by a professional restoration service, is to take stock of the damage. Have an electrician or the power company take the electrical meter out of its socket. If your home uses natural gas, this should also be shut off. Turning off the power to the area ensures your safety. Take detailed pictures of the damage or do a video walkthrough for the insurance company before you begin cleaning up.

2. Extract Standing Water
To prevent mold growth, dry out the area as quickly as possible. Use pumps, buckets, or specialized vacuums to extract standing water. Hire professionals to perform a flood cut to prevent mold from growing inside the walls. Insulation and paneling will likely need to be replaced.
Run fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the remaining moisture. If the humidity outside is low, open windows and doors to increase airflow. If possible, move porous items that have absorbed a lot of water outdoors to dry in the sunshine. Understand that larger items, such as mattresses and sofas, may not be salvageable.

3. Clean and Sanitize
When everything is dry, it is time to clean up any mold growth that has occurred. Even surfaces that look clean should be sanitized because there will likely be bacteria present due to contact with flood water. Make sure to choose cleaning products that are specifically labeled to disinfect. Scrub hard surfaces. Put fabrics and other soft items in the washing machine with either bleach or another laundry sanitizing product.
Cleaning up after a flood can feel overwhelming. However, it is best not to delay because quick action minimizes the likelihood of a mold infestation.

Can Water Pipes Burst In Freezing Temperatures?

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Keep interior spaces warm and consider adding insulation around pipes and attics.

Do Freezing Temperatures Cause Water Pipes To Burst?

When weather reports show severe conditions rolling in, many business owners find it helpful to prepare for the storm. While it's true your business can sustain flood damage from excessive rain, commercial storm damage often involves issues with water freezing and causing a burst pipe. Take the following basic precautions to make sure your business is safe from the severe cold in Ontarioville, IL.

Avoid Standing Water

As temperatures plummet, water is more likely to freeze as it sits stagnant and exposed to the cold. To prevent a frozen pipe at your commercial facility, be sure all standing water is removed. Common ways to prevent sitting water during a cold spell may include the following:

• Drain pools
  
• Blow out sprinkler lines
  
• Store hoses indoors
  
  

Add Insulation

Some business owners make the mistake of believing that because a pipe is in an interior space that a burst pipe incident due to freezing is unlikely. By contrast, interior pipes are often left exposed and have little to no warm airflow reaching them. Keep interior spaces warm and consider adding insulation around pipes, in rafters and attics, under sinks, through crawl spaces and along pipes that touch exterior walls.

Keep Water Warm and Flowing

If you plan on being away from your business during the coldest hours of the day, it may be wise to take measures to prevent freezing from occurring. As always, keep your interior temperatures at or above 55 degrees, even if no employees are present. This will reduce the chance of a frozen pipeline. Additionally, leave a small trickle of water running to allow for continuous flow and movement of your water supply. Creating movement reduces the chance of freezing significantly.

Call The Local Experts

If you happened to experience a burst pipe during recent temperature drops, you should turn to a local storm restoration crew to assist you in the cleanup. Repairing the damage and preventing future freezing is the best way to get your business up and running again.

3 Steps To Take After a Black Water Flood

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Water removal and cleanup in Ontarioville, IL.

Three Steps You Can Take After a Black Water Flood

Commercial property owners in Ontarioville, IL, know the devastating effects of water damage to their buildings. The source of the water that floods a building could leave its natural construction materials irreparable, especially if it is black water or highly contaminated water. Some common causes of floods in buildings include:

• Toilet overflow
  
• Inclement weather
  
• Sewage backup
  
  

1. Clean the Water

The first step is to get rid of as much water as you can. If the water you are handling is black water, use protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, to prevent infections and illness. Sop up the flood with old rags, towels, and a water vacuum if one is available to you.

2. Dehumidify Your Property

The natural construction material used to build your property, such as wood and drywall, will remain humid after a flood. This causes severe damage if you do not treat it, leaving room for microbial growth and rotting. To dehumidify materials, you can run a dehumidifier in the room until the moisture has left most of the porous items in the room. There are services available to dehumidify property if you would rather leave the job to a professional.

3. Restore Property

To complete the process, restore any materials that have been left irreparable. If the job is too severe for a single person, contact a professional water damage restoration service to aid in restoring your property to normal. Insurance companies often cover damage expenses from plumbing leaks. Check with your insurance provider before attempting to fix damages yourself.
Water damage can be costly and causes property owners a headache. Know these steps to get ahead after experiencing heavy damage to your building. Acting quickly in an emergency plumbing situation can prevent severe damages from leaving the natural construction materials of a property irreparable.

Staying Safe After a Flood

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage in Schick, IL.

Four Tips To Keep You Safe When Dealing With a Flooded Home

Experiencing a flood in Schick, IL, can be devastating to your life, home and property. After the flood water has receded, it’s only natural to begin the process of assessing the damage. During these times, it’s imperative that you prioritize your safety. Here are four tips to keep you safe when dealing with a flooded home.

1. Wait for Clearance to Return

Floods can wash out roads and down power lines. Never return to an area that’s been damaged by flood waters without clearance first from the authorities. Your local news, radio and the National Weather Service are great sources for updates on the affected area.

2. Wear Protective Clothing and Shoes

Any surface that’s been touched by water should be considered contaminated. Flood water may contain animal waste, chemical and industrial runoff and untreated sewage. Rubber gloves and waterproof outerwear are sufficient, but don’t neglect a durable pair of shoes. Injuries to the feet are some of the most common following a flood.

3. Ventilate Your Space

Depending on how much of your home has been exposed to water damage, a flooded home is at risk for the growth of mold. Keeping your windows and doors open as much as possible can help reduce the chance of mold taking hold in the home. If you do suspect mold, contact a local restoration specialist to assist in the mold remediation process.

4. Use Caution With Electrical Appliances

You’ll need to shut off the main power at the breaker, but first examine the area for any signs of water. Contact an electrician if you’re unable to reach the circuit breaker without standing in water. Once the power’s off, have all affected appliances inspected before attempting to operate them.

The damage done by flood water can be extensive. Work with certified restoration professionals in Schick, IL, to aid in the process of restoring your home.