Storm Damage In Chicago Homes: What Can You Salvage?

12/7/2016 (Permalink)

If the water intrusion is severe and rugs, carpets, sofas, or other soft furnishings have become completely saturated; they may need to be destroyed.

Storm Damage Restoration

When storms and heavy rains cause damage to properties, flooding becomes a significant risk. Leaking roofs, blocked gutters, cracked pipes, and downed trees can all cause major problems for homeowners. This is not like regular water damage either, as storms are categorized as severe and require urgent restoration work from the experts.

Category III water damage is potentially hazardous, as it contains dirt, debris, bacteria, and possibly chemicals. If a storm puts pressure on sewer lines, for example, they may back up and flood the house. If this happens bacteria, and other toxins will contaminate soft furnishings, walls, and ceilings. This is why storm damage in Chicago homes is such a stressful process. Sometimes, the only option is to destroy heavily soiled items. This is the last resort, however, and the experts at SERVPRO can use many different techniques to salvage your possessions. Keep reading to find out more about the items that we rescue on a regular basis.

Porous Materials
These are the hardest items to clean after storm damage has contaminated them. If the water intrusion is severe and rugs, carpets, sofas, or other soft furnishings have become completely saturated; they may need to be destroyed. If we cannot thoroughly dry and clean them, in a way which eliminates the bacteria, it is safer to remove them permanently.

There are numerous things that we can do before getting to this point. Most carpets can be ‘floated’ and dried, by lifting the material a few inches from the ground. High powered fans or air movers are then inserted beneath the carpet and used to circulate clean air. Often, curtains and drapes can be washed with biocides, so that the bacteria is killed off.

Structural Components/Décor
In very severe cases, when storm damage has caused extensive flooding, portions of the drywall and flooring may need to be discarded and replaced. The SERVPRO team can advise you on the next best steps if this is deemed necessary. Where storm water has intruded only moderately, there will be stains on the bottom of walls. These can usually be cleaned with detergents and biocides.

If strong chemicals are used as part of the storm damage restoration process, we will give you plenty of warning first. Industrial strength cleaning products and disinfectants are a good way to make sure that damp walls and ceilings don’t grow mold. If this happens, they’ll become a lot harder to salvage, as mold eats away at wood, drywall, and fabrics.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of storm damage and need urgent help, get in touch with the team at SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville. We understand that your home is precious and we’ll do everything that we can to minimize losses. Call 24/7 at (312) 509-5000.