Summer Storm Causes Flooding in Bronzeville Neighborhood?

8/27/2024 (Permalink)

We are storm damage restoration leaders in Chicago.

Our local teams in Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville respond to storm damage emergences 24 hours a day. Bronzeville, Illinois, with its rich history and close-knit community, is not exempt from the dangers of summer flooding. During the warmer months, heavy rainfall can easily overwhelm local drainage systems, leading to water infiltration in basements, crawl spaces, and lower levels of homes. For homeowners, this can result in considerable property damage.

Floodwaters can make their way through foundation walls, causing cracks and compromising the structural integrity of a home. In Bronzeville, where many homes are older, the risk is heightened due to aging infrastructure. Water entering these areas can damage floors, walls, and personal belongings, particularly in finished basements. The combination of moisture and warm summer temperatures also promote mold and mildew growth, which can become costly repairs if left unmitigated.

It’s essential to keep your drainage systems, including gutters, downspouts, and sump pumps, in good working order. Addressing any foundation cracks and adding a backup sump pump can provide extra security. By taking these steps, homeowners can lower the risk of summer flooding and shield their homes from costly water damage.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has flood damage, we’ll restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today at 312-509-5000.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Tips for Stopping Rain Water Leaks | SERVPRO of Hyde Park/East Bridgeport/Bronzeville

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

Is your home experiencing the damaging effects of water damage? Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park/East Bridgeport/Bronzeville today! We are Here to Help®.

We can experience some serious rainstorms in our community during the majority of the year, which makes water damage one of the most common forms of home damage that we see in the Hyde Park area. While some gentle rainstorms may be calming and relaxing, strong storms that bring heavy rain and high wind can leave behind serious damage in their wake. 

Preventing water damage from even occurring is always the best plan, so preparing ahead of storms is a reliable way to do so. Check out our tips below on how to avoid water damage when the next rainstorm comes to town.

Safeguarding Your Home
Storms can be unpredictable, so you should always start preparing your home as soon as a storm is forecasted. They can take different travel paths or dump heavier rain on unsuspecting communities, so plan ahead and prepare for the worst. 

Go outside and ensure your gutter system is functioning smoothly. Clogged gutters can easily lead to water backups on your roof or rain that pours over the sides of your home and down into your foundation. Clear out any clogs, and point your downspouts away from your home. 

If your home has a sump pump, have it inspected professionally every year to ensure it is working properly and there are no issues that could cause a failure when you need it most. You don’t want to find out that it is not working when the rain has already started falling!

Check on Your Roof

One common place that should be inspected regularly is your roof. Our roofs have the tough job of protecting us from rain, wind and other storm elements, which means that they are the first line of defense and can experience damage faster and more often.

A single gap or missing shingle can easily invite water into your home that will leak down your walls. Grab a ladder and get up on your roof routinely, especially after a strong storm, to check for damage. 

You should also be doing this inspection around your windows and doors. Even the tiniest of leaks can cause serious damage.

How We Can Help Dry Your Home 

Even if you are prepared as much as possible, Mother Nature is unpredictable and you can still wind up with a varying level of water damage. Acting quickly is key to avoiding long-term issues like structural damage and mold growth, so give us a call!

Our team will come out to your home right away to get started on your water extraction. We will remove the visible standing water, but we will also use our thermal cameras to detect hidden moisture behind your walls and under your floors. 

Once your space is completely dry, we will get started on your reconstruction. We will replace your soggy walls, soaked carpet and ruined floors with ease. 

A fast recovery after suffering water damage is essential. Contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park/East Bridgeport/Bronzeville today. 

The Power of Summer Thunderstorms | SERVPRO of Hyde Park/East Bridgeport/Bronzeville

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

When your home is taken by storm (damage), SERVPRO of Hyde Park/East Bridgeport/Bronzeville is Here to Help® fix it. Contact us now!

We may all think we are immune to suffering home damage during a storm, until it actually happens to us. Storms are unpredictable in our community and can cause widespread destruction when a strong storm with heavy rain, high wind and large hail comes to town. 

While not all home damage can be prevented when a serious storm is predicted, knowing what to do in the aftermath can help you stay safer while taking control of your situation. Read on to learn more.

Once the Storm Passes

Once the thunder begins fading away and it gets lighter outside, you may want to immediately jump up and head outside to check out the damage. However, don’t be too quick to leave your safe shelter location. 

Some storms come in waves and another intense cell may be on the horizon. Keep your weather radio turned on, and bring your phone with you so you can be alerted to any changing conditions. 

If any family members were not home when the storm arrived, now is the time to reach out to them to ensure their safety. Do this with your neighbors as well, especially for anyone that lives alone. 

Once everyone has been deemed safe, now is the time to survey your house. Move slowly about your property and understand that serious structural damage can make your home dangerous to be in, so assess the situation and get out quickly if you need to. Get us on the phone right away so we can help!

Tips for While You Wait 

Our team is locally owned and operated, which means we will jump right into action to help you recover as soon as you call us. We watch the same forecasts and witness the same weather as you, so we will be ready for your call. 

Once we make our initial contact and create our plan, we will be on our way to you. However, there are some things you can do in the meantime to mitigate further damage. Lay tarps over your possessions if your home has been exposed to the elements, and consider moving any important keepsakes to another room entirely. 

We will take over as soon as we arrive. We will remove standing water, damaged debris and hidden moisture, and we will also tackle repairs. We can handle anything from a minor water leak to serious roof damage if a tree fell on your home. No matter the situation, our team will help you recover as quickly as possible.

Storms can be intense at this time of year. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park/East Bridgeport/Bronzeville day or night.

Cleaning Up Flood Damage in Chicago Homes and Businesses

5/24/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes SERVPRO of Chicago is here to help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Mitigation and Flood Cleanup Services 

With the Windy City sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan, the municipality is no stranger to the destructive hand of nature. Rising waters from the Chicago and Calumet Rivers impact homes and businesses throughout the city, especially when the area exceeds expected rainfall totals of nearly 40 inches. SERVPRO moves fast during a disaster to protect the properties that make Chicago one of the most highly visited places in the country, with more than 58 million visitors to the metropolis annually.

Flood damage in Chicago is among the more common threats that homes and businesses might face, making the fast response of our restoration professionals critical. Massive structures get overwhelmed by intruding water, and the time-sensitive nature of recovery makes our prompt arrival an essential factor in the successful cleanup. Locations like Soldier Field, where the Bears play, and Wrigley Field, the venue of the Chicago Cubs, require prompt cleanup to maintain their tight availability windows.

Managing Water Removal Needs 

Water removal is the first step in flood recovery, which can also be vitally essential to lessen the impact of these disasters. While mitigation begins, learn about Chicago’s unique history with the mafia on the Gangsters, Ghosts, and Chicago Pizza tour. Northwestern University, the United Center, and even the historic Chicago Theatre will all require similar recovery tools to clear any standing surface water and potential contaminants, such as:

• Pumps
• Vacuums
• Weighted Extractors

Chicago homes and businesses face many threats in a city of nearly three million people. Whether it is the lake effect snow coming in from Lake Michigan or unexpected disasters threatening Sears Tower and the Art Institute, our team is ready to help. When flooding impacts homes or businesses, call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / Bridgeport / Bronzeville to help at (312) 509-5000.

Detailed Water Mitigation After Chicago Storms

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

A flooded basement with muddy waters is no match for our crack Chicago SERVPRO storm team.

Call SERVPRO 24/7 for Storm Water Mitigation

You don’t have to reside in a flood zone to be prepared for storm damage or water infiltration within your Chicago property. Extreme weather events happen occasionally, and you may have one or more areas of your home or business left vulnerable to the elements. Water removal services become paramount whenever you have even the slightest flood water coming into your property. SERVPRO is here to begin mitigation services as quickly as possible to reduce damage and overall costs for your project drastically.

Extractions and drying are two main factors in the Chicago area with water mitigation and storm cleanup. Properly drying your interior and hidden spaces helps to control water damage severity and returns relative humidity (RH) to normal levels. With SERVPRO’s proven methods and prompt action, we reduce microbial infestation and secondary water damage. When necessary, controlled demolition is also performed on any areas deemed unsalvageable.

You can count on SERVPRO to:

• Contain the impact of water and storm damage
• Protect and clean your personal belongings
• Repair any structural damage and other hazards
• Thoroughly dry your structure
• Clean and disinfect all exposed surfaces

Why is mitigation necessary?

Any home or business requires efficient mitigation efforts to cut back on the impact of any disaster, including storm damage and floodwater infiltration. SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified water restoration technicians (WRT) contain flood water movement, address all possible contaminants, and protect your building and contents. With adequate mitigation, your project moves along faster, we can salvage more materials and contents, and the risk of secondary damage and mildew or mold growth decreases significantly.

For any areas deemed unsalvageable, we enlist the help of trusted local contractors and vendors for build-back services. By replacing drywall, flooring, baseboards, and other materials harmed by storm water damage, everything is returned to preloss condition “Like it never even happened.”

With a phone call to SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville, we will deploy a crew to your property as soon as possible. We are the trusted team in the area for all water mitigation and restoration services you require.

How To Handle Flood Damage After A Storm To Your Home In Chicago?

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Storms and flooding can be devastating to your property. SERVPRO is available round-the-clock.

How To Handle Flood Damage

Storms can be devastating to your property. Besides the structural damage, thunderstorms can also cause severe flood damage. Promptly acting is the best way to minimize this damage. Seeking professional help to assess the damage is the first step toward restoring your Chicago home after flood damage.

Flood restoration of your Chicago home starts with surveying the extent and severity of the damage. However, inspecting your property after flood damage can be overwhelming and complicated if you do not have professional help. Here are several things you should do in the unfortunate event of flood damage to your home after a storm.

Make Sure You Are Safe

The first and perhaps the most crucial thing is to be safe. Make sure you are safe before even considering inspecting the damage on your property. Switch off all the power before you decide to step into your flooded house. Water-soaked electric wires are dangerous.

Seek Professional Help 

It can be tempting to assess the damage yourself after the flood. However, here at SERVPRO, we strongly suggest our customers not to proceed on their own. We have a crew of professionals with years of experience dealing with such situations.

Make An Inventory of Everything And Document The Damage

Although our team documents all the damage for you, you can also keep your own record. Make sure you pay attention to every detail and every suggestion that the SERVPRO team makes.

After the inspection, the team sits with you to explain the extent of the damage and the restoration strategy. During this stage, ensure you understand all the suggestions and make decisions accordingly.

Restoring a flood-damaged property is a time-consuming process. It takes time and patience to get the job done correctly. SERVPRO’s team of experts can help you get the situation under control.

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville today at (312) 509-5000 to talk with one of our experts. Our team is there to guide you through the entire process of assessing, repairing, and restoring the flood damage to your home.

Reacting Fast to Flood Damage in Chicago Apartments

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Floodwater can contain contaminants. SERVPRO knows how to safely remove the water.

SERVPRO Must Clean Flood Damage Right Away

Flooding in apartment buildings is a considerable threat to the entire structure. Water migrates quickly and with its ability to take structure openings to several floors of the complex or its movement through building materials to seek equilibrium of moisture content. Many look to the experience of our SERVPRO team to help in the Windy City when flooding occurs. 

What Can Flooding Do? 

Flood damage to Chicago apartments can be devastating and destructive, especially when restoration and mitigation do not immediately start. Property management needs to consider the impact of moisture damage on building materials. Still, renters and owners of the units must also determine their responsibilities in addressing flooding as soon as possible. Here are the main pressing threats of flood damage: 

• Migration - Water continues to move through materials and openings to impact the most significant possible damage area. We must prioritize containment approaches.

• Contamination - Depending on the circumstances of the flood damage, it is not always unlikely to experience contamination concerns. We must prioritize disinfection.

• Microbial Development - Floodwater can amplify the likelihood of mold and microbial growth after disasters. We can apply sporicidal inhibitors to prevent colonies.

• Structural Damage - Prolonged water exposure reduces the structural integrity of exposed building materials. Controlled demolition and repairs might be needed.

Floodwater Removal in Apartment Buildings

Removing floodwater is among the chief concerns for responding SERVPRO professionals. While initially this refers to surface water concerns, pooling, and absorbed moisture into building materials, there are more ways to remove water. Technicians must manage moisture content in the affected apartment units to reduce the likelihood of mold development. 

High-rise apartment buildings are standard residences in Chicago. Our SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville team must have mitigative and restorative strategies to help when flooding impacts one or multiple apartment units simultaneously. We are ready 24/7 to help at (312) 509-5000.

Cleaning Up After Flood Damage in Chicago

6/26/2022 (Permalink)

After a flood in your home, a professional is needed to help repair the damage. For certified technicians and effective equipment contact SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Helps with Chicago Flood Restorations

Now that summertime has come, the frigid temperatures may be gone for a while, but Mother Nature could still bring about some surprises. During the late spring and winter months, thunderstorms are common to come into the Chicago metro area, bring high-speed winds, and record rainfall numbers. When a storm breezes into your neighborhood, several factors could cause moisture to enter your home, including if it starts to flood outside.

When restoring flood damage in Chicago, our SERVPRO technicians will first look for the source of the water entering your structure. By determining where the water came from, we can change our plan of attack if the moisture source could be contaminated. When dealing with storm-related projects, if the source is rainwater, it is considered category two water damage. However, suppose muddy water enters your house from the ground after a storm. In that case, it gets classified as category three, and it gets treated the same as a sewage backup during the restoration process.

Since moisture will follow gravity, it will normally head straight to your floors once it enters from the outside. If your carpeting gets wet, your carpets and pad will have to be removed due to possible contamination. Hardwood and vinyl floors can often get saved if dried out and treated with an antibacterial product like Vanquish. Once all of the porous materials that got wet get removed, we can then take steps to dry out your structural components.

Services SERVPRO provides to Return Your Home to Its Pre-Loss State

• Water Extraction Services
• Water Damage Debris Removal
• Flood Damage Clean Ups
• Sewage Backup Cleaning and Restorations
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Structural Deodorization
• Black Mold Inspections

If you ever notice water building up on your floors after a storm strikes, call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000.

Storms, Winds, Tree Limbs in Your Chicago Home!! Call SERVPRO Fast!

6/26/2022 (Permalink)

If a tree falls on your house, contact SERVPRO immediately! We have trained professionals ready to help you 24/7.

We Offer Reliable Flood Damage Services in Chicago

A violent storm blew through the neighborhood yesterday, and high winds sent a sizable tree branch through your front window. Now, several inches of water stands in your living room. If you do not know whom to contact, we kindly suggest that you call us right away. When possible, our professional team can restore your home.

Our SERVPRO flood damage crew in Chicago can arrive at your residence fast to inspect the damages. Plus, they can secure the structure by covering the missing window with plywood or protective plastic sheeting. The techs can also check for additional breaches to the property such as a hole in the roof or a broken door and secure them as they did with the window. Securing your home helps prevent water from flowing into the house. Plus, it can protect against wildlife or unwanted visitors from entering the structure.

Next, our SERVPRO team can remove all excess water from the residence. This step helps to reduce further damages to your home. Quick water removal can also prevent wood rot and mold growth. When extracting water, the techs may employ truck-mounted, or portable extractors or commercial grade pumps to eliminate the water fast. The level of water inside the house helps determine what type of equipment the crew may utilize for the job.

Storm waters can also cause damages to the interior walls, floor tile, and ceilings. If this happens, our skilled technicians may have to remove various wet materials such as drywall or insulation. If the job requires further construction though we can do substantial rebuilds, our techs can assist you in getting in touch with a qualified contractor. Since flood water is contaminated, our crew must discard all wet carpeting and padding as well as any furnishings or contents that come in contact with the water. During the drying process, the team may employ air movers and industrial axial fans to dry the affected areas thoroughly. The crew can also use dehumidifiers to eliminate moisture from inside the structure.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is close by and can restore your property to its preloss condition when possible. Contact us 24/7 at (312) 509-5000.

Are Chicago Home Office Documents Restorable After Flood Damage?

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO flood damage restoration services will handle all water damage property, even documents. Our IICRC certified team will work their magic.

Flood Damage Cleanup by SERVPRO Can Preserve Important Documents in a Chicago Home

Floods can have a heavy impact on a home on their own, and this effect is compounded for Chicago property owners who also run their businesses from home. Vulnerable equipment, assets, and documents require specialized care that homeowners might not be able to provide after a disaster.

With that in mind, SERVPRO flood damage technicians in Chicago can readily sanitize, dry, and repair structural materials and assets. These services aim to restore the affected property to a pre-disaster state so that occupants can resume business operations from their residence quickly and comfortably.

Floodwater Damage Document Drying Options

Mitigation services are available for salvageable documents. Many papers may not be restorable to the same condition they were in before a flood due to stains. However, SERVPRO document restoration can preserve and archive books and papers regardless of their purpose, whether they are for home business operations, personal records, or sentimental value.

Sublimation is one of the most effective document-drying methods because it prevents liquid from further warping the paper. These items are typically frozen while technicians decide on a mitigation strategy.

Document drying options include:

• Vacuum thermal drying
• Vacuum freeze-drying
• Freezer drying

On-site air drying and dehumidification are also available depending on the extent of the damage, among other factors. SERVPRO technicians also keep digital logs of documents to remain accessible during the restoration of physical copies, even if the originals are not restorable to a clean, safe preloss state. Document replacement may be more viable than restoration, depending on the scenario.

Residents can call (312) 509-5000 for 24/7 cleanup from SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster regardless of when it occurs.

How do Chicago Residents Deal with the Disruption and Property Damage of Storms?

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Storm flooding can quickly cause water damage. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation services.

Storms Can Get Out of Control Leading to Flood Damage in Your Chicago Home. SERVPRO Can Provide Urgent Emergency Services and Mitigation for your Property.

What is the Impact of Storm Floods?

When a violent weather event occurs in Chicago, it can lead to millions of dollars worth of damage. Rooftops can be blown off or properties flooded by incoming rainwater, overflowing drainage systems, or flash flooding. A storm can have a massive impact on the lifestyle of residents- which is severely disrupted but can also play havoc with your property. Indoor water intrusion can create health risks, while the water itself has a destructive outcome on building materials and possessions. Correctly drying and restoring a home relies on the correct training, expertise, and equipment. Without a proper resolution, water intrusion causes harm to structure and contents.

How do Water Technicians Resolve Property Flooding?

- Providing conditions for workers and occupants that are safe

- Documenting and recording the requirements of a property as well as work procedures

- Mitigating losses, drying the property, and conducting cleaning or repair

How Can a Flooded Property be Made Safe?

Before entering a home with flood damage in Chicago, professionals must assure you of its safety. Large amounts of water around the foundations of your home can cause joints to shift and, in the worse case, lead to building collapse. SERVPRO technicians follow the guidance of the S500. The S500 is a nationally recognized guidebook written by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certifications. These help ensure that our working methods remain up-to-date with the latest innovations in the restoration industry and ensure that we can provide the best care and repair for your home.

What Safety Hazards are There in a Flooded Property?

- Personal hazards like chemical safety, small spaces or slip, and trip hazards

- Environmental dangers which could include materials, electrics, or structural insecurity

- Biohazardous substances like infectious waste, raw sewage, or other contamination

Using a professional restoration technician in an emergency can secure your home and return it to a pre-damaged condition. Contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000.

Avoid Delays When Dealing With Flood Damage Scenarios in Chicago

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

From roof tarping to water extraction, SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is here and ready for the job.

Wind Damages That Can Lead to Flooding in Chicago Homes 

Here in Chicago, we are not called the ‘Windy City’ for nothing. Many of the most damaging storms that exist in the Midwest can reach our doorstep with destructive force, and in many cases, the most compromising of these is the wind. We have a dedicated storm response team, but with how quickly high winds can damage structures, flooding and other threats could exist before you even have the opportunity to call for our experienced team of restoration specialists. 

Storm Damage Clean Up and Restoration

Overcoming storm and flood damage in Chicago homes begin with appreciating how severe the situation is and allowing the appropriate personnel to handle these threats. Emergency services like our SERVPRO team can provide temporary construction solutions like board up, tarping, and other repairs that prevent further water penetration into your house. We have a team of licensed in-house general contractors that can work to provide these repairs and later reconstruction, seamlessly with the mitigation and restoration work to get done inside the house. Our contractors have over 30 years of experience to provide quality results. 

Wind can be especially devastating to roofs. With many of the homes in residential areas surrounding the city featuring shingled roofs, our professionals have become attuned to the look of damaged roofing material and vulnerabilities that could exist. With missing portions of shingles and exposed underlayment, wind-driven rain could find its way inside the house. 

Our drying and mitigation efforts begin in the attic space of the house when our SERVPRO team arrives. Along with tarping services to prevent further water penetration, we can assess the severity of the flooding in the attic space and its spreading to other areas of the house. Extraction and drying involve the use of our sophisticated equipment, from our drying mats on the wooden attic flooring to positive pressure systems to dry out wall and ceiling cavities where water has traveled from the damaged roof. 

No matter what your flooded home needs, you can count on our SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville team to help. We have capable equipment and expertise to make even complex flooding scenarios “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (312) 509-5000.

How Do Chicago Residents Enlist Flood Removal Experts?

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage can sneak into your Chicago properties quickly. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville for flood damage help today.

SERVPRO in Chicago Operates Twenty-Four-Hours-a-Day to Help Chicago with Flood Removal

The volume of water that can enter a property due to flooding can make the restoration task seem overwhelming for most homeowners. Large quantities of water in a property can affect the structural integrity, particularly at wall joints or floor level. Water exerts a high pound-for-pound pressure while it can also be toxic if inhabitants or materials are exposed in the case of flooding. Our services use industrial-grade pumping equipment to help reduce standing water levels in your home, secure the property's structural integrity, and allow for more specific restoration work to begin. SERVPRO typically uses:

• Pumping equipment for flooding
• Truck-mounted water extraction equipment
• Fast-drying equipment for residential properties

The task of flood removal in Chicago can be a long job, but the initial phases are surprisingly quick thanks to the industrial equipment we use. Water pumps typically consist of a long ducting tube for transporting water to an open sewer point, submersible technology to allow them to be used at high standing water levels, and are often electrically powered. In some cases, where electrical supply lines are temporarily out of action, SERVPRO technicians can use gas-powered pumping equipment to ensure your property is drained quickly. 

• Some valve submersible pumps can pass solid wastes, which can help remove silt or debris and water. 
• A water pump is many times more effective than extraction equipment or ventilation equipment. 
• Our team can safely dispose of the wastewater by using a nearby sewer point or transporting it to a wastewater facility on a water truck. 

To quickly reduce the impact of flooding in your home, contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville for flood removal at (312) 509-5000.

Louisiana Residents Can Count on the Heroes in Green for Hurricane Ida Response

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Heroes in Green Storm Disaster Recovery Team arrived before and after Hurricane Ida to help restore devastated Louisiana

SERVPRO Has Hurricane Ida Response Teams Ready for Louisiana Residents and Businesses Requiring Storm Damage Clean Up

Heavy rainfall and wind from Hurricane Ida leave many Louisiana homes and businesses facing water damage, both structurally and to the contents within. SERVPRO's Storm Response Team has area residents covered with a prompt response and caring technicians ready to get the job done.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville has crews at the ready and stationed in the area, with more units on the way to Louisiana to help. In anticipation of Hurricane Ida's devastating impact, owner Anthony Zubricki arrived on Saturday, 8/27/21, with a fully stocked 53-foot semi-trailer. We want the public to remember that the initial days after the impact of any storm are the most elemental when it comes to preventing the onset of unnecessary secondary damage.

Some of our crews are already stationed in Louisiana as the second semi-trailer rolled out on Monday, 8/30/21, under the direction of VP David Mason. In the coming days, owner/operator Frank Zubricki will join our Disaster Recovery Team. You do have a friend in SERVPRO whenever you need Hurricane Ida Response or a crew deployed in Hyde Park, including storm damage repair, water removal services, and more.

Please keep in mind:

• If you have storm damage and flooding, safety is critical, so only enter the structure with the utmost caution. Whenever possible, receive the green light from local first responders before you go inside.
• Remember that even clean water that may come in through a broken window or a pipe damaged due to the storm can become contaminated quickly.
• Any water that may have come into your living quarters or business from a stream, creek flooding, or a mudslide is considered black water – this means there could be hazardous contaminants involved.

The SERVPRO team are Heroes in Green, working quickly to help area residents in need of tarping and board-up services, as well as onsite electricity throughout our cleanup and restoration work. We have an all-star team of disaster recovery professionals. All of our trucks arrive equipped with the tools and advanced technology to help area residents and businesses during their time of need. We understand the challenging undertaking of demolition and removal of destroyed homes and structures. Our group of Chicago-area SERVPRO franchises is proud to be part of an elite group of a Disaster Recovery Team, where our goal is to provide help in these difficult times for our distant yet, still close neighbors.

When you need a team of skilled professionals to assist with flood restoration or storm cleanup, SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville is in the area and ready to go! For help with all of your storm damage or flood remediation needs, call us at (312) 509-5000.

What is the Best Way to Remediate Storm Damage in Chicago?

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Flood waters can quickly deteriorate the contents and structure of your home. Do not delay! Contact our SERVPRO flood damage remediation team.

Flood Damage Cleanup and Flood Precautions for Your Chicago Home

Floods have been the most common and costly natural disasters among all weather-related incidents in the United States, with Chicago being no exception. Understanding the threats that floods can pose is essential to staying safe during one of these events as a homeowner. The dangers do not disappear once the water levels stop rising.

Besides needing help restoring your Chicago home from the flood damage created by the storm, there are some things to be aware of to keep you and your family safe. While SERVPRO can help you get rid of the water and dry your home back out, there are precautions you can take in the meantime.

While you wait for our SERVPRO technicians to help you, be aware of damaged utilities. Water might have damaged electrical power. Lower any fire hazards by shutting off these utilities if you safely can do so, especially if there is fraying wiring, an odor, or sparks present. Turn the power off only if you can do so from a location that is dry. If not, call an electrician for help.

Keep your contact with dirty water to a minimum. Any standing floodwater can pose different hazards. It can have mixed with sewage or other harmful substances like chemicals. It can even be hiding sharp objects or downed power lines. Also, avoid traveling through the water, do not walk or try to drive through any standing water since the road underneath could be blocked by debris or compromised. With moving water, try to get to high ground to get away from the flooding whenever you can.

Our first goal is to get the standing water safely out of your home, and we have the professional tools and gear to help us do this safely for all. We also want to do the job quickly and efficiently. The sooner we can get your home dry again, the less chance there is for mold growth. If mold is found, we also can clean and take care of that for you.

Flood Damage Mitigation and Restoration in Chicago Are Cornerstones of SERVPRO Services

There are some factors we look at when restoring a property that has suffered flood damage. It all starts with understanding everything about the incident. Factors may include the time the standing water has spent on the structure, the contamination risks the source of water is likely to cause, the depth of the water, and the time that has elapsed since the event was reported in Chicago.

Before our SERVPRO technicians can start any flood damage remediation work in Chicago, we remove items such as draperies and furnishings from the site that are movable to mitigate continuing water damage. Salvageable contents can also be stored in a humidity-controlled area - preferably less than 60 % - to reduce the chances of mold growth. If we have to store the cleaned contents on the site, then we introduce a positive pressure in the storage area to prevent a possible movement of contamination from the contaminated areas. We can use plastic sheeting to separate the two areas to minimize cross-contamination and moisture migration.

Disastrous flooding can be dealt with according to the inherent dangers to the structure and its contents. When removing, cleaning, and treating contaminated surfaces and contents, we must keep the site under negative pressure compared to other parts of the floor or structure. We achieve this by using an air mover or vacuum having HEPA filters. At the end of the process, we have to remove the filter and place them in plastic bags ready for disposal.

Our SERVPRO team also removes flood-damaged porous materials that contain bacterial and mold since they can cause harmful effects. For instance, we remove and discard mold-contaminated porous items such as insulation, carpets, drywall, and carpet padding. The same may apply to wet ceiling tiles that has been exposed to wetness for 24 - 72 hours. It is difficult to clean mold damage if it has already developed within porous contents, and discarding such items is the workable option.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville understands that drying your home in Woodlawn, Kenwood, or South Shore out as quickly as possible after flooding is essential for the safety of your family and the structure itself. Reach out to us as soon as the storms subside by dialing (312) 509-5000, so we can help you.

How Flood Damage Affects Indoor Air in Downtown Chicago

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Stormy weather in Chicago? Call SERVPRO for home or business

Flood Damage Can Affect Indoor Air Quality

Flood damage often strikes without warning, and it can leave a trail of devastation behind. Not only do floods pose a threat to the structure of houses and possessions, but they can also negatively impact the air inside of a home.

Homeowners with flood damage in Downtown Chicago often face indoor air quality significantly lower after a water emergency occurs. Here are some ways that flood damage lowers air quality and how the experts at SERVPRO can help.

Mildew After Flood Damage

The biggest problem that homeowners typically cite about mildew is its smell -- it's very noticeable, unpleasant, and lingers for a long time. The key to getting rid of mildew smells is carefully sanitizing, deodorizing, and restoring items that have incurred flood damage. Our technicians are skilled at eliminating mildew smells and guarding against mildew formation.

Mold Damage

Where there's excess moisture indoors, there's the threat that mold can eventually come along. This is one of the primary issues that results from flood damage, and it can also cause health effects. Mold can destroy furniture, a house's structure, clothing, documents, and all manner of items. We carefully check your home for signs of mold damage and employ effective measures to keep spores from forming.

Excessive Humidity

Humidity is a tricky problem to resolve because there's no instant fix. A home that's too humid can be noticeably uncomfortable, and the extra moisture doesn't help when it comes to keeping mildew and mold at bay. Our high-tech equipment will normalize your home's humidity level and make your house a comfortable place to live again.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville knows how important it is to get your home back in great shape after a water emergency has occurred. Our industry-leading services can combat the effects of flood damage and give you peace of mind. For a quote or to obtain more information about our flood damage services, call us at (312) 509-5000.

Storm Damage in Downtown Chicago Needs The Help of SERVPRO

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage to your Downtown Chicago home is unfortunate. SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for any size disaster.

Downtown Chicago Property Owners Count on SERVPRO for Storm Damage Cleanup

Floodwater due to a storm can leave any Downtown Chicago property owner devastated. If you are not quick to take action, water damage due to floods can irreversibly harm your property and possessions. SERVPRO water damage restoration (WRT) experts can help minimize the effect of floodwater and restore the damage "Like it never even happened."

Storm damage to your Downtown Chicago property, such as the leaking roof from storms, can cause many problems if not addressed promptly. It is vital to hire professional water removal services to limit the extent of the damage. The water damage restoration process involves many steps, including removing excess water, removing any contaminants, and drying the property. The goal of the process is to restore the standard moisture content levels to avoid any secondary damage.

Our highly trained and experienced SERVPRO technicians are at your service 24/7. However, you can also take some steps to reduce the damage till the experts arrive at the scene.

• Ensure the safety of your family and leave the premises as soon as possible
• Turn off the electric mains and gas connections to avoid shocks and gas leaks
• Call expert restorers as soon as you can

The SERVPRO Water Damage Remediation Process

The SERVPRO experts can begin the water damage remediation process once the floodwater starts to recede. Our experts can take several steps to accomplish the flood restoration process, including the following:

• Our team is equipped with a variety of pumps to remove floodwater from any building
• We use thermal screening equipment to examine any ceiling leaks during water damage repairs
• We use moisture sensors and probes after water clean up to restore typical moisture content

After a storm, for help with floodwater removal, call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 for 24/7 service.

Why Is Containment of Flooded Spaces Vital After Chicago Storms?

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the trained technicians for any size disaster done to your home. With the experience and latest technology at their finger tips.

SERVPRO uses flooding mitigation strategies for Chicago homes 

The slushy snow and sleet mixtures typical of a late winter storm in Chicago demand flooding mitigation. As the melting mix seeps into your foundation or enters through exterior wind damage, fast action to halt creeping moisture is crucial. Containing the spread of contaminated water is particularly important to save furnishings and carpets that are difficult to disinfect.

What Are Methods SERVPRO Uses to Stop Flood Water Migration?

Mitigating the harm done by dirty water depends on proven strategies to stop the flooding into permeable building materials and fixtures. Expect the following responses by the SERVPRO crew:

• Elevation of furnishings and household goods above the flood line
• Pack-out of contents to
• Move unaffected articles to a secure and dry space
• Evaluate wet items for rapid restorative services
• Clear the flooded spaces for unimpeded water extraction and cleaning
• Use of squeegees and wanded extractors to move and suction water away from dry areas and fixtures
• Containment of affected areas with 1.6 mil polyethylene barriers and floor level baffles or sandbags to keep unsanitary water manageable and safely removable 

Call (312) 509-5000 to schedule a flood mitigation assessment from SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville. Our prompt response ensures effective interventions begin before irreparable damage occurs.

Make a Visit to the Oriental Institute Museum in Hyde Park

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

We look forward to seeing you at the Oriental Institute Museum.

Spend Some Time at One of Hyde Park’s Best Museums 

Individuals, families, groups, and classes are welcome to tour the Oriental Institute Museum’s galleries. You can call (773) 702-9514 regarding specific hours, open galleries, virtual online tours, and other information. Admission is always free, but donations are still accepted and appreciated. 

Curating collections require knowledge in how to deal with damage caused by increased moisture after relocating artifacts to non-arid locations. Humidity initiates the decomposition of many materials. Learn more about ancient civilizations, including their religions, customs, and contributions that benefit us today. The following are only a few of the many cultures included in the Oriental Institute Museum: 

• Egyptian,
• Jewish,
• Babylonian,
• Mesopotamian, and
• Several others that are not as widely known. 

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville uses high-tech equipment and science to regain control over situations involving both excess humidity and remediation required after flooding. Call (312) 509-5000 for effective management of your property’s restoration. 

Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo has a Limited Supply of Free Tickets to ZooLights

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

It’s no lion - SERVPRO is ready to go when storms strike!

Families in Chicago can Visit on Five Specific Nights for a Low-Cost Evening of Festive Fun 

While the pandemic has eliminated many events, the Lincoln Park Zoo decided that reduced-capacity events would benefit the zoo and its patrons the most. On five different evenings, November 24 and December 9, 17, 21, and 29, pre-registered individuals in groups of ten or fewer are invited. Other nights, between November 21, 2020, and January 3, 2021, are available for $5 a person, including infants. Call (312) 742-2000 to get tickets. 

• Several million lights come together to create dazzling holiday decorations.
• Low-cost tickets get you in the door at additional exhibits, including the Light Maze and the Enchanted Forest.
• If you are already a Zoo member, you can pre-register for an additional night, exclusively for members, on the evening of December 1, 2020, from 4 PM until 10 PM. 

With the joyousness of the holiday season also comes severe storms. SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is always nearby and ready to help with water extraction and restoration after storm damage. Contact us at (312) 509-5000 for fast and professional service.

How Can I Clean My Basement After Flooding?

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Basements are easy targets for flooding. SERVPRO know how to remediate water damage and restore your home.

Call SERVPRO to Restore Your Chicago Basement After a Flood

Storms in Chicago can be devastating to your home, even if they do not affect a broad area. They can cause destruction to the roof and windows or saturate the ground around your home. Under all circumstances, the entry of water into your home can be devastating if left unattended. Rather than relying on intuition, invite a professional service to assess the damage and develop a restoration plan.

For basement flooding in Chicago, SERVPRO is ready to help. Our team of experts can handle all magnitude of flooding needs. Upon arriving at your home, we thoroughly inspect all of it to determine the damage's extent. A professional team is especially valuable when you need to file an insurance claim for the loss. As we work in your home, we document each of our action steps, which could come in handy as you complete your case for insurance purposes.

What not to do after a flood in your basement

When water enters your home, quick remediation is essential. Regardless of how quickly you reach out to our SERVPRO team, you can do a few things to await our arrival. Taking swift action can help mitigate the damage to your house as well as your personal belongings. A simple way to apply the same principles that guide our work include:

• Remove porous materials such as upholstery and fabric- storm waters invite bacteria into your home, and porous material can become a breeding ground for them.
• Air out the area as much as possible- our team brings industrial-grade circulators, dehumidifiers, injectidry technology, and drying mats, among others. Still, your initial efforts in encouraging water evaporation can be beneficial.
• Avoid cross-contamination- help protect other areas of your home by avoiding traffic within it. Our team sets up physical barriers with plastic sheeting to prevent debris and microbes from traveling through your home.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/ Bronzeville is at your service when flooding happens. Call us at (312) 509-5000 and let us leave your home, "Like it never even happened."

More about Chicago.

How Do I Restore Flooding During a Power Outage in Chicago?

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Rainwater flooding can be a challenging experience for homeowners.

SERVPRO Flood Damage Restoration Services Are Available for Residential Flooding in Chicago

Why do floods lead to power outages?

Last month was the wettest since records began in Chicago. Heavy and persistent rainfall can cause rivers to rise uncontrollably. Once water overflows unto roads, it can buildup speed resulting in flash flooding. As little as two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles. The water current is powerful enough to break electrical wires above and below ground, which can lead to power outages. It can be exceptionally challenging to repair a flooded property without the requisite power or lighting. At SERVPRO, we stock our trucks with portable generators as well as string, stand, and wobble lighting to assist us in the urgent task of mitigating water losses in residential and commercial properties.

How do you remove floodwater during a power outage?

When flood damage strikes Chicago, it often brings with it power outages across residential communities. The first few days of restoration are crucial to returning a home to its preloss condition, which can seem impossible without the necessary power supply. SERVPRO technicians can deploy portable generators with a run-time of up to twelve hours for residents with floodwater intrusion. These generators are enough to provide the basics of lighting and pumping equipment with a run-time of twelve hours. In properties with major ground floor flooding, we can use industrial generators that run for twice as long as portable generators and provide sufficient energy for the entire property.

What are the crucial early stages of flood recovery?

    •    Reducing standing water levels
    •    Securing the property from further water intrusion
    •    Sealing broken parts of the property to prevent trespass

Are flooded properties dangerous?

Environments with massive quantities of floodwater can have an impact on your health and your safety. Water contamination is among the most well-known dangers of flooding; however, there may be many hazards in a flooded building. SERVPRO technicians can scope property to assess any potential dangers before entering the site to begin work. We are usually testing for electrical hazards, possible structural collapse as well as debris during a scoping task. Sometimes if there is electrical equipment running in the presence of water, the consequences can be lethal. Restorers mitigate losses at a site while also preparing for safe entry for other specialist repair companies.

How can you test for electrical hazards?

Even during power outages, there is a risk of wires becoming live or power surges that may endanger restorers. We use a non-contact voltage detector to assess whether there is a live current in materials, circuits, or standing water. We run our water restoration equipment through portable ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). GFCIs protect electrical equipment from water. It is not uncommon for wires to run through the water when restoring a flooded property, which is why GFCIs are an essential tool during the mitigation procedure. There may be situations where our technicians are running various types of equipment through a single generator. To prevent fusing, our teams calculate equipment usage then run a circuit analyzer to maintain equipment usage below 80% of the full power supply as recommended by National Electric Code (NEC).

What tools should you use in restoration?

    •    Carpet removal tools like knee kickers and razor knives
    •    Screwdrivers, wrench, flashlight, and a stapler
    •    Hammers, pry bars and rubber hammers
    •    Plumbing equipment

Is the exterior of my home included with flood restoration?

When flash flooding reaches your property, it brings with it, silt, grime, and debris. Often, the exterior of your home may be significantly dirty and can contain hazardous waste substances. To remove these massive amounts of trash, SERVPRO technicians can use a power washer. Coldwater powerwashers deliver high-pressure water directly onto a surface to loosen bonded soils. We can also run detergents and cleaning agents through the power washer to aid in the cleaning process. Power washers can also be useful for vehicle cleaning or in garage spaces and basements without drywall or insulation.

Is dehumidification the best method for drying a property?

While dehumidification can be a crucial part of the drying strategy, it is not the only part. Dehumidifiers can be inefficient in situations where flooding affects the entire property and require twenty or thirty units to impact the residual moisture. When flash flooding affects the whole first floor of a structure, our technicians opt for indirect fired furnaces—these equipment heat dry outdoor air before blasting it into the property through a duct. Our technicians measure the humidity of the exhausted air to assess how effective the drying method is when using fired furnaces.

Rainwater flooding can be a challenging experience for homeowners. Contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville (312) 509-5000.

Have You Experienced Snowmelt Flooding in Chicago?

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Don't wait until it's too late. SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville can help your restore your home from flood damage!

How to Prevent Chicago Winter Flood Damage

After a long winter, all that snow has to go somewhere. As temperatures rise in Chicago next spring, you should be prepared to handle all the extra water. By taking some steps before the snow melts, you can help prevent flooding in your home. Removing the snow accumulation from around your windows, foundation, and doors keep it from melting and leaking into your home. You should also check your gutters and roof, plus clear snow from drainage areas. 

When melting snow has caused flooding and flood damage in your Chicago basement, you need to take fast action to get the water out and dry your home back out. SERVPRO can come to your aid in a situation like this, as we are professional and experienced flood damage remediation specialists. 

The cleanup of a flooded basement is a multi-faceted process. We take each step carefully to help restore your basement to its former condition. Safety is our primary concern for everyone, so before we even enter the flooded basement, we ensure that all utilities are shut off at the source. Electricity and water are never good together. 

Next, SERVPRO technicians determine the integrity of your structure. We do not enter if there is a chance of collapse. If you have not already done so, we then open any doors and windows possible to get the air circulating, as this facilitates the drying process. 

We advise you to take plenty of photos as well if you have not by the time we get there for insurance purposes. If you need us to, we also speak with your insurance company to ensure you get the coverage you deserve. 

We remove the excess water using a gas powered submersible pump. We are careful not to pump the water out too quickly, as sudden changes in pressure could cause the walls to collapse. 

We also wear protective clothing, boots, gloves, and eyewear. It is essential for us to do so if we believe the water has been contaminated by toxins or sewage. 

Walls are hosed down to loosen any debris or mud, and then we dry out your entire basement using industrial dehumidifiers and fans. We check to see if the flooring is cracked or warped.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville takes care of your flooded basement for you thoroughly and in a timely fashion. Residents in the areas of Woodlawn, Kenwood, or South Shore just need to give us a call at (312) 509-5000.

For more information regarding the city of Chicago, click here. 

How Do I Know if Attic Flooding Has Occurred in My Chicago Home?

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage can result anywhere in your home. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Our Professionals Have Sophisticated Inspection Tools and Efficient Drying Equipment to Help Potential Flooding Situations. 

The attic space of your aging Chicago home might have been storage for whatever family lived in it decades ago, but has stayed firmly sealed up since you moved in. While this has added a better layer of protection from possible animals that might find a way into the attic space or a loss of heat through this unfinished area, not having a visual of this space could be problematic after storm damages.

Storms that often threaten the city can leave you vulnerable to flood damage in your Chicago property. When this flooding occurs in the attic space that you have not seen in years, how do you know that a problem exists? Identifying some of the telling signs and acting on them by contacting our SERVPRO professionals can have skilled technicians ready to help whenever disasters strike.

How Vulnerable is My Attic to Storm and Flood Damage? 

While you might think of your home as somewhat impenetrable, there are more vulnerabilities than you might think. While your house’s roof was designed to withstand an onslaught of violent weather and unfavorable conditions, this structural system can weaken and degrade over time to the point of collapsing or malfunctioning during substantial winds, torrential rains, or in icy conditions.

• Storm Damage 

Intense storms can cause substantial structural damages to many buildings in the area. With the ability to uproot trees or produce hail and torrential rainfall, an already vulnerable roof can give out. Direct rainfall and runoff can make its way into the attic space beyond the underlayment of the roofing shingles.

• Ice Damming

Winters can get bitterly cold in the city and its outer lying suburbs, which can lead to some icing on the roofs. When uneven heating occurs, and warm spots exist on the exterior of the roof, snow can melt in cold snap freezing conditions and form a wall of ice that continually worsens until it dislodges shingles and forces its way into the attic with moisture and water. 

• Wind Damage 

There is a reason that we are known for being the ‘Windy City,’ and many of our homes and businesses have felt the effects of that harsh wind on one occasion or another. With an ability to move debris, break branches, or peel off shingles, wind damage can also be a situation that welcomes flooding into this upper portion of your home.

How Do I Know If Flooding Has Occurred? 

Surprisingly you might not always know immediately when flooding has occurred, or even that damage to your roof exists. Migrating water loss conditions often have telling signs that you have to regularly look out for to try and stay ahead of worsening flood conditions above you as much as you can.

There are a few things that you can start to look for that might indicate that water damage has occurred in the space above the ceiling, and these include:  

• Yellowing of the ceiling drywall
• Sagging materials
• Disfiguration of ceiling materials
• Moist conditions in the upstairs
• Mold growth on drywall or other organic materials

What Is the Best Way to Dry Confined Spaces? 

Once you have gotten assured that flood damage does exist in the attic space of your home, you have to move quickly to address this concern before it gets out of control. In many situations, the lack of direct knowledge of this damage can lead to mold already existing in the space. It is the priority of our SERVPRO technicians to dry out this confined space first before working on reconstruction or remediation concerns. We have several drying tools that can help to accomplish this, including:

• Air Movers

High-velocity air movers are the foundation of our drying, as we have hundreds of these units, and they offer a versatile evaporative effort depending on where drying is necessary and what structural elements might also be affected. 

• Positive Pressure Systems 

Because structural cavities between the floor of the attic area and the ceiling of the living space level beneath it have housed damp materials, positive pressure systems can help to infuse these cavities with blasts of heated air to promote evaporation.

• Portable Electric Heaters

During the winter months, electric heaters are a vital part of most of our recovery projects. These units also play a role in regulating the temperature to be more favorable to drying the attic space as quickly as possible.

Is Reconstruction Necessary After Storm Damage Flooding? 

With a team of in-house contractors that can help with both controlled demolition, remediation, and build back, reconstruction is something that we can offer whenever it is necessary. We can offer an honest evaluation of the property to determine the need for this phase.

You might not always immediately know when your attic space floods, but you should have an idea of whom you can trust to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give our SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville team a call today at (312) 509-5000.

When Your Chicago Basement Floods

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

If your home has a basement, then you now how easily water damage your home. We have what it takes to remove the water.

Mitigating Basement Flooding in Chicago 

Illinois residents, particularly those in cities, saw a spike in taxpayer-subsidized grants, loans, and insurance payouts between 2004 and 2014, according to data from the National Academy of Sciences. Not only is flooding incredibly stressful for homeowners to deal with, but it is also not the type of disaster that homeowners can address with consumer-grade products. Fortunately, there is a team that can help.  

If your Chicago home needs restoration after flooding, the IICRC-certified technicians at SERVPRO are ready to restore your structures to a preloss condition. We design SERVPRO equipment to extract moisture thoroughly, sanitize spaces, and dry them to levels that prevent mold and microbe proliferation. This rapid-response service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you when disaster strikes.  

Protecting Your Home During a Basement Flood 

• Call your insurance company right away. The faster you contact your insurer, the more quickly they can work with you to restore your home.  
• Contact your utility providers.If you need assistance in shutting off water and electricity, they can help you.  
• Hire a claims adjuster. You can rely on your insurance company's adjuster or choose an adjuster who works independently from your insurer to evaluate the damage to your property and cross-reference that with your claim.  
• Use drainage systems and sandbags.If you have a sump pump or drainage in the basement, make as much use of it as you can. If all else fails, sandbags can redirect water away from crucial areas.
• Do not throw anything away.While cleaning after the flood is step one, do not remove anything from your structure until your claims adjuster has seen it.  

SERVPRO Sanitizes Your Home

One of the most pressing concerns, especially in a large city, after flooding is the cleanup of contaminants that can come with floodwater, including debris and sewage. Technicians focus on removing safety hazards first in gear that is appropriate for the job. This ensemble includes rubber gloves, full-body suits, boots, eye protection, and respirators equipped with P100 cartridges.  

We spray affected areas with EPA-registered antimicrobials and remove silt and debris from the property. After thorough cleaning and decontamination, our technicians extract water from flooring with portable extractors. Any salvageable items--mostly nonporous materials--are decontaminated and restored. SERVPRO technicians work with your claims adjuster to ensure that there are records of any possessions that require disposal. 

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville can leave your residence looking, "Like it never even happened." If your home needs disaster cleanup service fast, you can call (312) 509-5000. 

More about Chicago.

Humidity Control During Recovery After A Flood In Chicago

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call at (312) 509-5000.

Humidity Control During Recovery for Flooded Chicago Residences

Addressing flooding in Chicago homes requires much more than efficient extraction practices. Professionals in the restoration industry like our SERVPRO team have an obligation to protect the home and its occupants from hazardous conditions, and the most practical way to offer this is through containment strategies. The maintenance of conditions within this barrier area is critical to offering efficient drying and prevent the increased production of microbial threats.

Controlling the humidity within a containment area helps to restore flood damage in Chicago homes efficiently. With these conditions regulated, we can dry out saturated structural elements and construction materials with the highest effectiveness. Also, our professionals can reduce the movement and migration of moisture and water damage, but also prevent any secondary damage that might result from prolonged exposure.

Many homeowners might believe that the maintenance of humidity levels within an established drying zone is a matter of using dehumidifiers and little else. These units do play a substantial role in the drying process and even regulating humidity, but there is more to the approach than these machines. Leveling off moisture content levels can increase the effectiveness of the restoration effort to come once the area has gotten decontaminated if necessary. We cannot attempt to use the heart of our drying process, air movers until the area has gotten thoroughly disinfected and cleaned.

The secret to effective humidity control in the drying zone is the creation of negative pressure. Units like the negative air chamber and the hydroxyl generator work to clean contaminants out of the environment with HEPA filters, exhausting and ventilating them outside the residence. Successfully running these units makes dehumidification and relative humidity (RH) levels stay manageable and within safe operating parameters to limit secondary effects and destructive consequences like mold growth.

We understand that flooding can be a costly and hazardous situation for homeowners, and that is why we stay ready to mobilize 24/7 whenever these disasters strike. We are here to make flood loss “Like it never even happened.” Trust our SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville team to help your home return to its original condition after flooding. Give us a call at (312) 509-5000.

For more about Chicago click here.

Our Flood Damage Experts Can Save Your Chicago Home

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Get Efficient Flood Damage Cleanup For Your Chicago Home

It takes a significant sum of money to buy and maintain a home. Unfortunately, flood damage can happen in different ways, even to the most prepared homeowner. The damage can come from a flash flood, a blizzard, a hurricane, or a tornado. When vast amounts of water hit your property, it can be a dangerous situation.

There are vital steps you need to take to stay safe and get your life back to normal after the floods. To handle flood damage in your Chicago home, you need to remove the water, sanitize the structures and dry the affected areas properly. SERVPRO is on call 24/7, and our trained and certified technicians are ready to help. We can clean and disinfect the surfaces ensuring no further damage is experienced. We can return your house to its preloss state quickly and efficiently.

If the floodwater sits in your property for a long time, it can cause severe primary and secondary destruction. Water can leak through the walls of your home and wreak havoc to building materials like drywall and your belongings. Mold can also grow if you take too long to remove the water and moisture. Calling for help minimizes further damage and maximizes the chances of making a full recovery of your property.

To ensure that microbes do not spread, we extract all the water using powerful portable or truck-mounted pumps. We also use air moving and dehumidifying equipment to remove moisture from all the affected areas. We check the levels of moisture in the walls of a house using moisture meters and moisture sensors. Our crew can also ventilate wet wall cavities by removing baseboards and drilling holes between each stud. We then force air through the holes into wall cavities to enhance evaporation. If we find much moisture, it may be necessary to remove areas of drywall.

We can also use disinfectant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial treatments to clean your home. As we clean the structure of the house, we also clean other items such as furniture and clothing that the flooding has ruined. After the aftermath of a flood, professional odor removal is necessary since the damp items in a house often emit foul scents. Our technicians can use specialized equipment to remove the bad odors from flood-damaged homes, including:

    •    Thermal foggers
    •    Industrial air scrubbers
    •    Hydroxyl generators

We can also rebuild the ruined structures of your home after flood remediation or mitigation. At SERVPRO, we offer high quality and quick restoration services. We have an efficient quality assurance system that enables us to deliver excellent customer satisfaction.

After experiencing flood damage in your Hyde Park, Bronzeville or Bridgeport home, you need speedy, professional aid. SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville can help remove all the water and sanitize your home. Call us today at (312) 509-5000. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Chicago click here.

SERVPRO Professionals Talk Emergency Floodwater Removal From Chicago Homes

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Here in the midwest, bad weather is frequent. You can trust the SERVPRO Brand to handle all of your water damage emergency needs.

How SERVPRO Works Fast for Emergency Chicago Flood Removal Projects 

If you want to keep costs related to flood damage mitigation and repair to a minimum, you need to act fast in the aftermath of a disaster. Without a rapid response to the situation in the form of professional flood removal, reversible damages and minor issues can rapidly progress to require substantial restoration efforts and potentially induce safety hazards. At SERVPRO, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. We make sure that the flood damage to your home avoids complications that can happen over time like mold growth or material erosion.  

How We Rapidly Remove Water  

Depending on the severity of the situation, our flood removal for your Chicago home may involve the use of one or more high-powered machine tools designed to remove different types of moisture very quickly. Standing water, which is any remaining water in your home that has measurable depth, can be almost impossible to remove without the aid of extraction pumps. These pumps can remove water from even the farthest-back corners of your home and pump it all outside. 

Once we can no longer extract any water from the premises, we then use a combination of powerful air movers and dehumidifiers to remove any remaining moisture. Air movers create powerful directed air currents that pick up water droplets embedded into materials, allowing them to be collected into bins by dehumidifiers that attract airborne moisture. The combination of this technology allows us to accomplish days of drying under optimal conditions in just a few hours regardless of outside weather. 

Removing Other Signs of Damage 

Most floods leave behind visually apparent signs of damage even after drying the area. SERVPRO can help to reverse these effects through special restorative techniques we've learned through years of servicing similar problems across the country. We are also fully certified to handle mold and other types of damage that might happen as a result of the flooding. 

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville stays open 24/7 to respond to local calls for help with flood damage from storms and other water sources. Call us at (312) 509-5000 for our help or a quote.

More about Chicago.

Our Quick Response Can Restore Your Chicago Home To Pre-Damage Condition After A Flood

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 when you need help with flood damage in your home.

Fast Extraction And Drying Limit Loss From Flood Damage In Chicago Homes

Three main factors determine how much flood damage occurs in a home from water intrusion events. Those factors are the amount of water, how long exposure has occurred and how quickly mitigation began.

When SERVPRO arrived on-site to mitigate flood damage in a Chicago home, most of the standing water had receded. We scoped the kitchen area around an entry doorway and determined backed up gutters were the cause of the water from heavy storms coming into the home. Rather than directing rainwater away from the house, the gutters overflowed and caused pooling that entered the kitchen.

Our technicians worked quickly to extract any remaining water from the kitchen flooring. Often, we do several passes with our portable pumps to pull as much water as possible from surfaces. These initial efforts help speed the drying phase along.

The vintage kitchen table had stainless steel legs that were unaffected by the water, and we placed it on blocks for drying in the area. Our technicians moved the chairs for drying in another area of the home. Our probes found moisture collected behind the baseboards under the cabinets. Technicians removed the baseboards and drilled weep holes in the wall to allow for adequate airflow during drying.

Air movers have blades much like a fan, but the similarities end there. These machines blow air at a high velocity across surfaces retaining moisture. This action causes water vapor to rise where dehumidifiers capture it and effectively removed from the area. We spend time setting up the air movers at specific angles unique to the room to direct moist air up and out.

Once confirmed dry through moisture readings, our technicians concentrated on final cleaning and disinfecting to leave the kitchen sanitized and inhibit mold growth. Due to the quick action of the owner calling SERVPRO and starting the mitigation process so soon after the initial water damage occurred, there was little water loss from this unfortunate event.

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 when you need help with flood damage in your home. Our emergency response teams arrive within hours to mitigate your water loss and restore your home and possessions, so it is “Like it never even happened.”

Click here for more about Chicago.

SERVPRO Can Assist When It Comes to Natural Disaster Flood Damage

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can bring the thunder when it comes to storm damage restoration.

Getting Rid of Standing Water after Flood Damage to your Bridgeport Property

The primary concern for a homeowner after a natural disaster is to restore their property as quickly as possible. Flooding is not uncommon and can cause havoc in the lower levels of your property. Removing that water needs to be done quickly to limit losses. As a rule of thumb, the longer water is allowed to saturate structure, structural components or personal possessions the more likely permanent damage is to occur.

When flood damage in Bridgeport properties occurs, you need to know that your restoration provider can mobilize equipment quickly. SERVPRO uses local technicians and provides them with the tools from our nearby warehouse. As a company with access to national resources, our water extraction equipment is top of the range and capable of dealing with any size disaster.

The quickest way to remove standing water is by a gas-powered submersible pump. These are linked to an open sewer point which allows us to remove an unlimited amount of flood water. However, if your home relies on a septic tank, a gas-powered pump cannot be deployed. Your SERVPRO technician can quickly use other measures if this is the case.

A practical solution when pumps are not possible to deploy are extraction units. For large amounts of water, SERVPRO can bring in truck-mounted extractors. These industrial equipment are capable of removing more than 100 gallons of water before needing to be emptied and minimize the risk of damages to carpets, fittings or upholstery.

Where flooding is deemed as less severe, we use portable extractors. Fabrics can be up to 50% weaker when wet so a deft approach can be useful in mitigating loss, particularly on carpets. These are comprised of a vacuum element used in combination with heat. Your technician can repeatedly use an extractor over the surface without risking damages and ensuring your home dries quicker than with dehumidifiers or rapid air-movers.

For a fast response to a home emergency, contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000.

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When A Flood Destroys Your Chicago Home, You Need To Contact The Specialists At SERVPRO!

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help take the sting out of unexpected and unwanted flood damage with our restoration skills.

Restoring Walls After Flood Damage Creates A Remodeled Look In Chicago

Many owners want to remodel their home but lack the resources or time to engage in such time-consuming projects. A disaster like flooding changes things drastically, but SERVPRO can help make changes that improve your home's interior in the long run.

When a residence in Chicago sustains flood damage, walls and floors become so saturated that we must remove the affected area and then several inches above the water line. Cutting this away and removing it allows us to air out the home's support beams inside the wall. These beams must reach standard moisture content before installation of new wall material can take place. We compare readings of moisture content to industry approved materials sheets to ensure proper drying occurs. Replacing ruined walls too soon can lead to mold infestation and wood rot. Both can cause wooden beams to loose strength. Any warping can also create a strain on the wall joints and lead to cracking and other structural problems.

We work with our customers to re-create as we restore their home by locating the materials needed. While not an exact remodeling job, a new look can appear when a customer chooses new paint colors, paneling, or textured coverings for reconstructed walls. Our experts work closely with every customer to ensure their satisfaction with the finished work.

Another step we take when dealing with flood damage is to carry out odor elimination. Flood damage includes the formation of new and highly offensive odors that can permeate a home, even after mitigation. Hydroxyl gas comes in a structure similar to H – O – H. The organic matter that creates these odors bonds with unstable hydrogen atoms, deodorizing your home at the molecular level. Hydroxyl also produces a fresh scent as it is working, is so safe we can use it while people are in the treated area and does not produce color changes in damp textiles like ozone can.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville can help take the sting out of unexpected and unwanted flood damage with our restoration skills. Our technicians also hold certificates from the IICRC in Applied Microbial Remediation (AMRT) and also Applied Structural Drying (ASD) – crucial knowledge when dealing with flooded homes and businesses. Contact us at our 24-hour service lie by calling (312) 509-5000. Homeowners in or near Oakland, Douglas, and South Shore can also rely on our skilled employees when their residence faces a disaster.

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SERVPRO Takes Care of Local Chicago Flood Damage Problems with Ease

6/17/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen unexpectedly and be overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO for an assessment and remediation services.

Drying Out Your Property After Flooding is Key to Preventing Secondary Damage

It may seem impossible to surmount the flood damage done to your Chicago home after a storm blows through the area, but no matter how severe the situation may seem, SERVPRO is available on a 24/7 basis to help out. Our tools and training enable us to provide full-featured flood mitigation and restoration services even for large office buildings and industrial centers, and we provide the same quality and level of care to residential zones in the community as well. Call us up after a disaster, and you might expect to see some or all of these features of our service put to work in your home.

Innovative Technology
SERVPRO works hard to stay on the cutting edge of restorations technology nationally, providing our technicians with some of the most advanced tools on the market to evaluate and combat flood damage in Chicago. From small digital tools like thermohygrometers that locate and identify spots of moisture deep within walls and materials, to large industrial machines such as air movers that create powerful, controlled wind currents within your home to whisk away moisture, our arsenal of equipment allows us to adapt to any situation and provide the care needed to get everything back to the way it was before the flood.

Rigorous Training
Every SERVPRO technician receives weeks of challenging certifications and job training before ever setting foot on a job site. However, even once an employee is accredited, their training is far from over. We structure our teams to make sure that no job site goes without veteran, experienced restoration professionals to oversee the situation and provide guidance through their years of experience and dozens of completed jobs. Through our combination of formal schooling and on-the-job experience gathering, every team we send to homes in the local area brings experience and accreditation with it.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville helps local homeowners to perk up and recover from the effects of flood damage with professionalism and quality of service honed through years of work in the community. Call us at (312) 509-5000.

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Flood Damage In Your Chicago Home From Snowmelt

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

If your home has been the victim of flood damage from snowmelt, it is something that you need to take care of right away with professional help.

Flood Damage From Snowmelt

If you are a homeowner in Chicago with a basement, you know that it is essential to prevent water from coming into your residence. Water intrusion can have a devastating effect on the integrity of your structure. With the spring here, you need to worry about snowmelt, which is water and runoff from the melting of fallen snow. When ice and packed snow are on the ground when the temperatures rise, the warmer temps create rapid melting of snow and ice, making excess water and runoff very quickly. It, in turn, causes flooding.

If your home in Chicago has been the victim of flood damage from snowmelt, it is something that you need to take care of right away with professional help. The longer the water sits, the more in danger you are for your structure to become weakened, or sustain additional damage, such as the growth of mold. Our SERVPRO staff have the experience and tools to help you out and to get the job done fast.

Once we have extracted the standing water in your basement, the primary equipment we use in drying your home are dehumidifiers and air movers. Two guidelines we use for placing air movers are maintaining a balance between the dehumidifiers and air movers and positioning enough air movers to make airflow across all wet surfaces.

Air movers raise the rate of evaporation. As moisture evaporates from wet surfaces, the layer of air next to it becomes saturated. The higher humidity at the surface then starts slowing down the evaporation of additional moisture. Air movers send airflow over wet surfaces, blowing the air layer that is saturated away and replacing it with drier air. The dehumidifiers SERVPRO techs use create warm, dry air, but we need the air movers for circulating the dry air across wet materials and your structure.

Since air movers evaporate moisture into the airspace and dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, we must keep the two in balance. Too few air movers in relation to dehumidifiers result in a drying process that is slower. Dehumidifiers extract more moisture when the air is holding a great deal of moisture.

Too many air movers in relation to dehumidifiers result in secondary water damages. Too many air movers mean the dehumidifiers cannot extract moisture from the air as fast as air movers are evaporating it into the air.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville has trained staff who can properly operate the equipment used in drying your home in Douglas, South Shore, or Kenwood. When your basement has flooded, call us right away at (312) 509-5000, so we can dry you back out.

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Chicago's Team of Flood Damage Experts

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's first step in their flood damage restoration process is to stop the water from entering your home.

Call on SERVPRO for Thorough Flood Damage Restoration

During a storm in Chicago, the wind is always a significant factor. During springtime, more rainstorms are bound to occur. The wind created from a storm can cause rocks or tree branches to fly into your home and cause damage.

If the wind blows an object into a window, there is a good chance that it breaks causing a hole in your house's structure. Anytime water has a chance to damage your home it is smart to call SERVPRO's flood damage experts in Chicago. Water damage from a storm is never fun, and it takes specialized equipment and procedures to mitigate correctly.

The first thing our SERVPRO restoration crew does in any water damage scenario is to keep water from entering the house once they arrive. Next, our team extracts any standing water found in the area of the damage. Once all water gets removed from the area's building materials, the drying process begins.

During any drying process, our technicians know that airflow is key to a job done right. Knowing how air flows inside a home helps our crew get the best results when drying out a structure. Drying structures effectively requires using proper airflow techniques.

Whenever drying occurs after water damage, air movers get placed strategically inside a dwelling to provide the most efficient airflow inside a damaged room. Our team places air movers so that air bounces off of walls at an angle and moves to other walls of the room. The air movers are all set up in a circular pattern so that air flows in a clockwise direction within the affected room. In most cases, our specialists remove your baseboard and drill holes into the drywall so that air can get up inside the walls and dry the wood studs.

Anytime rainwater gets into your house and ruins things it is best that you let professionals handle the situation. Our IICRC certified team always does what is best for you when you call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 for help with flood-related issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Don't Tackle Light Flood Damage in Chicago On Your Own

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Unwanted Storm Water in Your Chicago Home? Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO Provides Peace of Mind with Flood Mitigation

Even if flood damage to your Chicago home is relatively light, it might still pay off to hire a professional damage restoration and repair company to take care of cleanup. SERVPRO provides a number of services that are designed to keep time and restoration costs low for such situations, and we can help to return your home to the state it was in before the disaster with as little cost and headache as possible.
 
Ease of Service     
One of the most typical reasons people trust SERVPRO to handle light residential flood damage in Chicago is the ease and comfort of life associated with our service. Hiring us removes any responsibility and work you might otherwise have for cleanup and restoration work. While tasks such as mopping, repainting, and light repairs could perhaps be done by a practically-minded resident, it is just more comfortable and more efficient to allow our trained, seasoned technicians to handle such tasks instead. In addition to their expertise, our technicians also have access to industrial-strength tools and products.
 
A Professional Touch
When you allow SERVPRO to handle cleanup after a flood, you also obtain numerous bonuses and benefits from having a professional cleanup and restoration service going through the motions of each task. While conducting simple, routine work, our technicians may also identify and suggest opportunities for improvements and additional restoration work to improve your home even further. Also, you have our guarantee that all work completed is of high quality and not deficient in any aspect.
 
Keeping Costs Low
Depending on your insurance policy, hiring us to clean up the flood may be even less expensive than doing it yourself. Many insurers prefer our service because we include mold remediation, thorough drying, and damage analysis in our work to avoid costly future issues and circumstances. We also happily work with you and your insurance carrier with the claims process.
 
SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is a local expert in flood damage cleanup, restorations, and repairs. Contact us 24/7 at (312) 509-5000.

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Outdoor Tasks That Help Prevent Flood Damage To Your Chicago Home

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

Flood damage is a homeowner’s worst nightmare.

Prevent Flood Damage

Flood damage is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Water that enters your home can cause a broad range of harm, from water-logged furniture to wet and sagging ceilings or even damage to internal walls. Storms are a common cause of flood damage to a home, and it only takes one spell of severe weather to cause a multitude of problems.

Flood damage during a Chicago storm means that water enters your home from the outside. Did you know that there are common and easy outdoor tasks you can do that help prevent storm water entering your home? You can do most of these tasks in an afternoon or a weekend, so do not delay. Get started today and protect yourself from storms.

Divert The Water From Your Downspout
Most hardware stores sell simple corrugated tubes that you can use to divert the flow from your downspout and carry it away from your home. If you cannot buy one locally, you can find them easily online. Diverting your downspout removes a potential source of water from getting into your home.

Look At The Earth Around Your Home
Is it flat, or does it slope toward or away from your house? Land that slopes away from exterior walls protects a building from storm damage by draining water away. SERVPRO recommends you simply use soil from elsewhere on your property to build a gradual slope down from the walls of your house.

Maintain Your Roof And Windows
Damaged or worn rooftops and windows provide easy entry for rain. Check the outside of your home every year and deal with any problems as soon as you find them.

Expand Your Drains
If clogged drains and regular inclement weather are a problem, you might want to consider broadening the area of your drains. Expanded drains have a greater surface area which means they are much less likely to get clogged.

Sometimes no matter how well maintained the exterior of your home is, a storm can take you by surprise and damage your house. We recommend you put in a call to SERVPRO as soon as you are able – our technicians are waiting to help you. Our teams have access to a range of pumps, including submersible pumps for deep water and truck-mounted pumps for when you need some extra power. Once the water is out of your home, we carry out a thorough assessment using a range of instruments to ascertain the extent of the flood damage. Finally, our IICRC-certified professionals set to work drying out your home with a range of dehumidifiers, air movers, and fans. For help restoring a water-logged home, call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 today.

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SERVPRO Storm Damage South Shore

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

No matter how severe the storm damage may be, our SERVPRO team will be there to lend out a hand.

SERVPRO Crews Can Help with South Shore Storm Damage

Dealing with the effects of thunderstorms and blizzards is a difficult task for homeowners and renters. The weather is looking better now, but there is still plenty of rain and even some snow expected in the next week. It is not the time to put your feet up and wait for the Spring Half Marathon in May before you get out of the house.

Storm damage in South Shore never happens at 2 pm on a Wednesday afternoon, and then the rain conveniently stops falling on your South Shore residence. The tree falls on your roof, or the wind blows out the kitchen windows at 1 am on a Sunday morning, and suddenly everything is an emergency. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the experience and trained, response team to deal with it.

There are some steps we take in an emergency, but the most important actions we take are to protect your home and its contents, establish a safe environment where our technicians can professionally dry your home and its contents.

We begin by securing your home against further damage, and we start at the top. If the tree that crashed your roof can be safely pulled down, we do that and then cover any damage with plastic sheeting or sheets of plywood. The plastic sheeting is preferred since it is easier to tack down, but plywood is necessary if the hole or holes are extensive and some of the support beams are damaged as well.

If it is unsafe to get on the roof, our SERVPRO technicians have to remove the unsafe portions before they can secure the rest. In case the roof is past saving, it may be necessary for our technicians to protect the attic and the floors underneath at points of entry (ceiling access, stairs, chimneys, etc.) to keep water damage from spreading further into the residence.

Next are the doors and windows. We board up broken windows using plywood in most cases but use plastic sheeting at the request of the resident to provide lighting. In case the doors are damaged, technicians either repair or replace the broken equipment such as hinges or board up the doorways completely.

Once securing is completed, the response team sets up pumps to remove any standing water. Technicians also now begin checking the rest of your home and help stop further damage.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

These emergency procedures are only the beginning of the restoration process to return your residence to its pre-disaster state. SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is determined to help you put your life and home back together. Call us at (312) 509-5000 today to get started.

SERVPRO Storm Damage Bridgeport

1/9/2017 (Permalink)

If storm water does find a way in, it's going to be your floors that suffer the most.

SERVPRO Responds Bridgeport Storm Damage

Despite a recent break in the weather, more storms and a severe drop in temperature are expected next week. This is the perfect opportunity to examine and repair current damage and prepare your home for the next rain or snowfall.

Storm damage can happen to any home in Bridgeport. SERVPRO has the experience and education to help you to not just check for damage, but also to prevent damage from happening in the future.

Believe it or not, the most important thing to do is check the gutters. Even if you cleaned them thoroughly after most of the leaves fell in October, SERVPRO suggests checking your gutter due to late leaves and broken limbs can block drains and pull drainpipes away from the gutters to hang uselessly from the side of your home. In most cases, it's simply a matter of replacing the drainpipes and securing them to the exterior wall with additional screws or straps.

If storm water does find a way in, it's going to be your floors that suffer the most. Carpets, depending on the type, can begin to bleed color in a day or two which will stain walls and furniture very quickly. The same is true for the varnishes on wood flooring. Our SERVPRO response teams have an extensive inventory of vacuums, extractors and cleaning chemicals to prevent that from happening.

In addition to stopping color and varnish bleeding, it is also necessary to prevent wood flooring from warping and keep odors from developing in the carpet. Once the visible water has been removed, technicians use commercial contact heaters designed to draw out moisture without burning carpet fibers or stripping varnish and damaging the wood underneath. They also use space heaters and dehumidifiers to assist in drying out the entire room.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned franchise with a national network of support, SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville brings all this and more to help you restore your home to its pre-storm state. It's our goal to make this happen as quickly and safely as possible. Call our office today at (312) 509-5000 for an inspection or to get the restoration process started.

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.