Mold in your basement

9/25/2024 (Permalink)

What’s the Difference?

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Many restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy. We understand mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business.

Signs of Mold? Call Today – (815) 935-0077

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

Emergency Contact - (815) 935-0077

The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to help us determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. Mold feeds on cellulose and water and can be hidden from plain view. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

3. Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedures to prevent the spread of mold. We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

4. Air Filtration

Our specialized filtration equipment allows our Professionals to capture microscopic mold spores out of the air. We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal.

Remodeling Experts

9/25/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Can Repair Your Home After Damage

Remodeling is a big decision and more significant undertaking. We are construction professionals and certified specialists with years of experience. Our professionals are committed to each remodeling project. If your home or business received damages from a fire, water, mold or a storm, we are happy to provide our services. From foundation repair to various emergency damage events, we strive to make sure that every client is satisfied with each and every remodeling service. We are locally owned and operated, and we are proud to serve the members of this community.

Remodeling jobs in Kankakee are what we pride ourselves on providing. We perform services with a high standard of safety, respect and minimal disruption to your home or office. Remodeling jobs are not a problem for us. SERVPRO sees your remodeling project as a solution and opportunity to get our residents back to a normal condition. We are experts in helping homeowners and businesses after a flood, storm or plumbing problem. Right after you contact us, we arrive quickly to assess the damage and to prevent secondary damages.

After any emergency damage, we arrive with our state-of-the-art equipment and remodeling skills. There is no remodeling job that is too big or too small. We are here to help take care of your residential or commercial structures and to protect your belongings as much as possible. We encourage our Illinois clients to be part of our remodeling projects. We invite you to ask questions, review remodeling plans, select materials and to suggest changes.

Remodeling and repair projects are accomplished with care and concern. We care about your architectural and structural integrity, as well as the beauty and function as if it were our family. Together we will be able to handle any task to make sure that your remodeling project is done on a timely basis. Make us your one stop shop for all your remodeling needs and watch as your home or business becomes a new reality.

Call SERVPRO of Kankakee County today and have your remodeling dreams come true. We offer a full range of services, all through one company. There is no hassle or risk of working with different subcontractors. We also offer a range of emergency services. Let us introduce you to our services. We are always available to answer any questions that you may have. Call us today - (815) 935-0077.

Furnace Malfunctions -- Inspections and Prevention of Fires

9/25/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Tips for a Warm Winter

As everyone knows by know, we're looking at another polar vortex event this winter. Temperatures have already dropped to near record levels and are expected to go even lower in 2017. This is not the time to have your furnace decide to take a vacation.

After decades in the cleanup and restoration business, SERVPRO has developed checklists for homeowners and renters to use when inspecting their furnaces and HVACs (hopefully preventing malfunctions and other problems) when the weather turns a bit more extreme than usual, even for Illinois. Taking care of these items should keep you warm over the holidays and through the rest of winter.
 
Outdoor HVAC Inspections
• Clear all dirt, leaves, and other debris from the inside of the cabinet.
• Examine the drain pan to make sure it's clear. Remove any obstructions and debris.
• Check the evaporator coil and cabinet itself. Scrub them thoroughly.
• Inspect the exhaust blades and the fan motor for damage. If you have an older unit, it may require lubrication.
• Check the control box, all wiring and connections.
• Examine the compressor and linked tubing for damage.
 
Indoor Furnace/HVAC Inspections
• Examine and clean the blower assembly. This includes the motor, wheel, and housing.
• Inspect the blower housing for debris and clean.
• Check the condensate lines and pan; thoroughly clean.
• Wipe down and examine the burner assembly.
• Test the igniter controls.
• Check the air exchanger.
• Examine the outflow pipe; make sure it is properly attached to the furnace. Sections that show corrosion should be replaced.
• Check the control box, all wiring and connections.
• Replace the air filter.
• Examine the ductwork in the attic if you can. You can find leaks simply by feeling for airflow; there shouldn't be any.
 
The outflow pipe or flue is of particular importance when it comes to furnaces. If it is not securely connected to the furnace, there is always the chance of 'Blow Back.' SERVPRO strongly recommends to deal with this possible problem. When this happens, soot from the outflow pipe will blow into the house. The resulting contamination will need a visit from one of our response and restoration teams to clean the affected area just like after a fire. With proper maintenance, this 'Blow Back' is a needless expense and inconvenience.

With snow expected this weekend, now is the time to look over your furnace or HVAC before you find yourself with a flashlight and a garden trowel trying to remove ice or other debris from your outside unit. If you are a renter or just willing to admit you don't know anything about your furnace, make sure you call a professional furnace and HVAC maintenance company.
 
Remember to ask for their business license to operate in Illinois and photo ID before you let anyone in your home. For other storm damage that you may have to deal with this winter, call us at (815) 935-0077. SERVPRO of Kankakee County is here to help.

Frozen Pipe Tips to avoid water damage

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

A few more steps to prevent frozen pipes from SERVPRO® of Kankakee County.

February has snuck up on us and we have been experiencing crazy weather! SERVPRO has been very busy cleaning homes with water damage due to frozen pipes. Did you know that an 1/8 inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day? This can cause flooding, serious structural damage and the immediate potential for mold.

Here are a few tips you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing:

· Insulate pipes in your homes crawlspace and attic.

· Heat tape can be used to wrap pipes.

· Disconnect garden hoses and use and indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

· Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night.

· A trickle of hot water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing.

By taking these safety steps, you can help save yourself the mess, money and aggravation frozen pipes cause.

Keeping your business safe from fire in Bradley

2/19/2023 (Permalink)

The fire services recommend this checklist to assist your small business in preventing damage that could be caused by fire:

• Avoid storing or stockpiling flammable materials such as packaging materials or waste where they could be accessed by the public, including areas immediately outside your business premises.
• Make sure all machinery is serviced as recommended by manufacturers and is kept clean. If possible, switch machinery off when the business is unattended.
• Secure all doors, windows or other access points when the business is unattended, and make sure your business has adequate lighting to deter trespassers.
• Ensure your business has an adequately serviced and functional fire alarm system that is suitable to your small business eg: Remote serviced alarm systems, sprinkler systems, thermal or smoke alarms etc.
• If your business stores dangerous goods, ensure their storage and use adheres to legislative requirements.
• Make sure your business has a written and practiced fire escape plan that includes full staff lists and designated meeting points.

Local Businesses can count on SERVPRO

2/19/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial Property owners and Property Managers are entrusted with keeping their businesses operational. When Disaster Strikes, SERVPRO of Kankakee County is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” We've assisted some of the Kankakee Area's largest properties following disasters. Riverside, Olivet Nazarene, Presence St. Mary, Sears, Bungi Oil, Denny's and many others have utilized our Commercial and Industrial Services. Facilities Managers rely on us to be Ready for Whatever Happens.

General Adjusters and Consulting firms from around the Chicago and Northwest Indiana region trust SERVPRO of Kankakee County with their must complex claims. Some of our specialties include

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military
• Universities
• Schools
• Restaurants
• Commercial Disaster Recovery Services 
• Commercial Reconstruction

We are available around the clock to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services by calling SERVPRO of Kankakee County at (815)935-0077.

The ERP Plan from SERVPRO helps against Fire Damage for your home in Gilman

2/19/2023 (Permalink)

The ERP Plan from SERVPRO is a Valuable Tool Against Fire and Water Damage in Gilman

What is your preference if disaster strikes -- prepared or panicked? When fire or water damage threatens your property, knowing you have a detailed action plan solidly in place gives you confidence that your home or business is on the road to a speedy and sure restoration. We partner with you to get a complete recovery blueprint crafted and in place. 
 
Developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile and Plansafeguards your investment by streamlining our response to your troubles. Select us as your SERVPRO Franchise Representative, and start by scheduling a free, no-obligation walk-through of either your home or your business with one of our professional assessors. A review of your physical plant sharpens our focus on how to best respond to your property’s unique needs in the event of a catastrophic fire event in Gilman. We also recommend adjustments for you to better prepare for loss based on our experience. 
 
The next step is to create your account online. Complete an Emergency Ready Profile for your property, following the template provided. Owning or operating more than one property simply means you fill out a Profile for each. The Profile app directs the procedure, including prompts to take and archive pictures and layouts of all areas. Utility locations and shutoffs are pinpointed, and sprinkler and alarm systems are delineated. Key managers or employees to whom you delegate decision-making authority are determined. Identify the owner of the building if you lease space. 
 
We suggest the use of a tablet or phone to record the data requested in the SERVPRO Ready Plan Application, including taking pictures. A Field Form downloaded, printed, and completed as you tour the property also is acceptable for you to use as a preliminary source of information. Once you finish the walk-through, log into your account and load the details online, adding the pictures taken per the prompts. 
 
Once your Emergency Ready Profiles and Plan (ERPs) are saved our SERVPRO will hit the ground running when you or your representative contact us after a disaster or mishap. Use the mobile app to log into your account and alert us about the specific situation. The app speedily leads you through the process, using the information you previously inputted. We have a clear and concise plan at our fingertips, permitting our technicians to get to work immediately to restore the damage. The established plan is vastly preferable to our crew familiarizing themselves with the building under stress and needing many questions answered. 
 
Being "Ready for whatever happens" inspires faith in your customers, employees, and family. It is clear your business recovers and thrives, or your home again provides comfort and shelter. Work with the professionals at SERVPRO of Kankakee County to devise an Emergency Ready Profile and Plan to protect your business, home, or other property from fire damage by calling (815) 935-0077 before a disaster occurs.

Fire damage to your Kankakee home

2/19/2023 (Permalink)

Having a fire event on your property can produce some pretty destructive and violent results. Regardless of how large or small the damage is, you never hear a property owner say that they are glad it happened to them. 
 
What you need is a team that can respond quickly to your request and starts taking care of the fire damage to your Boulder property immediately. Our technicians arrive on site within four hours and give you the benefit of having a company with IICRC certified technicians working for you. 
 
Due to the extensive damage received throughout the duration of a fire, professional restoration services are your best bet to returning your home to a quality pre-damage condition in the quickest most efficient way possible. 
 
Heat alone does a significant amount of damage to your structure; it can warp your flooring and cause extensive damage. The contents of your home may be affected in various ways, requiring specialized item restoration services only available at SERVPRO. 
 
Smoke can reach into cracks and crevices throughout your home, leaving soot residues behind, staining surfaces and cause odors to penetrate various materials, SERVPRO can help. With a variety of deodorization and cleaning methods designed to return things to normal quickly. 
 
SERVPRO gives you access to technicians with the experience and training required to present you with the quality services you need to make your fire damage disappear, "Like it never even happened." 
 
We help you manage your insurance paperwork and communicate with your insurance company. Taking care of you and your family along the way to ensure a smooth restoration process. 
 
SERVPRO technicians also answer any questions you have about our services and only present you with those that you need. We have certified technicians to handle every aspect of your restoration, from water removal to finishing touches. 
 
Remember, we are a locally owned and operated company. We live, work, and play in the same places you do. Giving us a unique perspective towards your restoration needs. 
 
Give us the opportunity to provide you with a unique solution to your problem by calling SERVPRO of Kankakee County today. (815) 935-0077

Be Prepared for a storm in Bourbonais

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Emergency preparedness is for everyone. The more basic preparedness needs that each family or individual can prepare for themselves, the less stress there will be placed on emergency management services. Summer storms, tornadoes and hurricanes often come with damaging winds and rain, and have similar preps even though they occur in different areas of the country. (Side note – the United States has more tornadoes each year than any other country, averaging over 1000 per year, but the United Kingdom has the highest number of tornadoes per unit of land area, per foreignpolicy.com). Everyone should take the time to make these basic emergency preparedness preps, no matter what region you live in. They may just save your life and the lives of those you care about.

Step One:  Have am Emergency Preparedness plan

Step Two: Prep Your Emergency Preparedness Essentials

Step Three:  Prepare Your Home for Summer Storms and High Winds

Flood Damage in your Bradley Home

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Removing Basement Flood Damage in Bradley

As many as 98% of basements are prone to water-related damage throughout the average home's lifetime. Whether it comes in through loose window seals, cracks in the foundation, or clogged gutters redirecting water toward the home, this type of damage can be both costly and far-reaching with only consumer-grade products. When the cause is flooding, however, homeowners have much more to worry about than mold growth or musty odors due to potential contaminants present in the water.

If your Bradley home's business needs flood damage mitigation, you can count on the IICRC-certified professionals at SERVPRO to get the job done right. These technicians receive both extensive training and continued learning opportunities through SERVPRO learning modules based on the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification standards and protocols. Not only does this education ensure that technicians, staff, and franchise owners are knowledgeable, but that homeowners benefit from a consistently high standard of cleanup and restoration.

Vulnerabilities in Your Basement
    •    Check your gutters. While the gutters are not part of your basement, clogged gutters and downspouts can allow water to penetrate your home during storms and flood conditions.
    •    Seal cracks. Hairline cracks are often not an issue, but anything 1/16" or larger should be thoroughly sealed as soon as possible.
    •    Monitor foundation damage. Have a professional evaluate the foundation of your home for potential damages that could be exacerbated by flooding.

Want to minimize the damage of flooding? Install water sensors so you can be alerted as soon as flooding starts, keep your possessions elevated with shelves and cinder blocks, and install a sump pump in your basement.

SERVPRO's Drying Process
SERVPRO technicians typically use two industrial-grade tools for structural drying: centrifugal air movers and dehumidifiers. In flood situations, these are utilized after water extraction and disinfection to minimize the spread of microbes in the air.

Air movers can pull moisture from walls most effectively when placed at a 45-degree angle in relation to the surface. If your basement is insulated with organic material like cotton or cellulose that may have been affected by flooding, removal is recommended to prevent the spread of mold and contaminants.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County has the tools and techniques to leave your home looking, “Like it never even happened.” Call (815) 935-0077 for cleanup you can count on at any time of the day or night, including holidays.

For more about Bradley click here.