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

Assessing Contamination for Flood Demolition

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Many homeowners believe that when their Bourbonnais residence becomes affected by any manner of flooding that there is no other solution but tear-out and reconstruction. Truthfully, there are many times where reconstruction and controlled demolition are inevitable, but they are not a guarantee for any damaged home after a storm event. Our SERVPRO crew can help with an accurate and thorough assessment of your property to determine potential contaminants and excessive damage.

Categories get used to determine the potential contaminant levels that exist after flooding, which coincidentally can indicate a need for flood damage demolition in Bourbonnais homes. In instances where floodwater could have encountered chemicals, sewage, bacteria, and other substances, it is often best to consider the situation hazardous. Contaminants require a specific approach to overcome and continue to pose a risk to those directly exposed until resolved.

For contaminated surfaces and materials, the most frugal and efficient path to clearing out these threats is to remove the material altogether when possible. For elements like drywall, it is possible to remove only the portions of the wall or ceiling that have been affected by the spreading water so far and allow the rest to remain if no threat for further water migration exists. We have a crew of licensed general contractors that can begin this controlled demolition as soon as possible to limit additional exposure and to aid in drying out lightly damaged areas like structural cavities.

In some circumstances, wood framing and other similar structural elements can remain installed with the right treatment from our powerful line of antibacterial agents and biocides. Eliminating both bacteria and mold spores can prevent secondary damages and harmful effects to those directly exposed. This step can occur while our SERVPRO team works to dry out the moisture in the house after the controlled demolition.

No two flooding circumstances are alike, but our SERVPRO of Kankakee County professionals have the right expertise to address both the restoration and reconstruction needs of the house. Avoiding contaminants might not always be possible, but our technicians can help to make these losses “Like it never even happened,” by calling (815) 935-0077.

For more about Bourbonnais click here.

Did You Know - Roofing Services Offered by SERVPRO Following a Storm

3/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kankakee County understands that when a storm hurts your home, you have little patience for a lengthy and unclear restoration project.

Roofing Services Offered by SERVPRO Following a Storm

When a big storm hits, the first place in a home to take damage is often the roof. Roofs are flat, brittle surfaces with relatively little avenues for a homeowner to prevent damage. In many cases, whether or not a roof will be damaged in a storm simply comes down to the construction quality of it. Once a roof has sustained damage from an impact or otherwise been opened up to the elements, it often quickly takes on water damage and may even flood. SERVPRO helps to respond fast and deal with pressing damages to your roof and attic before a contractor can arrive to patch it up.

Initial Response and Services 
When we first arrive on-scene, our technicians will get to work first emptying out floodwater and eliminating further sources of damage, then tarping over the roofing in Bourbonnais. This covering helps to stop further damage from occurring and avoid a more costly and time-consuming restoration job. Also, we emphasize sealing up openings and avenues for any water inside or outside of the roof. 
 
Damage Restoration 
Following these initial steps, our crews will get to traditional restoration measures if they are necessary, helping to repair water and fire damages in the roof and attic. We also check the basement for any water intrusion. In many cases, attic insulation will be water-logged, and can be discarded and replaced by our teams. Depending on the attic and what it contains, we may also remove some of the items inside it temporarily for drying and cleaning purposes. 
 
Preventing Future Damage 
We offer a number of services designed to prevent future damage to your attic and roof, including small structural improvements, recommendations on materials and safety steps, and treatments to prevent mold proliferation. We can also help to identify any potential damage hazards present in the attic, such as old papers that may combust, exposed electrical wiring, or a small leak. 
 
SERVPRO of Kankakee County understands that when a storm hurts your home, you have little patience for a lengthy and unclear restoration project. That's why we send out our teams rapidly and at all hours, to help reduce secondary water or fire damage to your property and get things in order as quickly as possible. Call us 24/7 at (815) 935-0077.

Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Winter storms are here and it won't be the last. We can be reached 24/7/365 at (815) 935-0077

The National Severe Storms Laboratory categories a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain.  In Gilman, we can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.

How Water Pipes Freeze and Break

A water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze.  When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break.  The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed.  Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention

• Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes.  You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
• Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Do Until Help Arrives

If your pipes still freeze and you have a water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:

1. Don’t delay.  Call us as soon as you notice your water damage.  The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause.  As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.  
2. Cut off the water source, if possible.
3. Get textiles off the floor.  Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay.  Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be.  What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
4. Begin documentation.  Start with the point of origin and all affected areas.  While our technicians will also take the document, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.

Be Aware of the Weather

Keep your eye on the weather forecast.  Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you to valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.  

SERVPRO of Kankakee County

We can be reached 24/7/365 at (815) 935-0077

“Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Provides Solutions to Flood Damaged Properties

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Device to Extract Water From Hardwood Flooring in Bradley.

If you've ever experienced flood damage first hand, you'll likely want to prepare, whenever there is the slightest possibility of it happening again. Taking the time to research the history and procedures deployed by a company can assist you in making this important decision; not all flood damage restoration services are the same. Besides, it'll give you additional comfort in your decision to use them when or if flood damage rears it's ugly head in your direction again.

 Our expertly trained teams supply you with Bradley flood damage restoration services that are easy to understand and were developed to restore your property "Like it never even happened." Take advantage of the transparency of our training procedures and learn more about what we offer. We can also supply you with a free mobile app called the ERP, Emergency Ready Profile; that can offer suggestions and also keep crucial contact information at your fingertips.
 
After you've placed the initial call to SERVPRO, our technicians arrive at your home or commercial property and carefully inspect and assess any damaged areas. Making sure that there aren't any immediate dangerous situations such as; electrical, tripping or falling hazards.
 
We'll pump out any water that is left over and check all of the floors, walls, and crawl spaces for standing water as well. SERVPRO technicians also deploy sump pumps, that are especially useful when standing water is over two inches high.
 
Next moisture meters are used to determine the amount of water that is present inside of the carpeting, flooring, walls and ceilings. We move and block any furniture remaining in the area, making sure that it is secure within a safe zone away from any moisture to assist in drying.
 
The professionals at SERVPRO work hard to remove any water remaining in carpeting or hard flooring and will even remove the carpet & replace the padding in most cases to ensure that the flooring underneath is thoroughly dried. In the event of sewage or highly contaminated groundwater, the flooring must be safely discarded.
 
We're only half-way through the necessary steps that our professional staff takes to ensure a high-quality water removal and drying process after your property receives damage from a flood. Any variations to our usual process gain approval from both you and your insurance company before being implemented.
 
Our teams at SERVPRO of Kankakee County are here to assist you, every step of the way. Make the call today to obtain the assistance that you and your property deserve. (815) 935-0077

National Storm Response Team answers the call

12/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kankakee County responding to tornado damage in the central united state

For years, our SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team and National Storm Response Team has been responding to weather events across the country. While we refer to ourselves as "team Nichols" we have a One Team mentality and work within the SERVPRO system of services to accomplish our shared goals to restore communities following these types of disasters

• Tornadoes
• Hurricanes
• Flooding
• Deep Freezes
• Wild Fires 

Our Commercial Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) is known throughout the country as one of the very best restoration and construction companies in the industry. Our experienced project managers work with Insurance Adjusters, Executive General Adjusters, and Consultants to restore buildings and mitigate losses of all sizes and building types. Some of our specialties include

• high rises
• medical facilities
• assisted living facilities
• education
• industrial
• warehouse
• transportation centers
• office space
• retail
• hospitality 

Our team typically mobilizes days before some events and within 24 hours of others. We bring our own mobile command unit, RVs for sleeping quarters, portable generators/power, and a vast array of restoration equipment. Our team is self contained for the most part. We are called upon by other franchises, national master service agreements, and various other sources. If you should require Storm Response, reach out to our office at (815) 935-0077

SERVPRO Can Handle Any Size Flood Disaster In Your Bradley Home

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

With the fast response of our professionals, let us show you how our experience and equipment can make this loss “Like it never even happened.”

Stopping The Spread Of Flood Damage In Your Bradley Home

Once flooding has occurred in your Bradley home, the effects can spread quickly from room to room, even affecting multiple levels of a two or three-story house. The farther that these damaging effects can spread throughout your property, the more costly and time-consuming that professional restoration ultimately becomes. It is imperative to thwart the spread of these determinantal effects to save your property costlier repairs and restoration and also to reduce the irreparable damage that could result.

We know how imperative a fast response is for storm and flood damage emergencies that can affect Bradley homes, and that is why our SERVPRO team has a 24/7 response window for disasters. We have a full crew of qualified professionals accredited through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in all water restoration facets of the industry, including Applied Structural Drying, to give our customers the best possible technicians to address the flood effects.

Flooding can happen from several points in your home, and knowing where the source of this damage exists can help our responding technicians to provide a temporary solution to prevent further penetration. Removing the flow of floodwater into the property is the first logical step in stopping the spread of these damaging effects. We have multiple solutions to address structural compromise in a temporary sense so that mitigation, extraction, and drying can get underway.

Stopping the movement of floodwater in your home begins with a fast and effective response to the situation. Our SERVPRO professionals must set up extraction equipment quickly, and there are varying degrees of these machines based on the severity and volume of the standing water. Once the excess has gotten removed, our team can utilize moisture readers to determine the scope of the spread of the damage and work to set up multiple air movers and dehumidification units quickly to address saturation and moisture concerns.

You cannot expect to protect any home damaged by flooding fully, but you can help the situation from getting out of control. With the fast response of our SERVPRO of Kankakee County professionals, let us show you how our experience and equipment can make this loss “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at (815) 935-0077.

Click here for more about Bradley.

Storms storms GO AWAY! (If they don't though, give SERVPRO a call!)

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Life in Bourbonnais near the Kankakee River comes with concerns about flooding. In the early spring, the river itself threatens as ice floes jam, causing localized flooding. Later spring and summer feature fierce winds and heavy rains that train across the former prairie south of Chicago. One weather event after another create vast volumes of water with nowhere to go but inside your home. If you find yourself overwhelmed with storm damage or seepage, we are here to help.

A series of severe storms can create a train-like effect, causing flood damage to your Bourbonnais home and its contents. Your roof, windows, and siding can remain in good condition, impervious to the weather, yet water still enters the lower levels of your home.

Seepage happens because the ground surrounding your house becomes supersaturated even if the river doesn’t rise. The physics involved impels moisture to move from the wet ground through your dry foundation into the basement. When the SERVPRO team arrives to help expect us to inspect your gutters and downspouts first. We check to see if they are operating appropriately, draining many feet away from the perimeter of your house.

We assess the interior flooding, and devise a plan using both submersible pumps and wanded extractors to remove the water. Thermal imaging technology helps us locate any water trapped behind building materials in a finished basement or inside the cells of cinder block construction. To aid the SERVPRO team in accessing the floodwater, our crew might make flood cuts in drywall or paneling. Holes drilled in mortar joints help release water in masonry or the blocks.

Our trained manager categorizes the water for containment and disposal purposes. If a sewer backup complicates the scenario, the water is Category 3 or black water. It can carry human waste with the risk of exposure to blood or fecal-borne pathogens. The water removed must be handled per local hazardous waste rules.

Surfaces need cleaning and disinfection with EPA-registered products and antimicrobials. SERVPRO technicians then determine drying goals and use air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to meet those marks.

Rely on the professionals from SERVPRO of Kankakee County to help when flooding damages your basement or walk out. Call (815) 935-0077 to set up a consultation without delay.

For more about Bourbonnais click here.

Frozen Weather Can Pause Your Life, But SERVPRO Is Here To Help You Hit The Restart Button!

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

We are no stranger to freezing temps here in Illinois, but, nonetheless, it can still cause some serious issues for businesses, regardless of how often it occurs.  The major water repairs that are caused by frozen pipes are a real concern for local businesses, and we want you to know that we are here to help! 

Some helpful tips to prevent frozen pipes:

Simply letting your faucet drip can help prevent them from freezing. It isn't a huge water waster either, as it doesn't take much and it can make a huge difference! 

Pipes can get cold just like we do! Don't worry though, pipe sleeves and heating tape are available to keep your pipes warm. 

Water sources coming in from outside should be shut off during the winter months. 

Never lower your heat down below 60. The colder the inside of your house is, the more chance areas of your house not touched by your HVAC system may be freezing, which will leave you wishing you wouldn't have touched that thermostat! 

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to allow heat from the room to circulate around uninsulated pipes.

If the freezing weather does leave you with a giant flooded mess, give the professionals of SERVPRO a call! We are faster to any disaster and we will make the mischief that Jack Frost makes in your home or business "Like it never even happened."

Top Tips On Dealing With Frozen Pipes

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Here are a few great ways you can deal with the frozen menace known to all of us in the midwest as "frozen pipes"!

Hairdryer – This is one of the safest and most effective ways to thaw a pipe. Open the faucet and then heat the pipe by working back toward the area where the blockage has occurred.

Space heater – A small heater can work much faster than a hairdryer. Simply direct the heater toward the frozen area of the pipe.

Make sure you and your employees know where the shut-off valve is located. If you are dealing with frozen pipes or water damage from frozen pipes in your commercial building call SERVPRO as soon as possible.

We are faster to any disaster and are ready to get you back to "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Responding to Major Storms in Kankakee County

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding in Kankakee Area Municipality after a major storm.

Whenever a storm strikes Kankakee County area, heavy rain or snow is possible. When high amounts of precipitation occur, you may find yourself needing to call a professional.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County are the Professionals. 

Our team of dedicated professionals provides emergency tarping, board up and water damage mitigation. While water damage might happen from a variety of sources, clean up and drying efforts need to begin promptly to prevent excessive structural concerns. Working in conjunction with an array of Insurers and their field adjustors, SERVPRO of Kankakee County responds with the aplomb we are noted for; “Faster to Any Size Disaster”. These five words encapsulate what we do best, assisting the communities we live and work in when storms unleash their fury. You can rely on the Professionals at SERVPRO of Kankakee County to be there. Our technical experts are accredited in water damage and mold remediation.  We have state of the art equipment to determine the water damage and the equipment necessary to mitigate the damage.  We are here for you 24-7-365. We are SERVPRO of Kankakee County. 815-935-0077

SERVPRO of Kankakee County responds to Storm Damage

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO a rapid response to Storm Damage

When storms hit damage can be extensive that is why you can rely on the expertise and professionalism of SERVPRO of Kankakee County for emergency response to your commercial business or residence.

Our team of dedicated professionals provides emergency tarping, board up and water damage mitigation. Working in conjunction with an array of Insurers and their field adjustors, SERVPRO of Kankakee County responded with the aplomb we are noted for; “Faster to Any Size Disaster”. These five words encapsulate what we do best, assisting the communities we live and work in when storms unleash their fury. You can rely on the Professionals at SERVPRO of Kankakee County to be there. Our technical experts are accredited in water damage and mold remediation.  We have state of the art equipment to determine the water damage and the equipment necessary to mitigate the damage.  We are here for you 24-7-365. We are SERVPRO of Kankakee County. 815-935-0077

Tornadoes, heavy rain and damaging winds in Central Illinois

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Massive storm approaching Ashkum, Illinois - 15 July 2020 5:31 pm

Recent severe storms coupled with tornadoes and damaging winds occurred in our area one week ago Wednesday. These storms brought record setting rains and associated flooding. In addition to hail, several outbuildings were destroyed, basements were flooded and power lines were down. Within moments after the storm hit SERVPRO of Kankakee County responded.  Our team of dedicated professionals provided emergency tarping, board up and water damage mitigation. Working in conjunction with an array of Insurers and their field adjustors, SERVPRO of Kankakee County responded with the aplomb we are noted for; “Faster to Any Size Disaster”. These five words encapsulate what we do best, assisting the communities we live and work in when storms unleash their fury. You can rely on the Professionals at SERVPRO of Kankakee County to be there. Our technical experts are accredited in water damage and mold remediation.  We have state of the art equipment to determine the water damage and the equipment necessary to mitigate the damage.  We are here for you 24/7/365. We are SERVPRO of Kankakee County. 815-935-0077

Storm Damage in Herscher

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damaged Community in Kankakee County

When the storms hit and affect communities like this one above you can rely on SERVPRO to respond. SERVPRO provides many services to deal with the effects of wind and water intrusion. Immediate services in this aspect is to secure your structure from any further potential damage. Securing your property by boarding up windows and tarping if needed protects what is inside. Working together with you we address the damage to contents in the interior of the household. We also can assist in the reconstruction of the damage structure. We take special care of your contents during the restorative process. We work with both you and your insurance company. In unfortunate event that a wind storm affects you, be you a commercial or residential owner or public entity, we here at SERVPRO are committed to assisting you 24/7/365.

SERVPRO responds to storm damage in Kankakee County

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vehicle and crew at storm damaged community in Kankakee county

It’s that time of year when the spring storms come out of nowhere. You can rely on the Professionals at SERVPRO of Kankakee County to be there when storms hit.  Whether it be emergency board up, tarping and restoration you can rely on us to respond.

Storm Damage in Manteno

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO on site after Manteno microburst

When a sudden microburst hit Manteno the Professionals of SERVPRO of Kankakee County were on site and assisting families affected. We are always available to assist you for storm damage scenarios. 

SERVPRO responds in Southern Kankakee County

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Professional in neighborhood hit by tornadic activity

After tornadic activity in southern Kankakee County, Professionals at SERVPRO assisted the afflicted community in the restoration process. This sudden storm occurred in the early morning hours and SERVPRO of Kankakee County was on site within the hour with crew, equipment, provisions and portable power to begin the mitigation and restoration process.

Working together with residents, Insurance Companies, First Responders, Utilities, Charitable Organizations, specialty contractors and countless other service providers, we are honoured to say that this neighborhood suffered no casualties and today the neighborhood is back. We here at SERVPRO take enormous pride and care in what we do and how we do it. We are always there for our clients and the communities they reside in. We are available twenty four-seven 365.  We are SERVPRO of Kankakee County.

Residential roof tarped after Momence windstorm

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Tarped rooftop in Momence

SERVPRO provides emergency board up and tarping 365 days a year.  When heavy weather hit Momence our crews installed tarping which protects the residence.  Homeowners and Companies rely on SERVPRO to respond when heavy weather occurs.

Let Our Crew Save Your Home In Bradley After A Flood

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Give us a call today at (815) 935-0077.

Drying Timelines for Flooded Bradley Homes

The recovery of your Bradley residence after a flood or water loss can rely on the experienced professionals overseeing drying and moisture removal. Flood effects might often outweigh some of the immediate need for drying with a pressing concern of contamination or present debris, but once this task begins, established timelines dictate the effectiveness of moisture removal in your damaged house.

Despite the universal need for drying of flood damage in Bradley homes, specific materials and areas of your residence require more time than others to reach peak moisture content levels. Our SERVPRO team might not see the expected results with certain installed structural elements until our second or third trip to your property during the recovery phases. Knowing what to expect when flooding exists can help our technicians to ensure that these efforts are happening on schedule, and there are not unforeseen hindrances reducing efficiency.

2nd Visit
Within the first 24 hours, many materials can begin to show adequate progress with our drying efforts. The second visit to your residence happens within the first 24 hours so that our SERVPRO team can monitor the impact that air movers, dehumidifiers, and other moisture removal tools have had on carpets, drywall, and insulation.

3rd Visit
The framework of your residence might require drying when water migration goes beyond drywall and other surfaces to impact structural cavities. While we have a team of licensed contractors capable of replacing removed drywall and flooring, we must first ensure that progress to wood framing and subflooring has begun.

4th Visit
Less porous materials like solid woods and hardwood flooring can take several days to show the effects of our direct drying efforts. It is vital to restore these materials when possible, as recovery is often more cost-effective for our customers than removal and replacement by our contractors.

Every material affected by flooding in your home has its timeline and potential hurdles to drying entirely. Our SERVPRO of Kankakee County can help you to dry out your flooded residence and work to make its current effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (815) 935-0077.

For more about Bradley click here.

Bourbonnais Roof Damage from a Severe Storm? Try Calling SERVPRO for Water Removal and Roof Repair!

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Count on Team SERVPRO of Kankakee County for Storm Damage Mitigation and Roof Repairs

Repairs After Severe Windstorms Damage Bourbonnais Roofs

If you can recognize that a recent windstorm has damaged the roof of your Bourbonnais home, it is crucial to get this problem fixed immediately. Not only is it likely that vulnerabilities can lead to moisture exposure in the attic or ceiling spaces of your upper floor, but these compromised areas can get worse over time if unrepaired. While you might look to our SERVPRO team for experience with overcoming the water damage that can often result, we also have a full team of licensed general contractors to aid in the repair to your structure as well.

Shingles are not the only area of a roofing structure that can become damaged after weather events, and windstorm roof repair for Bourbonnais homes can reduce the likelihood of more expensive water damage and mold remediation when moisture exposure goes unnoticed. While we can benefit from the information provided by our customers after a preliminary inspection, we also can provide this thorough assessment on our own for residents that are unsure of what to look for or unable to complete the task physically.

One of the most challenging obstacles for homeowners to face after windstorms that compromise their roof is dealing with the insurance companies. These providers can foot the majority of the cost to repair your roof, but not without legwork on your end. Because we have an established relationship as a preferred vendor for many of these companies, we know that your insurance company needs to approve a damage claim and get work started quickly.

We are a restoration team that can offer comprehensive services ranging from thorough inspections and mitigation techniques to full-scale roof construction, tree removal, debris cleanup, and structural repair. We know what damages can exist after weather events, from missing shingles to ruined underlayment – and we can repair it. As a one-stop company, we can seamlessly complete the build back of your home.

As stressful as structural damage can be after a weather event, our SERVPRO of Kankakee County team can help with a prompt response. Windstorms can cripple a roof and its supports, so taking care of the problem quickly is vital. We have a qualified team of experts available 24/7 when you call (815) 935-0077.

Snowmelt, Spring Storms, and Flooding in Bourbonnais

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Snowmelt can cause flooding.

Flood Removal Experts In Bourbonnais Talk About Problems Associated With Spring Storms

Whenever a spring storm strikes the Bourbonnais area, heavy rain or snow is possible. If high amounts of precipitation occur, you may find yourself needing to call in a professional flood removal company such as SERVPRO. During the spring, it is possible to see snow storms that bring in significant amounts of wet, heavy snow. Once the snow melts when the sun comes back out, moisture melting off of it can find its way into your home. Sometimes the snow melt can work its way slowly into your Bourbonnais home without you noticing it right away.  

Even if no standing water is visible, your building materials and contents could have still retained moisture. Many times when our SERVPRO team shows up at your flood removal project in Bourbonnais, all of the liquid water that was once present has soaked into your building materials and structural components. Once melted snow leaks into your house, it elevates the humidity level inside the structure which can cause issues throughout the building. The moisture can also saturate building materials such as your drywall or carpet and cause them to lose their structural integrity. Wet organic substances can become prime spots for future mold growth.  

In situations where there is little or no liquid water present, our SERVPRO technicians begin the structural drying process immediately. We set up dehumidifiers and air movers to create an environment conducive for rapid evaporation and drying. When several of your building materials got saturated, we utilize more dehumidification to help pull moisture out of your structural components.  

Refrigerant or LGR dehumidifiers work best for removing moisture from porous materials. Desiccant dehumidifiers are more forceful and used in more severe situations where moisture has soaked into solid, non-porous substances like concrete. Desiccant systems work by pulling wet air across a silica gel that attracts water molecules. The machine then heats the gel so that the moisture evaporates into a separate air stream which vents outside of the building.  

If you ever notice wet building materials after a spring storm, call SERVPRO of (815) 935-0077 Kankakee County at any day of the week.

Read more about Bourbonnais here.

Kankakee Properties, Storms, and Fallen Trees? Call SERVPRO--Fast!

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Emergency Storm Damage Help with Your Kankakee Property

Tree Damage that Can Allow Flooding in Your Kankakee Home

Trees can line your property or add some aesthetic appeal to your Kankakee yard. When wind storms occur, however, these appealing fixtures of your property can fall victim to broken limbs or becoming uprooted entirely. While many threats exist when heavy branches or full trees fall over towards your home, damage to your roof from a tree can allow flooding to occur almost immediately in your home if torrential rainfall is already occurring.

Finding the right professional assistance for the potential flood damage that could occur in your Kankakee home should not be a difficult endeavor. With our 24-hour response to emergencies and our industry-leading equipment for fast mitigation and restoration, our SERVPRO team has become a trusted name throughout the area. We strive to ensure that no customer waits for the effective approach of our professionals when faced with an emergency, and our team is ready at a moment’s notice to provide disaster relief even amid the storm.

We can arrive promptly to your home and immediately get to work on emergency board up services to protect your property from further damage from the elements. This task gets overseen by our contracting division, and these professionals have years of hands-on experience in the construction industry to provide efficient and cost-effective reconstruction and renovation to damaged areas of your home immediately after the mitigation.

This same team of professionals within our SERVPRO crew can remove the tree that still threatens your property. Once the tree gets officially removed from the roof or against your home, our experts can get a better look at the full scope of the damage to your roof or siding and what material and personnel are necessary to build it again. For starters, we can place tarps or boards to reduce any rainwater water intrusion and keep out pesky wild animals.  Once mitigation completes, our contractors can get to work on the steps necessary to reconstruct and rebuild your damaged roof.

You cannot predict the vulnerability of some of the trees on your property against high-powered wind storms, but if damage does occur to your home, you can count on our SERVPRO of Kankakee County professionals to restore it. Our dedicated technicians and contractors are available 24/7 by calling (815) 935-0077.

Click here for municipal information

Thunder Storms & Power Outages - Bonfield, Essex, Reddick, & Herscher

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Storms hit Kankakee County

The spring rains are almost here and when they arrive, they will bring thunderstorms and power outages with them. 

Torrential down pours can knock out power lines and quickly overwhelm sump pumps. Battery back up systems usually will only last about 45 minutes during a big down pour, no matter what the box you bought it in said.

Having the right insurance coverage is only part of the equation, if you haven't spoken to your agent to make sure you have it, don't wait anytime. The second part of that equation is having the support team ready to answer your call when you need help drying out your home or business. That's when you call SERVPRO of Kankakee County!   

Available 24/7/365 SERVPRO is only phone call away. 

Our trained and certified technicians will be there to help you through the claims process. Commercial building or residential home, no job it too big or too small. 

Think you have a commercial structure with a large loss in Kankakee County or any of the surrounding Counties? You want our Disaster Recovery Team. SERVPRO has been leading the way nationally in commercial restoration, just ask for Team Nichols. 

#waterdamage #sumppump #sumppumpfail #thunderstorm #poweroutage #SERVPRO #PlanetSERVPRO #SERVPROkankakeeCounty #LikeItNeverEvenHappened #IICRC #ICRA #DocumentRestoration #DocumentDrying 

Thunderstorms Roll into Auroma Park

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t let the storm rolling in scare you... SERVPRO IS HERE!

Yay! Spring is right around the corner, but spring flowers come with spring showers!  When the weather turns and the clouds roll in, flooding can occur.  As spring makes its way into full swing the frozen ground can’t always keep up with th rain that we get and that unfortunately is when basements flood.  Sump pumps do their best to keep up with the rain water that is not being soaked up by the ground, but sometimes they fail or the ground is still too frozen to soak it up!

There are a few steps that you can take to limit the damage from flooding:  

• Store belongings in plastic containers.
• Having generator back up for when the power goes out.
• Check battery back up for your sump pump!
• Have SERVPRO’s number on hand!

At SERVPRO of Kankakee County our technicians are ready to respond to all your water emergency needs!  From water mitigation to dehumidification to mold remediation we can handle it all!

No job is too big... and no job is too small... we got it all!  We are available 24/7/365 for all your disaster needs.  At SERVPRO we know that you can’t always plan for a disaster but we can help you weather the storm and make it "Like it never even happened."

Call our office at (815) 935-0077 for prompt friendly service anytime of day!

Check us out and like us on Facebook to keep up to date on news and contests!

#Likeitneverevenhappened #SERVPRO #Flooding #waterdamage #storm 

Prevent Frozen Pipes in Watseka

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes

Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Winter storms are here and it won't be the last.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory categories a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain.  In Gilman, we can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.

How Water Pipes Freeze and Break

A water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze.  When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break.  The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed.  Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention

• Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes.  You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
• Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Do Until Help Arrives

If your pipes still freeze and you have a water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:

1. Don’t delay.  Call us as soon as you notice your water damage.  The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause.  As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.  
2. Cut off the water source, if possible.
3. Get textiles off the floor.  Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay.  Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be.  What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
4. Begin documentation.  Start with the point of origin and all affected areas.  While our technicians will also take the document, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.

Be Aware of the Weather

Keep your eye on the weather forecast.  Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you to valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.  

SERVPRO of Kankakee County

We can be reached 24/7/365 at (815) 935-0077

“Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO will restore your storm damaged property in Crescent City

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Promptly Restores Your Crescent City Storm Damaged Property

When you have suffered any flood damage in Crescent City, whether it was from backups in the basement sewer or from a large-scale disaster from a major storm, you’ll need certified technicians who know how to handle best flood damage, especially storm related. The last thing you want to have to do is search for a flood cleanup company that is reliable after you are dealing with a flood. Knowing who to call beforehand is important and will make things move much faster in the event of a problem. 

It can be deceptive to how much damage water really does. It will penetrate into structural cavities, making pockets of trapped saturation. Finding water in these areas can many times only be discovered with moisture meters. Moisture which goes undetected will keep causing damage, and this damage at a minimum will result in unpleasant odors. Even more, the damage will surface when materials shrink, delaminate and split, further deteriorating to where you will need very costly repairs. Plus, dangerous bacteria and mold can grow, causing very serious health problems for you and the members of your family. 

What You Can Expect 
Once you call a professional water damage cleanup service like SERVPRO, we will first come and remove all the water in your residence with tools such as vacuums. The professional equipment that we use will allow the company to get all of the water out of your home without creating a larger mess while doing so. Large air movers can also be used to finish getting rid of the water and dry out the rooms in your home. The primary goal is to dry your home out as fast as possible to prevent further secondary water damage. 

Once the water is visibly dried up, our company should also go through with water meters so we can assess the damage. This will make spotting the source of any other water or moisture much easier, and once we’ve conducted any work which needs to be performed, we’ll take another reading to make sure your home is completely dry and back to its normal state. We will also use thermal foggers, ozone machines, and air scrubbers as needed to ensure that all odors have eliminated and all debris as well. Sanitizing the affected areas after a groundwater flooding is critical to remove any pathogens or other harmful agents. 

Not all companies are the same, however, so that is why if you do have any Crescent City water damage, you will want to contact the professional services of SERVPRO of Kankakee County right away. We can be reached anytime of the day or night and any day of the week by calling (815) 935-0077, and we arrive at your residence promptly since we are Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Commercial Storm Damage - Large Loss

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Desiccant Dehumidifier - Large Loss

The Fall Hurricane Season of 2018 has been devastating to the Southeast United States. Hurricanes Florence and Micheal have left only devastation and destruction in their wake, with billions of dollars in property damage to show for it. 

SERVPRO of Kankakee County was one of the many Large Loss, Disaster Recovery Teams that was called into action to help the residents of the affected areas recover. While homes are usually first on the minds of most people when they think about the recovery process, commercial structures and businesses are vitally important in help these areas recover quickly.

Getting a business up and running quickly helps get the wheels of commerce rolling. With businesses producing again, the economy starts to come to life. Pay checks are earned, money is spent in the relief and recovery effort, and the new normal starts to come about. Churches and Temples once again open their doors to their members, providing sanctuary, prayer, and hope. Stiffening the resolve of the survivors. 

Your State or town may not get hit with a hurricane but that doesn't mean that you are safe from disaster striking. Tornadoes, flooding rains, high winds, heavy snows, wild fires are just a few of the natural disasters that can overtake any community. When this happens, you want the best! You want SERVPRO of Kankakee County! 

With our highly trained Large Loss Disaster Recovery Team there is no job too big for us to undertake. With Nationwide reach, we can spring into action get get to wherever you need us to be!

          www.SERVPROkankakeecounty.com 

                        815-935-0077

#StormDamage #Commercial #InsuranceLoss #FireRestoration #FireDamage #SmokeDamage #SERVPRO #PlanetSERVPRO #DisasterRecoveryTeam #LargeLoss #IICRC #ICRA #WaterDamage #CommercialWaterMitigation #SewerDamage #Mold #BioCleanUp #SERVPROOfkankakeeCounty  

Warehouse Damage in Bradley

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Promptly Restores Your Storm Damaged Property

When you have suffered any flood damage, whether it was from backups in the basement sewer or from a large-scale disaster from a major storm, you’ll need certified technicians who know how to handle best flood damage, especially storm related. The last thing you want to have to do is search for a flood cleanup company that is reliable after you are dealing with a flood. Knowing who to call beforehand is important and will make things move much faster in the event of a problem. 

It can be deceptive to how much damage water really does. It will penetrate into structural cavities, making pockets of trapped saturation. Finding water in these areas can many times only be discovered with moisture meters. Moisture which goes undetected will keep causing damage, and this damage at a minimum will result in unpleasant odors. Even more, the damage will surface when materials shrink, delaminate and split, further deteriorating to where you will need very costly repairs. Plus, dangerous bacteria and mold can grow, causing very serious health problems for you and the members of your family. 

What You Can Expect 
Once you call a professional water damage cleanup service like SERVPRO, we will first come and remove all the water in your residence with tools such as vacuums. The professional equipment that we use will allow the company to get all of the water out of your home without creating a larger mess while doing so. Large air movers can also be used to finish getting rid of the water and dry out the rooms in your home. The primary goal is to dry your home out as fast as possible to prevent further secondary water damage. 

Once the water is visibly dried up, our company should also go through with water meters so we can assess the damage. This will make spotting the source of any other water or moisture much easier, and once we’ve conducted any work which needs to be performed, we’ll take another reading to make sure your home is completely dry and back to its normal state. We will also use thermal foggers, ozone machines, and air scrubbers as needed to ensure that all odors have eliminated and all debris as well. Sanitizing the affected areas after a groundwater flooding is critical to remove any pathogens or other harmful agents. 

Not all companies are the same however, so that is why if you do have any water damage, you will want to contact the professional services of SERVPRO of Kankakee County right away. We can be reached anytime of the day or night and any day of the week by calling (815) 935-0077, and we arrive at your residence promptly since we are Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Being Prepared for a storm in Kankakee

6/27/2018 (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

Storms & Possible Tornadoes In The Forecast

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Pending Storms

Are you prepared for possible flooding, sump pump failure, sewer back up, or the need for board up and tarp off services after severe storms? Today's forecast calls for an unstable weather pattern which could lead to the potential of any of the previously listed claims. Tornado's destructive damage means a rapid cleanup and protection from the elements is needed swiftly to mitigate the already devastating structural damage. Whether it's your business, commercial structure, or residential home make sure you are prepared. Call The Best to help you mitigate your restoration claim. We already service many of the following areas... Manteno, Bourbonnais, Grant Park, St. Anne, Kankakee, Herscher, Custer Park, Dwight, Forrest, Piper City, Gilman, Watseka and many, many more. Call us today to help mitigate your disaster. 815-935-0077

Snow Storm damage in Peotone

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Kankakee County service area has been hit with snow this week.  The question we get is can snow storms be a possible hazard to my home? The answer is yes, it can!

Typically, we don’t get enough snow that hangs around long enough top worry much about this in our area. Folks in the north are a little more concerned about this than we are because of the greater amount of snowfall and generally colder sustained temperatures. But with snow covering roofs in our area and record low temperatures forecasted the conditions are right for a problem commonly referred to as ice damming.

An ice dam forms when ice builds up on the eaves of the roof and any water behind it has nowhere to go and may end up in your home. This happens because heat gathers in your attic and slightly warms the roof above. The eaves however do not warm like the rest of the roof because they do not have the warm air of your attic under them, they have the cold outside air underneath. As the snow melts from the warmer portion of the roof and runs down it can freeze over the eaves forming an ice dam. As thawing continues above the water running down is trapped behind the dam.

Water will always follow the path of least resistance. In this case it can back up under shingles. Once under the shingle it will makes its way down under the roof inside your attic. From there it can settle on the ceiling or make its way down wall cavities. If snow melts makes its way into your home don’t panic. Stay calm and call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Promptly Restores Your Gilman Storm Damaged Property

10/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Promptly Restores Your Gilman Storm Damaged Property

When you have suffered any flood damage in Gilman, whether it was from backups in the basement sewer or from a large-scale disaster from a major storm, you’ll need certified technicians who know how to handle best flood damage, especially storm related. The last thing you want to have to do is search for a flood cleanup company that is reliable after you are dealing with a flood. Knowing who to call beforehand is important and will make things move much faster in the event of a problem. 

It can be deceptive to how much damage water really does. It will penetrate into structural cavities, making pockets of trapped saturation. Finding water in these areas can many times only be discovered with moisture meters. Moisture which goes undetected will keep causing damage, and this damage at a minimum will result in unpleasant odors. Even more, the damage will surface when materials shrink, delaminate and split, further deteriorating to where you will need very costly repairs. Plus, dangerous bacteria and mold can grow, causing very serious health problems for you and the members of your family. 

What You Can Expect 
Once you call a professional water damage cleanup service like SERVPRO, we will first come and remove all the water in your residence with tools such as vacuums. The professional equipment that we use will allow the company to get all of the water out of your home without creating a larger mess while doing so. Large air movers can also be used to finish getting rid of the water and dry out the rooms in your home. The primary goal is to dry your home out as fast as possible to prevent further secondary water damage. 

Once the water is visibly dried up, our company should also go through with water meters so we can assess the damage. This will make spotting the source of any other water or moisture much easier, and once we’ve conducted any work which needs to be performed, we’ll take another reading to make sure your home is completely dry and back to its normal state. We will also use thermal foggers, ozone machines, and air scrubbers as needed to ensure that all odors have eliminated and all debris as well. Sanitizing the affected areas after a groundwater flooding is critical to remove any pathogens or other harmful agents. 

Not all companies are the same, however, so that is why if you do have any Gilman water damage, you will want to contact the professional services of SERVPRO of Kankakee County right away. We can be reached anytime of the day or night and any day of the week by calling (815) 935-0077, and we arrive at your residence promptly since we are Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Damaged property from storms in Kankakee

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Promptly Restores Your Storm Damaged Property

When you have suffered any flood damage, whether it was from backups in the basement sewer or from a large-scale disaster from a major storm, you’ll need certified technicians who know how to handle best flood damage, especially storm related. The last thing you want to have to do is search for a flood cleanup company that is reliable after you are dealing with a flood. Knowing who to call beforehand is important and will make things move much faster in the event of a problem. 

It can be deceptive to how much damage water really does. It will penetrate into structural cavities, making pockets of trapped saturation. Finding water in these areas can many times only be discovered with moisture meters. Moisture which goes undetected will keep causing damage, and this damage at a minimum will result in unpleasant odors. Even more, the damage will surface when materials shrink, delaminate and split, further deteriorating to where you will need very costly repairs. Plus, dangerous bacteria and mold can grow, causing very serious health problems for you and the members of your family. 

What You Can Expect 
Once you call a professional water damage cleanup service like SERVPRO, we will first come and remove all the water in your residence with tools such as vacuums. The professional equipment that we use will allow the company to get all of the water out of your home without creating a larger mess while doing so. Large air movers can also be used to finish getting rid of the water and dry out the rooms in your home. The primary goal is to dry your home out as fast as possible to prevent further secondary water damage. 

Once the water is visibly dried up, our company should also go through with water meters so we can assess the damage. This will make spotting the source of any other water or moisture much easier, and once we’ve conducted any work which needs to be performed, we’ll take another reading to make sure your home is completely dry and back to its normal state. We will also use thermal foggers, ozone machines, and air scrubbers as needed to ensure that all odors have eliminated and all debris as well. Sanitizing the affected areas after a groundwater flooding is critical to remove any pathogens or other harmful agents. 

Not all companies are the same however, so that is why if you do have any water damage, you will want to contact the professional services of SERVPRO of Kankakee County right away. We can be reached anytime of the day or night and any day of the week by calling (815) 935-0077, and we arrive at your residence promptly since we are Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Winter Related - Furnace Malfunctions - Inspections and Prevention of Fires

12/21/2016 (Permalink)

Be Safe and Warm in Kankakee County with a Well Maintained Furnace

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.

IROQUOIS RIVER FLOOD WATSEKA IL

7/13/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO DISASTER RECOVERY TEAM prepared for any sized disaster

We are at the ready to assist FLOOD victims in the Ford and Iroquois County areas. As of today, evacuations have started and we will be setting up just outside the flood zone to answer questions and schedule work to begin.

Diamond Tornado

11/18/2013 (Permalink)

Diomond IL Tornado Damage with SERVPRO of Kankakee County

We are on the ground in Diamond IL assisting our fellow SERVPRO franchises and Tornado victims. Water intrusion in some of these homes will be a problem so we expect to be in the area dealing with storm related damages for the next week or so.