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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

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.

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.

 

Water Damage Can Warp and Buckle Flooring

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage to Wood and Laminate Flooring is Very Common

When your bathroom fixture or dishwasher leaks, the basement floods or a window is left open during a torrential downpour, your flooring can get quite wet. When these things happen, your flooring can sustain enough water damage that it has to be cleaned, repaired or even replaced. The guide below to flooring water damage costs can help you understand what steps will have to be taken to bring your floor back to a preloss state, if possible.

Water Damage to Hardwood Flooring
In humid or wet locations like the laundry area, bathrooms or the basement, flooring contractors try to discourage homeowners from installing hardwood flooring. When there is high humidity or a significant amount of water present, moisture gets into the wood, causing it to expand and producing separating, warping and cracking.

Flooring which is engineered handles humidity a lot better since the underlayment attached is made to expand and contract with normal humidity changes without damaging the solid wood layer on the top. It is however still not a good choice in locations that are humid and wet. In rooms with high RH, avoid wood. Concrete, tile or vinyl is preferred in these areas.

Water Damage to Laminate Flooring 
Laminate flooring is composed of layers of material which will absorb water readily and swell, making the layers separate. This happens when water penetrates past the water-resistant barrier of the laminate top. This is often the result when a flood causing standing water to collect for an extended length of time. In this case, laminate flooring needs to be replaced, as there is no cost-effective way to repair the loss. Therefore, this flooring isn’t recommended for areas that are often humid or wet, either.

Tile Water Damage
Grout and tile are quite water resistant, and this is one of the reasons it’s such a good choice for pool areas, showers, entryways, and bathrooms. Your primary concern is the subfloor, as water can get through cracks in the grout, or around the tile field edges. The subfloor will swell if damaged, and the tile and grout can crack or the tile field in this area will be raised.

Linoleum and Vinyl Flooring Water Damage
These both can stand up to water quite well. It can be dried by using a wet vacuum to get rid of the standing water and fans can be placed in the area to dry up water which could have seeped into the subflooring while increasing the evaporation rate.

Hiring the Professionals
Professional water restoration companies, such as SERVPRO, specialize in drying out flooring of all kinds with pumps, fans, wet vacuums and desiccants. We have the right equipment and knowledge to dry out each kind of flooring properly if it is possible to salvage it, and we also know when it needs replacing. We can also sanitize and deodorize your flooring to stop mold and mildew from growing and to eliminate any potential odors.

When water damage in your Bourbonnais home affects your flooring, call SERVPRO of Kankakee County right away at (815) 935-0077 so we can come out to your property and perform the water removal and remediation services that you need. We can restore your beautiful home "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Restoration By SERVPRO

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

 The winds of springtime can often be the reason shingles are lost on a home's roof, and sometimes, the damage may not be known right away. Shingles can become loose, and not be torn away until later, making it difficult to determine which ones are at fault for ceilings becoming wet during rainfall at later times. High-speed winds can later reveal this, but these are often accompanied by heavy rains that can pour water directly into the hole the missing shingles have left behind. This can lead to water infiltration if the underlaying tar paper is torn or worn.

A Leaky Roof can Cause Multiple Problems 
If your home in Momence has a roof that is allowing water damage to become an ever-present problem in your life, you should know that there is a company, SERVPRO, which has the trained professionals you need. We can fix your roof so that no more additional water from rainfall can enter and then repair any interior damage. From water damage that has caused deterioration of the roof's support beams and sheathing to interior walls and horizontal structures such as your floors, ceilings, and stairways, we have the training to mitigate professionally any damages that exist in your home. 

We can also check for and eliminate any other roofing shingles that have been loosened and may pose a future problem for you and your home. We can check your rain gutters for clogs to help prevent ice dams from causing seepage into the attic or framing. We have the tools and equipment to clean-up any deteriorating interior structures, and then reduce the humidity to acceptable levels inside your home. Additionally, we are trained in mold remediation according to IICRC standards, providing additional protection to you, your family, and your home. 

Not All Roof Damage is Caused by High-Speed Winds 
If your roof has been damaged by tree limbs or other debris, we can also clear that away and provide further care that will eliminate the problem, as well. Sometimes, animals will find a small opening in between shingles and use that as a means to enter into your home's attic space to find shelter. If the interior of dead spaces such as those found over porches has been affected, we will also treat these so that mold will not grow, and so that you will have the same beautiful look you've come to love and appreciate in your home's exterior. 

Call SERVPRO to protect your home's interior from further damage. When faced with damage to your home from a leaky roof, or any other access point, you need to contact SERVPRO of Kankakee County at (815) 935-0077. We are available 24/7, and ready to take your call. We will respond with our highly trained technicians and repair experts who will restore and protect your home's interior and exterior.

Water Damage To Your Home or Business Is Not Your Job To Fix - It's SERVPRO's

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Water loss incidents can occur from many different sources at your Bourbonnais business or residence. Weather related events contribute to many occurrences but also aging plumbing plays a contributing factor. Some older homes and businesses in the area may have metal piping throughout the property, which can begin to degrade and erode over time, especially when exposed to higher mineral elements in the public water system such as iron and manganese. These minerals can have a damaging effect on older pipes when sediment builds up around connections, bends, and fixtures.

Once this situation has manifested itself, water damage can proliferate through leaks in the weakest portions of the plumbing. These can be challenging to ascertain as moisture and dampness can affect a broad area. To prevent excessive tear out and replacement once you have encountered water damage, you can reach out to the SERVPRO of Kankakee County professionals for fast and effective restoration and repair.

Our Professional team that arrives promptly at your home or business is equipped with detection technology to identify leaks in the plumbing behind the walls and identify the full scope of the water damage that your home or business has sustained throughout the time that the pipe has been leaking water. Our auditory equipment can help us to hear behind drywall to determine the location of the problem only to remove portions of wall required for us to repair the damaged plumbing and begin drying efforts effectively.

To better allocate our drying equipment, we utilize thermal imagery cameras which non-invasively identify moisture pockets behind walls of your home or business to determine where focused drying efforts occur to remove the dampness present. If the damage is severe enough, SERVPRO of Kankakee County technicians might also implement our injectidry system to introduce heated air through wall cavities to dry them efficiently before secondary effects like mold growth can occur.

While water damage might happen from a variety of sources, clean up and drying efforts need to begin promptly to prevent excessive structural concerns.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Kankakee County understand that having dedicated and trained technicians, utilizing professional protocols and equipment make a real difference in down time and in reducing claims and loss expenses. Our adage “Like it never even happened,” is our goal in returning damaged areas to a preloss condition and we are dedicated to both the property and lives of the customers we assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. We are SERVPRO of Kankakee County 815-935-0077

When Sump Pump Fails - SERVPRO Is Your Answer!

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

FAN If your sump pump goes out, do not hesitate to give SERVPRO a call immediately (815) 935-0077!

When the power goes out in Kankakee County Illinois, homeowners with basements begin to worry about the opportunity for water damage in basements. Often a battery back up will only last for so long and once its exhausted, the water starts coming in around the perimeter if not right from the hole.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County keeps a number of sump pumps on hand for replacement and/or temporary use until a plumber can make it out to replace the failed unit. We work with just about every plumber in the area from Kankakee to Manteno, so if we happen to be swamped or out of pumps, we can quickly get you in touch with a reputable plumber to assist. 

Our main purpose to help mitigate damages from failed sump pumps. We sometimes bring generators with us to get help get the water out and then begin extraction and drying operations immediately. We also have hundreds of drying fans and dehumidifiers available for direct rental. Don't wait to call SERVPRO of Kankakee County as normally we can save most wet materials if we get to it fast enough. From carpet and pad to trim and drywall, we have the tools and training to make your water damaged or Flooded basement whole again. And if you are worried about mold in your basement, we use an EPA registered disinfectant on ALL water and sewer back up projects.

For additional tips on how to avoid further damage until help arrives, go to our website http://www.SERVPROkankakeecounty.com or call our office directly at (815)935-0077.

SERVPRO Is Here 24/7 To Help - When Your Sump Pump Fails!

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Sump Pump For additional tips on how to avoid further damage until help arrives, go to our website or call our office directly!
 

When the power goes out in Kankakee County Illinois, homeowners with basements begin to worry about the opportunity for water damage in basements. Often a battery back up will only last for so long and once its exhausted, the water starts coming in around the perimeter if not right from the hole.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County keeps a number of sump pumps on hand for replacement and/or temporary use until a plumber can make it out to replace the failed unit. We work with just about every plumber in the area from Kankakee to Manteno, so if we happen to be swamped or out of pumps, we can quickly get you in touch with a reputable plumber to assist. 

Our main purpose to help mitigate damages from failed sump pumps. We sometimes bring generators with us to get help get the water out and then begin extraction and drying operations immediately. We also have hundreds of drying fans and dehumidifiers available for direct rental. Don't wait to call SERVPRO of Kankakee County as normally we can save most wet materials if we get to it fast enough. From carpet and pad to trim and drywall, we have the tools and training to make your water damaged or Flooded basement whole again. And if you are worried about mold in your basement, we use an EPA registered disinfectant on ALL water and sewer back up projects.

For additional tips on how to avoid further damage until help arrives, go to our website http://www.SERVPROkankakeecounty.com or call our office directly at (815)935-0077.

Don't Panic If Water Is In Your Home After A Storm - Call SERVPRO (Part 1)

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Floor Damage SERVPRO of Kankakee County has the most experience handling potentially hazardous water cleanup!

Do you have water in your home after a storm?  So many questions will start going through your mind on what you should do.  Let SERVPRO of Kankakee County help!

What we call Category three groundwater is one of the worst types of water loss that can affect your home. The water ruins anything porous it touches.  Water can find a way of getting into areas that you wouldn't think it could, and the longer it remains in the house, the more damage that it does. Fast action is the best action when it comes to "dirty" water in your home. 

What Could Potentially Live In Floodwater?

When groundwater is the cause of the flood in your home, there can be many problems that can present within the water. As the water travels, it picks up everything it comes in contact with and brings it along for the ride. SERVPRO of Kankakee County technicians perform water restoration services on water damages that could contain one or more harmful agents. Additionally, all types of mud and debris may potentially be in the water when it comes into your home.

Can Floodwater Harm Your Flooring?

The potential outcome of your flooring in your home after a floodwater disaster is dependent on how fast the cleanup efforts began making it even more important to call a professional to clean it up. After groundwater enters a home, it travels to any area that offers the least resistance. SERVPRO of Kankakee County techs know from experience some of the most common places affected by floodwater are:

  • Under your tile
  • Behind baseboards and drywall
  • Through your floor joists possibly into your basements or crawlspaces
  • Through carpet and pad 

Extraction of Floodwater is Critical When You Have a Flood Damage

After floodwater enters a home, the timer starts ticking. If the water gets extracted quickly after the water starts to enter your home, there is a greater chance that you will not have as much damage to the structure of your home as well as your possessions inside.

Because of the contaminated nature of this water, SERVPRO of Kankakee County techs often apply treatments that will greatly lessen the possible contagions present before starting the mitigation process. 

It is common for the original amount of water to seem like it is starting to recede.  Be aware that when that happens, most likely the water has started being soaked up by drywall, carpet/pad, and paneling.

Don't Panic If Water Is In Your Home After A Storm - Call SERVPRO (Part 2)

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Controlled Demolition is Part of the Restoration Process

As scary as it may seem, part of the mitigation process may entail demolition.  Our technicians may have to cut into the wall to remove all wet drywall and insulation that is behind it.  Leaving wet drywall or insulation can lead to mold.

When contaminated water soaks into your carpet, it is almost always a loss. It is almost impossible to return the carpet to a sanitized state for reuse. 

If any of your possessions are contaminated from the flood water that require disposal get documented, including photos to assist the homeowner in the filing of insurance claims.

How Do Wet Items in a Home Get Restored After Flood Damage?

Unfortunately, It depends on the material. Porous items after exposure to contaminated water rarely have restoration possibilities. Non-porous items can respond well to methods of cleaning. Immersion cleaning tend to have the most potential for a positive outcome. SERVPRO of Kankakee County techs have access to a wide range of cleaning products, including powerful biocides and antimicrobial solutions.

You can call SERVPRO of Kankakee County at (815) 935-0077  24/7 to handle any size flood damage. 

SERVPRO Has The Best Restoration Equipment For Water Damage

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Wind Damage To house Call us any time any day! We are faster to any size disaster!

Understanding Equipment Helps During Water Damage Restoration In Bourbonnais

Water spills can happen at any time. When your Bourbonnais property is affected, the most crucial step to take is to extract any standing water and dry moisture remnants quickly. With the right equipment, this task can be easy to handle. However, failure to understand how different equipment types work can interfere with the outcome. You can learn how to use the equipment effectively or hire a water damage mitigation company such as SERVPRO.

One category of equipment that plays a crucial role during water damage restoration in affected Bourbonnais properties is lift-equipment. Pumps and water extractors fall under this category. When used properly, they can help remove significant amounts of water from your property within a short period. Among the factors you can consider when choosing the equipment to help you extract water from your property is the lift capacity and CFM, Cubic Feet per Minute, rating. Apart from that, the kind of wand attached to the extractor also matters. You should choose carpet wands for carpeted surfaces, and squeegee wands for wood and other hard surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to a wide range of equipment and accessories to tackle all situations.

Scoping is part of an effective restoration of water damage. While most of the water might pool on floors and other visible areas, a small percentage can reach subfloors and other hidden cavities. Equipment such as moisture meters, sensors, and thermal cameras help when scoping for moisture. Understanding how each type of equipment works can help improve their efficiency. For example, when using a thermal camera, you should realize it detects temperature and not moisture. However, since moisture alters temperature, the camera identifies wet areas.

Drying helps remove the final moisture remnants in affected areas. Drying relies on evaporation which incidentally removes moisture from materials but leaves it in the air. Condensation can reverse this process. Combining equipment that improves evaporation and those that extracts moisture from the air, such as dehumidifiers, guarantees a good outcome. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to a wide range of extraction equipment that ensures balanced drying, including:

    •    LGR Dehumidifiers
    •    Desiccant Dehumidifiers
    •    Box Fan Extractors
    •    Centrifugal Air Movers

You don’t have to worry about choosing restoration equipment when you hire SERVPRO of Kankakee County. Call us at (815) 935-0077 any time. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Bourbonnais click here.

Water Damage Can Have Its Challenges - Not For SERVPRO Though!

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Water In House We can help and want to! Don't wait to call any time or any day!

Water extraction is an evolved science that encompasses a professional assessment of the water damage and the creation of a plan of action for recovery. The professionals in this industry are Certified Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) or Certified Mold Technicians (CMT). They utilize established equations and properties of materials, psychrometry (the study of gas-vapor mixtures), an understanding of mold and microbial activity, and water restoration equipment technology to determine the set of industry accepted mitigation protocols to use.

The use of equations, properties of materials, and psychometrics is needed because water behaves differently depending on its state (liquid, gas, or solid), temperature, the type of material it has penetrated (wood, dry wall, ceramic, concrete, cloth, etc.), and the environmental conditions (relative humidity & temperature). Once all of these parameters are known, calculations are made to determine the most efficient extraction rate possible without causing additional damage.

Mold and microbial growth is possible in the presence of water so it’s vital that the offending water be extracted as soon as possible. Although everyone has seen mold in the past, in many cases mold is not visible. Determining the presence of non-visible mold requires a Certified Mold Technician to take swab samples of the affected material and send the samples to a certified lab for analysis.

There is a wide range of water restoration equipment available to perform water extraction. Suffice to say that it is important to have the right equipment selected for the particular water restoration job at hand.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (815) 935-0077

Water Damage at your Kankakee County Company

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Techcians addressing a recent water damage caused by winter weather in Kankakee County SERVPRO Techcians addressing a recent water damage caused by winter weather in Kankakee County

If your Kankakee County business need water intrusion and damage mitigation, you can count on the IICRC-certified professionals at SERVPRO of Kankakee County to get the job done right. Our 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 businesses benefit from a consistently high standard of cleanup and restoration.

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.

Call SERVPRO of Kankakee County, our team is based in Manteno, Illinois and within minutes of towns like Aroma Park, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Grant Park, Herscher, Kankakee, Limestone, Momence and St. Anne. All of us here at SERVPRO of Kankakee County understand that having dedicated and trained technicians and utilizing professional protocols and equipment make a real difference in reducing claims and loss expenses. Our adage “Like it never even happened,” is our goal in returning damaged areas to a preloss condition and we are dedicated to both the property and lives of the customers we assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. We are SERVPRO of Kankakee County 815-935-0077

Recent storms cause water damage to Kankakee County

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technical Experts mitigating water damage in Kankakee County. SERVPRO Technical Experts mitigating water damage in Kankakee County.

Recent heavy rains caused extensive damage to residences throughout Kankakee County. Apart from the detritus common in these types of occurrences, there are also present associated health risks. With any type of water damage SERVPRO of Kankakee County are your certified water damage professionals. SERVPRO of Kankakee County is trained to deal with a myriad of water damage issues. 

Below are some basic procedures for clean up

  1. Identify ALL safety issues
  2. Determine source of the water and get problem fixed as quickly as possible 
  3. Extract materials and/or remove all standing water
  4. Apply EPA registered disinfectant
  5. Remove and discard all contaminated porous and semi-porous structural materials included carpet and pad
  6. Measure and document all moisture levels in affected areas.
  7. Install barriers to contain damaged areas
  8. Install drying equipment 
  9. Monitor job daily.
  10. Once completely dry. Clean all areas prior to rebuild.

When your Kankakee County home or business has a sewer back up you can rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Kankakee County. For a free estimate call (815)935-0077

SERVPRO Mitigating Water Damage in Kankakee County

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technical Experts addressing water damage issues in Kankakee County SERVPRO Technical Experts addressing water damage issues in Kankakee County.

Water damage can happen at any time. When your Kankakee County property is affected the most crucial step to take is to extract any standing water and dry moisture remnants quickly.

One category of equipment that plays a crucial role during properties is lift-equipment. Pumps and water extractors fall under this category. When used properly, they can help remove significant amounts of water from your property within a short period of time.  Equipment that extracts water from your property is the lift capacity and CFM, Cubic Feet per Minute, rating. Apart from that, the kind of wand attached to the extractor also matters. You should choose carpet wands for carpeted surfaces, and squeegee wands for wood and other hard surfaces. Our SERVPRO of Kankakee County certified and trained technicians have access to a wide range of equipment and accessories to tackle all situations.

Drying helps remove the final moisture remnants in affected areas. Drying relies on evaporation which incidentally removes moisture from materials but leaves it in the air. Condensation can reverse this process. Combining equipment that improves evaporation and those that extracts moisture from the air, such as dehumidifiers, guarantees a good outcome. Our SERVPRO of Kankakee County technicians have access to a wide range of extraction equipment that ensures balanced drying and the expertise to handle any eventuality arising form water damage.

You can rely on the Professionals at SERVPRO of Kankakee County 24/7/365.  We can be reached at 815-935-0077

Major Water Damage event in Herscher, Illinois

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician mitigating water damage in Herscher SERVPRO technician mitigating water damage at residence in Herscher

Recently there was a major water damage event in the village of Herscher Illinois. According to the weather service 2.8 inches of rain fell in the Herscher area in less than one hour and 15 minutes causing extensive flooding and water damage to over 30 residences including the village hall and police department. The overflow also caused the southeast tank at the sewer plant to move. 

SERVPRO Of Kankakee County began receiving calls as early as 1:45 AM. Our crews responded with professionalism and aplomb.

The Village of Herscher is a dynamic community and SERVPRO was there to assist in the mitigation efforts. 

The community pulled together during this calamity. We salute the Pilot Township Fire Protection District, the Herscher Police Department, Public Works, and the electric, gas and cable utilities.

We also wish to thank a major Insurance Carrier in Herscher who graciously  encouraged us to use their parking area and their offices for our staging and data entry.

We are SERVPRO of Kankakee County and we are here 24/7/365

Fire and Smoke Damaged home in Manteno Illinois

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Man standing in front of big green SERVPRO truck Owner headed to a fire in Manteno

After a fire incident, many homeowners naturally want to do something to fix the situation. Sometimes, the steps you take can worsen the state of affairs, so it is essential to know what to do after such incidents. Immediately calling a professional restorer is the ideal response because the crewmembers are trained to handle such situations. We offer professional restoration services in Manteno, and IICRC certifies our crews in Fire and Smoke Restoration.  

Although you might feel the need to clean up surfaces or items after incidents of fire damage in Manteno, you should avoid doing so. Some cleaning actions can exacerbate the situation or have no impact on general restoration efforts. For example, trying to clean walls can transfer the soot residues from the walls to materials on the floor staining them. Some ash residues might also be present in the areas you want clean, and they can cause problems if inhaled or exposed to your skin. Our SERVPRO technicians handle the process better because they have PPE, Personal Protective Equipment, and we use systemic procedures when cleaning up.  

Movement around the fire-damaged house can cause additional damages by spreading soot, ash and other residues around the house. Touching different contents with soot-covered hands can impregnate upholstery, walls and wooden materials with soot residues causing additional damages. Our SERVPRO technicians evaluate damaged materials separating them into salvageable, unsalvageable and questionable categories. We can also pre-clean some of the salvageable materials ensuring the occupant has access to what he or she needs thus eliminating the need to venture into the damaged house.  

Soot residues are acidic so that they can corrode or stain different materials in the house. There is a need to protect materials with chrome or other metallic finishes and stone surfaces such as granite. Our SERVPRO technicians pre-clean these areas then apply a thin coat of lubricant to protect them until it is possible to do thorough restorative cleaning.  

For the right response after fire incidents in Bourbonnais, Bradley, and Kankakee areas, call SERVPRO of Kankakee County to help. You can reach us at (815) 935-0077 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Learn more about Manteno here.

Water Damage at Your Manteno Restaurant

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damaged ceiling tiles and insulation at Manteno restaurant Water Damaged ceiling tiles and insulation at Manteno restaurant

When water intruded the ceiling of a local Manteno Restaurant causing extensive damage, the Professionals of SERVPRO with their Expertise and Reliability mitigated Water Damage.  

You can rely on SERVPRO for your Commercial, Residential or Public properties in Manteno.

SERVPRO responds to Water Damage in Bourbonnais

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVRPO response with mitigation equipment in Bourbonnais SERVPRO response vehicle with mitigation equipment in Bourbonnais

When water damage strikes your Bourbonnais residence you can rely on rapid response, professional technicians and the equipment to mitigate water damage from SERVPRO 

Water Damage at your Kankakee Store

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Debris from water damaged ceiling. Debris from water damaged ceiling

A tiny trickle from pipes or roof leakage can turn your Kankakee store into a soggy state. SERVPRO trained professionals are there for your and you business to mitigate the situation. We are here to assist you 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

Water Damage at your Momence Church

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technician employing Thermal Imaging SERVPRO Technician employing thermal imaging

SERVPRO Professionals utilize state of the art equipment to see what the human eye cannot. Determining the location and density of water damage is paramount.


The thermal imaging application which detects subtle temperature differences allows SERVPRO technical experts to non-invasively ascertain the area in question prior to any intrusion of the structure.

Contact Us When You Need Prompt Water Removal In Kankakee

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Three water drying equipment pieces set up on the carpet of a room in a house drying water damage We have the equipment, training, and experience to restore your home to pre-damage condition after water damage enters your home.

Prompt Water Removal in Your Kankakee Home Can Save Your Carpeting

Have you experienced a water leak that has saturated your carpets? If so, you need to act fast to dry it up quickly. If you leave the water to dry out naturally, mold can grow on your carpeting. The carpet fibers can also get ruined.

Water damage does not spell the end of a carpet’s life. If you perform water removal in your Kankakee residence quickly, you can save the carpets. Before you dry your carpeting, you need to consider several factors, including:

The age of the carpet

If the carpeting is old or has sustained damage in the past, saving it can be difficult. Over time, the backing can deteriorate or pull away from the carpet.

Extent of destruction

You can dry your carpet if there are one or two inches of water. However, when more water is involved, or it has sat for an extended period, drying the carpeting is more complicated.

Source of water

The kind of water involved determines how easy or hard it is to restore the ruined carpet. In most cases of clean water damage, it is possible to restore both padding and carpet through appropriate sanitation, remediation, and cleaning techniques. Salvaging a carpet after gray water saturation is possible, but do so quickly before gray water turns into black water.

Depending on the type of water on your carpeting, you may not feel safe handling the situation on your own. You can hire restoration experts from SERVPRO to remove the water. One of the main concerns in water damage incidents is the delamination of carpets. Delamination is the separation of primary and secondary backings. Even a new carpet can delaminate. Our technicians can check your carpeting to determine if delamination has occurred. If that is the case, you have to replace the carpet.

If delamination has not occurred, we can use wet/dry vacuums to remove as much water as possible from the carpet. Our restorers can then dry your carpet to remove the remaining moisture from the carpet fibers so they can return to their natural texture and appearance. When the carpet fibers are dry, they cannot attract and hold additional soils and microorganisms cannot grow on them. Drying requires low humidity, heat, and air movement. We can use air movers to enhance air circulation and dehumidifiers to control humidity in your home. Before you clean your carpets, you need to be sure they are thoroughly dry. Our SERVPRO team can use moisture meters to confirm that they are dry.

After a water leak, SERVPRO of Kankakee County can restore your carpeting by removing the water without damaging or altering the appearance of the fabric. Contact us today at (815) 935-0077 for effective restoration.

See more about Kankakee.

Vital Roles Played by Water Removal Professionals in Bourbonnais

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Man with his fists to his face with the words Don't fear we have you cleared next to his head. Bourbonnais homeowners don’t live in fear, we will take care of your water damage fears.

SERVPRO professionals with take care of all your worries when it comes to your water damage in Bourbonnais.

Small water spills happen every day, and you probably take care of when with a mop and towels then leave the remaining wetness to dry on its own. If you have never dealt with a significant water spill, you might expect the process to be similar, only on a bigger scale. However, in practice, you might face several obstacles when you try to handle water removal on your own. Professionals like SERVPRO play different roles during the removal that ease the process.

Bringing the Right Tools

Spilled water can present a myriad of challenges. By having access to a broader range of tools for water removal professionals in Bourbonnais can deal with any challenge that might arise. Challenges might include the presence of large sediments in the pools that need an extraction, thus limiting the efficiency of conventional extraction tools. Water filtering into concealed areas can also hamper the removal process. Alternatively, the lack of power to operate the removal equipment can also be a principal hindrance. Our SERVPRO teams bring a wide range of equipment to address different challenges, including:

  • Self-priming Trash Pumps
  • Cavity Drying Equipment
  • Portable generators
  • Portable Heaters

Understanding Psychometrics

Water removal happens in stages, with the first one dealing with surface water while the other stages deal with the water soaked into materials. Proper understanding of psychometrics is crucial when handling this latter stage to ensure proper manipulation of factors such as humidity, temperature, and air movements, which influence drying. Our SERVPRO technicians use equipment such as thermo-hygrometers to take humidity and temperature readings, thus establishing which factor might slow the drying process.

Preventing Microbial Growth

Microbes such as mold thrive in moist environments. Proper handling of the water removal process should help prevent their development, thus saving you from the laborious removal process. Our SERVPRO technicians spray EPA registered disinfectants and use cleaning agents with anti-microbial properties when cleaning the loss site. We also work fast to finish removal before mold starts growing.

Professional assistance is worthy during water removal. Call SERVPRO of Kankakee County at (815) 935-0077 to help deal with the incident, "Like it never even happened."

To find out more about Bourbonnais, click here.

Water Cleanup Teams In Bourbonnais Describe How They Deal With Broken Appliances

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t let an appliance stop your day. Call SERVPRO today.

NO matter the damage we can get you where you need to be.

To make everyday life easier, most people have a number of appliances inside their Concord home. If certain appliances inside your house malfunction there is a chance that they can leak and force you to call in a professional water cleanup company such as SERVPRO. Many of the machines inside your home use water such as your washing machine, dishwasher, and air conditioner. If the water pipes running to them break or if something breaks inside of them, it is possible that they can spill hundreds of gallons into the interior of your building. Once moisture starts to soak into your building materials and contents, it is essential to conduct water cleanup promptly so that no mold growth or other secondary issues occur.

Primary problems take place when objects inside your dwelling like your family’s personal possessions and your structural components come into direct contact with moisture, whereas secondary issues are those created by high humidity levels. If a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO conducts water cleanup inside your Bourbonnais residence quickly, then we can lower your home’s indoor relative humidity levels and prevent secondary damage from happening. To accomplish this task, we first start by figuring out how wet items inside your home got after the appliance malfunctioned. We also determine how far away from the original source the water damage traveled. We do all of this with the help of advanced moisture sensors and hygrometers.

Once our water restoration technicians or WRTs figure out the extent of the damage, we then start the extraction process. During this stage of restoration our WRTs attempt to remove as much moisture as they can while it is still in the liquid form. We can remove this liquid water by implementing high powered extractors that pull moisture out of materials like your carpet and other fabrics.

Once our WRTs have removed all of the liquid H2O that their machines allow, we then come up with an applied structural drying or ASD plan. When implementing ASD we first find out what is wet by taking tests with our moisture sensors in both affected and unaffected areas of your home. Once we know which sections we need to work on, we set up air movers and dehumidifiers in the region to speed up the natural evaporation process.

If you ever have an appliance malfunction and leak water, call SERVPRO of Kankakee County call at (815) 935-0077 24 hours a day.

Click here to learn more about Bourbonnais IL.

How Water Damages Hardwood Floors in Kankakee

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

Water can quickly damage hardwood flooring. Call SERVPRO to restore your water damaged flooring today!

Addressing Saturation of Hardwood Floors in Kankakee Homes

Hardwood flooring is an everyday staple of construction in many Kankakee homes, but caring for this material can often be a challenge. Moisture and saturation can distort the shape and weaken the integrity of these materials, which can ultimately cause homeowners to need to replace them. To avoid this costly repair and reinstallation of hardwood, seek the experience and industry-leading equipment of restoration professionals that can address this saturation effectively. 

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that addressing flooring damage in their home after a water loss incident in Kankakee is only involved as removing surface moisture and standing water. In truth, these situations can often move far beyond the surface and affect into subflooring material. The only way to know the full extent of the spread of water damage is to utilize the advanced detection equipment and thermal imagery cameras available to our SERVPRO team. 

We understand how vital it is to address water damaged flooring as quickly as possible because, within a few days, hardwood flooring and vinyl alternatives can begin to swell and distort. Bloating can cause the tongue and groove connections of the individual planks to disconnect, separating entire portions of flooring. Once this degradation begins, it is no longer possible for professionals to reverse this damage and controlled demolition techniques become necessary instead. 

Our SERVPRO team can work quickly to set up our Injecti-Dry System with drying mats to begin a slow and steady draw of moisture from these affected materials. By tenting over these mats, our team can better regulate the loss of moisture from the planks, helping to keep constant monitoring of moisture content to ensure that the flooring does not get overly dry which can be equally destructive. 

We understand how critical a fast response is to protecting hardwood flooring in your house, and so our SERVPRO of Kankakee County professionals stay available 24/7 to help. You can trust our experienced and equipped professionals to make flooring damage “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime that you need us at (815) 935-0077.

Learn more about Kankakee here.

Broken Pipes in Kankakee

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Broken Pipe

The extreme temperatures can cause frozen pipes.  When water freezes inside of pipes it expands and the pipe breaks causing damage that can be catastrophic to a home or business owner. Let SERVPRO of Kankakee County help you get it back to "Like it never even happened."

From residential to commercial, we are Ready To Any Size Disaster!  We can help you through the process of water damage from start to finish in a number of ways including:

Emergency 24/7/365 mitigation services,

Minimize additional property damages,

Use specialized test equipment to determine hidden water,

Review restoration vs. replacement,

Office staff that is highly trained in working with your insurance company,

Construction division to help rebuild what where to have to tear out,  

Use advanced drying techniques to monitor and ensure your property is properly dried!

www.SERVPROkankakeecounty.com
www.SERVPROmattesonhomewood.com
www.SERVPROchicagoheightscretebeecher.com


#frozenpipes, #waterdamage, #molddamage, 

#SERVPRO, #planetSERVPRO 

What to Do if There's Water Damage to Flooring in Your Home

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Water can be a very destructive force and adversely affect just about every part of your home's structure, including flooring.

Steps To Take After Water Damage to Flooring in Your Home


Water can be a very destructive force and adversely affect just about every part of your home's structure, including flooring. Whether the issue is severe weather, a malfunctioning appliance, burst pipes, or a leaking roof, handling water damage to flooring as early as possible is the key to avoiding huge hassles down the line.

Homeowners who suspect water damage to flooring in Bradley should take immediate action before the problem gets worse. If your home's floors have been affected by an influx of water, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Have any excess water removed before refinishing wood floors.
Professional removal of excess water is essential before refinishing wood flooring. Otherwise, it may end up warping and cause structural damage. It can take weeks for wood floors to dry out on their own, and by then mold will likely become a problem. SERVPRO technicians will quickly remove the water from your floors and ensure the area is dry and ready to be refinished.

2. Prevent mold and mildew growth by calling an expert.
Some homeowners attempt to remove water damage to flooring on their own. However, they're typically unable to get the water out of each floor layer. The excess moisture then leads to mold and mildew, which are more challenging to eliminate. SERVPRO has industrial grade equipment that we use to ensure no moisture remains, which is vital to stopping the growth of harmful mold and mildew.

3. Don't automatically assume your carpets will be a lost cause.
If you look at the water damage to flooring in your home and think there's no way your carpet can be salvaged, call us first. We're experts at restoring water damaged areas, and we may be able to extract the water from your carpets and sub floors and save you the expense of completely replacing it.

If your home's flooring has been affected by water damage, count on the team at SERVPRO of Kankakee County to get it back in excellent condition. For a quote or to learn more about our water damage restoration services, call us at (815) 935-0077.

Learn more about Bradley, IL by clicking here

Bourbonnais Water Damage?? SERVPRO Has the Crew and the Devices for Mitigation

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Call Us at the First Sign of a Water Leak in Your Bourbonnais Home

Effective Removal of Moisture Behind Walls in Bourbonnais Homes

Water loss incidents can occur from many different sources in your Bourbonnais home, but aging plumbing often plays a contributing factor. Many of the older homes in the area still have metal piping throughout the property, which can begin to degrade and erode over time, especially when exposed to higher mineral elements in the public water such as iron and manganese. These minerals are not harmful to consume, yet, can have a damaging effect on older pipes when sediment builds up around connections, bends, and fixtures.

Once a problem has started, water damage can soon develop in your Bourbonnais home through leaks in the weakest portions of the plumbing. These can be challenging to chase down, as the moisture and dampness can affect a broad area. To prevent excessive tear out and replacement once you have encountered water damage, you can reach out to our SERVPRO professionals for fast and effective restoration and repair.

Our team that arrives at your home comes equipped with detection technology to help them both identify leaks in the plumbing behind the walls, and identify the full scope of the water damage that your home has sustained throughout the time that the pipe has been leaking water. Our auditory equipment can help us to hear behind drywall to determine the exact point of the leak only to remove portions of wall required for us to repair the damaged plumbing and begin drying efforts effectively.

To better place our drying equipment, our thermal imagery cameras can identify moisture pockets behind walls of your home to determine where focused drying efforts must occur to remove the dampness present. If the damage is severe enough, our SERVPRO technicians might also implement our injectidry system to force heated air through wall cavities to dry them efficiently before secondary effects like mold growth can occur.

While water damage might happen from a variety of sources, clean up and drying efforts need to begin promptly to prevent excessive structural concerns. Give our SERVPRO of Kankakee County rapid response team a call 24/7 at (815) 935-0077.

Welcome to our city by clicking here

Frozen and Busted Pipes in Bourbonnais?

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen and busted water pipes in Kankakee County?

Have frozen and busted pipes affected your Bourbonnais area home or business? Kankakee County is experiencing extreme cold weather like we haven't experienced, since the two Polar Vortexs 5 years ago. 

Temperatures are plummeting to dangerous levels, where even having exposed skin for a mere matter of minutes can be dangerous. 

Subzero temperatures like this will be testing the limitations of not only the plumbing in your commercial home or business, but the insulation as well. Pushing piping and HVAC systems to their limits.

If your plumbing system fails, your first call is to your plumber. Your second call is to SERVPRO of Kankakee County!  Available 24/7/365 for any of your mitigation and restoration needs. Our trained technicians are up to the task of getting your business or home back to preloss condition, making it "Like it never even happened."

Here are some tips to help you during this extreme weather:

1. Protect your plumbing pipes from freezing

When winter temperatures plummet, water can easily freeze inside, causing them to burst. If you are out of the house or unaware of a burst pipe, the results can be disastrous, including massive home floods and damage to your beloved furniture, rugs and home structure. 

To reduce the possibility of frozen pipes, wrap each of your un-insulated pipes in a blanket of foam. You can purchase foam tubes with a slit on the side at most hardware stores. Cut the tube to the length you need, pull it open and push it over and around your pipe. Use duct tape to secure if the foam does not have self-adhesive edges. 

2. Fix home plumbing leaks now

The best time to get leaks repaired is the present. Check all of the faucets in your kitchen, bathrooms and utility room for drips and puddles. If you have a leaky faucet, contact your trusted plumber immediately to get your pipes back in tip-top shape.

3. Drain your water heater

If you live in a location with hard water, sediment can build up in your tank, causing rust to develop inside. This rust can then find its way into your drinking, cooking and bathing water. If your hot water heater already is rusted or is too old, consider purchasing a new one before cold weather sets in.

4. Lose the outdoor hose to avoid frozen pipes

Until warm weather returns, your best home plumbing practice is to disconnect, wrap up and pack away your garden hose. Leaving a hose connected outside in winter can cause water left inside to freeze and expand, freezing your faucets and connecting pipes as well. Just say no to hefty repair bills and yes to a hose and fixtures you can use next year. 

5. Close and drain shut-off valves leading outdoors

If you have interior shut off valves leading to outdoor faucets, close them and drain the water from outside lines. Any water that remains in the lines and freezes could cause major damage.

6. Clean your home's sump pump pit

Before cold weather hits, you will need to inspect and clean your sump pump and the pit in which it rests. When exposed to extreme cold, your pump can freeze, causing it to stop working. 

If your sump pump malfunctions, water can enter your basement and cause flooding, especially when winter rains are in full swing. Do yourself a favor and inspect your pump and pit now to avoid massive flood damage and cleanup bills later.

Your winter should be full of cheer and warm family get-togethers, not exploded pipes and leaks that take days to fix. Prepare and repair your plumbing in advance to avoid a costly disaster.

Hopefully some of these will help you! Other wise SERVPRO of Kankakee County is ready to help you.

              815-935-0077

www.SERVPROkankakeecounty.com

Water Damage in your Gilman home

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Kankakee County for Gilman Water Damage Cleanup

If your home has recently been damaged in a major flooding or plumbing disaster, it's time to call for expert Gilman water damage cleanup services. There's no time to lose, especially if your home has been flooded. The damage that can follow in the wake of a flood can prove to be catastrophic, both regarding property depreciation and the amount of money you will need to spend to address it. Even if the water only came up to your first floor, you'll need to get the entire property checked out and cleaned up. 

Dealing With the Aftermath of Bourbonnais Residential Water Damage
If your home has suffered severe damage due to a broken or frozen pipe, sewage system backup or flood, much work needs to be done as quickly as possible to ensure that your home returns to a safe and healthy condition for you and your family. The sooner you contact professionals to begin these vital operations, the sooner you can reclaim your home. 

What Happens When You Contact a Water Damage Service?
When you contact professionals to address your Bourbonnais residential water damage, they will immediately begin a full inspection of your property to deliver a prompt and accurate assessment of the damage that has been done. Once the initial analysis of the damage has been concluded, the restoration experts from SERVPRO will proceed immediately to remove the water from your property. After the water has been fully extracted, the professionals will dehumidify the area and remove all remaining debris.

Once the property has been properly dried, all lingering traces of odor will be removed using thermal foggers and air scrubbers. The technician will then inspect the area once more to make sure that it hasn't sustained any significant structural damage that could cause problems in the future. The last step in Bourbonnais residential water damage cleanup is to perform any restoration work that needs to be done. This will ensure that your property is fully ready for you and your family to inhabit once more. Water damage restoration specialists from SERVPRO, all IICRC certified, will use modern, high-tech equipment that has been specially designed and engineered to evacuate quickly water, debris and mold from your property without leaving any damage to your structure or its design features.

Contact Water Damage Experts Today
SERVPRO of Kankakee County is a premier company for Gilman residential water damage restoration. We are a locally owned and operated franchise that can respond to your emergency within a few short hours of your initial call. We are also fully authorized to respond to water damage emergencies in Manteno, Momence, Bourbonnais, Beecher and the rest of the surrounding area. When your home in Gilman is threatened by water damage, we can help get your property back into shape. Contact us today for twenty-four/seven service at 815-935-0077 to learn more about what we can do for you.

Roof damage caused by water to your home in Bourbonnais

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration By SERVPRO

The winds of springtime can often be the reason shingles are lost on a home's roof, and sometimes, the damage may not be known right away. Shingles can become loose, and not be torn away until later, making it difficult to determine which ones are at fault for ceilings becoming wet during rainfall at later times. High-speed winds can later reveal this, but these are often accompanied by heavy rains that can pour water directly into the hole the missing shingles have left behind. This can lead to water infiltration if the underlaying tar paper is torn or worn.

A Leaky Roof can Cause Multiple Problems 
If your home in Momence has a roof that is allowing water damage to become an ever-present problem in your life, you should know that there is a company, SERVPRO, which has the trained professionals you need. We can fix your roof so that no more additional water from rainfall can enter and then repair any interior damage. From water damage that has caused deterioration of the roof's support beams and sheathing to interior walls and horizontal structures such as your floors, ceilings, and stairways, we have the training to mitigate professionally any damages that exist in your home. 

We can also check for and eliminate any other roofing shingles that have been loosened and may pose a future problem for you and your home. We can check your rain gutters for clogs to help prevent ice dams from causing seepage into the attic or framing. We have the tools and equipment to clean-up any deteriorating interior structures, and then reduce the humidity to acceptable levels inside your home. Additionally, we are trained in mold remediation according to IICRC standards, providing additional protection to you, your family, and your home. 

Not All Roof Damage is Caused by High-Speed Winds 
If your roof has been damaged by tree limbs or other debris, we can also clear that away and provide further care that will eliminate the problem, as well. Sometimes, animals will find a small opening in between shingles and use that as a means to enter into your home's attic space to find shelter. If the interior of dead spaces such as those found over porches has been affected, we will also treat these so that mold will not grow, and so that you will have the same beautiful look you've come to love and appreciate in your home's exterior. 

Call SERVPRO to protect your home's interior from further damage. When faced with damage to your home from a leaky roof, or any other access point, you need to contact SERVPRO of Kankakee County at (815) 935-0077. We are available 24/7, and ready to take your call. We will respond with our highly trained technicians and repair experts who will restore and protect your home's interior and exterior.

Sewer back up in Bradley

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Sewer Damage and Drain Back Up can cause serious damage to Kankakee homes. They also present health risks and should only be cleaned by certified water damage professionals. SERVPRO of Kankakee County is trained to deal with sewer damage issues.

Some examples include, but are not limited to: sewage, toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap regardless of visible content or color.

Below are some basic procedures for clean up


  1. Identify ALL safety issues
  2. Determine source or Sewer back up and get problem fixed as quickly as possible 
  3. Extract materials and/or remove all standing water
  4. Apply EPA registered disinfectant
  5. Remove and discard all contaminated porous and semi-porous structural materials included carpet and pad
  6. Measure and document all moisture levels in affected areas.
  7. Install barriers to contain damaged areas
  8. Install drying equipment 
  9. Monitor job daily.
  10. Once completely dry. Clean all areas prior to rebuild.

When your Bradley home or business has a sewer back up, rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Kankakee County. For a free estimate call (815)935-0077

Frozen pipes are a preventable winter problem

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

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

The freezing temps and snow are upon us in Kankakee County again. 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.

Gilman Water Damage - What should you do?

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Kankakee County for Gilman Water Damage Cleanup

If your home has recently been damaged in a major flooding or plumbing disaster, it's time to call for expert Gilman water damage cleanup services. There's no time to lose, especially if your home has been flooded. The damage that can follow in the wake of a flood can prove to be catastrophic, both regarding property depreciation and the amount of money you will need to spend to address it. Even if the water only came up to your first floor, you'll need to get the entire property checked out and cleaned up. 

Dealing With the Aftermath of Bourbonnais Residential Water Damage
If your home has suffered severe damage due to a broken or frozen pipe, sewage system backup or flood, much work needs to be done as quickly as possible to ensure that your home returns to a safe and healthy condition for you and your family. The sooner you contact professionals to begin these vital operations, the sooner you can reclaim your home. 

What Happens When You Contact a Water Damage Service?
When you contact professionals to address your Bourbonnais residential water damage, they will immediately begin a full inspection of your property to deliver a prompt and accurate assessment of the damage that has been done. Once the initial analysis of the damage has been concluded, the restoration experts from SERVPRO will proceed immediately to remove the water from your property. After the water has been fully extracted, the professionals will dehumidify the area and remove all remaining debris.

Once the property has been properly dried, all lingering traces of odor will be removed using thermal foggers and air scrubbers. The technician will then inspect the area once more to make sure that it hasn't sustained any significant structural damage that could cause problems in the future. The last step in Bourbonnais residential water damage cleanup is to perform any restoration work that needs to be done. This will ensure that your property is fully ready for you and your family to inhabit once more. Water damage restoration specialists from SERVPRO, all IICRC certified, will use modern, high-tech equipment that has been specially designed and engineered to evacuate quickly water, debris and mold from your property without leaving any damage to your structure or its design features.

Contact Water Damage Experts Today
SERVPRO of Kankakee County is a premier company for Gilman residential water damage restoration. We are a locally owned and operated franchise that can respond to your emergency within a few short hours of your initial call. We are also fully authorized to respond to water damage emergencies in Manteno, Momence, Bourbonnais, Beecher and the rest of the surrounding area. When your home in Gilman is threatened by water damage, we can help get your property back into shape. Contact us today for twenty-four/seven service at 815-935-0077 to learn more about what we can do for you.

Water Damage in Peotone

10/22/2017 (Permalink)

Water extraction is an evolved science that encompasses a professional assessment of the water damage and the creation of a plan of action for recovery. The professionals in this industry are Certified Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) or Certified Mold Technicians (CMT). They utilize established equations and properties of materials, psychrometry (the study of gas-vapor mixtures), an understanding of mold and microbial activity, and water restoration equipment technology to determine the set of industry accepted mitigation protocols to use.

The use of equations, properties of materials, and psychometrics is needed because water behaves differently depending on its state (liquid, gas, or solid), temperature, the type of material it has penetrated (wood, dry wall, ceramic, concrete, cloth, etc.), and the environmental conditions (relative humidity & temperature). Once all of these parameters are known, calculations are made to determine the most efficient extraction rate possible without causing additional damage.

Mold and microbial growth is possible in the presence of water so it’s vital that the offending water be extracted as soon as possible. Although everyone has seen mold in the past, in many cases mold is not visible. Determining the presence of non-visible mold requires a Certified Mold Technician to take swab samples of the affected material and send the samples to a certified lab for analysis.

There is a wide range of water restoration equipment available to perform water extraction. Suffice to say that it is important to have the right equipment selected for the particular water restoration job at hand.

Tips for Spring Flooding

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Residential Flooding Damage

Chicago is famous for heavy snows and bitter cold temperatures during the winter.  Melting snow and thawing pipes in the spring, on top of heavy spring rains often leads to floods and water damage.   These safety tips can help reduce damage and avoid dangerous situations before, during and after the spring thaw. 


Before a Flood:


*Prepare in advance by ask your SERVPRO Rep about completing an FREE Emergency Ready Profile® (ERP) for your business.  It will help you respond quickly to an emergency and minimize downtime due to water damage.  The ERP is available on a mobile app on your smartphone, tablet or computer and will allow you to access your utility and emergency contacts at any time from any location. 


*Check your sump pump to ensure it is working properly before water begins to rise.   Having a back-up generator will help ensure you’re your pump is working when you may need it.  Double check with your insurance agent to make sure your sump pump is covered.


*Protect important items/papers by putting them in plastic totes and raising them off the floor of your home/business.  In most cases, ensuring that boxes are at least a few inches off the floor with keep them above the water line from a flood.


During a Flood:


*Watch for water collecting by monitoring areas where water might collect and attempt to direct it away from buildings.


*Monitor power sources and outlets as water levels rise, so you don’t risk a shock from a live current flowing through water.   If you can cut the power to endangered outlets and power sources without standing in water, flip the switch.  If not, contact an electrician immediately and evacuate the area.  DO NOT ENTER STANDING WATER!


*Clearing storm drains prior to a thaw will help water flow away from your property and reduce water backing into the building.


*Flood insurance should be considered, especially in high-risk flooding or low lying areas near rivers and streams.  Most insurance policies do not cover flooding, and require a separate policy. 


*Watch the road during spring storms, especially during flash flood warnings.  NEVER drive on roadways that are submerged under water. 


After a Flood:


*Fast action will reduce danger risks and lessen damage to your property.  When a flood happens, you need to dry out wet items including walls and flooring to lessen damage. Contact SERVPRO® of Matteson-Homewood, Chicago Heights-Crete-Beecher, and Kankakee County at 815-935-0077 to extract water and mitigate any mold growth. Our franchise professionals have the training and experience to make flood damage “Like it never even happened.”


Contact us 24 hours a day at 815-935-0077!

Daily-journal.com talks storm damage with SERVPRO owner, Bobby Nichols

10/27/2015 (Permalink)

Finally, the most common headache for most homeowners comes with a leaky basement. SERVPRO of Kankakee County Disaster Recovery Team crews have appointments in just about every town in Kankakee and Iroquois counties.

"We had somewhere around 300 calls in 12 hours when that storm hit [Monday night]," said local SERVPRO franchisee owner and operator Bobby Nichols. "We have a lot of new customers and we have some folks, like down in Ashkum, who re-flooded."

He added that as part of a national response team, the local office was able to call in regional assistance.

"They were in last night and working today," he said. "We have 15 teams out in the field. That's 90 crew members, and don't even ask how long our days are. I went out at 10:30 last night and I'm still at it [around 4 p.m. Tuesday]."

Nichols added that he expects another 200 calls before this event is over.

Many thanks to the Daily Journal for taking time to hear our story.

Ford and Iroquois County Health Department

3/3/2014 (Permalink)

Moldy drywall following water damage in Watseka IL

There is a FLOOD ADVISORY for the Iroquois River at Watseka, IL and the potential for WATER DAMAGE is serious in the coming weeks. Preparations are on going and your homes and businesses can be protected. You can find out more information by visiting the Ford and Iroquois County Health Department website http://www.fiphd.org/ 

SERVPRO of Kankakee County did a great deal of water damage and mold remediation work in Watseka, IL following the 2008 floods. Look for our flood tips in upcoming news articles and radio ads.

Ice jams threaten communities again this year

3/2/2014 (Permalink)

Ice jams may lead to severe flooding of the Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers this year. Towns like Watseka, Momence, Aroma Park, Kankakee, Bradley and Bradley can all expect some flooding due to rapid snow melt and heavy rains. Be prepared and if you experience water damage, call SERVPRO of Kankakee County.

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