From Disaster to Restored!

10/27/2023 (Permalink)

From the first call to the last walk through- out our SERVPRO goal is to make water damage claims “Like It Never Even Happened.”  When our office receives a call about a utility sink that has flooded a basement, we know to send our highly trained and accredited staff to accurately capture the loss and inform the insured every step of the way.  

Immediately once onsite, the SERVPRO crew will begin to map out the water migration and discuss what has been affected, and how we plan to mitigation the affected materials. In this case, the standing water saturated the tile flooring and the paneling on the walls. Our team moved swiftly and effectively to move contents, remove affected materials that could not be dried, and placed adequate air movers and dehumidifiers to reach the drying goal of each material.  

Once we have confirmed the water damage portion of the claim is completed, our reconstruction manager will be onsite to conduct his walkthrough and discuss how the insured envisioned this space to look after such a traumatic loss. The insured shared their vision with the team, and soon after that visit the scope was put together, insurance was informed of the process, and contractors were on site for their evaluations.  

From start to finish, our team takes pride in constant communication, quality work, and standing behind any final product that we have a hand in creating.  For a one stop shop, from mitigation to reconstruction, general cleanings, mold remediation, commercial cleaning services and anything in between- call the leaders in the restoration field! SERVPRO is always here to help- give us a call today! (630) 377-7062 

Assisting with Water Damage in Schaumburg Apartments!

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Apartment buildings in the Schaumburg area dealing with the devastating effects of any loss incident can see these symptoms penetrate wall cavities and permeate shared construction elements to affect multiple units simultaneously. This situation is true when it comes to water loss incidents, as substantial events can allow for heavy pooling and standing water to remain in the apartment, which can move between units to cause more damage. We have experienced and dedicated professionals who can help.

When these damages occur, water removal is a vital service that your Schaumburg apartment needs right away. The worse the conditions are in your property, the more that one can assume the incident and its symptoms have spread to the other residences that share walls and floors. Our SERVPRO professionals arrive with the full measure of our cleaning, drying, and extraction equipment, helping our entire roster on-site to begin vital mitigation and recovery work right away.

The objective of our professionals when we first reach a damaged apartment is to work to keep the situation from getting worse. Often mitigation can address the spread of effects, but our specialists do not fully understand the extent of the damage until we employ our advanced hygrometers, moisture content readers, and thermal imagery devices to note specifically the path that the water damage has taken throughout the building.

Standing water presents threats to not only the flooring and the structural integrity of specific areas of your apartment, but penetration of this flooring can lead to water damage in the level below you as well. We have an array of extraction tools capable of reaching inaccessible areas and powerful enough to remove standing water at a rate of 300 psi. We always have the right tool for the job.

Extraction is a vital component of recovery when water loss incidents affect apartment buildings. Our team can respond quickly to these emergencies with the experience and tools to help. Give our technicians a call anytime that you need us at (847) 593-3055.

Categories and Classes of Water

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Category refers to the type of water affecting the structure.

Cat 1 (Clean): Water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Examples include: broken water supply lines; melting ice or snow; falling rainwater; or broken toilet tanks.

Cat 2 (Gray): Water contains significant contamination and can potentially cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Examples include: discharge from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from washing machines; or toilet overflows with some contaminants.

Cat 3 (Black): Water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed. Examples include: sewage; rising water from rivers and streams; waste line backflow; or water with traces of regulated or hazardous materials such as pesticides or toxic organic substances.

Classes

Class refers to how much water and how the water has affected the structure.

 Class 1 – least moisture absorption (less than ~5% of combined floor, wall and ceiling surface area)

Class 2 – significant moisture absorption (~5% to ~40% of combined surface area)

Class 3 – greatest moisture absorption (more than ~40% of combined surface area)

Class 4 – deeply held or bound water into low evaporation materials (e.g. plaster, wood, concrete, masonry) or assemblies (e.g. multilayer wallboard, subfloors)

We at SERVPRO service the Chicagoland area, including Elk Grove, Schaumburg, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, and the surrounding area. For a fast 24/7 emergency response, call (847) 593-3055!

Flooded Basement? That's Our Specialty!

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Our team selected equipment that would quickly and efficiently dry out areas that have been affected by water damage.

It happens to everyone. Sump pumps fail, pipes burst, sewer lines back up. There is a myriad of reasons basements may flood, and we at SERVPRO have seen it all. Luckily, we are IICRC certified professionals, meaning we utilize industry-standard practices and procedures to make sure your flooded basement is properly taken care of.

After the initial assessment, a crew chief will discuss with you and (if going through insurance) your adjuster regarding the work to be performed, ensuring everything we do is pre-approved and signed off on. When done properly, your basement can be dried out within three days by following standard procedures and utilizing the most effective drying equipment available. 

24/7 Response

At SERVPRO of Elk Grove/E. Schaumburg/Itasca/Roselle and SERVPRO of Palatine/Rolling Meadows, we understand time is of the essence when it comes to saving your flooded basement. That is why we make ourselves available 24/7, with an on call crew ready to respond to your emergency situation and be Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call us today at (847) 593-3055 to begin the restoration process!

We Can Handle Your Water Loss Damage

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Having an accident or flood can be a devastating experience. Even a little water can lead to significant damage if given enough time. It can affect your belongings, furniture, and even the structural stability of your home. 

When facing water removal issues in your Elk Grove area home, it is important to have a trained professional on your side. You want to locate the source of the problem, get excess water out of your home, and have someone available to deal with unsuspected damages. 
  
SERVPRO has 24-hour emergency service, IICRC certified technicians, industrial-grade equipment, and years of experience providing extraction, drying, cleaning, and repair services for customers just like you. We understand how water works, making its way into cracks and crevices, leading to expensive damages. 
  
Our technicians use infrared moisture detectors to locate even the smallest amounts of water, water extractors of all shapes and sizes, along with drying and dehumidification equipment to get water out of your home in a quick, efficient manner that limits any losses you may experience.  
  
We can perform wet carpet removals, content, and structural decontamination, humid or flooded basement cleanup services, as well as complete structural drying. We even make sure that the inside of your walls remains entirely moisture-free and perform mold remediation services when necessary to help you maintain a clean, healthy home.  
  
Attempting to perform your water removal services alone leaves you with hidden pockets of water throughout your home that can cause excessive damages in the future. Without the right tools and experience, everything can get out of hand quite fast, leaving you with a huge mess and significant problems that you simply do not understand. 
  
We can provide you and your family with the services you deserve. By assigning qualified technicians, we help return everything to normal in a quick, efficient manner, after an emergency occurs.  
  
Get the help you need by calling SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle, today! (847) 593-3055

Preventing Frozen Pipes

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Knowing we are approaching the coldest months of winter, now is the time to take extra precautions and know what to do when frozen pipes occur. Frozen pipes can be caused by a number of things, but most of them are preventable and by taking precaution now you can end up saving money on your home. 

If you suspect your property may have frozen pipes, it is best to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and potentially repair and help prevent any damages. If you would like to try to take matters into your own hands, here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid using open flames, heat guns, etc. to thaw your pipes. 
• Pipe bursts occur not just because of frozen water, but from increasing water pressure as ice builds up. Relieve water pressure on your lines. Ways you can do this are turning off your water supply or trickling your faucets. Water may still freeze, but allowing pressure to escape can help prevent pipes from bursting.
• If you are able to visually access pipes along your walls, look for swollen areas or frost. If you see any, turn up the heat throughout the building.
• Use space heaters to provide extra heat in particular areas (though do not leave such appliances unattended).
• If you need to target specific areas, a hairdryer, heating pad, or simply a cloth wet with hot water can be applied.

In the unfortunate event your home or business experiences water damage caused by a frozen pipe, please give us a call! SERVPRO operates 24/7 and offers quick emergency response time to effectively mitigate any further damage. (847) 593-3055

SERVPRO Offers Expert Water Damage Restoration Services

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

If you are experiencing water damage of any type in your home, contact our emergency service line 24/7, 365-days a year. We are here to quickly take care of water damage situations for you. Water leakage can cause significant damage to your home and belongings, which is why it is vital to respond to this situation immediately. Our highly trained staff makes your restoration process as stress-free as possible by keeping you informed and communicating with your insurance company to get the most out of your claim.

SERVPRO has IICRC-certified professionals who follow strict safety and health guidelines throughout the restoration process. Rest assured, our team has the equipment, resources, and expertise to perform any repairs, replacements, or reconstruction projects necessary for the restoration.

SERVPRO always strives to be Faster To Any Disaster. With an entire Green Fleet of vehicles, stocked and ready to deploy, our technicians are ready to provide you with professional restoration done right. Contact SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle for full-service solutions throughout the Chicago suburbs. (847) 593-3055

Our Precise Water Removal Process for Residential Property

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO locations around the country have had decades of experience and millions of unique cases to develop cost-effective and time-optimized mitigation and restoration strategies for residential water removal. We pride ourselves on bringing that same thoroughly-planned treatment to our local clients no matter how large or small the issue. Our technology is specifically engineered to allow machines, sensory equipment, and our trained personnel to work in perfect sync. As an example of our specialization and efficiency, take a look at our standard water removal procedure.

Mitigation

First and foremost in any water removal job is to identify and neutralize the source of damage. If the damage has been caused by a storm or other natural causes, the issue most likely solves itself by the time our technicians arrive. Otherwise, our personnel helps to identify the source of the issue and shut it down. Once the environment is safe to work in, we immediately begin pumping out water and performing preliminary mitigation efforts aimed at preventing further damage.

Air Movers

Once we have pumped out all water possible, we still must take care of the thin layers of water that stick to surface and subsurface layers around your home. For this task, we use air movers - powerful machines designed to create directed air currents in a specific region or pattern. These effectively pick up water droplets from any surface in their path, putting them into the air for dehumidifiers to handle.

Dehumidifiers

Once the water is airborne, we cannot simply leave it to settle once more in your home. Our IICRC-certified technicians use thermal and chemical dehumidifiers to suck the water into manageable, movable containers, the final step in our water removal process. After this process, we can begin work on deodorization and restorations. At SERVPRO, our ultimate goal is complete livability in the home, not just a quick water removal job!

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle is there when you need us most to help you mitigate and recover from water damage of any variety. Just give us a call at (847) 593-3055.

Damage Cause By a Water Main Break?

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

A copper water main has a life expectancy of 60-years, making it highly unlikely for you to experience a water main break during your lifetime, especially if you purchased your home new. For older homes, the age, corrosion, temperature fluctuation, and electrolysis may affect the durability of your piping.

It is still possible, however, for flood damage to occur in your home because of a broken water main. Therefore, it is important to understand what to look for if this becomes a problem for you.

• Water pressure loss
• Standing water
• Sinkholes in your yard
• Stream of water from your house to the roadway
• If there is no water running in your house, but you hear a gurgling or hissing noise where the pipe enters your house

Never attempt to repair a broken main on your own. Without the proper experience and resources, you are likely to cause more damage as well as jeopardize your safety. You can locate your main water shutoff and learn how to operate it successfully during an emergency. Otherwise, rely on SERVPRO to take care of the rest.

SERVPRO has access to the equipment and training necessary to locate and repair damaged piping, fix the grading in your yard after repairs have been made, and install additional drainage, sump pumps, or backflow valves where appropriate. Our IICRC-certified technicians will help you keep a close eye on these issues and get the help you need during an emergency. We have many services designed to address both exterior and interior issues caused by plumbing problems that occur in your home.

Give SERVPRO of Elk Grove/E. Schaumburg/Itasca/Roselle a call today at (847) 593-3055 for assistance with your water main, or any issues concerning fire, water, mold, or storm damage that develop on your property. We are here to help!

Weatherproof Your Home Against Winter Water Damage

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare your home against oncoming winter weather!

As you may have heard on the news, the Polar Vortex has split, and there may be a bigger split that may bring about some real winter weather to the Chicagoland area. If you remember two years ago (who can forget?), the Polar Vortex brought heavy snow and extreme freezing temperatures that left many homeowners with burst pipes and severe water damage in their properties. 

While we await the arrival of severe winter weather, it would be wise to prepare your home in advance to help protect yourselves from any potential damages. Here are some budget-friendly ways to weatherproof your home:

1. Look for any pipes running along the exterior walls and insulate them using foam pipe insulation you can easily find at home improvement retailers.
2. Look for leaks around windows and door frames; a crafty way to do this is to move a lighter along the frame. If the light flickers, there is likely a draft. Use a caulking gun to seal any potential gaps.
3. Draft snakes/stoppers are a cost-effective way to keep warm air from escaping underneath your doors. 
4. Older windows may be costly to repair or replace, but bubble wrap can provide a temporary solution to prevent cold air from leaking through.
5. Add some extra insulation in your attic or basement. Insulating your attic can also prevent ice dams from forming, which we have covered in our previous blog post.

In the event of water damage in your house, SERVPRO is ready and prepared 24/7/365 to address your emergency. We understand the stress and anxiety a flooded basement can cause, and we will be with you every step of the way to ensure your property is dried and repaired. Time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with water damage, and we at SERVPRO pride ourselves at being "Faster to Any Size Disaster."

Call us at 847-593-3055!

Ice Dams - What are they and how do you prevent them?

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Icicles can be a pretty sight, but can also be a source of water damage!

Winter water damage can take form in many different ways. One of the most neglected areas of water damage occurs right above you in the form of ice dams. These occur when warm air in the attic heats the roof, which melts the snow. The melted snow then freezes on the unheated eaves, which can look like icicles hanging above. While this can be a pretty image, it can cause damage if it is not dealt with. 

Prevention Tips

1. Have your gutters and downspouts regularly checked for any obstructions that may cause water backup. 
2. If enough heat is escaping into your attic to melt the snow above, you should check to ensure the attic is insulated properly. Check for any openings in the floor and seal them to ensure an airtight surface.
3. In addition to insulation, ensure there is enough ventilation to allow warm air to escape. 
4. Use a roof rake or a long-handled brush to remove excess snow from your roof. 
5. Installing a water membrane or snow shield underneath the roof shingles can help to prevent water from seeping in. 
6. Gutter screens can help keep debris out that can cause build-up and damage. 

Call SERVPRO for 24/7/365 emergency services related to water damage! 847-593-3055

Don't Wait to Take Care of Water Damage and Prevent Mold Growth!

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Time is of the essence when it comes to preventing mold growth.

When water damage strikes due to flooding, sewage back-up, plumbing leaks, overflowing sinks/toilets, etc., it is important to take action to dry out the affected areas as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you may be left with secondary damage that will be more expensive to deal with, such as mold growth.

Mold and mildew can grow on wood, drywall, carpet, insulation, and other damp building materials within 24-48 hours. This can spread rapidly and cause further damage to your home. While we at SERVPRO are AMRT certified and can help remediate mold growth, this can be more costly and not guaranteed to be covered by insurance.

To prevent further damages, it is important to call a water damage restoration provider such as SERVPRO immediately after you discover water damage in your property. We are strategically located in Elk Grove Village, which gives us the ability to provide fast emergency response time to surrounding areas such as Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Itasca, and beyond. We also operate 24/7/365, because we understand time is of the essence. 

As soon as our crews arrive, we can thoroughly inspect your property to identify any and all materials that have been affected by water damage. Based on this assessment, we can immediately enact a plan to dry all affected areas through the use of water extractors and industrial-grade fans and dehumidifiers. Our IICRC-standard water restoration skills and techniques can ensure all affected materials are dry and your property's moisture and humidity levels are regulated. All of these factors combined can help to mitigate further damages and prevent mold growth. Throughout the process, we stay in close communicate with you and your insurance provider to ensure we are on the same page regarding work to be done.

Call us 24/7/365 for fast response to your water damage emergency! 847-593-3055

Prepare Your Home Against Frozen Pipe Burst This Winter

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Knowing what winter is capable of causing in Chicago, now is the time to take extra precautions and know what to do when frozen pipes occur.

Wintertime is fast approaching, and we are already seeing snowfall and drops in temperature. Knowing what winter is capable of causing in Chicago, now is the time to take extra precautions and know what to do when frozen pipes occur. It is best to prepare before you end up standing knee-deep in a flooded basement! 

If you think your home may have frozen pipes, call a plumber to evaluate the situation, which can help prevent any costly damages. If you would like to try to take matters into your own hands, here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid using open flames, heat guns, etc. to thaw your pipes. You would not want fire damages on top of a water loss!
• Increasing water pressure as ice builds up may cause older pipes to burst. Relieve water pressure on your lines by turning off your water supply or trickling your faucets. Water may still freeze within your pipes, but releasing pressure can help prevent them from bursting.
• Look for any swollen areas or frost along your pipes. Turn up the heat throughout the building if you see any.
• Use space heaters to provide some extra heat - though do not leave them unattended!
• If you need to target specific areas on your pipes, a hairdryer, heating pad, or simply a cloth wet with hot water can be applied.

In the unfortunate event your home or business experiences water damage caused by a frozen pipe, please give us a call! SERVPRO operates 24/7 and offers quick emergency response time to effectively mitigate any further damage.

847-593-3055

Water Damage Restoration - Making it "Like it never even happened."

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we make water damage "Like it never even happened."

At any given moment, water damage can strike in your home or business. Whether it is from leaking kitchen appliances, pipe bursts, or failing sump pumps, you may find yourself knee-deep in water and not knowing what to do next.

SERVPRO is well-equipped to handle any size disaster. We are your local neighbors in Elk Grove Village, and we know there are many older residential properties in the surrounding area that are susceptible to failed plumbing and pipe bursts, especially in the winter season. Luckily, we have had enough experience in these properties that we can not only help mitigate the damage, but we can restore your property to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Mitigation & Restoration

When water damage occurs, surface level damage is obvious - moisture wicking up drywall, saturated carpet, buckling hardwood floors, etc. However, it is the damage that lies underneath that we are concerned about. Even if you dry the outer layers of your walls and floors, there will most likely still be moisture found in the underlying structure, such as your subfloors or framing studs. Leaving this unattended increases the risk of microbial growth and mold, which will lead to further damage and expenses down the road. Because of this, depending on the extent of the water damage, our technicians may be required to perform a certain level of demolition to your property.

While in some cases we can thoroughly dry the structure without removing materials, there are times we will need to completely remove sections of drywall and flooring in order to dry and disinfect the underlying structure. There may also be times we would need to remove items such as vanities and cabinets, either because we need to access the walls and floors beneath or these items are damaged beyond repair. This will help protect the integrity of your structure and prevent further damage, but it will also leave the framing of your property temporarily exposed.

We know it can be a harrowing experience to see your home in this state, and that's why we will also work quickly to restore everything back to the way it was, perhaps in an even better state. Working alongside you and your insurance company, SERVPRO can coordinate reconstruction efforts to make sure all new materials match with what was there before to ensure a seamless repair. We can also assist you in selecting any cabinets/vanities/etc. that need to be replaced. 

Click here to see an example of one of our previous reconstruction jobs!

SERVPRO is ready to respond to any size disaster, 24/7/365. Call us now, 847-593-3055!

Air Movers Get the Job Done

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

High volume air movers can direct clean, dry air at a high velocity in order to increase the rate of evaporation throughout each affected room.

Water damage can happen at any time, and it can be a stressful experience. Pipes can burst, sump pumps can fail, etc. Whatever it is, the good news is that SERVPRO is prepared. With industrial-grade drying equipment, such as our air movers, we can get your property dry before any further damage can occur. 

High volume air movers can direct clean, dry air at a high velocity in order to increase the rate of evaporation throughout each affected room. These come in handy for ventilating entire rooms and drying items such as carpet, pads, drywall, and wooden studs. 

Paired with a dehumidifier, which removes moisture from the air, air movers prove to be invaluable in high-humidity environments. The dry air pumped through our air movers will help move moisture-soaked air toward our dehumidifiers, which promotes a faster drying time.

At SERVPRO, we provide water damage restoration services to Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, and all throughout the Chicagoland area. Water damage repairs are carried out with the utmost care by our qualified professionals. We understand that your property and possessions are precious, and we will be sure to do our job safely and quickly. Large or small, we can make it "Like it never even happened." 

Call us 24/7/365 at 847-593-3055 today!

Calm Before The Storm

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready to respond 24/7 during this weekend's Winter Weather Watch!

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch throughout the Chicagoland area that will be in effect through the weekend. The area will be expecting a mix of heavy rain, followed by freezing temperatures and potentially more than half a foot of snowfall.

We urge everyone to stay safe! In the event of water damage caused by the weather, SERVPRO is available 24/7 to take care of your emergency! We are highly trained and experienced in dealing with a variety of water damages, from pipe bursts to water main breaks to sump pump failures, and we can also work with your insurance companies to ensure your claims are filed quickly and properly. 

We are an independently owned and operated franchise, and we service the areas of Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, and the surrounding areas. No job is too big or too small, and we are available 24/7 to provide emergency services. Call us at (847) 593-3055!

Categories and Classes of Water Damage

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

The cleanliness of water (category) and the scale of damage (class) determines what procedures will be followed for mitigation.

At SERVPRO, we have been working with various degrees of water damage for almost twenty years. Our experiences range from small leaks to total property losses. 

When dealing with water damage, we follow IICRC standards and guidelines to ensure proper mitigation. Part of determining what the procedures will be depends upon what type of water has affected the property, as well the extent of the damage.

Categories

Category refers to the type of water affecting the structure.

• Cat 1 (Clean): Water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Examples include: broken water supply lines; melting ice or snow; falling rainwater; or broken toilet tanks.
• Cat 2 (Gray): Water contains significant contamination and can potentially cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Examples include: discharge from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from washing machines; or toilet overflows with some contaminants.
• Cat 3 (Black): Water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed. Examples include: sewage; rising water from rivers and streams; wasteline backflow; or water with traces of regulated or hazardous materials such as pesticides or toxic organic substances.

Classes

Class refers to how much water and how the water has affected the structure.

• Class 1 – least moisture absorption (less than ~5% of combined floor, wall and ceiling surface area)
• Class 2 – significant moisture absorption (~5% to ~40% of combined surface area)
• Class 3 – greatest moisture absorption (more than ~40% of combined surface area)
• Class 4 – deeply held or bound water into low evaporation materials (e.g. plaster, wood, concrete, masonry) or assemblies (e.g. multilayer wallboard, subfloors)

We at SERVPRO service the Chicagoland area, including Elk Grove, Schaumburg, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, and the surrounding area. For a fast 24/7 emergency response, call (847) 593-3055!

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Palatine

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing what winter is capable of causing in Chicago, now is the time to take extra precautions and know what to do when frozen pipes occur.

2019 is almost over, and it is always wise to look back on lessons learned the past year. In January, when the Polar Vortex hit, many houses in Elk Grove, Schaumburg, Palatine, etc. experienced large-scale water losses caused by burst frozen pipes. Knowing what winter is capable of causing in Chicago, now is the time to take extra precautions and know what to do when frozen pipes occur.

If you suspect your property may have frozen pipes, it is best to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and potentially repair and help prevent any damages. If you would like to try to take matters into your own hands, here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid using open flames, heat guns, etc. to thaw your pipes. 
• Pipe bursts occur not just because of frozen water, but from increasing water pressure as ice builds up. Relieve water pressure on your lines. Ways you can do this are turning off your water supply or trickling your faucets. Water may still freeze, but allowing pressure to escape can help prevent pipes from bursting.
• If you are able to visually access pipes along your walls, look for swollen areas or frost. If you see any, turn up the heat throughout the building.
• Use space heaters to provide extra heat in particular areas (though do not leave such appliances unattended).
• If you need to target specific areas, a hairdryer, heating pad, or simply a cloth wet with hot water can be applied.

In the unfortunate event your home or business experiences water damage caused by a frozen pipe, please give us a call! SERVPRO operates 24/7 and offers quick emergency response time to effectively mitigate any further damage. (847) 593-3055

Snowvembruary: Winter Weather Records in Chicagoland

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

In the unfortunate event your property experiences a winter weather-related disaster, SERVPRO is ready and available 24/7 to take care of you!

We are more than a month away from the "official" start of winter, yet the weather in the Chicagoland area is already proving this year's winter season will be one for the books. Yesterday was the snowiest November 11th on record in Chicago, and today is the coldest November 12th on record. After this, the temperatures will slowly climb back up, which could potentially cause the snow to melt at a rapid pace. If you are a homeowner, make sure you are ready for any potential water damage or floods, including checking to make sure your sump pump is in working order, any foundation cracks or window cracks are sealed, gutters are cleaned out, etc.

In the unfortunate event your home or business property experiences a winter weather-related disaster, SERVPRO is ready and available 24/7 to take care of your needs! Do not hesitate, give us a call at (847) 593-3055!

Schaumburg Water Damage Emergencies are SERVPRO's Speciality!

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

One of our air movers drying underneath a wet staircase.

Flooded basements can be a stressful time for a homeowner. Whether flooding occurs from sump pump failures, water main backups, burst pipes, etc., it can be difficult to know what to do next in these situations. 

Calling your insurance company is key to understanding whether you are covered for the damages. After determining coverage, your insurance company would likely recommend you a restoration company such as SERVPRO to come inspect the damages. SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many insurance companies, and we are relied upon to get to your flooded basement emergency as quickly as possible. When it comes to water damages, fast emergency response time is vital to ensure further damages can be prevented, thus keeping claims costs down. That is why SERVPRO keeps a crew on-call 24/7; no matter when an emergency happens, we are ready to help.

SERVPRO is locally owned and operated, and we provide services all throughout the Elk Grove and Palatine area, and beyond. Do not hesitate to call us when disaster strikes! (847) 593-3055

Flooded Basements are SERVPRO's Speciality

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

It happens to everyone. Sump pumps fail, pipes burst, sewer lines back up. There are a myriad of reasons basements may flood, and we at SERVPRO have seen it all. Luckily, we are IICRC certified professionals, meaning we utilize industry-standard practices and procedures to make sure your flooded basement is properly taken care of.

After the initial assessment, a crew chief will discuss with you and (if going through insurance) your adjuster regarding the work to be performed, ensuring everything we do is pre-approved and signed off on. When done properly, your basement can be dried out within three days by following standard procedures and utilizing the most effective drying equipment available. 

24/7 Response

At SERVPRO of Elk Grove/E. Schaumburg/Itasca/Roselle and SERVPRO of Palatine/Rolling Meadows, we understand time is of the essence when it comes to saving your flooded basement. That is why we make ourselves available 24/7, with an on call crew ready to respond to your emergency situation and be Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call us today at (847) 593-3055 to begin the restoration process!

Fast Extraction Techniques For Water Damaged Roselle Apartments

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fast Extraction Techniques For Damaged Roselle Apartments

Apartment buildings in Roselle dealing with the devastating effects of any loss incident can see these symptoms penetrate wall cavities and permeate shared construction elements to affect multiple units simultaneously. This situation is true when it comes to water loss incidents, as substantial events can allow for heavy pooling and standing water to remain in the apartment, which can move between units to cause more damage. We have experienced and dedicated professionals who can help.

When these damages occur, water removal is a vital service that your Roselle apartment needs right away. The worse the conditions are in your property, the more that one can assume the incident and its symptoms have spread to the other residences that share walls and floors. Our SERVPRO professionals arrive with the full measure of our cleaning, drying, and extraction equipment, helping our entire roster on-site to begin vital mitigation and recovery work right away.

The objective of our professionals when we first reach a damaged apartment is to work to keep the situation from getting worse. Often mitigation can address the spread of effects, but our specialists do not fully understand the extent of the damage until we employ our advanced hygrometers, moisture content readers, and thermal imagery devices to note specifically the path that the water damage has taken throughout the building.

Standing water presents threats to not only the flooring and the structural integrity of specific areas of your apartment, but penetration of this flooring can lead to water damage in the level below you as well. We have an array of extraction tools capable of reaching inaccessible areas and powerful enough to remove standing water at a rate of 300 psi. We always have the right tool for the job.

Extraction is a vital component of recovery when water loss incidents affect apartment buildings. Our team can respond quickly to these emergencies with the experience and tools to help. Give our technicians a call anytime that you need us at (847) 593-3055.

6 Steps to Avoid a Flooded Basement

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

When the weather warms up, your basement may be at risk for severe flooding and water damage.

After the deep freeze of "Chiberia," the weather is going to see a massive spike in temperature. This means there is potential for excessive snowmelt, which can cause floods in your Itasca property. On top of frozen pipes bursting, your basement may be at risk for severe flooding and water damage.

To Avoid Flood Damage to Your Basement:

1. Confirm your sump pump is in working order. Also consider buying a generator in case of power failure, as well as having a backup battery sump pump installed.
2. Once the weather warms up and the snow begins to melt, check for any cracks in the exterior of your foundation and basement floors and walls, and use epoxy for a quick repair.
3. Clean any debris from gutters to ensure proper waterflow, and check to make sure your downspouts are properly positioned away from your house.
4. Remove any valuable and/or fragile items away from potential flood sources. 
5. Ensure window well covers for below grade basement windows are properly installed and in good condition. 
6. Have your sewer wells inspected and your septic tanks cleaned. A clogged sewer or septic tank could further increase the risk of flooding.

In the unfortunate event a flood in your basement occurs, call SERVPRO to begin the restoration process. Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage, so don't wait! Call us anytime, 24/7 at (847) 593-3055!

Our Water Damage Restoration Process - From the First Call to the Final Rebuild

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

From the first call to the final rebuild, we will see the project through in order to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Repairing water damage in your Medinah home is a more intensive and involved process than simply removing standing water and letting the room dry on its own. There may be hidden moisture within the walls and flooring that standard dehumidifiers and fans will not be able to remove, and complete drying may require tearing out wet materials. It is vital to have a professional team that is trained and equipped to ensure every step of the storm damage restoration process is carried out precisely.

1. Water Extraction

Before doing anything else, all standing water needs to be removed. This involves the use of industrial-grade extractors to thoroughly vacuum any standing water. Our technicians can also relocate and pack away any furniture or other items so that the proper equipment can be moved in. 

2. Removal of Wet Materials

Once all standing water is gone, our technicians will determine what is salvageable. We follow the mentality of “restore vs replace”; we will save whatever we can to help save money for you and your insurance. If the material is not salvageable, we will tear out and dispose of it for you. Materials that are typically unsalvageable are drywall, insulation, and carpet pad.

3. Drying

We utilize industrial-grade fans and dehumidifiers to ensure quick drying. Our technicians will create a drying plan and a layout of equipment in order to maximize efficiency in drying and reduce risk of further damage. We will also look at all items affected by the flood to see what can be salvaged, documenting any damage with photos to include with your claim.

4. Restoration

SERVPRO not only oversees the drying process, but we also oversee reconstruction to put your home back together. From the first call to the final rebuild, we will see the project through in order to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Don’t wait to address water damage to your property! SERVPRO of Elk Grove/E. Schaumburg/Itasca/Roselle and SERVPRO of Palatine/Rolling Meadows are ready and available 24/7 to respond to your needs. Call us today!

What To Do When Winter Weather Water Damage in Elk Grove Occurs

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

With winter weather rearing its ugly head in the Chicagoland area, it is vital to make sure your home or property is protected from the elements, whether that be ice, snow, or wind. SERVPRO provides services in Elk Grove, E. Schaumburg, Itasca, Roselle, Wood Dale, Medinah and beyond to remediate water damage from frozen pipes, ice dams, roof damage, etc.

Frozen Pipes

Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:

• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines

Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:

• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Garages

Ice Dams

An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.

Roof Damage

Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.

What to Do

In the unfortunate event you experience a water damage event, SERVPRO is ready 24/7 to take care of your needs.  Until we arrive, here are some steps you can take:

1. If there is water over the electrical sockets on the floor or walls, stay clear of the area!
2. Identify the source of water: sanitary water (i.e. broken pipe) / contaminated water (i.e. washing machine overflow) / grossly contaminated water (i.e. sewage damage).
3. Stop the source of the water and secure any broken or loose pieces (i.e. broken pipe, valve, etc).
4. If you are filing a claim, take photos of each affected area (especially damaged contents like computers or electronics). SERVPRO technicians will also take additional photos of affected areas and items.
5. Watch for any slippery floor conditions.

SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster

For your winter weather water damage needs, SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle is ready and available 24/7 to provide you with quality restoration services. Call us at (847) 593-3055 for immediate assistance!

Expert Water Damage Restoration Services Available Through SERVPRO

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

If you are experiencing water damage of any type in your home, contact our emergency service line 24/7, 365-days a year. We are here to quickly take care of water damage situations for you. Water leakage can cause significant damage to your home and belongings, which is why it is vital to respond to this situation immediately. Our highly trained staff makes your restoration process as stress-free as possible by keeping you informed and communicating with your insurance company to get the most out of your claim.

SERVPRO has IICRC-certified professionals who follow strict safety and health guidelines throughout the restoration process. Rest assured, our team has the equipment, resources, and expertise to perform any repairs, replacements, or reconstruction projects necessary for the restoration.

SERVPRO always strives to be Faster To Any Disaster. With an entire Green Fleet of vehicles, stocked and ready to deploy, our technicians are ready to provide you with professional restoration done right. Contact SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle for full-service solutions throughout the Chicago suburbs. (847) 593-3055

Our Extensive Residential Water Removal Process

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

No matter what has caused water damage in your home, you can trust SERVPRO to leave your home "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO locations around the country have had decades of experience and millions of unique cases to develop cost-effective and time-optimized mitigation and restoration strategies for residential water removal. We pride ourselves on bringing that same thoroughly-planned treatment to our local clients no matter how large or small the issue. Our technology is specifically engineered to allow machines, sensory equipment, and our trained personnel to work in perfect sync. As an example of our specialization and efficiency, take a look at our standard water removal procedure.

Mitigation

First and foremost in any water removal job is to identify and neutralize the source of damage. If the damage has been caused by a storm or other natural causes, the issue most likely solves itself by the time our technicians arrive. Otherwise, our personnel helps to identify the source of the issue and shut it down. Once the environment is safe to work in, we immediately begin pumping out water and performing preliminary mitigation efforts aimed at preventing further damage.

Air Movers

Once we have pumped out all water possible, we still must take care of the thin layers of water that stick to surface and subsurface layers around your home. For this task, we use air movers - powerful machines designed to create directed air currents in a specific region or pattern. These effectively pick up water droplets from any surface in their path, putting them into the air for dehumidifiers to handle.

Dehumidifiers

Once the water is airborne, we cannot simply leave it to settle once more in your home. Our IICRC-certified technicians use thermal and chemical dehumidifiers to suck the water into manageable, movable containers, the final step in our water removal process. After this process, we can begin work on deodorization and restorations. At SERVPRO, our ultimate goal is complete livability in the home, not just a quick water removal job!

SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle is there when you need us most to help you mitigate and recover from water damage of any variety. Just give us a call at (847) 593-3055.

Thorough Water Removal and Drying Techniques to Prevent Problems in the Future

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Having an accident or flood can be a devastating experience. Even a little water can lead to significant damage if given enough time. It can affect your belongings, furniture, and even the structural stability of your home. 

When facing water removal issues in your Elk Grove area home, it is important to have a trained professional on your side. You want to locate the source of the problem, get excess water out of your home, and have someone available to deal with unsuspected damages. 
  
SERVPRO has 24-hour emergency service, IICRC certified technicians, industrial-grade equipment, and years of experience providing extraction, drying, cleaning, and repair services for customers just like you. We understand how water works, making its way into cracks and crevices, leading to expensive damages. 
  
Our technicians use infrared moisture detectors to locate even the smallest amounts of water, water extractors of all shapes and sizes, along with drying and dehumidification equipment to get water out of your home in a quick, efficient manner that limits any losses you may experience.  
  
We can perform wet carpet removals, content and structural decontamination, humid or flooded basement cleanup services, as well as complete structural drying. We even make sure that the inside of your walls remain entirely moisture-free and perform mold remediation services when necessary to help you maintain a clean, healthy home.  
  
Attempting to perform your water removal services alone leaves you with hidden pockets of water throughout your home that can cause excessive damages in the future. Without the right tools and experience, everything can get out of hand quite fast, leaving you with a huge mess and significant problems that you simply do not understand. 
  
We can provide you and your family with the services you deserve. By assigning qualified technicians, we help return everything to normal in a quick, efficient manner, after an emergency occurs.  
  
Get the help you need by calling SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle, today! (847) 593-3055 

Protect Your Home From Water Damage By Calling SERVPRO

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help prevent excessive water in basements, where groundwater makes its way into your home through cracks in the floor.

Water is smart, giving way to paths that provide resistance to locate more intrusive ways to enter your home. Seeking these paths of least resistance means that as water finds its way into your home, there are often multiple areas to focus on that may contain water.

There are a variety of ways that water can enter your home, making professional water removal services your best option for preventing damages that can develop over time. Having a pre-existing relationship with a local restoration company gives an expertly trained technician the opportunity to inspect your property and eliminate problems that already exist.

SERVPRO can help prevent excessive water in basements. Pressure buildup beneath your basement floor creates cracks that allow groundwater to break through, causing mold damage and corrosion over time. Untreated materials found in your basement also cause severe problems with structural stabilization if left untreated for too long.

Even if you take all of the necessary precautions to avoid damage during a flood, common construction methods tend to leave small spaces between the footer and your basement floor. SERVPRO technicians have experienced jobs where window wells hold excessive moisture and allow it to seep into your basement, walls, or flooring, while other types of walls sweat, causing water to pool inside.

SERVPRO’s expertly trained water removal technicians have an answer to all of these problems and more. Our IICRC-certified technicians use industrial-grade water removal equipment, including infrared moisture detection devices to locate and remove pockets of moisture hidden throughout your home.

Whether water gains access to your home through cracks in your floor, under the footer, from bleeding or sweating through walls, natural disasters, or plumbing accidents, one thing is certain. You want to get the water out of your home as soon as possible to prevent additional damages or health problems that could affect your family.

Contact SERVPRO of Elk Grove / E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle for all of your water removal needs. We are available throughout the area 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, providing quality solutions that our customers can trust. (847) 593-3055

Can My Water Damaged Documents Be Saved?

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Vacuum Freeze Drying Chamber

Dealing with the aftermath of water damage in your property can be a stressful process, all the more exacerbated if any documents and records were affected. Water-damaged paper can deteriorate rapidly, and without proper handling, valuable files and irreplaceable documents could be lost forever.

SERVPRO is well-equipped to handle any damaged paper goods.

• Vacuum Freeze Drying - The item containing moisture is frozen and dried using various vacuums and pressures to achieve sublimation (direct conversion of a solid into a gas, skipping the liquid state).
• Digitizing - In the digital age, digitizing records and documents has become a standard practice in most industries. If your file room was damaged by water and needs to be cleaned, dried, or decontaminated, this may be a good choice to eliminate the need to have hundreds or even thousands of documents and records in storage.
• Gamma Irradiation - When dealing with water damage from a storm situation, flooding or sewage, most of the affected documents will be contaminated. Gamma irradiation will clean/disinfect and decontaminate paper goods by emitting high-energy photos from an isotope scope (cobalt 60) producing ionization (electron disruptions) throughout the items. This will leave the paper clean and decontaminated without leaving behind any residual radiation.
• Certified destruction - If, for any reason, materials need to be disposed of, we will certify with all entities that their products and materials are destroyed. We aim to protect one’s liabilities, brand image, or proprietary information, and to give you peace of mind that your documents are disposed of properly.

You can trust SERVPRO to take care of all your water damage needs. Call us today!

What Are Air Movers?

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Our air movers, ready to service you at any time.

Domestic plumbing is not invulnerable. Pipes can crack, gutters can clog, and toilets can overflow. Even with careful maintenance, all it takes is a torrential rainfall or malfunctioning water equipment to cause significant water damage to your property.

The good news is that SERVPRO is prepared. With industry-approved equipment and tools, such as our air movers, the effects of water damage can be mitigated properly.

High volume air movers can direct clean, dry air at a high velocity through water damaged spaces in order to increase the rate of evaporation. These come in handy for ventilating entire rooms and drying items such as carpet, pads, walls, and furniture. Air movers can even help to rapidly remove gases and fumes.

Paired with a dehumidifier, which removes moisture from air, air movers prove to be invaluable in high-humidity environments. The dry air pumped through our air movers will help move moisture-soaked air toward our dehumidifiers, which promotes faster drying time.

At SERVPRO of Elk Grove /E. Schaumburg / Itasca / Roselle, water damage repairs are carried out with the utmost care. We understand that your property and possessions are precious, and we will be sure to do our job safely and quickly and make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us 24/7 at (847) 593-3055 today to arrange a home visit.