SERVPRO Provides "Deep" Cleaning Commercial Services

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is called to perform all types of cleaning services, in addition to fire and water damage clean up and restoration.  In this case, a local restaurant owner called on SERVPRO to do a "deep" cleaning of the hardwood floors.

The normal wear and tear of this of this hardwood floor was beyond cleaning with traditional methods.  As a result, it was recommended that the floors be sanded and refinished, which would make these floors look shiny and new.  In this case the restaurant owner elected for our standard floor cleaning services but she will be using us in the spring when she will be ready for a complete sanding and refinishing of the entire restaurant.  SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen works with numerous subcontractors in many different industries to accomplish the task at hand.

How to Minimize Hail Damage

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen strives to put our customers at ease, guiding them and supporting them through the STORM emergency process while providing education and knowledge on how to best navigate the situation. 

Hail storms can strike without much warning, leaving you with little time to react. Being prepared in advance and knowing what to do can help you stay safe while keeping damage to a minimum. Consider signing up for local weather alerts, which deliver warnings when hail storms are approaching your area.

How to Minimize Hail Damage

• Large hail can shatter windows. Closing the drapes, blinds or window shades can help prevent the wind from blowing broken glass into your home or buildings.
• Whenever possible, park your vehicles inside a garage or under a carport.
• Patio and lawn furniture can be dented, broken or even shattered by hail. Move these items indoors or under a covered area when not in use.
• If you have plans to replace the roof covering on your home or business, consider using impact-resistant material if you live in a hail-prone area. 

Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen (708)-301-4200.

Fire Damage? Here's What YOU Can (and Can't) Do

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

After a fire causes damage to your home, we understand that you want to restore everything from your home to your possessions to "normal" as soon as possible. Here are some active steps you can and can't take following a fire

• DO make sure everyone in your family is safe, including all beloved pets. 
• DON'T enter the fire-damaged structure until the fire department deems it safe.
• DO document the damage with pictures once you have permission to reenter the home.
• DON'T turn on gas, water or electric utilities until a professional has deemed them safe.
• DO call insurance and utility providers to inform them of the fire. 
• DON'T wash smoke-damaged clothing yourself. This can set the smoke odors or stains and ruin them. Smoke-damaged clothing should quickly be taken to the dry cleaner. 
• DO Call SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen: If you experience fire damage, call the cleaning and restoration pros at SERVPRO to restore your home to its normal as soon as possible.

Spring Thunderstorms and How to Prepare

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Spring can bring lots of rainy weather and thunderstorms. Here are our top tips on how to prevent water damage and ensure your safety.

To keep your property safe:

• Keep up with your home maintenance- replace missing shingles and loose siding to prevent water from leaking in and damaging your home. 
• Check your sump pump- make sure it is in working order to prevent basement flooding.
• Check for loose fence posts- anything that's not secured can be blown into your house by the wind and cause damage.
• Trim your trees- make sure dead branches are removed to prevent them falling on your home or car. 
• If bad thunderstorms are in the forecast, have a generator on hand for the event of a possible power outage and prepare and emergency kit with flashlights, batteries and a first aid kit. 

To keep you safe:

• Check the forecast- be aware if a bad thunderstorm is predicted for your area.
• When thunder roars, go indoors- try to get out of the storm and find shelter inside in the event of a thunderstorm.
• Stay dry- do not shower, wash dishes or run water during a thunderstorm and avoid bodies of water.

Why Call SERVPRO When It Comes To A Fire?

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen has specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.

Board-ups - In some cases firefighters may break windows and cut holes in the roof in order to vent the fire. It is extremely important to secure openings to your home or structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and intrusion by outsiders.

Types of Fire/Smoke/Soot

Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.

Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs. Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue.

What to do after a fire:

• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.

What NOT to do after a fire:

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may damage garment further.

SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen has what it takes to restore your home back to pre loss condition.

Your Business and Water Do Not Mix

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

No matter the cause of flooding, water damage can have a detrimental effect on your commercial building. Whether a pipe burst in a bathroom overnight or floodwaters from torrential rains caused your building’s basement to flood, you may believe that since the damage is already done, there is no rush to have the water drained. However, floodwater can cause damage quicker than you might think, and there are several benefits to having it removed as soon as possible.

1. Mold Can Form Rapidly After a Flood

The environment indoors changes quickly after a flood. Water might be absorbed by carpeting and drywall, which can increase a room’s humidity. In fact, humid conditions can contribute to mold growth and cause this fungus to grow as soon as 24 hours after a flood. Having a professional water damage and mold remediation company come in right away to drain away flood waters and perform mold cleanup may reduce overall repair costs.

2. Humidity May Warp Wood

After a flood, the humidity that builds indoors can cause any wooden building materials to warp if mitigation does not take place within at least a day or two. If standing water is not removed, it can increase the amount of water vapor in the air and cause considerable damage to wooden furniture, molding or flooring. It is wise to remove furniture as soon as it is safe to do so and store it in a cool, dry room, away from sunlight, until affected rooms are repaired and restored.

3. Clean Water Floods Can Cause Damage

If flooding in your building was caused by a plumbing mishap, the results can be just as detrimental. For example, if a pipe burst in the break room, the water can affect electrical systems and equipment or short them out, which can increase the risk of fire. Draining away standing water can reduce these potential hazards.

Flooding in your commercial building can create a variety of problems for you as a business owner. However, whether the flooding was caused by a pipe burst or by a storm, acting quickly can prevent the worst of the damage and lower repair costs.SERVPRO® of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen is always here to help and to make it "Like it never even happened," for you!

Spring Showers Are Just Around The Corner!

2/17/2023 (Permalink)

Spring showers can lead to severe storms and the flooding of your home. We’re #HeretoHelp mitigate the resulting water damage to keep your shelter sturdy and safe. If a storm tears through Hinds County, SERVPRO is here to get your home or commercial business back in working order. SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen can handle any size disaster. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know by calling 708-301-4200. Don't hesitate to call us when disaster strikes. We are always #HereToHelp at SERVPRO!

SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

When Fires Happen - Leave It To SERVPRO To Clean Up!

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

It's devastating to experience the chaos of a fire in your house. Not only is it difficult to deal with the loss, but the clean up too. If it is a small isolated fire, getting the area cleaned and repaired should be a priority.

The first thing to consider is the ash and smoke damage that occurred. These can lead to corrosion, discoloration and unpleasant odor. Getting ash and smoke cleaned up immediately will prevent any of these from leading to an even larger problem.

Take these action steps if you find yourself handling the aftermath of a house fire.

1. Contact your insurance company.

2. Contact your local fire restoration company.

3. Take photographs of the damage.

4. Keep a record of all conversations with your insurance company.

5. Make a list of everything you lost or that was destroyed.

6. Find a place to stay while your restoration company cleans up your property.

So give us a call if disaster strikes your home or business! We are faster to any disaster and are ready to make things "Like it never even happened." 

Water Prevention Tips

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

One of the worst problems that homeowners encounter is water damage.  The causes range from weather related issues to aged or faulty plumbing systems.  Severe storms causing backups or flooding, cold temperatures resulting in pipes freezing and bursting, washer or dishwasher problems, sump pump failures and clogged drains are all types of water damage that can occur.  Water damage can cause a lot of damage to homes and property which will cost a significant amount of money to repair.  The best thing to avoid spending a lot of money on repairs is to prevent water damage from happening.

There are three key ways of preventing water damage that every home owner should know and apply.

• Watch for water leaks and address them promptly; inspect your roof occasionally and repair any damaged, loose and missing shingles. You should also check for stains on ceilings, toilets that shake and dark spots below pipes.
• Ensure all drains are clear and working properly. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear and make sure that your yard is sloped some distance away from the foundation.
• Check appliances (washer, dishwasher, ice maker) frequently and inspect the supply and drain lines to be sure that they’re in good condition. Check to ensure that your water heaters and sump pump are in good condition.

Other steps you can take to prevent water damage include: 

• Keeping track of your water bill.
• Disconnecting hoses when not in use.
• Installing water detection devices.
• Closing your water main whenever you are going away for an extended period.
• Taking care of your vegetation and trees.
• Avoid landscaping too close to the utility pipes.

If you have done all the above but are still facing water damage problems, it is time to seek professional help.  SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen is prepared to assist you with any water damage issues. Contact us at (708) 301-4200.  SERVPRO…working to make it “Like it never even happened.”

We are here to help

1/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, Homer Glen, IL is here to help during this time of need.

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.