Constant Communication

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® knows that when your residential or commercial property is threatened with damage, it can be a very stressful and unknown time. This is why we make it a priority to communicate with our clients every step of the way. SERVPRO® will provide detailed information to our customers in every step of the restoration process so that our valued customers are never left in the dark. Afterall, having repair teams working on your private property and belongings can come with questions or concerns. 

Beginning with the initial phone call to SERVPRO, our office staff will talk through options and scheduling with the customer. The staff will gather information and let the customer know that SERVPRO is here to help. A Project Manager will scope the loss and provide an estimate. These managers will also discuss the restoration process with the customer and inform him or her of the work that will need to be done on the property. Our skilled technicians will work to make fire, water or mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Our consistent communication continues through the payment process with our office staff and follow-up conversations.  

Fires Caused by Household Appliances

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Although convenient, many household appliances can often malfunction and lead to home or apartment fires. Whether it be a washer and dryer, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other cooking appliances, these items are used routinely and help our lives, but can also have detrimental effects if used carelessly, left unattended or malfunctioning. SERVPRO can be there to restore a commercial or residential property following fire and smoke damage and is always Here to help. To prevent a possible fire due to a household appliance and protect your property, here are three things you can do.   

1. Never leave heated cookware on overnight such as crockpots. Use of these appliances should be supervised in case of a heating element or wiring malfunction. 
2. Never leave an appliance running while away. Coming home to clean dishes from the dishwasher may sound nice after being away, but electrical issues may stem from heating elements which can cause fire.  
3. Do not overload your washer or dryer, and always make sure to clean out the lint trap. 

Commercial Property Services

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give SERVPRO of Lockport / Lemont / Homer Glen a call, and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

Mold and Moisture

8/15/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know one of the most effective ways to limit mold is to mitigate water damage as quickly as possible? "Moisture control is the key to mold control. When water leaks or spills occur indoors-act promptly. A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean-up, drying, and/or removal of water-damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth." Quoated from OSHA 

Water extraction to remove excessive amounts of water followed by fast, thorough drying of the structure and contents is important in preventing mold growth. In the event mold remediation is required, SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen will perform mold remediation work according to industry standards. 

Water Prevention Tips

8/10/2023 (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 Aurora is prepared to assist you with any water damage issues.  

How Long Does Smoke Smell Linger in a Home

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Available for Expert Fire Damage Restoration, Including Addressing Smoke Odors in Your Home

There are times when one of the more significant challenges after a house fire, is ensuring that there are no lingering odors from smoke and soot residue. Unless these particles get addressed using tried-and-true expert techniques, there is the potential to spread throughout the home and to become a constant reminder of the fire event. This is where our IICRC-certified technicians at SERVPRO are here to help!

What Can Be Done to Fight Smoke Odors?

When our skilled technicians get called to help with fire damage, we pay close attention to the entire job. This means assessing the full scope of your loss, including any areas where soot particles and smoke residue settled. Even the smallest bit of residue left behind can cause odors to sprout up weeks or months down the road. This is why we have a series of carefully planned steps we take to execute a full restoration on your property.

How Do You Work Through the Damage?

Once you call us for fire restoration services, a fully equipped crew arrives at your property in as little as 4 hours or less. Our crew chief begins the assessment so that a detailed plan of action can get put into place. Addressing a fire loss with heavy smoke damage includes:

•   Testing and Cleaning

Once your interior is deemed safe to enter, and the plan is formulated, we work to remove items that are too charred to salvage. This helps us to limit the amount of soot spread from one location to another while also lessening odors throughout the interior. Our technicians test the smoke residue, which allows us to select cleaning agents carefully. This ensures more efficient cleaning as well as cuts back on the potential for damage using incorrect cleaning measures.

•   Residue Cleaning Options

We see two main types of smoke damage after a fire loss. Dry smoke requires careful cleaning because wet cleaning agents might drive the residue further into the surfaces. We take our time, using care to lift the dry smoke using sponges and soft cloths. With wet smoke, it often binds to surfaces. This calls for solvent-based cleaners to lift it for removal safely. The initial testing done helps ensure no marring happens on any surfaces.

•   Content Cleaning

There will be items within your home covered in soot and smoke residue. We handle all of these items on a case by case basis, using a variety of methods to suit each item. Non-porous items can be cleaned using our specialized immersion method. This is when items get immersed in a cleaning solution that helps carefully remove the residue, restoring it to like-new condition. Fabric items and upholstery get tested to ensure no damage comes to the materials, with our technicians often using soft bristle brushes to remove particles. 

Why Can’t I Handle the Cleaning on My Own?

Regardless of the nature or scope of the blaze, we have the cleaning technicians equipped to handle the job. Our team is fully accredited in both Odor Control (OCT) and Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT). Just a sampling of the tasks we cover throughout the restoration process includes:

•   Debris removal
•   Pack out services
•   Dry vacuuming
•   Surface cleaning
•   Moisture detection
•   Soot removal
•   Controlled demolition

We Make Sure No Foul Odors Linger

For any fire damage call, addressing odors is paramount. Deodorization is a critical element of the process, no matter the severity or size of the fire loss. Burning odors and smoke can intensify without professional mitigation such as removal of charred debris and surface cleaning. Our skilled technicians remove all of the noxious odors and neutralize them with a variety of advanced equipment, such as:

•   Thermal Fogging Equipment: These are units that heat up a deodorizing compound to put a fine mist on surfaces. This compound penetrates the porous materials to trap the odors in both your contents and structural materials. 
•   Hydroxyl Generators: These units utilize UV cleaning to help neutralize odors across an open area. The equipment features a HEPA filtration system that works to cut back on harmful particulates in the air. 

When Will My Home Be Ready?

Our team does everything we can to provide you with a working timeline of the project from start to finish. The crew works according to a plan that helps us to maintain efficiency without leaving anything unattended to. The job is wrapped up with a full cleaning and deodorization to ensure everything is sanitized and safe for your family to enjoy. We make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Restoration

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lockport/Lemont/Homer Glen offers a variety of cleaning and restoration services for businesses both large and small in nearby communities.  Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to respond to your emergency business damages, including sewage backups, water damages, and flooding occurrences.

When disaster strikes, our team responds as quickly as possible, working to mitigate the severity of damages, lessen the amount of time your business flow is interrupted, and begin getting your building back to its preloss condition.  Our top priority is to deliver the highest caliber of service, not only providing a full line of water, fire and mold damage remediation options, but also working with your insurance company to help alleviate the stress of the damage situation.

SERVPRO of Lockport/Lemont/Homer Glen's Large Loss Response Team, along with the backing of over 1,700 franchises nationwide, has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle any size commercial loss.  We have worked with a variety of local business owners, from small restaurants to multi-unit condominiums, and are Here to Help you and your business in your time of need.  To learn more about our services, please give us a call at 708-301-4200.

Mold Inside Your Home

6/29/2023 (Permalink)

Mold needs moisture, water, or humidity to grow and thrive. Mold spores can begin growing indoors when they land on wet surfaces. Some common places mold can thrive include:

• Showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets are common places for mold growth. These areas tend to be damp, and without proper ventilation, they provide the perfect environment.
• Air conditioning and heating vents.
• Fireplace and chimney. When not being used, fireplaces and chimneys are cool, damp, and dark - a fertile ground for mold spores.
• In the attic. If your roof has any possible leaks, mold can grow and spread through the ventilation system in the attic. It can also thrive in the insulation and soffit vents.
• In the basement. That all-too-familiar musty-basement smell is evidence of humidity and moisture, and more than likely mold. Most commonly it can be found around pipes and ducts, or near the foundation, sump pump, windows, or vents.

Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by eliminating moist conditions indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, it’s important to not only deal with it immediately and remove it; but resolve the root of the problem as well. In the right situation, mold will grow very quickly, in as little as 24- 48 hours. Call SERVPRO if you find mold in your home or business!

Smoke Damage Tips

6/28/2023 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers a fire, you may be at loss on what steps to take next. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase your chances of a successful restoration.

Do:

• Limit movement in the property. It helps prevent soot particles from becoming embedded into your carpet and upholstery.
• Keep hands clean. It could further soil upholstery, walls, woodwork, etc.
• Cover upholstery, rugs, and carpet traffic areas by placing dry, colorfast towels or old linens on them.
• If electricity is off, empty refrigerator/freezer. Clean completely and prop open doors to help prevent odors.
• Change HVAC filters; leave system off until a trained professional can check them.
• Cover air registers with cheesecloth. Tape double layers to prevent soot particles from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities reopen, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral, pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique. 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult 

Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high-frequency touchpoints, foot traffic, and congestion points.

Clean 

Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 

Certify

Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Consultation