Remediating Mold Damage From Textiles in your Buffalo Grove Residence

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

Mold only needs oxygen and moisture to grow. Call SERVPRO if you suspect mold in your Chicago home.

Mold Remediation Is Available in Buffalo Grove

Mold is a nuisance that can cause unpleasant odors in your home. It is a living organism that uses enzymes to digest organic matter, converted into energy needed for continued growth. Over time, fungi can deteriorate textiles and organic materials like wood or gypsum board. Professional mold remediation is often necessary to curb microbial growth.

The presence of mold damage in your Buffalo Grove home can creep up unnoticed. Mold is well-known for growing in hidden recesses of a property because it does not require a source of light to grow and reproduce. Signs of microbial growth are often only noticed once the problem has become significant and mold colonies become visible or release malodors. Cleaning the surface of stains does not always address the underlying cause, so you may find that mold returns a few days after cleaning. These situations often require a professional remediation technician to address the source of the problem and use chemicals or equipment to prevent it from returning. Molds attach themselves to surfaces using hyphae, making them tough to remove. They can also spread rapidly through porous materials. Infested materials often have to be destroyed, controlled demolition entirely to remediate microbial organisms. 

Naturally Occurring Causes of Mold in a Home Environment

• Microorganisms need water to grow, which means a mold problem often indicates a water leak or condensation issue somewhere in the home.
• Organic, naturally porous materials like drywall allow microbes to penetrate them entirely and often require replacement.
• Damp, dark areas of the home, such as the underside of carpets, can be ideal for mold damage.
• It is typical for inexpensive, infested materials to be removed and disposed of altogether. However, some materials may have an inherent value that undermines the cost efficiency of destroying these items. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified and equipped with advanced machinery to restore certain high-value items following a mold infestation. Upholstery and drapery machines are built from three core elements. These include a heating element, a vacuum, and a waste tank. Plush carpets or upholstery with surface molds can often be restored to preloss condition by using this equipment in a process known as hot water extraction. A technician can fill the designated solution tank with a registered anti-microbial chemical or cleaning solvent. Hot water extraction helps rinse the affected material with cleaning fluid and then vacuum any debris or soiling into a waste tank to be disposed of safely. 

When deciding on the use-value of mechanical cleaning equipment, which includes both hot water extractors and the suspended cleaning system of Esporta washing machines, technicians must first calculate the cost of replacement versus the cost of restoration. It may often be cheaper and more time-efficient to dispose of mold-infested textiles. However, our technicians can use these advanced techniques and equipment to return precious belongings to a preloss condition in some instances. Understanding how this equipment works on textiles can be essential to calculating their use-value.

Hot Water Extraction Equipment and Their Components

• The solution tank is fitted with a pumping filter to prevent soiling from entering the solution during the cleaning process.
• Liquid cleaning solutions can include fabric conditioners, anti-microbial treatments, and carpet shampoos.
• The waste tank can be removed and taken to a designated wastewater facility for safe disposal.

Mold can lead to extensive damage. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for mold damage cleanup at (847) 279-1940.

How Extraction and Pumping Equipment Helps Buffalo Grove Residents with Water Damage

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians can detect hidden moisture from water damage in Chicago and properly remediate the damage.

SERVPRO is an Expert Water Removal Service in Buffalo Grove

A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home in a matter of hours. Small amounts of water can stagnate quickly, leading to secondary damage. Standing water can exert excessive pound-for-pound pressure onto wall jointing and floors. We are available twenty-four hours a day to help with your home emergency.

A water damage site in Buffalo Grove can occur at any time. One of the most powerful responses to a water intrusion issue is to enlist professional water restoration technicians (WRT). SERVPRO is a local service that employs qualified technicians and equips them with advanced equipment. We can help mitigate losses in your home by correctly deploying water extraction equipment. Suppose a burst pipe has released large amounts of water into your home, rising above two inches in water level. In that case, our team can bring submersible water pumps to reduce standing water levels and relieve pressure on the structure of your property. Pumps are usually driven by portable generators powerful enough to transport liquid water as far as twenty-five feet away from home and deposit it into a nearby sewer point. No water intrusion events are the same, so pumping equipment comes in various styles with different usage requirements. 

Pumping Standing Water Out of a Residential Property Mitigates Water Damage

• Waste (trash) pumps are capable of passing solid matter and water. We use these pumps when water comes from a contaminated source or has significant debris.
• High-pressure pumps are helpful for underground areas of the home, such as basements, because they generate enough force to move water uphill. 
• Electric submersible pumps are among the most commonly used and can efficiently reduce standing water from home.

Reducing standing water levels ensures that the structure of your home is safe from damage. Pumping can also help to minimize water migration. Water migration begins immediately when water intrudes in a property and can pool inside wall or floor cavities. However, simply reducing the standing water level is not enough to mitigate water damage. Small amounts of moisture can weaken carpets by up to 50%, while wet surfaces significantly increase the likelihood of secondary damages such as mold growth. To mitigate against these potential damages, our technicians use water extractors. Extraction equipment comes in both portable and truck-mounted varieties. Truck-mounts can remove up to 100 gallons of water at a time, while portable extractors are helpful for upper floors and can hold 30 to 40 gallons before emptying. Extraction is much more efficient at reducing water residues than air-moving or dehumidification. Therefore, the equipment of choice when dealing with large amounts of moisture in a home. 

Water Extractors and Their Usage Lessen Water Damage in Buffalo Grove

• Weighted water extractors help to compress thicker carpets or textiles. Moisture is squeezed from the material to be extracted into a storage tank.
• Light wand extractors can be used in tough to reach areas such as subfloors or in the home's upper levels. 
• Hot water extraction is a process that we use to remove contaminants from salvageable textiles such as carpets and is an effective cleaning tool. 

Emergency mitigation can save thousands of dollars in restoration costs. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for water damage restoration at (847) 279-1940.

Helping Hundreds of Buffalo Grove Homeowners Overcome Fire Damage

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

Fires and the damage they leave behind can be overwhelming. After your home in Chicago has suffered fire damage, contact SERVPRO.

We Use Professional Technicians for Fire Damaged Buffalo Grove Homes

There are 358,500 house fires in the US every year, according to data from 2022. Over 50% of these fires occur in the kitchen. Other common areas include bedrooms and chimneys. Emergencies like this can be hard to plan for because of their unexpected nature. SERVPRO is here to help return your fire damaged Buffalo Grove home to its preloss condition after a sudden disaster. 

Technicians specializing in restoring fire damage in Buffalo Grove often act as the crucial contact between homeowner and insurance adjuster. Adjusters assess the necessary claims for your insurance while technicians perform the restoration. One task for technicians in the early stages of restoration is to consult and test the damages in your home. By physically testing soot deposits on your home's contents and structure, we can pass on accurate advice to an insurance adjuster. A pre-testing toolkit usually includes dry sponges, detergents, scraping tools, and measuring equipment. The toolkit is vital to allowing technicians to organize restoration, assess equipment needs, and sort salvageable versus non-salvageable materials. A home may appear irreparably damaged after a fire, but careful testing can prove that this is not the case. 

Technicians Use Fire Pre-testing to Assess:

• What parts of the structure and contents are cleanable. Cleanable items can reduce claims expense by restoration instead of replacement.
• Color comparisons can provide definitive information on which parts of the home are unaffected and do not require additional work.
• Testing allows us to present an accurate data set to your insurance adjuster, which can help to speed up the process and estimate the overall work.

Efficient pre-testing can help SERVPRO to coordinate production. Coordination can include putting together a roster of technicians with the right skill set to perform the restoration. These may consist of carpet cleaning specialists (CCT), odor control technicians (OCT), or even general construction experts (OSHA). We can also organize subcontractors such as electrical repair to ensure the production process runs smoothly. A job file is created with photographic evidence of damages caused by fire, forms such as the authorization to perform service, briefing notes, and documenting damages. Job files help us communicate with you about works done and pass notation onto your insurer for a stress-free claim. 

Common tasks that result from pre-testing and coordinating production involve cleaning stubborn smoke residues and tackling odor problems. Smoke residues move into clean pockets of air during a fire. This movement can result in deposits building up in crevices and cracks. Sometimes, smoke can be stubborn to remove or greasy and wet. Using the results of our pre-test, we can use dry solvents to help dissolve soots into a solution. Applying a rinsing agent allows us to simultaneously remove both the soot and the solvent, leaving surfaces clean and smoke-free. Odor control often occurs once a property is clean and dry. If odors persist, advanced equipment such as misters are deployed to disperse deodorants into the environment. 

Restoration Equipment That Tackles Smoke and Odor

• Ultra low-volume thermal foggers (ULV) vaporize deodorants and allow technicians to fumigate large areas of the home quickly. 
• Chemical pairing agents in the ULV mist find odors and bond with them. This bonding process causes the particles to sink to the floor, where they can easily be cleaned. 
• Solvents for use on metal, wood, or textiles can be highly effective at cleaning, provided the material has been carefully pre-tested to avoid accidental damage. 

A home can often be restored from smoke or odor without replacing all belongings. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for fire damage restoration at (847) 279-1940.

SERVPRO’s Water Removal Services Save Homes in Buffalo Grove

3/26/2023 (Permalink)

When flooding affects your home, many issues can result. Contact SERVPRO for both water removal and drying services immediately after.

Buffalo Grove Water Removal Kills Harmful Microbes

Flood-related microbes are a serious threat to your Buffalo Grove home if it is ever inundated by stormwater. Special procedures, chemicals, and equipment are necessary to effectively clean up these troublesome microorganisms. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the requisite experience and everything else necessary to successfully prevent these tiny pests from ruining your residence. 

SERVPRO is Buffalo Grove’s go-to water removal service. In addition to doing basic water removal work, we also offer complete flood restoration that includes biohazard remediation like sewage cleanup, basement flooding clearing, and extensive water damage repairs. Once at your home, our trained professionals work to eliminate harmful bacteria and other microscopic threats by:

• First, treating floodwater-impacted environments with a broad spectrum, EPA-registered biocide before work begins to make them safer to operate in
• Next, discarding any contaminated furnishings and materials to facilitate the remediation process and rapidly removing any standing water with powerful extractors
• Then, diligently working to reduce and keep interior relative humidity levels below sixty percent with state-of-the-art air movers, dehumidifiers, and Injectidry systems 
• Simultaneously, using air conditioning units to keep indoor temperatures below forty degrees Fahrenheit to inhibit bacterial growth and limit its effects
• Later, treating all impacted surfaces and materials a second time with cutting-edge disinfectants, ensuring that chemical agents are mixed correctly, applied appropriately to affected materials and surfaces, and allowed to remain on items for enough time
• Finally, fogging interior areas with antimicrobials and deodorants to neutralize any remaining harmful microorganisms in the air and eliminate unpleasant smells 

After these measures have been taken, your home has usually been protected from further issues related to the current flood event. Ultimately, SERVPRO’s efforts help residents and restore the livability of their residences.

With that said, whenever you need fast and effective water removal services, remember your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich. We are always ready for your call at (847) 279-1940.

Fast Mold Remediation Control of Infestations in Buffalo Grove Homes

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO inspects for mold damage in Buffalo Grove properties. We remediate if found and restore the home "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Provides Mold Remediation, Restoration, and Repair in Buffalo Grove Homes

Mold infestations occur in Buffalo Grove homes whenever there is a high humidity or moisture situation, with warm temperatures and organic material available, which are plentiful in residences. Left unchecked, mold colonies spread quickly and often damage porous materials such as fabrics, pillows, carpets, or furniture permanently.

SERVPRO provides mold remediation services to Buffalo Grove residents facing mold infestation in their homes. Significant mold infestations may require third-party Indoor Air Quality and Indoor Environmental Professionals to:

• Perform initial tests and evaluation of the infestation
• Provide written protocols for restoration vendors to follow
• Perform clearance tests and inspections once mold remediation is completed
• Provide advice to the client, the insurance adjuster, and SERVPRO regarding how to proceed with remediation

Fortunately, most mold infestations found in homes are not severe. Clients noticed a small infestation or musty odor and took action immediately. SERVPRO mold remediation experts can be on-site within four hours of your call and provide recommendations regarding the removal of mold colonies:

• Identify the mold location and extent of the infestation.
• Discover the source of the moisture and take action to remove the source.
• Block off HVAC systems to avoid spreading spores to other areas of the home
• Construct negative pressure rooms to contain mold spores
• Bag in place all materials that must be thrown away. They may be damaged beyond cleaning and repair or inexpensive to replace
• Clean all porous surfaces using HEPA vacuums to remove loose mold fragments
• Clean all surfaces from top to bottom
• Dry the structure and contents to prevent further mold growth

SERVPRO can also assist clients with the repair and restoration of damage caused by mold infestations as required, including flooring, drywall, painting, etc.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for mold remediation services. We provide service to Buffalo Grove and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (847) 279-1940.

Specialty Drying Techniques in Buffalo Grove Water Damage Repair

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO to deploy advanced equipment to dry your Chicago property--"Like it never even happened."

Most Advanced Water Damage Repair in Buffalo Grove

Cutting-edge drying techniques distinguish the better Buffalo Grove remediation services from those of lower quality. Top-notch cleanup and restoration firms employ the most advanced equipment and methods to dry out your residence fast. These services take such measures in order to minimize damages associated with excess interior moisture levels and swiftly restore impacted homes.

One of Buffalo Grove’s highest-rated water damage repair firms is SERVPRO. In the water damage remediation industry, we have become well-known for our fast and effective water removal services, basement flooding cleanup efforts, and water damage repairs. With that said, we have developed a sophisticated, specialized procedure for drying water-damaged homes back to their normal moisture levels. Our advanced drying methods are:

• First, inspecting residences that have suffered a water-related event like leaky or ruptured pipes, roof leaks, or malfunctioning appliances with infrared cameras, water sensors, and moisture meters
• Next, after moisture sources and impacted materials have been located, any water puddles are removed by strong water vacs and extractors
• Then, the most efficient drying ratio of air movers to dehumidifiers is scientifically determined, and networks of these appliances are set up to promote rapid drying
• At the same time, holes are drilled into affected structural elements, and state-of-the-art Injectidry systems are used to lower moisture levels behind these ceilings, walls, and floors
• Afterward, water-damaged structural materials are treated with antimicrobials, affected furnishings and other upholstered contents are injected with antifungals, and odorous interiors are fogged with powerful deodorants
• Later, any impacted roofing, ceilings, walls, floors, and rooms are professionally repaired or reconstructed

These measures, taken together, illustrate both the magnitude and sophistication of SERVPRO’s service offerings.

The next time you are unfortunate enough to suffer the effects of a water-related event, keep your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich in mind. Call us at (847) 279-1940 anytime you need water damage repair work done on your home.

Need Commercial Water Damage Repair in Buffalo Grove – Call SERVPRO

12/25/2022 (Permalink)

When a water damage situation affects your business, time is of the essence. Call our technicians immediately to come out and assess the situation.

SERVPRO Provides Commercial Water Damage Repair to Clients in Buffalo Grove

Service industries in Buffalo Grove experiencing water damage need cleanup, restoration, and repair before they can consider reopening for business. Hotels cannot rent their rooms, stores cannot allow their customers to enter the store, and food outlets must thoroughly clean and disinfect the premises before reopening. Whatever your industry, water leaks requiring significant water cleanup and repairs can significantly impact your revenue and business success.

SERVPRO provides water damage repair and restoration services to our commercial clients in Buffalo Grove. Every water event is different. The impacts on daily business operations occur in many different ways. The common question is the same. How quickly can the water be removed, repairs concluded, and the business returned to normal operations?

Our expert professional team can be onsite within four hours of your call, assessing the situation and deploying the equipment needed to remove the water, dry contents, and structure and help with repairs.

Controlled demolition of porous materials may be required if these items have been structurally compromised. For example, carpets may have delaminated and must be replaced. Other flooring materials can absorb moisture, including the subfloor, which can cause tiles to lift and crack.

Drywall can absorb water, swell and lose structural integrity.

Our IICRC-certified SERVPRO team will assess the damage and prepare a cleanup, repair, and restoration plan.

We review this plan with our client and their insurance adjuster. Our objective is to provide fast and effective services so your business can return to normal operations quickly.

Our services provided by our SERVPRO team are:

• Water clean up
• Water damage restoration
• Ceiling repairs from water damage and more

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for water damage repair services in commercial buildings. We provide service to Buffalo Grove and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (847) 279-1940.

Buffalo Grove Homeowners Have Access to Fire Restoration Services

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fire damage restoration services are second to none. Call now for the help your home needs.

SERVPRO is a Leader in the Fire Damage and Restoration Industry 

The winter months quietly pose a risk for fire incidents in the home. Home and space heaters, candlelight evenings celebrating the holidays, and warm fires by the chimney could all turn disastrous with no warning. Although home fires don’t happen to everyone, every homeowner should have a plan in place, including a team of experts, to combat the aftermath of flames in the home, including ash, soot, and unpleasant odors. Letting the experts take care of things is the first line of defense to restoring your home.

In Buffalo Grove, fire restoration services are readily available as soon as you call our SERVPRO office and invite us into your home. As overwhelming as the situation may seem, our expertise prepares us to examine the residue and safely establish an action plan for your home. To be effective in our process, we chart the fire’s path and consider the source of the burnt materials. Understanding the origin helps us determine what kind of residue is present. Organic materials leave fine dust behind, while polymers tend to leave a sticky residue that requires a different kind of cleaner. Our team is ready to meet your restoration needs with the right tools and techniques to return your home to its pre-fire condition.

When handling fire restoration, our clients often appreciate our deodorizing efforts the most. The foul odor left behind is not easy to neutralize, and traditional scented sprays and candles are insufficient. SERVPRO staff arrives with specialized equipment such as-

• Thermal foggers to disseminate and reach furniture and fixtures
• Deodorizing pellets placed strategically around the home
• Air scrubbers to neutralize smell molecules

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich is available 24/7 at (847) 279-1940. Call us and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

What Hazards Should Buffalo Grove Property Owners Be Aware of After Flood Damage?

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

If flood damage occurs in your home, call SERVPRO immediately. Our professional technicians will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Buffalo Grove Homeowners Get Prompt Service and Safe Floodwater Remediation From SERVPRO

Contaminants of all types are a common part of floodwater entering a Buffalo Grove property. Some of the most frequently encountered are: 

• Pesticides
• Sewage
• Biohazards including bacteria and pathogenic elements

SERVPRO arrives quickly, usually within four hours, to remediate flood damage in Buffalo Grove properties; that is why the technicians are available 24/7.  The technicians' safety equipment onto the job site makes a difference in handling this type of water cleanup job safely. The setup includes aprons, gloves, respirators, and professional biocides, and antifungal cleaning agents.

There are multiple dangers within a structure with flood and storm damage. Damaged roofing can lead to leaks that cause sagging ceilings or hanging sheetrock from walls. Either of these scenarios has the potential to cause injury. SERVPRO technicians know how to remove and work around these situations through both their experience and training. If a damaged roof or window allows further water into the property, the techs will make temporary repairs to halt any other water damage. Less than an inch of floodwater within a structure has the potential to cause thousands of dollars in damages to a home as the water migrates under flooring, soaks into carpeting, and wicks into walls. In most cases, anything the floodwater saturates needs to be removed and disposed of as a biohazard.

Some contaminants can be suspended in airborne water vapor. To stop the potential for any spread, SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians cover vents and can also set up a negative air machine to create negative air pressure inside the contained area. This application makes it difficult for contaminated air to escape except through the tubing porting air outside the structure. 

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 stands ready to help Jacksonville homeowners with all sizes and types of flood damage to their homes.

Why Should You Choose a Safety Conscious Mold Removal Company?

9/11/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure to be on alert and check for mold often. If found, contact our experienced technicians at SERVPRO for remediation services.

Which Safety Measures does Your Lake Zurich Mold Removal Company Take?

A fungus is something you do not want in your Lake Zurich home, but unfortunately, almost any house can fall foul of it. Because mold spores are naturally occurring, they can enter your house through the doors and windows or on your shoes and clothes. Once inside, they can start growing mold mycelium if they find the right conditions. 

It is better to look for a mold removal company in Lake Zurich rather than deal with the mold yourself. DIY mold remediation is not a good idea because:  

• Mold can cause health effects.
• Some commercially available cleaners, and bleach, can make the problem worse.
• It is not enough to wipe away surface mold – you need to dry out any moisture too. 

There may be a risk of structural damage from mold eating into wood or plaster in more extreme situations. If there is a lot of moisture present, such as from a leak, and it reaches the electrical outlets, there is an electrical risk. 

What health and safety measures does SERVPRO take?  

We train our techs to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) safety standards. We also ensure our teams:  

• Carry out a risk assessment before starting work
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, bodysuits, and respirators
• Apply antimicrobial products if needed to kill spores
• Set up containment around the affected area 

How does containment aid health and safety? 

Containment means using thick plastic sheeting (typically 6-mil), wooden frames, tension-loaded pipes, and tape to seal off the affected area, which reduces the treatment area and expedites the mold remediation process in Lake Zurich. We also seal off vents, doors, and windows. Containment stops spores from escaping and reduces the risk of them settling elsewhere in your home. We can also set up negative air machines or air scrubbers inside containment to capture mold spores and prevent them from re-entering the air. 

What about decontamination areas? 

Decontamination areas give our technicians a place to remove personal protective equipment (PPE) and dispose of contaminated items, to protect the rest of your home. 

Can you do anything to stay safe while waiting for us?  

The best thing you can do is stay away from moldy areas and not risk disturbing the mold. Please wait for us to arrive and let the professionals deal with it safely and efficiently. 

For effective mold removal, call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

What Are the Threats of Surface Water on Flooring Materials in Lake Zurich?

9/11/2022 (Permalink)

Thoroughly drying excess water on different floor types is our specialty. Call SERVPRO should your home face a water damage emergency.

When water disasters impact your Lake Zurich home, our professionals can help with efficient extraction to protect installed construction materials.

Understanding the destructive and devastating nature of standing water in your Lake Zurich home can express the urgency that homeowners should have when facing these circumstances. While different flooring materials can become impacted by these situations, each of these structural elements requires varying tools and techniques to resolve.

Because water cleanup in Lake Zurich homes means so many different tasks, it helps to have a versatile and well-trained staff like our SERVPRO team to help. Our inventory of recovery tools that arrives at the site with us can address standing water on the surface and any of the moisture that has gotten absorbed into the exposed material. Some of the approaches for popular flooring types include:

• Carpeting – Soft flooring materials are an everyday staple of area homes, and these coverings can be highly absorbent and easily damaged by standing water and saturation. Carpet wands, weighted extractors, and other tools can remove trapped moisture in these materials. 
• Wood Flooring – Wood plank flooring can begin absorbing surface material quickly after exposure. With floor mat drying systems and other efficient evaporative techniques, we can prevent the need for tear-out. 
• Tile – While porcelain and other tile materials are low porosity flooring options, grouted joints and seams along the walls can allow moisture and water under the tiles to break them loose. 

What Extraction Tools Are Best for Unexpected Water Disasters?

Removing the water from surfaces can be one of the most efficient methods to prevent more significant property damage through absorption and deterioration. We can use multiple tools for this, including wet vacuums and submersible pumps.

Water restoration often cannot wait, so trust in the team that can get there right away. Give our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team a call today at (847) 279-1940.

Tree Damage to Roof Can Cause Flooding in Buffalo Grove Homes

9/11/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a storm can certainly make you feel on edge. Call SERVPRO to assess the situation and then remediate the damage.

Dealing with Flooding in Your Home After an Event can be Stressful

Surprisingly, there are many ways that trees can damage the roof of your Buffalo Grove home than many property owners realize. Flood damage can often result from structural breaches to this area of the house, making it even more critical to resolve these situations as soon as they occur. Understanding how trees can cause flooding in your home is the first step in providing the preventative maintenance or the fast response that the property needs in an emergency.

As aesthetically pleasing as trees can be, flood damage and roof repair to Buffalo Grove homes can both be costly and time-consuming scenarios when things go wrong. Understanding how these trees that have been staples of your yard for decades can damage your house can keep you paying attention to changing conditions and often staying ahead of costly restoration needs whenever possible.

Falling Trees

These situations are unpredictable and highly destructive. When limbs break off trees and fall onto the roof, or an entire tree uproots, it can collapse entire portions of your roof and attic area. Our in-house SERVPRO contractors can get to work on tree removal and tarping while flood mitigation work gets underway in the house. Once the property is dry, we can rebuild the damaged portions of your roof.

Clogged Gutters

Leaves and needles from trees can clog up downspouts on your gutter system, which can lead to water overflowing when rains hit and even ice damming during the winter months. Damming can dislodge shingles and allow water penetration through the roof.

When the water has penetrated the outer layers of roofing materials, you must address this moisture and flow into your property immediately. We have evaporative drying techniques like air movers and dehumidifiers to help address saturated materials, but also, our contractors can oversee controlled demolition and build back inside the house when necessary as well.

Trees can be a beautiful fixture to your yard, but with the high winds of the area and severe weather we can expect year-round, they can also damage the roof to allow flooding. No matter how we can help, give our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team a call today at (847) 279-1940.

Water Damage Abatement in Your Buffalo Grove Organic Grocery

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Overnight a commercial enterprise can go from thriving to waterlogged.

Water Damage Abatement

Overnight a commercial enterprise can go from thriving to waterlogged. There are so many ways water damage might interfere with the operations of Buffalo Grove entrepreneurs, from leaks spouting from broken plumbing to malfunctioning appliances or other unexpected events. Get back in business with help from our trained and experienced water damage remediation teams.

Condensation and melted ice and food products leaked onto the floors creating a chaos of contaminated water damage in your upscale Buffalo Grove organic grocery store. A short in the electrical system unexpectedly shut down banks of coolers and freezers after closing time. The response required is beyond your standard housekeeping service, but we offer years of experience in complex cleaning situations and will be up to the task.

Water damage in a food store is concerning, and local health and safety codes require swift action, or your business may be shut down. Even a brief stint of closure damages your reputation. Our SERVPRO team prides itself on being faster to any size disaster, including offering round-the-clock availability. We arrive ready to assess the problem and then begin immediate remediation. Every service vehicle comes equipped with pumps, extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers prepared to be pressed into action.

We also stock a broad range of cleaning and antimicrobial products to prevent water damage from transitioning to a hazardous waste challenge. The SERVPRO crew ensures water does not remain in hidden areas like under or behind your equipment. The possibility of water saturating the subfloors is evaluated so that secondary or recurring water damage does not occur.

SERVPRO relies upon our experts, the project managers who combine IICRC training with personal experience to achieve positive client results. The unique nature of the mix of water and melted food creates the potential for accelerated microbial growth, threatening your ability to restock and reopen if remediation is delayed. Our crews extract water and food debris, containing and disposing of it according to local regulations, and sanitization follows, permitting the freezers and coolers to be placed back on duty.

Our reputation in the restoration industry makes us a recommended resource for many insurers. SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich works with your insurance company and local authorities to ensure that the cleanup proceeds appropriately and successfully. (847) 279-1940

When Buffalo Grove Shops Need Fire Restoration After Disasters

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damaged businesses cannot survive long without production, especially retail locations.

Severe Damage Requires Prompt Fire Restoration

Businesses cannot often survive long without production, especially retail locations. It is essential to quickly act when disasters threaten your shop to ensure that the correct emergency services get started as soon as possible to help. Severe damage often requires the doors to be temporarily closed, making these mitigative steps critical to preventing that closure from becoming permanent. 

Emergency Procedure After Severe Damage

Fire restoration for Buffalo Grove shops cannot be successful without managing the pressing needs of the structure first. Early restoration and recovery solutions hinge on our emergency response, which includes: 

• Secure the Building - Through repairs and board-up, we can prevent external influences from making cleanup more challenging.

• Restore Power - We work to return power to the structure or, at minimum, get lights and equipment running on our generators.

• Structural Inspection - We assess the impact of the fire on the structure and work to remove compromised or hazardous conditions as soon as possible with controlled demolition.

• Water Mitigation - We must remove water used for extinguishment with drying tools and extractors. 

• Protect Wares and Furniture - We relocate items to safer areas and cover equipment or furniture to prevent corrosion damage from soot exposure.

Full-Service Contractors to Help

Among the main advantages of choosing SERVPRO to help with the emergency services your shop needs are our ability to continue with the restoration and recovery steps. The wishes of your insurance company greatly steer fire recovery, and we are a preferred vendor in this area because of our certifications and general contractor license. 

The emergency services conducted by our professionals for your business are instrumental in protecting the property and its wares from more significant harm. As trusted fire restoration professionals, we are ready to help however you need. Give our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team a call today at (847) 279-1940.

Controlling Microbial Growth Minimizes Mold Damage in Your Zurich Home's Attic and Basement

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation by SERVPRO in Lake Zurich Improves Indoor Air Quality

Moisture and Temperature Control Help Prevent Reinfestations of Mold

Storing things in areas of your Zurich residence keeps the clutter down and can help reduce the amount of housework done to keep everything nice and clean. Attics and basements are prime areas for storage – conveniently close but generally still out of sight. 

Keeping your home clutter-free while still hanging onto memorabilia from the past can lead to mold damage in Zurich. Microbial activity can damage the very items you place in storage, as well as your home. SERVPRO restores houses, condos, and businesses, as also personal belongings and other contents kept inside, from all kinds of damage. 

When mold causes damage, high humidity levels are generally the cause, possibly from water leaks. Our skilled technicians work with customers on many different services to make everything "Like it never even happened," no matter what kind or combination of damage or causes exist. We have the skills, tools, and equipment needed to restore your personal belongings and home after damaging mold attacks. 

Before we begin to clean the area of any mold using IICRC-approved procedures, we enclose the area with protective sheeting and turn off the heating and air conditioning systems. In large remediation projects, containment is crucial. Preventing the spread of microbes minimizes their chances of re-establishing future colonies. Structures that become exposed to microbial growth lose their strength, making them weaker. We clean hard, non-porous items of mold but softer; porous items need more thorough restoration work. Overall, we remove, restore, and replace possessions wherever mold grows. 

To prevent mold from growing again, we check moisture levels within your home to discover the path humidity travels before finding its way into your storage areas. Basements might become wet when water heaters develop leaks, the ground is saturated, or sump pumps begin to falter. Attics can create moisture problems whenever snowmelt produces ice dams over loose shingles or if exhaust venting leaks moist air into the attic before it reaches the outside vent. Perhaps, new attic insulation can control temperature fluctuations. We discuss these situations with you and offer options to solve each one. 

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich wants your family to live in a healthy home, free of microbial growth that can create mold damage. Call us at (847) 279-1940, so we can discuss your options.

Are Mold Colonies Colonizing Your Lake Zurich Home?

6/26/2022 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your house can cause you and your family a lot of stress. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for expert advice and effective remediation services.

Locating Mold Damage in Your Lake Zurich Residence

There are many situations which threaten your Lake Zurich home throughout your time living there. While many homeowners must contend with natural disasters and the devastation they can cause, it is equally as problematic when homeowners face situations like mold and microbial growth. This presence in your home can threaten not only the structural integrity but also your family and pets living on the property. 

Learning how to identify mold damages or the presence of a colony in your Lake Zurich home is essential to making remediation and restoration simpler and more effective. If a homeowner can spot a problem as it begins, or identify a mold colony without seeing one, remediation technicians from our SERVPRO team can help to resolve the situation before it gets out of control. 

A leading identifier to mold growth in your home is the odor that active colonies emit. This symptom is a strong, musty scent that can indicate that a colony is actively growing nearby. This information can prove invaluable, as many colonies can grow and thrive inside of wall cavities, crawl spaces, and in areas challenging to see. The musty symptom here can help you to identify a colony, even if you cannot necessarily see one. 

Another symptom of early colonization is spotting, a situation where you can visually identify the beginning phase of mold integration into the organic materials of the affected area. Often the easiest material to see spotting on is drywalled surfaces. You are looking for an irregular pattern of spots, splotches, and dots in various hues. Surprisingly, not all residential mold is green or black, so if something appears to fit this description, it is worth reaching out to our SERVPRO inspection services. 

Routine inspections of your property can help you to identify situations like mold and microbial growth before they get out of control. If you do encounter the symptoms listed here, you should trust our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich certified remediation specialists to help you take care of removal and restoration. Call us anytime at (847) 279-1940.

Things That Worsen Buffalo Grove Water Damage Repair Outcomes

6/26/2022 (Permalink)

Even when the water is gone, the lasting effects on your home still need to be dealt with. SERVPRO has certified technicians available 24/7.

Fail-Safes SERVPRO Uses for Buffalo Grove Water Repair

Your home is perilous when water leaks covering vast areas or items with moisture. Conventional wisdom dictates that you take quick action to save valuables or limit the cost of restoring your Buffalo Grove home. However, water damage repair outcomes can be disappointing if not handled appropriately.

Many aspects of water damage repair at your Buffalo Grove home require precision to be effective. If there is a problem with timing, choice of cleaning products, or equipment use, the steps taken might be detrimental. SERVPRO crews are well trained to handle every situation created by water intrusion.

Crucial considerations

• Handling special fibers like nylon
• Working on wet materials
• Working with specialized cleaning agents

Fabrics in carpets or furniture are highly vulnerable to moisture exposure. Direct exposure mostly causes dyes to run or stains to form. Changes in physical form are also possible since moisture affects the tensile strength of fibers. In other cases, the cleaning, extraction, or drying processes affect the material. For example, nylon fibers expand when heated, so using moderate temperatures for cleaning products that require heating ensures soiling from carpets is removed without causing physical damage.

Handling wet materials

When repairing water damage, you must think of what to do with the wet items in the house. Drying or disposal, if deemed unsalvageable, are the ultimate solutions. However, before the main action, you might need to move them around to limit exposure or facilitate other steps. Preventing cross staining when manipulating wet materials is essential. Keeping different fabric types separate is vital to ensure non-colorfast dyes do not spread.

Rust is another common issue associated with wetness. While you may not worry about the immediate impact of moisture on metal items since they are resilient, the items can damage others in the vicinity if rust develops.

Ways to contain rust issues

• Moving furniture or appliances resting on carpets
• Place wax paper between metal and fabric
• Having the right product to remove rust

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich anticipates all issues during water damage repair. Call us at (847) 279-1940 for preventive solutions.

What Few People Realize About Flooding That Can Start on Your Buffalo Grove Home's Roof

6/26/2022 (Permalink)

When your home is affected by flood damage, call SERVPRO. Team SERVPRO has certified technicians and professional equipment to get the job done right.

Flood Damage Can Start On The Roof Of Your Buffalo Grove Home

Fall leaves are beautiful, but also can be hazardous when they clog the gutters and downspouts attached to the roof of your Buffalo Grove home. When a roof and its drainage system fails to do its job correctly, autumn rains threaten to fill the basement of your home rather than drain down and away from your foundation. If seasonal rains create flooding damage contact us for help.

Gutters and downspouts can be out of reach and off your radar until flood damage affects your Buffalo Grove dwelling. A properly functioning gutter and drain system catches and carefully directs the moisture shed from your roof to protect your siding and foundation. When gutters fill with leaves, dirt, granulation from the roof, twigs, and other debris, rainwater does not flow as intended. It instead pours in waterfall-like torrents from the blocked gutters to the ground. As it saturates the area immediately next to the foundation, it seeps inside, flooding your basement.

SERVPRO water removal experts are knowledgeable about this type of flooding scenario and have strategies to remediate the damage. Our familiar green trucks come equipped with powerful submersible pumps and heavy-duty water extractors. The pumps remove water deeper than 2 inches, while the extractors have the flexibility to pull water out of tight spaces. Hidden water pockets often are accessible when we use extenders on the extractors’ wands.

We use moisture meters and infrared scanners to locate all the flood waters. If water remains trapped in the cells of cinder block construction commonly used in basement walls, we might drill holes in mortar joints or at the base of a wall to release it. SERVPRO technicians take great care to make sure as much water as possible is pumped or extracted by other means before beginning structural drying. Drying is an essential final step. Successful structural drying required trained technicians who monitor and adjust the drying process, including moderating the temperature of both the flooded materials and the air, controlling humidity levels, and positioning equipment for the most advantageous air flow.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has the personnel and the equipment to remediate any residential flooding scenarios. One call to  (847) 279-1940 gets the process moving after sub-par gutter systems contribute to foundation flooding. We also recommend an inspection and repair and maintenance of the drains and gutters on your home by a competent contractor to avoid this problem in the future.

Reasons to Opt for Expert Flood Damage Repair in Buffalo Grove

5/14/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded basements and first floor water damage cleanup is a cornerstone of SERVPRO services. We mitigate storm damage.

Hire SERVPRO for Flood Damage Repair in Buffalo Grove

One of the things that can be crippling to you as a homeowner is the risk of a flood during a storm. It can ruin your property. If the floodwater stands in your Buffalo Grove house for more than 24 hours, the damage can intensify, so quick action is necessary.

SERVPRO has the expertise required to perform storm flood damage repair in your Buffalo Grove house. We have cutting-edge equipment to restore your residence cost-effectively. Our process is as follows:

• Emergency repairs
• Floodwater extraction
• Removal and disposal
• Drying
• Disinfection and deodorization
• Reconstruction

Emergency repairs

When we get to your house, our technicians can inspect it to determine the entry points of the floodwater to carry out emergency repairs to prevent further entry. We can then assess the level of the damage. We can look out for hazardous situations like falling ceilings, electrical hazards, and deteriorated subfloors.

Floodwater extraction

Our SERVPRO team can use electric submersible pumps to extract any standing water over 2 inches deep. These pumps eliminate suction lift limitations to remove the floodwater continuously, quietly, and as quickly as possible.

Removal and disposal

We then sort through all the affected items and remove and dispose of those damaged beyond repair. They may include personal items, furniture, carpeting, and drywall.

Drying

Our SERVPRO technicians can use structural cavity drying equipment to direct air into wall cavities, beneath cabinets, and other structural cavities. The equipment substitutes moist, cool air with dry, warmer air. This increases the temperature of the surfaces and reduces the vapor pressure, increasing the evaporation rate for faster drying.

Disinfection and deodorization

To prevent microbial growth, our SERVPRO crew can disinfect your house. We can then apply deodorizers to remove bad smells.

Reconstruction

We can get your house to its preloss condition by the necessary steps, ranging from repainting, hardwood floor repair, drywall replacement, and complete rebuilding of the affected parts.

If not well handled, flooding can cause massive damage to your home. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 for effective flood damage repair services. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Mold Damage in Your Lake Zurich Home

5/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO suggests maintaining humidity in your Lake Zurich home at below 60% to help prevent mold growth.

Prevent Mold Damage Prevention in Lake Zurich—How?

No one wants mold in their Lake Zurich home. However, sometimes nature sneaks in, leaving a few patches of mold behind. Your carpeting, for instance, is a frequent target for mold, as it can easily trap moisture, attracting mold spores floating in the air.

Controlling your indoor humidity levels can significantly decrease mold damage in your Lake Zurich home. Mold does not need standing water to grow, areas of your home with high humidity and heat are more than enough to present mold with a suitable environment. It should be your goal to keep overall humidity levels in your home under 60%.

You can successfully prevent mold by removing carpeting from high humidity areas of your home, like your basement, bathroom, or laundry rooms. Also, consider having your home inspected by a qualified professional, like those offered at SERVPRO. We can help you determine which direction to take and make suggestions that help reduce the possibility of contamination throughout your home.

Installing dehumidifiers, ventilation, and choosing antimicrobial carpet padding can also help reduce problems involving mold and other bacteria in your home as well. While this padding may be a bit more expensive, it serves as a quality solution to help keep mold at bay. If you have water problems at any point, take the proper steps to remove excess water immediately by calling SERVPRO for help.

Remember, mold only needs a small amount of water, oxygen, and a food source to begin growing in your home. If you have water damage or a water intrusion of any kind, there could be water hiding underneath any carpeting in the affected area. SERVPRO technicians can help you determine whether your carpeting requires replacement or if in-place extraction and drying procedures can successfully prevent damages, like corrosion, rot, or mold.

Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for full-service mold remediation, cleaning, and restoration 24/7. We cover all of Wheeling, Hawthorn Woods, and Deer Park with quality solutions you can trust to control mold damage found on your property, today (847) 279-1940.

Fire Damage Cleanup in Lake Zurich by SERVPRO--The Right Choice

5/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says to inspect your chimney and hearth before next cold season to prevent a fire in your Lake Zurich home.

SERVPRO Technicians Provide Expertise When Dealing with the Aftermath of a Fire

With the cold weather finally gone in the Lake Zurich area, you are probably not using your fireplace to keep warm. If you have not considered the condition of your chimney in a while, however, it could turn your relaxing night into a disaster. Dirty chimney can cause fires. An intense, hot smell, loud popping or cracking noises, and lots of dense smoke can indicate a chimney fire. Check your hearth area before next winter season commences.
 
Even if the fire is caught early, the fire damage to your Lake Zurich home that is left behind is best handled by professionals. Fire, smoke, and soot, plus water damage from putting the fire out, all need to be dealt with quickly to avoid additional damage. Our staff at SERVPRO are specially trained to handle restoring your home after a fire.
 
When restoring smoke-damaged materials in your home, our goal is to restore them to their preloss condition. We follow simple methods of cleaning to do this. We carefully inspect the affected area to find smoke residues. Our inspection starts out close to the source of the fire, and then we trace the distance the smoke traveled in your home.
 
Different types of soot residues can be found in the same environment. SERVPRO techs pick a method of cleaning that removes the kind of residues in your home efficiently. The type of surface determines the cleaning methods and products which are safe for us to use. We carefully preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and some materials may not be restorable since they cannot hold up to the cleaning process.
 
Some residues can bond with the surfaces they contact, so we use dry or wet cleaning processes to loosen and carry the particles of residue away from the surface. We dispose of the cleaning debris and waste when we are done.
 
SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich works to clean your home after fire damage. Trust and call us at (847) 279-1940.

Commercial Flood Damage that Soaks the Inventory in Your Buffalo Grove Warehouse

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded parking garages and warehouses Use SERVPRO for rapid water extraction.

SERVPRO Mitigates Inventory Loss from Flood Damage

Warehouses are typically safe locations that protect their contents from outside elements, theft, and other sources of damage. When goods become damaged, they also become losses, unable to be sold at their intended prices. When the cause of damaging effects comes from within the warehouse, the result can be catastrophic to any sized business. 

Warehouses contain products intended for many different companies waiting to be shipped out, making commercial flood damage in Buffalo Grove a significant problem for every business involved. When products must be re-manufactured to make up for the losses, this can result in downtime with all its related consequences.

SERVPRO can help decrease the effects of broken water lines that have caused flooding by refurbishing any inventory affected adversely. Invading water inside a warehouse is almost always clean at its source (Category 1). However, contact with various substances, with fertilizers in permeable containers and boxed detergents being some of the most harmful, this classification changes to Categories 2 or 3. 

Decontamination must also be part of the remediation process whenever category changes happen. This process prevents possible ill effects later, brought on by contact with the contaminated water. 

In effect, remediation of your flooded warehouse comes about by the following processes: removal of all standing water, followed by extraction and drying out of all surfaces, structures, and contents. Then the application of inhibitors (microbial growth and rust/corrosion) to appropriate surfaces, air scrubbers to remove microbes, pathogens, and other airborne particles, and dehumidifiers to re-establish a proper moisture level deodorization methods, as needed, to fulfill our customer's request. 

The professional technicians at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich know the importance of your warehouse to the companies and businesses depending on you. Calling us at (847) 279-1940 as soon as you know that flood damage exists can keep inventory losses low, and speed up the process, so we finish faster.

Fire Damage Needs Not to Derail Your Dinner Plans for Long in Buffalo Grove

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Restaurants are at greater risk of fire damage due to the hot stoves and ovens constantly burning.

SERVPRO Works Quickly and Efficiently to Restore Your Restaurant

Restaurants in Buffalo Grove are naturally more at risk than other businesses for a fire damage disaster. Anytime commercial stoves, fryers, and ovens operate, a momentary lack of attention can result in a fire. Because of food safety considerations, a restaurant fire requires a professional response. We can help.

Most restaurant kitchens have fire extinguishers or sprinkler systems on-site, so the fire damage to your Buffalo Grove pizzeria may seem minimal. Fires involving protein and grease exude a sticky, hard-to-remove residue, and standard cleaning techniques are not up to the challenge of eradicating it. Also, the odor remaining even after a thorough cleanup is not very appetizing. We have the skills, the products, and the equipment to manage these issues.

When the SERVPRO work crew arrives, water mitigation is the first concern. If your sprinkler system was engaged or firefighters used water to knock down flames, removing the moisture and drying the area is the most critical item of business. Slip and fall worries and the risk of electrical shock require management of the water issues before moving on to cleanup.

Then our crews tackle the residues coating the kitchen area. SERVPRO technicians study the types of soot and smoke residues resulting from the combustion of different materials and learn to match them with effective cleaning products and solvents. The tenacious film coating that burnt food and cooking oils create can necessitate abrasive cleaners and tools. We know the local rules concerning proper cleaning of food preparation areas and choose products and techniques with that in mind.

Although we initially concentrated on the restaurant area where the fire occurred, SERVPRO workers inspected and evaluated damage in other spaces. Smoke and soot drift and table linens, dishes, tables, and chairs require thorough washing and surface attention. Condiments might need to be discarded as contamination is likely because soot and smoke are invasive.

Any lingering smells are not good for a restaurant business. SERVPRO deodorization specialists systematically eliminate the sources of the smell. Any burned items need discarding, and surface areas require a thorough cleaning. If some surfaces retain an odor despite cleaning, sealing is an option. We also use professional sprays and thermal fogging, which duplicates the combustion environment, allowing neutralizing chemicals to find and change the composition of any odor-bearing particles still airborne. Hydroxyl generators also eliminate odors through a dynamic change in the makeup of the minute bits of burned food, plastic, or other materials that contain the smells.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has the skilled crews and innovative tools and products to restore your fire damaged restaurant. Call to schedule an immediate consultation at (847) 279-1940.

Flood Damage Cleanup and Repair Buffalo Grove Residents Need

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is there to help with all your flood and storm damage restoration needs.

After Storms in Buffalo Grove, Call SERVPRO for Rapid Flood Damage Help!

While homes get built to withstand extreme weather situations, emergencies can lead to storm flooding in the Buffalo Grove area. When the worst storms bring damage and interior flooding, SERVPRO is there to help with flood and storm damage restorations for area customers. We understand how much devastation heavy rain and storm damage can bring. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and readily available 24/7 for a rapid response!

SERVPRO features IICRC-certified technicians with the ability to handle all kinds of storm flood damage in Buffalo Grove, including property damage, debris cleanup, water removal services, and reconstruction.

Proven methods and prompt action matter with restorations

• Flooding -When you discover a leak on your property or the sump pump fails, you could be in for stormwater flooding. Our restoration technicians get in fast to extract the water while paying attention to any possible hazards and structural damage. 
• Debris –With some storms, branches from trees and other debris may slam into your home. If you have a leaking roof from storms or broken windows, SERVPRO’s technicians will perform board-up and tarping services to protect your interior from the elements while restoration takes place.
• Mold and Odors –Storms are known for bringing moisture that could lead to mildew and black mold development. Our skilled team knows how to address excessive moisture with dehumidification to bring relative humidity (RH) back to normal levels. We also go above and beyond to ensure no lingering odors get left behind after your flood damage project is complete. 

Flood damage after a storm does not have to leave you home in a state of devastation. Call us at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940, and we can dispatch a crew to your door as soon as possible to get started.

Choosing Among Reputable Mold Removal Companies in Buffalo Grove

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, by understanding the mold life-cycle, can execute an effective mold remediation project in Buffalo Grove

Best Practice Adherence -- Why SERVPRO Tops the Buffalo Grove Mold Remediator List

When comparing mold removal companies in Buffalo Grove, the key is finding the firm that can offer both clean up of current fungal colony growth and inhibition of rebound infestation. If the remediation plan lacks specific action steps for moisture management, the chance of a long-term favorable outcome fades.

How Do Persistent Moisture Problems Affect Mold Abatement?

Ranking Buffalo Grove mold removal companies require knowledge of how fungal growth occurs. Tiny spores are everywhere in your home, benign when dry. Each has the potential to explode into an infestation upon exposure to a water source. Removing all spores from your house is impossible, but moisture management is achievable. Our water removal and drying reputation are without peer, why SERVPRO is a leader, experienced in planning and delivering the conditions crucial for reliable mold remediation:

• Professional proficiency in emergency services that eliminate ongoing water incursions
• A proven track record in successful drying of wet structural components, building cavities, and fixtures
• Coaching for customers on proven strategies to avoid microbial growth through moisture management, including advising on appropriate relative humidity levels

What Is the Mold Remediation Industry Standard Protocol?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authored a research-based procedure adaptable for residential mold removal and prevention circumstances. Over time our results have been outstanding using this protocol, why SERVPRO follows its steps:

• Identification and elimination of the fungal-feeding moisture
• Location of the mold damage, including its spread inside building cavities
• Containment of the affected area by closing off with heavy-duty plastic barriers, the seal enhanced through the action of negative pressure air scrubbing technology
• Mechanical removal of the colonies with brushes, scrapers, and sometimes controlled blasting of media such as soda or dry ice
• Vacuuming and spray and wipe off of residues
• Collection and double bagging of moldy debris for lawful disposal
• Application of EPA-registered antimicrobials to inhibit mold regrowth

Diligence and dedication to research-based mold remediation protocols are why SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich delivers sustainable results. Call (847) 279-1940 to discuss your options.

Drying Out Homes via Water Removal Techniques in Buffalo Grove

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's swift service can mitigate water damage to Buffalo Grove homes, as depicted in this photo

Water Extraction Fast Upon Arrival Mitigates Damages and Costs

Property owners in Buffalo Grove go to great lengths to protect and improve their homes. Fire detectors, burglar alarms, and other home security measures help keep things safe. Water, though, creeps in during floods and water line breaks, because of sewer back-ups, and overflowing tubs and sinks.

When a home in Buffalo Grove suffers such a fate, water removal techniques restore a home quickly. SERVPRO states We're Faster To Any Size Disaster, including your own. Emergencies involving water inside your home require immediate mitigation. Waiting to respond allows water to spread out even more inside your home, saturating areas that might have remained dry.
 
When our technicians arrive at a water damaged home, they use moisture detectors to determine which areas contain the most saturation. The category assigned to the water that floods a home dictates later measures during the cleanup stages. Clean water poses the fewest risks, but the longer it remains inside your home, the higher the chance of downgrading the category. The areas containing more moisture have the highest risk of this change. They also become the baseline for later readings made with our moisture detection equipment, helping us track our progress and ensuring that your home dries as planned.
 
Pumping out any standing water and heavily saturated areas readies the home for further water removal techniques. Drying your family's belongings and your home's interior structures must happen quickly to prevent dry rot, microbial growth, and staining. Heaters help lift up moisture and increase the rate of evaporation. Large air movers direct heated air, laden with evaporated moisture, outdoors and windows or toward dehumidifiers. Odors can also develop quickly after an event involving water, and we can help you solve this predicament, also. We have many different techniques that remove odors left behind by water.
 
Because water affects so much of a home's interior negatively, we at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich act as quickly as possible whenever we receive a call about an emergency requiring our water removal equipment. No matter what type of water is overtaking your home, or the amount, calling our local number at (847) 279-1940 gets you started toward complete dryness again.

Bonfire Safety Tips to Avoid Fire Damage in Lake Zurich

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Please follow SERVPRO tips for a safe bonfire gathering in Lake Zurich--prevent fire damage to your property and injury to yourselves

SERVPRO is Available to Help if Your Bonfire Gets Out of Control and Causes Damage

Fall is upon us and for many people that means bonfires. It is the perfect season to get a bonfire going in the yard of your Lake Zurich home and invite friends over for s’mores, hot beverages, and potatoes baked in the embers. Unfortunately, many people do not realize how dangerous bonfires can be. A bonfire that gets out of control can spark a blaze in your outbuildings or even your home. That is why SERVPRO recommends the following safety tips to avoid fire damage this fall season.

Choosing the right location is essential in order to avoid fire damage in Lake Zurich. If you have a huge yard, you can build your fire in a secluded area. However, for most people, a fire pit is a much safer option. Build or place your pit in a clear well-ventilated area, at least ten feet away from any structures. Make sure there is room to sit beside it without getting too close to the flames.

Start and finish your bonfire safely. Start with crumpled paper and small sticks, and progress to larger pieces of wood as the flames take hold. Do not use lighter fluid or gasoline as these can accelerate the blaze out of control. When it is time to wind down for the evening, let the fire burn down, and then carefully spread the ashes out and pour water on them slowly. Check for any remaining embers before going back indoors.

Check the weather – do not host your fall get-together on an evening when the breeze is high. The wind quickly blows sparks onto surrounding buildings, trees, or even people. If necessary, move your gathering to another night.

Always be mindful of children and pets. Teach kids the safest route to walk to and from the seating area, and keep an eye on them at all times. Put pets indoors if you can; if any pets are going to be out, fit them with glow-in-the-dark collars, and supervise them at all times.

Having a bonfire is terrific fun, and if you follow SERVPRO’s tips, it is very safe.

If you run into any problems with fire damage, call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 for assistance.

We Help You Get Back To Business After Water Damage In Buffalo Grove

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich’s rapid response team is available 24/7!

Buffalo Grove Businesses Rely on SERVPRO for Commercial Water Removal

Even if your Buffalo Grove business has an in-house or contracted crew for everyday cleaning needs, dealing with a significant water incursion requires the assistance of our highly skilled and well-equipped crews. Responding to a water loss requires specialized training and specific products and tools. We invest in both the schooling for our employees and commercial-grade water extraction equipment.

Commercial water removal in Buffalo Grove is one of our core services. A business risks its future if water from a plumbing or roof leak, heavy precipitation, appliance breakdown, or other cause does not exit from your property fast. Providing the products or services needed to your customers or clients becomes nearly impossible if your commercial space is awash. Fast extraction followed by structural drying forms the foundation of the next chapter of your company’s story and success.

SERVPRO has scalable resources, able to access additional work crews and equipment from our nationwide network if your situation so requires. Within hours of your first call, we send experienced project management to assess your loss and plan for your recovery. Accompanying the assessment team are crews of our employees holding Water Damage Restoration and Applied Structural Drying Technician certification from the IICRC.

Water Removal Services

We have service vehicles that stock high-efficiency pumps and extractors designed to rapidly remove large amounts of water. SERVPRO technicians master Building Moisture Thermography coursework, preparing them to use thermal imaging to determine the extent of the water damage and apply principles of thermodynamics and psychrometry (the science of drying) to hasten efficient water removal and arrange for normalizing moisture levels in porous building materials.

Our crews also inspect for any microbial infestation or damage as fungi like molds and mildew often show accelerated growth during the water event. If moisture lingers for more than 24 to 48 hours, mold remediation might need to be added to the cleanup agenda. SERVPRO offers our commercial clients a full spectrum of water and mold remediation, a truly one-stop-shop for all aspects of water removal and secondary damage.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is the area’s water removal expert. Call (847) 279-1940 for fast and reliable help if your business suffers from water loss.

What Are the Different Types of Restoration Services Available After Fire Damage to Your Lake Zurich

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals fully restore your home, offering several services to return your home to its original state "Like it never even happened."

Understanding the Services SERVPRO Offers for Proper Fire Damage Restoration

An incidence of fire damage can be rattling for any homeowner. To see your beloved home ruined by the fire is truly heartbreaking. Thankfully, professional restoration services can help you get your home in order following such damage.

Fire damage restoration to your Lake Zurich home is a multi-step process involving many services to get the damage under control. The restoration services can be classified into the following five categories.

Mitigation Services

The primary goal of these services is to prevent further damage to your home. SERVPRO Professionals can board up the openings, winterize the plumbing and establish a source of electricity temporarily. Drying the wet structures is also a big part of the mitigation services.

Structural Cleaning Services

Cleaning the structures damaged in the fire, such as walls and ceilings, falls under these services. SERVPRO technicians can talk to you and the adjuster regarding the cleanability of the structures and the extent of damages. Various methods are used to eliminate the smoke and soot residue, including wet and dry cleaning and scrubbing.

Contents Cleaning Services

Professional restorers also offer content cleaning services. Contents such as furniture, upholstery, utensils, and other objects are cleaned using the appropriate tools and methods. If the technicians cannot clean the items on the job site, they can be shipped off to an off-site location as well.

Specialty Restoration Services

Cleaning electronic items, artwork, furniture finishing, and dry cleaning of clothes fall under the specialty restoration services. These services are often outsourced, and a subcontractor is often used.

Reconstruction Services 

If the fire has caused some severe structural damage to your property, you may need reconstruction services. Fire damage restoration experts do not perform reconstruction work. While IICRC certified SERVPRO professionals could clean the damage caused by smoke and soot, licensed general contractors are often needed for reconstruction.

It is essential to understand all the services available to you after the unfortunate incidence of fire damage. Make sure you seek professional help as soon as possible to get your home restored to pre-damaged conditions.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 today to schedule an appointment.

How Do Dehumidifiers Help with Flood Damage in Buffalo Grove?

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless the magnitude of water damage, our technicians provide complete water removal services, including extraction, cleaning, drying, & repair.

SERVPRO Use Dehumidifiers to Mitigate Losses Following Property Flooding

Large bodies of water can increase the humidity of enclosed spaces. Above normal humidity in your home can cause vapor damage or mold growth, so calculating specific humidity is essential in water intrusion scenarios. There are special types of equipment that water restoration technicians (WRT) use when entering a wet property to help inform them of any potential risks or areas with the potential to cause harm. SERVPRO technicians are effective communicators that can tell you about each job and how it can help to mitigate long-term losses to your home and contents. Consider using professional restoration services to help with:

• Water intrusion
• Water mitigation
• Water exposure

Residents that rely on flood damage restoration professionals in Buffalo Grove give their personal property the highest chance of making a full recovery. Mitigation often involves attempting to control or adjust the humidity in your home to prevent vapor or mold-related damages. We can calculate specific humidity by first finding the relative humidity and the temperature. To measure relative humidity, our technicians use thermal hygrometers to measure temperature. With accurate measurements for relative humidity and temperature, we can determine the exact grains of moisture per pound of air (GPP) in any enclosed environment. Keeping track of humidity can help to prevent electronics from suffering permanent condensation damage, sensitive fabrics from permanent harm, and control microbial growth.

• We can draw moisture out of waterlogged hard materials like lumber or floorboards by lowering the specific humidity to below 40 GPP with a desiccant dehumidifier.
• Using portable furnaces to maintain the temperature of electronics above the dew point can prevent permanent damage while awaiting a qualified electronics repair person.
• Ensuring that humidity levels are below 60 GPP can deter mold growth during restoration by preventing spores from passing through the stages of development. 

We can protect your home from losses associated with water intrusion. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for Flood Damage Recovery at (847) 279-1940.

Need Fire and Smoke Restoration in Lake Zurich – Call SERVPRO

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will get your house back to feeling like home again. Call on our professionals for help after a fire in your home.

SERVPRO Provides Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup in Lake Zurich

Cleaning and removing smoke residues after a fire can be a daunting task for many people. Even a small fire produces a great deal of smoke and odor, which natural hot air currents can carry to the remainder of the home. In addition, the HVAC system distributes smoke residues and odors throughout the house. Small grease fires deliver a greasy residue that clings to everything. Hot fires produce light, fluffy smoke residues, easily brushed away.

SERVPRO can help residents of Lake Zurich with fire and smoke restoration after a fire in their home. Our fire and smoke technicians can be on-site in less than four hours after your call to assess the situation and mobilize the equipment and professional experts to clean up your home and restore damaged structure and contents. 

We urge clients to avoid attempting to clean smoke residues. Smoke residues produced by a grease fire tend to smear when wiped by cleaning cloths. We use a combination of detergents and water to clean greasy residues from nonporous surfaces and immersion techniques to clean porous materials. We vacuum fluffy smoke residues and clean the surface. Improper cleaning tends to drive the smoke molecules deeper into materials and should be avoided.

Our team at SERVPRO also uses controlled demolition techniques to remove structures damaged by the fire to avoid damaging undamaged areas of your home. Once we remove damaged structures, smoke, and odors, we can help with the restoration and cleanup of your home. Our services include:

• House fire clean up
• Fire damage restoration
• Smoke damage restoration and odor removal

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich in Lake Zurich and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (847) 279-1940.

Call SERVPRO - Ceiling Leaks and Water Damage in Lake Zurich

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

No matter how your property is affected by water damage, SERVPRO is ready and available to help 24/7.

Need Water Cleanup After a Pipe Ruptures in a Lake Zurich Home – Call SERVPRO

Plumbing in cold basements is always at risk of freezing in Lake Zurich during cold weather. Unless you pay attention to the temperature in unfinished basements, the temperature can become 10 to 15 degrees colder than your living areas. Add a malfunctioning furnace or a power failure, and the water in the plumbing can quickly freeze, rupturing copper or plastic pipes and pouring hundreds of gallons of water into your basement.

SERVPRO can assist with water cleanup in homes in Lake Zurich caused by ruptured plumbing or any other type of water leak you have to contend with. Whether it is an unfinished or finished basement, water can do a great deal of damage to anything sitting on the floor. Boxes and other goods stored in the basement soak up the water and can be permanently damaged if not dried quickly.

Many homeowners will arrange for the plumbing to be repaired and begin mopping up the water as best they can. If the space is not dried properly and the humidity level is reduced to the normal range, damp basements can lead to mold colonies, and mold can cause health effects in many people.

SERVPRO can help with:

• Basement flooding cleanup
• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks

During severe cold weather, homeowners may want to consider taking action to protect plumbing that could be susceptible to the extreme cold. For example:

• Keep the living areas warmer than normal
• Open hot air vents in the basement to keep the area above freezing
• In extreme cold, let water taps run slowly to keep water moving in the pipes
• Insulate hot and cold water plumbing to prevent frozen pipes.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich in Lake Zurich and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (847) 279-1940.

SERVPRO Offers Commercial Fire Damage Restoration - Buffalo Grove

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire incident, you want help from the experts. SERVPRO is Here to Help.

Fire, Water, Smoke Restoration for Commercial Clients in Buffalo Grove – Call SERVPRO

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department has put the fire out, leaving charred structures and contents in your commercial building soaked in water. The heating system has been turned off, so everything quickly freezes in cold weather, and even the areas untouched by the fire are wreaking with smoke odor. It is every business owner’s nightmare. Employees cannot work, customers cannot make purchases, and operations come to a halt!

SERVPRO can help with commercial smoke and fire damage restoration in buildings in Buffalo Grove. We understand the impact of a fire and subsequent secondary damage to contents, structure, and your business when everything is shut down after a fire.

We assign a fire restoration supervisor to manage the restoration of your property. They will work closely with your business manager, insurance company, and designated contacts to coordinate the fire damage cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO also coordinates and provides a complete range of building services to restore your building. Structural repairs, content cleaning and repair, flooring and cabinet repair and restoration, temporary warehouse space, plumbing, and electrical services.

SERVPRO provides the following services to help you return to normal operations as quickly as possible:

• Onsite within four hours of your call on a 24/7 basis
• Controlled Demolition
• Temporary heating, water removal, and drying
• Removal of smoke odors and residues
• Cleaning and sanitization of contents, staging of cleaned contents until the contents can be returned
• Fire Damage Restoration

We provide complete end-to-end service for our commercial customers to restore your premises to their original condition, “Like it never even happened.” 

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich in Buffalo Grove and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (847) 279-1940.

Unexpected Places at Risk of Mold Damage in Your Lake Zurich Home

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can be sneaky and unexpected. Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for assistance today.

SERVPRO Technicians Thoroughly Investigate a Home From Top to Bottom When Called in for Mold Issues

Mold occurs naturally in the environment, which means that most homes are in danger of mold growing at some point. All the fungi need is a food source and dampness. Houses provide plenty of food sources such as carpets, drapes, furniture, and drywall, or even wood, which is why SERVPRO recommends householders be vigilant about checking for colonies in their homes.

Often when people talk about mold damage, they speak about obvious areas where it might grow. Rooms that are usually damp or humid, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or even kitchens, are clear risks for mold growth. However, mold can sneak into many other areas of your Lake Zurich home too. You can reduce the risk of fungal growth in your house by keeping an eye on the following unexpected places.

Where else Could Mold Issues be in My Lake Zurich Property?

Window sills. Check the tops and bottoms of window sills regularly and wipe them down as soon as you see condensation forming. Condensation provides the wet environment mold needs to grow.

Wallpaper. The mold that grows behind wallpaper is hard to see. Wallpaper that peels or looks damp or discolored is a giveaway sign. SERVPRO helps you assess the situation by using moisture meters and probes that penetrate the surface and show any damp patches.

Air conditioning units. Your AC system provides a breeding ground for mold when it is left unused. We recommend running your AC unit for ten minutes every day to clear out any condensation. If the mold problem is extensive, call our IICRC-certified technicians. We clean the mold from AC units and establish containment so the spores cannot spread further into your home.

Carpets. A wet carpet provides an ideal place for mold growth. Carpet mold is not easy to spot at first, but if you notice that your carpet is damp to the touch or smells musty, that is an indication of a problem. Our technicians can advise you on whether the carpet is beyond repair. We have air movers and dehumidifiers on hand to dry out salvageable carpets.

Chimneys. Rain and snow falling into chimneys make them damp and give mold a blooming place. It is a good idea to call in a chimney sweep once a year to keep your chimney clean and dry.

Attics. Attics are often underused and, as such, may become cold and damp. It is a good idea to call SERVPRO at the first sign of fungus in your attic. We assess the situation and devise the ideal drying plan to restore your attic and discourage regrowth.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is on hand to deal with hidden spores. Call us at (847) 279-1940 today for help.

Fire Damage During Your Buffalo Grove Remodel

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is waiting to help you through the smoke.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Many Different Types of Fire Damage Residues That are Left Behind

Electrical fires occur for a range of reasons. Cords can be frayed, water can act as a conductor, tools can malfunction, or operators can damage wiring inside walls, among other things. If there are construction materials nearby, the blaze can get out of control fast. We pride ourselves on our equally swift response to your request for fire damage help in Buffalo Grove.

During demolition, a contractor cut through the electric wiring for your new kitchen remodel. The shorted wires started a smoldering fire in your Buffalo Grove home, that slowly burned through some of the original drywall before your kitchen’s fire extinguisher put it out. The fire department carefully evaluated your home’s wiring during their visit, ensuring that no further risk of fire in the walls existed. Our team arrives as the firefighters leave, ready to assess the situation.

Thankfully the fire did not spread, but a thick, acrid coating of smoke moved throughout your home. SERVPRO’s highly-qualified technicians, skills mastered through Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training, immediately devise a comprehensive plan to clean the kitchen area and also inspect the rest of the house to ensure all smoke and soot residues are eliminated.

The soot produced by a slow-burning, low oxygen electrical fire is thick and wet. Wet soot is likely to smear, so techniques have to remove it require a systematic approach of spraying cleaning solutions and then wiping up the loosened substances. Even though your kitchen is in the middle of a renovation, it is essential to clean up the soot thoroughly. Allowing any soot to remain risks deterioration of both existing and new building materials used in the kitchen rehab and also allows the oppressive smell to remain.

The smell of this type of low-oxygen fire is pungent and persistent, requiring the expertise of SERVPRO’s deodorization specialists to remove it. If removing the burned wiring and the wet soot in all areas does not dissipate the odor, our experienced deodorization crew moves on to sprays or thermal fogging in hopes of eradicating the stench. These airborne methods work by applying like-sized neutralizing agents to the odor-bearing particles.

Fogging adds a combustion step to replicate the way odor was created. Research shows this to be a more efficient method to match the neutralizer to the smelly bits in the air and even deep within materials. Another option for strong smells is a hydroxyl generator that creates negatively or neutrally charged particles that naturally “seek and destroy” odor molecules.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich features specialized equipment and work crews to remediate the sticky residues and strong smells after an electrical fire. Call (847) 279-1940 to schedule an inspection and start the recovery process.

How Can I Prevent Water Damage from Happening in Buffalo Grove in the Winter?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

You can't stop winter when it comes in full blaze SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is here to help.

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Repairs in Buffalo Grove During the Winter Time

Most people that have lived in cold areas like Illinois know that the wintertime can bring about freezing conditions. Your pipes could break and leak when the temperature drops well below freezing. After it snows, an ice dam can form and prevent water from draining into your gutters. Before any of the incidents happen, it is wise to make sure your house is winterized before going into the cold months.

You can prevent frozen pipes and ice damming in Buffalo Grove by taking the necessary steps before the temperatures drop. Prevention is always a good thing to focus on because once water leaks into your house, it can ruin your contents and building materials. If you ever notice that your ceiling or walls got wet due to a roof leak or pipe break, our SERVPRO technicians can help by providing the following:

• Emergency Services After Water Damage 
• Basement Flooding Clean Up
• Water Damage Debris Removal
• Repair Leaking Roofs After a Storm
• Attic Mold Inspections

Before the snow starts to travel, it is a good idea to search your home and look for any water lines that run near exterior walls or rooms like your garage that are not insulated. These pipes could be the first ones to get cold, so it is good to insulate them. If you have water lines that are in unheated areas like your crawl space attic or garage, it is good to make sure that these areas are sealed from the outside and stay above freezing. 

Ice dams get caused by sections of your roof being different temperatures. Often, this happens because heat is leaking from your living area into your attic and warming up the roof. Adding more insulation in your attic is a good way to help prevent ice dams and keep your water pipes from freezing.

If you happen to suffer from a disaster even after you take steps to winterize your home, call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

Who Can Dry My Hardwood Floors After a Pipe Leak?

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

If water damages your Buffalo Grove's hardwood flooring--Call SERVPRO to extract the water and save your floorboards

SERVPRO Technicians Render Water Removal Services for Buffalo Grove Homeowners

While many homeowners in Buffalo Grove may associate pipe leaks with saturated drywall or soggy ceilings, the plumbing underneath your floors can also be affected. This type of water damage exposure can not only make hardwood planks warp, swell, or even buckle, but it can also damage your subflooring.

If a pipe leak necessitates water removal for your Buffalo Grove property, SERVPRO technicians are ready to restore your home 24/7.

How Does Water Affect Hardwood Floors?

• Expansion and contraction. Hardwood, unlike many other flooring solutions, is built to last for the lifetime of a given building. When exposed to moisture, this material naturally expands, then contracts once moisture recedes.
• This type of damage typically comes from a lack of humidity. Hardwood needs some amount of humidity to thrive. These cracks are more likely to form during wintry weather.
• Crowning and cupping. Sometimes spills and other incidences where hardwood absorbs water create concave or convex warping in the planks depending on where moisture was absorbed.
• This reaction, where the planks pull away from the subflooring, is uncommon and requires extensive exposure to water.

What Does SERVPRO Use to Remove Water Damage?

SERVPRO technicians use a wide variety of tools for extraction, including equipment that is well-suited to removing moisture and related maladies from hardwood flooring. This repertoire can include such tools as:

• Rubber suction mats for considerable surface area moisture
• Portable extraction wands designed to reach nooks and crannies between boards.
• 6mm polyethylene sheeting to create drying chambers that accelerate drying when paired with air movers and dehumidifiers.
• EPA-registered antimicrobials to prevent mold growth and aid in odor control for water-damaged flooring and subflooring.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich provides mitigation that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (847) 279-1940 to begin the mitigation process.

How Can My Lake Zurich Home Get Damaged by a Flash Flood?

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

When your Lake Zurick basement suffers flash flooding damage like this Photo, call SERVPRO--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flash flooding happens with little warning and can catch many properties off-guard with substantial damages.

Often, flash flooding results from torrential rainfall over a prolonged period or multiple storms moving through the Lake Zurich area quickly. With the immense power of these natural disasters, homes within this moving water pathway can become severely damaged by its force. Understanding how your home could become affected by this natural disaster is essential to protecting your residence and occupants.

Flood damage for Lake Zurich from these disasters can take a toll on several areas of the house almost immediately. Houses with basements are often the hardest hit by flash flooding because these lower levels can welcome these powerful rushes of water. Homes with window wells leading to this lower level provide a direct path for both flooding and debris to reach the basement.

Homes without a basement are often constructed with crawl spaces, and these areas can also become damaged by standing water. Our SERVPRO team has multiple solutions for drying and cleaning out these areas of your home to minimize the need to remove and repair supports for the house in this crawlspace. Long-term solutions like encapsulation protect from future flooding by redirecting water elsewhere and preventing moisture damage to supports, joists, subflooring, and other materials with poly sheeting coverings.

How Does Standing Water Get Removed from the Basement?

Basements can quickly collect water when flash flooding occurs, as the force of these disasters can bypass the weakest defenses of your property. Standing water is a threat to structural elements, but also can allow for the spread of bacterial or viral pathogens collected through the path of the moving water. With solids and debris present in this basement water, extraction tools must be able to pass solids. Several of these options include:

• Wet Vacuums
• Trash Pumps
• Truck-Mount Pumps

Our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team is standing by to help with efficient extraction and cleaning solutions at (847) 279-1940.

What Are the Steps Mold Remediation Companies Take in Buffalo Grove Properties?

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Looks like MOLD on a wall in this Buffalo Grove home! Call SERVPRO for remediation

SERVPRO Technicians Can Find and Handle Mold Damage in Buffalo Grover Residential Properties

There is a huge amount of misinformation that Buffalo Grove homeowners may run across online. The problem will not get better on its own, and some DIY methods can make the issue worse. Mold infestations should always have professional mitigation for the best outcome.

SERVPRO is the professional mold remediation choice that Buffalo Grove residents trust. The technicians have comprehensive training for handling all types of molds and the advanced equipment to locate areas of microorganisms growing behind walls or under floors. Preventing cross-contamination from airborne mold spores is critical during a service. SERVPRO techs use containment methods such as negative pressure porting contaminated and dusty air to the exterior, or simply covering vents, common entrance, and exit points to other areas of the residence with heavy gauge plastic sheeting, usually 6-mil.

As the techs scope the property, they determine the scale of the mold remediation needed. Often mold growth can extend far beyond the origination point where a slow leak or poor ventilation has been the issue. Along with inspecting the structure, the techs also check out the ductwork to determine if it needs mitigation as well.

Controlled Demolition and Antifungal Agents

The sheetrock in the house with mold damage will need safe removal and disposal if the hyphae (root-like structures) have penetrated too deeply into the substrate. Homeowners can expect to see some of the following actions:

• Removal of portions of walls and ceilings with mold damage
• Disposal of carpet with a mold infestation
• Cleaning with professional EPA-approved antimicrobials and the use of sealants on studs and areas left intact.

The use of abatement is common for the removal of dried residues left behind. The techs carefully scrape and use hand vacuums with HEPA filtration to manually remove the residual matter left after drying. When the remaining mold is stuck to surfaces, the techs rely on applications such as soda, sponge, or ice blasting to remove the stuck-on matter without marring surfaces.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 assists local Buffalo Grove property owners as a top-tier mold remediation company. The trained, certified technicians have the knowledge and experience to mitigate any size of mold infestation.

Need Help with Water Damage Restoration in Buffalo Grove – Call SERVPRO

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Don't hesitate with your water-damaged business. Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for immediate assistance.

SERVPRO Can Restore Your Commercial Building in Buffalo Grove to Full Functionality

When water damage in commercial buildings in Buffalo Grove occurs, building managers worry about the direct damage from the water, the impact on operations, and how long it will take to return everything to normal. Their clients may lose customers and thousands of dollars in unfinished goods and finished goods. Employees are laid off until they can return after all of the damage caused by the water has been repaired. There are many activities and schedules to coordinate. SERVPRO can help!

SERVPRO provides water damage restoration services for commercial buildings in Buffalo Grove and the surrounding area. We understand how urgent it is to return to normal operations quickly and its impact on customers, employees, suppliers, clients, and the building owners. That’s why we offer fast response and a range of restoration and reconstruction services to return your operation to normal quickly.

Our team aims to be onsite in less than four hours from your call to begin water removal and remediation to limit additional damage from standing water. We deploy truck-mounted pumps, dehumidifiers, and air movers to maximize the dehumidification and drying. We also deploy room-located dehumidifiers and air movers to dry every room. We have reconstruction crews and contractors available to expeditiously complete repairs so your team can return to normal as soon as possible. We work with your management team to coordinate all of these activities.

SERVPRO offers:

• Water removal services
• Emergency services water damage restoration
• Floor, wall, and ceiling water damage reconstruction

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for water damage restoration in Buffalo Grove and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (847) 279-1940.

Need Flood Damage Cleanup in Lake Zurich – Call SERVPRO

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage will come right into your Lake Zurich property, and it will not stop. Call SERVPRO today.

SERVPRO Provides Flood Damage Restoration and Reconstruction in Lake Zurich

Whether your Lake Zurich home is inundated by floodwaters from overflowing streams, backed-up storm sewers, or water leaking through damaged exterior walls or your roof, taking quick action to limit the damage and remove the water can mitigate the total damage to your home. Flooded basements may be contaminated with chemicals, biological material, bacteria, and viruses absorbed by the floodwaters. Broken windows and holes in roofs let in hundreds of gallons of water, often finding their way to the lowest point in your home – the basement.

SERVPRO responds to flood damage calls from residents of Lake Zurich within four hours of your call. We can deploy truck-mounted pumps to remove standing water from basements, board up broken windows and install tarps on your roof to prevent further moisture from entering your home. Our emergency flood damage services do not stop there.

Cleaning, disinfection, sanitization, and drying follow to begin the process of restoring your home. We clean and sanitize everything possible; however, some items may be damaged beyond repair and must be removed. Structural items such as drywall and particle board used in flooring and cupboards may need to be demolished. These materials absorb water, swell, and cannot be recovered.

SERVPRO also provides reconstruction services to assist with returning your home or business to its original condition, “Like it never even happened.” We also work closely with adjusters from your insurance company and coordinate insurance claims with them.

Our services in Lake Zurich and surrounding areas include:

• Floodwater damage restoration and reconstruction
• Basement flooding cleanup
• Ceiling repairs from water damage
• Building reconstruction and repairs

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for flood damage restoration in Lake Zurich and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (847) 279-1940.

Need Water Removal and Restoration in Lake Zurich – Call SERVPRO

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich knows water damage knows no bounds. Call us today for assistance.

SERVPRO Provides Water Removal and Restoration Services in Lake Zurich

Water leaking for hours can do a lot of damage to homes in Lake Zurich if not attended to immediately. Water always moves to the lowest point in your home and is absorbed quickly by porous materials, e.g., fabrics and processed wood products such as particleboard commonly found in cabinets and flooring subfloors. Once these wood products begin to swell, they cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Even hardwood floors can start to cup and buckle if exposed to moisture long enough. 

SERVPRO provides water removal services to residents and homeowners in Lake Zurich. We are on-site in less than four hours from your initial call and focus on removing standing water and drying immediately. Once wood products absorb moisture, they lose integrity and strength and become deformed from the swelling and absorption of water. If we can remove the water and dry the area quickly, we can save your cupboards and even hardwood flooring. We use drying mats on hardwood floors to remove moisture and dry the floor before the hardwood begins to buckle.

Our water removal services include the following:

• Basement flooding water removal
• Water removal and cleanup
• Water damage repairs and restoration

Our building services include contractors coordinated by SERVPRO to make repairs and restore your home after being damaged by excess water and humidity. Water leaks can damage drywall and insulation, cause delamination of carpets, damage flooring materials, including subfloors as well as kitchen and bathroom cupboards. We can help with all of these repairs, provide coordination and minimize the time your home is in disarray while repairs are underway.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for water removal in Lake Zurich and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (847) 279-1940.

Avoid Fire Damage in Your Buffalo Grove Home with Candle Safety

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Candles are the cause of several thousand house fires each year. SERVPRO is always on call to restore your fire damaged home.

Smoke & Fire Issues Need Professional Cleanup and Restoration

A relaxing touch to the atmosphere of your Buffalo Grove home, candles are unfortunately also the cause of thousands of fires each year. However, even with the risk, many people love to use them for ambiance and decoration. They can be used safely by following some simple tips.

Burning candles in rooms that are drafty can spell disaster. Fans, vents, and air currents could cause the flames to catch on items nearby and leave you with lots of fire damage to clean up in your Buffalo Grove home. SERVPRO understands the importance of safety tips when it comes to burning these scented beauties and encourages smart use.

Candles should always be kept at least a foot or more away from anything flammable, like fabric, paper, furniture, or curtains. Burn them in holders that are stable and put them on a level, sturdy surface which is resistant to heat.

Keep out of reach of pets and children as well. They can knock over a candle easily and spill the hot wax on themselves, ignite themselves or nearby furniture. Teach children proper safety and how to extinguish flames correctly. Of course, never leave a burning taper unattended.

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup

When you call SERVPRO to handle fire damage remediation after a mishap from one of these lights, we also need to deodorize your home from the smoke smells. It would be an easy process if all odors came from one source. However, that is not always the case.

We remove the odor source and debris first instead of trying to deodorize the source. Thermal fogging is one method we can utilize. Anything charred is removed. Debris that is contaminated by smoke residues continues to give off smoke odors or soils if it is not taken out. We then clean any surfaces which have odor-causing residues on them.

SERVPRO techs use deodorization methods that imitate the nature of the smoke. Doing this is a highly effective process. Sometimes, we may also need to seal surfaces in serious situations. Sealing can eliminate the odor problem in cases where it is impractical or too expensive to get rid of the odor. Two examples can be sealing inaccessible duct surfaces or painting walls.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich can be trusted to clean your home up after a fire. Anyone living in the areas of Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove, or Lake Zurich can get in touch with us anytime at (847) 279-1940.

Why You Should Choose Our Mitigation Technicians in Buffalo Grove

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Take a peek inside our facility. This is where we carefully store customer's belongings.

Pack Out Your Buffalo Grove Office for the Most Efficient Water Damage Remediation

Arriving for work early Monday morning to inches to feet of water in your Buffalo Grove office can happen if a supply line breaks over the weekend. In the chaos that follows, one response that can save contents and the structure more efficiently is a pack out. Moving business documents, furnishings, decor, and inventory to our climate-controlled production facility serves a two-fold purpose: the transported items get the specialized attention they need, and office space is more easily cleared of water and dried out.

Your Buffalo Grove office is the hub of your business, and water damage can bring things to a halt. Choosing our team of expert water mitigation technicians to help sort out the harm done to structure and contents gives you the tools to turn around this unexpected and unfortunate situation. Our employees, both at your site and in our production facility, are well-trained and highly qualified to return your commercial building and possessions to preloss condition.

Water Removal Services

When SERVPRO completes a pack-out, we use our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to ensure all items are accounted for and secure. We create a room-by-room inventory using detailed lists, digital photographs, and a barcoding app to memorialize your business belongings. Crews carefully pack up and transport the articles to our production’s facility, where they are evaluated, cleaned, and dried. Throughout the restoration process, we work closely with your insurance to minimize yours out of pocket expenses.

SERVPRO’s climate-controlled space permits IICRC trained technicians to determine the best strategies to restore the packed-out property. Innovative techniques like vacuum freeze-drying can return wet papers to functional status. Electronics are dried and checked for operational status in individual enclosures that moderate humidity and temperature. Furnishings receive a cleaning and then accelerated drying in small sections optimized for the purpose with heated air movers and dehumidifiers.

Meanwhile, our on-site crew is removing water, clearing debris, and drying the office areas for the return of the packed-out materials. SERVPRO leaves no details to chance, understanding you need to hit the ground running as soon as your office space is ready, and your business equipment and files are returned.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is your partner when water damage threatens your business. Call us immediately at (847) 279-1940 and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced assessors.

What Makes SERVPRO One of the Best Mold Removal Companies in Buffalo Grove?

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Is mold hiding in your house? SERVPRO is trained and equipped for complete remediation.

Homeowners in Buffalo Grove Can Save Their Properties from Long-Term Damage by Hiring Mold Removal Companies Like SERVPRO

The Indoor air quality (IAQ) can significantly decline if you have mold damage in your home. As mold spores are airborne, they can easily contaminate your indoor air and can cause health effects. Hiring SERVPRO, one of the most trusted mold removal companies in Buffalo Grove, can help you remedy this problem.

Being one of the premier mold removal companies in Buffalo Grove, SERVPRO has the experience and tools to tackle any size mold damage. As soon as our mold specialists arrive at your property, we conduct a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the mold damage. The next step is to develop an effective remediation strategy and can safely address the mold situation. It is often necessary for the SERVPRO techs to establish strict containment zones to limit the spread of the airborne spores to unaffected parts of the building.

What is the Role of Air Scrubbers That SERVPRO Mold Specialists Use in Your Des Moines Home? 

The air scrubber is one of the most common equipment you might see SERVPRO mold experts use in your Buffalo Grove home. It is a unique air purification system that improves indoor air quality by eliminating particles, including mold spores, from the air.

An air scrubber unit consists of filters that can remove particulate matter, including mold spores, from the air and improve its quality. There are usually three types of filters present:

• Primary filter:A primary filter usually removes any larger debris and contaminants before the air can reach the inner, finer filters. 
• Pleated filter:It has a higher capture rate (smaller pore size) than the primary filter. 
• Specialty filters:Although not always present, these filters can adsorb small molecules such as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs).
• HEPA filter:At the heart of an air scrubber unit is a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. These filtration units can trap particles bigger than 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97% 

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 with any mold-related query.

Commercial Water Damage in Buffalo Grove

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Top-of-the-line equipment like this LGR low-grain refrigerant dehumidifier are why SERVPRO provides superior water removal in Buffalo Grove

Be Ready in Buffalo Grove – Never Let Your Business Suffer from Water Damage

Water damage incidents can wreak havoc in your business, even if there is as little as half an inch of standing water present. Even the smallest amount of water travels to drier locations, making it imperative that trained technicians are on the job. The longer that you wait to have the water cleaned up, the more the damage multiplies from overexposure.

If you are a property owner dealing with an emergency from commercial water damage in Buffalo Grove, calling SERVPRO gets you the prompt response you need. Whether you had a pipe that burst overnight or there was another reason for a significant water damage incident, we have the technicians you need to assess the situation and put a plan of action into place for cleanup and restoration.

Water Damage Assessment

After our team arrives, skilled technicians scope out the path of water migration to determine the proper steps to take. The water extraction is either addressed using portable pumps or truck-mounted pumps to pull water up as quickly as possible. This is followed up with other equipment, such as pumps that have weighted extractor heads that help push water from carpeting and padding.

Thorough Inspection

It is crucial that SERVPRO technicians come in and inspect your commercial space room by room to determine the impact of the water damage. Items are removed from the floors or placed on blocks to facilitate efficient drying. Any electronics or appliances in your commercial space must be inspected when exposed to moisture to ensure safety and function before use. We can wipe down and clean the exterior of electronic devices, but we do not open them. If necessary, they can be sent to an electronics specialty company to further check.

Drying Water Damage on a Larger Scale

Our skilled technicians at SERVPRO have been trained extensively in the study of air and moisture, which is known as psychrometry. For any large-scale commercial drying situation, we can formulate precisely how many dehumidifiers and air movers are required to be used in tandem to achieve the proper humidity levels throughout the building. Every room impacted by water damage in your commercial space receives the same intricate setup with carefully planned air quality goals and drying times.

You can trust our technicians at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich to get the job done for all your commercial water damage and restoration needs. A team will be deployed to your location as quickly as possible after you call us at (847) 279-1940.

I Just Had Fire Damage in Buffalo Grove, What Do I Do Now?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO use professional grade cleaners and equipment to remove the smoke odors and soot stains from your Buffalo Grove fire-damaged home

Address Fire Damage Promptly by Calling SERVPRO to Your Buffalo Grove Home

Stress and worry are two common feelings a homeowner has after a fire. You must know the next steps to take after the fire gets safely and thoroughly extinguished. SERVPRO is available to ensure your interior is free of any trace of fire with our advanced technology and specialized techniques. With a phone call to our team, we deploy the Green Fleet to get started in as little as four hours.

What Can I Do Until Help Arrives?

After your home gets deemed safe to enter, SERVPRO begins the assessment of your fire damage in Buffalo Grove. In the meantime, your main goal should be safety. These tips are best to keep in mind until our team arrives:

• Reduce movement throughout your home to prevent residue from soot and smoke from traveling
• If the electricity is off in your home, empty your refrigerator and freezer, making sure that the doors are propped open (this advice is for extended period of time without SERVPRO to help)
• Keep your hands clean and try to limit touching anything so that your walls, woodwork, and upholstery are not soiled any further
• If possible, place old linens or towels on traffic areas to cut back on further soiling

Our skilled technicians formulate a plan to remove all charred debris and non-salvageable belongings from your home. Carpeting and other saturated materials from the water extinguishing the fire are treated or entirely removed to be replaced. Specialized dry or wet cleaning methods are used depending on the type of smoke and soot residue present on various surfaces. We also have equipment like air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators that help us to pull particles from the air, thus improving air quality while removing tough smoke odors.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is available when you need professional fire damage restoration services. Call us at (847) 279-1940 so that we can send a team out as quickly as possible.

Is Flood Damage in Buffalo Grove Repairable?

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides cutting-edge mobile furnaces to help dry out flooded homes in Buffalo Grove. Much more advanced than this one!

SERVPRO Emergency Flood Damage Restoration Technicians in Buffalo Grove Strive to Return Your Home to a Pre-loss Condition

Floods can be one of the most devastating natural disasters to affect your property. The root causes of flooding are myriad, with some floods occurring due to abnormally high levels of rainfall or tide levels. For other residents, floods can be a part of the annual cycle, with property damages arising when known flood plains expand and spill over into residential communities. The nearby Des Plaines River can be a source of flooding.The speed and damage caused by these natural disasters can have severe consequences for your personal property. SERVPRO can help you with:

• Basement flooding
• Flood restoration
• Water removal services

Maintaining the ambient temperature in flood damage restoration for your Buffalo Grove home is essential. While most dehumidifiers can operate in a wide range of conditions, they usually run in a defrosting mode when temperatures are below 60 degrees. To maximize the efficiency of this vital drying equipment in environments where power outages are common, such as flooded properties, we can deploy mobile furnaces to maintain the ideal temperatures for drying.

• Mobile furnaces can raise the ambient temperature of a large indoor space to above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, creating ideal drying conditions.
• Mobile furnaces can often be run through a truck-mount system or fuel to allow operation within properties without power.
• Standard furnaces can emit 120,000 BTUs and operate effectively for up to thirty-six hours, speeding up property drying significantly.

To return your home to its preloss condition following a flood emergency, contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for flood damage at (847) 279-1940.

Water Removal Is Needed for Both Large and Small Water Problems in Downtown Chicago

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

Keep the water from the Chicago River where it belongs, not in your home. Need Help with water damage? Call SERVPRO

Trust SERVPRO to Mitigate Damages Caused by Water to Your Structure

Water removal is not always an extensive undertaking that requires a pump truck sitting outside your office. There might be a time when you need this kind of service for much more minor problems. However, allowing such shallower (no pun intended) issues to remain as they are because they seem too inconsequential is never a good idea because secondary water damage is always possible. When water is permitted to linger where it should not be, many possible but highly preventable problems become much more likely in the future.

Office buildings and homes have many locations where water can become problematic. When a pipe bursts or a toilet overflows, water removal is the only real solution to the predicament. SERVPRO has the equipment needed, no matter how large or small the problem might be, to reverse the situation. If water damage strikes your property in Downtown Chicago, make the call.

We always use the most efficient tools to provide the best results at the lowest cost. We realize that having a disastrous situation involving water can cause workflow interruptions, possible damage to equipment, safety issues, and basic repairs. We alleviate concern by staffing only qualified workers and then train them extensively according to SERVPRO corporate and IICRC standards.

Water Removal Services

Removing all excess water from your office can significantly reduce the chances of the development of mold. Also, water removal can help prevent the increased disintegration of your building's structure while protecting your contents from a large number of potentially tricky and destructive situations.

Our processes and methods include not only the removal of the liquid water but also the water in the air. Not only can even a slight elevation of humidity make breathing uncomfortable, but it can also damage, albeit slowly, computer components, electrical wiring, many types of textiles, fragile documents, and paintings. Increased moisture in the air can even become trapped inside double glass windowpanes. The central HVAC system can also suffer from excess moisture resulting in mold proliferation and reduced healthy indoor air quality.

Having water removal services conducted to extract the traces of water in your Downtown Chicago building is crucial to sound business activities, and we are here to help you fulfill that goal. Calling SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 is the first step toward accomplishing this.

Nip Buffalo Grove Mold Damage to Your Sunroom in The Bud

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can inspect, discover, and remediate mold damage in your Buffalo Grove home caused by leaking windows and more

Why SERVPRO for Mold Remediation for Your Buffalo Grove Property

Additions to your home like sunrooms and three-season porches often lack the same roof coverings and underpinnings as the rest of your house. As a result, climate control is more difficult within these rooms, causing a potential imbalance of humid air or condensation inside, leading to mold growth. SERVPRO is uniquely positioned to help you remediate this problem.

Even trace amounts of moisture feed mold, continuing the damage. For example, if you have a sunroom with a flat roof, no basement, or a porch with a neglected crawlspace and ill-fitting windows, water finds many ways to invade and nurture microbial growth. We are experts in locating, containing, and removing mold damage in Buffalo Grove and help you recognize the changes needed to keep the moisture out.

Mold Inspection

Perhaps the water drained poorly from a flat roof, or a window allowed water to blow inside a porch. Dark staining on the ceiling, crumbling wood, and a musty smell are the clues. SERVPRO staff contains the visible mold and searches above the ceiling or behind walls to see if other structures have microbial colonies. The mold is removed from the surfaces as much as possible, but if it invades within drywall or deep into the wood, the building materials must come out as well. We disinfect the areas, sealing if indicated with proper products, and dispose of the moldy debris. Our team works with other contractors when needed to replace the missing components, restoring the look and function of the rooms.

SERVPRO technicians also search for a way to prevent the water from infiltrating. Roof repair or drainage reconfiguring is a possible set of answers. Windows receiving caulking and proper vapor barriers under, and over uninsulated areas help even out humidity levels and condensation problems. We realize these types of rooms are tricky to maintain in regions where the weather hits both extremes of cold and heat. Heavy precipitation, water, sleet, ice, and snow all contribute and need to be dealt with proactively. Our AMRT crew prides itself on helping with these complex problems in our wide-ranging climate.

Frustrations regarding troubling mold damage have answers when you contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich. Set up an inspection through our office at (847) 279-1940.

Is Professional Fire Damage Restoration for Chimneys Available in Buffalo Grove?

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

From skyscrapers in Downtown Chicago to your Buffalo Grove residence, SERVPRO provides fire damage-related cleanups

SERVPRO Helps Buffalo Grove Residents with Fire Damage from Puffbacks, Furnaces, and Fireplaces

Fireplaces can be cozy and warming during the winter months. However, they require regular maintenance of both the flue and grates to ensure that your home does not suffer accidental fire damage. The causes of fireplace-related property damage can be linked to low burning fires that buildup fuel residues (creosite) inside the flue to irregular sweeping of soot or ashes. If a disaster happens, SERVPRO can help with:

• Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup
• Water and fire damage restorations
• Smoke damage

Enlisting professional fire damage restoration services in Buffalo Grove can speed up the process of returning your home to its preloss condition. Furnace puff backs or chimney blockages can result in smoke damage affecting nearby carpeting and walls and ceilings around the area. The spider-like soot accumulations in corners and cool spots need vacuuming first to prevent smearing of the oily substance.

• Cleaning and clearing out the chimney using specialist tools can help to guard your home against future damages.
• Applying a pre-conditioner and rinsing agent to nearby carpets can often see them return to a preloss condition.
• Masonry or stonework around the fireplace can be cleaned using a solution with ammonia to help break down soot without damaging the surface.

Our professionals can help address furnace fire issues in Downtown Chicago. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for fire damage restoration at (847) 279-1940.

Why Buffalo Grove Flood Damage Needs Immediate Action

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

If the Chicago River overflows its banks and floods your home in Buffalo Grove--Rely on SERVPRO to mitigate the storm damage

SERVPRO Offers Quick Action After Flood Damage

Torrential rains and the runoff from surrounding areas place some areas of Buffalo Grove squarely in the path of flood damage. Dealing with several inches of floodwater in a basement or walk-out lower level is overwhelming, and added pressure comes from the commonly repeated warning that homeowners must seek help right away. We help explain the need for speed and offer a rapid and professional response.

Cleaning Up after a Sewer Backup

Struggling to manage flood damage in Buffalo Grove is impossible without proper equipment, including industrial strength submersible pumps and high-efficiency water extractors. The challenge is exacerbated with potential sewer backups into homes and seepage from the saturated ground surrounding residences. We offer highly qualified technicians and powerful equipment to safely remove floodwaters from any source and follow local codes for proper disposal.

Even though you may want to consider your options for a day or two when this much water invades your home, every moment you wait risks ever-escalating danger to the integrity of the foundation and other building materials of your house. The mixture of rain, sewage, and other substances threatens both the structure of your dwelling and the health of your family. Floodwaters range from gray to black, the most polluted because of the potential for human, animal, and chemical waste. SERVPRO has years of experience evacuating flood water and remediating the damage it does to a residence.

Flood Water Removal Services

Our crews spring into action after our seasoned project managers review your particular situation and formulate a plan. Truck-mounted pumps and extractors remove the water fast, and technicians then measure and monitor the moisture in walls, floors, and the air, determining drying goals achieved using air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers. We locate any additional water found trapped in cinder block foundations or behind walls or paneling using scanning devices. That residual moisture is suctioned out or drained using strategically placed openings in walls or holes drilled in mortar joints.

Mold Inspections, Remediations, and Removal

Mold growth starts within 24 to 48 hours of flooding, another reason immediate action is necessary. Removing water and drying out structures significantly reduces the risk of mold proliferation, and SERVPRO crews also apply professional-grade antimicrobials to surfaces to inhibit infestation. Basements often contain stored items, and we pack these out to a dry area on your property or off-site for a thorough review. We have innovative drying technologies available to save items you may fear lost, including freeze-drying for pictures, books, and documents. Best results occur when soaked articles receive treatment as soon as possible.

We know the pressure of dealing with flood damage feels immense, but the management and service crews of SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich want to support you and explain the process thoroughly. Call (847) 279-1940 to schedule an inspection and consultation.

Avoid a Box Office Run on Refunds With an Emergency READY Plan in Buffalo Grove

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Keeps the Box Office open in Buffalo Grove following water damage with a fast and efficient water removal service

SERVPRO Delivers Quick Water Damage Remediation So That the Show Can Go On

Entertainment venues must deliver on performances promised to their patrons of the arts. Water damage in the theater needs rapid restoration to ensure honoring of playdates, keeping both performers and the audience comfortable and safe. SERVPRO offers clients in the theater business a chance to plan for disasters with our highly qualified project managers, developing a plan that supports fast and focused restoration.

Shared lodging, dining, and entertainment spaces risk water damage to Buffalo Grove’s popular children’s and musical theater industry. Plumbing failure in the resort’s guest rooms, pools, or restaurants quickly spreads to the stage areas, threatening your play and musical schedule. People plan theater attendance with friends and family far in advance for shared memories. Local businesses, schools, and other groups buy blocks of tickets for special events. Delaying dramatic satisfaction need not be an option when our skilled staff put recovery planning designed especially for your situation in motion.

Emergency READY Profile and Plan ERP

Carpeting, padded upholstered seats, sets, costumes, and the stage itself are on the endangered list when water floods from a burst pipe, an overfilled tub, or pool in a distant area of the resort. SERVPRO works with theater management to pinpoint where water jeopardizes structures and fixtures when you invite us in for an Emergency READY Profile and Plan assessment. No one knows better than you what items need first attention when water damage occurs. You also help us map out a blueprint of your stage, audience, and backstage areas, identifying utility shutoffs and electrical power configurations. We make suggestions to limit damage should water damage occur.

Determine which theater team you authorize to call for and guide our reaction, so response timing and implementation are seamless. Relax knowing you have a plan crafted that restores water damage in a swift and thoroughly professional manner whether you or your hand-picked staff direct our efforts. You and your team gain a clear vision of how SERVPRO remediates water damage, moving from water extraction to a comprehensive drying plan that minimizes the chance of collateral, long-lasting harm like mold growth or the weakening of the main structural supports.

We know how unacceptable missing even one performance is for your business, so we organize our water damage response, so the show goes on. Schedule an assessment with an experienced project manager from SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 and develop your Emergency Ready Profile and Plan.

Complete Fire Restoration from SERVPRO in Buffalo Grove

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

No fire damage restoration project is too tall for SERVPRO--count on us for Chicago and Buffalo Grove Help

SERVPRO Restores Fire-Damaged Buffalo Grove Homes Using Time-Tested Procedures.

A house fire is likely one of the greatest dangers your Buffalo Grove home faces. These residential fires can occur at almost any time, with little to no warning, and are often the result of little accidents. When they happen, professional assistance is needed to remediate their damage.

SERVPRO, experts in fire and smoke damage remediation, usually know just what fire restoration work your Buffalo Grove home needs. Over their years of performing house fire cleanups, smoke remediation, and fire damage restoration work, our skilled technicians have developed time-tested procedures for quickly and effectively restoring fire damaged homes. These procedures include, among other things:

• Rapidly sanitizing interior air with powerful air movers, air scrubbers, and ozone machines
• Thoroughly inspecting your home for issues associated with fire damage
• Removing harmful acidic, fire-related residues from surfaces around your home with wet, dry, abrasive, or peroxide active cleaning methods
• Treating impacted carpeting and upholstery with innovative injection devices
• Neutralizing or otherwise concealing unpleasant odors with thermal foggers and professional-grade deodorants
• Employing ultra-low volume foggers to deodorize hard-to-reach parts of your residence

Once all of these measures have been taken, homes are usually back to their pre-fire condition, "Like it never even happened."

With all that said, if your residence ever suffers fire damage and needs fire restoration work, call your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 for assistance.

Torrential Storms Increase the Risk of Flood Damage in the Downtown Chicago Area

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Did a recent storm affect your area? Flooding can quickly damage contents and structure. Call SERVPRO today for water removal.

Flooding can Happen Very Quickly as a Result of Changing Weather Patterns

Storms forming around the Downtown Chicago area can produce several inches of water in a brief time. While this may not result in a flooded home when the water travels and congregates elsewhere, this can become very troublesome for homeowners.

When drenched by a storm, homes can have flood damage in Downtown Chicago. It can occur both rapidly and unexpectedly. When flooding is known about and expected, removing anything of value to higher levels in your home can prevent many expensive losses. However, sudden floods can surprise residents, and only a few inches of floodwater entering a home can result in thousands of dollars in damaged furnishings and interior structures.

SERVPRO's technicians are always ready to assist with restoring a home. We have earned IICRC certificates in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and related fields and know your home is central to your family's sense of normalcy. Working as quickly as possible without making mistakes ensures the completion of your family home's restoration as soon as possible.

Complete drying out of furniture, carpets, and affected personal belongings must happen soon after the water is pumped out. Dampness permits mold and mildew to flourish in as little as 48 hours. Other problems such as weakened support within a home can become apparent later by sagging floors and cracking walls and ceiling joints. Before applying microbial inhibitors and other cleaning agents that help restore your furnishings, it is important to verify that no abnormal moisture levels may exist.

We can pack up and clean all of the affected belongings at our facility or in the home in an unaffected area, depending on the specific situation and homeowners' preferences. When completed and the home's flooded area shows no signs of damage, returning these items to their original locations happens as quickly as possible.

Understanding your needs during trying situations brought on by Mother Nature, SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich, has caring professionals who are only a phone call away. Regardless of the time of day or night, reaching us is as easy as calling (847) 279-1940. Restoring your home flood damage begins with one phone call. 

Flood Damage from Bathtub Overflow in your Downtown Chicago Home

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can be quite overwhelming and unsettling. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and flood damage remediation efforts.

SERVPRO Take the Guesswork Out Flood Damage with Tools Made for the Job

When you forget to turn off the water in your tub to take a phone call, a child starts the water and leaves it without telling anyone, or your overflow drain was not working correctly, you have accidental water damage. They can cause severe damage to your home that you need to address quickly.

Flood damage can affect your carpeting, subfloor, drywall, the ceiling and walls underneath the tub, and more. Depending on how quickly you call a remediation company like SERVPRO to repair the water damage in your Downtown Chicago home, many of these can be saved. When you let the issue sit for several days, you may deal with a strong odor and microbial growth behind the drywall. Plus, since the water had time to soak into the subfloor, the floor's moisture content is very high, creating the need to remove the subfloor to ensure that it dries thoroughly.

When water goes down through the ceiling, you have damage to ceiling tiles or sections of your ceiling. We need to take these down to properly dry the area above them and replace sections of the ceiling. A setup of ducting can be inserted into the ceiling area affected so we can pump warm, dry, dehumidified air into the cavity to speed up drying and guard against the growth of mold.

With SERVPRO, the moisture content is checked daily with moisture meters, hygrometers, and hydro sensors. Snake cameras may also be employed to give visual confirmation that confined areas such as under cabinets or in the wall cavities are thoroughly dry.

Other areas that were hit by the water below the bathroom are dried using containment, air movers, and dehumidifiers. The containment minimizes the volume of air to be dried. It speeds up the drying of the ceiling because of water moving from an area of high water concentration to an area of low concentration.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich greatly understands the stress of such a disaster and moves quickly to have your home back to its condition before the damage. We can always be reached at (847) 279-1940, so do not hesitate when your home floods due to a bathtub overflow. 

SERVPRO Saves Buffalo Grove Residents Time and Money in Fire Damage Restoration

5/23/2021 (Permalink)

Affected by a recent house fire? Contact SERVPRO for trained technicians and equipment to get your home back to pre-fire conditions.

SERVPRO Offers Fast and Reliable Fire Damage Restoration service to Buffalo Grove Homeowners

Fire damage at your Buffalo Grove residence can be a stressful event. Between the smoke and soot-covered walls and that unbearable burnt smell, getting your home back to normal might feel like an impossible task. But SERVPRO restoration experts can do just that for you. With our years of experience and training in restoring fire-damaged homes, you can count on us for fast and efficient service. 

The lingering smells due to fire damage at your Buffalo Grove home can be difficult to mitigate. SERVPRO experts use several techniques and agents to ensure that your home smells like home once they are finished with the restoration process. 

Deodorizing Techniques used by SERVPRO During House Fire Cleanup in Buffalo Grove

Deodorizing is a major part of fire and smoke damage restoration. SERVPRO restorers of Buffalo Grove deal with both real odors and imaginary odors. Here are some ways we combat these odors in a fire-damaged home- 

• Using Masking Agents: These are chemical compounds that mask or cover up the bad odor with a pleasant one. We use them for both real and imaginary odors. Often their use makes the fire damage cleanup process less unpleasant.
• Using Pairing agents: These combine chemically with odor-causing molecules and neutralize them. Pairing agents are used in controlling real odors and need ULV wet foggers to dispense
• Using Electrically Generated Deodorizers: Ozone gas, an unstable oxygen molecule, is generated in these machines that oxidize the odor-causing molecules. These work best if the odor has already penetrated deep into the structure and contents. There are safety limitations to its use.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 for 24/7 assistance.

Why Work with Local Restoration Firms During Recovery from Commercial Water or Fire Damage in Downtown Chicago?

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Big announcement!! Our office is excited to announce that we will be serving the downtown Chicago area as an official SERVPRO Downtown Operator!

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is qualified and motivated to assist Chicago Loop businesses as an Official Downtown Licensed Operator

The aftermath of an urban disaster affecting a multistory residential or office building, sprawling production campus, museums, restaurants, hotels, museums, or other attractions in the densely populated business districts and neighborhoods in the heart of Chicago requires urgent interventions. Commercial property owners and managers seek experienced and immediately available restoration partners.  

Does SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich Stand Out Among Other Commercial Restoration Options?

We serve the Chicago Loop as an Official Downtown Licensed Operator, ready 24/7 to offer the scalable resources needed to manage significant damage suffered by businesses and multi-family residential buildings. Burst pipes, storm-related disasters, fire and smoke damage, or mold remediation needs create massive challenges in Chicago’s skyscrapers, lodgings, event venues, and retail centers. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained workforce and extensive inventory of state-of-the-art mitigation and remediation equipment allows our team to take charge of the most complicated disaster circumstances. Because we headquarter in Chicagoland, promptly dispatching the needed crews and fully stocked service vehicles results in quick assessment and immediate post-evaluation response, providing downtown Chicago commercial disaster victims the following services expeditiously:

• Fire Damage Restoration
• Emergency Services for Water Damage
• Basement Flooding Cleanup
• Sewage Cleanup
• Biohazard or Mold Remediation

Does Location of a Commercial Restoration Firm Matter to Damaged Businesses?

When given a choice after a commercial water, fire and smoke, mold, or storm damage emergencies in downtown Chicago, business owners naturally prefer aligning with local mitigation and remediation professionals. Rapid response time and a shared sense of community are a dynamic combination when grappling with the simultaneous challenges of providing myriad combinations of storm, mold, water, and fire damage restorations while implementing these interventions mindfully, permitting business operations to continue during recovery. We are a member of the nationwide SERVPRO Large Loss Response Team, looking forward to leveraging that experience to local businesses when serving downtown Chicago. 

As an official downtown licensed operator, SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich reacts swiftly to disasters in the urban center. Call (847) 279-1940 for immediate consultation and dispatch of emergency crews.

When a Gift Shop Floods in Buffalo Grove, What Should the Owner Worry About?

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Getting you back in business is a priority at SERVPRO. Our techs will be on the scene within 4 hours of the initial call.

Secondary damage, such as mold damage, is always a concern in Buffalo Grove businesses when a water intrusion occurs.

Burst pipes happen in businesses as well as homes. When a showroom gets flooded due to a water intrusion such as that, emergency services for water damage are needed quickly to prevent increased problems and mold growth.

Fast Action is Needed

Mold damage in a Buffalo Grove shop hit by something like a burst pipe or ceiling leak can happen faster than you think. It can only take 24 hours for mold to start when the moisture stays in place. Stopping the water source is vital, as is the extraction of any standing or hidden moisture. Our IICRC techs scope out the scene and immediately put together a mitigation plan. 

Getting You Back in Business

Within 48 hours, mold spores can grow, and colonies develop. If it spreads to fixtures and content, there could be irreparable damage. This is why our technicians work fast. Our crew are mold specialists and experts at:

• Mold remediation
• Mold removal
• Dealing with black mold
• Basement mold remediation
• Water extraction 
• Proper drying 
• Fixture and content restoration

We provide mold inspection to ensure there is no moisture or any hidden problems left behind. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279 – 1940 for professional mold damage services.

Flood Damage Can Damage Homes in Buffalo Grove

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage restoration by SERVPRO is second to none. Call now for the professional help and experience of our technicians.

Buffalo Grove Depends on SERVPRO to Provide Flood Damage Services. 

Buffalo Grove is a suburb of Chicago. It is a lovely village with a historical section, beautiful parks, and lots of things to do and enjoy. St. Mary's Church is the oldest building in the town, completed in 1800. The second oldest building now houses the Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. The village is rich in history but full of modern-day adventures.

Summer Fun & Festivities

Two exciting festivals take place in Buffalo Grove during the summer months. In mid-July, the Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Arts Festival is held, and over 30,000 visitors flock to the event. Fall brings the Buffalo Grove Days festival and features all the festivities of a carnival with crafts, live music, and food vendors. It kicks off with a parade and ends with fireworks. 

Famous Buffalo Grove Residents

Over the years, the village has been home to many notable people, in different fields, from sports to musicians. They include:

• Raymond Benson – James Bond novel author

• Sidney Mathias – state representative

• Bradie Tennell – Olympic figure skater

• Tim Kinsella – musician

• Andy Wozniewski – hockey player

• Aaron Himelstein – actor

• Megan Bozek – ice hockey player

Buffalo Grove Park District

There are a lot of wonderful activities waiting, including the Willow Stream Pool. The pool has a wading area for the little ones and twilight rates on Friday. Other facilities in the district include:

• Community Arts Center

• Disc Golf Courses

• Fitness Center

• Happy Tails Dog Park

• Skate Park

• Spray 'N Play

• Golf Dome

• Alcott Center

Raupp Museum

There are several exhibit galleries in the museum. The main gallery begins with Potawatomi's life. It takes visitors from the 1830s to modern times. Explore life in the 1900s in the Crossroads Gallery. Educational programs teach about Native American culture, WWII, and more. Hands-on history brings the past to life for students and visitors. The gardens are quite lovely.

Places to Eat in Buffalo Grove

When you are out enjoying all the many fun activities, you will need to take time to eat. There are many excellent eateries to choose from in the village. One of the favorites in the area is Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. Housed in the second oldest building in town, it makes a delicious pizza. Here are some other great choices:

• Original Bagel & Bialy

• Wildfire

• Pita Pita Mediterranean Grill

• Rise N Dine Pancake Café

• Weiner Take All

• Grande Jake's

Family Fun at Bowlero

Loads of bowling fun awaits with 32 bowling lanes at your disposal. There is an arcade, laser tag, billiards, lounge area, and outdoor seating. You can book everything from a kid's birthday party to a corporate party. It is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon. 

SERVPRO Provides Floor Damage Restoration to Buffalo Grove Restaurants

Spring rains can bring flash floods raging through homes in the area. They can take down power lines and trees, damage vehicles, and destroy homes. The black water that enters buildings is highly contaminated. Homeowners should never try to clean up this water. It is a biohazard and needs to be dealt with by professionals. At SERVPRO, we provide:

• Professional technicians with the proper PPE

• Emergency services water damage restoration

• Flood restoration

• Basement flooding cleanup

• Biohazard remediation

We properly dispose of contaminated content. Trash pumps allow us to remove water with debris in it. Once the water gets extracted, we dry the premises. Sanitization takes place, and then the water damage restoration begins. For flood damage services, contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

Know What to Do to Prevent Dryer Fires in Lake Zurich

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Fire from a dyer will be a mess. SERVPRO techs are IICRC certified for any size fire disaster.

The need for fire damage restoration in Lake Zurich fires often occur due to circumstances that could be prevented. 

Keeping your home safe from fires is not always possible, but fires are often preventable when safety precautions are taken. Dryer fires fall into this category.

What Causes a Dryer Fire?

Faulty wiring or dryer overheating causes dryer fires, but over 1/3 of all of them are due to lint buildup. When this happens, you need fire damage restoration in Lake Zurich. There are signs you may have lint built up, such as overheating dryer or clothes taking longer than normal to dry. Prevention is the best policy.

Dryer Fire Prevention

There are some things you should do to ensure your dryer works safely and efficiently. These include:

• Do not run the dryer with no lint filter in place.
• Do not operate the appliance unless you are home.
• Be careful not to overload the dryer.

If a fire does occur, our team provides fire damage restoration. We deal with fire-damaged homes every day, and our team is experts at house fire cleanup. Even when the flames do not impact much in the home, smoke remediation is often needed. For experienced fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup, contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

Does Fire Restoration Cover Contents or Structure?

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

You need expert assistance for any level of fire damage in your home. Call SERVPRO today for help.

SERVPRO Helps Buffalo Grove Residents Restore their Home and Contents after Fire

A typical fire insurance policy draws distinct lines between structure and contents. As a rule of thumb, SERVPRO technicians abide by the same distinction to ensure that an estimate is made readily available to you as quickly as possible. Your home structure includes any permanently attached parts such as walls, flooring, staircases, and fittings. 

The job of a technician performing fire smoke cleanup in your Buffalo Grove is to assess and restore the structure and contents to a preloss condition. If you are safe to remain on the property during restoration, our technicians can carry out emergency cleaning to make the home safe. We can quickly establish a livable environment using restoration equipment and expertise. 

• Urgent cleaning of rooms that are in constant use, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
• We can conduct laundry and dry-cleaning of clothes, sheets, and towels to remove smoke odors and make them safe for use.
• Using signage and physical barriers, we can cordon off affected areas of the property and allow you to continue using unaffected or recently restored parts of the home. 

Minimize inconvenience following a fire. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for fire smoke cleanup at (847) 279-1940.

Is Drying a Wet Home a Long Process?

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Our water damage experts are trained in a wide variety of restoration needs, even upholstery and fabric cleaning and odor control. Call us today.

SERVPRO Uses Extraction Equipment to Keep Drying Times Low in your Buffalo Grove Home

Water in an enclosed environment can deteriorate contacted materials over time. The most effective method of mitigating water intrusion is to dry the property quickly. Removing water from an enclosed environment can be tricky and time-consuming when relying on ventilation, dehumidification and other drying equipment. 

Using extractors is crucial for efficient water restoration in your Buffalo Grove home. Choosing the right water extraction equipment often relies on external factors such as the size of the structure, distance to the nearest sewer point, the depth of water and power sockets. Evaporation takes time, even with drying equipment. Using extractors can significantly reduce drying times.

• Truck-mounted extraction units have higher lift, bigger storage tanks, and more powerful vacuums which can be useful for removing large bodies of water.
• Portable extraction units are more agile and flexible particularly for spaces with restricted access but do need centralized power. 
• Deep extraction tools can be fitted to extractor generators to make them even more flexible to the needs of the job at hand. 

Extracting water is faster than drying it. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for water restoration at (847) 279-1940.

Can a Fire Cause Close of Business?

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experienced technicians with the equipment and expertise your property needs after a fire mishap. Give us a call right away.

SERVPRO Works Hard to Ensure your Lake Zurich Business Can Recover from Fire Losses Quickly.

Lake Zurich is a suburb of Chicago to the North West of the city. The suburb is part of Lakes County, a popular outdoor exploration destination for residents in the nearby metropolitan areas. However, in recent years the quaint suburban life has attracted a bedroom community that takes advantage of both the exquisite surrounding nature and the close proximity to Chicago's metropolitan area. Residents and traders heavily contested recent redevelopments to the local downtown area in 2005. However, the acquisition of these properties has been promised as a potentially game-changing renewal project for the local populace of 18,104 people.

Lake Zurich and Lakes Counties surrounding natural beauty has seen it become a prime spot for an urban getaway. The quaint village of Lake Zurich is close by to the sandy Henry J Paulus Park, which is also equipped with a live entertainment concert stage. Annual festivals in Lake County include the Alpine Fest, which occurs in mid-July and consists of a parade, rides, food trucks, and music. Rock the Block attracts nearly 5,000 people each year, another of Lake Zurich's excellent street festivals.

• The Lake Zurich Farmers Market takes place between June and September every year on South Rand Street. Nearly forty local vendors host shop days every Friday for three months a year with unique and delicious produce, preserves, crafts, and foods. Live music acts frequently accompany the markets.
• Sunset Pavillion on Old Rand Road serves up craft brews on a verandah overlooking the enormous Lake Zurich. Some of the drinks menus are from locally-owned businesses, such as the Copper Fiddle Distillery on Route 22, which produces Gins, Rums, and Whiskies.
• Paulus Park is an ample public space with a beach, children's playground, and seating overlooking the nearby lake. Each year on the fourth of July, a fireworks ceremony takes place to commemorate Independence day.

SERVPRO Can Help you with Fire Restoration in Lake Zurich

The smoke that a property fire produces can bond with surface particles on walls, ceilings, draperies, and fittings. Given that the bonding process occurs due to high temperatures, pressure, and the resulting chemical reactions, these can be tough to dislodge. 

When taking on a fire restoration project in Lake Zurich, it is essential to get the planning phase right. Pre-testing materials using litmus paper to understand pH balance and conducting light cleaning of surfaces can inform a technician of the best procedure for removing stains. Tailoring solutions like this typically leads to shorter restoration times and better results. 

• Alkaline cleaning products can be effective but may also dull the finish of certain appliances in the home.
• Industrial extraction units can help to perform hot-water cleaning of carpets and other textiles in the property.
• Acidic cleaning agents are corrosive but can effectively remove potential rust or stubborn soot and soil from non-porous surfaces. 

Pre-testing is essential to efficient restoration. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for fire restoration at (847) 279-1940. 

What is the First Step to Restoring a Lake Zurich Home After a Flood?

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Spring storms are coming. When it floods, SERVPRO is ready!

Lake Zurich Homeowners Should Reach out to SERVPRO for Professional Restoration Services

Even when a homeowner acknowledges the risk of flooding, it isn’t until the event happens that one understands the magnitude of its consequences. Your carpets, walls, furniture, and belongings are all at risk, not to mention electrical issues that bubble up. When natural disasters happen, savvy homeowners immediately reach out to professional water restoration technicians.

Flood damage in Lake Zurich is no match for our SERVPRO technicians. As we assess your property, we focus on safety and efficiency. With this goal in mind, we match your needs to the best equipment and techniques available in the industry and coordinate with other contractors as necessary. If you wonder why a call to SERVPRO is essential, consider the following:

• Our SERVPRO team is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
• Our flood damage restoration equipment is industrial-grade, as is our application of best practices.
• We focus on using EPA-approved cleaning solutions, including anti-microbial cleaning agents.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich is at your service around the clock. Call us at (847) 279-1940 and let the experts take over.

Who Can Restore a Buffalo Grove Kitchen After Fire Damage?

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire? Call us. SERVPRO can cut through the smoke and soot and restore your home.

Certified Fire Restoration Technicians in Buffalo Grove Hold the Key to a Successful Restoration

After the flames subside and firefighters leave the home, homeowners may be tempted to grab a household cleaner and start wiping down every surface in their home. Although acting quickly certainly helps mitigate losses associated with a fire's aftermath, understanding the fire's behavior is just as important.

Understanding the fire damage to your Buffalo Grove home and taking action to restore it is not easy, but SERVPRO is here to help you navigate the process. As the SERVPRO team arrives at your home, we assess the problem areas and immediately take steps to prevent unnecessary collateral damage. Some may not realize that restoration services include ridding the space from the acrid smell a kitchen fire leaves behind. Our team achieves that by using products such as:

• Thermal foggers
• Hydroxyl generators
• Deodorant pellets

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich is ready around the clock to meet your restoration needs. Contact us at (847) 279-1940 so we can leave your home "Like it never even happened."

Buffalo Grove Considered One of the Best Places to Live

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Look at all of our restoration equipment standing ready to restore you home.

Explore Buffalo Grove and its Amenities for a Weekend or a Lifetime

In the 1800s, Buffalo Grove was a farming community whose harvests were traded in nearby Chicago, some 30 miles away. This rural community continued to grow in size and industry, as did its neighboring communities. In the 1930s, it welcomed the first concrete road in Northern Illinois, which gave Buffalo Grove an advantage in terms of vehicular access. Shortly after that, a gentleman named Al Frank embarked upon building larger ranch-style homes in what used to be farmland. The village wasn’t incorporated until 1958.

Tradition tells the village owes its name to buffalos roaming the land when the French, Pottawatomi, and English lived there and saw buffalo resting and drinking by a nearby creek. The area was well-known as a farming community, and the reputation of its dairy products in particular and the Widner Cheese Factory played a pivotal role in the community. Although residential development became Buffalo Grove’s primary engine of growth, it was followed by industrial growth, including the Buffalo Grove Commerce Center. Industrial parks continued to grow well into the 1990s, as did grocery stores and other retail outlets. As time went on, farm families were incentivized to sell their lands to developers, creating even more housing opportunities for the growing population.

Today, Buffalo Grove is no longer a farming community. Instead, it offers much of what one would expect in a burgeoning community. There are plenty of swimming pools, golf courses, and public parks for its residents to enjoy, along with numerous public schools. Its location gives it access to several essential transportation arteries, including Metra, which connects the village to Chicago via rail. It is known as one of the best places to live in the nation, based on the cost of living, employment, crime, and schools.

As far as entertainment goes, Buffalo Grove is privileged in its location. Naturally, proximity to Chicago implies access to world-class entertainment, but there is more than that to this beautiful village. Some other locations within close proximity include-

• Six Flags Great America- ideal for thrill-seekers
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center – great for families and children of all ages
• Northwestern University- its beautiful campus allows for exploration even if you’re not a student

Experience Illinois in all of its beauty by visiting Buffalo Grove. Its people, landscape, and history provide an unparalleled backdrop for those seeking to settle down or pop in for a visit.

Caring for your Buffalo Grove Home After a Water Leak

Residences and businesses alike are vulnerable to water leaks when plumbing mishaps occur or appliances break. Like other major urban hubs, Buffalo Grove residents have the opportunity to call our SERVPRO water restoration technicians when they want to ensure a job well done. Inviting a certified crew into your home translates into having the latest in water extraction technology available to you, as well as experts in the field. 

After calling our 24/7 hotline, you can expect us to use equipment such as the following to dry your home and restore it to mint condition:

• Drying mats
• Desiccant dehumidifiers
• Industrial-sized air movers

Trust SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich with your home. Contact us at (847) 279-1940 and let us work until your home looks “Like it never even happened.”

What is Involved with Water Extraction?

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the latest in technology and equipment for any size water damage disaster.

SERVPRO arrives at your Lake Zurich home with industrial-grade water extraction tools

Whether you have an appliance malfunction, broken piping, or another emergency, you must remove water as soon as possible. Failure to remove standing water and moisture leaves your Lake Zurich interior open to secondary damage and the onset of potentially harmful mold and mildew. 

Without prompt water extraction in Lake Zurich, some of the secondary damages that may develop includes:

• Warping
• Discoloration
• Corrosion
• Building materials splitting
• Drywall degradation, and more

By calling trained water restoration technicians (WRT), you will have the advantage of powerful water extraction tools and drying equipment to speed up the process. Upon SERVPRO’s arrival, our crew chief performs a full assessment to determine the best course of action for rapid water removal and the restoration of interior relative humidity levels. During the cleanup and drying process, we take the time to adjust our equipment to better achieve our goals. 

With 24/7 emergency response and a friendly, qualified team, you will have the help and support you need in your home. Just a sampling of our mitigation services includes:

• Site stabilization
• Rapid water extraction
• Content pack-out 
• Content cleaning
• Consistent monitoring
• Deodorization and antimicrobial application
• Controlled demolition

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich is the team to call when you need proven water extraction and drying methods. By calling (847) 279-1940, you will have our Green Fleet at your door with technicians ready to get to work within hours.

When Flooding Strikes in Buffalo Grove

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage is no DIY project. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the water mitigation services needed.

For prompt flood damage restoration, call SERVPRO to your Buffalo Grove home.

Located in the state of Illinois, Buffalo Grove is a village nestled within the suburbs to the north of Chicago. When the 2010 United States Census got taken, this village had a population of about 41,496 people. In 2009, it was also listed as one of the “best places to live” by Money magazine. This village is home to several festivals and beautiful events that bring the local community together throughout the year. 

Buffalo Grove, IL, Historical Tidbits

There is a lot to know and love about this region, but here are some of the more popular historical facts about Buffalo Grove:

• In 1833, Buffalo Grove was opened to settlement once the Treaty of Chicago took place
• Throughout the 1830s, the first settlers began to arrive, made up mostly of land speculators
• The first church, St. Mary’s, was built in 1852
• In 1930, Dundee Road was the first concrete road to be constructed in Buffalo Grove
• During the 1980s and 1990s, Buffalo Grove saw vast increases in population

Enjoying Local Buffalo Grove Attractions

In and around Buffalo Grove, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Along with wonderful parks and natural attractions, residents and locals alike have attractions available such as:

• Rockin’ Jump Buffalo Grove
• K1 Speed Buffalo Grove
• Bowlero

Flooding Events Throughout the Years in Buffalo Grove

Storms come and go, but the regions of Buffalo Grove and Palatine within the state of Illinois have encountered significant flooding events over the last decade. In 2013, a local triathlon event had to get canceled, and several residents had to get rescued via boat after being trapped amidst high floodwater at a local condo complex. The storm also left the local park underwater for quite some time. Many homeowners and property managers were left to deal with significant water damage and the need for rapid extraction. 

In 2017, another storm front rolled through, leaving many residents with flooding woes near newer developments in Riverwoods and Buffalo Grove. Because several inches of rain accumulated within a short timeframe overnight, it prompted Buffalo Grove to launch their emergency operations early in the morning. The flooding got so intense in some areas that people awoke to find their vehicles in parking lots submerged in water to their windows.

When You Need Flood Damage Assistance, SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich Can Help!

Flooding within your Buffalo Grove home brings worry that you cannot salvage your belongings. When you enlist the help of skilled restoration technicians, you have the advantage of experience and the latest technology on your side. SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster, and you can count on us for:

• Prompt water extraction to remove standing floodwater loaded with contaminants
• Treatment of all surfaces to limit the spread of harmful microbes
• Removal and disposal of all damaged and unsalvageable materials
• Detailed structural drying using high-powered air movers and dehumidifiers
• Mold prevention with the help of careful cleaning and the application of EPA-registered antimicrobials
• Rebuilding and restoration as needed with the help of controlled demolition measures

Whether you have some flooding in your basement or the first level of your home needs swift attention, our IICRC-certified crew at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich is available to help. Reach us 24/7 by calling (847) 279-1940, and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Buffalo Grove Residents Deserve Trusted Mold Remediation

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is no DIY project. SERVPRO technicians are IICRC trained and certified for all mold issues.

SERVPRO handles mold remediation using proven methods for Buffalo Grove homeowners 

While mold spores are present just about everywhere, you never want them to fester and colonize within your home. If you suspect you have mold and mildew growth, it is in the best interest of you and your family that you contact skilled technicians to handle remediation efforts.

Your Buffalo Grove home deserves prompt mold remediation, and our team at SERVPRO is ready for the task. You can reach us 24/7 for emergency service - we show up as soon as possible to get to work. If you are unsure whether or not you need IICRC-certified technicians for the job, consider these facts about mold:

• Before remediation, all sources of moisture or water must get addressed. Failure to do so will allow the mold to return.
• Microscopic mold spores easily travel through the air, meaning it can get in through your doors, windows, heating systems, and more.
• Mold thrives on moisture and colonizes fast when exposed to water and increased moisture levels.
• Because mold may not always be visible, one tell-tale sign is a strong, musty odor.

To ensure your home is Certified: SERVPRO Clean, call on us for your mold remediation needs. You can reach SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich by calling (847) 279-1940 for 24-hour service.

Buffalo Grove Residents – Don’t Miss Play Virtual Trivia Wednesday!

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke cleanup in a commercial building can be a very messy task. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the restoration services needed.

Enjoy Trivia with Others from the Comfort of Your Buffalo Grove, IL, Home

Everyone loves to play trivia, and right now is the perfect time to stay home while enjoying great virtual events. If you are interested in showing off your knowledge and skill, Play Virtual Trivia Wednesday is the ideal chance to shine. Five weeks in the trivia season start on January 11. Four rounds will take place each night, including 10 to 12 questions for each game under the subjects General Trivia, Picture, Random, and Topical. There are nightly prizes available, and people of all skill levels welcome. Pre-registration is required to participate.

• When: Monday, January 11, 2020
• Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
• Where: Virtually 
• Cost: $75 per team
• Hosted By: S3 Simply Social Sports Leagues – Chicago, IL

Having fun while social distancing from home is something we support here at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich. We understand how frustrating it can be as a business owner when you have a fire in your commercial building. Our crews are on standby and ready to work with fire and smoke cleanup using our proven methods and equipment. Call (847) 279-1940, and our Green Fleet will arrive at your property within hours.

The Great Give Back in Lake Zurich, IL

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage flood removal is no easy task. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the service needed for the job.

Time for Collecting Items for Local Lake Zurich Shelters This Season

Any time is a beautiful time to give back to the local community and those that need it most. However, the holiday season is an excellent time for taking care of others. The Great Give Back is happening on Monday, December 21, and this is the time to collect food for local pantries and gloves and hats for local shelters. If you are interested in helping any neighbors in need, you can bring in unexpired, shelf-stable foods or clothing items in good condition to the ELA Area Public Library. There will be collection bins conveniently located outside of the entrance for easy, safe, socially-distanced drop-off. 

• Date: Monday, December 21, 2020
• Time: Operating Hours – 9 am to 9 pm
• Place: ELA Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich, IL

Giving back to the local community is extremely important to our entire staff at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich. We are also here whenever you have a storm come through that brings the need for flood removal. With our powerful extraction tools and proven methods, we get the job done fast so that you can get back to your routine. Call us at (847) 279-1940, and we will dispatch a crew as soon as possible to begin working.

Water Damage Must Get Addressed in a Timely Manner to Avoid Excessive Cost Due to Secondary Damage in Your Buffalo Grove Home

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage will become worse if not headed off correctly. Call the pros at SERVPRO for the restoration service needed for the job.

SERVPRO Offers Skilled Water Damage Restoration, Including Rapid Water Extraction and Full Drying of Your Buffalo Grove Interior

Part of Lake and Cook counties, Buffalo Grove, is a village within the northern suburban area of Chicago in Illinois. The village population was noted at 41,496 as of the time the 2010 U.S. Census was taken. A good portion of the village is situated within the Illinois 10th Congressional District. However, the southern region is part of the 8th Congressional District. 

In terms of location, you will find that the East-West streets throughout Buffalo Grove will take you to Lake Michigan to the East and off to North Shore suburbs like Glencoe, Highland Park, and Lake Forest. O'Hare International Airport is just a drive to the South, and the village of Buffalo Grove is about 30 miles to the northwest of the famous Chicago Loop.

Learning More About Buffalo Grove, Illinois, History

New Englanders had established the first farms within the Buffalo Grove area. After that, Melchior Raupp and German travelers arrived in the 1840s. Farmers throughout this region would take their harvests down miles of dirt roads to get them to Chicago. 

The German settlers were mostly made up of Roman Catholics, who also raised $300 while donating seven acres of land that went to building St. Mary's church back in 1852. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed due to arson a few years later. St. Mary's was then rebuilt on Lake-Cook County Road and Buffalo Grove Road back in 1899. In the 1980s, several additions helped to enlarge the original structure to what it is today.

During the 1930s, automobile access improved due to the addition of Dundee Road, which was the first road made of concrete in Northern Illinois. Further development ensued in 1957 as a builder named Al Frank procured a hundred acres of farming land. He started to build numerous ranch-style homes, generally designed without basements. 

Enjoying Life as a Resident of Buffalo Grove

There are many reasons why Buffalo Grove has been listed as one of the top 50 places for raising a family. The residents of the area have the best of both worlds, including various country environment amenities while still enjoying fast access to all of the entertainment and culture that Chicago has to offer. You will notice well-maintained neighborhoods, beautiful homes, and tree-lined streets, all of which meld with all of the fantastic characteristics that initially attracted the region's earliest residents.

Lots to See and Do When in Buffalo Grove – Including Historic Sites, Attractions, and Natural Wonders

Whether you are looking to experience historical buildings and landmarks or are up for adventures with friends or family, Buffalo Grove has something for everyone. Some of the top things to see when you are in the area include:

Long Grove Covered Bridge – This is a beautiful one-lane covered bridge that is nestled right in the middle of the suburbs. During the holiday season, the exterior of the bridge gets decorated with beautiful lights. 

Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve – When you are looking to get away from your busy daily life, this is a beautiful park with multi-surface trails and a rustic backdrop. You will also find plenty of parking nearby, so this makes for a great spot to walk the dog, take a run, or sit down for a picnic during your lunch hour.

K1 Speed Buffalo Grove – If you are a thrill-seeker, then you cannot miss a trip to this indoor speedway. This is your chance to experience go-cart driving indoors, so you never have to worry about rain or cold temperatures. People who visit love the fact that this is a comfortable, safe, and accessible way to have a genuine, authentic racing experience.

Of course, you will also find a broad range of eateries, bars, and other spots where you can enjoy some tasty foods and beverages when you are out and about in the area. There are wonderful locations spanning countless cuisines, such as:

Masa's Sushi – If you are a fan of sashimi, nigiri, and maki, you will love everything on the menu at this restaurant. While it may be close quarters, you will find fresh offerings and friendly staff to make your experience memorable. 

Original Bagel & Bialy – Whether you want a breakfast place to go or you want a sizable lunch, this is a neighborhood shop with old-school vibes that fits the bill. On the menu, you will find a great selection of baked goods, fresh salads, and delectable Jewish sandwiches.

Pavilion Restaurant & Bar – Located right in the town center, you will find a full bar and vast menu at this restaurant. The food includes both Eastern European and New American foods to sample.

Handling Water Damage Restoration as a DIY Project Often Causes More Hassle – Calling in SERVPRO to Your Buffalo Grove Ensures Professional, Reliable Results

Any water emergency poses a threat to your interior, personal belongings, and the structural integrity of your home. When left to fester for too long, moisture starts to degrade various surfaces and brings the threat of mold and mildew growth. Having SERVPRO on-the-job ensures that you have rapid drying and proper sanitization to get your Buffalo Grove property back to preloss condition. We arrive promptly so that we can take a look and start in with extraction and drying measures.

When it comes to your interior, we have proven methods for water damage restoration in Buffalo Grove. Several things to keep in mind include:

• For the prevention of mold growth, we start with fast-drying measures almost immediately. 
• Portable electric heaters allow us to direct heat to targeted areas.
• Air movers will enable us to control the airflow, thus allowing moisture to dissipate. 
• If we find any unsalvageable materials, we use controlled demolition for total removal and replacement with brand-new materials. 

There is no match for the skill and expertise that our IICRC-certified water restoration technicians have here at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich. If you need assistance with water damage restoration to bring your home back from an incident, give us a call (847) 279-1940. We will send out a crew as soon as possible to begin the assessment and following phases.

Four Week Data Analytics Course Begins on December 7th for Buffalo Grove Residents.

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says go to the data analytical classes close by to Buffalo Grove in Mundelein. We can take care of your mold problems while you learn

Retrain this December with a Crash Course in Data Analytics Taking Place Near Buffalo Grove.

This four-week course covers an introduction to the world of data analytics. Take the opportunity to learn how to prepare and perform analysis of data and statistics with tutor-led classes. The course teaches using software such as Python and Pandas to provide a framework of reference through practical experience. Buffalo Grove residents can take this opportunity by heading to nearby Mundelein, where courses are taking place in the IT Training Center. All classes are run and endorsed by Tech Training Solutions. Across four weeks, candidates can take in 8 sessions of detailed instruction geared toward the current career market. Hands-on experience is included to build confidence in real-world analytics.

• Explore real-life problem-solving systems that rely on Data Analytics.
• Evening classes run on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30 pm, which is flexible to your schedule
• No background or qualifications required, although basic computer literacy is necessary.

The presence of microbial fungi in your home could cause permanent damage to the structure or contents. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

Lake Zurich's Christmas Tree Lighting Tradition Continues on December 5th, 2020.

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Holiday festivals to continue in Lake Zurich--SERVPRO is there to help with any storm-related conditions

The Miracle on Main Street Event is Going Ahead as Planned for Lake Zurich Residents.

Between 3 pm and 7 pm, residents of Lake Zurich can gather to enjoy the Christmas tree's annual lighting on Main Street. This year's festivities feature a mammoth 35-foot display tree alongside a Santa's Grotto, Reindeer, and live entertainment. The village of Lake Zurich and the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce are combining once again to sponsor this festive calendar-filler alongside many other local businesses. Volunteer positions are open from now for residents to help deliver an unforgettable upbeat opener on Saturday afternoon. To get involved with sponsoring for this event, residents or businesses can contact 847.540.5068 for details. Volunteers can register online.

• Hot food vendors alongside beers and adult drinks are served throughout the day.
• Live entertainment includes the Academy of Performing Arts.
• Children's crafts, Santa, reindeer, and Mrs. Claus are all a part of this memorable family occasion.

If extreme weather conditions cause damage to your home or business, it is essential to bring professional assistance quickly. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

Stop Soots and Smoke Odors From Harming your Business.

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your Buffalo Grove commercial building? No Problem--Just Call SERVPRO for cleanup and restoration

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich Can Help Get Back your Business After a Fire Emergency.

In the North West of Chicago, Illinois is Buffalo Grove. Close to both Lake Michigan and the North Shore, the city suburb has a population of around 40,000 residents and represents the 8th congressional district. Each summer, this close-knit community comes together for two huge events. The Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Arts Festival attracts around 30,000 visitors a year to the town center. The Buffalo Grove Days festival occurs between Deerfield Road and McHenry Road with a carnival of live music, rides, food trucks, and fireworks. Throughout the year, many activities focus on Northwestern Lakes County with visits to the Park District, which offers aquatic sports, golfing, hiking, dance, and youth programs.

The Lakes County District of Illinois offers fun outdoor activities for all seasons. Throughout the year, visitors and guests enjoy hiking, boating, and biking trails. In the winter months, skiing and ice fishing make up an excellent winter program. There are over 170 lakes and rivers worth exploring. The Lake County Preserves is a wildlife enclosure that spans a stunning 31,000 acres. These natural wonders are married up with an excellent shopping district in the Gurnee Mills or Hawthorn Mall that offers bargains, foods, and drinks. Mulled wine and craft brews are served as regular winter warmers while the cocktails are served on the Illinois Beach State Park in the summer. Buffalo Grove provides excellent access to the great outdoors with comfy and cozy holiday apartments and hotels.

• Craft breweries are a local delight that is well-worth sampling with any visit to the North-West Coast. The Lake County Libation Trail offers a tour of the numerous unique breweries that give Buffalo Grove its flavor. Highlights include Buffalo Creek Brewing, Bosacki's Brewery, and Half Day Brewing Co. If you are looking for something lighter, head to Copper Fiddle Distillery on Main Street, Lake Zurich.
• Learn from Buffalo Grove's unique heritage by visiting the National Museum of the American Sailor on Sheridan Road. Alternatively, take a trip to the Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest for a unique take on birds of prey, turtles, and rattlesnakes. A light-hearted adventure awaits at the Volo Auto Museum. This exhibition hosts famous cars from Hollywood, including Back to the Future's time-traveling Delorean!

Finding things to do in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Buffalo Grove offers activities for all ages and interests. Whether thrill-seeking at the local theme parks, visiting the local shopping districts, or taking guided tours for Chicago's famous deep-dish food-outlets, there is something for everyone in this Lakes County Suburb. For those of us interested in Chicago's connection to the mob, there are two excellent tours, including the Criminals and Gangsters Bus Tour as well as the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour. Buffalo Grove pairs together the unique heritage of Chicago and its modern-day identity as a must-visit area.

• For family theme park fun, visitors to Buffalo Grove can head straight to Six Flags Great America with rollercoasters and its very own waterpark. Alternatively, view the Chicago skyline in all its miniature glory by visiting the Legoland Discovery Center.
• A short, 45-minute trip downtown is well worth it for Chicago Favorites- Food Tasting and Walking Tour. The tour walks at a leisurely pace through Chicago's finest eateries. Free meals include legendary deep-dish pizzas and hotdogs. The tour runs alongside the river, passing both the Millenium Park and the Chicago Theater.
• The Woodfield Mall is among the biggest in the United States, hosting over 300 boutiques, stores, international brands, and restaurants. Among the favorites is the Cheesecake Factory, which offers sweet, traditional American desserts. Global choices include Chang's China Bistro and Uncle Julio's. Woodfield Mall is also home to Legoland's Discovery Center.
• Northwestern University is celebrated all over the US and sits right along the banks of Lake Michigan. This center for academic excellence was founded in 1855 but blends historic buildings with modern architecture. The Arts Circle is open to the public and features collections from Andy Warhol and Albrecht Durer.
• Gain a solid understanding of Buffalo Grove's heritage by visiting the award-winning Raupp Museum. There are over 3,000 exhibits to explore, which track this village's growth from its inception as a dairy farming community in the 1840s to its incorporation as a village in 1958. The highlights of this set of exhibitions are the social history permanent exhibit, which features in the main gallery and explores the chronology of Illinois traditions- some of which remain to this day.

Businesses in Buffalo Grove Can Use Local, Professional Restoration Services to Tackle Soot and Smoke Damage in their Premises.

A fire on your premises could cause extensive staining of walls, ceilings, furniture, and structure.

SERVPRO can provide round-the-clock restoration services for businesses in need of a fast turnaround. Our team of technicians has a diverse skill set, including specialist services like leather cleaning technicians (LCT), Odor Control Technicians (OCT), and Applied Structural Drying Technicians (ASD.) If your premises suffer severe fire losses, our team of general construction trained technicians (OSHA) can guide the recovery and provide a detailed breakdown of expected timeframes and costs. We operate twenty-four hours a day for commercial properties.

• SERVPRO crew chiefs have the experience to know when to restore on-site and when your business may benefit from a temporary move-out. Your business contents can be safely stored for the duration of restoration at a climate-controlled warehouse.
• We offer crew chiefs and production technicians who can quickly sort through the property to determine salvageable and non-salvageable items. This process can help to reduce the overall period of restoration.
• Expert training in various specialty services can help businesses recover to a preloss condition without the hassle of dealing with third-parties and subcontractors. Our project managers and crew chiefs communicate directly with the property manager throughout the restoration.

If a fire in your business premises affects trading, contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

Free Meditation & Dharma Sharing Meetings in the Buffalo Grove Area.

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is looking forward to seeing you at the Meditation & Dharma sharing meetings.

Expand Your Knowledge of Buddhism While in Buffalo Grove Through the Chicago Meditation Group’s Convenient Weekly Meetings.

Developing more as a Buddhist takes time and effort. It also helps to have a knowledgeable community to support you in your pursuit of greater understanding.  Unfortunately, having the time to find teachers and like-minded people in Buffalo Grove is often a major obstacle to advancing your Buddhist knowledge. Luckily, the Chicago Meditation Group is a dedicated local community that is here to help.  On Saturday, November 7th, the group is hosting an online gathering.  Key details about this gathering and other weekly meetings are as follows:

Sessions begin every Saturday at 3:45 PM.

The November 7th online session can be joined via Zoom.

There is no cost to attend, and beginners are welcome.

Dharma topic sharing and discussion the 1st Saturday of every month

Find out more about these meetings at the Chicago Meditation Group's website.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich celebrates the remarkable diversity of our community and is always here to help its residents.  Whenever you need water damage mitigation, we have the right training and equipment to do the job right.  Call us at (847) 279-1940 for assistance.

What Kind of Damage Can Flooding Do to a House and What Can Be Done About It?

10/24/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in your home can be frustrating and scary, let SERVPRO help assist you with your Buffalo Grove home.

Flooding Can Wreak Utter Havoc on Your Buffalo Grove Home and the Best Thing You Can Do About It is Call a Good Flood Damage Remediator.

Buffalo Grove, like many other northwestern Chicagoland communities, often seems like the setting of a John Hughes film.  Its idyllic suburban atmosphere, with its tranquil ordered greenery, can trick local homeowners into thinking disasters could never happen in their fine neighborhood.  Unfortunately, this is not the case and springtime flooding is a fairly common occurrence here.

What Usually Causes Flooding in Our Town?

Flood damage in Buffalo Grove generally results from the effects of heavy spring rains that annually impact the Midwest region.  These swell the nearby Des Plaines River and overflow local ponds and creeks.  Since our area is mostly flat, this excess water quickly rises to levels that affect local homes and businesses.  Gutters and town drainage networks clogged by everyday debris and yard waste can further exacerbate the situation.  Also, matters are not helped by the fact that many homes surround lakes that can rapidly spill out onto nearby lands and inundate these residences.  Whenever this happens, it is necessary to call an experienced flood damage cleanup and restoration service like SERVPRO.

How Do the Standing Waters of a Flood Affect Your Home?     

SERVPRO professionals have seen all the various effects of standing floodwaters on houses and their contents.  Some of these develop almost immediately after flooding occurs, while others take time to present themselves.  A few common issues resulting from standing floodwaters are:

• Buckled or collapsed floors
• Warped walls
• Disintegrating drywall and plaster
• Discoloration or corrosion of surfaces
• Dirty water that is trapped behind walls and in other difficult-to-access areas
• Backed up sewage systems

All of these severe problems require the assistance of trained professionals that know what they are doing.  Otherwise, major mistakes could be made that would likely waste both your time and money.

Is It Possible to Save Household Contents Impacted by Floodwaters?

Most times, contents coming into contact with floodwaters are not salvageable.  This is because floodwaters are considered to be the most contaminated type of water.  As such, they are usually filled with the most hazardous pollutants like dead bodies and animal carcasses, human and animal wastes, toxic chemicals, trash of every kind, and dangerous microbes.  With that said, however, SERVPRO is sometimes able to save expensive Persian rugs and other irreplaceable valuables damaged by floodwaters.  We do this by employing innovative methods, industrial-grade washing and drying equipment, and enzyme and chemical-free soaps.

What Effect Do Flood-Borne Microbes Have on Your Home?

As previously noted, floods bring with them harmful microbes.  These microorganisms, as you can imagine, could affect your property in many negative ways.  The effects vary in severity and can impact everything from the superficial aesthetics to the structural integrity of your house.  Some of the most notable of these effects are:

• Mold/mildew stains and other discolorations on floors, baseboards, walls, and ceilings
• Strong musty or otherwise foul odors that are difficult to neutralize
• Dry rot that develops over time and undermines the structural integrity of your residence
• Harmful bacterial growths that could cause health effects

It is important to realize that each of these potential issues becomes much more likely the longer you wait to have your home remediated.  Moreover, if these effects already do exist, they usually only get worse over time if not properly addressed.

How Does SERVPRO Resolve the Various Effects of Flooding?

Your neighborhood SERVPRO has the necessary expertise and all the latest state-of-the-art tools to successfully resolve your flood-related issues.  For years, we have tackled numerous problems associated with standing floodwaters and the dangerous microbes they generally carry.  Our technicians have done this with:

• Powerful extractors and pumps that rapidly remove gallons of standing water from structures
• Professional hazardous waste disposal methods that are safe for residents and the environment
• Advanced high-velocity fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers that quickly reduce interior humidity to normal levels
• Cutting edge Injectidry systems and floor pads that can remove water from difficult-to-access areas behind ceilings and walls, as well as under floorings
• Sanders and specialized methods for handling floor warping and buckling
• Expertise in and specialized equipment for full reconstructions of destroyed structural elements
• High-tech foggers that can fill impacted air and materials with EPA-approved antimicrobials and deodorants

Using all of these impressive resources, SERVPRO experts are usually able to return your home to its pre-flood condition in record time.    

If and when flooding damages your residence, remember that all is not lost.  There is high-quality help available nearby.  Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 whenever you need our assistance in overcoming flood damage.

What is Necessary for Water Mitigation to Deliver the Right Outcome in Buffalo Grove?

9/27/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home can ruin many of your valued possessions. Contact SERVPRO for remediation and mitigation services for your property.

Buffalo Grove Homeowners Doing Water Mitigation can Let SERVPRO Handle the Process for Convenience

Although water plays a crucial role as a utility in your home, it can be destructive when it flows into unwanted areas. When an incident happens, you should consider taking immediate mitigation steps. If you do it properly, you can minimize the chances of a severe outcome. SERVPRO helps Buffalo Grove homeowners when such incidents happen.

What is essential during water mitigation in Buffalo Grove properties?

The leading aspect that influences the outcome of water mitigation exercises is the understanding the people involved have on how the approach differs from other restoration solutions. Since mitigation helps stop further deterioration, some of the essential requirements during the process include:

• Speedy execution of the process
• Ability to identify all problem areas
• Having the correct resources to handle cleanup

Our SERVPRO crews have handled mitigation processes for many years, giving us invaluable insight into how water affects properties. For instance, shortly after the incident happens, only the highly porous materials such as fabrics, upholstery, and carpets are affected. However, the longer it takes to remove the water, the more other materials are affected. Therefore, our technicians look for the fastest ways to respond to the incident, including:

• Moving items to limit exposure to water
• Increasing efficiency levels in the extraction of standing water
• Using advanced moisture detection equipment

How much effectiveness does speed add to the mitigation process?

A quick response can save you the hassle of fixing advanced problems such as mold, deep staining, and other significant forms of deterioration in materials.  The use of sophisticated equipment can help make noticeable differences. For instance, when our technicians use extractors with sufficient vacuum lift, we can cut down the drying time by several hours or days. 

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich can help you handle water mitigation conveniently. Call us at (847) 279-1940 whenever a problem arises. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about Buffalo Grove.

What Factors Impact Cleaning Buffalo Grove Homes After Fire Losses?

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to cleaning up after a fire loss incident, there are several obstacles that professional restorers must face.

There are several potential obstacles to cleaning and restoring fire-damaged Buffalo Grove homes.

Cleaning up after fire damages is a vital process for your Buffalo Grove home, but it can be difficult to achieve without careful considerations and evaluations. Soot and smoke residues are standard with structure fires, but the type of soil and the most appropriate cleaning methods vary based on numerous circumstances. Factors that can impact the efficiency and efficacy of cleaning products and approaches include the type of residue, the affected material, and where these damages exist in the house.

Fire damage in Buffalo Grove can be anything from structural concerns to lingering odors in the house after extinguishment. One of the most substantial obstacles in the restoration of homes and businesses after a fire is smoke residues and soot adhering to materials, contents, and circulating in the environment.

How Does the Material Type Change Cleaning Approaches?
There are multiple factors specific to affected materials or burning materials that can impact the produced residue and make cleaning more difficult. When too many of these factors are working against our SERVPRO team's restoration professionals, it might be more cost-efficient to consider controlled demolition over restoration. Some of these modifying factors include:

    •    Porosity – This is a measure of how readily particles can penetrate a material. The greater a porosity rating, the more particles and odor molecules from combustion can become a restoration challenge.
    •    Age of Material – Aging materials are more sensitive to severe residue damage. Part of this has to do with a change in porosity as a surface degenerates over time.
    •    Softness – The composition of the material can change how readily soot and smoke residues can get removed. Soft materials can be more challenging to clean than hard surfaces like glass and porcelain.
    •    Material Burned – The type of material burned changes the kind of residue generated. Plastics and rubber create coatings that can easily smear, while wood and natural elements leave drier residues that are less stubborn.

Can Temperature Present Cleaning Obstacles?
Changes in the temperature of surfaces or the environment can impact how efficient cleaning approaches are. Our technicians monitor and modify temperatures when applicable for the shortest recovery times. This monitoring process must continue throughout the entire restoration and mitigation phases. Changing temperatures, such as rapid cooling, could cause hot oils in specific residues to leave behind a film.

    •    Heat of the Fire – Regarding cleaning, the higher the fire's heat, the harder surfaces generally are to clean for many reasons. Residues can be thicker, porous materials can become more damaged, and many other reasons.
    •    Charring – High-heat and direct flames can char or blister surfaces, making cleaning and removing residues impossible.
    •    Temperature for Cleaning – Warmer temperatures can be a benefit to chemical processes used in cleaning residues. Excessive heat can damage surfaces, however, requiring a balance for efficient chemical processes.

What Are the Types of Smoke Residues?
The combustion of various materials produces different residues to contend with on exposed surfaces nearby. Identifying the type of residue that must get cleaned is a more efficient approach to removing these soils than sample testing with different products and techniques. Each of these potential coatings presents its own specific obstacles to cleaning, making its determination vital for our team's responding professionals. The likely residues present in your home might include:

    •    Dry Smoke – Fast-paced combustion eliminates many fuels in your home like wood framing, flooring, and supports. High heat fires like these produce a thinner, chalky residue for our team to clean.
    •    Wet Smoke – Higher humidity and other factors can change the pace that combustion occurs and the speed of moving fires. Smoldering produces thicker smoke, which becomes a compromising residue on surfaces and contents.
    •    Furnace Puff-Backs – A small explosion in the oil furnace's combustion chamber can shoot ionized soot throughout the ducts. These residues appear as dark black spider webs in the corners of the room and around the vents.
    •    Protein Residues – Kitchen fires often result from the mismanagement of cooking appliances and surfaces, so when proteins are involved in the burning and combustion, a thick, greasy residue can adhere to exposed nearby surfaces.

When it comes to cleaning up after a fire loss incident, there are several obstacles that professional restorers must face. Our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team is well versed in various residue types and the hurdles that can make surface cleaning more challenging. Give us a call anytime at (847) 279-1940.

My Buffalo Grove Gym Has A Sauna – How Can I Prevent Mold?

8/23/2020 (Permalink)

When mold damage affects your business, it needs to be taken care of fast. Contact SERVPRO to deal with the remediation process.

Understanding Mold Growth is the Key to Prevention in Your Buffalo Grove Gym

Buffalo Grove is a beautiful town with over 45,000 residents. And like towns and cities all over the US, many of these people enjoy going to the gym. Once the workout is finished, there is nothing like relaxing in a hot sauna, as long as it is mold-free.

Why Are Gyms  & Saunas Susceptible to Mold?

Saunas are a fabulous way to relax and get rid of toxins in your body. Many gyms have either dry or wet saunas as part of the services they offer clients. A sauna is a perfect environment for mold. It has moisture, high humidity, and a food source. Most saunas have wood that mold loves. As a gym owner, you depend on steady clients for a reliable income. Discovering there is mold in either your equipment area, workout rooms, or steam rooms can impact that revenue if you have to shut down for cleaning and commercial mold remediation in Buffalo Grove.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that develops as a multicellular thread-like structure known as hyphae. It reproduces through microscopic spores. These spores are in the air both inside and outside. There are over 1,000 different types of mold in the United States; many of them are harmless. What they all have in common is the need for a food source and moisture. 

Some mold is beneficial. If it grows in the wild, it can break down dead organic material. Penicillin is a form of mold and conventional medicine. But when mold spores enter a sauna that supplies all its needs, it can cause damage to the sauna. Mold can cause health effects as well. SERVPRO technicians are well-trained in understanding commercial mold damage. They have their Applied Microbial Remediation Certification (AMRT).

How to Prevent Mold in Your Sauna

The water spray, steam, and sweat in a sauna create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If not cleaned suitably, it can lead to mold damage. You want to keep your gym operating and pass any health inspection codes required. Being proactive in the care of the sauna or steam room is a critical part of that. Here are some things you can to prevent mold infestation:

•   Ensure proper ventilation – A cross-draft needs to flow steadily to make sure humidity is removed from one session to the next. Installing exhaust fans are suitable for this. Opening windows and doors helps too.
•   Install a drain – When you put a drain into the floor, excess water flows out of the room. Whenever this happens, the area is easier to dry.
•   Have towels available – Encourage clients to sit on towels and place them under their feet to absorb moisture.
•   Use the right cleaner – Clean your sauna regularly with the correct sauna detergent. The right cleaning agent kills mold and bacteria before it takes hold and helps prevent future growth.
•   Sunshine – if possible, place items like the benches in the sun periodically for thorough drying.

What if I have a Mold Problem?

If you see mold or smell it, you have a mold problem. In a sauna, you can not avoid future moisture, but you can prevent mold from coming back. SERVPRO has professional mold remediation technicians that can remediate the mold while maintaining your sauna’s integrity.  Mold is not something you want to handle on your own. As a commercial property, you may also need to work with an Industrial Hygienist.

Mold Remediation with SERVPRO

Our expert technicians know how crucial it is to keep your gym’s door open. The most important thing to do is to get help fast. The longer the predicament goes unattended, the more it spreads. This means damage to walls, floors, and, eventually, the entire gym. When our mitigation team arrives, they take care of:

• Containment – We use various containment procedures, so the mold does not spread deeper into the gym. The techniques include negative air chambers, physical barriers, and negative air pressure.
• Air Filtration – Our professionals use specialized filtration equipment to CAPTURE microscopic mold spores in the air. This involves:

• Air Scrubbers
• HEPA Vacuums
• HEPA Filters

• Mold-Infested Materials – Dependent upon the amount of mold growth and the surface type, the mold remediation process varies. Antifungal and antimicrobial agents eliminate colonies and prevent the return. Porous material may need to be removed. This can include:

• Drywall
• Carpeting
• Wood

• Cleaning & Restoration – SERVPRO cleans any restorable items affected by mold. Soda and dry ice blasting can remove mold from surfaces and substrate. Different cleaning and disinfecting products are employed depending on the material involved. Fogging equipment aids the removal of odors. 

This is just an example of what our mold remediation teams do when cleaning your sauna. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279 – 1940. Let us help your business keep doing business.

How Does My Buffalo Grove Home Get Clean and Deodorized After a Fire?

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Our fire damage experts can have your home back to its original state, “Like it never even happened.”

Mitigation and fire restoration are intricate processes for our SERVPRO professionals beginning as soon as our team first arrives. 

There are many elements to fire restoration that must begin as soon as our team arrives at damaged Buffalo Grove homes after a disaster. Emergency services and mitigation alike work to reduce the total property loss and damaged contents within the structure to increase the efficiency of restoration and reduce costs for customers. As a leading fire damage restoration company in the area, we offer a one-stop-shop solution for restoration and reconstruction after these debilitating emergencies.

Because DIY fire damage restoration for Buffalo Grove homes is often ineffective and rejected by home insurance providers approving damage claims, many seek the fast and reliable response of our SERVPRO team. We utilize multiple industry-leading tools and products to promote surface cleaning after soot and smoke residues impact construction materials and contents. Likewise, thermal fogging and hydroxyl generators can neutralize smoke and burning odors throughout the property during the final stages of restoration. 

How Likely is the Need for Reconstruction? 

Partially burned construction materials or overly soiled surfaces might require demolition and removal rather than restoration approaches. Cost-efficiency must play a role and how restoration efforts unfold, often dictating where tear-out and reconstruction are more beneficial than lengtheir recovery efforts. Our experienced building trade professionals on our roster can offer multiple layers of aid in returning a property to its original condition after a fire. Some of these services include: 

• Controlled Demolition
• Debris Removal
• Repairs 
• Temporary Construction Solutions
• Build Back 

Fire loss incidents can have an immediate, destructive impact on homes. Our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich crew can help with restoration, repairs, and reconstruction as necessary. Give us a call today at (847) 279-1940. 

See more about Buffalo Grove.

How Does SERVPRO Clean Textiles After Flood Damage In Buffalo Grove?

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

For help with flood damage, give SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich a call at (847) 279-1940.

Buffalo Grove Residents Want To Know Their Textiles Are Safe After Flood Damage

Sometimes a storm is mostly harmless, but other times a storm can cause water to enter Buffalo Grove homes and wreak havoc.

Flood damage in Buffalo Grove is no laughing matter. If water enters your home, you are likely to be concerned about saving the water-damaged items. Many people are particularly worried about their textiles, such as upholstery and throw pillows. Thankfully SERVPRO is on hand to clean textiles.

How does SERVPRO define clean?

Clean can be quite hard to define. That is why our teams work to strict guidelines to ensure textiles meet the necessary definition of clean.

We categorize clean into six outcomes:
    •    Looks clean – fibers are as soft and plush as they were before the incident
    •    Smells clean – there are no unpleasant odors present, and we have eradicated damp smells
    •    Feels clean – fibers feel pleasant to the touch with no matting
    •    Stays clean – we remove fiber residues to help the item stay fresh for longer
    •    Dries fast – we can dry the article quickly to prevent further problems
    •    Is sanitized – the textiles not only look clean but are sanitary and healthier

Our technicians discuss cleaning plans and methods with you to help you understand what outcomes to expect and ensure you are happy with our work.

What cleaning methods do we use?

We use several cleaning methods to restore your textiles after flood damage. Some of the choices are:

    •    Dry cleaning
    •    Wet hand cleaning
    •    Wet machine cleaning
    •    Water extraction
    •    Deluxe precondition and rinse

Our choice of cleaning method depends on the type of material, the extent of the flood damage, and the material's pre-existing condition.

For example, if a fabric is sensitive to water-soluble cleaning products, we use a dry cleaning method to fix it. Dry cleaning methods include hand dry, machine dry, and dry-wet-dry.

Wet cleaning methods such as bonnet cleaning or Haitian shampoo are useful for more heavily soiled textiles. However, they are only suited to fabrics where there is no danger of the color bleeding out.

No matter which cleaning method we use, you can rest assured we will not stop until your home is “Like it never even happened.”

For help with flood damage, give SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich a call at (847) 279-1940.

Who Can I Call to Clean Up a Washing Machine Overflow?

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Surprise Water Damage in Buffalo Grove? We Cannot Fix the Washing Machine, but We Can Restore Your Home, "Like it never even happened."

Licensed Technicians Perform Water Cleanup to Return Buffalo Grove Homes to Their Pre-Loss States

Whether they are caused by using too much detergent or mechanical failures, washing machine overflows have the potential to create significant amounts of water damage in a short time. Professional mitigation can ensure that the loss does not have long-term effects on the safety and structural integrity of your Buffalo Grove property.

If you need water cleanup services for your Buffalo Grove home, SERVPRO technicians are licensed to provide water damage mitigation and restoration for residential applications. This team undergoes extensive training and education in restoration industry standards per the Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to provide a consistently high standard of cleanup that combines tried-and-true techniques with proprietary sanitation solutions and sophisticated technologies.

How Do Washing Machine Overflows Occur?

Whether you are a Buffalo Grove homeowner with a top- or front-loading washing machine, these appliances share many of the same common issues to take into account, such as:

• Defective water inlet valves. A damaged water inlet valve is easily detected by shutting off power to your machine while the tub is filling with water. If your washer continues to fill with water, the water inlet valve is the most likely culprit.
• Faulty pressure switches. These switches turn off the inlet valve once sufficient water levels are achieved for cleaning. However, if the switch fails, the tub can continue to fill with water. The air tube connected to the pressure switch may also be clogged.
• Decreased water pressure. Sometimes low water pressure can create water damage. Most washer inlet valves need a minimum of 20 psi to shut off water correctly. Too little water pressure can make the valve not close fully.

What are the “Dos and Don’ts” of Home Water Cleanup?

While SERVPRO is available day and night to mitigate water damage, there are some steps Buffalo Grove homeowners can take to mitigate damage to their properties:

• Do call your insurance provider to file a claim as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the more quickly you can be compensated for damages to your home and belongings.
• Do not remove water-damaged items from your home until an insurance adjuster has had a chance to evaluate them. Moving or removing these items from the location where the damage occurred can affect the compensation you receive from your insurer.
• Do mop up clean water caused by a leak, spill, or overflow to prevent moisture damage from affecting drywall, flooring, carpet, pad, and subflooring, among other surfaces.
• Do not operate electronics in water-damaged areas, especially if it seems likely that water has affected outlets, electrical wiring, or circuit breakers. Doing so can increase the risk of both electrical shocks and appliance failure.
• Do contact your utility provider if you need assistance shutting off your water or finding the water main. This step is essential if the source of the damage is in your plumbing.
• Do not operate fans and consumer-grade dehumidifiers and expect it to mitigate water damage fully. Structural drying without commercial-grade moisture extraction tools can be quite time-consuming and even create secondary water damages to your structure. Increased air movement in a humid space can also increase the likelihood of spreading microbes and mold spores through the air.

How Does SERVPRO Detect Water Damage on My Property?

SERVPRO crews have access to a wide variety of moisture detection tools that work for an equally diverse array of surfaces. Successful water damage cleanup relies on accurate moisture level measurement to determine a drying plan that restores surfaces to normal humidity levels.

Measurement apparatuses available to technicians include:

• Moisture sensors designed to detect the moisture content of carpet and pad. This tool can aid in indicating whether water damage has reached the subfloor, but is tailored toward determining the presence of moisture, not measuring the amount of moisture affecting a surface.
• Moisture meters, on the other hand, determine the moisture content of measured surfaces. Some meters are calibrated to measure specific surfaces, like wood or drywall. General-use moisture meters are typically calibrated for wood by default, with measurements ranging from 5% to 30%.
• Thermo-hygrometers, which measure the relative humidity and temperature of the air, as well as:
  • Humidity ratios
  • Vapor pressure
  • Dew point

Technicians use hygrometers to compare relative humidity in affected and unaffected areas, as well as outdoor air, air passed through dehumidifiers, and the air emitted by HVAC systems.

• Thermal imaging cameras are designed to detect moisture in building materials such as wood, drywall, and insulation. Technicians use infrared imaging to quickly ascertain the extent of water damage in a structure by examining temperature differences in surfaces that are likely caused by moisture exposure.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich provides cleanup and restoration services that are Faster to Any Size Disaster when you call (847) 279-1940.

What Should You Do While Waiting For Fire Damage Restoration Services In Buffalo?

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

For help with fire damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

How Buffalo Grove Homeowners Can Help The Fire Damage Restoration Process

Buffalo Grove homeowners sometimes ask us what they ought to do after a fire breaks out in their home. Of course, the first step is to call the fire services and make sure the blaze is extinguished. But what happens after the fire service leaves?

SERVPRO understands that fire damage is stressful for Buffalo Grove homeowners. It’s only natural that you want to start cleaning your home as quickly as possible. However, there are some tasks that it isn’t safe to carry out by yourself. So what can and can’t you do while waiting for SERVPRO technicians to arrive?

What can I do while waiting for restoration services?

    •    Limit your movements – too much movement around the home spreads soot particles into other areas of the house
    •    Change the HVAC filter if possible
    •    Empty your fridge and freezer and leave the doors open if there is no power to the appliances
    •    Use a light layer of petroleum jelly to protect chrome fixtures and fittings

Please don’t carry out these activities unless it is entirely safe for you to do so.

What shouldn’t I do while waiting for restoration services?

Please refrain from doing any of the following:

    •    Cleaning walls, floors, carpets or drapes
    •    Send damaged garments out for dry cleaning
    •    Clean or repair any electrical appliances that were in the vicinity of the fire
    •    Turn on fans or any other devices in areas that are still wet from firefighting efforts

We train our technicians to clean all kinds of fabrics and surfaces after ablaze. Our fire damage restoration service is fast and efficient, and we know how to restore your furnishing and personal items with the minimum of damage.

We also train our technicians to assess the damage to appliances and fans. Our teams will ensure your devices are safe or dispose of them if they are not.

It’s much safer to wait until our team is on-site and let them deal with restoration and cleanup. We have specialist equipment on hand and robust training in the best techniques.

For help with fire damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

What Repairs Are Typical After Water Intrusion into A Commercial Building?

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water loss at your grocery store? Call SERVPRO for fast remediation.

SERVPRO Has the Necessary Resources for Water Damage Repair in Your Buffalo Grove Grocery Store 

Water damage can happen at your Buffalo Grove store instantaneously or over a period if small leaks go unnoticed. Regardless of the circumstances that lead to loss, it would help if you repaired the affected areas fast to resume normal operations or prevent long-term problems. 

What Typical Steps Does Water Damage Repair In Buffalo Grove Grocery Stores Involve? 

• Drying wet materials
• Removal of wet materials
• Refinishing surfaces 

The presence of higher moisture levels in your Buffalo Grove store poses a significant risk of worsening the damage already there. Therefore, drying wet materials is a considerable restoration step. Wetness is likely to accumulate on materials such as: 

• Wooden shelves or racks
• Drywall or plaster on the walls
• Concrete floors 

Drying should not be challenging with the right resources since it requires the circulation of dry, warm air around the wet areas. Our SERVPRO technicians help by using equipment such as air movers to improve air circulation within the store. We also use specialized wall ventilation equipment where necessary.  

What type of water damage necessitates refinishing? 

Various issues caused by a water spill might necessitate refinishing. For instance, the water absorbed by wall materials can cause the paint to bubble or chip. Renovation procedures like removal of materials such as wallpaper or drywall and insulation placed over concrete add a refinishing aspect to the repair process. Our SERVPRO technicians help refinish the affected areas by applying fresh coats of paint or replacing the wall coverings we remove. 

Which materials need removal after water damage? 

For a category 1 or 2 water loss at your store, you do not have to worry about removing many materials since contamination is minimal. However, removal might still be necessary for some situations. For instance, sagging ceiling drywall is unsalvageable, necessitating immediate removal. Our technicians inspect your store to determine what else needs removing.

Water damage should not interfere with your business. Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich to help repair any issues at your store. You can reach us at (847) 279-1940. 

More about Buffalo Grove.

Is There Any Hope of Restoring My Furnishings, Household Goods, and Personal Possessions After Torrential Rains and Flooding in Buffalo Grove?

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

Don't be the person floating on by all your personal belongings in your Buffalo Grove home. Call SERVPRO to mitigate your problem.

SERVPRO’s Team of Flood Damage Mitigation and Remediation Professionals Have a Broad Range of Solutions for Both Your Buffalo Grove Home’s Structure and Its Contents

The amount of water that can pour into your Buffalo Grove home during and after summer thunder showers, wind storms, or tornadoes can be substantial. Water can intrude through holes created as shingles and roof decking tear off, or trees, branches, or other debris break windows or punch through siding. Furniture, clothing, documents, books, pictures, and a host of other personal property risk ruin if rapid assessment and appropriate interventions do not occur.

How Will My Belongings Fare During Flood Damage Recovery?

After the storm blows over, your home’s structure might feel like the least of your concerns. Drywall and roofs protect you but can be switched out with few regrets. The flood damage to your Buffalo Grove house’s contents, on the other hand, is heartbreaking. After significant overland flooding through the foundation meets the waterfall cascading down walls and stairs from roof, window, and siding leaks, nearly everything inside your home is wet. Do not panic. There is a solution.

Should I Agree to a Pack-Out of Furnishings, Household Goods, and Personal Possessions?

SERVPRO understands it is very hard in the midst of such chaos to hand the bulk of your belongings to any restoration contractor. The feeling of loss of control is inevitable. Still, we have a tightly-structured protocol that not only safely removes your possessions and tracks them during our stewardship, but also permits talented and highly-trained technicians to return many items damaged back to previous function and appearance. Insurance contracts reference repair and restoration of the contents of your home in most instances, rarely willing to cover an entirely new set of furniture, clothing, floor and wall coverings, sports equipment, cooking and eating utensils, and on and on. For optimum recovery and excellent results, moving damaged items to our climate-controlled and specialist-staffed production facility can be your best option.

How Can I Trust that My Possessions Are Safe and Secure When They Are Out of My Sight?

We take the responsibility of managing your personal property seriously, using our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) throughout the process.  Once at our facility, or in a dry space on your property, we evaluate the condition of the items, planning for cleaning, disinfecting, drying, and deodorizing. We review the condition of the articles and report honestly on the results of restorative interventions as we work through each box or individual item. This detailed timeline allows you to make informed decisions on select items and provide data to your insurer to support claim or restoration coverage. Our trained technicians document the things we pack and follow each item through its restoration arc by employing:

• Check off and written lists
• Digital photography
• Barcoding technology

Can I Handle Some of the Work Myself?

We are always willing to partner with our customers on cleaning and restoration. It makes some sense for you to retain clothing and accessories needed for the short term for your family, as an example. You can wash and dry items at home if that equipment is safe to use or at a laundromat or dry cleaners. Trying to achieve optimum results when burdened with four seasons worth of clothing, towels and linens, outerwear and specialized outfits, is another matter. Some items are nearly impossible to clean and dry appropriately because of the need for specialized equipment or a short timeframe. These contents may be a better fit for the professionals at our production facility:

• Upholstered, padded furniture

We use portable moisture extractors and contained, small drying chambers to clean and remove all moisture before wood and textiles warp, delaminate, or fray, or mold growth takes hold.

• Documents, papers, books, and photos

These fragile items are challenging to save, but we have freeze-drying resources available that can deliver excellent results. Freeze-drying works through the process of sublimation, where frozen water transforms into a vapor without the intervening and damaging liquid state.

• Electronics

We need to handle electronics very carefully, drying them in a contained, controlled atmosphere, and availing the help of experts in this field before determining they are safe to operate. Our crew is cautious to moderate temperature so that the dried electronics are never subject to conditions that cause condensation on connection points by falling below the ambient dew point.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has the experience, resources, and training to sort out the chaos inside your home after storm-related flood damage. Contact us at (847) 279-1940 as soon as practical after the storm passes to get your property back on track.

How Do I Respond to All the Water in My Fire Damaged Buffalo Grove House?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle all types of damage after your home suffers from a water or fire incident.

SERVPRO’s Multi-Certified Workforce Manages All Aspects of Buffalo Grove Fire Damage, Including Property Destruction Related to Firefighting Efforts

After a household fire, Buffalo Grove residents can find the magnitude of water damage shocking. Firefighters use all resources at their disposal to save your property’s structure. Copious quantities of water are distributed throughout your home to extinguish flames and cool down hot spots. Once the fire is out, you are on your own in responding to the damage from this necessary intervention.

Can a Fire Damage Recovery Company Help with Water Loss?

Our team regularly responds to fire damage restoration scenarios in Buffalo Grove that include significant needs for water removal and structural drying. We train our workers in the mastery of both water and fire mitigation and remediation best practices through courses developed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Water removal and structural drying go to the top of the list for the following reasons:

Safety Considerations

• Water increases slip, trip, and fall risks.
• Water exposes increases the potential for electrical shock.
• Water collected in building cavities overhead or between walls can collapse building materials.
• Water remaining after firefighting contains a broad range of toxins.

Ongoing Destruction

• Lingering water fuels mold growth.
• Porous material can all lose functionality, weakening, and eventually failing to support expected loads. 

How Does SERVPRO Manage the Water Phase of Fire Damage Restoration?

We contain the affected areas with 1.6 mil polyethylene and air scrubbers to limit airborne drift as we roil the waters during pumping and truck-mounted extraction. Our project manager ensures the lawful disposal of the contaminated water, following local rules and regulations. Structural drying is essential to inhibit mold growth as we move toward the fire residue removal phase of the overall damage restoration project.

Have confidence in SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich when entrusting us with your fire damage restoration project, including required water loss recovery. Call us at (847) 279-1940 as soon as practical to schedule an assessment and implement a best practices-based plan.

Find out more about Buffalo Grove

How Can I Eliminate Lawnmower Fire Damage in My Buffalo Grove Garage?

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich provides emergency response service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO Removes Fire Damage from Buffalo Grove Homes 24/7

Did you know that your lawnmower can pose a garage fire risk? Fuel leaks and motor malfunctions are just a couple of the potential catalysts that can cause this piece of essential lawn care equipment to ignite in Buffalo Grove homes.

SERVPRO is available day and night to mitigate fire damage in your Buffalo Grove home, including weekends and holidays. This firm uses a combination of tried-and-true restoration techniques in tandem with sophisticated technologies for effective disaster cleanup.

What Can I Do to Fireproof My Garage?

    •    Install a new garage door. Older doors may not have as high a fire rating as their newer counterparts.
    •    Update the electrical system. Instead of relying on extension cords or ungrounded outlets, consult with an electrician about updating your electrical system and installing additional outlets around your garage.
    •    Reinforce the walls with fire-rated sheetrock. Type X and Type C drywall rely on gypsum and fiberglass, respectively, for their fire-retardant properties. Fire separations are installed on either side of wood-framed walls to slow the progression of fires that ignite in your garage.

How Does SERVPRO Preserve Fire-Damaged Framing?

Charred wood framing can be preserved with a variety of techniques:

    •    Agitation tools may be necessary for eliminating surface charring. Lighter damages may require scrapers or wire brushes, while heavier char may necessitate removal with abrasion blasting materials like a sponge or dry ice.
    •    Dry cleaning sponges or wet cleaning with EPA-registered detergents work for lighter damages. Surfaces that cannot be cleaned fully can be sealed.
    •    Technicians can replace damaged framing that is affected to the point of affecting structural integrity.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich provides emergency response service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (847) 279-1940 for mitigation that starts within hours of your initial contact.

Where Do I Start When There Is Flood Damage In My Buffalo Grove Daycare?

5/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help you reopen your daycare fast after a flooding incident allowing you to continue your service to the community.

Action from SERVPRO Helps Create Order and Quickens the Restoration of Flood-Damaged Facilities in Buffalo Grove

A flooding incident in Buffalo Grove can shatter the routines you have established at your daycare facility within minutes. Even worse, the incident can disorganize the lives of many working families that rely on the facility to take care of their kids as they conduct their daily routines. Therefore, you must have an action plan for the sake of your clients, staff, and even the kids already used to your services.

What should I do first after flooding?

Although you can expect considerable flood damage after your Buffalo Grove daycare facility is affected, it is hard to tell in advance what to expect since all incidents have some level of uniqueness. Thoroughly evaluating the damage is, therefore, crucial immediately after learning of a flooding situation. Enlisting the assistance of a professional team such as SERVPRO when performing such evaluation helps in many ways, including:

    •    Ensuring the correct evaluation procedures
    •    Identifying potential hazards
    •    Preempting secondary damage

Even though you are the first one on-site, evaluating the loss on your own is a tall order since it requires more than casual observations. For instance, you cannot tell the level of wetness on all materials by merely looking at them. Some forms of damage, such as contamination, might also be challenging to point out. Calling us immediately helps in dealing with these obstacles since we have the skills and equipment to handle the task. For instance, a simple tool such as a luminometer can help us identify whether surfaces are contaminated even when there is no physical soiling.

How do I manage the chaotic site after flooding?

Chaos in a daycare facility may not be a foreign concept. However, the mayhem from a flooding incident outweighs the overturned chairs or spilled food that you deal with daily. Some of the guidelines our technicians follow when performing the restoration tasks help create order.

    •    Setting up a staging area for restoration equipment
    •    Grouping contents as salvageable, unsalvageable and questionable
    •    Using large waste receptacles

We position the staging area close to a bathroom or laundry area where there is access to clean water, and the floor or wall materials favor activities such as mixing cleaning products for cleaning. Having all the equipment in one readily accessible location helps improve turnaround time. Classifying contents and construction materials are salvageable or unsalvageable, and grouping them, helps create order. Moving the unsalvageable ones outside the structure creates more space to perform other restoration processes. We use different waste receptacles, including large trashcans and plastic bags, to hold the waste materials outside the structure to ensure they do not spread.

Are contents safe for kids after exposure to floodwater?

The flooding incident that hits your daycare facility can affect a wide range of contents, including playthings, cots, furniture, utensils, and floor coverings. Since floodwaters are heavily laden with contaminants, you have a reason to worry about the safety of the kids who use the items.

The safety of items after exposure to floodwaters depends on several factors, including their component materials. The advantage is that most of the contents in your facility are easy to decontaminate. Those brightly colored plastic chairs, nap cots, and toys that kids enjoy using have an added advantage in case of flooding since they are non-porous. A thorough wash with professional cleaning agents and disinfectants should remove all traces of contamination, “Like it never even happened.”

Our SERVPRO technicians remove porous materials such as carpets and rugs for disposal since they retain traces of contaminants even after a thorough cleaning. For surfaces such as wood or concrete floors, we treat them twice with biocides to deal with the contamination. We apply the product the first time after arrival at the loss site. We apply the second treatment after finishing regular cleaning procedures.

Apart from contamination, some items can also pose other risks to the kids. Any electronic item within the flooded areas can malfunction if plugged in after the incident. Even items that are not exposed to the floodwater can be damaged through condensation or other forms of moisture accumulation. We ensure that an expert inspects such items and confirms they are safe for use. We can also take steps such as ensuring the items do not cool to the dew point to limit the damage before the specialist checks them.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich can help you reopen your daycare fast after a flooding incident allowing you to continue your service to the community. Call us any time at (847) 279-1940.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Buffalo Grove, 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 perform. 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 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

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich today at (847) 279-1940 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Is There One Buffalo Grove Recovery Company that Repairs and Restores Water Damages?

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Our Professionals and In-House Contractors Work Together to Provide a Fluid Collaboration of Repair and Full-Scale Restoration After Water Losses. 

When water losses occur in your Buffalo Grove home, you can get overwhelmed at the sight of your property in such disarray. Restoring the house involves overcoming multiple layers of effects spanning from the earliest stages of mitigation through controlled demolition and reconstruction in some cases. Choosing a restoration team like our SERVPRO crew can offer both quality recovery work to begin fast after the emergency, but also allows our in-house contractors to stay involved with the project as well.

From powerful drying approaches to cutting-edge water removal for Buffalo Grove homes, our professionals have the equipment and the expertise to help. With water losses, every minute counts. The first 48 hours are a critical period to resolve much of the concerns with standing water and spreading moisture concerns before the situation can reach the point where it destroys construction materials and contents.

How Do I Learn Where the Water is Originating?

Finding the source of the water leak in your house is a critical first step in mitigation and recovery. You cannot accurately remove standing water and prevent recurrences without first identifying the source of the damage. From freezing pipes bursting in between the floors of your house to improperly installed fixtures, there are countless reasons that you could battle pooling water on the floors. Here are some things that you should consider after you call our technicians:

• Visual Inspection 

A quick inspection of the affected area and its surrounding rooms can often be indicative of where the water damage originates. From flowing water coming in from one singular point to an apparent breach, you can see in an exposed plumbing portion, identifying the damage can save our SERVPRO technicians time when we first arrive.

• Shut Off the Water Supply 

Whether you can identify the source of the water damage or not, you need to get the water shut-off so that the flooding inside does not become unmanageable. If there is not an isolation shut-off for a damaged appliance or portion of the plumbing where the problem exists, you can thwart the entire water supply to your home in the basement where your service line enters the residence.

• Wait for Professional Assistance 

You should not go about trying to restore the damages on your own or remain in the area with pooling water. Once notified, our professionals begin to mobilize right away so that we can get to your house quickly to help.

Does SERVPRO Do Plumbing Repairs? 

With a full division of building trades professionals in our facility, we do not have to request that our customers find their own contractors after a loss incident. This seamless transition between mitigation and reconstruction can save money and time. When water losses result from breaks in the plumbing or frozen pipes, repairs are vital to get water service restored to the house for its vital functions.

• Qualified In-House Contractors
• Knowledgeable Repairs
• Limited Demolition When Possible

By performing these repairs and later reconstruction, we can limit the out of pocket expenses for our customers. You are not waiting weeks or longer for contractors to become available to help put your property back together.

How Do I Remove Flooding from a Busted Pipe? 

When severe water losses occur after a separated or burst pipe, you can be dealing with hundreds or even thousands of gallons of standing water throughout the damaged area. There is a specific order to the restoration and recovery in these circumstances, and it involves general areas of focus, including:

• Extraction 

Removing standing water from the floors of your damaged home is one of the first steps in restoring the property after substantial water losses. Often for these situations, the job falls to a combination of electric submersible pumps followed by a wet vacuum to finish the job.

• Drying

Once surface water has gotten sufficiently addressed, our professionals can work on beginning to set up our cutting-edge drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers. The combination of these two vital units can work together to evaporate moisture trapped in the area.

• Cleaning

Residues and soils are not uncommon after pooling water, so cleaning is also a vital step in making water losses “Like it never even happened.” Careful time gets spent in renewing the look and feel of affected structural elements and contents in this phase.

No matter how water losses occur in your home, our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team can help with a fast and confident response. We have hundreds of drying tools ready to mobilize whenever you call. You can reach our emergency team 24/7 at (847) 279-1940.

We Act Fast In Buffalo Grove After A Water Loss

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

We have the state of the art equipment to restore you home after a water damage disaster. Call us 24/7, we are here day or night.

Performing Water Cleanup for a Buffalo Grove Kitchen

Kitchens are highly prone to water damage due to the numerous structural components and appliances that have access to water. Whether a pinhole leak in your plumbing saturates drywall and exterior wall insulation or your dishwasher's supply lines soak nearby cabinetry, walls, and flooring, a great deal of care is required to restore your home without secondary damages. Consumer-grade products can address surface-level damage, but may not be enough for long-term water exposure. 

If your Buffalo Grove property needs water cleanup after a kitchen appliance failure, SERVPRO technicians can mitigate damages and restore your home to its preloss condition. SERVPRO's constant availability ensures that you get cleanup and restoration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Disasters never happen on a convenient schedule, so technicians are always ready to address emergencies quickly and keep losses to a minimum. 

Upgrading Your Dishwasher to Prevent Leaks and Spills

• Hoses. Replace old or damaged hoses, as well as connectors, to increase the lifespan of your dishwasher.
• Leak detection systems. Many modern dishwashers have water sensors around the base and tub to warn you when there are leaks due to an off-balance base or cracked tub. These systems can automatically stop operations to minimize damage.
• Child safety tools. Yes, modern dishwashers even feature child safety locks and push-button panels. These advancements can make it much more challenging for curious children to accidentally soak your kitchen floors when they investigate the dishwasher. 
• Automatic drainage systems. Newer dishwashers often feature another useful measure: automatic drainage when leaks are detected. 

SERVPRO's Effective Extraction

The first step after measuring the amount of moisture on affected surfaces in your kitchen is to extract any loose water with portable extractors, mops, sponges, squeegees, and clean cloths. Extraction is not only necessary to accelerate the drying process, but it can be as much as 500 times more effective than just drying the water with air movers and dehumidifiers. Small holes may be drilled into walls or cabinetry to ventilate these areas during drying. 

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich provides water damage disaster mitigation that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (847) 279-1940 any time disaster strikes in your home.

See more about Buffalo Grove.

Should You Use a Local Buffalo Grove Disinfection Company or Self-Clean? 

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

When wiping the counter is not enough, SERVPRO is here to help.

SERVPRO Can Help Protect Your Business 

The certified technicians at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich have years of experience handling all types of biohazard cleaning and disinfection.

One of the most significant benefits of using a professional Buffalo Grove disinfection company is that DIY efforts to clean your Buffalo Grove area commercial property may fall short of true cleaning and disinfection. One of the critical elements of using cleaning agents formulated against viral pathogens is knowing the length of time the solution needs to remain on the surface to eradicate any present bacteria or pathogens. The (dwell) time frame may range from a few seconds to a few minutes.

How does SERVPRO handle pandemic-level cleaning needs?

When the highly trained techs perform cleaning and disinfection to local commercial properties, they bring knowledge from their training to meet both IICRC and CDC standards for sanitization.

• The use of swab testing to determine the presence of bacteria or pathogens

• Our SERVPRO team wears full protective gear to avoid any cross-contamination during or after cleaning

• The use of EPA-registered solutions for a professional-level sanitization of floors, surfaces, including common and high touch areas.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich today 847-279-1940 with any questions. We stand ready to deliver professional-level cleaning and disinfection for local business properties and public spaces.

Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

Click here for more information about Buffalo Grove.

How Long Do I Have Before Flooding Ruins My Buffalo Grove Home?

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Works Fast to Save Your Home in Buffalo Grove from Extensive Flood Damage

Any level of water infiltration in your home poses a threat to your belongings as well as structural materials. The faster that you have a team onsite to address flood water removal, the fast you can get your home back to normal. Our team at SERVPRO is always Faster to Any Size Disaster!

What Do Flood Restoration Technicians Do to Help?
When a massive rainstorm or local flooding leaves your home with flood damage in Buffalo Grove, skilled technicians arrive on the scene with all of the techniques and equipment to get it cleared up quickly. Water left to fester for too long becomes harmful to the structural integrity of your home while posing a threat from dangerous mold and mildew growth. SERVPRO features water removal technicians (WRT) with specialized technology to remove large amounts of standing water to bring your home back to like-new condition, including:

    •    Truck-mounted pumps and vacuums that allow for the quick removal of hundreds or thousands of gallons of water.
    •    Gas-powered and submersible pumps for effective, continuous pumping of high-level water.
    •    Hygrometers and moisture detection tools that help to measure the amount of moisture saturation throughout the home.
    •    Infrared camera technology allows our technicians to located any hidden pockets of moisture that lurk in ceilings and behind walls.

Why Are Flood Cuts Necessary?
A flood cut is when technicians remove sheetrock about a foot above the water level to safely remove any black water, also known as Category 3 water, that has seeped up throughout the materials. Impacted drywall is cut, then bagged up and carefully disposed of while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) for safe-handling purposes.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich today at (847) 279-1940, and we can send out a team as soon as possible to help with flood damage restoration.

For more about Buffalo Grove click here.

Water Extraction By SERVPRO Is the Answer for Buffalo Grove Flooded Basements

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Removes the Fish along with the Water from Your Flooded Buffalo Grove Basement

Flood Damage in Buffalo Grove Basement Gets Fast Help

Waterproofing a basement in Buffalo Grove does not make it completely unable to have water damage. A finished basement is a smart addition to a home. It is a way to create a game room, home theater, additional bedroom, or much-needed storage. But statistics show 98% of basements have a water loss event during their service life.

Cleaning up flood damage in a Buffalo Grove basement comes with several challenges for SERVPRO techs. First and foremost is the extraction of the water and removing items from the floor space.

Methods of Extraction
There are a few main pieces of equipment the techs rely on for fast extraction, particularly in basements. The portable pumps allow the techs to move quickly and can deploy in numbers, so each section of the loss area gets rapidly addressed. When the water is more than two inches deep, the techs rely on submersible pumps or truck-mounted units to pull the water out fast. In cases of finished basements with glue-down tile or carpet, it is typical for this type of floorcovering to delaminate and require disposal as a loss.

Removal and Move Out of Contents
Homeowners that store items in plastic containers with lids are already ahead when it comes to storage. These types of containers fare the best in almost any kind of water loss situation because they lock out moisture intrusion from any direction. Cardboard boxes wick the moisture and begin to soften and fall apart quickly, allowing whatever is inside also to become wet. SERVPRO techs remove items to a dry area of the home or their facility for secure storage, dependent on the preferences of the homeowner.

Drying in Place Whenever Possible
When a furnishing such as a dining table or pool table, SERVPRO techs can place the item up on blocks during the drying phase. We have a supply of wood and high-density foam blocks to elevate the legs above the wet or damp floor. This limits the disruption to the home during cleanup and restoration services.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 to get fast action against the flood damage in your home. The certified techs arrive on-site quickly and make the water loss to your home, "Like it never even happened."

Why We Are The Best Choice In Buffalo Grove After A Water Loss

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

We use our high-speed air movers and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to prevent secondary water damage and create airflow.

We Can Save Your Personal Belongings in Your Buffalo Grove Home from Water Damage

Something that our SERVPRO team often addresses with clients who have suffered from a water loss is what we can do to save their belongings from water damage. While there is no cookie-cutter answer, we do have the skills and techniques to address water loss events on all levels. Each event is unique, and our team treats each project on a case-by-case basis to ensure the best results.

If you are dealing with water damage in Buffalo Grove, we will come in to perform a detailed assessment to determine the best course of action. When it comes to water damage, the type that your home is subjected to will set the stage for the cleanup and restoration steps moving forward. 

Water Damage Types

Whether or not the water that your personal belongings is deemed clean or contaminated plays a significant role in determining solvability. With clean water, the probability is much higher that technicians can salvage some or most of your belongings. If there is contaminated water, the potential health hazards can outweigh anything else. 

Saturation 

Something else that SERVPRO technicians consider is the length of time, and the materials have been saturated. The longer that any materials sit in water, the deeper the water can penetrate. For example, it can take longer for water to penetrate solid wood furniture, but belongings made of pressboard could become ruined in a much shorter time. 

Porous materials like fabrics and paper are known for water retention, which increases the chances of mold growth. If handled quickly, these items might be able to be restored. Non-porous materials like metal, porcelain, and marble have a much higher probability of full restoration after drying and disinfecting with our industrial-strength cleaners.

SERVPRO’s skilled technicians follow the standards set forth by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration. This means that we put the health and safety of all workers and occupants first, we document all of the conditions and our work procedures, and set processes in place for proper mitigation, drying, cleaning, and repair.

If you need SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich for water damage restoration, please give us a call at (847) 279-1940. We can send a team out as quickly as possible to make it “Like it never even happened.”

See more about Buffalo Grove.

Professional Tips to Prepare for Storm Damage in Buffalo Grove

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO has emergency tarping services? We can tarp your roof to prevent further damage.

How Buffalo Grove Residents Can Prep for Storm/Flood Damage 

When you see bad weather is heading your way and the potential for storm/flood damage exists, you can avoid a severe loss to your home by taking some preventive actions.  

One of the critical elements in limiting loss to your Buffalo Grover home from storm/flood damage is to be aware of coming weather threats. If your schedule does not allow you to view the weather, download an app on your phone or device that allows for alerts and updates on the latest conditions.  

Before the Storm

Simple actions such as removing items that can get blown into windows such as patio furniture or cutting back tree limbs can inhibit the chance you will be dealing with rainwater coming into your home through a broken window. Adding extensions to gutters, so the water gets routed away from low-grade areas avoids pooling and helps the water from seeping in around doorways during heavy rains. Hanging planters should be moved indoors or to a safe space.  

When Damage Happens, What to Do First

In the event, high winds cause window or roof damage, or flash floods leave water that requires removal, go to a safe area and contact SERVPRO and your insurance adjuster. The techs strive to arrive within four hours of your initial call and begin the work of extracting the moisture and drying the property to limit the loss.  

The more expedited the cleanup efforts begin, the more potential for saving both the structure and contents from loss, which is particularly true for the flooring of all types. Carpets delaminate quickly after prolonged exposure, and hardwood floorboards begin to warp and cup as they absorb moisture, requiring specialized methods such as drying mats to restore them for reuse. 

Preemptive Actions by SERVPRO

To inhibit any further damage to the property, the technicians tarp over damaged roofing or board up windows as needed. If any new storms arrive during mitigation, the rain and wind will not be harming the residence.  

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 stands ready to help local homeowners with storm/flood damage to their properties. With advanced equipment and specialized restoration methods, the techs make the loss to the home, "Like it never even happened." 

About Buffalo Grove.

Discover Secrets For Commercial Water Cleanup in Buffalo Grove

2/9/2020 (Permalink)

Don't delay when it comes to water damage in your office space. Contact Team SERVPRO for efficient water removal and remediation efforts.

Call on Professionals for Safe Water Cleanup in Your Buffalo Grove Business

Your human resources department, insurers, and customers all appreciate the professional touch for your Buffalo Grove business water loss. The safety issues presented when water intrudes into your commercial building are not merely boxes to tick. Your staff, customers, tenants, and the premises itself all are at heightened risk of injury, health issues, and damage if a detailed safety assessment and plan to manage the hazards are not completed and put in place by experts in the restoration business.

Overview of Safety Issues During Water Damage Restoration

Your multi-use commercial building in Buffalo Grove needs water cleanup after a toilet overflowed all weekend. There was little sewage backup, but the fill lever stuck and supply water spread. Although you shut off the water, thousands of gallons poured through the building from the upper floors to storage and systems in the basement and every level in between. Expected safety concerns include:

• Slip, trip, and fall
• Water pooled in confined spaces
• Electrical hazards
• Structural hazards
• Fixture hazards
• Hazardous materials from structural breakdown (asbestos and lead)
• Biohazards including infectious waste and molds (increasing risk as hours pass)
• Chemical contamination from stored supplies

Ways We Mitigate Safety Concerns

SERVPRO has many safety management strategies reliant on our trained workforce’s experience and high-efficiency equipment:

Slip, trip, and fall--we post signs and begin water extraction as soon as practical. If electricity initially is unavailable (see hazards below), our gas-fueled pumps and truck-mounted extractors use onboard power alternatives to avoid delays.

Water pooled in confined spaces--we use submersible pumps and extensions on extractors to minimize placing technicians in dangerously tight areas.

Electrical hazards--we make sure power is shut down until it can operate safely, typically when the bulk of the liquid water evacuates. We drain water from light fixtures and electrical boxes. When we resume using site power, we move power cords out of pathways in work areas--taping or zip tying multiple cords to manage. We always use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Structural hazards--SERVPRO technicians look for sagging ceilings and bulging walls which obscure collected water. We carefully punch weep holes to release fluid before a collapse.

Fixture hazards--we cover hazards like carpet tack strips.

Hazardous materials from structural breakdown (asbestos and lead)--we alert SERVPRO management if the water loss exposes asbestos or lead-bearing structures to arrange for lawful abatement.

Biohazards including infectious waste and molds--even if the water started as Category 1 or clean, SERVPRO assume that microbes multiply as hours pass. Our crews wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and consider installing air scrubbers in work areas. If technicians observe mold growth, we add mold remediation to the project agenda.

Chemical contamination from stored supplies--another signal to add PPE and containment strategies to the plan. 

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich managers and technicians are experts in identifying and managing safety issues during commercial water removal. Call (847) 279-1940 to ensure the individuals and entities to whom you owe a duty of care are protected.

Click here for more information about Buffalo Grove.

What Can You Do About Commercial Water Damage in Buffalo Grove Right Now

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

You cannot control water damage. BUT you can contact SERVPRO for effective water removal and remediation efforts right away.

Prepare for Commercial Water Damage in Buffalo Grove with an Emergency Ready Plan

One thing you do not have when a water loss strikes your Buffalo Grove business is time. Recovery from a water emergency depends on a rapid response, and delays as restorers unfamiliar with your space and operations scramble to plan from scratch can adversely affect a successful outcome. We offer a unique, digitally available solution to this challenge when we partner with you ahead of the crisis.

Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)

Water damage strikes Buffalo Grove businesses without warning, but we have a tool to permit our crews to hit the ground running when you alert us of the problem. Our Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) creates an opportunity for our experienced project managers to assess your operations and layout in anticipation of a water disaster.

Assess and Recommend

Although SERVPRO cannot pinpoint the date or time of a potential water event in your commercial building, we can predict a wide range of possible damage based on our training and experience once we evaluate your site. As we assess, we make a list of suggestions you can review now to minimize the damage to your building’s structural components if water damage occurs. Equally important, we can share practical tips about the placement of equipment and storage of business contents, starting immediately to maximize the probability that your company can continue operation during and after a disaster.

Blueprint and Plan

During the assessment, SERVPRO employees create a digital plan easily accessed on a computer or mobile device. We include a detailed layout of your space, including the location of utility shut-offs and vulnerable areas where water could pool or seep, threatening to cause long-term deterioration or foster secondary damage. We note where we project the damage might prove most profound and plan for fast strategies to mitigate water spread and remediate harm without delay. A listing of equipment, products, and tools likely to be productive helps prepare for your unique needs. 

Emergency Ready Profile

You take charge as well, completing a Profile ERP with details and contacts on an easy to use mobile app. Designate SERVPRO as your preferred service provider, and note the identity of and ways to connect with vendors and contractors who set up your equipment and systems. An added safeguard is your ability to nominate trusted employees or other individuals to act on your behalf if you are out of town or otherwise unavailable during the crisis.

Help SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich prepare to assist your business with potential water damage with our innovative ERP. Call (847) 279-1940 to schedule an assessment today.

Click here for more information about Buffalo Grove.

Flood Damage Incident in Buffalo Grove

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

The challenges sparked by flooding incidents are easier to manage with the right resources.

Access to Resources That Ensures Resolution of Any Flood Damage Incident in Buffalo Grove

Flooding incidents can be devastating. Apart from striking when you are least prepared, the magnitude of the damage left can be overwhelming. Even calling a team of professional restorers may not reassure you of a positive outcome, unless you are confident they have access to unlimited resources. We are part of SERVPRO's nationwide franchise, meaning we have access to a larger pool of resources such as equipment and technicians.

Joint Participation Agreements
Severe flood damage incidents in Buffalo Grove may involve tasks that require advanced resources. For example, when a storm uproots trees or destroys structures in any other way, restoration processes take more than just cleaning up the mess and drying the affected areas. There is a provision of joint participation agreements, which allows us to get any technician or any other resource from another franchise, allowing us to complete your job without any hiccups.

Specialized Technicians
Specialized technicians help deal with unusual challenges that come up after flooding incidents. For example, handling hazardous materials such as asbestos requires special skills. Since only a few properties such as those constructed in the 60 have such materials, some restoration crews may have problems handling them. We can beef up our SERVPRO crew with any specialized technician, from other franchises, in the rare case that we do not have one in our team.

Advanced Equipment
The dynamics in a flooding situation can leave unexpected kinds of damages. Strong winds can blow off parts of the roof or drive large debris such as trees into the property. Removing such debris requires the right equipment. We have a wide variety of equipment, including cherry pickers and other elevated work platforms, to ease access to affected sections of a property. Being part of a nationwide franchise also helps because we can access any equipment necessary for the job.

The challenges sparked by flooding incidents are easier to manage with the right resources. Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 to help manage the situation, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Buffalo Grove click here.

Why We Are The Leader In Lake Zurich Fire Damage Restoration

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

Our advanced cleaning techniques and state-of-the-art equipment will restore your property to pre-damage condition after a fire.

SERVPRO Cleans Fire Damage in a Lake Zurich Home

Fire damage is daunting for any homeowner to clean. Not only is this type of damage frustrating to remove, but it can leave behind odors and residues that can potentially corrode other items in your home, particularly when they occur in the kitchen. When exposed to moisture, soot can become acidic and affect metals and plastics, which makes it especially important to choose professionals for your cleanup needs.

If your Lake Zurich residence has suffered fire damage, SERVPRO professionals are always ready to restore your home to a preloss condition. Whether you have suffered a kitchen fire, a fireplace accident, or other types of fire in your home, this team uses advanced technologies as well as an extensive knowledge of the scientific theory behind fire damage to remove issues. The goal is not just to remove debris, but also to prevent further corrosion from soot residues, creosote deposits, burnt proteins, and odor-causing particles.

SERVPRO's Extensive Training Programs

SERVPRO's extensive training and education includes a variety of learning sources to benefit franchise owners, technicians, and staff, including:

• Employee certification, IICRC training, and initial franchise training modules
• Crew training in fire and water damage restoration, as well as carpet and upholstery cleaning
• Continuous, voluntary e-learning opportunities
• Specialized training for franchise owners
• Credit and noncredit courses and seminars for franchise staff as well as professionals in other industries

SERVPRO strives to offer a wide variety of educational opportunities to help professionals and crew members alike receive training that is beneficial to homeowners in restoring their properties.

How SERVPRO Can Help

After you contact your local SERVPRO, this team can come directly to your home and use a variety of cleaning methods to address fire damage. These methods can include both wet and dry cleaning, disinfecting with EPA registered antimicrobials, and specialized tools for removing soot and odor deposits from HVAC systems. 

SERVPRO also uses a broad selection of deodorizing tools to handle the foul odors that come from fires. These tools can include thermal fogging, odor counteractant beads, and OSHA-approved spray cleaners. Mechanical devices that alter the chemical composition of malodorous molecules like hydroxyl and ozone machines can also be deployed. For areas more directly affected by fire damage, including charred carpet, deodorizing materials may be sprayed or injected directly. Blast media used to remove char from surfaces, such as baking soda, can also have a deodorizing effect.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is a team you can count on to be Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (847) 279-1940 for disaster cleanup that you can count on any time.

See more about Lake Zurich.

We Follow Proper Steps In Buffalo Grove After A Flood

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and scientific drying techniques during the restoration process after a flood.

Flooding from Above and Trapped Ceiling Water in Buffalo Grove

Storm damages can lead to substantial structural breaches in Buffalo Grove, including direct flooding from runoff or wind-driven rain through missing or collapsed portions of the roof. When flooding penetrates the house from above the primary living spaces, the likelihood of excess water becoming trapped in the ceiling cavity is high. Our SERVPRO team works to alleviate this threat and reduce the present structural risks that accompany this type of flooding.

Flood damage to Buffalo Grove homes can affect the property from different angles and penetration points, but migration between flooring can lead to substantial structural concerns. While our professionals must first perform emergency repairs to the property to prevent further flood damage or penetration, this is the preliminary step before beginning extraction and drying efforts. Because many attic spaces are unfinished, penetration into this area can directly affect the living space in your home beneath the ceiling drywall.

Drywall can withstand an onslaught of pressing water damages when the flood migration leaves ceiling cavities saturated. Once this water can begin to absorb into the drywall, the composition changes, and the material gets heavier. With excessive saturation, drywall can become too heavy to remain installed and collapse under its growing weight. This situation can pose a threat to our customers and our SERVPRO team, so we must reduce the trapped water as efficiently as possible.

In many cases, our licensed contractors must utilize controlled demolition techniques to remove any section of drywall too severely damaged to restore. In many ways, this can eliminate the pressing threat of collapse, but areas that might get subjected to trapped water but restorable can benefit from drilled holes that can allow water to drain out of the cavity and also serve as available points for the hoses of our positive pressure machines to work on drying out the cavity.

There are many steps involved in keeping our customers and technicians safe from the hazards present after flood damage. From complete build back and reconstruction to efficient extraction and drying, our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team can help. Give us a call today at (847) 279-1940.

See more about Buffalo Grove.

Wheeling Water Loss Problem? Let SERVPRO Mitigate the Damage!

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Works Hard to Extract Water from a Carpet in Baby's Room in Wheeling. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Light Wands Help with Water Extraction from Carpets in Wheeling Homes

Carpeting is a common element to most Wheeling homes. When water damage occurs in any capacity, one of the most susceptible materials is a carpeted floor. It is always the focus of our SERVPRO professionals to restore before replacing. As such, we have adequate moisture and water removal tools to help later drying efforts to be more productive.

 Extractors come in many shapes and sizes, but for overcoming water damage to Wheeling homes, it usually is either a submersible pump style or a variation of a wet vacuum. Attachments for these vacuums help them to be a versatile tool in the arsenal of our water restoration team. Much like the squeegee extraction tool we use to prepare hardwood flooring for focused drying efforts, light wands can help to remove moisture from both the upper carpet level and the padding beneath it.

Light wands are nearly exclusively used for removing water and moisture from carpets and padding. These tools are not practical however when water exceeds an inch in-depth. More powerful pump extractors would need to get utilized to bring the water levels down to a manageable amount for attachments of extractor tools like carpet wands or the squeegee wand previously mentioned for wood flooring.

Apart from the effectiveness of these wands with glue-down carpeting, there are other ways that these tools can help with moisture removal of carpeting. In many situations, stationary equipment gets placed in carpeted areas to force moisture to the surface from the padding. These weighted extractors can do an adequate job of removing most of the moisture, while vacuum attachments like the light wands can finish this task to begin drying.

Carpet wands arrive with our technicians to every water recovery task because of their versatility and ability to penetrate flooring for an easier drying task. If you want to make water losses, “Like it never even happened” in your home, give our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team a call today at (847) 279-1940.

Our Flood Damage Experts Can Save Your Buffalo Grove Home

12/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich can ensure that your home looks, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Handles Flood Damage in a Buffalo Grove Home

The April 2013 Des Planes and Illinois Rivers flood caused $375 million worth of damage. Several northern Illinois counties were affected and reported record rainfall levels that devastated homes and infrastructure. Worse still, snowmelt in a wet early spring had already saturated the soil, bringing rain speeds as high as two inches an hour. Without proper mitigation after these types of disasters, residents can be left with extensive amounts of damage to their homes.

If your Buffalo Grove home requires fast flood damage cleanup, certified SERVPRO technicians can be at your residence within hours of your call to address the disaster. Whether standing water in your home is an inch or less, or you have several inches of water in your home, SERVPRO teams have the equipment you need to enjoy a pre-flood residence once more.

SERVPRO Has the Tools for the Job
Technicians are outfitted with a wide variety of tools, as well as scientific theory and calculations for using them accurately. Moisture detection and measurement must be precise, comprehensive, and rely on several types of measures. Evaluation tools can include penetrating and non-penetrating sensors and meters as well as advanced infrared Imaging to view moisture-affected areas in and behind structures.

SERVPRO's extraction equipment is also top-of-the-line. It features tools like truck-mounted and portable extraction pumps with heating, pumping, and vacuuming qualities. If high amounts of water need to be pumped, this crew also has access to submersible and gas-powered pumps. Extraction is thorough to ensure successful drying with industrial-grade centrifugal air movers and low-grain refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers.

How SERVPRO Can Save Your Home
Whenever a flood affects your home, extraction is key to minimizing disaster and preserving your structures. Proper water removal means technicians are better able to address silt, debris, and other contaminants in floodwater with commercial-grade deodorizers and EPA-registered antimicrobials. In a typical water damage situation, disinfection can be done after drying, but with flooding, this must be done beforehand to minimize the risk of spreading airborne contaminants through the home.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich can ensure that your home looks, “Like it never even happened.” Call (847) 279-1940 today for fast Disaster Cleanup.

For more about Buffalo Grove click here.

We Are Ready 24/7 In Wheeling To Restore Your Fire Damaged Home

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Our advanced cleaning techniques and state-of-the-art equipment will restore your property to pre-damage condition after a fire.

Fire Damage in Wheeling Kitchen Gets Fast Turnaround

Kitchen fires are one of the most common ways that fire damage hits homes. In fact, in a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, these types of fires account for just over one billion dollars in property damages every year.

When fire damage occurs in Wheeling homes, quick cleanup is vital to limit the spread of the odor throughout the house. Protein fires that occur during cooking are particularly challenging to clean up entirely as the fats turn into a fine, nearly invisible mist with a strong, pungent odor that coats surfaces.

Ceiling and Roof Damage

The high heat and fast burning nature of this type of fire often results in the ceiling and sometimes roof damage. SERVPRO technicians scope the property on arrival to determine if the property requires any temporary emergency repairs such as tarping over fire damaged roofing or boarding over windows. Additionally, if there is a danger of cross-contamination to other areas of the home, it is common for technicians to establish containment around the work site area.

Removal of Non-Restorable Items and Clean Up

The removal of charred sheetrock and other burned items lessen the odor issues in the home. Anything removed is cleared through the property owner or adjuster along with a detailed report created to assist with filing loss claims. SERVPRO technicians test the smoke damage and apply the appropriate chemical agents for the type of residues they are cleaning.

Steps to Eliminate Odors

The intense odor left behind by charring and residues requires several steps to eliminate. SERVPRO technicians remove the soot and deposits using cleaning agents for the particular type of residue they are cleaning. If the HVAC system remained on after the fire, the technicians could also inspect the ductwork to determine if it requires cleaning and if other areas of the home received cross-contamination from the kitchen fire. In cases where additional odor-neutralization applications are necessary, the technicians have different types of equipment to handle the task.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 is ready to help homeowners with fire damage 24/7 and make the fire loss "Like it never even happened."

See more about Wheeling.

Why Flood Damage in Wheeling Necessitates Professional Restoration

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Take a peek inside our warehouse. This is just some of the equipment at our disposal to restore your home.

Seeking the Right Help Ensures Wheeling Residents Resolve Flood Damage Incidents Faster

You might be wondering what's next after your house floods. In most cases, you need help from other people to deal with the broad range of issues that develop after flood damage incidents. Common issues that you must address include:

• Checking and Fixing Electrical Hazards
• Water Removal
• Thorough Cleanup
• Rebuilding Damaged Areas

Different sets of skills might be necessary to fix the variety of problems that develop after flood damage in your Wheeling home. You might even need to involve several professionals for your home, regains its preloss condition. It is possible to avoid such inconvenience by hiring a specialized flood damage restorer like SERVPRO. Our crews include technicians with different sets of skills such as Applied Structural Drying specialists, Water Restoration Technicians, Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians, and Carpet Cleaning Specialists, among others. With such abundant skills, one team can handle most of the restoration work involved.

Financial loss is the standard outcome after a flooding incident. However, ignoring safety issues during the restoration process can also cause grievous bodily harm. Various hazards develop when a property is flooded, with the most common ones being the risk of electrocution and injuries if parts of the structure collapse. Our SERVPRO technicians scope the affected building before starting the restoration process. We confirm that power is off, and then use Electrical Circuit Testers to check areas where we suspect a risk of electrocution. We also confirm that the building is structurally sound before embarking on the restoration process.

Flooding leaves unsanitary conditions in affected properties through soiling and contamination. Various cleaning approaches have to be carried out at the loss site to restore the preloss conditions. Our SERVPRO crews have access to different cleaning equipment that helps deliver exceptional results. We use pressure washers, which spray water at up to 3000psi, readily stripping away stubborn soils from surfaces, especially when we clean the outdoor parts of your structure. We also clean through hot water extraction using the regular extraction equipment we bring to the loss site.

With the right help, fixing flood damage should not be a big deal. Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 to help provide the tools and skills to resolve the problem, "Like it never even happened."

More about Wheeling.

What It Takes for Timely Resolution of Flood Damage Incidents in Buffalo Grove

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can show you exactly what it takes to get your Buffalo Grove home back to normal in no time.

We have what it takes to get your Buffalo Grove home back after a flood.

Flooding incidents can happen any time, including late at night, or even in the middle of a cold winter. Although flooding is naturally destructive, an incident happening at less opportune times worsens the situation by delaying the response time. Choosing a professional restoration company like SERVPRO that is reachable 24 hours a day helps minimize delays. Apart from responding to calls faster, we also take other steps to ensure timely resolution of flood damage incidents.

Understanding the Situation

Sometimes seeking to fix flood damage incidents in Buffalo Grove fast inadvertently leads to delays by prioritizing the wrong actions. With so many steps involved in the restoration process, including moving items, tearing down walls, and extracting water, it might be tricky to determine what should get top priority. From the vast experience, our SERVPRO crews have, handling such situations, it is easier to make the right plans. For example, when floodwater is yet to recede outside the structure, we can start with other steps instead of focusing on water extraction inside the house.

Ready Storm Trucks

The instantaneous nature of flooding means there might be limited time to make proper response plans after the incident, which can limit the effectiveness of actions taken. Preparing before flooding occurs, therefore, helps. Our SERVPRO teams have access to storm trucks fully packed with water removal equipment and other resources to handle any flooding situation.

Variety of Equipment

Having the right tool can move things along faster, whether dealing with mundane tasks such as cleaning the floors or complicated ones such as removing and refitting paneling. The unique thing about tools is that none is sophisticated enough to handle all jobs. Our SERVPRO crews are well-equipped with everything from water removal equipment, deodorizing equipment, and tools for building tasks.

Flooding incidents cause a wide range of problems, but a fast-tracked restoration process can reduce the long-term impact. Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 to help resolve the effects of flooding, "Like it never even happened."

To learn more about Buffalo Grove, click here. 

Our Fast Response Will Save Your Buffalo Grove Bar

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Why Buffalo Grove Bar Managers use SERVPRO for Out-of-hours Commercial Flood Damage Repair

Out of hours, flooding caused by faulty appliances in your bar can cause severe damage if left unchecked. Water may quickly migrate from its source into cavities between floors or the seating area. From there, microbial bacteria in the water can easily cause an initial clean water emergency to become a grey or black water issue. We operate out-of-hours flood restoration for commercial properties throughout the year. Our skilled experts are trained in the latest techniques for quickly removing and rapidly drying your business.

Bar managers that discover commercial flood damage in Buffalo Grove can reach out to us on our twenty four hour line. SERVPRO uses local water restoration technicians (WRT) that are available on-call throughout the night. We run this service to allow our commercial centers the best opportunity to get back to a preloss condition without missing out on daytime revenue. Depending on the size of your commercial property, we can dispatch a single technician or a team to your location and begin mitigating losses.

Flooding can cause several secondary issues. These may include loosening of pre-existing dirt or mold growth that can then contaminate the leaking water. Equally, water that migrates to a seating area can cause furniture fabrics to bleed, shrink, or suffer discoloration. To mitigate against further losses, SERVPRO can shut off the water supply, block furniture, or use plastic sheeting and tarpaulins to reduce the risk of further damage. These small steps can pay big dividends by keeping your claim expenses low and protecting your contents from water damage.

Once the immediate damage-causing factors are mitigated, we can set to work reversing the existing damage. Using pumps alongside water extraction units can help to remove the vast majority of standing water. We can then thoroughly clean, disinfect, and treat surfaces with Biocides to prevent mold growth from occurring. By deploying rapid air-movers and dehumidifiers, SERVPRO can effectively dry both contents and structure. You can then re-open for business, “Like it never even happened.”

For experienced and resourceful commercial services, contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940.

For more about Buffalo Grove click here.

Cleaning Soot In Your Buffalo Grove House

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call today at (847) 279-1940.

Cleaning Soot Exposed Surfaces After Buffalo Grove Housefires

Soot can be a dangerous and under appreciated threat throughout Buffalo Grove homes following a fire. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that because a fire gets extinguished that its main threats have also gotten quelled, but this is not the case. Particulates like microscopic soot created from partially burned fuels like wood, oil, and other sources can be a health risk to those exposed without the appropriate protective equipment.

Addressing these and other effects of fire damage in Buffalo Grove residences comes down to a fast and confident response. We have a full roster of dedicated professionals with training and expertise as Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) accredited through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Because of the acidic composition of soot residues, they become a danger to surfaces, countertops, construction materials, and the contents of your home right away. The longer that these residues sit on the affected areas, the more damage they can do. Marring and staining of surfaces can happen while you debate on the best restoration company to handle the fire loss effects in your home. The prompt response of our SERVPRO team can help to limit these irreparable effects by clearing soot and smoke residues from exposed surfaces quickly.

It is unwise for homeowners to attempt to remove soot residues on their own, primarily because of the risks involved with airborne soot particulates. These microscopic hazards can be a considerable health risk with the right level of exposure, and any DIY restorer should proceed with caution. Also, improper cleaning techniques for settled soot can lead to smearing. Once smearing occurs, then staining follows. Even with the advanced equipment and products available to our SERVPRO team, stained construction materials and contents are almost impossible to clean.

We strive to provide every customer with a tailored experience that suits the specific needs of their home, and that begins with identifying the presence of soot and the best approach to remove it safely. You can count on the swift response and expertise of our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team after a fire. Give us a call today at (847) 279-1940.

For more about Buffalo Grove click here.

Here Is What You Should Do For Your Flood Damage Situation in Buffalo Grove

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Whether flooding is from a river, a storm or internal pipe break, team SERVPRO has you covered. Contact us right away.

Buffalo Grove Flood Damage Resolves Successfully with Professional Response

Our community was under a tornado warning recently, with Buffalo Grove residents readying for the personal harm and property devastation that can follow such storms. High winds and pounding precipitation is something our region increasingly copes with regardless of the date on the calendar. As flooding and exterior damage from year-round storm activity becomes commonplace, it is more important than ever to line up an experienced and professional response. Our team prepares for crises like this.

Do-It-Yourself Equipment Is Not up to the Task

Significant flood damage develops inside Buffalo Grove homes during storm activity. If roofs and siding are compromised, water can flood in from top to bottom, saturating every level of your house before collecting in your basement. Overland flash flooding or seepage from the saturated ground surrounding your home tends to enter lower levels, rising by inches or feet. Consumer water removal equipment such as wet-dry vacuums cannot handle the quantity of floodwater adequately.

A Team Approach

Even our heavy-duty commercial equipment is only half of the equation. When SERVPRO arrives to assess your flooding scenario, we assign trained and experienced team members to the tasks indicated, scaling our response to the intensity of the damage. Our service vehicles stock multiple pumps, extractors, and drying equipment, permitting us to double or triple down on the job if your flooding is substantial. Water removal completes much faster with adequate equipment and sufficient numbers of trained operators. This approach increases the odds that most building materials can be restored, avoiding tear out and replacement.

Safe Contaminated Water Assessment and Management

The SERVPRO team confidently categorizes the water flooding your home, creating a safe and legal plan to contain and dispose of significantly contaminated fluids. Our crew wears personal protective equipment (PPE) and takes appropriate precautions to shield the rest of your home from the affected areas. Floodwaters are typically considered Category 3, containing human and animal waste, including blood and fecal-borne pathogens. We contain the fluids and dispose of them according to local regulations. Negative pressure air scrubbers help us seal off the contaminated spaces and filter any airborne viruses, bacteria, or other hazards in our workspaces. EPA-registered antimicrobials and cleaners applied to the soiled surfaces inhibit the spread of pathogens, readying the space for applied structural drying.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is poised to help our community’s residents recover from storm and flood damage. Call us at (847) 279-1940 to arrange for an assessment and recovery plan and its implementation.

Click here for more information about the city of Buffalo Grove.

Water Damage Experts In Buffalo Grove Explain Things That Make Restoration Efforts Successful

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows that Buffalo Grove water damage in your home needs special skills.

Let us show you why we can take over your Buffalo Grove water damage.

Even if it has never happened to you before, it is possible that your Buffalo Grove home could suffer from a plumbing or appliance failure. Water pipes breaking and appliances malfunctioning can both cause water damage to your contents and building materials. Once items inside your house get wet, problems associated with moisture can quickly get worse. If these issues are not treated promptly by a restoration company like SERVPRO, secondary problems can arise.

Secondary water damage in your Buffalo Grove residence can come in the form of problems related to raised humidity or mold growth. High relative humidity levels can cause your drywall to retain moisture and get damaged. The presence of moisture in the air, your building materials and contents can create an environment that makes fungal growth possible. Seeking out help from our SERVPRO team can save you money and headaches in the future.

Whenever excessive moisture negatively affects your home, it is vital that the proper mitigation methods get used so that secondary damage does not occur. When mitigating moisture-related issues, our SERVPRO technicians do whatever it takes to succeed and return your house to preloss conditions "Like it never even happened." In the restoration industry, there are four main factors that help a professional restoration company be successful.

1. Availability

Our crews our ready to help you with your problems anytime you need us. We answer our phones 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We know that mishaps do not have normal 8 to 5 business hours.

2. Prompt Service

When dealing with issues created by water, we know that time is vital to successful remediation. We are located in the area and we can arrive shortly after you call us. Once we arrive we can get started with your restoration project as soon as we receive your official approval.

3. Experience And Training

In any industry, having the proper training and knowledge can prove to be the difference between succeeding and failing. Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification or IICRC. We also have vast amounts of experience in dealing with both large and small projects.

4. Advanced Technology

Having the right tools for the job can also help a restoration company succeed. We have at our disposal the industry's best equipment to aid us in completing your mitigation project.

If you ever notice an appliance or plumbing failure in your house in Wheeling, Mundelein, Kildeer, or Vernon Hills, call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940. Choose us because We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

If you would like to learn more about Buffalo Grove, click here.

We Keep Your Belongings Safe In Buffalo Grove

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in this home was due to a failed PVC plumbing connection within the walls.

Water Removal Buffalo Grove – Storing Your Contents

When water inundates a home, many people wonder how to recover from an event like this? Can the water be removed successfully? Do I need to replace all of my belongings? Where can I store everything while restoring my home and the contents are being cleaned and dried?

SERVPRO from Buffalo Grove has dealt with hundreds of water removal challenges. We can answer all of these questions and more. Once our team is on-site and has assessed the condition of your home and contents, we develop a plan. It includes water removal, cleaning and drying your home, removing contents for cleaning and drying. Sometimes items cannot be restored and are thrown out. We can look after these items as well after cataloging everything that must be removed.

Staging Areas and Protection of Your Contents

In many situations, we remove the contents of a home for cleaning and drying. It must be a safe, dry place while restoring the home. Ideally, SERVPRO, with your permission, would like to use another area of the home that is dry. For example, a second floor or a garage.

SERVPRO also can transport items to our facility for additional cleaning, drying, and storage. Our facility is safe, dry. We have state of the art cleaning materials and equipment to restore your items after water removal.

Keeping Track of Your Contents

A record of your contents is kept so we know where everything is and the condition it is in when it arrives at our facility. Occasionally a client requires an item that is in the staging area. The client may need it for insurance purposes or personal reasons.

Our records can quickly identify the item, its location, and condition. We can remove the item from storage and deliver to our clients when needed. Not only do we want to restore your home or business fully, "Like it never even happened." We also offer assistance in managing the insurance processes and paperwork as well.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 for 24/7 serve. We serve the towns of Wheeling, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Our Certified Experts Respond Quickly To Wheeling Home Fire Damage

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

Our advanced cleaning techniques and state-of-the-art equipment will restore your home after a fire right away.

How Fire Assessment Helps Clean Damaged Wheeling Homes

When you hear terms like assessment and inspection after fire damage in your Wheeling home, many tasks might come to mind. In truth, assessment is both one of the most thorough actions that our professionals take once we arrive at a home and also one that must be among the fastest of our functions. The inspection of fire damage is multi-purpose and goes far beyond determining the inevitable cost of restoration and recovery.

We cannot always expect customers to think calmly amid a crisis, and that is why it is ideal to trust in the experience of our team to determine the extent of fire damage to Wheeling properties. We have a full spectrum of qualified personnel devoted to every facet of fire recovery, including cleaning technicians and odor control specialists. The determination of which team members are necessary for the restoration of a house after a fire is a critical element of this assessment.

Also, our SERVPRO management can look to identify potential problems by beginning at the ignition point and working out. Starting our inspection at this point helps our team to gain an understanding of the spread of effects like smoke residues, soot, and odors. Because different materials and substances can combust and burn during a fire damage incident, the type of smoke damage might differ from one part of the home to another. These varying circumstances require unique strategies and products to remove and clean successfully.

Another important aspect of our inspection is working with an insurance provider to meet their specific demands. While many have a uniform approach to documentation and photographic evidence, our standing relationships with all insurance companies in the area have helped our SERVPRO team get to work more quickly when time is of the essence.

Fire loss incidents can occur with no warning and be a devastating force in area homes. You can always count on the fast response and expertise of our certified SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich fire restorers to help however you need. You can reach us 24/7 by calling (847) 279-1940.

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Our Skilled Mold Damage Professionals Can Save Your Lake Zurich Business

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Mold damage can be very difficult to remediate. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for help.

Don’t Panic! Commercial Mold Damage Remediation in Lake Zurich is Just a Call Away

Although no one looks forward to dealing with mold growth at their Lake Zurich business, relax if you have engaged our mold remediation experts. Following the protocols the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed for use in schools and commercial buildings offers a high success rate. It also clarifies that mold spores are always in the environment, but cause concern for the majority of individuals only when they absorb water and begin growth.

Mold Often Signals Its Presence with a Smell

Although it needs moisture, mold damage in Lake Zurich does not need light. Because of this characteristic, a large infestation can hide behind walls or over ceilings. What you may notice is a distinctive musty odor and perhaps some staining on surfaces. Because molds need water pay particular attention to that unpleasant smell if it lingers near a place where you know building materials became wet in the past.

Let the Experts Handle Mold Remediation

If you try to save time, bother, or a few dollars to eradicate mold damage on your own, you are likely to make the situation worse instead of better. DIY remedies often include a diluted bleach solution that does not penetrate deeply enough to kill the organism at the roots. You might notice a short-term lightening of a dark stain, but the water in the bleach solution ironically might be feeding the mold.

Disturbing Mold Colonies Help Them Spread

Without following the EPA protocol, a business owner can unwittingly spread mold by trying to knock off mold colonies. When SERVPRO starts mold remediation, we contain the area with plastic sheeting, sealing the edges of the partition with the action of an air scrubber. Its negative air pressure retains even small particles as we scrape and use soda blasting to remove the colonies, forcing them through HEPA filters that capture debris and then vent the air to the outdoors. Our technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety and as another way to prevent tracking debris into unaffected areas.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich can help put your mind at ease as we remediate mold damage in your business. Call us at (847) 279-1940 to arrrange a consultation if you suspect mold damage lurks in your business.

Click here to see more about Lake Zurich. 

Lake Zurich Pop-Up Storm-Related Flood Damage

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help with those Pop-up rain storms that damage Lake Zurich.

We know how serious flood damage in Lake Zurich is.

“Micro-burst” showers catch residents of Lake Zurich unprepared. Hot, steamy late summer days can generate highly-localized torrential rainstorms that deposit a significant amount of water in a short period. If a downspout comes loose or a basement window is left open, the wet areas in your lower levels can go from a minor inconvenience to a crisis. We count flood recovery as one of our core services. We would be honored to help.

Supersaturated Ground Equals Basement Floods

Sometimes the Lake Zurich area suffers flood damage when “trains” of rainstorms following one after another. Any one storm is unremarkable, but the cumulative effect of several in quick succession can saturate the ground so thoroughly that the water has nowhere to drain except into your home. Cracks in the foundation can make it more susceptible as can a failure to grade the ground around the perimeter of your home away from the foundation.

Submersible Pumps and Extractors Step Up First

Every SERVPRO service vehicle carries pumps for removing water more than two inches deep and truck-mounted extractors for the remaining standing water. Once the crew lead assesses the damage and designs a plan our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians roll out the equipment. The more liquid water we remove that more efficient our drying configurations can be. If your electricity is out, no worries. Our trucks carry onboard power generators.

Research-Based Drying Configurations

When SERVPRO determines drying goals, we use moisture data collected by probes and sensors. Our technicians take courses intended to make this data collection standardized and easy to insert into a more comprehensive drying plan. As we add air movers and heaters to the flooded area, we aim to create a balance that moves water out of structural components and into the air as vapor. The vapor condenses or absorbs into a fluid depending on the humidifiers positioned in the flooded space. Liquid water collected is discarded outside the home.

EPA-Registered Cleaners and Disinfectants

The flooded surfaces are cleaned and treated with appropriate products. SERVPRO aims to inhibit the growth of molds or pathogens. We can also seal spaces with products intended to act as antimicrobial base coats for further restoration efforts.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich prepares for the rainy times each summer, ready to help if your home floods. Call us at (847) 279-1940 any day or time to set up a professional assessment.

To learn more about Lake Zurich, click here.

How Our Professionals Can Help After A Fire In Your Wheeling Home

8/3/2019 (Permalink)

Call us at (847) 279-1940 to arrange an assessment and mitigation and remediation plan.

What To Expect From Professional Fire Damage Recovery In Wheeling

After the firefighters leave your Wheeling home, it is clear that professional assistance is needed to cope with the aftermath. Until you experience a household fire, it is difficult to understand how pervasive and disruptive the harm from flames, heat, and smoke can be. One of the core components of our business mission is to assist members of our community as they navigate the challenges presented after fire harms the structure and contents of their homes.

Prompt assessment followed by swift mitigation and remediation of Wheeling fire damage is vital for a successful resolution. Fire residues are toxic and corrosive, requiring special handling for safety and efficiency. Our managers and technicians receive extensive and advanced training from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). On the job experience and the mentoring of newer employees by our seasoned experts deepens and enhances the knowledge provided by IICRC coursework.

Water containment and removal is usually the first task, often unexpected but understandable as you wade through dirty fluids left by firefighting. Safety concerns drive water cleanup. Avoiding slips and falls and electric shock risk is crucial for SERVPRO technicians and occupants. The Category 3 water can carry significant contamination, and our crews are familiar with and follow local hazardous waste handling requirements.

Evaluation of the residues left by combustion is next, guiding SERVPRO employees as we choose cleaning products, tools, and techniques. Wet, dry, and protein-based soot can all exist in different spaces of your home. Our training helps us use the most effective cleaning approaches to protect surfaces that otherwise would discolor and deteriorate because of the corrosive substances in fire residues.

Charring of building materials can be remediated in many circumstances. Our team uses brushes and other stripping methods to reach undamaged layers for refinishing. If materials are extensively damaged, we help you arrange for repair and rebuilding, documenting our efforts and results for insurance purposes.

Deodorization is a SERVPRO specialty. If debris removal and deep cleaning leave lingering smells, we utilize advanced equipment like thermal foggers and hydroxyl generators to neutralize tiny odor-bearing particles at the molecular level.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich offers trained managers and crews and up-to-date products and equipment to manage fire damage in your home. Call us at (847) 279-1940 to arrange an assessment and mitigation and remediation plan.

For more about Wheeling click here.

Take The Stress Out of Fire Damage Remediation in Your Lake Zurich Home

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage can leave many linger odors and residues. Call the remediation professionals at SERVPRO today for help.

How to Navigate Insurance after Fire Damage in Lake Zurich 

While addressing the damaging effects to your Lake Zurich home might be overwhelming and traumatic enough, there are many hoops to jump through and red tape to navigate when dealing with your insurance provider after a disaster. Understanding some practices that you can employ immediately can help to soften the blow of this fire loss incident while you await the professional restoration that your insurance provider is likely to encourage. 

Fire damage to Lake Zurich properties can be a challenge to overcome, even with the advanced equipment and products available to our SERVPRO team. While there are specific steps and stages to filing a claim and getting restoration and mitigation work started in your home, here are some things that you can do right away to make things easier for your displaced family: 

• File a Claim – As basic as this might seem, many homeowners attempt to handle hundreds of other things before they get around to notifying their insurance company of a problem. They need to know about the situation immediately. 
• Protect Your Property – While you might not have the skillset to perform full mitigation, you can board up some windows and other breaches in your home to prevent others from entering or worsening conditions like animal infestations. 
• Get the Immediate Items You Need – Instead of paying out of pocket for the essentials you and your family need to survive, try reaching out to your insurance company directly. Often you can get an advance on the claim to replace these items you’ve lost to the disaster. 
• Ask Your Insurance Adjuster What They Need – You might not even know what your coverage provider needs after a fire, because they are not likely to come right out and tell you. For damage assessments, photographic evidence, and other documentation to expedite claims approval, you can count on our SERVPRO estimation team. 

These are a few practices that can help you to navigate the challenging period after a fire loss incident, and what can happen immediately to help your family. You can count on our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team to perform the damage assessment, mitigation, and any restoration necessary after this loss. We can make fire effects “Like it never even happened.” by calling (847) 279-1940.

Click here to see more about Lake Zurich. 

Our Water Damage Experts Can Save Your Possessions In Lake Zurich

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is eager to help you regain your equilibrium after a significant water loss.

Say Hello Again To Refreshed Water Damaged Possessions After A Lake Zurich Pack-Out

Moving wet articles might be the last thing you feel is needed during the chaos after a water loss in your Lake Zurich home. The stress and uncertainty you experience can only increase if you take the time to box up items and transport furniture. Our experienced managers and technicians often try to convince you otherwise. The benefits of a pack-out are many, including speeding up the time it takes for your home to dry after the emergency.

Bracing for the bad news after water damage to your Lake Zurich home includes an expectation of major disruptions to your day to day life. When we recommend a pack-out, your worst fears seem to come true. We urge you to consider the myriad of reasons why moving possessions to our production facility makes sense and is likely to make mitigation and remediation at your home complete faster and more smoothly.

The equipment SERVPRO uses to prevent further water migration and to remove moisture is commercial quality, capable of getting the affected spaces ready for the final drying phase fast. If we clear out furniture, household goods, and personal possessions, the process moves even faster.

Our technicians take on the task of wrapping, protecting, and transporting your property during a pack-out. We employ a Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to document and track every article using lists, photographs, and barcodes. Once your possessions arrive, specially trained SERVPRO technicians evaluate their conditions and plan for cleaning and drying. Innovative equipment and techniques halt ongoing damage and return items, both treasured and practical, back to functionality and appearance.

Inside your house, our crews use pumps and extractors to remove water, and air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to bring moisture to normal levels. At the SERVPRO production facility, we modify the space and methods to dry furniture and electronics, while accessing advanced technology like freeze-drying for papers and pictures. Dry cleaning and industrial washers and dryers bring clothing, linens, and window covering back to pre-water damaged condition. When work completes at both venues, we transport the packed-out items back, ready for the reunion that gives you and your family back the feelings of security and comfort of “home sweet home.”

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is eager to help you regain your equilibrium after a significant water loss. Explore your options by calling us at (847) 279-1940.

For more about Lake Zurich click here.

When Calamity Strikes Your Buffalo Grove Home--Call SERVPRO for Restoration Services

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Restores Your Buffalo Grove Home After a Mold, Water, Fire, or Storm Damaging Incident--"Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Buffalo Grove Residents Need Fast Disaster Relief

“Time is of the essence” is not merely a cliche when Buffalo Grove homeowners face water, fire, mold, or storm damage events. These severe emergencies expose the structure and contents of your house to progressive damage and lead to secondary effects often worse than the original emergency. Disaster response must be reliable and immediate, which is why our team rates highly. We arrive ready to assess, plan, and work within the first hours after a crisis.

Water Damage
Buffalo Grove residents need water removal fast to prevent the added expense and complications like microbial growth. Mold damage is possible within 24 to 48 hours after a water crisis. Rapid extraction of water and application of appropriate structural drying techniques greatly minimize the probability that spores already present inside your home can absorb moisture and begin their life cycle.

It is one thing for a water removal company to commit to ridding the spaces in your home of water. It is quite another for them to consider the issues presented when contents in your home also suffer from significant water saturation. Our pack-out option for household goods, furnishings, and personal items is why SERVPRO covers all the bases when it comes to comprehensive water cleanup. Using our secure Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) allows us to track your possessions moved to our production facility as we clean, dry, disinfect, and restore them to function and appearance.

When the wet spaces in your home are clear of furniture that could stain floor coverings and boxes of soaked belongings that need shifting our on-site crew of Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained employees can work more efficiently as best practices demand. After we pump and extract the water using our commercial grade equipment, the drying proceeds more quickly as well. The added moisture from the damp items packed-out is no longer a factor, and our air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers dry affected areas more rapidly.

Fire Damage

During the aftermath of fire damage in your Buffalo Grove home, it is natural to try to take time to process both your emotions and the shocking effects of the heat and flames. The clock is ticking, however, and for optimal remediation outcomes work needs to commence fast. The speedy services we offer are why SERVPRO must get our team on site as soon as possible to provide both mitigation of further damage and remediation of harm already present.

Fire residues are corrosive to nearly every building material used in conventional construction and start their destructive cycle immediately upon deposit on surfaces. Smoke and soot are the agents of damage, representing the carbonized particles of incompletely combusted materials used as fuel by the fire. Our
Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) receive advanced training on industry best practices to halt the damage cycle and clean up debris and sooty coatings.

Airborne soot negatively impacts air quality, so we set up containment areas equipped with negative pressure air scrubbers to filter and exhaust the contaminated atmosphere inside your home. Our technicians match cleaning products and methods to the different types of soot residues encountered. Loose, ashy debris vacuums and brushes away. Thick soot from slow smoldering fires using fabrics or padding as fuel or electrical blazes need cleaners with surfactants and wetting agents to loosen the coating and agitation to clear it from surfaces. Protein-based soot from food and grease fires might require solvents and abrasive cleaning tools and techniques. The soot clean up expertise developed by our crews is why SERVPRO fire remediation is successful.

Mold Remediation
Waiting is not the appropriate approach to suspected mold damage in Buffalo Grove. Once mold spores find a source of moisture, it generally takes professional assessment and implementation of the protocol developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remediate an outbreak. The earlier our team of mold remediation specialists gets involved, the more likely we can halt and remove mold damage and take steps to minimize another microbial infestation.

Mold spores cannot be eradicated in a household setting, which is why SERVPRO emphasizes that we provide mold remediation, not elimination. Over 100,000 species of mold have been identified currently, and many are present inside and outside of your home at this very moment. Outdoors molds help break down organic matter which would become unmanageable otherwise. When spores hitch a ride inside on clothing, paws, or shoes the potential for growth and subsequent damage arises.

Fortunately, spores are benign until they absorb moisture and begin their growth cycles. Cleaning up spills and attending to more severe water losses immediately usually is enough to keep their growth in check. Remediation by our professionals is the answer if mold does become an issue. Our employees contain the affected area and then remove, bag, and dispose of moldy materials. Treatment with EPA-registered disinfectants and sealing with antimicrobial paint-like coatings inhibit a rebound of the problem. Care to keep moisture under control is the key to avoid future issues.

Storm Damage
Snow, slush, ice, rain, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and more -- Buffalo Grove residents and their restoration partners have their recovery work cut out for them year-round. Our services are accessible 24/7 because extreme weather does not make an appointment before inflicting severe storm damage on single family homes, townhouses, condominiums, or apartments. When precipitation pours through shingle-less roofs, broken windows, or holes left in ripped off siding you need help fast.

Highly-qualified crews of storm damage specialists are why SERVPRO gets your call. We arrive as soon as possible with IICRC-certified technicians and all necessary equipment packed in our green service vehicles. Tarping of roofs and boarding up of other exterior damage keeps the elements outside as we assess the interior damage which can include flooding, water damage to walls and ceilings, and even fire if lightning struck your dwelling.

Our crew members hold multiple certifications in Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT), Water Damage Restoration (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), and other remediation specialties. We are ready to manage all scenarios, straightforward or complex, and pledge to get the water out, clear away the debris and residues, and dry out all spaces. If odors persist our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) have a broad range of resources available to eliminate malodors in our quest to make the chaos of storm damage “Like it never even happened.”
 
Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich with confidence for all your disaster mitigation and remediation needs. Call (847) 279-1940 to schedule an evaluation of your emergency as soon as possible.

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Prevent Pizza Panic with Professional Water Damage Remediation in Your Buffalo Grove Restaurant

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

We will get your restaurant back to its deliciousness.

Don't Panic, call SERVPRO today.

Chicagoland is known for its premium pizza, and the last thing you want is to disappoint Buffalo Grove diners pining for some deep dish deliciousness. Water emergencies happen in restaurant kitchens and other areas, but with a quick response, the pizza ovens have little chance to go cold. Avoid the temptation to hand your dishwashers and busing staff mops and buckets and instead summon professional assistance for your water loss.

A broken industrial dishwasher hose or overflowing sink can create a Buffalo Grove water damage dilemma as folks line up for your award-winning pizza and pasta. Knowing whom to call for rapid water removal and thorough drying of the saturated spaces is vital to your business and its reputation. We have crews awaiting the call to help businesses get back on track after a water emergency.

As soon as possible after you contact usl, SERVPRO sends fully stocked service vehicles, an experienced crew chief, and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Reconstruction Certification (IICRC)-trained employees to your pizza place. An assessment of the damage and determination of the best industry practices needed to mitigate and remediate the situation occurs swiftly. Because all needed equipment travels with the crew, they implement the project plan immediately.

Our employees might suggest containing the water damaged area, using barriers to sequester the workers, tools, and products used to resolve the problem. In many cases, you can continue with limited customer service for your customers, meeting their needs for a tasty treat at the same time as our team remediates the water damage. Our high-capacity pumps and water extractors remove the standing water rapidly, setting the table for efficient structural drying.

SERVPRO crew members establish drying goals using data from moisture probes and meters for baseline levels. Air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers create a balanced environment devised to move absorbed water from structural components and into the air as vapor. The vapor then condenses or absorbs depending on the type of dehumidifier used, and we dispose of the resulting captured water.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is ready to help you get your restaurant back up to speed after water damage. Call our team at (847) 279-1940. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

For more information on Buffalo Grove, click here.

Lake Zurich Property Owners Rely Upon SERVPRO for Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration Services

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Announces to Lake Zurich Homeowners in Shock after a Large House Fire--Call Us, We Can Provide Restoration Services

Repairing Structural Concerns after Fires in Lake Zurich Homes

As you might expect, substantial fire loss incidents can take a heavy toll on the structural integrity of Lake Zurich homes. While there are ultimately many effects that must get addressed on the path to a full recovery and restoration following an emergency like this, contending quickly with the structural concerns can help to prevent further damaging effects from occurring while our restoration and mitigation processes get underway within the structure.  

It is not difficult to see how widespread and detrimental fire damage can be in a Lake Zurich home, and as such, these situations require highly trained professionals. Our SERVPRO team has extensive in-house training and certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) as both Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and Odor Control Technicians (OCT.) In addition to our expertise in recovering these damaging effects for your home, we also must address the structural compromise of the property.

When the disaster first occurs, our contractors on the team must provide temporary construction solutions to allow our restoration professionals to get started on mitigation. While part of our contracting team oversees and aids with controlled demolition to start fire debris removal, another portion works to establish board-up and tarping services when required to cover exposed areas of the property from bad weather and vermin.

In many cases where the fire loss is widespread, firefighters must approach the blaze from various angles to successfully extinguish it. In these situations, holes and openings can get made in the exterior of your house to give an easy access point to these professionals. These areas must also get fully rebuilt and repaired by our SERVPRO contractors during the mitigation phase of restoration to help make this fire loss scenario “Like it never even happened.”

Many effects must get overcome to return your damaged property to preloss condition after a fire incident, and many of these approaches require reconstruction and build back. Let our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich help you through every phase of recovery after a fire loss incident by calling (847) 279-1940.

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Our Professionals Can Handle Any Size Water Damage Disaster In Your Buffalo Grove Home

6/8/2019 (Permalink)

Our emergency response teams are available 24/7 to make the water loss in your home, “Like it never even happened.”

When Water Removal Meets A Hard-To-Move Object In Buffalo Grove Home

Water damage happens in many forms in this area of Illinois from plumbing and appliance failures to flash floods. The less time building materials and possessions are exposed water, the more potential for limiting loss.

When SERVPRO answered a call for water removal in a Buffalo Grove finished basement, we arrived ready to extract and clean. The water spill emanated from a broken supply line to a wet bar, and the sheetrock around the supply line installation showed signs of buckling from prolonged water exposure due to an undetected, long-term leak before finally breaking. After cutting away and discarding the non-restorable sheetrock, we scoped the rest of the area to locate where the water migrated and began extraction. Almost immediately, we found a large problem.

Although we strive to cause as little disruption as possible during the cleanup and often pack out sites for remediation in our local facility, sometimes we have to get creative. In this case, the carpeting needed extraction and drying but had a pool table that was too large to remove from the site. The legs required drying and drying the carpet would prove impossible if it stayed as is, so our experts moved it to the end of the room where we did not detect excessive moisture and placed the pool table up on blocks. Then we were able to use our extractors on the carpet and pull out water to get the carpet ready for drying.

We used a technique known as "floating" the carpet to dry both the padding and carpet from the bottom up to ensure complete removal of moisture. SERVPRO air movers send high-velocity airflow over surfaces, and this action causes even deeply embedded water vapor to rise and captured by our dehumidifying equipment.

After drying, we cleaned and disinfected the pool table legs and other surfaces affected by water to ensure they were sanitary for the inhabitants of the home. The homeowner was elated he did not have to replace the carpeting or deal with moving his pool table out of the basement.

Handling water removal as quickly as possible is crucial. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940; our emergency response teams are available 24/7 to make the water loss in your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Click here for more about Buffalo Grove.

Will Summer Storms Bring Flood Damage to Your Wheeling Home?

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

No matter the size of the storm, SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is equipped and ready to go.

Wheeling Area Weather Extremes Expose Homes the Risks of Flood Damage

When spring and summer storms move across the flat expanses west of Wheeling, high winds and torrential rain can batter your home. Damage to roof, windows, and siding can allow large quantities of water to enter your living and storage spaces, harming both structural components and contents. Recovering from such an event is not something readily accomplished without support. Our team of highly-qualified flooding remediation experts can help.

A significant challenge you and your family face when confronted with flood damage to your Wheeling home is the risk of exposure to hazardous substances. Flood waters are by definition contaminated, heavy rain mixed with road and landscaping chemicals as it flows overland, sewer backups as drainage systems are overwhelmed, decaying organic materials from roofs and gutters, and stored household items like paints, cleaners, and other potentially toxic formulations.

Managing the flooding requires containment of the Category 2 and 3 water, disposing of it according to local regulation. Our SERVPRO team trains for proper protocols during the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), gaining familiarity with the safety requirements in the communities northwest of Chicago. Our experienced project managers assess your flooding scenario, devising a step by step plan that rids your property of the flood waters. Next, we remove the soiling from contaminants, sanitize the surfaces, and dry the building materials.

SERVPRO service vehicles stock pumps and water extractors and EPA-registered products for thorough cleaning and disinfection. The equipment is operable even if electricity service is temporarily disconnected because of the storm. Gas and generator-powered water evacuation proceeds immediately; delays would be problematic and fortunately, are unnecessary.

As the flood waters recede, we use thermal scanning and moisture meters to find any migration of the moisture into building cavities. SERVPRO crews sometimes perform limited demolition like flood cuts or hole drilling to release water and permit optimal air flow to wet areas when we begin drying procedures. Crew members clean soiled surfaces and apply appropriate antimicrobials in anticipation of the balance of air movement, heat, and dehumidification needed to bring structural materials back to standard moisture levels.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich delivers successful flood damage remediation, relying on IICRC-trained technicians and commercial quality water removal and drying equipment. Call (847) 279-1940 for a rapid response when storm waters flood inside your home.

Read more about Wheeling here.

We Can Restore Your Water Damaged Hardwood Floors In Your Buffalo Grove Home

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

Contact us at (847) 279-1940 for an evaluation of your water loss.

Hardwood Floor Water Damage Recovery In Buffalo Grove

Your Buffalo Grove home’s floors are especially vulnerable to a water loss. Plumbing breaks, appliance malfunctions, or heavy rains blowing through open windows or a screen door are just a sampling of the events that can lead to water soaking into your floor coverings and the floors themselves. Permanent damage mars their appearance and weakens their structural integrity. Our crews are highly-qualified to respond to the harm a water loss causes to residential hardwood floors.

When your Buffalo Grove home experiences water damage, we strive to be on-site as soon as possible. Speedy removal of the water from the affected areas is the key to a successful outcome. Our crews are Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained as Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WDT), familiar with all aspects of ridding your floors of excess water rapidly and safely.

The planks in a hardwood floor install over at least one other layer of subflooring. SERVPRO technicians know that extracting moisture from all the layers is crucial. If a subfloor retains excessive moisture, it continuously saturates the top planks causing the surface of the floor to distort. Cupping, where the edges of each board swell up leaving a depression in the center, and crowning, where the center of each board rises, can both occur when water is absorbed and remains in the fibers of the wood. Buckling happens when the top layer of planks is left wet for extended periods; the top layer completely detaches from the subfloor.

To avoid these severe problems, SERVPRO first uses pumps and wanded extractors to remove as much of the standing water as possible. Then we employ a negative air pressure system to pull out the moisture that drained into sublayers. After using thermal imaging and moisture meters to detect where the water collected, our crews seal floor mats on the surface of the hardwood. The mats connect via hoses to equipment that exerts suctioning action, forcing the excess water out for disposal. We move and reseal the mats as the water exits, regularly checking for moisture levels to return to a normal level for your home.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has the advanced technology and the trained crews to return your water damaged hardwood floors to “Like it never even happened.” Contact us at (847) 279-1940 for an evaluation of your water loss.

Click here for more about Buffalo Grove.

Water Damage Remediation in Buffalo Grove Explained

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

Don't stress if water damage takes over your home. Contact SERVPRO today for help.

Cleaning Carpets in Buffalo Grove Homes after Water Damage

It is no secret that water collects on the floors of Buffalo Grove homes when water loss incidents and emergencies occur. As challenging as these situations can become to manage while they are taking place, restoring and recovering your water-damaged address can be even more problematic without the appropriate tools and devices for efficient extraction and cleaning. Our experienced professionals have a broad inventory of recovery tools that we can bring along with us to ensure that the right steps get taken immediately to remove standing water from flooring and to prevent penetration and oversaturation of exposed materials and contents.

Carpets can often be a magnet for damage when your home requires water cleanup in Buffalo Grove. Often many homeowners determine to handle this themselves, but that is not often the best course of action. To protect this exposed material from requiring removal and replacement, often the wise choice is to trust in the IICRC-Certified cleaning technicians on our SERVPRO team. We have a 24/7 response to water loss incidents in your home, and we can work quickly to begin vital cleaning efforts to help restore the property to its original condition.

While regular maintenance of your carpets can often help to make deep cleaning solutions after an emergency more successful, we have advanced equipment that arrives with our rapid response team to remove soiling, dirt, and other debris from the fibers of this flooring. One of the first steps in recovering damaged carpets, however, is ensuring that the material gets dried. We can pull up the edges of the flooring from its seal against baseboards and allow our air movers to blow heated air between the subflooring and carpet layer to dry both simultaneously.

Once we have dried out the material and it can get properly reinstalled, our team can work to clean up after loosened dirt and debris that could mar the appearance of the upper layers of the carpet. With approaches like dry cleaning and hot water extraction, we can remove sediment and buildup, effectively improving the look and feel of the flooring.

Water loss incidents can affect many areas of your home. If you want to make the effects of this disaster “Like it never even happened,” give our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich rapid response team a call today at (847) 279-1940.

Click here for more information about the city of Buffalo Grove.

You Can Count On Our Crew To Restore Your Flood Damaged Home In Buffalo Grove

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Call us at (847) 279-1940 for fast, professional assistance.

Be Prepared For Another Round Of Flood Damage In Buffalo Grove

Weather in recent years has pressed areas of Buffalo Grove nearly to the breaking point when it comes to flooding. Last May was the wettest during modern recordkeeping. The damage done to the greater Chicago area was considerable, and our neighborhoods were no exception. Taking steps to minimize damage to your home if waters rise is a great idea. Having our number on speed dial is another.

In addition to more extremes in rainfall totals, development in Buffalo Grove might also have an impact on flood damage. When more land is paved because of commercial and residential development, there are those who believe a connection exists between new housing, retail spaces, and parking lots and increased flooding risks. Regardless of the cause behind any flood waters finding their way into your home, some practical tips can help avoid severe damage to contents and structures.

Review your storage decisions, considering moving items stored in the basement or lower levels of your home to higher ground. Although SERVPRO has trained production technicians, who can clean and dry items like documents, pictures, and electronics you might fear flood waters would ruin, deciding to move them out of harm's way saves time, expense, and worry. Check out appliances and mechanical systems in your basement and investigate whether they can be raised on supports to deflect water damage.

An option many homeowners follow is the installation of a sump pump system in spaces where heavy rains, seepage, or overland flooding could be a problem. This can reduce the amount of flood damage, but SERVPRO is available if the quantity of water that invades your home overwhelms the system.

If despite your best-laid plans flood damage becomes an issue in your residence, the crews from SERVPRO are ready around the clock to assist. We have the highly-qualified employees and the up to date equipment to manage flooding issues fast and efficiently. Pack-outs of your at-risk possessions is a secure choice when using our Contents Claim Inventory System (CCIS), allowing us to remove the water, dry the area, and then clean and disinfect the affected surfaces.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has available a broad range of strategies, and always employs industry best practices when responding to residential flood damage. Call us at (847) 279-1940 for fast, professional assistance.

Click here for more about Buffalo Grove.

Let Us Help You Plan For The Worst In Lake Zurich

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

When you are faced with a flood disaster it is best to have a plan in place. We are available 24/7 to help you, call us for your consultation.

Planning for the Worst Delivers the Best Lake Zurich Flood Damage Outcome

Commercial property owners can take proactive steps to limit the effects of a flooding disaster in Lake Zurich. In addition to inspecting roofs, drainage systems, and foundations for damage and completing routine maintenance before severe weather occurs, businesses can work with our management team to develop a personalized response to potential flood or other water damage. Minimize downtime and protect your equipment and inventory by considering the risks now.

Flood damage to your Lake Zurich business can be traced to a seasonal rise in the waters of one of the ponds or lakes in the area. Heavy rains can cause flash flooding anywhere. Take advantage of our Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP) to share with us pertinent information about your commercial property’s layout and your operations before the intrusion of any water. The more details you reveal about your company and physical plant the more likely a fast and efficient response can halt damage and complete restoration.

Call SERVPRO to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced project managers. During an on-site inspection, we evaluate the strengths and vulnerabilities of your building and systems. Expect us to recommend some changes intended to avoid damage to your equipment and contents if flooding occurs. We might suggest adapting the way you store items or protect spaces, machinery, or inventory.

We take pictures, sketch out blueprints, and consult with you about your work schedules, routines, and locations of critical items like utility shut-offs. You personalize the ERP even further by using our mobile app. It leads you digitally through a series of questions that lets you list vendors and contractors plus their contact information so we can reach out to them with questions during restoration efforts. You explain your concerns and priorities during a disaster and make it clear you choose SERVPRO to be your recovery service provider.

In the Profile you designate key employees, management team members, or family to act on your behalf if a disaster occurs when you are out of town or otherwise unavailable. The Emergency Profile and Ready Plan combine into a concise, digital document that guides SERVPRO management and crews as we respond to your commercial flooding damage disaster.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich encourages local businesses to create Emergency Ready Plans and Profiles with our seasoned project leaders. Set up an appointment for a consultation by calling (847) 279-1940.

Click here to learn more about Cruise Nights at Paulus Park.

Lake Zurich Water Damage Recovery

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Dehumidifiers are crucial to water removal in Lake Zurich

SERVPRO Offers Restoration Services Post Water Intrusion

The word flood right now means millions of gallons of water and a city underneath it all. Most damage to homes comes from smaller, more mundane sources. Split pipes and rusted out water heaters usually result in higher repair costs than the type of disaster we see in the news now.

Stopping water damage in a Lake Zurich home requires more than just pumping out standing water. A restoration team needs a wide inventory of skills and tools to stop water from destroying carpets, furniture, and the structure. Every SERVPRO office has access to a nationwide network of equipment and training that meets the standards of the restoration industry. 

Water quickly absorbs into everything except brick and stone. If we can draw it out fast enough, then it is not necessary to replace floors, furniture, or even walls. The way we do this is to raise the temperature and lower the humidity while drawing water from the air. 

We start by installing portable space heaters. The range to dry a home is 70 to 90 degrees. The closer to 90 we can raise the temperature, the better. Our technicians are careful not to raise the temperature too high, too quickly though. If they do, then the moisture content in the air increases. Technicians set-up dehumidifiers to bring down the air moisture content (humidity) as the temperature rises. Our initial goal is to lower the humidity to under 60 percent which decreases the drying time. Depending on the number of dehumidifiers and the size of the room, we can draw enough water from the air to lower the humidity by 20 percent in a single day. 

To increase the efficiency of these devices, we also deploy fans and air movers at key points in the home. The fans draw out the cooler, moist air as the air movers generate warmer, dry air to replace it. We also use air movers along walls to dry out sheetrock, wood paneling, and ceiling tiles before they become compromised by the water. 

Returning a home to its original condition is difficult regardless of the source of water. Reducing and preventing further damage requires a trained team of restoration experts. SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is here to help you put your home and life back together. Call us today at (847) 279-1940 to schedule an inspection and learn more about what we can do for you.

Information about this village here.

Don't Panic Our Team Is Ready To Restore Your Mold Infestation In Wheeling

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

Mold will not go away on its own. Our trained technicians are available 24/7 so don't hesitate and call us right away.

The Role of Air Scrubbers in Mold Remediation for Wheeling Homes

Once mold growth has gotten discovered in damp areas of your Wheeling residence, you want to get this situation resolved and restored as quickly as possible. Apart from some of the mold removal solutions that you might have heard about, removing spores entirely from your home is impossible to do. Mold spores exist on a microscopic level in almost every environment we enter throughout the day, but without the necessary conditions for colonization, they pose little to no threat to your home or its occupants.

When you have reached the point where colonization has begun in your Wheeling home, mold damage can spread quickly throughout the exposed area to affect as many surfaces and organic materials as it can. It is critical to reach out to professional mold remediation technicians like our IICRC-certified professionals at SERVPRO to work quickly to get this situation under control and to remove the active colonization occurring on the property.

A significant reason that our team is so effective at colony removal and restoration of the damages that this organism can cause is the equipment that we use in these situations. Our technicians arrive with the full measure of our drying and remediation equipment that can set up effective containment to keep the situation from getting worse while our technicians get to work on removing active colonization. A critical component to this arsenal of remediation equipment is our air scrubbers.

Air scrubbers are very mobile pieces of equipment that typically get set up inside of physical plastic sheeting containment of mold-damaged areas. Our SERVPRO team utilizes these machines to pull air in the exposed areas of your home through the onboard HEPA filter to capture dust, debris, contaminants, and mold spores as small as 0.3 microns. These machines play an intricate role in keeping the situation contained while continually working to improve indoor air quality.

You should not waste any time in getting our professional remediators working in your home when you discover mold growth. Give our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich rapid response team a call 24/7 at (847) 279-1940.

Check out these YouTube video tours with the Emmy Award-winning adventurer as he explores Wheeling's Restaurant Row, click here.

Flood Damage Remediation in Your Buffalo Grove Home Can be Overwhelming

3/10/2019 (Permalink)

Seasonal flooding can cause serious damage. Don't let it get that far, call SERVPRO and take action against floods.

Managing Flood Damage as Winter Welcomes Spring in Buffalo Grove

Extremes of weather seem common everywhere these days, and the Buffalo Grove area is no exception. Heavy snows followed by mixed precipitation of sleet, ice, and rain can expose foundations to seepage. Flash flooding can get out of hand when the ground cannot absorb more moisture because of freezing temperatures or sanitary sewers have more runoff than they can handle. When water enters the lower levels of your home in significant amounts you need help from our professional team.

The need for speedy removal of water makes flood damage in Buffalo Grove an overwhelming issue for most homeowners. High-efficiency equipment and trained technicians make all the difference when inches to feet of water invade. Flooding remediation is always a challenge, but variable temperatures and remnants of snowpack and ice surrounding your home increase the difficulty as winter trends toward spring.

We are unfazed by the constraints imposed during cold weather flooding. SERVPRO technicians are highly qualified, trained in industry best practices through IICRC coursework. Our team arrives in well-stocked vehicles, ready to begin flood water removal as soon as our assessment informs a work plan. Submersible pumps and truck-mounted extractors make short work of standing water. Our technicians measure moisture levels and scan with thermal imaging devices to locate hidden caches of water to ensure the removal of the majority of water before we commence structural drying.

The SERVPRO team assesses for water contamination levels, containing and properly disposing of Category 2 and 3 (Gray or Black) water according to local regulations. Once we succeed in clearing the majority of visible flooding our team determines drying goals based on our baseline moisture measurements and normal moisture levels for the structural components involved. We set up a drying configuration of air movers and heaters to move moisture from wet building materials to the drier air as vapor.

Dehumidifiers either condense (evaporative) or absorb (desiccant) the water vapor for removal. We use cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants to clear the affected area of soiling and inhibit mold and other pathogen growth. SERVPRO is proud to return your home to you “Like it never even happened.”

Contact the team at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich when seasonal flooding put your home at risk of permanent damage. One call to (847) 279-1940 schedules an assessment and ensures needed action that halts the harm and starts the recovery.

Click here for more about Buffalo Grove.

This Winter Don't Let Water Damage Cause Problems In Your Buffalo Grove Home

3/3/2019 (Permalink)

Arrange for fast water removal 24/7 by calling us at (847) 279-1940.

Water Removal Winter Woes In Buffalo Grove

Sitting snugly inside your Buffalo Grove home can feel cozy until one of your hardworking appliances gives up. A cracked water heater tank, broken pump in a washing machine, or a burst supply pipe to a dishwasher or ice maker sends large quantities of water into your home. Getting rid of that moisture fast is essential no matter what the weather or temperature outside. Our well-equipped team can help.

Water removal in Buffalo Grove is a year-round challenge given how much the modern house relies on water for tasks and comfort. The average homeowner possesses neither the skills nor the equipment to respond when a 50-gallon water heater fails, or another appliance allows water to pour through a cracked line or loose connection. If the problem occurs when you are asleep or at work, hundreds of gallons can be involved. We have seen it all and have proven strategies to restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO service vehicles stock pumps and water extractors at all times. When we arrive and assess the scene technicians can begin removing the water within minutes. If safety considerations require electricity to be shut off temporarily to the affected area our equipment can be powered from generators on our trucks. Gas-powered pumps and truck-mounted extractors rapidly reduce the standing water.

Throughout the project, our IICRC-trained workers measure moisture levels in structural components. We also use advanced thermal scanning to locate water that migrated behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings. Effective techniques, including flood cuts, drilling holes into mortar joints, and carefully punching through or removing ceiling tiles release the water for extraction. SERVPRO technicians determine drying goals after all visible water exits.

Structural drying requires a balance of air movement, temperature, and dehumidification. SERVPRO has high-efficiency air movers, heaters, and evaporative and desiccant dehumidifiers available on our trucks. We create a perimeter in the affected space, moving and adding equipment as necessary. Drying continues until normal moisture levels, as measured by our meters and probes, return.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich sends our technicians and equipment to you 365 days a year. Arrange for fast water removal 24/7 by calling us at (847) 279-1940.

Click here for more about Buffalo Grove.

Call Our Licensed Contractors To Handle Your Wheeling Home Restoration Needs

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's professional team will restore your kitchen after a fire and make the process easy. Call us today, we are available 24/7.

Restoring Cabinets and Counters in Fire-Damaged Wheeling Kitchens

Kitchen fires can vary in both size and severity, but all require professional damage assessment and recovery solutions for your Wheeling home. As widespread as fire effects can be in your home, even localized incidents that do not leave the kitchen can spread out smoke residue and soot throughout the entire property. Even more pressing than these effects is the immediate structural damage and need for mitigation in your kitchen area where the problem originated.

While fire damage can take many forms in your Wheeling home, the immediate effect on the cabinetry and counters of your kitchen requires professional assistance to overcome. Our SERVPRO team can accurately assess the damage to your property, in any location, and work to preserve these structural elements if possible. When it is not possible to restore these fixtures and décor with advanced techniques, our team must resort to controlled demolition.

The determination of the condition of cabinets and countertops in your fire-damaged kitchen comes down to the estimator dispatched to your address along with our rapid response team. While their job is to identify the full scope of the damage to the property and to provide an accurate estimation of the cost for this repair for both the homeowner and the insurance company involved, they can also be instrumental in determining if cabinets, countertops, shelving, ceilings, flooring, and other available elements in the kitchen require removal and reconstruction.

Our SERVPRO team features licensed contractors that can oversee controlled demolition of ruined structural items throughout this area of your house. Once the demolition completes, these same professionals can transition into the necessary reconstruction and build back services. Having competent and reputable contractors on our team ensures that our customers do not have to wait between mitigation and reconstruction to see efficient results with their fire-damaged property.

As traumatic as a fire could be for your property, understanding what to expect from professional restoration teams can help make the process easier to manage. Our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich can arrive quickly with the resources and expertise to restore fire damages fully. Give us a call anytime at (847) 279-1940.

Visit Restaurant Row click here for more information.

Don't Fall Victim To Scammers After A Flood Emergency In Your Buffalo Grove Home, Call The Professionals At SERVPRO!

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, many of these “great deals” are scams designed to prey on those already contending with an overwhelming situation.

Avoiding Scams After Extensive Flooding In The Buffalo Grove Area

When widespread disasters affect the Buffalo Grove area, you might see a lot of contractors and startups that you have never heard of before. It is becoming a common practice for unskilled and unlicensed individuals to seek out victims of disasters like flooding, offering them an incredible price to help clean up and restore the property. Unfortunately, many of these “great deals” are scams designed to prey on those already contending with an overwhelming situation.

Restoration work is a near certainty for homeowners affected by flood damage in Buffalo Grove, but getting the right experts to do this work is vital to ensure it gets done correctly and thoroughly. While there might be several people capable of extracting water from a property, ensuring that the area gets dried completely is essential to prevent secondary effects from starting like mold growth. Without the right tools and expertise, you may end up paying for restoration to occur twice.

Our SERVPRO professionals work efficiently in situations like widespread flooding throughout the area to offer the full measure of our resources to the entire community. We have extensive training in disaster relief and flood restoration practices, beginning with effective mitigation that helps to protect the belongings and items within your home that matter the most to you and remain at risk for further damages.

You should be mindful of restorers that might offer their services at extremely low prices comparatively. Another red flag that you can encounter is when restoring companies during a traumatic time offer their services to you by you paying half or more of the restoration cost up front to “secure their services.”

During even widespread disaster, our experienced professionals work to provide the same level of care and consideration to every property we work to restore. Give our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich rapid response team a call whenever disaster strikes for real and honest restoration and recovery. You can reach our crew 24/7 by calling (847) 279-1940.

Click here for more about Buffalo Grove.

Why It Is Important To Contact A Professional Restoration Company After A Water Damage Disaster In Your Wheeling Home

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich rapid response team is available 24/7!

Water Damage Timeline For Your Damaged Wheeling Home

While you might not get prepared for water loss incidents in your Wheeling home, fast response to the situation can help to protect structural elements and the contents of your property from irreparable damage. Acquiring professional restoration assistance is vital in these situations as promptly as possible, as homes have a set timeline for water damage that only gets worse the longer these symptoms and conditions persist.

Many owners might simply believe that they need nothing more than basic water removal services in their Wheeling home to recover from a widespread water loss incident, but this is never the case. Understanding how pooling water can affect materials in your home and its contents is critical to ensuring every potential disaster gets handled quickly. Our SERVPRO professionals remain available for all of our customers 24/7 so that no disaster waits for the effective and money saving mitigation efforts.

From the moment that materials become exposed to the water, they begin immediately absorbing moisture. While it can take several days for hardwoods to begin to warp and distort as a result of oversaturation, drywall can become unsalvageable in as little as one full day. It becomes critical to secure the efforts of our technicians so that you can benefit from industry-leading equipment and advanced water restoration training and certification we provide from our team.

Within a few days, moisture ridden areas can become habitable for mold spores that occur naturally in your home. Once these spores can seat on organic materials throughout the affected areas, they colonize and spread quickly to become a devastating force for structural integrity and potential health effects for occupants of the house. This secondary effect is what makes thorough drying so vital to our restoration process.

Understanding how quickly that water damage can affect your home can help you to appreciate your need for professional restoration as soon as disaster strikes. Our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich rapid response team is available 24/7 by calling (847) 279-1940.

Click here for more about Wheeling.

Is Mold in Your Buffalo Grove Home a Side Effect of Winter Colds and Flu?

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Added humidity in your home increases the chance of mold growth.

Winter Flu And Colds And Their Connection to Lake Zurich Mold Damage

In the Lake Zurich region, we close up our homes against the wintry blasts, keeping things warm and cozy inside. This practice, plus the occasional influx of cold, dry outdoor air, can reduce indoor humidity to desert-like levels. Adding moisture to the air through humidifiers, free-standing or built into the HVAC system, is a common practice. A balance should be struck to make sure the increase in water vapor does not promote mold growth.

Health care practitioners sometimes unwittingly spur mold damage in Lake Zurich when they suggest a vaporizer in your home. Young children or the elderly struggling with a cold or influenza can gain relief from symptoms when the humidity increases. Unfortunately, a spike in humidity levels might be enough to cause the invisible mold spores always on surfaces or in the air to grow and multiply. If the balance tips, our mold remediation crew can respond and help restore the equilibrium.

SERVPRO IICRC-trained technicians know what can stun a loving caregiver. The moist air from a vaporizer or humidifier eases a cough or sniffle as it feeds a microbial outbreak. We can remediate the mold outbreak and share with you the humidity readings that allow for comfort while avoiding mold growth -- experts advise a range from 30 to no more than 45 to 50 percent.

Our experienced remediation crew realizes you need fast and reliable help for this unintended consequence. We work with you, so you understand our EPA-developed methods. First, we contain the mold-afflicted area, using physical barriers or an air scrubber that seals the space with negative pressure and vents the contaminated air through filters outside. SERVPRO technicians ensure the safety of your family and themselves by wearing personal protective gear, preventing the tracking of moldy debris through other rooms of your home.

We use proven techniques to remove the mold entirely by scraping and brushing off nonporous surfaces. Methods such as soda blasting immobilize the mold growth and clear the residue from porous materials. SERVPRO crews bag up the debris and discard according to local hazardous waste regulations. Then we move on to disinfection with EPA-registered antimicrobials to inhibit rebound mold growth.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is familiar with the stress of mold damage in a home, made even more troubling when the homeowner might feel personal error might be the cause. Give us a call at (847) 279-1940 for an evaluation and remediation plan.

Buffalo Grove was first settled by New Englanders in the 1840’s.  Read more here.

How Mold Damage Can Effect Your Lake Zurich Child Care Center

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO when you find mold, they are the experts trained to handle anything.

Handle Mold Damage In Your Lake Zurich Child Care Center Confidently When You Partner With SERVPRO’s Expert Remediation Technicians

When you opened a daycare business in Lake Zurich, you committed to providing a safe and secure haven for the little ones. Their parents also need to be sure you have the ability and resources to respond to unexpected challenges that might affect their children. Exposing youngsters to mold infestation within the rooms they play, eat, and sleep causes great concern. We offer professional, EPA-developed procedures to abate the damage caused by microbial overgrowth. 

Mold damage is a “hot button” issue for any Lake Zurich business. Adding worries about how proximity to molds might affect young children elevates the issue to a catastrophe. Although mold spores are always present, when moisture causes the spores to multiply into ever-expanding colonies there is a fear of health effects. Some individuals, including a subset of any child care center’s enrollment, can exhibit sensitivity to molds because of allergies or other susceptibilities. In addition, microbes can damage the structural components and contents of any business. Our technicians master solutions to all these concerns through IICRC training in Applied Microbial Remediation. 

The principles of mold damage abatement include containment, removal, and prevention. SERVPRO technicians achieve containment in a sensitive environment like that of a child care center through the use of physical barriers and negative pressure air-scrubbing technology. We take precautions to prevent the drift of mold spores and debris into unaffected areas of the center, permitting us to continue providing care to your charges even during remediation. 

Within the sealed-off remediation zones SERVPRO technicians, clad in personal protective equipment (PPE), brush and scrape away the mold colonies. We also use innovations like soda blasting to remove all traces of mold damage from even porous structural materials. If we have any question about the contamination of objects the children might contact we dispose of the articles along with the moldy debris.

Final cleanup includes vacuuming with HEPA-filtered equipment and treatment with EPA registered antimicrobials. The SERVPRO team also helps arrange for the elimination of the sources of water or moisture that caused the mold growth initially. If this step is neglected, the mold returns. 

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich offers research-based mold remediation protocols developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If your business shows any signs of mold damage call us at (847) 279-1940 for an immediate consultation. 

Click here to discover the Winter Spring 2019 Recreation Guide.

Is Mold Damage Hiding Underneath the Carpet in Your Vernon Hills Home?

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Mold only needs oxygen and moisture to grow. Call SERVPRO if you suspect mold in your home.

Common Places For Mold Damage To Hide In Your Vernon Hills Home

Mold spores are usually invisible to the naked eye and surround us in our Vernon Hills homes. They cause few problems until they grow after exposure to moisture. Frequently the first sign of mold infestation is a funny, musty smell a homeowner finds hard to pinpoint as to location. Call us if you suspect mold is behind an unpleasant odor and we help locate and manage it.

Mold damage can happen in any Vernon Hills home. Once spores activate because of a spill, leak, or even high humidity, they multiply quickly, often in out of the way areas of your dwelling. Along with the smell, you might notice staining or deteriorating pieces of drywall or ceiling tiles. Grout lines in a shower might show a feathery growth or the laundry area might have mold where damp clothing and linens rest before washing.

Although certain individuals can be susceptible to health problems because of a sensitivity or allergy when mold is present, of equal or more concern is the damage hyphae, the branching filaments of the growing fungi can visit upon the building materials of your home. SERVPRO can remediate mold, containing and removing current infestations and treating areas with EPA-registered antimicrobials to avoid regrowth.

Mold does not need sunlight. Only oxygen and water are necessary for the spores to thrive. If your home has a leaky pipe or an area of the roof where water pushes in mold can take hold before you notice. Within 24 to 48 hours of water availability, mold spores absorb it and use it as fuel to spur further growth. Organic surfaces, including many building materials, then act as an incubator and living space. SERVPRO technicians are wise to the ways mold grows and spreads. We can help eliminate current mold colonies and work with you to prevent future infestations.

SERVPRO often finds mold under sinks, including under and behind the cabinetry surrounding the plumbing. Fixing leaks is paramount to resolving this type of infestation, and thorough drying and effective mold removal are essential. During the winter months, mold can grow in a room with excessive humidity. Commonly this is traceable to the use of vaporizers and humidifiers to ease dry air concerns. Metering humidity levels and keeping them in the 30 to 50 percent range helps greatly and limits new colonies after mold remediation.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich works with homeowners struggling with mold damage. We help troubleshoot so that mold remediation does not become a constant need. Call us at (847) 279-1940 to set up an evaluation if you fear mold damage in your home.

Vernon Hills was established in 1958.  Click here to read more.

Your Best Guide to How Fire Damage Affects Your Mundelein Home's HVAC System

12/15/2018 (Permalink)

When your heating and cooling system is affected by fire and subsequent soot, contact SERVPRO for remediation and cleaning services.

Soot Damage in Your Mundelein HVAC System

When even a smaller scale situation occurs in your Mundelein home that leaves smoke and soot damages behind, these effects can spread readily throughout the home through the HVAC system. No matter the time of the year, most homes throughout the area condition the indoor air to match a specific desired temperature which steadily circulates air throughout the house. With soot and smoke, these effects can move quickly through all of the connected rooms even when the fire itself remained localized to one area of the home.

Overcoming this situation, and other fire damage effects in your Mundelein residence, you need experienced professionals that can arrive quickly to mitigate your losses. Our SERVPRO team can begin our assessment of the spread of the damage from the moment that we arrive at your address, and this process doubles as an estimation for the work to get done. Those who determine that filing an insurance claim is cost-effective for them can benefit from this initial inspection, as it provides the insurance adjuster with all of the pertinent details required to file a claim.

Our professionals have unique tools and methods for cleaning the HVAC system and the portions of each room affected by the spread of soot through this ductwork. With high-powered vacuums and bristled brushes, we can clear out the ducts from any settled residue and debris left behind after the fire. We can also provide premier cleaning approaches with industrial-strength cleaners and solvents to restore the look and functionality of affected surfaces like walls and ceilings.

Deodorizing the area is another concern when these effects spread throughout the ductwork from room to room. The SERVPRO team at your house can use our thermal foggers to eliminate the harsh odors left behind by wet smoke both in open areas and what seeps into the contents and materials throughout the property.

Fire damages present themselves in several ways. When you go to overcome these effects in your home, trust in our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich rapid response team to arrive quickly with the tools and trained technicians to make a difference fast. Give us a call today at (847) 279-1940.
 
Click here for more about Mundelein.

Lake Zurich Properties Are Flood Loss Prone--Ask SERVPRO for Cleanup and Mitigation

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Seasonal Cold Causes Flooding in Lake Zurich Homes--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Mitigation

Crazy Weather Patterns Cause Late Fall Flood Damage In Lake Zurich

As the seasons change in Lake Zurich, the weather you might expect can vary from your memory. Post-Thanksgiving storms in the greater Chicago area included a wintery mix, a rainy drizzle changing over to wet, heavy snow. A home that sustains roof or siding damage from the storm can experience flooding in its lower levels. No matter how the floodwaters arrived, we can help.

If your Lake Zurich property struggles with unexpected flood damage, contacting a reputable remediation company is a must. The colder temperatures make an already troubling situation even more difficult. When the integrity of your home is breached you need help fast, and finding a company that can handle all aspects of flood mitigation is vital.

Our SERVPRO crews begin your project by ensuring a company can tarp and board up any holes or windows in your structure. Meanwhile, an experienced crew chief evaluates the flood damage on every level. Melting snow and ice that entered your home through the roof or siding can affect many areas of your structure as it makes its way down to your lowest levels. Ice dams can force future frozen water thaws to exacerbate the already damaged structure.

Any standing water 2 inches or deeper SERVPRO crews extract with pumps. Our service vehicles are mounted with water extractors that can use generators on the truck for power if the storm has cut off electricity. The extractors are useful on stairs, floors, and carpeting on all affected levels. As the water moved in it might have collected in cavities and recesses. We use sophisticated moisture detectors and scanning devices to find hidden moisture.

After water removal, SERVPRO technicians use the moisture readings to determine drying goals. We set up air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to dry out the spaces damaged by the rain and snow melt. Continuous monitoring of the wetness of various structural components and fixtures guides the drying process. During this portion of the project, we treat areas damaged by flood waters with EPA registered antimicrobials. Vigilance is needed even during cold weather to watch out for mold growth in damp areas. Flood waters often carry pathogen-carrying debris from roofs and the ground, increasing the need for sanitization.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich works 365 days a year to assist members of our community with disasters, including flood damage. Call us at (847) 279-1940 24 hours a day to respond to your flooding emergency. 

Here is the Village of Lake Zurich home page.

Why SERVPRO is Your Preferred Partner for Water Removal Services In Buffalo Grove

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

Water invading your home? Call SERVPRO. We have the experience and equipment for all of your water removal needs.

Why SERVPRO Meets the Need For Water Removal Services In Buffalo Grove

Water damage restoration companies serving Buffalo Grove are not all the same. When you face the need for water removal, be sure you engage a company that has a full-spectrum capacity to help you through all the steps in the water loss mitigation process. Highly-trained technicians, sophisticated and evolving technology, and speed and capacity set our abilities apart from other options. 

It is important to remove water from your Buffalo Grove home as quickly as possible. If a water heater cracked or a dishwasher supply line broke, a significant area of your dwelling can feature standing water. The damage easily spreads as water soaks into fixtures and structural components. Houses also have numerous spaces between walls, over ceilings, and in a wide variety of other cavities where water collects unseen. 

All trapped and visible water needs removal fast. The reasons why SERVPRO is your preferred partner in water extraction are many. We answer calls 24/7, and our signature green service vehicles carry a full array of submersible pumps, wanded water extractors, and drying equipment. Once our crew chief assesses the damage, our employees are on the job without any delays. 

Our crew members are trained in moisture monitoring and scanning for hidden caches of water. High-tech moisture meters and infrared thermal imaging and data logging tasks completed by our employees gives us a comprehensive grasp of the extent of water removal needs. SERVPRO crews then work to release and remove quantities of water before moving toward structural drying to normalize moisture levels. 

One subcategory of water removal we excel at managing is water trapped in and under flooring systems. The expense and disruption of tearing out hardwood or tile floors because of progressive water damage are why SERVPRO seeks new technologies. We employ a negative pressure water extraction system using mats flush on the floor attached to hoses connected to the Injectidry machinery. Water is pulled from several layers without a tear out. 

The Injectidry system also helps to dry out cavities. Our trained technicians drill holes to allow for either a negative or positive blower pattern to dry out hard to access areas. Our investment in these innovation shows why SERVPRO offers a higher level of water removal service. 

Give us the chance to show why SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is a water removal industry leader. Call (847) 279-1940 as soon as you realize you have a water extraction need. 

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Why A Professional Restoration Company Should Handle Water Damage To Your Home In Lake Zurich

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Once the SERVPRO team removes the water, we then begin structural drying to avoid secondary damage such as mold growth.

Lake Zurich Water Cleanup Best Done By Professionals

Since soap and water typically are part of any cleanup operation in a Lake Zurich home, many homeowners minimize the damage excess water can do to the structure and contents of a residence. The harm water brings if it is not cleaned up thoroughly can be surprising and permanent. Fast action by professional water remediators saves time and money while preventing long-term damage.

There is a significant difference between the small quantities of water used to clean up everyday dirt and grime and a Lake Zurich water damage emergency. If plumbing lines leak or burst or water-using appliance malfunctions, gallons and gallons of water invade your home. Conventional building materials like drywall, insulation, and wooden framing soak up the water, risking deterioration in the process. Swift action by well-trained water remediation technicians halts the progressive deterioration caused by water, restoring your home to preloss condition.

The bucket and mop a homeowner uses to scrub floors essentially are useless when large quantities of water require cleanup. SERVPRO crews quickly assess the water damage scenario in your home within hours of your first call and then proceed to remove the water and dry out your property fast with the proper commercial-grade equipment always stocked on our service vehicles. Submersible pumps and truck-mounted extractors get the water removal job done using onboard power generators even if electricity is unavailable temporarily in the flooded spaces.

Our technicians understand how water migrates into hidden recesses inside your home, using scanners and moisture meters expertly, skills rarely possessed the average homeowner. This technology when applied appropriately ensures that our water cleanup efforts are comprehensive. Once the SERVPRO team removes the water, we then begin structural drying to avoid secondary damage such as mold growth. Proper drying techniques require a balance of air movement, temperature, and dehumidification to bring structural component moisture levels back to normal levels.

SERVPRO crew members train to Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards, supporting our techniques and making sure our services meet or exceed restoration industry water cleanup best practices. Water mitigation requires a step by step procedure that is not intuitive but has been mastered by our talented and hard-working employees.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is always ready to dispatch a trained and well-equipped crew to solve your water cleanup dilemmas. Call us 24/7 at (847) 279-1940 for a swift response.

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The Most Efficient Way to Fire Damage Restoration in Wheeling

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

When fire damage affects your home, some items will need replacement but many simply need to be restored. Contact SERVPRO for remediation services.

Restoring Your Wheeling Home’s Contents Following a Fire

While preserving your Wheeling home’s structural integrity during a disaster might be a priority for every homeowner when possible, protecting the contents of the property often is more important still. These collected items, furniture, heirlooms, and keepsakes define the life you have lived and built in the house that you own. When a fire breaks out, you want to know that someone can protect these items and restore them to their original conditions if need be.

Fire damages can affect your Wheeling property in multiple ways. For preserving and restoring the contents of your home, the most common contributors to the damage of these items is soot and smoke. These effects are among the most widespread from fire and require specialized equipment and focused cleaning efforts to overcome. Preserving the at-risk items begins with the pack-out process from our SERVPRO Contents Department.

Pack-outs involve a specific team of our SERVPRO technicians that remove at-risk or damaged items from your home and take them to a safe and clean location. Often, this location is our local warehouse. We can focus our efforts on each item individually to catalog damages and work to restore each item to its original condition. This process can also serve to provide your insurance company the necessary information they need regarding a loss record and complete the estimation figures.

Once the steps have been taken to restore the home, including reconstruction or remodeling in areas substantially affected by the blaze, these items can get returned to where they once were. During their time with our professionals, you can have an accurate inventory available for where your contents are and what is happening to them while the home gets restored.

While many effects can result from a fire in your home, the damage to the contents of your property is a focal point for homeowners. Knowing that our mitigation efforts not only work to preserve what can get salvaged from the structure of your house, but also the contents therein, you can appreciate the need for professional restoration that our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich team can provide. Give us a call today at (847) 279-1940.

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Revealing the Lake Zurich Fire Damage Remediation Mystery in Your Store

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage includes the water that was used to put out the fire as well. Contact SERVPRO to discuss remediation services.

Restoring Fire Damages in Your Lake Zurich Clothing Store

Emergencies that occur to your Lake Zurich clothing store can have a dramatic effect not only on the profits that you stand to make but the investment in the stock that you carry as well. Something as potentially catastrophic as a fire can usually get quelled by the fire suppression system throughout your building, but this also comes with its own set of potential problems.

Recovering from fire damages to your Lake Zurich retail store might seem impossible when you get your first look at the scene, but with the right professional assistance, it does not have to remain insurmountable. Our SERVPRO technicians get trained in every facet of fire restoration, giving us a distinct advantage in these situations to know what to do (and when to do it) to preserve the contents of your store and the building that houses it.

One of the troublesome aspects of a fire in your shop is the effect that it has on the garments and fabrics stocked on shelves and hanging from the racks. While deodorization techniques that we employ can remove these smoke damages, it is often more prudent and efficient for your business for our technicians to dry clean them, which effectively removes both the smoke and soot damages that impact these items.

Secondary effects in your shop are also potential hazards to the materials like your flooring and electronics like the registers. When the sprinkler system engaged, it sought to extinguish the fire exclusively. What also happened, is saturation and pooling of water which requires the same immediate attention as the pressing fire damages. Our SERVPRO professionals have the equipment to extract the water and dry out the materials and contents of your building to prevent worsening conditions like mold growth.

While you cannot prepare for the possibility of a fire to your business, you can prepare to call the right team of professional restorers to help you clean up the mess. Our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich emergency response team is standing by any time that you need us by calling (847) 279-1940.

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Revealed: What Water Damage in Wheeling can Tell You About How Ready Your Home is to Withstand an Emergency

9/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can quickly affect any part of your home. Contact SERVPRO to dry out the area and remediate the damage.

Use Today’s Water Damage Crisis to Prepare the Future in Wheeling

When homeowners find themselves in the middle of a water crisis, the natural inclination is to fix the immediate problem as quickly as possible. The to-do list includes stopping water at the source, removing standing water, and drying out the structure and contents. Our core services provide help with all of these tasks.

Water damage in Wheeling can also provide an opportunity for homeowners to prepare for future catastrophic events. When you work with our trained and experienced team, you gain a better understanding of the reasons your home suffered from water loss this time and the types of damage water can bring. Using the current emergency as a chance to reevaluate a whole range of decisions might avoid another water loss or minimize the damage if one occurs.

SERVPRO frequently answers call for help after water enters either through the top or the lower levels of a home. Attics and basements are traditional storage areas, so when water intrudes through the roof or the foundation, a family faces damage both to structural components and to a varied list of personal possessions and household goods.

Our crews have strategies to mitigate all kinds of water damage. Within your home we employ commercial quality pumps, extractors, air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to remove water and dry out building materials. Water damaged contents might be packed out to our production facility or a dry area on your property where they receive specialized restoration. The SERVPRO team also assesses the vulnerabilities of your home that led to the level of water damage observed.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), a reminder to SERVPRO and our customers that the disaster for which we are ready can result in minimal damage and disturbance. Rethink where and how you store items. Be vigilant about routine maintenance of plumbing, roofing, gutter and downspouts, and appliances. Inspect areas, evident and hidden, of your home regularly for the first signs of water damage.

Consult SERVPRO with any questions you have to ensure your home remains secure and dry. Commit to a plan the includes reaching out to us in case even your best efforts fail when natural disasters or unforeseen emergencies occur.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich can help with immediate action when a water disaster strikes, and help you plan to avoid such circumstances in the future. Give a call at (847) 279-1940 to meet your water damage questions and needs.   

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Overcoming Mold Damage In Your Lake Zurich Basement Or Crawlspace

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damages should not get overlooked and brushed off in your home.

Mold Damage In Your Basement Or Crawlspace

Your basement or crawlspace in your Lake Zurich home is an essential part of its construction. Not only do these areas house the foundation components like blockwork and concrete, but basements also have the added advantage of being livable space or additional storage for the house. When something threatens these areas of your home, you might be dealing with more than just the acute localized effects and more widespread damage to face.

Among the most pressing of concerns for your Lake Zurich basement or crawl space is mold damages. While certain conditions must get met to allow for this colonization to occur, once it has begun it can quickly spread throughout the area and pose significant risks to both the structural integrity of the materials found there and pose potential health risks to those exposed to the active colony. Our SERVPRO applied microbial remediation technicians have the tools and expertise to isolate these active colonies and help to prevent them from spreading farther.

Mold colonies require a food source to grow and thrive, and this gets found through the organic building materials of your home and the contents of the affected area. From the moment that the spores seat into these materials, the structural integrity begins to weaken as the organism feeds on the matter. As the colony continues to grow and spread, these materials degrade to the point of becoming unsalvageable to the restoration techniques and practices of our specialists.

This degradation of materials could lead to costly repairs and reconstruction from a residential contractor after the remediation work completes. Our SERVPRO technicians can assess the integrity of these affected materials throughout our restoration practices such as sanding and soda blasting colonized surfaces.

Mold damages should not get overlooked and brushed off in your home. Not only can these occurrences leave you with substantial damage to the construction materials of your home, but there are well documented potential health risks associated with mold colony exposure as well. Trust our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich remediation technicians to help you through every step of this process. Give SERVPRO a call today at (847) 279-1940.

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An Odor is Often the Lingering Effect of Fire Damage in Lake Zurich

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Crew's Green Fleet Arrival Means Great Odor Control and Fire & Smoke Cleanup in Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich Homes Benefit from SERVPRO's Expertise in Odor Elimination After a Fire

Fires cause damage that is brash and obvious, coating every surface in your Lake Zurich home with soot and leaving charred and burned through areas. Today’s restoration experts can clear away the soot and even brush and scrub deep charring aside in preparation for recovery efforts. One persistent issue that can remain after earnest efforts, however, is the odor. We have strategies to manage tough to eliminate smoky smells.

Depending upon what types of materials burned in your Lake Zurich home, the fire damage you face can vary. This impacts the techniques our crews choose to clean up the soot. The fine, airborne residues from combustion also spread unpleasant smells throughout your home. Our deodorization specialists have a variety of strategies to employ to eliminate the odors eventually. To complicate smoke odor removal click here to see about phantom smells.

SERVPRO crews make sure that the cleaning done inside your home is thorough to begin attacking smoke-damage related odors. Removing charred items and cleaning every surface with appropriate products goes a long way toward reducing the smell. Our crew members might pack out personal possessions, furnishings, linens, pillows, mattresses, clothing, and window treatments to our production area for specialized cleaning. Inside the home, we use industry best practices following IICRC guidelines and honed on previous projects to clean carpeting, inspect and clear HVAC systems, and seek out hidden sources of odor like windows and screens, favorite toys, and books.

Smells can infiltrate surfaces, so priming and painting previously soot-covered walls can make a difference. Woodwork and floors might benefit from sealing if a detailed cleaning of intricate surfaces does not quite do the trick. Lighting, including shades and chandelier crystals, can retain smells, demanding deep cleaning on-site or at our SERVPRO facility by our talented technicians.

Recreating the method by which the odor spread is the first step in more advanced deodorization techniques. SERVPRO technicians employ thermal fogging, passing odor neutralizing chemicals through a heated chamber to create particles that seek out the odiferous molecules the fire made floating in the air or settled on surfaces. Ozone machines or hydroxyl generators use differently devised gasses and radicals to hunt down and render neutral in smell the lingering bits of soot. These strategies all depend on a chemical reaction to eliminate the odor.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich offers an array of odor eliminating options for residents suffering from persistent fire damage-related smells. Call us at (847) 279-1940 for a consultation that includes resolving this unwelcome reminder of the fire.

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Dangers of DIY Restoration Following a Fire in Your Lake Zurich Home

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

When the Fire Is Out in a Lake Zurich Home, Folks Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Lake Zurich Properties Benefit from SERVPRO's Professional Fire & Smoke Loss Cleanup and Restoration Services

While it might be a common occurrence for Lake Zurich residents to work on the maintenance and minor repairs of their homes as the situation arises, there are some circumstances where this approach is not feasible. With more widespread disasters and emergencies in your home, professional restoration services can help you get your home back to the way it used to be more effectively than you can on your own.

However, many Lake Zurich homeowners might still be under the impression that even with fire damages, they can overcome these effects without the need for the expense of professional intervention. There are multiple reasons why you should not attempt DIY restoration on your own following a fire in your residence and why professional restoration like our SERVPRO team can help you get the work done more efficiently than you could on your own.

Among the first things that you need to consider regarding DIY restoration work is the pitfalls and dangers of entering your home once the fire has gotten extinguished. While first responders might be able to identify when the fire is out, they cannot adequately divulge whether areas are safe to enter or if there are structural weaknesses you could encounter. Fires can burn through nearly all of a material, leaving the surface intact, which can provide an illusion of safety.

Professional technicians like our SERVPRO team have certifications, training, and industry-leading equipment to make the restoration process as efficient as possible. Even elements like personal protective equipment is a safety aspect that our team gets uniquely trained to use and identify where it should get used. The atmosphere following a fire might not be safe to breathe or get exposed to until cleansing measures have occurred.

While you might be among the many homeowners that want to save money and repair the damages to your home on your own, this is not the best choice to make. Even if your insurance company has not insisted on the use of professional restoration services, you can still benefit from the expertise and efficient approach of our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich technicians. Give us a call anytime at (847) 279-1940.

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Recovering Quickly from Apartment Water Damage in Lake Zurich

8/16/2018 (Permalink)

FROSTY Says Call SERVPRO for Apartment Building Water Removal and Cleanup in the Lake Zurich Area

SERVPRO Assesses and Acts Swiftly to Mitigate Water Damaging Effects to Commercial Buildings

The challenge of dealing with unexpected water incursions in your Lake Zurich apartment complex becomes more intense when more than one unit is affected. The negligence of one tenant can affect the living conditions of many others, and as the owner or building manager, you have legal and financial reasons to turn the tide. If we are on your team, we can help.
 
Water damage in a Lake Zurich multi-unit residence can impact neighbors near the original problem, including apartments below or to either side. The water can also flow from floor to floor and space to space, damaging common areas and systems serving the entire building. Our technicians are expert at tracing the migration of water from one area of a multiple room and space building to another. We have experience in responding to significant water losses and are a member of the Commercial Large Loss Division.
 
SERVPRO sees devastating water losses in apartment buildings with some frequency. All it takes if for one renter to forget a filling bathtub when checking the mail in the lobby or the water heater in a different unit to crack and pour out water over a period when the resident is out of town. Hundreds to thousands of gallons of uncontained water can be the result. Our commercial grade pumps and water extractors are the front line defense, operated by our IICRC certified technicians.
 
When we arrive, the first task is to check that the water is shut off. Then our project manager assesses the extent of the damage. If necessary, we call for extra equipment and operators from the nationwide network of SERVPROs with which we affiliate. We rapidly pump and extract water, taking baseline moisture measurements to help determine drying goals. Apartment buildings have many cavities and recesses where water settles. We use sophisticated infrared technology to scan for this hidden water. Many strategies exist for the release and removal of this water, necessary before structural drying begins.
 
Water damage progresses until the affected areas dry to average moisture levels. SERVPRO employs air movement, heat, and dehumidification to accelerate evaporation of trapped moisture in structural components. We work fast because excess moisture leads to secondary damage such as mold infestation within 24 to 48 hours. Throughout the process, we keep your insurance carriers in the loop to document the damage and mitigation efforts to prove your claims.
 
SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has experience with commercial water damage, and maintains a team of trained technicians and equipment needed to restore your rental units “Like it never even happened.” Call (847) 279-1940 day or night to schedule an immediate assessment and commence restoration.

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Seek Professional Advice on What Contents are Safe to Keep After a Lake Zurich Fire

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

Fires and the damage they leave behind can be overwhelming. After your home has suffered fire damage, contact SERVPRO to assess and remediate.

Team SERVPRO Understands How Fire Damage can Affect Different Items in Your Home 

The focus during recovery from a fire in your Lake Zurich home usually concentrates on the big things. First and foremost, you, your loved ones, and pets must get out unscathed, Then, the structural components of your home need evaluation by a reliable and experience fire restoration company, with a plan for cleanup and mitigation of the effects fire residues caused. Our highly-qualified fire damage mitigation team can help you with all of these aspects.
 
An overwhelming number of household goods, furnishings, clothing, electronics, linens, and more can suffer from fire damage in your Lake Zurich home. Trying to sort through these things without the training and the experience of our contents technicians risks two opposed approaches. On the one hand, you might toss badly soiled or tarnished items our employees can restore. On the other, you might expose your family to hazards if you keep and consume foods perhaps invisibly affected by the fire or use or wear fabrics contaminated with toxins from residues.
 
SERVPRO production technicians learn many strategies to remove discolorations residues, from practical items to irreplaceable heirlooms. Use our knowledge and skills to restore as many things as practical, limiting replacement costs and saving your precious memories.
 
Take care when contemplating using food, even in sealed cans and boxes. The heat of the fire can raise the temperature of foods inside containers, exposing your family to the growth of hazardous organisms you might not see, smell, or taste. Soot is often so fine it makes its way up and into jarred foods, following the threads that secure lids. SERVPRO technicians are familiar with these risks, including the chance that foods inside freezers and refrigerators thawed or warmed to unsafe temperatures during the fire.
 
Although many fabrics can be restored, if clothing or other fabrics have charred areas or retain a strong, smoky smell it is wise to discard because the toxins might remain on your skin. SERVPRO can help you make the decisions, informed by the level of success we assess after attempts to eliminate fire residues after washing fabrics at our site or arranging for dry cleaning from fire damage-experienced contactors.
 
We have a wealth of information, experience, and skills to guide homeowners in sorting through their possessions after a fire. Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 immediately after the firefighters leave to access our assistance.

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Water Damage in Your Lake Zurich Home From the System Meant to Save You From Troubles

7/28/2018 (Permalink)

Clogged or broken gutters can offer a quick path for rainwaters into your home. Contact SERVPRO to investigate and remediate.

SERVPRO Technicians Offer Effective Drying Out Methods as Well as Helpful Water Damage Prevention Tips

Your Lake Zurich home has a roofing, gutter, and drainage system intended to move rain off and away from the interior. LIke many configurations in your house, the continued proper function of this assortment of building materials and accessories requires regular inspection and maintenance. If the routine is ignored or interrupted water can flow into your house, damaging everything it touches. We can help.
 
Clogged or damaged gutters and drains can do more harm than good to your home. Water damage in Lake Zurich from a poorly functioning drainage scheme finds its way into your house at every level. Two significant responses are needed from you when the drains fail. First, you need to arrange for repairs or installation of new components. Then you can count on our trained technicians to remediate the water damage inside.
 
Water that makes its way in at the gutter and roofline can be unnoticed, unfortunately causing secondary damage like mold growth. During the winter, ice dams can form, pushing moisture under shingles and into your attic. SERVPRO crews investigate the damage, looking for hidden caches of pooled water in cavities as well as evidence of buckling ceiling, stained walls, and warped floors. Our crews use a range of strategies to release the trapped water, including extensions on extractor wands and carefully drilled or punched holes.
 
When rainwater does not follow the direction originally intended it also finds ways to invade the siding or foundation of your home. Gutters flooding water down the exterior of your home rather than sending it through a downspout expose your living areas to water damage to walls and insulation. Water flows into weak joints or uncaulked windows, surprising you with wet floors or mold behind a drapery. Cinder block basements full with water that should have been directed away from the building line.
 
SERVPRO employees remove the moisture using applied drying technique and advise about and offer mold remediation if necessary. We use sophisticated moisture meters and scanners to map out the water migration and give us a baseline for drying goals. Drying occurs when we balance air flow, temperature, and humidity levels. Our employees position air movers and add heat and refrigerant or desiccant dehumidifiers as indicated to remediate the water damage.
 
SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich awaits your call to (847) 279-1940 if your best-laid plans fall apart and water damages your home. Do not delay as water damage is progressive and exposes your home to additional harm.

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SERVPRO Is Ready 24/7 When Flooding Damages Homes In Wheeling

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding needs a swift, competent resolution or a residence can suffer severe and permanent damage.

SERVPRO Is Ready 24/7

Extreme weather patterns in the Wheeling area this summer resulted in overland flooding and a rise in the Des Plaines River. Homes exposed to this excess can struggle with standing water in lower levels and basements. Flooding needs a swift, competent resolution or a residence can suffer severe and permanent damage. Water removal and mitigation are some of our primary services, and we are eager to help.

When flood damage occurs to your Wheeling home, you need a disaster recovery firm that dispatches work crews fast, and 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Water is an incredibly destructive force, and the harm it causes starts immediately and worsens with time. Several inches or more than a foot of flood water in a basement is possible after heavy rainfall, especially if ground saturation has built up over several hours or even days. Waiting for the flooding to dissipate is not an option, and household equipment like shop vacs and sump pumps can be overwhelmed.

SERVPRO outfits each of our service vehicles with a full complement of commercial-grade pumps and heavy-duty water extractors. Often flood conditions are exacerbated by power outages when high winds accompany the rains. It also can be dangerous to work in flooded areas when power is engaged because of the risk of electric shock. Our truck mounted equipment operates with generators located in-vehicle, permitting us to get right to work.

When more than two inches of water intrude, submersible pumps are the workhorses that evacuate large amounts of flooding. Fast action permits flood waters to be drained into the sewer system as the contamination issues are less severe. If too much time passes, the trapped water can deteriorate in condition and require containment and disposal as hazardous waste. Once the majority of the water pumps out of the dwelling, SERVPRO crews use extractors to draw moisture out of carpets and cavities and recesses too confined for pumping.

The flooded areas then need drying, and again the SERVPRO green trucks supply the necessary equipment. Applied structural drying techniques taught through IICRC classes stress the need to balance temperature, air movement, and dehumidification for the best outcome. Our crew members use moisture meters to establish drying goals, and we monitor the moisture levels throughout the flood damage abatement to keep the task on track. We also use EPA-registered disinfectants to treat the flooded structural components to inhibit microbial growth and damage and to ensure the deactivation of any pathogens in the flood waters.

Speed and skill set SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich apart when extraordinary rainfalls place our community’s housing stock at risk of flooding. Call our emergency response teams at (847) 279-1940 for round the clock support.

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Summertime Risks Resulting In Water Damage To Your Lake Zurich Home

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich immediately after discovering water damage.

Water Damage To Your Home

You take great pride in the landscaping and gardens around your Lake Zurich dwelling. Consistent watering is essential to keeping the lawn green, the foundation plantings lush, and flower plots vibrant and colorful. An in-ground sprinkling system seems like a significant time saver to maintain your yard until the water intended for the vigorous growth and health of your plantings invades your home. If your automatic watering system does not stay in bounds, we can help.

Deferring to a programmable garden and lawn sprinkling routine can cause water damage to your Lake Zurich home. A range of malfunctions can occur, many of these errors sending water into your home through the foundation or siding. The source of the water damage can be puzzling at the onset, but once linked to the sprinkling schedule future incursions are controllable. Remediation of the damage already done is a core function of our disaster response mission.

SERVPRO assesses the water damage from which your home suffers and builds a comprehensive plan to remove the water and dry out the structure. Overzealous auto-watering can saturate the ground, forcing the excess moisture to migrate to a drier environment inside your foundation and draining into your basement. Poorly positioned spray patterns pound one side of your home, eventually forcing water through an exterior wall. An open window or vent provides a portal for water to spray directly inside a room, soaking window treatments and the floor.

We focus on remediating the various manifestations of water damage, leaving the repair of leaky in-ground pipes and clogged or stuck spray heads to the vendor who sold you the sprinkler system. SERVPRO evaluates the extent of the water damage, including scanning for moisture trapped between the exterior and interior walls and in the cells formed by cinder block foundations. We use pumps and extractors to remove the standing water, and then measure residual moisture in the structural components of the affected spaces.

The baseline moisture readings inform SERVPRO’s crew chiefs as they determine drying goals. High-efficiency air movers, heaters, and both or a considered choice of desiccant and refrigerated coil dehumidifiers surround the damp areas, encouraging the natural propensity of water trapped in building materials and fixtures to move into the dry air as vapor. Once airborne, our dehumidifiers absorb or condense the water vapor, containing it for disposal outside your premises.

Contact SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich immediately after discovering water damage. Our phones at (847) 279-1940 pick up 24/7. The sooner we come out and devise a plan, the sooner your home is transformed from damaged to “Like it never even happened.”

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Commercial Water Removal Technicians In Lake Zurich Discuss Sewage Backups

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

If a sewage line ever gets clogged and backs up inside your coffee shop, the contaminated, "black water" can cause much damage to the building.

Commercial Water Removal Technicians

If a sewage line ever gets clogged and backs up inside your coffee shop in Lake Zurich, the contaminated, "black water" can cause much damage to the building. Since sewer water has the highest level of contamination, specific procedures must get taken to ensure the health of your employees and customers. Blackwater can also cause foul odors to exist inside your home making deodorization a vital step in the restoration process.

During a sewage backup, many procedures get implemented to reduce the number of items the contaminated water ruins. During every commercial water removal job in Lake Zurich, all safety hazards get eliminated from the site before any work begins. The affected areas get blocked off, and danger signs get put up to keep people out of the affected region.

After our IICRC Certified SERVPRO technicians deem the work area safe, they inspect the building and get a scope of the work involved. Our specialists will come up with a plan of attack that will accomplish the project with as little strain on your business as possible. We often take measures that will reduce the number of items replaced saving your business time and money.

When the source of a water damage problem is a sewage line, the project is considered a category three water damage. The first step is to fix the source of the problem. When dealing with sewer lines, a professional plumber usually gets called out to repair the broken pipes.

Once the initial problem is fixed so that no more moisture is entering the building, a containment chamber gets built to reduce the spread of harmful contaminants. The goal of a containment chamber is to prevent the contaminated water and any harmful bacteria from spreading to unaffected regions and causing more issues. An air scrubber then gets attached to help clean harmful bacteria and other substances from the air.

Any debris or silt from the sewage water gets removed with a shovel. Our SERVPRO technicians then test materials in the area and see if they are wet. If porous materials such as carpet wet saturated with black water, they might have to be removed due to contamination.

The final stage of restoring a sewage backup in your coffee shop is deodorization. We always make an extra effort to remove, and sewage type smells from the area before we leave the project. If you ever have a sewer backup in your place of business, call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 any day of the week.

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A Burst Pipe Can Cause Mold Damage in Your Lake Zurich Home

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home can affect the crawlspace below. Call SERVPRO at the first signs to remove water damage before it causes mold damage.

Water damage can lead to mold damage in your home

Mold damage can happen incredibly quickly after water damage has occurred on your property. While you may think it is okay to wait three days to remediate after a pipe burst in your crawl space, it is not. In fact, that is more than enough time for mold to begin growing. Waiting to take action can cause more damage to your home, and thus the damage becomes even more expensive to fix. Fortunately, there is qualified and professional help near you to help remediate the mold damage in your home.

Detecting a musty odor is often the first sign that you may have mold damage in your Lake Zurich home. While you may not store furniture in your crawlspace, the area has access to electrical wiring and your water heater. Excess dampness and mold growing in the area is merely not a good set of circumstances. For example, mold damage can cause health effects. Additionally, mold can be responsible for the rot of organic material. Given that most crawl spaces are made out of a wooden structure, having mold growing along the support beams can be dangerous in the long run.

After receiving your call, SERVPRO strives to get our people to your home as quickly as possible. We understand that mold, and the water damage that caused it, are time sensitive. The sooner we can arrive and get to work, the better it is for the longevity of your home.

SERVPRO uses trade tools to handle mold growth and spores. However, before we begin the remediation process, our technicians always section off the area. Mold spores can travel and attach themselves to new sections of your home when agitated. After creating a barrier, we can set up an air scrubber with HEPA filters to clean the air of the foul smell mold brings, as well as collect airborne spores. From there, SERVPRO can use disinfectant to remove patches of mold and then use antifungal agents to reduce the chances of regrowth.

Do not delay when you find mold growing in your crawl space. Reach out to SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich by dialing (847) 279-1940. Day or night, we remain open to serve the community as soon as we can.

See more about the development of Lake Zurich here.

Unnoticed Causes Of Water Damage In Lake Zurich

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

An unnoticed supply line leak caused extensive water damage to this kitchen. The crew removed the damaged flooring and set-up fans to extract the wate

Our crew has the training to bring your water damaged home to preloss condition

Water is a constant in any Lake Zurich home. Beverage, cooking ingredient, cleaning agent, cooling, and heating byproduct, irrigation resource, and natural precipitation are just some of the significant ways we experience moisture in the average household. When water oversteps its bounds, you may not notice it at first, but the damage gradually done to your home can be significant.

Examples might include a slow leak in a pipe, or an ill-fitting connection slowly causing water damage in the cabinets and flooring under your Lake Zurich kitchen sink. A poorly designed in-ground sprinkler system can saturate the ground around your home’s foundation and seep in through the cinder blocks. The drain on a window air conditioner might clog, sending the overflow dripping to the floor beneath. Your teenagers could fail to secure the shower door, resulting in water splashing across the bathroom tile. Any of these scenarios cause water damage our crews can help solve even though it may take time before you realize the extent of the harm.

Each member of the crew dispatched to your home receives extensive and continuing training in the restoration industry's best practices. Our employees complete a rigorous SERVPRO Employee Certification Training Program to ensure they handle your water damage project appropriately. You can count on their familiarity with a broad range of common water damage causes and solutions as well as a solid foundation in the steps necessary to complete investigations of unique water issues and innovative ways of removing water and drying saturated building materials with cutting-edge products and equipment.

Expect our team to measure the moisture content of affected structural components and use that information to help determine drying goals. SERVPRO utilizes tools that help outline the extent of a water damage problem, including infrared scanners to locate hidden pockets of water common with slow leaks and seepage. Our employees understand how to create a balance of airflow, temperature, and dehumidification to dry out structures with all due speed. We work carefully but efficiently, without compounding the damage.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich evaluates all types of water damage, designing a personalized response to your particular situation. Call us at (847) 279-1940 for expert analysis and implementation of a successful plan.

Get more information on the Village of Lake Zurich here.

Removing Flood Damage In Lake Zurich

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Lake Zurich Properties Mitigation from Flooding with SERVPRO's Robust and Rapid Responses

SERVPRO Utilizes Many Methods and Pieces of Equipment to Mitigate Storm Damage

Spring and Summer storms are in full swing in our area. Lake Zurich homeowners and residents can suffer a range of effects from a little water blowing under the doors to ankle and knee-deep water in their basement.
 
To clean and remediate the effects of flood damage to Lake Zurich homes, SERVPRO knows that arriving quickly with the right equipment is extremely important. Our offices maintain a 24-hour message service and an on-call response team to begin work on removing standing water, drawing water out of the property, and lowering the inside humidity to a reasonable level.
 
With enough information from the customer, our response team can bring the right equipment for the job, and begin removal in less than an hour after arrival. Depending on the floor area of the home and what time our team arrives, they can pump out any standing water in a day, typically.
 
Quick removal means our IICRC certified technicians can start drying out the home and property immediately. They concentrate their initial efforts on drawing water out of carpets and floors, removing moisture from walls, and lifting property off carpets and floors to prevent warping and leeching color off fabrics onto carpets and wood floors. If the assessment indicates heavily contaminated groundwater, then the pad and carpet must be discarded.
 
Our team uses extraction wands to draw out water. These devices are similar to vacuums, but their speed is more adjustable than a wet-vac. They also contain a heating element so technicians can begin drying the carpets and floors as they remove the water. Each SERVPRO team member is trained to dry the surfaces as quickly as possible without causing any secondary damage.
 
Removing water from walls and sometimes ceilings take longer, but it can save the homeowner hundreds of dollars in replacement costs. Our teams use air movers and fans to direct warm air over a surface to push moisture out and direct the damp air outside the home. Temperature control is important since over-drying can cause sheetrock and some ceiling tiles to crumble and crack. When demolition is needed, techs can do what is called a "flood cut," and remove drywall in straight horizontal lines to expose the wet wall cavities for drying.
 
To reduce the humidity level, technicians can install dehumidifiers to draw out moisture from the air. These machines can take over 20 gallons of water per day. They are also very useful to reduce the drying time for walls and carpets.
 
Together, these tools and techniques help SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich reduce and mitigate the effects of flooding from local storms. If you need us, call today at (847) 279-1940.

Information on this IL city by clicking here.

Treating Water Damage in Your Lake Zurich Movie Theater

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Families love to experience a movie on the big screen. Keep them coming to your theater by handling any damage that occurs with a call to SERVPRO.

Quick SERVPRO Response to Your Commercial Water Damage Emergency Offers the Best Results

Entertainment venues like arcades and movie theaters around Lake Zurich thrive on being available for their customers all the time. With a broad range of operating hours and showtimes for screenings, your business cannot afford to wait a long time to get a water emergency mess cleaned up, and the area dried out, even if the incident was seemingly minor.

One of the things that you might notice about your venue is the electronics and machines that help you make money from those bringing their business to you. Even a seemingly small water incident in your business in Lake Zurich could threaten these essential machines and cause them to break down or malfunction. Fortunately, when you are facing a hazard like this in your venue, you can count on our experienced SERVPRO restoration team to help you through it.

One thing that you might not realize about water damage to your business is the lingering effects that it can have if it does not get cleaned up and dried appropriately. One of the immediate risks to a situation like this is the possibility of one of your customers or employees getting injured by some persistent issue from the incident, such as saturated flooring that stays wet on the surface.

Another concern that you should have as a business owner facing this situation is the effect that the damage could have on structural components over time from never getting adequately dried. Our SERVPRO professionals can ensure that the moisture gets pulled from the affected area and that the area is sufficiently dried to ensure that these lingering issues do not occur.

With sensitive contents in your facility, such as leased copies of new films to screen, you should think about professional restoration right away. Moisture in the environment can affect these files or physical reels in a disastrous way.

Running a theater or entertainment venue can be a challenge at times, even without the threat of water damages. When you have a disaster occur in your venue, you can trust the experience and professionalism of our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich technicians. Give us a call today at (847) 279-1940.

Click here for more information regarding the city of Lake Zurich.

Removing Mold Damage in Lake Zurich Homes

5/6/2018 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home can be frightening. Call SERVPRO right away to remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Technicians Make Sure to Use the Appropriate Cleaning Method to the Type of Mold Found in Your Home

Mold growth in Lake Zurich homes can go unseen for weeks and months. If it starts in a crawlspace, mold spores can grow unchecked even longer, eventually posing a threat to the building material and structural integrity of a home.
 
It takes a professional service to thoroughly clean and remove Lake Zurich mold damage. SERVPRO professionals in Illinois train extensively to find mold growths no matter where they may originate. Our teams also train to determine the requirements needed to clean and remove each mold growth.
 
The type of surface mold is growing across often determines the cleaning method technicians use. It is easier to clean glass, marble, stone, and certain kinds of plastics. These are Non-Porous surfaces. Our restoration teams remove dry mold by wiping them down with dry sponges or vacuuming them with special HEPA filters designed to catch a single spore. If the mold is wet or very thick, they use a sponge or cloth with a small amount of water or anti-fungal cleaner.
 
Porous surfaces include items like carpets, insulation, drywall, and other painted surfaces which are more difficult to clean than non-porous surfaces. They also include fabrics like curtains, drapes, and upholstery. Technicians clean these using spray bottles with anti-fungal agents. If there is a concern with an item absorbing too much liquid, they use a foaming technique to apply the cleaner with a lower amount of water. Before SERPVRO technicians use either method, they vacuum with HEPA filters to remove loose mold fragments.
 
Semiporous materials often need special cleaning methods. These surfaces, concrete, and wood, often require abrasive techniques like scrubbing with wire brushes or scouring them with sandpaper or a powered sander. The anti-fungal and other cleaners contain abrasive agents to ensure it agitates and cleans every crack or groove that a regular cleaner cannot get into effectively. Wood items especially need abrasive cleaning to prevent being compromised by mold.
 
The goal of SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is to thoroughly clean and remove mold from each home dealing with this type of damage. It is not a quick process, but our teams work and train to perform each task as quickly and safely as possible. If you need us, call today at (847) 279-1940 to schedule a visit.

Click here for more information on the town of Lake Zurich.

Why Professional Water Damage Restoration is Recommended for Your Lake Zurich Retail Store

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

If a water emergency occurs at your business, contact the professionals at SERVPRO for commercial water damage restoration services.

SERVPRO is Here to Help if You Experience Commercial Water Damage

Your Lake Zurich retail location might never have to worry about water emergencies for as long as you have your doors open, but there are considerations to make in this regard. Having a plan in place in case such an emergency threatens your business can be the difference between having your doors closed for an indefinite amount of time, and having these unfortunate occurrences handled by professional restorers who use the latest equipment and techniques to remedy your damages quickly.

When it comes to water damage in your Lake Zurich retail location, many concerns coincide with a disaster like this. Even on the smaller scale of severity, a water emergency threatens several facets of your business model, from the ability to keep your doors open to the customers to the effect that it inevitably has on your bottom line and the staff you employ.

Our SERVPRO team prioritizes an initial inspection to see the full scope of the damage that your building faces, as well as locating the source of the water damage that is present. This process ensures that our IICRC certified technicians have a better understanding of all of the steps to the restoration process, as well as your respective insurance company through which you file a claim. Locating the source of the damage ensures that our professionals can shut down whatever is feeding into the damage and prevent the situation from getting worse while our restoration efforts are underway.

When it comes to appreciating a need for professional restoration services, you want a team like our SERVPRO professionals that can show up when you need the assistance the most and do everything possible to limit the amount of time your business is not available to the public. You also do not want a situation where your employees, who depend on a paycheck from your business, are unable to continue working while you debate the appropriate course of action in resolving your water damages.

Having professional restoration services so readily available can help you to prepare for these unfortunate situations, whether you experience them or not. Our SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich restoration specialists get uniquely trained to handle all facets of water damage situations and effects, so we are ready for any emergency you might face in the future. Give us a call anytime at (847) 279-1940.

Click here for more information on the Lake Zurich area.

Flood Damage Drying Techniques in Buffalo Grove

4/15/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding or other damage after a storm can seem insurmountable. Contact SERVPRO for drying out and remediation efforts.

SERVPRO Technicians Follow a Proven Process to Dry Out Your Home After a Storm

The Spring season is the time of year that excessive rains pour onto Buffalo Grove. During a rainstorm flooding sometimes occurs along with high-speed winds. The combination of extreme winds and moisture creates scenarios that can cause damage to your home.
 
During a storm, there are numerous ways that water finds its way into a building. SERVPRO's flood damage technicians in Buffalo Grove have experience with mitigating storm-related problems. The presence of water can ruin building materials and contents inside the house. If water stays indoors for too long, mold often develops.
 
The first step to restoring moisture-related damage is to repair the problem from its source. Our SERVPRO restoration crews first work to secure the area and figure out how water leaked into your structure. Once we know how the moisture entered the home, we repair the door seal or broken window so that water no longer enters the building.
 
Once water has stopped flowing into your house, we work on extracting any water that did enter during the storm. If there is an excessive amount of standing water, we use a sump pump to pull all of the water out of the home. In other situations, we use a heavy-duty extractor equipped with specialized extraction tools to vacuum water out of carpet and upholstery. When extracting moisture out of furniture, we use specialized lightweight wands that work without damaging the fabric. For carpet, we often use extractors that the operator stands on to compress the carpet and pull out more water.
 
After we vacuum up all of the water out of the building that we can, we begin the structural drying process. When drying out a structure, our goal is to speed up evaporation and reduce moisture levels to preloss conditions so that mold growth does not occur. We accomplish drying by setting up dehumidifiers and air movers inside the house. The air movers push air in a circular motion while the dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air and exhaust warm, dry air.
 
In some cases, we use specialty drying equipment to reduce moisture levels within certain materials. Building materials such as hardwood floors require specialized equipment to dry out within a short time period. For help with water inside after a storm, call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich at (847) 279-1940 any time of the day.

Click here for more information regarding the city of Buffalo Grove.

Understanding Mold Damage and Growth in Your Lake Zurich Residence

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage often causes mold and mildew growth in your home, if you experience either, call SERVPRO to remediate the damage.

Call on SERVPRO for Expert Mold Remediation Services

In Lake Zurich, water damage in homes is a primary cause of mold growth. Mold growth can destroy things such as furniture, walls, flooring, carpeting, and other materials, plus, it can also result in reduced quality of indoor air. Inhaling airborne mold spores may cause health effects, so mold colonies are not something you want in your home and around your family.

Even if you cannot see mold and mold damage in your Lake Zurich home, if you notice an earthy or musty smell, you likely have mold growth in hidden places. Mold has a high probability of growing inside walls or other areas that are not visible after your home has suffered a water loss. Our SERVPRO staff has the tools to be able to find this hidden mold for you and also to clean it up.

Mold growth requires moisture, which can come from cooking, washing, condensation, or air humidifiers. However, it can also come from plumbing leaks and other water damage incidents in your home. Lousy ventilation helps create higher levels of humidity, which leads to condensation, allowing mold to grow.

Mold spores are released into the air. When it grows inside your home, the amount of mold fragments and spores is higher than what it would be outside. The spores are quite small, so it is possible that people can inhale them. For this reason, SERVPRO techs take precaution and wear protective equipment while working with mold damage.

We also set up barriers around the affected area before beginning work. Doing so allows us to contain the mold infestation, so it does not spread to other sections of your home that are clean. The contamination can then be removed. If mold is found in porous materials, it can be more difficult to remove, and the material may need to be replaced instead. Other surfaces can be cleaned with damp wiping and HEPA vacuuming. We also make sure to dry your home back out to prevent any further mold growth.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich is experienced in mold remediation and take the time to thoroughly clean your home in Kildeer, Mundelein, or Wheeling. Get in touch with us at (847) 279-1940 as soon as you believe you have a problem with mold.

Click here for more on Lake Zurich.

Ice and Water Can Create Damage in Buffalo Grove

4/2/2018 (Permalink)

Ice Dams and Clogged Gutters Can Cause Water Damage to Buffalo Grove Homes--Call SERVPRO for Restoration

Buffalo Grove Area Homes Call on SERVPRO for Water Cleanup and Restoration

Water can damage your Buffalo Grove property in many places throughout your home. Just as its presence can appear in various areas, those different sites can also experience varying forms of moisture.

In Buffalo Grove, homes can experience water damage from the formation of ice dams. Inadequate insulation, depressions or bowed in spots in the roof, and fluctuations in the outside temperature work against homeowners by pushing melted snow and ice backward and under shingles. This forces water into attics spaces and further ruins the insulation, creating a cycle that steadily increases in severity.
 
Ice dams are not the only route that water uses to damage a home. Large icicles that form on the edge of a roof can also cause damage to a home's interior, as well as to the exterior. When gutters become misaligned, the water inside them can splash over lower sections. Clogged sections, including downspouts, can lead to water backing up with nowhere to go except over the edge and seep inside the fascia boards wetting the interior framing and walls.
 
When water accumulates in a small area outside your home, it can damage the exterior foundation, causing ice to build up in small cracks. Expanding ice can break these cracks apart even more, and cause water intrusion into your basement. When basement windows, or even windows to living areas, exist below problematic gutter areas, these can quickly become affected by the water, as well.
 
After completing the necessary repairs to the underlying causes of water damage, melted water from ice dams and malfunctioning gutters become a thing of the past. To mitigate the situation in an affected attic space, we roll up and double bag the damaged insulation so new sections can be placed in a clean, dry area. In addition to cleaning, we also perform the steps to dry the area thoroughly. Leaving any dampness behind can permit the area to be primed for microbial growth that can present its own set of problems.
 
Windows that suffered damage from overhanging gutters can allow pests to enter, also, so we help ensure the seals work as they should. The areas under windows can also harbor water damage, which we remove and clear out any affected insulation. Again, we double bag everything to help keep your home clean of materials that can contaminate your home's interior living space.
 
SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich assists homeowners and residents in the Deer Park, Vernon Hills, and Wheeling areas, as well as surrounding towns, whenever water damage affects their properties. Our 24-hour service lie can be contacted by calling (847) 279-1940. We are available every day of the year to provide you with the services you need to clean up and restore your home "Like it never even happened."

Contact the local govt here for this village in IL

How Do Professionals Deal with the Odor Problem After Flood Damage to Your Lake Zurich Home?

3/11/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can be overwhelming and take a long time to remediate. Contact SERVPRO right away to start the process and get your home back.

Certified SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Many Issues that Accompany Flood Damage in Your Home

A flooded house after a storm, heavy rains or any other natural calamity can take months to restore. Not only does the water damage your home and its belongings, but the odor from the flood water can also linger on for a long time.

Thankfully, SERVPRO professionals can help restore your flood-damaged home in Lake Zurich with some of the best deodorizing equipment.

Deodorization after a flood deals with two types of ‘smells’- Real and Imaginary. A real odor arises from a molecule that reacts with your nose to send a signal to your brain. In other words, there is a physical reason for such odors. Imaginary odors, on the other hand, as the name suggests, are imaginary. They do not have a physical source, but they are triggered by the circumstances and strong impressions.

SERVPRO technicians can handle both real and imaginary odors. It can be quite challenging to combat all the different kinds of odors after a flood. As a result, the professionals can use multiple methods approach. Depending on the type of the odor that needs to be eliminated or masked, many deodorants are often used. Following are some of the most common deodorizing agents that are frequently used to combat smells after a flood.

Masking agents  
As their name suggests, they mask or cover up the bad smells with a pleasant smell. The masking agents are suitable for the real and imaginary odors as well. They are often used in the form of time-release beads that keep on giving off a pleasant aroma for long durations of time to mask the odors.

Pairing agents  
The pairing agents combine with the odor-causing molecules in the air. As the odor-causing particles paired with the deodorizing agent becomes heavy, it falls on the floor. Once the molecules fall, they can be cleaned off quite quickly.

Ozone generators
Ozone is the reactive form of oxygen and is often used to eliminate odors arising from flood damage. The ozone molecule reacts with the odor particles and neutralizes them.

Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/ Lake Zurich today at (847) 279-1940 to know more and discuss your restoration needs.
 
Click here for more information on the city of Lake Zurich.

Remediating and Preventing Flood Damage in Lake Zurich

1/28/2018 (Permalink)

The drain pipe running down the side of your house needs to be attached to the house and free of debris. Contact SERVPRO if a storm damaged your home.

Repairing Damage After a Storm Can Often Prevent Future Water From Entering the Home

Storms and storm flooding near Lake Zurich have been much more commonplace this last year. The actual weather event ends fairly quickly, but there have been more of them, and that means more water left behind in homes all around our area.
 
Quickly restoring Lake Zurich flood damage is important because each storm works its way into the home a little farther than the last one. SERVPRO knows that if floodwater is allowed to collect where it should not, even the foundation can be at risk.
 
If the foundation integrity is suspect, our response team begins with an inspection of the home. We can check every wall for seeps and leaks, paying particular attention to where the walls meet the concrete floor. If we find any, technicians fill them with a hydraulic cement compound and cover each wall with masonry cement.
 
The next step is to seal the outside of the foundation walls. If the homeowner authorizes it, SERVPRO can dig out and expose the exterior walls down to the foundation pad. We clean the walls and then seal them. We can do this by covering each of them with a thick, liquid rubber.
 
Now that the home is secure, we look at what is possible to prevent this and other types of flood damage from happening again. Much of the damage in our area happens not when lakes or creeks crest, but instead when a particularly violent storm damages the rain gutters and drains. Once that happens, water travels down walls and under roofs.
 
To protect each home, we can reconnect gutter sections and drains that the storm separated. This task usually means replacing missing bolts and reattaching pieces that winds pulled away from the eaves of the home. Technicians can also reconnect and seal drain pipes. They can also examine to see if the drains are secured to the walls and tighten restraining straps to keep them in place.
 
Protecting your home from flooding requires a quick response to seal your home from damage and preventive maintenance to direct stormwater away from it. SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has protected homes in our area for almost thirty years and can do the same for you. Call us today to set up a visit at (847) 279-1940.

Click here for more about the city of Lake Zurich.

Sink Overflow and Water Damage to Your Wheeling Home

1/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians can detect hidden moisture left behind from an overflowing sink and properly remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Can Detect and Remediate Hidden Water Damage

An overflowing sink in your Wheeling home is one of the dangerous things which can occur, but many people do not think about. When your sink overflows, you are usually racing to get some towels to soak up the water. There are, however, plenty of other things which are going on under the surface of the floor which you cannot reach with towels. Since people only react to things they can see, this becomes a hidden danger.

A sink overflow in your Wheeling home can, therefore, create a good deal of water damage. Much of it can be difficult to know it exists, which is why professionals should do proper cleanup after a water disaster. At SERVPRO, we have tools which can find any hidden moisture that could be causing additional damage which you cannot see.

We locate the areas which are wet and determine precisely how wet they are compared to regular moisture levels in your home. Various devices allow us to track moisture in your structure.

SERVPRO techs use a moisture sensor to detect moisture in soft materials. It is an excellent tool for us to use during initial inspection since it is easy to use and indicates how far the water has migrated.

We use moisture meters to find the moisture content of different materials and help us determine if the structure is dry. There are probes on the meter to test underneath flooring and inside wall cavities. They also can test individual layers. Nonpenetrating meters have sensors which do readings when the meter is put on the surface of materials.

Thermo-hygrometers measure both relative humidity and temperature. We let them adapt to air conditions first before taking a reading, then use these readings in conjunction with a psychrometric charge or calculator to find the specific humidity. We compare readings of air in four areas including outside your home, the areas affected by moisture, the unaffected areas, and the exhaust being processed through the dehumidifier into the affected area.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has all the tools needed to dry your home in Lincolnshire, Mundelein, or Kildeer thoroughly after a water damage emergency. Give us a call right away at (847) 279-1940 whenever you need us so we can get your home dry and safe again.

Click here for more information regarding Wheeling.

Fire Damage To Your Lake Zurich Residence

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and flames cause a significant amount of damage without needing to consume your entire home.

Fire Damage To Your Residence

Smoke and flames cause a significant amount of damage without needing to consume your entire home. Heat alone can make a home in Lake Zurich unsafe to live in, even if the fire remained in only one room.

Lake Zurich residents should only occupy their homes after proper remediation of all smoke and fire damage. While smoke and soot may seem non-dangerous and more along the lines of a nuisance, these substances can aggravate asthma and other respiratory illnesses, and researchers have discovered that soot contains carcinogens. SERVPRO professionals hold IICRC certificates in Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT) and carry the proper equipment needed to remove these substances from your home.

When a house fire spreads, we have the equipment to handle any aspect that a home might need to become livable again. Our experience includes large government complexes, but we still view mitigating small amounts of damage as crucial to a family's well-being. More massive fires can mean weak spots in floors and framing structures that might collapse unless we rebuild them.

Elimination of odors can help in both large and small fires. If a fire occurs in a non-living area, such as the garage or basement, odors can still permeate into living areas. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) can discuss with you the measures available to control such invasive smells.

Tarping areas of your home that firefighters opened up during the blaze help prevent rain and snow from entering and causing water damage. However, since fighting a fire often requires the use of water, we are ready to remove the water and elevated humidity from your home, so it stays protected from water damage and mold growth. There are many different aspects to mitigating after fire damage, and we understand all of them.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich can be contacted by calling our 24-hour service line at (847) 279-1940. We can help make fire damage a thing of the past, and help your family recover quickly.

Click here for more about the city of Lake Zurich.

Mold Damage Remediation Services for Lake Zurich Homes

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold has the ability to grow in temperatures 68 to 86 degrees, making it almost impossible to stop it by adjusting the temperature in your home.

SERVPRO Can Properly Rid Your Home of Mold Damage and Prevent Further Infestations

Mold spores exist all over Lake Zurich. They are in every home, in every room and are, usually, completely harmless. There is a mistaken belief that mold grows in dirty or abandoned homes, but the truth is that any home can experience a mold infestation.

Halting mold growth and removing mold damage in Lake Zurich homes requires SERVPRO technicians first to understand how it expands and grows. With over twenty years of training and restoration experience, we know that only a small amount of water is needed to change these harmless spores into a mold colony which can quickly move across an entire attic or up the inside of the bathroom walls.

An individual spore is smaller than the tiniest seed. A growth of thousands of them is no larger than the eraser at the end of a pencil. The spores are normally in an inert state, which makes them no more harmful than house dust. They expand and usually grow because of water from a split hose on a clothes washer or a leaky pipe in the bathroom or kitchen.

Once the spores expand, they quickly extend growths called hyphae. They resemble the root structure of a plant and serve the same function. Some of them grow across surfaces, seeking out more moisture to continue expanding. Other hyphae dig down and grow into the surface to absorb the material and use it to feed the new colony. Mold can feed on nearly every type of building material, with drywall being exceptionally vulnerable.

Mold grows and thrives in temperatures from 68 to 86 degrees. That makes it virtually impossible to stop mold in a private home, condo, or apartment by raising or lowering the temperature since it also makes the area unlivable. Because of that and the availability of food, SERVPRO technicians concentrate on repairing the leaks and drying up any water source.

With no moisture, even mold spores deep in a section of drywall return to their inert state. Once they are no longer active, it is simple for our restoration crews to remove and replace drywall and other building materials like ceiling tiles, floor and ceiling trim, and other infested wood.

Restoring your home after mold damage is not a simple task, but it is one that SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has over twenty years experience in accomplishing. If you need our help, call today at (847) 279-1940.

Click here for more information about Lake Zurich.

Remediating Commercial Water Damage in Lake Zurich

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Lake Zurich Water Damage and Soaked Insulation Get Relief with SERVPRO's Help

Soaked Insulation Can Result in Damages to Older Structures

Many small businesses in Lake Zurich convert and operate out of homes where the zoning laws allow for it. For photographers and decorators, this is an opportunity to save money and have a variety of rooms to use as studios and display their expertise. It can also increase their risk for water damage to their structure.
 
Older homes usually do not have the upgraded pipes and other plumbing needed to prevent commercial water damage in a Lake Zurich business. They leak, and since there is no one in the converted home 24 hours, seven days a week, minor leaks go unnoticed until the problem becomes a major issue. SERVPRO knows that one of the problems, especially in the winter months, is the insulation in the attic and walls becomes compromised. It no longer protects the business owner or the customers and results in higher heating bills.
 
Cellulose and Rockwool insulation are particularly vulnerable to leaks. They quickly become matted and more compact, leaving space near the top of the walls. The compressed insulation also no longer holds heat in, so it is no more effective than spreading a wet blanket inside the walls or across the attic. Drying out either type of insulation is rarely possible, and it is cheaper to place it.
 
Fiberglass insulation does not compact as densely as the other two and retains more of its capability to hold in heat. If it is not too wet, there is a chance SERVPRO technicians can dry it out. In most cases, though, we remove it as well.
 
Regardless of which type, after we remove it, we repair the cause of the leak if it is within our normal scope of services, and check for mold. If our air content meter shows a high level, we spray every exposed wall or area of the attic with an anti-fungal agent. Technicians then dry every exposed surface using dehumidifiers and air movers. Once finished, we can negotiate to replace the insulation and any drywall panels we had to tear down to remove the insulation.
 
Remediating water damage in businesses requires experience, training, and the right equipment. SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich has almost three decades of experience in putting area businesses back together after a disaster. If you need our services, call us today at (847) 279-1940.

More about this village by clicking here.

Restoring Flood Damaged Hardwood Flooring to Your Buffalo Grove Home

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO to Restore Your Storm Damaged Flooring in Buffalo Grove

Trust SERVPRO a Leading Water Mitigation Company to Restore Your Property's Flooring

Dealing with flood damage to your Buffalo Grove property after a recent storm can be devastating for both you and your family. The stress and fatigue alone make the circumstances unbearable in large loss events. However, you may find it pleasing to know that there are highly-trained professionals available to help return every aspect of your home to a quality pre-damage condition after a flood.

Offering full-service flood damage solutions to homeowners throughout the Buffalo Grove area gives us a sense of pride and satisfaction. We can handle any size job, perform many different repairs, and provide you with quality solutions to get things back to normal, fast. Our IICRC certified technicians are available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week for your convenience and always respond to your call immediately.

At SERVPRO we handle floods that present a variety of specialty drying situations, many that require particular attention to prevent significant damage. Some of these instances involve dealing with multiple layers of sheetrock, which lengthen the drying time involved in your restoration. Others involve dealing with ceiling tiles that are likely less expensive to remove and replace than to remove, dry, and reinstall.  

However, one of the most common situations that our SERVPRO technicians run into is dealing with hardwood flooring. The majority of homeowners with wood floors in their home would like it to stay that way and place a high value on hardwood floor restoration after a flood. As a result, we have put several technicians through the proper training to address the situation correctly.

We understand how hardwoods have a natural ability to hold up better than softwood during high moisture conditions and that the nature of hardwood enhances its restorative ability after water damage occurs. SERVPRO technicians use advanced drying strategies for hardwood floors that focus on the prevention of buckling, cupping, or warping and make every effort to return your flooring to a quality pre-damage condition during your restoration process. We can utilize drying mats to even the hidden moisture from the tongue-and-groove joints of the planks.

Take the time to learn more about how we can save your hardwood flooring, today. Call SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove / Lake Zurich for access to expert technicians and advanced technology. (847) 279-1940

Learn more about the Village here.

Water Damage Restoration After Toilet Overflow in Buffalo Grove

8/15/2017 (Permalink)

Make sure to place a quick call to SERVPRO if your toilet ever overflows. Our technicians arrive equipped to remove the water and clean up damage.

SERVPRO Technicians Tackle Water Removal Quickly to Prevent Any Secondary Damages From Setting in

When your upstairs toilet has overflowed, and water gets on your wood floors, walls, carpeting, or ceiling below, it is important to use water removal and extraction services as soon as you can. Home water damage restoration is truly needed when you have water leaks or flooding in your home so your property can be restored to its preloss condition.
 
The extraction of water needs to happen as soon as possible after water damage happens in your Buffalo Grove home. Doing so reduces the losses you sustain and how much time it takes to dry your property fully. At SERVPRO, we use equipment which is powerful, truck-mounted to extract the water thoroughly and fast. We also have specialized devices to determine the moisture levels in your ceilings and walls to find any trapped or hidden water.
 
When we arrive at your home, our technicians perform a free visual inspection with infrared cameras and moisture meters. We identify the source of the water leak and stop it, then make an action plan to get your home dry again. We also pack out, move, or block any furniture to prevent it from being damaged any further. All the excess moisture is extracted from carpeting and wood flooring as well.
 
Once we extract the excess water, cleanup and restoration of your home can begin. We spray an anti-microbial to prevent mold from growing and start the drying process with high-tech dehumidifiers and air movers. Each day, we monitor the moisture levels to ensure that your home is completely dried. Dehumidifiers and fans are moved accordingly to ensure proper drying.
 
All damaged materials can then be reconstructed, including ceilings, walls, and flooring. We also help you get in contact with your insurance company to ensure that you get the coverage you need.
 
When you hire SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich to clean up your toilet overflow damage, you can rest assured you are getting a quality and competent company. We work quickly to prevent further damage to your home and possessions, all while treating you with the utmost of care when you call us at (847) 279-1940.
 
For more information regarding Buffalo Grove, click here

Storm Preparation

11/22/2016 (Permalink)

Preparation Kit

There are a few items you are going to want to have in case of a snowstorm.  The governmental Ready Campaign’s Public Service Announcement lists the items recommended to add to your emergency kit.  The Public Service Announcement list contains rock salt, sand, snow shovels, heating fuel, and sufficient clothing.  It may not be a bad idea to keep these items in your vehicle if you drive.  The full list specifically regarding vehicles also includes a flashlight, windshield scraper, battery powered radio, batteries, water, snack food, matches, First aid kit, pocket knife, necessary medications, rope, booster cables, flares, and a fluorescent distress flag.  The distress flag may come at a shock, but if you are trapped with your vehicle as your only shelter it might come in handy.

Be Informed

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross have created phone applications that give alerts and warnings.  These applications also provide information on first aid and finding shelters.  There are also two terms you may want to familiarize yourself with regarding alerts.  They are “watch” and “warning.”  The difference is a winter storm watch means that the storm is possible in your area.  Watches are generally issues 12 to 36 hours in advance of the storm.  However, a winter storm warning means that there will be a storm in your area, or it is already present.

House Preparation

There are a several different steps you can take to prepare your home for a snowstorm.  Common knowledge suggests increasing insulation.  This includes walls, attics, windows, doors, and pipes.  Insulating the items suggested will help keep heat in the home throughout the winter season.  If you have a chimney it would be a good idea to have it cleaned and inspected annually.  Having a fire extinguisher available would not hurt either.  However, what I believe to be the most important part of house preparation is learning how to shut off each of your water valves.  This is in case a pipe bursts.  The faster you can turn off that valve related to the specific pipe burst, the less damage will be inflicted on the house.  If it takes you an additional five minutes to learn how to turn off that valve, that is five more additional minutes of water flooding from the broken pipe. 

Which Fire Extinguisher is Right for You

10/12/2016 (Permalink)

The Five Classes

Reading the Label

In the United States there are five classes of fire extinguishers.  They are A, B, C, D, and K.  A means that the fire extinguisher is effective against wood, paper, and trash fires.  B is good for combustible liquids and gasses such as gasoline or propane.  C is good for use against electrical fires because it will not conduct electricity.  D is for fires started by combustible metals.  These fire extinguishers are usually more for commercial use.  Lastly, K is for grease fires.  It effectively turns the fat in the grease into soap to stop the fire.  Fire extinguishers come in all sorts of different combinations of these classifications.  Typically for a homeowner, it is a good idea to get at least one that is ABC and a K for the kitchen.  In front of A and B there will be a number.  The higher the number, the more effective it is for that type of fire.   

Here is a list of what each classification stands for, its designated color, and its geometric symbol.

A – Ash – Green – Triangle

B – Barrel – Red – Square

C – Current – Blue – Circle   

D – Dynamite – Yellow – Star

K – Kitchen – Black – Hexagon

Disposable or Rechargeable

Fire extinguishers come in both types.  It is important to note that a refill on a rechargeable fire extinguisher is usually cheaper than buying a new disposable one.  The rechargeable fire extinguishers also usually have metal parts in comparison to the disposable which usually has plastic parts.  Generally speaking, the rechargeable ones have better quality parts, longer lasting charge, and the ability to refill it.  The initial cost is higher for a rechargeable one, but usually worth it in the end.

Size

This completely depends on your situation.  Bigger normally equals more chemicals, but also means heavier and less maneuverability.  The weight listed, just accounts for the chemical contents.  This is NOT the total weight, meaning it does not factor in the weight of the canister.  Pick what works best for your situation.  Consider the strength of anyone that might be using the fire extinguisher.  Also take into account the dimensions of the tight spaces the fire extinguisher might be needed in for maneuverability purposes. 

For information on what to do after a fire refer to our SERVPRO website

Smoke Detectors: An Important Necessity

9/22/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors are an important safety feature that should be in every building and may help reduce/prevent fire damage.  They can warn of possible smoke using two different types of methods.  The first method is optically.  If smoke particles inside the detector chamber scatter enough light for the sensor to notice, the alarm will sound.  The second method is through ionization.  This method uses positively and negatively charged surfaces along with a small radioactive element to detect particles like smoke.  The second method is more commonly used in the United States, mainly due to cost. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends testing smoke detectors once per month and changing their batteries twice a year.  A smoke alarm is useless if it malfunctions.  That is why it is important to test an alarm regularly and often. 

Unfortunately, many people fall victim to nuisance tripping.  This is when there is somewhat of a false alarm.  This includes situations such as minor smoke from burning a piece of toast or steam from a hot shower or bath.   This in turn causes many people to deactivate their alarms.  Most people do not realize that the nuisance tripping can be significantly cut down by switching types of alarms.  The ionization alarms tend to be triggered more frequently.  Photoelectric alarms react more effectively around the board than ionization alarms.  However, one of the many tests performed by Underwriters Laboratories did favor ionization alarms.  This was the “burnt toast” test also known as nuisance tripping.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends having both types of smoke detectors.  Smoke and fire damage should be taken seriously.  For information on the fire damage restoration process please refer to our SERVPRO website.

Flood Damage: What You Have to Know

9/14/2016 (Permalink)

Microbials can cause health effects.

Property holders regularly underestimate flood damage.  Not only can flood damage cause structural damage, but it can leave biological organisms that can bring about wellbeing impacts.  SERVPRO can deal with any circumstance of water damage.  For Instance, back in February SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich went to Saint Louis so as to help 13 families recover after a severe flood caused extensive water damage to their homes. 

Dirty Water

Dirty water causes the worst damage.  It can possess anything from animal feces to chemical residues.  Microbes use dirty water to cultivate.  The development of these microorganisms can bring about health effects.

What to do

• Remove abundance of water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and pads.
• Remove mats from wet carpeting.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What not to do

• Do not use television or other household appliances.
• Do not leave wet fabrics set up. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet and floors.
• Do not use a household vacuum to remove water.

For more information, refer to our SERVPRO website.

Extending the Life of Your Carpet

8/30/2016 (Permalink)

Regular maintenance will extend the carpet's life.

Carpet makes a statement in any room it is in.  Investing in carpet can be costly.  Which is why it is important to maintain carpet quality and extend its life.  Here are some tips on how to do that.

1. Remove pollutants

Indoor pollutants such as allergens, insects, and dirt can easily find their way inside a home.  If undisturbed some pollutants can even become toxic.  Help eliminate these pollutants by performing regular carpet cleaning.

2. Prevent mold

Carpet gets wet.  Whether the reason is a rainy coat or a broken pipe your carpet will get wet.  Mold grows in dark, warm, and damp areas.  Carpet that is contaminated with particulates provides a food source for mold to develop. In addition to the potential health effects it presents, it can also significantly impact the life of your carpet.  This means that the overall quality goes down.  Try to keep your carpet dry.  However, if you do find mold, the professional services SERVPRO offers in addition to carpet cleaning performed by SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich can make a big difference to the indoor air quality of your home.  

3. Revive Carpet fibers

High-traffic areas wear down and weaken the carpet fibers.  You can help reduce this effect and revive fibers by regularly vacuuming.  Professional carpet cleaning can also help revive carpet fibers.

Todd's Tip of the Week: What to do After a Flood

8/26/2016 (Permalink)

1. Remove excess water the best you can using a mop or towel.
2. Remove or prop up furniture from wet floors and wipe off moisture from the legs.
3. Remove any clutter that might be on the affected wet floors.
4. Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
5. Do not use a normal vacuum to remove water.
6. Do not use appliances or electrical outlets where water could have affected their internal components.
7. Do not leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
8. Do not leave wet magazines, books, or other colored materials on the floor to avoid stains.
9. Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

For more tips on what to do and what not to do when a flood occurs in your home or business, refer to our SERVPRO website!

Todd's Tip of the Day: What Kind of Flood Water is It

8/16/2016 (Permalink)

Category 1:  Water that came from a clean source such as a broken supply pipe or a leaky faucet.  If left untreated, may degrade into Category 2 or 3.

Category 2:  Water that is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness such as a toilet overflow or a washing machine overflow.  Also could be Category 1 water that has been left untreated for a period of time.  If left untreated, may degrade into Category 3.

Category 3:   Water that is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested.  This water includes flood water from rivers or lakes, sewage water and also could be Category 1 or 2 water that has been left untreated for a significant amount of time.

For more information on the categories of water and what to do if you experience a flood of any kind, refer to the SERVPRO website!

Chicagoland Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

7/25/2016 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Chicagoland basement could flood, including: 

·         A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

·         Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

·         Storm sewer backup

·         Sanitary sewer backup

·         Foundation drainage failure

·         Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

·         And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – (847) 279-1940

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

·         We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

·         We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

·         We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

·         Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques

·         We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

·         Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded?  Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (847)279-1940

Storms in Chicagoland

7/25/2016 (Permalink)

Staying prepared will help you keep your home or business calm and collected when natural disasters strike. Check out our tips for water damage so you are ready for the coming storm. Storm Flooding Restoration

Chicagoland Smoke and Soot Cleanup

7/13/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (847) 279-1940

Chicagoland 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

7/13/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (847) 279-1940

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

About SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or 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.

Restoring Your Chicagoland Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

7/13/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Chicagoland 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. In fact, the team at SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich is a proud member of the Commercial Large Loss and Disaster Recovery Team Divisions. This coupled with over a million dollars of specialty drying equipment has afforded us numerous prestigious awards like “Elite 100” for three consecutive years.

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 us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich 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 Storms or Floods hit Chicagoland, SERVPRO is ready!

7/13/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO ofBuffalo Grove/Lake Zurich specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. 

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Chicagoland, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (847) 279-1940

Water Damage in North Riverside, IL

2/6/2016 (Permalink)

Our crew leaving the job site late Tuesday night.

Late on February second, the sewer backed up at Komarek Elementary School causing water damage inside the building.

SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich got the call after hours and our crew responded right away to clean up the mess. We worked late into the night to ensure that there would be minimal disruptions to the school's kids and faculty because nothing is more important to us than the education of our local youth. 

Tornado Damage Coal City, IL

7/28/2015 (Permalink)

Ferrari Dr. Coal City, IL

When an EF-3 Tornado hit the town of Coal City, IL our franchises was one of the first responders. We are very proud of the work we did in Coal City becuase it wasn't easy. The people were devastated and very on edge, but through patients as well as genuine care our staff was able to bring hope to the local people. Thank you to all the residents of Coal City who chose SERVPRO of Buffalo Grove/Lake Zurich to make this disaster look "Like it never even happened."

Social Media Expansion

6/11/2015 (Permalink)

Make sure to check out our new Facebook and LinkedIn pages with the links below!

https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO10080/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/SERVPRO-of-buffalo-grove-lake-zurich-and-carol-stream-east-bloomingdale