Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Be Prepared for Winter Storms!
9/25/2024 (Permalink)
Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes
Winter storms are here and it won't be the last.
The National Severe Storms Laboratory categories a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain. In Glenwood, we can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.
How Water Pipes Freeze and Break
A water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze. When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break. The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed. Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.
Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention
- Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes. You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
- Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
What To Do Until Help Arrives
If your pipes still freeze and you have a water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:
- Don’t delay. Call us as soon as you notice your water damage. The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause. As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.
- Cut off the water source, if possible.
- Get textiles off the floor. Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay. Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be. What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
- Begin documentation. Start with the point of origin and all affected areas. While our technicians will also take the document, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.
Be Aware of the Weather
Keep your eye on the weather forecast. Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you to valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.
SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher
We can be reached 24/7/365 at (708) 672-0077
“Like it never even happened.”
How A Speedy Response Changes The Outcome Of Flood Damage In Chicago Heights
4/27/2022 (Permalink)
Our Fast Response Will Restore Your Flood Damaged Chicago Heights Home To Pre-Damage Condition
Floods can affect property anywhere including areas outside earmarked flood zones. You have probably heard that carrying out an expedited restoration process is helpful, and it is true. Because you might not know the exact steps to take to restore your property, the best bet is to work with a professional restoration company.
One of the effects of flood damage in Chicago Heights is microbial growth. Microbes include bacteria, mold, and other pathogens. Floodwaters contain different microbes because they flow over broad areas. One unique aspect of microbes is growth; the longer they remain undisturbed. A speedy response that removes floodwaters helps curtail such growth saving the homeowner the hassle of extra effort sanitizing affected areas. Our SERVPRO technicians use high capacity pumps or truck-mounted water extractors to expedite the removal process.
Floodwaters affect materials in different ways. For example, wood and its derivatives, which can be found in floorboards and cabinets, rot or lose structural integrity when exposed to water over extended periods. Materials can also lose their utility value even if physically they remain unchanged like in the case of insulation, which loses R-value. Our SERVPRO technicians understand how moisture causes these problems, so we use various detection tools including moisture meters to check saturation levels in different materials and monitor the effectiveness of drying processes.
Sometimes it is not possible to remove water from the home immediately especially if all surrounding areas are swamped by water. However, it is possible to take actions that help save some of the items from extended exposure to water. Our SERVPRO technicians can move out items to higher floors in the house or an offsite warehouse. We also use heavy-duty plastic sheets to cover items to protect them from dripping water. By limiting the exposure period, it is possible to save more items.
For a quick solution when your property in Park Forest, Sauk Village or Steger area floods, call SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher. You can reach us at (708) 672-0077 any time. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.
It Flooded... Now What? Ask SERVPRO The Experts!
3/28/2022 (Permalink)
Flooding causes problems wherever it happens. Some of these problems are not visible to the naked eye. You might be able to smell the microbial deposits left behind, and this should be a warning that even floods that barely cover your floor can pose risks long after they are gone.
In Chicago Heights, flood damage can cause damage to a home's structure, including the foundation or basement walls. The higher flooding becomes, the more damage there can be to walls, furniture, and staircases. Microbial activity, however, can occur in areas well above the flood line. Because humidity levels greatly increase indoors when flooding exists, it becomes much more likely that microbes such as mold and bacteria might be inhaled by those present in the home. Also, these microbes are also more easily deposited in locations that might have otherwise remained uncontaminated.
To ensure that humidity levels are reduced to normal after a flood, we implement equipment hat not only eliminates a significant portion of the microbes present, but we also restore the house and its contents to a normal level of humidity. Moisture levels that are within normal ranges are not conducive to microbial growth. Heaters, air movers, open windows and doors, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers help us accomplish this. When musty odors remain, we have the options of deodorizing with scented liquids placed in different sites in your home or using an ozone machine. Ozone bonds with particles in the air, making them inert. Ozone is what makes the air so fresh-smelling after a rain shower, and it can do the same thing in your home.
We at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher care about your home and your family. After flood damage, call us at (708) 672-0077. We can restore your home, so it is “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO Advanced Cleaning Equipment Salvages Many Belongings
3/8/2022 (Permalink)
You might think that restoring your items or belongings after a major fire, flood or storm where the damage seems catastrophic is impossible. But our expertly trained staff at SERVPRO is here to ask that you not dispose of any items that you have damaged during an event until our professional technicians have had an opportunity to inspect them.
Our access to the Esporta Washing System in Chicago Heights after a storm gives us more opportunities to restore items before calling them a loss. The success that we've had in using this system has produced tremendous results that most customers can't believe, even when they see it themselves. Many soiled and contaminated soft items after a flooding can be salvaged.
This system is used by our expertly trained technicians at SERVPRO to provide you with a solution to restoring your soft goods to their pre-damage condition. We use it to clean, freshen and disinfect items such as clothing, stuffed animals, luggage, thick coats and even footwear. The system is useful for restoring several different types of objects that you may think lost forever.
SERVPRO technicians utilize Esporta's 4-Step process to renewal, a system that is used to repair your items to their pre-damage condition.
1.) Detergent - Adding an environmentally safe chemical that includes solvents to help remove oil-based soils, smoke, sewer and body odors. While also having enough punch to kill 99.9997% of all mold, bacteria, fungus and viruses and being specifically designed for preventing itself from damaging leathers, fabrics, and foam items. It also includes a brightening agent.
2.) Penetration - A water pressure system that cleans and penetrates your items while keeping things centered as a wheel moves through the water. Allowing the hydraulic pressure to force contaminants out of your belongings using the detergent.
3.) Forced Additive - Used to remove the penetrator detergent along with all mold spores, bacteria, and viruses on contact.
4.) Signature Fragrance - A combination of 140 different extracts that are used to introduce a fresh, long-lasting fragrance.
Let our professionals at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher put this system to work for you, call us today. (708) 672-0077
SERVPRO Can Help If Your Chicago Heights Home Experiences A Flood Damage Emergency!
1/17/2022 (Permalink)
Let the experts at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher restore your home, its contents, and your peace of mind after flood damage.
A Professional Pack-Out Protects Your Possessions After Flood Damage In Chicago Heights
Flooding brings overwhelming devastation to your Chicago Heights home. Whether from internal plumbing or appliance failure or after an intense storm or overland spilling of waters from overburdened waterways, the damage can be extensive. The structural components of your home are at risk, as well as the furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions. Our full-service restoration company has skilled technicians and innovative equipment to respond to all flooding challenges.
Often it becomes evident that flood damage remediation inside your Chicago Heights house needs a pack-out of damaged contents to simplify water removal and structural drying. Moving furniture and other articles to our production facility also allow our specially-trained technicians to use a broad range of strategies to clean, dry, and restore the items.
SERVPRO uses our carefully designed Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to ensure an accurate inventory of the property packed-out. We maintain a room by room accounting of the items removed, using digital photos, lists, and barcoding. As we evaluate each article, we document its condition, prepare it for restoration or disposal, and report the outcome. This methodical system allows us to keep you and your insurance company apprised for claims purposes.
Unique techniques like freeze-drying and the use of thermal chambers dry out and restore records, pictures, electronics, and other personal possessions you probably feared were headed to the landfill. At SERVPRO we always stress restoration over replacement, understanding that the loss of a lifetime of memories is to be avoided if at all possible.
Special equipment like our Esporta Washing System transforms soiled and sodden articles from ruined to refreshed and restored to function. Treasured toys, clothing, and other soft items need not be abandoned as destroyed when SERVPRO’s IICRC trained technicians operate this innovative technology.
Once the SERVPRO team completes the flood damage remediation in your home, we are eager to return the items we restored. The CCIS protocols assist us in putting everything recovered back in place. Clean, dry, and odor-free, both your house and the collection of little things that make it a home are back to pre-flood condition.
Let the experts at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher restore your home, its contents, and your peace of mind after flood damage. Day or night, year-round, call us at (708) 672-0077 to schedule an assessment.
Click here for more about Chicago Heights.
Are You Prepared For Winter Storms? (Part 1 of 2)
11/7/2021 (Permalink)
Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes
Winter storms are here and it won't be the last.
The National Severe Storms Laboratory categories a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain. In Glenwood, we can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.
How Water Pipes Freeze and Break
A water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze. When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break. The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed. Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.
Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention
- Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes. You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
- Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are You Prepared For Winter Storms? (Part 2 of 2)
11/7/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher
We can be reached 24/7/365 at (708) 672-0077
“Like it never even happened.”
What To Do Until Help Arrives
If your pipes still freeze and you have a water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:
- Don’t delay. Call us as soon as you notice your water damage. The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause. As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.
- Cut off the water source, if possible.
- Get textiles off the floor. Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay. Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be. What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
- Begin documentation. Start with the point of origin and all affected areas. While our technicians will also take the document, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.
Be Aware of the Weather
Keep your eye on the weather forecast. Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you to valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.
Keep Your Eyes To The Sky!
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
Tornado season is generally March through May in Illinois, although tornadoes can and do occur at any time of the year. They tend to occur in the afternoons and evenings with 50% occurring between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. This information is according to ISWS Illinois.
If tornadoes strike in Illinois it is very important to have a plan for your family and then a plan should damage happen to your house. At SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher we want your family to be safe, we can help salvage your belongings after the storm settles. We can repair or rebuild your home and help restore they family pictures and your daughters favorite teddy bear. We are here to help your family at your families worst moments. Restoration is what we specialize in. We respond to storm evens all over the country no matter what they are or where.
Why SERVPRO? Storms Fear Us!
3/26/2021 (Permalink)
The storm response team of our SERVPRO brand is one of the most skilled and responsive units rolling out of our Chicago facility. With how quickly weather events like windstorms can get out of control, especially so close to Lake Michigan. As we have seen how our proximity to this body of water has affected our region during the winter months especially, it can also amplify wind damages to homes and businesses inside and surrounding the city.
How professionals respond to the windstorm damage on Chicago structures can make a substantial difference in how critical these situations become. Structural breaches that do not get addressed quickly can present opportunities for flood damage, animal infestations, and other detrimental effects. Even during windstorms, the possibility of dropping temperatures or following precipitations can make emergency construction solutions a vital need for your household.
Though we do not do building services directly, our SERVPRO team works closely with reputable residential contractors to ensure that work is getting started on your home quickly. Our mitigation services hinge on the sealing up of vulnerabilities in your property, and that is why even basic services like board up and roof tarping can help to limit additional threats to your household while our team sets up drying equipment and other recovery tools inside.
The cold snaps that can often follow windstorm damage during the winter months can threaten plumbing and other water fixtures in the house, and this becomes even more urgent with structural breaches for additional cold air fronts to access interior plumbing. From cleaning up the debris and drying up water damage in your house to offering temporary power and heating where you need it during a crisis, we are here to help.
Windstorms can present a serious threat to area homes and businesses, but our SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher team can help. With our premier recovery tools and fast response to emergencies, we can make much of the damage in these situations “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (708) 672-0077.
See more about Chicago.
Storms may come, but SERVPRO is faster to any disaster and is here to help!
2/17/2021 (Permalink)
Of all the types of home disasters property owners get exposed to, the need for flood water removal and damage cleanup is one of the highest level emergencies. When this type of water event occurs, more than just water gets deposited in the home.
When SERVPRO handles flood water removal and damage mitigation in Chicago Heights homes, the first thing the techs do is work to save as much of the structure and contents as possible. These actions involve:
- Testing water remaining
- Scoping the property for paths of water migration
- Determining the best equipment to use
- Removing undamaged items off-site
- Finding specific items requested by the homeowner in the loss area
Why is Floodwater Worse Than a Pipe Break?
While a hot water tank failure or supply line burst has the potential to send copious amounts of water within the home, it holds a rating as clean water that poses no threat to people or pets. Flood water picks up dirt, mud, debris, chemicals, and sometimes sewage and it all lands in the home. Before testing by the SERVPRO techs, there is no way to know how harmful the water is.
Why Does Sheetrock Get Cut Away From the Bottom Up
This frequently seen action is a practice known as "flood cuts." When sheetrock comes into contact with water, it wicks it quickly into its core and travels upward. The SERVPRO technicians measure above the highest mark the water has gone and cut several inches above it. This controlled demo technique removes the unrestorable portion of the wall and opens up the wall cavity for complete drying.
So if storms do damage your home or business, call the professionals at SERVPRO! We are faster to any disaster and we are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."
Our Franchise Is Proud To Be Specialty Trained
2/16/2021 (Permalink)
Did you know that our commercial and residential participate in a Storm Team. To do so, a franchise has to be in compliance with all corporate Storm Team requirements and then accept the invitation when a storm event requires our services. When a loss occurs, whether it is a hurricane, flood, or tornado, we send the very best from our local teams to help clients from across the country.
At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. We are proud to be a part of this team and help our community during the most devastating times.
Storm Damage in the Chicagoland area.
1/11/2021 (Permalink)
Storm damage in the Chicagoland area is common...Call SERVPRO for help!
The Chicagoland area gets hit by many different types of storms throughout the year. From winter storms and blizzards to tornadoes and microbursts, homes in the Chicagoland area have to stand up to all that mother nature throws at them. When mother nature wins and your home sustains damage due to a storm event SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/Crete/Beecher is at the ready to serve you. Our teams are continually monitoring weather activity and planning in advance of major storms. With on-call teams that are available to serve you 24 hours a day, when you call us we are ready to help you! Most storm damage is caused from either power failures and sump pump failure or trees falling into homes. When you call we will quickly dispatch the right team to help with the damage to your home. We will work hand in hand with your insurance company to restore your home as quickly as we can.
For more extensive damage our construction team may also be called in to make repairs to your home as well. For more information on our storm damage services please call our office 24 hours a day at 708-672-0077.
Preparing for Winter Storms
11/4/2020 (Permalink)
We are here 24/7 to help in the case of any emergency.
November is here and that means winter is right around the corner for those of us in the Midwest. At SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/Crete/Beecher we are no stranger to the havoc that a winter storm can cause.
Typically when we think of storms we think of tornadoes and major thunderstorms that cause damage, but a winter storm can cause massive damage as well. During a winter storm snow mixed with rain and dropping temperatures is all it takes to cause heavy ice to form. When this happens, we see damage to homes in many different ways.
Power lines are especially susceptible to damage from heavy ice forming on the lines themselves or on nearby trees. When the power goes out your homes sump pump may start to back up or you may experience low temperatures causing pipes to break. Another form of damage we see is from the ice on the roads making it hard for vehicles to stop and unfortunately running into homes. Finally, with the falling temps we often see fires that are started from the use of a space heater or other heating device.
SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/Crete/Beecher we can help if you experience an emergency. For the fastest service call our office at 708-672-0077.
Protect Your Home Before Winter Storms Start
11/4/2020 (Permalink)
Furnace fires are a common occurrence during the winter months.
Winter is here, and you're about to begin feeling the effects. Most homeowners simply don't prepare for winter, and it costs them when the cold weather finally arrives. There are many easy ways for you to prepare your furnace for winter, waiting until the last minute because you'd rather do something else with your time will leave you ill-prepared. With just a few hours of your day, you'll have your family comfortably enjoying the cozy winter weather together in the safety of your home. If you put it off or simply didn't have the time to get to it this year, we can help you prepare your furnace before you need it, give us a call today.
Our expertly trained staff in the Chicago Heights - Crete - Beecher area specializes in furnace malfunctions during winter related weather conditions. We can serve your needs quickly with our 24-hour response service, making sure that you and your family are safe and warm during the winter season.
SERVPRO technicians recommend replacing your furnace's air filter every month. It is easy to locate, all you need to do is remove the old filter and slide in a new one. Make sure that you follow the arrows on the frame to install it correctly. You might also consider upgrading to a pleated HEPA filter or an electrostatic filter to help increase your furnace's energy efficiency along with improved air quality.
You would benefit from hiring a professional company like SERVPRO to inspect and clean the air vents and ducting of your ventilation system to remove dust and other obstructions that prevent proper ventilation. We can check the furnace blower belts for cracks and ensure that your thermostat is working properly to maintain the proper temperature even while you are asleep or away from home. It is important to maintain in the cold season a constant 30 to 60-degree temperature in your home, even when you're not there. Maintaining the proper temperature helps to avoid freezing pipes or other hazards from forming during cold weather conditions.
The technicians at SERVPRO can also inspect your furnace's exhaust flue to determine whether it is performing properly, removing any branches or nests erected by animals during the summer and make sure that all of your air vents are working correctly and producing the proper air flow and quality. Furnace Blow Back can create a messy sooty problem within your home. A lack of maintenance, dirty filters, normal wear and tear, pilot control issues, and malfunctioning thermostats can all be taken care of by the services that we provide.
Contact our offices at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/Crete/Beecher today. (708) 672-0077
Storms and Flooding Affecting Your Chicago Heights Home? Contact SERVPRO to Mitigate the Damages
1/11/2020 (Permalink)
When Floodwaters Infiltrate Your Chicago Heights Home--Don't Wait-- Call SERVPRO for Swift Extraction and Mitigation
Chicago Heights Residents Use Professional Flood Damage Recovery to Overcome Emergencies Rapidly
Flood Damage Chicago
When floodwaters get inside your property, they quickly migrate from the point of entry into further recesses of the home. Stemming the tide can be one of the most effective emergency mitigation tasks a homeowner can perform. Blocking water at doorways by closing and sealing doors can be useful. However, rising water levels can create slip & trip hazards so, if you do decide to take action, be extra careful of floating debris as well as wires or furniture.
Many victims of flood damage in Chicago Heights seek out professional services to remedy the issues. Moisture is affected by temperature as well as air flow, which can see the relative humidity in your home quickly rise to worrisome levels. When humidity reaches above 60 grains per pound (GPP), the likelihood of mold growth increases significantly. One useful method to use in the immediate aftermath is to open windows to replace the humid air with dry outdoor air. SERVPRO technicians also advise using box fans to encourage ventilation in a flooded property further. However, the caveat is that the exterior temperature should be greater and the humidity less, to effectively displace interior damp air.
Managing the various exchanges of temperature, air, or odor is part of water recovery. Moist air typical slows the drying process because it is saturated at a certain point. Equally, the temperature rises to the upper regions of a space, which can make it challenging to dry floors or carpets adequately. One method SERVPRO uses to increase drying efficiency is to create smaller drying zones. Place polyethylene sheeting on some regions of the level, then using wet sandbags or other weights to seal and hold them in place to create a drying tent. Ducting an air mover or fan inside the drying tent can increase drying efficiency by raising surface temperatures.
The above maneuvers to mitigate flooding sound above your pay grade scale? It probably does, so contact SERVPRO to lessen your stress and the damage to your property.
Ultimately, there are myriad practices that apply to a flood situation. These can vary greatly depending on the size, structure, and severity of the water incident. Most require professional equipment that SERVPRO can provide within four hours of notification of loss. Residents of Chicago often choose to use professional services because of their knowledge, professionalism, and equipment, which help to ensure full recovery is complete as soon as possible.
Overcoming flooding can be a time-consuming and challenging procedure. Contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077.
Flood Damage Restoration In Your Chicago Heights Home
12/29/2019 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077 to help deal manage any incident, “Like it never even happened.”
A Fully Prepared SERVPRO Team Handles Flood Damage Restoration in Chicago Heights Easily
Various flood-proofing steps like having an elevated landscape and swales redirecting water from the property did not save a Chicago Heights home from flooding, when driving rain during a storm, pushed some water into the living room and garage. Luckily, the owner informed SERVPRO immediately, and our crews swung into action promptly.
After scoping the flood damage at the Chicago Heights home, our crew was elated to find that there was no contaminated groundwater inside the house. Thorough extraction and drying could, therefore, help restore the home to its preloss state. Despite the initial good news, the site presented other challenges that could delay the removal process leading to complicated secondary issues.
Downed power lines from the storm meant no power at the property. Without power, running vital equipment such as pumps, water extractors, and dehumidifiers is a challenge. Our SERVPRO teams anticipate such issues and have alternative power sources to perform the job. Using truck-mounted water extractors that run on power drawn from the engines of the production vehicles, we could start the extraction immediately. We also have backup generators to supply power to other equipment. Lack of power also meant no heat in the house, which could jeopardize the drying process, but using portable heaters and expertly exhausting warm air from dehumidifiers back into the wet areas solved that problem.
Some aspects of the loss did require the human touch to resolve. For example, no automation could help in sorting out wet, messy materials stored in the garage area, yet the homeowner wanted them salvaged. Our SERVPRO technicians understand the need to preserve items with sentimental value, so we were delighted to help. Separating items made of different materials helped minimize cross-contamination, while specialized techniques such as freeze-drying helped save some books and other paper materials. Certainly, we could not save everything, but we were happy to meet the expectations of the homeowner.
Flooding can surprise you in terms of timing, intensity, or many other factors. Call SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077 to help deal manage any incident, “Like it never even happened.”
For more about Chicago Heights click here.
Important Things You Need To Know About Storm Damage in Your Chicago Home
10/25/2019 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO to mitigate flood damage that occurs in your Chicago home.
How To Dry Hardwood Flooring In Your Chicago Area Home After A Flood
Professionals may use three different methods for drying hardwood in your Chicago home. You can even use more than one method simultaneously if you desire quicker or more effective results. However, over-drying can occur; therefore, we recommend diligent monitoring.
You can perform hardwood drying in your Chicago area home after a flood on your own; at least it’s not impossible. However, it does take some investment and training, both of which you might find taxing — calling a local restoration technician gives you access to an entire team that stands ready with the equipment, experience, training, and resources necessary to get the job done right.
At SERVPRO, we use an Injectidry Panel System to dry your hardwood floors without ever removing a single panel. You should keep in mind that regardless of who dries your hardwood floor, your floor may still require refinishing, after all, is said and done.
Injectidry Panel System:
- SERVPRO technicians set up a containment area around the affected room using 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting.
- We use a dehumidifier to regulate moisture.
- Our technicians install the Injectidry Panel Drying System correctly, maintaining adequate spacing between panels and the flue.
- We secure all drying panels securely using preservation tape specifically designed to avoid secondary damages.
- Lastly, our team monitors moisture content frequently using a penetrating meter and slide hammer, at all levels, including the sub-floor.
Heat Drying System:
- Cover the wet area of your hardwood floor with 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting.
- Place the thermostat control for your heat system directly in the center, set to 100-105 degrees.
- Install heat ducts into the containment area.
- Monitor moisture content frequently using a penetrating meter and slide hammer, at all levels, including the sub-floor.
- Use an infrared moisture meter to check the material’s temperature frequently.
Desiccant Dehumidifier:
- Loosely place 6-mil polyethylene sheeting over the wet hardwood floor.
- Install ducting to deliver clean air from your dehumidifier into the containment area.
- Vent reprocessed air outside or through an LGR dehumidifier.
- Monitor moisture content frequently using a penetrating meter and slide hammer, at all levels, including the sub-floor.
- Use an infrared moisture meter to check the material’s temperature frequently.
Contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher for access to professional cleanup and restoration services 24/7, 365. (708) 672-0077
Click here to learn more about the city of Chicago.
Chicago Heights Property Owners, Concern Over Dollars, and SERVPRO to Help Mitigate Flood Losses
8/27/2019 (Permalink)
Don't Duck from Stormwater Removal! Call SERVPRO to Restore and Dry Your Chicago Heights Home
What You Should Know About Costs of Flood Damage in Your Chicago Heights Home
Dealing with a flooding incident can be distressing for several reasons. For instance, in most cases, there is little one can do to stop a flooding incident from causing damages. The episode can also cause widespread damages in your home, affecting contents as well as building materials. Involving a professional restoration service can help ease the recovery process. Understanding the different costs, you are likely to incur also helps.
Additional Factors that Increase Cost
Although the primary determinant of costs after flood damage in your Chicago Heights home is the intensity of the incident that causes it, other factors also play a role. It is possible to minimize or even eliminate the additional cost these extra factors contribute based on the action you take when you are aware of the incident. These factors might include:
• How long the water sits in the property
• The type of water involved, Black Water is contaminated
• The area of the property affected
• The amount of water involved
• The section of property affected
The Affected Part of the House Matters
The affected location of the property influences the costs because of the materials or contents that the water damages. An area like the basement might have a plain concrete floor, which is resilient, unlike the living room, which might have a finished wooden floor that water can damage easily. Our SERVPRO technicians scope the loss site and identify ways to deal with the trouble and if possible, minimize the costs. For example, where possible we can clean and dry wooden floors using specialized techniques eliminating the need for replacement. Our advanced equipment, like the injecti-dry system coupled with drying mats, can salvage many hardwood floors.
Stagnation Amplifies Costs
Floodwater sitting in a property over extended periods creates various problems including bad odor, microbial growth, and deterioration of building materials, including structural supports. All these problems add to the cost of restoration. Our SERVPRO technicians take action to minimize the period of exposure for the structure and contents. When water outside the structure recedes faster, we can extract any floodwater remnants inside the house to minimize problems from stagnation. We also perform pack-outs to save contents when we cannot remove water.
Dealing with flood damage can be a costly affair. Call SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher to help you figure out whether there are ways to limit cost. You can reach us any time at (708) 672-0077. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
https://goo.gl/maps/sKe4fnMEkAio8djAA
Time Is Running Out! Think About These Ways to Change Your Flood Damage Situation in Chicago Heights
4/21/2019 (Permalink)
Timing is critical when flooding and associated flood damage affects your home. Contact SERVPRO for water removal services.
SERVPRO - Restoring Homes After Flood Damage In Chicago Heights Neighborhoods
After flooding in a Chicago Heights home, there are several actions needed to reduce or eliminate the long-term effects the water can have on the structure. These include water removal, cleaning surfaces covered or touched by the contaminated water, and quick drying the interior of the home.
SERVPRO technicians train and work swiftly to ameliorate these effects of flood damage in Chicago Heights homes. We have an extensive inventory of tools and cleaners to return each area residence to a dry, safe condition for occupation once more.
Since flooding is water from outside the home, it contains soil and other contaminants. In these situations, our teams begin by spraying the water and nearby surfaces with an anti-bacterial chemical agent. This action eliminates the immediate health threat, so our technicians can begin removing the water from the home.
SERVPRO team members begin with a commercial-grade pump to drain water from the home. They direct all floodwater from home directly into the closest sewer access point. If the system is still overwhelmed by the flood, our personnel pump everything directly into a tank truck for delivery to a wastewater treatment plant.
After removing the water, specialists then spray all exposed surfaces; floors, walls, and floor trim for example, with the anti-bacterial agent. If the property is not restorable, they dispose of it according to state and federal EPA regulations.
If the structural property is restorable, we start with cleaning. Using drywall as an example, technicians carefully spray and wipe down the walls. We are careful with our actions since drywall can become very delicate if it absorbs too much water. After removing visible dirt and other contaminants, team members dry the sections using an air mover device that generates warm air. They carefully adjust the temperature and direction of the airflow to dry the affected sections before the water can cause them to crack or split.
At SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher, our goal is to help each homeowner back into their residence as soon as we can return it into a safe, dry place to live again. If you have had even just a little flood water get into your home, call us today at (708) 672-0077. We are here for you.
Click here for more information about the city of Chicago Heights.
SERVPRO Says Chicago Heights Structures Benefit from Rapid Water Removal
1/22/2019 (Permalink)
Basement Flooding and Dampness in Chicago Heights? Call SERVPRO for Mitigation and Drying
Mitigation for Flooding Basements in Chicago Heights
The basement area of your Chicago Heights home can get affected by many potential threats throughout its time. With underground moisture and springs, water pressure constantly exists against the blockwork and masonry used to construct the walls of the basement and foundation. After years of this pressure, the mortar joints can begin to weaken and allow penetration in certain spots. As moisture can pass through these small openings, the damage gets more considerable and eventually becomes an entire breach.
What results from water flow into your Chicago Heights basement is flood damage. With the understanding that many people use these areas for storage of their belongings, it can quickly become a serious situation that requires professional assistance to overcome. Our SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7 to help mitigate flood loss, and this begins with a full assessment of the damage, determining where the water is coming into the area from, and also removing at-risk items from the area to prevent irreparable damage.
Our assessment of the damage is much more than just entering the home and looking at where water is visible. We have sophisticated tools like our thermal imagery cameras that can identify moisture pockets into blockwork and determine where the source of the damage is, but also if the masonry is retaining moisture as well. Often weep holes get drilled into the course of blockwork closest to the flooring to drain collected water, and these holes get later filled up with hydraulic cement to protect them from becoming vulnerabilities themselves.
Quick extraction is critical in flooding situations so that our SERVPRO professionals can get to drying efforts as promptly as possible. The contents department can also remove at-risk items and belongings from the basement to prevent overexposure to the pooling water that makes them unsalvageable to our advanced restoration techniques.
Preventing flooding in your basement is a battle that many homeowners begin to lose as their homes continue to age. When flooding occurs, you can count on our SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher rapid response team to arrive fast to help. Give us a call anytime at (708) 672-0077.
City Data on Chicago Heights by clicking here.
Be Prepared for Winter Storms!
1/2/2019 (Permalink)
Frozen Pipes
Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes
Winter storms are here and it won't be the last.
The National Severe Storms Laboratory categories a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain. In Glenwood, we can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.
How Water Pipes Freeze and Break
A water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze. When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break. The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed. Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.
Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention
- Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes. You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
- Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
What To Do Until Help Arrives
If your pipes still freeze and you have a water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:
- Don’t delay. Call us as soon as you notice your water damage. The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause. As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.
- Cut off the water source, if possible.
- Get textiles off the floor. Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay. Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be. What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
- Begin documentation. Start with the point of origin and all affected areas. While our technicians will also take the document, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.
Be Aware of the Weather
Keep your eye on the weather forecast. Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you to valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.
SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher
We can be reached 24/7/365 at (708) 672-0077
“Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO cleans your damaged items
11/28/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Advanced Cleaning Equipment Salvages Many Belongings
You might think that restoring your items or belongings after a major fire, flood or storm where the damage seems catastrophic is impossible. But our expertly trained staff at SERVPRO is here to ask that you not dispose of any items that you have damaged during an event until our professional technicians have had an opportunity to inspect them.
Our access to the Esporta Washing System in Lynwood after a storm gives us more opportunities to restore items before calling them a loss. The success that we've had in using this system has produced tremendous results that most customers can't believe, even when they see it themselves. Many soiled and contaminated soft items after a flooding can be salvaged.
This system is used by our expertly trained technicians at SERVPRO to provide you with a solution to restoring your soft goods to their pre-damage condition. We use it to clean, freshen and disinfect items such as clothing, stuffed animals, luggage, thick coats and even footwear. The system is useful for restoring several different types of objects that you may think lost forever.
SERVPRO technicians utilize Esporta's 4-Step process to renewal, a system that is used to repair your items to their pre-damage condition.
1.) Detergent - Adding an environmentally safe chemical that includes solvents to help remove oil-based soils, smoke, sewer and body odors. While also having enough punch to kill 99.9997% of all mold, bacteria, fungus and viruses and being specifically designed for preventing itself from damaging leathers, fabrics, and foam items. It also includes a brightening agent.
2.) Penetration - A water pressure system that cleans and penetrates your items while keeping things centered as a wheel moves through the water. Allowing the hydraulic pressure to force contaminants out of your belongings using the detergent.
3.) Forced Additive - Used to remove the penetrator detergent along with all mold spores, bacteria, and viruses on contact.
4.) Signature Fragrance - A combination of 140 different extracts that are used to introduce a fresh, long-lasting fragrance.
Let our professionals at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher put this system to work for you, call us today. (708) 672-0077
Forecasted Heavy Storms
6/26/2018 (Permalink)
Forecasted Heavy Storms
Is your family prepared for when your basement floods, sump pump fails, sewer backs up, or the need for board up or tarp off services after today's projected severe storms?
Today's forecast is calling for an unstable weather pattern which could lead to the potential of any of the previously listed claims. Whether it's you commercial business or you families residential home, make sure you call The Best to help mitagate your restoration claim.
We already service many of the following areas.... Peotone, Monee, Matteson, Park Forest, University Park, Steger, Chicago Heights, Crete, Sauk Village, Lynwood, Beecher and many, many more. Call us today to help mitigate your disaster.
708-672-0077
#WaterDamage #SewerDamage #Mold #FireDamage #SmokeDamage #BioCleanUp #FireRestoration #BoardUp #SERVPRO #PlanetSERVPRO #LargeLoss #DisasterRecovery #ICRA #SERVPROChicagoHeightsCreteBeecher #GoodGuysWearGreen #LikeItNeverEvenHappened
Sump pumps can really save you
6/12/2018 (Permalink)
If your home has a wet basement, you’re not alone. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that more than 60 percent of homes have issues with water in the basement.A sump pump can be an effective option for preventing water damage. Installed in a pit in the basement, these units sense when the water from rain or snow melt is rising in the pit and approaching the floor level. The incoming water is then pumped outside before it can damage the home or its furnishings.Sump pumps are relatively low-maintenance devices, but you can help keep your unit operational by inspecting it regularly. Steps in a regular maintenance program can include:
- Checking the discharge line to make sure it is not stopped up or frozen. If necessary, unclog the air vent hole in the line.
- Checking the inlet screen to ensure that it’s not clogged with residue and debris. Do this three or four times per year.
- Making sure the float component is unobstructed and can move smoothly.
- Scanning the pit and removing any visible debris, mud, or stones.
- Testing the pump by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise with the water level, triggering the unit to start pumping. If pumping doesn’t begin, check to see that the unit is plugged in. Your float switch or check valve might also be at fault.
- Going outside to see that water is discharging and flowing where it’s supposed to go – well away from your home.
Once a year, disconnect the pump from the power source and remove the unit. Flush it thoroughly with water to remove impurities and debris. While you have the pump out, also clean debris from the sump pit. Reinstall the pump and reconnect the power source. Test the unit by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and making sure the pump starts.If your unit has backup battery power, replace the battery every two to three years, or as directed by the manufacturer.Always refer to your pump’s instruction manual for specific information about maintenance and operation. More information about sump pumps is available from the Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association. If your sump pump does fail Call (708) 672-0077 and a crew from SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/ Crete/ Beecher will come out and dry your basement and all other ares that are wet. We can also do Sump Pump Replacement if yours goes down.
SERVPRO Advanced Cleaning Equipment Salvages Many Belongings
11/13/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Advanced Cleaning Equipment Salvages Many Belongings
You might think that restoring your items or belongings after a major fire, flood or storm where the damage seems catastrophic is impossible. But our expertly trained staff at SERVPRO is here to ask that you not dispose of any items that you have damaged during an event until our professional technicians have had an opportunity to inspect them.
Our access to the Esporta Washing System in Lynwood after a storm gives us more opportunities to restore items before calling them a loss. The success that we've had in using this system has produced tremendous results that most customers can't believe, even when they see it themselves. Many soiled and contaminated soft items after a flooding can be salvaged.
This system is used by our expertly trained technicians at SERVPRO to provide you with a solution to restoring your soft goods to their pre-damage condition. We use it to clean, freshen and disinfect items such as clothing, stuffed animals, luggage, thick coats and even footwear. The system is useful for restoring several different types of objects that you may think lost forever.
SERVPRO technicians utilize Esporta's 4-Step process to renewal, a system that is used to repair your items to their pre-damage condition.
1.) Detergent - Adding an environmentally safe chemical that includes solvents to help remove oil-based soils, smoke, sewer and body odors. While also having enough punch to kill 99.9997% of all mold, bacteria, fungus and viruses and being specifically designed for preventing itself from damaging leathers, fabrics, and foam items. It also includes a brightening agent.
2.) Penetration - A water pressure system that cleans and penetrates your items while keeping things centered as a wheel moves through the water. Allowing the hydraulic pressure to force contaminants out of your belongings using the detergent.
3.) Forced Additive - Used to remove the penetrator detergent along with all mold spores, bacteria, and viruses on contact.
4.) Signature Fragrance - A combination of 140 different extracts that are used to introduce a fresh, long-lasting fragrance.
Let our professionals at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher put this system to work for you, call us today. (708) 672-0077
Property damage from a storm in Beccher
6/28/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Promptly Restores Your Beecher Storm Damaged Property
When you have suffered any flood damage, whether it was from backups in the basement sewer or from a large-scale disaster from a major storm, you’ll need certified technicians who know how to handle best flood damage, especially storm related. The last thing you want to have to do is search for a flood cleanup company that is reliable after you are dealing with a flood. Knowing who to call beforehand is important and will make things move much faster in the event of a problem.
It can be deceptive to how much damage water really does. It will penetrate into structural cavities, making pockets of trapped saturation. Finding water in these areas can many times only be discovered with moisture meters. Moisture which goes undetected will keep causing damage, and this damage at a minimum will result in unpleasant odors. Even more, the damage will surface when materials shrink, delaminate and split, further deteriorating to where you will need very costly repairs. Plus, dangerous bacteria and mold can grow, causing very serious health problems for you and the members of your family.
What You Can Expect
Once you call a professional water damage cleanup service like SERVPRO, we will first come and remove all the water in your residence with tools such as vacuums. The professional equipment that we use will allow the company to get all of the water out of your home without creating a larger mess while doing so. Large air movers can also be used to finish getting rid of the water and dry out the rooms in your home. The primary goal is to dry your home out as fast as possible to prevent further secondary water damage.
Once the water is visibly dried up, our company should also go through with water meters so we can assess the damage. This will make spotting the source of any other water or moisture much easier, and once we’ve conducted any work which needs to be performed, we’ll take another reading to make sure your home is completely dry and back to its normal state. We will also use thermal foggers, ozone machines, and air scrubbers as needed to ensure that all odors have eliminated and all debris as well. Sanitizing the affected areas after a groundwater flooding is critical to remove any pathogens or other harmful agents.
Not all companies are the same however, so that is why if you do have any water damage, you will want to contact the professional services of SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher right away. We can be reached anytime of the day or night and any day of the week by calling (708) 672-0077, and we arrive at your residence promptly since we are Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Avoid Storm Damage with a Sump Pump in Monee
6/9/2017 (Permalink)
Sump Pump Replacement SERVPRO Chicago Heights/ Crete/ Beecher
If your home has a wet basement, you’re not alone. The American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that more than 60 percent of homes have issues with water in the basement.A sump pump can be an effective option for preventing water damage. Installed in a pit in the basement, these units sense when the water from rain or snow melt is rising in the pit and approaching the floor level. The incoming water is then pumped outside before it can damage the home or its furnishings.Sump pumps are relatively low-maintenance devices, but you can help keep your unit operational by inspecting it regularly. Steps in a regular maintenance program can include:
- Checking the discharge line to make sure it is not stopped up or frozen. If necessary, unclog the air vent hole in the line.
- Checking the inlet screen to ensure that it’s not clogged with residue and debris. Do this three or four times per year.
- Making sure the float component is unobstructed and can move smoothly.
- Scanning the pit and removing any visible debris, mud, or stones.
- Testing the pump by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise with the water level, triggering the unit to start pumping. If pumping doesn’t begin, check to see that the unit is plugged in. Your float switch or check valve might also be at fault.
- Going outside to see that water is discharging and flowing where it’s supposed to go – well away from your home.
Once a year, disconnect the pump from the power source and remove the unit. Flush it thoroughly with water to remove impurities and debris. While you have the pump out, also clean debris from the sump pit. Reinstall the pump and reconnect the power source. Test the unit by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and making sure the pump starts.If your unit has backup battery power, replace the battery every two to three years, or as directed by the manufacturer.Always refer to your pump’s instruction manual for specific information about maintenance and operation. More information about sump pumps is available from the Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association. If your sump pump does fail Call (708) 672-0077 and a crew from SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/ Crete/ Beecher will come out and dry your basement and all other ares that are wet. We can also do Sump Pump Replacement if yours goes down.
Even As Flood Waters Recede, Flood Damage Can Continue To Rise In Chicago Heights
3/10/2017 (Permalink)
Flood damage can cause damage to a home's structure, including the foundation or basement walls.
Flood Damage
Flooding causes problems wherever it happens. Some of these problems are not visible to the naked eye. You might be able to smell the microbial deposits left behind, and this should be a warning that even floods that barely cover your floor can pose risks long after they are gone.
In Chicago Heights, flood damage can cause damage to a home's structure, including the foundation or basement walls. The higher flooding becomes, the more damage there can be to walls, furniture, and staircases. Microbial activity, however, can occur in areas well above the flood line. Because humidity levels greatly increase indoors when flooding exists, it becomes much more likely that microbes such as mold and bacteria might be inhaled by those present in the home. Also, these microbes are also more easily deposited in locations that might have otherwise remained uncontaminated.
Mold is not the only microbe that can grow in your home. Bacteria can also do the same thing. Similarly to mold, some types of bacteria are more toxic than others. Because of the possible risks from both types of microbes, it is always best to remove any materials in flood-damaged homes and replace them with new materials. Areas that are not damaged by flood water, but rather instead by moisture that contains possible pathogens can be dried and then protected with antimicrobial agents. SERVPRO professionals receive training from the IICRC in such matters. We understand that thoroughness when completing each job is crucial for protecting our customers' homes and their families.
To ensure that humidity levels are reduced to normal after a flood, we implement equipment hat not only eliminates a significant portion of the microbes present, but we also restore the house and its contents to a normal level of humidity. Moisture levels that are within normal ranges are not conducive to microbial growth. Heaters, air movers, open windows and doors, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers help us accomplish this. When musty odors remain, we have the options of deodorizing with scented liquids placed in different sites in your home or using an ozone machine. Ozone bonds with particles in the air, making them inert. Ozone is what makes the air so fresh-smelling after a rain shower, and it can do the same thing in your home.
We at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher care about your home and your family. After flood damage, call us at (708) 672-0077. We can restore your home, so it is “Like it never even happened.”
Flood Damage Affecting Homes in Glenwood
2/8/2017 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO'S experts help after a flood in you home.
Finding knee-high water throughout your home after a water pipe burst is frustrating enough, the last thing you want is to struggle with locating a quality restoration company to assist you with repairs.
We have a solution to the flood damage affecting your Glenwood home. With several years of experience, expertise, and equipment to meet any of your needs, we provide you with unique solutions to just about any problem. Our water removal and cleanup process, for instance, gives you the peace of mind you deserve after a flood.
While every flood damage incident that SERVPRO responds to is a little different, our overall restoration process remains the same. We take the general information that you provide about your situation during your initial call and determine the proper amount of equipment, and personnel to assign to perform your repairs correctly.
When SERVPRO technicians arrive at your property, we perform a full damage assessment, determine how far moisture has been able to travel and make recommendations about which services will provide you with the best results. Based off of our initial inspection, your particular situation may require a variety of different services, or you may request additional services to address a personal concern.
Regardless, we always use the proper water removal and extraction equipment to remove as much standing water as possible, as fast as possible. We want to get started immediately to prevent secondary damage and mold growth from developing. The longer you leave the area unattended, the likelier it is to cause more issues.
SERVPRO drying technicians who specialize in removing water from hard to access areas, use moisture detectors and other devices to monitor the temperature and relative humidity of the affected areas, while determining the exact number of air movers and dehumidifiers that are necessary to dry your home properly.
Our cleaning and sanitation technicians handle the restoration of any contents affected by the event, with success in removing various odors and deodorizing many personal belongings you may have thought lost forever. You should avoid disposing of any contents until a professional restoration technician has had the opportunity to inspect each item.
We finalize the entire restoration process by putting finishing touches on any necessary repairs, including drywall and carpet replacement while working hard to help you return your home to a quality pre-flood damage condition that you can enjoy.
Contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights - Crete - Beecher for a quality scientific approach to restoring your property after a flood damage incident strikes. (708) 672-0077
Dealing With Furnace Malfunctions Due To Winter Related Issues
12/20/2016 (Permalink)
Clean Your Furnace Filters to Protect Your Home in Chicago Heights
Proper Maintenance is Key to Good Furnace Performance
Winter is here, and you're about to begin feeling the effects. Most homeowners simply don't prepare for winter, and it costs them when the cold weather finally arrives. There are many easy ways for you to prepare your furnace for winter, waiting until the last minute because you'd rather do something else with your time will leave you ill-prepared. With just a few hours of your day, you'll have your family comfortably enjoying the cozy winter weather together in the safety of your home. If you put it off or simply didn't have the time to get to it this year, we can help you prepare your furnace before you need it, give us a call today.
Our expertly trained staff in the Chicago Heights - Crete - Beecher area specializes in furnace malfunctions during winter related weather conditions. We can serve your needs quickly with our 24-hour response service, making sure that you and your family are safe and warm during the winter season.
SERVPRO technicians recommend replacing your furnace's air filter every month. It is easy to locate, all you need to do is remove the old filter and slide in a new one. Make sure that you follow the arrows on the frame to install it correctly. You might also consider upgrading to a pleated HEPA filter or an electrostatic filter to help increase your furnace's energy efficiency along with improved air quality.
You would benefit from hiring a professional company like SERVPRO to inspect and clean the air vents and ducting of your ventilation system to remove dust and other obstructions that prevent proper ventilation. We can check the furnace blower belts for cracks and ensure that your thermostat is working properly to maintain the proper temperature even while you are asleep or away from home. It is important to maintain in the cold season a constant 30 to 60-degree temperature in your home, even when you're not there. Maintaining the proper temperature helps to avoid freezing pipes or other hazards from forming during cold weather conditions.
The technicians at SERVPRO can also inspect your furnace's exhaust flue to determine whether it is performing properly, removing any branches or nests erected by animals during the summer and make sure that all of your air vents are working correctly and producing the proper air flow and quality. Furnace Blow Back can create a messy sooty problem within your home. A lack of maintenance, dirty filters, normal wear and tear, pilot control issues, and malfunctioning thermostats can all be taken care of by the services that we provide.
Contact our offices at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights - Crete - Beecher today. (708) 672-0077
24/7 Emergency Service
