Flooding On The Las Vegas Strip

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water poured in onto the casino floors.

For the second time in a little over two weeks, the Las Vegas Strip flooded, leaving rain pouring into multiple casinos through the doors and through the ceiling. Videos show the water raining down onto the carpet and card tables. In this most recent wave of flooding, the two casinos hit the hardest were Planet Hollywood and Caesars Palace. Planet Hollywood suffered a similar fate in the last flood occurrence, with rain coming in through the roof in that instance as well. Las Vegas is currently in its "monsoon season," with this monsoon season being called the most restless season in a decade by experts. According to the National Weather Service, Las Vegas has seen 1.28 inches of rainfall this year in 2022. This is the first time Las Vegas has had more than an inch of rainfall since 2014. The heavy rainfall wound up leaving over 12,000 people without electricity. 

Leaking Valve Floods Basement

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

The affected materials were removed from the basement in order to properly dry it.

A leaking valve in the water closet of this finished basement caused significant damage throughout. Based on the amount of water that was found down there, it is safe to assume that the valve had been leaking for some time. Once the leak was fixed by the plumber, it was time for SERVPRO to get in there and get to work. When it was all said and done, the laminate flooring had to be removed in order to dry the concrete and the drywall had to be cut in order to remove the wet insulation. As you can see in the image, the walls were flood cut at two feet to expose and properly dry the wet studs. Drying equipment, consisting of air movers and dehumidifiers, was placed and SERVPRO was able to get the basement dried out in just three days. The customer was extremely impressed with the efficiency and professionalism that SERVPRO displayed.

Flooding at FranCenter

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

The water flowed out into the carpeted areas

FranCenter is a children's tutoring service that recently suffered a loss due to a sink overflow. However, one seemingly positive aspect of the situation was that it happened on a Friday afternoon while there were still people in the building. If it would have happened over the weekend things could have gotten much worse for them. SERVPRO responded right away and was able to get in there and begin cleaning things up. After extracting the water, they turned their attention to any affected materials that needed to be removed. It is essential to check around and make sure you are not leaving any affected materials behind as this can lead to a number of issues down the road for the business. To do this, SERVPRO uses a moisture meter which helps determine what is wet in the not so obvious areas. FranCenter really wanted to be up and operational by the following Monday and SERVPRO delivered by taking care of the mitigation and getting it dried out in no time. SERVPRO handled the job with professionalism and efficiency leaving the customer beyond happy. 

Collapsed Ceiling

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

The large amounts of water entering the home caused the ceiling to collapse.

A significant rain storm exposed some literal holes in this homeowners roof. The water was able to penetrate the roof, getting into the attic and ultimately reaching the drywall that made up the ceiling. The ceiling took so much water that eventually it was too much to handle and it collapsed into the living room. As you can see from the staining on the ceiling in the photo, the water damage was much more than just the area that collapsed. SERVPRO ended up removing the entire ceiling in the living room as well as the blown in insulation. There was additional damage to one of the exterior walls, that would end up being removed as well as the insulation. However, this was no match for SERVPRO as they were able to get all of the demolition done in one day and then set the necessary drying equipment. In just a matter of a few days SERVPRO had them dried out and ready for reconstruction. 

Leaking Air Conditioning Unit

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

The leaking AC unit caused water damage to the nearby carpet.

Last Friday afternoon SERVPRO received a call from a homeowner who had discovered soaked carpet in her basement. Upon further investigation she determined it was coming from the air conditioning unit. After she had a HVAC company out to take care of the leak, it was SERVPRO's turn to get in there and take care of business. They began by moving all of the content that was in the way so they could better access the affected areas. This was clean water so they carpet was saved, however the padding underneath needed to be removed because that can not be dried. Once the padding was removed, any excess water that might have been on the concrete was mopped up. SERVPRO ended up placing 10 air movers and 1 dehumidifier. The carpet and concrete were dried up in a matter of days. The customer stated she could not be more pleased with the efficiency and professionalism that SERVPRO displayed.

Sewage Backup at Assisted Living Facility

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

One of the bathrooms affected by the sewage backup.

SERVPRO was recently called out to an emergency at Three Crowns Park, an assisted living facility in the area. The reason for the call was a sewage backup due to clogged drains. The backup would end up affecting four rooms total, a movie theatre area, the exercise room, and two bathrooms. The backup happened early in the morning and SERVPRO was able to respond to the situation in just a matter of hours. SERVPRO extracted any areas that needed it and then began to get rid of any affected material such as carpet and drywall. The removal of these materials is extremely necessary due to it being a category 3 loss. Once the materials were removed, everything was disinfected and the drying equipment was placed. The client couldn't believe how quickly SERVPRO was able to respond and get the entire situation under control. In just 4 days SERVPRO had the facility dried out and ready for reconstruction. 

Leaking Toilet Causes Ceiling to Collapse

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

The constant leaking from the toilet above became too much for this ceiling to handle.

A leaking toilet located in the bathroom directly above the one shown in the picture was the cause of this ceiling collapsing. Luckily, no one was using the bathroom when the ceiling collapsed. The ceiling and most of the walls in the lower bathroom had become completely saturated due to the constant leak. The affected walls and ceiling would need to be removed so the wood framing and studs could be properly dried out. There was one exterior wall containing insulation that was discarded as well due to its condition. In addition to the necessary demolition performed in the lower bathroom, there was also demolition performed in the upstairs bathroom. Once the leaking toilet was removed, SERVPRO removed the tile in the bathroom in order to gain access to the subfloor. The subfloor was soaked, meaning the removal of the tile was the best way to properly dry the subfloor safely and effectively. 

Leaking Spigot at Your Home

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking water spigot can cause significant damage to your home.

Summer is fast approaching, which means acts associated with using your outside hose become more common. Whether that be watering your grass, watering your plants, or filling up a pool. With this becomes the danger of discovering your outside water spigot froze over the winter and cracked, leading to possible water damage in your home the first time you turn it on. Often times, most people do not realize there is a problem until after it is far too late. Having someone in the house while you turn it on for the first time to watch and see if they notice anything can go a long way in limiting damage. If you discover there is a leak, you should use the shut off valve located in the house to turn off the water supply. Immediately contact a plumber to have them out to inspect the spigot. If water damage has taken place, be sure to call SERVPRO right away to ensure the project gets taken care of efficiently and correctly.

SERVPRO Cleaning Products

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Wall and All Surface Cleaner is a must on all fire jobs!

Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, we come across numerous different types of jobs, which requires us to have cleaning products that can take care of anything. The SERVPRO cleaning products catalog contains hundreds of products, however some of them are used much more frequently than others. This blog will highlight what products may be used on a few different job types. 

Water Jobs - SERVPROXIDE may be the most frequently used product in the company due to its versatility. For the most part it is used on water jobs, and its purpose is to kill harmful bacteria, viruses and mold on hard surfaces. It can be applied with a rag, a mop, or a sprayer depending on the situation. 

Fire Jobs - When it comes to fire jobs, a great deal of the work comes from cleaning the smoke and soot off of the walls and ceilings. To do this we use two products that are directly related. The first product is Wall and All Surface Cleaner. This product is designed to clean smoke damage on any painted or washable surface. Wall Rinse is used after, it is a neutralizing and deodorizing agent used to rinse the walls. Using Wall Rinse will leave the walls neutral and film free. 

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook IICRC

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is a certified member of the IICRC.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is an active member of the IICRC. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is the leader in industry standards when it comes to restoration. In addition to setting the standards, they also provide training and certification to restoration companies. Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook we proudly display the IICRC logo on all of our vehicles as well as in the entrance to our office. 

When you are a member of the IICRC, there are certain things that you must do, among them are the following;

• Require at least one technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and has passed all required tests.
• Present accurate information to customers and maintain integrity and honesty.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect everyone involved in the event of an accident.

There are a few other requirements to be met in order to maintain your status in the IICRC, but those are three of the major ones. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is a proud member of the IICRC and we ensure we will represent them in the best way possible. 

Lightning Fires

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning struck this home's attic causing it to go up in flames.

House fires caused by lightning strikes are probably more common than you would think. Insurance companies estimate home and commercial losses caused by lightning that are worth billions of dollars every year. 

If you are in your home when the lightning strikes, you will hear a loud explosive sound. In older homes, it is likely that your house and everything in it will shake. In newer homes, most of them have been built to withstand and absorb a lightning strike, reducing the shake. However, the exterior damage and shaking is usually minor compared to the aftermath, which is the main concern.

The tough part about lightning striking your home is that if a fire is started, you may not notice until it is too late. The fire could start in an attic or in the walls for instance. You should contact your local fire department right away, even if you don't see any smoke or fire. If the fire department clears your home, the next thing you should do is follow up with an electrician to inspect your home and make sure no fire hazards were created by the strike. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict if or when a lightning strike will hit your house, but being prepared and knowing what to do in the aftermath will go a long way.

April Showers

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy rainfall left over 6 inches of water in this basement.

Torrential rain in the Woodridge, IL area last week caused some major damages for homeowners throughout the town. As you can see in the image below, this homeowner had over 6 inches of water throughout their entire basement. Their sump pump failed to turn on, resulting in the flooding. The homeowner could not get a plumber out there in a reasonable time to replace the sump pump, so SERVPRO put their own pump in the basement to begin the process of removing the water. Once the standing water was removed, SERVPRO then went forward with removing any affected materials in order to initiate the drying process. In hectic times like this, SERVPRO is prepared to deal with any situation that may come up. SERVPRO has the equipment and their technicians have the experience to handle anything that comes their way. As the "April showers" continue to wreak havoc, SERVPRO is here to help.

The Mitigation Process

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

This wall was affected by the water, resulting in it being cut at 2ft to remove the drywall and insulation.

The last section that was highlighted in the SERVPRO process was the inspection. Once the inspection is performed and the estimate is given the go-ahead, it now becomes time to perform the mitigation. The technicians on site will use the estimate as well as their professional knowledge to perform the job as efficient and accurate as possible. They will remove all affected materials, depending on the situation this consists of flooring (carpet, laminate, vinyl, tile), walls (drywall, plaster, wood paneling) and ceiling (drywall, plaster, ceiling tiles). Once all of the affected materials are removed and the work area has been cleaned and disinfected, it is them time to set the necessary drying equipment. We use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out all affected areas. How much equipment SERVPRO uses depends on the size of the job and is determined by a program called DryBook. SERVPRO will return each day to monitor the equipment and the materials to ensure they are drying properly. The drying process usually takes three days but can vary from job to job.

Smoke Damage

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

A fire caused soot to stain the drywall and leave behind a residue.

When a fire occurs in your home, there is more too it than just the flame you see. Even in a minor fire that is put out rather quickly, you still have to worry about the damage that smoke and soot can cause. Often times smoke and soot can creep into cavities in your home causing damage that may not be easily seen.

There are two different types of smoke, wet and dry. Below is some information about both kinds and where they may occur:

Wet Smoke -This is most commonly found on materials such as plastic and rubber. Wet smoke is more likely to occur at low heat, causing smoldering and melting. Wet smoke is often more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke -Dry smoke is associated mostly with paper and wood. These materials burn faster and at higher temperatures. Due to their intense heat, they give off more smoke.

It is important to have a trained SERVPRO technician out to test which type of smoke has occurred, as this will determine how they approach the restoration process.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook Storm Response

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook responded to Hurricane Sally in Alabama in the fall of 2020.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is no stranger to responding to major storms, from Alabama to New Jersey to right here in Woodridge. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook prides themselves on their ability to take on any storm or flood damage in any situation. The crews are well trained and use their knowledge and abilities to bring your property back to its pre-storm appearance. 

Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, we have the resources and equipment to make the process as efficient as possible. With over 350 pieces of equipment, we are more than capable of handling even the greatest storm damage. And to make things even better, if our 350 pieces of equipment are not enough, we have access to equipment from over 1,500 franchises across the country.

Our goal is to respond as quickly as possible when we are called, limiting the damage and your worries. If you have any storm damage or restoration needs, call us today at 630-771-1720.

The Process

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

For all of your restoration needs call SERVPRO Woodridge/Bolingbrook at 630-771-1720

We understand at SERVPRO that when you're calling us, it is probably not in your best moment. That is why we aim to make this an easy and understandable process from start to finish. When you call the office of SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, you will be greeted by one of our professionals who will begin to walk through things with you. They will ask several questions such as the ones listed below:

1. Your name and information (Phone number, email)

2. Home/Loss address

3. Insurance information (if it applies)

4. When did the damage occur?

5. What was the cause or the source of the damage?

Once we have this information, we can move forward with scheduling an inspection or skipping that and scheduling the work based on the situation. We ask these questions to get a better idea of the scope of work, what type of equipment is needed, and how many technicians are needed. 

The Inspection Process

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO technician is checking the floor with a moisture meter to determine the next course of action.

Our last "Why SERVPRO" blog highlighted the initial steps in the process of remediation. It discussed the initial call and what type of questions may be asked in order for us to get a better understanding of the job at hand. Well now comes time for the second part of the process, the inspection. After you give all of your information to us on the initial call, we will schedule a time for us to come by and perform an inspection to determine the scope of work. When we come to look at your home, we will do things such as check the walls, ceilings, and floors for signs of moisture. In some cases it is obvious what is wet or where the water is coming from, but in other cases we have to use our moisture meters to determine what is wet. Once we have figured out what needs to be done to do the job the correct way, we will send you an estimate. The estimate will contain everything we plan on doing, broken down line by line. After the estimate is reviewed by the homeowner and the job is scheduled, the next step in the process is to get started on the work.

Tornado Season

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

An EF-3 tornado tore through Woodridge last June, damaging many homes along its path.

As we flip the calendar to March, this usually means two things, spring is coming and so is tornado season. In the Midwest, tornado season typically runs from March to early June. Just last year, we had a tornado hit in Woodridge only a couple miles from where our office is located. When something like that happens right in your backyard it makes you realize how important it is to be prepared for the situation. Here are some tips to help you prepare in the event of a tornado;

It is important to identify the safest location in your house, this is usually a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest level of the home with no windows. 

Putting together an emergency kit will go a long way in helping you through the event. The kit should contain things such as food, water, flashlights, batteries, and any medications your family may need.

Ensure your family knows how to get in touch with each other in the event someone gets separated. Develop a plan, whether that be meeting at a specific location, contacting a neighbor, etc. Relying on a phone call is risky due to the volume of calls and the possibility of the lines getting jammed.

Being prepared will go a long way in providing you and your family with safety and security in the event of a tornado. 

Office Disaster

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

A broken pipe at a local school caused the office below to suffer heavy water damage.

What started out as a quiet, typical school day for one counselor at a local high school, soon became a little more exciting. A pipe above the woman's office burst, causing it to rain down in her office. Luckily they were able to turn off the water and get the situation under control before the damage continued to get worse. SERVPRO responded not too long after and they got right to work. SERVPRO began with extracting the water from the carpet in the room. This is an important step because by removing as much water as possible, this allows the carpet to dry much quicker. The next thing they needed to do was remove any damaged ceiling tiles, these are not salvageable due to the material they are made from so they were discarded. After removing all the water they could and performing the necessary demolition, it was time to place the drying equipment and get the office dried out in the quickest and most effective manner. After a few days of the equipment running, the room was completely dried out and the job had been a success. This job served as a good reminder that water can strike anywhere, but no matter what, SERVPRO will always be there to get the job done.

Protecting Your Home

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, your first call when disaster strikes.

When disaster strikes, it is important to us here at SERVPRO to ensure that nothing else gets damaged in your home when we are performing mitigation services. There are a few steps or precautions we may take to protect your belongings as well as unaffected areas of the home. At SERVPRO we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to ensure your home and your belongings are safe.

One thing we may do is set up a containment barrier to separate the affected area from the unaffected area. By doing this we are eliminating the possibility of any dust or debris being blown into the unaffected area while our equipment is running.

In addition to setting up the containment barrier, we will also use plastic sheeting to cover any items that are still in the affected area such as couches, beds, clothes, etc. Keeping these things covered stops them from being affected by any dust or debris.

One last thing we may do is use boxes to put any content from the room that may have not been affected but will be in the way of the work that needs to be performed. Smaller items such as toys, pictures, games. These are small enough to fit in a box and be placed in another room, providing more space for the SERVPRO techs to complete the job.

SERVPRO At Your Service

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, here for you at all times.

Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, we take pride in being able to help with all of your restoration needs. We offer 24/7 emergency services for when disaster strikes at the worst of times. The team at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook aims to provide professional service while doing the job in the most effective and efficient way possible. The services we provide include, water mitigation, fire restoration and clean up, general house cleanings, biohazard clean up and sanitizing/disinfecting of residential and commercial properties. Our two main areas consist of fire and water. If any of these ever strike your home, SERVPRO will have things back to normal in no time by following this process:

Water -

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment 

Step 3: Water Removal/Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration 

Fire - 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board Up and Roof Tarp Service (If Needed)

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (If Water Damage is Present)

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from all Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning and Repair

Step 7: Restoration 

Winter Storm Preparedness

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Having these items can in a Emergency Supply Kit can go a long way in ensuring your safety.

In the event of a severe winter storm, it is important that you are prepared. Winter storms can make travel extremely difficult if not impossible, so it is imperative that you take necessary steps to ensure you have what you need to get through it safely. Below are some steps you should take to enhance your preparedness:

1. Stock your food pantry. Try to include non-perishable items so they do not spoil in the event you lose power. You should aim to have enough food for 3 days.

2. Buy bottled water. Bottled water is important to have incase your pipes freeze and you can not access tap water. The water can also be used for washing dishes or hygiene purposes. 

3. Fill your prescriptions. Have at least 3 days worth of any prescription medication you may need.  

4. Build an emergency kit. Your kit should include things such as a first aid kit, a battery or hand crank operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets and matches. 

The Dangers of Space Heaters

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

The fire started directly below this unit.

Space heaters, although very effective and convenient, have the potential to wreak some havoc. Space heaters are capable of overloading circuits, leading to fires. They can also easily start clothes or any other type of linens on fire. This was the case for one home, as their space heater on the first floor caught on fire while no one was in the room. By the time it was discovered it was too late, the room was up in flames and they needed to evacuate. The two rooms effected most were the room it started in and the room directly above it, as shown in the picture. The rest of the home suffered severe smoke damage and SERVPRO was called in to help them pack up their belongings and then begin to work on cleaning the walls and ceilings inside the home to remove the remaining soot. It is important to remember that if you must use a space heater, never leave it unattended and keep it away from all things flammable.  

Broken Pipe For New Homeowners

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

The broken pipe in the ceiling led to 100% of this room needed to be demoed.

Buying a new home is perhaps one of the most exciting things for a young couple. Although very exciting, it can also be stressful. And as if it wasn't stressful enough, imagine having to deal with a broken pipe flooding your home just two weeks after you've moved in! This was the case for one couple, but luckily they were quick to call SERVPRO. SERVPRO arrived and began to assess the damage and started the process of removing the effected materials. The broken pipe effected a bedroom and the basement directly beneath it. Once they had removed the effected materials such as drywall and carpet, it was time to place the equipment that would dry the rooms out. The equipment consisted of numerous amount of air movers and dehumidifiers, these pieces of equipment will work together to dry out the spaces. The couples quick action to call SERVPRO most likely helped them limit the damage and saved themselves even more troubles. 

Preventing Water Damage While You're on Vacation

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes in this home led to major damages.

Many people across the country love to escape the wintery cold for much more enjoyable weather elsewhere, although we cant blame you for that, there are some things you should do before you leave to ensure your house stays dry while you're gone. 

1 - Turn off the water main.

2 - Drain your pipes after the water main has been turned off. Sink faucets, toilets, outside spigots, etc.

3 - Keep your HVAC system on and running. Doing this allows for the air in your home to circulate, without it, it can lead to mold or pipes freezing.

4 - Although this one might sound strange, it can come in handy. Put anti-freeze in your toilet bowl. Even when you turn off the water and drain the tank, there will still be water left in the bowl. Putting the anti-freeze in the bowl will prevent the water from freezing and expanding resulting in cracked porcelain. 

Fire in Evanston

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in the furnace room of an Evanston home caused significant damage in the basement as well as smoke damage throughout the home. The picture below shows plastic melted to the wall as well as the ash that followed. SERVPRO was called in to assess the damage and begin the process of restoring the home. There was damage to the drywall in the room where the fire started as well as the room next to it. Because it was damaged, it needed to be removed and disposed of. There was no demolition required anywhere else in the home, however that does not mean the work was done. Due to the damage from the smoke, the house needed to be cleaned from top to bottom, this included ceilings, walls, floors and content. This was no easy task, but SERVPRO put their best effort forward and got the job done as they always do!

Top Causes of Winter Fires

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

There is a lot of excitement associated with the holiday season, but it is important not to forget about the dangers that come with it. This blog will highlight the top 4 causes of winter fires so you can better avoid them.

1) Candles - Although they smell good and can make for nice decorations, candles have proven to be a major fire hazard. From 2012-2016, there were an estimated 8,200 candle fires with December being the peak month. 

2) Smoking - It might be cold outside, but taking your smoke breaks inside is not the answer. Smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes are the leading cause of fire deaths in America.

3) Electrical Lighting - Ensuring your Christmas lights are safe and working properly can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Look out for loose bulbs or frayed wires. It is also important that you do not overload an outlet or power strip. 

4) Christmas Trees - Whether you have a real tree or an artificial tree, it is important that you keep it away from combustibles such as candles, fireplaces, radiators, etc. Its important to keep your tree fed with water to ensure it doesn't dry out, trees are extremely flammable when dry.

Northeastern Storms

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Dozens of cars became trapped in the flood.

Hurricane Ida made its mark in more place than one. In addition to tearing through the Gulf Coast, its aftermath was felt all the way up in the northeastern part of the United States. More than 7 inches of rain fell in a short period of time, something they hade never seen before. The NWS issued the first ever flash flood warning for New York City as a result of this. This extreme flash flooding came as a surprise, allowing no time for the people to prepare. People became trapped in their cars and homes with nowhere to go. Over 40 people have been reported dead as a result of the flooding, a devastating statistic. At least six tornadoes were reported across Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia in addition to the extreme flooding. 

In Case Of Emergency

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Flashlights will come in handy in the event of a power outage.

Emergency can strike anywhere, even at your commercial business. When something goes wrong or you find yourself in an emergency type of situation it is important to be prepared.  This post is going to outline some supplies that will come in handy if you ever find yourself in one of these situations. 

1.Emergency Lighting - Having a light available to you is extremely important in the event of the power going out. Knowing where flashlights are is key.

2. First Aid Kit - Having a stocked first aid kit is imperative. Injuries are possible and you need to be able to properly address them when they occur. 

3. Tools - Having an assortment of basic tools at your business can come in handy in event of needing to perform an emergency task.

Fireplace Safety Tips

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fireplace safety is important to protect your home.

As summer winds down and the cooler weather starts heading our way, there is nothing better than cozying up to your fireplace with a good book. Here are some helpful tips to keeping you safely warm this fall and winter.

• Get your chimney inspected each year to make sure that it is safe
• Hire a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney every fall
• Repair any cracks in fireplaces
• Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and debris inside the fireplace
• Do not ever use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Make sure that combustible materials are not stored within three feet of your fireplace
• For natural gas fireplaces, get all connections and lines inspected before use each season
• Remember that outdoor fireplaces can be just as dangerous as indoor units, and observe all safety precautions when using them

Homeowner Tips

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Clogged gutters can lead to standing water which can damage your roof.

No one is immune from the terror of finding water damage in your home, but you can do your best to avoid it. This blog is going to provide homeowners with a couple tips on how to avoid water damage in their home by addressing some things outside of the home.

1. Disconnect hoses

Disconnecting your hoses from the faucet should be on your fall to-do list. Standing water in a hose can freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block that – in a best case scenario – stops your water flow and, worst case, may bust your pipes and create damage to walls, floor and foundation.

2. Clean gutters and downspouts

Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dams. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof and unmanaged overflow may create puddles that could damage your foundation. Don’t forget to clean any downspouts to ensure water can flow through and secure your downspouts so that they point away from the home.

The Easy Choice

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO for all of your cleaning or restoration needs.

In the event that you may experience a flood or a fire at your home, you will be overcome with panic and uncertainty. You'll likely jump online and search for a company to come help you, which to be honest, is a waste of time. There's only one company you should call when you are in need and that's us over here at SERVPRO. Our trained professionals will get in there and tackle the job with efficiency and professionalism, leaving you with absolutely nothing to worry about. At SERVPRO, we aim to provide nothing but exceptional service and do our best to meet any needs or answer any questions that the customer might have. We take pride in our work and look forward to helping those in need day in and day out. 

Water In Your Home

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

An overflowing sink in the unit above you can be big trouble for your home.

Water is one of those things that no matter how hard you try to prevent it, it can always make its way into your house. Whether it be a broken pipe, leaking refrigerator line, or even your neighbor that lives above you forgetting to turn the faucet off, water has many ways to effect your home. If and when you do notice water in your home, try your best to identify the source as quickly as possible to limit the damage. In the event you can not locate the source, call a professional ASAP so they can get out there and identify the problem and start the process of getting it fixed. It is important not to panic and begin to take the necessary steps to get the situation under control. 

Sprinkler Floods Hospital

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

The MRI machine located in the effected room

Recently SERVPRO was called in to clean up after a sprinkler head went off unprovoked on the third level of a hospital. The most damage seemed to occur in the MRI room of the hospital, which provided its own problems due to no metal being allowed in the room, meaning the majority of tools could not be brought in. The strong pull of the MRI machine would have flung the tools across the room. Our team at SERVPRO went in there and was able to identify the effected areas in the ceiling and the walls and remove what was necessary in order to begin the drying process. SERVPRO was able to work around the obstacles that were placed in front of them and still get the job done like true professionals. 

Commercial Services 24/7

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

This flooded office space is no match for SERVPRO.

Water damage can strike your commercial business at a moments notice. As a business, the thought of having to close down for a period of time due to a water loss can be devastating, costing your business time and money. The time that goes by after experiencing a loss can be pivotal, costing your business not only money but can keep you from meeting quotas or productivity goals. When something like this happens, do not hesitate, call SERVPRO right away. With our 24/7 emergency services, we will be there right away to offer our assistance. Whether you are a small retail business or a fortune 500 company, the professionals here at SERVPRO will have you and your business taken care of in no time. 

Commercial Water Damage Prevention

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

Knowing the location of the emergency water shut-off valve allows you to access it in a quicker fashion.

Whether it be residential or commercial, water damage can strike at any time. When it comes to commercial water losses, it is important to know to handle the situation when it strikes as well as how to take steps from preventing it from happening in the first place. This blog is going to highlight some steps you can take to prevent and limit damage. 

1. Know where the emergency water shut-off valves are located in the building, this can go a long way in minimizing damage.

2. Have a contingency plan in place incase whoever is in charge is unavailable, this will provide directions on what steps to take next.

3. Identify your local SERVPRO's in the area so they can arrive in a timely manner to address the situation. 

Heating Up

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

This AC unit caught fire and is completely destroyed.

The weather is not the only thing that can be hot during the summer. Fires are very common during the summer months and can put a real damper on your summer festivities. Fires can happen for a number of reasons, but this blog is going to highlight some of the most common reasons a fire may start at your home this summer.

1. Smoking fires. Though they are common all year, they are especially common in the summer due to the lack of awareness when discarding a cigarette. Be careful not to discard into dry grass or near any flammable structures.

2. Air Conditioning fires. Faulty wiring is usually the cause of AC fires. Fires are most likely to occur when it is hottest outside, between 2-8PM.

3. Lightning fires. Lightning can strike your house and cause a fire to start. It is important to be aware of the weather and stay ready for anything to happen. 

Top Floor Disater

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

The water from above caused serious damage to this ceiling in the unit below it.

Recently SERVPRO was called out to check out a loss that had happened in an apartment building. The loss stemmed from a washing machine that had began to leak on the third floor. As you might have guessed, this would cause trouble for the units below it as well as they received the bulk of the damage. SERVPRO arrived and was able to assess the damage and come up with an effective plan to get the damage taken care of. Removing all of the effected materials would be necessary to start the drying process. The team at SERVPRO handled the job with flying colors and was able to help take care of the problem. This before picture shows some of the damage that was sustained by a below unit. 

Leaking Roof Wreaks Havoc

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

The leaking roof caused significant damage to this bedroom ceiling.

You often wont know your roof is leaking until it is too late, which was exactly the case for this homeowner. They woke up to the surprise of one of their bedroom ceilings on the verge of coming down. Thankfully, the room was unoccupied so there was no immediate danger to anyone in the home. Once they discovered they had a problem, they made the right decision to call SERVPRO in to take care of it. The damage to the ceiling was very evident, resulting in the whole ceiling needing to be torn down as well as the insulation removed. The exterior wall in the room was also saturated so the decision to remove that wall and the insulation was made as well. When it was all said and done, SERVPRO had taken care of their problems and set them on the right track to dry their home. 

Top 5 Causes of Commercial Water Losses

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking sprinkler head can lead to significant damage in a commercial building.

Commercial buildings are not immune to water damage, in this blog I will point out the top 5 causes of commercial water losses. 

1. Broken or damaged pipes. Many factors can lead to broken pipes such as the pipes freezing or changes in temperature.

2. Leaking sprinkler systems. Similar to broken pipes, leaking sprinklers can cause substantial damage. Look out for wet carpets and walls as well as mold or musty smells.

3. Window Damage. Damage to the window or having a bad seal can cause water damage. This will allow water and moisture to leak into the building.

4. Damaged HVAC system. If the HVAC system begins to ware out or become damaged, this will lead to leaks.

5. Damaged roof. Roof damage can be caused by heavy winds or snowfall, amongst other things. Proper roof maintenance is important in protecting yourself from any further damage.

Summer Water Damage

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

It is important to keep an eye on your sprinklers to ensure they are not being aimed at the house.

Everyone loves summer, the warm weather, the long nights, and all of the possibilities that lie ahead. Unfortunately, summer is no exception to water damage and the havoc it can cause. Here are some things to keep an eye on this summer that could give you some trouble.

1. A/C Overflows - A/C units and window units are susceptible to leaks which can damage walls and floors in the home. If you have a window unit, make sure the drainage hose is running out of the window.

2. Irrigation systems. Home irrigation systems, though nice and convenient, can cause problems for you. Make sure the sprinklers are not aimed at your house, this can cause water to pool up and leak into your foundation. 

Storms Rip through Illinois

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

A storm cloud rolls through Illinois bringing about heavy rain and hail.

Last week a very severe thunderstorm moved throughout northern Illinois, bringing strong winds, rain and hail with it. Wind gusts as high as 60 mph swept through the area. Their were reports of half-dollar sized hail, which could cause some damage if if it were to hit your car or home. The rain that came with the storm caused flooding in some areas and some homes. The volume of rain was too great to keep up with, especially when dealing with residential sump pumps. After what seemed to be a little bit of a drought, the area has seen a substantial amount of rainfall in the last month. Starting with the devastating tornado that tore through the suburbs and ending with last weeks heavy storms.

Tips To Avoid Water Damage While On Vacation

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

A properly working sump pump can be a savior for your home.

Going on vacation is always an exciting time, however, coming home to a flooded house can quickly turn things into a nightmare. Here are some tips to help you avoid water damage while you're away this summer.  

1. Complete a thorough check- Before you leave, make sure to inspect your home for any leaks or damages throughout the house. Check out all of the pipes underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. You should also check any hoses and lines that run to appliances such as your refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher. 

2. Test The Sump Pump- Testing your sump pump before you leave will not only tell you if its working properly but also bring you piece of mind while you're away. A great way to test your sump pump is by filling the pit with a bucket of water and then from there you will be able to see if it is actually pumping out the water or not. 

3. Ask Someone To Check On Your Home- Whether you're going to be away for a couple days or a couple weeks, it's smart to ask a family member or friend to check in on things at your house. Having someone check on your house gives them a chance to spot any leaks or water damage quicker, resulting in less damage occurring.

Spring Cleaning

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Hot water extraction allows for a deeper, more effective cleaning.

Whether your spring cleaning has already gotten underway, or you've pushed it off another week, let our SERVPRO professionals help you. This is the perfect time to take advantage of our carpet and upholstery cleaning services.

Here at SERVPRO, we offer a variety of different options when it comes to carpet and upholstery cleaning:

Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method used mainly for short piled carpets.

Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method suitable for all carpet and upholstery types. This method is best at removing the dirt deep down in the fibers of the material.

Deluxe Pre-condition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.

Showcase Premier Cleaning: Our most thorough cleaning method. Uses both hot water extraction and a rotary carpet cleaner.

Dry Cleaning: Perfect for when color-fastness is an issue.

Nothing But The Best

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is committed to meeting all of your restoration needs.

Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, we are committed to providing the best service possible to all of our customers. One way we are committed to doing this is by putting our employees through various certification courses through the IICRC. The IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC offers certification courses in areas such as water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, odor control and various other topics. By completing these courses, our employees are able to take the knowledge learned in the classroom and directly apply it to the current job at hand. When you call on SERVPRO, you can have confidence that the employees doing the work have the best training and know what it takes to effectively and efficiently handle all of your restoration needs. 

Fire Pit Safety

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

An example of a safe open fire.

With the weather turning you might find yourself spending more time around the fire pit, here are some safe practice to save you and your home.

1. Never build your fire under an awning or any sort of overhang. This also includes trees, bushes, or umbrellas.

2. Always be ready to extinguish the flames. Whether that be when the party is winding down and it's time for bed, or in case of emergency. Make sure you have an extinguisher handy so your party doesn't crash and burn. 

3. Never leave your fire unattended. Something as simple as a wind gust can put your entire home in jeopardy. Checking the wind conditions is another thing you should keep in mind when building your fire. If the wind is blowing towards your home or other flammable objects, you might have to save it for another day.

Winter Storm Hits Texas

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Icicles hang from the ceiling fan after multiple pipes burst.

Last month most of the southern United States was effected by an unusual winter storm. The state of Texas was hit especially hard with pipe breaks and massive power outages taking place throughout the state. With so many people experiencing flooding and water damage in their homes, they were in desperate need of help.

This is where SERVPRO stepped in. SERVPRO activated hundreds of storm teams to go down there and help with the recovery efforts. SERVPRO franchises from all over the country responded to the call, packed up and headed south by the truckload. 

As you can see in the image, there was water coming from every level of this homes. The freezing temperatures caused a pipe on the upper level to burst and leak through the ceiling and into the ceiling fan.

Barbecue Season

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

An out of control flame becomes even more dangerous if located near a structure.

As the weather begins to turn for the better, there are few things that signal the sign of summer better than the first barbecue of the year. Although this is a joyous moment, that joy can turn to worry in a heartbeat. Here are some tips to ensure that you avoid any accidents and have a safe summer of grilling.

1. Make sure you grill outside and away from any structures. Avoid grilling under any umbrellas or awnings as they can quickly catch fire.

2. Provide your grill with a stable surface to stand on. Doing this ensures that your grill wont fall or be tipped over.

3. Check for propane leaks. Propane leaks are very dangerous and if undetected can lead to fire or explosion. The line can be checked by applying a solution consisting of soap and water to the valve where they connect. Then turn the tank on, if you see bubbles, there is a leak.

Best of the Best

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened."

There's never a lot of time to stop and think when disaster strikes. That's why when you call SERVPRO we're always ready. We respond 24/7/235, it doesn't matter how big or small the problem may be you can always call us. We're here to make the process go as smoothly as possible and as quickly as possible. With our skills, knowledge, and professionalism you will know right from the start that you made the right choice.

At SERVPRO we also know how important it is to do the whole job. Other restoration companies may skip corners or not even see it, but that's never the case with us. We'll make sure we're in and out thoroughly check and "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Woodridge Bolingbrook

Phone:(630) 771-1720

Email: sp9445@comcast.net  

Traveling Because We Care

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Our team here at SERVPRO Woodridge/Bolingbrook

As we move forward into 2021, sometimes it's good to take a look back at everything you've accomplished. Aside from COVID and everything that it brought with we had one of the craziest weather years in a long time. During the month of May Illinois we drenched with about a quarter of its average rainfall in 4 days. This ended up being a Storm event for SERVPRO franchises. Later that summer our own franchise traveled to St. Louis to help out with their torrential storm damage along with hurricane force winds. After a few weeks had passed the gulf and panhandle area was hit with 6 different hurricanes. We dispatched a crew for almost 6 weeks they worked around the clock before they headed home at the end of October.

We different areas are hit with disaster you're never alone. SERVPRO will always make sure that you're taken care of as quickly as possible.

Disaster Clean up Specialists

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Nearly Gone with the Wind

Your home should be your safe place. The place where life happens. When a storm, flood or fire strikes, your life can be turned upside down. SERVPRO is here to get life your back to normal, you can take on the repairs yourself, or look for a reliable disaster response company. Both options can seem overwhelming.

With more than 15 years experience, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook will restore your home quickly and seamlessly. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

Our comprehensive disaster response services are available 24/7 — for fire damage restoration, storm damage repair, and flood restoration.

A team of SERVPRO trained team of caring  professionals will take care of everything from communicating with your insurance adjuster to removing mold and replacing damaged baseboards.

Our goal in all cases is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Experience and Training in Mitigation

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Choose the right equipment for the job.

With over 40 years of business in the cleaning and restration industry and more than 1600 franchises, SERVPRO representatives have the right tools for the job.  Our technicians are trained on the newest and most up to date techniques and equipment.

We work smarter, not harder with the goal of putting our customers back to normal in as short a time as possible. By choosing the right equipment, we can shorten drying times and decrease mitigation costs.  We can also minimize the need for some demolition which will allow our customers to return to normal quicker than our competition.

Our goal is to be faster to any disaster and also return our customers to their normal routine as quickly and inexpensively as is safely possible.

Choose the right tool. Choose SERVPRO.       

Why Risk It?

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Helping our community since 1967

When it comes to professionalism, fast response time, and the best work SERVPRO is the ONLY choice. SERVPRO is not only the biggest name in the restoration business, it is also the most trusted. When we opened our first doors in 1967 as a painting company our goal was to help the community. Not only have we been helping our communities for the last 54 years we've grown in every way. From starting in just one building to now with more than 1,700 different franchises and the 15 different services offered, SERVPRO is your one stop shop for all your cleaning and restoration needs.

So next time you're in need of restoration and think to yourself, "Why SERVPRO" just remember that we can take care of everything.

SERVPRO Woodridge/Bolingbrook

P(630) 771-1720

E sp9445@comcast.com

Frigid Temperatures Feb 2021

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let your pipes freeze this winter

February of 2021 has not skipped a beat when it comes to the winter weather. Starting off the month with a snowstorm that dumped 9 inches on us in one night. Week two is calling for low temperatures that we haven't seen in a few years. 

What this means for you?

When temperatures drop this rapidly for the first time of the season you should always be on the lookout for pipe breaks. Since water expands when it freezes this can lead to cracks or even a full burst of a water pipe in your home. 

Ways to prevent this:

1. Monitor all pipes in unheated areas within your home. 

2. Keep garage door shut at all times 

3. Let faucets drip so there isn't water build ups

4. Open cabinets to regulate temperatures

5. Keep a consistent temperature throughout your home

Commercial Cleanings

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened."

Keep Your Company Safe

The nation was derailed last March when the pandemic first started. 11 months later we are still dealing with it and new things have become apart of everyday life. With some businesses moving from "At Home" to "Back in the Office" we at SERVPRO Woodridge/Bolingbrook don't want you to have to worry of a possible outbreak at your workspace. With our Certified SERVPRO Cleaning steps we make sure that the entire area is fumigated and all the high touch areas are wiped again a second time. We want to make sure you and your employees are safe and not working in constant fear. 

Confirmed case cleanings as well as precautionary cleanings are both available.

SERVPRO Woodridge/Bolingbrook

(630) 771-1720 

Worst Winter Storms in Chicagoland History

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Downtown Chicago with snowfall

In honor of winter storm season let's take a look back at some of the worst snow/winter storms that have hit the Chicagoland Area. 

January 2011

In January of 2011 Chicago was hit with 21.2 inches of snow over a 3 day span. Along with the snow there was also 35mph winds, and even a tornado was reported south of the storm! This storm would go on to be remembered as the "Groundhog Day Blizzard" because it stretched from Jan. 31st through Feb 2nd. 

January 1979

In some parts of Chicago snow piled up almost 29 inches with at least 23 inches of recorded snow fall. This storm also "plowed the way" for Chicago's first woman to become Mayor after Michael Bilandic was fired because he didn't get the plows out fast enough. 

Chiberia 2019

In January of 2019 a polar vortex made it's way through Chicago, which at the time of the vortex made Chicago colder than it was in Antarctica. With the wind chill the tempetures got down to about -50 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Your Local SERVPRO

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Community

Now we all know that this year has been tough, and the Corona Virus has stayed much longer than first anticipated. But in order for us to return to the way of life that we once knew we need to practice being safe. There are many ways to practice this such as: practicing social distancing, always wearing your mask, and paying attention to your body. If you are ever uncertain about how you are feeling it is always good to isolate and self quarantine for 14 days. 

We at SERVPRO understand that many people in the community own their own small business and are still open. This is a risk that must be taken for some, and we are here to help ensure your safety and peace of mind. If a suspected customer that comes in or an employee contracts the virus, then our specialist team will be there to sanitize and disinfect. Without fogging machines we are sure to get every inch then we go behind and hand clean all high touch and contact areas.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is here to help you feel safe and always protected 24/7, and you can always reach us at (630) 771-1720

Space Heater Safety Tips

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Space Heater Safety

With winter upon us some of us may be sting to use space heaters in or around our homes. Negligence to a source of power that strong can lead to detrimental damages to your home or work space. So here are 3 safety tips in regards to your space heater. 

1. Safety Features

Make sure to find out if your space heater has protection against overheating and that it is very sturdy. The last thing you want is for your space heater to fall over and directly touching a flammable object. 

2. Plug Directly Into Outlet

One of the most common mistakes people make is that they plug the space heater into an extension cord or a power strip. This should never be the case as the space heater is going to be using a lot of electricity and if too many things are plugged in you risk overheating blown fuses and even electrical fires. The space heater should be plugged into its own outlet by itself.

3. Unplug and Turn off

When the space heater is not in use always make sure to turn it off and unplug it from the outlet. There is no sense in risking an accident when the heater is not in use.

Winter is coming.

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Winter is coming.

Winter is coming.  

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.

• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

How to Protect Pipes From Freezing

Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:

• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.

• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is here to help when you need us.  Please call any time 630-771-1720

Call the Fire and Water Professionals

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

This house fire was caused by a cigarette and lead to extensive damage to the entire house.

The fire was caused by a cigarette. The house was vacated and sat empty for a year. SERVPRO was asked to remediate the various damages to this home and provide the reconstruction for the portions we could not restore. As shown, the soot and smoke damage was pervasive. Rectifying these issues required the proper cleaning materials and significant elbow grease. 

Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, we know the devastation a house fire can bring to a family and we are eager to help. 

Here's what you can do to minimize the damage before help arrives: 

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading 
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery 
• Coat chrome faucets, trim, and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet 
• Do not waste any walls or painted surfaces 
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery 
• Do not clean any electrical equipment 
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor 

In the event of a fire, call the fire and water professionals. Call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook. 

630.771.1720

Are you ready?

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Winter weather in Illinois can be pretty unpredictable. Are you prepared to weather the storm?

Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook we are always prepared to help.

Should you fall victim to frozen pipes flood or storm damage, don't hesitate to call our team of professionals at (630)771-1720. We offer 24/7 emergency response to help mitigate the damage caused by water intrusion into your home. Our team of professionals can provide on site estimates or work directly with any insurance carrier to ensure that your home is restored to its preloss condition.

Our goal is to minimize the damage and frustration of storm loss to your property.

We hope to make it "Like it never even happened."

Home Safety and Fire Prevention

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Battery Changing

Fires can be devastating if severe enough. Not only are priceless items lost but your sense of comfort and stability is also at risk. There are all kinds of ways to be cautious and extra safe. 

The number one thing in every home should be well maintained smoke detectors. On matters this serious you need to make sure that you are regularly testing them, changing the batteries, making sure they are working properly. You also need to make sure that you have the right number of smoke detectors. 

Other things like planning an escape route, a family meeting point, and knowing who to call after 911. Always remember that you can never plan too much. Being prepared is never a bad thing.

Stay Safe, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

(630) 771-1720

St. Louis Storm Calls in 15 Frranchises

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

St. Louis's Gateway Arch

SERVPRO Woodridge/Bolingbrook Takes on St. Louis

After a terrible Storm in the Midwest, the local SERVPRO franchisees were overwhelmed and needed help. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook along with 14 other franchisees made their way to help.

Our franchise had the task of tackling 14 different jobs in 14 days.

A crew of just 5 grew to 7 when more jobs flooded in. Long, hard hours were no task for the Woodridge/Bolingbrook crew. Every job was completed no matter how hard or tough it was.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook was very happy to help during this time of need. It was a very good team building experience, especially for the members who had no storm experience prior to this event.

SERVPRO Woodridge/Bolingbrook

(630) 771-1720 

Why SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Heroes Helping Heroes

In a time of crisis it may be hard to choose the right company but SERVPRO is here to make that easy for you. With 24/7 response we'll be faster to any size disaster than anyone else. From Water and Storm damage restoration to all kinds of cleaning services, we're here to take care of you. Whether you may be a homeowner, small business owner or a large company SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook can and will do the job.

Our staff is always ready to tackle new obstacles thrown at us. No matter how big or small the job may be, we can ensure that you are in the right hands. Remember that you can always give us a call no matter the time.

SERVPRO Woodridge/Bolingbrook

(630) 771-1720

COVID Response Cleaning

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Deep COVID-19 Cleaning at Bolingbrook Fire

When the pandemic first took the world by storm our team answered the call and helped those in need. With a whole lot of concern for health and safety the Bolingbrook Fire Department reached out.

We proudly answered that call and took on a new partner.

In a time of uncertainty and panic there's one thing you can count on, and that's, SERVPRO Certified Clean. Taking the extra steps to ensure that your work place is safe, is one of our specialties. We have the tools necessary to make sure you can be worry free. From large commercial to small businesses we're here to help anyone that may be concerned for their business and employees. 

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

(630) 771-1720

It Starts with Being Proactive

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

In order to keep peace of mind some companies have scheduled weekly proactive cleanings in response to COVID-19. During a pandemic there is no such thing as being "Too Safe." Taking extra precautions is something that everyone should be doing during these hectic times and we at SERVPRO Woodridge/Bolingbrook are happy to help.

Our 3 step guide to cleanliness includes: Consulting and tailoring a program right for your needs, Cleaning, (Proactive or COVID-19 Emergency Response), Going around and fogging the entirety of an office space or warehouse, followed by wiping in high touch areas, and Certifying that you are now Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

This is just one of the ways we are helping our community remain open while being safe. 

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

It's a Backup Not A Setback

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Severe Drain Backup

Backups can happen at any time and anywhere. Just because you've had a backup doesn't mean you have to shut everything down. With 24/7 emergency response our crew will come in and clean it up "Like it never even happened." With our trained professionals we take the stress and the mess out of the situation. 

This backup is from a small business within a few miles from our location. After the job was finished he had this to say, "I couldn't believe how bad it was. There was stuff everywhere! But after I called SERVPRO they were here within the hour and had the place looking better than ever!" Helping our community is one thing we strive to be the best at, we love to hear how satisfied our customers are when we are finished.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

(630) 771-1720

Reminder to Check Your Crawlspace

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Discoloration from moisture in crawlspace

With storms headed our way this is just a friendly reminder to check places where you might get water. Checking your crawlspace regularly is a way to stay ahead of anything lurking where you least expect it. When water rises into the crawlspace and becomes trapped it is a gateway for mold into your home. Even though it may not seem like it, your crawlspace is still part of your home. It's like an attachment to your house. Neglecting your crawlspace is the equivalent to neglecting your basement. Checking your crawlspace once every few times may be enough but you never want to notice it long after the water or other problems have been there.

1. Noticeable discoloration from dampness

2.  Strong Moldy/Musty smell when entering the crawlspace

3. Abnormal rise in humidity in the crawlspace

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

(630) 771-1720

Water Damage

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

A water damage restoration service is the kind of professional that no one wants to call, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Homeowners know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space, and taking advantage of every little crack and structural problem. No matter how moisture gets into the building, the response should be the same. Bring in a certified firm as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health threats once the moisture is gone.

If water has entered the home through a contaminated source, don’t try to handle it on your own. Floods and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. A certified water damage restoration service not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, they have the protective equipment to remain free from harm.

Restoration technicians have a lot of technology at their disposal. These include powerful vacuums and pumping systems, high volume air movers, dehumidifiers, heat injectors, moisture meters, and a number of detergents formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. While the technicians work on the building, disposing of compromised materials, and drying the rest, they will also destroy all mold and microbial colonies. This is the only way to ensure a home is safe to live, and a business safe to work in; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 

Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 630 771 1720

Let the professionals take over

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Heads Up!

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 

Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 630 771 1720

Sometimes it's best to let the professionals handle it.

This water damage photo from Bolingbrook, IL depicts trapped water in a drywall kitchen ceiling caused by water leaking from an upstairs bath. The elderly couple involved had the good sense to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook to assist with the removal of this ceiling and drying of their home.

Attempting to remove this ceiling without weep holes to drain the water and excess weight could result in collapse and even injury.

Fortunately our technicians are well versed in safety procedures and were able to remove this ceiling without incident or injury.

SERVPRO takes special care when it comes to demo. Protection the floor and any items around the area. 

Please don't hesitate to call 630.771.1720 with all your restoration needs.

Hidden Moisture Can Wreak Havoc

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Small Leak - Big Damage

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 

Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 630 771 1720

Sometimes it's best to let the professionals handle it.

This water damage photo from Bolingbrook, IL depicts trapped water behind a kitchen sink due to a slow leak. The elderly couple involved had the good sense to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook to assist with the removal of the cabinetry and drying of their home.

In this particular case, the leak caused water damage and mold to the cabinets, walls, and insulation. Our technicians were able to safely mitigate the damage and dry the structure.

SERVPRO takes special care when it comes to demo. Protecting the floor and any items around the area. 

Please don't hesitate to call 630.771.1720 with all your restoration needs.

Ready when you need us most

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Yik!

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 

We are 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 – (630)771-1720.

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 Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook:

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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.

Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 630 771 1720

SERVPRO vs Graffiti- SERVPRO wins!!

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO wins vs Graffiti!

This commercial facility fell victim to some mischievous vandals. Graffiti and vandalism are no fun for the victims involved. Fortunately our team of trained professionals are equipped to handle a multitude of different problems.  In this case, our technicians professionally removed the graffiti and cleaned the stained gate to like new condition. A little training goes a long way. Our products identified the correct product and used SERVPRO's patented graffiti remover to destroy the stain without damaging the finish. Our team then cleaned the gate to make it shine. Taking pride in our work is one of the things that separates our professionals from our competitors. We are proud to have polite, well trained technicians representing our brand here at SERVPRO of Evanston.  

"Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 

Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 630 771 1720

Unique Challenges Calls for SERVPRO!

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Unique Challenges Calls for SERVPRO!

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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.

Want to know more about us?  Click the link!

http://www.SERVPROwoodridgebolingbrook.com/company-profile

Levels of Commercial Losses

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

One area SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook specializes in is handling damage on commercial properties whether it be fire damage, water damage, or even property damage due to natural disasters. We know that no matter the cause of damage, downtime due to damage on your property can be costly to both your business and your customers. 

One tool we use to assess property damage to begin the mitigation process is a grading system. Commercial property damage can be graded on a scale of one to three based on the size of the area and the extent of damage present. 

Level 1

Level 1 commercial losses typically involve affected spaces of 15,000 square feet or less. A level 1 loss may be a small, stand-alone establishment such as a restaurant, small church, small warehouse, or daycare facility. It could also be a small portion of a larger structure. 

Level 2

A level 2 loss usually involves anywhere from 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. These buildings are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces that may include small multi-family homes, midsize churches or schools, a small shopping center, or a midsize warehouse. A level 2 loss may also be a portion of a much larger structure. 

Level 3

Level 3 commercial losses typically involve more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. These may include, but are not limited to, large multilevel structures such as hospitals, schools, or universities. A level 3 commercial damage is officially considered a “large loss.”

Summer Firework Safety

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

With the beginning of the summer and Fourth of July not too far off, we are gonna start seeing a lot of something: fireworks. While the National Safety Council does encourage everyone to enjoy firework displays put on by professionals, it is advised that we leave it only to the professionals. You really should not attempt to light off fireworks on your own, even if they are legal in your area. Fireworks can cause serious burn and eyes injuries to children and even adults if they malfunction or are not handled properly. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook knows the danger and devastation fireworks can cause if you end up accidentally starting a fire. To help keep you safe this summer, we have compiled a few tips on how to safely use or be around fireworks this summer if you choose to do so. 

Safety Tips 

• Never allow children to handle fireworks. 
• Do not use fireworks if impaired by drugs or alcohol. 
• When using fireworks or standing nearby, protective eyewear should be used.
• Never light fireworks indoors and use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials. 
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person. 
• Have a bucket of water or hose nearby. 
• Do not try to make your own fireworks. 
• Never relight a dud. 
• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the garbage. 
• Do not use illegal fireworks. 
• Do not shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers. 

In the tragic event of a fire from any cause, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is always ready to help. With a quick response time and efficient work, we can make it “Like it never even happened,” in no time so you can get back to enjoying your summer. 

Sump Pumps and Sump Pump Backups

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent sump pump backup with proper maintenance.

A sump pump is a small pump installed into the lowest portion of a basement or crawlspace, serving the purpose of keeping the area under the building dry. It pumps water under the building away from it to prevent flooding. Clogging or loss of power are two things among many that can lead to water backup from your sump pump. When a sump pump backs up it can cause flooding that can possibly lead to thousands of dollars in water damage and mold if the area is not cleaned and dried properly. 

Proper maintenance and routine inspection can help to prevent the problems that occur when a sump pump fails. Cleaning your sump pump is one way to extend its life and make sure that it stays working properly. Running a vinegar solution through the pump can be done to clean it. Removing any dirt or debris and making sure all vents and air holes are clean can also help to ensure it stays in working order. 

In the event that cleaning and maintenance does not prevent sump pump backup, SERVPRO of Evanston is prepared to help you in situations of flooding, water damage, and mold caused by water backup into your home. Our team is equipped with the proper training and equipment to quickly resolve the problem, minimizing the stress that flooding in your home can cause.

Clean Homes Sell Faster: Why Sellers and Realtors Should Choose SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook can get your home ready to sell.

It is indeed a fact: clean, fresh smelling homes sell faster. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and dust throughout your home. Leaks from pipes, roofing, and other overlooked areas can cause water damage that goes unnoticed for periods of time. All of these can lower the value of a home and make it harder to sell. 

Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for a few very important reasons: 

• Increased market value 
• Reduced list to sale conversion times 
• Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales 

Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, we know that the real estate market is hot right now. We also know that you want to sell fast so you can get your money quickly. No matter the size of the job, our SERVPRO Professionals are equipped to get your home in top condition so that it can sell quickly and you can make the maximum profit. 

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook offers a variety of services to prepare homes for sale, including but not limited to: 

• Carpet, upholstery, drapery, and blind cleaning 
• Ceiling, wall, and hard floor cleaning 
• Deodorization 
• Duct and HVAC cleaning 
• Mold mitigation and remediation

Whether you are a homeowner looking to sell fast or a realtor seeking a reputation for quality listings, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is here to help. For inquiries about services related to cleaning houses for sale call (630)-771-1720.

Accidents Happen!

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

A commercial building after an electrical fire

Accidents happen and here at SERVPRO of Evanston we completely understand. 

Here are some emergency fire damage tips-

1. Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking

2. Keep Hands Clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork

3. If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor

4. Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets,trim and appliances

5. Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting you SERVPRO Franchise professional

6. Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire , heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.

7.Don't attempt to shampoo carpets, rugs, or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO franchise professional.

Ready or Not

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Get your umbrellas here comes the rain

Summer weather in Illinois can be pretty unpredictable. Today's forecast calls for heavy wind and rains. Are you prepared to weather the storm?

Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook we are always prepared to help.

Should you fall victim to flood  or storm damage, don't hesitate to call our team of professionals at (630)771-1720. We offer 24/7 emergency response to help mitigate the damage caused by water intrusion into your home. Our team of professionals can provide on site estimates or work directly with any insurance carrier to ensure that your home is restored to its preloss condition.

Our goal is to minimize the damage and frustration of storm loss to your property.

We hope to make it "Like it never even happened."

What's that smell?

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Deodorizing the air to get rid of the horrible smoke smell.

Sometimes in the case of smoke and fire damage it can travel through out a building in no time.

In this particular case , a fire broke out in the apartment on the first floor and all of the apartments on the floors above were affected with smoke and fire damage.

In cases like these we still take the same steps as if the fire happened in the apartment.

We take our time cleaning the contents and the structure to ensure there is no soot or harmful contaminants in the air.

We also place the proper equipment to help the process along, one of the important components is an air scrubber.

The air scrubber filters the dirty air via a hepa filter and releases clean breathable air.

We also use a hydroxyl  which purifies the air and helps get rid of the smoke smell.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook will ensure the job is done right and in a timely fashion to get you back living in your home as soon as possible.

We are Cleaning Experts !

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fogging a Commercial business with a ULV Fogger

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook/Evanston 630-771-1720

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Storm Response Professionals

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning Fast Response!

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Water Inspection, Extraction, and Drying Equipment

When your property is overcome with water call on the professionals at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook to help make it “Like it never even happened.”  Our highly trained technicians are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your water restoration needs.  Whether it is your residential property or your commercial business that you need back up and running SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook has the advanced inspection and drying equipment to meet your water mitigation needs.  Our crew chief will monitor and document the drying process daily to ensure your property is restored properly and quickly with the least amount of secondary damage.  SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrrok works with all insurance companies to make the process stress free for the property owner.

Ready to Respond in Your Time of Need

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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 Woodridge/Bolingbrook, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 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 630-771-1720

Let us help you stay in business!

2/3/2020 (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.

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 Woodridge/Bolingbrook

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

630-771-1720

Our Keys to Success

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Recognition keeps us moving forward!

Every SERVPRO franchise has a plan for success in their area.  They carry an internal Mission Statement, a Vision Statement and Core Values to set themselves apart from the competition.  That means there are 1700 Mission Statements, Vision Statements and Core Values that ebb and flow throughout the nation.  All with a common goal of adhering to our company slogan, “Like it never even happened."  And that, folks, is what sets us apart from the others!

I share below SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook contributions that distinguishes us from the singularity. 

VISION STATEMENT

“To be a beacon in our community while providing disaster relief (big or small) services with efficiency and professionalism.”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To continue to provide a client experience with knowledgeable and professional restoration services for the Chicagoland area.”

CORE VALUES

1. Be honest, respectful and caring to your team members
2. Make a good first impression by always being on time, showing leadership, and being accountable for your actions and the safety of others.
3. Creating a united work environment with communication, teamwork, and a positive mental attitude in order to succeed.
4. Always strive to learn new things about my job and industry, while keeping our customers informed

Pipe Break Season Is Upon Us!

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Guillermo made sure to get our Dehumidifiers inside as soon as possible because of the chilly weather !

As the temperatures begin to drop, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is getting prepared to handle any pipe break that comes our way.

We at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook can help you!  All of our employees are IICRC certified trained to industry standards and with the correct equipment and knowledge we can get your home or business back to normal, promptly and safely.  

Broken and burst pipes are the most common causes of property damage. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, water damages from broken pipes can easily cost thousands of dollars in damage. Exterior walls, and pipes in unheated spaces like unfinished basements, and garages are most at risk for damage or breaking. 

If you do discover a broken or burst pipe, you should find out what the cause of it was.  More than likely, you will need to call a plumber out to fix the pipe if you have trouble finding a plumber we at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook can assist in finding a plumber.

We are a 24/7 company that is ready to help out when you need it most.

Best in Fleet

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

One of our best tools to respond to your mitigation needs.

A large asset of SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is our extractors units.

Extractors are machines that are made for getting water out of a home or business. Another big part of SERVPRO is our trucks. So having two in one is a big deal.

Our Extractor trucks have built in truck mount extractors. These truck mounts are very powerful and have a 250 foot hose allowing us to get anywhere inside the house or business. It's one of our top machines when dealing with water mitigation. As a bonus, these units also provide hot water extraction which is beneficial when cleaning commercial and residential carpets. 

The size of our trucks and the convenient positioning of the truck mount allow these vehicles to be our best multi-use option when responding "faster to any disaster".

Don't Get Caught in the Storm.

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Nasty storm in Will County.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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 – (630) 771-1720.

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 Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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:

• Your name and contact information

• Your insurance information (if applicable)

• The street address of the water-damaged home or business

• When did the flooding or water damage occur?

• What caused the water damage (if known)?

• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook:

SERVPRO 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.

Whenever & Wherever

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Home/business owners rely on SERVPRO to restore damaged property for tons of reasons. Here are just a few below:

1. We Respond Promptly 

 You can reach us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Our phones are answered by our trained-on call managers for the week outside business hours. Meaning that you will always to speak to someone who is able to dispatch crews to assist you.

2. SERVPRO is Trained & Qualified

Our crews have the best training through the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). Along with the best training, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook has certifications through IICRC such as WRT, AMRT, FSRT, CCT and more.

3. We Understand

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook understands the situation and how you feel when it comes to a loss. We’re on the same page with you when it comes to keep the cost down, remediate the damage and make your home or business look and feel “Like it never even happened.”

4. Restore vs Replace Philosophy 

To someone who is untrained and experienced when it comes to a water or fire damage, it would make sense to replace everything. The drying and cleaning methods that we use allows us to save a lot more than replacing. The benefit of restoring is being cost effective, save time and it gives the customer a peace of mind.

 SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is always here to help whenever you need it. If you discover water coming through the ceiling of your home at 4 AM, or you are notified by your building's security system  that your fire alarm is going off and your warehouse is full of smoke, call us at 630-771-1720.  You will be speaking to a decision maker who is able to dispatch a crew and help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

Professional Service using Professional Equipment

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Stocked and Ready for any disaster!

At SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, we strive to provide our customers the best service using our latest, up-to-date equipment and technology. We understand the stress that comes with experiencing water or fire damage and our goal is to alleviate that stress as quickly as possible. We always follow the practices and standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

When we report to a water damage at a home or business, the first step is to determine the extent of the damage, and the areas affected. Our advanced moisture meters allow us to detect water that cannot be seen behind the walls or under your flooring, and exactly how saturated it is. We use our infrared cameras for areas that are harder to detect with the meters.

Once we determine the affected areas, we will set up drying equipment. Our industrial dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers are typically used in a residential or small water loss. The dehumidifiers help remove the moisture from walls, ceilings, and floors. The air movers increase air circulation, improving the overall drying time by helping to evaporate moisture in the air quickly. For larger commercial water damages, we use our high-grade desiccants to complete the drying process more efficiently.

Water and fire damages have the potential to cause powerful odors. We use air scrubbers and deodorization agents to remove these odors and help control air quality. Our air scrubbers remove chemicals, contaminants and gasses from the air through a filtration process. Our deodorization agents control the odors helping to eliminate them from the air all together.

If you have a water or fire damage, call us at 630-771-1720.

With our advanced equipment & expertise, we promise to make the damage feel “Like it never even happened.”

Best in the business!

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

When Water Damage Strikes Call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook  

The first 24 hours after a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of the loss notification, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook will be there to ensure your water damage is handled correctly. 

Inspection 

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook will inspect the affected areas to determine the extent of the water damage. We will review the inspection with you and answer any of your questions before we begin the work. 

Emergency Services 

We take steps to help protect your home or business, personal belongings, and other items from further damage by extracting the excess water and prepping the area for drying. We will explain the needed emergency services to you step by step. 

Monitoring 

To help ensure your home or business and belongings are dried to the appropriate industry standards, we will monitor the drying process. We consistently communicate with you about updates. 

Restoration Services 

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook County will repair structural materials, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property or belongings. A final walk-through of the job site will be done with you to help ensure your property is returned to preloss condition. 

SERVPRO gives back!

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Our crew working hard to make sure the house is clean and is a safe place for people to live in!

As the Holiday seasons reaches us. Us here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, is here to give back to our community. On December 10th, our amazing crew did a whole house clean with no charge to a man who needed it. He was close to losing his home and SERVPRO came to the rescue to help this man in need. With a crew of 6 and teams of two split up and took diffident sides of the home. Throwing out trash or cleaning a bathroom, SERVPRO was happy to help in any way. When the job was completed it was as if it was a new home. The customer and community was so happy of the outcome. The SERVPRO crew was proud and happy of the work they did for this person in need.   

New stone or did SERVPRO clean that!

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke damage from the fireplace before, can seen the darkness above the fireplace. Then after pic where the darkness is gone.

A home was affected in Burr Ridge by a puffback. A puffback is when smoke from the fire place blows back into the home. In this case it affected most of the stone above the fireplace causing discoloration to the stone. For the most part the house was briefly affected. A SERVPRO crew then arrived to take care of the smoke damage. Wiping down ceilings and walls. Content was cleaned on site and upholstery was cleaned as well. For the stone may steps and chemicals were used to get rid of the smoke damage. As seen in the picture, the difference can be seen. With lots of scrubbing and elbow grease the smoke was removed. With the it let the house looking "Like it never even happened".   

Gonna Be a Wet One

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Stormy Conditions

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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.

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 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

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.

Have Water Damage? Call Us Today 630-771-1720.

Weather the storm with SERVPRO.

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Are you Prepared?

Summer weather in Illinois can be pretty unpredictable. Today's forecast calls for heavy wind and rains. Are you prepared to weather the storm?

Here at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook we are always prepared to help.

Should you fall victim to flood  or storm damage, don't hesitate to call our team of professionals at (630)771-1720. We offer 24/7 emergency response to help mitigate the damage caused by water intrusion into your home. Our team of professionals can provide on site estimates or work directly with any insurance carrier to ensure that your home is restored to its preloss condition.

Our goal is to minimize the damage and frustration of storm loss to your property.

We hope to make it "Like it never even happened."

Catastrophic Loss

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Don't Get Washed Away

Illinois is fortunate enough to experience all four seasons.

Some of our seasons are a little bit milder than others. Summertime generally seems to bring harsher weather and storms.

When disasters such as roof leaks and flooded basements should occur due to storms make sure to call the team that has 13 years of experience helping customers walk through confusion and frustration.

We are here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is here 24/7 365 to help you, call us at 630-771-1720.

Say cheese!

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

What the storage room looks like. WOW!

When you go to the Dentist you go to get your teeth clean. Well for SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook come to fix the dentist office. A toilet back up had SERVPRO arrive on site to clean up a Dentist basement. Water affected an office and the storage area. No items were damaged in this flood. A team began by extracting water from the basement. Equipment was then added to dry out the basement. Demo was then applied the next day. Base and holes were added to have the complete drying process. SERVPRO had the equipment out by the following week. Drying took some time due to how much items were in the area. Once all was dry, the workers were so happy with the work done in the basement.     

Fire in the sugar factory.

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

What the area looked like with cocoa powder all over the equipment and floor!

A commercial building ,near our warehouse of SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook ,had a fire and left a huge mark. An AC unit in one of the production rooms caught fire. For what we do with fires are the following; Cleaning all the ceilings and walls with chemicals. While this is our steps for fire, things got crazier when walking into the factory and seeing cocoa powder all over that room. To clean this fire and cocoa powder, many shop vac and people needed to be called in to get the job done and looking new. With ceilings near 20 feet high, special lifts and equipment was needed to begin work. Within 3 days and overnight shifts, the warehouse was looking fresh and new. No more smoke or cocoa powder in sight.  

Cutting walls like a Surgeon

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

The equipment set up in the surgery center!

On a Sunday morning a call came in for a Doctors center. But its not just any center. Its a surgery center. A crew of 4 went out to take care of business. SERVPRO took many steps to ensure the job will be safe or any surgeries that might occur. SERVPRO used SERVPROXIDE for anti microbial in the center. This is a safe and trustworthy chemical to use in any doctors office or etc. Each morning following the initial start. Crews have started early in the am to turn off and move the fans and dehus to have surgeries throughout the day. Then later in the evening a crew would head over and reset the equipment. SERVPRO is always flexible to ensure that the customer and business is happy with out work.         

Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO crew working together to get the job done.

A garage in darien was hit with a fire. This fire affected many items in the area. Many walls,ceilings and even the garage door was affected. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook came out and started the clean up process. During these steps sponges were used to take any smoke damage off the walls and ceilings. Once that is removed, chemicals are used to either remove any remaining smoke or used to prepare walls and cleaning for paint. Windows were cleaned and the garage door was cleaned deeply. Items in the garage were cleaned and ozoned to remove the smell of smoke. Items were then placed back to the sport they were before. Once the job was done with cleaning. A painter was then brought in and painted the whole garage. Once that was complete, the garage was looking like new.   

Clean cuts are the best cuts!

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

The cut from after a ceiling was affected by water.

When water damage comes into contact with your home or business. In some cases the drywall may need to come out, either ceiling or wall. If it is the case, SERVPRO makes sure the cut is clean and precise. We do this by measuring where the water began and stopped. From there we go about 2 feet above where the water stopped to ensure no wet spots are hiding from us. Then we measure and use a chalkier to have a nice straight line. Then the cutting begins, we use a saw or knife to get the best cut. We always protect the floor and any belongings from dust or fallen drywall. Once the cutting and removal is done. We are there to clean the remaining dust and leftover screws or nails. 

Cracks are dangerous!

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

What a crack in the foundation might look like.

If water is entering your home and you have no clue why. If its not the pumps or water heater, then it might be a crack in the foundation. If this is the case then that crack needs to be filled up. SERVPRO will come out and remove the water that came in from that crack. Foundation cracks can be tricky. Its can be behind drywall or wood studs at time. If your basement is not finished. Its best to call and find out if there is a crack in the foundation before its too late! Foundation cracks are the most mysterious and sneaky way to get water. But taking the time to call and have someone to make sure your basement is safe, is the best way to prevent it from ever happening.   

What lies beneath?

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Hidden water damage

Water leaks can be very troublesome to homeowners.  This home in Romeoville, Illinois had a leaky water line underneath the kitchen sink that went undetected for a period of time. Unfortunately the water made it's way through the cabinet and into the subfloor. It damaged the walls and ceiling below as well. If left untreated this type of water damage can cause even bigger problems for those living in the home. This particular homeowner had the smarts to call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook and allow our crew of trained professionals to mitigate the issue.  Extraction of water, removal of unsalvageable building materials, and treatment on the structure with anti-microbial agents will help to prevent further damages.  

Having this home professionally cleaned and dried will keep the problem from getting out of hand.

Good as new

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

Like it Never Even Happened

This commercial facility fell victim to some mischievous vandals. Graffiti and vandalism are no fun to the victims involved. Fortunately out team of trained professionals are equipped to handle a multitude of different problems.  In this case, our technicians professionally removed the graffiti and cleaned the stained gate to like new condition. A little training goes a long way. Our products identified the correct product and used SERVPRO's patented graffiti remover to destroy the stain without damaging the finish. Our team then cleaned the gate to make it shine. Taking pride in our work is one of the things that separates our professionals from our competitors. We our proud to have polite, well trained technicians representing our brand hear at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook.  

Ejector Pump Failure

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage mitigation

Water damage inside your home is often caused  by a failure of the sump pump. However, that's not always the case. Ejector pump failures are possible too. Ejector pumps are the pumps that get rid of the water from toilets and showers. If the ejector pump goes out and floods the basement, we call that a cat 3 loss (sewage). If it is a cat 3 loss, like this job, any wall or flooring must be removed. This job in Romeoville had 3 types of flooring -- carpet, laminate and vinyl. The flooring that was affected was removed and the walls were cut two feet to insure no items were left that was touched by the contaminated  water. Anti-microbial and drying equipment was placed to insure no mold or musty odors would be left behind.    

School is in session!

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Pipe break in local school = no days off!

While pipe breaks mostly happen in the winter, it is possible to have one occur in the spring or summer. In this case a pipe that was not used since last summer was sitting over the winter and spring only to burst when recently used. The water shot out and affected two class rooms.

Luckily the only things that were affected was the carpet and some drywall. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook was on the job within the hour. The water was extracted from the carpet and baseboards were detached from the walls. The insulation was removed after detaching cabinets and flood cutting the drywall.

As always, SERVPRO was happy to help with the clean up of our local schools.   

Who ya gonna Call?

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Wilmette

A sump pump failure in Downers Grove, Illinois brought SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook out to save the day. A crawlspace, Recreation room, laundry room, and bathroom were affected in the basement.

SERVPRO extracted extracting the standing water from carpet in the recreation room. The basement had wood paneling that needed to be removed. Walls were opened to access and remove wet insulation. The carpet and pad were removed and disposed of.

A crew of 5 technicians completed the mitigation job in under 4 hours. The customer's items that were damaged were thrown out at the customer's request. The following day, 2 technicians returned to monitor the drying process and do some additional cleaning.

SERVPRO is happy to come by each day to be sure the drying is going as planned.   

Water damage in a construction building!

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

The meeting room affected by the leaking roof.

When buildings are getting roofs repaired, sometimes it might be tough when it comes to the weather. In this case rain was affecting an already damaged roof. With this water was getting into the building affecting multiple rooms. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook was called and began to clean up the aftermath. Carpet in the meeting room was lifted and pad was removed. Base was detached in all affected rooms, with coring holes added to increase the drying process. Multiple Dehumidifiers and air movers were added to each room and area. With the roof fixed the rain stopped coming in, giving the rooms a chance to dry up and completing the drying process. When the SERVPRO crew was done drying. They spent the time to vacuum and clean the areas affected with drywall dust. Making the area new and "Like it never even happened."  

Assistant living water problem.

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

The damage from the sprinkler system.

On a normal Sunday day in an assistant living home located in Bolingbrook. A fire sprinkler system went off on the 3rd floor of a 3 level building. The water made its way down to the first floor. The home decided to call SERVPRO of Woodridge/ Bolingbrook. Within 3 hours a crew of 7 was out on the job to begin work. On the third level, drywall was cut and wet insulation was removed. This was the same for all 3 floors. Floors were protected and the aftermath was cleaned up on the same day as the demo was done. The equipment was set so they would not get in the way of the guest of the building. SERVPRO takes high pride in the ability to care and be sure it is safe for the people who live there. 

Mud in a basement.

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Mud and water all over a concrete floor.

Most of the time when water affects a home. Water is usually was gets inside. However sometimes a bit more way make its way in. In this case mud had enter a home along with water. The whole floor was covered in mud and water. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook went in and started to remove the water. In order to remove the mud the SERVPRO crew brought in a power washer. One member was using the power washer to remove the mud from the floor. Another tech was sending all the water from the power washer to one area in the basement. While two other techs were using extractors to remove the water from the building. When all was done. The basement looked like new floor was put in "Like it never even happened."   

Fire in Chicago

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Here is a picture of the basement after reconstruction and the boxes being put back.

When a house in Chicago was struck by lighting, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook was on the job starting to pack out the house. All items on the 2nd level were damaged and sadly can not be saved. But the items on the main level and basement were salvageable. SERVPRO then inventories and packs out the items that are not damaged. We then take these items clean them and ozone them. When we ozone it takes all the smell of smoke out of the items and destroys the smell. We than pack up the items again and put them into crates. By this we stop dust from reaching the items. Back on the side of the home. We demo all the walls that are damaged. If walls can be saved, we use chemicals to clean the smoke off the walls. Using these methods, SERVPRO can have the home looking new and back to normal.  

Fire Job in Oak Park

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

The couch that was caught on fire.

A fire can start in many ways, a kitchen fire, bad wiring, or maybe even a candle. For this case a candle was knocked over by a cat and burned a couch. The couch catches on fire and burns a hole in the wall. The damage didn't stop there. Smoke damage and soot was though out the house. SERVPRO team arrived on site to began the clean up. Over the next couple days, the SERVPRO team began to box up all items into boxes and brought to the warehouse for deep cleaning. On site was a full house cleaning, removing any soot and smoke damage to the house. Walls and ceilings were sponged to removed soot and wet cleaned with SERVPRO approved cleaning products. Back at the warehouse, each boxed is opened and cleaned deeply. Once all is set and done with approval of the customer. The house was back to normal. "Like it never even happened."      

-50 Degree weather in our location

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

What a pipe break will look like when it was frozen then burst.

On January 30th 2019, Chicago land area hit a record of the coldest in Chicago history. Temperatures reached a stunning Negative 50 degrees with the windchill. Even going outside for longer than 5 minutes can cause a problem with health and safety. With this type of weather can also cause problems with homes and businesses. Pipes can begin to freeze and cause damage to the home. This became true when ,3 days after the historical weather, temperatures hit from -50c to 50f. This jump in the weather will cause the pipes frozen on the 30th to defrost and burst. This became true when more and more houses began to call in needing SERVPRO teams to come in and fix the problem. Houses were seeing up to 2-5 pipe breaks in the house. SERVPRO teams are always ready for what the temperature will bring us.     

Fire Damage can behind in plain sight

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Soot can be seen almost everywhere

If you had a fire, you might have cleaned up anything damage of any soot or brunt items. However that does not mean you are safe from breathing in soot or smoke for good. When a fire happens smoke and soot rises. So for example the fire happens in the kitchen and you live in a multi level home. The smoke and soot from that fire will rise and go the second or third floor of the home. Smoke rises, so drywall and content from above will be damaged. SERVPRO can come in and make sure the house is safe and protected from any safety hazards. SERVPRO will come in and remove smoke and soot from the home. SERVPRO does this by using sponges on the ceiling and walls to remove soot, then using chemicals cleaning the same. Content will be cleaned as well. SERVPRO is high skilled at cleaning and protecting a home.  

Learning never stops!

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

In action shot of the class in progress.

Each morning the SERVPRO team gets together and goes over the day ahead. Also in the morning, will go over a topic to help us better understand equipment and chemicals. In this picture we are going over the different types of mold chemicals we would use on a job. Most of the time other techs will ask questions about what we are learning. This helps to learn more about the item we are talking about. Each week we go over a different topic. Learning something or having a refresher on a piece of equipment/chemical gives us a better understanding on what we are using. This also gives a chance to have other people talk about something they dont know. Having a class in the morning helps that we are ready for the next job ahead.    

Mold is hiding.

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is always hiding. SERVPRO can come find it!

Mold can grow anywhere. In this picture you can see that mold was growing behind the baseboard. Mold can grow were water once was. If you had water before and cleaned it up, you might have a chance for mold. Calling SERVPRO is the best bet to find out for sure. SERVPRO will check for mold, and treat it if mold is found. SERVPRO is a highly skilled team that is very knowledgeable when it comes to mold and mold remediation. The chemicals we have are the prefect job for keeping the house in top shape. We are able to take on any mold job given to us. No matter how big or how small. SERVPRO will be sure you are in good hands and let us do the rest. "Like it never even happened".     

Right tool for the mold job

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Top mold killer for big mold jobs!

When mold is at its worst. SERVPRO crews will take the top care of the job. In some cases strong chemicals will be used. The chemicals in use are called RMR. We have two types of RMR, 141 and 86. In the steps taken to remove strong mold, it starts with preparing for the job. Putting on a full suit and a full face mask. The smell and the chance that the chemical can get on your skin is something we don't want to risk. When using these chemicals we must have the house empty for 24 hours. This is to ensure nobody is harmed from these chemicals. Its a three step process when it comes to these chemicals, 141 which kills the mold, 86 that removes the stains and back to 141 to put a protective shield to prevent any future mold. All this is the best way to get rid of big mold jobs. "Like it never even happened".    

Fire Job in a house of art

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

The ceiling on the main floor the difference can me seen!

When it comes to the hard working people of SERVPRO, we be sure when we work we do our best at making sure customers belongings are in the upmost care. When it comes to pack out from a fire job we take our time and put care in making sure the belongings are safe. A fire job done in Downers grove gave the SERVPRO a challenge to see how careful they are during pack out. The customer had smoke damage within her whole house. She also had lots of paintings and fragile belongings in her home. The SERVPRO team was extra careful during all of this. The Customer had flat paint so the smoke damage was heavy on the walls and ceiling. In the end after content cleaning,cleaning walls and cleaning (with sponges and chemicals) and lastly upholstery/carpet cleaning. The house was clean and walls and ceilings looked brand new. It was truly "Like it never even happened".     

Pipe burst in church.

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

One room in the church that was cut 2 feet!

On a Friday night around 6pm, a call came in from a church 15 minutes from the warehouse. Within an hour the whole SERVPRO crew was loading up the equipment for the job. With in 2 hours of the call everyone was working at the job extracting water and removing base from wet drywall. The job was caused by a pipe burst, shooting right though the drywall going though another another wall. In total 14 rooms were affected with wet walls and wet carpet. The job continued with cutting two feet of drywall, removing any wet materials affected by the water. The SERVPRO team went above and behind working past midnight making sure the job is done right. No water was left in the carpet and all walls were treated, ready for drying. A big job for the SERVPRO team but they are always happy to help. The maintenance team express "You guys were so fast and did such an AMAZING job".    

Aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

The damage trees and items all left on curb side in Florida.

In October 2018 Hurricane Michael made hit land in the Florida Panhandle. The winds got up to 155 mph, the damage done to this city was devastating. People were with damage or even without homes. Trees, homes, vehicles, anything within the area affected was horribly damaged. Many people and companies from all across america came to help the good people of Florida. Everywhere you looked on the streets were people working. Red cross volunteers giving food and water for people in need. Linemen working to get power back in peoples homes, Tree service trucks removed fallen or damaged trees. Plus many  restoration teams from across the country working their hardest to get Florida back on their feet. Many SERVPROs where helping everyone in need. Every street you turned was fallen trees and damaged items on the curb waiting for trash pick up. SERVPROs across the country came together to help in a time of need. SERVPRO is always happy to make a change in this World.       

Flooding in Maryland 2018

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

The city of Elliott, affected by the flood.

In Elliott city, which is 30 minutes from Baltimore, in the state of Maryland. May 2018, the city was hit by a storm that brought over 8 inches of rain within a 2 hour span. Streets were like rivers. The main street of Elliott vanished from the amount of rain given. SERVPRO was quick on the scene. Removing wet drywall and items that were no longer savable. People claimed that this was an "1,000 year storm". Basements of peoples homes were filled with water and left many losing personal belongings. SERVPRO was their to help people in need. Preventing the risk of mold in peoples basements and starting the drying process to many homes. The risk of more floods in the area is big. But SERVPRO will always be there when the great people of Maryland need help.     

The warehouse is ready for the next job.

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

A Clean and organized warehouse!

Here at SERVPRO we keep such good care of our equipment and supplies. In our spare time we have. We make sure our warehouse is clean and organized, all ready for the next job. Fans are cleaned, dehumidifiers are cleaned and filters are swapped to be sure when they are dropped at the next job they dont spend anything from the previous job. Extractors are cleaned and checked for any problems. Inventors are checked to be sure we are good on stock and missing anything. Trucks are cleaned and sent for repairs if need. Laundry is worked on and washing of any tools are taken care of. When SERVPRO techs have time before or after a job they are making sure everything is ready for that next job to come in.         

When its clean... Its clean.

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

The crate we use to keep boxes in!

When a fire job comes in. We start by packing out. In pack out SERVPRO techs package and safely place items from the customers home into boxes. Those boxes are then numbered and labeled and send back to the warehouse for cleaning. In the cleaning stage, items are sponged and wet cleaned in order to get the soot and any dust removed. Items are very detailed clean, looking as they did when they were first made. Once the item is cleaned and approved they are taken to an ozone chamber where any smell from smoke or others are eliminated. Once that is all done the items are checked once more and when approved are bubble wrapped again and placed in a clean new box. The boxes are stored inside a crate that will protect from any dust from getting in. They stay in that crate until the customer is ready for those items to be returned.   

Containment containment containment!

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

The containment set up to prevent anything from getting in!

When a SERVPRO team comes to work at the customers house or place of business. Most of the times there will be places that are unaffected. When this is the case, the crew does not wishes to spread any dust or mold whatever it may be to that area. The way to prevent that is containment. Containment is the process of protecting unaffected area with plastic. In this case for example, it was around Christmas and the tree was set up. It was in an area that was unaffected. So the SERVPRO team set up containment so the dust in the working area would not get into the tree or on the gifts. This is a step all SERVPRO members take. No matter how big or small, satisfaction is are top priority!   

Water Damage in Darien

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

The Demolition done inside the garage. The water came from the 3rd level to the 1st!

A 3 level town home was affected by a pipe break on the 3rd floor. The water started in the bathroom and went all the way down to the garage. A team of 4 techs arrived and began work. Ceiling was removed in main level. The SERVPRO team went above and beyond setting containment and making sure no dust gets in the customers home. In the garage the same steps were taken. Containment was set and the custormers belongings were protected. The SERVPRO team was finished in a quick 4 hours. "WOW! The team was so nice and hard working im glad I called". In this job drywall ceiling was removed on two floors and some hardwood floor was removed to insure drying inside the house. Some water was found under the hardwood floor but 3 techs safely and careful removed the floor so the customer would not be affected by the dust from the work.     

Demolished Home in Lynn Haven, FL

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

Devastating Storm Winds

Hurricane Michael was the 3rd most intense Atlantic hurricane to make landfall in the contiguous United States in terms of pressure, behind the 1935 Labor Day hurricane and Hurricane Camille of 1969.

Estimated damages exceed $15 billion.

Many homes such as the one depicted, were completely demolished by the intense winds and debris.

Scenes like this were far too common for our SERVPRO Catastrophe Responders who did their very best to ease the trauma for the local residents.

Hurricane Michael resulted in 136,873 insurance claims with projected insurance losses at nearly $5 billion.

The road to recovery for the Florida Pan Handle will be a long one, we only hope that the efforts of SERVPRO continue to assist in the redevelopment of this little piece of paradise.  

Storm Flooding

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

In our neck of the woods we are lucky enough to get all the seasons. Some of our seasons are a little bit milder than others, this time of year always seems to bring harsher weather and storms. If disasters such as roof leaks and flooded basements should occur due to storms make sure to call the team that has 11 years of experience helping customers walk through confusion and frustration. We are here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is here 24/7 365 to help you, call us at 630-771-1720. 

Flash Flooding Woodridge, Bolingbrook or Darien IL?

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know that it can take as little as 6 inches of moving water to knock you down? That may not seem like much, but water can quickly cause damage and create chaos. If water damage strikes your home or office are affected by rain water from a roof leak, flooded basement, water coming in under the door or maybe water coming in through windows, we are ready! SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook has been serving our communities for 11 years and will help make it “Like it never even happened.” We are ready 24/7, 365, if disaster should strike, call us at 630-771-1720. 

Fire Drills at Home Can Save Lives

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

Fire drills are not just for schools, they should be completed by business and families alike. It is crucial to the safety of all that everyone knows more than one way out of the building or home, the designated meeting spot a safe distance from the structure where a head count can be taken to inform first responders of anyone left in the building and what to do should they not be able to have an escape route. We like to suggest that customers regularly perform a “fire drill” so that everyone knows what to do and how to keep themselves and others safe. If disaster should strike your home, we are ready 24/7, 365 at 630-771-1720 to help walk with you through the cleanup and repairs to help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

We Celebrate All Things Green-- Except Mold

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is that one green thing we just don’t like and we know you don’t either. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook has been helping customers like you for the past 11 years when microbial growth becomes an issue. If you think that mold and microbial growth may be an issue affecting you, call us at 630-771-1720 so that we can talk through the best course of action for your individual situation.  Our  goal is to get your property back to preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook has been serving the community since 2008. We are dedicated to helping our customers when disaster strikes and helping to make it “Like it never even happened.” We are ready 24/7, 365 at 630-771-1720 to help you.

Cleaning Mold

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

There are lots of companies who will do a mold inspection/estimate for your company & talk about how they can “clean” mold with bleach. Well, they can certainly try, but it won’t help. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is committed to remediating the problem completely & correctly so that you can get back to business faster, with less impact on your customers & business. We are able to work with you to limit disruptions allowing your work to go on. Our goal is to get your property back to preloss condition.

 For more information on how SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook can help you call us at 630-771-1720. We can come out and do an inspection & speak honestly & openly with you about options that you have.  We are ready to help 24/7 365 days per year.

When Storms or Floods Hit Bolingbrook or Woodridge IL, SERVPRO is Ready

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

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 Bolingbrook Woodridge or Darien, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 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 630-771-1720

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook Commercial Facility Services

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to commercial cleaning and restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook responds quickly to your business’s fire, water, and mold damage emergencies.

Commercial Restoration Services

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm and Major Events
• Disaster Recovery Team

For Emergency Services, Call 24/7 – 630-771-1720

In addition to Commercial Restoration Services, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook offers Commercial Cleaning Services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing bio-hazard contaminants. We have the specialized equipment, various products, and skilled cleaning methods to make your business look its very best. 

Commercial Cleaning Services

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Bio-hazard and Sewage
• Post-Construction Clean
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Have Questions? Call us - 630-771-1720

Restoring your Facility after a Commercial Water Damage Event

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

Questions? Call Us at 630-771-1720

Is Your Business Ready??

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Research indicates that only around 50 percent of businesses that suffer an incapacitating disaster are able to recover and resume operations…and only 29 percent remain in business just two years later.  It is also estimated that 95% of disasters affecting regular business operations are internal or man-made, such as fire or internal flooding.  Many businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a plan to efficiently stabilize and mitigate damage in order to get back into their buildings following a disaster. 

Most full contingency plans are made up of three main parts:  incident response, disaster recovery and business continuity.  SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile is a vital component of any existing contingency plan as it addresses both incident response and disaster recovery.

By developing a SERVPRO^® ERP for your business, you can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do, who to call and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation.  Timely mitigation minimizes the effects of water and fire damage allowing your property and business to be restored at an advanced rate.  Putting you back in business with as little down time as possible.

For more information on creating your customized Emergency Ready Profile email sp9445erp@yahoo.com or call us at 630-771-1720

Thunderstorms-Be Prepared

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

As we sit here looking at the dark clouds billowing over-head we remember it's springtime. In our area  it can get warm and thunderstorm’s are something to watch for, here are some tips, to prepare:

 To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

• Postpone outdoor activities.

• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

As always call us if you need us-we are here 24/7 365 days a year. 

630-771-1720

Fire Extinguisher Knowledge- Part 2

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

This blog post is a continuation of "Fire extinguisher knowledge part one" from our website.

The fourth type of fire extinguisher is the wet chemical extinguisher. The wet chemical extinguisher helps in that it focuses on removing heat from the fire in order to extinguish a fire and is most effective on fires made from paper, wood or plastics.

The fifth type of extinguisher is the clean agent. This type of extinguisher focuses on breaking the chemical reaction of a fire and is best worked on fires caused by flammable liquids, electrical equipment or combustibles such as wood or trash.

The sixth type is the dry powder extinguisher which focuses on separating the oxidizing agent from the fuel source and is most useful on fires created by combustible metals.

The seventh is the water mist extinguisher. This extinguisher is mainly water and focuses on cooling the fire and adds a cleaning agent to simplify the mess and should mainly be used on fires caused by electrical content.

The eighth and final extinguisher is the cartridge operated dry chemical and is similar to the clean agent in that it interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is Ready to Answer the Call 24/7

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. 24-Hour Emergency Service, Faster to Any Size Disaster, Highly Trained Restoration Technicians, A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry, Locally Owned and Operated, and Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment.

Why you can't let standing water stay in your home.

Within 24 hours

• Drywall begins to swell.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• An odor is created
• Stains are made

Within one week

• Mold begins to grow
• Metal begins to rust
• Wood floor swells and warp
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp

With spring season finally here, rain is inevitable which may cause flooding.

If at all possible, don't wait until it's too late; Call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook for all of your restoration needs- 630-771-1720

Fire Extinguisher Knowledge- Part 1

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

In the case of a fire emergency, both knowing general facts and tips on fire extinguishers can help exponentially when putting out any kind of fire. This will be one of two blogs explaining the facts on extinguishers. 

The different types of extinguishers.

In total there are eight different types of fire extinguishers, the first is water and foam based. This type focuses on taking the heat element out of a fire and should mainly used on a fire made from wood, paper or plastic.

The second type of extinguisher is carbon dioxide based that focuses on taking away the oxygen element of a fire, and should only be used on fires made from flammable liquids such as gas or oil, or fires from electrical equipment such as outlets or transformers. 

The third is a dry chemical extinguisher. This type is the most common of extinguishers and focuses on interrupting the chemical reaction of a fire triangle. (The fire triangle is what makes up a fire; Heat, Fuel, and an oxidizing agent which is normally oxygen) This extinguisher should be mainly used on; material fires caused from wood or plastic, fire caused from a flammable liquid such as gas, and fires made from electrical equipment.

Mold Remediaton for Your Woodridge or Bolingbrook Home

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Having mold in your home can be a stressful time, so here are a few tips and tricks on how to both control mold and remediate the mold.

• Interaction with mold
  • Once you realize there is a mold growth in your home, do not touch or interact with the mold itself as it could increase the growth.
  • Do not place a fan on the growth as a form of drying as it could spread the growth around the home.
  • If possible, isolate the room with mold in order to try and contain the mold growth.
• What to do before help arrives
  • If you have any delicate or personal items in the room with mold, remove those items and place them in a unaffected room.

If you have any mold affecting your home, call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook at 630-771-1720

24 Hour Remediation Services for Your Bolingbrook or Woodridge Business

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is Ready to Answer the Call 24/7

On the call 24/7:

            As an independently owned business ourselves, we understand that business continuity is extremely important and that every hour lost is a customer and revenue lost. And with our highly trained and certified technicians, we can prevent loses such as water damage and mold from being a long-term problem to your business. Being that we are a 24-hour franchise, we have a flexible schedule to work around time strains you may have.

We have the experience and the technology needed to solve any problem. If your business is damaged by water, fire or any other forces of mother nature, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook! 630-771-1720 

Did You Leave Your Hose Attached to an Outside Faucet All Winter?

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Soon the weather will start warming, and believe it or not, it will be so warm you will want to wash the car, or do some other outside cleaning. If you are like us, you can't wait!!

However, if you realize that you left a hose connected to an outside faucet, you might have inadvertently caused your pipe inside the house to freeze and break. The actual term for the faucet is silcock. What makes the silcock different is that the actual shut off valve is inside the house, 16-20" where it is hopefully warm. However, even though the valve is inside the house at a safe distance to keep it warm, leaving a hose attached can cause ice to form and cause the pipe to break between the outside faucet and the silcock valve. (Keep in mind that that entire pipe is still inside the house!!)

This is good in that although the silcock pipe is ruptured, no water has been lost because the valve is shut off. HOWEVER, once you open the valve by turning on the outside faucet, water will start pouring into your home!!

Play it safe, and if you left a hose attached all winter, before you turn on the water, go inside and look for the silcock and inspect it for damage. You can do this with a flashlight and you can also run your hands along the pipe and feel for bumps and breaks. If you find any, call your plumber and ask them to replace it right away! 

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 630-771-1720.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook Technicians Handle ALL Aspects of Flood Damage Remediation After a Storm

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

We can never really comprehend the volume of water that is shed from the structures we inhabit until storm damage opens a portion of it to the elements. This type of catastrophe must have a swift, professional response. Hiring a company like SERVPRO that specializes in flood damage and overall disaster remediation is the key to a successful outcome. 
 
Here is a typical storm damage scenario: torrential rains and high winds buffet your home for hours. Nearby tree limbs fall, break windows and cause a corner of the roof to collapse. The breach allows water to rush in through your attic and to the floors below, leaving you with flood damage throughout your Bolingbrook home. As the storm begins to weaken, you realize the safety of your family and the structure of your house require a professional response. Leaving even a portion of your home open to the elements risks more water damage, invasion by pests or unauthorized personnel. 

SERVPRO can meet your immediate need to temporarily secure and protect the storm damaged structure, and prevent further damage or unauthorized entry with board-up and roof tarping services.  Then the process of mitigating and remediating the interior can begin.  
 
Expect the SERVPRO team to take the time to create a firm plan outlining all the jobs that must be completed to prepare your home for re-construction. Standing water on every level of your home must be pumped out or extracted with powerful vacuums. The majority of the water collects in the basement or lowest level, so immediate attention focuses there, but SERVPRO's properly prepared and trained technicians examine every inch of the dwelling for flood damage. 
 
Following the removal of the water, SERVPRO's certified workers take moisture measurements of structures, air, and possessions as a post-disaster baseline. Drying goals shortly emerge from their skilled computations, and the recovery spotlight now shines on achieving appropriate moisture levels to minimize permanent damage to wood, metal, and fibers, among other things. Commercial air movers and low grain refrigerant dehumidifiers are precisely placed where needed to dry out the structure, flooring, floor coverings, walls, ceilings, and belongings. 
 
Contact SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook for your flood damage needs. Hiring a competent and well-seasoned remediation team is only a call to (630)771-1720 away.

Does Your Bolingbrook Home or Business Have a Mold Problem?

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (630) 771-1720

Restoring Your Commercial Property After a Water Loss

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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.

Preparing For Possible Water Damage

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

1. Slope soil away from your home's foundation.               

 2. Clean out gutters and downspouts in the fall and spring.  You can also use downspout extensions to carry water farther away from your foundation.           

3. Plug holes or cracks in you gutters, downspouts and downspout extensions.                                                

4. Set up a downspout to empty into a rain barrel.            

5. Look for holes or cracks in your foundation and completely fill them.                                                  

6. If your home is prone to flooding, having a sump pump installed is the most convenient flood control.      

7. Review with all family members how to shut off utilities in an emergency.                                                        

Water Damage??

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

There are a variety of events that can cause water damage in your home. From a sump pump failure during a rain storm, a pipe break, appliance malfunction, to a toilet overflow. And that's just a few! We wanted to share some important tips and things to do and don't do in case of a water damage emergency. (These tips are for clean water situations only.)

*Shut off the water source if possibe and can be done safely

*Remove excess water by mopping and blotting

*Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying

*Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs

*Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature

*Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting

*Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water

*Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water

*Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

Need help?  Call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook at 630-771-1720.

Best of Bolingbrook Business Award

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

We, at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, are humbled to announce that on March 8th we received the 2018 Best of Bolingbrook Business Award in the category of Contracting and Home Repair from the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce. We are proud to receive such recognition and it is truly an honor. We are proud to be part of such a great community.

Lightning Safety Tips

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

Lightning: What You Need to Know

• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety

• Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips

If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:

• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
• Never lie flat on the ground
• Never shelter under an isolated tree
• Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
• Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

Safety Tips Before, During and After a Storm

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Severe season is upon which means it’s time to buckle down and learn exactly what to do in an extreme weather situation. Follow these tips to stay safe!

Before

• 
  Have a family tornado plan and know where you can safely take shelter.
• Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio
• Install a tornado safe room or storm shelter built to FEMA 320 guidelines or the ICC/NSSA 500 standard. Always use a licensed contractor to install a safe room within, adjacent to, or outside of your home.

.

During

• Take refuge in a tested and approved storm shelter, safe room, or a community shelter labeled as an official tornado shelter. Community shelters may include stores, malls, churches, even airports.
• If no shelter is available:
  • Are you indoors? Go to the lowest floor, to a small, central, interior room, under a stairwell, or to an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch down as low as possible to the floor, face down, and cover your head with your arms. Cover yourself with a blanket, mattress, helmet, or other thick covering. Wear footwear with thick soles to your safe location.
  • Are you in a mobile home? Get out. Even if your home is tied down, it is not as safe as a sturdy building. Go to a nearby permanent structure. Do not seek shelter under an overpass, bridge, or in a drainage ditch. If you cannot safely exit your vehicle, park it out of traffic lanes. Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on. Put your head below the windows and protect it with your arms and a blanket, coat, or other cushion.
  • Are you outdoors? Shelter in a sturdy building. If no shelter is available, lie face down on low ground protecting the back of your head with your arms.

After

• Keep your family together in a safe location and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
• Stay away from power lines, downed trees, and puddles that could hide live wires.
• Watch your step to avoid sharp objects.
• Stay out of heavily damaged structures, as they may collapse.
• Do not use matches or lighters in case of leaking natural gas or fuel tanks.
• Listen to your radio for information and instructions.

Stay safe this season!

Smoke or Soot Damage in Bolingbrook IL

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Clean Up from Fire & Smoke Damage Calls for Professional Help

Dealing with soot is one of the most time-consuming parts of fire damage restoration. Residue quickly settles on all kinds of surfaces after a fire, and the cleanup is a genuine struggle for homeowners who are dealing with the aftermath of a blaze. However, what is soot, and why does it form after the fire?

Soot is the fine brown or black powder that clings to and discolors surfaces in the home after fire damage. Soot is what gives items that charred and blackened look. Smoke is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of materials; as wood, paper, plastic and other materials burn during a house fire, they produce residues and release particles into the atmosphere. 
 
The composition of soot makes it slightly sticky, which means it clings to surfaces and is difficult to remove. A smoke-damaged house does not feel like a home, SERVPRO will help with fire damage cleanup and restore your home “Like it never even happened.” 
  
Our highly trained technicians arrive ready to thoroughly assess your property and devise the best cleaning plan for you. We advise you on which items are salvageable from soot damage and which are not. 

  
If your home has soot, smoke and fire damage call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook at 630-771-1720

How To Prevent Dryer Vent Fires

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Facts about home clothes dryer fires

• 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.
• Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.
• More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.

Clothes dryer fire safety messages

It is important for community residents to know how to keep themselves safe from fire. Use the following fire safety messages to teach people about clothes dryer fire safety.

Clothes dryer do’s

Installation

• Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional.
• Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly.
• Read manufacturers' instructions and warnings in use and care manuals that come with new dryers.

Cleaning

• Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. In addition, clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it becomes clogged.
• Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months.
• Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.

Maintenance

• Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.
• Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow and dirt.
• Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.
• Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.
• Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are together and free of leaks.
• Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.
• Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that can burn.
• If you will be away from home for an extended time, unplug or disconnect the dryer.

Clothes dryer don’t's

• Don’t use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.
• Don’t overload the dryer.
• Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.
• Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.
• Don’t dry any item for which manufacturers' instructions state “dry away from heat.”
• Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers' instructions allow).
• Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
• Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.

 Need Dryer Vent Cleaning?  Call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook at 630-771-1720 

How to Winterize Your Commercial Property to Prevent Freezing Water Pipes

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Freezing temperatures can create all types of hazards and often cause major damage to properties when proper preparations are not taken.  The mess and cost to clean up a water line or pipe that freezes is not something that anyone wants to deal with and is avoidable if certain steps are taken prior to the arrival of winter weather conditions.

Freezing temperatures can also cause vital safety systems, such as fire protection systems to malfunction. Worst case scenario, sprinkler pipes can burst resulting in major damage to buildings, furnishing, computer and electrical equipment.

The saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure comes to mind when dealing with the results of frozen water lines. Take these 5 steps listed below to prevent freezing water pipes from bursting and to keep your building and its occupants safe this winter.

5 Steps to Preventing Burst Pipes:

1. Insulate all water pipes that run along the exterior of the building or those that are located in unheated interior spaces.
2. Inspect water pipes on a regular basis, looking for any signs of small leaks or fatigue that could cause them to fail in a big way when the freezing temperatures arrive.
3. Run water at a slow drip to relieve the pressure that can burst a pipe in the case that it does freeze.
4. Check all shutoff valves and levers to make sure they are in pristine working order.
5. Keep utilities on in vacant units- if you have vacant units, the cost of maintaining utilities in that unit will offset the cost of loss that could result from the lack of heat or water movement which causes frozen pipes and subsequent water damage.

While these 5 preventative measures can help to avoid a catastrophic pipe burst, being prepared should the pipes burst is paramount to minimizing the damage. First turn off the main water supply. If this is not possible, contact a plumber and explain that it is an emergency.

Should you notice water seeping from the ceiling and/or walls, shut down the power supply at the meter box and call an electrician immediately. Make every effort to protect documents, electronics and computers. Open doors and windows in the water damaged area to allow for drying and contact an emergency clean up service immediately. The sooner you have a professional disaster clean up team on site, the quicker and less expensive the cost to repair and prevent hazardous mold growth.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is that professional disaster clean up team.  If you find yourself in this situation- please call us at:

630-771-1720

We are here 24 x 7 365 days a year!

Snow Storms and Extreme Cold

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

A winter storm occurs when there is significant precipitation and the temperature is low enough that precipitation forms as sleet or snow, or when rain turns to ice. A winter storm can range from freezing rain and ice, to moderate snowfall over a few hours, to a blizzard that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures.

Winter storms can cause power outages that last for days. They can make roads and walkways extremely dangerous or impassable and close or limit critical community services such as public transportation, child care, health programs and schools. Injuries and deaths may occur from exposure, dangerous road conditions, and carbon monoxide poisoning and other conditions.

Before Snowstorms and Extreme Cold

• Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Make an emergency kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency.
• Keep space heater safety in mind: Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Remember to keep all heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
• Prepare your home:
  • Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside.
  • Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
  • Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
  • Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
  • If you have a wood burning fireplace, consider storing wood to keep you warm if winter weather knocks out your heat. Also, make sure you have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.
  • Have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:
    • Extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats
    • Fireplace or wood-burning stove with plenty of dry firewood, or a gas log fireplace
• Prepare your vehicle:
  • Fully winterize your vehicle: Have a mechanic check antifreeze, brakes, heater and defroster, tires, and windshield wipers to ensure they are in good shape. Keep your gas tank at least half full.
  • Keep an extra emergency kit specifically created for your car. In addition to the basic essentials, consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.
  • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
  • Sand to improve traction.
• Make sure you have a cell phone with an emergency charging option (car, solar, hand crank, etc.) in case of a power failure.
• People who depend on electricity to operate medical equipment should have alternate arrangements in place in case power is out for an extended period of time.
• Plan to check on elderly/disabled relatives and neighbors.
• Plan to bring pets inside.
• Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it in case you lose power.
• Fill a gallon container with water and place them in the freezer to help keep food cold.
• A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.

During Snowstorms and Extreme Cold

• Stay indoors during the storm.
• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and your route; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
• If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
• Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss.

After Snow Storms and Extreme Cold

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

• If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (e.g., SHELTER20472)

• Bring any personal items that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.

• Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.

Winter Weather Watches and Warnings

• Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify an extreme winter weather alerts:

• Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

• Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

• Wind Chill- Windchill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside. The NWS provides a Windchill Chart to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature and the amount of time until frostbite occurs. For more information, visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/windchill.shtml.

• Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening. The NWS issues a winter weather advisory when conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening.

• Winter Storm Watch - A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information. The NWS issues a winter storm watch when severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area but the location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a potential severe storm. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, TV, or other news sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check your emergency supplies, and gather any items you may need if you lose power.

• Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

• Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

• Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Preventing Mold and Mildew in Your Shower

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Mold and mildew is a common nuisance in many home showers and bathrooms. Here are  some tips and tricks for preventing mold…

PREVENTING MOLD

Mold and mildew can’t grow where it’s dry, so the best way to keep them at bay is to reduce dampness in your bathroom.

• Crack open a window and start your ceiling fan when you turn on the shower so excess moisture moves out of the room, rather than condenses on the walls and tile. Keep the fan running and the window cracked open at least 15 minutes after you turn the shower off to let as much moist air escape as possible.
• Wipe down the shower and tub as soon as you’re finished. Keep a small squeegee in the shower so it’s convenient; you can get a squeegee very cheaply at a hardware store, home goods retailer, or online. Or use a hand towel or washcloth to do the job. A cloth is particularly good at getting to the tile grout and in the corners where mold has a tendency to start.
• Use a shower curtain you can actually launder in the washing machine. That means, skip the vinyl or plastic in favor of cotton, hemp, or nylon. Wash it in hot water, run it through your machine’s spin cycle to remove excess water, then hang it up to dry in the shower.
• If you have a non-slip mat in your shower, you will need to pull it up and wash it down regularly. I’ve gotten rid of my shower mat because it was too much trouble to keep it clean. If you want yours, you’ll have to wash it frequently.
• Keep your shower clean. Wash it down regularly with a good non-toxic cleanser, like baking soda and a plant-based liquid soap, or something like Bon Ami, which is essentially pulverized rock. Use a mop and a stepladder to reach the ceiling above the shower if needed. Dry it with a rag or towel when you finish washing it.
• Fix leaky faucets and showerheads. Stop the drips to limit mold and mildew around drains.
• Remember this true adage: An ounce of preventing mold is worth a pound of cure. The more you do to prevent mold and mildew from building up, the better off you’ll be.

TREATMENT

As soon as you notice mold or mildew, attack!

• If you have more than an initial build-up, wear a surgical mask so you don’t inhale any of the spores, and use gloves to keep it off your hands.
• Make a spray of water and vinegar, tea tree oil or hydrogen peroxide, using between one or two teaspoons of the product for every cup of water you add to the spray bottle (experiment a bit to see what
  works in your situation). If using vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, spray the potion directly on the spotty areas, leave them alone for 10 or 15 minutes, and then rinse. If using tea tree oil, which is more expensive but is supposed to be more effective, spray the cleanser on the tile or shower stall and leave it over night. Run the fan and open the window to keep air circulating and to counter the strong smell from the vinegar or tea tree oil. Wipe the treated area dry with a rag you don’t mind throwing away. Reapply as soon as you see the mold reappear.
• If the grout in your shower can’t be thoroughly cleaned out, you may need to replace the grout.  If this is too much to do on your own, you can easily find a professional service to replace the grout for you.

MAINTENANCE

Preventing mold and mildew in your shower doesn’t mean you can be less vigilant. Inspect the shower and shower curtain once a week to make sure you’re staying mold and mildew-free. Wash the shower curtain regularly to keep it fresh. Wipe down the tile or shower stall each time you finish using it, and don’t forget to keep the window open and the fan going to reduce moisture build-up.

4 Furnace Safety Tips for Winter

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

As the cold winter months approach us, most of us turn to our furnace to keep our homes cozy and warm.  Although furnaces are a great way to heat our homes, there are some precautions that we should take to safely operate our furnaces and avoid problems in the long run.

Start the year off right with the following furnace safety tips:

1. CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER

It is important to change your furnace filter regularly. A clean air filter will help your furnace burn more efficiently and will help keep dust from being circulated through your home. A dirty filter can cause a number of efficiency, performance and safety issues, as well as result in furnace failure. Change or clean your air filter every 1-3 months during the winter when the furnace is being used the most.

2. ANNUAL FURNACE CHECK-UP

Have your furnace cleaned and checked every year by a professional. An annual furnace check-up is essential to make sure that the system is working well and operating efficiently. During the inspection, your furnace will be checked for problems such as carbon monoxide leaks or frayed electrical wires that could lead to safety hazards in your home.

3. TEST YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

If your furnace isn’t functioning properly, one of the biggest threats that it can impose to your home is a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is a type of gas that is colorless and odorless, so there is no way to detect high levels of it on your own. A carbon monoxide leak can cause us to have flu-like symptoms, disorientation, confusion and even death. It is imperative to check that all of your home’s carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

4. KEEP THE AREA AROUND YOUR FURNACE CLEAR

In order to minimize the chance of a fire, it would be smart to keep the area around your furnace clear. Flammable products such as papers, sawdust, old rags and wood scraps should be kept a safe distance away from the furnace. Liquids such as gasoline and kerosene should be stored in tightly sealed containers, since vapors from flammable liquids easily ignite.

Mold Lesson from the IICRC

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Mold becomes a problem inside a home or business when there's excessive humidity or moisture for an extended period of time. The problem can originate from sudden water releases, like a burst pipe or large spill that goes untreated, or from a chronic condition, such as a leaking roof or plumbing. Even high humidity or warm, moist air condensing on cool surfaces can trigger mold problems. It's always best to have the mold evaluated and removed by a certified professional.

Mold can grow almost anywhere in a home or business if conditions permit. If there is visible growth on painted wall surfaces, property owners should be concerned about what may be growing on the wall's opposite side. The environment inside the walls of a house often differs drastically from the outside and could create a perfect haven for mold. If the wall remains wet for a prolonged period, it's almost guaranteed that the mold growth on the back side will be worse than on the front. At that point, containing the work space and removing moldy materials, followed by cleaning of salvageable framing, are the best options.

Certified professionals have the training and experience to:

• Identify moisture sources
• Evaluate mold growth (visible or suspected)
• Contain damage to the smallest area possible
• Physically remove contamination
• Dry materials to ensure that mold will not return
• Perform or recommend procedures for returning property to a preloss condition

http://www.IICRC.org/

Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

Ice Dams- Take Action Before Snow Starts Falling

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Taking precautions to prevent ice dams is an important part of preparing your home for winter weather. Knowing what an ice dam is, minimizing the conditions that allow one to form and removing an ice dam as soon as you spot one can help prevent serious damage to both the roof and the inside of your home.

Take Action Before Snow Starts Falling

An ice dam may develop during the cold winter months if warm air from your home or attic melts snow on your roof. In freezing temperatures, the melted snow may refreeze once it reaches the colder edge of the roof. Keeping the temperature of your attic at 32°F or below can help prevent snow from melting and ice dams from developing. The following are some steps you can take to help prevent the snow melting-and-freezing cycle that often causes ice dams:

• Insulate your attic. Be sure your attic is properly insulated to help prevent warmth from escaping through ceilings. Whenever possible, an insulation value of R-40 is recommended.
• Prevent air leaks. Check and seal any openings where warm air or heat could escape into the attic, such as insulating or caulking around vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and/or light fixtures.
• Improve ventilation. Increase the number or size of attic, roof or soffit vents that allow cold air to circulate and flush warmer air out during the winter.

• Install a water-repellent membrane. When replacing the roof covering, install a water-repellent membrane underneath the shingles. This acts as an extra barrier
  that helps prevent water from seeping inside the building should an ice dam form.

Tips to Help Prevent Ice Dams Through the Winter

Ice dams can sometimes form despite your best efforts to keep your roof at the proper temperature. Be sure to monitor the weather and maintain your roof throughout the colder, winter months for additional protection against ice dams, such as:

• Clear gutters and downspouts. Prevent water from accumulating and possibly freezing in your gutters by cleaning leaves, debris and snow accumulation from in and around gutters and downspouts. Making sure that your gutters are properly pitched can also help prevent the collection of water in low spots and help reduce the potential for ice buildup in gutters.
• Remove snow accumulation from your roof after every storm. Whenever possible, use a roof rake to clear snow about three to four feet from the edge of your roof soon after each storm. Snow accumulation along the edge of your roof increases the likelihood of an ice dam developing, which prevents water from draining off the roof. This water can then back up underneath roof shingles and make its way into your home.
• Remove ice dams as soon as you spot them. Check your roof often and know how to help identify and remove an ice dam.

CAUTION: Avoid using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. This can be extremely dangerous and is best left to the professionals.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Please keep these Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips in mind during this holiday season!

1. Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

2. Place your tree it at least three feet away from any heat source including your fire place, heaters and candles (or anything that can dry out the tree and make it more flammable). 

3. Always keep your tree stand filled with water.

4. When decorating your tree replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.

5. Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are operating properly.

6. Try not to leave your tree up for more than two weeks.

7. Never leave Christmas tree lights on if the tree is unattended. Unplug them when you go to bed or leave the home. 

8. When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.

Have a safe and joyful holiday season!!

Don't Let Pipes Freeze and Steps to Take If They Do

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

What's worse than a major home maintenance disaster? Try several major home maintenance disasters at once. When a house's water pipes freeze, the situation is not as simple as calling a plumber. A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold.

Frozen water pipes are a problem in both cold and warmer climates, affecting a quarter-million families each winter, and it can happen in homes with both plastic and copper pipes. It's all too common, especially considering this damage is largely preventable.

In addition to taking the usual preventive precautions, here are a few steps you can take to keep your pipes from turning frigid nights into inconvenient, and expensive ordeals.

Before Winter Arrives

The three central causes of frozen pipes are quick drops in temperature, poor insulation, and thermostats set too low. You can prepare your home during the warmer months.

• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization and only for the use intended (exterior or interior). Closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
• Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

When the Mercury Plummets

Even if you've taken the right preventative steps, extreme weather conditions can still harm your pipes. Here are a few more steps you can take:

• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you're asleep, but further drops in the temperature—more common overnight—could catch you off guard and freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Before You Skip Town

Travelling in the winter months might be good for the soul, but don't forget to think about your pipes before you leave. What can you do?

• Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C).
• Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.
• Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it may be deactivated when you shut off the water.

If Your Pipes Do Freeze

What if your pipes still freeze, despite your best preventive measures? First step: Don't panic. Just because they're frozen doesn't mean they've already burst. Here's what you can do:

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water. You could be electrocuted.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house!
• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe using a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.

Office Carpet Cleaning Should Be Done By Professionals

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Regular office carpet cleaning is necessary for maintaining a professional, healthy atmosphere. No one likes to work in filth, and over time, the flooring will pick up a great deal of soil and debris. If it is not regularly removed, the flooring will deteriorate at an accelerated rate, harbor odors, and look unattractive and dirty. Fortunately, certified professionals can keep the flooring nearly soil free as long as they are brought in for a thorough treatment on a regular basis.

Commercial buildings withstand a great deal of foot traffic every day, and with the foot traffic comes soil, moisture, and other debris. With entry mats near the entrances and daily vacuuming, most of this soil can be kept from penetrating into the fibers. However, it isn’t a perfect solution, and deep office carpet cleaning will be needed before long.

There are several treatment methods available for commercial buildings, but most textile manufacturers agree that hot water extraction is the most effective method. During hot water extraction, a combination of superheated water and detergent is injected deep into the carpeting and vacuumed up once it has a chance to suspend any soil.

Need Carpet Cleaning? 
Call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook Today – (630) 771-1720

We also offer a range of specialized cleaning methods:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

Smoke Alarms Are Important

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Test Your Smoke Alarms Regularly

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Mold and Water Damage

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth.  When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.  SERVPRO Professionals handle water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth.  Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time.  If your property has sustained a recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly.  If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for the following:

-The presence of visible mold

-Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present

-Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth

-Excessive humidity.

These conditions may require the expertise of a SERVPRO professional along with a qualified Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems. 

Top 10 tips to Look for Water Damage and Mold in Buildings

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is ubiquitous, mold spores are floating around in the air everywhere, all the time.
The total number of spores and specific species can vary wildly. While a small amount of mold is growing in all of our homes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, this growth rarely triggers symptoms for normal occupants. Significant mold growth due to water damage is of the greatest concern. Hidden water damage can promote significant mold growth that can seriously affect occupant health.

The best way, by far, would to have any new home you are considering moving into inspected and tested by a Certified Microbial Investigator. A standard residential Mold/IAQ Inspection with air and/or surface sampling will typically identify if any significant mold growth is active in a home.

However, the cost of an inspection can be impractical if you are looking at multiple places to move to. Below are 10 tips you can use to identify water damage and mold in buildings prior to purchase or signing a long-term lease. Use these tips to narrow your search and then invest in a professional inspection when you have found the “one”.

Mold in Buildings
No Downspout
10) Drainage: At minimum this usually means gutters and downspouts.

Do the downspouts tie into a site drainage system?
Are the gutters clogged with leaves and other debris?
Walk around the property, is it on a hill?
Will water flow toward the building when it rains?
Are there drainage culverts, channels, and storm drains?
Are these drains clear or clogged with debris?
Is there evidence of water splashing onto the building siding?
Proper drainage is key to preventing excess moisture entering a building, a basement, or crawlspace and leading to dry rot or mold growth.

9) Building Envelope – Roof, Windows, Doors, siding, Foundation – Leaks from Exterior

Mold in Buildings
Peeling Paint on Siding
Look at the roof, is it in good condition?

Are the roof penetrations well sealed or is the sealer old and cracking?

Check the ceiling inside for signs of roof leaks, water staining, bubbling, etc.

Look carefully around siding, window and door frames?

Is the caulking cracked or smooth and in good condition?
Are the frames cracking?
Is the paint peeling?
Are there cracks or other gaps (where a chimney meets the wall may be one) that may allow water to enter the building envelope?
All are signs that water may be able to enter the building envelope.

8) Leaks – Interior – Plumbing – Fresh water and Drain Plumbing

Water and moisture don’t only come from the outside. The internal plumbing system can leak and provide moisture for mold growth.

Check under all sinks, kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room for visible leaks and musty smells.
Look around tubs and showers for signs of leaks, mold growth, and bubbling. Tiles that are coming loose are often a sign of moisture in the wall behind.
Look at drains for signs of leaks.

7) Condition

Mold in Buildings
Clogged Drain
What is the overall condition of the space? Run down or pristine? Likely somewhere in between, but the general condition can give you a clue how well long term maintenance has been. Shoddy maintenance can allow water damage to fester and mold growth to set in.

6) Condensation

Single pane windows are notorious for excessive condensation.

Are window sills cracked and stained?
Are window sills dirty or show visible mold growth?
Check the back of blinds and drapes for signs of condensation and mold growth.
Older homes, prior to the 1970’s, are usually not insulated. Large pieces of furniture placed against cold, outside walls can be place for condensation and mold growth.

Check behind large dressers, bookshelves, or headboards for condensation and mold.
Closets that share an outside wall can be very problematic. The excess condensation, limited airflow in a closed closet, as well as plenty of organic material for mold to eat (cotton and wool clothes, cardboard boxes, etc) can lead to a significant mold infestation.

5) Ventilation

Bathroom without sufficient ventilation can be very problematic for condensation. If there is water staining and mold growth or mold stains on the ceiling or walls (some growth in the shower and bath is normal, but not outside of those areas) it is likely condensation may be a problem.

Does the bathroom have a good exhaust fan?
Is the fan register clean or clogged with dust and debris?
Does the bath fan have a timer?
Many older buildings only have windows for bathroom ventilation adding a fan to the window or the bathroom may be necessary to counteract excessive condensation. Kitchens also should have exhaust fans for the range stove that can exhaust excess moisture from cooking to the exterior. Some older buildings only have recirculating fans or no fans at all.

4) HVAC System

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system is very important to maintaining both occupant comfort and good air quality. Often the HVAC system is the only way to filter the air we breath inside our homes, although not all HVAC systems have filters! Also, dust and moisture and pests (insects and rodents) can hide out in our ducts and other areas of the HVAC system.

If the system has a filter, check it! Is it dirty or clean?
Change the filter regularly and use the best quality filter the system can handle.
Check the ducts and registers with a flashlight. Are they dirty or clean? Any signs of insect or rodent infestation. Take a sniff, there should be no foul or musty odors.
Lift floor registers and look inside for dust and debris.
Some systems don’t have ducts, such as radiant floor heat or wall or space heaters.
Check wall heaters for buildup of dust and debris. The insides should be clean.
A portable air HEPA filter may be advised if the building has radiant heating.

3) Housekeeping

Mold in Buildings
Visible Mold Growth on Baseboard and Wall
Does the building seem “clean”? Remember to check the hard to reach places.

Check the tops of door and window frames for dust buildup.
Check under the refrigerator. This area can build up quite a bit of debris and mold can grow on the condenser coils.
Check behind large items such as cabinets and couches.
Mold can easily grow on “Biofilms”. Household dust is considered a biofilm, as it is composed of organic material (skin cells, insect part, cotton and cellulose fibers, pet dander) that mold can use as a food source.
Does the building have carpet? Does the carpet appear clean? Is the carpet stained? Carpet can hold moisture from cleaning and spills as well as pet urination, in additional to other contaminants carpet tends to accumulate settled mold spores that come in the air from the exterior. Carpet can hold mold spores that can become active under conditions of high humidity.

2) Musty Smell

Probably the second biggest “Red Flag” for building you may occupy. A musty smell = ACTIVE MOLD GROWTH. Trust your nose and if there is a moderate to strong musty smell, RUN AWAY.

1) VISIBLE MOLD

Mold in buildings should not be visible, with the exception of small amounts around sinks, baths and showers. Sometimes a minor amount around window sills is acceptable. But if you see visible mold growth on walls, ceilings, baseboards, under sinks, etc. this is sign of a significant mold infestation.

I hope you can use the above top 10 tips to help find healthy and happy place to call home!

In the event you are looking at a home and are unsure of mold growth you can call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook to come out and do some testing.  If after testing there seems to be a significant number of mold spores present we can do the remediation as well.

Call us at 630-771-1720 

What to Do Before and After a Fire

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (630) 771-1720

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

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

Home Fire Safety

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Top Tips for Fire Safety

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

2. Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

3. Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

4. If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

   If a Fire Starts:

    
5. Know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher 
6. Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number.
7. Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.
8. If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
9. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Close doors behind you.
10. If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
11. Once you are outside, go to your meeting place and then send one person to call the fire department. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency communication plan.
12.  

    If your clothes catch on fire:

13. Stop what you’re doing.
14. Drop to the ground and cover your face if you can.
15. Roll over and over or back and forth until the flames go out. Running will only make the fire burn faster.

16.  

    THEN:

    Once the flames are out, cool the burned skin with water for three to five minutes. Call for medical attention.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Storm Damage

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Storm damage can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home. Heavy rains can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage and downed trees on your property. Some post-storm damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a strategy to deal with damage will help you to be ready to take steps immediately after the storm.

Take Safety Precautions

Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health issues. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property. Contact a reputable property restoration company to help do basic tasks to secure your property and make it safe to use. If necessary, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living condition.

Photograph the Damage

If it is safe to move around your property, use your cellphone or a camera to photograph the damage so that you will have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjustor to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Look Into Federal Disaster Assistance

The federal government may have declared the area affected by the storm as a disaster area that is eligible for low-cost loans to help restore your property to normal. You will be required to file documents to receive these loans.

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, but these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, and your life, to normal. At SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, we provide 24-hour emergency disaster service. We specialize in the stabilization and restoration of homes and businesses that have suffered small or large loss from water, flood, wind, storm, fire damage , and smoke disaster.  

Storm Damage Restoration Process

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Violent weather such as storm damage can wreak havoc on buildings as well as vegetation. Wind damage can be a hazard to the structure of a building, by loosening the shingles or tiles on the roof. This can cause moisture such as rain and snow to infiltrate into the protective surface of the roof, which will result in the wood swelling and later on disintegration and becoming moldy. This outcome will lead to a sagging ceiling and further problems. Elements such as wind, rain, hail, and lightning can result in turning people’s lives upside down, this is why having a storm damage restoration service to help this type of emergency is a good option.

Here are some of the activities you can expect from the storm restoration service professionals.

• Whether it is a business or residence, the restoration company will come to your property and their trained experts will do a thorough examination of the interior and exterior of your building. This will help them discover the level of the damage. In many cases, the restoration company will discuss the renovation plans with you and your insurance adjuster.
• When everything is agreed upon, the work begins. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment the professional will use. In the case of flooding, they will use specialized pumps and vacuums to remove water from the affected areas.
• Generators will be brought in to operate their dehumidifiers and air movers so mold and mildew do not have a change to make matters worse. Using customized cleaners, the specialist will then disinfect hard surfaces and shampoo salvageable carpets as well as apply deodorant to combat any odors.

If contacted in time, a storm damage restoration company will be able to rescue your building from greater structural issues, by inspecting the roof and replacing the dilapidated areas. After sealing and renovating the roof, they will then address the ceiling and restore to its former condition.

As you can see, when you suffer from natural disasters, the storm damage restoration process is something the experts can handle.  

If you've recently suffered from storm damage and are looking for storm damage repair or water damage clean up, contact the specialists at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook today to help reinstate your home. Call us at 630-771-1720

Faster to your Woodridge and Bolingbrook IL Water Damage Event

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in DuPage and part of Will County!

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. 

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook  arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –  630-771-1720

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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.

7 Emergency Supplies Your Business Should Always Have on Hand

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Readiness Program

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

Be Prepared

What To Do After a Commercial Fire

5/17/2017 (Permalink)

Thousands of businesses are affected by commercial fire damage each year due to a wide range of causes. Whether it's a restaurant that encounters a fire, an office in a building that was affected by a nearby disaster, or a severe storm that sparks flames, such an event is never easy to deal with. 
 
Few proprietors are prepared to grapple with the aftermath of a fire because it's not something that most business owners expect will happen to them. Entrepreneurs who suffer commercial fire damage may feel at a loss when it comes to picking up the pieces and resuming business as usual. Here are three key steps you should consider taking after a fire has shut down your business. 
 
1. Get in contact with your insurance company right away. 
Not only will this be one of the most relevant steps to getting back open and serving your customers, but also your insurance company will provide the funds needed to make repairs to your business. We know how to navigate the commercial claims process, and any repairs that we complete will meet or exceed your insurance provider's requirements.We do emphasize that we are not an insurance company.
 
2. Secure the remaining equipment and property in your building. 
Unfortunately, commercial fire damage increases the likelihood of vandalism and theft, as your building will be left vulnerable and less secure. Patching up walls, doors, and windows, even temporarily, can go a long way towards preventing further problems. The experts at SERVPRO have the experience and tools needed to secure your business's exterior and interior quickly. As a result, your property will be safeguarded, and any further damage to the building will be minimized. 
  
3. Be mindful of smoke damage. 
Even if it appears that your business was only minimally affected by commercial fire damage, the building likely has lingering smoke that will destroy your equipment, documents, and inventory over time. When you call SERVPRO, we'll thoroughly inspect your business for smoke damage and effectively clean it up, eliminate odors and restore satisfactory indoor air quality.
 
The team at SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook  knows how devastating commercial fire damage can be, and we're committed to helping you get your business back up and running. To obtain a quote or get more information about our fire repair and restoration services, call us 24/7 at 630-771-1720.

HVAC Fire Hazards and Prevention

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

The Top HVAC Fire Hazards

HVAC systems are usually in a back room of the basement, outside behind the house, or in the attic – three places that are easy for homeowners to forget about.

Regardless of the season, HVAC fire hazards are present at any time of the year. Fortunately, many of these risks are preventable.

The Top HVAC Fire Hazards:

• HVAC parts are old, corroded, or broken:This problem often stems from an HVAC unit that is not regularly serviced. Problems with essential parts can lead to decreased efficiency and also lead to potential fire hazards.
• Items are stored too close to the HVAC unit:The HVAC unit itself produces a considerable amount of heat. Storing combustible items such as boxes, paper, motor oil, and chemicals too close to the unit creates a high-risk environment for a fire.
• Problems with connections or gas pressure:Problems with connections in a gas furnace can lead to toxic gas being released into the home, leading to both health and fire hazards.

• The HVAC unit has an electrical problem: Whether the unit has a loose cord connection, a frayed cord, an old cord that overheats, or another issue, electrical problems with HVAC units can easily spark furnace fires.
• A fuel line is leaking: This can be a harder problem to spot since many fuel lines are located inside or behind the unit. Yearly inspections can help catch old, at-risk fuel lines before they start leaking and posing a major fire hazard.
• Improper installation: When an HVAC unit is installed improperly, it can lead to many problems such as reduced air flow and efficiently, and increased costs. Improper installation can also cause serious problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.

If you notice the smell of gas in the basement, evacuate the home and call your service technician immediately.

What You Can Do to Prevent HVAC Fires

Taking steps to prevent HVAC fires is the best way to avoid an emergency situation. In addition, these steps can save you a lot of long-term hassle and cost.

Tips for Preventing HVAC Fires:

1. Schedule HVAC maintenance at least once a year.Not only is a yearly inspection a good way to ensure that every part is in serviceable condition, you can maintain optimal efficiency for energy savings.
2. Don’t attempt DIY HVAC maintenance. Always hire a professional, certified technician to perform any repairs or tune-ups on your HVAC unit. DIY repairs can lead to accidental problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning or increased risk of fire hazards.
3. Ensure that the area is properly ventilated.HVAC systems produce carbon monoxide, a toxic, invisible, odorless gas. Without proper ventilation, this gas can collect in the home and become extremely hazardous to occupants.
4. Be aware of what you store near your HVAC unit.It is advised to keep all items at least 3 feet away from the unit. Much like portable heaters and other appliances, HVAC units can get extremely hot and cause flammable items to combust. Storing items too close to heating equipment is one of the primary causes of home fires.
5. Replace the filters on your HVAC at least twice a year, if applicable.Set a routine that is easy to remember, such as once during the spring and again during the fall. Not only will a filter improve the air quality in your home, it will help ensure proper airflow and reduce overheating.
6. If you have an outdoor HVAC unit and keep it covered during certain seasons, make sure to remove the cover prior to the first use of the season. An obstructed airflow can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard.
7. Install a carbon monoxide detector near the HVAC unit.Evacuate the home and call your HVAC technician if the alarm goes off.

Now that you know the top HVAC fire hazards and how to prevent them, you can take steps to keep your family safe year-round.

Woodridge and Bolingbrook IL Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 630-771-1720

Summertime Means Grilling Time!!

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

Grilling Safety

Grilling safety tips

Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. To keep you and your family safe while grilling, follow these general guidelines:

General grilling tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.


• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.


• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.


• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.


• Never leave your grill unattended.

Before you use your grill:

• Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.


• Check the gas (propane) tank hose for the potential (gas) leaks. To do that:
  
  
  
  • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
  
  
  • Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
  
  
  • If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
  
  
  
  


• If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.


• If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department immediately.

When the grill is on:

• As you are cooking, if you smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.


• If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.


• If the smell continues, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Charcoal grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.


• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.


• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.


• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.


• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Top Five Reasons You Should Invest in Cleaning Services

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

As much as you may not want it to be true, the cleanliness of your home is a major reflection on you. Friends, family, and associates who come to your home will form opinions about what they find. It is embarrassing to have a dirty home, and it can also be a major source of frustration and stress for you. Although most everyone has learned the basics of cleaning, there are a variety of reasons to consider professional cleaning services.

Here is a list of the top five reasons to invest in cleaning services:

1. You’ll feel an increased confidence in your home and likely invite guests over more frequently.


2. Professionals use higher quality cleaning materials and are more thorough.


3. If you’re not spending as much time cleaning your home, you’ll also experience improved productivity. You’ll likely feel more motivated and focused on other tasks that need to get done, as well.


4. Hiring cleaning services is better for your health. Regular, detailed cleaning will decrease allergen buildup and reduce the likelihood of mold. Similarly, it will also lessen your work load and reduce the stress that you feel about an unclean home.


5. Frequent cleanings will also increase the lifespan of the materials in your home, such as wood or tile floors, carpets, etc.

Not only is a clean home good for your character and rapport, but you will also experience less stress if your home is well cared for. There are so many other advantages of investing in cleaning services, but it’s definitely worth considering. Determine what is most important to you and how you want to spend your time. Cleaning your home is likely not at the top of that list. Live the life that will bring you the most happiness and spend your time on what you will enjoy, then shift responsibility for the less pleasant tasks to someone else.

http://www.SERVPROwoodridgebolingbrook.com/cleaning-services

Why Water Damage Should be Cleaned by Certified Professionals

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

Damage From Water Should Be Cleaned By Certified Professionals

What Does It Mean to Be IICRC Certified

5/12/2017 (Permalink)

Look For the IICRC Logo! SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook is a IICRC Certified Firm

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise. All IICRC Certified Firms must:  

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.


• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.


• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.


• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.


• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC actively has relationships with fiber producers, carpet and fabric mills, furnishing manufacturers and retailers, and others affiliated with the industry. The use of IICRC service professionals is specified in leading manufacturers’ maintenance brochures and warranties.

When it comes to cleaning, restoration and inspection, the IICRC writes the books

As an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC has led the way in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

The IICRC helps keep homes and businesses healthful

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person spends 90 percent or more of their time indoors, where levels of pollutants may be two to five times (and occasionally more than 100 times) higher than outdoor levels.

This makes it extremely important to perform regular maintenance inside your home or business. In addition to vacuuming, cleaning and checking for water damage on a regular basis, using a certified technician for cleaning will help extend the life of your flooring and upholstery and ensure that your home or business is healthful for those who live and work there.

When Storms or Floods hit Bolingbrook and/or Woodridge IL, SERVPRO is ready!

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Bolingbrook and Woodridge IL!

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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 Bolingbrook or Woodridge IL, 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 630-771-1720

For Immediate Service in Woodridge and/or Bolingbrook IL, Call SERVPRO

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Woodridge and Bolingbrook Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Woodridge and Bolingbrook. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service


• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster


• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians


• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry


• Locally Owned and Operated


• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 630-771-1720

Residential Services

Whether your Woodridge or Bolingbrook home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration


• Fire Damage Restoration


• Mold Remediation


• Storm Damage Restoration


• Cleaning Services


• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Woodridge or Bolingbrook commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPROwoodridgebolingbrook.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration


• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Lightning Safety-OUTDOORS!

4/24/2017 (Permalink)

There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Just remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors. Too many people wait far too long to get to a safe place when thunderstorms approach. Unfortunately, these delayed actions lead to many of the lightning deaths and injuries in the United States. Below are tips on how to stay safe indoors and outdoors as well as brochures and other tools to teach lightning safety.

When a Safe Building or Vehicle is Nearby

There is little you can do to substantially reduce your risk if you are outside in a thunderstorm. The only completely safe action is to get inside a safe building or vehicle.

When a Safe Location is not Nearby

If you absolutely cannot get to safety, you can slightly lessen the threat of being struck with the following tips. But don't kid yourself--you are NOT safe outside. Know the weather patterns of the area you plan to visit. For example, in mountainous areas, thunderstorms typically develop in the early afternoon, so plan to hike early in the day and be down the mountain by noon. Listen to the weather forecast for the outdoor area you plan to visit. The forecast may be very different from the one near your home. If there is a high chance of thunderstorms, stay inside.

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
• If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
• If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lighting.
• Stay away from water, wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such as fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.

Be Prepared For Severe Weather

4/21/2017 (Permalink)

Hundreds of people die each year in the United States due to heat waves, hurricanes, lightning, flash floods, powerful thunderstorm winds, and winter storms or winter cold. Additionally, thousands of people are injured by these weather events each year. Will it happen to you?

If you are aware of what weather event is about to impact your area, you are more likely to survive such an event. To stay on top of the weather, utilize NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver units that can be purchased at most electronic stores. Make sure the model you purchase has a battery-backup. The programmable types allow you to selectively screen out those county warnings you are not interested in. Most homes have a smoke detector; shouldn’t your home also have a weather radio? You should also obtain the latest weather information from commercial TV/radio, cable TV, the internet/web, and newspapers.  It’s your responsibility!!

What to do in the event of a tornado??

Tornado Safety Tips:

1. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, or a pre-designated shelter. Go to the lowest level of the building, preferably in a basement, and get under a heavy desk or workbench or sit next to the wall and cover your head with your arms/hands. Best bet – have a safe room in the basement.
2. If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room/hallway – put as many wall between you and the outside of the building, and stay away from windows. Other possibilities: get into a bathtub or under a bed or sofa.
3. Get out of vehicles – they can easily be tossed around – do not try to outrun a tornado.
4. If caught outside – lie flat on the ground and cover your head with your hands. Remember, in tornado situations debris likes to settle in roadside ditches or other low spots. If heavy rains are falling in the area, ditches and low spots may quickly flood. Therefore, lying down in a ditch may not be your best choice.
5. Be aware of flying debris – most deaths and injuries are caused by flying debris.
6. Manufactured homes (mobile trailers) offer little protection, even if tied down. Leave these for a sturdy shelter before the storm approaches.
7. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass. Wind blow stronger under the overpass due to the wind-tunnel effect. Additionally, flying debris (glass, wood, metal) can pummel you, and the tornado winds may suck you out from under the overpass anyway.
8. Don’t waste time opening windows and doors to equalize air pressure differences – this is a waste of time and buildings have enough air leakage to equalize air pressure differences anyway. Buildings are more likely to explode after the wind gets inside.
9. The southwest side of the basement isn’t necessarily the safest place to be – vehicles can be pushed into basements – you can still be crushed no matter where you are in the basement. Even the bricks/stones of a fireplace can crash into the basement and crush you!
10. Remember – the tornado can occur before there is a visible funnel cloud. A tornado is nothing more than a violently rotating column of air extending from the ground to the cloud base. You may not be able to see the tornado (can’t see the rotating air) until enough debris and dirt get swept into the vortex, and/or the visible funnel cloud develops all the way to the ground.
11. No place is totally safe from tornadoes (except for a safe room) – if weather conditions come together properly, the tornado will go over or through mountains, lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, bogs, and through downtown areas that have 1000 foot skyscrapers!

Detect and Prevent Water and Mold Damage

4/21/2017 (Permalink)

Standing water on the floor is easy to see. Less obvious signs of problems include:

• Unexpected increases in your water bill
• Stains on walls, floors or ceilings
• Damaged or warped flooring
• Warped bottom panels in under-sink cabinets
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
• Corrosion on plumbing valves and fittings

Deal with problems as you find them. Clean up any water or moisture, locate the source and make repairs. Tracking down a leak isn't always straightforward — water can travel along components in the building structure, so the indications of the leak may be in a different part of the home than the leak itself. If necessary, contact a professional roofing contractor, plumber or water damage restoration specialist to help with identification and repair.

In addition to the damage that water causes, it can encourage the growth of mold on walls and floors — where it's readily visible — and in ductwork, attics and crawl spaces — where you might not notice it. A musty odor is a sign that mold may be present.

Mold can cause damage and lead to health problems — deal with it quickly. If the affected area is larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends you find a professional mold remediation contractor. For smaller areas, you can clean nonporous surfaces with commercial cleaning products, soap and water or a solution of a cup of bleach to each gallon of water. Follow the instructions and safety precautions for the cleaning product you use and wear appropriate safety gear. Porous surfaces such as drywall need to be replaced. For more information on mold in the home and how to clean it up, see A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home on the EPA's web site.

Inspecting common sources of water leaks and taking some simple preventative measures can be an effective way to reduce the risk of water damage and mold.

Restoring Your Bolingbrook Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

4/21/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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.

Want to know more about us?  Click the link!

http://www.SERVPROwoodridgebolingbrook.com/company-profile

Does Your Woodridge Home Have a Mold Problem?

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

In Woodridge mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 630-771-1720

2017 CE Classes!!!

4/11/2017 (Permalink)

Need Continuing Education credits....Look no further!!

Register NOW for our upcoming CE Classes being held on April 26th!!  Limited space available- call us at 630-771-1720 or email Cindy at Cindy_SERVPRO@yahoo.com

We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

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 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 - 630 771 1720

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 Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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 630 771 1720

SERVPRO® Expands PGA Sponsorship with PGA Fantasy Golf

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

Fore!!!

SERVPRO^® Expands PGA Sponsorship with PGA Fantasy Golf

Local cleanup and restoration specialist says the season’s first major golf tournament is a great time to “master” Fantasy Golf skills

Woodridge, IL (Grassroots Newswire) March 22, 2017 - There is an old adage: “It never rains on a golf course.” As the official cleanup and restoration company of the PGA TOUR, SERVPRO^® knows this isn’t true, but rain or shine, fans follow their favorite players’ performance at PGA golf tournaments throughout the season. Recognizing the ever-growing popularity of the game, SERVPRO has expanded its relationship with the PGA TOUR by becoming the presenting sponsor of the PGA Fantasy Golf games, available at pgatour.com/fantasy. 

“We know people don’t associate SERVPRO with the wide-open spaces and fair weather feeling of a golf course. After all, SERVPRO is the company you turn to when the unexpected, even the unthinkable, happens to your home or business,” says Todd Boyette, owner of SERVPRO^® of Woodridge/Bolingbrook. “But each SERVPRO business is also a local business, there to support the community in good times and bad. Teaming up with the PGA TOUR as the sponsor of their Fantasy Golf Suite helps us build connections within our local community. We want local home and business owners to know that we are there for them ready to respond at a moment’s notice if things go wrong.”

The new “One & Done” games were launched on January 3, 2017*, but the game structure allows players to join in on the fun at any point during the current season. Each week, game players select one player to earn points for them in that week’s tournament. The PGA Tour Fantasy game is based on accumulated FedEx Cup points and the PGA Tour Champions game is based on accumulated Charles Schwab Cup points. A player may select a given golfer for a tournament in each of the One & Done games only once in each season. Since some tournaments earn a pro golfer more points than others, game strategy is based on selecting the right golfers for the right tournaments.

“With the first major tournament of the season—The Masters—just around the corner, now is a great time to start your One & Done game for this year’s tour,” says Boyette. “If you ‘master’ the trick of choosing the right golfers in the right tournaments, you could jump to the top of your Fantasy league.” The top finisher in the PGA TOUR game will win a new set of golf clubs, while the top prize for the PGA TOUR Champions game is a trip for two to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Phoenix Country Club in Phoenix, Arizona, November 6-12.

SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook, please contact William Todd Boyette at (630) 771-1720 or sp9445@comcast.net.

*http://www.pgatour.com/company/2017/01/03/pga-tour-fantasy-one-and-done-SERVPRO-debuts.html

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO^® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO^® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Don't Get Rained Out

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

Rounding Third

April means baseball is back, and we are rounding third toward summer!!

Regardless of your fandom, it's a great time to enjoy the smell of the grass, the crack of the bat, the popcorn, peanuts, and crackerjacks....

Unfortunately, April's showers bring more than just May flowers.

Don't let heavy rains and flooding put a damper on your spring and summer plans!

For help restoring your commercial or residential space after a water loss, call SERVPRO of Woodridge/Bolingbrook  at 630-771-1720. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. The SERVPRO training program includes the follow:

• IICRC Training


• Employee Certification Training


• Initial Franchise Training


• e-Learnings


• Continuing Education Classes

Bolingbrook Smoke and Soot Clean-Up

12/8/2016 (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:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

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 Woodridge/Bolingbrook 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

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

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.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Woodridge / Bolingbrook is locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of this community. We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –630-771-1720

CE Class- Biohazard Clean up and Ethics

6/27/2016 (Permalink)

Join us for our Continuing Education Classes that are being held on Thursday, August 25th.  Register by calling 630-771-1720 or e-mailing:  cindy_SERVPRO@yahoo.com

Do this quickly- seating is limited and classes are filling up fast!