Effects of Chicago Fire Damage on Homes and Businesses

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

If you need professional assistance with fire damage, Call our SERVPRO team in Chicago; we are always available to help you!

We Overcome Several Types of Fire Damage

While we hope never to see the severity of the great fire of 1871 that spread over more than 3 miles of Chicago, destroying more than 17,000 structures, fires are still happening every day in the city. Because each disaster features several variables, the needed restoration and recovery strategies change from one building to another. Our team is equipped to help with single-family homes, high-rise apartment buildings, and massive commercial facilities. We focus on specific factors when we first arrive, including:

• Structural integrity
• Personal belongings
• Safe living conditions
• Water damage

There is an urgency to address Chicago fire damage when it occurs. The longer that mitigation and restoration take to begin, the more the structure becomes damaged by post-disaster effects like soot circulation and harsh odors. Our roster of talented and accredited professionals is ready and able to help 24/7 when fires threaten your life.

Why We Act Quickly

Mitigation is a powerful and necessary phase of fire damage recovery operations for our responding team. These actions are critical in protecting the structure from more significant harm while protecting affected personal belongings and contents. The rapid response team is trained to identify structural hazards and pressing concerns to resolve these issues so restoration does not get delayed in starting. Some focal points include:

• Fire Debris Removal
• Water Removal
• Content Relocation

The Airborne Hazards After Fire Damage

A significant threat to the property after a fire is extinguished is the environment's circulating particles. Our team focuses on ways to reduce the presence of microscopic soot and make the work area safer for responding restorers and the occupants of the house. With HEPA 500 air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators, these units filter harmful particles out of the air, ultimately reaching a point where personal protective equipment is no longer required to operate in the room safely.

Removing Soot and Smoke Damage

Soil deposits must also be addressed rapidly. The longer that corrosive smoke damage residues can stay on sensitive building materials and contents, the likelier these surfaces cannot be restored. We use multiple approaches to overcome soot and smoke damage on materials, much of which depends on the affected underlying substrate, type of smoke damage, and the thickness of the residue.

• Solvents - these chemicals are necessary when thick residues on surfaces must get dissolved to be wiped away.
• Alkaline Detergents - we utilize certain cleaning materials to neutralize acidic properties in soot particles on surfaces. Introducing alkalinity to acidic residues can protect underlying materials while cleaning.
• Abrasive Cleaning - in some situations, more aggressive cleaning measures are necessary. Media blasting and abrasive mechanical action can help prevent the tear-out of affected building materials.
• Controlled Demolition - when other measures are ineffective, the final resort is to remove and discard affected materials.

Odor Neutralization After Fire Damage

One of the widespread and overwhelming byproducts of combustion is a harsh smoke odor in the building. Some of the cleaning and mitigation steps can reduce the severity of these smells, but deodorization practices are necessary to neutralize the scent completely. We use devices like ozone machines for open areas where the family is not still in the structure to fogging machines that can impact trapped malodors in porous building materials.

Chicago fire damage appears in many forms, but our experienced professionals can help. Give our SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City team a call at (773) 337-3993.

Objectives of Thorough Chicago Water Damage Restoration

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

If your home sustains water damage, call in the professionals for assistance with water clean-up and remediation services in Chicago.

The Many Focal Points of Water Damage Recovery 

While wind and storm damage are common to the city, residents of the neighborhoods we serve experience water disasters in their homes most frequently. Responding to these emergencies involves calculated mitigation actions starting as soon as the team arrives and continuing until we achieve a preloss condition. Technicians of our roster are knowledgeable with:

• Water removal
• Content management
• Repairs and demolition
• Drying and cleaning
• Reconstruction

It is essential to act fast when Chicago water damage occurs. Because moisture and standing water continue to spread through building materials and open areas, delays in starting restoration can be costly and time-consuming. We have accredited technicians available 24/7 to mobilize quickly when disasters strike. The rapid response of our team saves money and upholds our promise that We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Types of Water Damage Incidents

Water damage claims happen every day. With the frequency of these situations and the severity of the impact on a structure, understanding how destructive and unrelenting these effects can become shows where professional restoration is needed. Emergencies can occur from many possible sources, but the most frequent and common of these include:

• Spills 
• Leaks
• Pipe bursts 
• Broken appliances 
• Flooding

Starting Water Removal Services

The start of mitigation services in a home after water damage hinges most directly on the measures taken to remove standing water. Pooling is detrimental to the property and its building materials, as many of these are semi or highly porous. Using a combination of wet vacuums and submersible pumps, our responding professionals can eliminate standing water concerns and focus on needed drying efforts.

Evaluating Trapped Water Concerns

Water that becomes trapped in building materials should be addressed quickly as well. As challenging as surface water can be, prolonged saturation of sensitive materials can alter the composition of these elements. For example, the cellulose in wood flooring can absorb moisture quickly, so water can become bound molecularly and make these flooring materials unsalvageable.

Starting Focused Drying 

Few processes are as important to water restoration as drying will be. For this reason, our professionals arrive with dozens of drying units, from air movers to drying mats, all with the explicit purpose of regulating drying principles like airflow, temperature, and humidity levels. The balance of these elements promotes effective water removal. Tools include:

• Air Movers – These units introduce blasts of warm air across moist surfaces, drying the water and dispelling vapor barriers created by the evaporation process. 
• Heaters – Warmer temperatures allow evaporation to happen faster but can also increase the room's relative humidity. 
• Dehumidifiers – Tools used to remove moisture from the environment and lower overall humidity.

Mold Prevention Solutions 

Mold is an expected byproduct after water and moisture exposure. Lengthy damp conditions can facilitate colonies, which target organic matter like drywall and wood construction materials. Preventative measures during water cleanup can reduce the likelihood of mold development by applying inhibitors to susceptible surfaces.

Large Loss Recovery 

With multiple franchises owned by the same family and operating from the same primary warehouse, we are more equipped than most restoration teams to handle significant Large Loss events. Chicagoland is home to thousands of businesses, many of which demand swift remediation and clean-up after disasters. Our 24/7 response and inventory of trailered and industrial-grade equipment allows us to manage pressing timelines and expectations.

Chicago water damage events can be widespread and misjudged by a homeowner without the appropriate discovery tools and experience with restoration. It is beneficial to rely on the expertise and fast response of our SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City team to help. Call now at (773) 337-3993.

Is It Safe to Stay at My Chicago Home After Mold Damage?

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

If you find mold damage in your Chicago home, call SERVPRO right away. Certified technicians can investigate the cause and help with mold removal.

The Right Controls Keep Chicago Homes Safe during Mold Remediation – Call SERVPRO

With the knowledge that mold can cause discomfort in a home, you may feel apprehensive when you notice signs of an infestation in your residence. One of the main queries is whether you are safe remaining in your Chicago home while it is contaminated or during the mold remediation processes. You are safest when the proper controls are established to protect you from dangerous exposure.

After mold damage, the main hazard in your Chicago home is contacting moldy materials. Contact can be through skin exposure or inhalation since spores and mold debris are minute and thus float freely through the air. One thing to note is that mold lies on surfaces unless disturbed. Therefore, if you do not access the affected rooms or attempt to clean them, it is hard for the contamination to affect you. However, since leaving these fungi to develop unabated is not ideal, calling a professional like SERVPRO to mitigate the problem is a better alternative.

Measures for safety and comfort during mold remediation include:

• Establishing containment
• Setting up negative air pressure
• Deodorization

The realization that a mold problem is developing comes when you notice signs like spots and discoloration of surfaces. A musty odor or general decline of indoor air quality can also alert you that things are not that good. Therefore, the first step in resolving mold issues is to evaluate how extensive the problem is and whether it is practical to continue occupying the house during restoration. Typically, it is when mold remediation is carried out following IICRC protocols.

Mold damage rarely affects an entire house unless there is a significant problem, such as an unresolved flooding incident. In regular cases, the mold appears within ceiling spaces, internal or external walls with pipes, and areas like kitchens or bathrooms where water is commonly used. Identifying the affected areas makes it easier to isolate them from the rest of the house for restoration. 

Limiting Mold from Spreading

There are two aspects of mold spreading, and both can influence your stay. The first aspect is the contamination of new areas, which would probably force you to avoid more sections of your home. The second aspect is the release of debris during cleaning and other mitigation processes. Our SERVPRO technicians use various engineering controls to limit such spreading. Setting up containment barriers to separate rooms or creating sections within a room is one common approach. Establishing negative air pressure is also essential, especially in areas where demolishing and discarding moldy materials is necessary.

Containment barriers require:

• A barrier material like 6-mil plastic sheets
• Supports such as spring-loaded metal rods or PVC pipes
• A seal such as Ziplock or tape

Negative air pressure is established with a device that directs airflow, ensuring it does not breach the containment. Our SERVPRO crews mostly use an Air Filtration Device, which is also helpful for capturing most of the mold debris disturbed during cleaning or demolition. We also use manometers to measure differences in gas pressures between adjacent containments verifying whether the negative air pressure is effective. 

With the right equipment and a skillful approach, a restoration team can address mold damage without forcing you to relocate from the contaminated property. A speedy conclusion enhances the convenience.

SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City can work to manage mold damage at your property conveniently. You can reach us at (773) 337-3993. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Critical Steps When Addressing Mold Damage in Your Chicago Home

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City for assistance from a professional remediation company.

Effective Mold Remediation Solutions in Chicago Homes

The presence of mold within your home can lead to significant damage. When fungus grows on a surface, it uses the material as a food source. Given enough time, it can cause structural damage and ruin the appearance. Also, mold could impact the general indoor air quality due to debris and unpleasant odor. If you notice microbial growth in your home, it must be addressed promptly to reduce the damage it can cause.

Addressing moisture issues is essential when dealing with mold damage in Chicago homes. Mold needs both organic matter and moisture to thrive. Organic matter is readily available in most buildings, so whether mold grows depends on moisture presence. Moisture sources may be hidden from direct view, so it may take you a while to realize you have a situation going on. A professional can help you discover such hidden sources of moisture while addressing mold problems. SERVPRO crews use penetrative moisture meters and thermal cameras to gauge moisture levels. We manage the moisture sources and facilitate drying to contain the problem and prevent it from advancing.

Possible sources of moisture in homes:

• Plumbing leaks
• Floods
• Condensation

Addressing Material Damage Correctly 

Removing mold from your belongings and structure, such as furniture, drywall, carpet, and clothing, can be challenging. At times, it may even be necessary to dispose of some items. Mold also requires proper handling. We have protective gear, cleaning equipment, and containment supplies to handle moldy materials and prevent contamination. Using improper methods to remediate mold is ineffective and could aggravate the situation. Also, the risk of regrowth runs high. It is not wise to cover up mold by painting over the colonies.

Painting directly over mold can result in problems like:

• The paint improperly adheres to the surface
• The colonies continue to grow beneath the paint
• Bubbling and peeling of the fresh paint coat

SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City is equipped with the tools and expertise needed to handle mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (773) 337-3993.

Pack-out Services During Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Chicago

3/3/2023 (Permalink)

We protect commercial inventory with pack-outs and restoration at our SERVPRO HQ. Chicago area businesses love SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Cleans Salvageable Items During Water Damage Cleanup in Chicago

Commercial water damage restoration services can make a big difference regarding what you can save and what can go wrong when an unfortunate occurrence happens. Knowing where to start and the specific procedures you need to perform to prevent further damage is challenging. Remember, you are in business, and wasted time may lead to unnecessary losses.

Part of SERVPRO's water cleanup services in Chicago is to perform contents pack-out. It involves removing items from the damaged area and then moving them to another location for temporary storage and drying. It is an essential service since it prevents further damage and creates enough room for the restoration work to begin.

An effective content pack-out involves the following steps:

• Contents assessment: During this step, we differentiate salvageable items from unsalvageable ones. We are keen to note the fragile items so they can be handled with care.
• Labeling and packing: Our SERVPRO technicians label the salvageable items and then pack them into containers or boxes. The labeling process involves noting their exact location so they can be returned to their proper place at the end of the water removal process.
• Transportation: We move the items to a safe location, preferably in an unaffected area within the building. We may suggest offsite storage solutions if such an area does not exist.
• Documentation: We fill a detailed inventory covering all the items we removed from your commercial site. We may take photos as backup evidence.
• Cleaning and restoration: We use appropriate water damage restoration techniques to clean and dry the items as necessary.

Our SERVPRO technicians pay close attention to every detail and keep you updated during the entire water damage cleanup process. The information we record in the inventories is also helpful when following up with insurance claims. Inventory loss can be catastrophic to a fledgling concern

Contact SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City at (773) 337-3993 for an effective and fast water damage remediation process. Our highly trained technicians have the equipment and technology to return your business to its pre-damage condition and make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Restoration of Electronic Media in Chicago

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

Electronics are office staples and can be easily damaged by water. SERVPRO has trained to safely dry your equipment.

Can Electronic Media Be Salvaged Following Water Damage

Many clients backup their data to the Cloud; however, we also encounter various forms of electronic media during water damage restoration of homes in Chicago. Electronic media includes video cassettes, audio cassettes, CDs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and stand-alone digital disks to maintain backup copies of client computer systems.

SERVPRO can help protect various forms of electronic media from further damage during water damage restoration activities in Chicago. We remove all media and place it in a low-humidity area to contain further exposure. SERVPRO recommends:

• Maintain humidity at 25%, which may require a dehumidification chamber
• Refer media drying and cleaning to companies that specialize in drying and cleaning electronic media
• Avoid operating electronic media in equipment before restoration.to avoid additional damage. 
• Stand-alone digital disks used for backup of data should be checked before reconnecting.

In addition to protecting the electronic media, electrical equipment exposed to water should be handled carefully to avoid further damage and danger to homeowners and our employees. SERVPRO removes all water and begins drying and dehumidifying the affected areas as soon as we are on site. We take safety very seriously in addition to protecting your electronic items:

• All electronics are unplugged.
• Remove all backup batteries.
• Shut off power in the affected area.
• Electronics are removed from the area or covered for further protection.
• Wipe excess water from electrical equipment.
• Install air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the affected area.
• Electrical equipment and electronics are only reconnected once a qualified electronics restoration vendor has checked and restored all devices.

SERVPRO takes all appropriate precautions required during water damage restoration to protect your electronic media and devices, to minimize damage during restoration.

Call SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City for water damage restoration services. We provide service to Chicago and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (773) 337-3993.

Fire Damage Restoration - What Your Chicago Home and Life Need

1/4/2023 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in need of assistance with fire damage remediation, call SERVPRO.

Recovering is Easier with Fire Damage Restoration

The differences between your pre-fire Chicago home and what the fire department leaves behind are apparent visually and by how your residence now smells. To get everything back to normal where you feel comfortable with your family living there again, you need fire damage restoration services from SERVPRO.

The longer your family waits to get their old routines back after a fire, the more stress they endure. SERVPRO's fire damage restoration services in Chicago make recovering after a fire more streamlined. Our guidance can turn a messy, and time-consuming experience into a streamlined, organized restoration service. 

During this process, we want to let you know your property's status and upcoming restoration activities. We discuss the following, and many other aspects, with our customers while we carry out fire damage restoration services:

• Disposal of discarded materials and belongings,
• Necessary replacements of electrical and plumbing components, and
• Areas of your residence that need to be rebuilt.

Most post-fire cleanup projects require a dumpster on-site. A dedicated dumpster ensures that we can dispose of everything as needed without pausing cleaning. Working non-stop means we finish sooner.

Intense heat can destroy PVC pipes and joints. Electrical wiring can also sustain severe damage. Our expert plumbers and electricians can resolve these issues for you while the rest of the restoration process continues. We can also provide replacement services in the interim to ensure we can work uninterrupted.

Wherever the flames ate at your house's wooden frame, we need to rebuild. Your flooring may need new support. The cabinetry might have become soggy from the fire department's efforts and is now warping. Carpeting and its padding can harbor immense amounts of soot, making replacing more cost-effective than installing new carpeting or other options.

We go over everything with you, including where you can find any specific boxed and stored belongings, deodorization, glass, and other surface cleanings, ultrasonic bath cleaning of washable items, laundry services to save your family's clothing, and roofing repair.

Call SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City for comprehensive fire damage restoration services at (773) 337-3993.

Water Damage Repair for Chicago Kitchens from Leaking Appliances

12/2/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration is no easy task. Call the experienced team of SERVPRO for fast and immediate service for your home.

Dishwasher Leaks Require Water Damage Repair

Water disaster service callouts are common for our SERVPRO professionals. The kitchen has a convergence of plumbing and water-fed appliances, making it a place likely to experience these catastrophes our SERVPRO team can help resolve.

Is a Dishwasher Leak Likely?

Over their lifetime, appliances like dishwashers can fail or break and cause conditions that require water damage repair for Chicago homes. Kitchens can be rapidly overrun by excessive water, though massive disasters are only one of the ways that emergencies with the dishwasher might occur. Leaks around gaskets and through hose connections underneath the unit could create a slower-developing concern for your residence.

The Need for Controlled Demolition

• Flooring – Laminate flooring and other more porous materials can be slowly damaged over time with a prolonged drip or leak. Even immediate burst pipe damage can overwhelm flooring and require stripping down to the subflooring elements.
• Cabinets – Cabinets can be easily overcome by moisture and water damage, especially with more porous materials like laminates and fiberboard. Warped and damaged base cabinets will need to get removed. 
• Plumbing – Fixtures within the walls or underneath the dishwasher unit might need to get assessed for replacement. When the leak originates from these points, it might be worth replacing the entire hose assemblies throughout the appliance to safeguard against repeats. 

Rebuilding the Damage

With the controlled demolition phase completed, SERVPRO professionals work to sufficiently dry the remaining exposed elements and safeguard them from mold development. Repairs follow, replacing the flooring, utilities, and wall system materials. Cabinets and countertops are the final installations, as these might be the challenging elements to match with existing units. 

The kitchen is an area that might experience water damage repairs in your home’s lifetime. When you need restoration services after these disasters, contact our trusted SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City team at (773) 337-3993.

Water Damage to Your Chicago Furniture Store

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

There cannot be any delay if your furniture store is facing water damage issues. Team SERVPRO is standing by to mitigate your emergency situation.

SERVPRO's Rapid Response After an Event Can Greatly Reduce Damage

When the main inlet pipe breaks in the building housing your furniture store, the investment you have made in showroom inventory is at certain risk of severe water damage. The arrival of SERVPRO water mitigation specialists after that is your best bet, helping your and your staff sort out the mess.

Commercial water damage could be the end of your Chicago furniture business, but not if we are summoned quickly to assist. Chances are good that the store’s square footage will not incur much damage, its walls and floor typically composed of cinder block or concrete. You and we can concentrate instead on the cozy living room arrangements, dining room sets, and bedroom suites your customers enjoyed viewing and trying out. They may be sodden, but our technicians are ready to use their training and experience to clean and dry them. Using professional strength pumps and extractors, our team will remove as much water as possible from the area and the furnishings. If your showroom is carpeted, we will assess whether that floor covering can be cleaned and dried. Padding often must be replaced, but carpets can be surprisingly resilient. If area rugs were on display, we may take some of them off-site to thoroughly dry them.

SERVPRO will work closely with you and your insurance company to determine whether the furniture on exhibit in your store can or should be salvaged. Our staff has been educated in advanced upholstery drying, using air movers and dehumidifiers to complete the job. If the furniture just got “its feet wet” during the flooding, the water damage may be reversible. Standing or cascading water that soaked entire pieces will be more difficult to remove and the pieces trickier to restore. It is crucial that the restoration efforts start immediately after the water damages the times as microbial growth can begin within 48 hours. Great care must be taken not to sell items that have the potential to harbor fungi or other hazardous substances.

SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City is ready to assist if your furniture business suffers water damage from a plumbing fail. Consider a call to (773) 337-3993 before disaster strikes to set up an Emergency Ready Plan, but know we will be there to help ERP or not.

What to Do After Storm Flood Damage in Your Chicago Home

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Call Patricia Zubricki, SERVPRO's famed owner/operator, to rescue your flood-damaged Chicago home. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Hire SERVPRO to Handle Flood Damage in Your Chicago Home

A house's flooding can result from heavy rainfall, blizzards, snow, hurricanes, and tornadoes. The aftermath of this calamity might be extraordinary, and the resulting damage is likely to be disastrous. The National Weather Service states that the US experiences about 100,000 thunderstorms and 1,000 tornadoes yearly, causing about $40 billion in damages.

SERVPRO has the equipment and expertise required to handle the storm flood damage in your Chicago home as quickly as possible. Your safety is a priority. The steps to take following a devastating storm include:

• Keep yourself and your family safe – Find another place to stay if necessary. 
• Secure the area – If your home is accessible, remove valuables. Discard compromised food and medicine. Please take photos of the destruction and catalog them for your insurer. 
• Call SERVPRO – Contacting professional restorers who perform storm damage restoration quickly is vital. We can work with you to provide dependable and fast services to begin the clean-up process. 
• Contact your insurer – Inform your insurer about the incident to begin the claim's filing process. 

SERVPRO can assist you in repairing any items the flooding did not adversely affect. This includes dented and cracked items. We can discard severely damaged contents or porous items like mattresses and carpets because eliminating microbes from them is challenging. 

We can use centrifugal pumps to extract the floodwater from your house to prevent the damages from spreading further. Centrifugal pumps convert rotational energy from a motor to energy to move fluids. Examples include high-pressure pumps, self-priming trash pumps, and electric submersible pumps.

Our SERVPRO team can also dry your home thoroughly. We often use air movers to enhance evaporation. They introduce airflow at the surface level and replace the saturated, cool boundary layer with drier, warmer air from dehumidifiers. Air moving equipment also moves the dry dehumidified air from rooms where restorers have positioned dehumidifiers to other rooms.

Do not allow the floodwater to sit in your home. Contact SERVPRO of Marquette / West Lawn / Ford City for help at (773) 337-3993. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.