Be Ready for the Rain

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ravenswood can help with your water damage emergency.

SERVPRO of Ravenswood restores water damage 24-hours a day, and our fast emergency response time prevents secondary damage in many cases. Rainwater intrusion is a common cause of water damage that impacts residential and business owners. Here are some tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety for protecting your home or business from rainwater intrusion:

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

• Clean gutters and downspouts twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, to prevent clogs that can cause water damage to your roof
• Keep trees trimmed and away from the roof to prevent leaves from clogging gutters
• If there is standing water, adjust the gutters so they gently slope toward the downspout allowing water to drain
• Ensure downspouts funnel water away from the building to prevent water from accumulating at the foundation or entering the basement

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, SERVPRO of Ravenswood is available 24-hours a day to help.  Please contact us at 773-878-5200.

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ravenswood responds to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

Springtime is a great time to check on your water heater.  Water damage can happen quickly, and it is important to make sure that it is in good working condition.

Here are some tips to inspect and maintain your water heater from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS): 

• Inspect your anode rod every two years, or every year once the warranty has expired, to determine if it needs to be replaced.
• Flush water heater tanks every six months to remove sediment by attaching a garden hose to the valve at the base. For safety, first turn off the power and run hot water until it is cool.
• Get an annual inspection from a plumbing professional including the shut-off valve and all piping. Signs of broken valves and loose or wet joints and rust are a sign that more severe damage is coming.

If you experience water damage, SERVPRO of Ravenswood has a team of highly trained professionals to help 24-hours a day.  Please contact us at 773-878-5200.

Water Damage Cleanup Tips

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ravenswood can handle your water damage emergency.

Water damage can occur at any time. SERVPRO of Ravenswood wants commercial and residential property owners to know that water damage in commercial buildings and residences can not only be unsanitary, but it can also be dangerous as items that are not thoroughly dried out can cause mold. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross to follow in the event of water damage to your business or home:

• Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.
• Bring all soft items outside if possible – sunlight and wind will help them dry faster
• Throw out items that have absorbed water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected
• Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with floodwaters
• Consider removing vinyl floor coverings and tile to allow the substructures beneath or behind them to dry
• Keep the windows open and run fans – or keep them shut and run dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of wood floors and subfloors, beams, doors, etc.

If you experience water damage in your home or business, SERVPRO of Ravenswood wants to help. Our highly trained water restoration technicians are available 24-hours a day. Call us at 773-878-5200 to find out about our cleanup and restoration services.

Small to Large Water Damage - Count on SERVPRO

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ravenswood can handle any size water damage emergency.

When a home appliance leaks or a large water damage event happens at your business, you can count on SERVPRO of Ravenswood to help.  Water can travel fast, and it can seep into floors and walls without being noticed.

When SERVPRO arrives to help you after a water damage, our team brings several devices, such as moisture meters, measuring tools, drying equipment, and a lot of experience. These pieces of equipment in the hands of trained staff can help you recover quickly, with no surprises afterward.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home or business requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Ravenswood can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including the following:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

When your home or business needs move-out and pack-out services, SERVPRO of Ravenswood has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 773-878-5200. 

Tips to Avoid a Soggy Disaster in Ravenswood

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to keep your belongings safe from water damage.

Water damage is one of the most common disasters that your home can experience.  Our homes are filled with many items that range from household items, toys, games, books, and many treasured heirlooms.  It is important to take steps to protect these items in case you experience water damage in your home.

Here are a few tips from the Insurance Information Institute to avoid a soggy disaster:

• Store off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins, especially in areas where there are plumbing pipes or that are prone to dampness, such as basements and attics.
• Never store valuables or memorabilia where there is a risk of destruction from water. Water and dampness also bring with it the threat of mold damage. 
• Keep belongings stored on shelving off the floor in basements. In case of water seepage or sewer backup, they're less likely to get damaged.
• Keep an up-to-date home inventory. Having a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble, and stress in case of loss from water damage.

SERVPRO of Ravenswood has a team of highly trained technicians ready to respond to your water damage emergency 24 hours a day.  Call us today at 773-878-5200.

Fire Prevention Week October 3-9

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Test your smoke alarm batteries at least once per month!

During Fire Prevention Week we stride toward educating the public, ourselves, our employees and our families on the safe practices used and measures to take in order to keep ourselves safe from fire.  The website below is an excellent way do this.  Within the home page you can find an awesome video on the sounds that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make when activated.  You can also find pictures and diagrams on setting up these alarms.  

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/fire-prevention-week.html

The following link explores the latest research and studies conducted on fire sprinkler systems and retrofitting your home or business.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/blog/ci-052720.html 

A special message from our President:  A Proclamation on Fire Prevention Week, 2021

There are many ways to spread the word on fire prevention...just have to take the time to read and pass along the information.

Floormat System

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

It's always good practice to test your equipment before it goes out.

The SERVPRO of Ravenswood floor mat system is the best way salvage hardwood floors in your home or business.  Whether the damage is due to flooding caused by natural causes or a broken pipe, we can help!  Hardwood floors are tricky if you do not act fast.  The key is to call SERVPRO of Ravenswood right away and we can setup our floor mat system.  The system is installed over the affected hardwood flooring.  As the system works it pulls moisture out of the flooring and the area restores its integrity.  Our technicians have a great deal of experience using this method and our “floor-save” rate is over 90%. 

Call us today for your free assessment.  Time is of the essence, so call now! 

773-878-5200

Emergency Communications

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

CISA Logo

Disasters happen all over the United States and in all sorts of capacities.  During National Preparedness Month, what better time to provide public education than now.  Below are 2 major players who help the public and first responder stakeholders who are working hard to make the connections and providing best practices guidance to all levels of our communities; state, local, tribal and territorial government.

CISA ensures Public Safety and National Security and Emergency Preparedness communities can seamlessly and securely communicate during steady state and emergency operations to keep America safe, secure, and resilient.

SAFECOM was formed in 2001 after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 as part of the Presidential E-Government Initiative to improve public safety interoperability, allowing emergency responders to communicate effectively before, during, and after emergencies and disasters.

Watch this video to hear more about what is happening behind the scenes:  https://youtu.be/hmRVS6sG9fk

Do You Know?

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Place a hang tag on your water shut off valve.

Yikes! Water is gushing from an internal water source in your home! Do you know where your main water shutoff valve is located? Be sure to educate your family members, co-workers or tenants on how to turn off the main water shutoff in your building. This is a critical lesson to share with others, especially if you have had an experience where your dishwasher leaked or your toilet overflowed. Know what to do next.

Stopping the water is critical.  But fixing the source is just as vital.  Once you stop the water flow, assess the situation.  Make a determination if a plumber or roofer may be needed to fix the leak.  Once that is determined, than contact your insurance agent to see if filing a claim is your best course action.  There are times that customers may choose not to involve insurance and just pay out of pocket.  Ultimately that decision is made once you receive a quote for the damage cleanup.  This is when you call SERVPRO of Ravenswood.  We will come to your house, provide a free estimate for damage cleanup and speak to your insurance adjuster about appropriate action. 

Be prepared and have your plumber, roofer, agent and our phone numbers ready.  Time is of the essence when water or fire damage cleanup is concerned.

SERVPRO of Ravenswood

773-878-5200  

Yikes! Water is gushing from an internal water source in your home!

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

This is an example of a type of water shut off valve.

Yikes! Water is gushing from an internal water source in your home! Do you know where your main water shutoff valve is located? Be sure to educate your family members, co-workers or tenants on how to turn off the main water shutoff in your building. This is a critical lesson to share with others, especially if you have had an experience where your dishwasher leaked or your toilet overflowed. Know what to do next.

If the water damage is extensive and you are unable to mop it or clean it up yourself, then call us.  We are happy to help.  

If you have hardwood floors it is best not to wait.  Our floormat system can restore your beautiful floors and hopefully prevent cupping or discoloration.  

If it is a sewage issue, we too can help clean it and deodorize the area so that you aren't burdened with the memory.

If you don't know what to do, just call and we will advise the best step to take, even if you don't want to use our service.  

Call 773-878-5200

Knowledge about water damage

6/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ravenswood could clean up this mess!

If your house experiences water damage, it can cause a number of problems. For example, water damage issues may stem from plumbing problems, a washing machine default or simply just poor weather.  These problems can be minor or severe, depending on how long it goes untreated. While water damage is a serious issue, not many people realize how many things can cause it. Flooding feels like an obvious answer, but other factors that exist inside your home can also cause this problem. Keep in mind, that water damage is preventable most of the time. Knowing what causes it can help you to be proactive.

We are water removal and cleanup specialists and are ready to service your Chicago home when flooding or water leaks cause water damage. SERVPRO of Ravenswood will quickly dry your property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques, documenting the drying process to make sure your property is dry and the job is done right.

Please refer to our Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Dang those dams!

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Ice dam figure

With the winter months among us snow storms and ice can be the culprit of many water damage concerns and cleanups.  SERVPRO of Ravenswood has been through 12 winters in Chicago, cleaned up many situations, and we know what to do when catastrophe strikes.  

Ice dams are one example of a major problem during the winter season. These damns form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water.  Then that water creates a "dam-like" block of frozen ice. As you will see in the diagram when trapped water cannot safely flow or run into a gutter system it creates a backflow under the roof's shingles and into the structure's interior area. This then causes leaks and damage to the interior of your home or office.

We can help mitigate water damage caused by these ice dams and dry the inside of your structure.  Keep our number in your contact list as your emergency fire and water cleanup source.  Our trained crew will provide a free estimate, work with your insurance company directly and get your home or office back in order.

SERVPRO of Ravenswood, 773-878-5200, is always here to help!

Do I call a plumber or do I call SERVPRO?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Broken pipe cartridge leak

This past weekend I had a near-disaster experience in my daughter's bathtub.  Like all children, they don't know to tell you something is wrong until something is really wrong!  Apparently there has been an ongoing slow drip in the tub.  I happen to discover this when I inspected their chore completion; one of which was to clean the tub!  

Since I work for SERVPRO of Ravenswood I know the first thing you should do during a water overflow scenario is to turn off the main water line.  So I did.  Then I called my building engineer to come and inspect the problem.  When Gus pulled off the wall faucet we discovered that the pipe's cartridge was warped.  Luckily this was a $25 part replacement.  We also discovered that the leak was on the outer side of the wall.  You see, had the leak been inside that wall, then that would be a "Call SERVPRO" situation.  Leaks within walls tend to travel downward and ultimately affect the floors below you.  In some high rise cases water damage can affect several units below.

The lesson here folks is; call a plumber (or building engineer) to fix the parts, and call SERVPRO to clean and dry out the water damage.

24/7/365 Service Line:  773-878-5200

What to expect when the unexpected happens to you

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

An example of a homes flooded, finished basement.

Water damage does not occur all the time, but when it does do you know what to do?  Let me help outline some of the basics on the subject.  

Though there are many situations of how water damage can occur, some of the most common examples of are typically caused by flooding, toilet or tub overflow, water valve leaks, holes in roofs, basement seepage, gutter clogs, and post-fire remediation.  When you undergo one of these scenarios it is best to act fast and not postpone any water damage cleanup.  

1. Turn off your water.  
2. Be cautious.  Do not walk in water where there are any active electrical outlets.
3. Notify your home insurance agent of the situation.  You do not need to file claim, but it is still good practice to let them know what is happening so that they are prepared should you decide to file a claim in the coming days.
4. Call SERVPRO of Ravenswood to cleanup the damage.  Our service line is maintained 24-hours per day, 7-days per week. 773-878-5200 
5. We will have a technician out to you within 24 hours to provide you with a free cost assessment.

SERVPRO of Ravenswoood  is called for the cleanup side.  Our work involves extracting water, cutting out drywall or wet walls, removing carpet and pads or flooring.  In most cases we can save hard wood floors if we called immediately.  Our crew will also move and pack up furniture and furnishings.  Next we clean and sanitize the affected areas thoroughly.  Then, we systematically setup drying equipment that creates a warm airflow to remove moisture.  Depending on the spread of the water damage the drying process may take 1-4 days.  During those days a SERVPRO trained technician will monitor and record moisture levels to determine the condition of the affected areas.  Lastly, we will remove and deodorize the area and leave it in a "ready-to-go" position for your contractor to began their rebuild process. 

SERVPRO of Ravenswood documents and coordinates the entire job with your insurance carriers or property managers from start-to-finish.  Pictures and records are maintained in a cloud-based system and can be shared upon the client's request.  

I hope this quick How To explanation provides you with the insight you need in order to be prepared for water emergencies. Though we do not wish for such disruptions in your life, we do hope it brings you comfort in knowing that help is nearby and here for you at any time - no matter the size of the damage.  

Call 773-878-5200 if you wish to discuss your unique situation.  We are located in the north side of Chicago, near the intersection of Ashland and Foster Avenues.  

Thank you for reading my blog.  We encourage you to check out our reviews on either our Facebook page or Google! 

How To Prevent Water Damage

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Seepage vs. Flood

Water damage can completely ruin parts of your house if left untreated. Sometimes, flooding and busted pipes are inevitable. However, there are a few tips you can follow to try and prevent water damage. It can be an awful thing to happen to your house. If left untreated for too long, the entire thing may have to be gutted. It can also cause mold, and breathing that in might lead to health effects in the future. For those reasons, it is smart to be proactive about water damage. Of course, you can’t guarantee it will never happen. If water damage does harm your home, there are ways to fix it.

Water Seepage in your Basement

Basements are a common place for water damage to start. Depending on how often you use your basement, it may take a while to notice. By the time you notice, the damage could be unfixable. To prevent water damage in your basement, reseal it. Cracks in the foundation or floor could lead to water getting into the basement during a storm. While this may not have been a problem before, walls and floors can deteriorate over time. Using water sealant can help.

Another reason for water collecting in your basement may have to do with draining. After a heavy storm, the water should drain away from your house. However, sometimes this doesn’t happen and rainwater will drain into your basement. If you notice a problem with drainage, try and get it resolved.

Indoor Plumbing Systems

Your indoor plumbing systems may be the cause of water damage at some point. This can come from pipes and appliances. You should make it a habit to check dishwashers, washers, and hoses every year. Cracks or leaks can quickly lead to water damage. There is also the option of putting in a leak-monitor, which would shut off your water system if a leak is detected. The seals around your shower or bathtub can also deteriorate. Make sure to check them regularly, and reseal if needed.

Whenever you go on vacation, make sure to get the water that runs to your washing machine cut off. It is common for this water supply to cause issues, and if you’re on vacation you won’t be there to notice it. In addition, make sure not to leave the house while your dishwasher or washing machine is running. If an issue arises, areas of your house can flood quite quickly. An emergency pressure release valve might also be a good idea. Any increased pressure on your pipes could make them burst, but installing a release valve will protect against it.

It is important to note that water damage can still happen. No matter how cautious and proactive you are, accidents come up. A bad storm or busted pipe could lead to flooding. In an event like that, reach out to SERVPRO. You can call us at any time, day or night, 773-878-5200.

How To Prevent Water Damage

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

This powder room wall had to be removed due to not drying when the water damage occurred.

Water damage can completely ruin parts of your house if left untreated. Sometimes, flooding and busted pipes are inevitable. However, SERVPRO of Ravenswood has tips you can follow to try and prevent water damage. It can be an awful thing to happen to your house. If left untreated for too long, the entire thing may have to be gutted. It can also cause secondary damage in the future. For those reasons, it is smart to be proactive about water damage. Of course, you can’t guarantee it will never happen. If water damage does harm your home, there are ways to fix it.

Water Seepage in your Basement

Basements are a common place for water damage to start. Depending on how often you use your basement, it may take a while to notice. By the time you notice, the damage could be unfixable. To prevent water damage in your basement, reseal it. Cracks in the foundation or floor could lead to water getting into the basement during a storm. While this may not have been a problem before, walls and floors can deteriorate over time. Using water sealant can help.

Another reason for water collecting in your basement may have to do with draining. After a heavy storm, the water should drain away from your house. However, sometimes this doesn’t happen and rainwater will drain into your basement. If you notice a problem with drainage, try and get it resolved.

Indoor Plumbing Systems

Your indoor plumbing systems may be the cause of water damage at some point. This can come from pipes and appliances. You should make it a habit to check dishwashers, washers, and hoses every year. Cracks or leaks can quickly lead to water damage. There is also the option of putting in a leak-monitor, which would shut off your water system if a leak is detected. The seals around your shower or bathtub can also deteriorate. Make sure to check them regularly, and reseal if needed.

Whenever you go on vacation, make sure to get the water that runs to your washing machine cut off. It is common for this water supply to cause issues, and if you’re on vacation you won’t be there to notice it. In addition, make sure not to leave the house while your dishwasher or washing machine is running. If an issue arises, areas of your house can flood quite quickly. An emergency pressure release valve might also be a good idea. Any increased pressure on your pipes could make them burst, but installing a release valve will protect against it.

It is important to note that water damage can still happen. No matter how cautious and proactive you are, accidents come up. A bad storm or busted pipe could lead to flooding. In an event like that, SERVPRO of Ravenswood. You can call us at any time, day or night, and they will rush over to repair any water damage.

Detecting Water Damage in Your Chicago Home

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

Water-stained baseboard

Chicago water damage can cause severe issues in your home. Detecting water damage early can make all the difference when it comes to restoration. Not many people know what to look for, or even where to start looking. You may have no idea how water damage presents itself. This can make early detection nearly impossible. However, there are some steps that you can follow to find hidden signs of water damage. You must know what to look for, where to look, and who to call. After all, detecting water damage is just the first step to getting the problem taken care of.

What To Look For

Water damage presents itself in various different ways. The most obvious sign of water damage is pooled water that has collected in your house. Standing water might come from a leaking pipe or an appliance that malfunctioned. Another sign is discoloration. This typically occurs in ceilings, with the water damaged part appearing darker. Walls may also stain, and paint could bubble and crack. Floors can also show discoloration, but the main sign of water damage will be texture changes. These changes could be warping, buckling, sagging, or expansion. All four happen because of water in the floor boards, or collected around them. Another sign of water damage is an odor, which happens because of mold. If mold is starting to build up, the water damage has been around for too long.

Where To Look

Water damage can happen anywhere in your house, but some areas may be more susceptible. They present a higher-risk, and should be the first places you check. Ceiling water damage may come from a leaking roof, or tops floors in your house. A bathroom on the top floor of your house could damage the ceiling under it if a pipe bursts. Stains on your walls are one of the main signs of water damage. Any odd stain may be evidence of a leaking pipe inside your wall. When checking your walls, make sure to pay close attention to the area around your doors and windows. Many problems can cause water damage to your floors, and it is hard to pinpoint exactly where the damage has come from. Insulation in your attic may swell as a sign of water damage. This is why you should check your attic if you have one. It may also collect mold. Looking behind appliances, like your fridge and washer, is also a good idea when checking for water damage. Faulty pieces in these appliances are not easy to see without moving them around.

Who To Call

Once you have detected any sign of water damage, reach out to professionals for help. The smallest sign may be evidence of a bigger issue that will not go away on its own. SERVPRO of Ravenswood is a company that is available immediately to take care of water damage in your home. They are a trusted company in the water restoration company. Call 773-878-5200 today!

Water Damage Chicago Northside

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

In this photo you will notice the crowning floor. Our technician is taping the area that will be pulled out during the demolition process.

When a hard wood floor starts to buckle without any sign of damage, it’s safe to assume that something is wrong.  This week we had such an incident occur at one of our local schools.  A gym floor began to buckle out of the blue.  Allow me to preface with a couple of definitions.  The term “buckle” usually refers to a wooden floor which is either crowning or cupping.  (And when I write wooden floor, I am speaking of hard wood, not engineered or vinyl flooring).

Cupping (too wet) – A condition that develops on wood plank flooring materials when the joints between planks absorb moisture and swell, causing expansion and raising of the edges of each plank.  The edges rise up higher than the center of the plank forming a cup appearance.

Crowning (too dry) – A condition that develops when wood flooring materials are sanded and refinished before they are fully dried.  As drying progresses, the edges of wood planks continue to shrink, dropping them below the center of the plank, creating a crown effect.

When we received the call from the engineer of the school this week, his concern was in regard to a hardwood gym floor that was “coming up along the edges”.  He was baffled about the cause of this, as there had not been any flood or any signs of water damage.  Of course our first instinct at SERVPRO of Ravenswood was that there must be an issue from under the gym floor.  We scheduled a free inspection immediately.  Timing is critical when it comes to wet wood floor, as the sooner we mitigate that water damage Chicago northside, the better the chances of saving those floors! 

When Eduardo arrived he quickly took measurements, performed his meter readings and located the wettest points on the floor.  Discussions of where the source of the moisture began.  Flooding was eliminated, nearby water fountains and bathrooms were eliminated, leaks from above where eliminated, leaving us with questioning “what is going on underneath the planks?”  SERVPRO of Ravenswood knows that is it not sensible to begin drying anything until we first finding the source and correcting the issue that is causing the floors to buckle.

Upon facility approval a plan was devised to pull up some planks – not all - in two spots; the area that had the most moisture and the area that had the least.  Again, our experience shows us that water travels from its sources and ends up in an entirely different area leaving the wettest spot.  Sure enough after a small demolition process it was discovered that the floor boards underneath were rotting due to concrete deterioration in the first area we worked.  Water was coming up from the foundation and damaging the gym floor above.  The resolution was to reseal the concrete areas and replace flooring to its proper home. 

In 1 day SERVPRO of Ravenswood was able to demo, discover, dry, decontaminate and essentially save the remaining gym floor.  The lesson here is to always call SERVPRO of Ravenswood, a reputable mitigation specialist who deals with such scenarios on a daily basis.  Time, money and stress will be lessened when appropriate protocols are followed. 

Call SERVPRO of Ravenswood for your water damage or mold remediation service today!

773-878-5200

What To Do After A Flood Ravenswood

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

A flood can be a devastating event. If your Ravenswood home has been flooded you may have no idea what to do, especially if you never thought it would happen. Water may be standing in your house, and you will be right there having no idea what steps to take. A flood can be traumatic, but it is important to know what to do after one strikes. Try to remain calm, and take note of the following steps.

Don’t Risk It

Some floods are worse than others. It may be that you had to evacuate your home just to stay safe. If this is the case, be cautious when you try to go back. Before going back into your house, check for obvious structural damage. This includes warping, cracks, holes, and loosened areas of the foundation. There could also be damage to water, gas, and electric lines. Make sure to look out for that, and contact companies to have them shut off if needed. If you believe you water and electric lines are fine, have them cut off before reentering a house with standing water anyway. Damage could still be there, even if it isn’t obvious. Since the lights will be shut off, make sure to bring a flashlight so you can see.

Document and Protect

It is important to document all of the damage by taking pictures. Do this before removing water or making repairs. Documenting first will help when it comes time for your insurance to cover costs. Repairing any damage or removing water could lower your coverage. Pictures on your phone are the best option, as they can be easily stored and shared. No matter how clear your house appears to be, you should also wear protective gear when returning. Chemicals could have contaminated the water, even if you can’t see them. You should wear waders and waterproof boots that reach your waist or hips. If you plan on moving anything that has been water damaged, wear rubber gloves. This will help keep you safe from contaminants that you can’t see. In addition, throw out food that was touched by water and refrain from using the water system until it has been cleared.

Call Your Insurance and Clean

Once you have inspected your home, cleaned what you can, and documented the damage, it is time for the final steps. You should call your insurance company as soon as possible. If the flood reached your entire community, it may take a while to get your agent on the phone. Once you do, you will discuss the extent of their coverage. In some cases, insurance companies won’t cover flooding. This depends on what caused it and how extensive the damage is.

Whether or not your insurance company will cover the flooding, you still have to have it cleaned up. To do this, a professional service company will have to get involved. SERVPRO of Ravenswood operates twenty four hours a day, and has an extremely fast response time. They will get your house up and running again in no time.

When Winter Weather Strikes Be Prepared to Strike Back

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Ice Dam diagram

Here's how to prepare your Ravenswood home:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it off.
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.

Here's how to prepare your Ravenswood business:

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Inspect walkways, and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potentials.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas.
• Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.

Ask SERVPRO of Ravenswood about starting a Disaster Recovery Plan for your business.  Call us at 773-878-5200 today!

Ice dams can be a major problem during the winter season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water that is dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof's shingles and into the structure's interior area, causing leaks and damage. We can help mitigate Ravenswood water damage caused by these ice dams and help you get your structure back to preloss condition.

Puffback is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once, covering an interior in grimy soot, or a puffback can leak soot particles more gradually. Equipped with the training, tools and experience to quickly and efficiently clean and restore your Ravenswood home or business, we will help make your puffback seem "Like it never even happened."

Signs That You Need To Hire a Water Damage Repair Professional Lincoln Square

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

AVOID entering a room that has a water-logged ceiling!

Your Lincoln Square home was flooded. There’s little doubt about it. You arrived home from work to find puddles of water on the floor with objects floating about, all caused by a broken pipe. You turned off the water to your Lincoln Square home and are about to call in a water damage repair professional to take on the cleanup job. But do you? Or is it something that you can handle yourself? Let’s go over some of the criteria in order to help you make this decision.

Your Lincoln Square Basement Is Submerged In Several Inches of Water

A submerged basement can lead to a number of problems, all of which an expert water damage repair company can deal with. They can pump out the water, work with a plumbing company to repair the problem (if it was a damaged pipe), and then restore everything in your basement until it looks just as it did before the flood. SERVPRO of Ravenswood experts can even identify secondary problems, such as the beginnings of mold before they even begin.

Your Carpeting Is Soaked

It can be tricky to remove water from carpeting. The pad underneath is most likely soaked and will probably need to be discarded. Since mold can easily grow in these waterlogged conditions, you want to call in a water damage restoration company to restore your carpeting back to how it used to be. There’s no need to rip out the carpeting and have a new one installed if SERVPRO of Ravenswood could save it!

Your Ceilings Are Sagging

A sagging ceiling is a sign that water has ruined the structural integrity of your building. You should never go into a room with a sagging ceiling because you don’t want to be underneath if it were to collapse. If you see problems of this magnitude, then you need to call your local water damage repair company Lincoln Square. They will be able to remove the water, shore up the ceiling, and then conduct any necessary restoration.

You Want the Experts to Handle the Job

Sometimes you just don’t have the time to deal with a flooded basement Lincoln Square, no matter how minor the incident is. If this is the case, then go ahead and call SERVPRO of Ravenswood. It’s their duty to help. Call for your free inspection today, 773-878-5200

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration Northcenter

3/15/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage backup fail, damage leading to adjacent room.

While not all too common, Northcenter residents & property managers, sewage backups can be quite nasty and should be considered a type of emergency. This is because the water in a sewage backup may have bacteria, viruses, feces and other waste materials in it.

That is why when sewage cleanup and restoration are required; it is best to go to a certified sewage cleanup and restoration specialist– SERVPRO of Ravenswood. They will be able to safely clean and remove contaminants and restore any damages that may have been sustained during the sewage backup.

It is not advised to do sewage cleanup yourself, as there are risks to health associated with sewage. It is no big secret that sewage usually contains some sort of feces or urine. This causes the sewage water to contain various types of allergens and pathogens that can be extremely harmful to a person’s health.

Northcenter residents & property managers, anybody who comes into contact with the sewage backup is at great risk of acquiring illness. This does not just include the general public. It also includes the sewage cleanup and restoration specialists – SERVPRO of Ravenswood - who will be cleaning the sewage, disinfecting the area and restoring anything that was damaged. During any stage of the sewage cleanup and restoration process, there is a real threat of contracting some sort of bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic illness.

While the possibility of contracting some sort of illness during the sewage cleanup and restoration process is very high, there are different types of contaminated water related to sewage backups; examples are:

• When of water is considered to be clean water to the common eye. This is water that comes from a source that has not been contaminated. This may include a broken water pipe or leaky sink faucet. This water is fresh and has not yet been contaminated by anything. However, if this is left untreated, it has the possibility to turn into contaminated water, so must be addressed immediately.
• When water appears gray. This may be contaminated in some sense and has the possibility to cause illness or discomfort. Some examples of this kind of water could be water from a leaky washing machine or dishwasher, soapy water or dirty dishwater. This water more than likely contains viruses and bacteria and also needs to be addressed immediately. If not addressed, it can quickly evolve into the third and final category of water.
• When is water is black. This water is extremely contaminated and will cause severe illness and even death if not handled correctly or ingested. Water like this may be contaminated with harsh chemicals, microbes, and untreated sewage.

No matter which level of sewage backup you experience, Northcenter residents & property managers , it is highly advised to have a sewage backup and restoration professional – SERVPRO of Ravenswood - come out and handle the situation. We will be able to clean and dispose of the contaminated water and restore any damages that occurred during the sewage backup. Call today and schedule your FREE inspection; 773-878-5200.

Water Damage Restoration Lincoln Park

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

What Is Under The Carpet?

It is critical to deal with water damage as soon as it occurs, to prevent long-term issues. Waiting to deal with water damage could mean that the damage is irreversible. When objects become waterlogged and are left to sit, they can develop foul smells, and even become infested with mold. Working with our professional team, SERVPRO of Ravenswood, Lincoln Park residents and business owners will be assured that your property is cleaned and restored quickly. The sooner you call us (773-878-5200), the sooner we can begin cleaning up the water damage.

Types of Water Damage SERVPRO of Ravenswood Treats

There are several types of watering and water damage that we can remove and restore; these include:

• Water damage from storms or weather
• Water damage from water pipes bursting
• Sewer line backup and water getting into homes or commercial properties
• Appliance leaks and malfunctions
• Water damage from firefighting efforts
• Toilet leaks, bathtubs, and more.

We specialize in cleaning up homes and commercial spaces that have experienced water damage. Regardless of the kind of water damage your home or business space has undergone, contact SERVPRO of Ravenswood (773-878-5200) to discuss how we can help you restore your property quickly and safely.

Our Clean-up Process

Lincoln Park, call our water damage and restoration team today, and we’ll send a highly trained restoration technician to your home or commercial property to assess the damage and provide a plan for clean up and restoration. Our technicians and professional team will:

• Remove the water from the property or damaged areas of your property.
• Begin the drying and dehumidification process. We use state-of-the-art industrial drying machines that enable us to quickly and easily clear your home or office of unwanted and potentially dangerous water.
• Work to save as much of the original materials and surfaces as possible. Sometimes, though, it is essential to remove severely damaged surfaces, such as drywall, and flooring to reduce the risk of mold and odor developing.
• Clean and sanitize your property and begin restoring your home or office space so that you can't even tell there was water.

Our Water Damage Restoration Technicians are Highly Trained

We are the best water damage and restoration experts in the Lincoln Park area. We'll send a highly skilled and professional trained water damage restoration expert to your home or commercial property within hours of your call. Upon inspection and assessment, our experts will be able to provide you with real solutions to restore your property to its pre-flood state. We know dealing with water damage can be difficult, and our technicians will make the process easier and get you back to functioning order as soon as possible.

Contact Us Today

If you have experienced flooding or water damage in your home or commercial property in Lincoln Park, contact us immediately to begin the cleaning and restoration process; 773-878-5200. Leaving water to sit for even a short period can increase the risk of bacteria, mold, and other contaminants developing in your home or commercial space. We’ll send a technician out to your property right away to assess the damage. Don’t wait to call.

Roscoe Village Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration

9/1/2017 (Permalink)

Step 3: Water removal and extraction process

When water wreaks havoc to your home, you need to call someone for water damage cleanup with the expertise and equipment to quickly restore your property to pre-water damage condition. In Roscoe Village, our SERVPRO team will use scientific approaches to water removal and water cleanup that puts an emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process from start to finish.

When you call, our representative will lead you through a series of questions that will assist us in responding to your water emergency as quickly and efficiently as possible. Knowing about our process will help you feel confident that your property is in good hands.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment 

An initial inspection will take place to determine what areas have been affected and the type of water damage your property has sustained. This is a crucial step in the creation of the most efficient plan of action. Each plan of action has the same goal, a successful restoration.

Removal of Water from the Area

Whether it’s hundreds or thousands of gallons of water that need to be removed, our powerful vacuums and pump systems can handle whatever is thrown at them. The pros at SERVPRO in Roscoe Village will begin this process as soon as possible to minimalize additional damage and assist in the prevention of mold growth.

Drying and Dehumidifying 

After the majority of the water has been eliminated, we’ll use specialized equipment to seek out the water that’s harder to remove. SERVPRO uses less intrusive, scientific drying methods in the way of air movers and dehumidifiers to draw the remaining water and moisture from your property.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Water damage will also harm your other possessions, like clothing, furniture, and other personal items. Your SERVPRO technicians of Roscoe Village are available to clean restorable items using a variety of specialized cleaning techniques. They can also sanitize with antimicrobial treatments and use industrial air scrubbers and fogging tools to remove odors.

Restoration

This is the final step to restore your home or business back to its pre-damage state. The restoration step can include anything from replacing a few drywall panels up to major reconstruction, like rebuilding entire rooms of a home or office. 

Even though every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, the general process will stay the same. No matter how large or small the disaster, your SERVPRO professionals in Roscoe Village are ready to handle your water damage cleanup.

Flood Damage Restoration in Horner Park

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to come home to this.

Cleanup emergencies usually don’t occur during regular business hours. In fact, it often happens when you are away from home, welcoming you back to a giant soggy mess.

In Horner Park, knowing who to call for flood damage restoration is just as important as knowing how to dial 911. From standing water in the basement to burst pipes, flood damage can result in tearing out carpeting and hardwood flooring, as well as removing baseboards, drywall, or even demolishing entire kitchens and bathrooms. Having SERVPRO of Ravenswood as your local resource is a luxury you cannot afford to regard. Flood damage can occur from a variety of sources.

Basement Flood Damage 

Though you may think that it can only happen during a bad rain storm, your basement is actually susceptible to flooding at any time from a number of scenarios, here are just a few to be aware of:

• Blocked or failed sewer pipes
• 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

Time is of the essence when dealing with damage that could affect your home’s structure and the health and safety of your family.

 Frozen Pipes Flood Damage 

We all know that water expands as it freezes. In plumbing and radiator systems, this expansion puts tremendous pressure on the metal or plastic pipes.

• Pipes that freeze most frequently are:
• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas
• Pipes that run against exterior walls with little or no insulation

Hidden Damage and Minor Leaks Can Lead to Major Problems

Water damage can also be hidden from view. A little water stain can lead to larger issues. A small spot on the wall can be the tip of the iceberg. Water from leaky plumbing can swiftly spread throughout your floors and walls, causing the formation of mold and mildew if not addressed.

Radiator leaks might sound minor but they can actually cause a lot of damage. If wood flooring or carpet under the radiator is consistently moist, they can rot over time. On a second floor, small radiator leaks can damage the ceiling below them which can also result in a mold issue in the space between the floor and ceiling.

Know Who to Call

A flooded home is unsafe for your family. Without proper remediation, your environment can become unhealthy. Our crews are professional and trained in how to best remedy any flood damage situation. They are always courteous and understanding of homeowner’s feelings. We as a company have earned trust from homeowners, business owners, and property managers.

Residents of Ravenswood, Horner Park, the Manor, it is important to know how to react and who to call for help. SERVPRO of Ravenswood is your neighbor and we are here to help 24-hours a day – 7 days per week. Providing proper guidance and immediate service for flood damage restoration is the nature of our business.

SERVPRO of Ravenswood is a preferred vendor to many National Insurance Companies. We are held to strict rules by our industry following closely the s500 IICRC Restoration Standards.

For more information about our flood damage restoration services in the Horner Park area or to set up an appointment for a free estimate, please contact SERVPRO of Ravenswood at 773-878-5200

Looking for Water Damage Repair North Center Clues When Shopping For Your New Home

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

Coordinate an inspection with a certified professional

Are you thinking about buying a new home?  After various conversations with realtors in our area, who are super stoked about mortgage rates being at an all-time low, it appears now is a very good time to buy.  It’s exciting to shop around and look for that perfect home fit.  However, it is also good practice to look for unexpected “baggage” that may come along with the deal. I am referring to water damage repair North Center.  Many homes in Chicago are over 50 years old and damage from previous occupants may be undetected at first glance.  SERVPRO of Ravenswood has a few helpful hints to follow when shopping for your perfect dream home.

1. Look for brownish stains or spots in the ceilings and walls of each room.  These spots may lead to rot or mold behind the surfaces.
2. If there is an out-of-the-ordinary odor in the air, ask what that is.
3. Consider bringing in a certified environmentalist to test for any pre-existing mold damage.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask about previous water losses, basement floods, or if it is a multi-unit occupied building inquire about surrounding units who have experience water, fire and mold damage.
5. Call SERVPRO of Ravenswood to provide you with a free estimate for any remediation or cleanup needs.

Working collectively with your realtor, insurance agents, previous home owners and your trusted SERVPRO franchise you can rest easier knowing that you everyone is working diligently to help repair or prevent any future (and costly) surprises.  

Water Damage Restoration Edgewater

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Soaked wood flooring

Many of the calls our franchise receives stem from accidents.  We have seen instances where water damage jobs are provoked by scenarios as innocent as a person hanging up a garment on a sprinkler head, to as devastating as not knowing the location of the water shut-off valve to turn off water.  This blog talks about a toilet overflow. 

Water damage restoration Edgewater can not only result in tearing out carpeting and beautiful hardwood flooring, but also removing baseboards, drywall, and demolishing entire kitchens and bathrooms.  One early morning last week a young lady was employed to clean an empty condominium in preparation for a home purchase closing approaching in the upcoming days.  As this young lady was cleaning the bathroom, she was using paper towels to wipe around the toilet.  Unbeknown to her she erroneously flushed the paper towels the toilet.  Flushing paper products that are not as dissolvable as toilet paper can be problematic, as it may be too thick for the water flow to process down through the pipes.  In this case, the toilet began to overflow.  In a panic, this individual left the building and did not notify the home owner of the overflow.  Consequently resulting in a major flood that damaged the condominium, the unit below, and the finished basement further below.

This loss was classified as a large loss, and could have been fully prevented if the water was turned off immediately.  Water damage restoration Edgewater can be controlled.  You just need to know where to turn off the water and who to call for help; 773-878-5200! 

Contact donna@SERVPROravenswood.com for your free water and electric shut off tags!

Water Damage Repair Andersonville

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

This room was affected by water finding its way downstream.

Water disasters are never an anticipated incident, nor are the costly detriments resulting in the aftershock. For business owners keeping doors open and operations running smoothly are imperative to the livelihood of their profession. If you are not prepared to react to a water damage repair Andersonville, then doors may remain closed for quite some time.

Taking into a case that happened last month to a fabric shop who overcame a burst pipe water loss. Early morning at approximately 5:30 a.m., the owner of the small business was alerted that his store was flooded. Remarkably by 9:30 a.m., that same morning, he was able to open his business and continue without interruption. The local SERVPRO franchise near the area was called and green trucks were quickly in route to facilitate. The water extraction process began and the fabric store able to get back to work. Fortunately, this story resulted more positively since the owner knew who to contact for help. This may not be the case for someone who does not know what to do.

As many know water travels downward. Water damage repair Andersonville has to be addressed throughout a building. SERVPRO’s certified technicians know when, where and how to investigate and clean. Here are some quick tips on what NOT to do when water damage occurs. It is always recommended to contact the professionals who can act quickly and save a business or home from any secondary damage.

• Don’t enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Don’t use household vacuum cleaners to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceiling are sagging from retained water.
• Don’t use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• DO call SERVPRO of Ravenswood at 773-878-5200 for immediate support!

Source: http://arlington.wickedlocal.com/news/20170706/fabric-corner-overcomes-flooding-from-burst-pipe

Chicago Water Damage Cleanup SERVPRO Ravenswood

7/3/2017 (Permalink)

Chicago Water Damage Cleanup SERVPRO Ravenswood

“A broken water pipe sounds like a minor home repair problem, but you’ll never know how bad it can be until it happens to you."

Water damage cleanup emergencies don’t typically occur during regular business hours, nor does it usually happen while you’re standing next to your water shut off valve readily prepared to turn it off just at that precise moment. Rather it happens when you are away from home, only to be greeted by a wet mess upon your return. Residents of Ravenswood, Horner Park, the Manor, it is important to know what to do, how to react and who to call for help. SERVPRO of Ravenswood is your neighbor and we are here to help 24-hours a day – 7 days per week. Providing proper guidance and immediate service is the nature of our business.

Water damage can also be hidden from view. A little water stain can lead to larger issues. We'd like to take this opportunity to share with you a noteworthy story on the detriments on what a small spot on the wall unveiled. Because water can swiftly spread throughout your floors and walls, immediate response is vital. Knowing who to call is most important. Email donna@SERVPROravenswood.com for a free refrigerator magnet so that you are prepared. She will be happy to send you one today!

Albany Park water damage restoration

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

This Albany Park home’s basement has water damage due to heavy rains.

Albany Park water damage restoration could be in your life sooner than you might think.  Your basement is susceptible to flooding at any time, even thought you might think that it only happens during a storm event.  Since your basement is the lowest level of your home and lower than the sidewalk anytime the city sewers burp you can have water damage in your home.  Listed below are the reasons for Albany Park water damage restoration needs for your home:

• 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

You have to be quick in reaction towards Albany Park water damage and it has to be done properly.  Time is of the essence otherwise you could be damaging your home’s structure and also the health and safety of your family. 

Here are the things you need to understand when water damage occurs: a flooded home is unsafe for your family, will eventually become an unhealthy environment and the home/foundation can sustain lifelong damages.  SERVPRO of Ravenswood prides itself in a crew that is professional and trained in how to best remedy the situation.  They are always courteous and understanding of homeowner’s feelings.  We as a company have earned trust from homeowners, business owners and property managers.

When in need of Albany Park water damage restoration we are here for you 24 hours 7 days a week.  SERVPRO of Ravenswood is a preferred vendor to many National Insurance Companies.  We are held to strict rules by our industry following closely the s500 IICRC Restoration Standards.

Leaky Radiators

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

Examples of damaged floors over time caused by leaky radiators.

      Radiator leaks sound minor but they can actually cause a lot of damage to a home.  If your wood flooring becomes wet continuously it will rot over time.  A small radiator leak can also cause unforeseen damages to the ceiling below, which later can result in a mold issue inside the space between floor and ceiling.

In this video: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-repair-whistling-and-leaky-steam-radiator , This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey silences a leaky, squeaky steam radiator.

Steps:

1. Turn down thermostat to shut off steam-heat system.

2. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads on new air vent.

3. Twist off old air vent by hand; cover vent with cloth to protect hand.

4. Thread new air vent into radiator. Hand tighten vent to vertical position.

5. Unscrew handle from top of the radiator valve.

6. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the packing nut that holds the stem to the valve.

7. Wrap graphite packing around threaded portion of the valve stem.

8. Thread the packing nut back onto the valve and tighten with a wrench. 9. Replace the valve handle.

10. Turn up thermostat to start the steam-heat system. Check for leaks or high-pitched whistling.

Frozen Pipes: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

1/5/2017 (Permalink)

Home owners were out of state for the winter which resulted in massive damage when a pipe burst in the house and spilled out and refroze outside.

Pipe Burst Floods Entire 3-Story Building In Lincoln Park

1/19/2015 (Permalink)

Icicles hanging from the third floor all the way to the ground

During the recent artic freeze we faced, a third floor pipe burst caused an entire building to flood and the water almost instantly froze. The homeowner was out of town and arrived to see icicles hanging all over his home. The worried homeowner immediately called SERVPRO of Ravenswood to mitigate the water damage. 

SERVPRO of Ravenswood Responds to Water Damage Emergency

12/15/2014 (Permalink)

On Friday afternoon, SERVPRO of Ravenswood immediately responded to a lakefront, high-rise building in the Uptown neighborhood. A pipe burst caused water damage to five floors and several units in the building. Upon arrivial, the Tom and his crew began to stabilize the water damage. Within hours, SERVPRO of Ravenswood had the situation under control.