SERVPRO® Restores A Commercial Water Damaged Building Quickly

10/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Restores A Commercial Water Damaged Building Quickly

Any business, home, office, warehouse, or any other type of building structure, can be damaged by water. While we need this resource, it is when it is uncontained and in the wrong area that damage becomes highly likely. When it happens in your business, you need to act quickly to eliminate the water at its source, if at all possible, and begin removing it. After this is completed and there is no more water being deposited, cleaning up of your equipment, inventories, and interiors can begin. 

Water Damage in Commercial Sites 
Any location can have emergencies of many different kinds and types, as well as in different and varying degrees of severity, and commercial water damage in Lynwood is one of them. Our technicians at SERVPRO can help rectify any problems from broken water lines to bio-hazard clean-up of flood waters. We understand the dangers of the different classes of water, and how clean water can become easily and quickly contaminated, changing contamination categories and hazardous level, in the interior of your business. This knowledge, along with additional training and certifications, can help in avoiding further problems during and after the cleaning up and repairing processes. 

Other situations caused by water present in a commercial setting can be a loss of functionality of equipment, destruction of electronic devices, and interior furnishings, business supplies, and loss of revenue among others. Our technicians are not only experienced and skilled in large and small site clean-ups and water damage restoration, but also in the latest IICRC procedures. This ensures that the work done on your site will get your business back to normal operations quickly. We understand that you, your employees, and your customers and clients all depend on the building and its interior contents to be in habitable condition again quickly. 

Call us at SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood at (708) 747-9925 to get the fastest response available. We can take your call anytime, day or night, every day of the year. We will work on your commercial property until it's “Like it never even happened."

Fire Causes for Homewood

9/25/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Causes of Homewood 

Every 20 seconds in the United States, a fire department is responding to a fire somewhere. While your home is where you should always feel safe, it can also be a dangerous place if a Homewood fire occurs. In fact, four out of five fire-related fatalities occur in the home. However, if you are aware what causes a potential fire that could lead to severe Flossmoor fire damage in your home, you may be able to prevent the fire from occurring in the first place. Below are some of the main factors that can cause a residential fire. 

One of the major causes of Homewood fire-related deaths is smoking materials such as cigarettes and other tobacco products. About 800 people die annually in the U.S. because of careless handling of cigarettes in the home. Typically, smoking material that is forgotten or carelessly discarded ignites trash, furniture or bedding. Most of the deadly smoking-related fires occur in a family room or living room, not the bedroom because bed upholstery and mattresses are manufactured with excellent fire-resistant qualities. 

A cooking fire is another leading cause of house fires which can cause catastrophic fire damage in your home. Cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fire-related injuries and the fourth leading cause of residential fire-related fatalities. Cooking fires usually take place whenever foods cooking on the stove are left unattended. Cooking oils are most susceptible to catching fire. These types of fires begin within the first 15 minutes of cooking. 

The third leading cause of residential fire-related fatalities and the second leading cause of home fires is improperly used heating equipment, such as portable space heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys. Space heaters can cause a fire when they are placed too close to drapes, furniture or other combustible materials. A fire can start in a fireplace or chimney that is clogged with creosote buildup as well. 

Candles can also cause residential fires. From 2009 to 2013, candles were to blame for 3 percent of residential fires, 3 percent of residential fire-related fatalities, 5 percent of property damage and 6 percent of residential fire-related injuries. Nearly all candle-related fires are started whenever something too close to the candle catches on fire. 

Also, electrical failures within the home lead to about 45,000 residential fires during 2013, which resulted in 410 fatalities and $1.3 billion in property damages. Electrical failures or malfunctions happen when there is a problem with the home's lighting, cords, wiring or another type of equipment using electricity. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Severe Flossmoor fire damage to your home calls for fast and professional help and SERVPRO of Matteson/Homewood is your solution. Using advanced technology, our highly trained technicians can get your home back to normal in a short amount of time. We're locally owned and operated to serve Homewood and the surrounding areas. For more information, call us at (708) 747-9925.

SERVPRO® Offers Mold Inspections and Air Sampling

9/25/2024 (Permalink)

Air Sampling to Labs and Mold Inspections in Chicago Area Properties

Mold can become a fast-moving danger to your Greater Matteson home or business, affecting many materials, contents, structural elements, and even those exposed. With how quickly the situation can get out of control, it is essential to work to address the colonization and remediate as promptly as possible. To accomplish this, home and business owners put their trust in the experience, and industry-leading equipment of our Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) accredited through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.)

Severe weather, high humidity levels, and other sources make mold damage for the Greater Chicago homes and businesses a perpetual threat. While many property owners can appreciate how damaging this situation can be, without seeing the problem, it can be challenging to know for sure that colonization exists. We have always encouraged our customers with the statement: “If you see it or smell it, you have it.” We have the expertise to offer mold inspections and air sampling to determine the presence of this threat and its severity.

We strive to find the relative humidity level from the time that we arrive, along with inspecting susceptive areas of the property for moisture vulnerabilities. This assessment has our remediators using moisture meters and sensors alone with thermal imagery to discover possible penetration points in attics, roofs, foundations, basements, and other areas of a home or business.  

Additionally, our SERVPRO team performs mold assessment sampling, including after remediation work completes. The sample we take of the affected environment can get sent to a lab nearby for analysis, and under the care of trained specialists, can determine the concentration of active mold growth based on the elevated presence of spores and fungus.

We can also help to keep your property and its occupants safe with fast controlled demolition and build back services. We have a full-service team of general contractors that can help to repair, reconstruct, and renovate damaged areas of your home during the mitigation and cleaning processes of remediation.  

You can count on the expertise and advanced equipment of our SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood mold remediation specialists in the Chicago area. For an evaluation of your residential or commercial property, call us today at (708) 747-9925

On the map, right here.

Be Prepared for Winter Storms!

9/25/2024 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Winter storms are here and it won't be the last.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory categories a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain.  In Hazel Crest, we can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.

How Water Pipes Freeze and Break

A water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze.  When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break.  The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed.  Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention

• Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes.  You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
• Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Do Until Help Arrives

If your pipes still freeze and you have a water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:

1. Don’t delay.  Call us as soon as you notice your water damage.  The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause.  As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.  
2. Cut off the water source, if possible.
3. Get textiles off the floor.  Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay.  Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be.  What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
4. Begin documentation.  Start with the point of origin and all affected areas.  While our technicians will also take the document, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.

Be Aware of the Weather

Keep your eye on the weather forecast.  Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you to valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.  

SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood

We can be reached 24/7/365 at (708) 747-9925

“Like it never even happened.”

Winterize your Homewood Flossmoor home

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

Realtors and Insurance Agents trust SERVPRO® of Matteson-Homewood to winterize vacant and damaged homes. Our trained technicians provide water evacuation from the plumbing systems to avoid frozen pipes and water damage. To winterize a structure, the following steps need to be taken.

• turn off or disconnect water main
• drain water heater
• extract water from toilet tank and pour RV antifreeze in tank
• disconnect washer, dishwasher, and refrigerator water line if applicable
• extract or blow out water lines thoroughly
• pour RV antifreeze in all drains

SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood uses the latest tools and equipment to winterize homes. Pricing varies by the size and difficulty of each project. Call our office to schedule service (708)747-9925.

What is a Master Service Agreement (MSA)?

10/11/2023 (Permalink)

A Master Service Agreement (MSA) stands as a crucial contract binding two parties and outlining their relationship's terms and conditions. In the realm of facility vendors, an MSA typically covers a wide array of services like cleaning, maintenance, and repairs.

But let's get down to it – why should you even bother with an MSA? Well, around here, it's all about efficiency. Having just one contract in place means no more dealing with each vendor separately. That's a win-win that saves you both time and money.

Plus, it's all about communication and teamwork. An MSA spells out who's doing what, so there's no room for misunderstandings and delays. In this neck of the woods, we appreciate clear-cut agreements.

And then there's the protection an MSA provides. Your MSA usually includes provisions for stuff like insurance, liability, and resolving disputes. It's peace of mind, plain and simple.

Now, let's talk SERVPRO Team Nichols. We're a local standout near Chicago, and we're the ones you want for your MSA needs. Here's what we bring to the table:

1. **Local Expertise**: We're your neighbors, serving the Chicagoland area. We know the local scene and the unique needs of our community.

2. **Comprehensive Services**: Our team is well-versed in a variety of services that can be covered by an MSA, including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup, storm damage restoration, and construction and remodeling. We're your one-stop shop for all things restoration.

3. **Round-the-Clock Service**: Emergencies don't wait for convenient hours. We're available 24/7 to tackle any disaster head-on.

4. **Customer-Centric Approach**: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and tailor a plan to meet them. Plus, we keep you in the loop throughout the restoration process.

So, if you're in the Chicagoland area and need a trusted partner for your MSA, SERVPRO Team Nichols is the way to go. We've got the local knowledge, expertise, and commitment to make sure you're taken care of.

To dive deeper into our MSA offerings or get your questions answered, just give us a call. We're here to help, 24/7/365.

Be Sure Your Business Is Prepared For a Disaster

2/19/2023 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don't necessarily have to be.

While it may be difficult to prepare for the unpredictable, there are steps you can take now to ensure you are ready when disaster strikes. One way to prepare your business for any type of disaster, is to establish an Emergency READY Profile (ERP). 

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile, your business can receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Call us today and make sure your business is ready (708)747-9925

Commercial Buildings and Property Manager's Choice

2/19/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial Property owners and Property Managers are entrusted with keeping their businesses operational. When Disaster Strikes, SERVPRO of Matteson Homewood is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” We've assisted some of the largest properties in the area following disasters. Lincoln Mall, McDonald's, Carsons, Flossmoor Library, Houses of Worship and many others have utilized our Commercial and Industrial Services. Facilities Managers rely on us to be Ready for Whatever Happens.

General Adjusters and Consulting firms from around the Chicago and Northwest Indiana region trust SERVPRO of Kankakee County with their must complex claims. Some of our specialties include

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military
• Universities
• Schools
• Restaurants
• Commercial Disaster Recovery Services 
• Commercial Reconstruction

We are available around the clock to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. Learn more about our commercial restoration services by calling Matteson Homewood at (708)747-9925.

Trust SERVPRO Cleaned For Water Damage Extraction & Drying

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

 Water damage can happen at any time. When your Matteson-Homewood residential or commercial property is affected, the most crucial step to take is to extract any standing water and dry moisture remnants quickly.

One category of equipment that plays a crucial role during properties is lift-equipment. Pumps and water extractors fall under this category. When used properly, they can help remove significant amounts of water from your property within a short period of time.  Equipment that extracts water from your property is the lift capacity and CFM, Cubic Feet per Minute, rating. Apart from that, the kind of wand attached to the extractor also matters. You should choose carpet wands for carpeted surfaces, and squeegee wands for wood and other hard surfaces. Our SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood certified and trained technicians have access to a wide range of equipment and accessories to tackle all situations.

Drying helps remove the final moisture remnants in affected areas. Drying relies on evaporation which incidentally removes moisture from materials but leaves it in the air. Condensation can reverse this process. Combining equipment that improves evaporation and those that extracts moisture from the air, such as dehumidifiers, guarantees a good outcome. Our SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood technicians have access to a wide range of extraction equipment that ensures balanced drying, including:

    •    LGR Dehumidifiers
    •    Desiccant Dehumidifiers
    •    Box Fan Extractors
    •    Centrifugal Air Movers

Preventing Water Damage Not Preventable - Call SERVPRO First!

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage presents double trouble to you as an owner and employer. Not only do you need to recover your premises, equipment, and inventory from the effects of leaks or flooding, you also have employees and customers who rely on you to keep your business running even while restoration efforts are in process.

SERVPRO works closely with our commercial clients to avoid closure or a shut down even after a significant water crisis to your warehouse or other storage facility affects your business. We highly encourage business owners to consult with us before any warehouse water disaster. By developing an Emergency READY Profile, you can pinpoint all critical information about your operation into a plan. Once finished with that plan, the information can be shared with, and will be easily accessible to our local water damage restoration experts.

Preventing commercial water damage in your workplace may not be possible. For instance, if heavy storms or flooding affect your warehouse, some damage might be unpreventable, but that is where SERVPRO will help! A systematic review of your preparedness can limit the effects of inevitable leaking, moving, or standing water to your bottom line. Take advantage of our training and expertise by scheduling a thorough assessment of your warehouse and other operations. There is no charge for our review of your facilities, and we will use the information gathered to ready our team should the worst happen. You can identify your business’s key personnel, so we know who to consult when a commercial water damage disaster strikes even if you are not always available. Details such as warehouse layout and the location of utilities, important documents, and priority areas within your building clarify and order the restoration and mitigation tasks needed to be completed, ensuring our team of water damage restoration technicians are “Ready for whatever happens.” Our staff will take photos and scope out the dimensions of your warehouse to assist with our post water damage work.If your warehouse has water damage of any type, call SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood at (708) 747-9925