State of the Art Equipment - SERVPRO of Joliet

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Joliet, we stay trained and equipped with state-of-the-art technology that helps us restore your commercial and residential properties back to their preloss conditions. No matter the disaster that has occurred--whether it’s mold damage, fire, flooding, storm damage, or a biohazard situation--our team of professionals and technicians are well-versed in advanced technology that allows us to safely remove hazardous materials from the site that has seen disaster.

How Can SERVPRO of Joliet Help After Water Damage?

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Nowadays, infrared cameras and other detectors allow us to identify the source and extent of moisture damage so we can deal with it appropriately.

• An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
• Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.

Water Extraction Equipment

When it comes to water damage, mitigating the extent of it as quickly as possible is key to salvaging your property. Our water extraction equipment allows us to do that.

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. 
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

After extracting water, drying the affected areas is a huge next step to avoid mold growth and the troubles that come with that. 

• High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace.
• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Odors can be hard to identify and remove due to the small particles that carry them. However, our technology allows us to do both safely and efficiently. 

• Air scrubbers remove airborne particles and contaminants.
• Thermal foggers and deodorization agents control odors.

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Antimicrobial Treatments

Odors and contaminants like to linger after damage occurs, which is where sanitizing agents come in to remove them for good.

• Cleaning agents help to stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

For disaster restoration specialists equipped to get your property back to its preloss condition, contact SERVPRO of Joliet at (815)436-5735. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

HVAC and Mold

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

HVAC and Mold

Why is HVAC mold so common? Well every time it encounters an area with high humidity levels and warm temperatures it wants to party. These conditions occur during both heating and cooling the system. Improperly sized units can cause a system to work harder producing an excessive amount of condensation resulting in standing water in the lines. This creates an environment for mold to develop which will blow spores throughout your home every time your HVAC is turned on.

How to Prevent?

1. Changing your air filters monthly.
2. Inspect for any cracks or leaks regularly.
3. Routine cleaning of pans making sure to drain any excess water.
4. Routine duct cleaning.

SERVPRO of Joliet highly trained technicians to provide duct cleaning a preventative in HVAC mold.

HVAC and Mold

1. Why is HVAC mold so common?
2. Well every time it encounters an area with high humidity levels and warm temperatures it wants to party. These conditions occur during both heating and cooling the system. Improperly sized units can cause a system to work harder producing an excessive amount of condensation resulting in standing water in the lines. This creates an environment for mold to develop which will blow spores throughout your home every time your HVAC is turned on.

How to Prevent?

1. Changing your air filters monthly.
2. Inspect for any cracks or leaks regularly.
3. Routine cleaning of pans making sure to drain any excess water.
4. Routine duct cleaning.

SERVPRO of  Joliet has highly trained technicians to provide duct cleaning, a preventative in HVAC mold.

Your Home and Mold

8/16/2023 (Permalink)

Mold needs moisture, water, or humidity to grow and thrive. Mold spores can begin growing indoors when they land on wet surfaces. Some common places mold can thrive include:

• Showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets are common places for mold growth. These areas tend to be damp, and without proper ventilation, they provide the perfect environment.
• Air conditioning and heating vents.
• Fireplace and chimney. When not being used, fireplaces and chimneys are cool, damp, and dark - a fertile ground for mold spores.
• In the attic. If your roof has any possible leaks, mold can grow and spread through the ventilation system in the attic. It can also thrive in the insulation and soffit vents.
• In the basement. That all-too-familiar musty-basement smell is evidence of humidity and moisture, and more than likely mold. Most commonly it can be found around pipes and ducts, or near the foundation, sump pump, windows, or vents.

Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by eliminating moist conditions indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, it’s important to not only deal with it immediately and remove it; but resolve the root of the problem as well. In the right situation, mold will grow very quickly, in as little as 24- 48 hours. Call SERVPRO of Joliet if you find mold in your home or business!

Different Types of Home Fire Extinguishers

8/9/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke and fire damage is something all of us at SERVPRO of a would like to see you avoid. In the event that the worst happens and you're faced with this kind of disaster, you can count on us to lend a helping hand.

We have a team of highly trained professionals to walk with you each step of the way when repairing the damage from smoke, water, and fire in your home or office.

SERVPRO of Joliet recommends you have at least one fire extinguisher and know how to use it in case of a fire. 

Types of Home Fire Extinguishers: 

Classes A, B, and C fire extinguishers are found in both homes and businesses

• Class A is for cloth, wood, and paper
• Class B is for liquids that can burst into flame or explode, such as grease, gasoline, oil, or oil-based paints
• Class C is for electrical equipment like computers, tools, or anything else that is plugged in
• Most home-improvement stores sell multi-purpose fire extinguishers: Classes A:B:C

A fire-extinguisher may prevent fire damage and smoke damage from spreading throughout the home.

If you are faced with a small fire, use the following tips. Remember: If you aren't sure you can put it out yourself, everyone should exit the building and call 9-1-1 when you are outside.

SERVPRO of Joliet wants you to know that you should try to fight a small fire only if:

• You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than personal injuries
• You know how to use the fire extinguisher
• You have the correct class of fire extinguisher

Removing Moisture From Materials

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

When our crew approaches a water job, we evaluate many different variables. All of which are very important, but there are two variables that we look at the most: type of material and the degree of wetness. This means that we will evaluate each material's permeability, the ability for water to pass through the material, dampness, the moisture movement. The liquids will be presented in one of these forms.

Surface Water

Like the name, you can find this type of moisture on the material's surface. It is a visible liquid and can evaporate. When mitigating this type of moisture, you must remove the moisture using mechanical extraction. The next component needed to be addressed: airflow, which helps control temperature and humidity, which helps evaporate any remaining moisture.

Free Water

Unlike surface water, the name of this absorption doesn't give you many clues on how to find it in a material. Before the moisture can form a chemical bond to the material, free water happens. You can find this type of moisture in cavities, open pores, and other air spaces within the material. When mitigating this form of moisture, you will want to use lower humidities and warmer temperatures. By maintaining these factors, you ensure that the moisture is going to evaporate.  

Bound Water

More work is needed to fully mitigate this type of moisture material as this form is when the moisture has made chemical bonds. You will have to release it to get the moisture out of the material when this happens. Unlike the other categories, controlling the airflow won't help remove the chemical bonds. The moisture will dry fastest when it is warmed. The essential factor to keep in mind is maintaining the surrounding humidity. Keep in mind that this type will take the longest to dry out of all categories.

This is why you should hire our team of professionals here at SERVPRO of Joliet because we know what to look for. We evaluate each material to create a precious course of action to provide results and restore to the preloss condition. 

Damage from a Leaking Toilet

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

A toilet leaking or overflowing can lead to water damage and possible containments in your residential or commercial space. A situation like this requires swift action and the right team doing the job. Luckily, SERVPRO of Joliet offers emergency services 24 hours a day and is committed to making a fire, water or storm disaster “Like it never even happened.”   

There are various reasons why a toilet may leak, and steps should be taken immediately to prevent further damage. The supply line, which brings new water into the tank and is part of the flush mechanism, may become worn or cracked which leads to leaking. A malfunctioning flapper or valve could also be the culprit. If this happens in your property, make sure to turn off the water supply to prevent further damage. This can be found behind the metal supply line with the valve near the wall's connection point. Then, remove all the water from the tank.   

Our SERVPRO team has the skills needed to handle a job of this type. We are able to safely clean an affected area and restore it after damage. We are here to help! 

Preparing For A Storm

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

• Know types of flood risks in your area. Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center https://msc.fema.gov/portal for information.
• Sign up for your community's warning system (EAS) The Emergency Alert System.
• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, monitor potential sign, such a heavy rain.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans,and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately or if services are cut off including medications, pet needs, batteries or and other critical equipment.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days to go into effect. Get Flood coverage under the(NFIP) the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password protected digital copies.
• Protect your property by moving valuables to higher levels, declutter drains and gutters, install check valves and consider a sump pump with a battery.

Remember that SERVPRO of Joliet, 815-436-5735 is available 24/7 to help you if the need should arise.

Make Your Business, Our Business

7/28/2023 (Permalink)

Is your business prepared? From a burst pipe in an office building to faulty wiring in an apartment complex – fire and water losses are never planned, but they do happen. SERVPRO of Joliet, Illinois professionals know there is no such thing as a small emergency when it threatens the welfare of the tenants and the revenue of the property owner.

 During a loss, your objective is to focus on your customers and ours is to focus on your restoration needs. Our quick response and trained professionals may help avoid revenue loss for property owners and minimize inconvenience to tenants. SERVPRO of Joliet, Illinois can help you resume normal business functions quickly. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and we will work hard to restore your property and its contents to preloss condition. Call 815-436-5735.

24 Hour Response. Here to Help.

7/20/2023 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Joliet, we are available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. So, when you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We understand when you call, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration as the cornerstone of our business.

When you call, you can expect several questions from us regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources SERVPRO of Joliet technicians may need.

Here are some of the questions you may be asked:

              Your name and contact information

              Your insurance information (if applicable)

              The street address of the water-damaged home or business

              When did the flooding or water damage occur?

              What caused the water damage (if known)?

              Is there electricity available (on-site)?

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

After the storm

7/15/2023 (Permalink)

This Spring and Summer has been quite a wet and stormy one and with that comes weather related injuries and fatalities. This is why it is important to educate both you and your family about post-storm safety.

Immediately after a storm where there was heavy rain, strong damaging winds, and lightening consider the following:

• Do not let children play near storm drains. Every year children are sucked into storm drains and carried away.
• Do not touch metal objects outside, there may be power lines down on the object which energizes the object. This could be a fence, guard rail, or baseball stop.
• Do not touch or pick up any wires that you see either laying on the ground or hanging low. They may be energized or could become energized at any time.
• Do not walk in flooded basements if your power is still connected. You could become electrocuted should water make contact with an electrical source.
• If your home is out of electrical power, use extra caution when using candles for light.
• Be careful using a gas powered generator which could cause Carbon Monoxide poisoning if not vented properly.

Please remember to keep you and your family safe and remember that SERVPRO of Joliet, Illinois is always available to help you with your restoration needs. 815-436-5735.