Unlocking Your Full Potential!

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

Our Marketing Manager, Dan Falese, at a manager's training at SERVPRO HQ!

Sending managers for additional training at SERVPRO HQ is a strategic investment in enhancing leadership capabilities and ensuring the continued success of an organization. By providing managers with specialized training programs, SERVPRO can equip them with the latest industry insights, leadership techniques, and problem-solving skills. This proactive approach not only strengthens the managerial skill set but also fosters a culture of continuous learning within the corporate environment. Additionally, training sessions offer a valuable opportunity for managers to network, share best practices, and gain fresh perspectives that can positively impact their decision-making processes. Overall, investing in ongoing training for our managers is a forward-thinking strategy that aligns with the ever-evolving demands of the business, contributing to improved efficiency, employee satisfaction, and organizational resilience. 

A Morning at Feed My Starving Children

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

Our Production Crew spending a morning at Feed My Starving Children!

This morning, our dedicated team at SERVPRO embodied the spirit of community and compassion by spending valuable hours volunteering at Feed My Starving Children. With sleeves rolled up and hearts full of purpose, our employees worked tirelessly to pack nutritious meals destined for children in need around the globe. The experience was not just about giving back; it was a testament to our company's commitment to social responsibility and making a positive impact. As we assembled meal packages and shared smiles, we not only nourished hungry children but also strengthened the bonds within our team. This endeavor reinforces our belief that corporate responsibility extends far beyond business, and we are proud to contribute to creating a world where no child goes to bed hungry.

Stepping away from the hustle of business to immerse oneself in community service is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. In those moments of giving, we not only contribute to the betterment of society but also recharge our own sense of purpose. It's a testament to the idea that success isn't just measured in profits but in the positive impact we make on the lives of others. As we invest time in community service, we not only build stronger, more resilient communities but also foster a corporate culture that values empathy, kindness, and a broader sense of responsibility.

Fire Damage and Restoration

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

Having an event that causes fire damage in your home can be devastating, and with so many things to get in order, it is easy to become overwhelmed and not know where to start. Make sure you start off on the right path by calling SERVPRO for fire damage and restoration! From the first call to our office team, to the final walk through with the project manager, you can ensure every detail has been accounted for- including document restoration, contents cleaning, and pack out assistance. 

When the project manager gets on site, their priority is determining if the home is still a safe environment for you to live in, or if we need to help to coordinate alternative living arrangements with your insurance provider. We will help you comb through important items, keep sakes, and other valuables to give you the confidence that everything will be taken care of.  

Unfortunately, with fire losses, there is most likely to be water damage as well if the fire department was called to put out any existing fires. This causes there to be 2 separate portions of the remediation, but luckily our SERVPRO teams are trained and certified in both! After all of the contents have been packed out, inventoried, and stored in our climate-controlled warehouse, the highly trained SERVPRO technicians begin to remove all the affected materials, cleaning step by step along the way, and ensuring there is no fire damaged materials left behind- even down to the studs and framing.  

After all of the affected materials have been removed, and all areas have been cleaned and sanitized, the SERVPRO crew members will place ozone machines to run for a few days to deodorize the affected rooms and remove and smoke odor that lingers in the home. Because of how powerful these machines are, no household members or SERVPRO crew members can be in the home during this process. After this process has been completed, a final walk through will be conducted with the insured to go over all that was done and begin to discuss plans for reconstruction. We will continue to coordinate on-site visits and potential move back dates as the project progresses. For the best results- call the professionals in the Fire Damage and Restoration business- SERVPRO! See below for a glimpse into the before and after process of a fire loss! Call the professionals who are available 24/7/365 days a year!  

Helping Outside Our Neighborhood

10/27/2023 (Permalink)

Although we are consistently looking to help those in our neighborhood, we are always looking outside our realm to those who need assistance in drastic times, and out-of-the-norm circumstances. This is where our Storm Team comes in and travels to where you are and help in emergency situations for water damage cleanup.  

When SERVPRO first gets word of a storm on its way, our crews immediately activate to check inventory, vehicle status, equipment counts, and are waiting on their toes for the dispatch request to jump into action. No matter the time of day or night- we will be headed your way with all the necessary items to assist in water damage and cleaning claims with our highly trained and efficient storm team crew members.  

Our Storm Team is certified in water restoration, structural drying, and commercial cleaning services which will help provide the best outcome in such a challenging time. We will work with your insurance companies to submit claim documents, photos, reports, and keep them updated on the status of the project. With our storm crew and office staff working around the clock, you can ensure you will be in touch with the best in the business! See below a great example of our team identifying damage, removing affected materials and drying out the structure- as our team just returned from Storm Travel in Michigan and Ohio!  

Traveling for storm may be a lot of work, but nothing is better than getting to reach customers outside your network, providing services in a challenging time, and knowing you are helping those in need. Storm travel means all hands-on deck, even for those working back in the home territories to continue the day-to-day operations, helping the local customers as well as aiding the storm travel crew to keep them busy and ensuring great communication for all parties. Whether you are local to us or in need of services in a storm situation- call the leaders in the mitigation field! SERVPRO- “Like It Never Even Happened”.  

Mold? No Problem!

10/27/2023 (Permalink)

Sometimes water losses and leaks can happen without us knowing, and when these problems go unnoticed it can cause additional damage such as mold growth. When you first see signs of these problems, be sure to call in the professionals for an assessment, report, and expertise advice on how to handle the situation- SERVPRO! Our mold certified technicians will be there when you need us and are only one phone call away.  

As soon as our crew is one site for the assessment, they will begin to determine the origin of the moisture that has caused the mold to begin to grow. Based on this finding they can help determine if there are any repairs that are necessary and what the next steps look like. If the mold growth is extensive (over 10 sq ft), we will recommend having a testing company to come out and gather multiple samples of the mold growth to determine the specific type, as well as put together a protocol for remediation to ensure that there no mold growth activity after our remediation is complete.  

Some of the standard mold remediation service we perform is containment of the affected area to prevent mold spores from spreading, HEPA cleaning the studs affected, and encapsulating which is the process of using a mold resistant paint to prevent the spreading of the mold- as seen in photos below.  

If you have any doubt that there may be mold in your home, whether it be from an odd smell, visible mold growth, bubbling on drywall, paint, or other surfaces- give the experts a call in the mold remediation field for a consultation so that you have peace of mind in your home! Give SERVPRO a call- 247/365 days a year! (630) 377-7062 

From Disaster to Restored!

10/27/2023 (Permalink)

From the first call to the last walk through- out our SERVPRO goal is to make water damage claims “Like It Never Even Happened.”  When our office receives a call about a utility sink that has flooded a basement, we know to send our highly trained and accredited staff to accurately capture the loss and inform the insured every step of the way.  

Immediately once onsite, the SERVPRO crew will begin to map out the water migration and discuss what has been affected, and how we plan to mitigation the affected materials. In this case, the standing water saturated the tile flooring and the paneling on the walls. Our team moved swiftly and effectively to move contents, remove affected materials that could not be dried, and placed adequate air movers and dehumidifiers to reach the drying goal of each material.  

Once we have confirmed the water damage portion of the claim is completed, our reconstruction manager will be onsite to conduct his walkthrough and discuss how the insured envisioned this space to look after such a traumatic loss. The insured shared their vision with the team, and soon after that visit the scope was put together, insurance was informed of the process, and contractors were on site for their evaluations.  

From start to finish, our team takes pride in constant communication, quality work, and standing behind any final product that we have a hand in creating.  For a one stop shop, from mitigation to reconstruction, general cleanings, mold remediation, commercial cleaning services and anything in between- call the leaders in the restoration field! SERVPRO is always here to help- give us a call today! (630) 377-7062 

How To Maintain Your Commercial Generator

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your commercial generator well-maintained so that it works well when you need it most

A commercial generator provides emergency power to your building when the power goes out. A standby unit turns on automatically during an outage. Commercial machines typically run on either propane or natural gas, so you don't have to worry about refueling them. The average machine lasts about 3,000 hours, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

Keys to Maintaining Your Equipment

Semi-annual service is critical to keep your equipment functioning properly and to avoid generator problems. A good rule of thumb in Gilberts, IL, is to have it serviced in the spring and fall so that you stay on a regular schedule. If you have a maintenance staff to handle mechanical duties, they can perform the checks. Otherwise, it's smart to find a certified mechanic to help. Typical maintenance includes the following:

• Change serviceable parts as needed. Air filters, spark plugs and fuel filters must be changed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Check oil levels and replace engine oil regularly. Keep levels close to full, but don't overfill.
• Clean the battery on your generator often to keep it free from corrosion. Make sure all connections are tight as well. Test the battery to make sure it is working properly.
• Inspect the drive belts for cracks or tears and replace as needed.
• Check the alternator and transfer switch for any signs of damage.
• Clean dirt, leaves and other debris from around the unit.
  
  

If your equipment malfunctions and your building floods, call a water damage repair service right away.

Tips for Running a Test Cycle
Many units are designed to automatically run a test cycle on a regular basis. This keeps the system well-lubricated and helps to burn off any moisture. It also recharges the battery. If your unit doesn't come equipped with this feature, run it manually for at least a half-hour every month.
Keep your commercial generator well-maintained so that it works well when you need it most.

How the High Standards of Preferred Vendors Qualify Them To Handle Your Emergencies

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that we are a Preferred Vendor for many insurance companies.

How the High Standards of Preferred Vendors Qualify Them To Handle Your Emergencies

If you have recently undergone a disaster like a flood or fire that left property damage in its wake, one of the first steps you take may be to contact your policy provider for help. An insurance agent from the company may refer you to a professional cleanup and restoration business in Carpentersville,IL, from their preferred vendor program. Those establishments that fall under the umbrella of trusted providers have close relationships with insurance firms and supply high-quality work at reasonable, economical prices. How do you know that you can place your confidence in them though? Well, besides the fact that they have been carefully vetted, preferred vendors like SERVPRO possess qualifications that put them among the cream of the crop in the restoration industry.

They Generally Have Intensive Performance Guidelines
Usually, such enterprises will set and follow strict guidelines to ensure their performance is up to snuff. These may encompass anything from employee background checks to insurance. SERVPRO Franchise specialists are subject to 21 guidelines they must adhere to in order to give clients the best service possible.

They Are Fast and Affordable
Preferred vendors establish the budget they must stay within ahead of time with your carrier and stick to it. This keeps costs from soaring to astronomical levels. They also complete their tasks in a speedy manner due to a few reasons:

Many, like SERVPRO, are open to receive requests 24 hours a day, allowing them to respond quickly.
All the background and preparatory details have been hashed out between the insurer and them, eliminating the need for long negotiations with an insurance agent.
There is often an existing drying time limit.
They employ experienced and trained individuals who know what they're doing when it comes to assessing the situation and finishing the job.

They Validate Through Industry Standards
Through the use of manuals and handbooks, teams can offer industry-standard validation. This and the utilization of proper equipment lead to high caliber work.
When a force of nature wreaks havoc on your structure, your insurance agent may recommend operations from their preferred vendor list. These are proficient and thoroughly screened in advance.

Tips for Identifying and Eliminating Your Building's Musty Smell

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

A musty smell indicates the presence of mold somewhere in your building.

Some commercial building repairs or issues can wait to be managed. A musty odor in the building is not one of those issues. Most likely, that smell indicates the presence of mold somewhere in your building. If the problem is indeed mold, it will only get worse rapidly.

Suspected Mold Damage

If you assume there could be mold,

• Look for a water leak
• Contain the leak
• Remove excess humidity
• Open a window if you can

Be careful of running HVAC as the mold may be in the pipes. You could be inadvertently spreading it if you choose to circulate air for the mold-affected space that way; this is due to mold’s fast, efficient, and self-replicating mechanisms.

Mycotoxin Concerns
It’s only a matter of hours sometimes before mold can infect an entire building. This is due to the spores released by mold. A mycotoxin is a mold spore; it can spread easily via HVAC, and it’s also what's likely giving off that musty smell. Any type of mycotoxin can wreak havoc on the air quality for people in the affected space.
Because of these airborne mold spores, mold can hide on almost any surface and in many hidden layers in your building. For this reason, DIY cleanup is a risky venture. Mold cleanup issues often necessitate advanced technology, such as HEPA air filtration devices. To be sure the mold is not only cleaned but made totally absent from the space, you’ll need to contact mold removal specialists.

Mold Remediation
Look for mold remediation experts in East Dundee, IL, with years of experience and advanced technology. These professionals will have access to the various layers of mold testing and treatment that are required to truly remove mold from surfaces and mold spores from the air in your building.
A musty odor is an alarming issue to resolve in your building. With the help of a trusted mold remediation professional, you can experience peace of mind in knowing that soon your building will be mold-free once again.

Flood Damage: 3 Categories of Water

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Three categories of water.

Common Causes of Flooding

For the uninitiated, all floods might seem equal; however, that is far from the truth. For example, a plumbing accident causes a clean water flood, while a sewer backup is a very toxic situation. That’s why the pros classify spillovers into three categories to show the level of pollution.
Common causes of flooding in Sleepy Hollow, IL include:

• Supply line bursts
• Heavy downpour
• Drain backup
  
  

Category 1: Clean Water

Clean water floods are typically a result of pipe breaks. They are easy to stop, as you only need to cut the water supply to the affected area. Even so, there’s the risk of electric shock and water damage, especially if it happens when nobody is at home. Generally, this flood is the least tainted on this list.

Category 2: Contaminated Water

A plumbing accident flood doesn’t stay clean for long. It eventually mixes with a lot of stuff, including household chemicals like soap, bleach, and drywall. While it might look unclean, contaminated water is nutritious to plants and should be poured in the garden or lawn. Consider it as the middle ground between a clean water flood and a sewer backup.

Category 3: Black Water

Blackwater is the most contaminated flood in the “book of spills.” It contains fecal matter that hosts all kinds of harmful bacteria and toxic chemicals known to man. This combo causes all sorts of nasty infections in people, and pets and damages the environment as well. For that reason, anything that comes into contact with blackwater requires urgent professional attention.
It is also worth noting that carpets and rugs cannot be salvaged after black water exposure. They should be discarded immediately after removal.
Removing contaminated water from a flooded house can be a daunting task for the average DIYer. It’s easy to miss a few critical steps in a cleanup, and that’s why you need a second opinion from a restoration professional.