Flood and Fire Restoration Chicago 773-885-8528

FLOOD DAMAGE CLEANUP

A flood is one of the most disastrous events that anyone could ever experience.  And the damage to life and property can be overwhelming.  Fortunately, flood damage cleanup is possible, either through your own efforts or through professional services created to deal with such events.

All utilities, such as gas and electricity, should be shut off before anyone is allowed to enter the flood damaged structure.  Once structural integrity has been verified, one should only enter wearing appropriate waterproof boots, safety mask, and gloves.

First order of business in flood damage cleanup is to get the water out of the structure.  Vacuums may work on smaller jobs, but industrial strength pumps may be required for more severe cases.  Flood damage companies are well trained and well equipped to handle this sort of large scale flood restoration operation.

Remove all items and furniture from the flooded area.  This will make flood damage cleanup work easier and much safer.  Cleaning and disinfecting these items can be done elsewhere.  Be careful when using cleaning agents.  Read all labels as many of them when mixed may produce toxic fumes.  Again, using a professional flood damage cleanup service will remove this guess work and potential hazard.

Private sewers may be affected by flood damage, causing sewage backups in the home, contaminated drinking water, and overall lack of sanitation until the system is fixed. Sewage flooding puts everybody’s health at risk.

Flood damage cleanup can be a very costly and time a consuming endeavor.  In the event of such a disaster, find a professional flood damage cleanup service in your area. In most cases involving even minor flooding, professional restoration will be required to perform the necessary tasks to return your home or business to its pre loss condition.  It can also lessen the chance of need for mold remediation services.

Flood Restoration 773-885-8528

FLOODING CAN BE A NEIGHBORHOOD THING

In many cases flooding can happen to a single family home and not even be noticed by others in the area.  However, more often than not, it is usually a neighborhood problem.  If a water main breaks in the neighborhood you live in, then water can easily flow right into all the adjacent houses in the surrounding block and maybe even extend for a few miles, depending upon the degree of flood damage to the water main, and how quickly the matter is taken care of before it causes too much damage.

Most likely if this occurs you will find the neighborhood in an uproar and everyone wants to get satisfaction fast!  The first thing that needs to happen is to stop the water damage at the spot of the water main and contain it.  The second this is to control, if possible the water flow into the surrounding areas.  This is probably the most difficult as the water has already created a path to its destinations, your house and your neighbors’ houses too.

Then, the real work for you as the household begins.  Assessing what damage has been done, who will pay for it, do you have insurance or not, will it cover what has just happened, is your insurance company open for service, how soon can they get someone out, do you have to wait for them to respond to get a professional water damage restoration company out, or can you choose your own?  So many questions need to be answered.  The sooner you get these out of the way, the sooner your flood restoration project can begin.

Consulting with other neighbors could be a good idea, but know what your options are yourself.  Choose the right company that will assess the damage and give you a comprehensive process to get your place back to normal.  As an insurance carrier, you do have the right to pick whichever company you want, “You Are Paying for The Insurance.”

Sometimes, neighbors decide to use the same contractor that has already showed up in the area.  This can have its pluses and minuses.  It could be positive if the water damage contractor is equipped and ready to go!  If the company isn’t, there could be another set of problems.  Inquire of the company.  Check references.  Check the internet for reputation. Check the local BBB.  Happy Flood Cleanup!

24HR Water, Mold Damage

Flooding Due To Excess Rain Water

Rain can cause extensive water damage to homes and businesses, and it doesn’t take as much rain as you think for that damage to occur. Rain water can ruin the contents of an office or warehouse, resulting in closure of that business until repairs can be affected. Rain water can also access a property through areas other than the roof, which many assume to be the most common source.  Even flood restoration has been needed for large buildings sitting on solid foundations.

Parking lots and driveways can collect runoff rainwater which, in large enough quantities, can prove problematic. Leaf litter, debris, ice, and other garbage in the water can effectively clog up drainage systems, resulting in the flooding of the property and additional damage being inflicted.  All drains should be regularly inspected to make sure they are functioning properly, and any blockages should be promptly removed. Snow piles should not be placed over storm drains, nor should they be placed next to buildings. If standing water is found in driveways or parking lots, then this is a sign of inadequate runoff.

One of the ways to avoid problems with rain water is to make sure that the landscaping around the property slopes away from the structure for a distance of no less than ten feet (although more is ideal). This allows rain water to drain away from the property, instead of pooling up around it and creating flood conditions. Landscaping can be an expensive endeavor, but it is still far less expensive than the repairs often associated with water damage.

You should also make sure that your gutter system is working properly to drain rain water out and away from the property. Gutters should be routinely inspected and cleaned out, and inexpensive gutter guards can be installed to keep leaves, branches, and other debris out of the gutter system.  Clogged gutters mean overflow, channeling water exactly where it does not need to go. Rain water can drain down the side of a building or even cause it to puddle on the roof. Both scenarios allow access to the home by rain water.

Sump pumps are found in many basements, and are excellent means for removing rain water that has collected there. Because they are not normally functioning, it might be easy to dismiss them and negate routine maintenance. They should always be plugged in and functional, and follow manufacturer’s instructions for regular servicing. You should also have a backup generator to allow the pump to function in the event of a power outage.  Many customers have overlooked this small detail and have needed a water damage restoration company because of it.

Never underestimate the damage potential found in rain water, and take the appropriate steps necessary to protect your property from the elements.