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.  

Flood Restoration Chicago 773-885-8528

It seems a never ending battle.  The fight against allowing unnecessary water from flooding infiltrate our basements and cause damage to our walls, floor boards, doors, door trims, electrical outlets, all our belongings and more.  While there is no fool-proof method of stopping it, we can be prepared in case it does.  In most cases, we as the homeowner, or property owner have not given much consideration to the possibility because we think it could never happen to us, right?  WRONG!  Any property that has a level floor surface can flood from overflow of water.

Someone can mistakenly leave a tub running.  A pipe in the property can burst wide open cause flood damage to your property.  A garden hose left running can cause considerable damage to a property if left on for even minutes.  Window wells of basements can get clogged and not allow for flow of water off a property and backup into your basement, therefore it is imperative to get those cleaned regularly to prevent a possible and backup into the basement causing the need for flood restoration services.

It's all too often that we put off thinking about it because there are so many other things in life that seem more important.  That is, until it strikes.  And if and when it does, have your game plan in place.  Have your numbers ready!  Know who to call.  Get names.  Get as much information as you can about what will be done and how fast it can be done.  You aim is to save your property.  And while calling around for estimates is good in and of itself, don't waste too much time at it.  Get on the matter immediately.  As the water sits in your basement, it is starting to slowly evaporate and creep behind walls space and hide.  It is rising up the drywall and into the insulation where mold can start to develop and it becomes hard to detect.  Flood water knows no boundaries.  It travels in a T format.  That is horizontally all directions and down if it can find cracks and holes to travel through. 

You are going to need a systematic, professional approach to getting this done and done right.  The water needs to be removed fast and drying needs to happen immediately.  Sometimes there is the need to discard much cherished items that have long been in the family or property for years.  A professional flood restoration company can assist with this.  As painful as it may seem, if you alive to talk about it later you have been very fortunate and you can always accumulate more things.  The first thing is to save your property and fast!

Flood Basement Cleaning and Cleanups 773-885-8528

FLOODED BASEMENT CLEANUPS

HELPFUL TIPS:

When inside a flooded basement or building, wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles and boots.
Hose down the inside of the basement/structure to remove health hazards from possible flood water mud. Shovel out as much mud as possible. Quickly remove the water you use during this cleaning.  When basement cleaning is needed you can never be too cautious.

Clean and dry out basement or structure thoroughly, and optimally within 24 to 48 hours after flooding, to help prevent the growth of mold.

Help the drying process by using blowers, air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers.
If flood water did not get behind the structure’s walls, you can reduce the chances of mold and mildew formation in basements and homes by wiping down all flood water-affected surfaces..

Never turn power on or off or use an electrical tool or appliance while standing in water.
Throw away any food that has come in contact with flood waters and dented or damaged canned goods that may have become contaminated.

Replace any drywall and insulation that has been soaked by flood waters.

Remove and discard carpeting, rugs, drywall, mattresses, furniture and other items that cannot be washed and disinfected if it is believed that they came in contact with flood water mixed with raw sewage.

When cleaning, never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach or ammonia or other cleaning products can produce dangerous, toxic fumes causing serious injury or even death. Keep windows and doors open to provide fresh air for ventilation during the cleaning process.

Keep children and pets out of work area. Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke while cleaning because of risk of ingesting bacteria.

Wash clothes used while cleaning in hot water and detergent separately from family laundry.

In the weeks and months following clean-up, watch for the growth of mold, which can cause illness. Mold appears as spots that can be many different colors and gives off a musty odor.  If mold removal is needed it is best to consult a local professional mold remediation company.

Fire Damage and Smoke Damage Chicago 773-885-8528

It just takes a few seconds to destroy what has been built up over a lifetime.  Everyday, children are caught striking matches, playing with fire, or tipping over electrical heating units.  Needless to say, it is a very sad situation when children are left alone, unsupervised.  Fire is a friend if used properly.  But, it is deadly when it is out of control, and not set for the right purpose.  Especially, when there is a child involved.  Children are curious and want to know how it works.  They are fascinated with the way it looks and lights up.

I recall years ago when I was oh about 6 or 7 maybe.  I was in my mother's bedroom striking matches and watching them burn.  Why I chose her bedroom, I don't know.  But there I was, on the side of her nice big bed striking matches and fascinated at how they would ignite and fizz out.  My mother, dear, hardworking Mom, was at work at the time.  You know what happened?

Well, one of those match sparks decided it wasn't happy just burning on the matchstick.  It somehow jumped onto the nice comforter my Mom had on her bed.  It all happened so fast!  Before I knew it, the bed was starting to be engulfed in fire.  The bed was literally a fire damage mess.  I ran to get a big bathroom towel and started hitting the fire repeatedly to try to put it out.  The fire said, OK, I like towels too.  It consumed the towel in seconds.  I was horrified to say the least.  What was I going to do?  The smoke filled the room so quickly! 

Before I knew it there was a full blaze and the bed was usable no more.  I was going to be in a heap of trouble.  As this is racing through my mind, the fire department showed up and extended a ladder up to the window after calling out to me.  We were on the second floor of the apartment building.  They came up the ladder, grabbed me and gently put me down.  Fire damage restoration is not a happy thing.  All your valuables kept for years just goes up in flames and smoke all at once, never to be used again.

There I stood.  Watching the firemen do their thing.  Thankful that they were close enough to get there in time to save our place.  It is ironic that I'm in the cleanup business now doing that very same thing.  Handling water damage, flood cleanups and fire damage cleanups too.  I guess I learned my lesson because I never did that again!

Now, you're probably wondering what did his Mom do when she found out?

As I recall, she came home gave me that look when they call your full name.  And then she promptly said well, I guess you will be sleeping on the floor now, because I'm taking your bed.  And I thought Wow, is that all?  But, I eventually ended up missing my bed and hating to sleep on a makeshift mattress on the floor.  A lesson well deserved.  Thanks Mom for that object lesson.  So, kids never, ever play with fire.  Never use it unsupervised.  Always make sure there is an adult present.  Namely, Mom or Dad.  You don't want to have to get a terrible punishment or worse, sleep on the floor like I did.

Flood Damage Flood Cleanup Chicago 773-885-8528

CHECK YOUR SUMP PUMP


When flooding in your basement occurs it is absolutely too late to check the systems and make sure that they are all go!  It is a wise decision to go into your basement and check the connections to your outlets and sump pumps, as well as running water through it by means of a hose to make sure that it is working properly.

Sump pumps are used where basement flooding happens regularly and to remedy dampness where the water table is above the foundation of a home. Sump pumps send water away from a house to any place where it is no longer problematic, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well.

If you are a novice at this type of thing it is good to have a friendly and helpful plumber on call to assist with the necessary quality check steps.  Some of the best types of submersible sump pumps can fail.  If the water flow into your basement is uncontrolled and flowing at a rate faster than the sump pump can keep up, then essentially flooding can still occur.  Some have opted to have a back up pump at the ready or even installed should such a circumstance present itself.  

In the management of water flow, sometimes circumstances on the outside of your home can dictate just how successful you will be in moving water from the inside of your home.  

For instance, when the sump pump is working where is it sending the water?  Is it going to a dry well or is it going to a municipal storm drain?  In either case, if the water is being moved away from the home into one of these areas, that area also must be free to handle the load.  Generally, this is where heavy flooding occurs for many homes, when the load of water has inundated the municipal drain or the dry well.  It is sure to be a disaster in the making when the water has no where to go but back into your home, into the empty space of your basement, thereby causing flood damage.

So, if possible, know ahead of time how you will handle such matters should your basement need flood restoration services.